contact issue 21

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NECC: Making the North East a success

FEBRUARY - M

ARCH 2016

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FOCUS: APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINING

THE MANIFESTO

NECC’s New Year

resolutions

FEBRUARY - MARCH 2016

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Firm foundationThe business of

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Jo Barnett

Bigg ideaGareth Neill, transforming Newcastle’s party central

YOUR GOOD HEALTHLesley Lock: Principles and plastic surgery in private healthcare

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Welcome... NECC president Mike Matthews reflects upon NECC’s Manifesto, a successful awards season, and the continued drive for exports

WHAT THEY SAY THIS ISSUE...

Lesley Lock Nuffield Health Tees Hospital

Gareth Neill NE1 Ltd

Jo Barnett Virgin Money Foundation

“We’re not trying to change the whole culture...It’s about moving the direction of travel. The Bigg Market can be about so much more than a kebab and a taxi at the end of the night.”

“We aren’t trying to build a reliance culture where people don’t think of income streams; it’s about people and communities looking to start sustainable change.”

“It’s not-for-profit; there aren’t shareholders dictating where the money should be spent. We’re commercial, for sure, but we put the patient first. That’s really important to me.”

FEBRUARY - MARCH 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 3

Welcome to the first Contact magazine of 2016. Following NECC’s momentous 200th anniversary year in 2015, I hope and expect that the year ahead will bring many more reasons to celebrate as North East businesses generate more fantastic achievements.

Our job at NECC is to help them to do that – not least by campaigning for improvements in the conditions for doing business in our region. That’s why our Manifesto, which is outlined in this issue, is so important.

Having chaired the NECC Council meetings where the content of the Manifesto was decided, I know the campaigns for an Influential North East, Global North East, Connected North East, Competitive North East and Working North East fit absolutely with our members’ priorities and I hope you will join me in getting behind our Policy team to help make these priorities a reality.

Export is one area where we know North East businesses are doing great things, and our A-Z of export in this issue illustrates it brilliantly. Did you know our members are sending soft drinks to Lebanon, unmanned aircraft to the Philippines, and artificial plants to the UAE?

I’m sure some of the companies featured will be vying for success at the North East Exporters Awards, which we also launch this month.

Speaking of awards, we also have major success to celebrate from the British Chamber Awards at the end of 2015, where five of our members won their categories, including Hodgson Sayers which was named overall Business of the Year.

That end-of-year dinner season seems like a long time ago now, but it will come round again all too soon – so remember to book your tables for our Tees Valley, and Northumbria & Durham annual dinners. I’m sure we’ll have plenty more success to talk about by then.

Mike Matthews MBE, NECC President

Our leading corporate team have expertise in all areas of corporate law, including sales and acquisitions, corporate finance and company reorganisations and restructuring.

Ahead of the game.Our corporate team can help give your business a competitive edge.

To find out more, visit: www.mincoffs.co.ukT: 0191 281 6151 E: [email protected]

Mincoffs_Ads_Templates_A4.indd 1 26/03/2015 12:09

Contents

34

Plus

Features

545932

Clockwise from above:

Jo Barnett Gareth Neill Dan Gordon

Our leading corporate team have expertise in all areas of corporate law, including sales and acquisitions, corporate finance and company reorganisations and restructuring.

Ahead of the game.Our corporate team can help give your business a competitive edge.

To find out more, visit: www.mincoffs.co.ukT: 0191 281 6151 E: [email protected]

Mincoffs_Ads_Templates_A4.indd 1 26/03/2015 12:09


08 INBOX News and views from

the world of business

15 NEW LOOKERS Car giant re-brands

21 BIG SOCIETY Changes at The Newcastle

27 STAR ROLE Port of Tyne on the small screen

38 SKILLS Training and skills news

40 EXPORT Inside the global marketplace 45 SPECIAL FOCUS Recruitment and training

53 APPOINTMENTS Movers and shakers

57 FAB 5 What we do after work

59 DOUBLE TAKE Protecting our heritage

64 MEMBER OFFERS Exclusive to NECC members

06 DRIVING SEAT With double Olympian Joe Waugh

09 IN MY VIEW With NECC’s James Ramsbotham

28 NECC POLICY NECC’s Manifesto 2016

30 SUCCESS Winning ways at Tomlinson Hall

32 FIRM FOUNDATION Sustainable giving with Jo Barnett of the Virgin Money Foundation

34 GOOD HEALTH Plastic surgery and principles according to Nuffield’s Lesley Lock

36 SMOOTH BLEND The journey from corner shops to a

Lakeland distillery with Nigel Mills

54 BIGG IDEAS Transforming the Bigg Market with Gareth Neill of NE1 Ltd

66 LAST WORD With Elizabeth Armstrong

Above: Lesley Lock

of Nuffield Health Tees Hospital

Joe Waugh isn’t your everyday cycle shop owner. First, the photos on his office wall show Waugh, a two-time Olympian, at the 1976

Montreal and 1980 Moscow games. He was also a Commonwealth gold medallist in Brisbane in 1982 and his passion for getting out on two wheels remains.

He’s also a successful businessman, and his cycle business, M. Steel Cycles in Newcastle, is currently part of a trial being delivered by Openreach, BT’s local network business, in the Gosforth area of the city. This is one of three trials taking place in the UK delivering speeds of up to 330 megabits per second (Mbps) - more than ten times the current UK average - using G.fast, a new technology pioneered by BT’s R&D division. Which is almost as fast as Waugh himself, when he’s in the saddle. Here’s more...

Q When did you get into cycling?I got my first bike in the summer holidays after passing the 11 Plus exam - a Hercules New Yorker with white wall tyres and brown saddle bag, which I rode and rode until I’d saved enough money from my paper round to buy my first sports bike.

As I got older and hung out at the cycle track at Gypsies Green in South Shields, I bought a lightweight bike and would cycle as far as Hexham on a summer’s day, before a guy from the local cycling club knocked on the door, invited me along, and I ended up in the local races in my late teens. By the time I was 20 I was racing internationally.

Q What are you riding right now?I cycle a lot less than I used to due to work, family commitments, the weather, and the fact that I’m also not as young as I used to be. My regular bike is from the shop floor - a

Dean Bailey talks cycling and business with Olympian Joe Waugh, whose business, M. Steel Cycles, is one of the first firms in the North of England to trial a new type of ultrafast broadband technology from BT

Going for goldcarbon frame and forks with 12 gears, which is perfect for me nowadays - and is 20-30 times better than the bike I raced with in the 1980s. I’ve also got a fixed-wheel aluminium bike, which is great in the winter and ideal for commuting.

Q Where do you like to ride?I live in East Boldon and enjoy cycling around South Tyneside and down into Chester-le-Street. I’ll get onto some longer circuits down into Durham as I get fitter through the summer months. There are some great roads to cycle around there and I know them all. I’ve cycled in Europe a little bit in my time too and I’m tempted to head over to Mont Ventoux, where my childhood hero Tommy Simpson died in 1967, for the Tour de France later this year.

Q What was it like competing at the top level of the sport for the first time?I got my first invitation to compete internationally at the age of 20 in The Milk Race and it was a real shock. That feeling never really went away, though I grew more confident as I got older. I always remember that moment of being plucked from a local club and being sent out to either sink or swim.

Q What was it like lining up for an Olympic Games?It was a dream world and I only came to appreciate it years later. There are still times that it feels like a dream.

Q How did you come to run M. Steel Cycles? I joined the business in 1981 and worked on all sorts of things including keeping the books, building and painting bikes, and

DRIVING SEAT

testing the handmade frames. I was looking for a job to tie in with my passion for cycling and was lucky enough to find a local firm starting up at the right time. As partners have retired and moved away from the business I’ve taken on the role of running it.

Q What do you love about running the business?I still get a huge amount of satisfaction from crossing the finish line – whether that’s building a wheel or balancing the books.

Q What was your favourite moment?I’ll always remember winning Gold in the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, and being a part of two Olympic Games. But the result that gave me the most pleasure came in a stage race in Luxembourg ahead of the 1980 Games. I won overall against a really strong field of guys preparing for the Games including a lot of World champions and that gave me a huge lift going into the Games.

Q What does the future hold?I’m 64 and although I’m doing less in the business day-to-day, I won’t be disappearing any time soon. I hope to spend a bit more time relaxing though, cycling socially close to home and enjoying being out on the bike.

6 / www.necc.co.uk / CONTACT / FEBRUARY - MARCH 2016

M. Steel Cycles is the first business in the North of England to trial a new type of ultrafast broadband technology from BT, which is delivering speeds of up to 330 megabits per second (Mbps) - more than ten times the current UK average - using G.fast, a new technology pioneered by BT’s R&D division. BT is recruiting trialists at www.ultrafast-openreach.co.uk

INBOX

inbox...Have you got something to say about Contact magazine or about business in general? Then inbox may be the perfect home for you. Send your views, comment and gossip to [email protected]

WISH WINNER Children from Oakfield Infants School in Gateshead star in a new film from Traidcraft. The pupils went to BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art to see the video launching the Let it Grow campaign. The short film features the Gateshead children and youngsters from India and Myanmar. The children from India and Myanmar are linked to projects helping local producers earn a fair wage, teach them skills to improve farming and production, and support them to work their way out of poverty.

CANCER SUPPORTFrank’s the Flooring Store has handed over £25,844 to Macmillan Cancer Support. Staff from the company’s 25 stores took part in a year of fundraising activities with donations from staff, customers and suppliers bringing in more than £8,000, which was trebled by Frank’s. Jason Maguire, MD of CreateCity group, says: “This is the second year we’ve run a fundraising drive for Macmillan, raising £16,000 the first time and now more than £25,000.”

SIMPLY THE GUESTGisborough Hall has been named one of the best hotels in the North East and North Yorkshire by its guests. The four-star destination was awarded Top Rated Hotel status by Laterooms.com’s Simply the Guest Awards 2016. Gisborough Hall, which recently underwent a £400,000 investment, was praised for its customer service, its food, rooms, and location.

BRING ME SUNSHINEWell done to Newcastle creative communications agency O PR, which has raised more than £5,000 for its chosen charity of 2015, The Sunshine Fund. The team at O took part in various challenging activities including running to the top of Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, the Great North Run, and the Sunshine Run 5K. Staff also arranged a fashion show at Quayside restaurant Gusto with Gordon Brown Law Firm, and a networking and nails event at House of Savannah spa.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYOne of the North East’s longest-established law firms, Jacksons, is celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2016. The firm was formed by the merger in 1989 of Jacksons Monk & Rowe, founded in 1876 by solicitor Gilbert Benjamin Jackson in Middlesbrough, and Cohen Jackson, founded by Reuben Cohen in Stockton in 1902. Jacksons now offers a range of business and personal legal services to clients based in the North East and throughout the UK from its offices in Stockton and Newcastle.

GIDDY UP!Three Newcastle University students have completed the challenge of a lifetime after spending a 16-day trek on horseback to Lake Khosvgol Nuur in Mongolia.Tomos Davies, 21, Jack Morphet, 21, and Joshua Hosford, 20, rode 250 miles unsupported from Moron in Mongolia to the top of the 14th largest lake in the world in Khakh. To their knowledge they are only the third British group to complete this challenge. The project was made possible with the support of the Mark Evison Foundation, which awarded a grant of £5,000.


Tweet Tweet!Here’s our pick of recent events across the region on Twitter

SCHOOLS NorthEast (@SCHOOLSNE):James

Ramsbotham Chief Exec @NEChamber discusses the state of the region at #FutureReady16 @NECCJames

Karen Berry (@klkirkup): Exploring Business opportunities in

Brazil with our @UKTI colleague from Rio Nathan. @NEChamber

NECC ‏ (@NEChamber):Aboard the amazing #exporthubne truck

@StadiumOfLight @UKTINorthEast

Bizspace Team Valley (@BizspaceTVTE): Fabulous day

@7Stories #sevenstories with @NEChamber great #networking #ladies

STO Consulting Ltd :(STOconsult@)‏Interesting to see quality local content

being made @MadeinTyneWear at the @NEChamber event.

James Ramsbotham (@NECCJames): Great honour to

present 2015 UK Corporate Excellence Award to @rbgroup - world class events for @NEChamber & others

IN MY VIEW

In my view

and that we are ready to play our part in re-balancing the economy. We demanded a regional voice, but now we can add our weight to a collective northern roar and, as businesses, we must grasp this opportunity we have waited so long for.

The labour statistics also highlight a growing gap in employment between young men and women aged 16-24 in the North East. It is vital we improve careers advice for young people so that they are aware of the opportunities available to them. NECC’s Training team is aware of this disparity and I’m proud of the work they have been doing with our students and businesses. The team was recently awarded a well-deserved ‘Good’ rating after an inspection from Ofsted which is certainly something to be proud of.

We are also very pleased to confirm the ongoing support we receive from Brewin Dolphin in its sponsorship of NECC’s President’s Club. Brewin Dolphin has enabled us to build on our successes and ensure that NECC President’s Club continues to be the group of choice for the region’s senior business leaders to meet, share best practice and do business.

At our most recent President’s Club lunch at the Crowne Plaza in Newcastle we were delighted to be joined by David Horne, MD of Virgin Trains East Coast, who shared his plans for one of our most

important transport connections.By contrast, it was incredibly

disappointing to hear of a further delay in the debate over Heathrow’s expansion. An expanded national hub is an essential and Heathrow Airport offers the only option that brings benefits to all regions and nations of the UK, bringing capacity for exporters, investors and tourism sectors alike.

Another hot topic for the year is the EU. An NECC survey of members last year revealed concerns over the impact for growth and exports if the UK leaves the EU and the majority of those polled said they would vote in favour of staying in the EU in the planned referendum. This tells us that while there is not a uniform business view on the issue of EU membership, many of our members see significant risks from an exit. The impacts our members have identified would clearly have a broader effect on investment, jobs and wealth in the North East, so it is imperative these considerations are front and centre of this debate.

2016 promises to be a year of significant change for the region, and we need a unified, strong voice more than ever. NECC will continue to campaign on behalf of our members extensively throughout the year with the determination and belief that together, we grow stronger.

NECC chief executive James Ramsbothamreflects on the challenges and opportunities for North East business in 2016

As one year ends and another begins, there is a feeling of increased confidence in the region, the North East

demonstrating that we are making a significant contribution to the UK economy.

After the particularly worrying labour statistics at the end of last year, we’re starting to turn a corner. The North East has seen the largest rise in employment in the country, reporting 1.7% over the last three months. These results are better news than we have seen for a while, though they also highlight a potential disparity between the regions of the Northern Powerhouse.

If the Northern Powerhouse is to be successful, the onus is on all stakeholders in the regional economy to champion the North East wherever possible in this year of potential devolution. We must prove we are a joined-up region, that our private and public sectors work together, The European Union: Are you in or out?

@NECCJames


Discuss, debate, plan, reflect, wine and dine.

You set the scene, we will provide service and cuisine that is exceptional.

@seahamhallhotel Seaham Hall @seahamhall www.seaham-hall.co.uk

The Vortex Room

The Ballroom

The Annabella Room

Meetings & Events from 2 - 120 people

NEWS

in association with FEBRUARY - MARCH 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 11

STARRING ROLENEWS

Hartlepool-based training provider Amacus has been selected to feature on the Telegraph Business Club website with a new video showcasing the company.

The Business Club showcases case studies from successful businesses and the video will feature for six months.

With four offices across the North, Amacus offers accredited and non-accredited training solutions in Leadership and Management, Employability, and Workplace Health. The film focuses on the Employability side of Amacus’s training delivery, focusing on the company’s service to employers requiring a job-ready pool of candidates. The service recruits and filters potential candidates, trains them to the company’s standards, offers a period of work experience, and prepares them for interview. Watch the video here: www.train-develop-succeed.co.uk

INTO THE CITYAccountancy practice Evolution LLP has expanded and opened a second office in Newcastle.

Headquartered in Wynyard, Teesside, the firm has developed its footprint into Tyneside and Wearside. Associate member and head of taxation services, Tim Mallon, has been appointed to head up the Newcastle office.

NEWS

LANDMARK RULING

Insurance lawyers at Bond Dickinson LLP have won a landmark case for bus company Go North East against a fraudulent personal injury claim.

The case was heard at Gateshead County Court where the presiding Judge ruled that the claim be struck out and, in an unprecedented move, ruled that the solicitors acting for the claimants should pay the bus company’s costs.

The case followed an incident on Tyneside when a Go North East bus travelling at 5mph scraped the side of a car. The car driver (H) and the passenger (KB), who was a child, did not complain of any injuries at the time and the damage to the car was paid for by Go North East.

Some 18 months later, a claim for injuries was made against Go North East by H and KB. A personal injury law firm in Macclesfield took on the claim.

The Court ruled the case should be thrown out on the basis that it had no prospect of success; the child’s mother had misled a medical expert; there was serious misconduct by the mother and the solicitors. The Judge described the solicitors’ failings as “serious and persistent”.

Paul Hughes, legal director at Bond Dickinson LLP, says: “It is vital that organisations stand up to bogus claims and that individuals who may have been involved in accidents are not misled by solicitors suggesting financial reward.”

