Together We Can Take on the World 2021

TOGETHER WE CAN TAKE ON THE WORLD THURSDAY 11TH NOVEMBER 2021 HILTON NEWCASTLE GATESHEAD In partnership with

#NEentrepreneurs

WELCOME In exceptional times it’s easy for us to hide away and immerse ourselves within our businesses. But if the last 24 months has taught us anything, it’s that in order to perform the best we can, we must prioritise ourselves, our team and our wellbeing.

Sometimes we need to take time out of our businesses to be truly self-aware, to gather our thoughts, reflect on the day and to see where we are headed.

For these reasons, and for the very first time during a Forum conference, we’ve introduced a series of wellness activities available to you throughout the event. These activities have been designed to help promote wellness and team building and we hope you’ll take some of the techniques back into your own home or office too.

Welcome to Together We Can Take on the World

Like our members, we love to experiment with new ideas – and we’re always open to your suggestions too. If you have any ideas on how we can enhance your membership experience, please let us know.

We hope you have a fantastic day, it’s great to be back.

As entrepreneurs, we all start out with a vision and ambition to make life better for ourselves, our families and the wider world. We go through highs and lows, face tough and challenging times but, despite it all, remain resilient and optimistic about the opportunities ahead.

James Robson MBE Chairman of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum

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TODAY’S PROGRAMME 9:00 am

12:30 pm

Charlie Charlton @chatcharlton

2:00 pm

WELCOME

9:15 am

BUSINESS UNMUTED LIVE! Graham Robb, Recognition PR @recognition1st Kevin Brown, Pacifica Group @group_pacifica Matt Boyle, Turntide Technologies @turntidetech 10:00 am

RICHARD HARPIN HomeServe @HomeServeUK

LUNCH KRESSE WESLING MBE Elvis & Kresse @elvisandkresse Supported by: 3:00 pm

COMFORT BREAK 3:15 pm

RICHARD MCCANN

Sunday Times No. 1 Bestselling Author @iCanInspire Supported by:

Supported by:

4:00 pm

11:00 am

Charlie Charlton @chatcharlton

COFFEE, COOKIES & TIME TO CHAT 11:45 am

MATT BISHOP AND REECE GILKES As Seen from The Sidecar @thesidecarguys Supported by:

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In partnership with

CLOSING ADDRESS James Robson MBE @entforum 4:30 pm

NETWORKING Supported by:

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A VERY BIG THANK YOU! Without the support of generous people like our speakers, sponsors and partners, the Entrepreneurs’ Forum wouldn’t be able to achieve any of the things we do, let alone host a day like today.

Sharing our ambition to make the region stronger, each of our partners and sponsors is an expert in their field and cares deeply about the North East business community and the people that live and work here. They all want to help you on your entrepreneurial journey and you can meet with the leaders of each of these organisations here today amongst the audience and at their exhibition stands.

HEADLINE PARTNER

ASSOCIATE PARTNER

Recognition PR is a national public relations and marketing consultancy based in the North East. With a portfolio of more than 75 clients from a diverse range of sectors including energy, healthcare, manufacturing, education and retail, Recognition delivers a range of proactive media services. Utilising opportunities across a mix of traditional print and broadcast, online, digital, video and social media channels, Recognition helps businesses raise their profile in their chosen markets. At this conference, a special introductory ‘fixed-term, fixed-fee’ arrangement is available for a one-off price of £1,500 including VAT.

CityFibre is the UK’s largest independent Full Fibre infrastructure platform. The world class, Full Fibre, gigabit-speed networks they’re building are open access and future proof, bringing fresh wholesale choice for regional channel partners, carriers and ISPs of all types and sizes. They also provide a backbone infrastructure for 5G deployments by mobile operator customers like Three.

RECOGNITION PR

@Recognition1st recognitionpr.co.uk

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CITYFIBRE

With a £4bn Full Fibre network rollout programme underway, CityFibre is on track to serve up to a third of the UK by 2025; that’s 8m homes, 800k businesses, 400k local authority sites and 250k 5G access points. @CityFibre cityfibre.com

ASSOCIATE PARTNER

CITY OF SUNDERLAND Sunderland is home to a number of booming and innovative industries, including advanced manufacturing & automotive, digital & software and professional services.

