David and Catherine Sharp from Fairfield, engaged with Five Lamps in 2011 to obtain support in developing an innovative indoor skate-park for Stockton
Working with the Enterprise team, they developed a robust and detailed proposal which is now with Stockton Council for consultation. During this process, Dave and Cath engaged with a huge number of local residents and identified a definite need for a local retailer of skate, BMX and scooter equipment. Buoyed by this feedback they began to look at filling the gap and opening a ‘skate shop’.
Supported by a grant from the Enterprise Gateway, they opened X-Up Skate Shop in the Enterprise Arcade on Stockton High Street in March 2012 and from day one the business has gone from strength to strength.
Dave said:
“It’s been incredible. We’ve even had a queue out of the door”
In the 4 months since opening, they have already taken on a member of staff through a Jobcentre Plus programme and are considering taking on another apprentice through a local college. They are also planning to expand the unit to make space for all of their stock.
“We simply couldn’t have done it without the support of Five Lamps. The support has been invaluable. It’s also reassuring to know that we have someone to go to for continuous support as the business grows. The skate park decision is still in the balance, but we’re already excited for the future. If anyone would like to pledge their support, please pop in and sign up”
The Enterprise Gateway was delivered by Five Lamps on behalf of Stockton Borough Council.
The Enterprise Gateway project is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government, securing £380,643 ERDF investment. The ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-2013 is bringing over £300m into the North East to support innovation, enterprise and business support across the region.