Michelle Percy, from Develop North PLC’s Advisory Board, has presented a special 'Homecoming Award' to Newcastle based Ringtons at the inaugural North East Roots Homecoming Awards and Showcase event, hosted by Community Foundation North East and held at the Boiler Shop in Newcastle.
The award was presented to Colin Smith, Managing Director of Ringtons, and Brigitte Keatings, 5th Generation Director, recognising Ringtons for their continued support of local communities.
Founded in Newcastle upon Tyne, Ringtons is a family-run business with deep roots in the North East and now operating in more than 25 locations nationwide, Ringtons continues to keep the North East at the heart of everything they do.
The award also recognised the lesser known story of the generosity demonstrated by Ringtons over the decades. This includes 30 years of community giving via the Community Foundation – totalling almost £900k – as well as significant philanthropic work overseas which has supported tea-growing communities.
The Homecoming events took place between the 5th and 8th December and brought together people with strong ties to the North East of England to reconnect, share ideas, and make a lasting impact - and to help support and drive economic growth and regeneration of the region.
Develop North PLC (Develop North), managed by Newcastle-upon-Tyne-based fund management specialists, Tier One Capital Ltd (Tier One) partnered with the Community Foundation North East for the landmark celebrations of the region’s global community and ambition.
As part of the celebrations, Develop North’s, Residential and Real Estate Fund Manager and Founder and Director of Home or Houses Ltd, Jackie Fitzgerald joined the Homecoming Summit at Northumbria University as a panellist, discussing inward investment and the international reach of the region.
The event series forms part of the North East Roots initiative, which aims to inspire giving, celebrate success stories, and create pathways to opportunity for those who need them most. The programme includes networking events, cultural showcases, and a high-profile summit focused on engaging diaspora and boosting inward economic investment.
Michelle Percy, Develop North Advisory Board Member, said: "On behalf of Develop North I'm absolutely delighted and honoured to present this award to Ringtons, which typifies everything that is truly great about this wonderful region, our history and our roots.
“Homecoming was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the ambition and talent that makes the North East such a vibrant place to live, work and invest. Develop North is proud to support this initiative and play a role in driving inward investment and regeneration across the region.”
John Hollingsworth, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Community Foundation North East, added: “Homecoming is about more than celebration, it’s about connection and a commitment to the North East. We are delighted to be working alongside Develop North PLC who share the same commitment to our region. By engaging our global North East community, we can bring opportunity home, unlocking investment, ideas, and support for the region we love.”
Since its inception in 2017, Develop North has supported more than 43 developments with a combined Gross Development Value (GDV) of over £280m and helped create over 12,000 jobs. To date, the company has deployed almost £90m in capital, with 16 projects in its current live portfolio, more than two-thirds of which are in the North East of England.