emerging talent winner Daniel Wade centre stage Shelley Lawson addressing the issue avoiding burnout
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winter 23 welcome
Welcome to our winter edition of Forum, which is a celebration of the impact entrepreneurs can have on the world. Our cover story features our newly crowned award-winning emerging entrepreneur, Daniel Wade from Wade Construction Management. Danny’s success is derived from his belief that traditional procurement methods are inefficient. His alternative approach has won him an impressive list of blue-chip multinational clients and you can read more in his candid interview. Our Centre Stage interview features Shelley Lawson, co-founder of Frog Bikes who, along with her husband,
gave up corporate careers to design and bring to market bikes that kids love to ride. Shelley spoke passionately at our spring conference and in this interview she talks openly about the business and challenges of their entrepreneurial journey. Our Behind the Boardroom feature on page 26 features Jonny Catto, MD of the fast-growing family owned thermoformed packaging business which he set up, along with his father in law in 2016. The Entrepreneurs’ Forum’s purpose is to bring together and inspire North East entrepreneurs. Our membership continues to grow and if you’d like to get involved or know someone who’d benefit from being part of our network please get in touch. Details of how to join are on page 34.
inside 5 6
plan ahead Scale-up Leaders’ Academy a programme to prepare for sustainable high growth
8
business bulletin the latest news from our members
10
emerging talent getting to know Wade Construction Management founder Daniel Wade
12
mentoring for growth mentors discuss what they give and what they gain
16
centre stage Shelley Lawson on redesigning children's bikes
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2023 entrepreneurial awards meet the winners
20 addressing the issue how to avoid burnout with Bethany Ainsley
22 out of office inspiring young athletes
26 behind the boardroom Jonny Catto on the evolution of the board at iPac
28 new members 29 forum favourites read watch listen 32 food & drink
Elaine Stroud Chief Executive
Faru, Durham
34 how to join proud to be partnered with
NEWCASTLE GATESHEAD
we're stronger together
Forum is published by Allies Group Ltd
Editorial Sally Cowling sally@entrepreneursforum.net David Bootle david.bootle@allies-group.com Contributors: Caroline Dask
Allies Group Ltd, Enterprise House, Kingsway, Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, NE11 0SR
Advertising Debi Coldwell debi@allies-group.com
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All contents copyright © Allies Group Ltd. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, photographs, artwork or advertising materials while in transmission or with the publisher or their agents. All content marked 'profile feature' is paid for advertising. All information is correct at time of going to print, December 2023. ISSN 2753-796X
winter 23 forum partner Agilico Leading the Way Towards a Sustainable Future In a world where environmental responsibility is becoming increasingly paramount, Agilico is emerging as a beacon of hope and a model for businesses looking to make a meaningful impact. With a resolute commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, Agilico is on a mission to not only grow its client base and national footprint but also lead the charge in environmental sustainability. Sustainability Starts at Home One of the key pillars of Agilico's sustainability journey is its brand-new energy-efficient office in the Team Valley. This state-of-the-art facility stands as a testament to the company's commitment to sustainability, its workforce, and regional growth. This investment aligns seamlessly with Agilico's broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) philosophy, which has sustainability at its core. The Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Eileen McMaster, commented on the importance of energy efficiency and good sustainability practices when she attended the Agilico office opening day in mid October. She said: "Agilico clearly demonstrates its commitment to sustainability in Gateshead, but it's also good to hear more about how they are supporting other businesses with innovative solutions that help to fight against climate change. It's crucial that we all think about ways that we can be more eco-conscious, and I'm proud that businesses, such as Agilico, who are based here in Gateshead, are fully committed to doing this."
Tracking Carbon Footprints with Precision Understanding one's carbon footprint is the first step towards reducing it, and Agilico takes this responsibility seriously. The new office design incorporates advanced technologies for monitoring and managing energy usage, in line with the company's dedication to ISO 14001 standards and the pursuit of net-zero emissions. Agilico's commitment to transparency and accountability in this regard sets a commendable precedent for other businesses. A Sustainable Approach to IT Devices Agilico's sustainability efforts extend beyond their own operations. The new facility includes a dedicated space for the refurbishment of IT devices, serving not only local customers but also neighbouring regions across northern England. This move drastically reduces the need to transport devices over long distances, saving both time and money while minimising the environmental footprint - a crucial facet of the company's net-zero ambition. Embracing the Circular Economy Agilico's vision strongly aligns with the circular economy concept, a cornerstone of its net-zero strategy. By refurbishing and repurposing multifunctional print devices (MFDs), Agilico makes a significant contribution to emissions reduction. Remarkably, approximately 57% of emissions savings are achieved through the use of remanufactured technology, demonstrating the
L-R Warren Colby, Regional Managing Director, Councillor Eileen McMaster, The Mayor of Gateshead and Mark Bryce, Sales Director company's unwavering commitment to the circular economy and sustainability. A Commitment to Cleaner Transportation Agilico isn't content with just making its office spaces more energy efficient and sustainable, it's also leading the charge in transforming its transportation footprint. The company has proactively embraced electric and hybrid vehicles, with 10% of its car fleet being electric and 50% hybrid. This not only promotes cleaner transportation options for its employees but also serves as a testament to Agilico's commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Charging infrastructure for electric vehicles has been strategically installed at its sites nationwide, facilitating the transition to electric mobility. Furthermore, Agilico has harnessed solar energy by installing solar panels at its premises, aligning seamlessly with its commitment to
renewable energy sources. In conclusion, Agilico's commitment to sustainability and its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030 are setting a benchmark in the business world. From their cutting-edge office design to their dedication to the circular economy and cleaner transportation, Agilico is proving that businesses can be powerful agents of change in the fight against climate change. As they continue to grow their client base and national footprint, they are setting a remarkable example for businesses everywhere: one that combines growth with environmental responsibility, making the world a better place for us all.
To find out more visit
agilico.co.uk
5
plan ahead 2024 Dates for your Diary For our full programme, visit entrepreneursforum.net Members will also receive regular e-invites throughout the year and when new events are added to the programme. 25 January
CHAIRMAN'S DINNER
with Sir Graham Wylie CBE
About our events
We host a variety of events throughout the year across the North East region. Here’s your guide to the different events taking place in 2024.
Member Events
Member events offer regular opportunities to hear from inspirational entrepreneurs sharing their business story, providing you with valuable lessons and insight. At these events the speaker could be an individual or a panel of people. FREE for Entrepreneur Members, Partners and Guests
Workshops 23 May
CONFERENCE
Fortune Favours the Brave
Our expert-led workshops combine thoughtprovoking talks and interactive sessions to help senior teams and business leaders build practical plans that enable them to overcome the barriers to growth. FREE for Entrepreneur Members, Partners and Guests
Round Tables 27 September
2024 ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARDS Gala Dinner
Our chaired round table discussions are a great way for entrepreneur members to come together to learn more about a subject and share their knowledge and expertise. FREE for Entrepreneur Members
On-site Visits
20 November
CONFERENCE
Together We Can Take on the World
On-site visits are an exclusive opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at some of the most creative and innovative organisations in the region. The visits give a unique insight and are full of helpful ideas to implement in your own business. FREE for Entrepreneur Members
Chairman’s Dinner
A celebratory dinner hosted by our Chair. For 2024 we will be joined by Sir Graham Wylie CBE, North East business icon and winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 Entrepreneurial Awards. £99+VAT for Entrepreneur Members
Member Socials
Informal social events bringing together members to catch-up over drinks, lunch, outdoor activities or an evening out. FREE for Entrepreneur Members or small cost depending on activity
Conferences
The most prestigious business events in the North East, our annual conferences bring top-class speakers to the region from some of the most successful and innovative organisations in the world. Our two conferences are a fantastic opportunity to be inspired, share knowledge and make new connections with other business leaders. Tickets available for Entrepreneurs' Forum members and their guests
Entrepreneurial Awards
Our annual awards dinner is an evening of entertainment where leading figures within the North East business community come together to celebrate entrepreneurs who stand out from the crowd, lead dynamic, innovative businesses and are making a genuine change to our region. Tickets available for Entrepreneurs' Forum members, their guests and non-members
Focus Dinners
Set in the private dining rooms of some of the region’s top restaurants, these relaxed entrepreneur-only spotlight dinners bring together great food and captivating conversations where you will hear the story of a leading entrepreneur. £75+VAT for Entrepreneur Members
To view all upcoming events, and to book, scan the QR code.
winter 23 Scale-up Leaders’ Academy The Entrepreneurs’ Forum programme helping business owners prepare for sustainable high growth.
The impact Since launching in 2017, six cohorts have participated in the Academy. With a score of 9.4/10 from our 2023 alumni, the impact of the programme is far-reaching. Steven Rawlingson Samuel Knight International 'Every day I was practising what I was learning on the course. It really changed my mindset and helped me get the business back in line. I learned to think like a CEO.'
Cohort 6 The programme The Scale-up Leaders' Academy is a programme of dedicated support for ambitious business owners and their teams. With a mix of scale-up coaching and peer-to-peer mentoring we bring together experienced entrepreneurs, business leaders, specialists and coaches to help you grow your business faster. Your cohort provides a supportive environment for you to openly share your experiences and challenges and make valuable connections. • Six scale-up coaching workshops for the business owner • Three workshops for the business owner and their team • Peer group support and sharing best practice • Free upgrade to Premium membership of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum for one year • Free place at Spring 2024 Conference
Timings • January 2024 for 6 months • One half day scale-up coaching session per month • Three half day team workshops; January, February and May Your coach and experts Ian Kinnery is an International Scale-up Coach with over three decades of personal experience starting and scaling businesses. Our 2024 programme also includes workshops from business experts Simon Hartley and Jessica Williams. Simon is a sport psychology consultant and performance coach and brings his expertise in understanding world-class teams and building a high-performance culture whilst Jessica will focus on how to create a more sustainable and strategic sales mindset.
Sam Spoors Talentheads ‘I have appointed a senior leadership team which has had a HUGE impact on the amount of delivery I personally undertake and the effectiveness I now have to focus on strategy. The insight from the Academy makes me feel that I am driving the business for growth with knowledge and awareness.’
