Author: @lordlancaster

Business Startup & Growth Consultant, Founder & Event Producer of the PLATFORM & UK Startup Week events.

Top Northern Cyber Security firm offers FREE threat intelligence platform to SME businesses

30/06/2026

Precursor Security, a CREST (Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers) accredited Cyber Security business headquartered in Leeds with a 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC) in Newcastle, has launched a FREE threat intelligence platform for SME businesses (0-250 employees) called ‘Precursor Intelligence‘. Why have they done this & why is it important? Most SME businesses don’t … More Top Northern Cyber Security firm offers FREE threat intelligence platform to SME businesses

North East ‘SuperConnector’ celebrates 10yrs in business

29/06/2026

A business ‘SuperConnector’ who has helped thousands across the North East of England to start & grow their ventures is marking a decade staging some of the region’s most successful events. However, for Paul Lancaster (Founder, Event Producer & Business Growth Consultant, PLATFORM | UK Startup & Scaleup Week | Stellar Business Events), the champagne … More North East ‘SuperConnector’ celebrates 10yrs in business

Our new Growth, Mentoring & Investment services

23/06/2026

In addition to our in-person events, we offer a range of business Growth, Mentoring & Investment services. PLATFORM Grow = bespoke advice on how to grow your business through a range of low-cost marketing, sales, business development & other key services. This starts with a FREE 30 minute video call you can book after completing this short form. PLATFORM Profile = Raise your … More Our new Growth, Mentoring & Investment services

Raise your profile & promote your business as a sponsor of our monthly PLATFORM events

16/06/2026

We already have some fantastic sponsors of our monthly, half-day PLATFORM events (HR2day Limited, Mira Marketing, NEL Fund Managers Limited, Nouveau Legal, Optimal Accountancy, Precursor Security, Wubbleyou & Xero) but we are keen to find more from non-competing businesses. Could this be you? Instead of me just telling you how great our events are & why … More Raise your profile & promote your business as a sponsor of our monthly PLATFORM events

PLATFORM Conference follow up (21 ways to grow your business this year)!

09/05/2026

For those of you who came to our PLATFORM Conference on 28th April – I hope you’ll agree it was a hugely inspiring & informative day! (For those of you who weren’t there, I’m afraid you missed some outstanding speakers & talks). Almost 2wks later, I am still feeling very happy & grateful for how … More PLATFORM Conference follow up (21 ways to grow your business this year)!

Get 50% grant funding from NBSL for a business growth project!

26/04/2026

NBSL, in partnership with The North East Combined Authority, has announced the launch of the next phase of the North of Tyne Business Support Fund (NoTBSF). This grant programme is designed to help local businesses access high quality external expertise to deliver business improvement projects. Grant Offer NoTBSF will provide up to 50% funding for projects … More Get 50% grant funding from NBSL for a business growth project!

Want funding or investment for your business? We’ve got some for you…

25/04/2026

At our 1-day PLATFORM Conference in Newcastle upon Tyne on Tuesday (28th April), we’ve got 12 different funders & investors attending who are actively looking for businesses to put money into. We’ve also got a funding & investment panel discussion with Neil Stephenson (Angel Investor, Stephenson Ventures limited / Stephenson Capital Limited), James Katirai (Head of … More Want funding or investment for your business? We’ve got some for you…

We asked ChatGPT ‘What is the PLATFORM Conference in Newcastle all about & why should I attend it?’ Here’s what it said…

24/04/2026

We asked ChatGPT ‘What is the PLATFORM Conference in Newcastle all about & why should I attend it?’ Here’s what it said… The PLATFORM Conference in Newcastle is essentially a one-day business growth and networking event aimed at people who want to start, scale, or invest in businesses. Here’s a clear breakdown of what it … More We asked ChatGPT ‘What is the PLATFORM Conference in Newcastle all about & why should I attend it?’ Here’s what it said…

Optimal Accountancy Limited launches buy & build strategy with first acquisition: FinFrac Limited joins the group

21/04/2026

Optimal Accountancy, the North East-based firm of accountants & business advisors, has completed its first acquisition as part of an ambitious new buy & build growth strategy, announcing the purchase of specialist finance consultancy FinFrac Limited. The acquisition marks a significant milestone for Optimal Accountancy as it accelerates its plan to build a modern, technology‑enabled advisory … More Optimal Accountancy Limited launches buy & build strategy with first acquisition: FinFrac Limited joins the group

New conference offers ‘PLATFORM’ for business growth & investment

09/04/2026

A major new business conference in the North East of England is set to provide “rocket fuel” for founders by connecting them with investors & scaleup experts. The first full-day PLATFORM Conference takes place on Tuesday 28 April in Newcastle upon Tyne. The event is organised by Paul Lancaster (Co-Founder of Stellar Business Events) who … More New conference offers ‘PLATFORM’ for business growth & investment

Please take 2 mins to vote for us in the ClimbAwards 2026

08/04/2026

I’m delighted to share that I’ve / we’ve been nominated for the ‘Ecosystem Growth & Opportunity Award‘ at the ClimbAwards 2026 (part of the ClimbUK festival taking place in Leeds in July)! ⭐️ Here’s why I’d LOVE you to vote for me… For the past 10yrs, I’ve personally advised, supported, promoted & championed thousands of entrepreneurs, … More Please take 2 mins to vote for us in the ClimbAwards 2026