contact issue 22

necc.co.uk

NECC: Making the North East a success

APRIL - MAY 2016

necc.co.uk

HEAD TO HEAD: WHERE DO YOU STAND ON THE EU?

MAKING MOVIES

Oscar winner David Puttnam’s Arctic challenge

APRIL - MAY 2016

Scan this code with your mobile device to access the latest news on our website

Put to the Test

Durham CCC’s Geoff Cook on sport’s

bottom line

In the pictureThe art of

commercialising creativity with Biscuit Factory

founder Ramy Zack

LUCKYTHIRTEENThe business of building communities with Thirteen Group’s Alison Thain

PROFILE

Our leading employment team provide practical advice on all areas of employment law, including redundancies and restructures, employment tribunal disputes and contracts of employment.

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

Moving forward together.Our experts will keep you on the right path.

Mincoffs_Ads_Templates_A4.indd 3 26/03/2015 12:11

©Offstone Publishing 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All information contained in this magazine is as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Offstone Publishing a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part. Although every care is taken, Offstone Publishing is not liable for resulting loss or damage. Offstone Publishing endeavors to respect the intellectual property of owners of copyrighted material reproduced herein. If you identify yourself as the copyright holder of material we have wrongly attributed, please contact us. Offstone Publishing does not guarantee the insertion of any particular advertisement on a specified date or at all.

EDITOR Jane Pikett [email protected]

EDITORIAL TEAM Dean Bailey Liz Hands Elise Rana Hopper Owen McAteer Paul Robertson Rosie Waller

Contact is the magazine for NECC members. News and press releases should be sent to [email protected]

ADVERTISING Contact our commercial team 01661 844 115 [email protected]

PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson www.kgphotography.co.uk Nicky Rogerson www.nrphotography.co.uk Peter Skelton www.photo-psp.co.uk

Offstone Publishing Unit 1, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield Northumberland, NE43 7AJ

01661 844 115 [email protected]

Published by

GET IN TOUCH

01661 844 115

Follow us @NEChamber

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

Welcome... NECC president Mike Matthews MBE reflects upon apprenticeships, education and success

WHAT THEY SAY THIS ISSUE...

ALISON THAIN Thirteen Group

GEOFF COOK Durham County Cricket Club

HILARY FRENCH Newcastle High School for Girls

“The sponsors have grown to include brands such as Emirates, which is a great credit to the management and the commitment to growing the club off the field.”

“If business leaders and educators are going to deliver the workforce needed to create a successful and prosperous North East we must do it together.”

“We’ve got 1,450 staff, we spend £3m a week. We have to be clear on what we’re spending, why we’re spending it and giving value to our tenants and customers.”

APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 3

Welcome to the latest issue of Contact where you will find inspirational stories on some of our most successful entrepreneurs as well as stimulating opinions from business leaders.

As many of you know, I started my career as an apprentice and have championed this route into work in my own company, Nifco UK Ltd. We have more than 40 apprentices in our business and they are a fundamental part of our strategy to meet the ever-growing demand for skills.

As part of National Apprentice Week I was able to enjoy a moment of nostalgia when I job swapped

with three engineering trainees at Spennymoor-based Tridonic. You can read about my experience in this issue and see if I still had my practical engineering skills when I visited the company’s tool shop.

I am extremely proud to be the first Chamber President from a manufacturing background for a number of years and know at first hand the importance of ensuring our school leavers and businesses work closely. This is key to helping our region to achieve its full potential. In this issue, headteacher Hilary French sets out precisely why this relationship needs to be strengthened - a key part of NECC’s Manifesto.

A real source of inspiration during his time as Sunderland University’s Chancellor is Lord David Puttnam. His profile piece in this issue is full of insight, and highlights what makes him such a great ambassador for the North East.

The Chamber has recently completed a housing survey on the region’s supply of suitable homes with Thirteen group. Alison Thain, who leads the organisation, sets out her views inside and explains more about the way forward for affordable housing.

I can’t end without mentioning the North East Business Awards, of which the final takes place later this month, and I wish all our members who have been shortlisted every success. These are great examples of our renowned passion and drive.Mike Matthews MBE, NECC President

EXPORTINGIS GREAT WEEKUKTI North East will be holding its next Exporting is GREAT Week from 18-22 April. The week will see the region host a series of events, aimed at encouraging both new and experienced exporters to explore fresh opportunities.

Book onto an event near you at exportweek.ukti.gov.uk, contact the UKTI North East team on 0345 136 0169 or email [email protected]

THE DEMAND IS OUT THERE. YOU COULD BE TOO!

Mon 18 April Business support for international growth Ramada Encore, Gateshead Quays

Wed 20 April What you need to know to grow your business overseas Wynyard Park House

Thurs 21 April What you need to know to grow your business overseas The Toff ee Factory

Thurs 21 April Showcasing local successes Crathorne Hall

Fri 22 April China/Taiwan off shore wind opportunities regional roadshow NOF Energy

Fri 22 April Grow your business through international trade Riverside Stadium

Contents

34

Plus

Features

425038

Clockwise from above:

Colin Flintoft and Richard Meeres

Geoff Cook Ramy Zack

EXPORTINGIS GREAT WEEKUKTI North East will be holding its next Exporting is GREAT Week from 18-22 April. The week will see the region host a series of events, aimed at encouraging both new and experienced exporters to explore fresh opportunities.

Book onto an event near you at exportweek.ukti.gov.uk, contact the UKTI North East team on 0345 136 0169 or email [email protected]

THE DEMAND IS OUT THERE. YOU COULD BE TOO!

Mon 18 April Business support for international growth Ramada Encore, Gateshead Quays

Wed 20 April What you need to know to grow your business overseas Wynyard Park House

Thurs 21 April What you need to know to grow your business overseas The Toff ee Factory

Thurs 21 April Showcasing local successes Crathorne Hall

Fri 22 April China/Taiwan off shore wind opportunities regional roadshow NOF Energy

Fri 22 April Grow your business through international trade Riverside Stadium


08 INBOX News and views from

the world of business

17 BEST IN THE UK Lloyd Newcastle BMW named BMW’s best in the UK

20 MEMBERS CONNECTED

NECC members team up

46 SKILLS Training and skills news

48 EXPORT Inside the global marketplace 54 SPECIAL FOCUS Conferences and events

57 APPOINTMENTS Movers and shakers

59 FAB 5 Movie magic

60 EVENTS Connecting with members

64 MEMBER OFFERS Exclusive to NECC members

06 60 SECONDS With movie producer David Puttnam

09 IN MY VIEW With NECC’s James Ramsbotham

30 NECC POLICY Europe - the case for and against

32 SUCCESS Behind the scenes at Calsonic Kansei

34 LUCKY THIRTEEN Getting to know Thirteen Group chief executive Alison Thain

38 ORIGINAL BENEFITS Looking back at more than 100 years of success at BAS Ltd

42 THE COACH 25 years of first-class cricket in

Durham with Geoff Cook

50 OUT TO LUNCH The art of business with Ramy Zack of The Biscuit Factory

66 LAST WORD With Hilary French

Above: Alison Thain of

Thirteeen Group

A giant of the British film industry, Lord David Puttnam’s 30-plus years in the movies has seen his work pick up 10 Oscars

and 25 BAFTAs, including a Best Picture Oscar for Chariots of Fire in 1981.

Created Baron Puttnam in 1997, his political career has seen him chair committees covering legislation on communications and climate change. As an educator, he has served as chairman of the National Film and Television Society, was the first chancellor of Sunderland University 1997-2007, and chancellor of the Open University. A well-known personality with strong links to the North East through his long association with Sunderland University, he is a regular visitor to the region.

Q If I were meeting you for the first time, how would you describe yourself?Bearded and elderly! I’m not a flamboyant guy so I may be tough to pick out in a crowd.

Q Who did you look up to when you were growing up?My father Len, who was a photojournalist and war reporter with the Associated Press. He was a remarkable guy, and his intense sense of fairness has stayed with me. Interestingly, I didn’t meet him until I was five because he was away working, but we were incredibly close.

Q Who has inspired you?While I was working in advertising for Collett Dickinson Pearce, the firm’s famous creative partner Colin Millward inspired me a great deal. From him, I learned to be self critical, and that you had to be better than good to

Dean Bailey talks movies, family and inspiration with Oscar-winning film producer Lord David Puttnam

Making moviesmake an impact. He was tough, but he taught me a great deal about creative standards, and how creativity works much like a muscle – it has to be exercised and it can be trained.

Q How do you compare now to your 21-year-old self?I got married at 20 and my family life remains a remarkable and constant part of my life. I remember worrying a lot about the future in my youth, but as you settle down with family and find your feet in your career those things tend to drop away.

Professionalism has always been very important to me, and I still like to maximise my time. I studied at night school rather than university, and I’ve always been able to work.

Q How would you describe yourself?Fair and professional. When I was a young man, one of the worst insults you could give anyone would be suggesting a person was unprofessional and I absorbed that very quickly.

Q What would you be doing if you weren’t in the film industry?I have no idea. I may have stayed in advertising. As a boy I dreamed of playing tennis, but I wasn’t good enough to make a career of it. I may have become a sports agent and made more money in the process, though that was never a motivator for me.

Q What’s the best job you’ve had?There are three periods of my life I look back on most fondly. As a 23-year-old, I was doing very well in advertising, I enjoyed where I was working a great deal and we were winning a lot of awards. Of the period I was making

60 SECONDS

movies, the early days and the time of Chariots of Fire and Local Hero really stand out. Lastly, when I joined the Department of Education in the late 1990s – I really enjoyed the work and the change of pace from the film industry.

