ONE of Europe’s most influential businesswomen has been inspiring young entrepreneurs from our region on how to create a thriving enterprise.

Julie Meyer, who has advised business secretary Vince Cable on ways of generating growth, said students needed to be prepared to adapt throughout their working lives to make the most of the struggling economy.

Ms Meyer, chief executive officer of investment and advisory firm Ariadne Capital and ranked as one of the Wall Street Journal’s 30 Most Influential Women in Europe, was at Gateshead College to offer advice on how to build a successful business.

She said: “Young people need to remember we live in uncertain economic times, but what will help them is to think and act in an entrepreneurial way. They are going to have to be flexible in order to be confident, resilient and know how to sell themselves well in order to adapt to the challenges in the future.”

Ms Meyer’s visit followed the launch of her new business manifesto – Welcome to Entrepreneur Country: What it is, How to find it, Why you should go there.

Student Christine Robertson, from North Shields, said: “It’s been fantastic to meet Ms Meyer and to hear more from her, about her story and how she has become the hugely successful businesswoman that she is.

“It’s really made me think about what I want to achieve in my future and I’m certainly looking to start up my own business in the future.”

Ms Meyer’s visit to Gateshead College was organised as part of an exclusive tour of Gazelle Colleges, a cluster of further education colleges that are using entrepreneurial principles to drive educational reform, and giving students opportunities to develop the skills they need to succeed in the 21st Century workplace. Gateshead College is part of the Gazelle Colleges Group, 19 colleges that are committing to fostering entrepreneurialism within the sector.

Entrepreneurs’ Forum members also got the chance to take part in the event, as the college is the forum’s official education partner.

Vicki Hodgson, entrepreneurial activity manager at Gateshead College, said: “Ms Meyer is an inspirational role model for our students with a stellar track record. We want to inspire young people to have the confidence, skills and ambition to either start up a business of their own or bring entrepreneurial thinking and ideas into their workplace.

“As a member of the Gazelle Colleges Group we are able to give our students access to entrepreneurs like Julie Meyer which is a core element of the unique experience we offer.”