North East students shine at UKREiiF

Stand-out performances from Newcastle College and The Glasshouse took centre stage at the UK’s leading real estate conference.

Students from Newcastle College and a musician who trained at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music joined the North East England delegation to the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) this week.

The partnership with Newcastle College saw almost 30 dance and music students perform in a flashmob and at a networking reception respectively, showcasing the musical and creative talents from the region’s grassroot talent and younger generation.

North East Pianist Ben Lawrence, a prodigiously talented young musician also entertained crowds and potential investors at a networking reception. A former student of The Glasshouse’s Centre for Advanced Training and its youth big band Jambone, Ben now performs with jazz groups across the North. He joined The Glasshouse to help them to celebrate their 20th anniversary and the incredible social and economic impact of this cultural institution.

Delivered by NewcastleGateshead Initiative on behalf of the North East Combined Authority, this event marks a significant milestone in the region’s story, with a unified North East investment proposition coming to the event for the first time.

This event attracts 16,000 investors, developers, occupiers, local authorities, and national government officials over three days of panels, presentations, networking and meetings.

This collaboration with NGI’s partners was part of a commitment to supporting North East talent – giving them the opportunity to gain confidence and showcase their talent to an international and national audience.

Ian Thomas MBE, Chief Operating Officer, NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said:

“It has been brilliant to work with our partners Newcastle College and The Glasshouse to not only bring our North East England message to life, but to give emerging and young talent a platform to shine. Initiatives and collaborative projects like this really highlight our region’s collaborative spirit and collective ambition to support and nurture future generations.

“It is our creative and cultural sector that makes the region truly unique, and the students and performers have had an opportunity to experience something new and be a part of our region’s story.”

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music joined the delegation as part of their 20th year celebrations to share more about the extensive social and economic impact that the cultural institution has had on the region.

Jon Ridley, Principal, Newcastle College said:

“We were incredibly proud to represent the North East and to showcase the exceptional talent of our students at UKREiiF. Our students demonstrated creativity, professionalism and passion, and were excellent representatives for Newcastle College and our region. Opportunities like this are invaluable for our learners, allowing them to showcase their talents on a national stage and giving them the confidence and exposure they need to thrive in the creative industries. Collaborating with NGI and The Glasshouse has been a fantastic way to highlight the strength of the North East’s emerging talent and the important role that further education plays in driving regional growth and cultural impact.”

Abigail Pogson, Chief Executive of The Glasshouse, said:

“It has been fantastic to be part of the North East’s first delegation at UKREIIF to help demonstrate the scale of the region’s cultural offer. It felt like the right forum to release the findings of our economic impact and social value report. Our big number is £681.2 million. That’s how much we’ve contributed to the UK economy, supporting jobs, in working alongside public education and health, and in helping put this country firmly on the global creative power list. We were delighted that Ben was able to join us too, to celebrate the talent and skills coming out of the region.”