Founded by Frankie Wales in July 2007, he is proud that RDT has produced 18 new jobs for local people. Multi purpose community led and driven organisation that serves and supports the local community. They are a development Trust with a number of trading ventures: run a print business, a team of healthy living co-coordinators, community transport bus, school based health and discipline project, incubator space for new businesses, provide meeting space for over 50 community groups. They intend to develop a number of trading ventures that will provide jobs for local people and then use the surpluses produced to invest in the additional activities to benefit the local community.

Tim Wallace founded Ambient Life in 2007 a photography studio specialising in high-end car photography and advertising stock photography for corporate, media and commercial clients in the UK, Europe and the US. Although best known for his car photography he has recently done a photo shoot for the super yacht segment. His clients include Aston Martin, Land Rover and Morgan. Tim has won numerous awards including Photographer of the Year 2009 and International Advertising Photographer of the Year 2010. Tim is very proud to have been given a 16 page spread in the industry famous Victor magazine and is the only photographer to have appeared twice in the magazine after winning the Hasselblad Photographer of the Month Worldwide in Oct 2010.

Angelina and Alum Bell of I-DEA Ltd started trading in August 2007 and now employs 4 people. IDEA Ltd organises and administers the production of all types of (EPC’s) Energy Performance Certificates, Energy Efficiency Surveys and certification for a wide range of clients throughout the North of England. Their clients include some of the largest Local Authorities / Social Housing providers in the North East. Idea has successfully tendered to secure the work of Coast and Country Housing, Darlington Borough Council and Teesdale Housing Association, all of which they are very proud of. Idea have worked very hard and invested a lot of money to make them stand out from the rest.

Teesside Precision Engineering was founded in February 2010. Former workmates David Dean, Roger Metcalfe and Russell Coates left the security of their well-paid jobs to establish TPE who now employs 21 people. They offer a range of machining, welding and fabrication capabilities. The company provides precision engineering services, mainly to the offshore engineering industry. They have created 21 new jobs in manufacturing since starting including 4 apprenticeships. 6 months into trading the company hit its 3-year business target. TPE is proud to have been successful in creating a viable business, within the North East, in a sector which is recognised as being difficult both to establish and survive in.

Dave Charnley Photography was founded in April 2008. Dave is a Sole trader who concentrates on three key areas of photography commercial, natural reportage wedding photography and location portraiture. Dave has a background in media photography and he left his position as a press photographer in 2008 to set up Dave Charnley Photography. Based in the North East he works throughout the UK on a range of commercial, PR, portrait and wedding photography. Dave is proud of retaining 90% of customers since trading started in 2008.

Who-Ray began as a retail website in 2009 and opened its first store in July 2009. Martin and Brian now employ 1 person. Who-Ray is a high street retail outlet and online business providing a wide selection of gifts which range from traditional, through ethnic, vintage and retro, to the quirky and alternative including design led Sci-Fi themed and TV/Film related toys, action figures and collectables. Who-Ray are proud to have realised their intended ambition. They have successfully developed a retail outlet that represents an alternative shopping experience whilst maintaining links with the local community.

Guardian marine testing was founded in November 2007. The company is managed by three individuals who have been exclusively involved in the business in excess of 25 years, Paul Livingstone, Andrew Shaw and Andrew McEwen. The company now employs 7 people. They specialise in global marine fuel analysis. The business provides laboratory analysis and commentary on the quality for marine fuels used by all seagoing vessels. The companies primary business is to test fuels used by ships, to confirm that they are safe to use. They have made a recognised brand and position for themselves in the last three years.

Rock 'n Rose was founded in September 2007 by designer sister duo Jess and Emily. Rock 'n Rose creates a unique and dynamic collection of handmade vintage and contemporary jewellery, accessories and headpieces. They now employ 2 people. They have created a strong brand identity and they don't mass produce giving their customers something extra special. Had their products featured in Vogue magazine and have had their jewellery endorsed by singer Pixie Lott. Have appeared in five national fashion magazines. Talk Thames requested a selection of their jewellery and headwear to gift the final 12 of this years X Factor.