Q What do you most enjoy about your job?I have always enjoyed my career, to the extent that I can say I don’t really know what it is like to work. Right now, I enjoy setting my own pace; I do a lot of my work from my office at home, which is fantastic.

Q What has been your best decision?Marrying the girl I first met at school. We’ve been married for 55 years and are very happy in Ireland with our family.

Q What’s the greatest moment of your career to date?Receiving the BAFTA Fellowship in 2006.

Q If you couldn’t fail, what would you do?I’ve come back to the film industry to work on a movie about climate change – Arctic 30. I would wish for the movie to be a huge hit and to make people engage with the issue of climate change.

Q Who would play you in a film?With the right accent, I think Ryan Reynolds would do a great job.

Q What does the future hold?The next two years of my life will be about Arctic 30 and making a success of the movie. After that, an orderly and healthy life in my 80s would make me very happy.

6 / www.necc.co.uk / CONTACT / ARPIL - MAY 2016


“My best decision?

Marrying the girl I first met

at school”

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]

CANCER CARE CYCLETwelve friends of intu Metrocentre maintenance manager Steve Bolton, who died of cancer last summer,are taking on the 276-mile Coast to Coast challenge to raise funds for Marie Curie

BOOTS ONNorth Pennines AONB Partnership and Friends of the Nortth Pennnines have launched a crowdfunding project to raise £27,000 to repair part of a popular coast to coast walk. Voted the second best walk in the world by the readers of Country Walking magazine, the 190-mile Coast to Coast trail from Kirkby Stephen to Keld in the Yorkshire Dales National Park is suffering peat erosion and the project aims to raise money to lay stone flags on part of the route.

NATURE NURTURETV wildlife expert Chris

Packham is leading Northumbrian Water’s Nature Watch initiative.

Last year, participants spotted 18,858 species in window boxes, gardens,

allotments, and parkland. This year the scheme is being extended to pupils from nurseries and schools.

APPLIANCE OF SCIENCEBudding astronauts have been given a fascinating insight into a career in outer space. Redcar & Cleveland College teamed up with Saltburn Primary School to provide activities during Science Week.Year Six pupils worked in a science lab at adjoining Huntcliff School, where they built and test-launched their own rocket.

Christine Bell (Boro Taxis) Hary Slattery (volunteer) Barry McBride (Coast & Country) Laura Henry (Groundwork Trust) and Sarah Ransome (Groundwork Trust)

TRES BON!Newcastle’s Bonbar has welcomed its 250,000th customer and served its 100,000th cocktail at the same time as celebrating its second birthday. The venue opened in 2014 following a £1m investment which transformed the ground floor of the iconic Assembly Rooms.

THE GOOD LIFEBoro Taxis is supporting a scheme to encourage residents to grow their own food, with a donation to a Street Eats project managed by social enterprise Groundwork NE & Cumbria. Three Redcar and Cleveland locations host monthly horticultural sessions.

ON THEIR BIKESNewcastle Airport staff completed an indoor cycle challenge to highlight the return of United Airlines’ non-stop service to New York, helped by NUFC’s Siem De Jong (pictured) and SAFCs Jack Rodwell in aid of both club’s charity foundations.

8 / www.necc.co.uk

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

Michael D. Williams (mdwilliams1971@)‏Today is our first birthday! Thanks

for all your support folks

James Ramsbotham (@NECCJames): On the

@RamsideGolfClub sofa for @MadeinTyneWear with @PeterGrantMedia @AJBaker3 & @GeorgeBond_

AV Dawson (@AVDawson):Proud to have @NECCJames &

@NECCEamonn from @NEChamber visit today to see more of what we do here

Assembly Rooms _Assembly@)‏Rooms):Today we are

hosting @NEChamber Tyne & Wear AGM

Richard Swart (@richswart):@NewcastleCC UKLordMayor

greetings handover 2 @NewcastleKZN @nnmayor @SouthAfrica @DurbanChamber

UniSpace Sunderland (@UnispaceTeam): Many thanks to

@NEChamber @ghutchinson80 @SunderlandAFC and @northumbriapol for a great conference

Cancer Care. They hope other cyclists will finish the journey with them on Sunday May 1, including Steve’s 19-year-old daughter Anna Grace who will complete the final few miles on a bicycle built by her father.

IN MY VIEW

In my view

the economy is improving, with the number of people in work going in the right direction.

Employment is up at a record level and this, coupled with the unemployment rate reducing, are positive signs for the region. The upward trends are continuing with more people employed in the private sector, up 32,000 in the last 12 months.

However, one area of concern is that our statistics do not show the same proportional increase as the rest of the northern regions, and we will continue to work hard to address that imbalance.

As part of our campaign to support businesses in reaching their potential, we supported a Northern Powerhouse and UKTI trade mission to South Africa. This has produced a number of profitable links and potential orders for the companies who were with us. I will report back on future developments and how these relationships progress.

Our links outside the region were at the heart of a lively debate on the EU in March. We know our members are actively engaged in this debate and encourage everyone to vote to ensure the best possible outcome for the North East.

Back to our regional economy. In North East England, our members have also backed the chance to become more autonomous through devolution. They see it giving us the opportunity to take control of policy areas where a single national approach has failed to meet the needs of this region.

Members have concerns about uncertainty over progress in the North East Combined Authority area.

The current proposals aren’t everything we ultimately want, but we believe there is much greater chance to get the right powers in place by doing a deal and then building on it – as is happening in Manchester.

With Tees Valley pressing ahead with devolution, we have a chance to establish this region as the first fully devolved part of England and show how we can take a lead. If instead we end up with a hole in the map, that risks sending a very different message to the rest of the world.

The business community remains ready and willing to work with local authorities to make devolution a success for North East England.

Having the right housing supply is important for all businesses wanting to attract and retain their staff. Together with social housing group Thirteen, we are currently investigating the North East property market. The aim is to better understand the housing finance sector and the potential of developing low-cost home ownership.

In this issue of Contact you will see a brief digest of our recent AGMs, which I am delighted to report were a great success with thought-provoking and informative speakers and networking aplenty.

It is always a pleasure to meet our members and get information on issues which are the forefront of their minds. In total more than 400 members attended the four events and it was a clear demonstration that we have strength in numbers. In the North East we are, without doubt, stronger together.

NECC chief executive James Ramsbothamon the impact politics has on business and the need to work together

We know politics, both at a national and regional level, has an enormous impact on our regional economy.

At this moment in time the effect of decisions being taken appears to be at its most important for many years.

Let me start with the positive, political news. We were delighted that our lobbying of the Chancellor has helped secure a firm commitment to upgrade both the A66 and A69, which are vital links for businesses in the region. This was a key priority in our 2016 Manifesto and will help to build a more connected North East.

However, we are disappointed George Osborne did not heed our calls for further detail on big reforms such as the apprenticeship levy. The Government has said it is committed to stability yet doesn’t provide businesses with sufficient detail to plan for the future.

Despite this, our recently released employment figures give us an indication

@NECCJames


NEWS

THANK YOUTees Valley Unlimited chairman Paul Booth has paid tribute to outgoing MD Stephen Catchpole, who is leaving to take up a role with South East Midlands LEP.

Under Catchpole’s stewardship TVU became one of the first Local Enterprise Partnerships to secure Government approval and he has spearheaded a range of regeneration and economy-boosting projects.

Booth says: “His passion, drive and ability to work with a range of partners, investors, stakeholders, influencers and governmental bodies at local, regional, and national level has helped to diversify and strengthen the area’s economic foundations.”

NEWS

in association with10 / www.necc.co.uk / CONTACT / APRIL - MAY 2016

Employees, business owners and board members are being encouraged to nominate colleagues for the inaugural North East Employee of the Year Awards in June.

The awards on June 17 at Wynyard Hall Hotel have been founded by event management company She’s Gott It! Tesco Underwriting is partnering the event while sponsors include Sunderland College and George F White.

More details and entry forms are available at www.northeastemployee oftheyear.co.uk

NEW AWARDS FOR EMPLOYEES

Beth Hazon, MD of Newcastle marketing and advertising agency Drummond Central, has been honoured with a prestigious IPA Women of Tomorrow award.

The awards, run in partnership with leading industry magazine Campaign, recognise women of exceptional talent who are leading the way in disciplines including creative strategy, client services, media planning, HR, tech and innovation.

After several in-depth interviews with some of the creative industry’s most successful women leaders, Hazon won her award in the Client Services category. She is one of 13 winners chosen from more than 200 entries nationwide.

Nicky Bullard, Women of Tomorrow co-chair and chair and chief creative officer of MRM Meteorite, said: “These are the women to

watch. These women are our future. They are full of brains, vision, inspiration and energy with a wealth of experience, results and high recommendations under their belts.”

TOP CREATIVE INDUSTRY ACCOLADE

NEWS

NEWS

in association with APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 11

ROYAL GUEST OF HONOURThe Prince of Wales visited one of the North East’s leading automotive parts manufacturers to view the facilities, meet employees and apprentices, and hear how the company is creating education opportunities on Teesside.

Prince Charles visited ElringKlinger (GB) and met newly appointed staff who were taken on by one of Redcar’s major employers following the recent closure of the SSI steelworks and job losses at Boulby Potash.

He toured the 41,000sqft factory site extension which was completed in 2014, marking the final stage of the company’s 50th year on Teesside.

The original 100,000sqft factory was extended to increase ElringKlinger’s overall production by 50% to cater for rising product demand for its speciality gaskets and shielding technology.

This expansion has since provided ongoing employment opportunities.

