Programme leads fight to keep talent in region

Oct 2 2009 by Chris Knox, The Journal

AN INNOVATIVE programme which aims to help retain talent in the North East has been heralded as a huge success and has resulted in two of its participants setting up their own businesses.

The One North East-backed Leadership Enterprise Opportunity (LEO) programme was the brainchild of North East businesswoman Lorna Moran and was launched four weeks ago to give participants a better chance of getting back into employment through a series of workshops and networking events.

By attending talks with industry experts, including North East entrepreneur Karl Watkin and One North East deputy chief executive Malcolm Page, the 18-strong team of attendees were provided with a host of insight and experience.

As well as visits to some of the region’s thriving business sectors and advice on how to create the perfect CV, the group were also urged to brush up on their networking skills as well as consider setting up their own businesses.

This is exactly what Chris Powell of Bedlington, Northumberland, and Clive Grey of Whittingham, Northumberland have done, after building up enough confidence through the course to go it alone.

Mr Powell has worked in engineering for most of his life and set up A new venture, Be Safe Today, during the course, after toying with the idea for around two years.

He has designed a software package that allows businesses to design their own range of safety stickers quickly and easily in order to help reduce workplace accidents.