13 Sep Smart Works Newcastle Marks New Chapter with Ribbon-Cutting Celebration

The energy in the room was palpable at Smart Works Newcastle’s ribbon-cutting event, as the charity officially celebrated the opening of its new and much larger centre, marking a pivotal moment in its journey. While the charity had moved into the new premises back in May, the event saw ambassadors, supporters and friends of the charity come together to usher in a new chapter or growth and empowerment for women across the North East.

Sara Davies MBE, a beloved ambassador for the charity and a North East entrepreneur, had the honour of cutting the ribbon. Speaking to ITV who captured the moment, Sara shared her excitement about the future of the charity and the incredible work it continues to do, supporting women in the community: “There are so many different reasons why women could be out of work. It’s sad that the service is needed now more than ever, but it’s brilliant that the North East community has risen to the challenge and said ‘How can we come out in force and really be there for those women?’.

Joined by fellow ambassador Becky Langley, the event was a heartfelt reminder of the kindness and generosity that flows through the North East community.

The new centre, which is three times the size of the original centre, provides the charity with the capacity to significantly increase the number of women it supports on their journey to employment. The charity offers two-hour appointments where women receive high-quality interview clothing and one-to-one coaching to prepare them for the job interview process, giving women the confidence to recognise their worth, skills, and potential. This combination of professional attire and expert guidance has proven to be life-changing, with 63% of women who visit Smart Works Newcastle going on to secure the job.

The larger venue means Smart Works Newcastle can now help even more women, which is particularly important given the high unemployment rates in the region. The charity has long been a lifeline for women who are unemployed, aged 16 or over, and based in the North East, partnering with various organisations to provide its services to women who need it most.

Talent84 Ltd, the event’s hospitality sponsor, also played a significant role in making the day special, providing generous support to help bring everyone together in celebration. Their contribution, along with the backing of the charity’s close-knit team of five staff and over 40 dedicated volunteers, highlights the strong sense of community that has been built around Smart Works Newcastle. It’s this support network that ensures the charity can continue to make a real difference.

As Smart Works Newcastle looks ahead, they are calling on the community to spread the word about their services, encouraging friends, family, colleagues, and employers to refer women who could benefit. The charity’s mission is clear: to support every woman who walks through its doors and help them realise their potential, not only in securing employment but in transforming the trajectory of their lives.

Since its opening in 2018, Smart Works Newcastle has supported over 2,000 women, and the new centre promises to help even more women reach their goals. The event marked not only a physical expansion but a renewed commitment to the charity’s core mission of empowering women to thrive in their careers.

A special thank you to Corrina Atkinson Photography, who captured the whole event and provided the photos for this story.