Muckle Llp Helps Social Enterprise Company Reel in More New People

Get Hooked was set up in 1999 by former policeman Mick Watson to help combat social exclusion amongst young people, through the sport of angling. Muckle LLP worked with the staff and volunteers to raise finance from NatWest, helping Get Hooked increase the number of young people it supports each year from 400 to 550. The funding will also be used to open a fourth lake at the Get Hooked site at Witton Park in County Durham.

Jason Wainwright, a partner within the property services group at Muckle LLP, said: "Our team is committed to supporting organisations through challenging economic conditions and restricted access to finance; providing an all round service that spans property, planning, construction and funding."

Philip Young, a solicitor in the property services group, said: "We have worked closely with Get Hooked throughout its evolution, providing support in the early days regarding liability and planning regulations and the acquisition of its existing site.

"More recently, we have advised on the complex and multi faceted finance options available for the growth of Get Hooked, helping it to put a new and cost effective funding structure in place for its continued development."

Seeking to help young people combat anti social behaviour and truancy with fishing, Get Hooked has been so successful since it was originally delivered through the Durham Agency against Crime (DAAC) in 2000, that schemes have been replicated across the UK.

Jason added: "It is great to support such a worthy cause and we have been extremely impressed by the work of Get Hooked."

Mick Watson, Get Hooked founder, said: "We are delighted with the support we have received from Muckle LLP, as its experts provided an unrivalled personal service during the key stages of our development.  Our project is extremely complex, with a number of partners involved, and Muckle provided a superb service, through a continuous and open dialogue.

"Finance allocated has supported our growth, and as a direct result we can now employ two modern apprentices, who will be able to gain invaluable experience in catering, business, management and conservation. The funds have also helped us create a new lake at our existing site, expanding the facilities we have on offer and allowing us to continue our successful programme of support to young people."

For help or advice on related issues please contact Jason Wainwright, call 0191 211 7951 or email [email protected].