Percentage of North East-based small businesses predicting growth each Quarter over the last year

The findings are from the Business Barometer study by Novuna Business Finance, which has tracked small business growth outlook every quarter since 2015. The new data also suggests early signs of a north-south divide emerging for the summer months. In addition to the rise in the percentage of small businesses predicting growth across the North East, there was a similar rise in the North West, with small business growth forecasts up from 22% to 26% since last quarter. In contrast, the percentage of small businesses in London predicting growth fell (from 40% to 37%). The same was true in the South East, with growth forecasts falling from (23% to 21%).

These rising growth forecasts from North East-based small businesses are all the more impressive given the challenging context in which many enterprises operate. The Novuna Business Finance findings come at a time when more than two thirds of North East small businesses (68%) fear disruption to their enterprises that will result from current geo-political and economic uncertainty. Of those that expressed concerns: 

·      38% of small businesses feared the impact the Middle East war would have on their business and supply chain. This rose sharply to 70% for small businesses in the transport and distribution sector, 68% for those in the agriculture sector and 61% of manufacturing small businesses.

·      20% of respondents in the North East said they still feared the potential impact of US tariffs on the UK.

·      11% of small businesses also said that the war in Ukraine and instability in the broader region would impact their business and supply chain.

·      As a result of all this uncertainty on the UK economy, 74% of North East-based small businesses said they feared the prospect of the UK Government raising UK taxation later in the year.

These findings follow Novuna Business Finance research in March on rising energy prices, after the outbreak of war in the Middle East region, which revealed that small businesses estimated their transport costs would increase by an average of £753.56 a month, and the cost of running machinery estimated to rise by an average of £785.92.

Sabrina Ahmed, Head of Customer Engagement at Novuna Business Finance comments: “After 10 years of tracking small business outlook across the North East, it is positive to see a rise in small business growth forecasts despite the seriousness of current worries over energy prices, the fear of future tax rises and general macro-economic uncertainty. We have learned so far this year that many small businesses are working hard to reduce fixed costs, free up working capital and are taking steps to diversify their business. All these practical steps are supporting a rise in the number of North East businesses predicting growth over the next three months. Novuna Business Finance is committed to supporting established enterprises with funding that will help them navigate market uncertainty and  power future growth.”

Designed for children and young people with additional needs, including autism, ADHD, and sensory processing differences, the specialised mid-week SEND breaks have been planned to take place during off-peak seasons, running from 11^th – 15^th May and again later in the year from 21^st – 25^th September.

To celebrate the launch of Beyond Boundaries Breaks, Meadow Bay Villages is offering a 20% discount on all bookings in a bid to further support SEND families, simply use code SEND20 at time of booking online.

Nikki Rathie, Holiday Director at Meadow Bay Villages, said; “We believe every family should be able to enjoy a holiday and in particular those families who have children with additional needs and who may struggle to find an inclusive holiday offering.

“Being able to escape the everyday and enjoy a specially tailored holiday is paramount and we are passionate about offering an inclusive space with tailored experiences and sensory sessions in a calm and supportive environment at both Billing Aquadrome and Hayling Island.”  

The entertainment package on offer has been carefully planned by the on-site entertainment team, THE TRIBE who have been working with external agency Bass Beatz Productions and specially trained to deliver a three-tiered entertainment programme to cater for specialist needs.     

Activities will include sensory celebration sessions exploring textures, lights, sounds, and movement in a calm, safe and inclusive environment, as well as inclusive performances and show times. Twilight sensory and silent discos will also take place, as well as relaxed cinema showings with adjustable volume headsets softened lighting and freedom to move around and sing along.  

These activities complement each parks’ Zen Den facility, a state-of-the-art sensory room designed with interactive and calming features.

A range of accommodation is on offer at both parks from platinum caravans with hot tubs, to dog friendly lodges. The team at Meadow Bay Villages can work with families in advance to ensure the appropriate accommodation is on offering depending on individual needs, as well as provided images in advance to help reduce any levels of anxiety pre-stay. 

To find out more about Meadow Bay Villages’ Beyond Boundaries Breaks and how to book, visit the info page online and use code SEND20 to gain a 20% discount on all bookings. 

The investment has been led by co-owners and principal dentists Jarlath McAteer and Jamie Dury, who acquired the well‑established practice in 2025 and have since embarked  on an ambitious programme to modernise facilities while preserving the character of its Grade II listed Richard Irvin building.

The project represents a significant private investment in dental infrastructure in the area and has included extensive structural upgrades, new clinical technology and expanded treatment capacity.

