Award-winning saxophonist, composer and broadcaster YolanDa Brown’s love affair with Newcastle was forged on the terraces of St James’ Park. And her personal connection with the city has since evolved into something much bigger. As chair of the British Phonographic Industry, she helped bring the Mercury Prize to Tyneside last year – a moment that showcased the North East on the global stage. Here, she talks to Peter Anderson about her enduring connection to Newcastle, her enormous pride in being awarded the Freedom of the City and how she hopes to build on that relationship in the years ahead.

Born from lockdown experimentation and shaped by life on the North East coast, Whitley Bay-based Merwave is redefining how women see – and wear – their natural hair.

Here, as the brand scales into nationwide retail and launches a new campaign championing real women, founders Abi and Tom Reid speak to Sian Anderson about building a business that is as much about identity as it is about product.

NET’s headline investment campaign VISION 31 held its first panel discussion event of the year at Northumbria University in March, where scores of guests heard from business founders and sector leaders about the North East’s innovative spirit, its game-changing advances and its significant investment potential. Here, Pete Anderson highlights some of the event’s key takeaways.

The NET 250 will return this year to once again spotlight the North East’s most dynamic and successful organisations. Revealing the region’s top 250 businesses by turnover, the event – set to take place in a new venue – will return with a new headline partner and a host of fresh award categories.

Digital business-to-business publisher Bdaily is set for national expansion after landing six-figure support. The online news platform - part of N magazine publisher NET's wider house of brands - has secured investment from Maven Capital Partners through the Finance Durham Fund, established by Durham County Council and overseen by Business Durham.