BIZFIZZ was a programme created by two national development charities, The Civic Trust and New Economics Foundation.
One of the eight new pilots for spring 2004 was awarded to Alnwick.

What was BizFizz?

BizFizz mobilised communities to remove barriers to success and enable local entrepreneurs to follow their dreams.
Not everything in Biz Fizz was new, but the combination of elements was unique in the UK.

The four key elements of BizFizz were:
• The clients – any size of business, whether a new or established business, any structure, whether a sole trader, limited by shares, not for profit or a co-op.

• The coach – a person employed by the programme who works with clients to identify their needs and seek out solutions. Any problems the coach cannot solve, they take to the monthly meeting of the Local Panel.

• The Local Panel – 20-30 individuals from all walks of life who are committed to the local area and using their knowledge and networks for the benefit of local entrepreneurs.

• Local management group – a group of five people who manage the employment, contracts and running of the project to free up the Local Panel to concentrate on the entrepreneurs.

BizFizz operated until November 2006 on a geographical area with a population of about 15,000. The Alnwick BizFizz covered all the Alnwick district excepting Amble and Coquetdale in order to come within this population target.

Mark Shipperlee was the Coach since the project commenced in June 2004.

The national BizFizz website can be found at www.bizfizz.org.uk.