Forge at Middleton Lodge Estate has retained both its Michelin Star and Michelin Green Star in The 2026 MICHELIN Guide for Great Britain & Ireland. The awards were confirmed on Monday 9 February 2026 at the Michelin Guide Ceremony at the Convention Centre Dublin.
Earlier this week, Forum members came together for a practical, peer-led conversation about how they are actually using AI in their businesses. Rather than chasing hype or theoretical use cases, the focus was on real experience: what’s working, what isn’t, and where AI is genuinely improving productivity.
How well do you know your fellow members? In this feature, we shine a light on some of the Forum’s longest 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.
Rapidly expanding Greener Solutions Group, has begun 2026 with a buoyant forward order book that will see turnover increase from £3.1 million to in excess of £4 million in the current financial year.
Robson Laidler Accountants, with offices in Newcastle, Durham and Teesside, has once again achieved the top-level ‘Maintaining Excellence’ standard in the Better Health at Work Awards programme.
Turnover has jumped at a Newcastle-headquartered design practice, which transitioned to an employee ownership trust last year and is working on major schemes including the Pilgrim Street regeneration.
Dyer has announced an investment of over £600,000 in its North East operations, marking the company’s largest capital spend in three years as it expands manufacturing capacity, invests in industry leading automation and grows its highly skilled workforce.
An innovative North East data connectivity firm is passing on its expertise to partners nationwide as a key member of one of the UK’s foremost business collectives.
Strategic brand agency, Better, has partnered with US-based functional beverage brand Happy Being to launch a bold new identity, can design and digital presence.
A new year is just beginning, and that means strategy should be moving to the top of your priority list. Year-end can be hectic, especially for founders juggling multiple priorities. But carving out time for planning now is worth every minute. Jon Dudgeon, co-founder at Blu Sky, explains how, with a clear strategy in place, you can enter 2026 with the focus, energy and confidence needed to make it your best year yet.
