Welcome back to another episode of A Cast of Entrepreneurs. Today, the cast is made up of three fantastic entrepreneurs from the North East.

Hosts Elaine Stroud, Chief Executive of The Entrepreneurs’ Forum, and Sally Cowling, Head of Member Experience, are joined by:

Ben Tansey; Director and Co-Founder of Reheat and an accomplished business manager with a background in sustainable forestry and a career in the biomass to energy sector which spans nearly two decades. Having graduated with a first-class degree in Forestry from Edinburgh University, Ben has been involved with the development of the UK’s forestry and biomass to energy sector for 20 years.

Dan Martin; CEO and Co-Founder of Swarm. Dan is the former co-founder and CEO of fleet charging leader, Elmtronics and software company Hubsta.. With a track record of successful ventures, including an exit to Statkraft, Dan’s focus is now on Swarm and leading the charge toward a green energy revolution.

Jon Dudgeon; Co-Founder and CEO at Blu Sky Chartered Accountants, an award-winning accountancy practice. Jon has spent the last 15 years successfully supporting business owners to achieve their goals. In his own business, he’s played a pivotal role in expanding into new markets and facilitating digital transformation. More recently, Jon has championed Blu Sky’s drive to become more sustainable and use business as a force for good by gaining B Corp certification.

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In this episode, the cast share their highs and lows of the journey of entrepreneurship. They discuss what they think you need to thrive as an entrepreneur, how they’ve navigated their journeys so far, and where they get their inspiration and support from.

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Get involved with The Entrepreneurs’ Forum: https://entrepreneursforum.net/

Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tansey-5425a21b/

Connect with Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elmev/

Connect with Jon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondudgeon/?originalSubdomain=uk

Welcome back for another episode of A Cast of Entrepreneurs. Today, the cast is made up of three B Corp business leaders from the North East.

Hosts Elaine Stroud, Chief Executive of The Entrepreneurs’ Forum, and Sally Cowling, Head of Member Experience, are joined by:

Nicki Clark OBE; co-founder and CEO of UMi. UMi help business do more and go further by taking the hard work out of finding and using the best information, advice and finance. As a wholly employee owned and B Corp certified business, UMi is all about creating impact in a way that places equal importance on people, planet and profit. Since 2007 UMi has; helped over 600,000 business owners and managers, invested over £300m in grants and loans which have importantly leveraged over £650m in private sector finance, influenced the creation or safeguarding of over 40,000 jobs and invested over £100k through the UMi community fund.

Graham Purvis LLB CTA; managing director at award winning Robson Laidler Accountants. Robson Laidler’s purpose as a business is to “make a positive difference to people’s lives”. Graham is also a tax advisor, accredited Mindshop business advisor and enhanced practitioner in motivational mapping. Graham spearheaded Robson Laidler in becoming the first business in the North East to achieve B Corp accreditation, demonstrating their commitment to being a force for good. It has recently been named one of the Best Places to Work in the Sunday Times and won the ESG Impact Award at the North East Accountancy Awards 2024.

Aman Chahal; co-founder of TaperedPlus, a national leader in flat roof designs, materials and other insulation board systems. With significant investment in R&D, TaperedPlus aims to modernise and promote tapered insulation within the UK markets. Supported by market leading manufacturers, TaperedPlus has won several awards following significant growth and market share and is an ISO 9001 and became B Corp certified within the past year.

In this episode, the cast are discussing what it means to be B Corp and how they first got started on their B Corp journeys. They share the requirements of what it takes to become B Corp and give advice for any other business leaders looking to do the same.

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Get involved with The Entrepreneurs’ Forum: https://entrepreneursforum.net/

Connect with Graham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gmpurvis/

Connect with Aman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aman-chahal-742b0531/

Connect with Nicki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-clark-obe-6b347226/

Welcome back for another episode of A Cast of Entrepreneurs. Today, the cast is made up of three titans of the North East business world.

Hosts Elaine Stroud, Chief Executive of The Entrepreneurs’ Forum, and Sally Cowling, Head of Member Experience, are joined by:

Dr. Bill Scott OBE DL; Chief Executive of Wilton Universal Group, renowned for designing, manufacturing, coating, and loading complex structures for the Offshore Oil & Gas, Subsea, Marine, Decommissioning, Offshore Wind, and Defence industries. Under his leadership, the company grew from a turnover of £600k to £85m, acquired an engineering design firm, expanded facilities to 112 acres, and secured a £16m private equity deal. Wilton Universal was the fastest-growing NE company in 2010 and 2011. In 2022, Bill established the company’s Apprentice Academy.

