Business

Young Belfast entrepreneur James Blake (27) is accepted to prestigious Forbes Council

James Blake has been accepted as a member of the Forbes Agency Council
James Blake has been accepted as a member of the Forbes Agency Council

BELFAST businessman James Blake (27), managing director of digital marketing company Vindicta, has been accepted on to the prestigious invitation-only Forbes Agency Council, which brings exceptional business owners and leaders together with the people and resources that can help them thrive.

James, who founded Vindicta when he was just 23 (last year the company generated £18 million for its clients), was vetted and selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of his experience.

Criteria for acceptance include a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honours.

He said: “I'm delighted to have been accepted into the Forbes Agency Council, one of few members in the UK and the only one in Northern Ireland - possibly the first.

“This is an essential stepping-stone to Vindicta’s continued growth plans as a business.

“Adapting and embracing digital will save many businesses at this time. Vindicta has given out free website audits and consultancy, and hopefully my acceptance as a Forbes member will raise more awareness of what I am aiming to achieve.

“Vindicta will use the opportunity to put our business and Northern Ireland in front of successful international companies and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. I am proud of where I am from and want to use this for the betterment of Northern Ireland.”

Scott Gerber, founder of Forbes Councils, said: “We are honoured to welcome James into the community. Our mission is to bring together proven leaders from every industry, creating a curated, social capital-driven network that helps every member grow professionally and make an even greater impact on the business world.”

As a member of the Council, James has access to a variety of exclusive opportunities designed to help him reach peak professional influence, and he will connect and collaborate with other respected local leaders in a private forum.

He will also be invited to work with a professional editorial team to share his expert insights in original business articles on Forbes.com.