To find out more and apply scan the QR code For any questions, please contact Michael Dixon
michael@entrepreneursforum.net
7
One to Watch Programme
winter 23 business bulletin Bringing you the latest developments, breaking news and exclusive updates from Entrepreneurs' Forum members.
New technology centre is launched confirming long term commitment to Northumberland Hexham-based, RED Engineering, has invested £1.3million in a 1,300 sqm technology centre, situated close to its headquarters. The RED Technology Centre will further reinforce the company’s growing reputation as an innovative problem solver for regional, national and international blue-chip clients operating in highly challenging, hazardous environments. Employing 34 highly skilled staff, the new facility is a key element of the company’s growth strategy which has seen it hire six new staff over the past 12 months. The company had previously rented space at a number of locations for its assembly and test activities. The new facility is located on the site of a former Northumberland County Council depot beside RED’s head office, Tynedale House, on Burn Lane, Hexham. The company has self-funded the majority of the investment, together with a £136,000 grant from the Regional Growth Fund. The project included the clearance of the site and construction of an industrial unit suitable for the assembly and testing of specialist equipment and includes internal units to provide additional office, amenities and storage areas. The investment sends a strong message to the local community that RED Engineering remains totally committed to its roots in the Tyne Valley and in addition to the investment, the business is currently working with students at Queen Elizabeth High School and is sponsoring one ex-student through university. It regularly has pupils on work experience placements and is mentoring a number of GCSE Design Technology students.
Teesside gaming company Double Eleven has been named as one of the fastest growing businesses in the UK Video game developer Double Eleven, which launched in 2009 from CEO Lee Hutchinson’s attic, has secured a place for the second year in a row on the The Sunday Times Hundred list that identifies the fastest growing private firms in the country. The company has grown dramatically over the last decade and now employs over 370 members of staff. The Boho One-based business has been collaborating on some of the biggest titles in gaming since first launching, including Red Dead, Fallout 76 and Minecraft Dungeons. Last year, Double Eleven appeared at number 35 on the national list (in the “below £250m in revenue" category) and ranked at number one for the North East. This year it has climbed up to 25th place and has maintained its position as the number one fastest growing company in the region. Sales in September 2021 reached £45 million and £50 million in September 2022. With a £9 million turnover in September 2020, it means the company saw a 455% growth over the past three financial years. The gaming company was also named as runner up for The Sunday Times Innovation Award.
9 Tech experts ITPS on growth path One of the region’s most established IT experts has announced a rebrand as part of a package of growth measures, including creating a raft of new jobs and investing in new sustainability measures. Established in 2000, ITPS created the region’s first privately owned, highsecurity data centre in Chester-le-Street, giving businesses across the region access to IT infrastructure services and high-speed connectivity. In its latest round of investment, a dozen new jobs are being created in various functions across ITPS, including in cyber-security, artificial intelligence and data science. At the same time ITPS is looking to reduce its carbon footprint through the installation of 200kW of solar panels at its data centre, before offsetting what remains by working with Forestry England to plant its own woods. ITPS’s new brand was revealed at a recent event at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, led by Dr Sue Black OBE, Professor of Computer Science and Technology Evangelist at Durham University.
Specialist recruiter Coleman James celebrates growth of built environment team Specialist recruiter Coleman James is celebrating the continued growth of its Built Environment team, amidst several new appointments to its Building Services, Civil Engineering and Construction Divisions. Over the past few months, the firm has welcomed four recruits. These include Lauren Robson and Jordan Forster as Civil Engineering Senior Consultants. Abigail Lincoln has joined as a Construction Senior Consultant and Ben Bishop has joined the Building Services Division as a Delivery Consultant. Coleman James partners with a range of Tier 1, national, regional, specialist and sub-contractors, as well as M&E contractors and design consultancies, including: Meldrum Group, Kier Construction, EQUANS, SES Engineering Services, TClarke and Dalkia. Coleman James has offices in Newcastle, Doncaster and London. It was recently ranked 13th in the Ward Hadaway Fastest 50 list, representing the fastest-growing, privately owned business in the North of England.
Malhotra Group acquires new care homes
Recruitment firm to create hundreds of regional jobs Growing recruitment and outsourced HR business, Jackson Hogg, has secured a significant investment which will accelerate its plans to create hundreds of jobs, as global demand for its services soars. The company was established in 2012 and employs more than 110 people between its bases in Tyneside, Teesside and Leeds, with its teams supporting clients across the STEM sector. Now the business, which works across Europe, the US and Canada, plans to build a specialist team of about 500 people in the next five years. To support its goals, it has secured investment from NPIF-FW Capital Debt Finance, which is managed by FW Capital and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund. Abu Ali and Tristan Woolcock from WilliamsAli Corporate Finance supported Jackson Hogg in securing the investment. As well as its expansion into Leeds, the group will focus on scaling-up its base at CBX in North Tyneside, as well as on the Belasis Business Park in Billingham, where it has just taken a larger premises.
Jobs at three North East care homes have been saved and vital community resources protected, following a multi-million-pound deal by Malhotra Group PLC. The Newcastle based company has acquired three homes which were formerly part of Four Seasons Healthcare, located in Howdon, Morpeth and Blyth. Not only has the move saved 257 jobs, but crucially secures 217 critical care beds across the region, offering both
residential and nursing care. The newly acquired homes have been renamed and will be part of Malhotra Group PLC’s new care home brand, Lifestyle Care. The company already owns 15 homes across the North East through its Prestwick Care brand. As part of Lifestyle Care’s aim to provide high-quality, person-centred care to its residents, Nicola Bowles has been appointed as its Chief Operating Officer.
Email your member news stories and we'll add them to our website and share on our socials.
info@entrepreneursforum.net
winter 23 emerging talent Daniel Wade The Forum recently had the opportunity to sit down with Daniel Wade, the founder of Wade Construction Management Consultants (Wade), a business focused on providing a different kind of service for construction projects predominantly in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Their mission is to help their clients develop medicines quicker through more efficient project management. Daniel, recent winner of the Emerging Talent category at the Entrepreneurial Awards 2023, shared his inspirational journey, from the inception of his business to the bold decisions he's made to drive its growth and success. Wade positions itself differently in the congested construction and project management space, and this is a big reason in Daniel's mind for its consistent growth. Rather than being a traditional project manager, they employ a modernised procurement method rooted in construction management methodology. This approach involves creating a collective team within the client, comprised of partners rather than a typical supply chain. These partners include contractors and specialists who work together to provide clients with the best possible project outcomes. It is the collaboration and communication together that facilitates greater, deeper understanding of project goals, explains Daniel. He added: “We set up so that we essentially become part of the client’s team, working directly with those on
the ground (the steel installer, the roof cladder, etc). We select partners to be able to give the client the best outcome. It just gives them better access to really skilled people that they won't get access to by working with some of the bigger players.” The core of Wade's mission is to reduce risk for clients, allowing the client to be better prepared for potential challenges and decisions during the project, mitigating uncertainties. Daniel adds: “When you set projects up in the way that we do, clients are much more informed of the potential risk, meaning they can make stronger business decisions particularly in relation to cost and quality. Reducing a client’s risk profile is a natural output of this process and they can get real assurance, knowing that a competent partner will cost the remainder of the risk in their package, it's all open and clear to see. “This works incredibly well for partners too as they have access to the client and can discuss things like payment terms. We can have open conversations to say, ‘We're a small
firm that employs 20 people. We can't afford to wait 60 days or 90 days for a payment.’ And it just gives you that big human interaction piece and makes your client aware of a partner's business needs. As a client you want to take down as many walls as possible to make sure you get the best possible outcomes.” This enables Wade to deliver at pace, which is a USP for the business. Daniel emphasises that their collaborative model, which brings together top-quality professionals, is instrumental in achieving faster project deliveries. He highlights: “Predominantly because we're able to get these great people in a room together who provide the scope of what the project is going to look like in real time, we help drive the project timelines to be delivered faster.” Daniel's journey into the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector was largely driven by a background in large-scale construction and experience in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. He recognised the potential to expedite the delivery of medicines and potentially save lives through faster project completion. Working with major pharmaceutical clients and leveraging existing contacts in the sector, Daniel was able to lay the foundation for Wade's expansion into this market. Daniel set up Wade with very little
capital. He had to borrow money from his parents, use credit cards, and even grapple with overdrafts to keep the business afloat. The financial challenges were daunting, but he overcame them through sheer determination and hard work. He said: “In 2016, I handed my notice in without two pennies to my name. Then I started up Wade as a consultancy to advise clients on better ways of procuring projects and that's how it started. “We've got a team of 32 now. Our turnover for the last financial year which finished at the end of August is at £3.1 million.” Wade's growth strategy has been a mix of calculated planning and learning by mistakes. He started with a catch-all approach targeting a whole range of sectors and opportunities. This didn't work, he explains: “When we first developed we said we'll do a bit of a catch-all by aiming for loads of market share. It just became very challenging and then we decided to narrow down. I've got some good links in the pharma sector. That's how we consolidated our growth.” Culturally he has created a team that works just as well internally as it does externally - in a collaborative and supportive way helping each other grow in the process. He said: “We've got a huge passion for just wanting to do the right thing here. And the world is a developing
We set up so that we essentially become part of the client's team, working directly with those on the ground. We select partners to be able to give the client the best outcome.
11
place which is seeing the benefit of doing the things that we're doing in the background, adding value, supporting quicker more efficient processes, paying people well, trying to be efficient. Touch wood, every client that we've worked for so far, we've never left them. We continue to grow with them. We help our clients grow and it helps us grow as a team too.” How does he relax then with big responsibilities and such a whirlwind of daily demands? Daniel explained that it's essential to make time to switch off. To take breaks away and put down the phone! But he also talks about the importance of reflecting on achievements. We naturally move on to his Entrepreneurs’ Forum award. He adds: “I know it's dedicated to me but genuinely it's a collective effort of the team
rather than individual achievements. The team's dedication and hard work have been instrumental in Wade's success. I couldn’t do it without them.” Looking ahead, Wade Construction plans to expand into different markets, particularly the process industry, petrochemical facilities, food industry, and other regulated environments. But key to their growth plans is overseas expansion. They've identified markets and opportunities and are developing collaborations. He explains: “We're really excited about this. The first project is starting in France. I was over there recently and after that we've got Philadelphia, Singapore, Cairo, that's a very large scale win. “We have kind of planned for this to be fair. It's a natural progression for us to start looking at the global
market and we've partnered up again in terms of staffing and recruitment and we're going to utilise some people that we've got internally to start off, but we've also partnered with another local firm, Populus Select.” A further mark of growth is their recent office move from Stockton to a much larger premises at Coniscliffe House in Darlington. He adds: “Our startup office really wasn't up to scratch. “We've got so many internal staff in the business, like accounts, the office manager and the rest of the team, and they needed a new home. Darlington has great transport links and it's close enough to a lot of the process and pharma companies within North East England. We're very proud of being from the North East. I could have gone anywhere.”
