Sunderland Business Partnership

By becoming a member of Sunderland Business Partnership, you can help shape the city's vision and drive it forward. Sign up to become a Platinum, Gold or Silver member today via the link below.

SME in Sunderland? Apply for innovation funding before it's too late! Sunderland businesses are being urged to apply for funding to support the launch of new products, processes and services before time runs out. The North East BIC is calling for small and medium sized businesses across the city to submit applications for its Innovation Grant fund. The grant covers up to 40% of the cost of eligible projects ranging from £5,000 to £40,000. Eligible projects include the introduction of technology, processes or automation which is new to the business or new-to-market but directly supporting the creation of jobs. The grants are funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and are being distributed by the North East BIC on behalf of Sunderland City Council.

Sunderland businesses! 📢 If you're an SME in the city, find out if you're eligible for innovation funding before it’s too late! The grants cover up to 40% of the cost of eligible projects ranging from £5,000 to £40,000. Debbie Simpson John Forth Read more 👇 https://lnkd.in/ewNRDMyc

Sleep out, wake up, change lives. Are you a bighearted business leader ready to make a big difference for local people? Spend an unforgettable night outdoors alongside your peers at CEO Sleepout Sunderland. All you need is a big heart and a sleeping bag. 🗓️ 7 November, 8pm - 6:30am 🏟️ Stadium of Light Register👉 https://lnkd.in/eUe5T6vn

Restaurant week is set to return to Sunderland next month with the chance for food lovers to bag a £300 prize and a travel voucher.   Organised by Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID), the twice-yearly event will take place from 14 to 22 September, with eating spots across the city offering a wide range of discounts.   This time round the BID is partnering with Tyne & Wear Metro, Nexus, which is giving their support to the popular event.

People in Sunderland are “reeling” from the good news that they can now give the gift of movies, as the city’s Omniplex Cinema Group cinema joins the Sunderland Gift Card scheme. The 12 screen cinema opened its doors in May and since then has become a regular feature of the local, social scene. And now anyone stumped for what to buy the big screen fan in their life has the perfect solution available, with Omniplex signing up for the popular initiative. The gift card can be used to buy tickets in-store and at concessions outlets at the cinema, making it a great present for people of all ages. https://lnkd.in/evPmDyxB

A new business aiming to improve the quality of education provided in schools has launched in Sunderland. Eduspark Solutions, an innovative management support and education consultancy, aims to relieve the pressures faced by staff and schools, allowing them to concentrate on student enrichment. Offering bespoke packages of leadership development and skills enhancement courses, alongside an array of other services, the company addresses issues such as funding, culture or personal development. Founder, Tyler Holmes, has a strong background within the education sector, with six years of experience under his belt, as well as qualifications in business management, bringing what he claims is ‘a more balanced approach of social value and expertise.’ You can read how support from the North East BIC and Sunderland City Council helped him set up the business via the link below. https://lnkd.in/eNe__WYM

The new Wear Footbridge is finally revealing itself! The first two sections of the multi-million-pound New Wear Footbridge have been lifted into place and installed after arriving in the city on Sunday afternoon [4 Aug]. The installation took place from Tuesday through to Thursday morning [6 - 9 Aug], with construction workers and engineers working night and day to ensure a seamless installation. The centrepiece of the Riverside Sunderland masterplan, which will see workspace for over 8,000 people and homes for 2,000 residents delivered over the next decade, the bridge is expected to open next August. https://lnkd.in/eQ_BMCbX

Leading North East Law Firm Sweeney Miller Law has appointed Claire Fenwick MCIM as Marketing and Digital Media Director, to spearhead its growth in the region and nationally. Claire brings a wealth of experience to the firm, with a legal marketing career spanning over 23 years, having worked as Marketing Manager at two commercial law firms in Newcastle as well as Northumbria University Law School, where she spent 12 years.  In her new role, she will lead Sweeney Miller Law’s overall marketing strategy and build on the company's position in the market to drive strategic growth. 

Broadcasting legend, Jeff Brown, and former MP for Sunderland Central, Julie Elliott, will be joining the University of Sunderland next summer as Pro-Chancellors. The pair will work alongside current Chancellor, Leanne Cahill – CEO of retail company, Bravissimo – and Pro-Chancellor, James Ramsbotham CBE DL, in their new roles when current Pro-Chancellors, Margaret Fay CBE, and The Rt Hon Baroness Morris of Yardley PC (Estelle Morris), step down after their five-year term ends in July 2025. Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland, said: “Jeff Brown and Julie Elliott are well known figures in both Sunderland and the wider region and, together, they have helped to put our city firmly on the map. So I am delighted that two such inspirational figures will join us as Pro-Chancellors next year.”