A North East-based security risk management specialist will share his expertise with a worldwide audience at a prestigious international conference.

Andy Davis, right, MD of Newton Aycliffe-based security and risk management consultancy Trident Manor, will speak at the ASIS International 7th Middle East Security and Education Conference about international supply chain security risks. The three-day event in Dubai will explore issues facing security professionals worldwide. Davis will be discussing on-going security risks posed by terrorism.

Established in 2013, Trident Manor also recently announced a partnership with

FROM DURHAM TO DUBAI

OnCourse, an African-based training provider, for defensive driving in difficult and hostile environments.

NEWS

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WISH IS GRANTEDNECC has named the winner of its Chistmas Wish campaign.

Small business members of the organisation were asked to share their business wish and outline what their ideal business enquiry would be in 2016. NECC is now working towards fulfilling members’ Christmas Wishes by matching their needs with fellow members.

The winner chosen at random from those who shared their wishes was Georgina Selmi from Bespoke Professional and Training Ltd based in Stokesley, North Yorkshire. She picked up an Apple iPad for her wish.

NEWS

The Newcastle offices of Bilfinger GVA and Cushman Wakefield, instructed by Parabola Estates, have secured the sale of Central Square in Newcastle for £21.6m.

The sale, to a Guernsey based UK Commercial Property Trust (UKCTP), reflects a net initial yield of 6.4% after deduction of purchaser’s costs and a capital value of £298 per sqft.

The 72,389sqft BREEAM Excellent rated building behind Newcastle Central railway station is fully let to a strong tenant line up including Ove Arup Partners, Jackson Solicitors, Bilfinger GVA, Cushman and Wakefield, 4 Projects and The Arts Council. The combined passing rent amounts to £1,446,126 per annum.

£21.6M OFFICE SALE

Northumberland-based specialist home care provider Cramlington House Ltd, part of the Craig Healthcare group of companies, has acquired West Farm Care Centre Ltd while completing a simultaneous refinancing and property sale.

Cramlington House is a modern 63-bed care home which opened in 2013 and employs around 75 full-time staff. The company recently bought Longbenton-based West Farm Care Centre Ltd, a purpose-built centre for the elderly providing residential and specialised dementia care.

The acquisition of West Farm Care Centre Ltd and the sale of the Kingsbury House care home in Tynemouth provides Cramlington House and the associated Craig Healthcare group with a platform to broaden their offering.

Cramlington House Ltd was

CARE DEAL

assisted by Santander UK plc which provided loans totalling £5.75m as part of a refinancing package. Members of the corporate, banking and real estate teams at Muckle LLP advised Cramlington House on the refinancing, sale and acquisition.

Corporate solicitor Matthew Walsh of Muckle LLP advised on the acquisition and sale of the businesses, while the refinancing work was led by partner Louise Duffy.

l-r: Matthew Walsh and Louise Duffy of Muckle LLP, Lucy Craig, MD Craig Healthcare, and Anthony Evans of Muckle LLP

Happiness_A4_outlined.pdf 1 26/01/2016 14:26

NEWS


ADVERTORIAL

BEHIND THE HEADLINES IT’S NOT ALL DOOM AND GLOOM

R isk assets have had a pretty terrible time of things since late Spring of 2015 and very much the same since the turn of the year. At the time of writing the FTSE 100 index is hovering around an intra-day level of 5900 points. Having been above 7,000 in just April and May of last year, the impression is that broad based valuations have fallen signifi cantly. The fall between these levels certainly gives the impression that the overall UK market has had quite the shakeup in recent months.

Has it all been doom and gloom though? The chart below shows the percentage gains and losses from the start of 2015 for all of the FTSE 100 index

constituents on the y axis, whilst the x axis displays each stock’s market capitalisation at the start of the year and thus their impact on the overall index.

The fi rst thing you might notice is that the split between winners and losers is actually

quite even, despite the ‘turmoil’ based headlines in the media and the falls of the index itself, it hasn’t been impossible to fi nd winners and make money.

Companies with exposure to oil and commodity prices have been savaged and have a big infl uence on the index, as have those with signifi cant Chinese and Asian exposure such as the biggest UK company HSBC. However those with a domestic bias such as the house-builders and Non-life Insurers have in some cases delivered excellent returns, premium house builder Berkeley Group returning over 60% in 12 months. Looking back 18-24 months it felt like any stock without an emerging market presence was cast aside in favour of those that did. Now it is quite the reverse and many stocks are helped considerably by a generally buoyant UK domestic economy.

The main point the chart and the various returns demonstrate though is that sometimes no matter how diffi cult the general market environment or index movements, there are always opportunities for genuine stock pickers and active managers to both outperform or even make gains in a diffi cult environment.

The start of 2016 sees a new start for NECC Partners, with Jennifer

Rycroft joining us as our Partnerships Manager. Jennifer will be working to make sure that we deliver a host of exciting activities with our Partners this year, including important policy campaigns, events and services for our members.

This includes an event with Utilitywise to help North East businesses understand how to manage energy prices and the impact of current policy.

Gateshead College has been instrumental in setting up our new Education and Skills Group to advise on a crucial aspect of policy, which held its inaugural

meeting in December. We are also launching a new project with Thirteen Group to look into the North East housing market and its role in the economy.

Partners had a fascinating discussion with Northern Powerhouse Minister James Wharton MP, covering skills, the digital economy and transport policy. It was particularly helpful to discuss the current activity to support the Tees Valley economy in the wake of the closure of SSI.

In January we also discussed a series of national policy priorities with Adam Marshall, executive director for policy and external affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce.

As ever, we are extremely grateful to all our Partners for their support.

With Ross Smith, NECC director of policyPARTNERS UPDATE

OUR PARTNERS


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What’s important to you when you travel on business? What do you require from your business travel agent?

Value, convenience, personal service. being there every minute of every day, knowing you and understanding your needs?

We are Dawson & Sanderson Corporate Travel Services. That’s What We Do.

• Flights• Efficient Service• Personal Attention• Cars• Trains• Value• Management Information Reports• People• Business• E-Locate Traveller Tracking• Professional• Documents• Hotels• 24/7 Reservations & Client Careline

“Contact us for a bespoke solution to all your travel needs”.

Dawson & Sanderson Corporate Travel Services19 Park View, Whitley Bay. Email: [email protected]: 0191 251 5000

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Teesside property regeneration firm Python Properties has launched a new business to meet increased demand.

The Middlesbrough-based firm has launched The Student Living Company, based next to Teesside University, as the need for high quality student accommodation continues to grow thanks to buoyant student communities at Teesside University, Durham University Queen’s Campus and Newcastle University. Python Properties has provided accommodation for students since 1997 with more than 6,000 tenants to date. It owns and manages all of its properties.

NEWSGOOD LIVING

New Lookers at car giant

T he first signs of the re-naming of Benfield, the North East’s largest Motor Group, have been unveiled.

Acquired by Lookers plc in September 2015 and now the second

largest motor group in the UK, Benfield’s 30 outlets across the North East, Yorkshire, Cumbria and the West of Scotland are being renamed Lookers.

MD Nigel McMinn says: “The new signage and Lookers re-brand is beginning to take shape. Benfield is a strong regional brand and it has been essential that our name change and rebrand have followed a phased approach.

“The culture between the two businesses is a

perfect fit and we are committed to preserving and nurturing this culture as well as putting in place new initiatives and retail standards to allow our customers to benefit from larger scale investments under the Lookers brand.”

Lookers has embarked on a comprehensive customer communications and re-branding marketing campaign, including TV and radio advertising, digital media and outdoor advertising.

The enlarged Lookers plc group represents 31 brands across 160 dealerships employing more than 8,500 staff with a turnover of more than £4bn, selling more than 200,000 cars a year.

Lookers MD Nigel McMinn

NEWS


Tees Valley Business Support Schemes

Part of the national network of Business Growth Hubs

Tees Valley Unlimited is a Tees Valley Business Compass partner

Call the team on 01642 939 386 to find out more or visit www.teesbusinesscompass.co.uk

You could be eligible for funding through the SSI Task Force for one of the Tees Valley Business Support Schemes

Want to grow your business in Tees Valley?

Make 2016 the year your company grows -

don’t delay, act now!

IN THE MONEY

NEWS

NECC is working with financial services review and insight platform Smart Money People to determine how well the region’s businesses are being served by the financial services industry.

The partnership sees the launch of The North East Business Banking Pulse, inviting businesses throughout the region to share their experiences.Mike Fotis, founder of Smart Money People, says: “Business banking and access to capital are critical for many businesses. We’re aiming to take the pulse of 700 North East businesses across multiple industries.” Summary results are due to be released in late February.

New visionN ew Teesside company

Prismatic Thinking has secured a major contract to deliver its business psychology system to NECC.

The Stockton-based company, led by MD Tony Slimmings, will provide NECC with its Vision software developed by business psychologists. Around 150 members of staff at NECC have taken part in the survey, which focuses on motivation, commitment, empowerment, satisfaction and

engagement. When the results are gathered, Prismatic will work closely with NECC to assist with areas of development.

Prismatic Thinking says its tools can help organisations increase business performance by 30% and improve employee morale by 40% through its scientific approach to enhancing motivation.

David Langley, NECC chief operating officer, says: “The early phase has provided interesting results and will help us offer an improved service for our members.”

The Corporate MetroSaver scheme means staff can get the savings of buying an annual ticket, but pay for it monthly through their wages. To get on board, give the Corporate MetroSaver team a call today on 0191 203 3225 or 0191 203 3491 or email [email protected]

nexus.org.uk/metro @My_Metro /mymetrotw

With Metro, commuting could cost as little as £9.40 a week.Good to know.


GO TO THE TOP OF THE CLASSNew College Durham has retained the title of the Best General Further Education College in the North East for Student Progress.

Official data shows students make more progress studying vocational qualifications with New College Durham than at any other General Further Education College in the region. The results are based on official figures from the The Department for Education. New College Durham offers more than 100 full-time vocational courses, in addition to 18 A-Level subjects and more than 50 different apprenticeships and higher education programmes.

NEWS

FOLLOW THAT DOG

St Oswald’s Hospice, Newcastle, has launched a major fundraising campaign for 2016 in the shape of Great North Snowdog, inspired by the animated short film, The Snowman™

and The Snowdog.For 10 weeks during autumn and winter 2016,

the North East’s streets, parks and open spaces will become home to a series of individually designed Snowdog sculptures painted by well-known and undiscovered artists. This will result in a sculpture trail, based around and showcasing the rich cultural

offer and wealth of artistic talent in the area. People can follow a trail map and a dedicated app will lead them from popular tourist destinations to lesser-known areas of the region.

St Oswald’s Hospice Children’s Service, which provides short breaks and respite for children with incurable conditions and supports families of those affected, is working with creative producer Wild in Art to bring the Great North Snowdogs to the region and at the end of the trail the Snowdog sculptures will be auctioned to raise funds. The hospice has to raise over £7m each year to provide its services.

SERVING THE NORTH EAST WITHWIDE FORMAT PRINTING

SOLUTIONS FOR OVER 25 YEARSAs Multifunction is now the new standard, why buy just a printer, when you can have a fully

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With the launch of the HP DesignJet T830 we now have a machine to suit all volumes and budgets.

HP DesignJet T3500: High volume production printer, exclusive to Standing Stone in the North East. Signifi cantly reduces the running costs compared with an LED black and white system.

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NEWS


NE1 Ltd’s Space2 centre for young people in Newcastle has expanded. Its new facility on Pilgrim Street, operated and managed by YMCA Newcastle, was officially opened by BBC business presenter Steph McGovern and North East author David Almond. IN three years, Space2 has worked with more than 3,000 young people to secure jobs, training and apprenticeships.

NEWS

MORE SPACE

TASK FORCEFunding is now available through the SSI Task Force for Tees Valley companies and those directly affected by the steelworks closure.

Tees Valley Business Compass is supporting businesses by unlocking finance and funding streams. The Tees Valley Business Support Schemes – available through the SSI Task Force - include the Business Advice Start Up Fund, the Jobs and Skills Fund, the Supply Chain Support Scheme, a Capital Grant Scheme and the Tees Valley Small Grant Scheme.

The Jobs and Skills Fund, worth £16.5m, has already helped to create more than 70 new jobs, while firms in the SSI supply chain and others in Tees Valley have been able to create and safeguard more than 200 jobs with help from the other support funds available.

NEWS

Estate agency Your Move Chris Stonock has been accredited with the Gold Award by Investors in People, four years after being awarded the Bronze Standard.

Around 15,000 organisations across 75 countries hold Investors in People accreditation but only 3% of these have achieved the Gold Standard.

Your Move Chris Stonock needed to meet more than 165 evidence requirements including commitment to the values of the business and personal development.

The business was set up by Chris Stonock in 2007 as part of a management buy out from Halifax Estate Agents. In 2010 the company joined the Your Move

Network. The business has around 60 colleagues based over eight branches across Tyneside and Co Durham.

Snack firm pops up

Healthy snack firm JLM Global Foods has expanded to warehousing space at Lingfield Point in Darlington, taking on 23,000sqft of

additional space.The company is Europe’s leading

manufacturer and supplier of popped snacks and its products are stocked by international supermarket groups.

Chief executive Paul Huggins says: “We are an expanding business and the logistics here, being so close to road, rail and sea links, are ideal to move stock fast and efficiently.

“And our staff are delighted there is an

on-site canteen – even though we’re never short of a snack or two.”

Lingfield Point is the only scheme in Darlington offering warehouse and logistics space of 20,000sqft plus. Connect Property North East’s Jonathan Simpson, who markets the scheme, says: “This letting characterises the recent upturn in the regional industrial and logistics market and demand is now starting to significantly outstrip supply, particularly in Newton Aycliffe and Darlington. The strength of the regional manufacturing sector and the recent opening of the new Hitachi train building facility are further enhancing Lingfield Point’s strategic location.”

l-r: Paul Huggins of JLM, Jonathan Simpson of Connect Property UK, and Julian Brooke of Lingfield Warehousing and Logistics

GOLD STANDARD

l-r: Your Move Chris Stonock operations director Tim Stonock, training and development manager Mandy Dixon, and chief executive Chris Stonock

l-r: Steph McGovern, David Almond, and NE1 Ltd chief exec Sean Bullick at Space2 in Newcastle

Venue: Centre for Life, Newcastle

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NEWS


NECC President’s Club and wealth management company Brewin Dolphin have announced their partnership will continue throughout 2016.

The Newcastle-based organisation will continue as Associate Sponsor of NECC’s President’s Club, providing advice and support to businesses around the region.

NECC President’s Club comprises the leaders of the North East’s largest employers and key influential businesses.

Eamonn Leavey, Head of NECC’s President Club, says: “NECC is looking towards a competitive North East, campaigning for local business environment that encourages growth and enterprise. With greater devolution, we have a real opportunity to become the most welcoming business environment in the country and this sponsorship will

HOWDY, PARTNER

encourage growth and enterprise for businesses to reach their potential.”

Brewin Dolphin Business development director John Duns says: “We have been helping to make a meaningful difference to people’s finances for decades and are proud to be associated with an institution which is similarly committed to making the North East a better and more prosperous place to do business.”

NEWS

With Eamonn Leavey Head of NECC President’s Club

We welcomed David Horne, MD of Virgin Trains East Coast, as our keynote speaker

for the 14th NECC President’s Club lunch at the new Crowne Plaza hotel in Newcastle.

It was great to have a record turnout of the region’s business leaders and David updated us on the new venture for Virgin and the future investment and opportunities on the East Coast rail line. My thanks to Accenture for its sponsorship of the event and the team at Crowne Plaza for hosting us.

It was also great to be on the first Virgin train on its new direct route from Sunderland to London Kings Cross. This new direct route gives Sunderland business people the opportunity to be in the capital before 9am on a daily basis.

My thanks also to Brewin Dolphin for its continued sponsorship of NECC President’s Club in 2016. Brewin Dolphin, which is one of the leading wealth management firms in the UK, is offering President’s Club members a free, no-obligation financial planning review with one of its experts.

Congratulations to NECC President’s Club members for their New Years honours awards - Linda Conlon, International Centre for Life; Sarah Stewart, NewcastleGateshead Initiative; Andrew Wathey, Northumbria University; Simon Henig, Durham County Council; Andrew Moffat, Port of Tyne; Bob Paton, Accenture; Daljit Lally, Northumberland County Council; and Nickie Gott, She’s Gott It!

I N A S S O C I A T I O N W I T H

BIG SOCIETY

N ewcastle Building Society has announced a multi-million pound investment programme set to create 100 new jobs in 2016.

In addition to improvements to branches and infrastructure, the investment includes new positions across the society and its wholly owned subsidiaries including Newcastle Strategic Solutions, a provider of outsourced savings management services.

The society is planning improvements to its branch network, telephone and digital offering, plus a new website.

Two new city centre Advice Centres will be opened in Newcastle and a new strategic partnership with Stockton Borough Council will enable the society to re-establish a presence on the High Street, Yarm.

The investment programme reflects customer feedback which shows that, while the use of online channels is increasing, people in the North East still value branches.

