Member Event: Putting the ‘Success’ in Succession

Embark on an exploration of our region’s business landscape and hear leaders from four prominent family-run enterprises share the challenges, advice and history that have shaped their success! 

During this exclusive member event, we’ll focus on the intricacies of succession planning, shining a light on those who have stepped into senior roles within family businesses. 

Our panel of leaders from four major North East businesses (Nadia Johnson of Ringtons, Toby Bridges of NBT Group, Caroline Moody of Moody Logistics and Storage and Atul Malhotra of Malhotra Group) will share their personal experiences and offer invaluable advice on succession planning. 

Join us and discover: 

• The personal stories of our panellists as they recount the challenges encountered while assuming senior leadership roles in their family businesses
• The strategies employed by our panellists to foster a culture of continuity, innovation and growth within their businesses
• The benefits of a considered approach to succession planning for current and future generations
• The roots, growth and milestones that have shaped these four major North East family-run businesses

Don't miss this golden opportunity to be part of a thought-provoking discussion that could shape the future of your business. Save your seat today! 

About Our Panellists 

Nadia Johnson, Ringtons
Nadia Johnson is a Director in Ringtons. Founded in 1907 and now into its fifth generation, Ringtons remains a family-owned company based in Newcastle.

In addition to tea and coffee (for which it’s best known), Ringtons also offers a range of other products including biscuits, sweets, and gift hampers delivered through a traditional doorstep delivery service. Ringtons additionally has a large tea packing division which sources, produces and packs for private label customers.

Following a rigorous interview and an 18-month long assessment process, Nadia joined the company in October 2021, relocating her family from London and ending her career for Barclays as an occupational psychologist.  Nadia is now one of its first ever female directors. 

Toby Bridges, NBT Group

An experienced company director, Toby took over the reins at NBT Group in 2008, replacing his father as the business’ CEO. 

Toby was instrumental in helping the business evolve into a supply chain management company and, despite recession and the relocation of much of the North East’s manufacturing industry to China, grew the business from £3m to £14m turnover in three years, earning the business Ward Hadaway’s Fastest 50 North East accolade in 2018. 

A keen advocate of peer based learning, Toby mentors numerous businesses across the region. He is a board member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, Newcastle Creates, Digital Catapult, The Exchange and the NELEP’s Growth Board and is a visiting professor of supply chain management at Northumbria University. 

Caroline Moody, Moody Logistics and Storage

Moody Logistics was established in 1947 by David Moody, the grandfather of current Managing Director, Caroline Moody, who was appointed to the role in 2013.  

Under Caroline’s leadership, Moody Logistics has grown into one of the North East’s largest independent transport and warehousing operations with a 100,000 sq ft facility based in Cramlington, Northumberland and a fleet of 33 vehicles. 

A passionate advocate for the logistics industry, Caroline was named the winner in the Freight Leader category of the 2020 Amazon Everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards and in 2021 won the Northern Transport Woman of the Year. 

Atul Malhotra, Malhotra Group

Atul Malhtora is the second generation of the Malhotra family and Chief Operations Officer of the Malhotra Group, a business representing an impressive leisure, care and property portfolio. 

Atul joined the business in 2003 where he was tasked with overseeing the growth of the leisure arm of the Group. Under his control, the leisure portfolio has grown into an ever-expanding regional collection of hotels, restaurants and bars. 

Atul is a member of the Darras Hall Estates Committee, a Governor of Darras Hall Primary School and is on the board of several foundations. In 2020 and 2021 he was shortlisted for the Insitute of Directors North East Director of the Year award and recently made the Northern Asian Power List. 

The small print - Member Events are open to all members and partners of the Forum. Two guest places are available to ‘Ultimate’ and ‘Premium’ members. Please note guests must be from your own company.

If you are a ‘Core’ member and would like to upgrade your membership, or find out more please email info@entrepreneursoforum.net or call one of the team on 0191 500 7780.