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On Thursday 24 October, we were delighted to welcome businesses from across the North East to our On the Table for Business at Tyneside Cinema. In partnership with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), and the Institute of Directors (IoD), the event is part of the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland’s On the Table programme.
On the Table is an initiative developed by the Community Foundation, supported by Newcastle Building Society, and is an invitation to join a conversation about addressing our areas’ challenges and opportunities. It runs alongside its Vital Signs reports which draw on statistics, research and local knowledge to highlight how philanthropy can make the most difference to our region’s people and places. This event brought businesses from across the region together to talk about the issues that mattered to them.
John Hollingsworth, Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Community Foundation said:
“With our On The Table initiative, we’re aiming to capture a diverse range of perspectives on the issues facing our communities. Hearing from regional businesses is vital as our expanding partnerships with the business community can achieve real impact. Therefore, having so many businesses from different sectors attend our special Business On The Table was brilliant to see. We are grateful for the support of Newcastle Building Society, the CBI, the North East Chamber of Commerce, and the Institute of Directors with this event.”
Marianne O’Sullivan, Policy Manager at North East Chamber of Commerce said:
“It was great to support the Community Foundation’s On the Table event. Chamber members shared some of the work they are doing to improve access to employment for those further away from the labour market. We also discussed the importance of communication skills for people joining the workforce, and how charities and businesses can work together to improve access to work.”
The event brought about some interesting conversations. They addressed many themes but with a particular focus on recruitment and retention of employees, the skills gap and raising aspirations and awareness.
There was a general acknowledgement that whilst there is some sobering reading in the foundation’s Vital Signs reports, the opportunities within the reports are galvanising. There was a belief that we have brilliant communities, strong institutions and businesses, along with pride in the region with a desire for things to get better.
The feedback from this event, along with all the other On the Table events, will be brought together in a report in the new year. This report will give a snapshot of what’s on people’s minds right now. The Community Foundation is committed to using this learning to help shape our own plans and priorities from 2025.