A North East education company has been formally presented with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
SoundbiteLearning , the company behind the award-winning GCSEPod digital content and revision platform, was presented with the award by the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Susan Winfield, at the firm’s headquarters in Newcastle.
The company, founded in 2006 by Anthony Coxon and Ian Thompson, has been honoured in the International Trade category, recognising GCSEPod’s success on the global education stage over several years and especially during the ongoing Covid pandemic.
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Mr Coxon said: “Ian and I are incredibly proud that the company we launched in 2006, underpinned by the idea there has to be a better way for young people to learn in an audio visual way, has won such a globally recognised honour that is effectively a royal seal of approval for 海角视频 businesses.
“But winning the award isn’t just down to Ian and I. It is a testament to the hard work and diligence shown by every member of the company over a long period of time, and is a fantastic boost to everyone as we continue efforts to ensure that students both in the 海角视频 and internationally have the chance to unlock their academic potential.”
The chair of the region’s largest further education provider has stepped down after eight years in the post.
Rob Lawson helped guide Sunderland College from a local college to a regional group, Education Partnership North East (EPNE), after mergers with Hartlepool Sixth Form College and Northumberland College.
A former newspaper editor, Mr Lawson was awarded an OBE alongside EPNE chief executive Ellen Thinnesen in the New Year’s Honours List this year.
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He said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my eight years with Sunderland College and EPNE and now is the right time for me to step down. I’ve been blessed to work with an impressive group of committed and talented governors and an inspirational senior team headed by Ellen, who’s charismatic leadership has propelled her to national prominence in the FE sector.
“I’ll watch with great interest to see how EPNE will develop and grow over the coming years.”
Wealth manager Brewin Dolphin ’s Newcastle office has been spreading some festive cheer with a volunteering programme that is supporting 12 local charities through December.
More than 50 employees are taking part in a range of activities, including supporting food waste charity Fareshare, helping the staff at the Children’s Heart Unit Fund with preparations for its Christmas party and serving Christmas dinner at homeless shelter, Vinnie’s Café.
Jeffrey Ball, investment manager at Brewin Dolphin’s Newcastle office, who volunteered this month at the Great North Children’s Hospital, said: “We really think it is important to support our local community. We have a lot of staff from across the region and to be able to volunteer and support good causes means a lot to our team.”
The office’s charity endeavours have continued throughout the pandemic, with the team raising more than £26,000 for Maggie’s Cancer Centre since 2019.
Environment and regeneration charity Groundwork South & North Tyneside has celebrated the 30th anniversary of operation in South Tyneside by lighting South Shields Town Hall green.
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The charity has supported thousands of people into work, apprenticeships or training over its time in the area and has rejuvenated large areas swathes of urban green spaces.
The charity, which works under the themes of creating sustainable communities, raising aspirations, improving lives and create better places, delivers a wide range of programmes and services from education enrichment to community programmes such as Green Gym, West Boldon Lodge, Jarrow Hall, Marsden Road Health & Wellbeing Centre and the Groundwork Shop, located at Middlefields Recycling Village.
Chief executive Andrew Watts said: “In 30 years we have achieved a great deal in rejuvenating urban areas and helping people gain learning and training that has improved their lives. We are so proud of what we have achieved over the past three decades, from supporting people into work to opening Jarrow Hall in 2016, we continue to deliver our vision of ‘changing places, changing lives’.”
South Tyneside Council leader Tracey Dixon said: “Groundwork has an important role in harnessing resources to undertake schemes which are beyond the reach of the public authorities. Working closely with the private sector and local community to bring finance, energy, imagination and a collaborative approach, we look forward to working in partnership with Groundwork over the next 30 years and beyond.”