TAKING THE CROWNE

Port of Tyne reports that the number of cruise ships scheduled to arrive and depart from its berths is anticipated to reach record numbers during 2016.

42 cruise ships will call at Port of Tyne’s International Passenger Terminal, with major new cruise lines including Disney and German-operated AIDA calling for the first time.

CEO Andrew Moffat says: “The Port of Tyne is the closest UK Port to the Baltics, the Fjords and Russia and offers easy access to the Canary Islands, The Azores,

Portugal, Morocco and Spain.

“The Tyne is an excellent choice to start or finish a cruise and can rival many European ports in terms of access to world-class tourist attractions.

“We hope many people will take advantage of this and spend a day or two in the region before they set off on their cruise.”

Port of Tyne provides facilities for vessels over 300m in length and up to 10m in draft at Northumbrian Quay, its purpose-built cruise berth capable of accommodating 93% of the global fleet of cruise ships.

WE ARE SAILING

Strategic communications consultancy Invicta Public Affairs has relocated its headquarters to Newcastle and is growing its team in response to the Northern Powerhouse initiative.

Set up in Glasgow in 2007, Invicta helps business work with Government and local communities. Its 10-strong team supports the housebuilding, commercial property, energy and transport sectors, generating political and community support for

projects. The consultancy advises more than 150 businesses throughout the UK and beyond and has a multi-billion pound combined investment portfolio which includes several major international corporations.

Founder Mark Cummings says the opening of the Newcastle HQ at Milburn House, Dean Street, will allow the consultancy to grow and influence wider regional growth.

Rebecca Ramsdale and Mark Stephenson of Invicta

INVICTA EXPANDS INTO NEWCASTLE

Crowne Plaza Newcastle is the top performing hotel within its group in the UK and is among the top 10 in Europe.

The 251-bed luxury hotel near Newcastle Central Station is the best performing for customer satisfaction among all the UK mainland Crowne Plazas and ninth in Europe out of the 82 hotels in the Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG).

NEWS

#SPECIALISTA4&A5PrInTErS www.acornweb.co.uk

01924 220633

nuts for your titles!

NEWS


Is your confi dential information

in safe hands?

Tel: 0191 482 42 71

When you dispose of confi dential data/documents, who do you trust?

The bin men?Your waste collection company?

DON’T!Trust the region’s leading specialists

in secure data destruction.Call us now for your free, no obligation consultation

Earlsway, Team Valley Trading EstateGateshead, Tyne & Wear NE11 0RQFax: 0191 482 4214E-mail: [email protected]

www.riverdalepaper.plc.uk

I’m delighted to have joined the team as partnerships manager at

NECC. It’s been a busy first couple of months. Thank you to the Partner members who I have now met for your time, your thoughts, your ideas (and coffee) and I very much look forward to getting to know those I haven’t yet met.

We are working in partnership on a number of exciting events and projects.

Last month, Newcastle International Airport gave a valuable update at NECC’s President’s Club Future Leaders event on the airport’s £14m investment and its drive for excellent customer service and seamless passenger journey.

We also held the first of our Housing Task Group sessions as part of a project we are working on with our Partner Thirteen Group, enabling us to gain a better understanding of

the housing market in the North East, the benefits this sector can bring to the region, and current housing demand.

Our Partner Northern Powergrid led our Energy Forum, while Gateshead College steered the second meeting of our Education & Skills Focus Group, and our Partner Banks Group continued to lead our Development Group.

Partners contributed to a round table discussion with Shadow Business Secretary Angela Eagle, which covered Labour’s approach to the Northern Powerhouse, skills issues including the Apprenticeship Levy, and the upcoming EU referendum.

We welcomed Andrew Hodgson, chair of the North East LEP to our March Partner Lunch, hosted by Partner SAFC. Andrew spoke about the LEP’s plans and priorities for devolution.

It’s been a great start and I’m looking forward to an exciting year.

With Jennifer Rycroft, NECC partnerships managerPARTNERS UPDATE

OUR PARTNERS...


NEWS

With Eamonn Leavey Head of NECC President’s Club

We were delighted to welcome more than 170 of the North East’s most senior business

leaders to the first NECC President’s Club lunch of 2016 at the Newcastle Marriott Hotel Gosforth Park.

During the event, we listened to the Chancellor deliver his 2016 Budget, which was followed by a briefing from NECC chief executive James Ramsbotham. I would like to thank Gateshead College for sponsoring the event, and I look forward to our next lunch later this year.

It was great to visit AV Dawson in Middlesbrough and see the extent of its operations on Teesside. I also had the pleasure of visiting Godfrey Syrett in Killingworth, which produces high quality office furniture and is a little known gem of North East manufacturing.

Congratulations to President’s Club members Nifco UK, AV Dawson, Dawson & Sanderson, Newcastle Building Society, and Siemens on their wins in the regional rounds of the North East Business Awards.

My thanks also to Brewin Dolphin for its continued sponsorship of NECC President’s Club.

One of the leading wealth management firms in the UK, Brewin is offering NECC President’s Club members a free, no obligation financial planning review with one of its experts. For more information, please contact John Duns at Brewin Dolphin, tel 0191 279 7300, www.brewin.co.uk

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

NICE TO MEET YOU...

NECC members from across the North East gathered for NECC’s sub-regional AGMs.

At the Tees Valley meeting at Kirkleatham Museum,

Redcar, newly appointed chair Michael McConnell, group property director of PD Ports, said: “The Chamber has an important role to play in tackling job creation, particularly since the closure of the Redcar steelworks. Lord Heseltine’s announcement of a Development Corporation presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to regenerate the area.” Peter Dodd, commercial director of Welcome to Yorkshire, also outlined the ingredients for the success of the Tour de France in the county.

The County Durham AGM at Seaham Hall heard from Terry Collins, chief

executive of Durham County Council, and NECC’s Durham Committee chair and Esh Group chief executive Brian Manning was re-elected.

At Tyne and Wear’s AGM at the Assembly Rooms in Newcastle, National Trust assistant director of operations Robyn Brown outlined the Trust’s vision for the next decade and Bill McGawley was re-elected chair.

An update on the investment plans for Northumberland National Park was given at the Northumberland AGM at Matfen Hall, where John McCabe, managing director of Round Table Solutions, was re-elected chair. Sarah Glynn, manager at The Sill - the UK’s first dedicated landscape discovery centre under construction in the Hadrian’s Wall area – also spoke at the event.

NECC and social housing organisation Thirteen Group are investigating the North East housing market together.

The partnership will see the North East’s largest landlord group work with NECC to understand the region’s market for potential house buyers and potentially develop a new product for low-cost home ownership.

Alison Thain, chief executive of Thirteen Group, said: “We will carry out a comprehensive survey to understand

James Ramsbotham, NECC chief executive; Peter Dodd, commercial director, Welcome to Yorkshire; Michael McConnell, chair NECC Tees Valley Committee; Kiersten Avery, former chair NECC Tees Valley Committee, at the Tees Valley AGM

James Ramsbotham, Terry Collins and Brian Manning at the Co Durham AGM

Sarah Glynn is presented with a painting created to celebrate NECC’s 200th anniversary by John McCabe and James Ramsbotham at the Northumberland AGM

Bill McGawley, Robyn Brown and Mike Matthews at the Tyne and Wear AGM

FULL HOUSE

the market and launch a report discussing the economic benefits of delivering a wider range of housing for a range of incomes with the aim of planning how stakeholders can develop a potential low-cost homeownership product.” See p34 for more from Alison Thain

l-r: NECC director of Policy Ross Smith and Alison Thain, chief executiveThirteen Group

NEWS


NEWS

Durham-based Altec Engineering Group aims to triple its turnover in the next three years with plans for more acquisitions following new contract wins valued at £2m.

Altec supplies components for some of the world’s most prestigious telescopes via its work with the Durham Centre for Advanced Instrumentation (CfAI) at the North East Technology Park (NETPark) Sedgefield, Co Durham.

Altec has 180 staff across the UK and new contracts include the production of complex aerospace, oil and gas, automotive and defence components.

The growth of Altec, which was founded in 1978 by Ron Waite MBE, was accelerated by a £6m funding boost from the Business Growth Fund (BGF) last year, which allowed it to acquire precision engineering firm Ronco Engineering in Tanfield Lea, near Stanley, West Yorkshire-based Sigma Technologies, and Quick Hydraulics in North Shields. This year, its turnover is expected to reach £11m and almost triple to £32m by 2019.

TRIPLE TURNOVER BID

NEWS

TRAINING DAYSTyne Metropolitan College is working with call centre operator Sitel to deliver an accredited training programme for its employees.

The college is delivering a Level 5 Leadership and Management training programme for Sitel employees at the company’s Balliol Business Park, North Tyneside office.

The vice-chancellor and chief executive of Northumbria University, Professor Andrew Wathey, has received the award of Commander of the British Empire (CBE) at an investiture ceremony performed by Prince William at Buckingham Palace.

He was recognised in the 2016 New Year’s Honours List for his services to Higher Education, and under his leadership Northumbria has transformed its research standing, its appeal to students, its contribution through partnerships to regional economic, social and cultural development, and its national and international prominence.

Since his arrival in 2008, Northumbria has more than doubled its research capacity, moving from 80th to 50th in the Research Excellence Framework’s research power ranking – the largest rise of any UK university.

CBE FOR VICE CHANCELLOR

Lingfield Point estate manager Eddie Humphries with Para-Sols director Cathi Harrison

At the same time, the number of highly qualified students choosing to come to Northumbria has increased by more than 50% and the university is now the top post-1992 institution for entry standards according to The Sunday Times Good University Guide.


