Partner Article

MOU aims to break down cultural barriers

THE region’s Asian community is set for a business boost, thanks to a partnership between Business & Enterprise North East (BE-NE) and Asian Business Connexions (ABC).

The two organisations have recently signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement to further enhance their relationship and help break down the cultural barriers that can impact on business support.

The move will help even more businesses and entrepreneurs in the North East to maximise the support available to help them start-up and succeed.

BE-NE, which delivers a wide range of public and private sector contracts in the region including Business Link, the North East England Investment Centre (NEEIC) and the North East Regional International Trade Office (NERITO), hopes that by forging a closer relationship with ABC, it can engage more effectively with even more of the region’s Asian businesses.

Gillian Marshall, relationship manager at BE-NE said they are now working closely with ABC to encourage more businesses within the Asian business community to utilise the range of integrated support services available.

She said: “We are keen to help more Asian businesses to address their business needs and experience the wider support benefits that come about through engaging with our services.

“By building close links with ABC we have been able to develop more effective ways of communicating with Asian businesses, and find ways around some of the cultural barriers that have previously stood in the way. We’ve also been able to raise awareness of the services offered by both organisations through platforms such as newsletters and events.”

ABC is a community interest company set up by members of the Asian Business Community with the aim of enhancing the contribution Asian businesses make to the North East economy. The organisation, which boasts 1200 members, recently celebrated its first birthday.

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