B Local North East appoints co-chair

North East business network B Local North East has appointed Jon Dudgeon as co-chair, strengthening its regional leadership team.

Jon is co-founder and chief executive of Newcastle-based accountancy firm Blu Sky Chartered Accountants and joins the board following the departure of former co-chair Mandy Barker. 

He becomes the fourth co-chair, working alongside Gemma Brannen, Jessica Williams MBA and Suzi McCreedy.

In his new role, Jon will support the continued growth of the region’s B Corp community, helping to deliver a programme of social and environmental events planned for 2026.

He said: “I am delighted to join the B Local as co-chair as I care deeply about the North East being a place where business is genuinely done in the right way for the right reasons. 

“Throughout my career I’ve worked closely with business owners across the region, helping them grow in a way that balances commercial success with culture, community and long-term sustainability. 

“I like getting people together, listening and turning shared values into practical action and solutions. 

“I am looking forward to shaping a B Local that feels inclusive, diverse, and useful to both SMEs and larger organisations, working to create momentum and a stronger purpose led business community across the North East.”

B Local North East supports businesses using enterprise as a force for good and forms part of the wider B Local network, founded in partnership with B Lab UK. 

The North East is home to more than 30 B Corp certified businesses, with the UK now the fastest-growing B Corp community globally.

B Local co-chair Suzi added: “We were looking for a new co-chair to bring fresh ideas and energy to the team and Jon fitted the bill perfectly. 

“We cannot wait to get going with our events schedule for 2026, to make an even bigger impact, raise awareness and grow the movement in our region.”

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