Businesses in the North East remain optimistic about the future and are ready to overcome challenges, a conference in the region has heard.
Jonathan Lamb, chief executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, used the organisation’s Fortune Favours the Brave conference to highlight recent figures showing a rise in business confidence in the North East.
He said that entrepreneurs in the region are resilient and remain upbeat about the future business landscape.
An audience of more than 250 business leaders attended the conference at Wynyard Hall to hear a series of inspirational keynote speakers.
They included Jo Fairley, who in 1991 co-founded the upmarket chocolate brand Green & Blacks before selling the company that is now worth an estimated £100m.
Mr Lamb said: “There are many exciting developments and opportunities within the North East, including the emerging software and technology industry, advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences and subsea, offshore and energy technologies.
“This region has a proud history of producing world-beating innovators and industries and once again it is developing key sectors that can grow and drive the economy forward.”
Other speakers included North East businessman Phil Kite, who quit his job as CEO of Newcastle’s Reece Group at the age of 53 to row across the Atlantic in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, and James Brown, who established Edinburgh-based online beer subscription service Beer 52.
There was also a panel of young North East entrepreneurs, including Dan Martin of Elmtronics, Steve Erdal of Wordnerds, and Dan Foskett of Connection Flooring, to share their experiences of scaling up their businesses.
James Robson, chairman of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, added: “This conference is all about being brave and courageous and standing by your convictions.
“Entrepreneurs are expert at navigating the highs and lows and overcoming the inevitable challenges. That’s why North East business leaders display resilience and remain optimistic.”