As the interview wrapped up, Daniel underscored the importance of collaboration. Wade works with architects and utilises building information modeling (BIM) to ensure that clients receive a holistic view of the project. While they're exploring the use of technology to further enhance their processes, most of their success stems from sound practices and principles. Daniel's journey is a remarkable story of challenging conventional ways of doing things. His emphasis on teamwork and calculated risktaking makes for a compelling narrative of success in a highly competitive industry.
wadecmc.com
winter 23 mentoring for growth In the bustling entrepreneurial landscape of North East England, the Forum’s mentoring programme offers a real catalyst for collaboration. Sarah Thackray of BeaconHouse Events tapped into the Forum’s network to identify support from a key mentor and owner of a brand communications business, James Allen, to understand how his firm, Guerilla, had continued to redefine their offer, acquiring new customers. In this issue we discuss the merits of the programme with Sarah and her mentor, James. James Allen built Guerilla - a leading creative brand communications agency based in Newcastle - over 20 years ago. He has only met with Sarah Thackray, Director and co-founder of BeaconHouse Events, a few times - though they were familiar with each other from previous Entrepreneurs’ Forum events. For James, the desire to become a mentor arose from an awareness that being a business owner can be a lonely place and that communicating with fellow business leaders can provide a hugely valuable sounding board. James explains: “As business leaders, we're not only running our own business, we're partly helping run our clients' businesses too - or parts of them. It's a little bit isolating, and you can't always speak to people, either due to confidentiality or limited time available.” He continues: “I have received advice and guidance over many years before becoming a mentor and although advice can sometimes not necessarily be what you want to hear - it’s the fact that someone believes enough in you to support you that
demonstrates it comes from a good place. And I wanted to give back to the entrepreneur community.” James has been a member of the Entrepreneurs' Forum for many years and takes his position as a trusted mentor seriously. He says: “It’s great to be able to share your experience, but you have to remember you have a duty of care when you're giving advice. You can't be frivolous with the advice you give. It's got to be really well considered." He adds: “I think empathy is really important in this process, because looking at that person’s industry, the sector, how they operate, their customer base, you have to draw on your own extensive knowledge and research and make suggestions relevant and helpful to them specifically.” Mentoring for James is often a conversational process that involves not only providing advice but also learning from the mentee. “The challenges and opportunities shared by the mentee offer a broader perspective”, he explains, enriching the outlook of the mentor as much as the mentee.” Sarah, who co-founded BeaconHouse Events almost 10 years ago, considers this a key factor in the success of their relationship. She explains: “Quite quickly, James and I have built up a good understanding of our respective businesses and how we operate. We’re happy for the approach to be quite informal and flexible and to learn from each other.
It’s not a formal learning or lecturing environment, it’s a conversation.” Sarah had reached out to James through the Entrepreneurs’ Forum network after discovering his rich experience in the creative-services sector, a niche less well developed by other mentors in her network. Sarah explained: “It takes no effort to book an appointment with Entrepreneurs’ Forum mentors, and when James was proposed to me, I thought he would be a good person to speak with and bounce ideas off.” She adds: “I call myself a 'mentoring butterfly'. I connect with a variety of people and draw insights and information from various sources.” Sarah continues: “Although not too formal, our conversations can focus on key things such as forecasting, growth planning and our biggest asset in the service sector, our people. Guerilla are also a small
business, so we can get all sorts of valuable advice from them.” “You gain value through conversations and little nuggets of information about how to approach challenges and situations.” James adds: “Sarah, by tapping into various sources of advice is intelligently hedging, mitigating the impact of risk and trying to get a bigger picture. There's an important balance between accessing good advice from several people and going around in circles to the point where you're not moving forward. Sarah uses the information she gains very productively.” Both acknowledge the unique culture of the North East business landscape as an ideal place to drive a mentoring programme such as that run by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum. Sarah explains: “The North East business community has a strong tradition of collaborating with each other.
13 reasons I enjoy being where I am.” In the end, the mentor-mentee relationship between James and Sarah highlights that mentorship doesn't necessarily fit into a rigid definition, and nor should it. It can be
an ever-evolving process that does not require a specific issue or challenge, just the desire to share ideas and knowledge and help improve the innovation coming out of the North East region.
Mentoring Drop-In Sessions Our mentoring drop-in sessions are confidential one-to-one sessions, giving you a rare chance to talk through business challenges with other experienced entrepreneurs. For full details of each session and to book a space, check out our website.
It's easier to get access to people in the North East because of our size I believe, whereas perhaps in other parts of the country it's quite hard to effectively pull off a
programme such as this. The North East is famous for its friendly faces and business owners taking the time to lend a supportive hand. This is just one of the many
6 February 1pm – 4pm Flok, Middlesbrough 18 April 1pm – 4pm RBC Brewin Dolphin, Newcastle For Entrepreneur Members only.
winter 23 forum partner Ward Hadaway Pairing Sustainability with Profits: have you considered Product as a Service (PaaS)? How can businesses reduce their own environmental impact without putting themselves at a competitive disadvantage, particularly when it is consumption and stock turnover on which many business models are predicated? This was the challenge which Shelley from Frog Bikes posed herself, and one of the solutions the company arrived at was Product as a Service (PaaS). What is Product as a Service? This approach provides customers with temporary access to products through rental or subscription services, as opposed to conventional sales. PaaS is gaining momentum for its eco-friendly and cost-efficient qualities, with more industries recognising its potential to benefit both companies and customers. Frog Bikes serves as an excellent illustration of a business successfully implementing the PaaS model. They have partnered with the Bike Club to enable families to lease their range of lightweight, sustainably designed children's bikes, replacing them as children grow. Frog Bikes has leveraged this arrangement to gain valuable product insights, identifying wear-and-tear patterns in leased bikes and using this data to enhance their bike designs. Notably, the PaaS model aligns seamlessly with Frog Bikes' sustainability principles. Used bikes
are refurbished, worn-out components are replaced, and they are leased out again. This circular approach generates continuous revenue, extends product lifecycles, and curbs waste. Furthermore, many of Frog's customers have found leasing and upgrading bikes as their children grow to be cost-effective, ensuring repeat business. Founder and CEO Shelley Lawson commented, "Frog Bikes’ mission is to get more kids cycling, and for a young rider, having a bike that fits you well as you’re growing is so important – for confidence and comfort. A subscription model appeals to lots of families who find it hassle-free and reassuring, knowing they will always have the right size bike – and we love that it means our bikes pass through many families over the years. Our bikes are built to last and we’ve designed them to be easy to repair should anything wear out, so they are ideally suited to a leasing model. We have attracted a new customer base through the Bike Club model, which is great for our business too.” The Benefits of Product as a Service Environmentally-Friendly PaaS extends the lifespan of products, shifting a company's focus towards optimising limited resources. This approach boosts resource productivity through refurbishment and recycling, substantially reducing raw material and processing costs. By reducing the environmental impact and costs associated with traditional supply chains, PaaS can contribute significantly to the journey towards achieving net-zero goals. Increased Profitability and Sales PaaS offers profits from both products and services. Services
generally yield higher profit margins than products alone. By combining the two, your company can achieve a higher return on investment. Additionally, PaaS provides several customer benefits, including reduced upfront payments, access to the latest products, and flexible subscription plans that allow customers to upgrade, downgrade, or terminate subscriptions as needed. This all helps to foster customer loyalty and therefore grow lifetime customer value. Knowledge Enhancement Businesses adopting the PaaS model can gather invaluable data about
their products. This data can be employed to identify potential design flaws, make product improvements, and develop maintenance programs. All of these efforts further extend product lifecycles and enhance customer satisfaction. How we can assist you If you decide to explore the world of PaaS, we can help you to chart that journey. Our commercial lawyers have wide ranging experience addressing the legal aspects of transitioning to alternate business models, including drafting businessto-consumer terms of business for subscription agreements.
For further information or to initiate a discussion, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Damien Charlton. Damien.Charlton@wardhadaway.com wardhadaway.com
15
forum partner LDC iamproperty: Four pillars of transformational growth During a four-year partnership with LDC, iamproperty recorded transformational growth, completing two acquisitions, launching new proptech solutions to the market and more than tripling revenue, headcount and EBITDA.
the right time and they are light touch when you need them to be. A private equity partnership had to be the right fit for us, and I think we found it.” Ben agrees, adding: “We were able to forge an excellent relationship with Gareth Marshall, our investment partner – we got on really well. He’s been really supportive through the whole investment cycle.” Bolder decisions Taking on private equity investment gave Ben and Jamie added confidence in their ambitious plans. In addition to impressive organic growth, the team completed two major acquisitions in 2022: cloudbased property software business VTUK, and SDL Auctions’ portfolio of Estate Agency Partners, which enabled them to accelerate growth and diversify their offering. “If we look at our growth rates post-investment versus preinvestment, we’ve grown much faster. It’s because we’ve made different decisions, bolder decisions.”
From left, Jamie Cooke and Ben Ridgway Jamie Cooke and Ben Ridgway founded iamproperty, a technologyled property software specialist, together in 2009, and growing the business with the right team of people and partners has been core to their success. LDC invested in IAP in 2019 and exited the business to Perwyn in October 2023. Ben and Jamie, alongside the iamproperty management team, will retain a majority shareholding and continue to drive the business forward. Since LDC’s investment, revenue has grown by 3.5x, EBITDA by 4.5x and the business today employs more than 530 people in the UK, growing from 180 in 2019. Recent winners of the Entrepreneurs’
Forum’s 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Ben and Jamie share the core pillars behind their growth and uncover how a private equity partnership helped them to realise their ambitions. Chemistry Co-founders Ben Ridgway and Jamie Cooke wanted help to grow, and they were determined that any outside investors had the right chemistry with the existing team. Jamie explains: “We wanted to take the business to the next level, but we also wanted additional advice and support. We wanted to run the business our way, and LDC has supported us with that. They give the right challenge at
Talent A big factor in iamproperty’s growth has been a focus on bringing in and developing the best tech talent in the North East. The business has welcomed 264 new employees during the last 12 months and over 350 during LDC’s investment.
