Entrepreneurs’ Forum: A year of bringing inspirational business leaders to the North East stage

On Day 10 of Bdaily’s 12 Days of Christmas, we hear from Sally Cowling of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, a not-for-profit organisation that brings together like-minded business owners from the North East to share experience and help each other grow their companies faster.

From thought-provoking workshops to inspiring conferences, the past 12 months have seen over 50 Forum events taking place, with world-class speakers gracing our stages.

Listening to other people’s stories is energising, inspiring and opens up your mind. The positive impact this can have on entrepreneurs and their businesses is a major driver for Forum events.

Before welcoming the new year, and a new events programme, we’re looking back on 2023 and picking our top four takeaways shared by our speakers this year. Read on to find out more…

1. Being sustainable doesn’t need to cost the earth

As co-founder of Frog Bikes, a global leader in children’s bicycle manufacturing, Shelley Lawson is proving that the benefits to a sustainable approach to business far outweigh the costs, and at times lead to cost savings.

She told the audience at our May 2023 conference about how she has actively reduced the carbon footprint of her bikes by moving the assembly to the UK and changing the product design to allow for more eco-friendly components.

For example, from 2024, Frog Bikes will be using recycled aluminium for the frames and cranks. She talked with conviction about the advantages of putting sustainability at the forefront of her business which she believes has led to a highly motivated workforce and has made her business more attractive to investors.

2. Be bold to be successful

Also in May, we heard from Tony Anderson, easyJet’s first Sales and Marketing Director, who told us that being bold was one of the secret’s to the airline’s early success. easyJet sparked a revolution in the airline industry with its low cost fares and direct sales model, disrupting the industry and rattling the goliath of the UK skies, British Airways.

But it wasn’t just the business model which broke the mould; Tony also led the charge in exploiting its underdog position with several memorable guerilla marketing publicity stunts.

3. Never lose faith in your dreams

From a young age Dr Kanya King CBE, the visionary behind MOBO (Music of Black Origin), had to overcome many obstacles to achieve her vision and support others. She faced financial struggles, was given uninspiring career advice at school and was repeatedly turned away by people who claimed there was ‘no audience for music of black origin.’

Instead of retreating into the background, Kanya showed a true spirit of bravery and resilience and has grown MOBO into a globally recognised brand which has played an instrumental role in the careers of many artists such as Stormzy, Rita Ora and Craig David.

4. Knock backs build resilience

At our most recent conference in November, Rob Law, founder of Trunki, reminded us he had received one of the most famous rejections from Dragons’ Den after Peter Jones named the brand worthless.

But his grit and determination, along with his innovative product, helped him to defy the odds as he grew Trunki into a household brand, selling over four million suitcases across the globe.

From rejection in the den to global success with a product designed whilst studying at Northumbria University, Rob taught us that perseverance is needed to get a business up and running, and that every set back helps build resilience to deal with future challenges.

From navigating unprecedented challenges to championing diversity and inclusion, these four key messages serve not only as inspiration for the year ahead but as timeless principles to carry forward in life and business.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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