We’re here to help

Our North East Connectors are business experts who can provide you with free, impartial advice on how to make your own business a success.
The team can:

  • help you access finance
  • match you with a business mentor
  • connect you with other North East business owners
    and provide support on whichever area of your business you’re looking for help with.

So whether you want to learn more about marketing, or you need advice on getting your startup off the ground, help is just a phone call away 01915615468

Eligibility Checker

To meet with a Connector, your business must be located in the North East LEP area (Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland). Before booking an appointment, check your postcode here.

Book an appointment

Please fill out your details below and one of our Connectors will be in touch as soon as possible. Alternatively call 0191 561 5468

Meet the Connectors

“It was good to know we weren’t alone and there was someone there the whole time who we could contact and ask questions.” Abigail Nelson, Co-Founder of food innovation business, XL Plant Based.

Ken Arnold

Ken Arnold

Ken thrives on being able to help business owners and their businesses to help themselves.
Specialities
Business Support, HR, Information Management, Marketing
Mobile: 07920 184 719
Craig Harrison

Craig Harrison

Craig thrives on being able to help business owners and their businesses to help themselves.
Specialities
Internal Growth & Market Access, Marketing and Project Management
Mobile: 07584 158 230
Karen Berry

Karen Berry

Karen has 30 years’ experience working with North East businesses. “My specialist area is looking after businesses who have challenges around
Specialities
Mobile: 07435754116
Ian Wood

Ian Wood

Ian has a vast experience of supporting businesses in both the public and private sectors to identify opportunities to grow
Specialities
Business Support, Information Management, Operations Improvement, Overhead Management
Mobile: 07435 338 297
Fleur Brown

Fleur Brown

Fleur is excited to engage with businesses across the North East, supporting them on their business journey.
Specialities
Business Development, Franchising, HR, Marketing and Project Management
Mobile: 07435 754117
Parveer Pannu

Parveer Pannu

Palu has experience of setting up businesses in Kenya and translating that knowledge to the UK. “I understand first-hand the challenges
Specialities
Business Support, Operations Improvement, Overhead Management
Mobile: 07435338326
Alan Hodgkiss

Alan Hodgkiss

Specialities
Business Support, Internal Growth & Market Access, Marketing and Project Management, Overhead Management
Mobile: 07435 338295
Kami Kundi

Kami Kundi

Adopted Geordie Kami’s experience includes running his own business. “I trained as an accountant and I’ve worked in the public
Specialities
Business Development, Business Support, Marketing and Project Management
Mobile:
Justin Souter

Justin Souter

Justin’s specialism is working with entrepreneurs and startups. “I love what I do. I love working with startups and I love
Specialities
Mobile: