Directors Notes from Cassie Moyse
How is it autumn already? Not that I’m complaining, it’s my favourite time of year. There’s something about the golden hues, cooler weather, and wardrobe shift that makes everything feel refreshed. A long walk through an autumnal park followed by a fireside glass of red wine? Nothing better.
But autumn also marks a key moment in the business calendar, with three quarters of the year done. And that can feel daunting. This year has brought contrasts — businesses are busy, yet caution persists. Rising corporate tax, national insurance, recruitment challenges, and tighter margins have put pressure on many. It feels like we’re adapting to a “faux recession” climate, and while some sectors have struggled, many North East businesses continue to pivot, thrive, and grow. Change is certainly in the air across our regional business community.
As is often the case in uncertain markets, marketing budgets are usually the first to be cut, and we’ve felt that over the last 18 months. However, we’ve seen a strong uptick in interest lately, and August has been one of our best months in recent memory for bookings. I’m thrilled to welcome new clients from property, education, local authorities, interior design, and professional services, across both print and digital.
This issue is packed with regional highlights, from the Women’s Rugby World Cup hosted in Sunderland and the opening of the Keel Bridge (a key milestone in the city’s £2bn regeneration), to an exclusive look at Castle’s £95m South Tyneside College relocation plans, led by Managing Director Andrew Dawson. We also share GDPR insights from Mincoffs and celebrate Fentimans’ 120th anniversary and its exciting collaboration with Fenwick.
On the lifestyle side, we explore South Northumberland, review the Land Rover Defender’s new upgrades, take inspiration from the Chelsea Flower Show with Dobbies, and travel to Portugal for some autumn sunshine. Don’t miss our feature recipe from the iconic Khai Khai, a Mango and Coconut Salad, and our cosy autumn reading list from the Portfolio North book club.
We also showcase some of the region’s most exclusive properties and highlight Bradley Hall’s continued national growth.
I’m incredibly proud of this edition, our 36th in total across the North East and Yorkshire, and our second back in our traditional format of quality paper, a property focus and lots of great and exclusive business and lifestyle content. I’m grateful for the growing support from readers and contributors and a big thank you to Anna and Jon for another standout issue.
I hope you enjoy reading it as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it together.
