PLASTECH Innovation, a startup and joint venture with Durham University developing plastic aggregates made entirely from post-consumer waste plastic, has been awarded first prize at the If We Can You Can Challenge’s (IWCYC) ‘Ones to Watch’
NatWest Business Bank pledges support to aspiring entrepreneurs across the region
NatWest Bank has pledged its support as a partner of the region’s only startup business competition open to all sectors, the If We Can You Can Challenge (IYCWC). In light of the new collaboration, IWCYC will run its first networking event solely
Teesside University support ‘Ones to Watch’ Award in 2019 IWCYC
The If We Can You Can Challenge (IWCYC) has announced that Teesside University will support their ‘Ones to Watch’ award. The ‘Ones to Watch’ award is given to a start-up business that is tipped to achieve great things in the next 12
Business leaders share ideas with next generation of entrepreneurs
Budding North East businesspeople have been tapping into the knowledge of experienced entrepreneurs for advice at a special networking event organised as part of the 2019 If We Can You Can Challenge Around 25 participants in this year’s Challenge
North East startups celebrated in glittering event
Two North East startups, Heartwood Skills CIC and SwitchAid have been voted as the winners of the If We Can You Can Challenge 2019. SwitchAid, a not-for-profit, comparison site, was presented with the award for Highest Growth Potential while
November is always a high impact and busy month for FIRST
Wow! Did November even happen? It's always a high impact and busy month for FIRST, as education and business celebrate outstanding entrepreneurs in the If We Can You Can Challenge. 'Huge congratulations' to the 2019 award winners: Highest Growth
The season of dinners, charity balls and award ceremonies
We hope business is booming and that the only thing scary in October was your next door neighbour's kids demanding sweets! As we step into November, may your month start with a bang as we move into the season of dinners, charity balls and award
How it all began… the story of FIRST
In this recording our co founder Charlotte Windebank speaks to Harlands Accountants and shares the story of FIRST, how the founders met, lessons learnt, current projects and future plans! A whirlwind in business; from spicy tuna sandwiches to 5 year
New project shows students they can save the planet by starting a business!
Partnership wins funding to inspire college students across the North East to explore self-employment and tackle the world's most burning issues. Local organisations, FIRST and PNE Group, have joined forces to find the next generation of North
Podcasts by our founder: Charlotte Windebank
Batley and Windebank – it’s a serious business is a podcast unlike any other business podcast. We’re best friends, business owners and now podcasters! We will delve into the world of commerce and shine a light on life and entrepreneurship in the
116 North East businesses working together to create more jobs for young people
Over one hundred businesses in the region have partnered with FIRST Breakthrough to provide training and job opportunities to those aged 14 to 30 to strengthen the local economy Every year, thousands of young people leave the North East in order
Do you use Welder/Fabricators? – Help us make sparks fly!
OUR AIM AND HOW WE ARE GOING TO ACHIEVE IT! FLYING SPARKS is a project that’s aim is to support people from in and around Newcastle to make positive steps towards employment whilst taking part in a 16 week long, Level 2 Welding and Fabrication
WE’RE HIRING!
FIRST is a skills provider, on a mission to connect young people, startups and professionals to their wider business community. Celebrating a record year in 2018-19 (doubling turnover and a 39% uplift in profit) FIRST was established in 2014, has 5
Laying the groundwork for a new generation of shiny new college startups
Flaming June! Half way through the year and it's supposed to be our hottest month! Whatever happens to the weather we hope it’s a ‘hot month’ for you and continues to be for the region’s young people wanting to access their first job and the range of
Green for Go! A sustainable startup competition for North East colleges
Young entrepreneurs from across the region are on a mission to find the next generation of North East change makers. Green for Go! Is an inter-college competition that will support level 2 learners to gain valuable business skills, explore how they
‘You can’t be what you can’t see’
The North East has one of the lowest startup rates in the country. To quote leading academic Professor Sharon Mavin: ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’. The If We Can You Can Challenge exists to shine a spotlight on the region’s
First Towers
The growing FIRST team doesn’t usually blow its own trumpet, but because of the difference it’s making to young people’s lives – across all areas of work – it’s time for a bit of a fanfare! As part of our work experience programme with
Delivering real benefits for SMEs
Spring may not have officially sprung, but the FIRST team has certainly jumped to action since the start of the year. Funded through Northumberland College, European Social Fund and the Skills Funding Agency, the temporary work-placement scheme that
Onwards and upwards for a thriving start-up community
2019 has begun! Every new year provides a fresh start, but this year FIRST is building on some strong foundations across its three work areas. 2018 witnessed a record-breaking year for the If We Can You Can Challenge as it celebrated its
APRIL: NEWS
The Chronicle & Journal is encouraging us all to #Invest in the North East to make the region a better place to live and work and here at FIRST we’re doing exactly that! The FIRST team were represented at the High Sheriff of North Tyneside's
MARCH: NEWS
March on! #PressforProgress – International Women’s Day will soon be with us! How appropriate then that the female-led First Face to Face Board and team is finding its stride to help ambitious start-up businesses and the North East’s young people