Michael Stephenson has served in a non-executive capacity for a number of diverse companies in the region and nationally. He is a member of the Government's National Task Force for Modern Apprenticeships and the Learning & Skills Council Tyne and Wear. Other terms of office include a council member of Durham University and he serves on the regional business panel for the Bank of England. Michael is also founder and Managing Director of Helena BioSciences, the largest Bioscience company in the North East and he is chairman of Nstar Limited.