As 2024 draws to a close, the SME Centre of Excellence is proud to reflect on a transformative year of growth, collaboration, and impact. From empowering entrepreneurs to fostering cross-border partnerships, we’ve dedicated ourselves to creating opportunities and supporting businesses of all sizes.
Here’s a recap of what we’ve achieved:
1,500+ entrepreneurs empowered, guiding them through business growth and success.
20,000+ hours of dedicated support offered to nurture thriving ventures.
300+ community members engaged, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Multiple start-up launches supported, accelerating fresh ideas to market.
150+ scale-ups served, enhancing strategies and boosting their performance, including a number of MBOs and exits.
Championing growth in partnership with NECA, NSBS, and Durham County Council.
Strengthening cross-border ties and fostering bilateral opportunities between the Middle East and Europe.
Showcasing our work at Biban 2024 and the World Investment Conference to 160,000+ attendees.
Building support for the Armed Forces Covenant, honouring service and contribution.
Regional Impact: Empowering SMEs Across the North East
Our commitment to the North East has remained steadfast through a range of impactful programmes:
Workshops Across the Region-In Durham, we delivered workshops on tender readiness and social value, helping businesses navigate opportunities with confidence. Through collaboration with the Northumberland Small Business Service, we hosted sessions covering topics like website building, creating business plans, and social media marketing. These workshops have been pivotal in supporting start-ups and small businesses.
Tailored One-to-One Business Support-Thousands of one-to-one sessions provided tailored guidance to businesses at various stages, helping them start, survive, and thrive.
ABC Awards Sponsorship-We proudly sponsored the ABC Awards, which recognise outstanding contributions in innovation, inclusion, and community impact. This sold-out event brought together the region’s leaders and highlighted the achievements of underrepresented groups.
Global Reach: Showcasing Excellence on International Stages
Biban 2024 and World Investment Conference-Our chairman, Ammar Mirza CBE, represented the SME Centre of Excellence at Biban 2024 and the 28th World Investment Conference, showcasing the North East’s thriving business landscape to over 160,000 attendees. These events strengthened global ties and highlighted opportunities for collaboration between the Middle East and Europe.
Champion Award Recognition-Ammar was also shortlisted for the Entrepreneurs’ Forum Champion Award, an accolade recognising role models in regional entrepreneurship.
Climb24 Guest Speaker-At Climb24, the UK’s festival of innovation, Ammar educated attendees on Inclusive Innovation, further cementing our leadership in promoting equity and progress.
Supporting the Armed Forces and Future-Focused Initiatives
Armed Forces Covenant Ceremony-In June, we hosted the Armed Forces Covenant Signing Ceremony, reaffirming our commitment to the Armed Forces community while providing a valuable networking platform for local businesses.
ISS Space Station at AirView Park-We supported the forward planning of the ISS Space Station, set to launch at AirView Park in January 2025. This initiative will position the North East as a hub for global innovation, boosting internationalisation and fostering economic growth.
Marketing and Creative Excellence
Our work extended beyond traditional business support, with services that enhanced the visibility and reach of our clients:
Developed websites, managed social media campaigns, and produced high-quality videos for businesses.
Advocating for Inclusion
Through active participation in initiatives like the Inclusion By Default campaign, ABCurry Clubs, and IBD Roundtables, we reaffirmed our commitment to making inclusion a priority for businesses and communities.
Looking Ahead
2024 has been a remarkable year, and we couldn’t have achieved this without the support of our incredible community. As we look forward to 2025, we are excited to build on this momentum, continue empowering businesses, and drive innovation.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to a prosperous 2025!
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