NEWS

NEWS

NEW HOMES

BAKING DAY

County Durham Housing Group has signed an agreement with Taylor Wimpey that will bring 25 new homes to rent.

The two and three-bed properties, which will be managed by landlord Durham City Homes, are part of the £18.2m Middlewood Moor development in Ushaw Moor. The group has pledged to construct 700 new properties in the next seven years.

Business students at Northumbria University, Newcastle, will spend a day with the UK’s largest bakery chain after winning the annual Greggs Marketing Challenge competition.

The Newcastle Business School candidates were the only undergraduate group to compete against postgraduate students from Newcastle, Teesside, and Sunderland universities. They developed ideas on ‘How does the Greggs brand remain relevant across key consumer life stages’ in front of marketing experts and an audience of business leaders, academics and students.

The team from Northumbria presented their strategy of producing a new Greggs smartphone app named Greggs Go, allowing customers to use a click and collect service for their orders.

A business supporting the needs of financial advisers and planners across the UK is doubling its base in the North East.

Para-Sols has expanded the size of its Darlington base – moving from 500sqft to 1,000sqft at Lingfield Point business park.

Director Cathi Harrison says: “This is our third office space at Lingfield Point and we expect to double again in a year or two. We have a Leeds office and we are looking to bring those members of staff up to Darlington to consolidate space.”

PARA-SOLS PUTS OTHERS IN THE SHADE

The final initiative in NECC’s 200th anniversary celebrations was launched at March’s President’s Club Lunch at the Newcastle Marriott Hotel Gosforth Park.

A 196-page book entitled Celebrating 200 Years of North East Business and produced by NECC member Offstone

Publishing in partnership with NECC, celebrates the past, present and future of North East business, profiling industry leaders and looking back at events which have shaped the region. The book is available to buy for £20, contact NECC, tel 0300 303 6322

CELEBRATING 200 YEARS OF NORTH EAST BUSINESS

NEWS


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

Airport chief’s new role

Newcastle International Airport chief executive David Laws is leaving the airport after 37 years to join AMP Capital as a part-time senior adviser in

its international airports business.The airport’s chief financial officer, Nick

Jones, takes over the CEO role on May 1, while an external search for a permanent CEO is undertaken.

Laws is the immediate past president of NECC, whose chief exec James Ramsbotham said: “It was a pleasure working with Davie, especially during our 200th Anniversary celebrations in 2015. I believe that, by bringing both Emirates and United Airlines to the region, Davie leaves a legacy of success in terms of connectivity and exports. I wish Davie well in his future career.”

Gateshead IT firm Advantex Network Solutions has secured £500,000 worth of new work from the education sector.

The growing company will work with dozens of schools over the next three years providing networks, superfast broadband and IT services.

The firm, which has £5m turnover and employs 60 people, will provide IT services to schools including Green Lane Primary in Middlesbrough and Hylton Castle and Rickleton Primary schools in Sunderland.

NEWS

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGE


NEWCASTLE CENTRE IS BMW’S BEST

L loyd Newcastle BMW has been named BMW Regional Group Retailer of the Year and the overall BMW Retailer of the Year in the UK.

The award represents outstanding customer service and business performance during 2015, and in addition to the award head of business Michelle Caveney received Head of Business of the Year 2015. Lloyd Newcastle is part of the Lloyd Motor Group, with six BMW and MINI

centres throughout the North of England in Blackpool, Carlisle, Cockermouth, Colne and South Lakes. The awards were presented at the annual BMW, MINI and Motorrad Conference by actor Rob Brydon at the recently opened O2 Continental Hotel, London.

Michelle Caveney, says: “I am delighted for everyone here at Lloyd Newcastle. The business has transformed in the last 18 months and the award is a credit to every team member.“

NEWS

Sedgefield-based Kromek has been selected by DARPA, an agency of the US Department of Defense, as the sole supplier of spectroscopic personal radiation detectors (D3S) in support of DARPA’s SIGMA programme for homeland security.

The programme with DARPA is to develop an advanced personal detection system for gamma and neutron radiation and indicate an act of terrorism.

The D3S is the world’s first fully approved combined gamma and neutron detector available in volume shipment and at a market leading unit price of $400.

The initial order, worth a total $6m, is for D3S detectors and charging packs. Kromek has also announced a $0.75m extension to an existing contract with DARPA.

Graham Grieves, managing director, BMW Group UKMichelle Caveney, head of business, Lloyd NewcastleBryan Lloyd, MD, Lloyd Motor GroupRob Brydon, awards host

The Dacia Magic Weekend returns to Newcastle’s St James’ Park May 21-22 with all 12 Super League teams in action.

Following the success of last year’s event, which saw more than 67,000 rugby league fans pack into St James’ Park to see the game’s biggest names in action, the event returns to Newcastle with three

games on Saturday and Sunday - including a 2015 Grand Final replay featuring Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors.

Supported by NE1 Ltd, the business improvement district for Newcastle, and Newcastle City Council, it is expected that the event will attract significant revenue for the city and the wider region.

COULD IT BE MAGIC?

Newcastle Business School is calling for papers for an international banking conference it is co-hosting in London.

The International Conference on Banking and Finance in June, hosted in partnership with London South Bank University and London Metropolitan University, will provide a platform for academics, research students, policy makers and practitioners to discuss major issues.

NEWS

IN THE MONEY

$6M US GOV’T CONTRACT WIN FOR KROMEK

NEWSADVERTORIAL

REGION IN GREAT SHAPE TO SEIZE ENERGY UPTURN BENEFITS

T he North East energy sector is ideally placed to benefi t from a projected industry upturn, North East LEP Chair Andrew Hodgson forecast after a visit to the region by global sector leaders..

More than 600 delegates from the worldwide industry were in Gateshead for the NOF annual energy conference at the Sage, attracting industry leaders from across the UK as well as Brazil, the United States and Canada.

NOF conference delegates were able to see Tyneside facilities fi rst hand on an Invest North East England-hosted trip along the River Tyne.

“The energy industry is a strong sectoral community that supports a lot of jobs in the

North East - it’s also one that we’re really well-positioned to benefi t from in the future, whether that’s oil and gas, offshore renewables or nuclear,” said Andrew, chief executive of subsea engineering company Soil Machine Dynamics and chair of Subsea North East.

“We can’t ignore the downward pressure on jobs that has been caused by recent low global oil prices.

“The view from the NOF conference was that the industry is cyclical and these low prices are not sustainable, and that

particularly offshore gas – as well as oil – still has huge growth potential.

“We’ve also had some welcome news for the sector that will have more immediate benefi t for the North East.

“After a number of years of talks, the UK Round 3 offshore wind project is beginning to show signifi cant progress with contracts starting to be placed for the planned new wind farms. Three North East companies – Tekmar, JDR Cables and Deep Ocean – are among the businesses to benefi t as the programme fi nally gets underway.”

Andrew Hodgson, North East LEP Chair


The Hilton Garden Inn, Sunderland is nearing completion and on schedule to open in May.

The hotel, which is next to the Stadium of Light, is the first Hilton Garden Inn property in northern England and is created by Gateshead-based architect

T he UK’s first digital-only bank, Durham-based Atom Bank, has made its first acquisition with the

purchase of Grasp (UK) Limited. Set up two years ago by

Anthony Thomson, Atom offers retail and business banking. It is the first bank to be granted a UK banking licence with no high street presence, delivering its services to retail customers through an app.

Grasp was established by entrepreneur Brian Jobling, whose company has been developing the software and

Redbox Design Group. Construction is being managed by Turner & Townsend and led by Tolent Construction and key contractors include Opus Building Services of Sunderland, Walker Modular of Yorkshire, and Swandene Specialist Contract Interiors, Washington.

user interface for Atom Bank’s mobile app. Jobling is one of the founders of award-winning independent game studio Eutechnyx, which has offices in Gateshead, the US, China and Hong Kong.

The Corporate Finance team at Newcastle-based commercial law firm Muckle LLP advised Grasp and Brian Jobling on the sale of the business and the transfer of its staff, including Jobling, to Atom Bank.

Atom Bank was advised in the transaction by James Bryce at Square One Law.

HOTEL NEARS COMPLETION

ATOM GRASPS A NEW OPPORTUNITY

Brian Jobling, formerly of Grasp (UK) Ltd, Mark Mullen of Atom Bank and Adam Rayner and Hugh Welch of Muckle LLP


Queen’s Award-winning manufacturer Advanced Industrial Solutions has received type-approval for a revolutionary new

product which could change the global safety landscape for passive fire protection solutions.

North Shields-based AIS is a global expert in fire protection and boasts a wide range of passive fire protection (PFP) products supplied to some of the world’s biggest oil and gas companies. Advanced Industrial

Solutions’ latest innovation - the JFP-XP Enclosure system - is a solid box-like structure, coated with a unique flexible intumescent coating, which has been developed to protect industrial equipment against the extreme heat of a hydrocarbon or jet fire for up to three hours. The JFP-XP’s unique properties mean it can be manufactured in any configuration to protect unusual industrial joints, flanges and valves – which is notoriously difficult equipment to coat effectively with traditional methods.

Advanced Industrial Solutions’ new product being tested and, right, an artist’s impression of the new system

NECC Training’s first social media apprentice has been appointed at Langley Moor-based Reprotec.

Marcus Thompson, 17, has joined the company, which specialises in the installation of resin-based products for construction, manufacturing and utility companies including Nissan, Northumbrian Water, and Pepsico, as part of its continued drive to boost its online business.

