Member Article

New Chair and Vice Chair of North Tyneside Business Forum Appointed

Karen Goldfinch has been appointed as the new Chair of one the region’s leading business organisations with Andrew Esson appointed as Vice Chair.

The North Tyneside Business Forum is run by a management group made up of members from various industry sectors in the Borough and gives support in the form of networking, events and signposting for growth and development. Membership is free and open to any business of any size trading within North Tyneside. The Business Forum is supported by North Tyneside Council.

Karen brings to the role a wealth of experience having already served as Vice Chair for three years and as a member of the management committee since the Forum was founded a decade ago. Her expertise in retail spans 35 years and her previous position as Chair of the Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade brought her to the Forum as a founder member representing town centres. She has also had specific responsibility for communications and events which have included a leading role in the organisation of the prestigious annual North Tyneside Business Forum Awards.

Professionally, she has owned retail outlets in Whitley Bay and now runs two businesses, “Made to Treasure Events”, a bespoke wedding stationery and events management company and her own business consultancy, “Your Business Pilot,” supporting SME’s and start ups.

“I’m delighted to have been appointed into this role especially in the year that the Forum celebrates its tenth anniversary. I’ve seen many positive changes in the last ten years and with the support of the management group I have a strong vision for the future of the Forum and the businesses it represents. I’d like to thank my predecessor David W Bavaird for his sterling work as Chair during his tenure and the confidence that the management group have placed in me.

“I’m especially delighted that Andrew Esson has been appointed to the role of Vice Chair. His wealth of experience and connections within the manufacturing industry and beyond will be invaluable for the Forum and I am looking forward to working with him and the membership and connecting businesses large and small through projects, events and networking.

Andrew Esson brings a whole host of extra skills to the table. He has achieved regional and national recognition for his leadership of manufacturing businesses. His successful business, Esson Partnership offers non-executive, advisory and consultancy services, with focus on business transformation and operational improvement. He is also a Scale up Partner within the Scale up North East Programme and he is currently Chair of the Make UK NE Regional Advisory Board. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Karen added: “I was born and raised in North Tyneside and have my businesses in the Borough and the area has a very special place in my heart. I’m looking forward to working closely with Andrew on the challenges of our respective roles and would encourage more businesses to join the Forum and benefit from working with a diverse and dedicated business community especially at this trying and testing time.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Keith Newman .