New alliance to support North East start-ups

A new partnership is set to improve support for small businesses and entrepreneurs across the North East.

The North East Chamber of Commerce has signed a formal agreement with North East Enterprise Agency Ltd (NEEAL), bringing together seven enterprise agencies under one coordinated effort to support start-ups and early-stage firms.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which is set to run for an initial 12-month period, will see the organisations collaborate more closely over the next year to share knowledge, deliver joint events, mentoring and training. 

Officials say the aim is to simplify access to business support, making it easier for new and growing firms to get the help they need.

They add that the move forms part of the Chamber’s wider efforts to support businesses of all sizes by strengthening connections and expanding resources.

Jennifer Rycroft, executive director of membership and international trade at the Chamber, said: “We know that starting and running a business can be daunting, but it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to make an impact in your community and the wider economy. 

“By working in partnership with NEEAL, we can ensure businesses have a clear pathway to support, no matter their size or ambition.

“The North East has always excelled at building strong relationships and working together, and this collaboration shows how powerful those partnerships can be in creating opportunities and driving our region forward.”

Sarah Skelton, senior membership development and operations manager at the Chamber, added: “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and their success is vital to the region’s prosperity. 

“This partnership with NEEAL means we can make it even easier for entrepreneurs and small business owners to find the right advice, connections and confidence to grow.

“Together, we can help more businesses unlock their potential and contribute to a stronger, fairer North East.”

NEEAL’s members include North East BIC, Northumberland Business Services, TEDCO, Project North East, Enterprise Made Simple, South Durham Enterprise Agency and CDC Enterprise Agency. 

Together with the Chamber, they will offer more streamlined services across the region.

Paul McEldon, chief executive of North East BIC and chair of NEEAL, added: “I’m delighted to be formalising this strategic alliance with the Chamber. 

“As a partnership of like-minded champions of enterprise, we’ve always believed the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and working together, we can achieve far more than we could individually.

“Enterprise makes an immense contribution to the North East economy and helping people realise their ambitions to create sustainable businesses can have life-changing impacts. 

“By aligning with the Chamber, which shares our ethos and offers significant opportunities for new businesses, we can amplify those outcomes even further. 

“Our members are excited to join forces and take this initiative forward.”

Kevan Carrick, chair of North East BIC, added: “This partnership builds on our 30-year track record of supporting start-ups and championing their growth. 

“With Government funding reducing, it’s more important than ever to take a collaborative approach to growing the number of businesses and strengthening the regional economy.

“The BIC has always sought partnerships with like-minded organisations locally and regionally, and we’re delighted to extend that to the Chamber, which has the interests of its members and the region at heart. 

“We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.”

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