Building business success since 1994
This is our story
The North East BIC offers the perfect environment for you to start and grow a business.
Established in 1994 with the aim of encouraging and supporting entrepreneurship, we have created a unique community which fosters business success and inspires the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Our unique package of workspace, business support, events and a community spirit that champions business success has been at the heart of our ethos from day one and continues to be the golden thread that weaves our services together.
And it doesn’t stop there. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, we continually reinvest the money we make into launching new services and facilities to ensure the region’s businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs have the tools they need to succeed.
4000+
Businesses Launched
75%
Still trading after 3 years
326
Businesses currently housed
7500+
Jobs created
1100+
Businesses housed since we opened
1080
People working at businesses across 3 sites
Our values
Customer success drives our service. We just want to help you to achieve your goals.
Working together for good. We love nothing more than collaborating with our customers and colleagues for the good of our communities.
We respect difference and value the contribution of every member of the team in achieving our success.
Down to earth and practical, helping business owners navigate the ups and downs.
Expert business advice for entrepreneurs, as they embark on their journey and at every step along the way.
Proud of our strong roots in the North East and our longstanding international partnerships.
Our site
Today we own or manage 240,000 sq ft of workspace and are home to 326 businesses across our four business centres in Sunderland, Darlington and Washington.
More interestingly… the design of our first building was inspired by a Klingon warship from the Star Trek series. Can you see it?!
Feel better, work better
Outdoor spaces
We have an abundance of breakout and seating areas to eat, meet or relax along the banks of the River Wear, including our café terrace, which provides the perfect spot for a coffee, make a few calls or even host a breakout meeting.
Protecting our environment
A green BIC
Meet the team
Paul McEldon
Chief Executive
Vanessa Wood
Regional Property Manager
Gillian Middleton
Innovation & Enterprise Manager
Lilla Preston
Marketing & Special Projects Manager
Kevin Marquis
Social Enterprise Manager
Debbie Simpson
Tenant Business Adviser
Colin Turnbull
Finance & IT Manager
John Hodgson
Facilities Team Leader
Vanessa Shee
Head Receptionist
Michelle Booth
Social Enterprise Specialist / Contracts Manager
Top row, left to right: Vicky, Darren, Ren, Vanessa, Donna.
Bottom row, left to right: Martin, Steph, John, Doreen.
Left to right: Kelly, Lesley, Janice, Louise, Ron.
Top row, left to right: Alex, Anthony, Ernest, Elham.
Bottom row, left to right: Michelle, Judith, Kevin, Sarah.
Left to right: Ryan, Craig, Lynn
Top row, left to right: Lilla, Jo, Louise.
Bottom row, left to right: Marie, Chris, Jacqui
Our partners
Our work is powered by partnerships and collaboration.
Tender opportunities
Tenders available from the North East BIC and Partners. As opportunities arise, we will detail them here.