Succession from strength: New chapter for BIC as chief prepares to retire
The chief executive of one of the North East’s most pioneering business support organisations is to step down after 25 years at the helm. Paul McEldon OBE, who joined the North East BIC in 1994 before being appointed as chief executive in 2001, has announced he will retire from executive leadership next year, providing time to ensure the right successor is found. Paul will leave the BIC in a position of record […]
Congratulations to Let’s Do Business Finance, a valued NEN member, on being shortlisted for the Scale Up Business of the Year award at the Sussex Chamber Business Awards 2026
Let’s Do Business Finance has been shortlisted for Scale Up Business of the Year at the Sussex Chamber Business Awards 2026, recognising a year of strong, sustainable growth and increasing impact in supporting UK SMEs. The award celebrates organisations demonstrating exceptional growth alongside a clear plan for long-term financial sustainability. Over the past 11 months […]
Building Confidence: How Angelique is Growing Aesthetique by Equaligne with Support from Let’s Do Business Finance
Angelique, founder of Aesthetique by Equaligne, a rejuvenation business in Buckinghamshire focused on helping clients feel confident in their skin, explains how support from NEN member Let’s Do Business Finance through the Start Up Loans programme has helped her begin building a thoughtful, patient-centred aesthetics practice. Angelique didn’t set out to become a business owner. […]
North East BIC Helps Young Coach Build Thriving Football Business
A young football coach has realised his dream of setting up his own business after receiving support from NEN member North East BIC. Frazer Barker, 19, from Washington, launched Technical Focus after gaining experience working for another football coaching business and deciding to branch out on his own. Providing group coaching, one-to-one sessions and holiday […]
TEDCO report highlights rise of female entrepreneurs in the North East
How female entrepreneurs are shaping the region’s business landscape In the early 2000s, only around one in four entrepreneurs in the UK were women. Since then, the landscape has shifted. Women now make up close to 40 per cent of business owners nationwide. Reports such as the Rose Review have helped highlight this change and […]
NEN Member Enterprise Enfield Celebrates 40 Years of Inspiring, Supporting and Empowering Business Success
Enterprise Enfield celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a very special event on Friday 20th March at the Dugdale Centre, 39 London Road, Enfield EN2 6DS. Over 100 guests attended including business owners and entrepreneurs the organisation has supported over the past 4 decades; as well as representatives from other organisations which have provided funding for […]
New Sunderland counselling service championing cultural understanding with support from North East BIC
A new Sunderland-based community counselling service has launched to improve access to culturally informed mental health support. Al-Falaq Counselling, a community interest company founded by qualified counsellor Chompa Syeda Begum (MBACP), was set up to provide inclusive counselling services that remove cultural, language and faith-based barriers that can prevent people from seeking mental health support. While […]
The Sole Guyy – Fashion specialist steps up growth plans with new head office
A fashion business helping UK retailers source the world’s most sought-after trainers has expanded its presence in the North East of England. The Sole Guyy has moved to a new 472 sq ft head office and warehouse at the North East BIC following a third successive year of growth. Led by 18-year-old entrepreneur Elliott Usher, […]
National Enterprise Network celebrates 40 years of Yorkshire in Business
The National Enterprise Network (NEN) was delighted to join Yorkshire in Business in Scarborough to celebrate an important milestone – 40 years of enterprise support for businesses and entrepreneurs across the Yorkshire Coast. Operations Director Carol Daniels attended a special visit and celebratory lunch, bringing together partners, supporters and local creatives to recognise the organisation’s […]
Rain or Shine: Sunderland Mum Turns Personal Struggle into Counselling Business with Support from North East BIC
Sunderland counsellor Kirsty Laing has turned one of the lowest points of her life into a thriving new therapy business – and says she’s never felt prouder of who she is. Kirsty, who lives in Pennywell with her daughters Poppy and Millie, launched Rain or Shine Counselling in July last year with help from the North East BIC after a […]