Partner Article

North East firms told to get fit

THE region’s businesses were yesterday given an insight into how to make the most of the many opportunities on offer despite the current economic climate.

The Fighting Fit 2010 conference at The Sage Gateshead saw several high profile regional entrepreneurs address the challenges of the economic downturn in front of over 200 businesses from across the North East.

Durham University graduate, James Averdieck, founder and managing director of Gü Chocolate Puds provided the afternoon keynote speech and gave an open and honest overview of setting up his business and growing it into a £35m enterprise.

Chaired by BBC presenter, Declan Curry, among the speakers were Alastair MacColl, chief executive of Business & Enterprise North East; Richard Denny, business growth specialist; Professor Roy Sandbach, Research Fellow, Procter and Gamble; Brett Jacobson, founder and managing director of Mediaworks Online and the 2009 North East Entrepreneur of the Year, Nickie Gott, managing director, She’s Gott It! Events.

The Business Link conference, involved a number of interactive masterclasses, keynote sessions and panel discussions designed to provide businesses across the region with the practical tools to assist with approaching growth in the current uncertain economic climate.

Nicki Clark, assistant chief executive, Business & Enterprise North East provided the closing remarks from the day. She said: “The economic downturn continues to have a significant impact on businesses in the North East, and it remains crucial that we provide support and assistance to those feeling the effects. “Today we have been looking at the opportunities for growth and it is Business Link’s job to help businesses start, succeed and grow.

“North East businesses have adapted to these difficult times and the spirit of enterprise is alive and well in the region. “It’s fantastic that the conference has had the support of such high profile speakers who have been able to offer their personal advice and guidance to businesses in the region.”

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