Chamber and North East Enterprise Agencies join forces to boost start-ups and small businesses
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The North East Chamber of Commerce and North East Enterprise Agencies Ltd (NEEAL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen support for the region’s start-up and small business community.
The agreement brings together the Chamber and all seven NEEAL members – North East BIC, Northumberland Business Services, TEDCO, Project North East, Enterprise Made Simple, South Durham Enterprise Agency, and CDC Enterprise Agency – in a formal partnership designed to help more entrepreneurs and small businesses launch, grow and succeed.
Through the MoU, the organisations will work more closely to share expertise, deliver joint events, mentoring and training, and connect businesses to the networks and resources they need. For start-ups and small firms, it means more joined-up, visible and accessible support at every stage of their journey.
Paul McEldon, chief executive of North East BIC and chair of NEEAL, said, “I’m delighted to be formalising this strategic alliance with the Chamber. As a partnership of like-minded champions of enterprise, we’ve always believed the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and working together, we can achieve far more than we could individually.
“Enterprise makes an immense contribution to the North East economy, and helping people realise their ambitions to create sustainable businesses can have life-changing impacts. By aligning with the Chamber, which shares our ethos and offers significant opportunities for new businesses, we can amplify those outcomes even further. Our members are excited to join forces and take this initiative forward.”
Kevan Carrick, chair of North East BIC, added, “This partnership builds on our 30-year track record of supporting start-ups and championing their growth. With government funding reducing, it’s more important than ever to take a collaborative approach to growing the number of businesses and strengthening the regional economy.
“The BIC has always sought partnerships with like-minded organisations locally and regionally, and we’re delighted to extend that to the Chamber, which has the interests of its members and the region at heart. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.”
For the Chamber, the MoU is a step forward in its mission to champion and connect businesses of all sizes.
Sarah Skelton, senior membership development and operations manager, said, “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and their success is vital to the region’s prosperity. This partnership with NEEAL means we can make it even easier for entrepreneurs and small business owners to find the right advice, connections and confidence to grow.
“Together we can help more businesses unlock their potential and contribute to a stronger, fairer North East.”
Jennifer Rycroft, executive director of membership and international trade at the Chamber, added, “We know that starting and running a business can be daunting, but it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to make an impact in your community and the wider economy. By working in partnership with NEEAL, we can ensure businesses have a clear pathway to support, no matter their size or ambition.
“The North East has always excelled at building strong relationships and working together, and this collaboration shows how powerful those partnerships can be in creating opportunities and driving our region forward.”
The MoU takes effect immediately and will run for an initial 12 months, with both parties committed to reviewing and building on the partnership over time.
Businesses supported by any of the NEEAL member agencies can also benefit from a 10% discount on Chamber membership. To find out more or speak to the team about how the Chamber can support your business, email [email protected].
Photo 1 (l-r): Jennifer Rycroft, North East Chamber of Commerce and Paul McEldon, North East BIC and NEEAL
Photo 2 (l-r): Jennifer Rycroft, North East Chamber of Commerce, James Craft, Tedco and NEEAL, Paul McEldon, North East BIC and NEEAL and Sarah Skelton, North East Chamber of Commerce