In addition to equity finance, loans and grants, there is a range of business support from a range of partners that can help businesses looking to develop and grow: such as starting a high growth business, innovation advice, guidance, business collaboration networks, collaborative research and development and business growth and specialist facilities and environments.
All sectors
Alchemists, The
The Alchemists is a unique organisation that works with ambitious, fast growing, entrepreneurial companies who have reached a critical point in their development.
The Alchemists provides experienced, entrepreneurial and consultancy advice to selected companies to accelerate their rate of change, reduce the associated risk and help them achieve a major step forward in their growth The value of the individual alchemists lies in their ability to talk as entrepreneur to entrepreneur.
They have all developed and managed highly successful businesses and have first hand experience of working in a wide range of sectors.
As well as being able to use the resources of the knowledge and experience of our individual Alchemists, they open their contacts book to client companies, providing access to expertise and capital across the UK and beyond. For more information email: info@commerce.net
AMAP
AMAP is part of the Faculty of Applied Sciences within the University of Sunderland and evolved from two previous University groups with complementary skills and knowledge across the automotive and manufacturing sectors.
Their expertise covers a broad range of industrial applications and digital engineering technologies and they are able to provide a range of valuable services to manufacturers.
They can also combine their expertise as a leading group in international research in automotive, manufacturing and maintenance engineering and ultra low carbon vehicle technology.
By providing problem-solving solutions to manufacturers of all capabilities, offering training or advice, or working in partnership-based research, AMAP's basic working principle is to improve or develop the current state of a company or individual.
Their services can be applied equally to a company of 100 or less employees, to major corporations, or even to individuals looking to up-skill through education and professional development.
AMAP facilities
AMAP is able to provide for its clients, both the benefits of industry-standard software and hardware, as well as the right environment for training.
- Factory facilities include state of the art Rapid Prototyping, 3D Scanning, Inspection, Reverse Engineering and CNC Manufacturing processes together with a wide range of digital engineering software technologies.
- Spacious CAE training suites are equipped with hi-spec workstations, smart boards and modern ergonomic furniture and seating. All training rooms have access to almost all modern digital engineering technology (DET) software applications and we work closely with all software OEM's and VAR partners to ensure the highest standards and vendor accredited training.
- Visualisation Suite includes an immersive hemispherical screen used for digital mockup and "fly-through" simulations and an advanced driving simulator with a simulated 180 degree field of vision.
- Sophisticated eye tracking and brain imaging equipment together with multiple alternative scenarios and environments are available for both research and commercial projects.
To find out how AMAP can help you or your company learn, adapt and grow, click the link to view their website, which gives you a suitable overview of the services, training, research and consultancy available.
Be Franchising
Advice and guidance - Their team will offer advice from the very first stages through to supporting your business when it's up and running. It all begins with a matching service to find a franchise that's perfect for you.
Financial help for eligible individuals - For people who meet the eligibility of our Be Enterprising support, they can help you get over the financial barrier to securing your franchise through their relationships with local banks, helping you get loan finance and they can help with the business planning and form filling.
Help to franchise your business - If you think your business could be a franchise; they can help make it happen. See their Franchisors section for more information.
Run one of our franchise businesses - Because they own and operate their own franchises, they could offer you the opportunity to a run a business. This would give you the help and support you need to become a successful business owner. With their unique 'easy purchase' terms and access to finance, they can ease the transition to profit in those early, formative years.
Shildon Business Centre, Dabble Duck Industrial Estate, Shildon, Co. Durham, DL4 2RF
Bridge Club
Bridge Club Ltd is an expert provider of contacts and connections. It specializes in business collaboration and access to finance, markets and management through networking.
Business & Enterprise Group
Business & Enterprise Group is an independent company with a strong social purpose - specialising in business improvement, enterprise and economic development services to help more businesses start, succeed and grow.
BE-NE currently operates a range of contracts to support businesses across the North East including Business Link, the North East England Investment Centre, Compete North East and the Regional International Trade Office on behalf of UKTI.
Business & Enterprise Group offers a unique and comprehensive range of support services with sufficient scale to provide impressive economies while maintaining that essential local focus that meets the very specific needs of local business communities. With an integrated portfolio, we can work with businesses of all sizes and from all sectors on everything from starting a business to international trade, supply chain development and skills development.
With a clear focus on expanding the private sector in the North East, it aims to make businesses more competitive and help more budding entrepreneurs start successful businesses by offering business improvement designed for the 21st century to businesses of all sizes and from all sectors.
Business Link
Business Link – Business Link is government's online resource for businesses. It contains essential information, support and services for you and your business – whether you work for a large organisation or are on your way to starting up.
Simple to use, up to date and practical, Business Link is the first place to go to find guidance on regulations and to access government services. It also has a number of useful online tools, calculators, and best practice case studies; and provides access to funding options, as well as wider support.
