David Howell – Chair of Directors

Director of Operations, North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC)

David is the Director of Operations at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) where he specialises in property management, incubator strategies, marketing, business planning, new idea development and people management.

With responsibility for day-to-day operational issues at the BIC, in addition to managing business and technical support services David has been instrumental in helping to position the BIC as a main regional deliverer of business and technical support services.

Working alongside the Board and CEO, David has played a core role in the development of the BIC, taking it from a ‘drawing board’ concept, to a profitable division of the Training and Enterprise Council and ultimately into today’s stand alone, financially secure business.

As a result of his progressive and forward thinking strategies he has ensured the BIC consistently maintains high levels of tenant occupancy whilst also helping to keep the BIC at the forefront of enterprise support initiatives; one of his most notable achievements being the establishment of an idea generation facility – Big Ideas.

David is also a non-exec Director and Chair of Sunderland Enterprise Management Company (SEP), a position he has held for ten years. In this role he helps support the executive to deliver security services to businesses on the Enterprise Park. He also ensures that SEP remains viable and re-invests its income for the benefit of occupiers of the Park.

In his spare time David is a keen musician and plays in a local band. His football loyalty is that of a Newcastle United season ticket holder but that loyalty is somewhat stretched at the moment! Walking and socializing (not always in that order) are also on the agenda whenever possible.

Paul Dobson – Director

Paul Dobson BSc (Hons) MRICS

Paul Dobson is a Chartered Surveyor with over 32 years’ experience in the commercial property market.

Initially employed in the agency sector in Manchester & Preston, Paul joined North West based property investment company Millfield Estates (Bolton) Limited in 1997 and is their Property Director.

He has overseen the expansion of the company from its small local base, which included the acquisition of two units on Colima Avenue.

Paul said, “I am pleased to join the board of Sunderland Enterprise Park Management Limited and aim to bring my years of experience to the role, allied to a focus on the commercial position of an owner on the Park. I believe that the best interests of the party paying the bill should always be uppermost in the minds of the decision makers.”

Paul McEldon OBE – Director

Chief Executive of the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) Ltd

As Chief Executive of the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) Ltd, Paul comes from an accomplished background in finance and auditing with KPMG, having previously studied accountancy and financial analysis at Newcastle University. Since his appointment in 2001 Paul has injected fresh thinking into establishing the BIC as primary regional player in the fields of incubation, innovation and business support.

In addition to his work with the BIC, Paul works with several other organisations, all dedicated to shaping enterprise in the North East. Paul chairs the regional enterprise network group North East Enterprise Agencies Ltd (NEEAL), and was appointed chair of the National Enterprise Network (NEN) in 2012, prior to which he served as deputy chair.

Paul is also a Governor at Education Partnership North East and a Non-Executive at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.

Having also taken on a position as board member for Sunderland College, Paul’s role presents the opportunity to influence education within the region and position self-employment as a realistic career option.

In 2020, Paul was awarded the Outstanding Contribution award by National Enterprise Network in recognition of his exceptional work. The Awards recognised those in the enterprise support sector who have gone the extra mile in the most challenging year for business.

Angela Rayne – Company Manager

Angela joined the company in 2001 and took up the role as Company Manager in 2007. She works closely with the board of Directors and contractors to ensure the residents on the Enterprise Park receive security services which fulfill their needs and the environment in which they are working is safe and pleasant. Her background is sales and marketing gaining over 20 years experience with her previous employer, The Edward Thompson Group.

In her spare time Angela enjoys walking, swimming and taking long bike rides along the coast. She enjoys spending time and socialising with family and friends.

Paul Cameron – SEP Security Manager

Paul served 23 Years in the Royal Navy, leaving the service in 2003. He started his security career at grass roots level within the Security Guarding and Retail Sectors rapidly progressing his career up through the ranks to Contracts/Operations Management, looking after a Portfolio of Commercial and Retail Properties.

Prior to joining SEP he spent nearly 10 Years within the CCTV Control Room Management environment, providing services such as local and remote monitoring, key holding, mobile patrolling, opening and locking of premises for both Commercial and Residential Properties.

During this time he was involved in all aspects of the business including obtaining NSI Gold accreditations. In his new role at SEP he will build on his 17 years’ experience in the industry.

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