Sunderland Business Partnership proudly sits at the forefront of the rebirth of Sunderland, a united force for change, championing and challenging our public sector partners to think big.
We bring together a range of partners – large and small – all with an interest in Sunderland’s development, creating opportunities for them to collaborate and grow, which in turn helps our brilliant city to be a more dynamic destination for business.
The North East BIC is a leading provider of flexible workspaces and a driving force behind enterprise support across the North East. Since 1994, it has helped thousands of businesses to start, grow, and thrive – contributing over £2.5 billion to the regional economy through workspace provision, tailored business support, and community focused initiatives.
Home to more than 300 businesses, the BIC plays a vital role in fostering entrepreneurship and building a vibrant, resilient business community. It operates four business centres across Sunderland and Darlington, offering a diverse range of spaces – including offices, coworking, labs, industrial units, and meeting rooms – designed to meet the needs of start-ups, scale-ups, and established enterprises.
Its mission as a social enterprise goes beyond workspace management. It is committed to spreading entrepreneurial ambition and creating opportunities for all. Through strong partnerships with local authorities and regional organisations, it delivers vital business support programmes that help drive inclusive economic growth.
NatWest Accelerator is a thriving community for entrepreneurs providing a range of support for you to grow your business.
Underpinned by the NatWest Accelerator app, it’ll empower you to grow your business whenever you need it, virtually or at one of our 12 physical hubs across the UK.
Because every business is different, you’ll find the support you need for yours.
Ward Hadaway LLP are an independent, full-service law firm providing exceptional legal expertise to businesses, public and third sectors, and individuals.
From its offices in Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Teesside, it combines regional strength with national influence to deliver high-quality, tailored solutions that drive success for its clients.
Its purpose is simple: to provide quality, commercial legal advice in a timely and cost effective manner, supporting its clients in achieving their objectives strategically and profitably.
Ward Hadaway understands that its clients operate in fast-paced, competitive environments, and is committed to delivering advice that not only meets their immediate needs but also anticipates their future challenges and opportunities.
Sunderland College is one of the largest providers of post-16 further and higher education in the North East, offering a wide range of qualifications including A-Levels, T Levels, apprenticeships, courses for adults and degrees.
As changemakers, its purpose is to unlock potential, create opportunities and transform lives through outstanding education, skills, and training. By removing barriers and reducing inequalities, it enables all to develop and excel.
In 2024 Ofsted rated us outstanding in every area, including Quality of Education, Personal Development, SEND, Leadership and Management, and Apprenticeships. It is part of Education Partnership North East, the top performing college group in the region, and among the top colleges nationally for academic and technical student achievement.
Bringing strategic-thinking, creativity and an absolute focus on top-class delivery, Creo is a creative marketing agency that inspires, excites and engages the audiences of its clients across the UK.
Creo brings together expert content creators, strategists, designers, developers and copywriters in a creative collective capable of delivering exceptional work, giving its clients a real competitive edge.