It is also a city delivering ambitious city centre regeneration and was recently named Smart City of the Year in 2020.

The City of Sunderland has a proven track record of attracting and nurturing successful enterprises. From initial enquiry, to longterm aftercare, businesses can expect a bespoke service from a dedicated team. If you would like to find out more about the support available to businesses investing or growing in Sunderland, please get in touch. @InvestSundUK business@sunderland.gov.uk

ASSOCIATE PARTNER

NORTH EAST GROWTH HUB

Providing North East entrepreneurs with impartial advice and access to support and finance that will help you to grow your business, the North East Growth Hub is a crucial part of the region’s business support set-up. With dedicated Growth Connectors providing one-to-one support, and an online platform that gives you instant access to over 300 business support and access to finance providers, along with a number of tailored programmes designed to give specialist businesses help, if you’re planning for growth, the North East Growth Hub can help you achieve it. Visit the online platform to find out more and see the directory of business events, seminars, training and networking opportunities all designed to help you grow your business. @GrowthHubNE northeastgrowthhub.co.uk

EVENT PRODUCTION & AV PROVIDED BY

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HEALTH AND SAFETY PARTNER

BROCHURE PARTNER

RECOVERY4LIFE

BRITISH BUSINESS BANK

Recovery4Life is a specialist Occupational Health provider with a focus on drugs, alcohol and mental health testing training and treatment. Their focus is on helping businesses to manage risks and support their people in the best way they can – which includes COVID-19 testing.

They are considered disruptive and transformative in corporate healthcare and health and safety fields, going above and beyond just identifying problems. No matter the case complexity, they always implement a workable solution.

The British Business Bank are the UK’s economic development bank and are here to help your business find a way, with free financial tools and expert information.

They’re experts in small business finance and work with a broad range of partners to help businesses like yours, whether you’re a start-up, an established business or you’re looking to grow. @britishBbank british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-hub

@Recovery4LifeNE recovery4life.co.uk NETWORKING PARTNER AUTOMOTIVE PARTNER

VERTU MOTORS Vertu Motors believe there’s a better way to buy a vehicle. They live and breathe all things automotive, which is why they made it their mission to make the experience of buying a car, van or motorbike as straight-forward as possible. You’ll find their Headquarters in Gateshead, but their dealerships are established nationwide, from Morpeth to Doncaster - where they are proud to represent some of the world’s top manufacturers, including Honda, Volkswagen, Toyota and Kia. @vertumotors vertumotors.com

DURHAM CITY INCUBATOR A collaborative partnership between Business Durham, Durham University and New College Durham, the Durham City Incubator (DCI) supports ambitious entrepreneurs, including talent from Durham University and New College Durham, with a vision to start and scale their enterprises in County Durham. Open to businesses less than 12 months old, the DCI’s fully-funded accelerator provides six months of intensive support designed to challenge and develop budding entrepreneurs. Durham City Incubator is part of Durham Internships and Collaborative Enterprise (DICE), which is part funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Fund Programme. @_DCIncubator dcincubator.co.uk

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INSPIRING HEALTHY WELLBEING Stretch your legs during one of our wellbeing walks or immerse yourself in our indoor garden – after all, the greatest wealth is health!

8:00 am - 8:30 am

KICKSTART ON THE QUAY

1 mile walk from Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Boost your energy, beat the traffic and kickstart your morning by joining us for our walk around the Quay! This short walk will get your day off to an energised start, allowing you to make connections with other Forum members and partners. This walk has prior booking and will set off from the Hilton registration desk at 8:00am.

12:30 pm - 1:00 pm

WELLNESS WALK

1 mile walk from Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Enjoy the fresh air and see the sights in our mini wellness walk, leaving from Hilton Newcastle Gateshead at lunch! This short walk will get your legs moving and give you the opportunity to catch-up with other Forum members and partners. No prior booking is needed so to take part please go to the Hilton registration desk at 12:30pm.

