Connecting the North East
One Community at a Time
First Connections is the umbrella platform uniting businesses, communities, and opportunities across the North East — through networking, awards, media, and regional projects.
First Connections is more than a networking brand — it's a regional movement built on connection, visibility, and opportunity. Darlington First and Newcastle First sit beneath it as local expressions of one joined-up North East campaign.
Our Founding Pillars
Four interconnected initiatives that form the lifeblood of the First Connections campaign across the North East.
Community Events
Free networking and community initiatives across the North East — Darlington First, Durham First, TeesValley First, and Newcastle First.
Spotlight Awards
Celebrating the region's high street heroes and innovators through the NE High Street Heroes Awards.
Regional Projects
Expanding our reach with dedicated initiatives for Durham, TeesValley, Newcastle, and beyond — connecting every corner of the North East.
Funding Support — powered by Metrick
Grants, business funding, tenders and accreditations — priority access for the First Connections community, delivered end-to-end by our funding partner Metrick.
Explore Funding Support →First Connections is just the beginning
Darlington First, Newcastle First and Trade NE are strands of one joined-up North East campaign — connecting, championing and growing the region's businesses.
Darlington First
Free monthly business networking in Darlington. Connect with local entrepreneurs, share ideas, and build meaningful connections across the region.
Newcastle First
Free monthly business networking in Newcastle. Connect with fellow professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders across the heart of the North East.
Trade NE
The business alliance for the North East. Trade NE champions the region with government, hosts flagship trade events in London and the North East, and gives NE business a voice in Westminster.
What's happening
Monthly networking events across the North East, plus the flagship NE High Street Heroes Awards. See everything that's on.
Free monthly business networking across the North East — plus the 2026 NE High Street Heroes Awards. Dates, booking links, and the latest news all in one place.
Supporting the next generation of
North East founders
First Connections believes that great ideas deserve support — regardless of background, age, or experience. First Founders is our commitment to emerging talent across the region.
Mentorship Connections
We make introductions to experienced business mentors across the North East who have been there, done it, and want to give back to the next generation of founders.
The Right Introductions
Sometimes one conversation changes everything. We connect emerging founders with the right people — investors, collaborators, coaches, and fellow builders in the region.
Support & Guidance
From navigating early-stage challenges to finding your footing in the local business community — First Founders provides a soft landing for those just starting out.
Community & Belonging
Being a founder can be lonely. First Founders plugs emerging talent directly into the wider First Connections network — events, conversations, and a community that has your back.
You don't need a
business degree to have
a brilliant idea
First Founders is being built for the people with passion, vision, and drive — who just need the right room, the right people, and the right moment to make it happen.
Whether you're pre-launch, in your first year, or simply trying to figure out your next move — this is your community.
Business Podcast
Co-hosted by Andy Bartlett & Sam Binns, our show spotlights the stories, challenges, and triumphs of North East business heroes.
Stay tuned for launch updates — episodes coming soon!
Building a community that generates real opportunity
We're building a business community that is first and foremost supportive — and in turn becomes progressive and generative.
Inspiring Stories
Introducing guests with inspiring stories — real people doing great work across the region, sharing their journeys to motivate and energise.
Great Ideas Deserve Support
You don't need a business degree to have a brilliant idea. We're here to help those with passion and vision prosper.
Celebrating Community Heroes
Through the High Street Heroes Awards, we shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes making a real difference on our high streets.
Coaches & Connections
Making introductions to business coaches and likeminded individuals — connecting you with the right people to grow.
Proud of the North East
Rich in heritage, innovation, and community spirit — this is the region we serve.
Angel of the North
Gateshead's iconic symbol of strength and ambition.
Durham Castle & Cathedral
A UNESCO World Heritage Site at the heart of County Durham.
Darlington Railways
Birthplace of the passenger railway — where it all began.
Teesside Steelworks
A proud industrial legacy that shaped the modern world.
The businesses that make First Connections possible
Our sponsors believe in what we're building. Please support the businesses that support us.
Working alongside the North East's Business Improvement Districts
Interested in sponsoring First Connections? Get in touch →
Let's start a conversation
Whether you want to attend an event, become a sponsor, or just say hello — we'd love to hear from you.