TASTECLUB joins forces with NewcastleGateshead Initiative

From 1 April 2014, TASTECLUB, the organisation which promotes and sells the food and drink talent and products of North East England will become part of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, the public private partnership marketing NewcastleGateshead on a national and international stage to attract visitors, conferences and events, and new investment to the area. Over the past three years, TASTECLUB has built up its membership levels, secured income streams and developed a positive profile for the TASTECLUB brand. Having successfully developed the business, the board and management team agreed that further growth could best be secured by joining forces with a larger organisation and identified NewcastleGateshead Initiative as a natural fit. Established in 2000, NewcastleGateshead Initiative is supported by Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council, and over 170 private sector partner organisations across North East England. Over the past 13 years, the organisation has established a strong track record of successful delivery and as a result has grown both its partnership base and portfolio of work – all with the aim of delivering economic growth for the region. The two organisations have been in discussions over the last three months and the acquisition of TASTECLUB by NewcastleGateshead Initiative was formally announced at TASTECLUB’s AGM yesterday (Tuesday 4 March). NewcastleGateshead Initiative Chief Executive Sarah Stewart said: “We are delighted that TASTECLUB will soon come on board. There is a natural synergy between the two organisations and our core areas of activity. This is a great opportunity to further develop TASTECLUB as well as strengthening many aspects of our existing business, from the development and promotion of EAT! NewcastleGateshead – the food and drink festival - through to our work with regional, national and international media to profile the area’s many assets.” Jane Hogan, Chief Executive at TASTECLUB, said: “TASTECLUB is a not-for-profit company, with all income reinvested in promoting independently produced food and drink. We quickly identified NewcastleGateshead Initiative as a business that shared our ethos and approach to championing the region and supporting the growth of the local economy – albeit on a much larger scale. “And it is this scale, profile and marketing clout that we believe offers such a great opportunity for the TASTECLUB business to continue to grow and realise its full potential in the years ahead.” Sarah Stewart added: “The two members of TASTECLUB staff will join our team next month and for TASTECLUB members and customers it should be a smooth transition and business as usual. After much discussion, Jane has decided to take this opportunity to pursue a new start-up opportunity and we wish her every success; I have no doubt we will keep in touch with news of TASTECLUB’s future development and success stories.” NewcastleGateshead Initiative is currently in the process of setting up a wholly owned trading company for emerging business development opportunities, including TASTECLUB. The trading company, to be called NGI Solutions Limited, will provide a separate legal entity for projects distinct from NewcastleGateshead Initiative core activity, which is part-funded by Gateshead Council and Newcastle City Council. As public sector funding continues to decline, NGI Solutions will enable NewcastleGateshead Initiative to secure new projects and commercial income which can be reinvested in its primary aim: to inspire people to visit, and to live, learn work and invest in NewcastleGateshead.