Partner Article

Businesses sing out for charity

The North East’s business community got together last week to show off their talent at The Children’s Foundation’s Great North Idol 2009 competition.

Arranged to raise funds for the charity, and supported by Lloyds TSB’s Corporate Markets, the evening at the Black Swan in Newcastle on Thursday night witnessed teams from several North East companies compete to be crowned Great North Idol 2009.

After sometimes accomplished but always spirited performances from teams at Northumbrian Water, Dickinson Dees, TyneMet College, Ryder Architecture, and bgroup, the audience voted for their favourite acts. The musical talents of Ryder Architecture saw them take home the title of Great North Idol 2009, but bgroup’s B Rock held them to a close second.

The X-Factor style panel of judges was made up of Lyn Spencer, former radio and television presenter; Gerald Krasner, partner at Begbies Traynor; Kelly Scott from Century Radio’s breakfast show and Andrew Dixon, chief executive of NGI (all of whom were playing the ‘Simon Cowell’ role on the night). The night was compered by Century’s Lisa Shaw who kept the Judges and the acts in tow.

David Haley, Trustee of The Children’s Foundation and MD of bdaily said: “The night was a huge success as business needs a bit of a breather at the moment. It was good to see the companies let their hair down and support such an excellent charity and of course help to raise funds for The Great North Children’s Hospital. I was delighted that bgroup made the final but there was no doubting Ryder’s quality and stunning performances. I am already looking forward to next years event.”

A silent auction, raffle, and Guitar Hero contest all contributed to a total raised of around £4000 on the night.

The success of the event has led The Children’s Foundation to plan a yearly return of the competition, and they will be looking for entries later in the year.

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