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South Tyneside Business Week to ‘inspire, celebrate and stimulate growth’

South Tyneside Council aims to equip businesses across the region with the knowledge they need to thrive, with the launch of the borough’s inaugural Business Week.

The week-long programme of free business-focused events is designed to showcase and support businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Inspiring speakers, engaging networking opportunities and practical workshops will run from Monday 10 until Friday 14 February across both council and business venues throughout the borough.

The Launch and Exhibition at South Shields Town Hall will kick-start the week featuring established regional business leaders.

Delegates will hear from: Ian Beattie, Corporate Development Director of Barbour, on how the 125 –year-old family business grew into the global lifestyle brand it is today; Claire Bright, Corporate Communications Manager for Greggs, who will shed light on the bakery chain’s recent award winning marketing campaigns; and Neil Stephenson, Former CEO, now Investor, entrepreneur and key player in the borough’s business community, on how he strategically grew the Onyx Group until it was acquired for £65m.

Councillor Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “Supporting businesses is what we do every day. Celebrating and inspiring entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes across the borough and beyond is essential for ensuring continued growth, innovation and diversification for the future.

“That’s why I’m delighted to be launching South Tyneside Business Week. We’ve curated an insightful programme delivering relevant content, coming straight from successful local and regional businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations, to equip businesses new or established, large or small with the knowledge they need to thrive.”

Throughout the week, in-depth workshops and topical sessions will offer businesses specialist advice on topics such as going global, marketing, innovation and digitalisation which businesses can put into practice to achieve their full potential.

Delegates will gain vital insights from the key players within the region’s business community including Angela MacOscar, Head of Innovation at Northumbria Water; experts from the Department of International Trade and the Enterprise Europe Network; Gary Stone, NEPO Business Club & B2B North Ltd; Dr Jo North, Technology and Transformation Leader at Port of Tyne; David Boath and Nick Devitt, Innovation Specialists.

Another highlight will be the celebrated return of the borough’s popular Tech Talks. Ian Farrar, Managing Director of Far North Limited, will host a panel featuring a stellar line-up of North East tech experts to discuss the latest trends, innovations and the panel’s focus – Apps.

Delegates with an interest in digital tech can also join the region’s top digital and tech talent for the formal opening on One Trinity Green’s new Content Suite – a fully equipped studio where businesses can ‘plug-in and play’ – housing the latest podcasting, lighting and video equipment.

The week will culminate with a #LoveSouthTyneside Valentine’s Day event, at Jarrow Focus Theatre Space, featuring a mixture of presentations and talks promoting and celebrating social action and civic action - inspiring businesses to take an active role in helping to improve the borough.

Councillor Iain Malcolm added: “South Tyneside Business Week will celebrate our fantastic business community and equip them with the knowledge they need to thrive in 2020 and beyond. I hope businesses as well as the region’s ambitious entrepreneurs and growing SMEs will take full advantage of the many opportunities to make connections, build relationships and be inspired by other successful businesses.”

To book tickets visit www.investsouthtyneside.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by South Tyneside Council .