Get 50% grant funding from NBSL for a business growth project!

April 26, 2026

NBSL, in partnership with The North East Combined Authority, has announced the launch of the next phase of the North of Tyne Business Support Fund (NoTBSF). This grant programme is designed to help local businesses access high quality external expertise to deliver business improvement projects. Grant Offer NoTBSF will provide up to 50% funding for projects … More Get 50% grant funding from NBSL for a business growth project!

Want funding or investment for your business? We’ve got some for you…

April 25, 2026

At our 1-day PLATFORM Conference in Newcastle upon Tyne on Tuesday (28th April), we’ve got 12 different funders & investors attending who are actively looking for businesses to put money into. We’ve also got a funding & investment panel discussion with Neil Stephenson (Angel Investor, Stephenson Ventures limited / Stephenson Capital Limited), James Katirai (Head of Investments, NEL Fund Managers Limited), Rebecca Minchella (Investment Manager, Maven Capital Partners) & Ciaron … More Want funding or investment for your business? We’ve got some for you…

[VIDEO] How to improve male mental health with Anthony Hutton (Founder & CEO, Never Throw In The Towel Project)

April 20, 2026

In this episode of the ‘SuperConnector Show’ podcast, Paul Lancaster welcomed Anthony Hutton (Founder & CEO of the Never Throw in the Towel Project), a grassroots initiative focused on tackling male suicide & encouraging open conversations around men’s mental health. The Journey from Fame to Purpose Anthony Hutton’s personal story is central to his work. After … More [VIDEO] How to improve male mental health with Anthony Hutton (Founder & CEO, Never Throw In The Towel Project)

Optimal Accountancy Limited launches buy & build strategy with first acquisition: FinFrac Limited joins the group

April 18, 2026

Optimal Accountancy, the North East-based firm of accountants & business advisors, has completed its first acquisition as part of an ambitious new buy & build growth strategy, announcing the purchase of specialist finance consultancy FinFrac Limited. The acquisition marks a significant milestone for Optimal Accountancy as it accelerates its plan to build a modern, technology‑enabled … More Optimal Accountancy Limited launches buy & build strategy with first acquisition: FinFrac Limited joins the group

[VIDEO] How writing helps you think clearly & communicate better with Dr Susan Mandala (Writing Works Consulting)

April 13, 2026

In this video, Dr Susan Mandala, an Independent Writing & Language Consultant & Founder of Newcastle upon Tyne-based Writing Works Consulting, joins Paul Lancaster to discuss how effective writing is intrinsically linked to clear thinking & communication of important ideas. Dr Mandala, who established her consultancy in 2024 after 24 years as an Associate Professor … More [VIDEO] How writing helps you think clearly & communicate better with Dr Susan Mandala (Writing Works Consulting)

[VIDEO] How to build a valuable subscription business with Matthew (Matt) Holman (Founder, Subscription Prescription)

April 11, 2026

In this interview, Matthew (Matt) Holman (Founder, Subscription Prescription, Creator, Commerce Catalyst & Co-Founder, QPilot.cloud) & Paul Lancaster (Founder, PLATFORM | UK Startup & Scaleup Week) discuss how to build profitable, sustainable subscription businesses, emphasising customer retention & maximising value over short-term sales tactics. Common Subscription Mistakes According to Matt, the biggest mistake business owners … More [VIDEO] How to build a valuable subscription business with Matthew (Matt) Holman (Founder, Subscription Prescription)

New conference offers ‘PLATFORM’ for business growth & investment

April 9, 2026

A major new business conference in the North East of England is set to provide “rocket fuel” for founders by connecting them with investors & scaleup experts. The first full-day PLATFORM Conference takes place on Tuesday 28 April in Newcastle upon Tyne. The event is organised by Paul Lancaster (Co-Founder of Stellar Business Events) who successfully staged the 5-day UK Startup & Scaleup … More New conference offers ‘PLATFORM’ for business growth & investment

Please take 2 mins to vote for us in the ClimbAwards 2026

April 8, 2026

I’m delighted to share that I’ve / we’ve been nominated for the ‘Ecosystem Growth & Opportunity Award‘ at the ClimbAwards 2026 (part of the ClimbUK festival taking place in Leeds in July)! ⭐️ Here’s why I’d LOVE you to vote for me… For the past 10yrs, I’ve personally advised, supported, promoted & championed thousands of entrepreneurs, … More Please take 2 mins to vote for us in the ClimbAwards 2026

[VIDEO] Why our High Streets matter & how you can support local independent businesses with Andy Bartlett (Roam)

April 7, 2026

This conversation between Andy Bartlett (Founder & CEO, Roam) & Paul Lancaster (Founder & Event Producer, PLATFORM | UK Startup & Scaleup Week) is a deep dive into the importance of local high streets & the vital role that independent businesses play in our communities across the UK. In an era of one-click online shopping … More [VIDEO] Why our High Streets matter & how you can support local independent businesses with Andy Bartlett (Roam)

Were you at our UK Startup & Scaleup Week festival in 2025? Can you spot yourself in this video?

April 2, 2026

In June last year we ran our first 5-day, multi-venue UK Startup & Scaleup Week festival in Sunderland for 420 delegates with the aim of inspiring & educating them on how to start & grow a successful business in the city & wider North East of England. Were you there & can you see yourself … More Were you at our UK Startup & Scaleup Week festival in 2025? Can you spot yourself in this video?

[VIDEO] How to use Pinterest, SEO & AI Search to reach your target customers or clients with Julia Bocchese

March 30, 2026

Philadelphia-based Julia Bocchese is a Strategic SEO, Pinterest & AI Search Consultant for Small Businesses & in this interview, she shares practical & actionable advice on how to rank higher & reach your target customers or clients online. 1. Julia’s Services & Background 2. SEO Fundamentals & Common Issues 3. AI Search Strategy 4. Pinterest … More [VIDEO] How to use Pinterest, SEO & AI Search to reach your target customers or clients with Julia Bocchese