Partner Article

Getting to know... Jon Dudgeon

We know you as the co-founder and CEO of Blu Sky, and a partner of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…

At the heart of it, I’m someone who loves building things—teams, businesses, ideas, and increasingly, actual things with my kids in the garage! I’m driven by helping people make better decisions and seeing that translate into real impact. Outside of Blu Sky, I’m a dad to two amazing kids, a bit of a sport obsessive, outdoor person and someone who’s always got a trip or challenge event bubbling away. I recently bought a garage near our house so me and the kids can build stuff—no big ideas (yet) but who knows… the next Amazon or Microsoft might just come out of there.

Did you always want to work in your industry?

Not exactly. I didn’t grow up dreaming of accountancy—but I always wanted to build something of my own. I started Blu Sky as an entrepreneur or business owner, not an accountant, and I was much more interested in the opportunity to help businesses grow and scale than I was in ticking boxes. The industry has evolved, and so have we—today, it’s about being commercial, strategic, and adding real value.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?

The best bit? 100% the people—our team, our clients, our partners. Seeing people thrive and businesses take off because of the support and care we’ve given is an amazing feeling.

The worst bit? Time. There’s never enough of it. Like most founders, I’m still learning how to step back and make space to lead, not just do!

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Building Blu Sky into a values-led, commercially strong business with a real sense of purpose. We’ve grown from a small idea to a respected name in the North East and beyond, without ever compromising on what matters—people, empathy, and fun.

How do you relax outside of work?

Family time is everything. I help coach my son’s football team which keeps me humble and grows you as a leader in different ways. I’ve also love paddleboarding—it’s peaceful, great for mindfulness, and a great way to reset and chill out. Add a bit of cycle, a good playlist on a run, and the occasional pint with mates watching the Toon and that’s a decent weekend.

What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?

It’s the mix of talent, energy, and humility. People here get things done without the ego. There’s a fantastic community vibe, a brilliant startup ecosystem, and space—both physically and mentally—to think and grow. It’s a great place to raise a family and build a business and I love it!!

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…

I’m a proper plane geek. I’ve always been fascinated by aviation—everything from flight paths to aircraft engineering. I can name most commercial jets on sight (yes, really), and I still get a buzz watching takeoffs and landings. If I wasn’t running Blu Sky, there’s a good chance I’d be hanging around an airfield somewhere!

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Entrepreneurs' Forum .