OPEN NORTH FOUNDATION, BRIDGING THE GAP
Open North Foundation is a not for profit company dedicated to assisting the businesses and people of the North East to recover from the ravages of COVID-19. We will also support companies that were established during COVID and can show a credible business plan and demonstrate sustainable progress.
From December 2021 we have broadened our scope further to support any existing North East business impacted by the measures to combat variants.
In addition to the above, as we hopefully continue to move away from significant Covid impacts, unrelated to Covid we will now also support small and early stage businesses which have a compelling case but have been adversely affected by recent economic shocks. ONF has a particular emphasis on supporting personnel development, training and apprenticeships.
As for all other applicants they will need to demonstrate clear negative impact with evidence and also how they can benefit from the free cash grants and training and consultancy services we offer. We will consider all needs but we do prefer to be able to support existing jobs and business sustainability. Applications would be viewed more favourably if they were also able to demonstrate future job and business growth.
All who work for us do so free of charge in addition to their separate day jobs.
ONF has secured the support of leading North East businesses and organisations dedicated to helping to rebuild the economy of the North East.
ONF’s priority is raise the funds to enable ONF to support in a meaningful way as many businesses and organisations as funds allow. ONF is also looking for other individuals and organisations who support its aims to help grow the available funds to help ONF to deliver its goal.
ONF is committed to not spending a penny raised on anything other than the qualifying beneficiaries. We have zero overheads.
The businesses and organisations which ONF will support will be those which deliver long-term positive economic impact and create meaningful long term employment to help lift the region’s economy.
If you would like to support ONF in its mission please complete the pledge form and help to speed us along this journey to bridging the gap…”
Richard Swart – Chairman
Colin Hewitt – Vice Chair
OUR VISION
To provide financial assistance, technical support, business advice and consultancy to enterprises and individuals adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and those established during the pandemic who can show a credible business plan and can demonstrate sustainable progress.
We provide grant financing and/or free training and mentoring to qualifying beneficiaries (all subject to resource availability).
Businesses supported should be those considered to have medium to long-term futures with job growth prospects. Exceptions may be considered.
OUR OBJECTIVES
Open North Foundation is a not for profit company dedicated to assisting the businesses and people of the North East to recover from the ravages of COVID-19, as well as those established during COVID.
Support business and social enterprises, including the funding of education and training for employees and potential employees.
Establish business and social enterprises / or develop existing business and social enterprises.
Develop the capacity and skills of individuals to realise further potential.
OUR TEAM
DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS
AMBASSADORS
PR & Media
OUR SUPPORTERS
Barclays Bank PLC
Business Durham
Middleton Enterprises
Stephenson-Mohl
Swinburne Maddison
Wessington Cryogenics
Scarlet Butterfly Media
The Journal Newspaper
Tees Business
Hartlepool College
Clarity
Prima Cheese
Ribchester Accountants
Brewin Dolphin
North East Business & Innovation Centre
Federation of Small Business
Optime
Dyer Engineering
Berger Group Europe
Entrepreneurs’ Forum
Rathbone Investment Management
Make UK
MHA Tait Walker
Northern Echo Newspaper
Bede Homes
UMi
JK Property
Barron Williams
Vero Power
Murtek IT
Simon Berry Optometrist
Northumbria University
Tees Components
Teeside University
Muckle LLP
i2i Consultants
Zenith Training
Ward Hadaway
GJ Jackson Accountants
Regional Technology Centre
The Lakes Distillery
Bradley O’Mahoney Public Relations
Jackson Hogg Recruitment
Advanced Manufacturing Forum
Hunter Johnstone
Wear Business
IRR Trenchless
Turbo Power Systems
Trendsetters
North East Initiative on Business Ethics
Fergusons Transport
Ramside Hall
Finbarrs
Neue Schule
Newlands Fund Research
GRANT SPRINT APPLICATIONS
DUE TO EXCEPTIONAL LEVELS OF APPLICATIONS, THE FUND IS NOW CLOSED
TRAINING & SERVICES
Energy consultancy services
Free 1-hour of HR advice/Health Check which could include advice regarding redundancy, rightsizing, operational HR, structuring outplacement services
Expert support in developing an innovation, technology, product or process
Business and strategy support
Leadership and change management
How to be successful in public affairs
Understanding grant funding and research and development
General export support
Growth planning and costing
Financial forecasting support and business finance health checks
Stress management and well-being workshops
Part-funded placements with our strategic partner, Newcastle Business School’s Small Business Leaders Programme, covering practical and operational topics, including business model innovation; employee engagement; vision and brand; and operational and financial management
To further support your business, our strategic partner Teesside University Business School, offers a range of fully funded courses for SME’s in the Tees Valley region including; Leading Growth, Management Catalyst and Team Spark
Mediation services of commercial disputes
Management of Landlord/tenant matters
Disputes about, or non-payment of rent, service charge and/or insurance
Disrepair/dilapidations claims
Financial planning/forecasting support
One off tax advisory support
Research and development tax relief analysis