'Ambition to be like our best customers'

May 24 2007 By The Journal

Entrust is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, which makes it one of the oldest enterprise agencies in the UK.

In that time, Entrust has assisted 30,000 individuals, helped 3,000 companies start trading and last year helped North-East businesses raise more than £3m of investment.

It has been a magnificent effort and one could understand if business leaders across the region were raising their glasses in thanks to Entrust as it celebrates this special birthday.

The organisation has a history of supporting entrepreneurs and their businesses.

While it is justifiably proud of the contribution it has made to the North-East economy, it prefers to look forward rather than back.

To build on this significant success and reputation, the business appointed a new chair, David Bowles, last autumn.

David, who has an outstanding track record as a business leader and champion of business in the region, said: "I was delighted to begin the process of taking the business to its next stage of development.

"While Entrust has a great history, it now must look forward and tackle new challenges. The business support sector is now very different to the one that was in place 25 years ago and we must adapt to these changes effectively and efficiently.

"My role and that of my fellow board of directors will be to provide strategic management and to ensure that the business is in shape to take advantage of the opportunities that now exist."

To assist this process the company has recruited Dan Brophy as its new CEO. Dan, who has worked in skills, enterprise and business development internationally for more than 25 years, is clear about what Entrust is about.

"We are here to help individuals to take care of their business," he said. "That's what our strapline says, and that's what we do."

Asked about the confusion of who does what for whom, Dan readily responds that there is constant danger of "initiativitis".

He said: "There is now a growing recognition that well meaning projects and initiatives, particularly those that are short-lived, often don't help.

"My driving ambition has always been to be like my best customers - the small businesses that prosper from building great relationships with their customers and do not stand still."

Entrust's offer of support and advice extends to all businesses and individuals, whether they want help, support or advice on money, markets, people or training.

Like all service sector businesses, Entrust knows its key asset is its staff.

David Bowles believes the staff are what have made the difference. "Entrust has got a fantastic reputation and history," he said.

"That's because of our people. Our people will take care of our business by helping you take care of yours. That's got to be good for all of us in the North-East."