Yahoo News Women in Tech North East secures future as a Community Interest Company
A North East group dedicated to representing women in the region’s technology sector has announced it has become a Community Interest Company (CIC).
The founders of Women in Tech North East said the move marks a significant step, providing structure and sustainability while also boosting its ability to launch strategic partnerships and projects.
Women in Tech North East was originally founded in 2022 as an informal network but its group of volunteers have steered it growth into a leading cluster for collaboration, education, skills and career development. It now has more than 1,000 members who tap into its networking events, online network and resources to help work towards an inclusive and equitable tech industry within the North East.
Directors said the community welcomes women, women-identifying individuals, and non-binary and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a space that supports women in tech. The transition to a CIC model has been made under the directorship of Rachel Pattinson, Kathryn Wharton and Jennifer Wood.
They said the move underscores the organisation’s commitment to enhancing diversity, inclusion, and gender equality in the North East’s tech landscape.
Ms Pattinson, co-director of Women in Tech North East, said: “Becoming a Community Interest Company formalises our work and future-proofs our ability to drive positive change in the tech industry. This not only provides a framework for sustainable growth, but it will also enable us to forge new collaborations and explore opportunities for ambitious funding and impactful projects that benefit the North East community.”
Ms Wharton, fellow co-director, said: “We are really grateful for the support of our partners who have been instrumental in our journey so far. Together, we have organised seven fully-booked community events across Newcastle, Gateshead, and Durham. Thank you so much to Newcastle University, Aspire Technology Solutions, Credera UK, Womble Bond Dickenson, Waterstons, Home Group, Gateshead College and Marra for believing in the work we do.”
Women in Tech North East’s development towards becoming a CIC has been supported by the North East BIC, the North East BIPC and Innovation SuperNetwork. Through Start Up at Newcastle University, Women in Tech North East has also secured its first funding to support start-up and marketing costs.
