When the economic climate gets tough those with the smarts take their talents to the street to build something of their own.

Faced with pay cuts and job insecurity amidst the recent economic downturn, best friends Martina Roche and Joanne Cochrane decided to put their complimentary skills together to form a business that would see them continue to succeed in an industry they love.

In September 2010 the young entrepreneurial duo formed Tracing Steps - a community-based dance and theatre company which brings creative classes and performances to groups of all ages, to inspire them to 'explore their creativity, realise their potential and encourage personal development'.
Little over a year later the partners - Martina with a dance background and Joanne with a theatrical one - saw their Manchester-based firm win Start up Business of the Year 2011 at the Rochdale Business Awards this month.
The pair, both 26, who hail from Middleton in Rochdale, are delighted to see their hard efforts recognised in their hometown and excited for the future of their increasingly popular service.
Martina, whose family roots lie in counties Mayo and Galway said: "Joanne and I are best friends and have always worked in the creative and performance industry in slightly different roles.
"Joanne was working as a drama facilitator for a private company and I was a dance development officer for a local council.
"But within the current economic climate we found ourselves taking pay cuts and we just felt it would be better to do something for us - so we started off the company in September 2011."
She added: "Roles such as ours are largely Government funded and so are often the first to be cut, so it was clear to gain some job security we would need to something independently.
"It has gone really well, better than we had expected at this point in fact. Joanne was able to leave her job this year and hopefully I will be in such a position in the near future, so we can fully focus on Tracing Steps."
The young businesswomen pride themselves on providing a service which is inclusive of the whole community at prices affordable for all.
"We are very different from traditional private dance and theatre companies, in the sense that we have the community as our base," Martina explained. "We want to bring our services into the community and include everyone - so we go to care homes and day centres but also run youth classes and activity programmes for schools, nurseries and community centres."
She added: "We know the benefit of this type of activity and how this can work for all ages and groups of people - so we design a programme based on the client and what they might need as a service.
"We basically use dance, storytelling, theatre and play to encourage and improve co-ordination, balance, communication and creative thinking, and that can work for everyone."

While the first year saw the friends take no wages from the business, instead funnelling all profits back into the company, they are now nearing a point where it can be profitable enough to support them both on a full-time basis.
But this has never been the main drive for the pair, who claim they are simply delighted to be providing an important service and continuing in a job that they love.
"What's great about the business is when you bring a smile to the faces of a group of elderly people, or get great feedback and interaction from a young group," Martina explained.
"So while it was entrepreneurial to start the business, it was not directed as a money-making exercise.
"We both were worried about our jobs and we wanted to continue to provide a service which is still important but wanted to do it competitively, so we don't charge the world for our services we just want to cover our costs.
"We love our jobs and it's so nice to have a job that you love - that's the most important thing."
Tracing Steps received its first business award at Rochdale Town Hall on Friday, November 4, of which Martina added: "We work across Greater Manchester but to be recognised at home in Rochdale is really fantastic. We were up against some great contenders for the award but to see our service highlighted and recognised is fantastic. 
"Eventually we hope to see Tracing Steps in as many centres as possible - the more people we can give the opportunity to engage in this type of service the better."
For further information about the pair or the company visit www.tracingsteps.com