Chief executive Andrew Haigh says: “This investment programme recognises the importance of offering members the choice of both digital and a modern and effective branch network.”

l-r: John Duns, Brewin Dolphin and Eammon Leavey, head of NECC President’s Club

NEWS


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CLUSTER OF AWARDS

NEPIC Young Achievers: Craig Hooper, CF Fertilisers UK; Lynsey Watson, Aesica Pharmaceuticals; Elaine Falconer, Amec Foster Wheeler; Stephen Anderson, Absolute Antibody

Durham-based Business and IT Consultancy Waterstons Ltd has launched #TheHappiness Equation marketing campaign to ask companies to find their perfect formula for customer happiness. #TheHappinessEquation launched in January and will run until the end of April. Events will be held throughout the campaign and new articles released regularly.

HAPPINESS…

Waterston’s chair Sally Waterston

T he ninth NEPIC (North East Process Industry Cluster) Awards attended by 400 process

industry executives at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield, honoured winners from across the region.

A total of £18,000 was also awarded to the region’s outstanding young people, contributors and companies, of which £10,000 was donated to local primary school science projects and another £8,000 awarded to apprentices and young achievers.

Apprentice of the Year Awards went to Asad Ali of SABIC Petrochemicals, Tiffany Connor of Billingham-based Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and K Home International’s Patrick Shepherd.

Young Achievers winners included Stephen Anderson of Absolute Antibody, Lynsey Watson of Aesica Pharmaceuticals, Sandra

Roundtree from Billingham-based Biochemica, Craig Hooper of CF Fertilizers (formerly GrowHow), and Elaine Falconer from Amec Foster Wheeler. The Primary School. Environmental Award was won by Lingey House Primary School in Gateshead for its plans to save water voles in a park adjacent to the school grounds.

Cramlington-based Shasun Pharma Solutions took the Industrial Environmental Award and the SME of the Year was Chemoxy International. A special award for International Business Development was presented to visiting guest Kamal Nanavaty from Indian chemical giant Reliance Industries.

Cramlington-based drug manufacturer MSD took the top prize for Manufacturing Sustainability and its site director, Martin Inskip, collected the 2016 award for Outstanding Contribution.

ADVERTORIAL

BUSINESS AND SCHOOLS ALLIANCE TO OPEN DOOR INTO WORK FOR PUPILS

T he North East Local Enterprise Partnership is pioneering a new national network linking schools with business leaders to give pupils the best possible chance of success in the rapidly changing world of work.

Around 20 secondary schools and colleges from Northumberland to County Durham are forming powerful alliances with local business leaders, to help shape their future careers engagement work and better meet the demands of employers.

The Enterprise Adviser Network matches high quality senior business volunteers with local schools.

Together they are working to refi ne the way schools interact with business, examine their enterprise strategy and plug any gaps.

North East LEP Enterprise Co-ordinator Denis Heaney is leading the project for the region delivering key elements of the LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan.

Denis said: “The world of work is changing and the enterprise advisers will guide schools and colleges to help create a strategy for careers, enterprise and employer engagement.”

Northumberland oil and gas engineering specialist Arefco has linked with the neighbouring Northumberland Church of England Academy in Ashington.

Gary Burton, Managing Director of Arefco, which design and manufacture high precision components, is looking forward to working with the school as its Enterprise Adviser.

Mark Fox, Careers Adviser at the Northumberland Church of England Academy, said: “Arefco attend our World of Work Days during National Careers Week and go to great lengths to bring examples of equipment and machinery they use to make their products, bringing their work to life.”

The Enterprise Adviser Network refl ects new Government policy relating to careers. The programme is being co-ordinated at a national level through the Careers and Enterprise Company.

North East LEP Enterprise Co-ordinator Denis Heaney


Essentials portfolio managerOur Christmas

Wish Campaign proved so popular that we are continuing the referrals process, so do email me your ideal sales enquiry and your current business need and leave the rest to us. Julie Digman tel 07912 478 964 [email protected] Twitter @NECCjuliedig

NECC GlobalWe look forward to an interesting year

for exporters, with the ease of sanctions against Iran, and the new Union Customs Code coming into effect. Brian Dakers tel 0300 303 6322 [email protected] Twitter @NECCBrian

TeessideI’d like to take the opportunity to

wish you all a successful and prosperous year and welcome Teesside’s first two new members of the year - Tees Valley Arts and The Creative Alchemist. Tom Warnock tel 07714 845 617 [email protected] Twitter @NECCTom

Darlington and West DurhamI would love to welcome you to

our first NECC Local Meeting at Houndgate Townhouse, Darlington on February 18 at 8am where you can meet and mingle with other Darlington members. See you soon.Susan Anderson tel 07736 799 727 [email protected]

Northumberland Welcome to 2016. I’m delighted to

welcome more new businesses into the Chamber, and if you have any contacts you feel may benefit from membership, let me know. Les Dixon tel 07850 740 645 [email protected] Twitter @NECCLes

Medium BusinessWe welcome Connor

Solutions, UNW LLP, Ravensworth Digital and Tangent Snowball - I look forward to working with you. Look out for our first linking business with education event of the year. Andrew Heavisides tel 07912 478 961, [email protected] Twitter @NECCAndrewh

Newcastle/GatesheadHope all my members are

feeling ready to embrace the new year; it would be great to see you all at the Tyne & Wear AGM on March 8 at The Assembly Rooms. Lynsey Fairless tel 07834 444 627 [email protected] Twitter @NECCLynsey

Sunderland/South Tyneside/DurhamI’m looking

forward to seeing as many businesses as possible this year and connecting businesses, and helping companies to maximise opportunities. Arthur Hodgson tel 07980 259 991 [email protected] Twitter @NECCArthur

NEWS AND VIEWS FROM NECC RELATIONSHIP MANAGERS

NEWS


AIS Training has signed an agreement with the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult to bring simulated training to the wind energy sector.

The company has secured use of Catapult’s 27-metre wind turbine training tower, which is located at the National Renewable Energy Centre test and research facility in Blyth.

The onshore wind training tower is almost double the current height required for working at height training by industry bodies such as Renewable UK and the Global Wind Organisation and its additional height enables AIS to recreate conditions of working at the heights of real wind turbines, some of which reach 125 metres.

The training tower complements AIS’s Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence, which sits alongside in a 150,000sqft offshore training village.

NEWS

ON A HIGH

FLYING HIGHDawson & Sanderson’s Corporate Travel Services, which is celebrating 25 years in business, has picked up Durham University’s Outstanding Contribution to Student Services award - nominated by staff and students, and Newcastle University’s Transport and Travel Supplier award.

The business travel arm of the North East travel company is based in Whitley Bay, and its clients include small businesses, manufacturers, offshore oil and gas industries and North East universities.

NEWS

On the buses

C o Durham-based Stanley Travel has acquired a second vehicle depot with the help of law firm Ward Hadaway’s Newcastle office.

The former Arriva bus depot at Morrison Busty in Stanley will assist with continued expansion at the business established in

1961 by Robert and Ann Scott and now owned by directors Ian Scott and Andrew Scott. Stanley Travel operates a 75-strong fleet ranging from four-seater taxis to double decker buses and employs 70 people. Its clients include Durham University, Emirates airline, the NHS, Newcastle Eagles and Sunderland AFC.

IT solutions specialist Technology Services Group (TSG) has achieved a seventh top rating from global technology giant Microsoft.

As a strategic member of the Microsoft Partner Network, TSG has a new Gold Status Competency to add to its six awards. Of Microsoft’s 650,000 partners worldwide, less than 1% hold a gold competency. TSG’s has been awarded in the cloud productivity area.

MAGNIFICENT SEVENTH

l-r: Stanley Travel director Andrew Scott and Alex Wright, property partner, Ward Hadaway

MEMBERS CONNECTED

l-r: TSG training and development manager David Filmer and chief executive David Stonehouse

MEMBERS CONNECTED

HOW GO SMARTER CHANGED THE WAY WE TRAVEL TO WORK

Since launching in 2012, Go Smarter – the Department for Transport-funded sustainable transport programme for Tyne and Wear and Northumberland – has supported hundreds of businesses and thousands of employees to adopt sustainable and active travel.

From installing bike sheds in offi ces to delivering sustainable travel roadshows, Go Smarter has helped transform how people travel to and from work across the region.

One of Go Smarter’s major successes has been its personalised approach to travel planning; working with individual staff members to create tailor made journey plans using sustainable travel. Not only has this benefi tted employees, it has also had a positive impact on businesses.

Andrew Davison, partner at Muckle LLP said: “As a company we’re committed to minimising the adverse impact of our business and our people on the environment, so participating in initiatives which raise awareness of alternative and

more sustainable methods of travelling fi ts perfectly with this.”

Go Smarter’s popular events programme took sustainable travel direct to businesses so staff could experience fi rst hand the positive effects of active travel. From cycle training and bike maintenance to electric bike trials and Nordic walking, Go Smarter has helped educate and inform why sustainable transport is so important for our health, environment and the local economy.

Rebecca Allen, Sustainability Offi cer at Newcastle University, said: “Our Go Smarter to Work Breakfast Mornings were a fantastic way to introduce people to the activity available on campus. By working with Go Smarter we have been able to increase staff engagement with greener travel.”

The Go Smarter matched funding scheme allowed business already enrolled in the Go Smarter to Work programme to apply for up to £5,000 to introduce a sustainable transport or fl exible working scheme for its employees. intu Eldon Square, one of the largest city centre shopping destinations in the UK, worked with Go Smarter to introduce improved internal conferencing facilities.

Richie Williamson, Operations Coordinator at intu Eldon Square said: “By improving our ability to effectively communicate with our head offi ce in London, we’ve reduced the need for staff to continually travel to the capital for meetings and also reduced the requirement to provide off-site training and development.”

Go Smarter is launching a Go Smarter Business Network in March 2016 - a new way for businesses to inspire and develop sustainable workforces. Providing a legacy for the Go Smarter programme, membership fees are fully funded for 2016. The Business Network will be managed by WSP | Parsons Brinkerhoff.

For more information and to join the Business Network please contact Peter Henson, Senior Transport Planner atWSP | Parsons [email protected]

www.gosmarter.co.uk

Go Smarter has helped hundreds of businesses and thousands of employees to adopt sustainable and active travel.


ADVERTORIAL

in association with

NEWSADVERTORIAL

LEADERSHIP IN THE DIGITAL AGE

M ost senior business leaders agree that it is very important for leaders to be ‘technology literate’ in the current business environment.

The findings in a recent survey also revealed that far fewer were confident that the level of literacy among their own leadership was strong. 29 per cent of the respondents said leaders within their organisation were ‘not very technology literate’.

The research revealed that leaders understand the potential of digital capability and that the ownership of digital is now at board level. More board members are actively engaged in digital and are contributing to the re-shaping of organisations at the highest level.

Our experience at nesma is that there are some critical characteristics for effective digital leaders and the research backs this up, suggesting that leaders need to be “ruthlessly customer-centric”, visionary,

adaptive and agile, among other qualities.We find that there are two types of managers

who enrol for our digital qualifications. They are either experienced managers who are ‘digital immigrants’ ie managers who began their careers before the internet was born, or younger managers who are ‘digital natives’, who grew up in the digital world. The experienced managers are competent, effective marketers who want to understand the opportunities of digital, and how to manage their more proficient juniors. Meanwhile the younger members are ambitious to apply their digital skills to their marketing roles.

nesma offers a comprehensive range of courses throughout the year for CIM, CIPR and DMI qualifi cations.

We provide a wide range of full and half day courses ranging from Google analytics to social media for business to business marketing.For more information about digital marketing qualifications and bespoke training, please contact nesma: www.nesma.co.ukor [email protected]

nesma, 19 Lansdowne Terrace,Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne Tel: +44 (0)7590 018 205Email: [email protected]

Veronica Swindale, Director.


Historic Acklam Hall on Teesside is opening its doors following a multi-million pound renovation providing a restaurant, four function suites, 18 serviced offices and a number of conference and meeting rooms.

In addition to the serviced offices, virtual offices are also available for companies which

need a business address, telephone answering and mail handling service.

The redevelopment, by Acklam Hall Ltd, has seen the complete restoration of the building, which dates back to the 1680s and was home to Teesside’s Hustler family for almost 250 years before becoming a school in the 1930s.

HALL PREPARES FOR BUSINESS


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Port of Tyne has hit the small screen after being granted a starring role in BBC2’s new documentary programme Sea Cities.

Sea Cities Tyneside, broadcast on February 5, followed the Port of Tyne’s engineering team as they maintained plant and equipment, serviced a 70m high container gantry crane, and prepared to open the historic Swing Bridge in Newcastle.

The programme also featured the Port’s Pilot Boat crew, a team competing in the Great North Run, and the arrival of the World’s largest car carrier, Höegh Target.

The programme featured offshore fabrication company OGN, South Tyneside Marine School, the Old Low Light heritage centre and the Shields Ferry.

Port of Tyne has also announced a new commercial agreement with one of the UK’s leading importers of plywood.

In an initial three-year deal with International Plywood, Port of Tyne will provide office accommodation, cargo handling, covered storage and onward UK-wide road distribution for timber products imported through the Port.

ALL AT SEA

Logistics specialist AV Dawson, Middlesbrough, has appointed NECC’s former head of marketing and bicentenary project manager Charlie Nettle.

AV Dawson, which has seen significant growth and a £12.5m expansion plan, is growing its business in the waste and renewable energy sector.

Nettle, head of marketing at NECC for

six years, delivered NECC’s successful 200th anniversary campaign in 2015, which included breaking a Guinness World Record, holding the largest business dinner in the region and the publication of Apprentice Greats, which celebrates 200 business leaders who began life as apprentices in the region. Nettle is also chair of the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s board in the North East.

NEW POST FOR NECC’S BICENTENARY MAN

NECC bicentenary man Charlie Nettle has a new role with logistics specialist AV Dawson

NECC POLICY

The turn of the year saw the publication of our new Manifesto – a clear statement

of priorities made on behalf of businesses in North East England.

The Manifesto is one of the most important documents we produce. Not only does it set out the policy changes our members want to see in 2016, but it also shapes the campaigning and lobbying efforts of NECC for the whole year.

Our challenge is to identify the real issues that hold our businesses back. This is why the Manifesto is not an

academic document. It is produced after lengthy consultation and discussion with the membership and is approved by our regional council. The issues in it are those that matter most to members.

You won’t be surprised to hear that our ambition is to see the North East become an even more vibrant and successful part of the national economy. We believe the region is a great place to do business, but there is so much more we could achieve.

To do this, business needs to have a meaningful voice in

the economic and political decision-making process.

Businesses create employment and wealth, yet too often the decisions

affecting their ability to do this seem

removed from reality. Our members want the North East to prosper. They have

the knowledge and experience to help

make this happen.Our members also want to

make a contribution to the society around them. By investing in employment and training, supporting the education of young people and

improving the local environment, businesses are helping to transform the region. This must be supported wherever possible.

The Manifesto identifies five campaigns for 2016. These are deliberately aspirational. We believe that the proposed changes, reforms and activities within these campaigns can truly make the North East the most welcoming business environment in the country.

These aspirations can only be achieved with the on-going support and dedication of our members. We need all businesses to carry these messages and ambitions with them throughout 2016.

NECC Manifesto 2016Jonathan Walker outlines NECC’s Manifesto aims for the year

BUSINESS NEEDS TO HAVE A MEANINGFUL

VOICE



We want to see an Influential North East. The region must punch its weight on the national stage and also be given the ability to shape its own economic destiny.The North East has made progress in this area over the past 12 months. There are now two combined authorities established in the region and both have signed devolution agreements with Government. We are now looking for structures that give business a stronger and more accountable voice in economic decision-making.NECC is also committed to ensuring the North East is considered an integral part of the ‘Northern Powerhouse’. In 2016 we will continue to promote North East England as a great place to do business and support the development of a strong regional identity.

Further afield, we must aspire to be a Global North East. Our export success is built on the back of a relatively small number of companies and we still lag behind other regions when it comes to inward investment. Recent changes to migration rules are now also limiting our ability to attract global talent to our region. Support is needed in all these areas to encourage businesses to internationalise.The forthcoming EU referendum throws this topic into sharper focus. We recognise the huge benefits continued membership brings to the region, but also the frustrations many businesses feel when dealing with European regulations. In 2016 we will continue to represent members’ views by making the case for both membership and reform of the EU.

A Connected North East is one where businesses in the region have easy access to markets; a region where people and products can move freely around the North East.In order to achieve this, we must see the swift commencement and completion of committed road improvement schemes, improved trans-Pennine connectivity and a positive decision to expand Heathrow Airport to make this ambition a reality.In a world where businesses increasingly rely on digital as well as physical networks, we will also be supporting the greater availability of high-speed broadband throughout the region, and will champion its use by businesses which will benefit from the connectivity it will provide, ensuring we are better connected.

