Member Article

Newcastle to showcase New Zealand trade collaboration ahead of All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup visit

Spotlight Reporting, one of a select few New Zealand businesses based in Newcastle, is set to take centre stage at a unique event in the region next month, coinciding with the visit of the country’s iconic rugby union team, the All Blacks.

The Wellington-based software firm will be part of a networking event at Newcastle’s Centre for Life, which will showcase a trade and innovation between the countries during the Rugby World Cup.

Hosted by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), the event will take place on Thursday 8th October, on the eve of the All Blacks’ ‘Pool C’ fixture against Tonga at St. James’ Park.

As well as operations across offices in Wellington, Sydney, Brisbane, London and California, Spotlight Reporting has its dedicated northern England base at the Toffee Factory digital hub in Ouseburn, managed by UK Director of Sales, Darren Glanville.

Darren said: “We are immensely proud to be a global business with a base on Tyneside, where the digital industry is thriving and where many of our clients continue to grow with us.

“As a businesses which was established New Zealand, we are delighted to be a part of the NZTE event and we are looking forward to developing relationships and sharing our experiences with as many people as possible as advocates of business here in the North East.”

Wellington-born Gayatri Wood, UK Community Manager at Spotlight Reporting’s Newcastle office, said: “Newcastle is a fantastic city to live and work in and I’m sure thousands of visitors from around the world will experience that during the Rugby World Cup.

“We’re thrilled to have the All Blacks playing here on our doorstep and it has certainly generated lots of excitement amongst our clients and our colleagues across the region.

“We’re looking forward to seeing many of them at the NZTE event and sharing ideas which will continue to strengthen the links between both countries.”

Dan Taylor, NZTE trade commissioner in London, said: “We’re putting in a huge effort to provide platforms for New Zealand companies to make the most of the World Cup hype, with networking events in London, Cardiff and Newcastle.

“The All Blacks are recognised in the UK as a leading global brand and the attributes seen in the ‘men in black’ create a fantastic halo effect under which our companies can tell their stories.”

The All Blacks face Tonga in a Rugby World Cup ‘Pool C’ fixture at St. James’ Park on Friday 9th October (8pm kick-off).