From baby steps to business growth

Danni Duke, Director of Duke Fitness

Sunderland fitness coach Danni Duke is proving that raising a baby and building a business can go hand in hand. In fact, her son Oscar and her social enterprise Duke Fitness were born within weeks of each other and are now thriving side by side. “The timing couldn’t have been much closer,” laughs Danni. “I […]

Double digit growth for law firm Ward Hadaway

Ward Hadaway's managing partner Steven Petrie

UK top 100 law firm Ward Hadaway has reported record financial results for the 2024/25 financial year, delivering turnover of £53.6m, an increase of 11.6% on the previous year. The results, covering the period from May 2024 to April 2025, mark the firm’s fifth consecutive year of revenue growth and demonstrate continued delivery against its […]

Richard Reed Reflects on a Year of Growth and Momentum

Phil Moir and Sarah Reid

A leading North East law firm is reflecting on an outstanding year of growth and accomplishments in 2025.  Highly regarded in the industry for their legal advice for all aspects of personal and business life, the past twelve months have marked a defining chapter for Richard Reed Solicitors. Looking back, the firm feels the past […]

Next generation Nissan LEAF brings EV36Zero vision to life at Sunderland Plant

Nissan LEAF in production

The third generation Nissan LEAF is gliding silently off a transformed Sunderland Plant production line as the company brings to life its world first EV36Zero plan. Building the new LEAF in the UK represents an investment of £450m by Nissan across its operations and supply chain and marks the return of the car that pioneered […]

New £4.2million world-leading eye health research institute coming to Sunderland

Eye scan

A world-leading multi-million-pound research institute is set to transform the way we detect and prevent both eye and general diseases and boost the region’s health and prosperity prospects. The University of Sunderland and South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) are working to create a world-leading joined-up data centre with eye health technology at […]

New Mayoral Development Zone provides £600,000 boost to Sunderland

Kim McGuiness and Michael Mordey

North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness will lead a new Creative Development Zone in Sunderland, working closely with Sunderland City Council to create a new creative capital for the north. The new zone will unlock the next phase of development in the Riverside Sunderland regeneration programme, including the first phase of the Crown Works film studios, […]

Energy partnership delivers multi-million-pound boost for Sunderland

Cllr Leonard

A new partnership that will deliver a £67m energy boost to Sunderland city centre has been announced. 1Energy and Sunderland City Council have signed an agreement that will unlock major investment to significantly improve and future-proof the area’s heating infrastructure, supporting new commercial developments, civic buildings, and ongoing regeneration projects. The agreement represents the latest […]

Sweeney Miller Law helps London’s oldest chophouse get a new lease of life

New London restaurant, Cloth Cornhill

One of London’s most charming and historic restaurants, with roots dating back to 1757, is preparing to welcome guests once again thanks to help from Sweeney Miller Law. Simpsons Tavern, the oldest chophouse in London and a former haunt of literary greats such as Charles Dickens, closed its doors in 2022 after an incredible 265 […]

Strictly passionate: Andrea’s first step into business

Andrea Henderson, Founder of First Step Creative Dance

When Washington woman Andrea Lynn Henderson launched her new creative dance service, she wasn’t just starting a business – she was starting a whole new chapter in life. At the age of 62, Andrea says she feels like she’s “just starting life now,” turning a lifelong love of dance into a bespoke service offering wedding […]

Bringing industry experience to the classroom

Beyond Graduation: Employer Insights panel at the University of Sunderland’s David Puttnam Media Centre, St Peter’s Campus

Students from the University of Sunderland have been finding out how digital is reshaping customer experience, leadership and the future of work from a leading Wearside business. The University’s Business School recently welcomed senior leaders from Wearside Audi – Richard Hyde (Head of Business), Shaz Hamed (Sales Manager) and Gareth Bulmer (Aftersales Manager) – to […]