Businesses in this region require an environment which encourages growth and enterprise if they are to reach their potential. Developing a Competitive North East will involve meaningful collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive local prosperity.Currently, too many businesses find that they struggle to compete for local procurement opportunities, experience unnecessary difficulties when expanding their premises, or lack the necessary finance for growth.We will work with any organisation to develop local supply chains wherever possible, demand that public bodies go out of their way to support business investment and send out the message that the region is open for sustainable development.

Influential North East

Global North East

Connected North East

Competitive North East

Working North East

The success we want to see will only come about if we make the transition to a Working North East. In 2015, employment levels across North East England touched record highs, but recent setbacks highlight the dangers of complacency.Sadly, the number of people unemployed in the region remains far too high. At a time when too many businesses tell us they cannot find the right skills in the labour market, this is unacceptable.As a region, we must support those who are removed from the labour market to access the right kind of training, we must insist that the education system equips young people to make informed decisions about their future careers. Businesses must also step up to the plate by helping to provide meaningful advice and experience to the future workforce.

SUCCESS

Hall for oneLaura Facey discovers the secrets of success at Tomlinson Hall, the Teesside-based family business with a fast-growing global reach

C olin Simpson, business development director at Billingham pump distributor and manufacturer Tomlinson Hall, has many

reasons to celebrate. Not only was the Teesside business named Small Business of the Year at the 2015 North East Business Awards, as a lifelong supporter of Middlesbrough Football Club, Colin is still yet to come back down to earth after his heroes’ thrilling victory over Manchester United last October and the club’s continued success since.

The corridors of Tomlinson Hall HQ are lined with signed ‘Boro shirts, and the business has plenty of its own wins to be proud of. Having grown a global customer base, it has been Pump Distributor of the Year in the British Pump Industry Awards four times and was nominated for Small Business of the Year at the 2015 British Chambers Awards.

Its 27-strong team work to supply a vast range of pumps, in addition to offering servicing, repairs and engineering supplies, and manufacturing Liquivac, the company’s own innovative liquid ring vacuum pump.

The reins of the business lie in the safe hands of Tony Keville, the third

generation of his family at its head. He took over from his father CJB Keville, who succeeded his father-in-law Alf Tomlinson, who founded a general engineering supplies firm with Frank Hall in 1919.

A chartered engineer, member of the Institute of Engineering Technology and chairman of the UK Pump Distributors Association, Keville was also part of the team which first discovered the hole in the ozone layer, before he joined the family business in 1976.

“Tony has continued his family’s legacy, integrating family ethics into this business to make it the success it continues to be,” says Simpson, who joined the firm in 1993.

“He is 100% focused on our staff, who in turn reward us with their loyalty. Tony is a problem solver, an inventor who can look at a product and improve it in ways that other people wouldn’t even think of, and that’s what makes our products sought after.”

The business supplies pumps to businesses in the North East and the UK, to Europe and the Middle East, North America, South America, and Asia, exporting to more than 100 countries in total. Of the growth nationwide and

internationally, Simpson says: “We had a strong reputation locally and we decided it was time to broaden our target area. One of our first major national contracts was with Scottish and Newcastle Brewery, latterly Scottish Courage and now Heineken, and that got our pump

products into cities across the UK. From there we experienced a

ripple effect, building our client base, modernising our production and ordering service, and pushing the business forward.”

Offering realistic expectations, a quality product

and good customer service is at the forefront of the offering, he says. “Late one Friday afternoon, we had a phone call from a client, a distiller in Scotland. They had a visit from the Queen the following Monday and had a disaster with a noxious gas - which


“WE LEARNT TO DIVERSIFY, NOT TO RELY

ON ONE COMPANY”

would have caused a great deal of unpleasantness for Her Majesty. One of our team jumped on the first train north to solve the problem. We’re still in touch and laugh about that close shave.”

Tomlinson Hall has a broad customer base, serving end users across a range of industry sectors, including the process industry, chemical processing, petrochemicals, shipping, food and drink processing, land remediation and environmental management, water utilities, energy, leisure and desalination. Its products are even aboard Roman Abramovich’s superyacht, the Eclipse.

“We learnt the hard way not to put all our eggs in one basket,” says Simpson. “A few years ago, our turnover dipped slightly due the mothballing of the Corus Redcar steelworks, which had previously been our number one customer for pumps and ancillary equipment.

“We learnt to diversify, not to rely

heavily on one company, and we recovered. We’re grateful to work with sectors built on basic human needs. People will always need to eat, drink and safely dispose of waste, and while these industries are in business, there will be a need for our pumps.”

It’s an exciting time for the business as it contemplates its next 100 years. “We plan at least five years in advance,” says Simpson. “Which products will we push? Which industry or country will we explore? What will our staffing requirements be? There are skills in the workshop we don’t want to lose when an employee chooses to retire.

“Training the next generation of engineers is important for our industry and the North East’s engineering and manufacturing base. We predict where our gaps may be in the future and find a solution. Our workshop manager started off as an apprentice, as did another

colleague who is now completing an HNC in engineering with our support. It’s imperative to invest in your people.”

Tomlinson Hall has doubled its turnover since 2007 and between 2013 and 2014 it saw an increase in sales of 12.9%. The goal now is to increase total sales to £5m by 2018.

“A key objective is to build Liquivac into a globally distributed brand,” says Simpson. “We’ve developed an ambitious export strategy and aim to strengthen Tomlinson Hall’s position as a leading pump distributor in the UK and in global markets. We will also add further major pump brands to our distribution portfolio.

“It’s ambitious, but we have an aspiring team of employees and if we all pull in the same direction we will do it. We believe in staying one step ahead, planning for the future, and offering a quality product. And last of all, find a job, and a football club, you love!”


Colin Simpson

PROFILE

Owen McAteer meets Jo Barnett, interim executive director of the Virgin Money Foundation

Firm foundation

A healthy takeaway, a garment manufacturer, and a social

enterprise incubator may not be the first range of opportunities you would expect when discussing charity giving.

But as Jo Barnett, the interim executive director of the Virgin Money Foundation explains, they perfectly meet the criteria of the new fund launched by the Newcastle-based bank.

Rather than handing out grants to meet an immediate need, funds are aimed at supporting sustainable projects that will make a difference for years to come.

“We are about sustainable, long-term difference in deprived communities,” says Barnett. “Some of the things are about young people and jobs, and others about supporting social enterprises that are going to make money; it’s about being a firestarter for the community.

“We aren’t trying to build a reliance culture where people don’t think of income streams; we don’t want people to be thinking they’ll come back again next year. It’s about people and communities

looking to start sustainable change that can be measured in the long term.”

The fund was launched in August 2015 with a focus on projects enabling the homeless or people at risk of homelessness to find a home, providing opportunities for youth education, training and enterprise, creating and supporting community and social enterprise and larger capital projects to bring people and money into deprived communities. It announced its first grants in December 2015 with almost £900,000 awarded to 25 projects across the North East. “We are a bank, we are about homes, jobs, communities being enhanced,” says Barnett. “Thriving communities are our customers, and the reason we set up the Foundation in the North East is that it’s where the core of our customers are, and where some of the most deprived communities in the UK are – places where we can test our model.”

Barnett is executive director of Virgin Money Giving, the bank’s not-for-profit online donations service, which she set up and has helped

raise more than £328m for 9,000 charities. It’s also the official fundraising partner of the Virgin Money London Marathon. The Foundation, says Barnett, was a natural extension of programmes like Virgin Money Giving and Make £5 Grow - an entrepreneurship project with schools.

Virgin Money bought the former Northern Rock plc from the Government in 2012, and the Government has pledged £4m to the Foundation over four years, matching the commitment of Virgin Money.

It is not, says Barnett, a direct replacement for

the Northern Rock Foundation, which announced it was to close in September 2014. That was

geared towards making grants to

good causes, while the Virgin Money Foundation aims to make investments in projects to enable them to become self-sustaining. “The Northern Rock Foundation did brilliant work,” she says, “and we spent a lot of time thinking how we might work with it. It had quite an extensive income and was used to giving a lot of money in the North East, but it was a grant organisation - not

“WE ARE ABOUT

SUSTAINABLE LONG-TERM DIFFERENCE”


Virgin bought Northern Rock plc in January 2012 and rebranded the business as Virgin Money

about looking at investment. Northern Rock as a business no longer exists and it was rooted in the North East. Virgin Money is a national brand and, while we will always reflect this area, we were not going to limit it to the North East, although this is our heartland.”

There were 221 initial applications to the fund, which were whittled down to 90 based on those likely to have the best outcome in the local community. The biggest investment has been in a youth zone in Sunderland offering programmes, services and activities including sports, arts, and music, as well as help and advice on finding work and mentoring.

The Foundation has pledged £850,000 to the £6m project, which is spearhead by entrepreneur Sir Peter Vardy in partnership with national youth charity OnSide. Sir Peter, who has himself pledged £500,000 to the scheme, which will see a purpose-built Youth Zone, open daily, with more than 20 activities on offer for young people aged 8-19, and up to 25 for those with a disability.

Other grants awarded range between £10,000 and £50,000. Those benefiting include Food Nation - a social enterprise with a healthy food takeaway in Newcastle that will provide training and employment., and Lynemouth Community Trust’s Weave project which is providing employment in specialist garment manufacturing in Lynemouth, Northumberland. Another, Nacro, provides homes for vulnerable women and children in Middlesbrough.

Virgin Money, which employs 2,000 people in the North East and around 3,000 in total, will be sending its staff out to work with organisations awarded grants, to share their experience and skill – truly building a firm foundation now and for the future.


Food Nation

Jo Barnett

Weave

PROFILE

The new Nuffield Health Tees Hospital director Lesley Lock discusses principles and plastic surgery with Liz Hands

It’s clear that when Lesley Lock sets herself a goal she possesses a steely determination to achieve it.

Having taken her own Fairtrade business as far as it could go, Lock set her sights on the position of hospital director at Nuffield. It’s a role she now fills at Nuffield Health Tees Hospital.

“I positioned myself here,” she says. “That was always my plan, to come back to Nuffield. I was very specific about that.”

The principles of the company suit her. “It’s not-for-profit; there aren’t shareholders dictating where the money should be spent,” she says. “We’re commercial, for sure, but we put the patient first. That’s really important to me.”

Her first ever job was doing the ironing for her mum for pocket money. While studying bio-medical sciences at Sunderland and Northumbria universities, she often had three different part-time jobs, including a spell taking golf club bookings and organising tee-off times. “I’m not from a particularly well-off family. My dad was in the building industry and my mum was a housewife. I always knew if there were things I wanted, I was going to have to work for them,” she says.

She went on to join the NHS in Newcastle, specialising in haematology and blood transfusion at Newcastle

General Hospital. Then, with Nuffield Health in Newcastle as pathology services manager, she moved up the ranks to operations manager before leaving to set up her own company, Simplyfair, selling Fairtrade and organic goods, mainly to a corporate market. But as the big-name supermarkets started to stock Fairtrade themselves, she found she’d taken her firm as far as it could go.

“The market conditions were getting more difficult and more competitive. I decided to sell the business and go back into the employed world. Over the years I employed a small team, but I missed having the support structure a corporate environment offers. I thought about my career and where I’d been happiest and that was at Nuffield, so I made a plan to return. But I’d been out for seven or eight years so you can’t just come straight back in where you left off. I put my CV in with Nigel Wright Recruitment and at the end of my interview there, they offered me a job. They hadn’t previously had anyone looking after science so I went in and set up their scientific recruitment.”

She then went back to the healthcare sector and since taking up the director’s post

Good health

“WE’RE COMMERCIAL, BUT WE PUT THE PATIENT

FIRST”

at the end of 2015, she has overseen major investment in diagnostic imaging; a £300,000 spend on cancer screening equipment including a £140,000 mammography machine to improve diagnosis and patient comfort. The hospital has also had a £300,000 revamp of patient rooms.

“This is my sixth week, so I’m now assessing where I’m going to take the business,” she says when we meet. “We have a growth plan and I’d like to invest in the site. We’ll invest money in

people and in resources.”Nuffield Health Tees Hospital employs

200 staff and treats around 7,500 patients each year. Half of those

come through the NHS. It serves

patients from Stockton-on-Tees, Darlington,

Middlesbrough, plus some from further afield, including York and Cumbria. Services include orthopaedics, complex spinal procedures, varicose veins, cosmetic and plastic surgery and an innovative treatment to prevent snoring.

Is there a conflict between business and ethics in anything they do? “No, we always put the patient first. It’s about clinical need and patient choice. Every patient is in a very clinically safe environment,” says Lock.

“Many people who work


within the NHS are hugely concerned about how stretched they are and often feel they don’t have the number of staff they need to deliver the right care. Here, I feel very confident that we offer a safe, infection-free environment.”

Lock is continuing a long-standing link between Nuffield and Teesside University, having just taken on three new student nurses. “Many of those who train with us stay,” she says.

“It’s tough to get the right skills and we recognise that we have to contribute.”

She is also raising awareness of Nuffield among patients and GPs. “When you go to your GP you have a choice of where you have your procedure, so we will be working closely with GPs over the coming months.”

Her new job leaves little spare time as she and her family settle into their new home in Yarm, having moved from Northumberland.

She met her husband Ben through Fairtrade. He is MD for FairSourcePartners in the UK and Europe.

“My family are really proud that I set my target and I achieved it,” she says.

“This is an environment and culture that I’ve positioned myself to get back into and it’s everything I expected and more. I can see myself spending a lot of enjoyable time here.”

“I always knew that if there were

things I wanted, I had

to work for them”


PROFILE

Just a year after opening, The Lakes Distillery is renowned for its gin, its vodka and its unique whiskies. Its chairman Nigel Mills tells Rosie Waller about the joys of leading a business that’s breaking the mould

Good cheer

T he Lake District’s first-ever commercial single malt is quietly languishing in old

bourbon and sherry casks near the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake. When it’s awakened in a few years’ time there will be quite a party - and a great deal of curiosity over its taste

For Nigel Mills, chairman of the Lakes Distillery, there is no doubt it’ll be a winner. Tests on water quality there have delivered a lot to be excited about, with just the right amount of peat flowing down the fells to hit the sweet spot.

“The Lakes is one of the best places to make whisky. We’re aiming for something very drinkable and smooth,” he says, adding that the distillery is part of a movement away from traditional spirit production. “Thirty years ago, if you wanted wine you’d be choosing from France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Now it’s as likely to be from the New World. We’re now seeing the same change with spirits - a revolution in people’s appreciation of flavour and

taste. It’s fascinating.”The Lake District is no

stranger to whisky production. Lakeland farmers have kept their own whisky stills for centuries and the distillery is part of an international movement to challenge the dominance of Scotland.

Mills’ own background lies in accountancy with Price Waterhouse in Newcastle and London before founding a chain of newsagents with his father as his mentor. Over 25 years, the two grew the Mills Group into 86 convenience stores, selling them in 2011 to One-Stop Tesco.

Meanwhile, Mills and his business partners acquired three hotels in Cumbria. He still owns the four-star Trout Hotel in Cockermouth, birthplace of William Wordsworth. “I used to visit from time to time and would always stop at the Trout Hotel for a steak and kidney pie. One day, I told them that if they wanted to sell it, I’d buy it. They said they were thinking about selling

and they gave me two weeks to make up my mind. So that’s how that one came about.”

Mills has long wished to bring more tourism business to the town, so when he first read about the distillery project and its planning permission at Bassenthwaite, he was immediately interested. Looking for an investment opportunity and alert to the fact that the project had funding problems,

he contacted Paul Currie, the

inspiration behind the idea, who had successfully developed a similar venture

on the Isle of Arran with his father.

“It was April 2012 and the financial world was still in turmoil,” he recalls. “I sat with Paul and we rewrote the business plan and that began the journey. Two years and £8m later, we opened.”

What’s astonishing is that in its first year of opening the distillery will already have turned over £2.5m. Given the time required for a single malt to mature - the first run won’t

“THE LAKES IS ONE OF THE

BEST PLACES TO MAKE WHISKY”


“Being a lifelong

Newcastle United fan teaches you optimism”

be bottled until 2020, although there’ll be a first expression of that available from 2018 - other products were needed to get business moving.

So, there’s The Lakes Vodka, the first to be produced in Cumbria, The Lakes Gin made from local juniper among a total of 14 botanicals, and a whisky blend called The ONE, a careful mix of malts from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. “It’s a unique product,” Mills says proudly of the blend, which was launched in September 2013 on Cockermouth High Street, sold from wooden stalls over two days at £29.95 per bottle. “We sold 6,000 of those bottles.”

The distillery is also already an award-winning tourist attraction and famed North East restaurateur Terry Laybourne has his stamp on its excellent bistro. “This is a family destination. You can walk down to the River Derwent and see where we draw the water, and chat to the alpacas,” adds Mills.

You can also enjoy a distillery tour, smelling the casks for yourself and understanding the technical intricacies of production.

The distillery’s HQ is in Gosforth, Newcastle, where the accountancy and behind-the-scenes work is done. But production rests firmly in the Lakes. Mills, a life-long Newcastle United supporter (“it teaches you optimism!”) gets over there once a fortnight in his BMW 6 series Gran Coupé.

His favourite route is to take the Military Road to Greenhead Bank on the other side of Haltwhistle, then join the A69 for about 15 miles towards Carlisle and turn off on the A595 to Cockermouth.

