New Chair for Hull’s Unique Entrepreneur Collective

For Entrepreneurs Only (FEO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Aarosin as its new chair.

Peter takes over from Andrew Horncastle who steps down after more than 10 years in the seat.

As an entrepreneur with interests in the shipping and logistics industry, Peter has worked hard to build businesses over the course of 35 years.

Andrew Horncastle says:

“I am pleased that our Board has selected Peter, who is the right person to lead the organisation through the next phase.

“When I look at FEO as it is today, I pinch myself! The organisation has grown way beyond the original expectations of the collective of founding members brought together by David Kilburn.”

“In 2015, For Entrepreneurs Only formally began a 5 year plan, that we believed would help to grow a bigger local economy by offering support for local people to start, adapt and grow businesses, which in turn create more wealth and jobs in the area. Year on year, we bettered those objectives through unique peer-led business programmes and events, delivered by directors and members.

“Learning is through stories and swapping ideas on how to avoid expensive and time consuming mistakes.

“As Chair I have many fond memories, but what an honour for FEO to receive The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2021 - the MBE equivalent for volunteer groups was dedicated to all members and key partners.

“The pandemic also highlighted the benefits of being part of FEO when new peer support networks formed.

“Over the last couple of years, we started Chairman’s visits to see the work being done on the ground. The range is nothing short of amazing - we’ve got a member in East Yorkshire making anti-terror equipment which protects government buildings around the world. Then a young-mum, Milly Rose whose face painting business employs many other people around the City and Sally Wray was a disillusioned civil servant, who saw an advert in the paper and bought a tool hire business.

“These are all excellent examples of the changes people can make in their lives with the right support. One simple piece of advice can have a massive impact - it’s extremely powerful.

“In addition to our new Chair, changes to the Board also mean that SMEs and young people have become more involved, to see the organisation through the next decade and beyond.

“I’m proud to have been the Chair of FEO for all of this time, it’s been hugely rewarding and now is the time for succession.”

Peter Aarosin has been a member of FEO for 4 years. He joined after serving with Marketing Humber as Chair of the Bondholders. He explains: “I feel very honoured to take over from Andrew. FEO has had an incredible impact on the local economy by supporting and encouraging entrepreneurs to create business opportunities and provide jobs. Particular focus is on supporting those essential growth businesses.

“FEO members work selflessly to support entrepreneurs in Hull and the surrounding area. It plays an important role at all levels, although I am inspired to see young people and budding entrepreneurs develop ideas through NxGen and Ignition, creating the employers of the future as well.

“Working with the Ignition team as a facilitator and meeting people with huge aspirations and new ideas for business has taught me so much. It doesn’t matter how many years of experience you may have, as an FEO member there is always something to take home; be it a lesson learned, an obstacle overcome or stoking the fire in your belly.

“With everything that is going on in the world right now, it is more important than ever for us to talk and exchange ideas and I am delighted to be a part of that conversation.”

Chief Executive of For Entrepreneurs Only, Jan Brumby says:

"Everyone at FEO would like to thank Andrew for the wonderful contribution he has made as Chairman over the years. His commitment to the success of the local business community is second to none.

“We’re delighted that Peter Aarosin, as one of the area’s most respected entrepreneurs has agreed to lead us through the next stage of our journey and look forward to helping more Entrepreneurs start, adapt and grow with Peter at the helm.”