Creative businesses given rent-free start-up.

A DOZEN new creative businesses have won the right to move into rent-free workspaces on Tyneside as part of a project instigated by designer Wayne Hemingway. The 12 were chosen by Gateshead Council after stating their cases to Starter for 10 initiative, which offers premises in a disused building in the centre of the town plus a package of business support. The building, on High Street South, is one of a number lying dormant ahead of its eventual demolition. The pilot project aims to put together a cluster of creative businesses while promoting the town as a hub for the sector.

Mr Hemingway, who started the iconic Red or Dead fashion label and has a home in Gateshead, said: "This is about giving the creative community a helping hand and putting empty units to good use. It has the potential to attract leaders and entrepreneurs to Gateshead and give the local economy a boost. The creative sector is now one of the biggest drivers of the UK economy and yet there are very few facilities to promote entrepreneurship in this area.

"Nationally we are losing our low-cost start-up opportunities. From Kensington Market in London, where my first company Red or Dead established itself, to The Corn Exchange in Leeds. Places that used to provide low-cost opportunities for independent start-ups in prime positions are disappearing as our towns and cities contribute to the worrying 'Clone Town Britain' label. At a time when overseas competition is addressing this issue, Britain should start to also address it to retain its creative edge."

The first 12 businesses to move into the free premises include a visual artist, a graphic designer, an architect and an award-winning filmmaker.