Meet the Member – GoRaise

GoRaise has been a member since 2017 and since then it’s seen a lot of changes not only to Digital Union but to the tech scene as a whole.

Paula explains: “We first joined Digital Union to make connections with more businesses that could use our services and to basically get the message across that GoRaise isn’t just for personal purchases but for business ones as well.

“What we have found is that Digital Union offers a lot more! From its workshops and masterclasses to the Thinking Digital Conference that we were able to attend via the  Union. These events aren’t just great for networking but are so good for improving your skill set too.

“We have found it all so beneficial, the team is great at promoting our services, not just online or in the media, but simply getting the word out in a very natural way.”

When quizzed about the tech scene here in the North East, Paula believed her views may be a little skewed with GoRaise is based in Campus North but was hopeful that it was the same around the region, “Campus North is amazingly collaborative, I can’t say if that’s the same for the wider region but I imagine it is as everyone is so friendly here, it feels like everyone has your back. Whether you need advice or an introduction there’s an attitude of no job is too big.

“That collaboration aspect is definitely present within Digital Union. The number of introductions that have been made through the team has been fantastic. It’s not just at networking events either, the emails and calls we have received from other members has been genuinely heart-warming. It’s so great that companies are wanting to do their part and pay it forward.”

Does Paula think the scene has plateaued or dare we say it, halted? “Absolutely not! I think in this past year alone there has been a huge spike in activity from a start-up level right through to the likes of Ignite moving back into the region. And yes, Campus North may be closing this year but look at all the other co-working spaces that are popping up now…that alone speaks volumes about our very own small but perfectly formed, Silicon Valley.”

And if businesses were to set up shop in the North East, what would compel them to do so? “Cost! Not just the cost of office rent but also the cost of hiring incredibly talented people, and indeed living expenses.

“We also have great transport links here, including an award-winning international airport so if you actually work out the cost of running a business in the capital for example, against running one in the North East and having to travel a bit – it really is a no-brainer.

“Being based in the North East, we have already worked with hundreds of local businesses and are very keen to work with more. Many young people entering the workforce are wanting a job with meaning and purpose and what easier way to do this than introducing GoRaise into your CSR efforts?”

You can find our more about GoRaise here.