Our Board

James Robson MBE

Chairman

Director of Exwold & Founder of Alexander Jewitt & Co.

"The access the Entrepreneurs’ Forum gives business owners to a strong and diverse network is vital to the success of so many North East firms. Being an entrepreneur should never be a lonely existence and the opportunity to engage with fellow business owners who have experience and expertise to share is without doubt one of the most valuable resources available to our members."

Brendon Hayward

Board Member

Co-founder and Managing Director of Osbit Ltd.

"The Entrepreneurs’ Forum is important for business owners because you get to meet like-minded individuals and highly-successful people who you can learn from, share stories and share experiences."

Kari Owers

Board Member

Managing Director of O Communications

“Joining the Forum was the first thing I did when I started my business and over the last 15 years I have benefited from advice and mentoring from many of its members, whilst learning from top entrepreneurs tell their stories and building new relationships at their events. I have gained invaluable knowledge and made new friendships that have lasted over the years, so now I’m happy to give back.”

Dean Benson

Board Member

Chief Executive of Visualsoft

"Organisations like the Entrepreneurs’ Forum are hugely important; I’ve been a member of the Forum for many years. Running a business can be a lonely place, but the Entrepreneurs’ Forum brings entrepreneurs together and provides them with an environment to share knowledge and experience."

Pamela Petty

Board Member

Former Managing Director of Ebac and owner of Entreprenising

"The North East doesn’t shout about what it does. If we lift our heads up for a short while, we can make a stronger economy."

Brian Palmer

Board Member

Chief Executive of Tharsus

"The Entrepreneurs’ Forum helped me on my entrepreneurial journey, providing inspiration, insight and camaraderie, so I feel that it is only right to accept the invitation to join the Forum’s Board."

Aman Chahal

Board Member

Chief Executive of TaperedPlus

“In business there are no good or bad experiences – just learning experiences! 

It is imperative for us to support North East businesses and represent the construction sector and continue to create jobs, drive growth and continue strengthening our local and national economy. 

By building communities we can work together and start providing real tangible value.”

Gill Courtney MBE

Board Member

Director of Wessington Cryogenics

"Supporting local businesses is rewarding because investing in them and helping to remove barriers to growth such as access to finance , skills and promoting best practice generally leads to increased productivity and competitiveness, which is fantastic for the North East and UK economy. There's a huge amount of pride in the North East and this creates an environment for self-perpetuating growth."

Yvonne Bell

Board Member

Director of Bell Bros (Ashington) Ltd.

"I accepted the invitation to join the board of the Forum as I reckon it's payback time for all the support and encouragement its members have given me over the past few years... some of which haven't been easy. It is good to know we are not alone."