HUNDREDS of would-be entrepreneurs were yesterday given inspiration to start their own business.

The Chance to Change conference urged people to change their lives by starting their own ventures, and saw some of the region’s leading entrepreneurs mix with delegates to offer advice on how to turn a business dream into reality.

Hundreds of people attended the conference, held by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum at Newcastle’s Civic Centre.

Chance to Change, supported by The Northern Echo, comes as a prelude to the third annual If We Can, You Can challenge on March 8, which encourages people to take the step into entrepreneurship.

Yesterday’s event included addresses from entrepreneurs including Paul Campbell, chief executive of the Amazing Group, Fiona Cruickshank, founder of the multi-million pound Specials Laboratory, former North-East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Nicki Gott, of events company She’s Gott It, and serial entrepreneur Charlie Hoult, currently overseeing the development of Newcastle’s Hoult’s Yard.

Mr Campbell, whose Gatesheadbased company has overseen the creation of ventures including Amazing Radio, which is the only national radio station based outside of London, began his career at the BBC but decided to become his own boss.

He said: “It was my dream to become the Director-General of the BBC. I first started my career there alongside Mark Thompson, who currently holds that position.

“Maybe I would have made it there, and you can’t deny the salary and pension are very attractive.

“But I always wanted more – more freedom, more scope to live out my vision and ambition.

“My dad was a teacher and my mum works for the local authority – there was no history of entrepreneurship in our family, but I think you know if you’re the type of person who can go it alone.

“If you are, I would encourage you to do it.”

Author, columnist and entrepreneur Guy Browning, who compered the event, told of his own business journey, and stressed the value of events such as Chance to Change.

He said: “Everyone here is in the same boat, wondering how to make that big step, or little step in some cases, into becoming your own boss. Today can be your chance to make that change.”

Carole Beverley, chief executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, said: “No one is ever going to suggest that starting a business is the easy option – such a step into the unknown can be daunting or even intimidating.

“But there has never been a better time to give it a go because you’re not alone.

“There are plenty who are in the same position and plenty who’ve been through it, come out the other side and, once they’ve worked through the doubts and challenges, never look back.”