Entrepreneurs’ Forum has welcomed North East leaders

Launched by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, the academy supports business leaders as they build out their scaling ambition.

Among this year’s intake are business owners from across the North East, including Kevin Johnston of Funky Chunky Furniture, based in Jarrow.

Stockton is represented by Rob and Ali Boville of Beartech Dev, and Paul Card of Paul Card Recruitment.

Others include Caroline Moody, Richard Moody, and Gavin Cape of Cramlington-based Moody Logistics, and a group from Gateshead’s iPac Packaging Innovations – Jonny Catto, Jean-Louis Gravier, Tayler Reed, and Hannah Catto.

Also taking part are Peter Moore and Richard Townsend of T3 Security in Seaton Burn, and Kim Davis of Newcastle-based Explain Market Research.

The academy, launched in 2017, is designed to help founders and senior leaders drive sustained growth.

Over six months, participants work with scale-up coach Ian Kinnery to develop and deliver a One Page Strategic Plan focused on four areas—people, strategy, execution, and cash.

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.”

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.

The programme reached a key milestone in November last year when it was recognised by the ScaleUp Institute as an Exemplar Scale-up Programme.

This placed it among the UK’s most impactful and credible support initiatives for growing businesses.

Ms Stroud said: “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 academy offers business owners a clear structure, accountability, and peer support to help them scale sustainably.

It combines practical workshops and expert advice with collaboration opportunities and the Entrepreneurs in Residence scheme.

Ms Stroud said: “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.”

The Entrepreneurs’ Forum was established in 2002 and now represents a network of more than 350 entrepreneurs from across the North East.

The organisation is supported by partners including Agilico, Blu Sky, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, RBC Brewin Dolphin, Ward Hadaway, Maitland, and NET.

The Scale-up Leaders’ Academy is designed to turn ambition into action by giving founders and senior teams the confidence, tools, and network needed to deliver sustainable growth.

It also aims to create an environment where business owners can learn from one another’s experiences.

Alumni of the academy have gone on to expand their teams, enter new markets, and deliver increased commercial success.