Former nurse carves out new career with furniture restoration business

A former nurse from Sunderland has turned his love of restoring old furniture into a thriving business. After a career in nursing spanning 13 years, it was the loss of his father that inspired Michael Veitch to ditch his scrubs and finally launch his dream business. Sakura Vinteriors launched in January and is a sustainable […]
Specialist training provider puts decontamination centre stage

A specialist decontamination business is continuing to build on years of success by bringing together NHS trusts from across the region for a dedicated industry forum. All Things Decontamination (ATD) Ltd, founded by former Royal Air Force engineer Tony Sullivan, delivers specialist decontamination training, auditing and consultancy services to hospitals and organisations across the North […]
Fashion specialist steps up growth plans with new head office

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, […]
From baby steps to business growth

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 […]
Strictly passionate: Andrea’s first step into business

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 […]
Core Barbers doubles in size with support from the North East BIC

A fast-growing Sunderland based barbershop is expanding its space and team after seeing demand soar, with the support of the North East BIC. Core Barbers, led by owner Rian Steel, has become one of the region’s most popular barbershops, with appointments booked up to two weeks in advance. Now, the business is set to almost […]
TV producer sets up new base at the North East BIC

A North East filmmaker with credits spanning the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Netflix and Amazon has set up a new production company at the North East BIC.
Workspace experts outline bold ambitions

A TEAM of workspace design experts are celebrating their tenth anniversary in style with a bold new look and even bolder ambitions for the future. Nurture Workspace, which counts Siemens, Mammoet, and the NHS among its portfolio of clients, plans to increase its turnover to over £500,000 this financial year. The company reported a record […]
Laura gets women ‘doing it for themselves’

A Wearside mother is proving women can do it for themselves after launching her own female-led DIY business. Laura Bartlett launched SHE-IY SOS in May and the business is already proving a hit, with her diary fast filling up for the next few months. Offering everything from gardening tidy ups to wall panelling, wallpapering, putting […]
Recruitment business invests in new home at the North East BIC to power growth

Specialist HR recruitment consultancy Sarah McKenna HR Recruitment has invested in a new base at the North East BIC, as it embarks on a new chapter of growth and innovation. Founded by experienced recruiter Sarah McKenna, the business has built a strong reputation over the past eight years for placing all levels of HR professionals across the North […]