There’s a feel-good factor in the North East right now, and it’s not just down to the roar from St James’ Park or the celebrations down the A19.
With Newcastle United finally lifting silverware and Sunderland snaring a return to the Premier League, it feels like the region is standing a little taller – and it’s not just on the terraces.
As the new North East columnist for BusinessCloud, I’m thrilled to bring you stories, perspectives and personalities from a part of the country that’s often underestimated, but never short on talent, spirit or tenacity.
Our region has always known how to graft. But what’s exciting now is how that grit is blending with innovation, personality and pride.
There’s a confidence brewing, and I’ve seen it up close. From the big-name tech employers like Sage and Atom Bank to the production lines at Greggs, and in the communities of startups, scaleups, and social enterprises that are redefining what’s possible from this corner of the UK.
It’s fitting that I kick off this column fresh from winning the Business Champion for the North East award at the Business Cloud Northern Leaders Dinner earlier this year.
That recognition (and this new role) are more than just personal milestones. They’re a sign that the North East’s voice is being heard more clearly and valued more widely.
I’ve long championed the region and was delighted to encourage BusinessCloud to bring their flagship Northern Leaders event to Newcastle for the first time in May.
Sharing the stage last month with Dragons’ Den star, Sara Davies and Greggs CEO, Roisin Currie, was a proud moment.
This isn’t a region trying to mimic London, or even Manchester. It’s carving out its own story.
From Durham’s university spinouts and Teesside’s GreenTech boom, to Newcastle’s developing creative and digital scene, the North East has both substance and style.
Sage remains one of the UK’s biggest tech success stories, a software giant with roots firmly in the region. But it’s far from alone.
A new generation of founders is emerging, building businesses with global ambition and local values.
It’s also a place where people matter. Personalities like Sara have done wonders to spotlight what makes the North East special – warmth, resilience, and an ability to connect.
And those traits are showing up in the region’s business DNA too. There’s a growing emphasis on purpose, wellbeing, and doing business differently. Not just for profit, but for progress.
So, what can you expect from this regular column?
Honest takes, inspiring stories, and practical insight. I’ll be spotlighting leaders you might not know yet (but definitely should), sharing what’s working across sectors, and championing the people and ideas moving the region forward.
From tech and talent to culture and creativity, this column will be a window into a region that’s rising on and off the pitch.
Yes, there’s a buzz thanks to football. But scratch the surface and you’ll find something deeper: belief. The kind that says you can build world-class companies here.
The kind that says we’re not waiting for permission or approval.
And the kind that comes from seeing your home team, whether that’s a football club, a bakery, a software company or a startup, finally get the recognition it deserves.
The North East has always had heart. Now it has momentum.
And I can’t wait to tell you more about it.
- Sophie Milliken MBE is founder and CEO at Moja Group. Moja work with entrepreneurs and senior executives to amplify their personal profiles and become known authorities in their industries. A multi award-winning businesswoman and proud mum, Sophie also enjoys supporting the North East region.