Christmas is nearly upon us and as the New Year looms ever closer, BIC Chief Executive, Paul McEldon pauses to consider some of the highs that 2013 delivered.
As is usually the case at this time of the year, we all reflect on how quickly the year has passed and in last year’s Christmas message I wished 2013 to bring innovative prospects and I am pleased to say it has delivered.
This year we had over 200 enquiries to the Innovation Programme ranging from software development, environmental to innovation in food. Enquiries which resulted in the Innovation Programme supporting a wide range of businesses; including firms like Hadrian Electrical Engineering, a Hexham based company established in 2010 to install and service wind turbines and solar products. The business recognised a market opportunity for an innovative solar tracking system that would enable the company to expand its client base nationally. Working in partnership with Ron Jamieson, a former CEO of the Resource Centre for Innovation and Design (RCID) at Newcastle University and a specialist in product development, Hadrian Electrical Engineering approached the Innovation Programme for support in accessing funds to progress the design and development of their product idea.
We held our own innovation debate which saw leaders examining the barriers to innovation and growth for SMEs and what can be done to overcome them, and our Innovation manager, Elizabeth Shaw was recently involved in BQ’s live debate alongside some of the North East’s most esteemed firms, financiers and industry influencers where they discussed how the region’s manufacturers can continue to innovate on the domestic and world stage, and what can be done to support them.
Summer saw our on-going commitment to on-site maintenance in full bloom as we unveiled a gigantic mural on the fascia of our Slipway building. Paying homage to the city’s shipbuilding past this spectacular piece of artwork is a fitting tribute to both traditional industries of the past and innovative businesses who now reside here. And it was during the summer that the BIC joined forces with TEDCO Business Support Ltd to create a powerhouse for enterprise support throughout the North East.
With so much to offer new and emerging businesses and a focus on investment readiness I feel that this merger will enable us to offer a more cohesive and sustainable range of support packages that will not only benefit clients but the region’s economy.
It certainly has been a busy time, and one that made us more determined than ever to remain focused on our customers, and it is this enthusiasm that spurred us to go for the Customer First standard. With the backing of all our staff, this is something we have whole heartedly embraced and as a result saw us not only attaining the standard but also receiving the Customer First Outstanding Organisation Award.
The first of many accolades this year, the BIC also walked away with the Not for Profit Business title at the Journal Business Awards, and our clients Assist Mi, City Financials, First2Print, Boltonshaw Care Ltd and the FS Group were all shortlisted in the Sunderland Echo Portfolio Awards.
Here at the BIC we know just how important it is to invest in the next generation and I would like to congratulate our head of communications, Victoria Thompson, who recently took over the role of chair of the Young Enterprise North East Board. Providing a good foundation for enterprise support is something we are very much committed to and I am delighted to see her championing this in the region. Similarly Pulse Creative Marketing is continuing to highlight the importance of effective communications, by offering exemplary marketing advice and guidance and it therefore came as no surprise when Paul Finch, who runs this division of the BIC was once again chosen by his peers to chair the Sunderland Business Network.
As an organisation the BIC has continued to expand, launching new programmes, including the Interim Sales Director (ISD) programme, which in conjunction with David Anderson Associates and Digital City Business offers companies access to a top level sales and marketing specialist who helps develop their business strategies as well as skills and knowledge to execute them.
The BIC become a UK contact point for established businesses wishing to benefit from energetic and motivated entrepreneur from participating European countries as well as aspiring entrepreneurs wishing to explore new markets working within a company in Europe, managing the project is business mentor, Louise Hardy. We look forward to seeing how the programme will assist within the next two years.
We have also welcomed new staff Carol Rogers, Ritchie Jewitt to the team and wished a happy retirement to Brian Wales, who was employed at the BIC for over 18 years.
I would also like to take a moment to say a very fond farewell to Debra Robinson, who will be leaving us at the end of the year. Recently crowned PA extraordinaire at the SuperStar Awards, Debra first joined the BIC in 1999. Initially working as part of a small team Debra, will be leaving to pursue a new career in foster care. She has been a driving force in the BIC and will be missed by us all.
As I always say if it hasn’t been a year of laughter, tears, joy and sadness it hasn’t been a year lived.
The BIC is a great place to do business, and with occupancy levels currently at 93 per cent, we are looking forward to working with even more businesses on site in the New Year, as 2014 will see the launch of our new Coworking facility. An ideal escape for high growth businesses who are currently working from home we are confident it will exude a cheerful atmosphere well into the years to come, and I very much look forward to what the next 12 months have in store.
My sincere thanks go to the entire BIC team, and you our clients and friends, for your on-going support and encouragement.
With best for the festive season and beyond
Paul McEldon