8.00 am - 5.00 pm

POWER OF PLANTS INDOOR GARDEN

Indoor garden (networking space) With the power to reduce anxiety and depression and improve social functioning, our indoor garden provides a serene zone for you to enjoy throughout the day.

8.00 am - 5.00 pm

EVERDURANCE ECO-FRIENDLY WATER Networking space

Self-confessed eco enthusiasts, Everdurance distribute water and flavoured drinks in ecofriendly packaging to businesses and events across the UK. With 300 drinks available at today’s conference, remember to keep hydrated by visiting their stall and learn more about their low-carbon cartons.

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TOGETHER WE’RE STRONGER Opportunity is created when you meet people you didn’t know you needed to meet, so please take the time to speak to each of our exhibitors and find out how they are already helping North East entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.

AGILICO

BRITISH BUSINESS BANK

BREWIN DOLPHIN

CITYFIBRE

Agilico is a provider of workplace technology and expertise trusted by more than 11,000 customers across the UK, with a significant and growing presence in the North East.

They help organisations build more agile and effective working environments for their teams.

Brewin Dolphin are a leading investment management and financial advice firm working closely with the business community in the North East. They specialise in assisting business owners and entrepreneurs to grow, protect and make the most of their personal wealth, as well as advising on taxation, company exits and other fundamental business issues.

British Business Bank is a government owned economic development bank.

They help drive economic growth by making finance markets work better for smaller businesses – wherever they are in the UK and wherever they are on their business journey, enabling them to prosper and grow.

CityFibre is building world class, Full Fibre, gigabit-speed networks that are open access and future proof, bringing fresh wholesale choice for regional channel partners, carriers and ISPs of all types and sizes. They also provide a backbone infrastructure for 5G deployments by mobile operator customers like Three.

CITY OF SUNDERLAND

The City of Sunderland has a proven track record of attracting and nurturing successful enterprises. From initial enquiry, to long-term aftercare, businesses can expect a bespoke service from a dedicated team. If you would like to find out more about the support available to businesses investing or growing in Sunderland, please get in touch.

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DURHAM CITY INCUBATOR

Part funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the 20142020 European Structural and Investment Fund Programme, the Durham City Incubator (DCI) supports ambitious entrepreneurs, including talent from Durham University and New College Durham, with a vision to start and scale their enterprises in County Durham.

HILTON NEWCASTLE GATESHEAD HOTEL

With innovative and versatile event spaces in a beautiful location on the banks of the River Tyne, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead hotel offers an inspiring setting for corporate events, meetings and conferences.

LUMO

Lumo works in close partnership with businesses, helping them improve their cash flow and fund their futures. Their mission is to support innovation in the UK, having helped over 217 companies with more than 552 R&D tax claims, recovering over £19m in tax relief over the past 3 years.

NARRATIVE Narrative’s holistic and strategic approach to marketing supports medium and large businesses to meet their objectives through design, PR, content, advertising and branding. Their mission is ‘Effective Marketing Made Simple’.

NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY Providing a range of specialist services and facilities to support your business needs, Newcastle University can harness their people, research excellence and infrastructure, to help you find innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

NORTH EAST GROWTH HUB

The North East Growth Hub is the leading digital platform for North East businesses to access a range of business support, finance and funding, resource toolkits and events. Visit the Growth Hub, book an appointment with a connector and find the support you need to grow your business: northeastgrowthhub.co.uk

NORTHERN ACCELERATOR

Northern Accelerator is an innovative collaboration between the region’s universities. It is driving a step change in the commercialisation of research to help address regional imbalance and strengthen the North East knowledge economy.

NORTH EAST LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP The North East Local Enterprise Partnership works with partners to develop a more competitive economy for the North East, helping to create more and better jobs for everyone.

NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY

Unlocking value in a way that is unique to your business, Northumbria University can help you to identify and implement new business opportunities, develop your staff and your business proposition.

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RECOGNITION PR

Recognition PR help businesses promote their products, people and services through traditional and social media, video, events and all manner of different techniques.