“Which ever way you go, they’re all great driving roads for the ultimate driving machine,” he says, with the smile of a man very content with his lot in life and in business.


Paul Currie

Terry Laybourne

SKILLS

l-r: Apprentice Perrie Athey, Bishop Auckland College employment services manager Camilla Race, apprentice Rebecca Coates, Auckland Castle human resources director Jamie Bamsey, apprentice Alicia Simpson, and apprentice Rebecca Elliot


Castle coursesA n innovative educational

training partnership between the North East’s newest heritage attraction and a college is set to create

scores of skilled jobs for young people.Auckland Castle and Bishop

Auckland College have launched a new apprenticeship academy to equip students with expertise needed for the planned £60m redevelopment of the former palace home of England’s Prince Bishops.

The Auckland Academy has grown from an existing affiliation with Bishop Auckland College which has seen four apprentices join Auckland Castle’s expanding workforce over the past six months. With more than 100 new full and part-time posts to be generated at Auckland Castle by restoration and

expansion plans this year, 15-20 students are expected to sign up for the inaugural academy course starting this September, which will offer work experience, training, and apprenticeship opportunities at Auckland Castle and local employers,

alongside academic qualifications.Auckland Castle needs to

fill a variety of jobs, from horticulturists to business administrators, maintenance staff, trainee chefs, customer service and hospitality

workers, and events and promotions staff.

A total of 34 apprentices over three years will be supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), which last year awarded £9m towards the total £17m cost of conserving Auckland Castle’s staterooms and the building of a new two-storey museum wing.

MORE THAN 100 NEW FULL AND PART TIME

POSTS

High-rise maintenance expert Stone Technical Service Group (STS) is facing a skills gap as it enters what promises to be its most successful year to date.

The Darlington-based specialist is recruiting across all its divisions, but is facing a lack of experienced workers in the heritage, lightning protection, and high level maintenance sectors.

STS has recently secured new contracts with the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Westminster Central Hall, Lumley Castle in Co Durham, and with English Heritage and the National Trust. MD Dave Stone says: “We will create 10 new jobs in the coming months, but there is a massive skills gap. Having a skilled trade, which is what we offer, can be a huge advantage and there are so many career opportunities as well as ongoing qualifications from organisations we work closely with.” STS is projecting growth of more than £1m in 2016 with turnover expected to reach £3.5m.

HIGH RISER HINDERED BY SKILLS GAP

Ten North East youngsters have secured apprenticeships with Infinite Learning and Development and Caterpillar Articulated Trucks with a helping hand from Generation NE.

The trainee welders will spend their initial four months at The Welding Academy completing practical training and their VRQ qualification before moving on to the shop floor at Caterpillar Peterlee, where they will

STICKING POWER

STS’s Paul Tinkler, working at Westminster Central Hall

complete the NVQ element of their City & Guilds Engineering Level 2.

To help with the recruitment of the new starters Generation NE provided tailor-made support and advice.

Helix Arts, Newcastle, is offering media training courses for businesses.

The day-long seminars include the opportunity to practise TV and radio interviews and are run by North East journalists Mary Askew and Mark Batey. There are concession rates for small businesses and the voluntary sector.

IT’S A WRAP

Fusion Lifestyle, the company named as the preferred supplier to redevelop Newcastle City Hall, Pool and Turkish Baths, has won a major award.

The organisation, which employs 3,500 staff, won Large Employer of the Year at the Active Training Awards.

Fusion anticipates that it will bring 40 jobs to Newcastle ahead of reopening the Grade II- listed leisure facility.

IN THE SWIM


NECC has been awarded a rating of Good for its training services by national regulatory service Ofsted.

Ofsted inspectors visited NECC, one of the largest independent training providers in the North East, at the end of last year observing teaching, learning and assessment, and taking into account feedback from students and employers.

NECC was one of the first training providers in the UK to be inspected under the new Ofsted framework launched in September 2015, where Good providers must demonstrate their effectiveness in two days or face a lengthier inspection.

In a letter announcing NECC’s Ofsted success, HM Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills, Paul Cocker, said: “NECC’s training team have been relentless in their focus on improving the quality of teaching and learning, leading

to the large majority of apprentices completing their programme within the planned timescales.

“Apprentices receive well-planned off-the-job learning linked to their apprenticeship, which enhances their skills and is suitably applied in the workplace, meeting the apprentices’ and employers’ specific needs.”

Last summer, Sage UK commissioned NECC, one of the largest independent training providers in the North East, to facilitate its recruitment drive in the North East, resulting in NECC appointing 45 of the 48 roles in a range of responsibilities.

Theresa Bryson, loyalty and inbound team manager at Sage, has been working closely with the new recruits. She said: “I have been blown away at every stage of this process by the professionalism, diligence and maturity shown by these young people. They have been a breath of fresh air.”

Gateshead College has been praised as a national example of best practice in Ofsted’s annual report.

In his fourth annual report for Ofsted, HMCI Sir Michael Wilshaw outlined the problems facing colleges but recognised the outstanding efforts of Gateshead College, which was the only college in the North East to be included.

The report says that Gateshead has “a dynamic and inspirational principal, ably supported by a highly skilled senior team and governors, who have successfully developed and delivered a clear and ambitious vision.”

With Middlesbrough FC pushing for promotion to the Premier League, Teesside University has teamed up with the Championship high-flyers to offer a unique course for people interested in a career in sport.

The BSc (Hons) Sports Management and Marketing delivered in collaboration with the club offers sport-orientated modules in business management and marketing and students will be able to witness how the practical elements of their work impact on a sporting organisation. Modules are delivered at MFC’s Riverside Stadium and students can work on live case studies at the club.

PREMIER COURSE

NECC PRAISED BY OFSTED

Sage apprentices

GATESHEAD COLLEGE GAINS RECOGNITION

Gateshead College principal and chief executive Judith Doyle with students


EXPORT

Lanchester Group toasts turnover highWorld-leading wine bottler

and distributor Lanchester Group has recorded an annual turnover of £77m - an

increase of 20% with a net profit of just over £5m, putting it on track to reach near £100m turnover in 2016.

The group, which has a global customer base, includes Lanchester Wines, Greencroft Bottling Ltd, Lanchester Gifts, Lanchester Energy, and Lanchester Properties and its latest accounts show Greencroft Bottling alone grew turnover by 25% to more than £40m, while over the last three years, £8m has been re-invested in the company’s renewable energy initiatives through Lanchester Energy.

MD Tony Cleary says: “We’ve invested heavily in leading-edge technology to ensure we are the most modern business of our kind in Europe while maintaining our exceptional high quality of service.

“We can produce upwards of 90,000 bottles of wine and spirits per hour while maintaining our 100% quality finished product record. We’ve also invested in additional bonded warehouse space which will give Lanchester a total of 920,000sqft of Class A bonded space and bonded storage while we have plans to build a new 250,000sqft bottling facility.”

The company employs 385 people in the North East who benefit from its profit sharing incentives.

The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) is starting 2016 as the fastest growing cluster in the UK and is on course to expand international markets for its members.

Just eight months after it was established, the industry-led group has 110 members drawn from sector giants including Nissan and Komatsu UK, tier one suppliers, and SME component manufacturers.

Later this year NEAA will set up a fourth working group to introduce members to key international markets and boost the region’s automotive exports. It will be attending the main automotive trade show in Japan in May with SMMT and UKTI, aiming to establish good relations and facilitate trade through strong cluster links.

NEAA chief executive Paul Butler says: “Japan is obviously one of the key industry markets, but the North East is also very well connected with Europe and well placed to export its products. We want to encourage members to take part in more international trade.

“Research shows that companies are about 30% more productive if they are trading internationally.”

Tony Cleary, MD of the Lanchester Group

l-r: Coun Paul Watson, Sunderland City Council; Iain Wright MP; Lawrence Davies, Automotive Investment Organisation; Paul Butler, NEAA; Kevin Fitzpatrick, Nissan at NEAA’s launch

DRIVING FORCE


Teesside’s exports reached new heights as the biggest loaded cargo vessel ever to pass under Middlesbrough’s Transporter Bridge set sail for overseas markets.

MV Skala, which measures a colossal 172 metres long and 28 metres wide, docked at AV Dawson’s Teesside North Sea Supply Base Terminal and, after loading 21,000 tonnes of cargo, set off for export markets in Europe.

Teesside-based logistics specialist AV Dawson co-ordinated the logistics process.

MD Gary Dawson says: “Work over the last three years to dredge the river and develop our quayside as part of a multi-million pound master plan is now enabling us to attract multinational blue chip customers. The investment programme included a purpose-built £3.4m deepwater quay, opening up Teesside to more export opportunities.”

The ship, which has a gross tonnage of 21,213 tonnes, was fully loaded with its cargo within six days.

BRIDGE OF HIGHS

Dhabi Nortech, a joint venture between Nortech Group and Dhabi Contracting LLC, has secured its second significant project in Abu Dhabi, less than five months after the venture was launched.

The partnership has won a contract from Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Ltd (GASCO) for project management, engineering and design along with front end engineering design (FEED) services to support the

prestigious Ruwais Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) complex in Abu Dhabi.

Specifically, Dhabi Nortech will provide its specialist services for the replacement of the Liquid Sulphur Loading Arm & Electric Heat Tracing (EHT) System.

Nortech MD Bryan Bunn says: “Securing a second contract from GASCO is a clear endorsement of the skills and expertise we are bringing to the Middle East market.”

l-r: Sami Edwards and Bryan Bunn from Dhabi Nortech

MIDDLE EAST SOLUTIONS

Middlesbrough-based Sound Training has benefited from a trade mission to Boston in the US, following support from UKTI North East to help it to establish itself in the US market.

The company – which provides specialist literacy support tailored to mainstream pupils aged 10-18 - has piloted its programme in schools in San Francisco and Florida and was invited to speak on a leading educational conference in Portland, Maine last November. The recent Boston mission has helped it make further inroads into the US market. International Trade Adviser Maria Dotsch says: “UKTI introduced Sound Training to Edtech, the leading educational fair in the US, and sponsored a specialist education consultant who has gone on to do more research work identifying their next target contacts and markets.”

Company CEO Claire Preston joined the UKTI Mission to Boston recently to attend meetings aimed at giving the company access to potential business, alongside practical advice about the business culture in the US and how to set up an office or a franchise operation.

UKTI HELPS SPECIALIST GET HEARD IN USA

Skala, the largest loaded cargo vessel to pass under Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge

Dräger’s Oil and Gas regional segment manager and the regional sales director of GasSecure AS have been announced as keynote speakers at Topsides UK in Aberdeen in March.

The international event is Europe’s only annual oil and gas event focusing on extending the life of ageing topsides installations in the UK offshore sector.

KEYNOTE

EXPORT A-Z


Trans PennineRailway

Kielder Reservoir

Hadrian’s Wall

NewcastleInternational

Airport

East CoastMainline

East CoastMainline

A1

Nissan

A19

A1M

East Coast Mainline

Durham TeesValley Airport

Process & SteelIndustries

Teesport

Port of Hartlepool

Port of Seaham

EUMarket

Port of Sunderland

Port of Tyne

Port of BlythDogger Bank

Offshore Wind Farm60 miles

North YorkshireMoors

LONDON3 Hour Commute

A1Narec

A

Q

B

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L M

O

P

N

RS

T

U

V

Y

Z

C

Export A-ZA s the only region that

consistently exports more than it imports, delivering a trade surplus of more than £3bn, the North East is the

UK’s most successful exporting region.Since the Chamber was formed 200 years

ago, it has been working with its members

to open up the region to global trade. Today, markets across the World are served by great North East businesses, providing great North East products and services.

This A-Z of export markets and export greats which serve these markets tells the story of the world’s reliance on the North East, which is truly a major global player.

l £12.4bn – value of North East exports

l £3bn – trade surplus, the only region in the UK to boast this

l 350,000 – cars exported to 90 countries every year by Nissan

l Global giants – pharmaceutical giants AkzoNobel and GlaxoSmithKline both have operations in the North East

BIG NORTH EAST EXPORT FACTS


TURKEYINTERNATIONAL SYALONSWALLSEND

Advanced technical ceramic products to solve wear, corrosion and thermal resistance problems in the oil & gas, chemical and process, automotive and aerospace sectors.

T

ZIMBABWEPALINTESTGATESHEAD

Water test kits for drinking water, waste water and process water, environmental and soil analysis products plus portable water quality laboratories.

Z

PHILIPPINESQUEST UAVAMBLE

Builds Unmanned Airborne Vehicles (UAVs) to produce digital aerial maps to identify new irrigation paths reducing soil erosion and study plant health, providing a full plantation management solution.

P

HONG KONGPRIMA CHEESESEAHAM

Specialist in the process of shredding and blending of cheese used primarily as a pizza topping.

H

LEBANONFENTIMANSHEXHAM

Producer of botanically brewed soft drinks and premium cocktail mixers.

L

FRANCEWESSINGTON CRYOGENICSHOUGHTON LE SPRING

World-leading cryogenic tank manufacturer for liquid nitrogen, argon, helium, CO2, LNG and oxygen used in industrial, medical, research & cryo-biological fields.

F

UAETREE-LOCATEBELFORD

Manufacture and wholesale of artificial plants, trees, topiary, preserved palms & flowers to trade, architects and retailers.

U

QATARAAF INTERNATIONALCRAMLINGTON

A leader in the field of air filtration; from industrial dust collection products to high efficiency filters used in the most stringent environments.

Q

MALAYSIASIEMENS PROTECTION DEVICESHEBBURN

Providing electrical protection products for the energy industry including industrial plants and high-voltage transmission systems.

M

INDIAFORMICA GROUPNORTH SHIELDS

Producer of laminate for use in commercial and residential fabrication and surface solutions.

I

DOMINICAN REPUBLICCANFORDWASHINGTON

Manufacturer and supplier of an extensive range of audio video and communications equipment to the broadcast, video, professional audio, IT and electronics industries.

D

ANGOLAECCO FINISHINGMIDDLESBROUGH

Leading global supplier of surface preparation and surface finishing equipment.

A

VIETNAMJOHN LILLEY & GILLIENORTH SHIELDS

Develops, manufactures and supplies marine navigation equipment.

V

NORWAYDUNLOP OIL & MARINEASHINGTON

Hoses for use in oil production and gas extraction.

N

RUSSIAHAMMOND EXPANDERS UK LLCGATESHEAD

State-of-the-art, lead-acid battery technology for advanced energy storage applications including hybrid electric vehicle and solar and wind power applications.

R

JORDANTHYSSENKRUPP ACCESSSTOCKTON

A leading provider of stairlifts, homelifts, public-access lifts and platform lift solutions.

J

EGYPTMAYBORN GROUPCRAMLINGTON

Proud owner of leading global baby essentials brand tommee tippee®.

E

BULGARIALUCITE INTERNATIONALBILLINGHAM

Global leader in the design, development and manufacture of acrylic-based products.

B

SAUDI ARABIAHART DOOR SYSTEMSNEWCASTLE

Industrial door systems including world famous Speedor-range of high-speed, automatic doors.

S

YEMENTHORN LIGHTINGSPENNYMOOR

Global supplier of outdoor and indoor luminaires with integrated controls - lighting solutions used for sport, road, tunnel, cityscape, office, education or industry.

Y

OMANSMITHERS-OASIS UKWASHINGTON

Industry-leading floral foam products for fresh, silk and dried flowers including OASIS® floral foam bricks, a water-absorbing material used in flower arrangements.

O

GERMANYSEAWARD GROUPPETERLEE

Provides electrical test and measurement instruments and services, meeting the demands of all types of safety legislation and compliance.

G

KAZAKHSTANIK-UK LIMITEDNEWTON AYCLIFFE

Pigging (pipeline maintenance devices) and polyurethane products for the pipeline industry.

K

CZECH REPUBLICBERGER GROUP EUROPE PETERLEE

Leading provider of closure rings used in packaging materials by a range of industries.

C

Give your business the competitive edge, take on an Apprentice with Middlesbrough College

Call our Industry and Community Partnerships Team today on 01642 333322 • Email: [email protected]

Future proof your business

Why Middlesbrough College?

Middlesbrough College are working with more businesses employing Apprentices in more sectors and at more skill levels than ever before. We offer fantastic facilities, expert tuition and dedicated support to help you source the right Apprentice and the right training programme.

Apprenticeships we offer include:

EngineeringBusiness & ProfessionalConstructionHealth & CareIT & ComputingMotor VehicleProcess OperationsSocial Media For Business

Sport & ExerciseSTEMTravel & TourismWarehousing & StorageWaste ManagementWeldingAnd many more!

www.mbro.ac.uk

SPECIAL FOCUS


Paul Carbert, NECC policy adviser for education, training and skills, explores the training and skills landscape

Apprenticeships and training

The latest increase in apprenticeship starts across all sectors is good news for

businesses and for training providers in the North East.

