EF News
The Entrepreneurs’ Forum has announced the launch of its ninth Scale-up Leaders’ Academy cohort, welcoming a new group of ambitious North East business owners ready to accelerate their growth journey.
This year’s intake brings together talent from across the region including Kevin Johnston of Funky Chunky Furniture in Jarrow; Rob and Ali Boville of Beartech Dev and Paul Card of Paul Card Recruitment, both based in Stockton; Caroline Moody, Richard Moody and Gavin Cape of Cramlington’s Moody Logistics; and Jonny Catto, Jean-Louis Gravier, Tayler Reed and Hannah Catto from Gateshead’s iPac Packaging Innovations.
The line-up is completed by Peter Moore and Richard Townsend of T3 Security in Seaton Burn and Kim Davis of Newcastle-based Explain Market Research.
Launched in 2017, the Scale-up Leaders’ Academy supports founders and senior leaders to unlock sustained high growth. Over six months, participants work closely with scale-up coach Ian Kinnery to build and implement a One Page Strategic Plan, with a focus on four core pillars critical to scale-up success – people, strategy, execution and cash.
To date, the Academy has supported more than 70 entrepreneurs across the North East, with previous participants strengthening leadership teams, opening new markets and significantly increasing sales, profits and headcount.
A key milestone for the programme was achieved in November last year when the Academy was formally recognised by the ScaleUp Institute as an Exemplar Scale-up Programme, placing it among the UK’s most impactful and credible support initiatives for growing businesses.
Elaine Stroud, Chief Executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, said: “We’re delighted to welcome our ninth Scale-up Leaders’ Academy cohort. Each entrepreneur brings inspiring ambition and a strong appetite for growth, and we’re excited to support them as they take their next strategic steps.”
“This year is particularly special as it marks the first time the Academy has run under its new status as an endorsed Exemplar Scale-up Programme by the ScaleUp Institute. This recognition highlights the real impact the programme is having for business leaders in the North East.”
The Scale-up Leaders’ Academy provides business owners with the structure, accountability and peer support they need to scale sustainably. Through hands-on workshops, expert insight, collaboration with fellow leaders and the new Entrepreneurs in Residence scheme, participants gain the clarity and tools required to turn ambition into action.
Elaine continued: “Scale-ups are vital to the region’s economic strength. We’re proud to support the brilliant businesses joining us this year and we can’t wait to see what they achieve.”
Founded in 2002, the Entrepreneurs’ Forum represents a dynamic and collaborative community of more than 350 North East entrepreneurs. Its partners include Agilico, Blu Sky, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, RBC Brewin Dolphin, Ward Hadaway, Maitland and NET.