CBI
The Confederation of British Industry's mission is to help create and sustain the conditions in which businesses in the United Kingdom can compete and prosper for the benefit of all. They are the premier lobbying organisation for UK business on national and international issues.
The CBI works with the UK government, international legislators and policy-makers to help UK businesses compete effectively. CBI policy is decided by their members – senior professionals from all sectors and sizes of business are directly involved in the policy-making process.
Their network of offices around the UK in Beijing, Brussels and Washington, provides on-the-ground support for our members.
To find out more or to enquire about membership contact: Sarah.Green@cbi.org.uk
Centre for Process Innovation (CPI)
The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) is a technology innovation centre that uses market knowledge and technology understanding to develop and prototype products and processes quickly and efficiently with minimal risk to its public and private sector partners.
CPI is an organisation that provides assets on an open access basis. These allow our partners to test, develop and prove their products and processes cost effectively. CPI works in the innovation space between the discovery of an idea and the delivery of a product or service to the commercial market. In technology readiness levels (TRL) CPI works from level 4 to level 7. Typically Universities work in level 1 to 3 and commercial businesses at level 8 and 9. The company works in the following technology areas:
- Industrial Biotechnology
- Printable Electronics
- Anaerobic Digestion
- High Temperature Technologies
- Sustainable Engineering
- Smart Chemistry
Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences (CELS)
CELS offers a range of support and commercial services to healthcare and life science companies.
Cels supports a wide range of companies and individuals operating in the Healthcare and Life Sciences sector, primarily:
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Existing regional businesses in North East England
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Researchers with potential new technology
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New start-up businesses in healthcare and bio-technology
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Companies seeking regional partners
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Companies with new ideas that they'd like developing
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Companies looking to locate in North East England
If you fit into one of these categories, find out how we can help you by looking on their website.
If you do not fit into any of these categories, contact CELS to discuss how we can help you.
HealthConnect is a network for professionals and organisations working in the healthcare and life sciences sector.
The network provides a range of premier support activities and services which are all designed to drive best practice and help members grow and succeed.
HealthConnect members are active in assistive technology, health informatics, medical devices, biotechnology and life sciences, health and social care, health and well being as well as their associated supply chains.
Be well connected – HealthConnect brings together healthcare and life sciences professionals and organisations to stimulate translational research, innovation, collaboration as well as commercial opportunities.
Joining HealthConnect gives you access to a broad range of benefits and services aimed at delivering value to help your business increase its performance and competitiveness.
NEPAF is a state of the art proteome analysis facility using cutting edge equipment, technology and expertise to support commercial, academic and clinical research and development.
NEPAF works with a wide range of research and development groups and healthcare companies in the private and public sector in the UK and internationally, providing them with access to leading expertise and equipment for the study of proteins.
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Codeworks
0191 556 1122Sector: Communications, Design/creative, Digital, IT/Software, TechnologyEstablished in 2003, Codeworks is a centre for digital innovation based in North East England. They provide support in innovation, business development, networking and promotion.
Their Digital Media Technologies (DMT) programme focuses on finding and developing pre-commercial new media technologies, concepts and business models with the intention of creating spinouts and/or licensing opportunities.
Codeworks' sector development programme manifests itself through their collaborative networks Codeworks Connect and Codeworks GameHorizon. These hugely successful private sector associations facilitate commercial collaboration and provide hands-on support to digital technology and media companies of all sizes.
Running in parallel to Connect and GameHorizon, Codeworks' Digital Placement Programme has identified and placed hundreds of the most promising students from North Eastern universities into digital companies throughout the region. They collaborate with their partners to broaden the highly successful scheme, which covers post-graduate talent and skills development.
For more information on Codeworks visit their website or contact enquiries@codeworks.net
County Durham Development Company
County Durham Development Company exists to help create jobs and prosperity for the people of County Durham by promoting and developing business opportunities for the County. County Durham Development Company helps many companies. They help by:
- Identifying possible premises and locations to suit your needs.
- Fast tracking through the enterprise network and helping you cut through the red tape.
- Keeping you informed of all the latest sites and financial support packages through their constantly updated website.
They have a searchable property database on-line, helping you to find the right location. The information covers details of office, commercial and industrial property and details of land available.
For more information contact enquiries@wherebusinessgrows.co.uk or visit their website
Darlington Business Venture
Darlington Business Venture exists to encourage and support the development of a stable and diverse local economy. Darlington Business Venture is a not for profit organisation offering a range of support services, business counselling, advice, training and consultancy.
They deliver models of best practice and skills development to start and improve enterprises. This free delivery for every business is achieved through the ongoing support of Business Link.
Grant Funding sources for business include: Darlington Borough Council, Business Link Tees Valley and The Prince's Trust.
To find out more about Darlington Business venture contact them at enquiries@dbv-northeast.co.uk
Derwentside Enterprise Agency
DEA aim to offer hands on, practical support to anyone wishing to a start in business in Derwentside As profit is not their objective, they can be independent and offer unbiased practical advice tailored to your needs.