The Government is also aiming to deliver 3m apprentices into the workforce by 2020, which means businesses, training providers, educators, and potential apprentices must work together. The picture is encouraging, and Department for Business, Innovation & Skills data for apprenticeship starts in 2014/15 show a total 35,220 apprentices started programmes in the North East

between August 1 2014-July 31 2015 - an increase of 15.6%.

More than half that increase was in Business, Administration & Law, and Health, Public Services & Care - while the largest growth (58.3%) came in Education & Training. There were also significant increases in ICT, Construction, and Engineering & Manufacturing.

The introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in April 2017 – a levy for training provision paid by employers with a tax bill in excess of £3m - will also increase the number of businesses seeking courses.

However, more detail is needed, particularly on the levy’s effects on businesses

already paying a training levy, such as those in the construction industry, and for businesses not paying the levy but within larger firms’ supply chains. We look forward to details on this, on the role of the Institute of Apprenticeships - the new independent employer-led body - on the introduction of the levy, and the changes to National Insurance payments for apprentices.

The North East has the highest proportion of learners starting Higher Apprenticeships (equivalent to a Foundation degree and above) at 4.7%, while Advanced Level Apprenticeships (equivalent to 2 A levels) accounted for 34.1%

of the programmes started in 2014/15. It is vital young people are aware of opportunities – starting with careers advice in schools and colleges.

NECC has responded to the House of Commons inquiry into careers advice, calling for impartial careers advice for 16 to 18-year-olds. NECC is also supporting the North East LEP’s Career Benchmarks pilot, building on the work of Lord Sainsbury’s Gatsby Foundation to develop a national careers guidance framework.

The NECC Manifesto 2016 calls for greater collaboration between business and education, as illustrated by Middlesbrough College’s STEM Centre, created in consultation with more than 50 local businesses. Plus, the Apprenticeship Growth Partnership, a body in the North East Local Enterprise Partnership area of which NECC is a part, is planning an event with the Skills Funding Agency to give employers information on the Apprentice Levy and other changes.

Give your business the competitive edge, take on an Apprentice with Middlesbrough College

Call our Industry and Community Partnerships Team today on 01642 333322 • Email: [email protected]

Future proof your business

Why Middlesbrough College?

Middlesbrough College are working with more businesses employing Apprentices in more sectors and at more skill levels than ever before. We offer fantastic facilities, expert tuition and dedicated support to help you source the right Apprentice and the right training programme.

Apprenticeships we offer include:

EngineeringBusiness & ProfessionalConstructionHealth & CareIT & ComputingMotor VehicleProcess OperationsSocial Media For Business

Sport & ExerciseSTEMTravel & TourismWarehousing & StorageWaste ManagementWeldingAnd many more!

www.mbro.ac.uk

SPECIAL FOCUS


Working togetherSunderland College is helping

futureproof the regional workforce as well as developing work-ready young people to fill employment

gaps by bringing together education and business.

Under the stewardship of new principal and chief executive Ellen Thinnesen, the college, the region’s largest provider of A-levels, is forging relationships across industry.

UK Asset Resolution (UKAR) has recruited 32 apprentices from Sunderland College in the past three years.

Bette Huitson, recruitment co-ordinator and Doxford site apprentice lead at UKAR says: “We decided to look into apprenticeships five years ago and quickly learned that finding the correct provider is key to the success of the project.

“Following a couple of years with another provider, we began working with Sunderland College and have been

delighted with the results. We have high expectations, so it has been fantastic to see such quality candidates coming through and the college works hard to ensure courses are tailored to meet our specific needs and produce well-rounded, multi-skilled employees who really add value to the business.”

UKAR is running the Government-owned businesses of NRAM

(previously part of Northern Rock) and Bradford & Bingley, and is based at Sunderland’s Doxford Park.

Sunderland College executive director for

commercial activity Iain Nixon adds: “UKAR is a great example of a

company committed to the skills agenda and by recruiting talented and focused young apprentices, it is clearly a business focused on the future.”

Collectively, UKAR serves some 367,000 customers and employs 1,900 people, with over 800 based at Doxford Park, Sunderland.

“FINDING THE RIGHT PROVIDER IS KEY TO SUCCESS”

TyneMet College is working with local businesses to build high quality training programmes and apprenticeships as well as practical advice and filling skills gaps.

Capita, North Tyneside has been in partnership with the college for a number of years, benefiting from bespoke training programmes. Capita’s people development & community engagement manager Jennifer Chamley says: “We have seen first-hand the success of TyneMet’s training solutions, particularly by improving managerial skills and behaviours within our organisation.”

The college works with hundreds of organisations to deliver cost-effective training solutions across Newcastle, the North East and the UK with an extensive range of short and long courses.

TyneMet offers more than 40 different apprenticeships including higher level skills programmes in sectors from business administration to engineering – all aimed at supporting wider economic growth.

Head of apprenticeships at Tyne Metropolitan College, Pat Blyth adds: “We are fully committed to providing the very best training by offering realistic, flexible solutions for businesses.”

TAILORED SOLUTIONS

l-r: Bette Huitson, UKAR’s recruitment co-ordinator and Oxford site apprentice lead; apprentice Jenna Ratcliffe; Ian Nixon, Sunderland College executive director

Creating Outstanding FuturesApprenticeships with East Durham College

Why choose EDC: Expert staff with up to date knowledge, skills and experience Professional recruitment service structured around your

business needs Outstanding practical training facilities Flexible delivery to suit your business

Our priority is to provide capable and committed apprentices who can help to drive your business forward.

‘We’re in business for business’

To fi nd out more or to arrange a tour of our outstanding facilities, please call 0191 518 5587or email [email protected]

Horse Care Horticulture Landscaping Horticulture Sports Turf Hospitality and Catering Housing Joinery Manufacturing Motor Vehicle Small Animal Care Veterinary Nursing Warehousing

Apperenticeships available in: Agriculture Arboriculture Beauty Bricklaying Business Administration Childcare Customer Service Electrotechnical Technology Engineering Floristry Hairdressing and Barbering Health and Social Care

18/9/15 EDC - Contact, 189mm h x 132mm £5.00.indd 1 18/09/2015 11:52


With the market for IT professionals growing across the North East, Baltic Training Services is working locally and nationally to resolve the growing skills shortage.

In the past five years, Baltic has created more than 2,000 apprenticeships, including assisting the launch of the pre-apprentice training programme The Dynamo North East IT Apprentice Hub.

It has also forged a close alliance with New Horizons Computer Learning Centre.

THE IT CROWD

Stockton Riverside College is putting the spotlight on apprenticeships with an open

event for employers and young people.

Opening its doors to both employers and young people, the event will offer the chance to learn more about the process, the positions available and whether an apprenticeship is right for you or your business.

With apprenticeship numbers increasing at the college over the last three years, along with a surge in the number of sectors choosing to offer apprenticeship opportunities, the college’s director of business development Michelle Elliott is confident they are getting the

OPENING THE DOOR TO APPRENTICESHIPS

programme right at the college. “Apprenticeships offer an alternative to learners that ultimately helps them get into the world of work. For employers, they provide an opportunity to up-skill staff and develop a tailor-made workforce, with the flexibility to focus on the skills their individual business needs,” she says.

Darren Cockerill, an apprentice joiner with PD Ports in partnership with Stockton Riverside College adds: “I get to learn new skills and pick up qualifications, all while earning a wage. Getting hands-on experience gives me the extra push to succeed.”

At Hartlepool’s Stranton Primary School, head teacher Neil Nottingham has recruited

11 apprentices through the College over the last two years. He says: “The quality of the apprentices I have taken on have been second to none.”

Coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week, the Stockton Riverside College Apprenticeship Open Evening takes place at the College’s Stockton campus, Harvard Avenue, Stockton, on March 16 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Darren Cockerill, PD Ports

Choose to train your staff or new recruits with an apprenticeship training programme from Newcastle College.

Choose Apprenticeships Build Your Team, Your Way!

• Deliver the skilled workforce your business needs

• Address skills shortages

• Free recruitment and candidate matching service

• Wide range of apprenticeships available

Speak to our Business Contact team today:

Speak to the Newcastle College Apprenticeship team today:

T: 0191 200 4781

E: [email protected]

W: newcastlecollege.co.uk/apprenticeships

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East Durham College has taken on nine new engineering apprentices

working alongside Sunderland-based manufacturing company Joy Global Inc - a worldwide leader in high-productivity mining solutions.

The nine apprentices are training at the college’s Technical Academy on Peterlee’s South West Industrial Estate in roles including mechanical engineering, commercial engineering, platers,

maintenance, Computerized Numerical Control

(CNC), fitters and quality engineering.

The group will study full time at the college before leaving in July to start their roles at Joy Global, returning to

the Technical Academy once a week to complete further qualifications.

East Durham College’s Apprenticeship trainer and assessor Dion Bowes says: “Joy Global is a fantastic international company and it’s great to be able to help them in

the training of their next generation of engineers.

“The nine apprentices involved are a brilliant bunch of students and they can’t wait to get started on their qualifications before starting in their new roles in the summer.”

“THEY CAN’T WAIT

TO GET STARTED”

The new apprentices at Joy Global Inc

Choose to train your staff or new recruits with an apprenticeship training programme from Newcastle College.

Choose Apprenticeships Build Your Team, Your Way!

• Deliver the skilled workforce your business needs

• Address skills shortages

• Free recruitment and candidate matching service

• Wide range of apprenticeships available

Speak to our Business Contact team today:

Speak to the Newcastle College Apprenticeship team today:

T: 0191 200 4781

E: [email protected]

W: newcastlecollege.co.uk/apprenticeships

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Stockton Riverside College delivers ‘Outstanding’ apprenticeships to develop a skilled and qualified workforce for your business.Our dedicated team provides FREE training and recruitment making the apprenticeship process simple.

To find out how an apprenticeship could help your business contact a member of the team.

www.stockton.ac.uk 01642 865 557 [email protected]

Accountancy? Business Administration? Beauty Therapy.

Bricklaying? Catering and Professional Chef?Childcare? Computing? Design? Management? Customer Service?

Electrical Installations? Health and Social Care?

ENGINEERING? Joinery? Retail?

MAKEAPPRENTICESHIPSWORK FOR YOU


First of many

Middlesbrough College is continuing its drive to support the

future workforce across science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) following the launch of its £20m state-of-the-art industrial centre in 2015.

The STEM Centre was developed with support from more than 50 of the region’s business leaders and takes the form of a typical industrial plant – giving those training there experience of a wide range of industrial disciplines under site conditions.

Josh Berry, a mechanical

engineering apprentice employed by Teesside-based ElringKlinger GB Ltd - a subsidiary of the multinational company ElringKlinger AG - is one of the first to train in the new facility. Berry will spend 12 months studying full time at the college, followed by three years on site at ElringKlinger – returning to the college during the apprenticeship

“Being able to study in a centre of this quality is amazing,” he says. “It’s even better than I expected, the standard of training is brilliant and the fact the college has built the STEM Centre so we get experience of working in an industrial setting on the right

equipment all adds to our learning.” ElringKlinger worked with the college during the centre’s creation, alongside Nifco, PD Ports, Sembcorp Industries Ltd, SABIC UK Petrochemicals, Lotte Chemical UK, Semta, SITA UK, Cleveland Potash Ltd, INEOS Nitriles (UK) Ltd, Tees

Components, Heerema, Cordell Group, ConocoPhillips (UK) Limited, Fujifilm Diosynth Swagelok Teesside, Bignall Group, Lotte Chemicals, Huntsman, Casper Shipping Ltd, Bosch Rexroth Ltd, Cogent SSC Ltd, National Skills Academy for Process Industries, ECITB, and NEPIC.

Josh Berry with lecturer Steve Scott

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FIND OUT MORE:


NECC Training delivers some 1,000 apprenticeships to more than

500 businesses across the North East ranging from entry level programmes across our three main sectors - Business & Professional, Engineering, and Professional Skills - to the growing market for high level apprenticeships.

We’re seeing strong interest from applicants, both school leavers and older applicants, across our 30-plus programmes, as well as a growing number of inquiries from businesses and applicants looking to higher-level apprenticeships as an alternative to recruiting graduates.

There is also growth in businesses looking at larger cohorts of entry-level apprentices. We have worked with software giant Sage UK to recruit 45 apprentices in 2015, and are working alongside energy company Utilitywise on the delivery of training for a large cohort of apprentices for

IN MY VIEWWith Andrew Robson head of training, NECC

their contact centres. Looking ahead, we are forecasting growth in higher-level apprenticeships covering levels four, five and six. For business, it’s about having the option to up-skill a member of the team rather than recruiting from the graduate pool. For applicants, we’re seeing a demand for earning while gaining qualifications without the debt associated with studying at university.

We will be working with businesses and further and

higher education facilities to deliver higher-level

programmes as demand increases.

We also foresee businesses

becoming more involved in

apprenticeship programmes ahead of the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy announced in the 2015 Budget.

The market for apprenticeships is strong. We now need to continue to adapt to the changing demands of businesses and applicants in order to deliver the right skills to the right places.

“WE SEE STRONG

INTEREST FROM SCHOOL

LEAVERS”

CASE STUDY: NORTH EAST SALES AND MARKETING ACADEMYAimee Muirhead, Courses: CAM and DMI DiplomasCurrent role: Account Manager at Narrative Integrated Communications.Why did you choose the courses?The CAM Diploma gave me sound marketing and consumer behaviour theory and an insight into what I could make of my career in future. The DMI Professional Diploma helped me progress and develop my skillset.How did the courses help you?At St Oswald’s Hospice, my broad marketing communications knowledge allowed me to progress and to support my colleagues to enhance the profile of the charity and support fundraising. Being able to analyse markets and previous marketing activity and produce clear, informed strategies was key to success. How do you continue to use those skills?I’m now responsible for paid and organic digital marketing for clients at Narrative and my role requires me to combine strategy and theory with up to date applications of digital and social media. *nesma offers a range of courses for digital marketing and public relations accredited by CIM/CAM, CIPR and the DMI

“Finding the right training provider is crucial, and in

Sunderland College we have found a partner that is

equipping us with well-rounded, multi-skilled employees

who add a huge amount of value to our business.”

Bette Huitson,HR team co-ordinator

and apprentice lead at UKAR

Sunderland College is forging relationships with industry that are ensuring employers across theNorth East are powered-up with work-readypeople who will grow with the company.

Financial services giant UKAR has taken on 32 apprentices from Sunderland College, and is one of a growing number of companies in the fi nancial, professional and business services sector that is tapping into the exceptional standard of teaching and support it offers.

To fi nd our more call 0191 511 6000 oremail [email protected]

APPOINTMENTS

DURHAM’S NEW DEANThe Venerable Andrew Tremlett, MA, MPhil, PGCCE, Canon of Westminster, has been appointed Dean of Durham Cathedral, replacing the Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove MA. The Dean of Durham is pivotal to the mission of Durham Cathedral, providing a leadership role to more than 100 members of staff and more than 700 volunteers. He will be installed during the summer.


SOLICITOR’S TRANSFERCommercial solicitor Ged Flanagan, formerly of Bond Dickinson, has been appointed an associate in commercial litigation at Endeavour Partnership. He has expertise in the sports and entertainment sectors with prominent names including Middlesbrough FC’s Stewart Downing, who he will continue to assist. He also brings experience in litigation, mediation and arbitration and has managed cases in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, India and Lebanon.

l-r: Endeavour Partnership head of litigation Lee Bramley, Stewart Downing and Ged Flanagan

ON MESSAGEGrowing Newcastle investment and development business Lugano Group has hired community engagement specialist Joanne Luther as communications consultant to oversee corporate comms activity including community consultation, event management, media relations, social media and advertising. Lugano Group has a land and property bank in excess of £120m, with assets from Northumberland down to Staffordshire.

Joanne Luther with Lugano Group chairman Richard Robson and planning director Scott Munro (Photo. Barry Pells)ON THEIR ‘METAL’

In addition to working with a wide range of partners as part of the SSI Task Force, Middlesbrough College has put three former steelworkers on the payroll. Chris Burnett and Simon Robinson have taken up lecturing posts while Mark Smith has been appointed mechanical workshop technician. The trio have more than 90 years’ experience of life in the steelworks.

l-r: Former SSI workers Chris Burnett, Simon Robinson and Mark Smith

HOT PROPERTYRoger Speirs has taken on the role of regional senior director at Bilfinger GVA’s Newcastle office. Formerly director of valuation services at Bilfinger GVA, he has worked in Newcastle since 1991. He takes over from Mike Cuthbertson who has managed the Newcastle office since the merger with Lamb and Edge in 2005.

IT ALL ADDS UPAccountancy practice Evolution LLP has appointed a new corporate finance director. Konrad Rutkowski has worked on lead advisory and transaction support assignments for both accountancy firms and specialist corporate finance boutiques, specialising in transactions up to £30m. He also has experience from his previous role as an acting financial director.

AND ANOTHER THINKA Teesside company has created two new jobs for local graduates and now has the biggest team of business psychologists in the North East. Stockton-based Prismatic Thinking specialises in improving business performance through increasing employee morale and has recruited business psychologists Haleema Dean and Daniel Keenan.

l-r: Daniel Keenan, Prismatic MD Tony Slimmings, and Haleema Dean

QUALITY APPOINTMENTNot-for-profit engineering and business training provider Seta, based in Washington, has appointed Karen Brown director of quality and compliance. A British Standards Institute-accredited Platinum Consultant, she will lead on the development of Seta’s business and professional training provision.

