Escape to the Business Support
A North East holiday accommodation management company has achieved remarkable growth since launching just over a year ago, thanks in part to the support it received from the Northumberland Small Business Service.
Founded by Steven Mitchinson, North East Escapes began trading in June 2024 with just 13 properties under management. Today, the company manages over 70 properties and has already sold more than £2 million worth of holidays, welcoming guests to destinations across the region.
The Northumberland Small Business Service (NSBS) is delivered by Northumberland County Council. The project is part funded by the North East Combined Authority and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund, with the North East Combined Authority as the lead authority
With offices in Ellingham, Northumberland and Tynemouth, North Tyneside, North East Escapes is proud of its commitment to offering bespoke, hands-on property management services that combine cutting-edge technology with old-fashioned customer care.
Steven explained “Having spent many years working at a senior level in the industry, I could see that the big national agencies had lost touch with what owners really want, local, personal, responsive service. That’s what North East Escapes was founded to deliver.”
The company’s rapid success has also created opportunities for others in the region, with a growing team of staff and partnerships with a number of local service providers.
Northumberland Small Business Service provided crucial start-up grant funding, which Steven says gave the business the strong foundation it needed:
“Setting up a business without cutting corners is expensive. The grant enabled us to invest properly from day one, particularly in advertising to reach new property owners. It has allowed us to create a scalable business without compromising on quality.”
The results speak for themselves: a fivefold increase in portfolio size, new jobs created, and more growth planned within the next 12 months, including the addition of at least two more staff.
Steven added: “I’d absolutely recommend Northumberland Small Business Service to other entrepreneurs. It’s a great way to get yourself moving on projects that you might not otherwise be able to afford, but which are essential to scaling.”
The Enterprise and Start Up Grant offers grants of up to £2,000 to individuals aged 16+ looking to start their own business and businesses that are in their first year of trading. The grant is a revenue grant which means it can be used for a host of things including card machines, insurance and training costs.
North East Escapes’ long-term mission is clear- to become the North East’s leading holiday accommodation provider, known for local knowledge and exceptional service. Thanks to the support of Northumberland Small Business Service, that vision is already well on its way to becoming reality.
Programme Manager Lucy Evermore said “It has been amazing to work with so many start-ups across Northumberland. Seeing how the grants have supported businesses such as North East Escapes really showcases the entrepreneurial spirit within Northumberland, as well as putting the county on the map for being a great place for businesses to continue to invest in”.
NSBS also offers assistance to micro-small sized businesses across Northumberland. The experienced team and its range of experts work directly with businesses and individuals to help them start, grow, diversify, and sustain their ventures through workshops, 1-2-1 support and networking events across the county.
This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
If you have any questions about the event or the Northumberland Small Business Service, please visit Northumberland Small Business Service or contact the team at business@businessnorthumberland.co.uk or visit www.northumberlandsmallbusiness.co.uk.