Praise for stars giving inspiration

Nov 18 2009 by James Ramsbotham, The Journal

TONY Trapp, John Clough, Gordon Banham, Sir Mike Darrington, Paul Walker, John Cuthbert ... the names roll off the tongue for they are a Who's Who of our region's shining entrepreneurial stars.

The names above are six of many truly inspirational people recognised for taking regional companies to great heights.

Tomorrow we will crown the latest in the North East Business Executive of the Year awards ceremony.

The event will revisit companies that are doing well. This year, the awards will demonstrate to everyone that even in tough times, great people are developing great businesses.

As a member of the judging panel, the process reminded me that beneath the doleful headlines that have bombarded us for months there has been unsung work going on that we will rightly shout about.

On the subject of unsung work, the evening will also pay tribute to individuals that operate well out of the limelight and provide invaluable advice and support to entrepreneurs.

The role of the non-executive director is sometimes overlooked in its contribution to the stability, strategy and future success of an enterprise. The fact there is a category to praise the best of these individuals is only fitting.

Businesses need to look at the role that non-executive directors play in helping to drive companies to achieve greater success. Equally, they are a wise head to have around when challenges beset a business.

Choosing the right non-exec to suit your company to work alongside the personalities in the business and to provide a challenging, yet constructive contribution is key to its success. The impact for businesses embracing this approach is regarded as one of the defining decisions company directors will take.

I would urge entrepreneurs to consider giving time to help aspiring companies. I congratulate every category winner announced tomorrow night and would encourage those that came a close second to persevere because runners-up in the past have gone on to raise the coveted trophy in subsequent years.

Let's enjoy tomorrow night.

James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce