Paul Tittensor established Arrest Apest in February 2010 with the mission: to protect his clients and their customers from visiting pests, including rodent control and wasp nest removal. Paul also completed the NVQ level 3 in Starting a new Enterprise, supported by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust. "We know how to deter, trap or kill unwanted pests in the most humane way possible with minimum environmental impact. The business side has been helped by Business Initiative and the business is going from strength to strength" explains Paul. For more information on Pest Control please contact Paul on: (01782) 000000

Gerald Hambleton spent 22 years buying and selling packaging for independant retailers until the firm he worked for went out of business. He decided to carry on but work for himself with the 100 or so contacts he had made. The business started in August 2011 and so far is very successful. " I expected to lose a few customers to start with but I am able to replace these and even expect an increase of around 20%" explains Gerald, who would like to take on a driver within the next six months. Gerald's business has been helped by a weekly allowance to enable him to start his business, funded by Stoke-On-Trent City Council for 13 weeks. Gerald also attended training sessions at Business Initiative to help with all aspects of running his Business. Gerald also undertook the NVQ Level 3 in Starting a new Enterprise, supported by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

Alex gained a BA Hons in Ceramic Design from Staffordshire University in 2007. Alex come to Business Initiative for support to help him set up his decorative ceramic and tableware business. He has received substantial acclaim for his exhibits at several arts festivals and had his work accepted by the prestigious Potteries Museum in Stoke-On-Trent. Alex has now moved to new premises but can produce individually commissioned pieces and also provided tuition to ceramic students. Contact Alex via his website www.alexshimwellceramics.co.uk

Cento Consultants needed more space due to the rapid need to expand, they turned to Business Initiative for support to get settled into some premises and have now made the wonderful Initiative House HQ for Cento. The team love the premises as it provides them with all they could need and more, the office space, meeting facilities and a fantastic location on the exclusive Campbell Road. For more information on Cento Consultants please contact the via their website www.centoconsultants.co.uk

Has come a long way since their inception in December 2007. Founded by Steve and Susan Owen Build Maintain has been supported by Business Initiative since day one when they attended a four day business course at Initiative House. Once their plan was in place they moved into Initiative House where they have stayed until March 2012. The premises gave them a great opportunity to grow their business without the worries of increasing rents and rates. Build Maintain has now moved to new premises still within Stoke-On-Trent due to further growth with the business now employing eight staff and utilising over 15-20 contractors each month. For more information regarding Build Maintain please contact the team via email enquiries@buildmaintain.co.uk