THE region’s leading business development agency is celebrating its 25th anniversary. For the past quarter of a century, Tyne and Wear Development Company has been working to encourage business investment within Tyne and Wear’s five boroughs.
During this time it has been involved in some of the region’s biggest inward investment projects at the same time as helping hundreds of ambitious local businesses with their growth plans.
As the region’s economic landscape has gradually shifted away from traditional heavy industries, Tyne and Wear Development Company has worked to support a new generation of engineering and manufacturing businesses as well as SMEs in emerging sectors including renewable energy, digital media and contact centres.
Local companies to have benefited from ongoing support over the years include Sunderland-based electronics company Connor Solutions, Gateshead’s Turbo Power Systems, Newcastle’s Broadband Computer Company, South Tyneside manufacturer Cottam Brush Company and North Tyneside’s CBL Data Recovery.
Paul Buie, manager of Tyne and Wear Development Company, said: “SMEs are the driving force of the regional economy, providing sustainable employment and wealth for the area.
“In recent years we’ve provided dedicated support to SMEs across an increasingly diverse range of sectors at the same time as helping some key inward investment projects.
“We can provide advice on a whole range of issues and the earlier we can get into help a company the more effective we can be.
“With many SMEs we don’t just provide one-off support but have strong long-term relationships and have provided assistance with several different projects over the years.”
Tyne and Wear Development Company remains the first port of call for business investment in the region today just as it was 25 years ago.
It continues to work on behalf of Tyne and Wear’s five local authorities to provide strategic support for growing businesses.
Free and confidential advice is provided on all business growth matters including property, funding, labour, demographics and important background information about the region.
A long-term aftercare service is also provided for investors.
One company to have benefited from this support is Cottam Brush Company which is reaping the benefits of a major investment in a 22,000 sq ft factory in South Shields.
Tyne and Wear Development Company helped the firm to sign a 15 year lease on its new factory after undertaking an exhaustive search of properties across the region.
Managing director Ben Cottam said: “The move was a fantastic success and the novelty hasn’t worn off. Tyne and Wear Development Company were first class.
“We had to move quickly when we agreed to sell our old site and they were with us all the way - identifying suitable premises, arranging viewings and signposting potential financial support.”
For those looking to invest in commercial property, Tyne and Wear Development Company delivers a bespoke service.
It manages one of the largest commercial property databases in the region and works closely with property agents to pinpoint sites that match investors’ needs.
Support extends beyond property identification and the agency will work on behalf of clients to arrange viewings, accompany investors on site visits and also help with negotiations.
Paul added: “Alongside general business development advice, we find property is one of the key areas in which we can help SMEs.
“They rely on our knowledge of the market to find the best solution. When companies are focussed on day-to-day operations and perhaps lack a deep knowledge of the property sector we can make a real difference.”
For more information about business investment opportunities in Tyne and Wear visit www.tyne-wear.co.uk, or telephone 0191 516 9099.
With many SMEs we don’t just provide one-off support but have strong long-term relationships and have provided assistance with several different projects over the years