Ambitious businesses in South Tyneside are being encouraged to take advantage of fully funded support through Scale-up North East, a programme designed to help leaders overcome barriers and accelerate growth.
Funded through South Tyneside Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation, and delivered by RTC North, Scale-up North East offers one-to-one support from experienced business partners who work directly with entrepreneurs and management teams to create a clear pathway for scaling.
The programme focuses on building strategy, improving resilience, and opening up opportunities for innovation, investment, and new markets.
Businesses in South Tyneside can benefit from:
- Tailored one-to-one guidance from a Scale-up Partner with real-world experience.
- Specialist workshops and events tackling growth challenges such as leadership, funding, and innovation.
- Connections to wider regional support including other programmes funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Pretty Mama, a Hebburn based maternity and breastfeeding brand were one of fifteen businesses in South Tyneside to benefit from the programme last year.
Alex Malley, Co-Founder of Pretty Mama said:
“The Scaleup North East programme was a huge help as it allowed us to meet and network with other businesses in the area who are at a similar stage in their journey and hear how they managed to overcome similar challenges and hurdles.
“We also got the chance to hear from some great speakers, such as the marketing executive behind Gillette’s iconic ‘the best a man can get’ campaign, which got us really thinking outside of the box and thinking about how we position ourselves as a company.”
Councillor Margaret Meling, lead member for economic growth and transport at South Tyneside Council, added:
“It is fantastic that South Tyneside Council have been able to secure funding once again to support businesses such as Pretty Mama to scale their operations. Pretty Mama are a real success story for the borough, shipping order across the globe and have become a viral sensation on social media.
“I am delighted we are able to support more businesses with their future growth plans, hopefully allowing them to invest and create jobs in the borough.”
Who can apply?
Scale-up North East is open to ambitious businesses that:
- Are based in South Tyneside, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Newcastle upon Tyne or Gateshead.
- Are scaling already or can demonstrate strong growth potential (including start-ups).
- Operate in any sector, with a particular focus on: digital and technology, health and life sciences, low carbon and green growth, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing.
- Are not operating in agriculture, fishery and aquaculture, banking, or insurance, as these sectors are ineligible.
With more ambitious businesses in South Tyneside set to benefit, Graham Stafford, Programme Manager at Scale-up North East, said:
“RTC North are proud to support businesses like Pretty Mama through the Scale-up North East programme. The programme has a long and proud reputation for supporting scaling North East businesses grow to their maximum potential, by delivering quality support from experienced business leaders who have ‘been there, done that, got the tee shirt and are not afraid to show the scars to prove it.’”
South Tyneside businesses can find out more about Scale-Up and a range of other local business support schemes at a Drop-in Event being held from 10am – 12noon on Friday 3rd October at One Trinity Green in South Shields. Alternatively visit www. scaleupnortheast.co.uk to find out more and register interest.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