The programme has included major building works, installation of new clinical equipment and the creation of additional surgeries, increasing the practice’s ability to serve patients at a time when access to dental care remains a challenge across the region. The development has been financed through a combination of bank lending and private investment by the owners.

McAteer said the refurbishment was driven by the need to modernise the building’s infrastructure while supporting the long‑term growth of the practice.

“This was far more than a cosmetic refurbishment. The building was completely stripped back and rebuilt internally, including new drainage, full rewiring and a modern digital infrastructure,” he said.

“As a listed building the project presented some challenges, but the investment ensures we now have facilities and technology that match the high standard of care we want to provide.”

The practice has transitioned to a fully digital workflow as part of the redevelopment, incorporating cloud‑based systems, AI‑supported telephone technology and advanced diagnostic equipment.

Each surgery has been fitted with new A‑dec dental chairs integrated with electric motors and intra‑oral cameras, while digital scanners and digital X‑ray systems have been installed throughout the practice. The clinic has also introduced a Modjaw occlusal analyser, allowing clinicians to assess patients’ bite dynamics in real‑time motion.

Co‑owner Jamie Dury said the investment was designed to future‑proof the practice and allow it to expand its clinical offering.

“Our aim is to build a modern independent dental practice that combines cutting‑edge technology with a highly skilled clinical team,” he said.

“We are continuing to develop specialist expertise within the practice and are actively expanding our team to support growing patient demand.”

Union Quay Dental currently employs 32 staff including seven dentists, with recruitment underway for additional clinicians and support staff as part of the expansion.

The practice has recently introduced specialist endodontic services and is developing referral pathways for implants, cosmetic dentistry and periodontal treatment. Several

members of the clinical team are also undertaking postgraduate training in orthodontics and aesthetic dentistry.

The refurbishment has been delivered using a predominantly North East supply chain, with Teesside‑based project management firm BH Projects overseeing the works and Prodrive Shopfitting Ltd in Middlesbrough, delivering the building programme.

McAteer and Dury both trained at Newcastle University before establishing their careers in the North East and say their decision to invest in the Fish Quay practice reflects their long‑term commitment to the region.

“Neither of us are originally from the area, but we both chose to build our careers and our lives here,” McAteer said.

“When the opportunity came up to take on the practice it felt like the right moment to put down roots and create something we could grow over the long term.”

With the Fish Quay continuing to evolve as one of the North East’s most vibrant coastal communities, and with North Shields bidding to become UK Town of Culture 2028, the pair say the timing felt right to invest in the future of the practice. 

“With more people moving to the coast and regeneration happening across the Fish Quay, we’re seeing growing demand from patients who want access to high‑quality private dentistry locally,” Dury added.

Alongside the refurbishment, the owners have introduced new dental membership plans designed to make private dental care more accessible, with maintenance plans starting from £14.99 per month. Unlike many practices, these plans are designed and managed entirely in‑house rather than outsourced to external providers, giving the team full control over the benefits offered and allowing them to tailor care around the needs of their patients.

Looking ahead, the focus for the practice will be on consolidating growth, expanding specialist services and continuing to invest in technology and training.

“We’re proud to be one of the few fully independent dental practices in the region,” said McAteer.

“That independence allows us to prioritise patient care, build a strong team culture and continue investing in the practice for the long term.”

More information: https://www.unionquaydental.co.uk/

International conservation charity marks bicentenary milestone on 29 April 2026

CELEBRATING 200 years of wildlife and the appointment of a new CEO, 2026 is proving to be a significant year for global conservation charity ZSL (Zoological Society of London).

ZSL has today (Monday 9 March) announced that Kathryn England has been appointed as permanent Chief Executive Officer, following a period as interim CEO.

The appointment makes Kathryn the first woman to hold the role in ZSL’s 200-year history – a milestone that carries particular resonance as it falls in the week of International Women’s Day (8 March). 

Having worked for more than a decade with ZSL, Kathryn’s institutional knowledge, the well-earned trust of her colleagues and deep understanding ZSL’s supporters, combined with her professional background in veterinary care and wildlife health, puts ZSL in secure hands as it looks to its future.

During Kathryn’s tenure as Interim CEO, ZSL launched the SPIN (Science for Private Investment in Nature) project, premiered a new film spotlighting a Polynesian tree snail and ZSL’s four-decade long commitment to save them, and kicked off its 200^th anniversary celebrations with a commemorative Royal Mint coin, new Transport for London poster and a brand-new 12-part podcast series.

