Paul Walker
Chairman of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum
Sage Group Plc
www.sage.com
“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.”
Lorna Moran MBE
Vice-chairman of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum
Northern Recruitment Group Plc
www.nrgplc.com
“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”
Sir Peter Vardy
Director of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum
Vardy Group Ltd.
www.vardygroup.com
“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.”
Paul Callaghan
Director of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum
Leighton Group
www.leighton.com
“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.”
Tom Maxfield
Director of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum
Tom’s Companies
www.tomscompanies.co.uk
“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.”
Dave Charlton
Director of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum
The Officers Club
www.theofficersclub.co.uk
“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.”
Simon Heptinstall
Director of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum
“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.”
Paul Campbell
Director of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum
The Amazing Group
www.theamazinggroup.com
“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.”
Keith Miller
Director of the Entrepreneurs’ ForumMiller UK
www.millerdirect.com
“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.”
Martin Jones
Director of the Entrepreneurs’ ForumFreedom Direct
www.freedomdirect.co.uk
“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.”
Steven Bell
Director of the Entrepreneurs’ ForumNewman Scott
www.newmanscott.co.uk"
“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.”
Future Events
9th September 2008
Chairman's Dinner
"Deep Issue Massage - Leadership and Laughter" The second of our Chairman's Dinners for 2008 will be hosted by Paul Walker, Chairman of...
11th September 2008
Members-only Women Business Leaders Supper with Nickie Gott
We are delighted to invite you to the second in our series of Women Business Leaders events for 2008, with Nickie Gott Managing Director of Event and Conference...