Group to exchange ideas on business start-ups
Sep 21 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal
AN organisation designed to help entrepreneurs keen to develop new ideas, investigate opportunities and learn from each other is being set up in the North East.
Chaired by Durham-based marketing consultant Karen Humble, the Entrepreneurs’ Board aims to fill the niche between the two other forums run locally by the Academy of Chief Executives, which is behind the new organisation.
Ms Humble, who is joint chair of the academy in the North East with Peter Sutcliffe, said: “We already run two thriving groups in the region.
“One is aimed at people who are autonomous and decision-makers – leaders in their organisations. The other is the Future Leaders Forum, for perhaps the number two people: senior directors, senior managers who are looking to grow and develop.
“The Entrepreneurs’ Board will potentially be a third group that will complement the other two groups, with the same sort of philosophy and personalities.”
The new group, which will meet for half a day each month to exchange ideas, is seeking entrepreneurial members who have either started a business or are considering doing so.
Ms Humble, who also works with homelessness charity the Tyneside Cyrenians and the Esh Group, said: “One of the things that all of the Academy groups do is that we guarantee non-conflict of interest in the group. There will only be one person there from one sector.
“We are hoping to get the word out there so people will want to join – we need a critical mass to join the group.
“There will be a maximum membership of 15. It’s almost self-selecting. It’ll effectively work like a non-executive board of directors – we are nurturing trust and understanding between members so they can discuss any issues and they feel that they’re talking to trusted colleagues.
“It’s for people seeking out a forum that will provide them with that long- term support.”
The group’s charges vary according to the size of the organisation. Ms Humble said they would average about £300 per month and grants for this type of personal development were available as part of the Government’s Train to Gain programme.
Research in the region ahead of the group’s launch found more than half of those quizzed (58%) thought Sir Richard Branson was the best famous role model entrepreneur.
Almost eight out of 10 thought the word ‘ambitious’ was the best description of an entrepreneur and more than half thought that people who grew up in poorer families were the best entrepreneurs.
However, 57% thought that the recession and changing attitudes to business would now make it more difficult for entrepreneurs to make a success of their business.
