Gateshead Council
'Gateshead Council has aspirations to develop long-term relationships with businesses and provides the support they need to locate, invest, grow and create jobs in Gateshead. The Gateshead Creative Quarter, to the south of the world famous NewcastleGateshead Quayside, is fast developing as an attractive and dynamic area for creative industries as a result of a strong indigenous sector presence, world class facilities and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
It promises to become one of the most dynamic business environments in the UK with a mix of high quality design, unique architecture and the creation of a thriving, sustainable community. Thousands of new employment opportunities in the high-end digital media sectors will be available.
The council has a strong track record of supporting dynamic, indigenous small firms and over seas investors and seeks to develop an environment whether they can succeed and prosper. Four business incubation centres give new and young businesses, and inward investors, the opportunity to trade in a low risk supported environment. Gateshead Council established a Graduates in Gateshead initiative, in partnership with Newcastle and Northumbria Universities, that offers selected graduates the opportunity to locate their business in Gateshead.
Homegrown success stories also include Kuro Dragon 3D animation studio Kuro Dragon and UKC who specialise in internet technologies. Starter for Ten is a pilot project revitalising Gateshead centre ahead of its planned redevelopment, providing temporary workspace for creative people.
The project offers creative people a 'starter for ten' - an opportunity for ten or more individuals or groups to develop a creative business or practice in rent-free workspace for up to two years. Successful applicants also have access to business development support.
Phase 2 will open shortly to provide space for a further 15-20 businesses. Businesses are also encouraged to participate in the The Hub, a business collaboration network designed to help make the most of the collective minds in the Gateshead creative business community. Through it, people can work together, learn together and share resources with one another whilst having the opportunity to express thoughts, ideas and solutions.
It is a free to join network for the benefit of Gateshead based business people, and delivers a range of practical events, workshops and networking opportunities with one main aim - to create, sustain and develop a creative hub in Gateshead.