(L-R): Laura Kennedy, Jeni Banks, Jordan Hewitt, Laura Richards
Business support organisation Sunderland Software City (SSC) has expanded its team ahead of the launch of a number of new services for businesses in the North East.
The organisation has made several appointments, including three newly-created roles: Jeni Banks, former MD of networking group The Mussel Club, has joined SSC as Business Support Specialist; Laura Kennedy, who previously worked at the International Centre for Life, has been appointed Operations Manager; and Jordan Hewitt has joined SSC as Events Coordinator after completing an MA in Business Management at University of Sunderland.
The new additions to the team have enabled SSC to expand its range of business support services. The new services being launched for 2018 include fully-funded (free for the companies receiving them) Marketing Support and Social Media Training. The aim is to support digital and technology companies with activities that are integral to growth.
The Marketing Support package and Social Media Training package have been designed to complement SSC’s existing suite of support services, which already includes market research and PR. For non-digital companies SSC provides fully-funded Technical Specifications, to help them explore digital platforms such as apps and CRM systems. The support services are funded by the European Regional Development Fund and available to SMEs across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and County Durham.
Speaking about her new role, Jeni Banks says: “I’ve always been passionate about supporting businesses in the North East, so when the role of Business Support Specialist was advertised at Sunderland Software City it felt like the perfect fit.
“Having grown and sold my own business previously, I know first-hand how difficult it can be to manage all aspects of a new company. Being able to speak to experienced advisors and receive training that is specifically tailored to your business’ needs, can make the first few years’ trading so much easier.
“Over the last 4 years more than 200 companies have received business support from SSC. I’m looking forward to continuing this work and to supporting even more businesses with our brand-new support packages.”
In addition to the new positions, SSC has also appointed a new Head of Communications, Laura Richards. Laura previously worked at regional Venture Capital firm Northstar Ventures.
For more information about the range of services offered, please contact Jeni Banks at jeni.banks@sunderlandsoftwarecity.com
