Lauren McWilliams, a successful branding and photography expert from West Moor, has been appointed to the management team of the North Tyneside Business Forum. Known for her dynamic approach to personal branding and visibility, Lauren will take on this new voluntary role to help support and champion local businesses across the region.
Chair of the Forum, Michael James, shared his delight at Lauren’s appointment, saying:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Lauren to the management team. Her creativity, energy, and deep understanding of what makes businesses stand out will be a huge asset to the Forum and the wider business community in North Tyneside.”
Lauren runs a thriving personal branding and photography business, working primarily with entrepreneurs and coaches to help them elevate their visibility.
“I call myself a brand photographer and visibility strategist but what I really do is help people to understand their personal brand and confidently put themselves out there. It’s not just about photography, it’s about building their confidence, finding speaking opportunities, getting into the press, and showing up both online and in-person.”
She believes that in today’s crowded digital space, standing out is more important than ever:
“Since COVID, there’s been a big rise in new businesses, and online competition is fierce. A lot of people copy similar messages, so it can be hard to stand out. But I always tell my clients — the key is to figure out who you are and fully own that. You don’t have to pretend to be someone else. Your uniqueness is your power.”
Despite a busy schedule, Lauren didn’t hesitate when the opportunity to join the Forum’s leadership team came up.
“The North Tyneside Business Forum played a massive part in my own journey. When I started my business six years ago, I didn’t know a thing about networking or making connections. The Forum gave me a trusted place to ask questions and meet people — many of whom became both friends and clients. I always said that when I was in a better place, I’d give back, and this feels like that chance.”
With her energy, expertise, and passion for community, Lauren is set to be a valuable addition to the North Tyneside Business Forum’s leadership — and an inspiration to business owners across the region.
The North Tyneside Business Forum is led by a management group made up of members from various industry sectors in the Borough and gives support in the form of networking, events and signposting for growth and development. Membership is free and open to any business of any size with a trading address within North Tyneside. The Business Forum is supported by, but not run by North Tyneside Council.
The Forum is FREE to join and is for any business with a trading address in North Tyneside.
E: business.forum@northtyneside.gov.uk www.northtynesidebusinessforum.org.uk
T:0191 643 6000