Partner Article

Tynedale is enterprising champion

Tynedale has been named the most enterprising place in North East England and is in the running for a national accolade. The 2008 nationwide Enterprising Britain competition recognises where enterprise has helped transform a community and the economic prospects of an area. Tynedale was awarded the regional prize for the North East and has now been short listed for the national competition.

A group of organisations supporting enterprise in the area, known as ‘The Tynedale Enterprise Network’, were instrumental in highlighting Tynedale as an area of outstanding enterprise and will be judged by a panel of experts, including entrepreneur and star of TV’s Dragons’ Den, Peter Jones, in the national final.

With an emphasis on involving the local community in stimulating enterprise, the Tynedale Enterprise Network seeks to engage with small businesses in remote areas, work with established businesses to address issues in the local economy and prioritise the enterprising talent of young people.

The network has helped to safeguard over 360 jobs and has supported the growth of 81 businesses. It has also helped 19 new businesses get up and running and has provided assistance to over 2,000 young people in enterprise.

The network has also been doing well in establishing successful local company Reaction to support enterprise. It has set up the Tynedale Virtual College, which provides better local education and training opportunities for young people who were previously faced with leaving the area for further education after 16.

Tim Pain, Head of Business, Enterprise & Skills at One North East, said: “Enterprise is key to diversifying and growing a sustainable local economy, particularly in areas like Tynedale which continues to face significant economic change.

“The Tynedale Enterprise Network is an excellent example of a successful project that stimulates enterprise, creates enterprising young people and supports private sector led enterprise development.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .