Partner Article

Entrepreneurs' Forum welcomes new boss

Entrepreneurs across the region have a new leader to help guide them through the global recession.

Tom Maxfield takes over from his former Sage colleague Paul Walker, who has been at the helm of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum for the past three years.

Mr Walker handed over the chairmanship to Mr Maxfield, a founder member of the Forum, at the first meeting of the year held at the Radisson Hotel, in Durham.

His experience of running companies, including the redevelopment of Seaham Hall Hotel, is seen as invaluable as North East entrepreneurs continue to buck the world economic downturn.

Mr Maxfield said: “I have been involved with the Forum since the beginning and spent the past six years on the board. Over the next three years my job is to make sure the Forum is well placed to respond to the challenging times ahead.

“Ironically you would think that the entrepreneurial fire has been quenched. But the entrepreneurial spirit that brings all of us together is in rude health and because entrepreneurs regard failure as nothing more than a temporary setback we expect the Forum to play an increasingly active role as economic conditions worsen.”

He urged members to share their views on issues that affected the business community.

“Let’s ensure that in these uncertain times we are all available to contribute, to offer help and advice freely and to share our experiences for the benefit of others so that collectively we ensure that the entrepreneurial spirit in the North East continues to shine brightly.”

Carole Beverly, chief executive of the Forum, added: “I would like to thank Paul for the time and support he has given as chairman, steering us through three years of growth both in membership and the profile, size and quality of the events we hold.

“We are privileged to have people of such calibre on our board. Their immense experience and guiding hand is vital to the Forum’s continued success.”

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