Digital apprentice secures new role after helping inspire young people in the region 

Jodie Stewart

A University of Sunderland apprentice has secured a promotion during her studies after going above and beyond in the workplace. This National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February), the University is shining a light on the inspirational work of its apprentices, partners and staff, who are helping to plug the skills gap in the healthcare, digital and education sectors in Sunderland and the wider north-east. […]

Apprenticeship helping schools recruit and retain talented teachers praised by headteacher 

Kayleigh Lewandowski with Lesley Box, headteacher at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Barnard Castle

It’s National Apprenticeship Week (Monday 9 February – Sunday 15 February) and a University of Sunderland programme aiming to keep teaching talent within the region is being praised by a north-east primary school. The University launched its three-year route Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (TDA), last September allowing apprentices to earn a salary while working in a […]

British Esports and Loughborough University unite to elevate esports performance

Professor Jo Maher, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport at Loughborough University, alongside Chester King, British Esports President

British Esports, the national esports federation for the United Kingdom, has today announced a partnership with Loughborough University, ranked the world’s number one institution for sports-related subjects. The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together on strengthening professional standards, education and training across the esports ecosystem. This collaboration connects British […]

Ward Hadaway strengthens team with 27 new appointments

Ward Hadaway North East appointments

Ward Hadaway has appointed 27 new legal specialists across its North East offices in Newcastle and Teesside, strengthening teams supporting clients across the region. The new starters include directors, solicitors, trainee solicitors and paralegals, with 22 appointments in Newcastle and a further 5 in Teesside. The North East hires form part of a wider intake […]

Paving inclusive Pathways into Employment

University of Sunderland, Professor Graham Thrower

The University of Sunderland has launched a joint report examining how to improve employment opportunities for people living in the region’s most deprived communities. Workforce Skills Research – Creating Pathways into Employment and delivering the skills workforce of tomorrow: insights from the North East of England and beyond has been jointly created by the University’s Institute for […]

British Esports offers local businesses exclusive growth opportunity

British Esports ‘Meet the Buyer’ event

British Esports, the national esports federation for the United Kingdom, is inviting Sunderland-based businesses to its National Esports Performance Campus for a unique opportunity. The free ‘Meet the Buyer’ event will take place on Thursday February 12th 2026 from 1pm to 4.30pm at Athenaeum Street, Sunniside SR1 1QX, giving Sunderland businesses an exclusive opportunity to learn more […]

RTC North confirms move to The Beam

RTC The Beam

  A business support organisation that is driving economic growth across the North of England has committed its future to Sunderland, signing a deal on a new city centre HQ. RTC North, a B Corp which has been headquartered in the city since it was formed in 1987, has signed a lease to take 2,222 […]

Sweeney Miller Law appoints employment law specialist

North East law firm Sweeney Miller Law has appointed Senior Associate Paul Lott as Head of Employment Law

North East law firm Sweeney Miller Law has appointed Senior Associate Paul Lott as Head of Employment Law, formally launching a dedicated employment law service designed to support businesses across the region and beyond. A qualified solicitor specialising exclusively in Employment Law and HR for 17 years, Paul brings substantial experience advising both employers and […]

How a decade of creative performances has shaped the education of pupils across Sunderland

Performing arts student from the University of Sunderland take part in performing Numberbods at St Mary’s Primary School

University of Sunderland researchers are celebrating a decade of success for a project that combines creativity with teaching to engage younger learners across the city. LearningBods is an ongoing research project led by Sarah Riach and Rachel Emms which uses live physical performances which include Performing Arts students to bring different subjects alive for primary school pupils. Over the […]

Fashion specialist steps up growth plans with new head office

Elliott Usher, founder of The Sole Guyy

A fashion business helping UK retailers source the world’s most sought-after trainers has expanded its presence in the North East of England. The Sole Guyy has moved to a new 472 sq ft head office and warehouse at the North East BIC following a third successive year of growth. Led by 18-year-old entrepreneur Elliott Usher, […]