Join Our Board as a Non-Executive Director and Shape the Future of North East Business

The North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) is a leading social enterprise dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and business growth across the region. Since our inception in 1994, we have supported over 4,000 businesses, created 7,500 jobs, and currently house 328 companies across our centres in Sunderland, Darlington, and Washington.

As we reach a pivotal milestone in our journey, we are seeking two dynamic Non-Executive Directors to join our Board. These individuals will provide strategic guidance and innovative insights to help us leverage our strong financial position and drive future growth.

Key responsibilities

-Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with fellow Board members to shape the strategic direction of the BIC, ensuring we continue to meet the evolving needs of the North East’s business community.
-Innovation and Growth: Utilise your experience in business scaling and emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, to identify new opportunities and enhance our service offerings.
– Mentorship and Support: Engage with entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey, fostering a collaborative environment where new and established businesses can share ideas and grow together.

The ideal candidates will have

-Proven Business Acumen: Experience in growing and scaling businesses, with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by startups and SMEs.
-Technological Insight: Expertise in Artificial Intelligence and its applications in business, enabling us to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.
-Innovative Mindset: A track record of challenging the status quo and introducing fresh, forward-thinking ideas.
-Commitment to Diversity: A passion for promoting inclusivity, with an emphasis on engaging younger generations and diverse communities.

Why join us?

At the North East BIC, we are more than just a business centre; we are a community dedicated to making a positive impact. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, we reinvest our earnings into launching new services and facilities, ensuring that businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs have the tools they need to succeed. By joining our Board, you will have the opportunity to influence the strategic direction of an organisation that plays a vital role in supporting and regenerating the North East’s economy.

Remuneration and time requirements

The role attracts an annual salary of £4,000 and will require 1-2 days per month with Non-Executives expected to take a wider role in ambassadorial support as required. There will be 4 formal Board meetings per year and additional participation in strategy days and working groups as required. The initial term is for 3 years.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further or have any questions about the role, please contact Jim Allcroft at jim@allcrofta.com or 07783 701 922

Applications should be made via email to jim@allcrofta.com and must include on separate documents:

Closing date for application: Monday 14th April 2025, 1200

Final stage interviews will be held in person in Sunderland on Wednesday 7th May

At the North East BIC, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and empowers entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. We believe that innovation thrives when diverse perspectives come together, and we strive to create a supportive ecosystem where every individual has the opportunity to succeed. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from talented individuals of all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring that our Board reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

In making an application for this role we ask you also to view our Privacy Notice which outlines our compliance to General Data Protection Regulations and the use and storage of your data.

Personal Data is held and processed on the lawful basis that such action is in the Legitimate Interest of the company in pursuing the purposes described and has been considered through the use of a Legitimate Interest Assessment utilising the Balance Test to not be outweighed by risks to the rights, freedoms and interests of the Data Subject.