WEAR WORDS
After a year of continued challenges , we asked eight of the region ’ s business leaders : What ’ s been the one big success of the past year for the Wear region and for your organisation ?
Tony Cullen , senior investment executive , FW Capital - North East Property Fund The completion of the Strategic Transport Corridor stands out as it is vitally important to have good infrastructure to attract investment to the region .
For FW Capital , it was fantastic to see our client Building Design Northern win the Fit Out / Refurbishment of the Year at the NE Property Awards for their renovation of the former Simpson Street School in Deptford into offices and apartments . Looking back at pictures of the fire damage and vandalism and seeing what has been accomplished through the support of the NEPF fills me with great pride and satisfaction .
Jo Thirlaway , apprenticeship relationship manager , University of Sunderland The University of Sunderland ’ s collaboration with employers has led to some great new degree apprenticeship opportunities for the region such as that of public health and district nurse . Our health-related apprenticeships play a key role in supporting our local health services build a sustainable workforce for the future .
Face-to-face meetings may have been restricted but this has not stopped great learning and the upskilling of the workforce in the North-East . We are proud to be part of this .
Councillor Graeme Miller , leader , Sunderland City Council I think the continued transformation of Sunderland physically , and indeed of service delivery from vital organisations like the local authority to respond to the challenges we have continued to face this year , has been incredible .
The way in which we ’ ve continued to drive the regeneration of Sunderland – not slowing , but , in actual fact , gathering pace on our vision to create a more dynamic , vibrant and healthy smart city is remarkable .
Sharon Appleby , Sunderland BID The biggest success for the Wear region is the resilience it has shown which has enabled the area to push forward with developments and growth , creating opportunity and jobs . The world leading innovative initiatives that have been launched are continuing to position this area on the global stage .
The biggest success for our organisation is also the resilience we have shown and the resilience of the businesses in the city centre . Businesses have risen to the challenges that have come their way in an inspiring way and the confidence and interest in the city centre is growing which will pay dividends for the businesses .
Mike Racz , CEO , Racz Group In what has been another year filled with challenges , the region has yet again provided a united approach towards the pandemic and the tough times presented to the area .
Our very own teams have yet again excelled in their approach towards these unprecedented times and have continued to provide the highest levels of customer service , while continuing to keep the region fuelled .
Peter Robinson , partner and head of corporate and commercial , Jacksons Law Firm The last 12 months have been tough but various businesses have used the time out to reflect , and resilience has increased . Soundings I ’ ve taken demonstrate very positive thoughts about the local and national economy despite the macro issues we ’ re all seeing . Infrastructure projects around the IAMP , regeneration at Mackies Corner , Sunniside and the old Vaux Site are all creating positive momentum .
As a business , we ’ re the same – activity has increased across the board . There ’ s a genuine buzz in Wearside .
Alison Gittins , CEO , Durham Business Group County Durham ’ s bid for UK City of Culture has brought renewed optimism , and we ’ re actively engaging the business community to pledge their support .
This is a time to rebuild , and it ’ s certainly true for Durham Business Group : we ’ ve taken on the whole of Portland House – growing our office services , and providing new hot desks and extra managed offices – undergone a shiny rebrand , and enjoyed the buzz of a return to face-to-face events .
Life really does begin at 40 for Durham Business Group !
Michelle Cooper , chief executive , County Durham Community Foundation People - simple as that , for me ! Everyone has faced challenges , but still they stepped up , helped out and made a difference . Businesses that donate through our foundation said ‘ Do what is needed with our gift ’.
Like so many , my team worked flat out with care and compassion to support hundreds of charities . For many it was their first remote work experience , they didn ’ t have studies , but they made it work because what we were doing was so important .
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