Entrepreneurs Forum

“The Entrepreneurs' Forum is an integral part of the North-East business community but is in no way typical of a business support organisation. It's so important for the future of our region that we continue to foster entrepreneurship, encourage people to start and develop businesses and to retain our best talent - that is what the Forum aims to achieve.”

“I am delighted with the impact the Forum is having within the region.  It gives established entrepreneurs a chance to exchange views and newer members real access to the "been there done that" brigade.  The tangible benefit of an organisation like this is to celebrate, encourage and develop the entrepreneurial culture of the North East”

“None of us got where we are today by ourselves. We’ve all needed mentors, friends and advisors to achieve our current success and will continue to learn as we continue to grow.”

“A successful region needs to have innovative, growing businesses that generate jobs, opportunities and wealth. The North East of England must establish itself as such a region and to achieve this we need entrepreneurs with vision, determination and passion. The Entrepreneurs’ Forum is all about helping this to happen.”

“The best tip we would offer to any budding entrepreneur is to carefully consider all the well-intentioned advice you are given and then ignore most of it. Keep your nerve, surround yourself with good people and, most importantly, hold the dream. It works.”

“Contrary to the standard business format of building a business with the expectations of making profits at some point in the future, the entrepreneur often starts with an idea for making profit and turns it into a business.”

“The path to success can often be difficult to find and mistakes are an inevitable part of trying to find the right way. If you are lucky enough however, you’ll find someone who’s already been there to point you in the right direction. The Entrepreneurs’ Forum is a remarkable organisation that can help you plan your route, as well as providing the ideas and inspiration that help you enjoy the journey.”

“I spent 15 years running a business in London before coming home. Boy, it's better here. The people are as open and supportive as ever, but there's a new energy and self-confidence around too. It's an ideal breeding ground for entrepreneurs - you supply the encouragement and advice, we'll bring the determination and vision. The Entrepreneurs' Forum embodies that new North-East mix: old strengths, with new dreams. It's a brilliant concept and I'm honoured to be part of it.”

“You find that with other members of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum you can discuss confidential issues openly with like-minded business people and get genuine responses. It is also good to understand the issues that other businesses are facing and how they deal with some of their opportunities and problems.”

“Take as much advice as you possibly can but trust your own judgement at the end of the day. Much can be learned from the experiences of others and members of the Entrepreneurs' Forum share their wisdom openly and honestly with their peers.”

“You can’t beat hearing from world class business leaders, whether they’re national figures or North East success stories. Sharing their advice, passion and knowledge and mixing with fellow entrepreneurs is tremendously inspiring, whether you’re well established or you’re just starting out. Looking at how others do it and having the chance to pick their brains, even if they work in a different sector, provides a unique insight I certainly wouldn’t get anywhere else. Certainly there wasn't anything like the Forum around when I was starting out, but I really think that together we can make this region stronger.”