CULTURAL SPRINGSunderland’s reputation in the cultural and creative industries has been boosted by the appointment of two senior arts executives. Keith Merrin, chief executive of Museums and Archives Northumberland, has been appointed director of National Glass Centre, and Rebecca Ball, director of The Cultural Spring, moves into the new role of bid director for Sunderland’s campaign to be named UK City of Culture 2021. Both will work with the University of Sunderland, which runs National Glass Centre and is a partner in The Cultural Spring along with Sunderland’s Music Arts and Culture Trust (MAC) and the Customs House in South Shields.

FANTASTIC FOURDurham law firm Swinburne Maddison LLP has announced three new appointments. Solicitor Rachel Fletcher joins the commercial property department, while Lauren Rutherford and Kelly Richardson embark on training contracts. Solicitor Katherine Minnis returns to the firm after maternity leave as marketing and events coordinator.

l-r: Rachel Fletcher, Katherine Minnis, Lauren Rutherford, Kelly Richardson

NEW HOMEThirteen Group, the North East’s largest landlord group, has appointed George Garlick chair of its board following his retirement from his position as chief executive of Durham County Council. He will help to shape the future direction of Thirteen and its partner companies Erimus Housing, Housing Hartlepool, Tees Valley Housing, Tristar Homes and Thirteen Care and Support.

l-r: Managing partner Martin Barber, Konrad Rutkowski, and head of corporate finance Anderw Fotherington

George Garlick with Alison Thain, chief executive, Thirteen Group

l-r: Roger Speirs, Mike Cuthbertson

Keith Merrin

OUT TO LUNCH

Liz Hands meets Gareth Neill - the man tasked with revamping Newcastle’s Bigg Market

It’s one of the most famous, or infamous, areas of Newcastle. But these days, the Bigg Market - once

the city’s notorious party central – is altogether quieter; a thoroughfare for partygoers making their way to the Diamond Strip round the corner.

Gareth Neill, Bigg Market project manager at NE1 Ltd, Newcastle’s Business Improvement District Company, has been instrumental in securing £1.6m Heritage Lottery funding, which will be match-funded, to transform the area.

There will be outdoor café seating, restored architectural fascias, and potentially a new use for the famous gents’ toilets.

“It’s one of the principal parts of the city that’s still neglected,” says Neill, who clearly relishes the project – and the historic gems it is throwing up. “It’s always been a drinking spot, going back to medieval times when ‘Bigg’ was a type of barley. In the times of cholera and unsafe drinking water, you went to the Bigg Market to get slightly alcoholic water, which was safe to drink. That catalysed into the shenanigans we’re all familiar with,” he says.

The scheme to transform the area is triple-pronged. Firstly, the facades of the Bigg Market’s historic buildings will be given a revamp. Property owners will get part funding for restoration work under parameters set out by NE1.

“Everyone will get a profile of their building to see what the potential is to restore architecturally important features,” says Neill. “We have to convince owners to buy into the wider vision and invest in their businesses and buildings.”

At the moment, many properties have only ground floors in use, generally for retail,

and upper levels which could be turned into office or

residential space are lying empty. “We want a broader offer,” says Neill. “Providing an

environment where businesses want to

be and people want to live.” The second part of the

project is the redevelopment of the public realm. “It is looking tired and dated,” he says. “It’s a downhill slope – and that means ‘cobble wobble’, or so the girls in heels tell me. We want to create a series of plateaux to create functional spaces for shopkeepers and restaurateurs.

“We’ll also install outdoor plumbing and electric for events.

Monument is the only part of the city currently used for things like outdoor movies and markets. If we can provide another space, we can draw people to visit this part of Newcastle.”

The historic former gents’ toilets will also get a new use. “There are good examples in London, Manchester, and Liverpool of bars in former WCs,” says Neill, who adds that his biggest challenge will be the third part of the scheme; to persuade people buy in long-term to the heritage of the Bigg Market. “It’s about using the Bigg Market’s unique heritage assets to redefine the area,

creating a viable economic area that contributes to the offer of the city; an economic legacy that will linger long after the architects and builders have left the area,” he says.

To celebrate the area’s heritage, NE1 worked with Tyne and Wear Museums and Archives to revamp and re-launch the free Hidden Newcastle smartphone app, which contains numerous fascinating stories, photos and verbal testimonies to the colourful history of the city.

“We’re unearthing lots of cracking tales,” says Neill. “One building was said to house animals from Flamingo Land

Bigg idea

“WE ARE UNEARTHING

LOTS OF CRACKING

TALES”


If the Bigg Market is a relic of an old Newcastle, Caffé Vivo is very definitely part of the modern city. Beside the Quayside law courts, it is a smart urban eaterie, part of the 21 Group which originally put food in the city on the map with 21 Queen Street.

Rather than dithering over the menu, we opt for dishes chosen for us by chef Glen Robson. There is a platter of antipasti with fennel salami, pistachio mortadella, parma ham, buffalo mozzarella, pickled chillies, olives and a fabulous Italian coleslaw.

Mid courses of seafood risotto, tagliatelle with braised venison and the freshest, tastiest minestrone soup on earth follow, and main courses of veal chops, salmon with courgette crisps and monk fish leave us doing the unthinkable and refusing pudding, although the melt-in-the-mouth lemon curd Florentine doughnuts which appear with coffee are polished off.

There is a Chardonnay from Italy’s Salento region and a light, blackcurranty Valpolicella from the organic Gamba vineyard, which basically finishes me off for the afternoon.

Things have come a long way in the city since the old days of its party city notoriety - now it’s time for the Bigg Market to catch up.

LUNCH: CAFFE VIVO

during winter, another had a pub on the ground floor, a shooting range out the back, a gambling den and a knocking shop.”

An Ulsterman, Neill has lived in Newcastle for 12 years, landing here from Belfast to study sociology and town planning. After graduating, he learnt his trade at Easington District Council and Durham County Council, setting up a partnership to deliver regeneration for Seaham town centre. A health centre, job centre, library and housing association offices were built, catering to an area with the lowest car ownership in the

region. “If you have to get a bus, everything should be in one place,” says Neill, adding that the project, completed last May, took seven years of his life. “It was perfect timing to move to NE1,” he says.

NE1 Ltd invests revenue from business tenant members to fund projects to boost the city centre economy. Recent schemes include the transformation of Newcastle Central Station, the Alive After Five initiative, which has injected £591m into the early evening economy, and the creation and management of NE1’s award-winning Newcastle City Marina. Currently, only business tenants can invest in

NE1’s initiatives, but NE1 is urging the Government to allow it to raise money through property owners too, in the same way that cities such as London and Hamburg can. Neill has no desire to change Newcastle’s reputation as a party city. “Everyone across the country knows about the Bigg Market,” he says. “We’re not trying to change the whole culture. Newcastle is a party city, it’s a sociable city. It’s about moving the direction of travel to sit-down rather than vertical drinking. The Bigg Market can be about so much more than having a kebab and waiting for a taxi at the end of the night.”


The old Town Hall in the Bigg Market The famous gents’ WCs

The Bigg Market as it once was

NECC have a 200 year history of delivering the most prestigious, well attended and

engaging dinners across the North East each year. NECC Dinners are the perfect

opportunity to entertain clients and contacts and network with a broad mix of NECC

members, including some of the most infl uential business people in our great region..

Join us for the North East’s most prestigious business dinners in 2016

£800.00 per table of ten, or £80.00 per ticket (plus VAT).

NECC TEES VALLEY ANNUAL DINNER 2016Thursday 29 September 2016; 18:00-00:00

Jury’s Inn Middlesbrough

Headline sponsor: Drinks Reception Sponsor:

@NEChamber0300 303 6322 necc.co.uk

£1000.00 per table of ten or £100.00 per ticket (plus VAT).

NECC NORTHUMBRIA & DURHAM ANNUAL DINNER 2016Thursday 3 November 2016; 18:00-00:00

Civic Centre, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Headline sponsors:

To book to your place please email [email protected] or visit www.necc.co.uk/events

NEC5111 Anniversary Dinners Ad.indd 1 22/01/2016 14:31

FAB 5

Fab 5NECC have a 200 year history of delivering the most prestigious, well attended and

engaging dinners across the North East each year. NECC Dinners are the perfect

opportunity to entertain clients and contacts and network with a broad mix of NECC

members, including some of the most infl uential business people in our great region..

Join us for the North East’s most prestigious business dinners in 2016

£800.00 per table of ten, or £80.00 per ticket (plus VAT).

NECC TEES VALLEY ANNUAL DINNER 2016Thursday 29 September 2016; 18:00-00:00

Jury’s Inn Middlesbrough

Headline sponsor: Drinks Reception Sponsor:

@NEChamber0300 303 6322 necc.co.uk

£1000.00 per table of ten or £100.00 per ticket (plus VAT).

NECC NORTHUMBRIA & DURHAM ANNUAL DINNER 2016Thursday 3 November 2016; 18:00-00:00

Civic Centre, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Headline sponsors:

To book to your place please email [email protected] or visit www.necc.co.uk/events

NEC5111 Anniversary Dinners Ad.indd 1 22/01/2016 14:31

3 4 5Paul Johnstone Partner Collingwood Legal

John Duns Business Development Manager Brewin Dolphin

Andrew RobinsonPartner Armstrong Watson

Kevin Mosey Logistics Controller Sevcon Ltd

Kevin Gibson Managing Director KG Photography

1 2

I play guitar with a group called Zombie Punk Band. I’ve been playing since I was 14 and played on The John Peel Sessions and on The Tube in the early 80s with Darkness and Jive. I was a bit younger then and more time on my hands, but I still love playing and we’ll play the occasional gig at The Cluny in Newcastle. It’s a social thing now, but we all love being in the band and getting together – there’s less pressure when it’s not the day job.

I’ve been playing real tennis for more than 20 years and can confidently say I’m in the top 10,000 players in the world (that’s all there are!). I play weekly when I can at the court in Jesmond Dene, Newcastle, which was built in 1894. I’ve travelled the world playing the sport, from Australia to the US, and I love to play competitively. It helps when I need to get over watching Newcastle United!

I’ve been building my collection of classic tractors for seven years. I grew up on a North Cumbrian hill farm and each of my four tractors has some link to my childhood, including one which my father owned. I’ve always had a love of machinery and equipment; I suppose it’s just about indulging my inner child. They’ve all got a good day’s work in them and I’ll take them out on a summer’s day – they’ve even had a run out on my allotment.

I’ve been riding off-road bikes since I was a kid and got into trials bikes when I was 16, which is 23 years ago now. I try to get out and practise at least twice a week and I’ll compete two Sundays out of each month when I can. I compete locally and nationally – and I suppose it’s my inner petrol head which keeps me going. I’ve loved bikes since I was a little kid and there’s nothing like getting out there and competing. It’s the best hobby in the world.

I go snowboarding as often as possible at Weardale Ski Club, and we to to Europe - normally Finland - at least once a year. I took it up when I was looking for something my wife Nicky and I could do together, and our two boys have picked it up now too. Lucas, 12, and I snowboard, and Nicky and Haydn, eight, ski. Our dream holiday is to Japan, which has the best powder in the world, and I’ve always wanted to go to Whistler in Canada too.

We find out what this month’s Fab 5 get up to at the weekend

Something for the weekend


I DON’T SEEBORDERS I SEEOPPORTUNITIES.AS A CHAMBERMEMBER I’M WELLCONNECTED.

IF IT’S NEW CUSTOMERS YOU’RE AFTER OR THE RIGHT ADVICE TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS GROWING, BELONGING TO YOUR LOCAL ACCREDITED CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEANS YOU ARE ALWAYS WELL CONNECTED.

VISIT WWW.NECC.CO.UK TO SEE HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS.

#JOINYOURCHAMBER

DOUBLE TAKE

History makersDean Bailey meets two people doing their bit to

preserve the region’s heritage

I DON’T SEEBORDERS I SEEOPPORTUNITIES.AS A CHAMBERMEMBER I’M WELLCONNECTED.

IF IT’S NEW CUSTOMERS YOU’RE AFTER OR THE RIGHT ADVICE TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS GROWING, BELONGING TO YOUR LOCAL ACCREDITED CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEANS YOU ARE ALWAYS WELL CONNECTED.

VISIT WWW.NECC.CO.UK TO SEE HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS.

#JOINYOURCHAMBER


KEEPER OF BIOLOGY. AT GREAT NORTH MUSEUM: HANCOCK.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ENGAGEMENT AND PARTICIPATION AT BEAMISH MUSEUM

Dan Gordon Helen BarkerHow long have you been in the job?

I joined the museum during its redevelopment in 2006-2009 and have been Keeper of Biology here since. When I left university, I

started out on a project to digitise the collection here. What do you love about your job?

I find natural history museums fascinating - the science, which is my background as a biologist, the history of the collections and

their owners - it’s an endless learning experience. I never get bored.What are the most challenging aspects of your job?

The need to have such a broad knowledge across the collection. Working with visitors is one of the great pleasures of my job, but

it’s also challenging as you get some really tough questions. Highlight of your career so far?

I worked with Dr Per Berggren, a marine mammal researcher at Newcastle University after a whale came ashore at Druridge

Bay. We collected some incredible specimens, and to see that up close was an amazing experience. I was also filmed for the BBC’s

Flog It! when the show visited the museum. Who do you admire most?

Richard Owen, founder of The Natural History Museum in London, for his intellectual curiosity and drive to understand our natural

history. And John Hancock, for whom the Hancock Museum is named, for his role in the city’s enlightenment as an artist,

taxidermist, writer and naturalist.What would you be doing if you weren’t in your current job?I’m a scientist at heart, so I’d hope to be working in science -

probably as a researcher or in education.How will you spend your time when you retire?

I’d love to travel and see the places the objects here have come from, and retrace the steps of the people who brought them here.

How long have you been in the job?Ten years, having started out as an engager on site working in costume on the Victorian farm. Since then I’ve had lots of different roles in engagement and participation.What do you love about your job?I love working with the public, seeing them enjoying the museum and hearing their family stories. I’ve also got a passion for history and telling stories, which makes Beamish a great place for me.What are the most challenging aspects of your job?Our constant drive to improve each part of the museum and add to the stories we tell here. Research and reading is a big part of all our jobs here and as a team we have an unbelievable amount of knowledge of what’s on the site.Highlight of your career so far?The special events we run are always fantastic fun and I love being part of them. Winning the Best Told Story in the VisitEngland accolades in 2015 was also really special as it’s what Beamish is all about.Who do you admire most?Frank Atkinson, the man who founded Beamish - for his determination to develop the museum and tell the story of the North East’s history.What would you be doing if you weren’t in your current job?I studied history at university, so I would probably be using that somewhere. I was also interested in becoming a journalist when I was younger.How will you spend your time when you retire?It’s a little way off yet! I’ll definitely be visiting Beamish for some fish and chips. After that, it’ll probably involve lying on a beach somewhere to get a break from the British weather.

)


EVENTS

Presidents Club Lunch Crowne Plaza, Newcastle, December 8 2015

Sponsored by Accenture

NECC200 Tees Valley Anniversary Lunch Rockliffe Hall, November 19 2015Sponsored by Middlesbrough College

Mike Matthews (NECC), David Horne (Virgin Trains East Coast) and James Ramsbotham (NECC)

David Horne (Virgin Trains East Coast ) Chris Simpson (UKTI)

James Ramsbotham (NECC), Mike Matthews (NECC), Alison Thain (Thirteen Group), Andy Buckworth (Middlesbrough College)

Jo Hand (Jo Hand Recruitment) and James Grant (DTV Airport)

Alison Thain (Thirteen Group)

Luke Pearce (Brewin Dolphin) and David Coppock (UKTI)

Maureen Armstrong (Santander) and Mauricio Armellini (Bank of England)

Mike Matthews MBE (NECC President)

Simon Roberson (BT) Louise Morritt (Open Awards)

)

NECC ExchangeVillage The Hotel Club, 11am-2pm, February 11, FREE

This is NECC’s flagship networking event encouraging an exchange of experiences, ideas and offers between members.

A round-table networking event with two table changes. At the first table ‘Sharing a Success’ – delegates are encouraged to share a recent business success. At the second table ‘Discussing a Challenge’ – delegates are encouraged to discuss current or recent challenges, how you may have overcome this challenge or if someone is facing a current challenge, those around the table are encouraged to offer advice and guidance. NECC staff, including senior management and partners, will lead each table.

Event sponsored by Village The Hotel Club

Village The Hotel Club is located in Cobalt Business Park with fabulous facilities onsite. To accompany the 157 contemporary bedrooms, there are two great onsite food outlets and a genuine Starbucks. The hotel has a Spa where guests can pamper themselves and a health and fitness centre.

With fantastic meeting & events facilities, catering for corporate events from conferences up to 400 delegates to an elaborate awards ceremony for 250 guests, with package options to suit all budgets.