RECOVERY4LIFE

With nearly 20 years’ experience of working with individuals, and public, private and third sector organisations, Recovery4Life offer a strong, specialist multi-disciplinary team that can provide support for drugs and alcohol misuse and mental health issues.

QRIOUS

Qrious is a digital strategy and experience design studio that helps its clients capitalise on technology’s potential to accelerate growth and improve productivity and profitability. They can help you design and build stunning digital experiences and build a digital-first culture that will empower your business to thrive in a changing world.

TEES VALLEY BUSINESS

Driving economic growth, creating jobs and transforming the Tees Valley region, Tees Valley Business work closely with entrepreneurs and the business community to make local decisions that support the economy.

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TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY

Teesside University puts business at the heart of its teaching, research and external engagement. In 2018/19, its wide range of knowledge-based business services supported 489 jobs and generated £25m GVA per annum in Tees Valley (834 jobs and £42.5m GVA in total).

UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND

Whether you are looking for business advice, new employees, training for your workforce or access to world-class technical facilities and expertise, the University of Sunderland’s enterprise and innovation team can assist.

VERTU MOTORS

Vertu live and breathe all things automotive, which is why they’ve made it their mission to make the experience of buying a car, van or motorbike as straight-forward as possible.

WARD HADAWAY

With more than 450 staff and over 80 partners, Ward Hadaway is one of the UK’s Top 75 law firms with a reputation for quality, innovation and a partner-led commitment to client service excellence.

@chatcharlton

OUR HOST: CHARLIE CHARLTON Naturally curious, incredibly passionate, warm and witty, Charlie has been the host of our autumn conference since 2017 and has entertained audiences and been inspired by our speakers in equal measure.

Now working freelance, you can often find Charlie centre stage at events around the country, whether it’s Q&As, live business conferences, virtual award shows or music concerts. Recently, she made history as the first woman in the UK to host a day-long business conference with her 4-month-old baby in a sling.

Talk about inspirational!

A former BBC presenter for almost 20 years, Charlie is an award-winning journalist known for getting to grips with the issues that matter most. Her stories, which include interviews with Prime Minister’s and politicians, and in-depth conversations celebrating extraordinary lives, have been featured on Panorama, Newsnight and in national press, while her work on radio has made her one of the most recognised media personalities in the region.

Raised in Gateshead, educated in London and a worldwide traveller, Charlie features in a bestselling book about the North East’s “famous sons and daughters” and is a proud Patron of Changing Lives, a national charity supporting vulnerable people and families experiencing homelessness, addiction or abuse.

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BUSINESS UNMUTED LIVE! Supported by:

@GrahamRobb

GRAHAM ROBB RECOGNITION PR A well-known and established business figure in the North-East, Graham is the host of the Northern Business Leaders channel, the face of the Business Unmuted podcast, and a board member of the South Tees

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Development Corporation. He has run respected communications firm, Recognition PR, for more than 30 years and represents clients throughout the UK across a range of business sectors.

ADDITIONAL PANELLISTS ANNOUNCED ON THE DAY MATT BOYLE TURNTIDE TECHNOLOGIES An expert in electrification, Matt Boyle leads the transport division within Turntide Technologies. The company, which is based in California, and has funders including Bill Gates and Robert Downey Jr, is bringing innovative North East businesses together with its own Smart Motor System™ to ensure the region is at the centre of the electric revolution.

@turntidetech

KEVIN BROWN PACIFICA GROUP Pacifica Group is the UK’s leading domestic energy and appliance services provider. Alongside his fellow directors and private equity investor Synova, Kevin has placed Pacifica at the heart of the low carbon economy by extending the life of more than 300,000 domestic appliances every year and installing green energy solutions.

@group_pacifica

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@HomeServeUK

RICHARD HARPIN HOMESERVE

Supported by:

Today he’s the CEO and founder of one of Britain’s best business success stories – HomeServe Plc – but Richard Harpin has always had a passion for business and creating opportunity.

Running a property letting and management business, the duo realised how difficult it was to find good tradesmen when tenants experienced an emergency and so HomeServe was born.

From breeding and selling rabbits at age 6, performing magic tricks at children’s parties at age 11, and launching a fishing fly-tie business until leaving university, enterprise has always been close to Richard’s heart.

