Over 100 people entered this year’s ‘If we can, you can’ Challenge, as we sought to award North East entrepreneurs for their outstanding business ideas, inspiring journeys and commitment to making their businesses succeed.
It’s all about encouraging a spirit of entrepreneurship in the North East, and raising awareness of the region’s fantastic entrepreneurs. As we’ve often mentioned, the quality of this year’s entrants has monumentally surpassed all expectations, and we want to thank them all for sharing their inspirational stories.
In addition to our ‘Faces of Entrepreneurship’ and ambassadors, this year we decided to award seven additional entrants. These entrepreneurs were deemed by the judges to have demonstrated pure determination to succeed, often overcoming a challenge or stereotype to follow their passion.
The category challenge winners are:
Maureen Lindberg (Tyne and Wear) – started a business from a corporate background;
Richard Hannam (Hexham) – became an entrepreneur after being made redundant;
Vinnie Morgan (Teesside) – started a business straight after education;
Derek Foxcroft (Teesside) – frustration at work led him to start a business;
Clare Fenwick (Hartlepool) – a parent with small children who became an entrepreneur;
Helen Ledger (Sunderland) – an ‘accidental entrepreneur’; who saw an opportunity
Sarah Pittendrigh (County Durham) – a single parent who started her own business.
Each of the seven winners will be awarded an ipod touch, and an invitation to attend the Entrepreneurs’ Forum’s annual SME conference - which will give valuable advice for small businesses on breaking through challenges and opportunities.
Please take a look at our winners and view their If we can, you can profiles – they are all incredibly inspiring.
Wednesday 2 September 2009
Friday 5 June 2009
More testimonials
We wanted to take an opportunity to say a huge thanks to our finalists for being so inspirational and for putting so much energy and enthusiasm towards the If we can, you can ethos. Although voting for your favourite finalist will close at midnight on Sunday 7th June, we hope they’ll all consider themselves winners and we’ll continue to follow everyone’s progress.
Here are some more heartening comments that have come through in support for our wonderful finalists:
Andrea D’Ercole
“I'd like to vote for Andrea D'Ercole of ItalyAbroad.
Successfully bringing the true pride & passion of Italy to the North East via its beautiful food & wine is an excellent achievement. And what a great web site too.
To Andrea & the ItalyAbroad team I say fantastico, meraviglioso e tanti auguri.”
Ben Haslam
“I bought a Keba Artmate some years ago and have since acquired a second one. This wonderful invention has revolutionised the tedious task of stretching watercolour paper to such a degree that even someone as clumsy as I am could easily stretch paper, even while out painting "plein air". Ben deserves the heartfelt thanks of all watercolourists, amateur and professional.”
Christine Pearce
“Christine’s a very savvy lady – entrepreneurial, driven, practical, ambitious and with a great business idea and an impressive vision for the future. Christine is also extremely nice and a very hardworking mum – she deserves to have got this far and she gets my vote!”
Claire Fitzpatrick
“My vote is for Claire. No pain, all gain! A rare practitioner who gives 110% to each and every client!”
Claire Mitchell
“Claire is an outstanding business woman who has managed to achieve the holy grail of running 2 successful businesses while also dedicating time to her family. She is an inspiring role model for those of us who are trying to achieve the same, very difficult, balance and success.”
Emma Reilly
“I would like to vote for Emma. Excellent idea and one of the nicest people you will ever meet.”
Ian Smith
“Ian is a breath of fresh air in his chosen sector and brings a true client centered approach to business that is to be modeled. The culture in his business is leading edge and radical delivering great work consistently.”
Louise Bell
“Louise has always impressed me with her effortless charm and great professionalism when dealing with potential clients.
Her natural ease with people, coupled with her obvious business acumen always impresses and secures a high level of customer interest in her tanning service. We love her tanning concept and so do our brides, particularly as it is mobile and so convenient.”
Mark Easby
“Better Brand Studio has provided me with fantastic insight into viral marketing and use of new communication and social networking websites such as twitter that will prive invaluable to ais building a strong brand image.
It is encouraging to see that despite a number of initial setbacks and the tragedy that mark has faced , his resolve and determination to succeed has seen him become a success in his own right and catapult his new company into the voting stages for such a worthwhile award.
It just goes to show that poor exam results count for very little if you have the imagination and drive to be successful.”
Nigel Begg
“I'd like to vote for Nigel Begg, who's been getting on with building a great business in an untypical and unassuming manner, rather than the flurry of smoke, mirrors and flash that can overcome many of these types of things.”
Ralph Thompson
“I have known Ralph for a number of years now and am always particularly impressed by his resilience and determination to drive his business forwards. He never stands still and is always ready to expand into new areas, set up satellite businesses and continue to market his products successfully.
