Member Article

Interview: Founder of Gateshead startup Converge, James Tennant, on remodelling North East business development and networking

A Gateshead-based startup agency is working with two of the world’s biggest companies despite the business still being in a prelaunch state.

Founded on a love for the North East and its business community, Converge is a business development platform aiming to make online marketing, PR, advertising and networking more accessible, affordable and effective.

The company is separating itself from competitors in the market by being the only business development platform to give members the opportunity to promote themselves in print, online and in person, all inclusive of the membership fee.

Founder James Tennant told Bdaily: “We’re a business development platform doing something unique in the North East. From our branding to our systems, we’re bringing a fresh and modern feel to business development and business networking.

“Converge was created to give businesses in the North East an affordable and effective way to promote themselves across three key channels - in print, online and in person. Converge will save its members time, hassle and money on their promotional activity.

“In addition to using the channels we’ve set up, we’re encouraging members to use Converge’s highly functional online platform to create their own events and ways to promote to, and connect with, the rest of the membership.

“With the affordable flexibility of the Converge platform, businesses can tailor their promotional activity to fit in seamlessly with their goals. You can’t do that anywhere else.”

And it seems a love for the region is the cornerstone of the new company’s approach.

“The platform stems from an affinity with the North East. Every aspect has been painstakingly researched, planned and created to help businesses grow.

“Our collective is designed for those that have a passion for what they do, and for those who would rather spend a little time to ensure they get their promotion right, than spend a lot of money potentially getting it wrong.”

For James, already having two world renowned companies on board is a pleasing start. He said: “I am thrilled to have Emirates and The Regus Group on board. It’s a fantastic vote of confidence in the Converge platform to have such successful and respected businesses buy in to what we’re trying to achieve.

“It’s helped to create a huge level of interest in the platform too, with new businesses inquiring about Converge every day. That means we’ll fill our 300 memberships faster than anticipated.”

Converge is working with fellow North East agencies Precept, Trust & Copper Blue Creative to get its branding, print and website finalised for an official launch later this month. Find out more at https://converge.today/.