Latest News

From Athens To Teesside – Erika Finds Business Success With UKSE

Erika Danis has never regretted her decision to leave her family home in Greece at the age of 19 and commit herself to studying and building a career on Teesside.

Erika arrived here in 2000 to take a degree in Computer Sciences at the University of Teesside and followed it with a Masters in Computer Aided Graphics & Technology Applications.

Today, she is running her own business as a partner in The Consultancy, a fast-growing design and marketing agency that is one of the North East’s success stories and the first  company to move into Hub Two, UK Steel Enterprise’s extension to its Innovation Centre in Hartlepool opened a few months ago. 

Partners Paul Callaghan, Richard Thornton and Erika were attracted by the quality of the offices and facilities and their seven-strong team is now settled in and dealing with increasing demand for their services.
 
The Consultancy plans marketing campaigns, designs websites and literature for UK companies involved in construction, children’s charities, hotels, property, finance and DIY.  It has become a leading player in the double glazing sector and works with local organisations that include Hartlepool Borough Council, the Great North Air Ambulance and Cleveland Fire Brigade

“My first job was with The Consultancy and I was delighted to be invited to become a partner,” said Erika.  “I consider myself lucky because the situation in Greece is sad and a lot of my friends are having a very difficult time.

“The Consultancy is doing very well despite the economic difficulties – one of our strengths is that the three of us bring different skills to the business so we can offer a really wide range of services and expertise.  I have been concentrating on developing the web design team and, although it is hard work I love it and am totally committed to the business and to Teesside.”

 “Moving into UK Steel Enterprise’s Innovation Centre has been great for us,” said Richard Thornton, “as we not only have fantastic offices but now also work for a number of neighbouring companies. 

“Times are difficult but we have made a huge effort to network and find new clients and it has paid off so we are optimistic about 2012.”

Simon Hamilton, Regional Manager for UK Steel Enterprise, the business support subsidiary of Tata Steel, said: “It has been good to see The Consultancy thrive in our Innovation Centre, which is specifically designed to support growing young businesses, and now expand into Hub Two. The partners have worked hard through difficult changing circumstances and deserve their success.” 

PICTURE CAPTION:  (From left) Richard Thornton and Erika Danis from The Consultancy on the balcony at their new offices in Hartlepool’s Hub Two with Simon Hamilton of UK Steel Enterprise.