The Middlesbrough Evening Gazette has helped create more than 400 new businesses in its circulation area – 100 days ahead of schedule.

The paper joined forces with business start-up agencies last September with the aim of creating a new business every day.

The campaign also aimed to stir up an entrepreneurial spirit in the area and create real opportunities for the unemployed.

Evening Gazette editor Paul Robertson said: “Teeside has one of the worst unemployment levels in the country and we wanted to do something to capture the public imagination and encourage people who have not considered starting up their own business as an option to think again.”

Although the paper achieved its goal early, it will continue its campaign through to its anniversary in September when a celebration is being planned, which will include advertising support for the new ventures.

The editor said: “The campaign shows how working together local newspapers can still make a difference.

“We pulled together all the agencies working hard to help new businesses, highlighted their services and successes as well as offering our own support and expertise in promoting those people brave enough to become their own boss.”

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