Duo of North East professional services firms pledge support to Gateshead Business Network

Two North East professional services firm, Ward Hadaway and RSM, have backed Gateshead Business Network.

Law firm Ward Hadaway and accountancy firm RSM are supporting and sponsoring the network, which has more than 800 members from businesses across Gateshead.

Gateshead Business Network supports SMEs, and focuses on encouraging business growth.

The network offers events that allow business owners and entrepreneurs to communicate, inter-trade and collectively address challenges as well as keeping businesses up to date with opportunities, news and events.

Services also include assisting businesses with premises search for new start-ups, or to support expansion.

Ward Hadaway has been involved with Gateshead Business Network since 2014.

As part of its backing for the network, Ward Hadaway, which has offices in Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester, is offering free monthly legal advice drop-in sessions for businesses within the network as well as “no obligation initial consultations” without charge for network members in between times.

The firm’s specialist legal teams allows it to offer help and advice on the full range of legal issues that small to medium-sized businesses are faced with, such as contracts, commercial agreements, employment, property and funding.

RSM, the international audit, tax and consulting firm, has also worked with the network since 2014 and will be assisting in providing business and accountancy support to the Gateshead Business Network community, offering advice in tax, audit and assurance as well as other financial and consultative services.

Steven Roper, associate in the commercial team at Ward Hadaway, said: “We are delighted to once again be linking up with Gateshead Business Network to offer its members access to high quality, commercially-focused legal advice which addresses the issues which they encounter in their daily business.

“We have really enjoyed working with the network and its members over the past three years and playing our part in helping businesses across Gateshead to start up and grow.

“Renewing our support for the organisation is a great way to help promote entrepreneurship in the borough and to provide support to small and medium-sized businesses in the area.

“We look forward to continuing to support the network members in avoiding potential legal issues, and addressing and resolving challenges that do arise so that they can grow and thrive.”

Richard Urron, partner in the Tax team at RSM, added: “We are very pleased to be joining with Ward Hadaway in helping local members access expert advice on tax and financial matters in order to grow and improve their businesses.

“We hope that our mutual offering of legal and accounting support will enable further business success throughout the region, providing more opportunities for local people.”

Adele Kalow of Gateshead Business Network commented: “Securing Ward Hadaway and RSM as partners for Gateshead Business Network is great news for the network and for all of our members.

“Both firms are very well known and very well respected for the quality of the advice which they provide so we look forward to working with them over the coming year to support local businesses and encourage entrepreneurship across the borough.”

Gateshead Business Network’s next meeting takes place on Wednesday 21st June at Gateshead Civic Centre from 8am to 9am.