Member Article

Generation NE partners with NEPO to deliver free North East business events

Generation NE has teamed up with the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) and Business and IP Centre Newcastle, creating a partnership that will benefit North East businesses with a programme of free events.

The free events hosted by NEPO Business Club at Newcastle City Library will focus on a range of topics, offering businesses training on how to win work outside of the region, advice on working with others and an update on public sector tendering skills following changes in EU and UK legislation and the Social Value Act (2012).

Generation NE’s team of business advisors will be in attendance at each of the events to give advice to any SME looking to make the connection with the next generation of the region’s workforce, whether it’s for recruitment purposes or to offer work experience.

Generation NE is a collaboration between five local authorities, including Newcastle, Durham, Gateshead, North Tyneside and Northumberland, and the North East LEP.

Its business advisors each offer SMEs in their local authority areas a tailored and impartial service, with support and guidance throughout every step of the recruitment process.

The youth employment programme has already assisted in making successful connections at Durham-based technology-led finance business Growth Capital Ventures, helping to appoint a digital marketing apprentice, and North Tyneside-based technical design consultancy Vreo, who have appointed a full-time engineer.

Ged Bell, Cabinet Member for Investment and Development at Newcastle City Council, said: “This series of events will offer the region’s business community a chance to gain a useful insight into how to grow and develop their presence outside of the region, whilst further enhancing their offering.

“Any business looking to expand, no matter the size, should book their space as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

“Business growth is always great news and the perfect opportunity to add fresh new talent to a workforce by taking on a young person. The recruitment process may seem daunting but it doesn’t have to be. Our business advisors are here to simplify this by taking the time to find the right type of candidate who fits the brief.”