BIC Newsletter

BICNews

Regional / Relevant / Relatable

Space to Think

The BIC's sister site, Business Central in Darlington, is celebrating 10 hugely successful years. It's a pretty personal milestone for me too, having being involved from the very start. In fact, if it wasn't for Business Central I wouldn't have met my husband Ian, we wouldn't share six grandchildren, my son Dan wouldn't have met his partner Sarah and their little boy wouldn't have been born! How different life would have been if I hadn't visited that snowy building site 10 years ago. But I'm not the only one to attach such warmth to the site, with so many of our brilliant tenants sharing personal and professional highlights too. Read our story!

BIC Shortcuts

Questions about business or personal finances? Do your banking at the BIC on Wednesday 21 May when Barclays hits the road to bring its experts directly to you. The Barclays van will be parking up outside, with business banking, growth and real estate experts on board ready to give you some answers. Book your spot.

Looking for investment for an ambitious, high-growth company in the Sunderland city region? Check out the Venture Sunderland Fund, which is primarily focused on businesses in technology, advanced manufacturing, the creative sector and green industries that are focused on growth and creating high-quality jobs. Initial investments of £200,000 - £750,000 are available to scalable companies with innovative solutions to societal challenges.

BIC Social

The BIC is channelling vintage vibes as we get ready to celebrate 80 years since VE Day. To mark the momentous milestone, we're hosting a celebration event on 8 May packed with community spirit, nostalgia and good vibes. If you're a BIC tenant, drop us an RSVP to your invitation to book!

To coincide with this, our popular Veterans in Business Networking Group is holding a special get together. Join us as a local historian recounts the stories of local Sunderland men and their contribution to the war, as well as a talk from the new team behind Sunderland Armed Forces Day as they share how you can get involved in one of the biggest days in the Armed Forces calendar. Find out more.

Entertainers receive national applause

BIC tenants ISG stole the spotlight at a glittering celebration of the UK's creative industry this month. The entertainment agency was crowned Agency of the Year at the prestigious TEAA Awards 2025.

Farming and freedom help shift mindsets for young people

A 200-acre organic farm is at the centre of John's fresh approach to wellbeing and learning, offering a safe space and a sense of belonging for young people struggling with mainstream education.

Only Human

Meet Vijayalakshmi

"The emotional side of this journey has been one of the most unexpected gifts."

VJ is building a business not out of ambition alone, but out of love, necessity, and lived experience.

She tells us how determination to help her own son has turned into a mission to make specialist support affordable, accessible - and full of delight... Read more>>

Dial up big savings and great service with BIC Telecoms

Did you know the telephone network as we know it is being switched off in 2027? Why not use the opportunity to shake things up by moving to the BIC's fair and flexible services? We've expanded to support you!

Live music in the sunshine? We're in!

Warm weather is on its way and so too is The Fire Station's hugely popular programme of summer parties. Get ready for great music and good times - the first wave of August shows is on sale now.