NEWCASTLE & THE NORTH EAST

Fractional CEO and COO for Newcastle and North East businesses

I'm based in Newcastle and work with founders, owners, boards and investors across Tyneside, Wearside, County Durham, Teesside and Northumberland. Senior leadership, sharper operations and practical AI, from someone local who can be in the room.

Newcastle, UK

Portrait of Steve Pugh, CEO and C-suite consultant

Local leadership, national experience

I lead Next 11 Ventures and support a €250m+ revenue portfolio with more than 3,000 employees for a global investor. North East businesses get that experience on their doorstep, with face-to-face time when it matters.

How I help North East businesses

Fractional or interim CEO and COO leadership, growth planning, M&A and integration, due diligence, restructuring, fundraising support and AI adoption. Results include 200%+ net profit growth at Bignall Group and a 20% overhead reduction with no loss of revenue.

Rooted in the region

I've supported the Tees Valley Catalyst Fund, which backed £300m of contracts, and work across the region's strengths: energy and offshore wind, engineering and manufacturing, software and professional services.

Getting started

Start with a short conversation about where your business is and where you want it to be. If there's a fit, we agree a clear scope, the days per week and how success will be measured.

SELECTED IMPACT

Positive measurable impact

€250m+

Portfolio revenue supported.

3000+

Employees across portfolio.

144

Countries reached by Roadmap MBA.

200%+

Net profit growth at Bignall Group.

£300m

Contracts supported by Tees Valley Catalyst Fund.

-20%

Overhead reduction on restructure with no loss in revenue or performance

+30%

Efficiency through the implementation of AI

22,000+

Followers on LinkedIn

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do you meet clients in person in Newcastle?
Yes. I'm based in Newcastle and regularly work on-site with businesses across the North East, alongside remote working between visits.
Which areas of the North East do you cover?
Newcastle, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, Sunderland, County Durham, Teesside and Northumberland, as well as the rest of the UK.
What size of business do you work with?
Mostly owner-led, investor-backed and growing businesses that need senior leadership but not necessarily a full-time permanent executive.

CONTACT

Get in touch.

For CEO, interim leadership, board advisory, consulting or venture-building opportunities — drop me a line.

BASED
Newcastle, UK
LINKEDIN
Steve Pugh

Enquiries treated in strict confidence.

Steve Pugh, fractional CEO and COO based in Newcastle, UK