Tributes have been paid to a North East business leader who has died after a short illness.
Jonathan Lamb was chief executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum from 2017 until late last year, when he stepped down for health reasons. He had been suffering from cancer.
In a statement, the Entrepreneurs’ Forum said: “Jonathan was a thoughtful, passionate and loyal man whose love for the North East, and its entrepreneurs, will be remembered by our entire membership.
“As CEO, Jonathan led the Forum through one of its trickiest periods in recent times, helping us accelerate our online presence and always putting the needs of our members first.
“While working as CEO, he championed our members, helping to spread the word about their successes, while giving encouragement and support during challenging times. His contribution to the Forum is longstanding and will always be acknowledged.
“In this difficult time, we send our condolences to those closest to him, particularly Berni and his family.”
Mr Lamb had joined the Forum after a career spanning more than 20 years in marketing and business strategy.
He established his own consulting company Spurr in 2016, and was a grant panel member on the Tees Valley Combined Authority. He had previously been the executive director of business development at BE Group, which later became UMi.
The company’s chief executive Nicki Clark said: “On behalf of the team at UMi we are remembering Jonathan today as one of our founding directors, colleague and friend.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today without him and I hope we make him proud. His unwavering professionalism coupled with compassion for others shaped out culture from the outset and will do so for ever more.
“An incredible gentleman even when I used to inflict a cuddle on him whenever we had cause to celebrate, he will be missed by us all, but the impact and difference he has made is everlasting.”
Among other tributes, Mr Lamb was described as “funny, humble and honest” and “an inspiration for the North East region and all aspiring entrepreneurs”.
