EF News
How well do you know your fellow members?
In this feature, we shine a light on some of the Forum’s long standing members, exploring their business journey, their connection to the North East, and what makes it such a special place to live, work and grow a successful business. Born and raised in ‘The Boro’, Pete Lillie spent years supporting companies across Europe and the Middle East in tech and IT security, before returning home to launch Presca Sportswear, a sustainable teamwear brand he exited in early 2021.
Now founder of DOUBLE A-SIDE, Pete helps businesses develop strategies, drive growth and achieve lasting impact. Here, he shares his love of Middlesbrough F.C. (especially their mascot, Rory the Lion - aka his eldest daughter, Anya) the North East food scene and breakdancing.
Can you tell us what the business does?
DOUBLE A-SIDE, has a core objective to deliver both employee value and organisational profit (those with a vinyl record collection will hopefully get the Double A-side reference). We deliver a value-based proposition that enables organisations to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth, converting purpose into measurable commercial value and long-term organisational resilience. We strengthen business development through clear market positioning, partnership strategy and pipeline creation, and ensure organisations are investment-ready with robust propositions, credible impact metrics and commercially viable delivery models.
What are the best and worst parts of your job?
The most rewarding part is the ‘light-bulb’ moment with a client – when the work we’ve done together suddenly clicks into place and a clear, confident plan emerges. The toughest part is seeing just how much pressure entrepreneurs and business owners place on themselves to deliver, often carrying far more than they need to on their own.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
Personally – and most importantly – being a dad to three daughters and still being relatively sane. Professionally, the real achievement is being able to align what I do for a living with what I genuinely care about and enjoy. That combination feels like a privilege.
What is your biggest fear, either personally or professionally?
I’m an optimist by nature, but I am concerned by the social and environmental risk created when political short-term wins are prioritised over long-term value. Too often the wider impact of those decisions – on people, places and financial sustainability – isn’t fully recognised. For me, real progress comes from taking a longer view and understanding that economic performance, environmental responsibility and social value are inseparable.
What is one thing that not many people know about you?
I’ve been a sprint coach at my local athletics club for the past ten years, but my true claim to sporting fame is winning a breakdancing competition at school in 1985 – a skill set that, sadly, hasn’t yet made it into the training programme.
How do you unwind after a long week in the office?
A spin class at the gym is my way of switching off for an hour – and, in my mind at least, it fully offsets the couple of pints of the black stuff that usually follow with the family at the pub.
What are you currently watching, reading and/or listening to?
It’s a combination of audiobooks and podcasts, mostly centred on people and their journeys. I’ve recently gone back to Moods of Future Joys by Alastair Humphreys – a brilliant reminder that adventure is really about the individuals you meet and the shared experiences that shape you.
What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?
I spent many years working in the Middle East and Europe, but the North East is different. The openness, the humour, the generosity – and that underlying determination – create a sense of community and purpose you don’t find everywhere.
What is your favourite regional restaurant, coffee shop or bar?
My local is The Fox Covert in High Leven – relaxed, welcoming and known for its great, hearty food. For something more celebratory we usually head to Chadwicks in Maltby, where the menus are built around outstanding regional produce. It’s a great example of how strong the North East food scene has become, we recently tried one of their wine-pairing evenings which was really good fun.
You have out of region clients visiting, what is the one place that you would recommend they visit?
Of course it’s the Riverside Stadium. It’s our version of a cultural induction – full of passion and accompanied by a very honest running commentary from the stands. You can even say hello to our mascot, Rory the Lion… also known as my eldest daughter, Anya, (don’t tell anyone under the age of 12!). If there’s no match on, the Marske to Saltburn walk is hard to beat – great cliff views, sea air, surfers, a pier wander and fish and chips done the way they should be.
You have been a member of the Forum for over eight years. What initially attracted you to join?
Meeting like-minded people and having that sense of mutual support was the initial draw. When you’re knee-deep in setting up or running a business, it can feel as though you’re expected to have all the answers. Being able to spend time with people who’ve been there, seen it and done it to test ideas, share experiences and learn from each other makes a huge difference.
What is your favourite thing about the Forum?
It’s driven by entrepreneurs who really reflect the character of the region – innovative, hard-working, open and with a great sense of humour. That combination creates an environment where people support each other and make things happen.
Finally, what advice would you give to new members or anyone considering joining the Entrepreneurs Forum in the future?
Chat to people, come along to a few events and just get involved. It’s a welcoming, down-to-earth community and you’ll quickly realise you’re among people who want you to succeed.
