Award recognises John’s contribution

Apr 21 2008 by Karen Dent, The Journal

ONE of the North East’s leading supporters of enterprise has been honoured with a lifetime achievement in this year’s Queen’s Awards.

The outstanding contribution of John Eversley MBE, director and vice-chair of Newcastle-based Tyne and Wear Enterprise Trust (Entrust), in promoting business development and growth was recognised with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion.

Only one person, who has spent at least a decade making a difference to enterprise promotion, is eligible to receive the award which is not made every year.

Mr Eversley has supported enterprise in the North East for 30 years following the decline of shipbuilding and mining.

He played a major role in establishing Entrust, then worked to develop the partnership of the North East Development Company with regeneration agencies. He also worked on a public private partnership to create work spaces, set up a loan fund for those unable to access financial support from the bank and he persuaded a company to provide specially adapted premises for disabled entrepreneurs.

Mr Eversley, who became an MBE in 1992 for his work with Entrust, also helped set up Graduate Business Solutions and a New Entrepreneur Scholarship Programme.

Meanwhile, Michael Leithrow, executive director and general manager of charity and social enterprise Northern Pinetree Trust, was one of nine people in the UK to receive the Enterprise Promotion standard award.

He helped to set up the Birtley-based organisation 20 years ago while working for Komatu UK. He became the Northern Pinetree Trust’s general manager six years ago.

The organisation offers practical and financial help to disabled people, offenders and those with long-term illnesses to help them start up in business.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown congratulated the winners: “Each of them has played a vital role in helping unlock Britain’s entrepreneurial talent. They have given their time and energy to equip others with the skills, knowledge and attitude to succeed as entrepreneurs. I applaud and admire their efforts.”

Five North East organisations were also honoured with Queen’s Awards.

Newcastle’s Shared Interest Society, which provides finance to fair trade organisations, was rewarded in the sustainable development category.

Managing director Patricia Alexander said: “Winning a Queen’s Award is a vindication of the dedication and professionalism of our team in our work to reduce world poverty. We have significantly increased the amount of money we lend overseas, especially directly to artisans and growers, over the last five years because that is how we can do most to improve lives.”

Middlesbrough’s DuPont Teijin Films UK, which makes polyester films for portable banner stands at exhibitions, won its award for innovation.

In the international trade category Cummins’ Darlington Engine Plant, which makes diesel engines and components, DUCI of Newcastle, a designer and manufacturer of subsea systems for the offshore oil and gas industry and Peterlee’s TRW Occupant Safety Systems, an automotive safety systems maker, were also recognised.