AN organisation for the region's entrepreneurs has got off to a flying start.

The forum, which is led by chairman Sir Peter Vardy, chief executive of Reg Vardy plc, was launched less than three weeks ago and 43 of the most successful business figures in the region have accepted an invitation to be founder members.

Among them are Mike Darrington, of Greggs plc, Steve Gibson, from Middlesbrough Football Club, Tom Knight, of JJB Sports, Paul Walker, of Sage plc, Hossain Rezaei, of Pride Valley Foods, Helen Stephenson, from NP Public Relations, and Duncan Davidson, of Persimmon Homes.

Lorna Moran, vice-chairman of the forum, said: "It is clear that business people support what we are doing to help develop entrepreneurial spirit in the North-East. Now the work begins to nurture that spirit and build on the enthusiasm and expertise that is out there."

On Wednesday, the forum will hold its first event, at Seaham Hall, County Durham, when owners Tom and Jocelyn Maxfield will talk about the journey from Sage plc to building the Tom's Companies chain of hotels and restaurants.

For details of the Entrepreneurs Forum, visit www.entrepreneursforum.net.