Jamie knew that the investment in talent needed to be across all departments. “Technology plays a big part in everything we do. But fundamentally it’s the people in every department and division who are the bedrock of our success.” Ben puts the company’s recruitment success down in part to having LDC in their corner. “Having the weight of LDC’s name behind us has allowed us to attract some top talent in that technology space.” Fresh perspective As part of LDC’s investment, Mark Goddard joined the business as Group Chair. Having a non-exec onboard provides a fresh perspective, and has helped with growth plans, Jamie says. “I enjoyed being able to tap into Mark’s black book, that’s been very useful in our new business strategy. Jon Cooke, NED since 2016, has also helped us tremendously.” Ben admits he was surprised by what a chairman could add to the business: “Before you have a Chair, you don’t think you need one. Well, we didn’t anyway! Mark is a tech specialist. He was able to open doors for us that we were unable to open ourselves.” Get in touch if you’d like to find out more about how we can help.
Contact the team Gareth Marshall, Partner, Head of North East Naomi McDiarmid, Investment Manager
gmarshall@ldc.co.uk nmcdiarmid@ldc.co.uk
LDC, 50 Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6AE Phone: +44 (0)191 235 3000
winter 23 centre stage Shelley Lawson
Photo credit: Andy Aitchison
As a mother of two helping her children to learn to ride a bike, Shelley Lawson was experiencing difficulty using standard children’s bicycles. Her experiences sparked “a lightbulb moment” which led to redesigning the concept of what a children’s bike could be.
Shelley Lawson and her husband, Jerry, had no prior experience in the cycling industry but this was not to deter them back in 2013 when together they had a seed of an idea that would transform their lives. Shelley explains: “Our children were about four and six at the time. We found it difficult to teach them on very heavy, and sometimes poorlydesigned bikes. We spoke to lots of other parents and bike stores, some cycle trainers, and they all said, ‘there's a market-need out there’.” Their passion to make a positive
difference by designing affordable, lightweight, and expertly-designed bikes that could be used “from tots to teens” has taken them on an exciting yet sometimes challenging journey. Frog Bikes today is a global leader in children's bicycle manufacturing. The innovative business puts children in the centre of the design of bicycles, with the aim of fostering a generation of healthy, active and happy children with positive, lifelong habits. The business has grown to having a presence in 35 countries, “albeit quite a small presence in many”
17 We had a vision, that is key. We are proud of what we've built and wanted to keep building. It's probably a bit of stubborness too! You have an idea and you want to prove that you can do it... to prove it to yourself.
Shelley explains. She adds: “We've got a huge opportunity to get bigger in some markets through some interesting partnerships.” Early on, Shelley and Jerry conducted extensive research and consulted with experts in the field of cycling. Armed with data from Brunel University's biomechanics researchers, they went about the process of designing bikes that were ergonomically-designed for children. This was a “fairly disruptive approach”, recounts Shelley, “in what is quite a traditional industry”. The pair used the experience they had accumulated from previous jobs to inspire their new project. Shelley's background in strategy consulting and marketing, coupled with her husband's experience in blue-chip companies, provided them with valuable insights. Shelley explains: “After university, I went to Accenture as a strategy consultant. And then ended up as a marketer at Tesco. And my husband had joined Tesco on their graduate scheme. He then worked at John Lewis and Amazon in consumer electronics. He understood how efficiencies and good strategies can be delivered by big companies. It's completely different to doing it yourselves, but perhaps that bluechip corporate background gave us the confidence to think big, and it definitely gave us structures and skills that have helped our journey at Frog.” Innovation and business planning were clearly important to their vision. To maintain their competitive edge, Frog Bikes focused on continuous Research and Development (R&D),
ensuring their product would be genuinely cutting edge. Shelley said: “We continually invested in R&D - our approach was novel and our designs very data driven. We've patented the design of our cranks, for example, so that the pedals are much closer together. This puts more power into the rotational movement, making the bikes easier to ride. We're able to patent that because it was sufficiently different. So we're constantly hungry for those sorts of innovations.” The business expanded. Partnerships with Sustrans (the walking and cycling charity), Bikeability and National Trust enabled them to scale, while also helping to raise their profile. Then a partnership with Team Sky led to the manufacturing of a whole fleet branded ‘Team Sky’ - “very useful on an international stage, catapulting us globally”, explains Shelley. No entrepreneurial journey is without its challenges though. For Frog Bikes, cash flow difficulties and long supply chains presented clear issues. And Brexit played a part. Shelley said: “There were times when cash flow was difficult, especially times of fast growth. We weren't yet attractive enough to get sufficient support from the bank and we had quite long supply chains. So you have to buy bikes now that you won't be selling for five months. So lots of sleepless nights. It’s not made it an easy journey and it's genuinely still not easy after 10 years”, she laughs. Covid, ironically, initially provided an opportunity, Shelley explains: “Bike sales at the beginning of Covid were incredibly strong as families had time together outside in the warm weather.
We had a lot of stock at the time, and everybody was buying bikes but then the global supply chains ground to halt. “Chinese factories and ports closed. Lots of containers were literally full of PPE equipment sitting on docks across the world. A combination of factories not making stuff and every brand wanting diminishing supplies of componentry - there just wasn't enough to meet the demand. And then the Suez Canal got blocked.” They had taken the bold step to open a factory in Pontypool, Wales in 2016, but “we had to close the factory for two weeks as the global crisis escalated,” explains Shelley. She continues: “We couldn't make anything. I think the sales that benefited our whole industry during Covid in some ways just brought forward people buying a new bike. Now they've all got their new bikes and we've seen a dip coinciding with the cost-of-living crisis. The bike industry is struggling because people have their new bike from three years ago and there’s currently a lot of stock in the system.” However, their resilience and belief in their vision helped them navigate this - and continue to do so. Shelley explains: “We had a vision, that is key. We are proud of what we've built and wanted to keep building it. It's probably a bit of stubborness too! You have an idea and you want to prove that you can do it… to prove it to yourself.” No journey of this nature can easily be navigated alone though. Shelley recognises the value of mentorship in entrepreneurial success. Additionally, she encourages government programmes that facilitate mentorship opportunities. She adds: “We've been lucky to have access to various mentors, often through government programmes. I would really encourage the government to keep funding those programmes.” Mentoring was clearly supportive. So was their experience in marketing and promotions of goods. Shelley explains: “I had experience of taking products to market. We had a plan. Frog Bikes successfully built brand recognition through social media and word-of-mouth. Parents loved
to talk about it and share it. It's very photogenic.” Shelley strongly believes in the value of cycling for children and families, and for its positive impact on the environment. Frog Bikes' commitment to sustainability extends beyond their products, as they actively push for innovative and eco-friendly materials in their supply chain. She said: “As the company got bigger, we've now made 500,000 bikes. So that's a lot of material that's gone through our hands. And we feel that although cycling is a lovely environmentallyfriendly activity, the way that bikes are made leaves something to be desired. We feel responsible as a growing manufacturer to clean up our supply chain. That's why we've taken that approach, particularly for aluminium. There's nobody at the moment making recycled aluminium bike frames, but we've pushed our suppliers to start doing something. So you just need to get it back from window frames, plane wings and cars. From 2024 we will start to use recycled aluminium in our frames and cranks, and that’s just the start. “We’ve also looked at plastic and packaging. We have a 2030 goal to halve emissions and we’re on track through our work with aluminium. Focus on sustainability is vital - it motivates teams and can keep shareholders and investors happy!” Shelley Lawson's view on the environment is as committed as her belief in the Frog Bikes vision itself. This is a woman driven by embracing innovation and overcoming challenges. This is a brave and passionate entrepreneur, who alongside her equally brave husband has created something that has disrupted the market for the benefit, happiness and health of young people.
frogbikes.co.uk
winter 23 2023 award winners The 2023 Entrepreneurial Awards, supported by Week2Week Serviced Apartments, and hosted by Jo Darby, was a fantastic celebration of North East entrepreneurs who stand out from the crowd, lead dynamic, innovative businesses and are making a genuine change to our L-R: Damien Charlton (Ward Hadaway), Ben Ridgway, Jo Darby region. Congratulations to this Entrepreneur of the Year supported by Ward Hadaway year's worthy winners. Jamie Cooke and Ben Ridgway, iamproperty
Entrepreneur of the Year was awarded to iamproperty co-founders Jamie Cooke and Ben Ridgway. Founded in 2009, iamproperty has grown rapidly to become the UK’s largest residential auctioneer, working with over 6,000 estate agency branches. Jamie and Ben have transformed the property industry with their Modern Method of Auction, an online platform which simplifies property auctions and makes them more accessible to a wider range of buyers. They are committed to leading the way in the property industry and have an impressive pipeline of innovations to enhance their offering for 2023 and beyond.
L-R: Daniel Wade, Ian Kinnery (Kinnery), Jo Darby
Emerging Talent supported by Kinnery
Daniel Wade, Wade Construction Management Consultants
Daniel Wade founded Wade Construction Management in 2018 to provide consultancy and project management services, specialising in construction projects in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors. After surviving the global pandemic when the company was in its infancy, the business now employs over 30 staff and has seen meteoric growth over the past 12 months. With a passion for improving standards and perceptions in the construction industry, Daniel Wade is definitely ‘one to watch’ for the future.
L-R: Dale Smith, Jamie Ollivere (RTC North), Jo Darby
Scale-up Entrepreneur of the Year supported by RTC North
Dale Smith, The SDDE Smith Group
Dale Smith, founder of The SDDE Smith Group, was named Scale-up Entrepreneur of the Year. Having started this family business in 2017 with just one holiday home in Saltburn, the company has grown rapidly and now encompasses 14 customer-facing brands providing end-to-end services for the real estate sector. Under Dale’s leadership and with his unique approach to property management, the business employs over 300 people and is on track to reach £30 million in revenue.
