A Chartered Accountant and Chartered Banker, David Hodgson enjoys a varied working life in North Tyneside. Not only working in the finance sector, but also standing as an officer on various charities and voluntary groups. He tells us more about his involvement with the Business Forum.
What’s your role in the NTBF management team?
I’m responsible for all financial aspects and compliance issues within the Forum Community Interest Company in the first instance. Beyond that, I also bring my experience in the financial industry and in business as a whole. My knowledge of the local business community and various organisations has also proved useful to the Management Team and Forum Community.
I was asked to become a founder member of the Forum many years ago, to deal with the Accountancy aspects of the organisation. I’d previously been involved, on a voluntary basis, with a variety of community-based services and had come into contact with the Forum founders that way.
Being successful in business, I consider it a privilege to be able to give something back to the community, specifically in an organisation such as the Forum which has a focus on developing businesses in the region.
Tell us a little more about you and your business background
I’m a senior partner at Read Milburn & Co, based in North Shields, and have been at the firm for over 50 years. I qualified as a Chartered Accountant when I was 21 and became a partner at that time too. I’m also a qualified Chartered Banker following my work as finance director of a regional building society.
Read Milburn works with a wide range of businesses, charitable organisations and private individuals in North Tyneside and beyond, meaning our business network is always growing. I’m also personally involved as an officer for various charities and voluntary groups in the region. These include the North Shields Business Chamber, The Fish Quay Management Company, YMCA North Tyneside, Patterdale Hall Estate Ltd, RNLI, The NET Heritage Centre, Cullercoats Watch House, Coping with Cancer North East, New Hope for Children and the Victor Mann Trust.
Does your role on the team create connections for you in business and indeed in your life outside the Forum?
My role on the management team is a natural extension of my role in the accountancy practice in which I seek to add value to local business. I also enjoy the fact that the Forum seeks to bolster the success and vibrancy of the business community in the region.
In terms of my business, our accountancy firm works with over 400 local businesses engaged in a wide spectrum of business groups so it’s good to be a part of the thriving North Tyneside business community.
How do you see the Forum developing in the future?
I see the Forum as a great vehicle for business networking opportunities and an organisation for cross-fertilising knowledge and expertise between the business community and North Tyneside Council. Success within the region will be best achieved by working alongside the Council and ensuring that businesses have a good understanding of each other’s needs and aspirations.
I think the Forum is in a strong position to help businesses work together to make the region a great place to live, work and play.