ZSL has a distinguished history when it comes to women in wildlife. In 1826, the organisation’s founding year, Sophia Raffles became the first woman to be elected a Fellow of a learned society – making ZSL a pioneer in the inclusion of women in science, long before it became commonplace.

In the early twentieth century, Evelyn Cheesman became ZSL’s first female curator when she was appointed Assistant Curator of Insects at London Zoo after being refused entry to the Royal Veterinary College on account of being female; Joan Procter, ZSL’s first female Curator of Reptiles, contributed huge developments to our understanding of the care of reptiles and to the design of London Zoo’s former Reptile House; and Dame Miriam Rothschild was the first woman to be made an honorary Fellow of the Society. Kathryn England’s appointment as CEO is the latest chapter in that story. 

ZSL’s Chair of Trustees, Sir Jim Smith said: “In Kathryn, ZSL has a Chief Executive who knows this organisation profoundly, who has already earned the trust of colleagues, partners, and supporters, and who has the technical background and strategic vision to lead it into the next exciting and important chapter. The Board is delighted to confirm her appointment.” 

Kathryn said: “It is an honour to be appointed to lead an organisation I care about deeply. ZSL’s people, its science, and its mission are genuinely world-class, and I am determined that we use this milestone year as a springboard to grow the impact we have in our conservation work, for the communities we engage, and for the wildlife we are to protect and restore.” 

The SEND system in England is considered “broken” by many, with rising Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) numbers, high costs, and significant pressures on local authority budgets. Last July, the Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza sounded the alarm on the proliferation of unregistered alternative provision that she claimed was forming a “shadow SEND system” in areas where mainstream and specialist services are unable to meet spiralling demand. Fast forward to today, and vulnerable children are still being educated in some of the least regulated environments, as pressure on the SEND system shows no signs of abating.

Momenta Connect provides tailored support at every stage, from early diagnostic and therapeutic intervention, to school attendance support and multi-disciplinary programmes that help children re-engage with learning. Momenta Connect has welcomed proposals designed to keep more children with additional needs in mainstream education. The Government’s focus on earlier identification and improved access to support, reducing reliance on EHCPs, is welcome.

The White Paper pledges to move away from a universal statutory approach to supporting children with SEND. Instead, a four-tier approach will be adopted. Most children will receive SEND support at Tier 1 (whole-class teaching), Tier 2 (school-led targeted support) or Tier 3 (specialist-led targeted support), with EHCPs becoming Tier 4 plans, which will only be issued to children with the most complex and special needs.

Every child assessed to have SEND will be allocated an Individual Support Plan, even where an EHCP is not granted. This is to ensure greater transparency of accountability and consistency of provision across mainstream schools. To complement these changes, the Government has promised an additional estimated £3.8–£4bn in funding for SEND provision over the next few years. This funding will be used to bolster mainstream SEND provision, as well as early intervention and specialist services. Ensuring this money reaches frontline schools as quickly and transparently as possible will be vital if these reforms are to have any meaningful impact. With £200m funding promised for SEND Teacher Training programme and more expected, these proposals are still ambitious for schools and will take time to deliver.

Momenta Connect’s SEND specialist and clinical lead, Dr Kieran Lord, said:

“The vision set out by the Government today is exactly what the sector has been waiting for. Inclusion has got to be the ambition, but we must also be realistic about what it takes to get there.

Schools are under unprecedented pressure as they try to manage rising levels of neurodiversity, mental health needs, attendance issues and workforce stress. Throw into the mix ambiguous policy proposals and trying to re-engage the high numbers of pupils and parents who have been let down and lost trust in the existing education system, it’s a tall order. The rollout will need to be carefully managed, and how do we work to deliver SEND to the current cohort of children who are waiting for things to change?”

“The intention to reserve EHCPs for the most complex needs and to reassess plans at key transition points, such as the move from primary to secondary school, where needs can be effectively met without a statutory plan, represents a significant cultural shift. That will require clarity, workforce capacity and careful transition planning so families have confidence that support remains robust.”

“We need structured collaboration between mainstream and specialist settings, investment in early-intervention programmes, and better-defined routes for children to access specialist support without leaving their local school. As the SEND White Paper processes continue to roll out, we need to ask ourselves: where does the expertise exist to make this new approach a reality?”

With decades of experience in SEND, Momenta Connect partners with mainstream schools, families and local authorities to help children with SEND receive specialist support without having to leave their local area. Commenting on the White Paper, Emma Sanderson, Director at Outcomes First Group said:

“The proposals contained within the White Paper signal a clear recognition that our SEND system is in crisis. Whilst today’s legislation outlines a welcome shift in approach, echoing calls from specialists for greater inclusion and early intervention, there is a real risk that without specialist provision playing a key role in delivery, these ambitions will become another policy that’s difficult to decipher, let alone implement.

