Charlotte is passionate about empowering enterprise skills and entrepreneurship for under-resourced communities and underrepresented founders. Charlotte is the Managing Director and co-founder of FIRST (youarefirst.co.uk), an accredited learning and development agency specialising in enterprise skills and entrepreneurship training. FIRST partners with government bodies, employers, educational institutions, and community groups to offer accredited programmes, workshops, and events that inspire courage, build self-belief, and connect learners with their business community.
With a team of 14, set up in 2014 and based in Gateshead UK, FIRST was established in response to challenges of high unemployment and low start-up rates in Northeast England. Projects have since included Startup Awards Northeast and offering Level 1 & 2 qualifications in enterprise skills for underrepresented communities across the region. She serves as the vice-chair of Northeast Museums Development Trust and is a board member of Women Northeast Connected, advocating for the representation and success of underrepresented groups in the business sector. Her contributions have been recognised with the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award.
Charlotte's educational achievements include graduating as a sustainable leader scholar with an Executive MBA from Newcastle University, with a research focus on sustainable growth and social value, which underscores her commitment to integrating these principles into her work and the wider economy. You will meet Charlotte during workshops and Enterprise Edge and Experience events.
