Hebburn-based, Zenith Training, has signed a partnership with Open North Foundation (ONF) to support struggling businesses across the North East with their personnel development, training and apprenticeship requirements.
As part of its commitment, the company has also donated a significant sum to ONF.
The not-for-profit ONF, funded entirely by members of the North East business community, was originally established to support businesses impacted by Covid. It has recently broadened its scope to support firms facing economic stagnation due to non-Covid reasons.
In addition to its partnership with Zenith Training, ONF has strategic alliances with Teesside and Northumbria universities and a range of other providers and businesses.
ONF grants range from £1,000 – £5,000 to companies who can demonstrate need.
Paul Smissen, Director at Zenith Training, said: “We work with organisations and individuals across the North East, where we apply our knowledge and experience to each scenario to deliver structured and responsive training programmes with measurable outcomes.
Our partnership with Open North Foundation shows our commitment to the region’s SMEs and our dedication to making the North East a great place to work and live.”
Richard Swart, chair of Open North Foundation, said: “We are delighted with the partnership with Zenith Training, part of a long-established and well-respected group. We thank the management team very much for its most generous donation, which will be used to help us with our broadened scope.
“The strategic alignment and purpose of ONF and Zenith Training are well matched, with both focussing on business sustainability and growth required, more so than ever, in the current challenging environment.”
Zenith will be lead sponsors of the ONF business network event to be held in the evening of 20 October at the Ramside Hall Hotel, which is open to all sympathetic to the scope of both organisations and those who could benefit from the support.
Entry is free by registration only via:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/open-north-foundation-business-networking-event-tickets-418043759137
Master of Ceremonies will be Alfie Joey of BBC Radio Newcastle with a key note address by Arnab Basu MBE DL, CEO of the Kromek Group. Other speakers include ONF beneficiaries and supporters.
Paul Smissen will speak about Zenith Training and the Young Leaders Programme to be launched suitable for first-time managers and those who are about to lead teams.
Alan Metcalfe, a Zenith director and Vice Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Forum, will also outline the current pressures in the employment markets and possible solutions.