Brian Palmer OBE; Founder of Tharsus. Tharsus is a contract manufacturer with expertise in advanced manufacturing and electro-mechanical assembly, taking complex tech products to successful volume manufacture.Brian is passionate about the creation of advanced machines and robots that have strategic impact, delivered by businesses that have global reach, but which are sustainable and grounded in their host communities. As MD, CEO and Founder, he has created and led the Tharsus Group on its journey from being a 'back-street metal-basher' to a leading North East technology business, the purpose of which is to create Tech that Matters.

Sophie Milliken MBE; founder and CEO at Moja Group. Moja work with entrepreneurs and senior executives to amplify their personal profiles and become known authorities in their industries. A multi award-winning businesswoman and proud mum, Sophie also enjoys supporting the North East region. Sophie is a supporter of Northern Power Women and co-founder of City Ladies Networking. She is Chair of Smart Works Newcastle and has achieved huge success delivering the aim of doubling the number of unemployed women supported with interview clothing and coaching across the North East. In June 2021, Sophie became a Founding Ambassador for Every Child Needs a Mentor.

In this episode, the cast share stories from founding their businesses to scaling them. They discuss why they initially started their businesses, what some of their proudest moments have been, and what is most important to them in being a business leader.

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Get involved with The Entrepreneurs’ Forum: https://entrepreneursforum.net/

Connect with Bill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-scott-obe-dl-34106922/

Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-palmer-obe-67449a5/

Connect with Sophie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-milliken/

Welcome back for another episode of A Cast of Entrepreneurs. Today, the cast is made up of two brilliant members of successful family businesses from the North East.

Hosts Elaine Stroud, Chief Executive of The Entrepreneurs’ Forum, and Sally Cowling, Head of Member Experience, are joined by:

Alex Devitt; Chief Operating Officer at Recovery4Life. Recovery4Life offers a proactive and collaborative approach to occupational health. They support businesses by integrating a range of physical health, mental health, and risk management services into one workplace health and wellbeing programme. Prior to Recovery4Life, Alex held various positions in high performance sales environments, and in 2015 established an independent consultancy offering white label sales provision to businesses. In 2016 Alex co-founded Recovery4Life alongside his father, John Devitt, overseeing the commercial development of the organisation.

Nadia Johnson; one of Ringtons first ever female directors. Founded in 1907 and now into its fifth generation, Ringtons remains a family-owned company based in Newcastle. In addition to tea and coffee (for which it’s best known), Ringtons also offers a range of other products including biscuits, sweets, and gift hampers delivered through a traditional doorstep delivery service. Ringtons additionally has a large tea packing division which sources, produces and packs for private label customers. Following a rigorous interview and an 18-month long assessment process, Nadia joined the company in October 2021, relocating her family from London and ending her career for Barclays as an occupational psychologist.

In this episode, the cast share stories about working in family business. They discuss how they got started in their family business and what they’ve learnt along the way. They share managing the boundaries between family and business, succession planning, and their hopes for the future of their businesses.

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Get involved with The Entrepreneurs’ Forum: https://entrepreneursforum.net/

Connect with Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/a-devitt/

Connect with Nadia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-johnson2a/

Welcome back for another episode of A Cast of Entrepreneurs. Today, the cast is made up of another three brilliant entrepreneurs from the North East.

Hosts Elaine Stroud, Chief Executive of The Entrepreneurs’ Forum, and Sally Cowling, Head of Member Experience, are joined by:

Richard Lane; the co-founder and chief commercial officer of durhamlane, a multi-million-pound strategic B2B sales & marketing agency established in 2011, which focuses on sales opportunity creation in the UK, EMEA and North America, bridging the gap between marketing outputs and the inputs that sales teams need to be successful. Richard is a true thought leader, entrepreneur, business coach, and a sought-after Sales 2.0 practinitioner, trainer and consultant.

Steve Rawlingson; Steve founded Samuel Knight, a specialist renewable energy and sustainable transportation recruitment business, in 2014 from a small office in Newcastle. Fast forward to 2023, and Samuel Knight employs over 100 consultants with offices throughout the UK, USA and the Middle East. They generate $35million+ annually and offer recruitment project solutions across 48 countries. Steve’s mission is to help build a greener and more environmentally friendly world by working with his global community to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Claire Rutherford; Founder of Definition IP. Claire is a European Patent Attorney with experience in managing and prosecuting a wide range of IP. Definition IP are a firm of intellectual property attorneys providing expert advice and services across all aspects of the intellectual property system including patents, trademarks, registered designs, copyright and trade secrets. No matter who our client is, our mission is simple: provide commercially relevant advice that is practical, to the point and immediately adds value.

In this episode, the cast share stories about expanding their businesses globally. They discuss their entrepreneurial journeys so far and share some of their entrepreneurial highs and lessons they’ve learnt along the way.

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Get involved with The Entrepreneurs’ Forum: https://entrepreneursforum.net/

Connect with Richard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardmatthewlane/

Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenrawlingson/

Connect with Claire: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-rutherford/

Welcome back for another episode of A Cast of Entrepreneurs. Today, the cast is made up of another three fantastic entrepreneurs from the North East.