Reprotec MD John Holmes says: “We launched an e-commerce website three years ago to complement our resin business and following substantial growth we decided to exploit it further

SOCIAL MEDIA STAR

Fire innovation set for world stage

with a social media push. We know there is massive potential through these channels and Marcus will be leading on these, and on our web development.”

NEWS

Darlington-based experts in graffiti removal have been drafted in to preserve urban art in the spiritual home of global sensation Banksy.

Nordic Focus Training Group, originally set up to combat and remove grafitti, is now preserving urban art in Bristol. Chairman Peter Robinson says: “We were originally asked by Bristol Council to remove graffiti and we may have actually removed some of Banksy’s work. Now we are using the same materials which protect walls from graffiti to preserve murals.”

STREET ART

NEWS

Civil engineering firm Owen Pugh GDC has secured a £1.1m contract to undertake infrastructure work on a housing scheme in Newcastle.

It will install roads and sewers and complete plot works at the site of 37 affordable homes in Cypress Avenue, Fenham, on behalf of Gentoo Homes.

This is the first time that Owen Pugh has delivered civil engineering services on behalf of Gentoo and negotiations are under way about future opportunities.

HOUSING WIN

l-r: Social media apprentice Marcus Thompson with Reprotec MD John Holmes and NECC Training’s head of training Andrew Robson

MEMBERS CONNECTED / NEWS


Shildon-based The Flooring Superstore has teamed up with Create City Ltd and Stiller Warehousing & Distribution Ltd to expand its delivery network coverage across the UK.

In the last two years, The Flooring Superstore has developed its in-house transport team and is aiming to strengthen its market position and expand into other market sectors.

The firm’s relationship with Stiller has brought the creation of a mutually beneficial and reliable trunking route to each company’s regional hubs. Customers now also benefit from residential next-day pallet deliveries to more than 95% of UK postcodes. This growth requires space, cash flow and effective supply – making the ongoing partnership with Create City essential.

NEWS

DELIVERING THE GOODS

FIRST AIDFirst aid training company Life Saving Training has teamed up with energy and water consultancy Utilitywise to provide two, three-day First Aid at Work courses to Utilitywise staff in Newcastle and Redditch after managers from both companies met at an NECC networking event at Slaley Hall, Northumberland.

Life Saving Training provides a range of Ofqual regulated approved qualifications covering a range of situations and skills. It trained 24 Utilitywise staff.

NEWS

Membership reaps rewards

Joining the North East Chamber of Commerce has led to ‘seismic growth’ for a Stockton workwear business with an increase in orders and a move

into its own purchased premises.Alex Ingham founded MI Supplies 10

years ago and now has 13 employees and a turnover of £2.25m supplying industrial supplies and protective clothing to clients all over the world. It also undertakes safety audits for businesses.

The business has grown substantially in the last 12 months after NECC relationship manager Tom Warnock told Ingham about a Leading Growth course at Teesside University.

He applied with three hours to the course application deadline closing and says the advice to join was the best he had ever been

given. “The benefit of what I learnt has resulted in a seismic change in my business,” he says.

“I had site visits at the region’s most successful businesses like NECC President Mike Matthews’ company, Nifco and fast-growing Visualsoft. As well as learning by example I also developed my own leadership skills, and this has reaped great rewards.”

As a result of the university course all MI Supplies staff are progressing through NVQs in business improvement. This has supported a substantial efficiency drive, which, in turn, has created increased orders and new jobs.

The company has also introduced flexi-hours, a bike to work scheme, subsidised gym membership, and a company profit share scheme.

A Co Durham-based packaging company aims to boost its ambitious growth plans with the launch of a new website.

Founded in 1989, Durham Box employs more than 50 staff and manufactures over 20m products a year from its Bishop Auckland base.

It worked with Newcastle web design

company Urban River on the new site. “We’ve worked with the team at Urban River for many years now,” said business development manager Richard Turnbull. “We couldn’t be happier with the new site and being able to work with a local company and continue supporting North East business was very important to us.”

BOXING CLEVER

Staff at MI Supplies in Stockton

MEMBERS CONNECTED

MEMBERS CONNECTED

MEMBERS CONNECTED

MEMBERS CONNECTED


Sunderland-based Choice Future Planning has announced plans to create more than 100 jobs by April next year and more than

double its workforce by the end of 2016.The business, which provides financial

products for the over 50s, has relocated from Shildon in Co Durham to West Quay Business Village in Sunderland as part of

its expansion. It received support from Sunderland City Council to find its new head office and successfully applied for a £400,000 grant from the Let’s Grow Regional Growth Fund to support the creation of 104 new jobs.

Choice Future Planning added 20 new staff in January, bringing its head count to 53, and aims to take on a further 80 over the next 12 months.

100 JOBS FOR SUNDERLAND

Coun Harry Trueman from Sunderland City Council with Adrian Holland and Kayleigh Johnson of Choice Future Planning

The new £8m spa at Ramside Hall Hotel near Durham is recruiting six additional beauty therapists to cope with increasing demand.

The spa, which opened last August, features five pools, a gym, sleep sanctuary, thermal suite, beauty snug, restaurant and a

hairdressing salon. It was the first in the UK to offer the international Wellness For Cancer programme, and all of its staff are trained to provide treatments to cancer sufferers and those in remission.

SPA SUCCESS

TOP MARQUESNEWS

MADE UPThe University of Sunderland is set to launch a new degree programme to prepare graduates for roles in the UK’s £17bn cosmetics industry.

The new cosmetic science degree, a three or four year BSc, is among the first of its kind in the UK and focuses on how the skin and body works.

The BSc degree is among the first of its kind to be created in the UK, and is being launched in September.

Sales of the Sunderland-built Nissan Qashqai helped boost the sale of new cars in the UK in March to its highest rate since 1999.

More than half a million new cars were registered following the biannual number plate change on March 1, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

This made March the most successful month for new car sales in the UK since the current system for changing number plates was introduced in 1999.

A total of 11,355 new Qashqais were sold in March, making it the fifth most popular car on the road. The increased demand for the vehicle has since led Nissan to announce plans to invest £22m into its Sunderland plant to increase production.

NEWS

NEWS


Nicholson’s Group is aiming to help more young businesses grow after sowing the seeds of success for a horticulture entrepreneur.

Northumbria University graduate Dan Robson launched Green Digit to supply herb and flower seeds in environmentally friendly packaging called SeedCell and benefited from mentoring, warehouse space, office and delivery services provided free by Nicholson’s.

Green Digit has now blossomed, securing significant investment from venture capitalist Rivers Capital, moving into its own 2000sqft manufacturing facility in Gateshead, and supplying SeedCell to Homebase, B&Q, Oxfam, and The Science Museum, London.

Billingham-based Nicholson’s Group, which comprises Nicholson’s Transport and storage company Box Clever, now plans to nurture its next talented entrepreneur. MD David

TALENT BLOOMS

Nicholson says: “We are looking for a small manufacturing business, which needs the help of the transport networks and infrastructure we can provide, with logistics and deliveries.”

BUILDING A NEW CAREER

NEWS

From casino croupier to nail technician to the driver of a 22-tonne excavator on a construction site, Sophie Smith is spreading the word about opportunities for women in construction.

Sub-contracted by Owen Pugh onto Story Homes’ Woodlands development in Shotley Bridge, Sophie, 23, is one of the most versatile workers on site - qualified to drive the full range of 360 excavators, 180 JCBs, telescopic forklifts, ride-on rollers and dumpers, and recently gaining her Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) Competent Operator Blue Card.

NEW BODY MEETSMembers of Tees Valley Combined Authority, the new body driving economic growth and job creation for the area, have met for the first time with transport, inward investment and skills on the agenda.

Harnessing the powers of Tees Valley’s five local councils and Tees Valley LEP, it aims to elevate partnerships between the public and private sector.

The new statutory body will build on the economic foundations established by Tees Valley Unlimited - now an integral part of the Combined Authority.

NEWS

l-r: Nicholson’s Transport MD David Nicholson with Green Digit’s Dan Robson


The restored Acklam Hall in Middlesbrough has officially opened for business with a restaurant, The Brierley, four function suites, 18 serviced offices and conference and meeting room facilities.

The renovation of the Grade I listed 17th Century building has taken more than 18 months and will create more than 20 new jobs in Middlesbrough.

The Hall 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 OPENS FOR BUSINESS

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

A young North East entrepreneur is launching a new city centre car-parking app supported by Sunderland Software City and NETV Digital Catapult.

Dylan McKee, 20, a student at Newcastle University, has developed The Parking Fairy - a free app which alerts drivers in Newcastle city centre to the nearest parking space.

He won NETV Digital Catapult’s competition to use open data to ease travel problems in partnership with Sunderland Software City. He says: “Using open data provided by the North East Combined Authority, the app knows your location via geofence technology. It identifies and directs you to the nearest car parks with spaces.”

CRAM AND CO. ON THE RUN

NEWS

Olympian Steve Cram and Horrible Histories author Terry Deary were among the runners at an event in Seaburn to prepare for the Sunderland City 10k and Sunderland City Half Marathon in May.

Cram’s company Events of the North is organising the races on May 1 sponsored by Siglion, the regeneration and development company leading the transformation of sites around the city, including a planned major leisure development at Seaburn. Cram and Deary led a 5K run on the beach at Seaburn with local runners.

JEREMIE EXTENDEDThe Finance for Business North East (FBNE) fund – also known as the JEREMIE programme - has secured a £17m top-up.

The programme, established by North East Finance in 2010, will invest in more than 100 SMEs in 2016.

Sources of funding include a £4.5m contribution from the North East LEP and returns from earlier funds in the region, matched by the European Investment Bank with a further loan of £8.5m, on top of the £60m committed so far.

