Smarta: Gateshead Business Innovation and Growth
The Gateshead Business Innovation and Growth programme supports ambitious companies in adopting innovative approaches to grow - whether through strategic business development, new technologies or smarter processes
Achievements (2022-2025):
Between 2023 and 2025, the programme supported over 40 Gateshead-based businesses through tailored one-to-one consulting and coaching. Each business received bespoke support from experienced growth specialists, resulting in:
- increased revenue and profitability
- existing jobs safeguarded and new roles created
- businesses raising money or investing in growth
- new systems, processes, and technologies being introduced
What's next (2025-2026):
In the year ahead, the programme will continue to help local businesses:
- develop and refine growth strategies
- scale operations sustainably
- boost revenue and improve margins
- adopt digital tools and innovative processes
- develop and strengthen their workforce
- enhance resilience, productivity, and innovation capacity
The programme is designed for established businesses that:
- have been trading for over 2 years
- employ at least 4 people
- have a turnover of £250,000 or more
Businesses that don't currently meet these criteria may still be considered if they demonstrate strong growth potential.
Delivered by Smarta, the programme offers expert one-to-one coaching, consulting, and signposting tailored to the needs of Gateshead's growing firms. It's ideal for businesses that have already experienced organic growth and are now ready to scale further but need expert support to break through to the next level.