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.