Vitesse were delighted to support the Entrepreneurs Forum Progres5ive Conference at Newcastle’s Hilton Hotel on 22 May as one of the event sponsors. The event marked five fantastic years of Entrepreneurs’ Forum conferences.

 

Facilitated by entrepreneur, broadcaster and author Guy Browning, the Entrepreneurs Forum Progres5ive conference was an inspiring day for 300 of the North East’s leading entrepreneurs. Forum chairman and CEO of Sage Plc, Paul Walker, said: “This has become quite simply the premier business event in the North-East.” Vitesse were on hand with a gleaming Ford GT to join in the celebrations.

 

A host of well known names were present at the event. Former supermodel Elle Macpherson is one of the most famous faces in the world and jetted into the North-East to share the secrets of turning her elegance into an empire. Legendary music impresario Harvey Goldsmith regaled the audience with tales of his encounters with everyone from Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney to Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones and Bob Marley. Angus Thirlwell of Hotel Chocolat revealed his recipe for success. From its origins as ChocExpress 15 years ago through to a re-branding that has made it the UK’s leading premium chocolate brand with sales hitting £40m. Vitesse were also delighted to see Charles Morgan, the boss of Britain’s only car manufacturer, Morgan Motor Company, sound a note of optimism about the future of the car.

 

The day was rounded off with hugely entertaining sessions from Sunderland-born songwriter and multi-media entrepreneur Dave Stewart and comedy impressionist Jon Culshaw, together with the announcement of this year’s Entrepreneurs’ Forum awards. The Lifetime achievement accolade was awarded to Michael Hogan, of the Esh Group and The Entrepreneur of the Year title went to Tony Trapp, managing director of IHC The Engineering Business.