For Mental Health Awareness Week this year the Mental Health Foundation are raising awareness about the impact of loneliness on our mental health and the practical steps we can take to address it. We reached out to Jeni Smith from successful networking business Netkno to explore the importance of building and maintaining a strong network […]
Category: Blog


In the spotlight with David Lynch our Energy Innovation Partnership Manager
This month, we shine the light on David Lynch who leads our Energy Innovation Cluster, the North East Energy Catalyst Programme. The Catalyst is delivered in partnership with the North East LEP and supported by regional leaders in the sector. At a time when the global energy crisis is centre stage and businesses are looking […]

Network Diversity: Innovation through conversation with Jeni Smith of NetKno
‘Diversity’ can muster up a whole host of thoughts and emotions, and it’s a topic being considered more and more by businesses. But have you ever considered just how diverse your network is? At VentureFest 2022 I ran a session on Innovation through Conversation and facilitated a short networking activity. Post lockdown we’re all a […]

In the spotlight with NEPIC Innovation Manager Ryan Siddall
This month we talked to Ryan Siddall, Innovation Manager, who heads up our Manufacturing Innovation Cluster delivered by NEPIC. Ryan celebrated his two year work anniversary in January and having achieved so much in his role already, we found out more about his love of science, his new-found event management skills as well as […]

Partner Spotlight with Horizon Works’ Managing Director, Samantha Vassallo
What does your business have planned in the next 12 months? The next 12 months are looking busy for Horizon Works. Our business focus is on working with innovators from complex industries – from life sciences, game changers and emerging tech disruptors to global engineering giants. We will continue to help these visionary businesses to market […]

Partner Spotlight with Damien Charlton, Partner at Ward Hadaway.
This month we spoke to Damien Charlton, Partner at Ward Hadaway about his role, plans for the year ahead and how his team stay focused. What does your business have planned in the next 12 months? We are a business centred on strong relationships, so like many people we are looking forward to being able to […]

Building an Investment Ecosystem: What did we learn at the Accelerating Investment and Innovation Summit?
Estelle Blanks, CEO, Innovation SuperNetwork Over the last several years, we’ve worked hard at the Innovation SuperNetwork to develop an Access to Finance Programme which supports regional businesses to secure the innovation funding they need to realise their business ambitions. We’ve seen much success in helping businesses, including ParkingPerx, Rarecan, Dyman, Power Roll and many more develop connections, raise finance and […]

Why northern Health and Life Sciences?
It was a real pleasure to be invited to be part of this year’s Investment Summit, and to highlight some of the reasons why investors should take a closer look at the investment opportunities health and life sciences present. The sector offers a wealth of opportunities, with innovative ideas and research breakthroughs regularly spawning spin […]

Showcasing our regional innovation and demonstration capabilities
The energy sector in North East England is one of the region’s biggest growth industries and has a pivotal role to play in delivering the government’s Green Industrial Revolution, which aims to create and support up to 250,000 highly-skilled green jobs in the UK, many of which will be here in the North East. Against […]

The North East creative industries: unleashing the power and potential of creativity.
By Carol Bell OBE Strategic Engagement Lead – Creative England First, an introduction. Creative England and the Creative Industries Federation are part of the Creative UK Group. Our purpose is to harness the power of the creative industries to build a fairer and more prosperous world. We champion, convene, support and invest in creative businesses […]