RL Business Club: Growing Your Business

The Robson Laidler Business Club is a FREE event and online community group where businesses of all industries come together to network, collaborate and hear from a range of expert speakers on a variety of business topics.

There are four in-person Business Club events over the year and you will also have access to our online community hub.

Growth in business can take many forms, whether it be your top line revenue, improving your profitability, team expansion, or investment.

Whilst each business has its own unique challenges there are common obstacles across all sectors that we can learn and grow from. This event gives a unique perspective from two highly successful entrepreneurs, as well as expert advice from our professional businesses coaches and accountants.

Canapés, tea and coffee is also provided!

Andy Hook transitioned from a career in engineering to hospitality by opening his first restaurant, Sidney's, in Tynemouth in 1999. He later established Blackfriars Restaurant in a historic 13th-century friary in Newcastle in 2001.

Over the years, he expanded his portfolio by opening additional venues including Dobson & Parnell on Newcastle’s quayside and Hinnies in Whitley Bay.

Andy’s talk will focus on the challenges he has faced along his business journey, discussing the various successes, failures, and what he’s learnt over the past 25 years.

He will explain how a growth mindset focuses on the minutiae of the operation as well as the broader outlook, and how taking care of his team will always bring more success than a focus on his customers.

John was appointed chief executive of North East Chamber of Commerce in October 2021. He has served on the Chamber’s board, council and as president from 2017 to 2019.

Prior to his appointment as Chamber chief executive, John held senior roles in the region, specialising in corporate affairs, economic development and strategic communications.

Having broad experience across large organisations and growing his own small business, John is well-placed to understand the challenges and opportunities facing businesses across the region.

John’s position in the North East Chamber of Commerce also gives him a broad and unique insight into the economic activity in the local region, as well as the effect the economy is having on local businesses of various sizes.

In John’s segment, he’ll be reflecting on the state of the North East economy, and discussing the opportunities devolution affords the region.

Business coaches and accountants from Robson Laidler will share advice based on their experience of advising many successful businesses throughout their growth journeys.

Everyone who attends our live events will gain access to our WhatsApp group and online community group where you'll be able to ask our team questions, collaborate with each other, and gain access to our online resources designed to help people in business.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Blackfriars Restaurant, Friars Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom