Member Article

The Beacon set to shine a light on thriving Newcastle businesses

Newcastle is on the up. Following a number of years of economic turbulence, increasing signs of both recovery and prosperity are visible throughout the city. Now boasting a thriving, dynamic and diverse business sector, one business centre is aiming to celebrate all that is good in the region.

The Beacon exists to inspire communities through enterprise. A flagship centre funded by two local charities, Centre West and Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle, The Beacon has stood on Westgate Road since the spring of 2012.

In recognition of such ever-growing business acumen, The Beacon will host the inaugural Newcastle Business Awards, in association with Siemens Power UK.

Graham Hartley is one figure excited at the prospect of celebrating both the success of The Beacon and of local enterprise, whilst giving something back to the local community.

MD at Siemens Power Generation Services, Graham also serves as a trustee to Groundworks - one of the charities behind The Beacon.

“This is a great opportunity to link businesses and awards, and to really put something back in to the local community,” he explained.

Indeed the theme and tone of the awards will be engineered to encapsulate the centre’s vision of inspiring communities through enterprise. Promoting the ethos and practice of businesses and the community working together to drive social improvement, the event will also encourage a more environmentally sustainable approach to growing the local economy.

“Small businesses are at the heart of The Beacon. We’ll be shining a light on small, new and developing businesses, giving them the recognition they deserve. Yet what’s interesting is that this isn’t just an awards ceremony. The night’s theme will focus on putting something back in, that’s real to the community.”

The awards will raise awareness of the local food bank, one of the largest in the country, by requesting that all guests bring a donation for the local food bank.

And it seems fitting for Siemens to be attached to the awards, as Graham describes.

“As many people know, Siemens was founded by two brothers. We’ve always had family and community in our roots. This will be a great opportunity to celebrate what Newcastle is doing very well.”

Graham added: “There’s a plethora of opportunities which exist here. The key is small businesses, whether that’s giving them a place to evolve using quality, cost effective facilities or providing drop in sessions to help those starting up.”

The awards will be held in November later this year, celebrating local businesses and the increasingly thriving Newcastle West End community. The area has a lot to be proud of.

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