A young football coach has realised his dream of setting up his own business after receiving support from NEN member North East BIC.
Frazer Barker, 19, from Washington, launched Technical Focus after gaining experience working for another football coaching business and deciding to branch out on his own.
Providing group coaching, one-to-one sessions and holiday programmes, the business supports young people aged six and above. More than 40 children and young people now take part in sessions each week, with demand continuing to grow.
Frazer said: “It was quite daunting setting up on my own, but I’ve been blown away by the response it’s received.
“It started off with me delivering one group session a week but that has quickly grown to four, with up to 12 people in each.
“I am also delivering one-to-one training outside of the classes which is proving really popular. So much so, I am now working with two other coaches to help me cater for the demand.”
Alongside running the business, Frazer also plays Northern League football and hopes his coaching can inspire more young people to stay active and enjoy the benefits of sport.
Having no previous experience of running a business, Frazer turned to NEN member North East BIC for support to get Technical Focus off the ground.
Working with business adviser Helen Wardropper, he received guidance on registering the business with HMRC, developing a business plan and exploring funding opportunities to support future growth.
Frazer said: “Helen has been a huge help. Not only has she helped me register the business and make sure I’ve done everything right, but she also assisted me with my business plan and has helped me network and widen my business circles.
“I am still working with her now as I explore grant funding to help support the purchase of equipment and securing more venues to deliver sessions from. I can’t thank her enough for her support.”
The start-up support received through North East BIC was delivered as part of the Enterprising Sunderland project, funded through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund Programme and managed in Sunderland by Sunderland City Council on behalf of the Sunderland Partnership.
Helen said: “Frazer is a remarkably motivated and driven young man, who has studied hard to qualify in his chosen career path and then used this, alongside his natural ability to work with young people, to set up a thriving business.
“The services he provides are invaluable and great for young people seeking to improve their football skills and also their confidence. I would like to wish him the very best and look forward to supporting him on his entrepreneurial journey as the business continues to go from strength to strength.”
Peter McIntyre, executive director of economy and place at Sunderland City Council, said: “We’re really proud to be directing funding into programmes like Enterprising Sunderland that help entrepreneurial talent to begin their business journey. SMEs are a critical part of our economy in Sunderland, and through support like this, we are seeing the city increasingly recognised as a great location to start-up and grow a business.”
To find out more about Technical Focus, visit their Facebook page.