The founders of Recite Me and Distology were among the entrepreneurs invited to a post-Budget reception at 11 Downing Street.
Ross Linnett, CEO of North East-based accessibility technology company Recite Me, and Hayley Roberts, CEO of Stockport-based cybersecurity distributor Distology, were both included in BusinessCloud’s Founder 250 list.
Linnett was inspired to launch Recite Me by his own experience of living with dyslexia.
What began with just four people in a small Gateshead office in 2009 has grown into a global business employing more than 100 people, with offices in the North East, Washington DC and Perth.
Linnett said: “Always a privilege to be back at Downing Street.
“Following the Budget, I joined a reception for entrepreneurs and business growth.
“Homegrown businesses and fast-growth tech companies from every corner of the country, all in one room, talking about opportunity and what the UK genuinely does well.
“Recite Me started because the online world wasn’t built for people like me. Proof you can build something that matters from anywhere. Proud to fly the flag for the North East.”
Roberts founded Distology in 2015 and has grown its turnover to £80m, with more than 50 staff across three offices in Stockport, the Netherlands and Germany.
Earlier this year, NorthEdge completed its ninth technology exit with the sale of Distology to Foresight Group.
Roberts said: “An absolute privilege to be invited to No 11 to meet the Chancellor and discuss the budget and the impact for entrepreneurs and founders.
“Politics aside, the Chancellor was humble, engaging and interested. But mostly I enjoyed meeting some inspirational founders that are helping to make this country interesting. I remain an optimist.”