Entrepreneurs' Forum

"If you're an entrepreneur, and you're sitting on the fence about joining the Forum you ought to fall off it and join." - Dr Caroline Theobald CBE, Hon DCR A massive thank you to Caroline, who supported the Forum, helped get it off the ground over 20 years ago, and has remained a passionate advocate for us ever since! The Forum is all about energy, inspiration and a network that truly supports you. Thinking of joining? Sign up before Monday 31st March, pay upfront for the year, and get your Spring Conference place for free! Find out more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dtgG98_E 💚 Thanks to the team at Surge for filming our new testimonial videos.

📣 Calling all corporates! We've updated our corporate membership for 2025 and this is your chance to join our thriving community. ✅ Gain exclusive access to high-impact events ✅ Unlock inspiration and learning for senior teams ✅ Be part of a thriving business network Our CEO Elaine Stroud says it best: “By joining, businesses can tap into the fantastic resources within the Forum" and "play a key role in strengthening the region’s business ecosystem and driving economic growth." Join our growing list of Corporate Members, including Hay & Kilner, CMYK | Business Technology, Gateshead College, Ryecroft Glenton and Education Training Collective. Link in the comments below 👇

Last week, we had the incredible opportunity to step inside one of the North East’s most iconic manufacturing sites: Nissan Motor Corporation Sunderland. 🚗 From witnessing the precision of the production line (where a new car rolls out every two minutes!) to learning about the game-changing EV36Zero project, it was an inspiring look at world-class manufacturing in action. Thanks to everyone who joined us! Curious about what’s coming up next? Check out the link to our upcoming events in the comments! 👇

This week in member news... 🔸 Teesside firm OptiMe creates new jobs thanks to six-figure grant and programme backing 🔸 Fierce Master Facilitator Sarah Vogel shares all ahead of our upcoming spring conference 🔸 Animmersion UK Ltd elevates Unipres' VR training 🔸 Kayleigh Laverick of Mamma Social Co recognised at prestigious Northern Power Women Award for transformational work in maternal mental health 🔸 Tees Valley Labs top tech start-ups showcase ground-breaking innovations after securing £1.6m investment 🔸 Latest Entrepreneurs' Forum survey reveals members feel contribution to the economy is undervalued Read the full stories on our website: https://lnkd.in/d8RMxj8 Elaine Stroud | Bethany Ainsley | Imran Anwar | Samuel Harrison

In just one week, we’ll be hosting a SOLD OUT Focus Dinner with the incredible Herb Kim, a true trailblazer in tech, innovation and storytelling! Hosted by Alfie Joey, this intimate evening will give attendees the chance to hear Herb share his remarkable journey from Brooklyn to Newcastle, his insights into the future of innovation and his unique take on creativity and entrepreneurship. We’re excited for what’s sure to be a memorable evening of learning, inspiration and connection with a brilliant community. See you there! 🙌

"Joining the Forum, it's an absolute no brainer decision." - Paul Card, Paul Card Recruitment A huge thanks to Paul for sharing his experience of being a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum. The Forum is all about energy, inspiration and a network that truly supports you. Thinking of joining? Sign up before Monday 31st March, pay upfront for the year, and get your Spring Conference place for free! Find out more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dtgG98_E 💚 Thanks to the team at Surge for filming these testimonial videos.

Our February 2025 survey results are in. 📉 82% lack confidence in government economic policies 💰 Rising costs, especially National Insurance hikes, are hitting hard 📊 Hiring plans are shifting, with both growth and cutbacks ahead ⚡ ‘People’ (44%) and ‘Sales’ (43%) remain top challenges Entrepreneurs are pushing forward but securing finance and reinvesting for growth is getting tougher. Read the full findings on our website: https://lnkd.in/enKpRbzW

Early bird booking is now open for the largest entrepreneurial event in the region! Join us on Thursday 22nd May for a day designed to: 💡 spark fresh ideas 🤝 foster meaningful connections 🫶 help you reenergise and rekindle your passion for business 🔶 Book before 31st March and save with our early bird offers: https://lnkd.in/eSkEHQ5Q

This week in member news... 🔸Agilico celebrates Print IT Awards for Environmental Excellence 🔸WANDER goes stateside as it's selected for prestigious trade mission 🔸BearTech celebrates nomination for Small Business of the Year award and partners with SnappCV 🔸Sedna expands AI leadership in global trade with FLYTTA acquisition 🔸Business Durham new business hub takes shape 🔸Circle Cloud enjoys strong year of growth 🔸Forum CEO Elaine Stroud shares why entrepreneurs can't do it alone 🔸Keynote speaker Dominic McGregor and conference host Alfie Joey share all ahead of Forum's upcoming spring conference Read the full stories on our website: https://lnkd.in/d8RMxj8 Warren Colby (MSc) | Mark Bryce MSc | Chloë Clover ⚡| Rob Boville | Ali Boville (FCIPD) | Hannah Brennan | Owain Brennan 📊 | Leon Howe | Tomas Roberton | Michael Povey

🔶 BIG changes are coming to our spring conference! We’ve reimagined the day to make it even more energising, inspiring and packed with value for North East entrepreneurs. Expect two incredible keynotes, a hands-on workshop, immersive experiences, group activities, and a 3pm finish so you can hit the ground running with fresh ideas. 💥 Early bird tickets are available until Monday 31st March – don’t miss out! Not a member yet? Join and pay in full by 31st March and your conference ticket is FREE! 🔶 Thursday 22nd May, 8am - 3pm, Hardwick Hall 🔶 Book online: https://lnkd.in/etipXUdV