North East Entrepreneurial Awards - 2017 by Entrepreneurs' Forum

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ENTREPRENEURSâ€™ FORUM Together we can take on the world.

2016 North East Entrepreneurial Awards 7th October 2016 The Boiler Shop, Crowne Plaza Newcastle

#NEentrepreneurs

Welcome to the 2016 North East Entrepreneurial Awards A very warm welcome to our annual celebration of North East entrepreneurial achievement. We’re delighted so many of you have been able to join us this evening, in what is a record number of guests for our awards.

Supporting North East Entrepreneurship We work together with partners to deliver more and better jobs through a vibrant North East business community.

Tonight we will be toasting some of the region’s biggest business successes and sharing intoxicating stories of entrepreneurial achievement, with a whole lot of fun and entertainment thrown in late into the night. We think you’ll be overwhelmed by the impact all of our finalists have had on their businesses and teams, so please sit back, enjoy the evening and enjoy the celebrations!

Tonight’s programme: Drinks reception,

Main course served:

sponsored by The Malhotra Group.

#NEentrepreneurs 2

In partnership with

Thank you!

We’d like to say a huge thank you to each of our partners and this evening’s sponsors. Without their commitment and support for North East entrepreneurship, we wouldn’t be able to do any of the things we do; and this evening certainly wouldn’t be possible!

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP) is a business-led strategic organisation, responsible for promoting and developing economic growth in the North East. The Board is comprised of business leaders, all seven local authority leaders and further and higher education representatives. The ultimate goal is to create more and better jobs within the region.

nelep.co.uk NETWORKING & DRINKS

Located in the heart of the city, St. James’ Park is home to the proud history and heritage of Newcastle United, and rises proudly from the iconic skyline. The stadium boasts top-class facilities, outstanding catering and a hospitality team that have amassed numerous soughtafter awards.

nufc.co.uk

EMERGING TALENT

Established in 1987, United Carlton is an independent business specialising in the supply and service of eco-friendly money and time-saving print solutions, ranging from simple rules-based printing software, to a fully managed print service. United Carlton also supply a diverse range of audio-visual and visitor management hardware.

united-carlton.co.uk

MENTOR OF THE YEAR

Since 1991 Malhotra Group PLC, part of Malhotra Family Holdings, has grown and diversified from a small family business into a large organisation employing 1,000 people. With an ambition for continued and sustainable growth, they are based in the North East and successfully own and operate a specialised group of care homes, a national property portfolio and a leisure arm, incorporating hotels, restaurants and bars.

malhotragroup.co.uk

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Ward Hadaway provide specialist, commercially-focused legal advice to entrepreneurs, companies and organisations across a wide range of sectors to help them meet their goals and fulfil their ambitions. As one of the UK’s Top 100 law firms, they can offer the strength in depth you need to help your business grow. To find out what they can do for you, head to wardhadaway.com

wardhadaway.com

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Established in 1984, Solutions Recruitment is a privately-owned recruitment group with offices across the UK and internationally. They have grown steadily over the last 30 years because of one thing; the way they treat their customers. Totally client-focused in their approach; they build recruitment solutions to suit a companies needs. They specialise in high-volume temporary labour, permanent professional and executive recruitment and have particular strengths in automotive & aerospace, consumer goods, energy, professional services, built environment and information & technology.

AFTER DINNER SPEAKER

Winners of BMW Retailer of the Year, the team of experts at Lloyd Newcastle are committed to providing outstanding customer service and, with hundreds of model variations from eight unique ranges, whether you’re looking to buy a new BMW or MINI, an approved BMW or MINI, or a fleet of company cars, they will have more than enough choice to find the perfect car and deal for you.

lloydnewcastlebmw.co.uk lloydnewcastlemini.co.uk

solrecruit.co.uk

Make good things happen On your table this evening you will find an envelope and it would be fantastic if you could make a donation that will be split between six amazing charities.

These great charities need our help to continue their work, helping more people live long and happy lives and supporting families when they need it most. You can get involved by making a donation tonight, or in the future, by fundraising or attending one of their events. Find out more on their websites.

A specialist teaching service which supports the most disadvantaged, vulnerable and at risk young people in North East secondary schools, Foundation Futures work with businesses and community groups to reconnect and re-engage these young people. They find them a reason to learn and positive role models. They help them to find out what they can do instead of what they can’t. Together, in collaboration with their partners, they change their lives.

foundationfutures.org.uk Founded in 2015, Anxious Minds is leading the way for future mental health support programs by providing free early intervention and long-term support both in-house and online. Anxious Minds is a mental health charity that provides a positivity-led educational approach to mental health issues for people on long waiting lists for medical support. Providing support groups, counselling, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, Anxious Minds help those struggling with mental health and offer support opposed to being fully reliant on medical professionals.

anxiousminds.co.uk

Bright Red aims to improve the lives and treatment of people with blood cancer across the north of England. Through care, research and education they are striving to beat illnesses such as leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma myelodysplasia and myeloproliferative diseases. By investing more than £5m over the years, they have helped improve patient care, develop nurses and push the boundaries of blood cancer research. Bright Red has played a major role in helping Newcastle city region become one of the best places to be for those unfortunate enough to be diagnosed with a blood cancer.

