N magazine

Issue #469 is heading to your desks & doormats! On the cover, we are delighted to feature Hannah Atkinson, founder of Open Air Education. “The question I get asked the most is, ‘what do you do when it rains?’. All the two-year-olds will tell you the answer – put your hood up! “Our classrooms are roofed by the sky, so we’re open to the elements all of the time. But it’s worth it for the benefit you get. “The Squirrel Walk is part of the daily routine, and when we make our plans for the day at eight in the morning, that’s Plan A. But if the forecast and conditions don’t really allow for that, there are 25 other letters in the alphabet. “This isn’t a new concept; it is proven in schools across the world – Bali, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, in particular. Admittedly, they are countries where it’s a bit warmer, but it’s the Scandinavian model of education – and they are top of the world in education tables and academic success for children – and it’s not always warm there. “And it works here.” Welcome to Open Air Education, an outdoor independent school, where learning is rooted in fun and nature. Read the interview, here - https://lnkd.in/eg_yWJ8q 📸 Michael Sreenan 🖊️ Colin Young

Attend the North East Chamber of Commerce’s first Start Up & Grow event this Thursday, at The Stamp Exchange. Get your ticket at the link below! 🎟️

Join Northumbria University for an insightful event exploring the challenges facing today’s leaders, managers and HR professionals, supported by us & North East Chamber of Commerce. Further info below 💡

Thanks team! ❤️

Less than 24 hours to go! 🤯 With submissions about to close, we want to highlight both of our national Chamber Business Awards. These awards celebrate the driving forces behind business success, whether it’s bold beginnings or investing in people. Strong businesses start with great ideas and thrive when people are at their core. 🏆 Start Up & Grow Business of the Year (sponsored by Business Durham) For businesses under five years old that are demonstrating positive growth and potential. We want to hear your business journey, challenges and how your business is growing... this is your moment! 🏆 People & Work Business of the Year (sponsored by North East Times) This award celebrates organisations that have made recruitment, training, and retention a priority - creating diverse, skilled, and engaged teams that power success. If your business champions fairness, inclusion, and the growth of its workforce, this award is for you! This is your final chance to enter! Plus, winners of these categories will go on to represent the North East at the national British Chambers of Commerce awards in November 2025! 🤩 🙌 Enter now: www.necc.co.uk/awards

Are you finding it harder than ever to attract and retain top talent? Do you want to make corporate values truly resonate with every employee? Join Northumbria University's Leading The Workplace and Workforce Evolution event, bringing together expert speakers and panellists to discuss some of the biggest leadership challenges of today and to consider the values and skills that are critical for managers and businesses to support, retain, upskill and engage their people. Register for your place: https://lnkd.in/eeHk6rJe Keynote speaker is Joeli Brearley MBE: Founder of Pregnant Then Screwed and one of British Vogue’s 25 Most Influential Women. Joeli will share her journey of workplace discrimination – including the ‘motherhood penalty’ – and offer actionable strategies to create a more parent-friendly workplace. Find out more at: https://lnkd.in/e4shZBK3 Register for your place: https://lnkd.in/eeHk6rJe #bdaily #northumbria #event #northeastevents #sponsored

“You can really see the difference between the old and the new...” Hands up who has seen the first restored and re-painted section of the Tyne Bridge since the scaffolding has been dismantled? 🙋♀️🙋♂️ The team have been working in the bridge deck void and behind encapsulated scaffolding – often out of sight – since April last year. Hear more from Esh’s Construction Manager, Stephen McClean, about the recent project milestone and what’s been happening behind the scenes 📽️ Newcastle City Council | Gateshead Council | NEPO | #TyneBridgeRestoration #notjustalickofpaint

Is it time for your 2025 financial MOT? The new year may be speeding along, but it’s important to pause and give your finances an annual MOT, especially with the fresh tax period rapidly approaching. With just a few simple checks, you can maximise investments and put your finances in gear for growth. Here, Rob Brotherton, Chartered financial planner at Newcastle-based wealth manager Raymond James Monument, highlights key points to consider. Read more, here - https://lnkd.in/e-QmTws6

Congratulations to all the winners! Destination North East England 👏 👏

Featured - FRP Corporate Finance has officially launched in the North East. Partners and seasoned dealmakers Abu Ali and Phil Williams, previously of WilliamsAli Corporate Finance, welcomed more than 100 business professionals to celebrate its unveiling. WilliamsAli was acquired by FRP Advisory Group last year, in a move the firm says will significantly enhance its corporate finance capabilities in the region and complement its strong restructuring advisory practice. Abu Ali said: “Phil and I are delighted to be part of FRP Corporate Finance. We are incredibly proud of the track record of WilliamsAli in the North East market, and we are excited about how we can build on this within the FRP group. “With the additional infrastructure, resources and service lines now available to us, we are confident this will be a hugely positive move for our team and clients in the North East.” Phil Williams added: “We are delighted so many of our team, clients, professional network and friends, who have been so supportive of the growth of the business over the years, were able to join us to celebrate this milestone. “We are looking forward to continuing to build on this strong foundation as FRP Corporate Finance.” Read more, here - https://lnkd.in/eRdiR3Zc