Hosts Elaine Stroud, Chief Executive of The Entrepreneurs’ Forum, and Sally Cowling, Head of Member Experience, are joined by:

Caroline Moody; Group Managing Director for Moody Logistics and Storage based in Cramlington, Northumberland. The family owned and operated transport and logistics company was established in 1947 by her grandfather. She won the Freight Award category of the prestigious 2020 Amazon everywoman in Transport & Logistics Award and in 2021 was announced as the winner of Northern Transport Woman of the Year. A passionate advocate for the logistics and transport industry, she takes every opportunity to highlight its contribution to the UK’s economy, the challenges it faces, as well as promoting the career opportunities available. In December 2023, Caroline set up the charity Core Foundations alongside her husband, Phil Crawford.

Alisdair Beveridge; Founder and Managing Director of The Build Directory - fast becoming possibly the first turnkey end to end supply and install provider for building and home improvements operating in both residential and commercial sectors. Alisdair is active in North East charities, being a proud patron and trustee of The Teeside Charity (formerly The Middlesbrough & Teesside Philanthropic Foundation) and advisor to the PFC Trust. Alisdair is the co-founder of the Walk Into the Light events aimed at raising awareness of mental health and suicide preventions. He has also recently been appointed chair of the new futures network for Holme House prison aimed at creating better outcomes and employment.

Andrew Skelton; Director of SOS Group which began its journey in 2002 within the office equipment sector. They use their knowledge and expertise to offer cost-effective hardware and software applications across the UK. Andrew started in the sector in 1989, so has a wealth of knowledge gained from 35 years experience in the industry. SOS has won multiple awards, gaining massive recognition for supporting individuals and groups in the local community, having donated £350,000.00 to date.

In this episode, the cast talk about how they give back to their communities. They share their stories about getting involved in charitable and community work and give tips and advice on how you can get involved too. They discuss how they first got involved in charitable work, and what they are still doing today alongside running their businesses.

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Get involved with The Entrepreneurs’ Forum: https://entrepreneursforum.net/

Connect with Caroline: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-crawford-8b5ba412/

Connect with Alisdair: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisdair-beveridge-1b3088a0/

Connect with Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewskelton1/

Welcome back for another episode of A Cast of Entrepreneurs. Today, the cast is made up of three fantastic entrepreneurs from the North East.

Hosts Elaine Stroud, Chief Executive of The Entrepreneurs’ Forum, and Sally Cowling, Head of Member Experience, are joined by:

Kimberley Cattin; Co-Founder of SB1 Group. SB1 Group, under Kimberley's leadership, focuses on providing full-service private label support and elevating and creating new brands in the cosmetic space. Kimberley also owns WBCo Clinic, a luxury aesthetics clinic in Durham offering a range of treatments to help clients on their journey with skin and ageing.

Sarah Pittendrigh; Multi Award Winning Founder, CEO & Franchisor of luxury linen hire company, Simply Bows & Chair Covers. From a struggling bankrupt single mum to a thriving serial business owner, Sarah has overcome challenges and come out stronger on the other side. She is the published author, mentor and speaker on “The I CAN Method™️”. Sarah is also a property entrepreneur and investor.

Matt Mavir; founder and Managing Director of Last Night of Freedom. Matt set up Last Night of Freedom p in 1999 whilst studying Business Studies. He now manages a team of 30+ staff with over 200 years industry experience between them. Matt and his team have arranged over 50,000 stag and hen weekends. Matt navigated the company through the pandemic, which left the Last Night of Freedom with a 50/50 chance of survival. Having made it through this difficult period, the company is stronger than ever and continues to go from strength to strength.

In this episode, the cast talk about times when they’ve had to be resilient in their business journeys. They share what kept them going through these tough times and share advice for any entrepreneurs who may be going through a similar struggle. They also touch on how they have made brilliant work cultures within their businesses.

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Get involved with The Entrepreneurs’ Forum: https://entrepreneursforum.net/

Connect with Kimberley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-cattin-188805a6/

Connect with Sarah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahpittendrigh/

Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewmavir/

Welcome back for another episode of A Cast of Entrepreneurs. Today, the cast is made up of three brilliant young founders from the North East.

Hosts Elaine Stroud, Chief Executive of The Entrepreneurs’ Forum, and Sally Cowling, Head of Member Experience, are joined by:

Ellen Hedley; Co-Founder of brand, marketing and digital transformation agency Vida Creative. An experienced marketer, Ellen established Vida with her partner Henry in 2016 after discovering her passion for working on varied marketing projects and blending digital and creative. Ellen is currently in the seventh cohort for the Entrepreneurs’ Forum Scale-up Leaders’ Academy.

