Wallsend gets Chamber as North Tyneside business numbers climb

A new Chamber of Trade and Commerce has set up in Wallsend.

The organisation, comprising more than 50 businesses and public bodies, will aim to ride the tide of recent business development in the town as it supports in Wallsend’s economic growth.

Tyne Metropolitan College graphic design student Joe Fletcher created the logo for the chamber, which launched at the Segedunum World Heritage site.

Speaking at the event, North Tyneside MP Mary Glindon said: “The logo perfectly captures our glory days, but they are not all behind us.

“The chamber can fly the flag for business as they navigate new opportunities for common benefit.”

North Tyneside Mayor Norma Redfearn CBE commented: “Wallsend is a town with so much history and a lot to be proud of in its past, with even more coming in the future.

“The establishment of the chamber gives businesses and other members a valuable platform for growth and will give the town a clear and distinctive voice.”

She continued: “The new chamber has so many different plans to work with schools, colleges, the local authority and the third sector and I look forward to seeing some of the fantastic work they’ll do in the future.”

The organisation’s launch comes at an important time for the area.

The number of established businesses in North Tyneside rose to 5,060 in 2017, up from 3,890 in 2012.

Elsewhere, £100m is being invested in the former Swan Hunter shipyard site and private sector backing has supported the Forum Shopping Centre and Town Hall Business Centre. Further, the Wallsend Customer First Centre is expecting around 400,000 visitors this year.

Business owner Kevin Stephenson will serve as the first chair of the Wallsend Chamber.