UMi partners with NEEAL to propel enterprise in the North East

Two vital support programmes have been announced for North East based businesses. With the support of UMi, these initiatives designed by the North East Enterprise Agency Limited, Enterprising Durham and Enterprising North, are set to ignite entrepreneurial spirit and uplift early-stage businesses in the region.

Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), both programmes aim to foster a dynamic business environment by providing grants, workshops, one-to-one support, and online learning resources. Each programme focuses on a specific geographical area, tailoring support to local needs and leveraging regional funding sources.

Enterprising Durham caters to County Durham and takes an integrated partnership approach jointly led by Business Durham and NEEAL. UMi plays a vital role in this programme by managing customer enquiries via the Durham Start Ups website. Through phone and email interactions, UMi triages these enquiries to appropriate partners based on the specific needs and locations of the customers. This ensures that every aspiring entrepreneur and new business receives the support they require.

UMi also assists in the start-up grant approval process, with Simon Allen, UMi’s Head of Public Sector Services, playing a role on the decision-making panel. The team will also be on standby to handle overflow enquiries, offering one-to-one support for those looking to start a business.

Enterprising North spans Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Northumberland, and is funded by Gateshead Council and the North East Combined Authority. UMi's involvement in this programme focuses on the grant application process. Utilising their vast experience, UMi will assess all applications, perform due diligence on applicants, and present findings to the decision-making panel, ensuring that grants are awarded to the most deserving projects.

These programmes take a collaborative approach, involving various local Enterprise Agencies, specialist business support organisations, and charities - a collaboration UMi is familiar with through previous projects and memberships, such as their involvement in the National Enterprise Network (NEN).

Simon Allen, UMi's Head of Public Sector Services and Project Lead, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying: "Our collaboration with NEEAL and the local councils highlights our dedication to supporting regional economic development. These programmes are designed to empower individuals at the very start of their entrepreneurial journey and to provide crucial support for early-stage businesses. By combining our expertise with that of our partners, we are creating a robust ecosystem that encourages innovation and growth."

Paul McEldon OBE, Chair of NEEAL added: "Both Enterprising North and Enterprising Durham, as well as Enterprising Sunderland, enable fledgling enterprises across the North East to access support from a number of partners who are experts in their individual fields, but in a flexible way, so that they can get the best of support with the minimum of red tape and through one front door. For each of NEEAL's partners, that fledgling enterprise is "our customer" not "their customer" who are encouraged to get the best of what is on offer from all of us.  UMi are one of those valued experts, and NEEAL is proud to be able to make sure that enterprises across the North East and Durham are encouraged to use their support."  

Through Enterprising Durham and Enterprising North, UMi and NEEAL are set to drive meaningful impact, providing entrepreneurs and aspiring businesses with the tools, resources, and support needed to thrive in today’s competitive market. This initiative underscores the ongoing commitment to unlocking potential and helping businesses in the North East flourish.

For more information or to apply for support through Enterprising Durham, visit the Durham Start-Ups website, or reach out to the team via phone (0191 6251 221) or email them at durhamstartups@weareumi.co.uk.

To access support through Enterprising North, reach out to the team via support@neeal.co.uk who will be happy to help.