Women in Tech North East CIC (WiTNE) is has announced Sage as its 2026 headline partner, marking a milestone moment in a relationship that has been growing organically over several years.
Sage’s support for WiTNE stretches back to October 2023, when Mads Howard MBE from Sage joined a WiTNE panel, sharing insight, lived experience and encouragement with the community.
Since then, Sage has continued to show up. Most recently as a co-producer of a Summer 2025 event focused on female founders, their journeys, and the lessons learned along the way.
That event brought together founders, technologists and business leaders from across the region, creating space for honest conversation, shared learning and connection – values that sit at the heart of both organisations.
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Founded in 2022, WiTNE has grown into a 1,000+ strong community, delivering fully booked, inclusive and alcohol-free events across Newcastle, Gateshead and Durham. Led by an all-volunteer board comprising of Rachel Pattinson, Jen Wood and Kathryn Wharton, the organisation exists to make women in tech more visible, connected and supported at every stage of their careers.
Kimberley Graham, manager of people-centred security at Sage, said: “For me, it’s about more than bringing women into tech. What really matters is helping them stay, grow and lead, and Women in Tech North East creates the kind of community that supports that journey.
“At Sage, our goal is to help small and medium businesses and the people behind them thrive through technology they can trust, and investing in the North East is part of that commitment. By supporting this community, we’re helping build skills, visibility and opportunity that strengthen the region’s tech ecosystem over the long term.”
As 2026 Headline Partner, Sage will support WiTNE’s programme of events, community activity and future projects, helping the organisation scale its impact while keeping accessibility, inclusion and community voice firmly at the centre.
Kathryn Wharton, director of Women in Tech North East CIC, said: “Sage has been cheerleading Women in Tech North East for a long time. From contributing on a panel back in 2023, to co-creating meaningful spaces with us more recently. This partnership feels like a natural next step in a relationship built on trust, shared values and genuine commitment.
“Having Sage as our 2026 Headline Partner allows us to dream a little bigger. It means more opportunities for women to be seen, heard and supported, and more chances to strengthen the North East tech ecosystem together.”
