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Top of the Mops: Sisters Debbie Benfold and Lynne Davison are about to take the domestic cleaning world by storm, after setting up their own business using a Derwentside Homes’ easy access loan and a grant through the Derwentside Homes’ Enterprise Fun
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Sisters Debbie Benfold and Lynne Davison have made a clean start to the New Year by kick-starting their own business venture thanks to Derwentside Homes.
The pair have borrowed £3,300 through the registered social landlord to set up a domestic cleaning firm called DELY.
The company, which launched this month, was established using a £1,800 ‘easy access’ loan offered by Derwentside Homes in partnership with the Derwentside Enterprise Agency.
Debbie and Lynne accessed an additional £1,500 grant through the Be Enterprising fund.
The fund was set up last year to combat the effects of the credit crunch by helping entrepreneurs and small businesses thrive, while encouraging the unemployed to start their own company and get back to work.
“To say I’m delighted to receive the loan and grant through Derwentside Homes is an under-statement,” said Debbie.
“The loan will enable me to work for myself which has been a dream of mine since leaving school.
“I worked myself up from a cashier to a management position at Woolworths, so I’ve always been very business minded.”
“The business is going to make a huge difference not only to me, but also to my sister who hasn’t worked since giving up work nine years ago and having children,” she continued.
“It’s given her a much deserved confidence boost and has come at a welcome time as her husband was also made redundant last year.
“We can’t thank Derwentside Homes enough for their help, and look forward to watching our business grow from strength to strength in the months to come.”
Debbie received the funding she needed after submitting a successful business plan to Derwentside Homes. The 31-year-old, who lives on one of Derwentside Homes estates is currently undergoing accountancy training at Derwentside College. She is also fully trained in business and financial management, and has previously worked as a Deputy Manager at Woolworths.
Debbie and Lynne offer a cleaning service that caters for the elderly, lone parents and working families and there are plans to recruit more staff as soon as custom starts to increase.
Keith Tallintire, Director of Finance and Corporate Services at Derwentside Homes, said: “Debbie and Lynne are fantastic examples of what young entrepreneurs can achieve by coming through our easy access loan scheme and Enterprise Fund. We hope more people will be encouraged to do the same, as it provides a fantastic boost to the local economy and helps an increasing number of unemployed people get back into work.”
• Anyone wanting to use the DELY service should contact
Debbie on 07709173899.
• More details on the Derwentside Enterprise Fund can be
obtained by contacting Be Enterprising on 0800 0304134
