New Newcastle network event revolutionises the way North East does business

A young entrepreneur is revolutionising the way the North East does business by hosting inclusive networking events across the region and launching a prestigious awards ceremony championing the High Street.

Andy Bartlett is at the forefront of First Connections, backed by train operator Lumo, which is helping company owners of all kinds to connect, while showcasing Tyneside and County Durham as an outstanding base to operate from.

The 29-year-old is also behind the High Street Heroes Awards scheme, calling upon customers to nominate their favourite retailer ahead of a glitzy event at later this year.

Andy, CEO of RoamLocal, a local travel and commerce platform, fled the region for Northern Ireland ten years ago to build his firm due to what he describes as a lack of structured support in the North East.

The start-up founder says paid-for networking events in the region could be intimidating and expensive, with pressure to join a number of different groups.

The company director has now returned to the North East where he has set up First Connections with Sam Binns, 30, owner of app-based laundry firm The Ironing Man.

The organisation is already holding free networking events in Darlington, and has this week hosted its very first in Newcastle, at the Flower Cafe in the city centre.

Andy said: "The North East is amazing, and there was lots of support out there, but it wasn't structured very well. It felt like a postcode lottery, and quite exclusive.

“As a 20-year-old, walking into these events can be a little bit daunting. Also, if you want to cover two areas within the region, such as Newcastle and Durham, you end up with multiple groups and subscriptions, which can become expensive.

“As a young business starting out, you could easily need a £5K yearly budget just to network across the North East.

“Sam and I wanted to recognise the journey we've been on with a very simple mission statement - to better connect the local business community so it doesn't feel so tribal.

“Everyone is welcome at our networking events, from very young entrepreneurs just starting out, to established well-known companies.”

The functions in Darlington and Newcastle are held every month at a local, independent business and are always a walk away from the train station. They are free to attend, with the only stipulation being you pay for your own coffee to support the establishment acting as host.

Alongside the networking events, First Connections is spearheading the High Street Heroes Awards to celebrate independent retailers at the heart of our local communities.

The awards scheme takes in more than 70 towns and cities across the North East and is expected to garner upwards of 500 nominations.

Lumo, a key delivery partner, is sponsoring the event and will also be on the judging panel.

Andy added: “We want to honour the family businesses on the High Street, the mums and dads who've been there for 30 years and never had an accolade.

“The ones who hardly ever have a day off, and are truly invested in their town and their people.

“We want the key stakeholders and policy makers of our region to come together in one room for a black tie event to truly honour our local retailers, who are the backbone of our economy.

“A narrative has grown in the UK that the High Street is dead, with big multinationals leaving.

“What you don't hear about is the young woman who's opened up a new coffee shop and is now sponsoring the local under 10s Football Club and helping feed the homeless after work.

“In America, they love to support and promote each other's businesses and see them succeed.

“We're not like that over here. There's a culture of taking enjoyment in other people's failure.

“We want to change that narrative and take control of it.

“The narrative is very much that we're a place to visit, to explore and to invest in. The North East is open for business, and it's a great place to live and work.

“Lumo have been involved every step of the way, and we are immensely grateful to them for their support.”

First Connections is also set to produce a series of podcasts in which North East business owners will be interviewed.

Richard Salkeld, director of communications and partnerships at Lumo, said: “Lumo is proud to champion the businesses that keep our towns and cities alive and excited to play an integral role in the High Street Heroes Awards.

“We're delighted to be supporting First Connections, bringing people and places together in innovative ways to strengthen local businesses.

“Independent retailers are at the heart of our communities and as a train operator with connectivity at its core we're committed to helping them thrive.”