We think BIC, that's really BIC

May 24 2007 By The Journal

Since opening in 1994, the North-East BIC has become one of the region's most prestigious business locations, and is currently home to over 160 businesses.

The complex covers a 14-acre site and the accommodation includes incubator units and executive offices, as well as bio-science labs and large industrial facilities.

However, the BIC's contribution to the regeneration of the region goes deeper than simply providing a home for developing businesses.

Having assisted in the creation of more than 6,000 jobs in the region, the core purpose of the organisation is to provide a range of support services to bolster business activity and communities in the North-East. Willie Herdman, said: "We exist to support the development of an innovative and enterprising culture. There can be no better reward than seeing a business - which has received a range of our support services - flourishing and respectively contributing to future local enterprise and community.

"St Astier is a perfect example of this process."

While carving out a position as one of the region's leading firms, construction specialist St Astier has taken steps in staff development which are almost unprecedented in the industry.

As part of director Ranson Og's plans to make the business sustainable and socially responsible, workers not only benefit from technical skills training but also from courses aimed at personal development and enhancing employee's soft skills such as leadership, confidence, communication and problem solving.

St Astier was established four years ago by Ranson and his wife Carol after they received a range of start up services, advice and guidance from the North-East Business and Innovation Centre.

They now have offices in County Durham and Leeds as well as central Newcastle, and are recognised as one of the region's leading structural repair specialists - they have restored Newcastle's Castle Keep, Sallyport Tower, and St Mary's Church, Gateshead.

For information on business support, contact the BIC on (0191) 516-6145.