19 L-R: David Stonehouse, Sir Graham Wylie CBE, Naomi McDiarmid (LDC), Jo Darby
Lifetime Achievement supported by LDC
L-R: Alice Hall, Ian Tubman (Malhotra Group), Jo Darby
Sir Graham Wylie CBE
Sir Graham Wylie CBE’s contribution to the North East was honoured with his award for Lifetime Achievement. His entrepreneurial journey started with the launch of Sage Group, which he grew into one of the region’s largest employers and the UK’s most successful IT companies. Following his exit from Sage Group, Sir Graham went on to buy Close House Golf Club and launch Technology Services Group (TSG), where he has been instrumental in its success. His impact extends to the region’s charitable sector where he has raised millions of pounds for Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF) and launched his own charity, the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation, which supports underprivileged young people in the North East.
Mentor of the Year supported by Malhotra Group
Alice Hall, Rowen Homes and Pink Boutique
The Mentor of the Year award was presented to Alice Hall for the support she has given to numerous business owners whilst running her own two businesses. Alice was praised for her commitment to mentoring, the time and attention she gives her mentees, and the invaluable knowledge she shares with her peers. Through her mentoring she has shown a clear desire to support and advance the North East business community.
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winter 23 addressing the issue avoiding burnout In this article, wellbeing specialist and Forum member, Bethany Ainsley, founder of OptiMe Wellbeing, explains why wellbeing is essential and gives guidance on how to avoid burnout. You might have always felt destined to be an entrepreneur, or perhaps your journey began with a wellconsidered decision, carefully weighing risks and rewards. Taking those initial steps can be an exhilarating and liberating experience, envisioning yourself as a successful business owner. Your reasons for starting a business may range from seeking more
flexibility and being your own boss to increasing your income or aiding others. Entrepreneurs often invest a substantial amount of time in pursuit of their goals. The extended work hours and continuous performance pressure, aimed at achieving concrete results, can affect even the most resilient business owners. Achieving balance is essential for ambitious and hardworking entrepreneurs, yet it remains one of the greatest challenges. Modern society often promotes a hectic, fast-paced lifestyle. You might recognise that you've been working at an unsustainable pace, prioritising others over self-care, or overextending yourself. These tendencies can easily lead you down the path to burnout. In my role as a founder of OptiMe and a certified corporate wellbeing specialist and coach, I frequently encounter business owners who experience feelings of overwhelm, stress, or burnout. Some have already experienced burnout, whilst others are in search of a more sustainable approach to business that allows them to achieve outstanding results
Sophie Milliken
Mike Racz
Charlotte Nichols
Bethany Ainsley
without compromising their health, wellbeing, or personal life. To prevent burnout, you must first fully understand what it is and how it can manifest itself. In May 2018, the World Health Organisation officially recognised job-related burnout as an occupational phenomenon. It's characterised as a syndrome arising from prolonged workplace stress that hasn't been effectively managed. The persistent pressure to perform, coupled with the demands of daily life, can contribute to burnout if not addressed adequately. Herbert Freudenberger, in the 1970s, described it as a severe stress condition resulting in profound physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. It can make you feel like you've reached a point where there's nothing left to give, and the things that once brought you joy now seem insurmountable. Burnout can lead to feelings of exhaustion, pessimism, isolation, and hopelessness. If left untreated, it can result in severe physical and psychological conditions like depression, anxiety, heart disease, and diabetes, underscoring the importance of early recognition and prevention.
Achieving balance is essential for ambitious and hardworking entrepreneurs. Charlotte Nichols, founder of Harvey and Hugo, pondered why she had often fallen victim to burnout in the past. Her natural inclination to go all out when pursuing her goals, whether in her early athletic career or while establishing her business, took a toll. The immense internal pressure she imposed on herself proved detrimental to her health, wellbeing, and relationships. Charlotte's transformative journey now involves daily meditation and exercise – a consistent, non-negotiable 5-minute morning routine. Chronic stress is a precursor to burnout, making it imperative to recognise and address how stress manifests in your life and how you respond to it. Understanding the physical, mental, emotional, and
21 behavioural impacts of stress on your wellbeing is crucial. A valuable exercise is to consistently reflect on the sources of your stress and consider how to address them. Evaluate whether the stress is primarily due to internal pressure, the demands of a heavy workload, or external factors beyond your control, such as global events. Understanding the root causes of your stress allows you to develop strategies to manage and alleviate it effectively. Sophie Milliken, the founder of Moja, faces the challenge of switching off, a common struggle for entrepreneurs. She shared her strategies for coping with overwhelming moments: booking a relaxing holiday or taking a well-deserved time-out, indulging in spa days, and finding invaluable support from her trusted circle of business friends who understand the journey and are always there to help when needed. Remember, wellbeing extends beyond the absence of illness, encompassing various facets of your life, such as nurturing physical health, effectively managing stress and emotions, and fostering meaningful social connections. You might already have a sense of what you need to do to enhance your health and wellbeing, whether that involves becoming more physically active, getting better sleep, or mastering the
art of switching-off. However, putting these ideas into action can sometimes be a challenge. If you're unsure about where to begin or need a structured approach, you can start by completing the Wheel of Life. Visualise a segmented wheel, it offers insight into specific life areas, covering dimensions such as health, career, relationships, personal growth, financial well-being, leisure, and more. Enhancing self-awareness is a crucial step towards improving your wellbeing. Since each person is unique, solutions that benefit one individual may not work the same way for another. Begin by incorporating small, healthy habits into your daily routine. These might include staying hydrated, taking short walks during the day, making the most of your break times, or scheduling time to connect with friends. Remember that building habits takes time, so practising these consistently will increase their likelihood of becoming ingrained in your routine. If you ever have an off day, don't be discouraged; simply start fresh the following day. It's important to reward yourself for your achievements or set up rewards to motivate yourself to reach your next goal. Balancing both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is a proven recipe for
sustained success. Mike Racz, the mastermind behind the Racz Group, expertly employed this approach to expand his business to reach over 2,500 employees and £100 million in revenue. Simultaneously, he harnessed the power of physical activity to not only maintain his personal fitness but also to unwind. This intense physical challenge, known as Calisthenics, keeps his focus sharp with a continuous array of goals to conquer and
achievements to unlock. Earlier this year, I proudly introduced my debut book, 'Don't Burn Out, Stand Out: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Success Without Sacrifice.' Inside, I reveal the proven PROSPER Model, accompanied by real-life case studies from fellow entrepreneurs, all aimed at guiding you towards increased productivity, enhanced wellbeing, and achieving your desired work-life balance. Stay tuned for my online course launching in December.
For a complimentary copy of the Wheel of Life scan the QR code To discover how OptiMe is aiding businesses in achieving more through improved employee wellbeing, please visit
optimewellbeing.com
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For more tips and inspiration on wellbeing read or listen to: Good Vibes, Good Life: How SelfLove Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness by Vex King Thrive by Arianna Huffington Habits of a Happy Brain by Loretta Grazino Breuning On Purpose with Jay Shetty Happy Place with Fearne Cotton
Impact: B Corp consulting / Purpose led frameworks
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Give Back: Establishing a charitable foundation
Invest: Sustainable pension advice for employees and directors
Comply: Carbon accounting / measurement and reporting
Embed: Accountability coaching to drive change
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Explore: Build knowledge with ESG workshops
Businesses are increasingly expected to consider purpose as well as profit, and the future of our planet and its people. These are referred to as environmental, social and governance (ESG). With so many aspects of ESG to consider, guidance from experienced professionals can help you to build a business that is ready for the future. Our business consultants can help you with your ESG Strategy Implementation. Complete your free ESG assessment tool to see where you can make an impact: www.robson-laidler.co.uk/esg/
0191 281 8191 | ba@robson-laidler.co.uk
winter 23 out of office grassroots sports In this part of the magazine, we take a look at what our Forum members get up to in their out-of-office hours. In this issue, we spoke to three members Claire Rolston (CLR Law), Ean Parsons (Parsons Containers), Ian McElroy, (Tier One Capital) plus Elaine Stroud (CEO of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum) about what it means to be a grassroots sports coach. If there is one thing that is an unmistakable part of the culture in the North East it’s sport. The power that sport holds within the community as a whole is quite magnificent. It brings people together, it provides a sense of belonging, and it offers a chance to step away from the everyday routine. Whether you’re just an observer or a participant - it’s an inevitable part of our lives. Grassroots sports offer an opportunity to be a part of the athletic engagement within a community, placing focus on participation as well as development at the local level. It encompasses various sporting activities, organised and driven by community members. This fundamental tier of sports engagement prioritises inclusivity, accessibility and holistic development, fostering a sense of personal growth. It serves as a crucial platform for building a culture of active participation, where people are no longer just observers. Grassroots sports promote healthy living lifestyles and nurture a passion for active lifestyles within local communities, in that way, contributing to the overall advancement of sports
on a regional and even national scale. It comes as no surprise that being involved in this out-of-office activity yields excellent benefits. Both for children and for our entrepreneurs alike. In this issue, we had a chance to speak to four of them, all of whom have different stories of how they came to coach a club, and who, share a common goal - to inspire a generation of young athletes. Claire Rolston set up CLR Law in 2010, a business that specialises in
Ian McElroy
employment and HR law. While running a team of four, Claire spends a few evenings during the week coaching a girls' football team. Claire says: “Interestingly enough, I have never played football and I don’t play it now, although that is something I’m looking to change. The reason I decided to get involved is because my elder daughter is very passionate about it, and I have always been a Newcastle United fan. “I think football is a great way to bond. Growing up, I bonded over it with my dad, and now with me coaching a girls' football team, it’s a great way for me to bond with my daughters.” Claire continues: “Football is such a big part of the culture here in the North East, it consumes you. And you don’t necessarily have to be a player to be a coach, you can just be an absolute fan, which I am!” Entrepreneurs' lives are defined by both unwavering dedication to see their ventures flourish and commitments outside of work. Finding the right balance between the two requires time, determination
Ean Parsons and, more often than not, trial and error. Yet when achieved, it leads to a highly rewarding path. Elaine Stroud is chief executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum. It’s a position which allows her to network with the greatest minds of the North East, and whilst rewarding can sometimes be quite demanding too. Nevertheless, Elaine has been a triathlon coach for
23 quite some time. She says: “I took up triathlon as an athlete around seven years ago and I absolutely loved it. My love for it led me to represent Team Great Britain too so I've done a lot of distance races. While I was training in my club, another coach approached me and said I’d be a great fit to lead a team. And that was the start of it. “I usually coach twice a week, an hour for an adult session and another hour for the junior section. The actual coaching isn’t too time-consuming, what takes time is the management of the club, which I’ve done for five years. There’s a lot that goes behind managing a club, such as risk assessments, meetings, advertising, events, etc.” she explains. Another coach at grassroots sports, who reflects on the balance of work and play, is Ean Parsons, CEO of Parsons Containers. Ean has always been a keen runner, having done numerous races including the Great North Run, the London Marathon as well as the Boston Marathon, and has taken up the role of coaching athletic sessions, including running, throws, jumps, as well as strength and conditioning. Ean says: “Right now I only coach twice a week, but not so long ago I would coach four times a week. Ever since having grandchildren, I’ve been trying to find the right balance between family, work and coaching, so I had to cut back a bit. But in the end, if you have those values that you
Elaine Stroud
want to give time to volunteering and encouraging others, then those values are mirrored in your work.” Being able to run a business and take part in an out-of-office activity such as coaching, does wonders for the community and business owners alike. Reflecting on the positive impact coaching has had on him, Ian McElroy, chief executive at Tier One Capital during office hours, and football coach outside of work, says: “When you’re coaching children, you have to be responsible for the group, you have to be focused and concentrate on something that isn’t work. It brings an element of distraction from the day job. It brings social interaction with people you wouldn’t normally interact with. I’ve also learned how to positively deliver feedback while still uplifting and motivating people.” On the topic of positive impact, Elaine adds: “Children get bored easily, so coaching has taught me how to make sessions fun and engaging, and I think if you can motivate a child and keep them interested, you can pretty much do anything!” While motivating a child is an invaluable skill, there are quite a few skills that prove to be of great benefit when it comes to bringing the positive effects of coaching into the workplace. Ian highlights the remarkable transferability of them: “Some of the skills that I’ve learned are so useful in my working life. One of them is receiving feedback.
