RTC North

14/09/2026

🗓️ Upcoming Durham Business Growth Workshops!
Join our free upcoming workshops designed to empower entrepreneurs, professionals, and innovators with the insights, connections, and strategies they need to flourish in today's competitive landscape.
Register your interest today:
https://www.durhambusinessgrowth.co.uk/durham-business-growth-events


Business Durham WE ARE UMi

11/09/2026

For years, STEM has been seen primarily as an education issue. But what if we’ve been looking at it too narrowly?

The UK’s ambitions for clean energy, defence, advanced manufacturing, AI, cybersecurity and other high-growth sectors all depend on one critical factor: having the people with the skills to deliver them. And those skills can’t be built overnight.

Janine Marshall, Head of Business Development at RTC, explores why STEM should be seen as part of our economic infrastructure – and why businesses have an important role to play in building the talent pipelines they will depend on in the years ahead.

Read Janine’s thoughts on why STEM is no longer simply an education issue – it’s an economic one.

https://rtcnorth.co.uk/news-article/stem-is-no-longer-an-education-issue

11/09/2026

We are delighted to announce that RTC North in partnership with Kings Priory Digital, Sunderland Software City and CyberNorth, have been selected by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as Regional Delivery Partners for the TechFirst programme across the North East and Yorkshire & Humber.
Building on the success of CyberFirst, TechFirst is the UK's flagship technology skills programme, designed to inspire young people to explore digital and technology careers while developing the skills needed for the future workforce.
Over the next three years, we will work alongside schools, colleges, employers, universities and community partners to create meaningful opportunities for young people to engage with technology, develop their skills and discover exciting career pathways across areas including AI, cyber security, quantum technologies, semiconductors, engineering biology and advanced connectivity.
As an employee-owned business committed to creating opportunities and driving economic growth across our regions, we are proud to play a leading role in helping build the next generation of technology talent.
We would like to thank all of the partners, educators, employers, ambassadors and stakeholders who have supported our STEM and CyberFirst programmes over the years. Your commitment has helped inspire thousands of young people, and we look forward to building on this success together through TechFirst.
This is an exciting opportunity to ensure that more young people, particularly those from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds, can access inspiring experiences, develop valuable skills and see a future for themselves within the UK's rapidly growing technology sector.
We look forward to sharing more about our plans and opportunities to get involved over the coming weeks.

10/09/2026

Yesterday morning, we were joined by founders at The Lumen in Newcastle for the ScaleUp North East and NatWest Accelerator event, it was a powerful morning of reflection, inspiration, connection and renewed energy.

The session brought together fresh ideas, practical takeaways and valuable insights into the NatWest Accelerator and ScaleUp North East programmes, helping businesses feel motivated and ready for the months ahead.

We also heard from two inspiring founders:
Dr Mark Deeks, Founder of Music4Wellbeing, shared how music can support mental wellbeing, creativity and human performance.
James Dixon, Founder of Lines Behind → James Dixon, gave an honest insight into building one of the UK’s most distinctive lifestyle brands, creating a passionate community through storytelling, creativity and a deep understanding of football culture.

A big thank you to Savour Bakery Café & Patisserie for keeping everyone fuelled with an excellent lunch and snacks throughout the morning.

Our ScaleUp North East Programme is designed to help ambitious businesses overcome barriers and unlock their full growth potential, visit scaleupnortheast.co.uk

10/09/2026

For years, STEM has been seen primarily as an education issue. But what if we’ve been looking at it too narrowly?
The UK’s ambitions for clean energy, defence, advanced manufacturing, AI, cybersecurity and other high-growth sectors all depend on one critical factor: having the people with the skills to deliver them. And those skills can’t be built overnight.
Janine Marshall, Head of Business Development at RTC, explores why STEM should be seen as part of our economic infrastructure – and why businesses have an important role to play in building the talent pipelines they will depend on in the years ahead.

Read Janine’s thoughts on why STEM is no longer simply an education issue – it’s an economic one. https://ow.ly/G8R550ZLVqS

10/09/2026

Yesterday morning, we were joined by founders at The Lumen in Newcastle for the ScaleUp North East and NatWest Accelerator event, it was a powerful morning of reflection, inspiration, connection and renewed energy.

The session brought together fresh ideas, practical takeaways and valuable insights into the NatWest Accelerator and ScaleUp North East programmes, helping businesses feel motivated and ready for the months ahead.

We also heard from two inspiring founders:
Dr Mark Deeks, Founder of Music4Wellbeing, shared how music can support mental wellbeing, creativity and human performance.

James Dixon, Founder of Lines Behind, gave an honest insight into building one of the UK’s most distinctive lifestyle brands, creating a passionate community through storytelling, creativity and a deep understanding of football culture.

A big thank you to Savour Bakery Cafe & Patisserie for keeping everyone fuelled with an excellent lunch and snacks throughout the morning.

Our ScaleUp North East Programme is designed to help ambitious businesses overcome barriers and unlock their full growth potential, find out more by visiting: https://scaleupnortheast.co.uk/

09/09/2026

🚨 County Durham businesses – feel like everyone else is getting ahead with AI?

You’ve heard about ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini and the countless other AI tools out there… but are you actually confident using them in your business?

If the answer is “not really”, this workshop is for you!

📅 Thursday 17 September
📍 Durham Cricket
⏰ 8:30am – 1:00pm

💷 Fully funded for eligible County Durham businesses

With just over a week to go, we’re looking for local businesses that want practical, jargon-free help to start making AI work for them.

You’ll get hands-on with AI, learn how to write better prompts, explore where it could save you time and improve productivity, understand the risks and common mistakes – and leave with ideas you can actually put into practice.

👀 No technical knowledge needed. No need to already be an AI expert.
But spaces are limited to keep the session practical and interactive.

If AI is something you’ve been meaning to get to grips with, don’t leave it on the to-do list.

Register your interest now to attend 👉 https://bit.ly/4hiQ9mE

Please note: attendees must be based in County Durham and registered with the Durham Business Growth Programme before attending.

Business Durham WE ARE UMi

07/09/2026

📣 Just one month to go until Newcastle, from interactive activities to real conversations with STEM professionals, this event is all about inspiring the next generation!

We can't wait to bring together schools and businesses from across the North East region for an exciting, hands-on day of discovery.

07/09/2026

AI is being talked about everywhere, but what does it actually mean for manufacturers and is it really useful?

Our latest article explores a practical Burnley Business Week event helping local manufacturers understand how AI and digital tools can support productivity, planning, quality and performance featuring real examples, honest advice and clear next steps.

Read more:

Burnley manufacturers will have the opportunity to explore how artificial intelligence and digital technologies could improve productivity...

07/09/2026

📣 Just one month to go until STEMFest North East!

Want your business to be seen, recognised and remembered by everyone attending?

Now is your opportunity to get your business in front of our STEMFest audience by placing an advert in our official event brochure. Your advert will be seen by attendees throughout the event, giving your business valuable visibility, exposure and brand recognition.

Secure your advert space today! Please email: [email protected]