Ashington base for Oxford business coaches

An Oxford-based business support organisation has established an Ashington base in order to deliver part of a £1.35m investment programme.

Oxford Innovation will deliver the Business Northumberland High Growth Programme and help entrepreneurs to realise growth potential.

Newcastle-born Mike Jobson has been appointed Programme manager, having previously worked for Alcan, Colgate Palmolive, Guinness and Diageo in the UK and Africa.

He said: “My career has taken me to some incredible places but I have always considered the North East to be home,” said Mike. “Now I want to align my experiences with Oxford Innovation’s unique coaching methods to help local businesspeople unlock their full potential enabling them to achieve their aspirations.”

Newbiggin-by-the-sea business coach, Gill Hall, will also lead the Programme.

She said: “In many ways Northumberland has changed so much over the years with the demise of some of our more traditional industries and the emergence of new ones. However it’s the hard work, resilience and ingenuity that have always been a part of the fabric of Northumberland that will see our local economy flourish again.

Mike added: “We focus on high growth businesses because these are the engine of the economy, creating jobs and generating wealth. These businesses come from all sectors but commonly use innovation as the driver for growth.

“We work with them to develop their inherent potential for growth and success and because no two businesses are the same our approach is unique in every instance.”

The Business Northumberland High Growth Programme has been funded by development company ARCH, the County Council and the North East European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Anyone wishing to find out more about the Programme and how Oxford Innovation can potentially support their business should call 01670 528403 or email northumberland@oxin.co.uk.