True North

Related insights

18 August 2026

Lancashire’s scale-up economy — what's driving growth & what's next?

We explore the support helping to fuel scale-ups and how more local decision-making could unlock even greater economic impact in the years ahead.

12 June 2026

Manifesting a growth economy — insights from True North Live

Blurred pedestrians walk along a busy city street in front of ornate beige stone buildings and shopfronts, while a moving vehicle passes by.

True North co-chair Michael Hayman breaks down how mood, behaviour and local leadership are influencing the economy.

1 June 2026

Demystifying the policy landscape — key insights from the ScaleUp Institute

Group of colleagues in a modern office, smiling and chatting around a table with laptops and documents, engaged in a collaborative discussion.

We explore how scaleup policy, growth opportunities and local engagement help ambitious businesses to turn national strategy into practical support.

8 April 2026

Nurturing northern talent — why business & education working together matters

Three students wearing safety goggles observe a technician explaining machinery in a workshop with green equipment and safety barriers.

Jane Fletcher, CEO of Aldridge Education, explains why connections between businesses and education are essential for developing talent.

19 March 2026

True North x Change Makers: Northern Star — Oonagh Simms

A woman and a man sitting in green chairs in a cosy office, each holding an open box of Christmas ornaments, with a small black table and glasses of water in front of them.

Oonagh Simms, Founder of The Marshmallowist, shares how a love of food became a business and why marshmallows deserve the same respect as fine chocolate.

12 March 2026

True North x Change Makers: Northern Star — Dr Edward Lynch

Two men sit on chairs in a room with a wooden shelf holding books and decorations behind them. The man on the left wears a black sweater and grey pants. The man on the right wears a dark suit, white shirt, and glasses.

Dr Edward Lynch, Founder of helfy®, shares the story of why he left a traditional NHS path to build a business focused on preventing chronic disease.

5 March 2026

True North x Change Makers: Northern Star — Michelle Laithwaite

A woman and man sit on green chairs in an office, smiling at the camera with a small round table and glasses of water in front; background features shelves with decorative items.

True North member Michelle Laithwaite, CEO and Co‑Founder of FuelHub, talks how it grew from a kitchen table idea into a nationwide business.

26 February 2026

True North x Change Makers: Northern Star — Anita Frost

Two people sit in a room with a patterned wall and ceiling, smiling at the camera. One holds a colourful box, while a small table with three glasses and two books is in front.

True North member Anita Frost, Founder of Green Bean Studios, discusses her journey, the pandemic and why children’s IP shapes the future workforce.

19 February 2026

True North x Change Makers: Northern Star — Rachael Baker

A woman and a man sit in modern chairs in a room with warm lighting and a bookshelf-style background, smiling at the camera during a professional meeting.

True North member Rachael Baker, Managing Director of JJ Smith, talks leadership, skills and the future of construction on the Change Makers podcast.

28 January 2026

London expansion & record revenues drive next phase of growth at Brabners

Aerial view of London at sunset featuring the Gherkin, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and the 'B' building with a glass facade reflecting the sky.

We’re delighted to announce the opening of a new office in London, marking a major milestone at the end of a year defined by strong financial performance.

17 December 2025