Growth and strategy expert to launch Yorkshire business group in Newcastle

After running in Yorkshire for the past 20 months, a peer-to-peer business mentoring group is launching in Newcastle.

Founded by growth and strategy expert Gary King, Food4Thought has launched two groups in Leeds and one in Sheffield, and there are plans are in place to launch a group in Newcastle on 4th July.

Meeting monthly for a three course meal, business owners come together to discuss a different topic relevant to business growth including marketing, sales and product innovation.

Food4Thought has seen over 50 business owners in attendance since its formation and, with increased demand from across the region, Gary plans to extend the support to business owners in Hull, York and Wakefield also.

Nicola Pettit, founder of Night and Day PA has been attending the original Leeds Food4Thought group since its formation.

Nicola commented: “I currently travel from Hull to Leeds on a monthly basis to attend the groups and think they’re well-worth the commute. The event provides a relaxed atmosphere for business owners to share best practice and discuss challenges. The support and learning it has offered me has been invaluable to support our growth.

“Gary facilitates the meetings professionally, ensuring they keep to time, and, with a different topic to discuss each month, it inspires and evokes really good conversation. Whilst Gary allows the conversation to flow naturally, he keeps it focused and does his homework before attending to keep it specific to the challenges faced by the people around the table.”

Gary added: “Business owners of growing firms often don’t know where to turn for support. Bringing a group of like minded experts together in a relaxed setting to offer each other advice and support, has proved to be a useful platform to generate ideas, build confidence and aid business growth.

“I’m delighted with the feedback received following the first three groups and I look forward to rolling them out across the country.”