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Greg Phillips - challenge winner

-Member Profile Challenge Winner >

 Greg Phillips

Media partner:

EveningChronicle
Name:
Greg Phillips
Business:
North East Bakery
Web site:
www.northeastbakery.co.uk
Years in business:
4
Number of businesses:
2

Challenge Entrant

When I graduated from Newcastle University I wanted to stay in the area because my family and friends were here. Besides, I had a season ticket...

view Greg Phillips' full story

my background>

" When I graduated from Newcastle University I wanted to stay in the area because my family and friends were here. Besides, I had a season ticket and still wanted to go to the matches. But I found that a lot of businesses in the local area weren’t taking on graduates without work experience. My uncle had a small sandwich company in the west end of Newcastle and he said why don’t I come and work for him for twelve months, then put whatever it is down on your CV and get a step further into employment. So I was driving vans, making sandwiches and just doing whatever needed to be done. Gradually I got more and more involved in the business. I was saying “We can do this,” and “Why aren’t we doing that?” We increased the sales quite significantly in those twelve months so my uncle said, “We can’t really afford to lose you really. Why don’t you buy into the business?” That original plan for me to go on and do something else was sort of shelved. My uncle was at the stage where he was wanting less and less to do with the business, and I was going the other way. I’d built up a lot of confidence that I could really do it for myself in those two or three years. I just thought, there’s no reason why I can’t do this. It’s my personality that I’m not afraid to take a chance and I decided to buy into a family business with Andrew, who’s now my business partner, and I as co directors. It was a small bakery turning over two or three hundred thousand a year but it was an opportunity for me to take more of a lead. North East Bakery was born in 2004. "

why i want to win>

" I would be delighted to be in a position where I could inspire someone to start their own business. The region has so much talent and it would be an honour to be actively involved in a campaign that can help people reach their potential and have a positive impact on the area. Winning the challenge would hopefully be of benefit to my own business as I look to expand across the North East and would be an achievement I would be immensely proud of. "

why i'm sure i'll suceed>

" There are no guarantees in business but I am confident North East Bakery will continue to develop and prosper. I believe in the direction we are taking the business and intend to ensure that our Nichols brand becomes well known across the region. The continued commitment and enthusiasm of everyone involved in this process, particularly our staff, will provide us with the platform for further growth. "

my blog>

Mon, 09 Jun 2008

I've known Greg for a number of years and have watched him develop from a student into a competent, forward thinking, and ambitious young man. Am very happy to support him in this programme.
Carole Andrews

posted at 08:29:00

Mon, 09 Jun 2008

Greg's a lad who deserves to win. He works hard. A good attribute in any young man today
He is ambitious, that is what you need to be a good business man.
He is enthusiastic, most important. and works along with his staff
His staff are also enthusiastic due to his approach to them and with them
He deserves to win.
Vera Lightfoot

posted at 08:28:00

Wed, 04 Jun 2008

I would like to vote for Greg Phillips for his entrepreneurial ability which is demonstrated in the setting up of his bakery production business, distribution to retail outlets and managerial control of the whole operation. This is an achievement for a young man who is still only in his late twenties.
This we feel is an indication of his potential to drive and to develop the business successfully.

Ken & Jennie Andrews

posted at 08:17:00

Wed, 04 Jun 2008

what a great idea for a competition. I've read about it in the Evening Chronicle and would like to add my vote for Greg Phillips, he's a great advert for the region and young people in general, especially at a time when the youth of today are coming in for so much criticism of late.

posted at 08:16:00

Wed, 04 Jun 2008

I have known Greg for 7 years and he has been a very influential part of my life. I have never met anyone with his confidence and determination. I am constantly learning from him everyday and it is refreshing to be around someone who puts their heart and soul into everything they do - he really is without a doubt an inspiration!Greg has achieved what he has to this date through hard work and commitment and whatever the obstacle he comes up against he always has a smile - I think that makes him pretty special. I know how important it is to him to win and I really believe he deserves to do so!

