Entrepreneurs' Forum

Last chance! Early bird booking for our Spring Conference closes tonight – don’t miss out! 📅 Thursday 22nd May, 8am - 3pm, Hardwick Hall 🔶 Secure your spot before midnight: https://lnkd.in/eSkEHQ5Q Get ready for a day packed with inspiration, connections and game-changing insights!

This week in member news... 🔸Develop North PLC reports positive year and outlook in its latest annual results, managed by Tier One Capital 🔸MySalesCoach nets further investment from Northstar Ventures UK 🔸United Living Group has acquired power distribution and street lightning contractor Jones 🔸Innovators shine at VentureFest awards, delivered by WE ARE UMi 🔸Tees Valley Combined Authority announces paid placements for young people, paid internships and free travel initiatives Read the full stories on our website: https://lnkd.in/d8RMxj8 Ian McElroy | Paul Blight | Ian Richards | Alasdair Greig | Shawn Bone | Nicki Clark OBE

As part of Bdaily's Getting to Know feature, we caught up with Louise Kennedy, Managing Director of Oculus HR and long-standing Entrepreneurs’ Forum member. 🔹Her proudest achievement? Growing Oculus HR for 11+ years (and counting!). 🔹What drives her? Strong values and a people-first approach. 🔹Outside of work? Long walks with her Red Fox Labrador and ticking off her travel bucket list... next stop, who knows? Read more about Louise’s journey and why she believes the North East is the place to be. Thanks to our partners Bdaily for sharing. https://lnkd.in/ej8VUM_E

Yesterday, public speaking expert Jo Darby led an incredible Entrepreneurs' Forum workshop on Successful Spontaneous Speaking, sharing practical tools to: 🗣️ Stay calm under pressure 💡 Structure thoughts quickly ✨ Embrace spontaneity (and ditch the fear of being perfect) From giraffe washing to swimming from Scotland to Norway, our members tackled it all with curiosity and humour! A big thanks to Jo and everyone who joined us.

Our Spring Conference just got even BIGGER! We're thrilled to welcome the UK's Only Licensed Fierce Conversations Facilitator, and Managing Director of People Development Associates Ltd (PDA), Sarah Vogel! Sarah will equip you with the tools to tackle tough conversations head-on. With 30+ years of experience, she'll share practical strategies to: ✅ Overcome barriers to meaningful communication ✅ Handle strong emotions on both sides of the table ✅ Inspire clarity, creativity, and problem-solving ✅ Connect with colleagues, customers, and family at deeper levels If you're serious about growth, both personally and professionally, this is an event you can’t afford to miss. 📅 Thursday 22nd May, 8am - 3pm, Hardwick Hall 🔶 Early bird booking is OPEN! Secure your spot before 31st March: https://lnkd.in/eSkEHQ5Q

As entrepreneurs, we all find motivation in different places but some sources of inspiration hit harder than others. What keeps you moving forward? Vote below! 👇 Join a thriving community of North East entrepreneurs. Discover more: https://lnkd.in/erVVPaQY

❌ Success isn't solo. Here’s the truth: those who surround themselves with the right people will navigate 2025 far more successfully than those who try to go it alone. In fact, a 2023 study found that entrepreneurs without strong support networks are more likely to feel helpless and more likely to see their businesses fail. The fix? Community. At the Entrepreneurs' Forum, we've seen it first hand: the founders who thrive are the ones who intentionally build and nurture their networks. Make 2025 the year you strengthen your network. And if you're looking for a place to connect and grow, the Entrepreneurs' Forum is here for you. Like this post? You can read more on Bdaily's website, one of the Forum's corporate partners 👇

A sold-out night with Herb Kim at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art! Last Thursday, we brought together entrepreneurs for an unforgettable dinner filled with insights and inspiration. From Brooklyn to Newcastle, Herb’s journey is a masterclass in innovation, creativity and storytelling. As the founder of Thinking Digital and a driving force behind TEDx events across the North, he’s spent his career curating ideas and amplifying voices. A huge thank you to Herb for sharing his insights and to Alfie Joey for hosting an inspiring evening! To see more Forum events visit: https://lnkd.in/dupMmFd

You don't want to miss this – Dominic McGregor, co-founder of Social Chain, is taking the stage at our Spring Conference to share his journey from start-up underdog to scaling a $300M global powerhouse. At just 19, Dominic scaled Social Chain from a bold idea to a global giant. Now, through Fearless Adventures, he’s backing and building the next generation of high-growth businesses. Expect unfiltered insights on growth, resilience and the future of entrepreneurship! 📅 Thursday 22nd May, 8am - 3pm, Hardwick Hall 🔶 Early bird booking is OPEN! Secure your spot before 31st March: https://lnkd.in/eSkEHQ5Q

"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.