They can help you assess the viability of your business idea and as necessary develop your business plan.
They aim to provide a simple, clear overview of the grants, funding and other support services you can access and to help you maximize your benefit from what is available.
Advice and funding is subject to change, therefore, it is advisable that you call them on 01207 580011 or email: info@derwentsideenterprise.co.uk for up to date details.
Design Network North
0191 516 4400Sector: Design/creative, Digital, IT/Software, Retail, TechnologyDesign Network North supports innovative companies, helping them to utilise high quality design skills and processes. They accomplish this by offering specialised product design, industrial design and new product development support.
Good design is the key to future competitiveness. At a time when product quality standards are universally high and costs have been driven relentlessly downward, design and improved functionality have become the most important factors in the marketplace.
Intended to enhance regional companies’ ability to employ high-quality design, skills and processes, Design Network North works closely with other regional, national and international design projects, and helps those without access to the relevant design skills, achieve their aspirations for growth.
Design Network North also holds regular networking events, 'Rise & Design', and delivers onsite Design Performance Workshops to embed good design within your business.
Design Network North is a project delivered by RTC North.
For more information email enquiries@designnetworknorth.org or visit their website.
DigitalCity
DigitalCity is creating the most vibrant digital hub in the UK – a successful and self-sustaining digital media, digital technology and creative supercluster based in the North East. Along the way, they are developing a worldwide reputation for creativity, imagination and daring.
DigitalCity provides support for start up companies, business development companies and high growth companies.
The DigitalCity Business Growth Workshop System is designed to arm entrepreneurs with everything they need to launch and grow a business successfully. It is an exciting and radical system of workshops different to any other incubation offering in the UK.
This new system is specifically geared towards digital media, digital technologies and creative businesses; and it offers an utterly unique cycle of in depth bootcamps that will enable you to develop your business as effectively and as fast as possible. For more information on these contact alison.newlove@dcbusiness.eu
Business Development Support is available to every digital media, digital technologies or creative business in the Tees Valley and the North East. It gives you the chance to benefit from Mentor Surgeries, First Wednesday events, webside membership, a signposting service and business information services.
High Growth Support is characterised by more intensive and focussed involvement from DigitalCity Business. On top of the services under in Business Development Support, companies in High Growth Support get priority for surgery booking, business opportunity leads, business research, investment activities and trade show exposure; special PR and marketing resources; as well as extended Shoulder to Shoulder Mentoring from a select mentor team.
For more information visit their website or contact mark.elliott@dcbusiness.eu
East Durham Business Service
East Durham Business Service (EDBS) is the Enterprise Agency for the District of Easington. Part of the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA) it offers small and medium sized businesses and those wishing to start their own business the support needed. Based at Novus Business Centre, in the heart of the business community of Peterlee, EDBS has specialists in business advice, economic development and grant administration.
The Business Support team offer independent advice to businesses on a range of topics including Start up, marketing, retail, commercial property and growth and expansion. Funding can also be sought from a range of key partners including One North East and Business Link.
East Durham Business Service has the following aims:
- Develop an entrepreneurial culture in East Durham
- Foster business growth and business survival
- Generate quality and sustainable employment for local people
- Promote lifelong learning and skills development amongst the existing and future workforce
- Develop the physical infrastructure to meet business needs
- Attract investment into East Durham
EEF
EEF is dedicated to the future of manufacturing. As the manufacturers’ organisation, they believe that a modern, competitive and innovative manufacturing industry is central to the UK’s economic future.
Everything they do - working with manufacturers and policy makers - is designed to help that industry flourish and to meet the world’s evolving appetite for innovative and responsibly-produced manufactured goods.
They provide courses, apprentiships and tailored training. As well as the training, they offer a broad spectrum of consultancy from Business improvement to Occupational Health and Safety.
To find out about membership and what EEF could do for you vist www.eef.org.uk
Enterprise Europe Network
Supporting small business is a cornerstone of the EU's drive for growth and jobs. 99% of all EU companies are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), accounting for 67% of jobs. The EEN are co-financed through the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP, 2007-13), an EU funding programme designed to make European companies more competitive.
The EEN's services are tailored to SMEs but are also available to all other businesses, universities and research centres. International networking events are organised, helping to find potential business partners in other countries aiding expansion and reducing the risk.
The vast network aids in Technology Transfer, using Europe’s largest database of cutting-edge technologies, containing more than 13,000 profiles, the Network brings together research and commercial applications. Support in sourcing the right finance is offered, looking at Venture Capital, Loans, Tax Credits and Public Financial Aid.
For more information on our services or to learn more about how we may assist you, please contact Gillian Kears, Business Innovation Manager on 01740 625 780
Enterprise Europe Network for the North East of England
Enterprise Europe Network
PETEC
Thomas Wright Way
NETPark, Sedgefield
TS21 3FGEntrepreneurs’ Forum
The Forum provides a powerful cross-sector network to help new and developing businesses through sharing practical experiences via their open workshops, inspirational speakers and private mentoring.
