As the world moves towards an even more digital age, it鈥檚 important for companies to keep up with the times and make sure they鈥檙e ahead of the curve when it comes to technology use in their business.
Sage is one of the market leaders for integrated accounting, payroll, and payment systems, supporting the ambition of the world鈥檚 entrepreneurs.
This year, the software company is the proud headline partner of the , sponsoring the Business of the Year category.
The awards will shine a light on the fantastic things businesses are doing to make a difference in the North East and the exciting event will take place on Thursday, October 3 at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield.
With September well underway, Jonathan Cowan, chief of staff at Sage, sat down to talk about new beginnings, a tech and innovation boom, and why the North East is a great place for businesses to be.
"Unlike the Green Day song, for me, September isn't about endings - it's a time for new beginnings.
"This year feels even more special as my twin daughters get ready to start their first year at university. Seeing them take this big step makes me think about how the North East is on the verge of its own exciting journey. The tech and innovation boom here is a rare opportunity, and the possibilities for what we can achieve are truly energising."
The ingredients for success
Excited about the North East Combined Authority鈥檚 focus on the digital sector through a 拢1.4 billion investment fund, Jonathan continued: "Sage has deep roots in the North East, and we鈥檙e passionate about making sure the talent and opportunities here not only compete with the rest of the 海角视频 but also stand out on the global stage.
"By working together, we鈥檙e making real progress in closing the digital skills gap and inspiring young people to explore careers in STEM through a range of initiatives, including the Tackling Insights programme that uses smart rugby ball technology to make STEM learning both fun and interactive; our apprenticeship programme that has supported over 700 apprentices in the past seven years; and the 拢1.4 million we鈥檝e invested in skill development programmes to ensure young people have the tools they need to succeed.
"Investing in these skills not only sets individuals up for success but also fuels regional growth and keeps the 海角视频 competitive on a global level."
AI-m for innovation
There is no doubt that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has recently become a global phenomenon thanks to its capabilities of helping to revolutionise a range of industries.
Speaking about the uses of AI within the North East, Jonathan said: "At Sage, we鈥檙e committed to helping these businesses digitise safely, and we鈥檙e working hard to foster a culture of trusted AI among the SMBs we support. One of the biggest challenges is closing the data gap - without digital information, it鈥檚 hard to fully tap into what AI can offer.
"We're here to help businesses understand how technologies like Sage Copilot can streamline their operations, cutting down on time spent on repetitive tasks."
"To businesses, now is the time to innovate, embrace technology, and take the lead in shaping the North East鈥檚 future. Your efforts aren鈥檛 just about growing your company, they鈥檙e about creating opportunities for the next generation.
"The North East has the talent, resources, and ambition to become the 海角视频鈥檚 Silicon Valley, and at Sage, we鈥檙e ready to help make that happen."