Ignition: Building Better Businesses & Better Founders

ScaleUp North East x NatWest Accelerator invite you to join us for a powerful morning of reflection, inspiration, connection and renewal.
About this Event

ScaleUp North East x NatWest Accelerator invite you to join us for a powerful morning of reflection, inspiration, connection and renewal.

As founders, we're constantly moving. Chasing opportunities, solving problems, leading teams and making decisions. But how often do we stop, reset and consider whether we're moving forward with intention?

This September, take a moment to pause, reconnect with your purpose and reignite your energy for the journey ahead.

Whether you're:

✅ Considering joining the Accelerator
✅ New to the community
✅ An established founder looking for fresh perspective
✅ Accelerator Alumni wanting to reconnect and refresh

Ignition has been designed to help you start the next season of your business with clarity, momentum and valuable new connections.

Why Attend?

This isn't your typical business event!

We're bringing together speakers who offer a refreshingly different perspective on growth, resilience, creativity and wellbeing, helping you think differently about what it truly takes to build a successful business and a sustainable life around it.

You'll leave with:

✨ Fresh inspiration and practical takeaways
✨ New connections with ambitious entrepreneurs
✨ Greater clarity on your goals and direction
✨ Insight into the NatWest Accelerator and ScaleUp North East programmes
✨ Renewed motivation and energy for the months ahead

Meet the Speakers

Dr Mark Deeks

Founder, Music for Wellbeing

Dr Mark Deeks is an award-winning composer, researcher and founder of Music for Wellbeing, whose work explores the powerful connection between music, mental wellbeing, creativity and human performance.

Drawing on years of research and practical experience, Mark helps individuals and organisations understand how sound and music can positively influence focus, resilience, stress management and emotional wellbeing.

In a world where entrepreneurs are constantly expected to do more, move faster and perform at their best, Mark brings a thought-provoking perspective on the role of wellbeing in sustainable success.

Expect an engaging and interactive session that will challenge how you think about productivity, performance and personal wellbeing.

James Dixon

Founder, Lines Behind

James Dixon has built Lines Behind into one of the UK's most distinctive lifestyle brands, creating a passionate community through storytelling, creativity and a deep understanding of football culture.

Rather than following the traditional growth playbook, James has forged his own path, building a business rooted in authenticity, purpose and connection.

His entrepreneurial journey offers valuable lessons on brand building, community, resilience and having the confidence to do things differently.

Expect honest insights, practical lessons and a refreshing view of what growth can look like when you stay true to your vision.

Plus...

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs from across the region
• Learn more about the NatWest Accelerator programme
• Meet the Accelerator team and community
• Discover support available through ScaleUp North East
• Exchange ideas and experiences with other ambitious founders

Lunch, Networking & Co-working

Following the formal sessions, join us for lunch and continue the conversation with fellow entrepreneurs.

Why not stay for the afternoon? Bring your laptop and co-work alongside members of the Accelerator community, making new connections and building momentum while you're here.

ScaleUp North East Support

Attendees will also have the opportunity to access tailored support and expert advice through the ScaleUp North East Programme, designed to help ambitious businesses overcome barriers and unlock their full growth potential.

Please note: To access support through the ScaleUp North East programme, attendees will be asked to complete a short eligibility form. This helps ensure support is tailored to your business needs.

🎟 Free to attend

Spaces are limited and events of this nature tend to fill quickly. If you're looking for inspiration, meaningful connections and a chance to reset before the final quarter of the year, secure your place today.

Join us on 9th September and be part of a morning that could change the way you think about business, leadership and yourself.

Agenda

🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Coffee & Connection
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Welcome & Accelerator Overview
🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
ScaleUp North East Overview
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Dr Mark Deeks, Founder, Music for Wellbeing
🕑: 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Break
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:30 PM
James Dixon, Founder, Lines Behind
🕑: 01:30 PM
Wrap up & Lunch - Stay for co-working!