The North Tyneside Business Forum is a supportive network providing information, signposting, connections, and encouragement for members to grow.
The Forum is run on a voluntary basis by a management team made of local businesses. Here we meet some of them.
Keith Newman runs his PR consultancy Highlights PR.
“I’m based in my floating office at Royal Quays Marina. My business gets people into newspapers, magazines, TV, radio and online. Basically, I find a good story and help you to reach thousands of people through the media.
I joined the Forum’s management team as I enjoy helping people and I like to share my experience of life and business. It’s a very satisfying role and I get to meet lots of interesting business people in the North Tyneside area.
My fun fact is that I once sold an ice cube on eBay and raised £1000 for charity.”
Rebecca Thompson works at Plastic and Metal Profiles.
“We are a printing business that uses both modern techniques and traditional craftsmanship to produce signage, point of sale, nameplates, labels, packaging and more on a wide variety of materials. Our customer base varies from education supplies to data tags within the marine safety industry. Due to the expansive nature of our customer base, we were drawn to the business forum to further our networking within our local community. I have been introduced to a wonderful network of business owners who are keen to help each other and develop our local area. The pride for our local area radiates through the business forum, and this is something we wish to continue championing through our business.
My fun fact is that I am a self-confessed book worm! I had fallen out of love with reading, now thanks to a good friend I love nothing more than settling into a good book, especially on a cosy rainy day!
Chris Wilson owns the Square & Compass Bar
Square & Compass Bar is located on Park View in Whitley Bay, offering a relaxed, laidback atmosphere where guests can enjoy the company of good friends. Our bar is fully stocked with an impressive range of wines, ales, lagers, whiskies, vodkas, gins, and expertly crafted cocktails.
After being nominated for the Heart of the Community award at the North Tyneside Business Awards, I was inspired by the incredible work of the Business Forum. I wanted to get involved and contribute to making a positive difference in our local business community.
My fun fact is that I have a passion for taking on extreme charitable challenges! My most recent adventures include traveling to Ukraine to help with aid and climbing Mount Toubkal, to raise funds for the YMCA in North Shields.
Sangeeta Loomba owns Namaste Taste of India – an authentic deli and café at Newcastle Quays
At Namaste Taste of India, we specialise in authentic street food, traditional thaalis, and classic North Indian Punjabi cuisine.
Our goal is to bring the bright and diverse flavours of India to the heart of our community.
The North Tyneside Business Forum provided invaluable support when I needed it most. I wanted to give back by helping others in the same way, encouraging collaboration and growth within the local business community.
My fun fact is that last year, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Bollywood legend Akshay Kumar! His private chef visited us to source authentic Indian supplies while Akshay was aboard the Ambassador cruise ship at the Port of Tyne. After a lovely chat, I was delighted to be invited to the Port of Tyne to meet him in person.
The Forum is FREE to join and is for any business with a trading address in North Tyneside.
E: business.forum@northtyneside.gov.uk
www.northtynesidebusinessforum.org.uk
T:0191 643 6000