They deliver millions of pounds of added value for the North East by bringing together like-minded entrepreneurs to share knowledge, contacts and inspiration in a confidential, non-trading environment.
They provide opportunities to raise awareness through the Forum's PR programme via the mainstream media as well as the Forum magazine and website.
They also give access to the expertise of the Forum's corporate partners who specialise in law, accountancy, IT and wealth management.
If you think the forum could help you contact info@entrepreneursforum.net
The 'If we can you can' website is also an extremely helpful source of information full of user-generated content to help aspiring entrepreneurs.
Entrust
Entrust provides assistance for individuals and local businesses through a range of customised services, tailored to meet your needs. These services are provided by their in-house staff supported by their extensive network of professionals and experienced business consultants who are passionate about enterprise and realise that every business is different.
They offer services, which aim to support small and medium sized businesses, to help them grow and prosper through services such as the Home Working Fund, cutting the costs involved with setting up efficient operations from home.
They also offer help in sourcing appropriate finance solutions. Entrust have strong links with Solutions for Business, the Government's suite of funded products.
To find out more email: enquire@entrust.co.uk
Federation of Small Businesses
The FSB North East have a network in excess of 4000 members. The members have access to a wide variety of discounted services and products as well as the FSB's continual lobbying to get small businesses a fairer deal in the North East.
They campaign and outline advice for government and EU policy in order to support small businesses. An Example of this is their campaign to freeze the National Minimum Wage in 2010.
They also offer a host of branch events as well as the regional AGM. For Information on membership, events and their extensive range of support services visit www.fsb.org.uk
Finance Tree
FINANCE TREE improves your ability to raise finance. They work with you from assessing your options and preparing your investment proposals and business plans right through to investor introductions and presentations.
Their innovative business model keeps overheads low which means that you are paying for our experience and our time. Their team members are experienced in running and owning their own businesses as well as corporate finance, which gives them a unique insight into your challenges and needs.
They align our success with yours, which means you can be confident that they are highly motivated to get you the money you need.
If you need additional working capital, or funds to expand or change your business please contact Emma to arrange an informal meeting with a member of their corporate finance team.
Five Lamps Organisation
FIVE LAMPS ORGANISATION offers support throughout your enterprise journey from developing your business idea, to helping you access a loan to support your business.
Five Lamps can offer you one to one advice and support throughout your enterprise journey from developing your business idea, to giving you a loan to support your business.
At Five Lamps business and enterprise support service include:
- Free one to one advice and support.
- Pre-start, Start-up & New Start business advice.
- Business plan and idea development.
- One- to- one business coaching.
- Preparation of financial projections.
- Sales and marketing assistance.
- Enterprise workshops.
- Ongoing help and business review.
- A comprehensive range of targeted business training.
- Business loans
- Pro-active referrals to partner organisations who will add value to your business.
Generate Ventures North
Generate Ventures North is a collective of experienced business practitioners who deliver impact-driven and quality monitored business improvement coaching. Their unique commercial assessment and business growth processes, combined with the right expertise, experience and commercial analytical abilities lead to better delivery and business development for its clients.
Their strength is in their collective coaching skills, phased assessment programmes and the involvement of senior monitors that ensures a uniform level of commercial assessment at any stage of development from start-ups to mature trading companies. Their programmes help clarify the commercial links between company strategy, its implementation and the funding levels required to execute business plans successfully and profitably. The Generate Ventures Partner Coaches have wide experience in investor readiness programmes and sources of finance for commercial organisations.
GENERATOR - Business of Music
Generator is a committed business encouraging regional music businesses at all levels from start up companies to those with proven commercial success. They offer a range of services some of which are listed below. For full details on these visit their website.
Transit is a bespoke national promoter development scheme that assists the professional development of grass roots live music promoters in the UK through a financial subsidy alongside core elements of training and mentorship including various forms of advisory and logistical assistance.
Advice on raising finance for a new music business through Generator specialist consultants or options to go it alone. Training courses are run with individual training programmes for music businesses across the North of England. They provide Consultancy for success in North East companies with the opportunity to develop a solid plan for future success by working alongside business experts that are able to offer invaluable guidance and experience.
Generator have recruited a pool of mentors to advise those who are serious about running a successful music business. The music clinic offers a wide range of services and reassurance to those taking the first few steps in the music industry.
There are many other services, support and facilities they offer. For full details contact mail@generator.org.uk
Girl Geeks
07817 858347Sector: All, Business & Financial services, Communications, Design/creative, Digital, Film/TV, IT/Software, Music, TechnologyGirl Geeks has been set up to support Women in business. Their particular interests are innovation, computing, technology and new media. They have a growing list of online and offline tangible services for the professional and personal development of their members across the North East Region. These include extensive networking opportunities, online blogs and a wide range of events with inspirational speakers.
