MP boosts profile of £6.5 million Newcastle enterprise centre

A flagship Newcastle enterprise centre’s positive manifesto for boosting business and community coherence has been given a vote of confidence by MP Chi Onwurah.

The Newcastle Central Labour politician toured the £6.5 million Beacon in Westgate Road and proclaimed herself impressed by its operations and desire to inspire entrepreneurship cross Tyneside.

During a VIP visit, she saw at first hand its workshops, offices, conference facilities, pay-as-you-go desk portals, networking facilities and business units, which host new and emerging but specialist firms.

They include community radio station Spice FM, prosthetic make-up firm Stage Fright FX, art collective Creative Ginger, and Indian ladies fashion business Noor Couture.

And she gained insight into its role as a focal point for community groups from Andrew Watts, Executive Director of Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle (STAN), and Bruce Trotter, Partnership Director of Centre West, the charities which own and manage The Beacon.

Chi has previously visited as guest of a number of organisations, including Asian Business Connections and Dementia Friends, but has never gone behind the scenes to tour of one of the most prominent modern enterprises within her constituency.

After her 90-minute visit, which included a bite in its Bistro, the Shadow Cabinet Office Minister said: ÂI already knew much about the work The Beacon does, but it has been interesting to see it more in depth and watch the businesses at work.

“In just a short time, The Beacon has become an important part of the life of Newcastle and it is an enterprise that really reaches out to business and the community.

“Not only does it help new and more established firms to grow and develop, but it also acts as an important hub for local people and groups to get together. It’s been good to see exactly what is available here for my constituents. “I’m looking forward to seeing it grow and develop further over the coming years.”

Mr Watts said: “Chi’s continued interest and support of The Beacon is very valuable to us and helps to ensure the good work we do in the community gets the extra recognition it deserves.

“There is much of interest going on here and I think she got a real taste and insight into the thriving and lively nature of the day-to-day life of the centre.

“She was very impressed by what she saw and I hope she will continue to be a regular visitor.”

And Mr Trotter added: “The enterprising nature of The Beacon was not lost on Chi and she took a great interest in the people who work here.

“Although she has been here before for specific events, I think she was impressed by just how good and broad our combined facilities are.

“She clearly recognised the important work The Beacon does and how it combines the interests of business and the community in one building.”

The environmentally-friendly centre, officially opened by the Duke of Kent in April 2012, also boasts a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen and hair and beauty salon which can be hired for training purposes, and conference facilities include the 400-capacity Skylight Suite.

It was funded by Centre West and environmental charity Groundwork STAN, and benefited from £2.42 million of European Development Fund investment.

Around 50 companies and organisations, including world-famous engineering and technology services company Siemens and voluntary groups, charities and the NHS, use its facilities.

Information on The Beacon is at www.thebeaconnewcastle.co.uk or by calling 0191 242 4894.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The Beacon .