Nearly 700 start-ups spark growth across the North East.
The entrepreneurial spirit is thriving in the North East, as almost 700 residents took the leap to launch their own business over the past year, thanks to the support of a powerful regional partnership.
A collective of 15 enterprise support organisations – including the North East BIC and coordinated by North East Enterprise Agencies Ltd (NEEAL) – has been working tirelessly to nurture ambition across the North East Combined Authority (NECA) area. Together, they’ve helped hundreds of people transform bright ideas into thriving enterprises, forecasting an impressive £42m in first-year turnover and drawing nearly £7m in personal investment.
What makes this wave of start-ups particularly remarkable is its diversity. More than half of the new businesses were founded by women, well above the national average of 19%. A further 15% were set up by people living with disabilities or longterm health challenges, while 7% were launched by entrepreneurs from Black and minority ethnic communities.
Paul McEldon OBE, Chief Executive of the North East BIC and Chair of NEEAL, says the results underline the strength of collaboration: “This is a fantastic example of how partnership working can make business support more accessible and impactful for everyone. By bringing together organisations from Berwick to Barnard Castle, we’ve been able to provide tailored, face-to-face guidance to people in communities right across the region – and the results speak for themselves.”
At the heart of this initiative is a network of over 50 experienced business advisers, each offering hands-on expertise to guide budding entrepreneurs through every stage of their journey. The programme, supported by investment from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), is designed to make enterprise an option for anyone with drive and determination, regardless of background.
Case Study: Inspire Studios, Sunderland
Among the hundreds of success stories is Inspire Studios, a community dance school launched by Sunderland sisters Natasha and Isobel Hair. Lifelong dance enthusiasts, the pair turned their passion into a thriving business after spotting the perfect citycentre space for their dream studio.
Supported by the Enterprising Sunderland programme, they worked closely with North East BIC adviser Hina Joshi to bring their vision to life. The studio now offers an inclusive timetable – from baby ballet and tap to adult classes, private lessons and acro sessions – welcoming people of all ages and abilities.
“The support we’ve received from the BIC has been nothing short of incredible,” said Isobel. “As first-time business owners, we had the enthusiasm but no idea where to start with the business side. Thanks to their guidance, we’ve turned our dream into a fully operating dance school.”
For Natasha, the venture carries extra meaning. “2023 was a really difficult year for myself as I suffered a serious illness. So, when the opportunity arose to open our own studio, we jumped at the chance. It sparked the beginning of Inspire Studios, something we’ve dreamed of for as long as I can remember.”
Looking Ahead
The consortium’s work proves that targeted, person-centred support can encourage more people to seize the opportunity of self-employment.
Paul McEldon is optimistic about what lies ahead: “Over the past 12 months we’ve shown that, with the right support, the North East can be a place where everyone feels empowered to start and grow a business. Whether you’re a recent graduate, someone changing career, or a person with an idea you’ve nurtured for years, there’s advice and expertise available locally to help make that vision a reality.”
Enterprising Sunderland is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
To find out more about the support available, visit www.ne-bic.co.uk