Members open up to new business ideas

Sep 15 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

TEES Valley entrepreneurs will hear from some of the area's best known businesspeople at an event this month which aims to help enterprises to grow despite the tough economic climate.

A panel which includes Stockton shopfitting company Newman Scott’s managing director Steven Bell, County Durham water cooler maker Ebac’s chairman John Elliott, Emily Humphrys of Billingham-based Cambridge Research Biochemicals and Alan Noble, executive deputy chairman of Darlington vehicle rental giant Northgate will be quizzed by business motivator Andy Hanselman.

How they overcame challenging times to create successful businesses is expected to be at the heart of the discussions during the Entrepreneurs’ Forum’s Talking Teesside meeting at the Arena in Darlington.

Entrepreneurs’ Forum chief executive Carole Beverley said: “Our If We Can, You Can Campaign and the dinners and technology conference we have held in this part of the region has proven how the Tees Valley is really buzzing with some tremendously exciting new businesses and innovative ideas. However, it’s well known that many enterprises do not fulfil their potential because they don’t always engage in the support that’s available to them. The Tees Valley’s entrepreneurial spirit needs to be nurtured so those enterprises started by local people live up to their promise. Experienced entrepreneurs like our speakers at Talking Teesside not only inspire but crucially can give honest, practical advice learned from having been there themselves.

“Forum members from across the region will be attending Talking Teesside, giving any potential new members the chance to pick some of the best business brains around and experience the benefits for themselves.”

Talking Teesside takes place at 6.30pm on September 28. To book, call 0870 8502233 or visit www.entrepreneursforum.net