Claire Gregson

posted at 08:15:00

Wed, 28 May 2008

Power Cut

Normality has been restored today after a power cut yesterday caused havoc with our operations at the bakery. The telephone lines were down all day (what did we do before mobiles?) and production was hampered, causing a knock-on effect on despatch.

Disruption to our customers was minimised thankfully and everything is running smoothly again now!

posted at 10:35:00

Fri, 23 May 2008

Progressive Conference

Came into work this morning inspired not only by the speakers at yesterdays forum conference but also by the delegates. It was great to meet so many people with that passion about their own business. Having the opportunity to speak to people who have 'been there and done it' was a real privilege. Being 5 yards away from Elle Macpherson wasnt too shabby either!

Congratulations to the Entrepreneurs Forum for such an excellent, well organised event.

posted at 13:49:00

Wed, 21 May 2008

I've played football with Greg for a few years and it doesn't suprise me at all to see him shortlisted for a competition like this. I wonder if he rallies his staff in the same way he rallies his team mates!?

Jay

posted at 09:19:00

Tue, 20 May 2008

Greg was a fellow student at University in Newcastle, and the burning potential in him was always apparent. Im so happy to see he has managed to put to use the endless hours in the lecture halls at uni and of course is happy in his home area in the North East, well done! From personal experience i can say how much of a difference it makes when you love your job and have a passion for it, Greg with this attitude can take his business to great places.

Good luck Greg!
Neil Slinger

posted at 08:18:00

Mon, 19 May 2008

Greg has real vision and ambition in developing the distinctive Nichols brand in the bakery and takeaway markets. He shows classic entrepeneurial talents in making brave decisions and investing in what he passionately believes in.

Mark Simpson
Chairman

Simpson Group

posted at 13:32:00

Mon, 19 May 2008

I have known Greg from my gym for about 4 years and he has what it takes to be successful in business. He is charismatic and ambitious, works hard and is very determined. I hope he wins.

R.E. Thompson

posted at 11:39:00

Mon, 19 May 2008

Greg has created and saved a number of jobs on Tyneside that would otherwise have been lost - one of the benefits of new businesses that is often forgotten.

Nathan Saunders

posted at 09:54:00

Mon, 19 May 2008

Greg is a young entrepreneur with and old head (business wise). He packs drive and passion with plenty of vision.

And I feel for certain, Greg will go far in building a very successful business portfolio.

But on top of all that, Greg's a top guy!

Paul Scott

posted at 08:45:00

Mon, 19 May 2008

top lad, great brain, hardworking and ambitious. I taught him for 7 years. Super talent
Rob Furlong

posted at 08:30:00

Fri, 16 May 2008

I’ve know him since high school, and would love to see him get the acknowledgement he deserves,
Rhian Styling

posted at 15:13:00

Fri, 16 May 2008

I would like to vote for Greg Phillips.
As his attitude to business is second to none!

Steve Darke
Ideas director
Somethinkelse Limited

posted at 13:35:00

Fri, 16 May 2008

my clip 8

posted at 12:08:00

Fri, 16 May 2008

my clip 7

posted at 12:06:00

Fri, 16 May 2008

my clip 6

posted at 12:04:00

Fri, 16 May 2008

my clip 5

posted at 12:03:00

Fri, 16 May 2008

my clip 4

posted at 12:03:00

Fri, 16 May 2008

my clip 3

posted at 12:00:00

Fri, 16 May 2008

my clip 2

posted at 11:57:00

Fri, 16 May 2008

my clip 1

posted at 11:56:00

Back to the challenge

Other Finalists>

Karen Forster

Business:
Trampas The Mens Room
Media Partner:
NorthernEcho

Gavin Blowman

Business:
Chooba
Media Partner:
SunderlandEcho

Nathan Robinson

Business:
Barclay Elsdon Lettings
Media Partner:
MiddlesbroughEveningGazette

Anh Mao

Business:
MaoCouture
Media Partner:
EveningChronicle

Sue Harris

Business:
Sue Magoos
Media Partner:
SunderlandEcho

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