spring 23 welcome

Welcome

I recently attended the 'Convention of the North' in Manchester which brought together political, business and community leaders to discuss the ambition of the North, with a key focus on levelling up. What struck me was the lack of representation from the North East both on-stage and within the delegations. We are working hard to raise the profile of our region’s entrepreneurs who are doing equally fantastic work, if not better, than our North West neighbours. For example, Forum member Tony Cleary MBE from Lanchester Group who has built the world’s most environmentally sustainable bottling facility, employing over 500 staff. You can read more about his journey to making his business carbon neutral on page 10. Our mission at the Entrepreneurs’ Forum is to energise North East entrepreneurs and by reading this issue, I hope you’ll be inspired and ready to face 2023, whatever it may bring. Our membership is growing and if you’d like to get involved or know someone who would benefit from being part of our network please get in touch. Details of how to join are on page 30.

Elaine Stroud Chief Executive

Editorial Sally Cowling sally@entrepreneursforum.net

Johnathan Ramsay johnathan@allies-group.com

Advertising Debi Coldwell debi@allies-group.com Design studio@allies-group.com spring 23