BICNews

Regional / Relevant / Relatable

Space to Think

Here at the BIC, we're fortunate to have a team that's full of entrepreneurial energy. Many of our staff are registered as self-employed alongside their day jobs. It's not surprising given that we're an organisation dedicated to helping others start and grow their businesses. But I firmly believe that any company can benefit from fostering this entrepreneurial spirit in their teams.


It might sound counterintuitive at first: "How can supporting my staff to set up their own business be good for mine?" But, dig a bit deeper, and you could reap some serious benefits. Click here and I'll explain (and answer your niggling doubts).

Space to Think Image Square

BIC Shortcuts

Imagine if you could turn copy into a podcast to promote your business at the touch of a button. In the brave new world of AI, you actually can. If you've used ChatGPT, the process of using Notebook LM will feel familiar. Type prompts, ask questions, upload documents or paste text, website links and videos. Then click 'generate' to create your 'audio overview'. After a minute or two you'll have audio you can play directly in the browser, share, or download. You just need a Google account to log in.


Throw your hat in the ring! You're brilliant at what you do so why not let the world know it by entering the 2025 BUSINESSiQ Awards? In partnership with Amazon and announced at an event at Wynyard Hall in April, they promise to bring some sparkle to your work diary.

From Pinterest to premises - friends realise their dream

For years, friends Jo and Emily imagined how their fantasy coffee shop would look, curating design ideas during breaks from their medical jobs. Now they've brought their dreams to life by opening their own cosy cafe at the heart of their village.

Read more

Innovation Central welcomes another big name

Begbies Traynor, the UK's leading independent insolvency firm, is continuing its expansion across the region with the opening of an office at one of our Darlington sites, Innovation Central.

Read more

Sunderland is officially a Music City

Launched at our Growth Lab event at the Fire Station, the five year plan is designed to guide, inspire, and support the growth of the regional music economy and the next generation of music talent.

Read more

Freelancer looking to thrive on your own terms?

The new North East Freelance Network is designed to meet the unique needs of self-employed professionals. It provides tools, community and support - without any pressure to scale up or build a team.

Read more
Content Block Landscape

Only Human

Real life as an entrepreneur

Meet Donna

Chris turns childhood memories into opportunities

Chris loved helping out with his grandad's heating and plumbing business as a teenager and hoped to join the business. But life changed dramatically when he lost his mam and took custody of his younger brother. Now he's back in business...

Read more

Aaaand ACTION! Clapperboard company moves in

Game of Thrones, Peaky Blinders and Marvel's Venom. Just a few of the blockbusters produced with the help of clapperboards created by Forty One Thirty. Now the company will be supplying the TV and film industry from right here at the BIC.

Read more

Events

Below is a selection of workshops and networking sessions across the region.



For a full list of events, visit our website and search by topic or events in your area including: Start Up Sunderland > Growth Lab > Social Enterprise Workshops

3rd Feb How to start a business

4th Feb Level up your fundraising

6th Feb Strategic Growth Planning

7th Feb Intellectual Property Surgery

12th Feb Beach Sauna at the BIC

19th Feb Access to Investment

20th Feb Social Media for Business

20th Feb Connecting for Good Sunderland

View all events

Did a colleague send this to you? Nice of them! Use this link and we’ll email the next one directly to your inbox.

North East BIC

0191 516 6200 | info@ne-bic.co.uk | www.ne-bic.co.uk

Facebook  X  Linkedin  Youtube  Instagram  TikTok