The agriculture sector is not an easy market into which to break but Ralph has proven that with his genuinely pleasant and likeable personality alongside astute business acumen it is an area that has huge business potential and can still be developed when looked at with fresh eyes and innovative ideas.”
Ray Liddell
“I would like to support the vote for this innovative product. Good luck Ray!”
Rob Earnshaw
“Rob has been an inspiration to me he is always on hand to provide advice and support. Without Rob i would not have had the confidence to take my career forward! Good luck Rob.”
Here are some more heartening comments that have come through in support for our wonderful finalists:
Andrea D’Ercole
“I'd like to vote for Andrea D'Ercole of ItalyAbroad.
Successfully bringing the true pride & passion of Italy to the North East via its beautiful food & wine is an excellent achievement. And what a great web site too.
To Andrea & the ItalyAbroad team I say fantastico, meraviglioso e tanti auguri.”
Ben Haslam
“I bought a Keba Artmate some years ago and have since acquired a second one. This wonderful invention has revolutionised the tedious task of stretching watercolour paper to such a degree that even someone as clumsy as I am could easily stretch paper, even while out painting "plein air". Ben deserves the heartfelt thanks of all watercolourists, amateur and professional.”
Christine Pearce
“Christine’s a very savvy lady – entrepreneurial, driven, practical, ambitious and with a great business idea and an impressive vision for the future. Christine is also extremely nice and a very hardworking mum – she deserves to have got this far and she gets my vote!”
Claire Fitzpatrick
“My vote is for Claire. No pain, all gain! A rare practitioner who gives 110% to each and every client!”
Claire Mitchell
“Claire is an outstanding business woman who has managed to achieve the holy grail of running 2 successful businesses while also dedicating time to her family. She is an inspiring role model for those of us who are trying to achieve the same, very difficult, balance and success.”
Emma Reilly
“I would like to vote for Emma. Excellent idea and one of the nicest people you will ever meet.”
Ian Smith
“Ian is a breath of fresh air in his chosen sector and brings a true client centered approach to business that is to be modeled. The culture in his business is leading edge and radical delivering great work consistently.”
Louise Bell
“Louise has always impressed me with her effortless charm and great professionalism when dealing with potential clients.
Her natural ease with people, coupled with her obvious business acumen always impresses and secures a high level of customer interest in her tanning service. We love her tanning concept and so do our brides, particularly as it is mobile and so convenient.”
Mark Easby
“Better Brand Studio has provided me with fantastic insight into viral marketing and use of new communication and social networking websites such as twitter that will prive invaluable to ais building a strong brand image.
It is encouraging to see that despite a number of initial setbacks and the tragedy that mark has faced , his resolve and determination to succeed has seen him become a success in his own right and catapult his new company into the voting stages for such a worthwhile award.
It just goes to show that poor exam results count for very little if you have the imagination and drive to be successful.”
Nigel Begg
“I'd like to vote for Nigel Begg, who's been getting on with building a great business in an untypical and unassuming manner, rather than the flurry of smoke, mirrors and flash that can overcome many of these types of things.”
Ralph Thompson
“I have known Ralph for a number of years now and am always particularly impressed by his resilience and determination to drive his business forwards. He never stands still and is always ready to expand into new areas, set up satellite businesses and continue to market his products successfully.
The agriculture sector is not an easy market into which to break but Ralph has proven that with his genuinely pleasant and likeable personality alongside astute business acumen it is an area that has huge business potential and can still be developed when looked at with fresh eyes and innovative ideas.”
Ray Liddell
“I would like to support the vote for this innovative product. Good luck Ray!”
Rob Earnshaw
“Rob has been an inspiration to me he is always on hand to provide advice and support. Without Rob i would not have had the confidence to take my career forward! Good luck Rob.”
Thursday 4 June 2009
Tuesday 2 June 2009
Last week to vote!!
This week is your last chance to choose your If we can, you can Faces of Entrepreneurship for 2010. We'll be closing the phone lines at midnight on Sunday night, after which we'll add up each individual's final tally.
Watch this space for the announcement of the winners - revealed in your local press and on this page - on the 11th June.
A big thank you to everyone who has voted so far, and to our finalists who have thrown themselves into the ‘Challenge’ with the energy and enthusiasm you’d expect from a group of driven, dedicated and ambitious entrepreneurs.
We’re confident that they’ll represent a growing entrepreneurial community in the North East with the same enthusiasm as we follow them over the coming months.
If you haven't cast your vote yet, please do read through the profiles, stories and blogs of our finalists. You can vote for one finalist in each media region.
If you want to vote by mobile text, text 'challenge' and the name of your nominee to:
07624 803 199
You can also vote by email to voting@entrepreneursforum.net and let us know the name of your chosen finalist, and any comments you wish to make about them.
Watch this space for the announcement of the winners - revealed in your local press and on this page - on the 11th June.
