FIRST News…

Join Us at FIRST for an Informative Networking Event - Employee Ready!

Are you a new business owner ready to expand your team? FIRST is hosting a must-attend event that focuses on the critical step of hiring your first employee. This informative networking session will feature insightful guest speakers, valuable information on knowing when it's the right time to hire, and plenty of refreshments. Click here to grab your FREE ticket. 

If the 11th doesn't work for you or you can't commit to an in-person event, we also offer an online event on the 9th.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and gain the knowledge you need to grow your business successfully!

Business ‘N’ Bait Networking Event

Join us for a transformative evening of networking and entrepreneurial inspiration, with a special focus on marketing and business growth in Gateshead! Discover the fully funded opportunities available to companies, CICs, sole traders, and residents across the North East.

Unlock the Power of Marketing:

This event is a golden opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of marketing. Whether you're a Startup founder, a budding entrepreneur, or a seasoned business owner, understanding effective marketing strategies is crucial for your success. By attending, you will gain invaluable insights from marketing experts who will be sharing their knowledge and experiences. Click here to get your FREE ticket.

2024 Impact Award Shortlisted

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been shortlisted for the Entrepreneurs’ Forum 2024 Impact Award! We are so grateful for this nomination and wish to thank everyone who has supported us in our 10 years of operation. The winner will be announced at a celebratory gala dinner on Friday 27th September. Fingers crossed! 

Startup Awards North East 

Start-Up Awards North East was a tremendous success! We celebrated 46 emerging and growing businesses, with a total of 6 awards handed out.

SkillUP Category: 

• Mark Breillat: Founder of The Geordieland Experience (winner of the Social Impact Award)

• Kgosi Masebe-Langa: Founder of Finance Bae (winner of the High Growth Award)

StartUP Category: 

• Lauren Percy: Founder of Mighty Minds Life Coaching for Kids (winner of the Social Impact Award)

• Temitope Ojo: Founder of The Sensual Healing Lab (winner of the High Growth Award)

ScaleUP Category: 

• Kayleigh Laverick: Founder of Mamma Social Co Limited (winner of the Social Impact Award)

• Trevor Shingler: From T&G Direct Funeral Services (winner of the High Growth Award)

  
  

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who was part of and supported Startup Awards 2024.

Your support and participation made the event truly special.

If you would like to be part of the 2025 Startup Awards (either as a finalist or sponsor), please click here. 

Blogs, News, and Events from the North East Business Ecosystem

🏢 Find your business a new home. 🏢

PNE’s spacious office suites offer a range of features:

• Superfast broadband

• Transport links

• City centre location

  
  

Book a viewing now: workspace@pne.org

Are you a Social Enterprise in Gateshead?

PNE and BIC’s second Action Learning sets for the Social Enterprise Gateshead programme is here!

All ALS sessions will be held VIRTUALLY!

Excited to join in? 

Take the next step and apply here

Funding for business:

Business and Enterprise Fund (BEF) is delighted to serve as one of the fund managers for British Business Bank’s North of England Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.

Businesses based in the North can explore the finance options available under the fund and find out more here

Square One Law is thrilled to announce the return of the 'Fear Less, Do More' Podcast for its third season 

Featuring FIRST founder Charlotte Windebank🎉 🎙️

Last week, we released the latest episode of our 'Fear Less, Do More' podcast featuring Charlotte Windebank, Founder of FIRST. 

Charlotte's dedication to empowering underrepresented communities shines through in this episode.📽️

Episode 8: Curiosity, Representation and Entrepreneurship – out now

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4aPoDH8
🍏 Apple: https://bit.ly/3s724Nn
🎥 YouTube: https://bit.ly/4aSLC4b

PNE is now offering a new management and leadership qualification. These CMI-accredited courses encompass a variety of business skills, ranging from introductory management to strategic planning at the executive level.

Find out more via our Management & Leadership Qualifications link here: 

Have a look at what they have to offer here. 

FIRST’s Choice for Upcoming Events…

Curated opportunities to explore your curiosity:

• 3/7: Whey Ayes & Shine Breakfast Networking - TICKETS

• 5/7: Team Valley Business Networking Breakfast - TICKETS

• 7/7: Maximise Your Impact Using Market Research - TICKETS 

• 8-11/7: NWG Innovation Festival - TICKETS

• 9/7: The World Famous 1-3-5 Action Plan - TICKETS

• 11/7: Powering Productivity & People Performance - TICKETS

• 12/7: Team Valley Business Networking Breakfast - TICKETS

• 17/7: BUSINESS 'N' BAIT - TICKETS

• 18/7: How to Enhance Marketing Campaign Planning with AI - TICKETS 

• 18/7: Building a Basic Business Website - TICKETS

• 19/7: Developing a Brand Workshop - TICKETS

• 19/7: Team Valley Business Networking Breakfast - TICKETS

• 23/7: Why Time Matters for Small Businesses - TICKETS

• 26/7: Team Valley Business Networking Breakfast - TICKETS

• 2/8: Team Valley Business Networking Breakfast - TICKETS

• 14/8: How to Master Digital Marketing - TICKETS 

• 24/9: Powering Productivity & People Performance - TICKETS

• 17/9: Why Time Matters for Small Businesses -  TICKETS