Claire Rolston Everyone knows that children are brutally honest, they will tell you how it is, so I’ve learned to accept feedback. Another is teamwork, in terms of recognising and identifying that everyone has their own skills, and utilising that, encouraging them to work together and deliver the best results - it’s an incredibly valuable skill to take back into your workplace.” In the broader societal context, the significance of grassroots sports becomes apparent in its capacity to act as a tool for social integration and youth development, channelling the energies of the younger generation towards constructive and positive outlets. By providing a platform for constructive engagement, mentorship, and skill development, grassroots sports serve as an instrument for fostering resilience and self-confidence, particularly in underprivileged communities. “Grassroots sports bring people together, especially with me coaching the girls' football team, I think it brings a sense of belonging in times when girls' football is really taking off,” Claire says. Ian adds: “The clubs also have the power of introducing children to friends that they might not have made another way. It’s a mix of cultures and environments, so from the very moment you’re there, it teaches you how to work together with people from different backgrounds. And it’s in these clubs
that they make lifelong friendships!” Providing people with the right tools to succeed in grassroots sports is of high importance to Ean, who initiated the East Durham Community Athletics Track. It’s a charity, run by volunteers, whose main goal is to support the aspirations of athletes and those who want to try sports. Ean has just completed writing the business plan for the track project, which, if approved, will secure £345,000 of funding and unlock the lease for the land at NETPark where the track will be located. When asked if entrepreneurs should follow in his footsteps and be more involved in grassroots sports, Ean said: “Businesses are the ones that have the ability to build something for the community that might change the future of children and the impact on local areas. At Parsons Containers we have community in mind too. If the EDCAT business plan is accepted we expect to start building in 2025. It will be a game changer in terms of sports facilities and community infrastructure in a deprived area of County Durham. It’s a very exciting project, as I believe it will positively influence the lives of thousands of children.” Needless to say, the importance of business involvement in activities such as grassroots sports is vital as, in a way, they not only positively impact the lives of children but also define the world of tomorrow.
winter 23 autumn conference Our autumn conference 'Together We Can Take on the World' was held at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead. Hosted by Charlie Charlton, our audience of entrepreneurs enjoyed a day of inspiration provided by our outstanding speakers and panellists.
Ashleigh Wright
Ben McKechnie
Sam Spoors,Jon Dudgeon
Charlie Charlton, Kari Owers, Chloë Clover, Laura Weaving, Chris Toon
Mark Roberts
Rob Law MBE
Nadia Johnson
Students from Newcastle United Foundation
Jo Chidley
Ellen Hedley, Henry Coggin, Vince Robson
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360 Growth Partners Taking Stock: Is Your Business Fit for Growth? In the ever-evolving landscape of the business world, it's crucial to take the time to pause and reflect on the progress your company has made over the past year. The challenges faced, the changes made, and the lessons learnt are all essential elements in assessing where your business stands today.
Andrew Silver, 360 Growth Partners Have you recently paused to consider if your business has reached its targets, or have you had to pivot and adjust your strategies in response to an ever-changing environment? As we approach a new year, it's the perfect time to take the learnings and insights gained from your experiences over the past twelve months and use them as a blueprint for the year ahead. When doing so, here are a few things to consider. A goal without a plan is just a wish. - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry In the fast-paced and evercompetitive business world, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of daily operations and firefighting. Differentiating between the ‘urgent’ and ‘important’ requires a welldefined plan and strategy for your
business. Even in the face of rapid changes and the need for agility, a clear plan provides the direction and goals necessary to realise your business objectives. It serves as the roadmap, guiding your business toward growth and success. If you don't know where you are going, how can you expect to get there? - Basil S. Walsh To ensure that your business succeeds and achieves its goals, it's imperative to have clear alignment between your business objectives and your overarching vision. Understanding your "why" provides your business with a purpose that goes beyond profit. Your vision provides the guiding star by which all business decisions and strategies should be steered. A clear
understanding of your purpose not only motivates your team but also resonates with your customers, creating a strong connection that fosters growth. No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it. - H.E. Luccock Realising business growth is a collective effort. Your team is not just a group of individuals; they are the components of a well-orchestrated symphony. In times of reflection and decision-making, collaboration is key. Regular one-on-one check-ins with your team members allow you to understand their needs and perspectives, fostering a collaborative environment. Creating the right feedback channels for your internal stakeholders and customers can provide valuable insights for optimising your strategies. Involving your people in decision-making is a powerful way to harness the collective intelligence and creativity of your team. What gets measured gets done. - Peter Drucker To ensure that your business is on the right path towards growth, it is important to track, report, and analyse your activities. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) provide the necessary metrics to measure progress and success. Regularly reviewing these enables you to adapt
and optimise your tactics to align with your business plan. This data-driven approach ensures that your actions are aligned with your objectives and that you remain on course for sustainable growth. Accountability is the glue that ties commitment to results. - Bob Proctor Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of a successful and growing business. Sharing relevant information will ensure that each team member is clear about what they are personally responsible and accountable for, and remember it starts at the top! Regular check-ins and performance reviews will also help track progress and performance and translate these learnings into actionable insights. A critical friend, someone who has ‘walked in your shoes‘ can be an invaluable support, providing challenge, constructive feedback and help to fine tune your business strategies. To unlock the potential for growth in your business, we recommend leveraging the strengths of your people and your business. At 360 Growth Partners we work with many SMEs doing exactly that and support them in achieving their vision and long-term goals. Taking the time to reflect on the learnings over the last year is an invaluable business health check that will ensure your business puts the right growth plans in place for 2024.
If you would like to know more about 360 Growth Partners and how we can help unlock your potential, then please get in touch and let’s start the conversation.
360growthpartners.co.uk
winter 23 behind the boardroom iPac Jonny Catto, the MD of iPac, provides valuable insights into the company's boardroom structure and its evolution, as we sit down for a discussion for Forum’s Behind the Boardroom. The conversation provides a unique and fascinating insight into how they have developed their board and the role it plays in the steady growth of the business. Established in Gateshead in 2016, iPac is a family-owned and managed business producing recycled thermoformed plastic packaging for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Under Jonny and his family’s diligent stewardship, and with support from external advisors, the board has played an instrumental role in keeping the business on a steady course, securing supply-chain contracts for major UK retailers and growing annual output to almost 400 million units. During our discussion, Jonny outlines the company’s journey to formalise the board, its current composition, and the benefits of having both family and non-family members on it. When asked about the company’s inception, Jonny explains: “We incorporated the company in 2016, but we actually got up and running in 2017. Given my background in a big four accounting firm, I had a governance mentality from day one and was keen to establish a functioning board.” Regarding his background at Deloitte,
Jonny explains: “I think that a healthy mix between formalities and informalities are required for the structure of management reporting. It’s all about balance.” This early commitment to governance helped with iPac’s board development. From the outset, iPac’s board meetings were held quarterly, and they also included non-executive directors who were minority shareholders in the business. These non-executive directors had deep industry knowledge and served as internal advisors. Jonny explains: “Because they’re involved in the business as shareholders and also as internal advisors, we’re keen to have those formal meetings in place to gain their experience and insight.” As for the composition of the current board, Jonny explains: “From day one, it was myself and my co-founder and father-in-law, Harry Reed, and our two non-execs. We then brought in a Sales Director who was also on the board. The next growth in the board occurred when our Operations
Director and Quality Director, who are family members, were made board members in October 2020 along with our Finance Director. “Today we have five directors involved in the operational and day-to-day management of the business, three non-execs and an observer from Maven Capital, which brings a valuable external perspective.” Co-founder Harry Reed has been a key figure in the business’ success, setting strong foundations from the early days and continues to play an instrumental role today. Initially Harry was key in day-to-day business operations, while today, after stepping down as MD in October 2020, he continues to play an important role in an advisory and mentoring capacity on the board. With 40 plus years’ experience, Harry worked his way up from a shop-floor apprentice, to setting up his first thermoforming company, Penlea Plastics in 1985, which he sold out to a multinational in the early 90s. He was then UK Group MD sitting on their European Board, and set up his second business, TDX, in 1999. Jonny believes the balance and dynamic of the board is crucial to its success. He says: "Having a couple of non-executives allows us to get their impartial views, though they are non-independent non-executives
because they are shareholders. It’s useful to have that external view, especially as Harry’s now retired from the day-to-day. “We've got a very experienced Sales Director who has been in our industry for over 35 years. The rest of us are relative newcomers to the industry, so having that balance of people who have functional expertise mixed with old stalwarts of the industry who have been around for years, works. There’s nothing revolutionary in terms of what goes on in our meetings, I think we've just got a really good set of people around the table.” Jonny highlights the importance of providing board members with an in-depth understanding of daily operations and challenges faced by the company. He explains: “With a business of our size that doesn't have multiple layers of structure, or big-company corporate governance, the main thing I've tried to instil is a good in-depth look at what day-today management sees. So it's stuff that we know, but people who are not execs, or are external, actually get a really good understanding of what the challenges are, what's going really well, what the opportunities are and what's going on with our major customers.” Our conversation also delves into the challenges and benefits of being a family-owned and managed business.
