Hartlepool businesswoman named female business leader of the year

Hartlepool’s Vikki Jackson-Smith has been named Female Business Leader of the Year at the prestigious British Business Awards 2025. The managing director of J&B Recycling, an FCC Environment company, collected the honour at a ceremony held last night at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. Vikki, who began her career at just 16 as a weighbridge officer in her family’s business, was...

North East pioneers in innovation honoured at business awards

Celebrating the very best in regional innovation, the North East Innovation Awards was a standout feature of this year’s VentureFest North East – a flagship innovation event that brings together entrepreneurs, SMEs, investors, and industry leaders for a packed agenda designed to spark growth and unlock potential. The event, which is now in its 11th year, is delivered by Innovation SuperNetwork...

Tees Valley SMEs urged to secure investment support before deadline

Tees Valley-based SMEs with ambitions to grow are being invited to join a fully funded programme aimed at supporting business owners with access to finance. Tees Valley Securing Investment directly connects organisations with grants, funds and private investors, aiming to address the long-standing barriers faced by the region’s businesses in accessing money. Tees Valley Securing Investment...

Leading innovation event VentureFest returns to drive business growth

After a year’s hiatus, VentureFest, the North East’s premier innovation event, is back and ready to empower businesses across the region. Set to take place at Newcastle’s Civic Centre on March 18, this highly anticipated event will bring together the brightest minds in business, innovation and investment for a full day of insight, collaboration, and growth opportunities. Delivered by Innovation...

360 Growth Partners welcomesbusiness development specialist to team

Newcastle-based business growth specialist 360 Growth Partners is expanding its team of experts by welcoming Justine Joisce as an associate. Justine has more than 30 years of marketing and business development experience in senior roles within national and regional consultancy and professional services organisations, including Addleshaw Goddard, Ward Hadaway and global life-science agency...