Member Article

Law firm backs Team Tyne Innovation

Team Tyne Innovation, the team of North East rowers preparing to complete the 2018 Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, a 3,000-mile race known as the world’s toughest row, has announced a major sponsorship deal with law firm Bond Dickinson.

Bond Dickinson recently announced it will be combining with U.S. law firm Womble Carlyle later this year. The combination will create what they describe as a new breed of transatlantic law firm, progressive and forward-thinking, focused on bringing all its clients richer opportunities through deeper industry knowledge and transatlantic capability and reach.

North-East businessman Phil Kite, a crew member of Team Tyne Innovation and leading its fund-raising campaign, said: “We are delighted to have Bond Dickinson on board as a major sponsor.

“In completing our rowing challenge, we are looking to support the region by showcasing innovation generated by our businesses and universities. The North East has always been a hub for innovation from the times of Armstrong, Parsons and Stephenson and this is now continuing through our excellent universities and businesses.

“In completing our challenge, we are going to showcase innovation that can enable our boat to go faster, that can improve the crew’s physical performance, provide protection from the elements, generate electricity and improving telecommunication.

’It is an opportunity for businesses and universities to market their latest innovations and in doing so obtain regional, national and international media exposure, from what is now an established annual race.“

Kevin Robertson, Partner and Head of Bond Dickinson’s Newcastle office, added: “We are delighted to be sponsoring Team Tyne Innovation in this incredible challenge.

“The legal sector needs to embrace innovation in order to remain competitive, relevant and progressive. At Bond Dickinson we have established an Innovation Group to help identify potential innovation opportunities and coordinate initiatives and projects across the firm.”

He added: “There is no better time to showcase innovation, with the region hosting the Great Exhibition of the North during 2018.”