Get at least one person on the board who's been through the process, through the journey that you want to go through over the next five years.
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Jonny Catto and Harry Reed
Jonny discusses the benefits of trust and shared values among family members but acknowledges the challenge of separating business and family life. He explains: “You’re working with a family who you trust implicitly, so you tend to be on the same page. And if you're not, you can deal with it in a family kind of way. Those are the benefits. I think the challenges we face are the same as any family business - you've got multiple roles, you're not just someone's colleague, you step outside the office and you’re their husband or wife, or in-law, or parent or child. So I guess with any family business, there's those
challenges of trying to keep business to business and family to family, and trying not to let those two things get in the way of each other. “You have to prioritise downtime with family, so that you do get the opportunity to regenerate and detach yourself from the business environment.” For entrepreneurs setting up a board for the first time, Jonny offers his advice around the value of industry experience: "Get at least one person on the board who's been through the process, through the journey that you want to go through over the next five years.” We touch on sustainability - critical for
his business - and how it is incorporated at board level. He explains: “Our ESG strategy is a board level topic, and one that we've been putting more momentum behind over the last 18 months. We do a lot of sustainability-driven innovation. Our products contain a high percentage of recycled content, are 100% recyclable, and most of our innovation is centred around sustainability gains, such as
ipac.co.uk
minimising weight, which in turn reduces plastic by weight, and maximises recyclability.” As we conclude, you get a real sense of Jonny's personality and how that impacts the business. It’s incisive and detailed, but also open and collaborative, and this permeates through to the board. With his family and advisers, you can sense another period of exciting growth is on the horizon for this leading innovator.
winter 23 new members snowboarding and above all spending time with my amazing wife and children.
who’s joined recently Brian Chick Birch Tree Northern
Sarah Walmsley Go Well
Simon Briton Quantify R&D
Colin McQuade, Jayde McQuade CJM Recycling
Alistair McLeod Gray Fox Consulting
Simon Honeywood Readysalted
Louise Bradford Creo Communications Tim Ward Do and Grow Michael Hall eQuality Solutions Group
Daniel Gibson Harvest Foods Kelly Durham Huddle Culture Michael Ditchburn Mint Interactive Andy Walton Nine Software
Graham Nicholson G Forex
Michael Downey Parker Knights
Jonathan Gillie Gillie & Blair
Nima Beni Prima Cheese
CJM Recycling Limited
Tell us about yourself I’m the co-owner and director of CJM Recycling Limited. We’ve been running for eight years, currently employ 18 staff and have an annual turnover of circa £5m. In addition to running CJM I’m a busy mum of two plus one furry child who goes by the name of Minnie. To maintain my mental health, I spend several early mornings exercising in the local gym and enjoy walking. As a business
Tell us about yourself I’m the CEO of Nine Software, a security cleared software and mobile application development company based in Newcastle upon Tyne, which I started back in 2011. I love art, music, travel, cars, mountain biking,
What do you enjoy most about running your own business? I’ve enjoyed building a great North East based company, and team of talented technologists who get invited into businesses and industries, which are normally inaccessible to most people.
Mark Scott Skyflo Digital John Behan, Andrew Skelton, George Young Smart Office Systems Kieran James Stryde Accountacy Oliver Wentworth Wentworth Security & Fire Protection
owner it’s deeply important to me to give back to the local community, I take great pride in volunteering for various charities and CJM sponsors local sports teams and events.
Jayde McQuade
Andy Walton
Why did you decide to join the Forum? I was a member for a number of years but then due to the challenges of running a business I spent more time working on the business rather than taking time to be part of the amazing North East entrepreneurial community. Now Nine is in a great position I’m keen to re-engage with old friends (and new) within the Forum.
Nine Software
Why did you decide to join the Forum? I’m sure other owner managers will agree but at times, running a business can be difficult and at times lonely. Making the decision to join the Forum was an easy one as it’s invaluable to hear other, like-minded individual’s experiences of business ownership and, of course, share my own. I see the Forum community as a key part in my personal development. What do you enjoy most about running your own business? The most enjoyable part of running my business is maintaining a healthy connection with my team, on all levels regardless of job title. It’s important for me to give staff the opportunity for self-development, there’s no better feeling of gratitude than to see someone flourish and reach their potential.
in Learning and Development for over 15 years. I’ve seen and worked on more digital learning projects than you can shake a stick at! Why did you decide to join the Forum? My co-founder (who is based in Brighton) joined a similar local group and told me how much he got out of it. I asked around and the Entrepreneurs’ Forum came highly recommended, so I decided to take the plunge myself.
Michael Ditchburn Mint Interactive
Tell us about yourself I’m the co-founder of Mint Interactive and have been passionately working
What are you most proud of? I only started my own business after I was made redundant, so I’m most proud that I’ve been able to create a successful, growing business that employs 17 people (bearing in mind I had zero experience of running my own business beforehand)!
29 forum favourites
From motivational reads, insightful documentaries and podcasts, Forum picks out a selection of inspiring media… read
Andrew Skelton Smart Office Systems
Tell us about yourself I’ve been in the industry since 1989, which has taken me through many roles such as junior sales, telesales manager, corporate sales, management and to date as a director and co-owner of Smart Office Systems Ltd (SOS Group), which opened its doors in 2002. I’m a husband to my wonderful wife Karen, who has backed and supported me since we first met in 1990 and father of three lads and grandad of six grandchildren. Why did you decide to join the Forum? I decided to join the Entrepreneurs’ Forum for several reasons. Firstly, I believe in the power of networking and the exchange of ideas among like-minded individuals. The Forum provides a unique platform to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share experiences, and learn from their successes and challenges. Secondly, the opportunity to access valuable resources, attend meetings, and gain expert insights is invaluable for my professional growth. Being part of a community that fosters innovation and business development aligns with my entrepreneurial aspirations. Additionally, the Forum’s commitment to promoting regional economic growth and supporting local businesses resonates with my passion for contributing to our
community, and I’m excited about the potential collaboration and partnerships that can emerge from this vibrant network. In summary, my decision to join the Entrepreneurs' Forum is driven by the desire to connect, learn and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs, access valuable resources and actively contribute to the local business in the North East of England. What is something most people don't know about you? I am a big advocate for disability inclusion in all sports, and for many years have assisted in the annual Reason to Disability Triathlon event here in Newcastle. Last year I was part of a committee that brought the first-ever Yorkshire Disability Triathlon to Leeds. Both events will be staged once again in 2024. Few people know that I was a grassroots football coach for over 27 years, running adult teams in the early 90s in the Northern Alliance League and, in later years developing and training players during my ten-year role as manager and integral part of the management committee at Cramlington Juniors. I’m a firm believer in supporting the local community, and with my fellow business partners we’ve given £350,000 back to the local community and individuals since 2002.
Fearless: Adventures with Extraordinary Women by Louise Minchin Passionate about celebrating women’s success and driven to bring more attention to female stories of courage and endeavour, Louise Minchin pushes herself to the extreme and embarks on thrilling endurance adventures with trailblazing women. From freediving under ice in Finland to cycling across Argentina with Mimi Anderson (a previous Forum conference speaker), she explores what drives them and how they find the resilience and determination to go on despite life’s setbacks.
watch
My Octopus Teacher (Netflix) First released in 2020, My Octopus Teacher is an Academy Award winning documentary following the story of an unusual friendship between a human and a wild animal. Shot in a lush kelp forest in the ocean at the tip of South Africa, the documentary chronicles filmmaker, Craig Foster, who, after suffering from a loss of purpose, starts a daily diving regime to re-energise himself. An octopus captures his attention and and we follow Craig as he forms a bond and is invited into her world over the course of an entire year. A window into the fragility of life and the power of connecting with nature, this deeply personal story captivates from start to finish.
Listen
Jimmy’s Jobs of the Future Join host Jimmy McLoughlin as he interviews top entrepreneurs and leaders to explore the future of our economy through the prism of jobs. Check out one of the recent episodes ‘From Coal Mining to Coding’ as he travels through the dynamic landscape of the North East economy. Discover the exciting roles being created by entrepreneurs and how they are shaping the future of work.
winter 23 Kinnery How coaching could be the solution to tackling the great business taboos Ian Kinnery, awardwinning business coach, explains how coaching could just be the best decision you can make for your wellbeing – and your business. They say it can be lonely at the top. Well, take it from me – they’re right. But loneliness isn’t the only problem business leaders face. Recently, I surveyed over 100 CEOs and entrepreneurs across the North East. The results were sobering. It found leaders battling not only with feelings of loneliness, but also with crippling anxiety, sky-high stress levels and money worries that gave them sleepless nights. I launched the survey as part of my ‘Save the Entrepreneur’ campaign, which aims to shine a light on the problems I suspected many of our region’s bosses were secretly battling. Why did I suspect that? Because I’ve been to the brink myself. By my mid-30s, I’d built a thriving car dealership. On the surface, I was successful but deep down, I’d had enough.
