Challenge Category Winners Announced!

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.

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.”

Inspired6 Annual Conference: Showreel of the Challenge finalists' experiences

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.

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 ….."

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

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.

Pick Our Brains Opportunity Panels Showreel

If we can, you can Challenge 08 Winner Testimonials

Michelle Taylor

"The IWCYC competition was the catalyst I needed to finally go through with my dream of running my own business. I had had the dream and burning desire for about 5 years when I entered the IWCYC competition. As I typed in my details I had no idea of the exciting twists and turns my life would then take. When I was chosen as a finalist for my area I was overjoyed and it gave me the confidence once I won to knowing the people of Hartlepool were behind me too (as Hartlepool Mail readers had to vote for the winner).

It's great being part of the IWCYC community and I’m happy knowing that if I come across a problem there is probably someone who has encountered a similar one somewhere along their travels.

The organisers of the campaign from the Entrepreneurs Forum have become friends over the last 6 months and their support and advice has got me through the highs and the lows of setting up a business.

Many links have been made and I now have a varied Network of folk in the area. The North East has a lot of passionate/talented people. Thanks IWCYC team for bringing them together!!"


Matt Scott

"When I won the IWCYC challenge, I completely underestimated how much it can actually do for you. The one thing that helped more than all of the main prizes could, was being put in a room with so many great entrepreneurs and business people, at the Forum Annual Conference.

Apart from the amazing guest speakers, the networks of people you get into, and how much people are willing to help, be it through 'been there done it' advice, guidance or business support, gives you a huge advantage over others in your position.

The people I met here changed the direction of my business. I think without that, I would not be in the position I am now."

Rosie Willett

"Being involved with the Challenge has had many positive effects on my business. It has given me the opportunity to mix with like-minded people, which is great for someone like me who usually works alone. I have also been given a great deal of advice and guidance through attending Entrepreneurs' Forum events.Since becoming a finalist I benefited from the publicity generated by the Entrepreneurs' Forum (getting my picture in the paper with Elle Macpherson was a personal highlight!)"

Matt Stirland

"Winning the If we can, you can Challenge gave me a good 12 to 24 months head start in business. I’ve become someone who’s recognised in the business community and that’s a huge help.

THANK YOU all at the Forum. The networking I have done has been so positive and for future work so promising.

I realised that all this amazing PR which I’m sure people pay hundreds even thousands for is from the If we can, you can campaign. Which both of you have worked so hard. I hope you realise that there will be many people like me who think the same. Your work and the effort you put in is really appreciated. Thank you."

Greg Phillips

“It’s been a real whirlwind of a year for us! Part of the prize package I was fortunate enough to win from the Challenge was a business mentor, which was the most appealing part of the prize package for me. I’m always looking to develop myself as an entrepreneur and learn from people who have been there and done that, so I was thrilled to be given this opportunity.”

Gavin Blowman

"Winning the Challenge really benefitted us, not only with the attention we received for the company, but the prize we received. Additionally, we have really benefitted from the advice we’ve received from our business mentor."

Enter the Entrants....

Following the launch of this year's 'If we can, you can' Challenge we already have the first few sign-ups. Read on below for some snippets from their entrepreneurial journeys so far:

17-year-old Jonathan Grubin has been in business since he was 14, and is currently hard at work at both his web-marketing company MiniG Media, and his A-levels.

With ambitious plans for his ‘Live Newcastle’ project, offering offline discounts for shops, cafes, bars, clubs and restaurants (as well as an advertising and marketing service), plans are afoot for many new projects in the pipeline.

Nicola Reading, a former wedding list consultant who now specialises in retail giftware, has plans to expand into web-based selling by the summer. Looking to compete within the arena of e-commerce, Nicola has a new unique approach to take to the market.

A former director of IT and then independent IT consultant, Nigel Begg highlights a lack of quality staff in London as a reason for him setting up his software development company Aspire in the North East. Deciding to tap into resources local to him, Nigel moved back up to the region to his native Whitburn to setup.

Now a company with a multi-million pound turnover, Aspire holds over 20 Microsoft awards and has new ambitious plans to keep his company local and driving forwards.

So.... what are you waiting for? Get involved in this year’s Challenge and see where it can take you and your business or idea. Remember, the Challenge is open to anyone who has thought about starting their own business or who has already done it. Enter under the categories “Thinker”, “Starter” or “Grower”.

If you would like to enter and are an existing If we can, you can member, please log in, and then click on ‘enter challenge’

If you are not yet a member but would like to enter, simply click on ‘enter challenge’ and fill in some basic information before reaching the main Challenge 2009 entry form. Look out on the right hand side of the form for a bit of guidance on how to fill it in.

Who said that??

In addition to 'Pitch Your Ideas' at the Metro Centre, we're running another mini competition to celebrate the launch of the 'If we can, you can Challenge' on March 9th.

'Spot The Entrepreneur' will be running in the regional press - look out for the ads which will feature a memorable quote from a North East entrepreneur, whose story is featured on www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk

All you need to do when you have the quote is go to www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk and search the stories to find out who said what. When you're done, email the name of the entrepreneur and their corresponding quote to answers@entrepreneursforum.net and you could be in with a chance of winning an Ipod!!

Good luck everyone!

Remember, by taking part in 'Spot the Entrepreneur', you're not entering into the main 'If we can, you can Challenge'. For full details on the Challenge, visit our homepage on www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk/challenge

'Pitch Your Ideas' at the Metro Centre!

Got a great business idea? Pitch it to us and you could win an ipod!

On Saturday 14 March 2009, a camera crew will be situated in the Metro Centre outside House of Fraser, Upper Mall, Green Quadrant to celebrate the launch of the ‘If We Can, You Can’ Challenge, a pan regional search to find the new faces of entrepreneurship.

Simply turn up on the day, ‘pitch your business idea’ to the camera using props and/or visual aids – the wackier the better – and you could win an ipod shuffle for your efforts.

Remember if you enter 'Pitch Your Ideas', you're not entering the main If we can, you can Challenge - this is a one- off event. However, all those who enter will of course be able to enter the Challenge as well. For more details on the If we can, you can Challenge, have a browse of our Challenge homepage, www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk/challenge

Hope to see you on the 14th!

If we can, you can Challenge 08 Showreel