BIPC celebrates business support milestone

A North East business support network is celebrating a major milestone after helping more than 1500 companies and hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs develop and grow across the region.

The Business & IP Centre North East (BIPC) has marked three years of supporting businesses through expert advice, workshops and fully funded specialist guidance delivered via libraries and partner organisations across the North East.

Operating through Newcastle City Library alongside seven local centres across areas including Gateshead, South Tyneside and Northumberland, the BIPC provides support covering marketing, finance, sustainability, intellectual property and business strategy.

Over the past three years, more than 1500 businesses have received tailored non-financial support, while more than 700 people considering starting a business have accessed workshops, mentoring and confidence-building programmes designed to help turn ideas into reality.

Eligible firms have also been able to access up to 12 hours of funded specialist support through the Citylife Business Support Grant programme, with around 700 businesses benefiting from expert-led advice aimed at accelerating growth and improving resilience.

The programme’s success has been driven by a people-focused approach and strong collaboration with regional organisations including The Millin Charity and Reviving the Heart of the West End.

Organisers say the BIPC’s library-based model helps make business support more accessible and inclusive, enabling entrepreneurs to access expertise within their local communities.

Economic development officer Sarah Turnbull said: “Everything we do is centred around supporting people in business and championing inspiring entrepreneurs. 

“We’re incredibly proud to support such a diverse and inspiring business community across the North East. 

“Whether someone has a new idea or an established business, we’re passionate about helping individuals turn ideas into reality, build their confidence, and give the reassurance that we are there to help them grow, adapt and thrive.

“There’s so much talent here from entrepreneurs and growing businesses to the partners and more than 50 experts who support them. 

“It’s that mix of people and ideas that makes it so special, we’re giving businesses the foundations they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.”

Among the businesses supported is Gateshead-based KG Photography, founded by photographer Nicky Gibson, who has spent more than 25 years building the business across commercial photography, events and weddings. 

Seeking to stay ahead of rapid technological changes within the creative sector, Nicky connected with BIPC’s retail expert in residence Karen Williamson, who helped refine KG Photography’s approach and adapt to evolving client expectations.

Nicky added: “With the internet, AI and new technology, things are changing all the time.

“You must keep learning. 

“Since working with Karen, we’ve expanded into drone work, video production and editing. 

“It’s really pushed the business forward and made me think differently.”

In Whitley Bay, Hinnies restaurant – part of the Dene Hospitality Group alongside Blackfriars and Dobson & Parnell – used BIPC support to strengthen its marketing strategy. 

The restaurant accessed specialist advice from food photographer Sue Todd to help improve visual content and better showcase its “Geordie comfort food” offering to customers.

Meanwhile, Louise Renwick at Cragend Farm near Rothbury used BIPC guidance across marketing, PR, photography and digital technology to help grow the rural tourism business. 

Support also helped Louise publish a book exploring the farm’s history and its links to Lord Armstrong and Cragside, creating a new way to share the story of the business with visitors.

She added: “It’s helped us to market ourselves more effectively and understand how to

use different channels to reach people.”

With demand for advice continuing to grow, the network says it remains focused on helping businesses at every stage of development – from first ideas through to long-term expansion –while contributing to a stronger and more resilient regional economy.

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