Specialist support for social enterprises

The North East Business and Innovation Centre’s (BIC) Social Enterprise Team, which supports new and established social enterprises, has welcomed three talented new members.

Judith Falla, Anthony McDermott and Alex Goodchild bring new expertise to the team, which provides specialist business advice to social enterprises at all stages of development, from start-up to growth phase, to long-established.

Social Enterprise Business Adviser Judith Falla joins the team with 30 years’ experience providing business support in the commercial, social and charity sectors.

With experience in organisations including Business Link and in the charity sector, Judith specialises in change management, business strategy, new business development and business planning.

In her new role with the BIC, she supports social enterprises in Sunderland, providing advice and guidance, coaching and specialist support tailored to social enterprises at all stages of development, including pre-start and growth.

“This is a sector that really makes a difference, and the people in it are so driven by their purpose; I’m struck by their creativity, dedication and enthusiasm,” she says.

Alex Goodchild, joins the BIC’s Social Enterprise Team as an Administrator. A graduate in Performing Arts with a Master’s degree in Media Production, Alex, from Sunderland, joins the BIC from direct delivery retail giant Ocado.

“It’s great being part of this team,” said Alex. “Making sure that the administration side is handled effectively ensures the business advisers can do their valuable work in supporting social enterprise. That’s really satisfying.”

Social Enterprise Business Adviser Anthony McDermott, also from Sunderland is an award-winning fundraising and marketing professional. A former medic in the armed forces, over the last few years, he has worked in the corporate event, charity, marketing and advertising industries.

Anthony, who is working with social enterprises across Sunderland, said: “It’s great to have the opportunity to work with good people doing good things. It’s inspiring to work with people working to make a difference across my local community.”

To find out more about the work of the team, go to: https://www.ne-bic.co.uk/business-solutions/social-enterprise-support/