From losing £500,000 in its first year and near closure, today HomeServe is a global business with over 8.5 million customers, sales of over £1.2 billion and a market capitalisation approaching £4 billion.

In the early 90s, having started his career in marketing at Procter and Gamble, he left the corporate environment and set up a consultancy partnership with fellow ex-P&G Brand Manager Jeremy Middleton.

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Inspired to help others in their entrepreneurial journeys, he launched The Enterprise Trust - a charity which was funded entirely by Richard’s annual salary and bonuses – and Growth Partner, an investment firm which supports some of Britain’s most talented entrepreneurs. To date, Growth Partner has backed 7 promising businesses.

What was your first job?

Running mail order fishing fly-tie.

What are you most proud of?

Helping to inspire breakthrough in my leaders in HomeServe and those entrepreneurs I back through Growth Partner.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

That I am the Dragon behind the Dragon. I invested in Sara Davies before she joined Dragon’s Den. How do you unwind or deal with stress?

I am passionate about sport and swim, run, workout, squash, skiing and golf are my passions after family and business.

If you had a time machine, where would you go and why?

I would use it to prolong life which means being around to see more of the future.

What would your specialist subject be on Mastermind?

Business leaders. I have read every business biography and most other business books to improve my business knowledge.

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@thesidecarguys

MATT BISHOP AND REECE GILKES AS SEEN FROM THE SIDECAR

Supported by:

Back in 2015, friends Matt Bishop and Reece Gilkes were sitting in their dingy flat in North London, complaining about the state of the world and wondering how they could make a difference.

The answer was obvious: buy a Honda SH300 scooter, attach a sidecar to it and ride it 34,000 miles around the world, raising awareness for charities combating modern slavery along the way.

After 455 days on the road, where they battled daily with the elements, Matt and Reece returned home - having raised over £7k for charity and breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest journey by scooter and sidecar. Wanting to share that the world is a good place full of great people, the pair wrote a book about their journey (Our Ridiculous World Trip) which hit the shelves earlier this year. During the COVID lockdowns of 2020, and inspired to share entertaining and heartwarming stories, they created the Armchair Adventure Festival, which welcomed 40,000 guests and raised over £12,500 for charity in its first year.

Setting off in October 2017, with no prior experience of riding a motorbike and zero mechanical expertise, the pair travelled across 35 countries, heavily relying on the kindness of strangers throughout their journey.

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What was your first job?

M: I grew up working for my dad on his chip van. I can’t remember how old I was when I started but I know I used to have to stand on a bucket in order to make the tea!

R: I worked as a kitchen assistant at Banbury’s biggest pizza restaurant Pizza Hut. Pot washing and defrosting dough was key to my success.

Who, dead or alive, would you like to have dinner with?

M: Probably Paul Scholes as he was my hero growing up but then I have heard he’s a bit boring. So, I’d go for someone with a bit more chat – maybe Sir David Attenborough – or perhaps a comedian, like Frankie Boyle. I think Sir David and Frankie would really bring the best out of Paul – can I have all 3?

R: Ainsley Harriet. He’s clearly great fun and you know you’d be in for a good dinner with that man near the kitchen.

If you had a time machine, where would you go and why?

M: I should say something really interesting but honestly, it would be the Camp Nou, 26th May 1999, to see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer win us the treble in the last minute of stoppage time.

R: Live Aid. 1985. I’ve seen Bohemian Rhapsody and it looked bloody fantastic.

What is your biggest fear?

M: Pineapple on a pizza. It’s just not right.

R: I wouldn’t say I have a biggest fear but I’m petrified of heights. So, with that in mind, jumping out of a plane with a failed parachute on my back would really get me sweating.

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@elvisandkresse

KRESSE WESLING CBE ELVIS & KRESSE

Supported by:

In 2005, after learning that London’s damaged decommissioned hoses ended up in landfill, Kresse and partner Elvis embarked on a mission to save them.

While fire-hose is Elvis & Kresse’s signature material, the company now collects 12 different waste streams including leather off-cuts from the production of Burberry leather goods, decommissioned printing blankets from the off-set printing industry and military grade parachute silk.

