Beamish Hall was transformed last night (1 May) as over 300 business leaders and professionals gathered for the North East Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Dinner & House Party, an evening dedicated to celebrating the vibrancy of the North East business community.
Held across the historic venue’s Winter Gardens, Shafto Hall and Monboucher rooms, this year’s event continued to break tradition by offering a relaxed and informal atmosphere, with no long speeches or formal dress code. Instead, the focus was on building meaningful business relationships in a warm and welcoming setting.
Guests enjoyed a family-style summer BBQ dinner, live music, immersive entertainment and plenty of opportunities to meet new contacts and reconnect with familiar faces. Entertainment was provided by performing arts students from Gateshead College, whose talent and energy lit up the evening. Highlights included a headline set on the main stage and a high-energy performance from Ibiza in Symphony to close the night.
The only speech of the evening came from Chamber president, Deb Walton, who provided a short welcome and reflection on the Chamber’s work to support, connect and represent businesses across the North East.
John McCabe, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “Our Spring Dinner & House Party is a celebration of the region’s business community in all its diversity and energy. We’ve created something that reflects who we are — modern, inclusive and collaborative – it was an honour to showcase the fantastic talent and ambition we have here in the North East.”
This year’s event was made possible thanks to the support of Dinner Patron, Pulsant. Rob Coupland, CEO of Pulsant, said: “The North East is a thriving business community, and we’re proud to be a part of it. Supporting this event is something we’re very happy to do each year. It’s a great opportunity for us to spend informal time with our clients and prospective clients, and to reconnect with partners old and new within the region.”
Support from Gateshead College students and staff also played a central role, from music and stage performances to supporting the logistics of the event. David Alexander, CEO and principal of Gateshead College, said: “Events like this are a fantastic platform to celebrate diversity and creativity, while giving young people the opportunity to shine in front of the region’s business community. It’s a powerful example of what can be achieved when education and industry come together.”
Daniel Marsden-Knight, head of marketing, communications and events at the Chamber, said: “This event continues to break from tradition. Fewer formalities, more conversation and a lot of fun. It’s about creating a space where businesses of all sizes and sectors can enjoy themselves, meet new people and experience the energy of the North East business community at its best.”
The Spring Dinner & House Party is part of the Chamber’s wider mission to help create a stronger, fairer and more connected regional economy, with members firmly at the heart of that vision.
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