2025: Looking Back, Moving Forward. 

As we come to the end of 2025, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a year that has strengthened our community, expanded our programmes, and deepened our impact across the North East. 

This year, more than ever, we focused on connecting changemakers across the region and we’ve seen first-hand what’s possible when purpose-led people come together with shared ambition. 

Here’s a look back at some of the highlights from the year.  

 

Business with Purpose – Growing a regional movement 

Our Business with Purpose Accelerator programme continued to go from strength to strength, supporting people across Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland to turn purpose-driven ideas into resilient Socially Trading Organisations. 

With two 1-Day Accelerators delivered this year, weekly mastermind groups, and ongoing 1:1 coaching, dozens of founders used the programme to test ideas, build plans and take the next steps with confidence. By the end of the programme, we anticipate 45 founders being closer to launch – if not already smashing it! 

 

Social Enterprise Day 2025 

We rounded off the year by hosting the North East’s celebration of Social Enterprise Day in November. With another sell-out event, it was a wonderful opportunity to bring together changemakers from the North East (and beyond), to showcase just how vibrant and impactful our region’s purpose-led sector truly is. 

 

SFEDI Level 2 Qualification 

2025 marked the pilot year of our new SFEDI Level 2 Award in Starting & Developing a Social Enterprise, delivered with two cohorts. 

The programme explores: 

• Business models for social impact 

• Impact measurement 

• Managing stakeholder relationships 

• Financial modelling 

• Legal structures 

One cohort piloted and helped us to refine the content and strengthen the assessment experience. Our second cohort is playing a vital role in shaping the accompanying digital learning platform, ready for the next group of learners starting in April 2026. 

 

Online North East Changemakers Community 

Our North East Changemakers online community has grown significantly this year and we couldn’t be happier. We’re seeing new connections form, collaborations emerge and peer support flourish. 

In 2026, we’ll continue to strengthen this network with the introduction of monthly Changemaker Circles: informal, in-person meet-ups over a cuppa, creating space for connection across the region. 

(If you’re not already a member… what are you waiting for?) 

 

Chats with Changemakers Podcast 

The Chats with Changemakers podcast took exciting steps forward in 2025 and is now available on Spotify, YouTube and iTunes.

We’ve been supported by the brilliant Flamingo Heights, who helped with editing and software upgrades, and we’re delighted to have secured our first sponsor for 2026: The Social Enterprise Academy; a perfect partner to champion the voices of North East changemakers. Be sure to check out their funded programmes for Social Leaders here.

The podcast exists to inspire new changemakers and encourage collaboration with the incredible work already happening across our region. It’s been excited to hear the impact these stories are having within our community already. 

 

Changemaker Power Hours 

Our Changemaker Power Hours have become a monthly staple for members of our digital community. Featuring experts ranging from social value specialists to AI consultants, these online sessions support micro-improvements without the need for costly or time-intensive training programmes. 

If you have a skill to share with our community of Changemakers, apply to host a Power Hour session by emailing Rowena Barnard. 

 

What’s coming in 2026… 

We’re heading into the new year with momentum, opportunities and plenty for your calendar: 

• 27th January Business with Purpose Accelerator (last one of this financial year) 
• April Lauch of SFEDI Level 2: Starting & Developing a Social Enterprise
• Monthly Changemaker Power Hours  
• Monthly Changemaker Circles – Changemaker meet ups for a cuppa and connection across the North East (upcoming in Newcastle and Sunderland)
• Social Enterprise Day 2026 -19 November 2026 (get it in your diary early!)

 

Looking Back. Moving Forward. 

Thank you to everyone who has taken part, supported us, shared their story or stepped into a learning space this year. We’re incredible grateful and can’t wait to see what we’ll create together in 2026. 

Here’s to another year of purpose, partnership and possibility.