Small businesses throughout Newcastle's West End are growing with support from the Business & IP Centre North East (BIPC), which has been praised for its work over the past three years helping entrepreneurs and small businesses in the area. At the heart of the programme's community impact is the partnership between BIPC North East and Reviving the Heart of the West End.
Empowering Local Entrepreneurs
The Newcastle-based charity empowers people to explore their potential, gain confidence, and create brighter futures through personalised one-to-one support and practical workshops designed to help people at their own pace, turning their ideas into businesses. The charity's grassroots knowledge, trusted local presence, and people-first approach have helped entrepreneurs across Newcastle's West End access tailored business support, mentoring, and confidence-building opportunities.
Economic Development Officer Sarah Turnbull said: "Throughout the region, the BIPC service ensures business support is accessible, inclusive, and firmly rooted within local communities, of which Reviving the Heart of the West End is a great example."
Collaborative Support Network
Working alongside The Millin Charity as part of the Localised Provision Project, BIPC North East and Reviving the Heart of the West End have helped create a support network focused not just on business growth but on empowering individuals within local communities to believe in their ideas and take practical steps towards self-employment and entrepreneurship.
A major element of that success has been the outreach and engagement work delivered by Reviving the Heart of the West End. Alexandra Johnson, CEO of Reviving the Heart of the West End, believes the partnership has shown the value of delivering business support within communities and ensuring people feel encouraged and supported from the very beginning.
She said: "We work with people at all stages, from those just starting out to those looking to grow. It can feel daunting and sometimes lonely, but through this partnership we're able to support people at their own pace, building confidence as well as capability."
Removing Barriers to Business
The work has ensured support reached individuals and businesses who may not traditionally access mainstream business programmes. Through trusted relationships and local delivery, the organisation has helped remove barriers, build confidence, and create opportunities for entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey. Eligible businesses have also been able to access up to 12 hours of fully funded specialist support through the Citylife Business Support Grant, enabling them to work directly with experts to accelerate growth, refine strategy, and respond to an evolving business landscape.
The businesses that have taken part have benefited from grant-backed programmes, helping to drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen the regional economy. The partnership has helped local people whose businesses have grown, adapted, and flourished with the support available.
Success Stories: Lulu Chen and Thushara Chandrasiri
Lulu Chen, founder of 35C Supper Club in Newcastle, has created a distinctive dining experience, hosting guests in her own home. By bringing together strangers around one table, she serves traditional Chinese dishes while sharing the stories, histories, and cultural significance behind each one. Lulu moved to Newcastle four years ago and started the business to recreate the authentic flavours she missed from home. With support from BIPC North East and Reviving the Heart of the West End, she navigated everything from business registration and food compliance to marketing and financial management.
She said: "The one-to-one advice was really important. But the biggest thing it gave me was confidence to start the business and do something I really love."
Creative entrepreneur Thushara Chandrasiri, founder of Darkus Magazine, has also turned his passion into a profession. What began as blogging during university evolved into a full-scale magazine celebrating music, fashion, culture, and creativity across the UK, as well as producing bespoke publications for brands. Through BIPC support, which included mentoring from industry-experienced advisors, Thushara gained practical guidance on monetisation, attracting advertisers, and building a sustainable business model.
He said: "As a creative, the business side can feel overwhelming. The mentoring helped me understand how to turn creativity into a viable business and build my brand with confidence."
Community Impact and Future Outlook
Alexandra said: "Seeing businesses like Lulu's and Thushara's develop is exactly why this work matters. The strength of this project has been the ability to meet people within their own communities and provide support that feels approachable, practical, and personal. For many people, that first conversation is the difference between an idea staying an idea and becoming a real business."
Sarah added: "From developing early-stage ideas to established enterprises scaling and growing, the partnership is helping to build a stronger and more resilient regional economy. Lulu's and Thushara's businesses are just two of the many that we have helped in the past three years, and we wish them every success in their business."
