The South Tyneside Pledge is delivering real results for residents, businesses and communities with hundreds of organisations backing the borough. The Pledge is generating more than £10 million a year for the local economy and helping organisations work together to make a difference.
An independent evaluation of the Pledge has highlighted its growing impact since launching in 2022, with around 450 organisations now signed up and working together to support local jobs, local businesses and community wellbeing.
The report shows the Pledge is already:
- Supporting jobs, apprenticeships and work experience for local people
- Helping organisations spend more locally and strengthen supply chains
- Creating new income opportunities for businesses and charities
- Bringing organisations together to build partnerships and share opportunities
- Boosting volunteering, wellbeing and community engagement
Overall, the evaluation found the Pledge is building stronger local connections and keeping more money in South Tyneside, helping the borough grow in a way that benefits everyone.
Cllr David Royal, Lead Member for Economic Growth, regeneration and Investment at South Tyneside Council said:
“The South Tyneside Pledge is something the borough can be really proud of. It shows what can happen when organisations come together with a shared commitment to support local people, jobs and communities.
“This independent evaluation confirms that the Pledge is already delivering real value for the Borough. Not just in pounds, but in stronger partnerships, new opportunities and a growing sense of pride in South Tyneside.
“We want to build on this success. The focus now is on deepening participation, supporting our existing members and making sure the benefits of the Pledge are felt even more widely across our borough.”
The evaluation shows the Pledge has become a key part of how organisations in South Tyneside work together, helping businesses, charities and public sector partners connect and collaborate.
- Around three quarters of organisations say they are more focused on engaging with the local community since joining
- More than four in five say the Pledge fits well with their organisation’s values
- Almost half have introduced new local suppliers as a result of being involved
The report concludes the Pledge is a credible and effective way of building a stronger local economy, while recognising there is still more to do to grow participation and impact.
Organisations across South Tyneside are already seeing the benefits of signing up to the Pledge, from finding local suppliers to creating new opportunities for residents.
Organisations across South Tyneside are already seeing the benefits of the Pledge in practice, from strengthening local supply chains to creating new opportunities for residents.
Our1Community, a South Shields-based non-profit, has used the South Tyneside Pledge to build new partnerships and strengthen its work across education, creative arts, hospitality and community support.
Through the Pledge, the organisation has connected with other local businesses and suppliers, helping it source services locally and support its ongoing projects and venue development.
The Pledge has also opened up new conversations and ideas, particularly around future plans and partnerships that benefit the wider community.
Chris Pickering, who leads the organisation, says the Pledge offers more than traditional networking, creating practical opportunities to collaborate and make a difference locally.
Chris said:
“As a small organisation or microbusiness in the Borough, it can feel quite lonely at times. Having a space where you can connect with other organisations, knowing they’re facing the same challenges, makes a real difference.
Being able to get advice, share experiences and feel part of something bigger is a huge motivator. Having that network of supportive peers and ‘critical friends’ through the Pledge is genuinely valuable.”
Pentagon Assurance, a South Shields-based risk management firm, has embedded the South Tyneside Pledge into its approach to business, using it to guide decisions around sustainability, recruitment and local engagement.
Since signing up, the company has increased its use of local suppliers, supported local recruitment and introduced initiatives such as volunteering and environmental activity.
The Pledge has also helped strengthen relationships with other local businesses, creating opportunities to work together and share best practice.
Managing Director Barry Cooper says the Pledge provides a clear framework for businesses that want to support the local economy while growing sustainably.
Barry said:
“We thought the Pledge was a great idea. As a business based in South Tyneside, we had already been working to support local suppliers and employees, but the Pledge has given us the chance to learn from other employers, work together, and strengthen the local economy.
“It’s a great community, and being part of the Pledge has also been really valuable for us as a business – helping us improve our governance, become more sustainable, and shape our growth in line with our ambitions.”
The Council will now use the findings of the evaluation to build on what is already working, with a focus on helping more organisations get actively involved and turning connections into real opportunities for local people.
To find out more about the South Tyneside pledge see The Pledge – Invest South Tyneside
