People Spark Solutions: The small talent solutions agency hoping to win big
The organisation has been shortlisted alongside two other businesses for the Newcomer of the Year award in the Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside heat, which is due to take place on 9 June at Ramside Hall.
People Spark Solutions supports organisations of any size with 'People' related activities, including Learning and Talent interventions and research on Employee Engagement and the Future Workplace. Initially launched and based in Gateshead, the company has recently moved to virtual working to accommodate servicing the wider North East region and abroad.
Now in their second year of operating, the company has a roster of UK and international clients and has recently been shortlisted for Newcomer of the Year at the North East Business Awards.
Scott Smith, Founder and Managing Director of People Spark Solutions, said: "To even be nominated was a great feeling and cements all of the hard work achieved in such a small time."
He continued, "Setting up and launching a business in the pandemic was exciting and worrying at times, and I am so glad that the judges connected with our story. We are proud of the work completed across the UK and with international clients. We are very excited for the future."
The support Scott received from Gateshead Council before starting his business was also acknowledged, he stated: "Lauren from Gateshead Council's Business Gateshead team provided expert support and advice on how to set up a business, but she listened to my worries and concerns too. She was able to reassure me that my business plan and strategy were well thought out and exciting."
After People Spark Solutions launched, Scott continued to receive general business support from Business Gateshead; in addition to specialised advice around working spaces and networking events.
When asked what advice he would give people considering their own start-up, Scott said: "Go for it. Think about exactly what you want to do, don't try and do everything straightaway. Find the right people to support you from networking groups to looking for the right clients for you. When things don't go well, move forward onto the next opportunity.
"I would also recommend that you listen to yourself, consider others' views and opinions, but always listen to yourself. Take time to enjoy the highlights and prioritise time for yourself as well."
All the North East Business Awards finalists will be confirmed by the end of this month with Northumberland and Tyneside holding their heat last week at the Hilton NewcastleGateshead and Teesside scheduled for 23 June at Middlesbrough College.
The Grand Final is set to take place on 29 September at Hardwick Hall.
Scott was supported by Enterprise Support in the North East 2, which was part funded by the European Regional Development Fund 2020.