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Forum praises regional entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurial business leaders in the region were honoured by their peers at an awards ceremony in Gateshead last week. The Entrepreneurs’ Forum’s annual awards ceremony rounded off the Progres5ive conference at the Hilton Hotel.

The Forum handed out a lifetime achievement accolade, with the inaugural award going to Michael Hogan, of Esh Group. Michael helped establish the enterprise at a time when he was enjoying success as sole proprietor of a fencing business and property firm in Esh Winning, County Durham.

He joined forces with other like-minded companies in the area, pooling resources and business acumen to mutual benefit. A holding company was established, shares exchanged and the venture now boasts 1,000 employees and an annual turnover in excess of £100m.

Michael said: “The best thing for me is always seeing other people enjoy, with myself and my family, the fruits of what we achieve. I’m incredibly proud of that.”

The Entrepreneur of the Year title went to Tony Trapp, managing director of Hexham-based IHC The Engineering Business. The Forum’s Emerging Talent Award, recognising the achievements and future potential of young entrepreneurs, went to Lisa Hart, the CEO of Newcastle-based Acritas.

Carole Beverley, chief executive of the Forum, said: “If anybody ever doubted whether the entrepreneurial spirit of the North East was alive and kicking, they need only look at our award winners. They are precisely what this region is all about and why it is so special. To be honoured by their peers makes our winners’ successes all the more impressive and we are thrilled for all three of them.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .