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2023

Impact

Report

Empowering businesses and communities through sustainable enterprise.

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Tracey Moore
Chief Executive Officer PNE Group

Message From Our CEO

Welcome to the PNE Impact Report!


This report serves as a valuable resource to showcase our achievements and acknowledge the dedication of the PNE team. We take immense pride in the impact we have made through the people and communities we support and are excited to share the positive feedback we have received from our service users throughout the year.


In 2023, in line with our social objectives, PNE has continued to positively impact our local communities, supporting residents to overcome perceived barriers to success and enabling their entrepreneurial spirit to develop and shine. We can have this impact at a regional level, thanks to the clients and partners we work with nationally throughout the year, delivering enterprise services that meet their own social and enterprise objectives.


The PNE team is incredibly grateful to all our partners, clients, and supporters for their unwavering support in 2023. Your invaluable contributions have made all our projects and accomplishments this year possible, and we are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. We look forward to continuing this exciting journey with you!


PNE in 2023

Our 2023 Highlights

Discover our 2023 highlights and a summary of our impact by clicking the button below!

Who are PNE?

Explore PNE’s mission and meet the Team!

377

Individuals Supported

Through one-to-one support or as part of a PNE project in 2023.

550

Workshop and Event Attendees

1061

One to One Support Sessions

Facilitated by PNEs team of business advisors in 2023.

66

Businesses Created

As a result of direct support from PNE in 2023.

44

Workshop and Events

Were hosted and facilitated by PNE in 2023.

315

Businesses Created

As a result of grants managed by PNE and provided to organisations across the UK.

Our 2023 Highlights

**The data above is from the period of 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023.

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We Create Change Through Enterprise

Hello from the PNE Team!

PNE develop long-term relationships with our clients, partners and funders to provide high-quality business support services and opportunities.


We have extensive experience working with a wide range of businesses and organisations, helping them to realise their ambitions to support enterprises.

Who are PNE?

Meet the Team

Meet the people that contributed to our 2023 achievements!

Tracey Moore

Chief Executive Officer

Anne Maria Brown

Admin and Support Officer

Maggie Caney

NEWS Property Administrator

Angie Stewart

Business Advisor

Lisa Murphy

Operations Manager

Steven Miller

Head of ICT and Infrastructure

Brenda Wilson

Business Advisor

Stuart Laidler

Business Advisor

Melissa Middleton

Business Support Coordinator

Jack Mullaney

Marketing and Engagement Manager

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Chris Brown

Finance Officer

Maria Payumo

Marketing and Events Assistant

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Vicki Turner

Business Advisor

Natasha Purser

Business Advisor

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Tracy Gee

Expert Supporter

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Shirley Wilson

Business Advisor

Our Certifications and Memberships

Accredited CMI Centre

Good Work Pledge Standard

National Enterprise Network

Social Enterprise UK

Cyber Essentials

North East Chamber of Commerce

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Investors In People Standard

North East Enterprise Agency

Supporting North East Businesses

Enterprise Support in 2023

Discover how PNE has equipped individuals and businesses with the skills, funding, and resources to succeed.

Multiply

Explore Multiply, an initiative to provide financial education for entrepreneurs through interactive workshops and personalised support.

Enterprise Central

Discover Enterprise Central: an innovative hotdesking space that equips your business for success.

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Support for Businesses

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Enterprise Support

At the core of PNE is our passion for providing people with the skills, funding, and resources to either start their own business or successfully grow an established organisation.


Throughout 2023, PNE provided free tailored workshops, specialised finance, marketing and management masterclasses, one-to-one advice with expert advisors, funding and grant opportunities, dedicated networking events, and access to market trading support and pitches to aspiring and established entrepreneurs.


As part of our mission to promote sustainable business practices, PNE has supported multiple groups of socially and environmentally conscious entrepreneurs through programmes such as The Sustainable Creative and Social Enterprise Boost.


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Enterprise Support Statistics

158

Pre-Start Businesses Supported

By our enterprise support projects in 2023.

205

Existing Businesses Supported

By our enterprise support projects in 2023.

Our 2023 Highlights

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Enterprise Support Map

Sunderland

33

Businesses

Supported

North Tyneside

23

Businesses

Supported

Gateshead

73

Businesses

Supported

Asia

+12%

Newcastle

144

Businesses

Supported

Other Areas

46

Businesses

Supported

South Tyneside

44

Businesses

Supported

Our 2023 Highlights

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100%

Satisfaction Rate

Individuals who gave positive feedback.

100%

Of the participants progressed to starting a business or into further education

Support for Businesses

Multiply

The Multiply project was a comprehensive initiative comprising workshops and one-to-one support designed to equip entrepreneurs with the financial knowledge and skills to run their businesses effectively.


The programme supported a small group of entrepreneurs to develop advanced math skills, particularly building confidence in bookkeeping and financial management. The workshops were carefully structured to cater to the individual needs of each entrepreneur. The sessions were complemented with personalised guidance and 1-to-1 support.


Multiply concluded with a 100% satisfaction rate from the programme participants. All of the beneficiaries continued into further education or started their own business with the support of PNE.

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Support for Businesses

Enterprise Central

Launched in early 2023, Enterprise Central is a friendly collaborative hotdesking space in the bustling heart of Newcastle that offers entrepreneurs the space and access to resources they need to support their businesses to develop and grow.


Enterprise Central’s facilities are equipped with the latest technology, such as a high-end 3D printer, a professional photo lightbox, and OWL meeting cameras, to ensure our tenants can access cutting-edge tools to help take their business to the next level. The location of Enterprise Central is also convenient, with easy access to public transportation links.


Enterprise Central also played host to a number of exciting events in 2023, including specialised workshops facilitated by Beacon Films and Digital Pathfinders, alongside PNE Pioneers networking events.

Creating Social Impact

 Planting Trees by Farmers by Hand

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Find out about our sustainable impact here!

PNE Pioneers

Discover how PNE Pioneers enables ambitious young entrepreneurs to champion positive social and environmental change.

Social Enterprise Boost

Introducing the Social Enterprise Boost Fund, a new project that aims to support and sustain social enterprises in Sunderland and South Tyneside.

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Social Impact

Social Enterprise Boost

PNE secured an exciting new contract for the Social Enterprise Boost initiative in 2023 in partnership with FirstPort to support social enterprises in Sunderland and South Tyneside.


The Social Enterprise Boost programme provides expert guidance and support to individuals who are already positively impacting their communities through social entrepreneurship and those motivated to start their own social enterprise.


The aim of the programme is to empower and accelerate social enterprises in these target areas, helping them achieve their goals and make a lasting difference in society.


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160

One to One Sessions with Social Enterprises in 2023

Social Enterprise Boost Cont.

PNE's team of highly qualified social enterprise support specialists provide tailored support to meet each social enterprise’s unique needs, offering guidance and advice on everything from marketing and sales to finance and operations.


The team conducts engaging outreach sessions in local community centres and other venues, offering guidance and support to social entrepreneurs who may not have access to the resources they need to succeed.


The project has so far engaged with 58 social enterprises through workshops and outreach sessions. The Firstport grants team has awarded over £113K to 37 awardees, positively impacting Sunderland and South Tyneside.

88

Social Entrepreneurs working with PNE

140

People have engaged with the project

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£113K

Grant Funding awarded so far!

To social enterprises making a positive impact in Sunderland and South Tyneside.

Social Enterprise Boost in 2023

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Blue Jay Wellness CIC

Meet Lisa Cryer, founder of BlueJay Wellness, a social enterprise that strives to help young people in the North East improve their mental and physical well-being.

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Dying to Help CIC

Meet Emma Satchell, Founder of Dying to Help, a social enterprise committed to transforming people's perceptions and participation in matters related to mortality.

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Luminary Photography CIC

Luminary Photography CIC is a social enterprise founded by Simon Green that believes in the transformative power of photography.

Social Impact

Sustainability

At the core of PNE's mission is the drive to create positive social, economic, and sustainable change through enterprise. Sustainability is a central consideration in every aspect of our work, guiding decision-making and project development.


Our enterprise team has customised all of our support offerings to encourage positive environmental and social change. We emphasise the importance of sustainability and how it can positively impact business growth.


PNE also supports the sustainability agenda of the North East by sponsoring the SkillUP Social Impact Award of the StartUp Awards NorthEast. This award celebrates the region's entrepreneurs who are dedicated to creating a better world and giving back to their communities.


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16

Active PNE Pioneers

PNE Pioneers

The PNE Pioneers programme supports young entrepreneurs solving social and environmental issues in the North-East and beyond with innovative businesses.


Pioneers can access several benefits, including monthly appointments with a dedicated business advisor, dedicated networking events through Get Growing Your Network, the opportunity to apply for a small grant of up to £500, access to business masterclasses, and business resources.


In 2023, PNE Pioneers hosted three networking events, including a collaboration with the Startup Awards North East and supported the facilitation of a creative market at Alphabetti Theatre.

73

NetworkingEvent Attendees

PNE Pioneers in 2023

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Distinkt

Events

Discover Distinkt Events, an exciting start-up revolutionising sustainability practices for hospitality businesses

Click above to Watch

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Shadowforge Designs

Introducing Shadowforge Designs, a digital marketing and graphic design company that specialises in creating captivating brands for content creators.

Supporting Creatives

The Sustainable Creative

Introducing The Sustainable Creative Programme, a partnership with Creative Central Newcastle to help 12 creative and cultural entrepreneurs in Newcastle!

Create and Collaborate

Discover Create and Collaborate, a creative workspace located in the heart of Newcastle City Centre.

Ouseburn Market

Explore the Ouseburn Market, a vibrant display of local creative businesses' and exceptional, one-of-a-kind products.

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I wasn t really sure what to expect but genuinely felt like I was gonna cry it is such an amazing opportunity

Supporting Creatives

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The Sustainable Creative

In 2023, PNE joined forces with Creative Central Newcastle to aid 12 entrepreneurs in building environmentally friendly and impactful creative and cultural businesses.


The Sustainable Creative programme provided participants with access to a vast array of resources that helped them develop the necessary skills and gain inspiration to launch a successful venture. Moreover, the programme's innovative "The Art of" networking events provided a platform for participants to connect with like-minded individuals, build skills, and explore new opportunities, such as test-trading at the Ouseburn Creative Market.


The programme’s support has led to the creation of 11 new creative businesses in areas like photography, art and cultural tours.

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205

Hours of Support

Provided by the Sustainable Creative Team in 2023.

New Businesses Created

Due to the support of the Sustainable Creative Programme

13

Dedicated Workshops

Facilitated by the PNE Team for the Sustainable Creative Members.

8

The Sustainable Creative in 2023

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Darling Ginger Designs

Meet Nichola English, proud owner of Darling Ginger Designs and a Sustainable Creative Programme Member.

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Sound Therapy Northeast

Meet Edwina Forshaw-Gumbrill, the founder of Sound Therapy Northeast, which combines modern innovation with traditional holistic practices to promote holistic well-being.

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Eden

Sketchbook

Introduction to Eden Chapman-Maurice, founder of Eden Sketchbook, a sustainable creative enterprise promoting environmentally-friendly practices in the artistic community.

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8

Create and Collaborate Members

Supporting Creatives

Create and Collaborate

Create and Collaborate is an exciting initiative that provides an easy-to-access workspace for creatives as part of Creative Central: NCL.


Create and Collaborate is a professional workspace in the heart of Newcastle City Centre. It is purpose-built for creatives and equipped with a 3D printer, iMacs, a photo lightbox and OWL video camera’s. The space offers a collaborative environment for budding and established creative and cultural entrepreneurs in the region. It provides an affordable and flexible workspace to develop ideas and create unique pieces of work.


“This project has been supported by the Creative Central: NCL programme, funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority and Newcastle City Council.”

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Supporting Creatives

Ouseburn Market

The Ouseburn Market is a bustling hub of creativity and entrepreneurship which takes place on land owned by PNE. Here, local business owners showcase their talent and passion by offering an extensive range of one-of-a-kind products.


From handcrafted jewellery to vintage clothing, artisanal food, and quirky homeware, you'll find something to suit every taste and budget. Whether you're looking to support small businesses, indulge in retail therapy, or soak up the vibrant atmosphere, the Ouseburn Market is the perfect destination.


By purchasing from traders in the market, we support the local community and contribute to sustainable business practices. Many participating businesses are committed to environmentally friendly practices, such as recycling, upcycling, and waste minimisation.



Qualifications, Consultancy and Grant Management

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Consultancy and Grant Management

Find out more about PNE’s consultancy and grant administration services in 2023.

CMI Qualifications

Discover how PNE’s CMI Certified qualifications can unlock the potential of your business and its leaders.

PNE Consultancy and Grant Management

PNE offers consultancy and expert grant administration services to ensure timely analysis of programme metrics and that funds allocated for enterprise activities are allocated accurately and efficiently.


NatWest Group Enterprise Purpose Reporting

Our team works closely with the NatWest Group Enterprise Team to support them to achieve their enterprise ambition, which is 'to remove barriers to enterprise and to provide businesses in the UK the support they need to grow'. In 2023, we supported the team to distribute over £400k in funding to enterprise initiatives engaging underrepresented groups across the UK and enabled them to demonstrate achievement of their high-level enterprise targets through the coordination and reporting of data from a range of contributing initiatives throughout the UK.


Durham Ambitious Business Start-Ups

TEDCO and its partners launched DABS, a three-year programme aimed at supporting 200 County Durham residents in starting and succeeding in their businesses. In 2023, PNE was contracted to develop and execute a monitoring and reporting strategy that promotes diversity and inclusion and assesses the participants' social and environmental aspirations.

CMI Qualifications

Investing in leadership development can have a significant impact on the success of a business. With PNE's CMI-certified Management and Leadership qualifications, businesses can unlock the full potential of their current and future leaders and managers.


PNE’s qualifications cover a wide range of competencies, from first-time line management to strategic planning at an executive level, ensuring that we can support our clients regardless of their leadership journey. By investing in leadership development, businesses can improve employee engagement, increase productivity, and drive innovation.


To find out about one of our 2023 candidates and his experiences by clicking the button below:

Case Study

Qualifications, Consultancy and Grant Management

And Finally....


Success Stories

Explore the successes of our fantastic clients.

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Thanks to Our Partners

Discover our fantastic partners who make our work possible!

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Get in Touch!

We want to talk to you! Find our details and how you can work with PNE!

Thanks to Our Partners

Our work at PNE is made possible by the support and collaboration of all of our partners. We extend a huge thank you to:

Beach

Accountants

Beacon Films

North East

BIPC

Connected Voice

Creative Central

NCL

Department for

Culture, Media & Sport

Firstport

Gateshead

Council

North East

Enterprise Agency

Junction Point

North East

Growth Hub

The Millin Charity

North of Tyne Combined Authority

National Enterprise

Network

North Tyneside Council

NatWest Group

South Tyneside

Council

Startup Awards

North East

Newcastle City

Council

North East BIC

Success Stories from 2023

Luminary Photography CIC

The Will Guys

Dying to Help CIC

Sound Therapy Northeast

Edens Sketchbook

BlueJay Wellness CIC

Distinkt Events

Darling Ginger Designs

Unit 3, Ground Floor

7-15 Pink Lane

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE1 5DW

enquiries@pne.org

0191 691 4901

www.pne.org