As 2012 draws to a close, Paul McEldon, Chief Executive of the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) takes a look back over some of the highs the year delivered.
The year began with an exciting start as the BIC launched the Innovation Programme, one which will run for three years allowing businesses to explore their own innovative potential and will ultimately bring wider benefits to the regional economy. It was a welcome addition to the existing support that is available for forward thinking enterprises and four businesses have already started their projects.
D-Line, which specialises in designer cable management, joined the programme to help develop a fourth generation of products with the hope to broaden their client base. Likewise Durable Technologies,specialising in commercial lighting controls, were also welcomed onto the programme with the aim to reduce costs and to expand their range of products.
We look forward to seeing how the programme will assist and where the next three years will take them. In 2013 we look to witness more North East businesses joining the programme and unlocking their potential.
March saw the BIC join forces with the UK Trade and Investment and the Honorary Swedish Consul for a ‘Focus on Scandinavia’ event. The evening was to showcase the array of support available for businesses wishing to expand into new markets. The region itself has become a success story as exports reached a record high in 2012, a 6.72% increase year on year let’s hope the trend continues into next year.
2012 saw the introduction of several new projects; Tenant Tuesdays, hosted by Business Mentor, Louise Hardy, giving tenants an opportunity to network and catch up over a coffee. The BIC also began offering coworking space and teamed up with Colleagues on Taps to offer those working from home a workspace for the day, along with support and expertise. Enterprise Clubs were introduced from The Start Up Team. These free monthly sessions are held at Bede College for people to network, learn new skills and gain inside knowledge from guest speakers.
Summer saw the BIC continue to grow with the appointment of eight new employees to the team, bringing with them a wealth of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm.
The Sun FM Business Awards took place and once again businesses at the BIC won awards. Room Hire Coordinator, Gabrielle Ophield won Apprentice of the Year, DaMtech Ltd achieved an award in Customer Service and Exel Elevator won Small Business of the Year and went on to win at the Business Portfolio Awards later in the year.
Our commitment to on site infrastructure saw the refurbishment of the Thompson Suite and the Reception area as well as Solar PV Panels being installed around the site. This is the biggest development in Sunderland and in fact we are the only business centre in the region who has these in place.
Measures announced in the Autumn Statement to boost SMEs has provided a much needed seasonal cheer. It was with great delight I heard that Chancellor George Osborne declare the business rates relief scheme has been extended again until April 2014.
So on that note it is with this optimistic thought that I would like to close as I look forward to 2013 and the innovative prospects that it will hopefully bring.