North East Chamber of Commerce

North East Chamber of Commerce We’re the North East’s largest and most influential business membership network.

We support, connect and represent more than 2,000 organisations employing 40% of the region’s workforce. We ensure our members are at the heart of building a thriving economy and making our region the best place to live and work.

10/09/2026

From amazing spaces to thriving places... George Clarke is joining us for our third mini-series event: Place to Prosperity: Culture, Investment and Growth.

Best known for Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, George is also a passionate campaigner for better, greener and more affordable homes.

Join George and a fantastic line-up of speakers and panellists at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music on Thursday 15 October for a conversation about regeneration, investment, culture and the future of place-making in the North East.

Sponsored by Esh Group, the event will explore how great places can help drive long-term prosperity across our region.

Come and be part of the conversation, or book the full mini-series for the bigger picture of the opportunities shaping the North East economy👉 https://www.necc.co.uk/events-awards/conference-mini-series.html

08/09/2026

From Stockton to Singapore: Southern Asset Management is joining us in taking that big step with our Trade Ready Mission.

Southern Asset Management is a Teesside-based business specialising in inspection, testing and structural assessment - helping organisations keep roads, rail, streetlights and wind assets safe, compliant and well-maintained.

Now they’re looking further afield. In this video, hear why Steve Southern is joining us in our mission to explore the opportunities available in the wider Asian markets. 👇

With North East exports to Singapore up by 110% in the last year, more businesses in our region are seeing Asia as a realistic next step. The question isn’t just “should we go?”... it’s “how do we go in the right way?”

Our Trade Ready Mission to Singapore (22-28 Nov), delivered with the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore (BritCham), is designed to give businesses the connections and in-market support to do just that.

👉 Could Singapore be the right next step for your business? For more information about the mission, contact Michael Dickinson or visit: https://lnkd.in/e8SGyvEX

"I want girls to grow up not putting limits on themselves, to look at an industry like mine and see opportunities, not a...
03/09/2026

"I want girls to grow up not putting limits on themselves, to look at an industry like mine and see opportunities, not a closed door. That's how women rise."

That message set the tone for today's Inspiring Women in Business Conference, proudly sponsored by PD Ports.

Now in its fourteenth year, the conference brought together more than 150 people from across the North East to celebrate our theme and the power of supporting one another, pushing boundaries and tackling challenges.

🗣️ From Michelle Robson of PD Ports sharing her experience of progressing in a male-dominated sector, to thought-provoking contributions from Kathryn Meadows (Nicholson's Butchers), Meg Hardiman (Community Foundation North East), Dr Birju Bartoli (Northumbria NHS) and Alexandra Knight (STEMAZING), the day was full of honesty, insight, laughter and plenty of food for thought.

🎤 Our Workplace Equity Panel, chaired by Chamber President Deb Walton, explored how employers and business leaders can create more inclusive workplaces, with contributions from Michelle Robson (PD Ports), Andy Broadbent (New College Durham), Jessica Gwaringa (Moonrise 24hr Recruitment) and Sam Rennison KPM (The Experience Effect).

🤝 Our interactive workshops with Sam Rennison and Lucy Phillips gave attendees practical tools to take back to their workplaces. And of course, it wouldn't be an Inspiring Conference without a little warm up provided by the lovely team at True Colours Theatre!

What made today's event really special was feeling the sense of connection in the room. Women and allies shared their experiences, the barriers they encountered and encouraged one another to take up space - particularly in sectors and roles where women remain underrepresented.

Because when we support each other, we all have a better chance to rise.

📸 We’ll be sharing all the photos and a full round-up next week, so keep an eye out to relive the day!

A huge thank you to event sponsor PD Ports for their support, and to every speaker, panellist and attendee who made this year’s conference such a success!

Our Inspiring Women in Business Awards deadline is tomorrow at noon. Have you got your entry in?Before our submission de...
03/09/2026

Our Inspiring Women in Business Awards deadline is tomorrow at noon. Have you got your entry in?

Before our submission deadline closes, we want to spotlight our next award: Most Inspiring Employer - Over 50 Employees! 💪

This award, sponsored by RE:GEN, recognises the member organisations which have made a significant contribution to the development and retention of women in their workforce, whilst inspiring the next generation of women in business.

Last year’s winner was Hay & Kilner! 🏆

Hay & Kilner combines almost 80 years of North East heritage with a progressive, people-first culture. Women drive success at every level, representing 77% of the workforce, 56% of partners and a majority-female board. With enhanced family policies, mentoring and clear progression, this independent firm enables women in law to develop and lead.

Could your organisation be the next winner? Get your entry in before submissions close! 🔗 https://www.necc.co.uk/events-awards/inspiring-women.html

We need YOUR help to make sure our North East’s business story gets told properly.Every quarter, our Quarterly Economic ...
28/08/2026

We need YOUR help to make sure our North East’s business story gets told properly.

Every quarter, our Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) collects real insight from businesses across our region. Those results go straight to policymakers and decision-makers who are shaping the policies that affect us all.