NEWS

l-r: John Seager of Siglion, Terry Deary and Steve Cram

Dylan McKee with his smartphone app

NEWS


NELEP Board members Tony Ikwue, main picture, and inset, Dr Colin Herron

NELEP boosted by enterprising expertise

North East LEP has welcomed four new members to its board and two new members to its Innovation Board, responsible for driving innovation and

economic growth in the region.The LEP has appointed Heidi Mottram,

chief executive of Northumbrian Water Group, Andrew Moffat, chief executive of the Port of Tyne, Farooq Hakim, North East

regional director for BT, and Mark Thompson, managing partner of Ryder Architecture, to its board. They replace out-going board members Paul Woolston, Gill Southern, Arnab Basu and Michael Bellamy. Joining the Innovation Board are Dr Colin Herron, MD of Zero Carbon Futures, and Tony Ikwue, the director of enterprise and innovation at the University of Sunderland.

HIVE OF OPPORTUNITY

Digital marketing company Forrest Digital is growing after moving to Fusion Hive at Stockton’s Northshore.

Fusion Hive, which opened last year and is managed and operated by Teesside University, is now home to 17 companies in a collaborative working environment.

NEWS

Iain Forrest of Forrest Digital


THE FINAL FRONTIER

T he UK Space Agency has pledged funding for a network of business incubation centres, including one in Co Durham.

The funded incubators will support small businesses and form a network to collaborate on events and initiatives.

Business Durham, the economic development company for Co Durham, will receive the funding to support small businesses. The Co Durham incubator will be based at the North East Technology Park, (NETPark) in Sedgefield and will build on the success of the North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence, one of

only three in the country, at NETPark.Business Durham MD Dr Simon Goon says: “This is a fantastic investment to support the North East’s smaller businesses as they tap into the flourishing UK space sector - an industry which is going to be worth £40bn by 2030.”

Colin Baldwin, UK Space Gateway programme manager at the UK Space Agency, says: “The incubator at Business Durham will build on the growing interest in space and the role it can play to support other sectors in technology developments and space-derived services. We’re committed to nurturing business and research in the regions.”

A pioneering business spun out by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) is celebrating a successful first year.

Impeller Assurance and Resilience Limited was launched in April 2015, working in collaboration with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. The business has four divisions providing intelligence-led solutions across Consultancy; Assurance and Risk Management; Response Resilience & Development; Engineered Fire Safety Solutions; and Fleet Management.

Executive chairman John Baines says: “Our partnership with TWFRS brings together talent and leadership from one of the best performing emergency services in the UK, which, when coupled with the expertise of Impeller, provides a competitive edge in the market.”

FIRE SERVICE SPIN-OUT CELEBRATES

The Impeller board, top row l-r Jonathan Neale and Michael Robinson; bottom row l-r Adrienne McFarland, John Baines and Louise Hunter

NETPark, home to the North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence, andDr Simon Goon (inset) THE AGE OF

THE TRAIN

NEWS

Virgin Trains has completed an upgrade of its first class lounges at Newcastle Central Station, Darlington and Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Another five lounges between London and Edinburgh are undergoing a makeover, while Newcastle has more than trebled its capacity and provided new meeting points, desks, and relaxation spots. There is free wifi, soft drinks, snacks and newspapers. In its first year on the East Coast Mainline, First Class travel on Virgin has grown by 6%. David Horne (pictured), MD for the route, says: “This will help us lift the experience for our First Class customers.”

NEW ARRIVALArriva has launched the new-look Northern rail franchise providing more than 16,000 weekly train services to a population of 15m people.

The new franchise, which has seen 5,000 employees joining Arriva, was marked at Manchester Piccadilly station with Transport Minister Andrew Jones.

The new franchise promises improved customer services, wifi and catering and marks the beginning of Arriva’s plans to transform rail travel fuelled by £1bn investment.

NEWS

NEWS


IT infrastructure and support specialist Onyx Group is celebrating after a year of investment and high-profile deals resulted in record revenue growth and earnings.

Following its £10m acquisition of tech firm Knowledge IT in December 2014, Onyx has achieved an overall revenue growth of 34%, with turnover now at £28.3m.

CEO Neil Stephenson says: “In the past 12 months we have made significant investments into our infrastructure, including a seven-figure sum into the installation of a new 10Gb national core network and upgrades to our Data Centre portfolio to ensure it is now fully PCI DSS

compliant.” In 2015, the company was taken on by Newcastle United and Yorkshire-based tolling giant Sanef Group to design, build and manage IT infrastructures.

The company executive team was strengthened with the appointment of former Daisy Group MD Andrew Goldwater as chief financial officer.

Established in 1994, Onyx Group has grown from a regional IT company to a national technology provider with sites in the North East, London, Scotland and Yorkshire. It aims to become a £100m revenue business within five years.

Tomlinson Hall lands award for the fifth time

Billingham-based pump distributor and manufacturer Tomlinson Hall & Co has won the Distributor of the Year award for the fifth time at the

Pump Industry Awards 2016.Organised by the British Pump

Manufacturers Association (BPMA), the awards recognise performance, innovation and achievement in the UK and Ireland.

More than 250 engineers, manufacturers, suppliers and distributors

attended the event in Oxfordshire hosted by BBC News presenter Mary Rhodes.

Tomlinson Hall is an approved global distributor of leading pump brands and offers a range of services including problem solving, pump selection and supply, site visits, servicing and repairs.

The company, which was founded in 1919, also manufactures its own innovative liquid ring vacuum pump, Liquivac and works with high profile clients across the globe.

l-r: BBC News presenter Mary Rhodes, Tony Keville, MD Tomlinson Hall and Marek Lukaszczyk, European & Middle East marketing manager at WEG (UK), sponsor of the Distributor of the Year category

RECORD GROWTH AT ONYX

HOT NEWS

NEWS

Heating engineers are linking modern boilers with satellite technology thanks to a new training centre that connects a college with cutting-edge industry.

Darlington College is hosting Worcester Bosch’s latest training facility to train the next generation of engineers. Apprentices and fitters will explore the intricacies of the latest generation of systems that link heating systems to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Worcester Bosch has provided Darlington College with a number of gas condensing boilers in the past and has now added a full range of state-of-the-art condensing oil boilers which will enable tutors to train out of the facility to the benefit of engineers and apprentices.

JOBS BOOSTThousands of unemployed young people in Tees Valley will be helped into learning and work thanks to an innovative £7m scheme.

New College Durham has joined Thirteen Group, Coast & Country Housing, North Star Housing and Actes in a unique partnership to win European funding to deliver a vital new Youth Employment Initiative (YEI).

NEWS

Darlington College principal Kate Roe with Worcester Bosch and industry representatives

ADVERTORIAL

THE SKILLS GAP YOU HAVE NEVER HEARD OF

T he CEO of Hootsuite Ryan Holmes recently claimed the skills gap you haven’t heard of is getting wider.

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’.

He describes how social media races ahead, yet formal training is lagging behind. Many people feel they don’t need training because they use Facebook every day. This is supported by a survey by Harvard Business Review which reveals only 12 per cent of those surveyed felt they were using social media effectively.

Social media in the workplace is changing. It is used in recruitment, customer service, internal communications, raising awareness

and building brands. It is no longer the domain of PR or marketing.

However, just because someone is a social media native does not mean they know how to use social media in the workplace. There are plenty of toe curling examples to illustrate this - remember HMV?

Any investment in training in social media skills will be money well spent - and who am I to argue with Ryan Holmes?

I am proud to report that all nesma students passed latest round of the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) exams.

These pass rates have been remarkably consistent since nesma began in 2011. As a result the CIM has awarded nesma 25 commendations. These commendations recognise the excellent standard of results in modules of CIM qualifi cations. To fi nd out more about the CIPR, CIM, DMI qualifi cations and other courses or training please contact Veronica Swindale. www.nesma.co.uk [email protected]

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

Veronica Swindale, Director.


Essentials portfolio manager It’s been a strong

start to the year with some great events and lots of new connections. If you own, or work in, a small business in the North East get in touch. Julie Digman tel 07912 478 964 [email protected] Twitter @NECCjuliedig

TeessideTeesside feels vibrant at the moment, with

lots of great work going on. Welcome to new members - Paul J Watson Solicitors, Boho Print, Bridge House Mission, Flex Education, Coatham Coaches, Coverall and El-Dharrat Ltd. Tom Warnock tel 07714 845 617 [email protected] Twitter @NECCTom

Darlington and West DurhamThank you to Houndgate

Townhouse and Darlington Space for hosting the NECC Local Darlington meetings, and a warm welcome to new members - S E Landscaping Ltd, My Property Box, Ford Castle/Chateau Beaumont, Blackwell Grange Hotel, Clark Willis Law Firm LLP, KZN Solutions Ltd and PassFM Ltd Electrical Solutions. Susan Anderson tel 07736 799 727 [email protected]

Northumberland /International Trade I want to say farewell to

the members I have been working with in Northumberland over the last three years. I’ve met some fantastic people and businesses, and I wish them

and my replacement every success in the future. I’m delighted to follow my good friend Mathew Ord into International Trade. Les Dixon tel 07850 740 645 [email protected] Twitter @NECCLes

Medium BusinessA warm welcome to

SGP Technology Group, CPD Bodies and Winn Solicitors. Congratulations to Maxim Facilities Management on winning the Service Business award in the Durham & Wearside Business Awards, and thank you to all who attended our linking business event at inspire2learn. Our next event is at Cardinal Hume Catholic School on July 1. Andrew Heavisides tel 07912 478 961, [email protected] Twitter @NECCAndrewh

Newcastle/GatesheadThank you to Tiger Hornsby

for hosting a fantastic Coffee and Connections event, and good luck to all my members in the Business Awards finals. Lynsey Fairless tel 07834 444 627 [email protected] Twitter @NECCLynsey

Sunderland/South Tyneside/DurhamWell done to all

finalists of the regional heats of the North East Business Awards. I look forward to seeing the winners at Hardwick Hall. Good luck! Arthur Hodgson tel 07980 259 991 [email protected] Twitter @NECCArthur

NEWS AND VIEWS FROM NECC RELATIONSHIP MANAGERS

NEWS


One of the biggest events of 2015 returns to Newcastle’s Grey Street July 9-10, with the NE1 Newcastle Motor Show set to take over the city for two days.