Founded in 2003, Daisy Chain was established to provide a haven for families affected by autism in the Tees Valley. This unique charity addresses the needs of children on the autism spectrum and their families, providing a place for them to go to feel supported and understood without judgement. At Daisy Chain, they work to remove anxiety by providing a safe, fun and friendly environment, where children can be themselves. Parents and carers sometimes need an extra hand of support, respite or even just someone to talk to, whilst siblings can enjoy time to themselves and interact with other children in a similar situation to them.

brightred.org.uk

daisychainproject.co.uk

Empowering real-life superheroes to change and save lives, the Superhero Foundation was co-founded by tonight’s after-dinner speaker Jamie McDonald to support individuals with the desire to combine a personal challenge with an element of giving back. Providing mentoring, planning, logistical and publicity support, they enable these heroes in-the-making to move beyond the limits of their physical and mental capability to support families in need and raise funds for inaccessible medical treatments, with the aim to relieve mental or physical illness.

superherofoundation.org

tinylives.org.uk

In return for your generosity, you’ll also get the chance to win some fantastic prizes, kindly donated by the following local businesses: 21 Hospitality Group, As You Like It, Berghaus, Cairn Hotel Group, Crafter’s Companion, Crathorne Hall Hotel, Debbi Moore Design, Fenwick Ltd, Furniture Clinic, Gusto, Handbag Clinic, Hollathans, Jesmond Dene House, Lanchester Wines, Lane7, Livello, Malhotra Group, Newcastle Eagles, Newcastle Gin/Whisky -

The Tiny Lives Trust helps premature and sick babies survive and thrive. Their family focused work provides practical, emotional, and financial support at a critical time when families spend weeks, sometimes months, on the RVI Special Care Baby Unit. As a local charity, Tiny Lives depends on local businesses to help them raise £250,000 each year which ensures babies from across the region benefit from a neonatal centre of excellence. Supporters help 700+ premature and sick newborn babies every year in the North East have the best start in life.

Bealim House, Newcastle United FC, Parkdean Resorts, Pink Boutique, Psyche, Ringtons, Rockliffe Hall, Sage Gateshead, Seaham Hall, SIX at Baltic, Sunderland AFC, The Coach House, The Hilton Garden Inn, The Joiner’s Arms, The Lakes Distillery, Whitewash Laboratories, Wylam Brewery and Wynyard Hall Hotel.

Jason Cook

Jamie McDonald

Award-winning comedian, writer & star of BBC 2 show Hebburn

Adventurer, fundraiser & part-time superhero Sponsored by:

First bitten by the comedy bug as part of renowned Newcastle sketch troupe Soup, Jason went on to make a name for himself as a regular compere at The Hyena Club; and there’s no better place to hone comedic talent than in front of 300 baying punters, many of whom look capable of eating their own young. In 2007, Jason took his first solo stand up show to the Fringe, selling out, earning five star reviews and embarking on a sellout world tour. He returned to Edinburgh with new shows in 2008, ’09 and ’10, repeating the sell outs, reviews, world tours and winning awards at every turn. 2012 saw Jason’s sitcom “Hebburn” commissioned by the BBC, earning him a Royal Television Society Award, the Journal Culture Award for “Best Writer” and a National Television Award nomination. Vic Reeves, Gina McKee, Chris Ramsey, Alfie Joey and Fresh Meat’s Kimberley Nixon joined the cast in a story based on his own life and upbringing in South Tyneside. Jason stands shoulder to shoulder with the cream of the international comedy stars and, as our host tonight, it’s his style of being completely honest about everything he talks about that will endear him to you.

@jasonmarkcook

Having spent the first nine years of his life in hospital with a rare spinal condition, Jamie has become somewhat of an adventurer, giving back to the hospitals that helped him as a child through phenomenal feats of emotional and physical endurance. Hoping to inspire and help create as many superheroes in the world as possible through his Superhero Foundation, in 2012 Jamie cycled 14,000 miles from Bangkok to Gloucester, a journey where he was shot at, arrested and slept rough. Days later he broke the World Record for non-stop Marathon Static Cycling, stepping off the bike after 268 hours (more than 11 days!). If that wasn’t enough, dressed as a Superhero, he then ran 5,000 miles (more than 200 marathons) across Canada - the first person in history without a support crew - raising more than £250,000. Jamie’s adventures made news all over the world. Recently Jamie became a Pride of Britain winner for ‘Fundraiser of the Year’, as well as a National Adventure Award winner; and he’s postponed the start of his most ambitious adventure yet to share his journey with us tonight.

@MrJamieMcDonald

JOHN SAVAGE Emerging Talent

Flame Heating Spares

Sponsored by:

Our Entrepreneur of the Year winner is an individual who has led his or her business to strong growth in revenue and profits through innovation, teamwork and leadership skills.

DEAN BENSON

JOHN WATERWORTH

Visualsoft

Parkdean Resorts

Visualsoft creates solutions for retailers who want to build and grow their business online. As one of the UK’s pioneering digital agencies, they provide eCommerce, online marketing services and support to a diverse range of retailers from enterprise clients and high street chains, to boutiques and independent stores. They have a bold spirit and one polarising objective: to empower retailers to give their customers the ultimate online shopping experience. To do this they have created a culture of exploration, excellence, and collaboration, where their working relationships make a real difference.

Parkdean started with the acquisition of Trecco Bay in 1999, followed by 23 park acquisitions, during which time John led the business through flotation on AIM in 2002 and, in 2006, led a £230m management buyout. Following last November’s £1bn merger with Park Resorts and an acquisition in July, John has created the first truly nationwide holiday park business in the UK with 73 parks. With a turnover of £401m, Park Resorts was recently ranked 29th in the 2016 Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250.

DAVID PENNY Penny Petroleum A family-owned company that started trading in 1994 - with a head office at the original site in Powburn, Northumberland - Penny Petroleum currently own and operate 34 petrol forecourts and convenience stores that also encompass a variety of tenanted businesses. Currently trading with Londis and Premier as their store brands, they also work with seven major oil companies including Shell, ESSO and BP, turnover £100m annually and are currently the 8th largest independent forecourt retailer in the UK.

Past winners:

2004 - John Hays, Hays Travel

2010 - Anne Ganley, Thompson Building Centres

2005 - Steven Bell, Bells Stores

2011 - Phil Cronin, Tombola

2006 - Mike Browne, ScS

2012 - Bill Scott, Wilton Group

2007 - Ian Baggett, Adderstone Group

2013 - Jeff Winn, Winn’s Solicitors

2008 - Dr. Tony Trapp, IHC Engineering Business 2014 - Ian Watson, Hadrian Healthcare 2009 - Graeme Lowdon, Nomad Digital

Thank you to our judges:

2015 - Geoff Thompson, Utilitywise

Gillian Marshall (Entrepreneurs’ Forum), Jonathan Greenaway (PwC), Pamela Petty (Entreprenising) and Geoff Thompson (Utilitywise Plc).

Mentor of the Year

Lifetime Achievement

Our Mentor of the Year has been selected for their outstanding contribution over the last twelve months to altruistically support the growth of fellow entrepreneurs’ businesses.

The recipient of our Lifetime Achievement award has been chosen for their huge commitment to business over a significant period of time and their major impact to the regional economy and community. Sponsored by:

Dates for your diary There really is no network quite like the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, so why not take some valuable time out of your business to work on it with us. Listen to insights from your peers. Meet the people you didn’t know you needed to meet. Who knows where it might lead…

Mentoring Drop-In Surgery Tuesday, 11th October, 1.30pm - 4.30pm Onyx House, Stockton

Sponsored by: Exchange Event: Managing Change Thursday, 13th October, 8.30am - 11.30am Sage Gateshead

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And the winner is...

...to be announced later this evening!

And the winner is...

...to be announced later this evening!

Hall of Fame: 2008 - Michael Hogan, Esh Group 2009 - Alan Reece, SMD

Member Event with Julian Leighton, Orange Bus Tuesday, 18th October, 6pm - 8.30pm Ramside Hall, Durham Onsite Visit to Facebook Thursday, 20th October, 12noon - 3pm Facebook HQ, London

2010 - Bob Thompson, Pyeroy 2011 - Anne Preston, Prestons of Potto

Past winners:

2012 - John Squires, Benfield Motor Group

2015 - Alastair Waite, Altec Engineering

2014 - Sir John Hall, Cameron Hall Developments

2013 - Sir Peter Vardy, The Vardy Group 2015 - Geoff Turnbull, GT Group

Judged by The Entrepreneurs’ Forum Board 14

Judged by The Entrepreneurs’ Forum Board

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Round Table: Business Support Tuesday, 25th October, 2pm - 4.30pm Durham CCC, Chester-le-Street

Onsite Visit to Elanders Tuesday, 1st November, 8.30am - 11.30am New York Industrial Park, North Tyneside Focus Dinner with Andy Preston, Green Lane Capital Tuesday, 8th November, 6.30pm - 10pm Acklam Hall, Teesside FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BRAVE Global Entrepreneurship Week Conference Thursday, 17th November, 8am - 5pm Redworth Hall, County Durham

Focus Dinner with John Waterworth, Parkdean Resorts Monday, 21st November, 6.30pm - 10pm Hotel du Vin, Newcastle

Onsite Visit to Barbour Thursday, 24th November, 2pm - 5.30pm South Shields Member Event with Charlie Hoult, Hoult’s Yard Wednesday, 30th November, 6pm - 8.30pm Hoult’s Yard, Byker Exchange Round Table: Managing Change Friday, 2nd December, 2pm - 4.30pm UK Land Estates, Team Valley Mentoring Drop-In Surgery Tuesday, 6th December, 1.30pm - 4.30pm PwC, Central Square South Christmas Drinks Thursday, 8th December, 4.30pm - 7.30pm Baltimore House, Gateshead

Come along, be inspired, make connections and learn something new. Together we’re stronger. For the latest information and to book your place, visit www.entrepreneursforum.net

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