A big part of my job as a Connector is listening: I listen to what people’s business challenges are and then I can signpost them to schemes and programmes which can help them.

So for example I might signpost someone to a leadership development programme or I might refer them to some of my colleagues in the North East Combined Authority, like the skills team, who are experts in helping businesses upskill their teams and access training. This kind of support can be much more valuable in the long term than a one-off grant or piece of funding; it can help you be a better leader, help you develop your team and help your business grow and be resilient.

I talk to a lot of business leaders who need someone to act as a sounding board and help them build their own confidence and skills, and in that case, I might refer someone to our Growth Through Mentoring programme which can match them with a really experienced mentor who’s been through the process of growing a business themselves.

Tell us a bit about your previous experience and the areas you have particular knowledge in.

I’ve worked in the North East for 30 years in roles spanning marketing, business development and leadership development.

I have a particular interest in helping female founders and business leaders but, ultimately, I’m happy to talk to people working in any sector who want to grow their business but who might need some support to help them achieve this.