SASDA CHEERS SUCCESS OF SEAMSTRESS
A North East cheerleading seamstress has turned her home-based hobby into a thriving business and recruited seven members of staff thanks to SASDA.
Newton Aycliffe-based Cheer Creations, which was set up by Chele Connell in 2002, has moved the home-grown business into premises and appointed seven people to cope with demand.
Cheerleading coach, Chele, started the business after she created the uniforms for her team, Newton Aycliffe Cougars, and received a number of compliments and requests to make outfits for other teams.
Margaret Gibson, Karen Walker and Deborah Carr have been recruited as seamstresses along with Jana Anderson, supervisor, Melody Connell, admin assistant, Linda Flanagan-Parks, general assistant, and Beverley Williams, cleaner. All have been appointed thanks to funding from the Sedgefield Borough’s enterprise agency, SASDA, which is responsible for the Working Neighbourhoods Fund (WNF).
“Due to the rise in popularity of cheerleading throughout the country orders have risen dramatically and I could no longer cope with the demand on my own and knew I needed to expand the business,” said Chele.
“I was very worried about expanding because of the increase in outgoings to move into new premises, buy more machinery, stock and taking on staff. I approached SASDA for support and was informed about the Working Neighbourhoods Fund.
“This gave me the catalyst I needed to recruit and I was able take on three seamstresses - two full and one part-time in January. It was very clear that the level of orders coming in was more than expected so I approached SASDA again and recruited two more full time members of staff, one part time and an apprentice.”
Cheer Creations also makes competition dresses, skating costumes and gymnastic leotards.
Ann Boyd, SASDA sales specialist, said: “Cheer Creations is a prime example of what our Working Neighbourhoods Funding can do. Our support and funding has given Chele the confidence to take the leap to grow the business, recruit and also move into premises.
“We are delighted we have been able to support Chele and the team at this exciting time and will continue to support them to ensure the success is long-lived. She is already thinking about expanding the workforce again to cope with demand.”
Cheer Creations will be opening a counter service from April at the premises at Unit 16 Gurney Way, Aycliffe Business Park, Newton Aycliffe. Opening times will be 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on a Saturday.
For more information about Cheer Creations visit www.cheerleading-uniform.co.uk or contact 01325 317210. To find out how your business can receive support and funding from SASDA contact 01325 310730.