Partner Article

Getting to know... Linda Lowther

We know you as the founder of Advice4Business and a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…
Behind the Advice4Business North East title, I’m someone who’s always loved exploring new opportunities and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I thrive on variety, challenge, and finding ways to help people and businesses reach their potential.

Did you always want to work in your industry?
Not at all! My early career was in hair and beauty, but after some unforeseen health issues linked to the chemicals, I made the move into retail and then the corporate world. There, I managed large teams and led projects across major organisations, gaining invaluable experience. After “trying to retire,” I quickly realised that supporting business owners was what I truly loved, and that’s when Advice4Business North East was born. It gave me the chance to combine everything I’d learnt in retail and corporate life and put it into practice helping ambitious entrepreneurs here in the region.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?
The best part is without a doubt meeting new people, building strong relationships, and being the right-hand woman for my clients through the highs and lows of business life. The worst? Probably the never-ending paperwork – it doesn’t excite me the way working directly with people does!

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
One of my greatest achievements is building a business that makes a real difference to other businesses. Seeing my clients grow, thrive, and achieve things they once thought impossible is incredibly rewarding. On a personal level, I’m proud of the resilience I’ve shown – navigating career changes, overcoming challenges, and staying committed to creating something meaningful in the North East business community.

How do you relax outside of work?
After a busy week of meetings and strategy, I unwind with my guilty pleasures – soap operas. They’re my go-to for switching off and indulging in a bit of drama that isn’t business-related! Relaxing in the hot tub at my second home in Hexham with a large glass of wine, surrounded by beautiful countryside with my two Cockapoo dogs and husband for company.

What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?
The North East is a fantastic place to live and work – it’s the people, their passion, and their unstoppable enthusiasm that make it such a hub for growth and opportunity. Born in North Shields, the region has always been home for me, and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. (And let’s be honest, football is the perfect example of that North East spirit!)

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…
Most people wouldn’t guess it, but I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie. Whether it’s heights, rollercoasters, or scuba diving, I’ll give it a go. It often surprises people when they first meet me, but I love the thrill of saying “yes” to adventure. Dragons Breath, Labadee in Haiti is the world’s longest over-water zip line – loved it. Riding the Formula Rossa in Abu Dhabi, the world’s fastest roller coaster, was such a thrill.

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