By Vanessa Wood, Centre Manager at Business Central
Building business communities: How are they built and why are they important?
The U.K has built a strong position in the world of business that has been achieved over many years. From the Industrial Revolution to being a global leader in creative industries today, Britain remains top of the ranks when it comes to business. With a growing number of start-ups and new businesses emerging, there has been a dynamic shift in professional working environments towards a growing notion of providing support in community environments.
London has more co-working spaces than ever due to increasing demand for this type of space: one that won’t break the budget, provides a sense of community and has an overarching goal of success. While the capital city remains the hub of the U.K economy, many of these businesses and work principles are mirrored across the country.
The North East has seen business communities thrive, with the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) leading the way with centres in Sunderland, Washington and Darlington. We are going to take a look at how the BIC has become the business community of the North East and what it can celebrate today, 25 years after it was established.
What is a BIC?
A BIC (Business Innovation Centre) is a quality certified organisation that supports the development and growth of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) as well as entrepreneurs and start-ups. BICs offer a wide range of services to businesses, all contained within a cost-effective hub. Most importantly, BICs not only provide support but also assess the best ways to maximise the potential of the local economy too. They ensure this by using both private and public financial resources effectively so that they reach the right people, projects and business opportunities.
The North East BIC is an active member of the European BIC Network (EBN) and is the only BIC that is accredited in the region.
What does the North East BIC offer to entrepreneurs and businesses looking to get up and running?
The North East BIC is a not-for-profit organisation offering a range of beneficial services from a versatile business and innovation centre in Sunderland. Focussed on providing growth and support opportunities for both established businesses and emerging businesses in the North East, there are a number of ways that the BIC could support you:
Social enterprises, if you’re dreaming of setting up a social enterprise to help change the world for the better, the BIC can provide the varied support you may need to help your dream become a reality in the form of advisers who are specialists in charitable, community and voluntary projects.
Professional IT services are offered throughout the BIC which are both affordable and reliable.
Erasmus for young entrepreneurs offers an exchange programme whereby an individual can spend 1-6 months gaining experience within a European business, or they can become a host company for an individual from one of the countries in the programme.
Pulse Creative Marketing offers BIC tenants the opportunity to get their marketing strategies for their business to where it needs to be. Through providing tailored marketing support, there are a number of ways that Pulse can help you including free reviews.
Innovation Programme at the BIC can help SMEs realise their innovative potential through the provision of guidance throughout a grant process to set up an innovation project of your own or explore your innovation potential.
The North East BIC’s mission and how its been reached over 25 years
The North East BIC is located in Sunderland on a former shipping site, and was founded in June 1994. Since its establishment, it has helped create over 7,500 jobs across the region (pretty impressive, don’t you think?). Taking inspiration from its industrial heritage, the BIC’s goal was implemented to drive business success in the North East. Today, the BIC site covers fourteen acres with its business spaces comprising of offices, bioscience labs, incubator units and large industrial facilities too.
What has the BIC achieved?
Since 1994, there have been the following key milestones in business success across the region:
- The BIC has helped to start up over 4,000 businesses.
- 75% of these businesses have remained in trade to this day.
- 12,000 individuals have visited the BIC with business ideas.
- 700 businesses have been accommodated.
- Over 7,500 jobs have been created in the North East.
- There has been a £750 million turnover from collective businesses.
- 140 diverse businesses are situated on the site today from sectors including pharmaceutical, scientific, marketing, design, software and finance.
- 1,000 people actively work on the BIC site.
- Environmentally conscious, the BIC buildings utilise green power inclusive of solar panels.
- 3 locations across the region.
BIC opened Business Central Darlington in 2015
2015 marked the year that the BIC expanded its property portfolio opening Business Central in Darlington, its smaller cousin. Mirroring the idea of building business communities for success, Business Central offers a range of support services to businesses in the area as well as office space, co-working areas and communal meeting and event spaces.
Housing a number of varied businesses from those operating in the recruitment sector to digital marketing, Business Central is also thriving due to its strong community and a growing number of support services.
BIC opened the Hub Washington
The BIC added to its property portfolio for a second time in 2015, opening the Hub in Washington. The Hub boasts 17 offices across two floors and business support services to new and growing businesses.
Success stories
You’re probably curious to learn more about the businesses that the BIC have supported over the years and rightfully so. Here are a few case study examples…
Shaun Donnelly, Bishopweamouth Co-operative
Bishopwearmouth Co-operative CIC took over a former council horticultural space, transforming it into a garden centre that provides daycare facilities and employment for people with learning disabilities.
“We wouldn’t be where we are now without Kevin and Ernest’s support. Kevin helped us understand our community goals and made sure all of our plans and policies were in place and Ernest provided us with vital financial support by helping us accurately evaluate our cash flow.”
Paul and Linda Barron, Clean Bean
Husband and wife, Paula and Linda, launched Clean Bean after the endless inspiration taken from their travels across the globe including Nepal and Tasmania. Clean Bean, located in Seaham serves a wealth of delicious and ‘clean’ dishes to its customers. After being put in contact with adviser Margaret Cook, the duo was able to write their business plan and get the funding they needed to make their dream a reality…
Celebrations
Later this year, the BIC will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary with Business Central holding their own celebrations.
Are you looking for the next step to take to bring your business idea to fruition? Take the first step and see your business succeed by joining the BIC family.