A big thank you to everyone who has voted so far, and to our finalists who have thrown themselves into the ‘Challenge’ with the energy and enthusiasm you’d expect from a group of driven, dedicated and ambitious entrepreneurs.
We’re confident that they’ll represent a growing entrepreneurial community in the North East with the same enthusiasm as we follow them over the coming months.
If you haven't cast your vote yet, please do read through the profiles, stories and blogs of our finalists. You can vote for one finalist in each media region.
If you want to vote by mobile text, text 'challenge' and the name of your nominee to:
07624 803 199
You can also vote by email to voting@entrepreneursforum.net and let us know the name of your chosen finalist, and any comments you wish to make about them.
Wednesday 20 May 2009
Voting Testimonials
If you’d like to vote for a Challange finalist and are sending an email to our dedicated voting channel, voting@entrepreneursforum.net, why not write a comment about the person you’re voting for and we’ll try and include it on the blog.
Here are just a few testimonials for votes already cast – very moving indeed and we’ll be looking to add more to the blog over the coming days and weeks…
“Nigel is as dedicated as anyone could ever be and therefore I wish for him to win....”
“Mark is an inspiration and example to others to make a difference”
“I have worked with Louise since she initially had her business idea and it is fantastic that she is now in the running for this award.”
“Emma has endeavoured through difficult personnel problems to start a business that can suit modern requirements and use technology to benefit those around her.”
“Claire Fitzpatrick is a rare practitioner who gives 110% to each and every client!”
“Good luck Ray! Brilliant idea - will definitely buy”
“Ben has done great work and has never given up.”
“Ian Smith of Surreal gets my vote. An outstanding business that delivers every time.”
“Simply Brilliant! Good Luck Rob.”
"Claire Mitchell is lovely!"
"Successfully bringing the true pride & passion of Italy to the North East via its beautiful food & wine is an excellent achievement. And what a great web site too. To Andrea & the ItalyAbroad team I say fantastico, meraviglioso e tanti auguri."
"Claire Mitchell as well as being a wonderful Business Women in every aspect is also a very special lady who knows how to make you feel very special…..and of course Claire is now a Mum which as with everything else she takes in her stride ….."
Here are just a few testimonials for votes already cast – very moving indeed and we’ll be looking to add more to the blog over the coming days and weeks…
“Nigel is as dedicated as anyone could ever be and therefore I wish for him to win....”
“Mark is an inspiration and example to others to make a difference”
“I have worked with Louise since she initially had her business idea and it is fantastic that she is now in the running for this award.”
“Emma has endeavoured through difficult personnel problems to start a business that can suit modern requirements and use technology to benefit those around her.”
“Claire Fitzpatrick is a rare practitioner who gives 110% to each and every client!”
“Good luck Ray! Brilliant idea - will definitely buy”
“Ben has done great work and has never given up.”
“Ian Smith of Surreal gets my vote. An outstanding business that delivers every time.”
“Simply Brilliant! Good Luck Rob.”
"Claire Mitchell is lovely!"
"Successfully bringing the true pride & passion of Italy to the North East via its beautiful food & wine is an excellent achievement. And what a great web site too. To Andrea & the ItalyAbroad team I say fantastico, meraviglioso e tanti auguri."
"Claire Mitchell as well as being a wonderful Business Women in every aspect is also a very special lady who knows how to make you feel very special…..and of course Claire is now a Mum which as with everything else she takes in her stride ….."
Tuesday 19 May 2009
Finalist voting terms
Hi everyone,
Hope you're all enjoying reading about our fantastic finalists (and their often humerous blogging!)
We just wanted to make clear that we can only accept one vote per person for both text and email voting (you can vote for as many finalists as you like, but your vote for each will only be counted once), so therefore multiple texts and emails for one person we won't be able to accept.
Please accept our humble apoligies for not making this as clear as it should have been
The IWCYC team
Hope you're all enjoying reading about our fantastic finalists (and their often humerous blogging!)
We just wanted to make clear that we can only accept one vote per person for both text and email voting (you can vote for as many finalists as you like, but your vote for each will only be counted once), so therefore multiple texts and emails for one person we won't be able to accept.
Please accept our humble apoligies for not making this as clear as it should have been
The IWCYC team
Thursday 14 May 2009
Finalists finally announced!!
Following a fraught few hours and some technical challenges - we're finally there! (Let us know if you have any problems with any of the links to the finalists' profile pages).
Check out the finalists - all incredibly inspiring - as all of the Challenge entrants were and cast your votes.
If you know any of the finalists - tell us about them and we'll post your thoughts (all positive I'm sure) on the blog.
Check out the finalists - all incredibly inspiring - as all of the Challenge entrants were and cast your votes.
If you know any of the finalists - tell us about them and we'll post your thoughts (all positive I'm sure) on the blog.
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