Member Article

From boardroom to kitchen for Everyday Entrepreneurs

Co-founder of computer giant Sage Tom Maxfield yesterday rolled up his sleeves and got stuck into an entirely different kind of business, as part of Business Week Tyne and Wear’s celebration of ‘Everyday Entrepreneurs’. Mr Maxfield, who owns Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa, the Fisherman’s Lodge and Treacle Moon - amongst other businesses - went into the kitchen of Newcastle catering company Fresh Element to try his hand as a chef and demonstrate his support for smaller businesses in the region. Tom Maxfield explained: “It was an inspiration to me to spend time with Pet Hunt [of Fresh Element] and see the enthusiasm and professionalism our region’s new entrepreneurs are showing. I hope this demonstrates to anyone thinking of going along to an event during Business Week 2006 that being a business success at any level in the North-East is certainly achievable and that support from those of us who have been through the experience is readily available.” Business Week is a week-long celebration this summer to showcase the raft of opportunities on offer to people already in business or those thinking of getting started in South & North Tyneside, Sunderland, Gateshead and Newcastle. The upbeat programme of free events is designed to encourage would be entrepreneurs and businesses of any size or sector, and will be held between Friday, June 30 and Thursday, July 5 culminating in the final grand showpiece - the Big Day Event - at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland on Thursday July 6. The website www.business-week.org has full details of the programme of events. Business Week is a North-East Chamber of Commerce business led initiative working in partnership with a number of public and private sector organisations and is funded through the TyneWear Partnership from One NorthEast. There will be opportunities for all ages to get involved in Business Week 2006, not just adults. Secondary school students will be involved with the Schools’ Enterprise Challenge, a practical competition to encourage young people to develop an enterprising and ‘can-do’ attitude. In addition, Biz Idol U18 provides opportunities for 11 -17 year olds who have a business idea. Bill McGawley, Chairman of Business week, said: “This is the second time we have run Business Week and it promises to be even bigger and better with each local area across Tyne & Wear pulling out all the stops to hold events across the week for people from all walks of life. “We aim to encourage and celebrate all people in business, from the self-employed window-cleaner to the CEO of a PLC.”

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