A BUSINESS collective set up to promote a feelgood factor and boost the economy in a North East city has reached a milestone, after signing up its 50th member.
Sunderland Business Group Partnership Scheme, which was formed to inject vibrancy into the city by creating a strong business voice to share ideas and boost the area’s reputation, now has 50 partners, comprising influential businesses from within and also outside of Sunderland, particularly firms with a keen interest in the city economy who want to lend their weight to the group.
The organisation, which meets regularly, empowers members of the business community to come together to tackle issues in the city, and to work with their teams to create a sense of interest and excitement about the work going on to make Sunderland a more prosperous place.
The funding that the partnership scheme raises is used to deliver reputation-building campaigns that increase footfall in the city and help to promote Sunderland through events and marketing activities including Vibe Magazine, which is posted through more than 110,000 doors in and around Sunderland.
Sunderland Business Group was founded by some of the leading businesses and organisations in Sunderland, and has successfully created a Business Improvement District for the city centre, operational since April 2014.
It has also played a leading role in helping to develop the Sunderland Enterprise Growth Hub, and founded the Vibrancy Group, a subset of the Business Group, whose members share a passion to celebrate and promote the things which will inspire the city to become a vibrant place in which to live, work, study and enjoy. The Vibrancy Group comprises the Bridges Shopping Centre, Gentoo, Sunderland AFC, Sunderland BID, Sunderland College, Sunderland Live, the University of Sunderland and is supported by Sunderland City Council, who are founding members of the collective.
Gary Hutchinson, chair of the Sunderland Business Group, said: “The group has been steadily growing over the last few months, and what is exciting is to see it beginning to attract companies from outside of the city, who share a will to see Sunderland realise its potential.
“We now have 50 members, and we believe this is only the beginning for the collective. We would welcome any other businesses, that would like to add their voice to what is becoming an increasingly powerful network, to get behind us and get signed up.”
Mr Hutchinson added: “Any business that has an interest in Sunderland and wants to see the city succeed is welcome to be part of this group. We are making a positive difference to Sunderland already, and the more businesses that sign up, the bigger the impact we will be able to make.”
To become a member of Sunderland Business Group or for more information on levels and benefits contact the team at Ashmore Consulting Limited on 0191 500 8585 or email mark.hodgson@ashmoreconsulting.co.uk