Partner Article

Summer of success

I can’t let June pass by without mentioning the diamond jubilee. It is estimated that it helped to boost the economy by £700m and although it is not yet known how much the celebrations cost the taxpayer I for one thought that the long weekend was priceless and just what the country needed to lift its spirit.

In amongst all the pessimism of employment figures and the European crisis it was refreshing to see up and down the country people getting involved with their communities and coming together for the four day celebrations.

As we turn the corner on spring and welcome summer it feels like there is something to celebrate every month; the jubilee, the Olympics and of course the Euro 2012. More locally, Sunderland is once again managing to pull the crowds in with some fantastic bands; Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Gigs and music events can bring a lot of revenue to local businesses.

Most people in business know that you can’t sit back and wait, effort and spending must be involved and it is with this in mind that the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) have launched Enterprise Clubs. Designed to encourage more people to make the most of home-grown knowledge and resources and of course to help unemployed people start their own business.

At the Enterprise Club people will learn about various business disciplines, networking possibilities and hopefully see their confidence rise giving people the boost they require reminding them that there is hope after unemployment and these sessions are free.

The glass has always remained half full for me and it is wonderful to write a happy piece toasting what is turning out to be a glorious summer…weather permitting.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by John Anderson CBE .