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Imagine a business launch that feels more like a Bond premiere than a networking event…
APEX, the revolutionary new collaboration from IS THIS YOU? and The Collective made its grand unveiling at the iconic Seaham Hall this week, showcasing a new era of business collaboration with all the sophistication, energy, and glamour of a Bond premiere. This was not your average launch event—it was a luxury, high-stakes experience curated for the boldest, most ambitious business minds in the North East.
From the outset, APEX signalled it was operating on a different level.
This was not a networking event.
This was a moment.
And from this first moment, APEX set the scene. Guests arrived to a red-carpet welcome, Aston Martins gleaming outside, and the refined buzz of the atrium where welcome drinks flowed. Every detail—from lighting to music—was meticulously designed to signal that something extraordinary was about to unfold, the perfect prelude to the cinematic spectacle that was about to drop.
The cinematic experience continued inside. Guests took their seats—popcorn in hand—for the premiere of a high-impact four-minute film, produced by Howell Media. With a James Bond–inspired aesthetic, the film set the tone of intrigue, and power, embodying the energy and ambition of the APEX concept.
This wasn’t theatre for show—it was a signal of what APEX represents: elevation, precision, and confidence.
“That film wasn’t just a presentation—it was an invitation into the world we’re building,” said Claire Pickersgill, Co-Founder, “APEX is a space where every connection is purposeful, and every outcome is amplified. We wanted the energy, the confidence, and the luxury of APEX to hit before a word was spoken. From Aston Martins on the drive to popcorn and fizz for the cinematic experience, every moment was intentional.”
“We wanted every detail to communicate power and intention—from the moment you arrive to the first frame of the film,” explains Phil Gray, Co-Founder. “APEX is a place for those who operate at the highest level—and it needed to feel like it.”
With over 100 founders, creatives, brand leaders, and decision-makers present, APEX unveiled its most disruptive element yet: The Vault – signalling the next generation of strategic business growth.
As part of the APEX concept, The Vault is a cross-sector collaboration ecosystem platform designed to connect individuals, brands, founders, creatives, organisations, and investors within a single, equal-access platform—removing gatekeeping and turning connection into real opportunity.
“The Vault is where collaboration becomes actionable,” said Julie Turnbull, Co-Founder, “It’s about access without hierarchy and growth without limitation. APEX isn’t for spectators—it’s for leaders ready to move differently”
At its core, APEX is a demonstration of what happens when leadership aligns, communities unite, and collaboration is intentional.
The bold new era of business collaboration is rooted in community, authenticity and zero barriers - APEX is described by founders a powerful new force, set to facilitate meaningful connections, aiding business growth and scale-up in the North East.
John Forth, Co-Founder said, “This isn’t networking—it’s an ecosystem of connection, where business owners, skills, and opportunities are intelligently aligned through high-calibre events, strategic immersions, and AI-powered experiences.”
Phil Gray, Co-Founder added “APEX sets a new benchmark. When strategy meets spectacle, you don’t just attend—you experience a shift.”
APEX, is born from two of the North East’s most vibrant business communities - The Collective and Is This You? and brings together the strengths of a an array of established business leaders from both organisations.
Julie Turnbull, a Transformational Coach, multi-Business Owner and People-First Leader with 20+ years of leadership and coaching experience, Julie helps clients move forward with clarity, purpose, and energy that actually feels good.
Claire Pickersgill, Public Speaker, PR Strategist and Super Connector, and Founder of PR agency House of Hype & Co. Claire helps people and brands shape stories that land with integrity and impact.
Combined the duo formed The Collective, a North East–based networking concept with wellbeing and mindset at the core, developing a sell-out events formula, a community in its thousands, and forging brand collaborations with major players including Aston Martin Newcastle, H Beauty, Ad Gefrin, and Fenwick to elevate experiences.
Founded by leaders with decades of experience across business, sport, and social impact, Co-Founders Phil Gray, Steve Beharall, David Beharall and John Forth are at the helm of IS THIS YOU?
The company’s growth has been fuelled by an innovative, high impact coaching model that addresses both business and personal challenges and draws on the experience earned by the team who’ve built seven-figure businesses and led organisations at the highest levels.
Julie added: “We aim to complement — not duplicate — existing business-support frameworks by filling a crucial gap: practical, high-quality, relationship-driven collaboration that opens real opportunities for local businesses both in person and online.”
Combined the founders are united by one uncompromising vision: business is better when it’s built together, intentionally, and equally, APEX is built around THEM, and together, APEX have combined strategy, leadership, community, and influence to create a concept that redefines how modern businesses connect and grow.
The Why? Research conducted by APEX with SMEs in the region identified - 93% were focused on growth, 81% were craving real collaboration and 75% were seeking greater visibility, APEX is built around THEM.
Designed to bring businesses together equally and intentionally, APEX is purpose-led and delivered in luxury environments charged with energy, ambition, and vigour—where every detail is deliberate, and every connection has potential.
“APEX isn’t an event series—it’s a movement,” the founding team added. “And this was only the beginning.”
Those who walked the red carpet at Seaham Hall didn’t just attend a launch.
They experienced what the future of collaboration looks like.
APEX has arrived in style.
