In a truly heartfelt festive gesture, the North Tyneside Business Forum has delivered a potentially life-saving Christmas present to the Camperdown and Burradon community – a publicly accessible defibrillator, funded through its community interest company and installed where it’s needed most.
The defibrillator has been installed at Direct Cars in Camperdown Industrial Estate in Burradon, following a community initiative led by the North Tyneside Business Forum.
After mapping the area, the Business Forum identified that there were no defibrillators available across the industrial estate, despite the large number of businesses, employees, visitors and community facilities operating on site. Through the North Tyneside Business Forum CIC, funds were donated to purchase a defibrillator, which is now publicly accessible on the external wall at Direct Cars. The project was supported in partnership with Red Sky Foundation, a charity dedicated to increasing access to life-saving cardiac equipment.
Chris Wilson, Vice Chair of North Tyneside Business Forum, said: “This was a targeted initiative through the Business Forum’s charity fund to support local business communities. When we mapped the area and saw there were no defibrillators across the Camperdown Industrial Estate, it was clear this was something that needed addressing. The absence of a defibrillator could quite literally cost lives.”
He added: “Working with Direct Cars allowed us to place the defibrillator in a highly visible, accessible location that serves the whole estate.” The need for the equipment has already been proven by Chris who runs the Square and Compass Bar in Whitley Bay.
“I have a defib at my premises and it’s been used far more often than I expected,” Chris added. “It was used around 14 times in December alone, which shows just how vital this resource is for the community.”
Kate Willits, Director at Direct Cars, explained why the company was keen to host the defibrillator:
“We identified that there was no defibrillator in the nearby area, and as a business rooted in the community, it was important for us to help change that.” She added that the decision was also deeply personal:
“My mum, who is also a director at Direct Cars, suffered a heart attack and cardiac arrest seven years ago. Having access to a defibrillator can make all the difference, so this is something very close to our hearts as a family.”
The industrial estate includes a range of businesses and facilities, including a gym, increasing the likelihood that the equipment could be needed.
“If it’s ever used, we’ll feel grateful that it’s here and that we’ve been able to help someone in need,” Kate said. “That’s why it’s important people in the surrounding area know exactly where it is.”
Direct Cars is a long-established, family-run taxi company that has been operating in North Tyneside for 45 years. Founded by Maureen and Alan Hope, the company remains family-owned and operates a fleet of around 100 vehicles, employing local drivers and call-handling staff.
“We’re proud to remain at the heart of the North Tyneside community,” Kate added. “This defibrillator is part of that commitment.”
The North Tyneside Business Forum hopes the installation will encourage other businesses and industrial estates to assess their own access to life-saving equipment and take similar action.
The North Tyneside Business Forum is run by a management group made up of members from various industry sectors in the Borough and gives support in the form of networking, events and signposting for growth and development. Membership is free and open to any business of any size with a trading address within North Tyneside. The Business Forum is supported by, but not run by North Tyneside Council.
The Forum is FREE to join and is for any business with a trading address in North Tyneside.
E: business.forum@northtyneside.gov.uk www.northtynesidebusinessforum.org.uk
T:0191 643 6000