Member Article

John Anderson OBE believes Innovation is key to our recovery

As businesses do their utmost to battle through the recession and fight to bring vitality back to our economy, it is becoming increasingly clear that we must innovate in order to grow, standing out through invention and application of new technologies. It is only this which will enable synergy between our economy and those which are seeing significant growth overseas.

Huge opportunities exist across a variety of sectors; software, retail, energy, science. One of the few common factors which unites businesses operating across such a diverse range is the fact that they all require space from which to operate.

If SMEs and organisations are to be innovative in their output via products and services, it makes good business sense for them to base their operations at an innovative workspace, encouraging productivity of staff, creating the right kind of impact for clients and visitors, and having a cost effective approach to accommodation and other resources.

The North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) has aimed to provide an innovative and adaptable base for companies for over 16 years, which has led to the growth of some of the region’s biggest and most productive businesses. In 2011, this is evident nowhere more than in our brand new Jupiter Centre, which is home to a growing number of flourishing software-based companies, including Bond Solutions and Viper RF.

We are therefore very excited and proud that the Jupiter Centre has been shortlisted for a RICS North East Renaissance award (known as the region’s property ‘Oscars’), especially as it is the only Wearside address which is being recognised in a category alongside some amazing regional developments, including the Eldon Square extension, Metro Centre Qube, Quorum Business Park, and the Haymarket Metro Station redevelopment.

Innovation is our middle name at the BIC, and we will continue to provide support at all levels, be it in accommodation or the range of other services we provide, to businesses and entrepreneurs who are looking to grow enterprises across the region.

John Anderson CBE is chairman of the North East BIC.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Debra Robinson .