Also new for 2010, they are developing workshops and a mentoring scheme to support members business needs. For more information, visit their website or email them at: mia@girl-geeks.co.uk
Go Wansbeck
Go Wansbeck helps grow local business and enterprise and to make Wansbeck a better place to work and live. They can help:
- If you are thinking about starting your own business
- If you are ready to start your own business in Wansbeck
- If you want to grow an existing business in Wansbeck
- If you have a business you want to move into Wansbeck
They also work with schools and young people to help them develop an interest in becoming more enterprising.
The Go Wansbeck Business Support Office is the home of their business support activities, so if you would like to talk to them about any aspect of Go Wansbeck, please call us on 01670 842888 or visit their website.
The Go Wansbeck Business Support Office team as they will be pleased to hear from you!
Innovation Accelerator
01642 447 295Sector: Biotechnology, Engineering, Science, TechnologyDedicated to nurturing innovative businesses within the science, technology, engineering and life sciences sectors, the Innovation Accelerator combines the industry know-how and leading edge facilities to support new and established companies in the North East of England.
With a cutting edge new facility comprising a 1000m2 fully integrated technology incubator, the Innovation Accelerator is able to offer pilot plants, specialist laboratories and office space to enable fledgling companies to develop new products and processes while reducing peripheral startup costs, such as provision of industrial services and purchase of general laboratory equipment.
Combined with the diverse industry experience and expertise available to residents, the Innovation Accelerator offers the perfect environment for companies looking to evolve exciting new business opportunities, from inception through development and commercial exploitation.
We can help you understand your competitive position, plan around intellectual capital and/or improve your business plans to increase growth. Our varied services include:
- Business start-up support, to help develop new business strategies and prepare for investment.
- Market intelligence, to help understand your market opportunities, and identify potential competitors.
- IP landscaping, to aide your understanding of the freedom to operate, planning and protecting your intellectual capital.
- Incubation, allowing you to access plug and play incubator facilities that help your business grow, and eliminate peripheral start-up costs.
- Technology commercialisation, to plan your technology roadmaps, scouting and brokering, and provide access to extensive scale-up expertise.
- Entrepreneur programme, which is designed to develop your entrepreneurial skills and provide you with the tools required for business growth.
MAS North East
The Manufacturing Advisory Service is a dedicated service aiding businesses involved in the manufacturing industry. They help any company involved in manufacturing activities, providing services such as; Free telephone support, a fully funded one-day diagnostic visit from a MAS specialist to review a company's entire manufacturing process, in-depth consultancy support to introduce improvement processes, Access to relevant industry 'best practice' visits, seminars and workshops and Referrals to specialist organisations for technical support.
Their IYRE (Improve Your Resource Efficiency) service has been set up in order to increase competitiveness and improve manufactures' environmental crudentials including; Waste reduction and management, Water use and targeted reduction, On site renewable energy and Environmental Management Systems & training.
They also host a variety of training events. To find out more contact enquiries@mas-northeast.co.uk or visit their website.
Middlesbrough Business Forum
Middlesbrough, like many towns has suffered from selected economic declines since the 1980’s as well as negative press and perceptions.
The regeneration of Middlesbrough’s built environment and economy offers a genuine opportunity for the town to be repositioned in a positive and compelling way that motivates residents, businesses and investors.
Regeneration funds are revitalising the overall town and a positive perception is being supported through the Love Middlesbrough campaign.
Middlesbrough has embraced the opportunity to be reborn as a thriving economic and cultural town not only in its own right, but also within the strategic development of other Tees Valley towns.
Middlesbrough Council alongside partner organisations places big emphasis on supporting Middlesbrough based businesses. Part of this work involves the development of a Business Forum for the town, whereby the business community can inform the council of the issues facing it and the council can consult with the business community on upcoming work, projects.
In addition, Middlesbrough Council wishes to use the Business Forum to inspire the local business community to achieve great results, and promote the fact Middlesbrough is ‘Open for Business’.
For more information email: info@middlesbroughbusinessforum.co.uk
My Future Unlimited
My Future Unlimited is a specialist training programme that shows you how to earn an income from consultancy, freelancing and interim management. It’s designed for people leaving the public and voluntary sectors who want an alternative way to earn an income, whether as a permanent career move or simply a stop-gap.
Is it for you?Whether you're just thinking about self-employment and want to know if it's right for you, or determined to do it and want to know how to make a success of it - we can help you. From defining your service to setting day rates and winning work, My Future Unlimited gives you the confidence and know-how to succeed.
It offers a group workshop, a resource pack, online networking and one-to-one support delivered by former public sector managers who've made the transition and lived to tell the tale. We've moved from public to private sector, from large organisation to working alone, so we really understand what it's like and how to make it work. We'll tell you everything we wish we'd known when we were starting out!
NanoCentral @The CPI
The Hub team has vast technical and commercial experience in nanomaterials providing advice and consultancy in many areas of nanomaterial development and commercialization from Funding assistance to Patent drafting.
