Meet the BIC Team

At the North East BIC, we help businesses start and grow in spaces and places that work. Our bespoke packages provide start-up support and guidance for scaling businesses to innovate and thrive.

Since opening our doors in 1994, we’ve supported more than 7,000 companies to start up across the region, helping to create thousands of jobs and enabling more than 1,000 businesses to achieve their growth ambitions.

Today, around 300 businesses are based across our four centres in Sunderland, Washington, and Darlington, employing approximately 1,200 people.

Our Board

Paul McEldon
Paul McEldon
Chief Executive

+Bio

Kevan Carrick
Kevan Carrick
Chairman of the Board

+Bio

David Howell
David Howell
Non-Executive Director

+Bio

Laura Middleton
Laura Middleton
Non-Executive Director

+Bio

Sophie Milliken
Sophie Milliken
Non-Executive Director

+Bio

Kevin Howell
Kevin Howell
Non-Executive Director

+Bio

Andrew Marsh
Andrew Marsh
Non-Executive Director

+Bio

Our Team

Meet just a few of the dedicated people who help drive our business forward. While we can’t feature everyone here, this snapshot gives you a glimpse of the many talented individuals who have helped shape the BIC’s success.

Vanessa Wood

Regional Property Manager

Gillian Middleton

Innovation & Enterprise Manager

Lilla Preston

Marketing & Special Projects Manager

Colin Turnbull

Finance & IT Manager

Debbie Simpson

Tenant Business Adviser

John Hodgson

Facilities Team Leader

Vanessa Shee

Head Receptionist

Michelle Booth

Social Enterprise Manager

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Paul comes from an accomplished background in finance and auditing with KPMG, having previously studied accountancy and financial analysis at Newcastle University. Since his appointment in 2001 Paul has injected fresh thinking into establishing the BIC as primary regional player in the fields of incubation, innovation and business support.

In addition to his work with the BIC, Paul works with several other organisations, across the North East. He serves as a non-executive director at the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust and has previously lent his expertise to Sunderland College and Education Partnership North East, where he chaired the finance committee. 

Kevan has been in business for over 50 years, as a chartered surveyor and mediator. His board roles as director, partner and chair have involved acquisitions, disposals and mergers for both business and charities. He acts as mentor to businesses and has run several successful companies. He has contributed to the economic regeneration and growth of the whole North East region through JK Property Consultants as co-founder and partner advising on developments such as East Quayside, St James’s Boulevard, International Advance Manufacturing Park, Sunderland economic plan, Teesside International Airport and logistics park, and latterly Middlesbrough and Hartlepool Masterplans.

David joined Wearside TEC in 1990, bringing 15 years of private sector experience. He played a pivotal role in the creation and development of the North East BIC, helping transform reclaimed shipyard land into a thriving hub for enterprise and innovation. As Director of Operations, David oversaw multiple expansion phases, led initiatives such as the Product Development Unit and BIG IDEAS youth programme, and consistently delivered occupancy rates above 90%. He championed regional collaboration through the GAIN network and represented BIC across Europe via EBN.

A seasoned entrepreneur and community marketing expert with a proven track record of building successful businesses over the past decade, including a notable exit in 2021 and her first investment in 2023. As a Non-Executive Director for the North East BIC, she brings invaluable strategic acumen and champions the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. Passionate about making entrepreneurship accessible to all, Laura is committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation of North East business leaders, fostering innovation and a thriving regional ecosystem.

Founder and CEO of Moja Group, helping entrepreneurs and execs boost their profiles and become recognised authorities in their industries.

A multi award-winning businesswoman, proud mum, and passionate advocate for the North East, Sophie co-founded City Ladies Networking, hosting events in Newcastle, London and Paris. She also chairs Smart Works Newcastle, where she’s doubled the number of unemployed women supported with interview coaching and clothing, and is a Founding Ambassador for Every Child Needs a Mentor.

Host of the hit podcast Beyond the Bio, Sophie’s third book, From Unknown to Unforgettable is out now. She was awarded an MBE in 2023 for services to business and education.

Kevin Howell is a pioneering tech leader and CEO of Howell Technology Group (HTG), with over 30 years’ experience driving digital innovation across the UK. Passionate about the North East, he’s committed to making it a national leader in technology through HTG’s Microsoft Centre of Excellence, skills development, and community engagement.

As a Non-Executive Director for the BIC, Kevin brings strategic insight and a deep commitment to fostering innovation, helping shape the region’s future as a hub for digital excellence.

Andrew’s background spans both the public and private sectors, with 20 plus years’ experience as a Managing Director for companies in everything from engineering & manufacturing, to technology services. Having led multi-million pound P&Ls, Andrew is a renowned specialist in business transformation with an impressive track record of repeatedly creating sustainable growth.

Andrew runs six chief executive coaching groups in the North East, providing support and development for CEOs, MDs business owners and inspiring leaders from a wide range of non-competing industries.