ONE of the region’s most successful entrepreneurs hopes to inspire others to follow in his footsteps as the 10th David Goldman visiting professor of innovation and enterprise.
Tom Maxfield, who made his fortune as a director of Newcastle-based software giant Sage, has been named as the latest to take up the prestigious role at Newcastle University Business School.
The position was created in 2001 with an endowment from the family of the late David Goldman, who was a co-founder of Sage and helped to grow it into what is still the only tech firm in the FTSE 100.
As well as celebrating Goldman’s life and work, they wanted to create a champion to who would stimulate entrepreneurial talent in the North East. The winner is chosen annually by Goldman’s family and the business school.
Maxfield said: “I am thrilled to be taking on the Goldman post. It’s a fantastic and very fitting legacy. One of my roles as Visiting Professor will be to encourage students to take a view of the bigger picture and identify ripe opportunities.
“That really appeals to me – it’s what I’m good at and where I believe I can really add value. I realise I’m joining the Business School at a critical moment in its history.
“As well as the outstanding new building, there are many challenges in the higher education market that the business school is ready to rise to. It’s a competitive market but the business school team is ambitious and I’m excited about the role I can play in its growth.”
He left Sage in 1997 to set up restaurant, hotel and spa group Tom’s Companies, which began by transforming historic Seaham Hall into one of the North East’s most glamorous hotels.
But while selling off most of his leisure interests he has focused more on helping to encourage others to create and grow a business. He still plays a vital part in nurturing entrepreneurial talent in the region.
He was a founder member and chairman of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, non-executive director of The Amazing Group, and chairman of ScreenReach, a North East-based hi-tech start up.
