New Venture Takes Centre Stage

A performing arts graduate from Cullercoats looks set to take centre stage with the launch of his new business venture Xpress Urself.

The stage school, located at Cullercoats Methodist Church, is the brainchild of 19-year-old Aaron Phillips and will offer dance, drama and singing classes for children aged 5-16.

The former Newcastle College Performing Arts student has launched the new business with support from The Business Factory, funded by North Tyneside Council and delivered by TEDCO.

Aaron said: “I have always loved performing and taking part in musical theatre; from a young age I was involved in stage schools and theatre productions and then later complete courses at Dance City and the prestigious Performing Arts Btec at Newcastle College. 

“I knew the industry was hugely competitive and as I wanted to stay here in the north east, my options would be relatively limited.  So instead of heading to London like so many of my fellow students, I decided to combine my performing skills with the urge I had to run my own business.

“However I really didn’t know where to start so when I read an article about The Business Factory in the News Guardian I decided to give them a call. 

“But never in a million years did I expect to receive the level of support that they have provided.  I was really lucky to meet Mark Oakley, a business advisor who is passionate about theatre himself and who has written a number of short screen plays, so he really understood my skills and background and how they could be best used to create a successful business.

“He helped me to turn what was very much a loose business idea in to a solid plan and has provided the right level of help and support to turn it from a plan to a reality.”
Mark Oakley, business advisor at The Business Factory added:
“For somebody so young, Aaron has real vision and a true entrepreneurial spirit.  He is a natural on the stage, but definitely has the traits of a successful businessman too.  He has ambitious plans for the business and no doubt will become a true ambassador for young people in business across the North Tyneside.”

North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Mrs  Linda Arkley said: “Having young people like Aaron prepared to take the plunge and set up their own business here in North Tyneside is hugely important for our on-going economic success and as a council we look to support such businesses and help them to grow.

“That’s why we established the Business Factory two years ago to help guide people from the ideas stage, through to being an established  business owner that has the confidence and know-how to overcome any challenges for the future. .”

Xpress Urself will initially offer singing, dancing and acting classes every Saturday morning but is looking to increase the number of classes on offer as demand grows.

Classes will be delivered by Aaron and his first employee- a former fellow college student who is now studying dance at university - both qualified and experienced teachers.

For more information about the classes on offer visit www.xpress-urself.co.uk or call 07895 362 603

If you are thinking about starting your own business drop into The Business Factory at 86 High Street West, Wallsend NE28 8HY, call (0191) 263 6092 or email info@businessfactorynt.co.uk.  If you want to be your own boss but don’t have a business idea, there are hundreds listed on The Business Factory website www.businessfactorynt.co.uk.

The Business Factory forms part of the Raising Enterprise North Tyneside project, funded by North Tyneside Council and ERDF.

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