So, one day, I took my dog to my mother-in-law’s house, locked myself in my new car and tried ending my own life. Thankfully, I woke up and was still alive. But I know all too well how lonely, stressful and mentally shattering life at the top of the business ladder can be. And if you are struggling, trust me, you are not alone. Our survey revealed that around one in five of us feel loneliness is one of the worst aspects of running a business. Many revealed how they struggle to switch off and how their work/life balance is in tatters. Perhaps the stat that reveals just how
big a toll these roles take on our wellbeing was that just one in six people claimed their job positively impacted their mental health. So, via ‘Save the Entrepreneur’, I’ve made it my mission to finally end the stigma around these feelings that so many of us in business are secretly facing. But this campaign isn’t just about talking – it is also about action. What I really want to do is show people that there are ways to banish these feelings. And even if you are one of the lucky few who are yet to experience these feelings, there are methods and tactics that can help you avoid the pitfalls than lead others
down some very dark paths. And for me, and many of those who responded, there is no better tactic than business coaching. I truly believe there isn’t a person in business who wouldn’t benefit from coaching. For one, it offers the one thing that many respondents to my survey are missing – a set of ears to talk to. If you are an MD or a CEO, ask yourself this – who can you honestly talk to about your problems or even your opportunities? That’s one of the many positives a business coach can bring to your life and career. Coaches like myself have been around for decades, and with that comes experience both in business and life. I’ve probably walked in your shoes and trust me – I’ve probably been down the same dark paths you have. And unlike your staff and even your family, coaches can offer something money can’t buy – objectivity. Coaches don’t have skin in your game. It isn’t in my best interests to give you the advice you want to hear – instead, a good coach will tell you what you need to hear. My job is to help you and your business grow, even if that’s by telling you some hard truths. And increasingly, others are waking up to just how powerful and effective coaching can be. The ‘Save the Entrepreneur’ survey revealed that 40 per cent of business owners have turned to coaching for support to help deal with the worst parts of running a business. But it needs to be looked at a different light. Too many people turn to it when things are going wrong. But it has the greatest impact when utilised earlier on. It can help guide and influence your
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Advertorial
Ian Kinnery delivering a seminar on protecting your mindset
This campaign isn’t just about talking – it is also about action.
Ian with client Polar NE
Ian with Suzanne Julian (L) and Catherine Devereux (R) of the Headlight Project, a charity close to Ian’s heart
decision making, so that you never actually encounter the pitfalls that many find themselves in when they turn to it. Think of it as a sturdy boat to help you safely navigate the choppy business waters – rather than a lifejacket to hold onto
when you find yourself in them. I’ve been in those waters, and believe me, I wish coaching had been there for me during my darkest days. Just having that extra support and a caring, experienced voice in my life would have made all the difference to me when I was in my mid-30s. And clearly I’m not alone. Over a quarter of those who responded to the survey wished they’d also had coaching – along with other tools like counselling – during their lowest points. The good news is it isn’t too late. As a former European Business Coach of the Year, I’m arguably biased, but the feedback I’ve had from clients who have taken the plunge has been nothing short of sensational. I’ve had glowing testimonials from well-known, experienced business leaders who have said coaching has helped them grow their business to completely new levels. And others have said how coaching had given them stability, security and – perhaps most importantly – a balance between life in the office and life outside of it. One testimonial that I’m proud of said coaching had helped them become the best version of themselves. Now one of the most eye-raising stats from the ‘Save the Entrepreneur’ survey found that the majority of those polled – 63 per cent – felt there wasn’t enough help and support for their mental health and wellbeing whilst running a business. It breaks my heart that people felt that way – but my message to anybody feeling that way is to follow the lead of so many others and give coaching a try. You owe it to your business, but most importantly, you owe it to yourself - so that you too don’t suffer like so many others in silence.
For more information on Kinnery and its services, visit
kinnery.co.uk
winter 23 food & drink Faru A look into one of Durham’s finest dining establishments, Faru…
Faru is Durham’s luxurious dining venue that has taken the city's culinary scene by storm. Created by Jake and Laura Siddle, newcomers to Durham's restaurant world, this fine dining gem is located in the vibrant city centre. The name Faru, inspired by Old English, embodies a remarkable journey, beckoning guests to embark on a culinary expedition spotlighting a menu brimming with flavours. The heart of Faru lies in its open kitchen, showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients. Since its inception in April 2023, the Siddles, formerly linked with Newcastle's prestigious Michelinstarred House of Tides, have curated an experience that defines sophistication, elegance and innovation. With delicate precision evident in each dish, an abundance of flavours and textures, and a commitment to using local produce where possible, Faru has quickly become a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking a remarkable gastronomic experience. From the moment you step into the
elegant surroundings, it becomes apparent that no detail is overlooked. Upon arrival, you’re greeted with an inviting ambience, where an openplan kitchen is the star of the show, allowing diners to witness the artistry of the chefs at work. The venue also boasts a wine station and a stylish cocktail bar, ensuring a delightful array of refreshing drinks complement the evening. The decor exudes sophistication, embracing a minimalist approach with soft, soothing tones creating a calming atmosphere. A captivating mural sourced from Spain graces one of the walls, adding a touch of cultural flair to the overall aesthetic. Once seated, you are gently guided through the impressive tasting menu - and with such excellent customer care and a friendly front of house team - things are already off to a great start. The first course arrives and it’s a Parmesan starter that kicks things off. This moreish dish delivers a cheese hit accompanied by a subtle black pepper aftertaste, leaving a lingering craving for more. The flavours are
perfectly balanced, setting the stage for the culinary marvels that lie ahead. Next, the salt-aged beef is a delight for the eyes and the palate. With each bite comes an explosion of fragrant flavours. The tender meat showcases the expertise of the chefs in selecting and ageing prime ingredients. Each bite reveals the depth of the carefully crafted ingredients, leaving a lasting impression. The chicken wing offers another pleasant surprise. It is evident that the chefs have mastered the art of infusing every ingredient with layers of taste, resulting in a harmonious and satisfying dish. One of the standout creations at Faru is the locally sourced crab tart, featuring crab from the renowned fishing town of Whitby. This dish surprises the palate with a symphony of flavours. The brown crab emulsion serves as a delicious base, while the
white crab atop adds a luxurious touch. Compressed cucumber, bergamot, and dill enhance the overall composition, creating a sensational experience that unfolds with every mouthful. A whimsical twist on a classic, the milk bread up next is a warm and comforting treat. Infused with wild garlic and generously slathered with butter, this powerful dish offers divine indulgence. The next culinary masterpiece: the hen of the woods dish. It’s undoubtedly a standout and potential favourite of the evening. It features a symphony of flavours that will satisfy any diner. A chicken fat crumb, delicately intertwined with the essence of yeast, adds a lovely crunch to the dish. Complemented by a luscious chive emulsion, crisp pak choi, and a tantalising mushroom ketchup, this composition is nothing short of sensational. To elevate the experience further,
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the hen of the woods dish is accompanied by a mushroom dashi broth, delicately infused with chive oil. This palate-pleasing combination offers a burst of umami flavours. It is a rich and deeply satisfying creation which acts as a little slice of heaven for the taste buds. Keeping a piece of the milk bread on hand, with its warm and buttery goodness, serves as the perfect vessel to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce. Faru continues to impress with a refreshing and fragrant halibut dish. As the menu progresses, this lighter course offers a perfect balance just when it’s needed the most. The combination of flavours is nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the chefs' ability to create dishes that are both visually
stunning and harmonious in taste. The lamb course, finished on the BBQ, is a testament to the exceptional quality of the ingredients used at Faru. With a red pepper purée adding depth to the dish, the lamb emerges as the star, embodying perfection in this classic meat. The addition of deep-fried sweetbreads on the side provides a tasty accompaniment. Transitioning into the realm of desserts, the strawberry delicacy captivates the senses. A luscious strawberry compote paired with an unforgettable brown butter ice cream and a crunchy granola base. This dish represents the chef's skill in crafting an unforgettable conclusion to the savoury journey. The chocolate dessert takes
indulgence to new heights. The rich and airy tea-infused chocolate mousse strikes a delicate balance between intensity and lightness. The accompanying banana sorbet provides a refreshing contrast, resulting in a heavenly combination that leaves you longing for more. To conclude the dining experience, Faru presents a delightful assortment of sweet treats. From the white chocolate-covered ice cream to the coconut marshmallow, each bite transports to a blissful oasis reminiscent of a tropical holiday. These delectable morsels are the perfect ending to an extraordinary meal. At Faru, every element of the dining journey is meticulously crafted to indulge the senses. From the precise
plating of every dish to the intentional selection of ingredients, the devotion of this husband and wife duo resonates throughout their establishment. As well as serving some of the most divine food, Faru also collaborates with local businesses, showcasing their commitment to supporting the community while celebrating the best of what the region has to offer. It most certainly is a top-tier destination for those in search of an exceptional dining experience blending sophistication, creativity and the very best ingredients.
faru.co.uk
autumn 23 join us Become a member of the Entrepreneurs' Forum and you'll be joining the largest network of entrepreneurs in the North East. We're here to inspire and energise and give you that boost to drive your business forward. The benefits
I joined the Forum a number of years ago. As a non-networker I was looking to join a group of like-minded people who were willing to share their experience and journey of business life. I found the Entrepreneurs’ Forum a growing tribe of North East business founders and owners that could offer much more, in relaxed environments and with a can-do inspirational culture. David Nicholson Nicholson Group
Access to over 60 inspirational events each year including our conferences and workshops.
Join a peer group of supportive business leaders and make invaluable connections through our network.
Continuous learning opportunities for you and your leadership team.
1-1 support from experienced entrepreneurs via our mentoring programme.
If you’d like to discuss the different options in more detail or for any other membership enquiries, please contact Michael Dixon:
Every conference, training day and event has been excellent and valuable and I’ve already upgraded my membership to allow my management team to attend events so that they can enjoy the benefits too. The team at the Forum are incredibly supportive and really work hard on behalf of their members to ensure we gain maximum benefit. Joining the Forum has been a great decision for not only myself but my team and the wider business.
michael@entrepreneursforum.net
Melissa Coutts Recruitrite
How to join Joining is easy: 1. Head to our website to find out more about our membership packages 2. Choose the membership package that's right for you and your business 3. Complete the online application form 4. We'll be in touch to finalise your membership
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