Ward Hadaway joins Wearside business network

A North East law firm is getting behind a Sunderland network set up to boost business throughout the city.

Ward Hadaway, which works on a number of projects in the city, has signed up to Sunderland Business Partnership – a collective of companies based in or with an interest in the strategic direction of Wearside.

The partnership brings together a range of organisations to facilitate collaboration, influence the city’s plans and help promote Sunderland as a place to do business.

Ward Hadaway has joined as platinum partner, the highest category of membership within the group, with senior partner Jamie Martin set to join the board and help shape strategy.

The firm is one of scores of financial, professional and business services sector enterprises in the partnership, with organisations from education, manufacturing and healthcare also signed up.

Jamie Martin said: “We do a lot of work with businesses and organisations in and around Sunderland, so it’s a natural step for us to engage positively with the premier business partnership in the city.

“We’re looking forward to playing a key part in driving this important group forward and growing our involvement in this fast-changing city.

“As someone who studied in Sunderland before embarking on my career – Sunderland College alumni – it’s a city that I think of as home, and that I consider to have been the place I kicked off my working life, so I’m really pleased to be part of a network that champions a place I am incredibly fond of, and that I am proud to support professionally through Ward Hadaway’s wide-ranging work in the city.”

Ellen Thinnesen, chair of Sunderland Business Partnership, and chief executive of Education Partnership North East which comprises Sunderland College, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Ward Hadaway to Sunderland Business Partnership, and look forward to working with Jamie on our board, to help drive forward this important network that plays such an important role in supporting and making positive change in Sunderland.”

Despite face-to-face meeting between members being put on hold due to the pandemic, the partnership continues to meet virtually, to ensure partners are fully up to date on city developments.