EF News
The Entrepreneurs’ Forum has today published its 2024/25 Impact Report, capturing a year in which its community of entrepreneurs demonstrated resilience, creativity and determination in the face of tough economic conditions.
Covering the year ending 31 March 2025, the report shows that Forum supported over 400 North East entrepreneurs as they overcame rising costs, skills shortages, new government policies and market uncertainty to collectively generate £2.5 billion turnover, up from £2.2 billion in the previous year, while employing 16,000 staff across the region.
Elaine Stroud, Chief Executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, said: “Entrepreneurs are the people who take risks, create jobs and drive growth across the North East and beyond. The life of an entrepreneur is never easy, but this year has reminded me why ambition matters so much.
“Despite what’s been thrown at them this year, our members showed resilience and creativity, and crucially, they supported each other. That spirit of collaboration is what makes the Entrepreneurs’ Forum so special.”
The Impact Report highlights how the Forum responded to the needs of its members during 2024/25. Over the course of the year, the Forum brokered nearly 100 mentoring connections, recognising that entrepreneurs who are supported by seasoned peers are far more likely to go on and become top performers themselves.
It also expanded its events programme, increasing from 57 to 70 events, including an enhanced series of confidential round tables and off-the-record discussions shaped by the barriers to growth identified in its quarterly surveys. In addition, members took part in 4,500 hours of education through workshops designed to equip them with the skills, insight and confidence needed to move forward.
The Forum has always been known for the calibre of speakers it brings to the region and this year was no exception as members were given a scaling up masterclass by former CEO of Gymshark, Steve Hewitt, a powerful lesson purpose-driven leadership by Rosie Brown co-CEO at COOK and were taken through the rollercoaster start up journey of Fever Tree by its founder Charles Rolls.
“Our ambition remains to be the number one support organisation for entrepreneurs in the UK,” Elaine added. “That means supporting the entrepreneur, not just their business. We will continue to raise the bar on the quality of our programmes, broaden the diversity of our membership, and invest in data and insights to demonstrate the impact we’re making.”
The Entrepreneurs’ Forum credits its achievements to the strength of its community and the trust placed in it by its members, partners and supporters. As Elaine concludes, “None of this would be possible without the backing of our community. I hope this report inspires pride in what we’ve achieved together and excitement for what lies ahead.”
The Entrepreneurs’ Forum was founded in 2002 and represents over 350 North East entrepreneurs who own businesses which turnover between £250,000 and £400 million. Its partners are selected for the support they can offer the members and include Agilico, RBC Brewin Dolphin, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, Ward Hadaway, Blu Sky, Maitland and North East Times.
