FEO AGM and Christmas Lunch 2022

On 6th December the FEO membership gathered at the MKM Stadium for the CIC’s Annual General Meeting and to enjoy a festive meal together.

David Kilburn, MKM Chairman, opened up proceedings with a welcome message that revisited the original mission of FEO. He reminded us that it is up to us and our businesses to build the region that we want to live in, to help our region thrive, and to not wait for handouts, or crumbs off the table. He said that we need to help ourselves through entrepreneurialism, and by supporting one another. He reinforced his belief that ‘a rising tide floats all boats’

Andrew Horncastle, our Chair, presented a ‘call to action’ about the power of positivity, quoting Hans Rosling. Andrew said that whilst we have the perfect storm of political, social, and financial issues plaguing our country and the international scene in general, that things are rarely as bad as they are reported in the media and that we need to remain focused on making a success of our businesses. He reviewed the achievements of FEO and then talked about succession, with him stepping down from the role of Chair after 10 years.

Jan Brumby, CEO, gave us her thanks to April, FEO’s sub-groups, the Board, our Key Partners and the membership for their ongoing support and passed to the Sub-Group leads to give the members an update on events and activity in 2021/22. They also shared exciting plans they have into 2023. The FEO NxGen, Ignition, 360, Step Change, Peer Mentoring and End Game(s) leads also invited the membership to get involved next year.

Thomas Martin, FEO Director, then went onto visit the 2022 governance review of the CIC, thanking Andrew Horncastle for his excellent stewardship and presenting him with a gift of appreciation. He also announced that the CIC membership was to grow, and that the FEO Board was to expand with the welcoming of Rob Brocklesby, Furqan Alamgir and David Hall. Thomas then finally welcomed Peter Aarosin as our new Chair. Jonathan Elvidge stepped down from the Board and was also presented with a gift in appreciation for his long-serving stewardship.

Peter Aarosin and Andrew Horncastle then took the stage to perform the Chair handover. Peter addressed the membership and thanked the panel and Board for their support and shared how much he was looking forward to leading the organisation, keeping it focused on its vision and to help more businesses to Start, Adapt and Grow. Peter Aarosin originates from Denmark and is a true entrepreneur, starting his first business at the age of 16. Peter brings his leadership and expertise from running his logistics business Danbrit Holdings in the Humber for over 40 years, as well as many other business interests.

The AGM was then formally closed after which we all enjoyed pulling a cracker, a great festive meal and catching up with one another.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year from all of us at FEO!