Nick Gianfreda; CEO and Founder of Wriggle Marketing, a digital marketing agency setup 9 years ago after Nick graduated from Northumbria University. Wriggle is a full-service digital marketing agency which specialises in increasing leads and revenue for companies in the B2B sectors.

Hannah Brennan; Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer at SeerBI Maritime Data Science Lab based within the Tees Valley. Within the business she has led global projects utilising AI and data science to improve systems and develop new technologies within the maritime sector. Hannah is now building on her expertise within Teesside Universities Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre (NZIIC) where she is a Senior Researcher in Artificial Intelligence, exploring use cases of AI in industrial applications for Net Zero, and also the sustainable use of AI.

In this episode, the cast delves into their early entrepreneurial journeys, sharing insights into launching businesses at a young age. They talk about what motivates them to keep their businesses growing strong, sharing helpful tips for anyone looking to start their own venture, no matter their age.

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Get involved with The Entrepreneurs’ Forum: https://entrepreneursforum.net/

Connect with Ellen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-hedley/

Connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-gianfreda-759b4b122/

Connect with Hannah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-brennan-9b218a1b2/

A Cast of Entrepreneurs is back with another exciting episode featuring three brilliant entrepreneurs from the North East. This week, the cast are discussing what makes a brilliant workplace culture.

Hosts Elaine Stroud, Chief Executive of The Entrepreneurs’ Forum, and Sally Cowling, Head of Member Experience, are joined by:

Kari Owers. Kari has been a creative communications consultant for over 25 years working with high profile consumer brands and entrepreneurial businesses around the world and is also on the board of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum. She founded O.agency in 2005 and as Chief Creative Officer she leads the client strategy team, who have worked with many top brand names including Dr.Martens, Parkdean Resorts, Fenwick, Flymo and IamProperty. Kari has won multiple awards which recognise her passion in creating a special agency culture, commitment to her people and youth talent and investment in the local community.

Brendon Hayward. Brendon co-founded Osbit with two fellow engineers in 2010 and has led a number of key projects for the offshore wind industry, including the development of Osbit’s asset software package and safety framework. Brendon is the Chair of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, Chairman of a local youth charity and is passionate about developing organisational cultures and people.

Jonny Grubin. Jonny is the founder & CEO of SoPost, the leading online product sampling platform. A serial entrepreneur, Jonny launched SoPost in 2012 with the goal of helping brands run powerful sampling campaigns online with a focus on relevance, data and analytics. Today, SoPost powers the online sampling for hundreds of brands and ships one order every two seconds to consumers around the world.

In this episode, the cast share their experiences of creating a winning workplace culture, the ins and outs of how they got there, as well as why they feel that a great culture is integral to their business.

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Get involved with The Entrepreneurs’ Forum: https://entrepreneursforum.net/

Connect with Kari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kariowers/

Connect with Jonny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgrubin/

Connect with Brendon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendon-hayward-5036b818/

We’re back with a new episode of A Cast of Entrepreneurs, and we have three brilliant entrepreneurs from the North East sharing their experiences of being based in this region.

Hosts Elaine Stroud, Chief Executive of The Entrepreneurs’ Forum, and Sally Cowling, Head of Marketing, are joined by:

Ammar Mirza, a multi-award-winning enterprise and innovation expert who has helped establish and scale several thousand businesses globally through the design, development and delivery of world leading accelerator and scale up programmes. With a portfolio of interests spanning across numerous sectors including property, edtech, health-tech and investment support Ammar is recognised as a leading authority on organisational growth.

Charlie Hoult, a serial entrepreneur, currently involved in 4 businesses with combined staff over 500 and target turnover above £75m in 2024: Opencast, Hyhubs, Futureheads, Cheviot Insured. His work has always involved teams and he rates collaboration partners as the essence of his success. He is a firm advocate for building businesses on strong ethical values.

Chloë Clover, the Co-Founder and CEO of the multi-award-winning agency Wander, a Personality First, Boundary Breaking Content Agency disrupting the way businesses market themselves online. Working with the biggest brands on the planet, crafting next level campaigns, and creating consistent and engaging content & social since 2018. Clover appeared in the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list, highlighting her as a trailblazer and new world entrepreneur. Clover was also awarded 'Emerging Talent' at the Entrepreneurs Forum Awards and ‘Businesswoman of the Year’ at the Tees Businesswoman Awards.

On this episode, the cast share their experiences of being entrepreneurs in the North East, whether they think location matters, their experiences of entrepreneurship in other locations, and how we can make our region a more inclusive space for businesses.

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Get involved with The Entrepreneurs’ Forum: https://entrepreneursforum.net/

Connect with Ammar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ammar-mirza-cbe-2132622/

Connect with Charlie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliehoult/

Connect with Chloë: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-clover/