Warner Music 海角视频, the heavyweight of the record label industry, alongside music development agency Generator, has unveiled exciting plans to establish a major studio facility in Newcastle.
Dubbed Warner Music Newcastle, this ambitious project promises to bring "world leading" recording and production facilities into Newcastle's cultural core through a "substantial" investment.
The blueprint for the facility includes state-of-the-art recording studios, sophisticated editing suites, bespoke podcasting studios, and a variety of other creative spaces designed for content creation. Although the shortlist of potential locations is still under wraps, the provision of the facility will create jobs and provide a substantial boost to local musicians, production assistants, engineers, as well as photographers and filmmakers.
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Mick Ross, CEO of Generator, said: "We're beyond excited to be in position to announce this partnership. It's the result of months and months of planning, a number of visits to the region from Warner Music's top executives and the support of a host of partners to get us to the stage where we can proudly say we're bringing a standard of music production to the North East that won't just be the envy of the region, the north, or indeed the 海角视频."
He added that the vibrancy of the North East recording scene, with its wealth of independent studios, will only be enhanced by Warner Music's presence. "Our ambition has been to deliver something that is world-leading and we're so thrilled our ambitions have been matched by Warner Music's own with their commitment to this project.
Tony Harlow, CEO of Warner Music 海角视频, added: "Since discussing the project with the Generator team and its supporters in the region, we knew we had the right delivery partners. We can't wait to start work on site and get the studios into operation as soon as possible."
Tyneside-based recipe box start-up WowzaBox is gearing up for expansion after successfully raising over £170,000 through a crowdfunding campaign.
The company was founded by Newcastle University graduate Joshy Jin during the pandemic, identifying a market gap for customers craving restaurant-quality food at home during lockdown. With a team of six, they prepare all ingredients before packing and distributing them across the 海角视频, offering unique dishes such as Gong Bao Chicken, Lychee Prawns, Guizhou Hot and Sour Pork Stew, Sichuan Numbing and Spicy Beef and Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken. Over the past year, the firm has been pursuing ambitious growth plans, including launching a range for supermarkets.
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Now, with the successful crowdfund, WowzaBox plans to double its workforce from six to 12, expand into new premises in Newcastle, and enhance its product offerings, including the introduction of Asian meal kits and sauces for supermarkets. In its first year, the business has already delivered over 180,000 meals across the 海角视频, achieving a turnover of more than £675,000 from September 2022 to February this year, with 81% of turnover coming from returning customers in the first quarter of this year.
The firm is set to enhance automation levels to cater to prospective supermarket clients and diversify its range with new condiments and a fusion of Asian cuisines. Mr Jin said: "Our crowdfunding success has been a real game changer for us, the £170,000 raised will not only allow us to enhance our current offerings but also help us introduce new products, like our dedicated range for supermarkets."
Newcastle marketing and PR training company nesma is aiming for significant growth after expanding its reach on the back of a loan. TusPark-based nesma, which was launched in 2009 by marketing professional Veronica Swindale, delivers a range of courses, including accredited training qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).
Now the company is keen to capitalise on its expansion plans following an undisclosed loan from NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans, which is managed by NEL as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).
Following the loan, nesma has launched its SkillsPartner programme, brought in more specialised staff to create new content and courses, and also entered many new different markets available to it. The company is also looking to double its revenue year-on-year over the next five years.
Founder Ms Swindale said: “I am extremely pleased to have got the business to a point where we can add value, not only to individuals, but to the marketing and communications capability of whole organisations through our SkillsPartner programme. I made a strategic decision to bring Paul Sutherland into the business as our commercial director last year, and he has helped me shape our vision and led on the transition to make us future fit."
Teesside tech specialist Salesfire is set to enhance its platform with AI technology and create new jobs, following a £2.75m investment. The Middlesbrough-based firm, established in 2017, aids clients such as Hamleys, Moss Bros, Select fashion, Sportsshoes.com and Trespass in boosting sales via their ecommerce sites, with its software now used by over 700 brands.
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The company has secured an additional £2.75m from NPIF II – Mercia Equity Finance, managed by Mercia Ventures as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. The funding will be used to integrate the latest AI-powered technology into its platform and generate more than 10 new jobs within the next two years.
Founder Rich Himsworth stated: "Salesfire's mission is to help retailers grow their e-commerce sites and drive revenue. Our new Salesfire AI technology will be revolutionary in giving them scope to identify more anonymous site traffic and opening up a whole new world of marketing and data opportunities. We are pleased to have the continued support of our investors in this latest round and really excited to be at the forefront of AI in e-commerce."
Riverside pub and brewery The Keelman has been sold to a rapidly expanding hospitality firm. The Keelman and Big Lamp Brewery in Newburn was initially listed for sale six years ago, but the two businessmen running the pub-with-rooms and brewery later withdrew it from the market, opting to continue managing the venture.
However, in February, they decided it was time to retire from the popular bar and brewery, initiating a search for new proprietors. Birmingham-based Valiant Pub Company, founded in 2021 by Hawthorn Leisure co-founders Gerry Carroll and Mark McGinty, has now acquired the business, making The Keelman its 71st venue.
This acquisition also marks the third North East pub to be purchased recently by the company, joining The Heart of Northumberland and The Railway, both located in Northumberland. The transaction for The Keelman was facilitated by specialist business property adviser Christie and Co, which marketed the property for £995,000.
Robotics developer Wootzano has announced yet another overseas partnership it says is worth millions of pounds, at the same time as a crowdfunding bid to raise £500,000.
The Tyneside-based maker of post-harvest, robotic packing systems, which was named Business of the Year at the 2024 North East Business Awards, has secured its latest partnership with Malaysian consultancy VCI Global in a bid to sell its technology into the country's agricultural market. Wootzano says the agreement is worth £30m and marks a "pivotal moment" in the company's international growth.
The deal will see Wootzano's flagship Avarai robot introduced to Malaysian customers. It is equipped with the firm's ground breaking electronic skin that helps the machine sense, pick and pack delicate produce with capabilities similar to a human.
Kuala Lumpur-based VCI Global is a diversified holding company with subsidiaries specialising in consulting, fintech, AI, robotics, and cybersecurity. Last year it listed on Nasdaq and is said to be an ideal partner for Wootzano thanks to its support for emerging technologies.
Atif Syed, CEO of Wootzano, said: "This partnership with VCI Global is a powerful endorsement of Wootzano’s vision to bring high-tech robotics to the forefront of agriculture. Avarai has the potential to revolutionise post-harvest processes, driving both efficiency and sustainability. We’re thrilled to play a role in Malaysia’s transition to advanced, tech-driven agriculture."