New chapter for BIC as chief prepares to retire

A North East business support organisation is preparing for a leadership change after its long-serving chief executive announced plans to retire.

Paul McEldon will step down from executive leadership at the North East BIC next year, following 25 years at the helm.

Paul joined the organisation in 1994 and was appointed chief executive in 2001.

He will remain in post while the BIC recruits a successor, with the successful applicant expected to start by Christmas.

Plans are also in place for Paul to work alongside the new chief executive for several months to ensure a smooth handover before he exits the business and focuses on non-executive roles across the region.

Paul, who was awarded an OBE in 2021 for services to local growth in the North East, said: “It has been an absolute honour to be part of the BIC team for the past 32 years and to have had the privilege of working with so many amazing people on the journey. 

“Over the time we have served the region, we have created a business community unlike anything else in the North East, but this would never have been possible had it not been for our fantastic team. 

“Everyone from our advisers to the maintenance teams, office staff and our receptionists are what make the BIC such a special organisation and if you speak to any of our customers, be they tenants or business support recipients, I am sure they will testify to that. 

“They truly embody everything the BIC stands for.   

“Now the time has come for me to step down and focus on the board work I do, which I thoroughly enjoy and which keeps me really busy.  

“I do so in the knowledge that we have the incredible people already in place to ensure the BIC remains a force for good for another three decades and beyond.” 

Kevan Carrick, BIC chair, added: “Paul has been a driving force behind the North East BIC during his tenure, overseeing its growth into one of the region's most respected business support organisations. 

“Under his leadership, the BIC has provided vital workspace, mentoring, and innovation support to hundreds of businesses across the North East, helping to create thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to the region's economic development. 

“On behalf of the entire board, I want to express our sincere gratitude to Paul for his extraordinary dedication and the lasting legacy he has built at the BIC. 

“His contribution to business support in the North East is immeasurable. 

“We are grateful that Paul has agreed to oversee the handover to his successor, which reflects exactly the kind of leadership and professionalism he has always shown. 

“The North East BIC remains fully operational and committed to delivering world-class support to entrepreneurs, start-ups, and growing businesses across the region. 

“Further announcements regarding the appointment of a new chief executive will be made in due course.” 

The organisation, which is headquartered in Sunderland, said Paul will leave the BIC in a position of “record strength”, following the launch of a new strategy, the addition of four experienced non-executive directors to its board and the securing of management of three new Sunderland City Council business centres.

Inspired by a European model combining workspace with business support, the BIC has grown into one of the region’s largest social enterprises.

Its business centres have supported more than 1100 companies over three decades, while its events and advisory services have helped more than 8000 people start and grow businesses.

A recent impact report found the organisation has contributed more than £2.5 billion to the regional economy.

Paul added: “We’re moving into what is a really exciting time for the BIC, managing three new business centres in Sunderland that almost double the size of our portfolio and we have ambitions to continue growing across the region, so it is a great opportunity for the right person to come in and really hit the ground running.  

“With these firm foundations in place and further developments in the pipeline, the best is undoubtedly yet to come.”

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