Following the success of 2015’s event, which saw more than 100,000 people visit Grey Street to catch a glimpse of some of the world’s most exclusive supercars, race cars and rare vehicles normally one seen in

College is the One

Staff and students at Middlesbrough College are celebrating after being awarded the Innovation in Access to Higher Education

(HE) award at this year’s One Awards.The college - one of the largest providers

of Access to HE in the North East - picked up the prize for its innovation in quality assurance and standardisation.

Judges were impressed by the way Middlesbrough College had approached the administration and delivery of its large Access to HE diploma offering.

One Awards’ chief executive Louise Morritt said: “The college’s commitment to quality improvement and innovation throughout all areas of its Access to HE Diploma provision is an excellent example

of best practice.” The college was also highly commended in the Outstanding Commitment to Quality Improvement Award at the awards, which were held at Sage Gateshead.

A Redcar and Cleveland College tutor was honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony after being secretly nominated by her students. Access to higher education health pathway tutor Michelle Kelso was awarded the Students’ Choice honour at the One Awards. Michelle, who attended Redcar & Cleveland College as a Health and Social student from 1982 to 1984, has 26 years’ experience in the health and social care industry and helps students hoping to progress to university. She was praised for her inspiring and supportive role by students.

Middlesbrough College Access Team being presented with their award by Louise Morritt, Chief Executive at One Awards and David Hughes, Chief Executive Officer at The Learning and Work Institute

HOT WHEELS

GROWTH PLANA prototype specialist is embarking on the next phase of its expansion by putting its entire workforce through an extensive training programme.

Paragon Rapid Technologies recently completed a two-year growth plan which saw turnover rise from £2.8m to £4.1m and staff numbers grow from 35 to 53. During that period the Durham Tees Valley Airport-based firm recruited a new senior management team, made a six-figure investment in equipment and streamlined operations to make the business more efficient.

Now the company, which makes rapid prototypes and components for the automotive, motorsport and medical sectors, has begun an 18-month programme to upskill its employees with the help of Peterlee-based KF Training.

NEWS

Subsea cable protection specialist Tekmar Energy has won a major contract with DONG Energy to supply 189 cable protection systems (CPS) to the Race Bank offshore wind farm in Norfolk.

The contract represents the ninth DONG Energy project for Tekmar, which will deliver the systems from its manufacturing facility in Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham.

NEWS

CABLE CONTRACT

museums, NE1 Ltd is lining up a fleet of exclusive cars, and special events for this year’s show.

Expertise at your side

THROUGHOUT THE NORTH EAST

Hexham, Ponteland, Sunderland, Yarm, Crook,

Portobello

www.rowlandsaccountants.co.uk


WILL YOU BE A WINNER?

T he race for the top prizes at this year’s North East Business Awards is heating up following the regional heats.

Winners from Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside; Teesside; and Tyneside and Northumberland will compete for region-wide honours at

Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield on April 21, where the North East Company of the Year will be crowned alongside top firms in the fields of Export, Innovation, Apprenticeships and more.For a full list of the businesses shortlisted for this year’s awards go to www.nebusinessawards.co.uk/shortlist

Eco award in pipeline

Northumbrian Water Group has been named the most ethical water company in the world, maintaining its world title for the sixth consecutive year.

It is the only company in the Water & Sewerage Utility category to be added to this year’s World’s Most Ethical Company® list and one of four UK-based companies and 130 companies worldwide recognised in the 2016 list by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the

standards of ethical business practices.CEO Heidi Mottram says: “This confirms

that we are consistently delivering excellent environmental performance and have sustained support to our communities over many years.” • Northumbrian Water is investing £8m to upgrade its sewer network in Sunderland. The one-year scheme, which will begin in November, will improve the performance and resilience of the company’s network in Roker, Seaburn and St Peter’s.

NECC POLICY

IN OR OUT?Two North East business leaders make their case for and against Brexit

30 / www.necc.co.uk / CONTACT / APRIL - MAY 2016


OUT: Ajay AgotaI assume that I, like many, have sat in the undecided camp, waiting for the outcome of David Cameron’s EU renegotiation deal in order to make some sort of informed decision. So what did he manage to get?• An “emergency brake” on migrants’ in-work benefits for four

years when there are “exceptional” levels of migration. The UK will operate the brake for seven years

• Child benefit for the children of EU migrants living overseas paid at a rate based on the cost of living in their home country - applicable immediately for new arrivals and from 2020 for the 34,000 existing claimants

• The amending of EU treaties to state explicitly that references to the requirement to seek ever-closer union “do not apply to the UK”, meaning Britain “can never be forced into political integration”

• The ability for the UK to enact “an emergency safeguard” to protect the City of London, to stop UK firms being forced to relocate into Europe and to ensure British businesses do not face “discrimination” for being outside the Eurozone

I have yet to hear anyone base their decision on the renegotiation, and it certainly didn’t help me decide. So, we are left wading through a plethora of claims, counter claims, project fear and propaganda. So why am I voting to leave?

Fiscally, the Eurozone is in serious trouble, but this isn’t just a fiscal or business decision; when I look at how the EU has reacted, or not reacted, to the Syrian migrant crisis, it has not filled me with confidence in its ability to collectively decide and act.

I have come to see the EU as a sprawling, inefficient bureaucracy with an appetite for controlling every aspect of our lives. When we joined the EU we were the sick man of Europe, but now the EU is sick.

We, as the fifth largest economy in the world, should take this opportunity to take back control, make our supreme court supreme and our Parliament sovereign.

We should stop being afraid of what could go wrong and think of what could go right and vote out.Ajay Agota is CEO of KIS Group lettings agency, South Shields Twitter @ajaykisgroup

A seismic decision like this should be made with the head rather than the heart. The stats may be boring, but they can be beautiful if they help understand the huge advantages of EU membership.

Here, I will focus on trade. Of our global goods and services traded, 49% (£519bn) is with the EU, followed by Asia, 19%, and the Americas, 17% (ONS Balance of Payment pink book 2015 sect 9.3). There is no indication of a fundamental shift in these figures.

We export more to Ireland (£28bn) than to China (£18.7bn) and India (£8.8bn) combined.

This shows the value of EU free trade, to which the movement of goods, services, people and investment is of paramount importance.

Although we import more (£290bn) from the EU than we export (£229bn), we are more reliant on this trade than they are: 3% of GDP of the EU27 links to exports to the UK, 13% of UK GDP links to exports to the EU27. About 8% of EU27 exports come to the UK.

Brexit will not be easy. If we want free trade, we still have to pay in, accept the free movement of people, and comply with the legislation required by the market without having any input.

The EU has nearly 50 Free Trade Agreements (FTA), and is negotiating more. China, America, India and others want us to remain part of the EU, unwilling to negotiate with single countries.

We last negotiated a FTA 40 years ago. If we were to leave, we would need to negotiate over 70 in two years, failing which we default to World Trade Organisation rules meaning, for example, 10-20% tariffs on automotives. The Swiss took 10 years on their China FTA and Canada is on seven currently with the EU.

Nissan, BMW, Hitachi, Airbus, Nifco and others are “in” because the UK is the best place to access the EU, the biggest single market in the world with 500m consumers. They caution jobs, competitiveness and investments could be impacted by Brexit.

Our universities, farmers, challenged regions like the North East, and private sector are huge beneficiaries of EU funding. These advantages easilly negate our net cost of membership.

The UK has grown because of EU membership since the 1970s. Let’s not put this success at risk, and make the EU work better for us from within. Richard Swart is global sales director for Berger Group Europe and chair of NECC’s International Trade Committee, Twitter @richswart

IN: Richard Swart

SUCCESS

Driving forceLaura Facey goes behind the scenes at North East engineering success story Calsonic Kansei

It’s a case of Kon’nichiwa from Washington on a visit to Japanese-owned Calsonic Kansei.

The automotive component manufacturer is one of Nissan’s

biggest suppliers and a major North East employer, though the name may not be as familiar to you as its famous client.

Founded in 1938, the Calsonic Kansei Corporation has around 21,000 employees in Europe, Japan, North America and Asia, and opened in Sunderland in 1986 with just seven employees. With four facilities in the region including an on-site assembly plant at Nissan, the company has made significant investments in recent years, and with a global overall consolidated growth turnover of 27% in the last two years and a North East workforce of 1,400, you may soon become more familiar with it.

The next time you’re sitting in your car take a look around. The dashboard, electronics, climate control and the car’s exhaust all have to come from somewhere and chances are, if you drive a Nissan, they’ve been manufactured in Sunderland.

“I’m often asked if it’s a benefit or a hindrance that we predominantly work with Nissan,” says operations director John Barnett. “I absolutely see it as an advantage. We’re confident about the

future and we’re able to streamline our manufacturing to provide a perfect product.

