BUSINESS editor Laura Knowlson looks at how business support in York and North Yorkshire is not only nurturing growth of new ventures but helping existing enterprise to survive and thrive.

NO doubt George Osborne will be opening his red briefcase tomorrow to unlock a number of new measures to support business.

In his last Autumn Statement before the General Election the chancellor will be doing his best to prove the Government is serious about stimulating business growth as a means of stimulating the nation's economic growth.

The link between the two is so strong that alongside government support, European support, and local authority support, a large number of private organisations are on hand to offer advice and encouragement for businesses.

One such not-for-profit organisation is Business Support York and North Yorkshire (BSYNY) which has been helping businesses in the region for more than 25 years.

Mike Everitt, a business support specialist and assessor with BSYNY, said: "One of the most difficult and challenging jobs today is setting up and running a successful business.

"Most people have never had to be totally responsible for all the aspects of their work and the prospect can be quite daunting.

"Many skills are called into play and the learning curve can be very steep indeed.

"A measure of our success is in the businesses we have supported which are still trading, many of whom have grown and developed to the point of providing employment for other people in the region."

One such business is Bootham Commercial Services. The business, based in Eva Avenue, was founded in 2009, but in 2012 was acquired by Andras Palinkas, who has continued to offer commercial cleaning services in and around York.

Mr Palinkas said: "I have been working for Bootham commercial services for years as a supervisor.

"When the previous owner decided to move to Australia and sell the business I saw this as an opportunity. I have plenty of experience in the cleaning industry so it seemed like a logical step for me to carry on with the business.

"To start running my own business has become a constant learning process about how to manage and run a business.

"I've been working for BSYNY for about six months and this learning process is much easier than before.

"There is a constant demand for good and reliable cleaners and I've been able to build on that and grow the business."

Another long standing business to have worked with BSYNY is Eminence Nail Salon which reopened its doors in October to incorporate a new nail salon with a training academy and distribution shop for Crystal Nails products.

The Wigginton-based salon is owned by Faye Larcum who entered the industry 11 years ago, opening her first salon aged 19, before now launching a training arm for the business. Faye had a passion for quality and embarked on years of training to develop her own skills enabling her to now open her own training academy.

Ms Larcum, who will be introducing NVQ courses early next year, said: "As a private training provider we can ensure our training provision meets the needs of the industry and individual learners.

"Eminence has evolved other the past 11 years from a small nail salon into a salon, training academy and distribution.

"Our plans for 2015 are to grow the distribution and offer more product lines.

"It was a passion for nails and an ambition to run my own business that motivate me initially, and I was inspired by the designs and creativity the industry had to offer.

"The continual innovation in products always means there is something new to learn and ways you can develop.

"Growing my business into a training centre has allowed me to help many people succeed in a new career and open their own businesses, I love to teach and help people unlock their potential."

BSYNY has also been working with communications agency Red Publications. Based the Eco Centre at Clifton Moor, which managed by BSYNY, the business was founded by former journalist Andy Douse seven years ago.

Mr Douse said: "I wasn’t treated right by my previous employer. I couldn’t release my potential to help client companies improve their business performance with the products we were creating.

"I wanted to develop long-lasted relationships with our clients, deliver first class customer service and create a company where people were happy to work.

"I received loads of support from BSYNY, and I still am. It’s invaluable. It’s given me the confidence to make key business decisions, the enthusiasm to keep driving my company plans forward and a clear focus on what needs to be done in the future.

"We now have a team of eight great people and have just been voted Agency of the Year. We’ve got some fantastic client companies on our books and we’re seeing year-on-year growth and profitability."

As well as established businesses BSYNY has also worked with a number of start-ups in 2014, including Snug by Design, which was launched by Wetherby-based Michelle Ruddiman.

She said: "I run a gallery in York and found it increasingly difficult to find good quality home accessories that were not mass produced.

"With a background in arts and crafts I started to make a few pieces for the gallery which were a huge success. This led me to start up Snug by Design.

"I did my first trade show in July 2014 at Harrogate Home & Gift and received a great response as well as being selected as one of the ‘Best Selected Exhibitors’ by ‘Show Review UK’. I have also signed up for the Scottish Spring Trade Fair in Glasgow January 2015."

Also established this year with support from BSYNY is Nature Station, a new local e-commerce business offering wild bird food, feeders and other wildlife garden products.

York naturalist Tony Fairburn established the business to provide advice on setting aside areas of your garden to wildlife as well as helping nature lovers save money on wildlife supplies.

Mr Fairburn said: "Through my volunteer work and wildlife surveying at York Nature Reserves, I have experienced how important it is to protect and maintain the habitats that sustain our UK wildlife.

"If everyone could set aside an area of their gardens that provides food and shelter for wildlife, they can help slow down the decline of native wildlife species."

BSYNY also helped husband and wife duo Gary and Mila Romans to open The Hungry Artist, in Church Street, combining a coffee shop with a gallery style art exhibition space.

Since opening with help of start-up programme Ready for Business, The Hungry Artist has expanded its team with the creation of five new positions and is now set to expand its offering with the launch of life drawing classes.

Mr Romans said: "There is a wealth of artistic talent in the city and surrounding region and The Hungry Artist gives local artists the chance to showcase their work and enables our customers to experience a diverse range of artwork."

Mr Romans was introduced to the Ready for Business programme by Mike Everitt at Business Support York & North Yorkshire.

BSYNY provides local business support to those in York, Selby, Malton and surrounding areas, assisting those thinking of starting a business and SME’s looking to grow.

The Access to Funding centre base in Clifton Moor provides access to a wide range of funding options to support individuals and businesses and has creatively sourced funding for clients when commercial options have not been possible.

Established businesses that are looking to grow can also benefit from one-to-one specialist support.