Newton Aycliffe businesses have a chance to gain some entrepreneurial insight at an event this week.
North East Newcomer of the Year Bryan Bunn is sharing his business experiences and views at a meeting of industrial minds in Darlington.
Bryan, founder of Nortech, is speaking at the Teesside University Business Exchange on Vicarage Road in Darlington on Thursday (8am-9.30am).
He will be explaining his journey – from an ICI apprentice who was laid off at the age of 21 to managing director of Nortech Solutions Ltd.
Bryan – named Newcomer of the Year at the NE Business Awards 2013 – launched the now rapidly-expanding firm two years ago with just four people.
The company now employs 87 and serves the process, offshore, onshore oil and gas, steel and iron industries with comprehensive project management and design engineering capabilities.
“We are now focused on expanding the business to 120 people,” said Bryan.
The company works with clients from a number of different industries and Bryan says that’s essential in order to future-proof the company.
“We provide a high quality service and we have a diverse portfolio – we have to because one thing I’ve learned over the years is that business is cyclic.
“When one is up another is down – we reduce the risk by working across a number of sectors.”
The dad-of-three’s career between ICI and Nortech involved a lengthy spell with technology and engineering firm Paul Wurth and, at the age of 43, a return to education to study an MBA in Business Administration at Teesside University.
Bryan and his wife Elaine set up Nortech in 2011 and hand-picked the team – each member offers extensive engineering skills and expertise.
The company has continually increased its turnover and is working with a range of companies around the world.
Bryan is the latest speaker at the Business Exchange – a network of senior leaders from businesses and organisations in the North East and North Yorkshire.
The Business Exchange meets every month at Teesside University, Darlington.
The free events provide an opportunity for business networking at the highest level, as well as hearing from inspirational business leaders and being able to exchange valuable business knowledge.
The network was launched by Teesside University to enable industry leaders to share knowledge and experience, boosting economic regeneration and enabling business to grow and prosper.
• The Business Exchange with Bryan Bunn, managing director at Nortech Solutions Ltd, takes place at Teesside University, Vicarage Road, Darlington, on Thursday, November 21, from 8am to 9.30am. For more information visit www.tees.ac.uk/exchange