Taking waste raw materials from the London Fire Brigade, Kresse and Elvis began a lengthy process of trial and error, turning the discarded hoses into roof tiles, furniture and Christmas ornaments until finally developing a belt made entirely out of rescued leather.

Bags and purses soon followed, as did charitable partnerships, celebrity endorsements and collaborations with artists and designers.

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Living and breathing the values of ‘rescue, transform and donate’, the company gives 50% of its profits to the Fire Fighters Charity and has secured B Corp, Social Enterprise and Living Wage Employer accreditation.

Kresse was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2012 and awarded a CBE for her contribution to sustainable business in 2021.

What was your first job?

Technically it was acting, as a 9 year-old? I played the friend of a vampire in a mini-series.

GREAT IDEAS

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I took ballet lessons for more than 10 years and also, somehow won a bad dancing competition that I thought was a ‘who has the best moves’ dance off.

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Who, dead or alive, would you like to have dinner with?

My Grandmother, when she was my age.

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What are you most proud of?

Honestly? Elvis & Kresse. We started with a crazy idea that we could rescue London’s fire-hoses and we had no plan, no product... Within 5 years we had solved the fire-hose problem for London and now tackle a whole host of material and social issues.

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How do you unwind/deal with stress?

Running, yoga, pizza and wine with Elvis...

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If you had a time machine, where would you go and why?

I say this a lot, whenever we learn about a case of murder or child abuse or domestic violence... I just think ‘all I need is a time machine and a taser... ‘ What is your biggest fear?

Climate change.

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@iCanInspire

RICHARD MCCANN SUNDAY TIMES NO. 1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR AND MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

In 2005, inspired to share the unique story of his youth, Richard McCann penned his autobiography ‘Just a Boy: The True Story of a Stolen Childhood’.

It shot to the top of the bestseller charts, knocking Robbie Williams off the Sunday Times No. 1 spot.

Selling half a million copies to date, the book has been translated around the world, while his extraordinary life story has been the subject of two BBC documentaries and is currently featured on Netflix.

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Supported by:

Following the tremendous success of his first novel, Richard published three more books: ‘iCan: two words that will change everything’ in 2012, ‘Just A Man’ in 2018, and finally ‘The Boys Grows Up’ in 2020.

A motivational speaker for over 16 years, Richard has shared his story with audiences across the globe, who have applauded his “emotive” “honest” and “compelling” talk and for being a “true inspiration”.

What was your first job?

My first paid job was as a paperboy aged 10.

GREAT IDEAS

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I landed the lead role in the school play but pulled out 2 weeks beforehand as I didn’t have the courage to kiss the lead female role for 20 seconds in the finale.

I was only 13.

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What are you most proud of?

My children.

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How do you unwind/deal with stress?

Salsa.

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If you had a time machine, where would you go and why?

1994 -1996. My clubbing days. Some of the best years I ever had.

What is your biggest fear?

Something tragic happening to my children.

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GREAT IDEAS

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BOOST YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH BY 121% Over 45 North East entrepreneurs have completed our Scale-up Leader’s Academy since 2017, reporting an average of 121% growth since completion.

Experience similar success. Join our January 2022 cohort and build your blueprint for business growth.

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PARTICIPANT PROFILE Founders of growing North East businesses with ambition to scale COST £3,000 +VAT funding may be available) PLUS YOUR TICKET AT NEXT YEAR’S CONFERENCE

“The Academy really changed my mindset and helped me get the business back in line. I learned to think like a CEO. I can’t tell you what it did for me.”

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To find out more about the Academy and to apply, visit www.entrepreneursforum.net/sula 26 | TOGETHER WE CAN TAKE ON THE WORLD

We can help your business find a way Get your business ready for tomorrow with free financial tools and information

British Business Bank plc #NEentrepreneurs | 27 (crn: 08616013)

PROUD TO BE PARTNERED BY:

WE’RE STRONGER TOGETHER:

0191 500 7780 info@entrepreneursforum.net entrepreneursforum.net

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