“As leaders with national expertise in both mainstream and specialist SEND provision, we’re hearing time and time again from schools that they want to and are committed to, helping more children with SEND thrive in mainstream settings. But they can’t do it alone. Schools need a way to bridge the gap between mainstream and specialist expertise and need access to specialist support without pupils having to leave their local area.

“The move to a tiered SEND framework has the potential to provide much-needed clarity. However, Tier 2 and Tier 3 support will only succeed if schools have meaningful access to specialist expertise. The proposed national ‘Experts at Hand’ service is a welcome step, but implementation details and capacity planning will be critical. The expectation that secondary schools develop dedicated inclusion bases provides an opportunity to formalise that bridge between mainstream and specialist provision. Inclusion hubs should act as centres of expertise to bolster whole-school inclusive practice, rather than becoming siloed places.”

Following this period of consultation and prior to the White Paper becoming legislation, schools will have to bridge the gap between current practice and the proposed changes, while maintaining current standards for pupils.
Momenta Connect will be hosting a series of free, drop-in webinars following the publication of the White Paper to break down key policy changes and share practical strategies to support children with SEND in mainstream schools.

• Attract younger talent with flexible, lifestyle-friendly shifts
• Retain older workers through phased or reduced-hour options
• Reduce burnout and absenteeism by balancing workloads
• Optimise resources around real-time demand peaks.

Mazda has recognised the top performing dealerships, across the sales and aftersales departments in its annual All Stars awards. Now in its seventh year, the awards celebrate dealerships that placed within the top 25 in the 2025 Mazda Sales and Aftersales leagues, alongside top performing dealers within Fleet and Used Cars. The evening also celebrates a group of ‘star performers’ – individuals that are nominated for individual stand out performance and contribution in their areas. 

With a strong network of 114 dealerships across the UK, the All Stars Sales and Aftersales Leagues measure dealer performance across a number of different categories for both respective areas, including customer satisfaction surveys, renewals performance and service loyalty.

With high performing scoring in metrics across the board, Edwards Mazda Kempsey achieved first place in the sales league rankings, while Romford Mazda secured the top spot as number one Aftersales Dealer for the third time since the inception of the awards.

Oakmere Mazda Northwich, winners of the overall 2025 Mazda Dealer League, took home the prize for ‘Enquiry Management’. For the third consecutive year, Newport Mazda once again claimed the award for Mazda Approved Used Car, while TW White & Sons Great Bookham has been recognised for Parts Performance for the second year in a row.

Other winners from the 13 award categories include: previous All Stars award winners RRG Mazda Stockport for Fleet Specialist Dealer, Bourne Road Mazda Crayford for Customer Satisfaction across service, plus Magna Mazda Dorchester for Customer Satisfaction across sales.

In addition, nine individual Star performers were honoured by Mazda Business Managers and Regional Business Managers in special recognition for their performance excellence over the last 12 months. Among those who received individual awards were Amanda Savage at Vertu Mazda Redditch for her focus and leadership guiding her sales team, Paul Snowball from Stoneacre Newcastle for his outstanding performance and Briony Widman at Sandicliffe Nottingham for her strong leadership.

Commenting on this year’s All Stars results, Laura Brailey, Sales Director at Mazda UK, said: “The Mazda All Stars awards evening is a fantastic opportunity for Mazda UK to celebrate exceptional performances of the top performing dealers across sales, service, fleet and used cars, as well as certain hand selected star performers from each territory”.

Adding, “We recognise that delivering a strong performance across a variety of areas consistently throughout a 12-month period takes focus, resilience and passion. Mazda UK is grateful to be able to host this very special awards evening so that we can thank everyone involved in contributing to the success of our brand”.

Full list of winners include:

Falken Tyre Europe GmbH (Falken) is launching a new chapter with its Adventure Camp initiative, placing the FALKEN WILDPEAK A/T AT3WA all‑terrain tyre at the centre of real‑world testing. The Falken Adventure Camp New York State will take place from 28 May to 7 June 2026, guiding participants through a variety of landscapes and road conditions across the State of New York. Interested participants can apply until 31 March 2026 via the campaign website www.falken-adventure.com.

The Falken WILDPEAK A/T AT3WA is designed for drivers who regularly switch between urban traffic, country roads and unpaved routes. The aim of the camp is to make this transition tangible and to demonstrate how an all‑terrain tyre performs both on everyday journeys and in more demanding off‑road environments.

