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SMEs get advice on breaking through

Businesses at the heart of the North East economy were urged to target the big breakthroughs that could see them emerge from the recession in robust health at a conference earlier this month.

Small and medium sized enterprises were given advice on how to realise their potential by speakers at the Entrepreneurs’ Forum’s ‘Breaking Through’ event in Gateshead.

The conference was given particular food for thought by Jo Fairley, co-founder of organic chocolate company Green & Black’s. At 23, she became the country’s youngest ever magazine editor and progressed to form Green & Black’s in 1991.

“Recession forces you to be creative, to tap into your inner resources and to use every single contact who may be of use to your business,” she said. “I think this recession could breed a whole new culture of entrepreneurism. We are looking at a very exciting future.

“Every challenge can be made into an opportunity. In the coming months, many of us are going to face challenges and have hard business decisions to make.

“The secrets are to work hard, try to do good while doing business and you’ll be rewarded many times over, make your staff feel part of a team and always harness the power of publicity.”

Paul Callaghan, chairman of technology and communications firm, The Leighton Group, said that he expected a strengthening of the manufacturing, services and tourism industries in years to come, as well as the emergence of new sectors in electric vehicle production, digital technology, renewable energy and printable electronics.

“We need entrepreneurial spirit to transform this region – and we have got to do it for 2018,” he said. “Let’s bring the World Cup to Sunderland and Newcastle. Let’s bring it to our region and show that we can stand shoulder to shoulder with anywhere in Europe. Let’s show that this is a region that is so positive about itself.”

For more information, visit www.entrepreneursforum.net.

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