Toby Bridges (he/him) is a seasoned entrepreneur and accomplished business leader, known for his dedication to driving sustainable prosperity in the North East of England.

An experienced company director, Toby has been CEO and Chair of the NBT Group Ltd since 2008. The business was named as the North East’s 50 fastest growing company in 2017 & 2018. As part of the role, Toby is also the founding director for Vytech Solutions Limited, an AI, technology led business revolutionising supply chain management, started in 2014.

As a board member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, he is a keen advocate of peer-based learning and mentors several North East businesses. Toby is also the founding Chair of The Exchange Theatre, a social enterprise dedicated to using the arts, particularly participative theatre, to promote the development of people’s skills and social engagement across the region.

Toby will focus on the theme of Prosperity. His keen interest in supporting local talent and generating new employment opportunities aligns with Newcastle Creates’ vision of building a prosperous and vibrant city.

“I have a lifelong passion for culture and a belief in its tangible link to a prosperous region, particularly using culture as a way to encourage creativity in the way people think and work. I’d like to champion the critical connection between culture and a vibrant, sustainable 21st economy.”