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

How to get maximum benefit from our PLATFORM events & online resources (to grow your business)

27/01/2026

On Friday last week, we ran our first PLATFORM (Newcastle) event of 2026 & it was excellent! That’s the first time we’ve used the ‘big room’ at the hotel but it worked well & the photos look great (see my LinkedIn post below) ⬇️⭐️ With January almost over, keep reading to see how you can … More How to get maximum benefit from our PLATFORM events & online resources (to grow your business)

Want to grow your business by generating more leads & making more sales?

20/01/2026

If the answer is yes, you need to be at our half-day ‘Sales Masterclass‘ at the Dakota Hotel in Newcastle (on the Quayside) on Friday 30th January (9.30am-12pm)! Led by our own Neil Stephenson & Paul Lancaster, this is for anyone who wants to know how to sell more & better in a way that … More Want to grow your business by generating more leads & making more sales?

2 x PLATFORM (Newcastle) events in January 2026

13/01/2026

We’re back with 2 events in Newcastle this month & we’d love to see you at both (or at least 1 of them)! First up, our normal free PLATFORM event will take place at The Crowne Plaza Stephenson Quarter Hotel on Friday 23 January (9am-12.30pm). Presentations / talks will be from: Plus a fireside chat with Hasan Hamid (Co-Founder & Director, Burger Drop) … More 2 x PLATFORM (Newcastle) events in January 2026