But... the survey's impact can only be effective if enough businesses take part. And right now, we need more voices in the mix.

It takes just a few minutes of your day to complete, and your answers help ensure the challenges and opportunities you’re facing don’t get missed. For every response we receive, we'll be donating £1 to Crisis, a charity supporting those experiencing homelessness.

If you’ve got 5 minutes today, we’d really appreciate your input. Complete the survey here 👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QESQ326

The submission deadline for our Inspiring Women In Business Awards is 4 Sept! Don’t miss the chance to put an inspiring ...
26/08/2026

The submission deadline for our Inspiring Women In Business Awards is 4 Sept! Don’t miss the chance to put an inspiring person you know forward! 👋

The Community & CSR Inspiring Woman of the Year: Charity Award recognises an individual working in a charity, voluntary or third-sector organisation, with registered charity status, who goes above and beyond to make a difference. Whether by implementing new services/campaigns, championing colleagues’ wellbeing, or driving CSR initiatives with partners, the winner will show real impact on beneficiaries and communities.

Last year’s winner was Steph Capewell, founder of Love, Amelia!

Steph, after the loss of her daughter, transformed grief into a movement for change. Her charity has supported more than 25,000 children, tackling poverty with compassion, innovation and evidence-based action. A King’s Award recipient, Steph’s leadership brings dignity, hope and opportunity to families across the North East.

Know an inspiring woman in the charity or voluntary sector? Submit your entry or nomination here 👉 https://www.necc.co.uk/events-awards/inspiring-women.html

How do we make sure the North East has the people, skills and workplaces it needs to grow? And what does AI mean for the...
24/08/2026

How do we make sure the North East has the people, skills and workplaces it needs to grow? And what does AI mean for the way we work right now, not in ten years’ time?

These are some of the biggest questions facing businesses across our region, and on 18 September we’re bringing together an outstanding line-up of business, education, policy and technology leaders to tackle them. Swipe below to meet our speakers and panellists →

Be part of the conversation 👉 https://www.necc.co.uk/events.../conference-mini-series.html

From the changing skills employers need and how we attract and retain talent, to the practical impact of AI on jobs, productivity and decision-making, Powering Productivity and Growth: People, Jobs and AI, sponsored by SES Technology will get into what all of this means for businesses in practice.

Joining the conversation at Teesside University Digital Life Centre are: Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell, Eddie Tribe, Evenna Ottey, Darren Hankey, Kate Shoesmith and Claire Ainsley, bringing perspectives from industry, technology, education and national policy.

If you’re thinking about your workforce, your organisation’s productivity or how to prepare for what comes next, this is a conversation you’ll want to be part of.

Want the full picture? Book onto our full series to follow the conversation across all three events, understand how the issues connect and be part of a new programme exploring the opportunities shaping the North East.

As the countdown to our Inspiring Women in Business Awards submission deadline gets closer, we want to highlight the New...
20/08/2026

As the countdown to our Inspiring Women in Business Awards submission deadline gets closer, we want to highlight the New Business Award, proudly sponsored by Sage!

This award, launched last year, recognises women leading the way in start-ups, sole-trader ventures, or businesses under three years old. It’s about celebrating those who are building something new with passion, drive, determination and inspiring others as they do it.

Last year's winner was Cheryl Spears, founder of Spearheads!

After pausing the company to support her baby daughter through hospital treatment, Cheryl relaunched and grew it, empowering a freelance team and championing confidence and resilience in a fast-paced industry.

Know someone who fits the bill? Submit your nomination or your entry by 4 September👉 https://www.necc.co.uk/events-awards/inspiring-women.html

Our history with Newcastle Building Society continues 💙. Spanning over 15 years, the building society has been the large...
20/08/2026

Our history with Newcastle Building Society continues 💙.

Spanning over 15 years, the building society has been the largest corporate sponsor of the foundation - pledging over £3 million in that time.

Now, as we begin construction of the new Sir Bobby Robson Institute, they have contributed £50,000 to help us get closer to transforming cancer research for the region.

Thanks Newcastle Building Society for your continued support!

Read more: https://shorturl.at/5MIpw

Congratulations to everyone receiving GCSE, BTEC and Level 2 vocational results today! Results day can bring a real mix ...
20/08/2026

Congratulations to everyone receiving GCSE, BTEC and Level 2 vocational results today!

Results day can bring a real mix of excitement, nerves and “what happens next?” moments. Whatever your results, today marks the start of a new chapter - whether that means staying on in education, starting an apprenticeship or taking your first steps into the world of work.

For the North East, today’s results aren’t just personal milestones. It’s also a chance to celebrate the next generation of talent who will help shape our region's businesses, communities and economy in the years ahead.

As a business community, we all have a role to play in supporting young people. Creating opportunities, sharing knowledge and advice or helping them see where their skills could take them.

Big well done to everyone receiving their results today!

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Aykley Heads Business Centre
Durham
DH15TS

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