NaREC
The National Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) at Blyth offers business support for new and renewable energy projects for SMEs.
The project covers a wide range of microgeneration such as solar thermal, photovoltaic, heat pumps, combined heat and power systems, wind turbines and biomass.
SME support focuses on Innovation advice and guidance to develop new and emerging micro-renewable technologies as well as providing support to encourage microrenewable uptake.
Narec funds and delivers Solutions for Business products and services. The following products are available in North East England, delivered through the projects outlined below across our core sectors:
Business Collaboration Networks
* Developing the Microrenewable Market
* North East Solar Technology and Business Development
Collaborative R&D
* North East Solar Technology and Business Development
* Marine Technology Design and Innovation
* Offshore Wind Industry sector Support
Business Growth – Specialist Facilities and Environments
* North East Solar Technology and Business Development
* Energy Markets Expansion
* Networks Development Plan
* National Wind Development Centre
* Technology Park Infrastructure
* Marine Incubation and Training
* Business Support in Microrenewables*
* Incubation and Inward Investment*
* Projects part-funded by the European Union.
Please see NaREC's sector service pages for further information.
NEPIC
NEPIC (North East Process Industry Cluster) represents the 500 Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Speciality, Polymer & Rubber, Petrochemical & Commodity Chemical companies based in North East England and was established by industry to improve the competitiveness of these sectors within the region and develop its long term future.
North East England is also home to an equal number of supply chain companies that support the region's process sector, making this a major economic cluster whose power and importance to the region and UK cannot be over emphasised.
NEPIC is a membership organisation with its member companies benefiting from industry led leadership and co-ordination of activities which has mutual benefit. The secret to NEPIC's success is that top industrialists from all sectors in the region form the NEPIC Leadership Team, whose key activity is to ensure the growth of this vital sector.
To see how NEPIC can ehlp your business and become part of this advanced knowledge contact them for:
- Business Opportunities - Supply Chain Connections - Networking - Marketing & Promotion - Investment Support -
- Productivity Programmes - Technical Support - Buying Groups - International Trade - Skills & Education -
NETPARK
NETPark Net is a virtual science park, enabling companies throughout County Durham and the North East to access the benefits of NETPark - the North East Technology Park, the UK's fastest growing Science Park. They offer a total business support environment with access to personalised content and proactive information via an online platform. As well as this, they also provide one-to-one clinics, workshops and events which cover a range of topics including law, operations and financial services that will help your business grow and flourish.
- Virtual Office Services - NETPark Net boasts a range of Virtual Office packages or individual virtual office services to suit every organisation's needs - you only pay for what you want to use. This ranges from a prestigious postal address at NETPark to flexible hot desking facilities and comfortable meeting rooms.
- Collaborate - NETPark Net creates the ideal environment for science, engineering and technology organisations to work collaboratively, develop new ideas and commercialise cutting edge technologies. Users gain access to international business networks, online communication tools and invitations to exclusive events.
- Consult - Users can access a range of services that offer tailored business advice from a panel of regional experts on areas including routes to market, access to finance and technology hunting.
- Learn - NETPark Net provides access to personalised content and information including news, events, tenders, opportunities as well as business support services such as clinics and workshops.
Contact them on netpark@wherebusinessgrows.com
Newcastle Innovation Machine
Newcastle as a Science City is aiming to create 500 new high growth companies by 2025. To help in the drive towards this ambitious target a unique vehicle, The Newcastle Innovation Machine (NIM) has been established.
What makes NIM different is that instead of starting from an idea or a scientific discovery then seeking a market, it begins by identifying an unmet need. This could be a product of service that makes a person's life easier or alternatively a product which can be produced more cost effectively and therefore sold onto the consumer at a lower cost.
The Newcastle Innovation Machine provides the perfect environment for entrepreneur’s ideas to thrive including funding support, access to contacts and networks across the region, property allocation along with advice on areas such as IP, licensing, law, finance and marketing support. At present NSC is working with six entrepreneurs on an in-house basis, to help develop their business ideas. However, NSC is also able through the NIM business model to support entrepreneurs and science-based businesses across the North East region. To find out more about the support available click here.
The project aims to create and support high-growth innovative companies and is part financed by the European Union’s ERDF Competitiveness programme 2007-13, securing £3m of ERDF investment through the regional development agency One North East.
NOF Energy
0191 384 6464Sector: Chemical, Engineering, Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, TechnologyWhether it's supplying contacts, providing support and guidance, promoting your company to a global audience, or keeping you up-to-date with industry activities, NOF Energy membership will ensure you maintain your competitive edge. They value the experience and opinions of their members and give you the chance to shape the services of NOF Energy.
Regular consultations and feedback on the services they provide help them to remain focused and proactive with the needs of their members in mind.
To find out more about NOF Energy's services including: industry intelligence, international business support, marketing and media, and consultancy services visit their website.
