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New portal proves hot stuff at AB Curry Club

BUSINESSES in the North East got a first look at an innovative online portal at the latest ABCurry Club networking event, hosted by law firm Ward Hadaway.

The North East Growth Hub from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) will be a single access point for companies in the region looking to find out ways to expand their businesses.

Currently in development, the peer-to-peer platform will provide a digital environment for businesses to network and collaborate, as well as develop strong links with business support organisations in the North East.

Attendees at the ABCurry Club event at Ward Hadaway’s offices on Newcastle Quayside got to see a test ‘Beta’ version of the hub in practice as representatives from the LEP outlined how the portal works.

In the coming months there will be more opportunities for businesses to get involved in developing the Beta version, helping shape its functionality and content.

Mohammed Khaliq addresses the audience at the AB Curry Club event at Ward Hadaway

Mohammed Khaliq addresses the audience at the AB Curry Club event at Ward Hadaway

As well as seeing the North East Growth Hub, attendees at the event also heard first hand from Mohammed Khaliq, founder of the Gainford Group, about his journey to business success.

The Gainford Group owns venues including the Vermont Hotel and Chase in Newcastle, as well as a series of care homes across the North East.

Lawyers from Ward Hadaway – Employment Partner Stuart Craig, Corporate Associate James Nightingale, Commercial Associate Matt Cormack and the firm’s Managing Partner Jamie Martin – were on hand to outline the company journey from start-up to sale.

Ammar Mirza CBE, founder of Asian Business Connexions – a social enterprise that aims to connect, support and promote the Asian and wider business community – said: “From the unveiling of the innovative Growth Hub, to the heart-warming story of Mohammed Khaliq, through to practical advice and guidance from the expert Ward Hadaway team, we could not have wished for a more successful evening.

“The event was full to capacity with a great mix of attendees including political figures as well as representatives from a wide range of different businesses.”

The AB Curry Club is organised under the Asian Business Connexions banner and is a forum for business people and the wider community to get together in an informal setting for networking and to listen to invited speakers before enjoying an authentic curry served by Solomons Lounge.

Jamie Martin, managing partner at Ward Hadaway, said: “We were delighted to host this latest event in the AB Curry Club series and to share our expertise with those who came along.”

The next event in the AB Curry Club series is due to take place at the end of this month.

Further details can be found at http://abconnexions.org

Please note that this briefing is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.

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