About
Our initiative is funded by Rob Wood, a global entrepreneur. He built start-up success and is a Newcastle University Alumni. Rob wants to inspire others to find the confidence, skills and opportunity to build success for themselves. He hopes to change the fortunes of our region and communities, in partnership with Newcastle University.
Who is Rob Wood?
Rob Wood combines his passion for enterprise, with his determination to help others work their way to business success. His personal journey embodies the spirit of ambition, resilience, and entrepreneurial drive, that has shaped the Enterprising Futures Academy.
An enterprising childhood
A local and global business success, Rob Wood was born, raised and schooled in the North East. His father worked in coal mines and later re-trained in multiple trades, and his mother worked in betting shops and bingo halls. Later, the family opened their own DIY shop in Gateshead. Rob’s journey into entrepreneurship began early. As a youngster, he dabbled in crafting and commerce, selling handmade trinkets around the local streets. His first taste of the workforce came through odd jobs like paper-rounds and potato peeling in the local fish and chip shop. It was his knack for salesmanship that truly set him apart.
Shaping a career, working his way to the top
After a stint as the UK’s top-performing shoe salesman for Topshop, Rob studied for a degree in sport, before pursuing an MBA at Newcastle University Business School. He then ventured into the world of pharmaceuticals. Starting as a sales representative, he swiftly climbed the ranks, showcasing his marketing prowess, and strategic vision. Along the way, Rob spearheaded the establishment of two companies.
“Both involved setting up from scratch, buying a phone, finding an office, buying desks and chairs, and employing good people to work in them. I really loved those two experiences more than anything else in the first 20 years of my working life.”
Making brave business moves
At the age of 42, Rob took a leap of faith, founding STEM Healthcare. He had a clear mission in mind - to revolutionise the pharmaceutical marketing landscape. “My aim, when I set up STEM, was to build it and sell it after 10 years. In the end, after entering 51 countries and having almost every pharmaceutical company as a client, the gamble paid off.”
After successfully selling his business, Rob turned his sights towards nurturing budding start-ups. With a keen eye for talent and innovation, Rob has since built a diverse portfolio of technology-driven companies. Each with a global vision and a hunger for success.
Passionate about your Enterprising future
Today, Rob is committed to fostering growth and innovation. He's determined to inspire others to find the confidence, skills and opportunity to build success for themselves.
It’s ok to make mistakes, it’s ok to fail, if you think you’ve got something inside you that will benefit others, then why not give it a go.
