Jen Harrison and Jonny Pearce are proud north easterners and their social enterprise, Better Places, is driven by a belief that every organisation has the potential to create positive change on its doorstep.
They’re on a mission to help business leaders build legacies that matter, tackling the region’s toughest social challenges so that businesses and communities thrive together.
Businesses thrive when communities do – and the North East has the pie ‘n’ peas to prove it
The North East has always been a region of innovation, resilience and ambition. From our industrial heritage in shipbuilding, manufacturing and mining to today’s leadership in emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing and the green economy, we have a long tradition of responsible business leadership.
That spirit of business as force for good is reflected among some of our most recognised North East brands – from tackling economic hardship at The Barbour Foundation and addressing inequalities at The Greggs Foundation, through to supporting arts, culture and young people’s projects at Kavli Trust.
These are now established organisations, but their community legacies started with a single act of kindness. The ingredients for The Greggs Foundation, for example, began in 1967 with nothing more than a simple ‘pie ‘n’ peas’ supper for older residents in Gateshead.
Thriving businesses need thriving communities
Right now, businesses are navigating an unpredictable landscape – rising costs, supply chain disruptions and global economic uncertainty. But despite these changing headwinds, one thing remains unchanged: long-term business success is built on the foundations of strong communities.
So how can North East businesses turn today’s challenges into opportunities for a stronger, fairer and more connected future? At Better places, it’s all about collaboration.
Jen’s experience of working with charities, government and public services gives her a unique take on how to build partnerships that lift up communities and support businesses through an equal and shared vision for long-term success:
“At Better Places, we’re supporting a community of leaders who are passionate about creating lasting social impact. We know that for many, the intention is there, but it’s hard to turn those good intentions into action.
“That’s where we come in. Through expert consultancy, collaborative programmes and fractional leadership, we help organisations connect the dots – creating partnerships that make a real difference, whether that’s transforming lives through grassroots support or gathering evidence to shape policy for lasting change.
“Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. When we come together with a shared purpose, the benefits speak for themselves – powerful communities, stronger connections and opportunities for everyone to thrive.”
Through Jonny’s experience across public and private companies, he understands that supporting communities is good for business:
“Our communities aren’t just where we do business, they’re home to our current and future colleagues, customers, suppliers, and even investors. When communities face disadvantage, businesses inevitably feel the impact, whether through workforce challenges or lost opportunities for growth.
“We collaborate with business leaders who are passionate about tackling issues like digital inclusion, tackling health inequalities, and addressing isolation and loneliness. They see the role their business can play in driving change but often struggle with where to start. Others have social impact embedded in their governance but lack the resources to activate it effectively.
“The good news? Businesses don’t have to do it alone. By aligning strategy with action and leveraging the right partnerships, companies can create meaningful, measurable impact. When businesses invest in thriving communities, they’re also investing in their own resilience and long-term success.”
So how do you make your first small step?
From strengthening communities to and creating meaningful change for future generations, the North East is brimming with innovators, creators and changemakers, each driven to make a lasting impact and power up the region.
What will your legacy be? Let Better Places help you shape it.
jen@forbetterplaces.co.uk
jonny@forbetterplaces.co.uk
www.forbetterplaces.co.uk