Our Board

James Robson MBE

Chairman

Director of Exwold & Founder of Alexander Jewitt & Co.

"The access the Entrepreneurs’ Forum gives business owners to a strong and diverse network is vital to the success of so many North East firms. Being an entrepreneur should never be a lonely existence and the opportunity to engage with fellow business owners who have experience and expertise to share is without doubt one of the most valuable resources available to our members."

Brendon Hayward

Board Member

Co-founder and Managing Director of Osbit

"The Entrepreneurs’ Forum is important for business owners because you get to meet like-minded individuals and highly-successful people who you can learn from, share stories and share experiences."

Brian Palmer

Board Member

Founder of Tharsus

"The Entrepreneurs’ Forum helped me on my entrepreneurial journey, providing inspiration, insight and camaraderie, so I feel that it is only right to accept the invitation to join the Forum’s Board."

Gill Courtney MBE

Board Member

"Supporting local businesses is rewarding because investing in them and helping to remove barriers to growth such as access to finance , skills and promoting best practice generally leads to increased productivity and competitiveness, which is fantastic for the North East and UK economy. There's a huge amount of pride in the North East and this creates an environment for self-perpetuating growth."

Kari Owers

Board Member

CEO of O.Agency

“Joining the Forum was the first thing I did when I started my business and over the last 15 years I have benefited from advice and mentoring from many of its members, whilst learning from top entrepreneurs tell their stories and building new relationships at their events. I have gained invaluable knowledge and made new friendships that have lasted over the years, so now I’m happy to give back.”

Pamela Petty

Board Member

Former Managing Director of Ebac and owner of Entreprenising

"The North East doesn’t shout about what it does. If we lift our heads up for a short while, we can make a stronger economy."

Yvonne Bell

Board Member

Director of Bell Bros (Ashington) Ltd.

"I accepted the invitation to join the board of the Forum as I reckon it's payback time for all the support and encouragement its members have given me over the past few years... some of which haven't been easy. It is good to know we are not alone."

Toby Bridges

Board Member

Executive Chairman of The NBT Group

"To be joining the EF’s Board at the start of their 3^rd decade, having received the benefits of membership almost since its inception, and to tread in the footsteps of some of our region’s greatest entrepreneurs is a true honour.  I’m looking forward to supporting the exec team, the members, and the partners, as we all endeavour to refresh, realign, and reimagine what great entrepreneurial support is, that will see our region’s economy thrive across our next decade."