Member Article

Champion casts his 'net' across South Tyneside

The first ‘network champion’ to encourage businesses to make the most of networking in South Tyneside has been appointed. Gordon Hanna, from Fulwell in Sunderland, was appointed to the role by the Tyneside Economic Development Company (TEDCO). The job has been specifically created to encourage businesses to communicate on a face-to-face basis with other businesses, as well as benefit from joining networking groups.

Gordon will be responsible for introducing South Tyneside businesses to the support available to them, including introductions to the networking groups North East Chamber of Commerce, The Bridge Club and Service Network. He will bring people of all walks of life together, boosting self-esteem and identifying their business needs so they can be signposted to suitable support projects. They will then be given advice and support on all aspects of business from funding, marketing and sales queries.

Gordon said: “I’m delighted to take up my new role and look forward to introducing myself to businesses across the borough. “80% of business is done in a face to face environment and trusting and knowing someone can be a far more powerful way of networking than by using a directory. My new job will be encouraging this face to face communication wherever possible.”

Councillor Eddie McAtominey, lead member of jobs, enterprise and regeneration on behalf of the South Tyneside Means Business campaign, said: “We are delighted to welcome Gordon as our first networking specialist. “There has never been a better time or opportunity for people in the area to seek advice and support in order to fulfil their entrepreneurial potential. Gordon’s networking role will give individuals from all walks of life opportunities to meet the right people, with the right advice to develop their business.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .