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James Robson is one of the region’s most prominent business leaders, helping to build several companies from the ground up and contributing to the success of many others.

James is most commonly known as the founder of Exwold Technology, a company he established in 1992 specialising in agrochemical formulation, cementing his role as an entrepreneur in Tees Valley, going on to successfully build the business up to five sites before he transitioned to non-executive director almost 20 years later.

Prior to this he was no stranger to industry in the region, having worked for the likes of Univar Solutions and Cargo Fleet Chemicals before setting up on his own.

But it’s his entrepreneurial spirit that enables James to understand the challenges that SMEs face, whether it be growing a team, raising investment, scaling up or building a network, James has experienced it all, which made him the perfect fit for our board.

James is one of our longest-standing board members, having been involved on the leadership team since 2004, during this time he has seen many evolutions of NEPIC and the changing industry landscape.

James’ tenure as non-executive director on our board began in 2018 since which time James has helped countless SMEs and used his network to benefit our membership.

Reflecting on these moments he said:

“I have many fantastic memories throughout my time with NEPIC, one of which was helping NEPIC member Micropore Technologies set up a new base in the Wilton Centre in 2016. Also, during 2024’s NEPIC Annual Industry Awards I invited two team members from Mercia Ventures and introduced them to the NEPIC ecosystem, where they were impressed with the calibre of our network, hopefully creating stronger connections with investors for our members.”

“Another is when I got introduced to Chestnut Bio through NEPIC, who were helping them repurpose assets at the time, and now I’m involved with their ongoing projects, and in less than a year they’ve set up a small pilot facility in Darlington, which is a great example of the relationship building that NEPIC facilitates.”

Aside from sitting on our board for the last six years, James also sits on the board for a whole host of other organisations including; Exwold Technology, Micropore Technologies, Dyer Engineering and Cleveland Fire Brigade Risk Management Services (CFBRMS).

James spends much of his time to giving back to the local community and its business network, whether it be through his role as non-executive director of Entrepreneurs’ Forum or as patron of the Teesside Charity.

“I’m passionate about seeing the people and businesses of Tees Valley succeed, I think it’s important to use your network for good and become a mentor to SMEs coming up who need support.”

And discussing how NEPIC aids SMEs in the region, James went on to say:

“NEPIC is the focal point for those in the manufacturing, chemical, pharmaceutical and energy sectors and supply chain, it’s a connecting body that is providing a central contact point for companies to collaborate and grow their networks.”

“We are a recognised group that has a common purpose, to share and learn from one another’s challenges, whilst having the ability to introduce and facilitate new connections, which is vital for the success of SMEs in the region.”