Member Article

New service to create jobs and boost sales

A new business support service, Business Generator, was today (Tuesday, May 15) launched at Durham County Cricket Club.

The European Development Fund financed service is designed to increase supply chain sales for SMEs in the North East as well as secure and create jobs.

The Business Generator is delivered by Business and Enterprise Group in partnership with the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) and includes a two year programme of 70 awareness sessions and workshops as well as hands-on one-to-one support from procurement experts.

Speaking at the launch Nicki Clark, chief operating officer at the Business and Enterprise Group said: “The Business and Enterprise Group is one of the country’s most influential business services groups and is delivering a range of supply chain projects across the UK.

“Business Generator is a unique partnership in the North East that will deliver real business opportunities across a range of sectors.”

The Business Generator has been launched after a pilot study conducted between July and August 2010 generated over £40million worth of new business for the 11 companies that took part.

Paul Taylor, Business Generator business development manager said: “Business Generator will support SMEs, create jobs and provide the confidence for North East companies to bid for work nationally.

“After an extremely successful pilot scheme we’re confident that the programme will increase the ability of North East businesses to identify, bid for and win new contracts.”

The service is designed to highlight to businesses the types of new opportunities available from the public sector and ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully pass through the procurement process and win new sales contracts.

Also speaking at the launch was Diane Nielsen, deputy director and programmes director at NEPO. She said: “The help and support offered through the Business Generator is delivered by industry experts with years of experience who are able to offer one-to-one support on a range of subjects.

“They will be able to provide information on business opportunities through NEPO who undertake collaborative procurement on behalf of all 12 North East local authorities.”

James Ramsbotham, CEO of the NECC said: “The Business Generator Service from Business & Enterprise Group has real potential to help businesses gain a foothold in large supply chains and improve their ability in tendering for large scale public or private sector contracts.

“I hope businesses will be able to make best use of this service and I also encourage the public sector use more local businesses as a direct result.”

Running until March 2014, the Business Generator includes workshops, events and master classes as well as Meet the Buyer style sessions, where SMEs are able to meet and pitch sector relevant services to win contracts with national organisations.

Andrew Wilson, regional manager of the Business and Enterprise Group’s Northern Business Unit speaking at the launch said: “The workshops, events and support offered through Business Generator can really change the fortunes of local businesses and do so much for jobs and growth within the region.

“I urge businesses to get in touch and find out what the Business Generator can do for them.”

The service can be accessed by both new and established businesses including social enterprises.

Businesses must be based in the North East, have fewer than 250 employees and a turnover of less than 50 million euros.

To find out more about the Business Generator call 0191 426 6333 or visit the website [www.bizgenerator.co.uk](http://www.bizgenerator.co.uk“ target=)

ENDS

Photo caption: (L-R)Nicki Clark, Andrew Wilson, Paul Taylor and Diane Nielsen all spoke of the opportunities for North East companies at today’s event.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ian Benet .