Durham University spin-out Magnitude Biosciences has secured funding worth nearly £1 million in the last year to accelerate revolutionary research into the ageing process and other significant medical advances. And all from minuscule worms created in a shed. Here, chief executive Fozia Saleem tells Colin Young more about the company’s growth blueprint, getting to grips with its scientific complexities and how it is taking worms to the world.

Harbour House is the three-year, seven-figure, self-funded labour of love of Skye-Alexander Ferry and partner Amy-bosé Wilson. As well as designing every aspect, Skye and his 12-man team have painstakingly built a mix of creative and wellness studios, hospitality venues and independent retail, bakery, restaurant and bar spaces to create a community of collaboration under one roof. Harbour House – named after the couple’s daughter – is now open, and Colin Young went along to meet the pair and find out more.

Tom Pollard, partner at leading international law firm Hill Dickinson, has led the creation of the firm’s new North East corporate team in Newcastle, alongside legal director Liam Stubbs and senior associate Nicole Axon. Together, they are building a corporate practice firmly rooted in the North East but with the benefit of the global perspective and reach of an international law firm. Here, Peter Anderson speaks to Tom, Liam and Nicole about their ambitions, the response from the business, investor and professional community and their vision for Hill Dickinson’s Newcastle office.