Julie Brannigan

Julie is the centre manager at Design Works.  Her main role is to make sure the centre runs smoothly on a day to day basis, looking after the tenants and bringing new tenants into the centre.  Julie started with in 1996 as a part-time receptionist and has worked her way to centre manager.  She has an NVQ Level 3 in Administration and is looking to start an NVQ in Management.  Julie is also the first aid officer and fire officer for Design Works.  Away from work Julie enjoys spending time with her two children. She enjoys going to concerts and listening to music.

Anne-Maria Brown

Anne-Maria is the administration co-ordinator for the voluntary sector team.  She provides effective and efficient administration support to the team, NVQ/VRQ candidates, awarding bodies and clients.  She supports the quality audit manager to retain the ISO9001 standard and she recently gained a Level 3 NVQ in Customer Service.  Away from work Anne-Maria is Chair of the North Tyneside Cardiac Support Group and actively supports CLAPA (Cleft Lip and Palate Association) to raise awareness and funds for the Newcastle cleft team.

Chris Brown

Chris is the building maintenance manager for NEWS (North East Workspace).  He is responsible for arranging maintenance contracts to comply with HSE guidelines, health and safety and coordinating maintenance work within all of the buildings.

Brian Butcher

Brian provides PR and communications support for Shell LiveWIRE International.  He has over 18 years' experience in media relations, including generating over 20,000 press articles and over 200 hours of radio and television coverage, worth around £50m, for one of Shell's flagship social investment programmes.  As well as being editor of the UK's first enterprise newspaper, Brian has experience in developing youth enterprise in the UK and internationally, and has also provided support for programmes to develop the voluntary and community sector.  Outside work, Brian's interests include the gym, live music events and an active involvement in grass-roots football.

Ian Fulthorpe

Ian is a loan fund manager and business adviser.  He has an in-depth knowledge of the business start-up market.  Ian has a particular interest in young entrepreneurs, following many years involvement with the Prince's Trust.  He has been instrumental in helping and raising finance for over 1000 micro businesses in the North East.  Ian is a professionally qualified banker, having spent almost 30 years working for a major UK bank looking after business customers.  He is a keen football supporter and enjoys cooking the occasional meal for friends.