If you would like to find out more about the networking and events they organise click here or contact business@nofenergy.co.uk
North East Business and Innovation Centre
The BIC is an organisation which exists to service businesses of all sizes. Their experienced advisers help hundreds of new enterprises to start up each year, and the 14-acre BIC site can accommodate over 160 companies in purpose-built offices and work spaces. They also offer an array of technical resources and support services, as well as superb meeting / conference facilities fitted with the latest video conferencing equipment.
Advice is available on all aspects of business planning, and a range of specialist subjects, including marketing, new product development, funding sources, financial and legal issues. In addition, they help to find suitable premises for your business. As part of their support provisions, they regularly stage training courses, workshops and seminars on a variety of issues relating to starting up and developing business. Examples of courses include; Software Ventures, Be Your Own Boss and Marketing Magic.
Information on these and other events or courses they offer can be found on their website.
North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC)
The North East Chamber of Commerce is a membership body which champions, connects and develops member businesses, to win more business, become better businesses and enjoy better conditions for business within North East England and around the world.
North East of England Investment Centre (NEEIC)
The North East England Investment Centre (NEEIC) helps new and existing businesses to develop and grow. NEEIC administers a number of Solutions for Business products - such as Starting a High Growth Business, Innovation Advice and Guidance, Innovation Vouchers, Train to Gain and RDPE Business Support.
If you think you could benefit from its help, firstly, please phone Business Link for more information. An adviser will assess your needs. If you are eligible, they will support you through the application process.
Northern Defence Industries
NDI is the leading business development, marketing and project management company for the defence, aerospace and security supply network. The company supports its customers with a range of consultancy and project management interventions which are designed to create business opportunity in our core markets. The NDI has a broad network with a membership base of over 200 members providing a broad range of contacts in the industry. NDI supports supply network companies, providing access to industry-relevant events and exhibitions, creating valuable networking opportunities and raising company profiles. They provide commercial services to members and non-members in the following areas:
- Consultancy Services (including Business Process Development, Offset Support and SC21 Accreditation)
- Marketing Support (including Bid Support and Commercial Strategy Development)
- Project Management (including co-ordination of Defence Projects and MOD Supply Chain Development)
NDI has a Memorandum of Understanding with Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) and an alliance with NOF Energy. The agreements in place with these companies mean that NDI is a powerful voice for the small and medium sized companies in the UK that is heard by the Government, MOD and the Prime Contractor community.
The Marine Design Centre – the first of its kind in the UK – is a wholly owned subsidiary of NDI. It provides a focal point for the ship design industry in the North East, allowing training, development and joint project work under one roof.
Contact enquiries@ndi.org.uk for further details or visit their website.
NDI UK Limited (part of Business & Enterprise Group)
Head office: Spectrum 6, Spectrum Business Park, Seaham, SR7 7TTNorthern Film & Media
Northern Film & Media is the screen agency for the North East of England, providing the link between talent, experts and the market. It has partnered up with NorthStar Equity Investors to manage the £2.4m Finance for Business North East Creative Content fund.
It hosts a range of professional training events, including commissioning editors and industry experts to the region, organising workshops, seminars and courses with industry-standard training providers such as Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT), Indie Training Fund (ITF) and National Film and Television School (NFTS).
Northumberland Business Service
NBSL (Northumberland Business Service Ltd) is an Enterprise Agency based in Northumberland, operating across the county and the NE of England. Their strength is in their experience and ways of working with local, regional and national partners to build their customers a bespoke package of assistance.
Their network of high-street located Business Advice Centres house dedicated teams of staff to help you with problems faced when starting up and running a business. They can provide business advice, source useful information, and help steer your business in the right direction.
They provide a range of free business start-up and business support solutions for a range of circumstances, including:
- Guidance and development activity for individuals just thinking about self-employment
- Business skills development if you are about to, or have recently, set up in business
- Assistance to get your new business running
- Access to finance (including grants and loans) that may be available for your business
- Sourcing of business premises, including business incubation facilities and services
- Leadership and management skills development for your directors and senior managers
- Business mentoring and coaching to help you get the most out of working with us
Prince's Trust
The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme supports unemployed young people aged 18-30 to work out if their business ideas are viable and whether self-employment is right for them.
www.princes-trust.org.uk/need_help/enterprise_programme.aspx
RTC North
0191 516 4400Sector: Business & Financial services, Health and Social Care, Science, TechnologyRTC North is an independent company delivering initiatives and business services which support economic growth. They have significant experience over 20 years of helping start ups and SMEs to successfully take new products, technologies and services to market.
RTC North works with businesses throughout the innovation life cycle, from initial generation of ideas through feasibility, product development and business planning to market growth. They can provide extensive research and development support, helping to identify the right sources of funding and assist in proposals for EU Framework funding. RTC North also provides support for Market research, Marketing, Intellectual Property, Business Planning and International Growth. There is a host of resources available to their clients.
