Our membership base is made up of independent businesses, from individuals establishing businesses for the first time to established companies with multi-million-pound turnovers and we have members in almost every sector and town across the UK.

 

 

 

Rudy Porter, founder of skate retailer Slick Willies, is a typically dynamic entrepreneur. From an unpromising start in life, Rudy Porter has overcome numerous obstacles to establish his company, Slick Willies, as one of the UK's leading skate retailers.

 

 

 

 

 

When entrepreneur Eddie Rowe started his own business designing and manufacturing cryogenic storage vessels 26 years ago, he had little idea of the rollercoaster ride ahead of him. The first ‘high' came on the very first morning, when he got his first export order. He thought being his own boss was so simple that he went off for a round of golf in the afternoon. He didn't get another order for three months. But things eventually looked up for the business – and it's riding high again today.

 

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The Revolution, a local commercial radio station in the North West, is using all the creative energy of its owner and fun-loving frontman to pull through tough times. Behind the microphone, Steve Penk is famous for his on-air pranks, but wearing his business hat he is soberly aware of the tough economic climate in which 96.2 The Revolution is trying to survive and grow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Cowley, MD of North West Vending, is a plain-speaking northern entrepreneur. While his business has been hit by the recession, he says the situation has been made immeasurably worse by red tape that is "a joke, utterly over-the-top". But far from being downcast by the economic downturn, he has come out fighting, recently taking on staff and launching a new division of the company to tap into a large market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Much has been made of the importance of manufacturing to the UK's recovery from recession. Contrary to popular myth, the UK still has a sizeable and vibrant manufacturing sector that makes up about 12% of GDP. This compares favourably with financial services, for example, at a mere 8%. Many smaller manufacturers are versatile, innovative and resilient. They are keen to play their part in the recovery, but it won't be easy. We spoke to two of the Forum's members – two traditional ‘metal-bashers'.

 

 

 

 

 

When entrepreneur Carol Hack first glimpsed a disused quarry, she saw a business opportunity where many would have dismissed it as a hole in the ground. Eleven years later, the site in Carnforth, Lancashire has been transformed into a large open air pool enjoyed by around 30,000 scuba divers each year.

 

 

 

 

 

Charles Edwards developed a passion for antiques while at university, starting his own dealership in 1965. Sixteen years ago, he seized the opportunity to move into the reproduction lighting market and When he expanded his business, which is based on the King's Road, London, Mr Edwards decided to join the FPB.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Epiphanies, by their very nature, come when you least expect them. Andy Ince's came whilst he was waiting in the queue to have his photograph taken as a new student on the architectural course at Manchester University. More than 20 years later, Paul Harrison, the person he stood next to in the queue that day, simply by virtue of their surnames, is his business partner and co-founder of their award-winning business, Harrison Ince architects.

 

 

 

 

Close your eyes and imagine an accountant. What do you see? Probably a man wearing a grey suit, black patent shoes and sporting a clipboard. If you had to speak to him (or her), you would probably reel back in anticipation of a conversation about tax thresholds, VAT relief schemes and train timetables in East Anglia. What you certainly would not imagine is Vanessa Hyde, an accountant who, as she is quick to point out, is far from conventional.

 

 

 

Hear what more of our members have to say about us by watching our video 'Real Members, Real Benefits' online now.

 

You can also browse our frequently asked questions to find answers to your queries about membership of the FPB.