Entrepreneurs to share secrets to scaling

North East businesses are being offered the chance to learn from more than a century of combined entrepreneurial experience at a free event focused on growth and scaling.

The North East BIC is bringing five entrepreneurs together for its ‘Should I Scale or Should I Grow?’ Growth Lab at the George Washington Hotel on Friday, September 25.

The event will explore the differences between growing and scaling a business, while challenging common misconceptions and sharing first-hand experiences from founders.

Andrew Marsh, chair of Vistage, will deliver the keynote speech after more than 20 years of experience taking businesses from start-up to scale-up and supporting founders and leadership teams.

He will explore the differences between growing and scaling, the stages companies typically move through and how the role of a founder needs to evolve as an organisation becomes larger and more complex.

Andrew will also draw on his own experience to highlight some of the challenges business leaders can encounter during expansion and the decisions they need to consider when determining the right path for their company.

A panel discussion will also feature Visualsoft founder Dean Benson; Little Angels Fun Club and Nursery founder Deborah Wylie; A Star Attendance Solutions founder Jill Robson; and entrepreneur Kevin Beales, whose ventures include The Test Factory and MySalesCoach.

North East BIC business advisers John Forth and Debbie Simpson will host the free event.

John said: “The Growth Lab Sunderland events have helped bring together hundreds of entrepreneurs since the first event was held in April 2024 and we are hopeful this event will prove to be one of the best yet.

“The North East is home to so many innovative, fast-growing businesses, from manufacturers to law firms, tech businesses and leisure and hospitality organisations, and this event is designed to provide real lessons, insights and take-aways to help them innovate and grow.

“Keeping these events free for every business that needs them is something we care deeply about, so we are incredibly grateful to the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and Sunderland City Council for helping make Growth Lab Sunderland happen.

“It should be a fantastic day however places are limited, so we’d encourage any business interested in attending to sign up and secure their free place before it’s too late.”

For more information on the event or to book, click here.

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