Spring is just around the corner and I don’t know about you, but never have I been more ready for lighter mornings, warmer temperatures (albeit slight – we are in the North East after all) and the first shoots of daffodils and snowdrops in my garden.
There’s an optimism about the early days of spring that I love. The cold begins to thaw and after what feels like months of hibernation, we all begin to emerge from our winter slumber and out into the sunlight. There’s a sense of hope and renewal in the air.
It’s the knowing that lighter days are coming – and not just literally. It’s the reason why, for me anyway, the clocks catapulting forward really does feel like a turning point.
Inspired by the new season’s arrival, we’ve filled the pages of this issue with inspiring, feel-good content that I hope will bring a touch of sunshine to your downtime – whether you’re reading while savouring your morning coffee, between meetings or at the end of the working day.
Read on to discover uplifting stories in the worlds of technology, energy, commercial property and more, along with exclusive interviews, expert advice and one-of-a-kind thought leadership features from some of the most successful and up-and-coming figures and businesses in the region – all of whom are looking to and feeling good about the future.
We also reveal some of the best places on Newcastle’s thriving quayside for wine tasting and bottomless brunch, provide a post-makeover sneak peek at one of Northumberland’s most exciting fashion stores, share our top wellbeing tips for getting the most out of Daylight Savings and let you in on what we’re watching, reading and listening to this month – from powerful podcasts and TED Talks to must-read books.
Whichever pages take your fancy, I hope they put a spring in your step.
For exciting news and updates, don’t forget to follow us on social media. Never before have our growing channels looked more vibrant or full – and our new senior digital executive, Charlotte Cooper, plays an integral role in that.
We’re delighted to welcome her to Portfolio North team and look forward to watching her flourish – and take our social media content and online engagement to new heights – in her new role. You can read more about her appointment in the pages of this issue.
As always, I’d like to extend a huge and heartfelt thank you to our clients – old and new – for trusting us with their fantastic stories, allowing us to shout about their achievements and shine a light on all the good things that lie ahead for their businesses as we settle into a brand new season and look to the future.
Brighter days are certainly coming.
Happy reading.
