The Business Brew

Reshma, the North East Development Manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, tells us about the amazing skills in our small businesses and how they can power the growth of the region. We also talk about the carbon capture opportunity - and trying to get paid on time

Amy Harhoff - Corporate Director for Regeneration, Economy and Growth at Durham County Council - tells us about her wide-ranging role and how her upbringing shaped her career: "I grew up in North Doncaster. I wouldn't say that we had the best in terms of education and it felt a little bit really like nothing was expected of us. And I was really driven by that, that I wanted to go into public service, where I think we've got so much responsibility to give people hope."

Tees Components MD Sharon Lane tells us about her company and its skills in pure engineering, cutting edge innovation and an embedded training ethos. She says: We're seeing really strong demand for what we do, which I think is because we adapt and because we're prepared to look at individual engineering projects. If there's only one of something, but it's important and it's complex and it has to be right, that's right up our street."

North East Chamber of Commerce CEO John McCabe talks to Mike Hughes about making this region a Stronger Fairer North East, the 'phenomenal' skills and expertise here - and how running gives him a chance to recharge.

Darlington MP Lola McEvoy talk to Mike Hughes about the potential of the town, the power of devolution... and finding her way around Parliament, 

AI and technology mentor and adviser Dom Lusardi talks to Mike Hughes about the future of tech in the region and the skills needed to take full advantage

Bill Scott OBE, CEO of Wilton Group talks to Mike Hughes about leadership, skills and apprenticeships - and why no one calls him 'boss'.

Neil Parker, CEO and founder of pensions and retirement planners Joslin Rhodes, talks to Mike Hughes about a tailor-made retirement

The Applebridge Family won the BUSINESSiQ Company of the Year title for 2024. Group Operations Director Andy Ray tells us the secrets of their success

Middlesbrough College Principal and CEO Zoe Lewis talks about the training and education sector, working with Government to open up more opportunities for young people, and being the vital link in the skills pipeline for the North East. Zoe also reveals the biggest barrier to her students getting their first job, what she was like going through school and college and her hopes for her daughters.

This time we speak to Patrick Melia, Chief Executive of Sunderland City Council, who talks about the remarkable rate of change in his city.... and why he won't be playing  the saxophone at our next BUSINESSiQ Awards

Welcome to Business Brew - a new podcast from The Northern Echo's BUSINESSiQ brand - where we will be talking to the decision-makers who are changing the North East with game-changing projects and innovations. From a business and political point of view, this is the most watched region in the UK - listen to BUSINESSiQ Editor Mike Hughes and his guests on Business Brew to find out why.