The Falken WILDPEAK A/T AT3WA enters the Adventure Camp with strong credentials: in the Auto Motor und Sport off‑road tyre test (September 2025), it took first place overall, outperforming six other all‑terrain models. The tyre delivered particularly impressive results on loose surfaces, offering short braking distances, stable lateral grip and high traction across a range of terrains.

The planned routes link urban areas with expansive natural landscapes including forests, gravel tracks, remote trails and open countryside. The tour is intended to demonstrate how modern mobility and nature‑focused exploration can complement one another. The camp’s approach deliberately avoids extreme off‑road scenarios, instead highlighting real‑world driving situations in which an all‑terrain tyre can showcase its versatility.

With initiatives such as the Adventure Camp, Falken aims to make its marketing activities more experience‑driven. Rather than presenting products in isolation, the intention is to make them tangible in real‑life scenarios. In doing so, Falken seeks to highlight the strengths of its products while creating opportunities to experience their performance first‑hand.

17 February 2026 – GWM UK has handed over a new GWM POER300 Ultra pick-up to NFU Scotland (NFUS), supporting the organisation’s day-to-day operations across the country and marking the newly launched GWM–NFU Scotland affinity programme. The partnership gives NFU Scotland members access to exclusive discounts on the POER300 range, as part of the Union’s ongoing work to secure practical, cost-saving benefits for farming and crofting businesses.

Supplied by Scottish GWM retailer A F Noble, the vehicle was officially handed over with Steven Cooper from A F Noble and Alan Coyle, Regional Sales Manager at GWM UK, in attendance. The pick-up was received on behalf of NFU Scotland by Jackie Saunders and Tom Graham.

The POER300 will be used as a shared vehicle by NFU Scotland staff, supporting activities such as attending agricultural events, towing equipment, visiting farms and rural businesses, and transporting equipment across Scotland. It will also be used by the organisation’s Chief Executive when attending official functions. The new pick-up replaces a previous vehicle in the NFUS fleet.

Finished in Crystal Black, the GWM POER300 Ultra is fitted with a modular canopy and towbar with ball and pin, making it well-suited to the varied demands of NFU Scotland’s work. The vehicle also features NFU Scotland branding, including official NFUS decals and a QR code directing users to NFUS membership sign-up.

The POER300 has been added to NFU Scotland’s fleet as part of the organisation’s participation in GWM UK’s affinity programme, reflecting its role as the programme’s first partner.

Alan Coyle, Regional Sales Manager at GWM UK, said: “We’re delighted to see NFU Scotland take delivery of the POER300 and put it straight to work supporting their operations across the country. The POER300 is designed to meet the real-world demands of farming and rural life, and NFU Scotland is a natural partner for GWM as we continue to grow our presence in the UK. This handover is a great example of how our affinity programme brings practical benefits to trusted organisations and their members.”

Jackie Saunders, Member Services Manager at NFU Scotland, said: “The POER300 has been selected to support NFU Scotland’s operational needs, including travel to events, farm visits and towing equipment across Scotland. Through our affinity partnership with GWM, we’re pleased to be able to highlight this vehicle to members as an option available through the scheme.”

GWM and NFU Scotland Affinity Programme
The launch of the POER300 pick-up represents a key opportunity for GWM to broaden its appeal, particularly within the farming and agricultural community. GWM’s ‘Get a Truckload More’ marketing campaign has helped establish the brand as a distinctive new entrant in the UK pick-up market, and the affinity programme builds on this momentum.

NFU Scotland is the first official partner in GWM UK’s affinity programme, which provides the NFUS members with access to information and offers associated with the POER300 as part of a wider range of vehicle options. Additional affinity partners will be announced over the coming months as GWM continues to strengthen awareness and sales opportunities across the UK.

About NFU Scotland
At NFU Scotland, our mission is to support and promote our members to achieve a sustainable and profitable future for Scottish agriculture.

Formed in 1913, NFU Scotland is Scotland’s leading agricultural organisation, representing 9,000 farmers, crofters, growers and supporters across the country. NFUS works closely with sister organisations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as rural, business and consumer groups, to deliver on its purpose.

NFU Scotland keeps members informed on major policy and legislative issues affecting their businesses, supported by 52 Group Secretaries, 10 regions, and 72 local branches. The organisation also provides strong political representation, lobbying the Scottish Government, Westminster and European institutions to ensure the voice of Scottish agriculture is heard.

With a high public profile and hundreds of media engagements each year, NFU Scotland continues to influence public opinion and champion the interests of Scottish farmers.