Over one hundred businesses attended South Tyneside’s Business Week, celebrating the success of the borough’s business community.

During the event, held from Monday 10^th until Friday 14^th February 2020 in venues across the borough, businesses and entrepreneurs gained local and regional business insights, practical advice and benefited from collaboration and networking opportunities.

Councillor Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council, opened proceedings, thanking the businesses in attendance for all that they do for the local area – for the job creation, the careers they kick-start, the local reputation they enhance, and their contribution to making South Tyneside an outstanding place to live, work and raise families.

He said: “South Tyneside has a lot to be proud of in terms of the achievements of our business community, and it is clear businesses here are creating ripples not only across the region, but across the globe in so many ways. This was highlighted in sessions across the week, no more so than by the business story of global retailer Barbour.

“In an inspirational speech, Barbour told business delegates how the fifth-generation family owned business trades in over 40 countries worldwide, but is still headquartered in Simonside, South Shields, where the classic wax jackets are still manufactured by hand.” 

Throughout the week, businesses took advantage of in-depth workshops and topical sessions, arranged by Invest South Tyneside, providing them with specialist advice on subjects such as going global, marketing, innovation and digitalisation to inspire and support their growth.

Delegates also gained vital insights from the key players within the region’s business community including Angela MacOscar, Head of Innovation at Northumbria Water; NEPO Business Club & B2B North Ltd; Dr Jo North, Technology and Transformation Leader at Port of Tyne; David Boath and Nick Devitt, Innovation Specialists.

Delegates also had the opportunity to engage with regional business and support organisations – including North East Growth Hub, Advance Manufacturing Forum, RTC North, North East Chamber of Commerce and Finance North East.

South Tyneside Business Week celebrated the return of the borough’s popular Tech Talks with a panel hosted by Ian Farrar, Managing Director of Far North Limited, featuring a stellar line-up of North East tech experts discussing App development.

Delegates also joined the region’s top digital talent for the formal opening of One Trinity Green’s new Content Suite – a fully equipped studio where businesses can ‘plug-in and play’ – housing the latest podcasting, lighting and video equipment. 

The week culminated with a range of businesses and community groups pledging their support to the borough’s #LoveSouthTyneside campaign. 

Councillor Iain Malcolm added: “The Valentine's Day event included a mix of presentations and films to inspire business to #LoveSouthTyneside. From the exceptional work Vic Young does in recruiting apprentices, supporting local schools, and giving to local charities to the ‘Litter and Laugh’ initiative organised by GoldFinch Estate Agents, businesses are clearly getting involved with this campaign, improving the environment or helping good causes that improve the lives of people in South Tyneside.”

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