Chair Election 2023

Our current Chair, James Robson MBE is retiring from his post at the end of 2023. 

James has completed two terms as Chairman, spanning six years, in which he has steered the Entrepreneurs’ Forum through the COVID pandemic and seen our membership grow from strength to strength with 330 active members today.  His passion for nurturing entrepreneurs has shone throughout his tenure as both a mentor to over 35 entrepreneurs and a knowledgeable and supportive host of our regular round table discussions and focus dinners. James now has positions as a NED with three member companies where he assists with their strategic growth plans including fund raising.

We are now looking to find a new Chair who can help drive the ambitions of the Forum forward into the future. 

The Chair’s role is for a three year period plus a transition period at the end of the tenure to help a future Chair transition (if required). The role is unremunerated.

Who are we looking for?

The incoming Chair must be an entrepreneur and a positive role model. They will be passionate about how the Entrepreneurs’ Forum creates a vibrant and inclusive community which brings together and inspires North East entrepreneurs. 

It is therefore desirable that the incoming Chair is/has:

  1. An entrepreneur with in-depth personal experience of running and scaling a business, ideally, in the North East. We are looking for a positive role model with a range of “war stories” from their own entrepreneurial journey that they are willing to share with the wider membership, playing a pivotal role in inspiring the region’s entrepreneurs.
  2. A demonstrable passion for the North East entrepreneurial community.
  3. Strong existing regional network within the entrepreneurial community.
  4. Experience of leading advisory or governance boards

Further skills/ experience which are advantageous 

  1. Ability to inspire others through engaging story telling
  2. Ability to leverage networks outside the North East in order to advance our own network
  3. Experience at liaising with the press
  4. An understanding of public sector finances, for example UKSPF, and how this will impact our region

Nominations Process

We are seeking nominations by Friday 15th September 2023.
All entrepreneurial members are able to be nominated, including current board members. 
The election process is governed by our Articles of Association.  These specify that nominations must be seconded by a current director of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum. 

A list of our directors can be found here.

Nominations, seconded by a current director, should be sent via email to Elaine Stroud. 

Election Process

All nominations that meet our criteria will be put forward to the election process. We will advise you if your nomination has been put forward.
The Directors of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum are each entitled to vote for the future Chair. The vote will take place on Monday 9th October 2023. 

On appointment of the new Chair, there will be a transition between James and the incoming Chair until formal handover of duties in January 2024.

Further Information

Our current directors are keen to speak to interested candidates. 

Entrepreneurs are welcome to make direct contact or can contact our CEO, Elaine Stroud who will organise an introduction. 

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