To find out more about the many services RTC North can offer and how they could help you, visit their website.
Solutions for Business
Sector: AllSolutions for Business (SfB) is a package of publicly funded business support products and services designed to help businesses start, grow and succeed. Solutions for Business products are simple to understand and access, good value for money and directed to where they will have most impact to help businesses grow. The right advice, loan or grant – at the right time – can make the world of difference to a business.
The full portfolio can be found clicking here.
The key Solutions for Business products are:
Understanding Finance for Business
These free training modules and workshops offer supplementary support to SMEs. They are designed to encourage individual and group interaction and participation. This is achieved through challenging you in a relaxed environment without being too overwhelming or confusing. The workshops are designed to demystify the aura that surrounds finance and commercial acumen workshops and provide a blend of theory, discussion, group presentations and experiential applied learning all within a safe, competitive and fun environment.
For further information please refer to www.financeworkshops.co.uk or call 0191 261 3812.
Coaching for High Growth
This innovative programme is run by Entrust and provides coaches or mentors for SMEs via their network of multiple providers who are matched to specific business needs of the SME. Their panel of highly experienced mentors and coaches bring industry experience, independence and objectivity to your business ambitions and goals; working with you to identify opportunities; providing links to sources of investment, and helping you make tough decisions to achieve
accelerated growth. They will help you to define your needs, select the right change agent and stay in touch afterwards to ensure that you are getting the most out of the programme.To apply for a place on the Coaching for High Growth Programme please use the online application form at www.entrust.co.uk and for further information please contact Michelle Rainbow at Entrust on 0191 244 4000 or email coaching@entrust.co.uk
South Durham Enterprise Agency
Covering County Durham, Wear Valley and Teesdale, The Enterprise Agency is a not for profit organisation offering a range of support services, business counselling, advice, training and consultancy. They deliver models of best practice and skills development to start and improve enterprises.
They have developed good working relationships with many local organisations, who may be able to support the development of your business through grant funding, loans or other financing methods.
These organisations include: County Durham Development Company, Durham County Council, Business Link North East, ONE North East, Natural England, Prince's Trust and the Arts Council.
The Agency can help you review your plans for growth and identify where potential funding may be available, then work with you and the organisation to submit applications.
Contact enquiries@theenterpriseagency.co.uk or visit their website for more information on what they could do for you.
Sunderland Software City
Sunderland Software City is a new initiative, based in the North East of England, designed to inspire and encourage the growth of the Software Industry in the region, and to make the area an attractive location of choice for software businesses.
They work with and support a range of software businesses, from pre-start stage up to established organisations looking to expand into new markets. In addition, they also work with companies from outside the UK who are looking to locate to the region, helping them to establish relationships and collaborative partnerships with existing regional businesses. We have developed a range of programmes and services, designed to innovate and inspire businesses at all stages of the business life cycle. You could be looking for dedicated space with connectivity and development platforms to establish your new venture. Perhaps you are seeking to move to bigger premises, with access to world-class infrastructure, or maybe you are trying to access finance to develop and move forward a new software concept. Listed below are the range of services they offer.
- Business Skills and Support
- Finance
- Technical Skills and Support
- Infrastructure
- Accessing Markets
For full information on these visit their website.
TEDCO Ltd.
A trusted and respected champion of enterprise, TEDCO has successfully helped to generate prosperity in the North East since its formation in 1984. Start-up Services Since 1984, TEDCO has offered a high quality service focused on giving individuals the knowledge and the skills they need to develop their own sustainable business.
In a typical year TEDCO helps people across Tyneside and Northumberland to create more than 200 new businesses and helps over 300 businesses to develop and grow. Typically their survival rates achieve levels of 75% within 12 months of trading. TEDCO's award winning model of Local Community Business Coaching draws upon aspects of models implemented in urban communities around the world.
TEDCO has worked in this area of coaching for over 10 years. Email them on enquire@tedco.org to find out how they could help you.
Tyne + Wear Development Company
Tyne and Wear Development Company offers independent advice on all aspects of expansion or relocation in Tyne and Wear. Tyne and Wear understand that getting the right support can be confusing and frustrating. Using their in-depth experience they can guide you through the processes and introduce your business to the right people at the right time.
Their free and confidential service is available to both large and small businesses and they will support you throughout your enquiry, giving you one consistent point of support.
UK Trade & Investment
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) can help you rise to the exciting opportunities and challenges that globalisation offers. They work with UK-based businesses to ensure their success in international markets.
- They offer extensive research contacts in every sector and every country.
- They offer access to the business potential offered by the main international aid funding agencies.
- They also offer sales leads and an international network of oppertunities direct to your inbox.
They have a huge network available to you and are well worth contacting at: enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk
They are currently running a series of events called 'Sell to the World', aiming to encourage local companies to embrace the idea of trading overseas. Check out the website to see when the next event is: www.selltotheworld.co.uk
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