North East: Brex-it or Brex-in?Stadium of Light Sunderland, 8am-11am, March 18, FREE

This special event is designed to provide members with an insight into North East business’ relationships with the EU, and look at some possible outcomes of an EU referendum and how they could affect you and your business.

This informative event will include an overview from a senior member of the UBS team and a panel debate with Paul Brannen MEP (Labour) and Jonathan Arnott MEP (UKIP), as well as business leaders who sit on the for and against side of the EU debate.


NECC200 Tyne & Northumberland Anniversary Lunch

Judith Doyle and John Gray (Gateshead College)

Andrew Elliott (UBS), Lee Perkins (Sage) James Ramsbotham (NECC)

Pamela Robson (Tharsus Group), Simon Crosby (UKTI), Guy Currey (North East Combined Authority)

Newcastle Racecourse, November 24 2015 Sponsored by UBS

Inspiring Females SeminarTeesside University, December 14 2015

Linda Conlon (Centre for Life) Nickie Gott (She’s Gott It!), Joanna Wake (RAW Digital Training), Alison Brown (Teesside University)

Nickie Gott (Chair of NECC’s Women’s Advisory Board)

EVENTS

To book 0300 303 6322 [email protected] www.necc.co.uk/events

Local AGMs 2016

*Global member price £240+VAT. Foundation Award in International Trade - NECC member price £800 (Global member price £640+VAT) - contact us for information


FEB 18 NECC LOCAL (DARLINGTON) 08:00-09:30, Houndgate Townhouse, Darlington FREEFEB 25 NECC LOCAL (NEWCASTLE) 17:30-19:00, Fat Buddha, Newcastle FREEMAR 02 NECC LOCAL (TEAM VALLEY MONTHLY) 08:30-10:30, Area North, Team Valley FREEMAR 10 NECC EXCHANGE 11:00-14:00, Mercure Darlington Kings Hotel FREEMAR 24 COFFEE & CONNECTIONS 10:30-12:30, Tiger Hornsby, Newcastle FREE

NETWORKINGFLAGSHIP

*NECC Member price +VAT

MAR 22 LINKING BUSINESS WITH EDUCATION 08:00-12:00, Inspire2Learn, Middlesbrough FREEAPR 14 HR KNOWLEDGE: EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATE 09:30-11:30, Durham County Cricket Club FREEAPR 20 BEHIND THE SCENES: NESTLE (MEDIUM MEMBERS) 15:00-17.30, Nestle UK, Newcastle FREE

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION NETWORK

MAR 01 STOCKTON BUSINESS FORUM 16:00-17:30, TBC FREEMAR 08 MIDDLESBROUGH AREA MEETING 08:15-10:00, The Curve, Teesside University FREEMAR 15 DARLINGTON AREA MEETING 08:15-10:00, Mercure Darlington Kings Hotel FREE

AREA MEETINGS/ COMMITTEES

FEB 25 IMPORT PROCESSES, COMPLIANCE AND DOCUMENTS 09:15-15:30, Durham County Cricket Club £300*MAR 08 CUSTOMS COMPLIANCE, PROCESSES AND DOCUMENTS 09:15-15:30, Durham County Cricket Club £300*MAR 17 LETTERS OF CREDIT AND METHODS OF PAYMENT 09:15-15:30, Durham County Cricket Club £300*APR 12 EXPORT PROCESSES, COMPLIANCE AND DOCUMENTS 09:15-15:30, Durham County Cricket Club £300*

INTERNATIONAL

FEB

24FREE NECC Tees Valley 2015 Review & AGM

11:15-14:00, Kirkleatham Hall, Near Redcar

MAR

01FREE NECC Durham 2015 Review & AGM

11:15-14:00, Seaham Hall Hotel

MAR

08FREE NECC Tyne & Wear 2015 Review & AGM

11:15-14:00, Assembly Rooms, Newcastle

MAR

15FREE NECC Northumberland 2015 Review & AGM

11:15-14:00, Matfen Hall, Northumberland

FEB 25 TEESSIDE NORTH EAST BUSINESS AWARDS 18:00-Late, Teesside University £94.50*MAR 10 TYNESIDE & NORTHUMBERLAND NORTH EAST BUSINESS AWARDS 18:00-Late, Marriott Gosforth Park £94.50*MAR 17 DURHAM, SUNDERLAND & SOUTH TYNESIDE NORTH EAST BUSINESS AWARDS 18:00-Late, Ramside Hall, Durham £94.50*MAR 18 NORTH EAST: BREX-IT OR BREX-IN? 08:00-11:00, Stadium of Light, Sunderland FREEAPR 21 NORTH EAST BUSINESS AWARDS THE GRAND FINAL 18:00-01:00, Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield £99*SEPT 29 NECC TEES VALLEY ANNUAL DINNER 18:00-23:00, Jurys Inn, Middlesbrough £80*NOV 03 NECC NORTHUMBRIA & DURHAM ANNUAL DINNER 18:00-23:00, Civic Centre, Newcastle £100*

New members Visit our website for information about the companies which have recently joined NECC - the region’s largest business membership organisation. Along with contact details, there are opportunities for announcements from new members keen to publicise their products, services and activities to other NECC members. While listings are free to all new members, editorial announcements are part of a broader package designed to promote a new member’s business to reach the readership of Contact magazine.

For further details contact the Contact advertising team, tel 01661 844 115, email [email protected]

The contact details of all the companies which joined NECC recently are now available at www.necc.co.uk under the ‘New Members’ link

THANK YOU For your recent membership renewals. Particular thanks

to members supporting NECC for over 15 years

The above businesses have been members for 15 years or more and renewed their membership in November and December2015

100+ YEARS

John Lilley & Gillie Ltd 103

40-99 YEARS

S M Thompson Ltd 65Radiographic Accessories Ltd 46

30-39 YEARS

ConocoPhillips Petroleum Company UK Ltd 39North East Truck & Van Ltd 38Greggs plc 36Helena Biosciences 36INEOS Compounds Aycliffe Limited 33Sealpump Engineering Ltd 32

25-29 YEARS

Con Mech Engineers Limited 27Hydraulic and Offshore Supplies 26Tyne Metropolitan College 26Association Of International Accountants 25Caravel Liner Agencies (Darlington) Ltd 25Finchale Training College 25Hosch (GB) Ltd 25Javac (UK) Ltd 25Redcar & Cleveland College 25The Bridges Shopping Centre 25The Clinkard Group Ltd 25

20-24 YEARS

A-Belco Group of Companies 24Phusion IM Ltd 24Profins Ltd 24Thermal Transfer Technology Ltd 24Wardell Armstrong LLP 24Campanile Hotel 23Censis 23Creative Glass 222B Graphics Design Consultants 21Eden Farm Ltd 21Roballo Engineering Co Ltd 21

Exwold Technology Limited 20Gilligan Engineering Services 20Griffith Textile Machines Ltd 20Johnson Matthey Davy Technologies Ltd 20Rennyco Limited 20TRW Systems Ltd 20

15-19 YEARS

A T S Electro-Lube (UK) Ltd 19Belt Technologies Europe 19Edward Egglestone & Co. 19ERS Limited 19Formula Plastics Ltd 19Gliderol Garage & Industrial Doors Limited 19Ingeus Training Ltd 19Lubrizol Ltd 19Sintons LLP 19Technip Umbilicals Ltd 19Teesside University 19TT 2 Limited 19Falcon Engineering & Development 17International Centre For Life Trust 17 Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd 17Lubbers UK Ltd 17The Punjab Kitchen Ltd 17 Absolute Quality Consultancy and Training Ltd 16Custom Electronic Fire & Security Ltd 16Durham Businesswear Ltd 16EDF Energy PLC 16Geo A Carter Ltd 16Lucite International UK Limited 16Prestige Seating Technology 16QA Weld Tech Ltd 16Storey & Fellows 16Wensleydale Bacon Limited 16Advanced Engineering Solutions Ltd 15Energy Solutions International Ltd 15Franks The Flooring Store (Head Office) 15Hopax Europe Limited 15Sound Power Limited 15

MEMBER 2 MEMBER

MEMBER TO MEMBER OFFERSMake more of your NECC membership with these great member offers and many more on the NECC website

For many more exclusive NECC member offers visit www.necc.co.uk/offers

BRILLIANT BUSINESS BUNDLE

Signal Telecom Offer code: The Brilliant Business Bundle

The bundle includes a Microsoft Lumia 640 with 2GB data & unlimited texts and calls, The latest Linx 8″ Windows Tablet preloaded with Windows 10, built-in Office apps on your tablet and phone, professionally branded email address, plus upgrade to include the full Microsoft Office suite.

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FEATURED

PHNOPCO Ltd T/A Tune Hotel NewcastleOffer code: TCCNECC

EHL UKOffer code: NECC/FQ

Amazing Results Estate AgencyOffer code: AMZ100

EHL UKOffer code: NECC/GYM

The Stottie CompanyOffer code: NECC10

Dawson & Sanderson Ltd Corporate Travel Services Offer code: NECC 60

10% DISCOUNT FOR NECC MEMBERS

FREE SITE VISIT AND ESTIMATES

SELL YOUR HOME FOR £500

FREE GYM SESSION

10% OFF BUFFET MENU

FEE FREE BUSINESS TRAVEL

NO COST RECRUITMENT SERVICE3AAA - Aspire Achieve Advance Offer code: N/A

3AAA strives to provide high quality apprentices via Grade 1 Outstanding Apprenticeship Programmes and have a full training academy. The free recruitment service providies a work ready apprentice at no extra cost other than the National apprenticeships minimum wage of £3.30 (which you pay the apprentice directly).

???

FEATURED

£200 OFF VOCATIONAL COURSES IN FEBRUARYAPO Training Offer code: NECC200

Procurement and supply training experts, APO Training is offering NECC members upto £200 off its vocational courses in February, including its new short training courses; introduction to negotiation skills, introduction to effective purchasing, legal aspects and effective stores management.

???

FEATURED


“We have successfully raised our profile through NECC both regionally and nationally; aided by many of their initiatives and networking opportunities.”

Stephen Bell, Managing DirectorGus Robinson Developments

NECC is the North East’s largest business membership organisation. We represent around 4,000 businesses – a third of the region’s workforce.

NECC welcomes businesses into membership regardless of their size, age or sector.

As a chamber member you can access a whole host of business support services. Our members join and engage with us for many diff erent reasons;

• Expand your network of business contacts

• Tap into the knowledge of your own Dedicated Relationship Manager – meet new customers and suppliers

• Raise your company profi le

• Peace of mind with Legal Expenses Insurance up to £50,000

• Access 24/7 Legal Advice Line: Employment law, contracts, taxation, environment and health & Safety

• Apprenticeship and Staff Training

• Assistance with International trade

• Representation: a strong voice for change

We have a number of packages designed to suit your business needs.

Become amember

Together we grow strongerTo fi nd out more about the benefi tsof being an NECC member get in touch.

0300 303 6322

@NEChamber

/NorthEastChamber

[email protected]

www.necc.co.uk

GUEST COLUMNIST

F ew people start a business thinking about how they are going to leave it. But a lack of planning is leaving UK companies

open to a succession crisis.Most owner-managed and family run

firms are leaving their future to chance. Interviews carried out for Latimer Hinks with owner-managed businesses across the North East revealed 78% did not have any succession plan or structure in place expressing their wishes.

Only 20% of those firms with no plan said they had thought about the future of their business once they could no longer be involved in running it, whether through choice, ill health or death.

The findings mirror those of several earlier studies. The Family Business Survey showed 90% of family business owners had no governance structure or succession plans in place. Another piece of research, from Barclays, found just under half of small businesses had a succession plan in place.

A succession plan, whether it includes a strategy for bringing the next generation into the business effectively, or managing relationships with children with no interest or aptitude for the business, can give peace of mind to everyone involved.

Knowing what will happen to a firm years down the line can bring stability by setting out a blueprint for the future.

Last WordEvery entrepreneur needs a succession plan, so why are so many failing to put one in place, asks Elizabeth Armstrong, a director in the Private Client Department of Latimer Hinks law firm

But having devoted a large part of their lives to building a business from scratch, some owners find it hard to face the fact that they will have to hand over the reins to someone else. They procrastinate until it is too late.

The recession has also led many businesses to simply batten down the hatches, thinking about short-term survival rather than long-term succession.

But putting off the decision will not make it any easier. Succession planning can be complex and time consuming, so it’s vital to tackle the issue as soon as possible.

Protecting a business is not just about thinking what happens when the owner dies, which can of course be addressed in a properly structured Will. There are considerations during the owner’s lifetime that are equally relevant. For example, there’s no automatic right for somebody to step in and run a business if the owner is unable to do so. What happens if staff or suppliers cannot be paid because of the owner’s incapacity? Is anyone able to access business bank accounts? Does anyone have the authority to make decisions in the owner’s absence? These are all issues that it’s possible to address in a Business Lasting Power of Attorney.

Failure to put a strategy in place can risk a firm’s bottom line and put it at risk of future closure. Lack of planning now could make legal battles between potential heirs more likely down the line. A good succession plan can benefit a business straight away. Not only does it show employees a clear sign that you care about the future of the company, it gives

customers and clients the confidence to maintain relationships with the organisation. The future wellbeing or existence of a business may well depend on the legal and financial plans you have, or have not, put in place. And the future wellbeing of the UK economy may depend on the collective power of each of those individual plans.

When you consider that there are some 5.4m private sector businesses, most of which are SMEs, the potential consequences of not considering the future are dire.

Business owners bear a huge responsibility to customers, staff and families, alongside the wider economy, which are all affected by the success of firms and their ability to operate.

Practices in place in larger businesses are just as relevant for smaller firms. There are lessons to be learned from big names in the business world.

Some of the most well-known entrepreneurs across the globe have thought carefully about their own succession plans as well as speaking openly about them to family, employees and the wider public.

Richard Branson has already talked about taking a step back while he pushes his children, Holly and Sam, forward as the faces of Virgin. Rupert Murdoch, meanwhile, has elevated his sons James and Lachlan to take over his film and television business.

But even for businesses which aren’t turning over the huge sums involved in the Murdoch or Branson empires, it’s vital to have a succession plan in place.


2015-16 Matchday Hospitalityat the Stadium of Light

EvertonMarch 12th

Crystal PalaceMarch 1st

Man UtdFebruary 13th

Upcoming BarclaysPremier LeagueFixtures

Sunderland’s Stadium of Light is one of the most iconic sporting venues in the country.

From as little as £50 per person, you can be at the heart of the action, taking advantage of some of the fi nest hospitality in football. Panoramic pitch views with access to private executive boxes, stunning suites and contemporary bars are all complemented by our award-winning service and sumptuous dining choices - at prices to suit any budget.

To book or for more information call 0871 911 1555, email [email protected] or visit safc.com/hospitality

HOSPITALITY FOR ALL THE GAMES UNTIL THE END OF THE SEASON CAN BE BOOKED TODAY. AVAILABILITY IS LIMITED, SO BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.

MATCHDAYHOSPITALITY

FROM £50PER PERSON

3861

Official Government fuel consumption figures (Range): Urban cycle, Extra urban, Combined (litres per 100km/mpg) & CO2 emissions (g/km); Highest: New DS 5 THP 210 S&S 6-speed manual 8.0/35.3, 5.2/54.3, 6.2/45.6, 144. Lowest: DS 3 BlueHDi 100 S&S manual 3.8/74.3, 3.2/88.3, 3.4/83.1, 87. MPG figures are achieved

under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions.

*Offers apply to qualifying new Citroën commercial vehicles ordered & delivered 01/01 - 31/03/16 for business users only excluding National Fleet customers as de� ned by Citroën UK. Metallic paint optional at no extra cost. Rental prices shown apply to New DS 4 BlueHDi 120 S&S 6-speed manual Elegance, DS 3 BlueHDi 100 S&S mnual DStyle Nav & New DS 5 BlueHDi 120 S&S 6-speed manual Elegance. One bulk advance will be required followed by 23 monthly rentals on a 2 year agreement of 10,000 miles per annum. Contract Hire rental includes: delivery to dealership, Citroën Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Excise Duty and Government First Registration Fee. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Over 18s only. Excess mileage charges will apply if you exceed the agreed annual mileage. Finance provided by and written quotations available on request from PSA Finance UK Limited (company registration number 01024322) t/a Citroën Contract Motoring, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1QA, UK. Citroën Contract Motoring is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Contract Hire rental rates have been calculated with the appropriate manufacturer’s support applied to the OTR price. All rentals are subject to VAT at 20%. Citroën Contract Motoring reserve the right to amend any of the rentals quoted without notice. Jarretts Motors Ltd is acting as a credit broker and is not a lender. To � nance your purchase/lease we may introduce you to a limited number of lenders. Offers & speci� cation correct at time of going to press from participating Dealers. Terms & conditions apply. Please ask

us for details. Subject to stock availability.

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TOWN CENTRE CITROËN 0191 516 8822

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Model shown: New DS 4 THP 210 6-speed manual Prestige with Chrome side-rubbing strips, Chrome door mirror caps & 19 inch matt grey diamond-cut ‘Cairns’ alloy wheels.