FIRST Thoughts…

WORKING WITH OTHERS

As we move through October, our focus turns to the power of collaboration. Success rarely happens in isolation - it’s built through teamwork and the support of those around us.

This month, we’re shining a light on how working with others creates real impact. From investing in our own team’s development, to preparing for Startup Awards North East (supported by Business Enterprise Fund) and providing local support across the North East, every step forward is strengthened by partnership.

In this edition, we celebrate the connections that help ideas grow, the communities that lift each other up, and the shared commitment that makes enterprise in our region thrive.

What we got up to in September

TEAM DEVELOPMENT

This month at FIRST, we’ve focused on deepening our understanding of accessibility and inclusion through team training with Celebrate Difference ADHD. The session gave us powerful insights into lived experiences, helping us to reflect on how we design and deliver our programmes. This learning is already shaping how we work, with our resources now being adapted to better support neurodivergent learners - ensuring materials are more accessible, flexible and responsive to different learning needs.

By learning together, we’re strengthening our ability to create a welcoming, supportive space where every learner feels empowered to succeed. Continuing to invest in our team means we can keep improving the learner journey - and that commitment is always at the heart of what we do.

LEARNER FEEDBACK

In the last academic year, our 37 accredited courses supported 332 learners and achieved a 100% satisfaction score. It’s a reflection of the care and support we put into every session.

Want to experience it for yourself? Sign up here. Sign up here.

Hear from past learners

STARTUP AWARDS NORTH EAST 2025 FINALISTS

This September, we selected the finalists for Startup Awards North East (Supported by Business Enterprise Fund), with applicants split across the SkillUP, StartUP, and ScaleUP categories. None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our partners, who help us provide such a valuable opportunity for startup founders across the North East.

A huge thank you to:

• Business Enterprise Fund - our headline sponsor.

• PNE - sponsor of the Impact Award within the SkillUP category.

• Hays Travel - sponsor of the StartUP category.

• North East Chamber of Commerce - sponsor of the Impact Award within the StartUP category.

• British Business Bank - sponsor of the High Growth Award within the StartUP category.

• Square One Law - sponsor of the entire ScaleUP category, including the Impact and High Growth Awards.

  
  

Your support makes these awards possible and creates a platform that inspires, celebrates, and empowers the next generation of North East founders.

Don’t miss the chance to experience the pitches first-hand. Secure your visitor pass now by clicking on the links below…

Full Day Ticket

SkillUP Category Ticket

StartUP Category Ticket

ScaleUP Category Ticket

OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NORTH EAST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

We’re delighted to share that FIRST is now part of the North East Chamber of Commerce Business Services Ecosystem! 🎉

The Chamber’s new ecosystem brings together trusted service providers and affinity partners across 12 core service pillars, designed to make it easier for members to access high-quality support, strengthen connections and unlock exclusive offers. Built by members, for members, it’s a space where North East businesses can save time, grow stronger and thrive together.

As part of this ecosystem, FIRST is offering fully funded Business Awareness Workshops for Chamber members. These workshops are designed to equip employees with the courage and skills they need to make a stronger impact from day one – from professional networking and career development, to presentation skills and industry risk awareness.

We’re excited to be part of this powerful network, working alongside the Chamber and fellow members to ensure businesses across the North East have the tools, skills and opportunities they need to succeed.

Learn more about our partnership here

SUPPORTING NORTH SHIELDS JUNIORS FOOTBALL CLUB

This month, we were proud to launch our new partnership with North Shields Juniors Football Club by sponsoring their brand-new Player of the Match trophy. The award celebrates effort, skill and determination on the pitch -recognising standout performances and encouraging young players to keep pushing forward.

At FIRST, we’re passionate about supporting our local community, and we look forward to seeing many more players lift the trophy over the season ahead.

INVESTING IN FUTURES

We’re excited to share that we’ve received a £100,000 investment from Big Issue Invest to help us grow and reach more people across the North East and beyond. This support will create new roles and take us closer to our goal of making enterprise skills a right, not a privilege. As our Managing Director, Charlotte Windebank, says, “The financial support has been a driving force in helping us reach more people and show that our work can have impact beyond the North East.”

Life in Motion: Case Study

PRIYA’S STORY: FINDING HER VOICE THROUGH SOUND AND COMMUNITY

When Priya arrived in the UK from Sri Lanka in September 2022, she felt completely alone.“I was isolated and unsure of my next steps,” she recalls. Having come from a strong charity background - her mother still works in the sector back home - Priya had always been passionate about supporting others. But the transition to life in the UK, particularly studying for a Master’s degree in Business at Northumbria University, was harder than she expected.

“University was very academic and lacked practical examples. I often struggled to connect what I was learning with real-world experience,” she said.

Everything began to change when she discovered the Angelou Centre in Newcastle. It was there she first heard about FIRST and decided to enrol on the Level 1 Business Course during her final semester of university.

“It was amazing. Julianne, our tutor, changed my life,” Priya said. “For the first time since moving to the UK, I felt like part of a community. The course offered real-life examples that I could apply to both my studies and future plans.”

Inspired by her experience, Priya went on to complete the Level Two Business Course - this time alongside her husband, a talented music composer.

“I enjoyed every part of it. Again, it was the practical side that stood out. Unlike university, these courses connected theory to reality,” she explained. “Before, I wasn’t sure which direction to take, but now I feel focused and motivated.”

Read the rest of Priya’s story here

Find out more about the Level One and Two Business Course here

October’s Plans:

CALLING ALL STARTUPS AND NEW FOUNDERS

We want to hear from you!

Your voice matters in shaping the future of enterprise in the North East. By sharing your thoughts and experiences, you’ll help us build a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities facing new founders in our region.

👉 Simply click the link below, complete the quick survey, and you’ll also be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 voucher.

FILL IN THE SURVEY

*Winner will be selected at random at the end of March

GET BUSINESS READY IN GATESHEAD WITH

ENTERPRISING NORTH

This October, we’re bringing approachable, no-cost business support straight into the heart of Gateshead’s communities – making it easier than ever for local people to access guidance that meets them where they are.

Through our drop-in sessions at The Bank in Chopwell and Winlaton Community Centre, we’ll be offering friendly support for anyone with a business idea, growing a side hustle, or already trading.

Across these informal sessions, local residents will be able to:

• Explore what they’re passionate about

• Find out what local support is available

• Build confidence to take the next step

• Make meaningful business connections

  
  

These sessions are completely free and open to anyone in the area. For those ready to take things further, we’ll also connect them into the wider Enterprising North ecosystem, ensuring they can access the right support to continue their growth.

OCTOBER’S FREE, ACCREDITED BUSINESS COURSES

Our Level One Business Course, offers a fully funded, nationally recognised qualification for learners in the North East.
Designed for curious minds seeking opportunities, it provides a supportive learning space where you can explore your ambitions, share thoughts - and any worries - with a friendly, experienced team who listen and celebrate your progress.

Level 1 Business Course
📅 Starts 6th October 2025
💻 Delivered online

Level 1 Business Course
📅 Starts 7th October 2025
💻 Delivered in person (Gateshead)

Ideal for beginners, this course offers a relaxed and encouraging environment to learn the fundamentals of business.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Don’t just take our word for it - here’s what one of our learners had to say:

"It broke everything down into simple steps, showed me what to consider, and gave me a clear roadmap to progress my ideas."