ONE of the most high-profile businesswomen in the region is to quit her role as the head of the Entrepreneur's Forum.

Carole Beverley has been the chief executive of the Newcastle-based group since it was launched in 2003 by some of the North East’s leading entrepreneurs, including motor tycoon Sir Peter Vardy, recruitment firm boss Lorna Moran and Sage co-founder Tom Maxfield.

The former sports marketing executive has said she wants to “explore new opportunities” after building up the networking and support group for entrepreneurs which has more than 360 members and organises some of the region’s larger business events.

She said: “Taking the decision to leave the Forum is probably the toughest I’ve had to make in my business career, but I’m not sad, I just feel exceptionally lucky to have had the opportunity to nurture and build something so unique that makes it hard to say goodbye.”

“I’ve reached a point in my life when I need to explore new opportunities and face new challenges. And while it’s not yet entirely clear what they will be, I’m confident that I will dive into them with the same passion, drive and enthusiasm that I hope I’ve brought during my time at the Entrepreneurs’ Forum.

“I consider myself to have been very privileged to have listened to and learned from many, if not most, of the country’s best entrepreneurs over the last eight years. That said, what I’ve found just as inspiring as our speakers are our members and the wider North East business community.”