Chamber unveils new Business Services Ecosystem as regional leaders unite at AGM
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The Chamber has launched a major new initiative to support businesses across the region, unveiling its Business Services Ecosystem at this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at Beamish Hall on Wednesday 2 July.
Designed to make it easier for members to access practical support and connect with relevant providers, the Business Services Ecosystem offers a flexible, evolving model centred around twelve essential service areas from finance and legal to health, technology and sustainability.
Unveiled by executive director of membership and international trade, Jennifer Rycroft, the new approach is described as “a smart, effective way to support our network through our network.” A full rollout is planned for autumn 2025, with members invited to help shape the offer.
Jennifer said, “We know the environment our members operate in is changing fast. The Business Services Ecosystem is about helping members cut through the noise, access the right support and crucially, benefit from the wealth of expertise already in our network.
“It’s also about visibility, giving members the chance to raise their profile and offer their services to others, in a way that’s clearly presented, quality assured and tailored to what businesses need.”
The AGM also brought together two of the region’s senior policy voices – with Sarah Walker, interim director of business solutions at Tees Valley Combined Authority, and Phil Witcherley, director of economic growth and innovation at the North East Combined Authority, taking part in a panel on the theme of “A Changing Region: What it Means for Business.”
Chaired by Rhiannon Bearne, the Chamber’s deputy CEO, the discussion highlighted how both Combined Authorities are shifting gear, with ambitious delivery plans now underway across areas including net-zero, infrastructure and inclusive growth.
Rhiannon said, “There’s real momentum behind regional growth, and we’re proud to bring together the people and plans that are shaping it.
“The fact that both Combined Authorities joined us again today sends a powerful signal about their commitment to collaboration, and the Chamber’s role in helping turn strategy into impact.”
In their annual reviews, Chamber president Deb Walton and chief executive John McCabe reflected on a year of growth, influence and modernisation from the Chamber’s refreshed brand and stronger advocacy voice to the expansion of its membership base and property strategy.
With more than a hundred attendees, the AGM attracted businesses from every corner of the region and marked a key moment for the Chamber to reflect, connect and set out its priorities for the year ahead.
The event was sponsored by New College Durham, who play a vital role in developing the region’s future workforce. Alison Maynard, deputy principal, highlighted the importance of skills and technical education in driving regional growth and shared some of New College Durham’s recent achievements in supporting the future workforce.
John closed his address with a clear message, “In the face of significant challenges to our economy, and the impact of decisions taken not only in Whitehall but in the Oval Office, we remain buoyed by the enormous opportunities of devolution and energised by the investment flowing into the region.
“Across the North East and Tees Valley, we are developing growth plans to turbo-charge businesses of all sizes and sectors, create jobs, build prosperity, broaden opportunity, scale up and up-skill, reach new markets, decarbonise our economy and reimagine the boundaries of technology.”
To learn more about the Business Services Ecosystem, please get in touch or find out more here: https://www.necc.co.uk/ecosystem/.
Photo feature (l-r): Sarah Skelton and Jennifer Rycroft, North East Chamber of Commerce
Photo above (back, l-r): Alison Maynard, New College Durham and Sarah Walker, Tees Valley Combined Authority. (front, l-r): Deborah Walton, Rhiannon Bearne and John McCabe, North East Chamber of Commerce