Our Founder's Story

Meet Paul: Founder of Connect NE CIC

Hi, I’m Paul, and I'm the founder who started this journey—first as a simple Facebook page, and now as Connect NE CIC (Community Interest Company).

The Inspiration: Why Connection Matters

The mission behind Connect NE is profoundly personal and born from a real-life understanding of isolation. After experiencing significant personal loss, I became aware that many people need more than digital interaction; they need real, face-to-face connection and accessible support.

What We Are

We are a Community Interest Company (CIC), meaning we are a social enterprise dedicated to benefiting the North East community rather than private shareholders.

What We Do

Our commitment is to actively combat loneliness by supporting, connecting, and empowering people through a growing network of resources and activities. We create welcoming physical spaces and curate social activities that genuinely facilitate community building and ensure people have a reliable place to connect and access support.

The Foundation: Experience and Expertise

• 17 Years in Operational Management: Nearly two decades running pubs, providing extensive, hands-on experience in operational leadership, financial management, and logistics.
• Strategic Marketing: Degree in Marketing and Social Media Management, enabling strategic promotion of our mission and engagement with the community.

Beyond the Title

On a personal note, I genuinely love socializing and creating positive, welcoming environments. I'm a former chef trained in Pan-Asian and Italian cuisine—so I value bringing people together, often around a good meal! I'm committed to being open, approachable, and focused on making a tangible difference in our community.

I look forward to seeing you at one of our events soon.