This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan meet serial entrepreneur, innovator and all-round make-things-happen-er Charlie Hoult. From the very first seconds it’s classic Local Heroes - unscripted, off-the-cuff, and full of left-field turns that only happen when you ditch the agenda and let authentic stories unfold.

Charlie takes us deep into the world of Hoults Yard: a 12-acre former industrial site turned vibrant village of makers, food businesses, creatives and tech firms on the east side of Newcastle.

He traces its roots back to the area’s pottery and logistics history, then explains how a blend of calculated risk, “meanwhile use,” and relentless people-spotting helped shape Hoults Yard into what it is today - a place built on community, character, and the belief that the North East doesn’t need to copy to compete.

Beyond the yard, Charlie opens up about big wins, big knocks (including the crash-era fallout of a London business), and what drives his obsession with backing talent and championing the region - from founding Dynamo to helping grow Opencast into a major employer. T

here’s also a candid dive into politics, leadership, and why he took a run at the mayoral race… before the lads wrap it all up the only way they know how: with the menu, Greggs orders, and the eternal curry-vs-gravy debate.

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