“As Nissan’s biggest supplier in the region, there is pressure. We work on just-in-time manufacturing so to say our operations run like clockwork is an understatement. We must remain competitive, providing cost reduction and cost improvements, but it’s a relationship that works well.”

With changing models, styles and improving emission standards, this has to be a business open to adaptability and innovation.

“Our business doesn’t stand still and we work to develop a clear strategy with innovative product lines,” says Barnett. “For example, we manufacture exhaust systems and the increasing popularity of electric vehicles could be a huge concern for us, but we’d rather see this as a challenge.

“We have a state-of-the-art press shop, welding capabilities and the ability to produce intricate components needed in every vehicle around the world.”

Every member of staff is expected to go through rigorous company training including health and safety, the philosophy of the business, quality assessments and

waste reduction. They even go so far as testing walking speed. Too slow and you may be wasting valuable time within a

just-in-time environment. Too fast and you may be at risk

of an accident. It’s a well-oiled machine.

Calsonic Kansei is now well established in the North East. “Our main priority is to

provide our clients with the highest quality parts, but we have

another duty – to deliver more and better jobs for the region,” says Barnett.

“If we continue to grow our business we can continue to employ the right

“AS NISSAN’S BIGGEST

SUPPLIER THERE IS

PRESSURE”


people for the right jobs. As well as offering good customer service and cost effectiveness, we are passionate about providing a stable future for our employees, some of whom have been here for 30 years. We have fathers and sons working here together and we have a duty to them.

“We do a lot of work with local schools, inviting them into the factory to see what goes on here, whether that’s on the floor or within sales, purchasing, finance or delivery.”

An engineer, Barnett began his career as an apprentice in 1983, and is passionate about promoting the benefits of

engineering. “I might be biased, but I believe an engineering background can lead to great things. Young people considering an engineering apprenticeship should think of the long-term benefits, be prepared to put the work in and not expect instant success overnight.”

Calsonic Kansei supports Work Discovery Week and has plans in place to tackle a potential shortage of skills in the North East due to a shortage of apprenticeships over the last 15 years. “We offer a range of apprenticeships from technical, product to manufacturing engineering, depending on the requirements of the business,” says Barnett.

“We also work with graduates and run a Management Development Programme, encouraging time on the factory floor to show how the business works and learn management skills.”

Calsonic Kansei also works closely with Sunderland City Council. “We want to continue the proud history of North East manufacturing. Whether it comes from our industrial roots or not, our region’s people have a strong work ethic and sense of pride in their work. We’re proud of what we do and we want to do a good job,” says Barnett.

And if you’re wondering what car he drives? A Nissan, of course.


PROFILE

Having negotiated five mergers and provided 33,000 homes, Thirteen Group boss Alison Thain is retiring. She talks Liz Hands through a long and happy career

Home, sweet home

T hey say still waters run deep. And housing boss Alison Thain is a fine example of the

adage. The epitome of a calm, collected, and charismatic chief executive, it turns out she could have gone down any number of career paths, including spinning the decks as a nightclub DJ.

Thain, the outgoing chief executive of Thirteen Group, spent her younger days working at Scamps nightclub, later Rockshots, on Newcastle’s Waterloo Street.

The only child of a joiner and a secretary, she was very self-sufficient. “I just wanted to leave home and get a flat, a job, a car and go out with my mates, so I had a few jobs for a while,” she says. “I did a bit of DJing at Scamps and worked behind the bar. It was great, I loved the music, that Soul and Funk sound Craig Charles still plays on BBC Radio 6Music. It’s not a lifestyle that’s good for your health, but I’d have loved to have run a nightclub.”

Thain also briefly considered becoming an actor before realising that, while she might have been the best in her drama class at Jarrow Grammar School, she was a small fish in the

big pond of the National Youth Theatre. Instead, she started the equivalent of an apprenticeship at Newcastle Council and discovered a passion for housing.

“I moved through the ranks and got my first chief executive job eons ago when I was in my thirties. I was chief executive of the Cleveland and Teesside Housing Association, where we had 300 houses. It was going to be a brief career move, but I’m still here, five mergers later, and we’ve got 33,000 properties.”

Thain is a fan of mergers because, she says, they make an organisation more efficient and enable it to achieve more, though she says the latest, which created Thirteen Group out of Fabrick and Vela, was tough.

“It’s been the biggest and the most difficult because of the scale,” she says. “The business case required us to make £10m of savings in the first three years. We managed £7.5m in the first year, but that was really by downsizing staff and losing a lot of middle management posts. That was very painful, but we were thrilled that all the efficiency

savings around staffing were brought about by voluntary redundancies. But no sooner had we done that than the Chancellor announced in his summer budget that instead of having a guaranteed rent increase of CPI + 1%, it would be -1% over four years, which meant we lost £55m we were expecting. We almost had to start again, which is where we are now, and it’s really hard.”

We meet on the day Thain’s successor is announced. Ian Wardle, 41, previously director of regeneration at Redcar and Cleveland Council, will join

Thirteen from Reading Council in July.

For Thain, it’s the right time both personally and professionally to retire. “I’m at

the point where I’ve done the heavy

lifting on the merger. In the first year, we put together new teams, did all the office moves, and harmonised the terms and conditions of our staff, which was a really hard job. We had industrial action with the unions sadly, but we got there and in the first year of Thirteen Group, we built more than 600 properties. The challenge for my successor is how Thirteen moves forward in

“IT WAS GOING TO BE A BRIEF CAREER MOVE,

BUT I’M STILL HERE”



“The challenge for my

successor is how Thirteen

moves forward in this time of austerity”

PROFILE


this time of austerity because we’re not going to get grants from Government to build more houses to the level we used to. But that doesn’t mean we’re going to stop.

“We have to find new ways of working, be more efficient, and more customer-focused. We have to think about what it means to be the Thirteen housing group operating when and where we are. It’s for Ian to take that forward, but I leave a brilliant bunch of people who are dedicated and hard working. Housing people are really passionate about what they do and, even though it’s been tough in the last few years, that hasn’t gone away.

“We’ve got 1,450 staff, we spend £3m a week. Are we sure we’re spending it as efficiently and as effectively as we could be? Of course we’re not, and that’s where we have to get to. We have to be clear about what we’re spending, why we’re spending it and giving value to our tenants and customers.”

Thain has been instrumental in changing mindsets about housing association tenants. “Many housing associations started in council departments and when I started in Newcastle, the culture towards tenants was shocking. There’s been a gradual move towards treating them as customers, because that’s the right thing to do. We’re on a journey with that, as they say, and each time we have a merger we reconfigure how we do things and think about it afresh.”

She even has a soft spot for the tenants on the infamous Channel 4 documentary series Benefits Street, which featured Thirteen Group residents. “It showed a real sense of community,” she says, “and it was the women of the street who were pulling everything together and creating that sense of togetherness.”

While Thain is an admirer of some of Chancellor George Osborne’s policies, notably devolution and transport investment, she also believes that the economic struggles endured by many Thirteen Group residents are a result of his decisions.

“There are questions around welfare and the benefits cap, and we saw what happened with Iain Duncan Smith [former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, who stepped down following the Chancellor’s last budget, citing pressure to make benefits cuts].

“We need to think again about how we support people in need of welfare when we have some very poor and vulnerable people who seem

to be taking the biggest hit. That’s reflected on the ground in some of our own communities.”

Although it’s early days, Thain, who retains her role as chair of CBI North East, does believe there are opportunities to be seized through the Northern Powerhouse.

“The Chancellor is serious that the

North East needs to perform better and things are looking good in many ways,

but we’re still not bridging the gap

because everyone else is getting better too. The Northern Powerhouse is a great opportunity if we can get the right two mayors for the region. We can seize it with the right people behind it.”

While it’s clear Thain herself has the credentials to be one

of those ‘right people’, she won’t be taking on any more big roles. Her husband, himself a former housing industry chief, is already retired and, while Thain may take on a couple of non-executive roles, she also has plans for the leisure time to come with her retirement.

“I won’t be working 50 or 60 hour weeks any more. I love to travel; America’s my big thing and I’m hoping to get there before the election this year because I love all of that stuff. So there will be more travel, more time for friends I’ve neglected over the years. Time to do things; I haven’t been down to Grange Road in Darlington or to Yarm for shopping at Jules B.”

So, Thain will have more time on her hands for travel or a spot of retail therapy. Unless, of course, she decides to open that nightclub.

“EACH TIME WE HAVE

A MERGER WE THINK AFRESH”

ARE INVESTMENT MANAGERS ‘ACTIVE’ ENOUGH?

FFebruary saw a large national DFM fi rm announce they were making the ground-breaking decision to take an underweight position in UK equities for the fi rst time since the 18th century. Ok, perhaps it wasn’t the 18th century but it might as well have been, it was actually the fi rst time in 13 years. During those 13 years we have had the ‘credit crunch’ (or GFC – Global Financial Crisis as it now seems to have been rebranded), the European Sovereign and Banking crisis of 2011, the Ben Bernanke inspired ‘taper tantrum’ and more recently the as yet untitled sell off that

started last summer on general global growth concerns.

Coming in to all of these sizeable sell offs equity market valuations were at best stretched and at worst completely unrealistic given the backdrop of uncertainty that was visible just around the corner. Given that crystal balls were not necessarily required to see the dangers that lay ahead and that DFMs are essentially paid to navigate the peaks and troughs of markets by their clients, it

begs the question why has it taken so long to make an active call on asset allocation?

The company in question were not alone though, as another large rival also announced in January that they too were underweight UK equities, this time for the fi rst time since 2010, in their case recycling in to US equities instead. However, perhaps the most surprising detail is that in both cases the allocation was reduced by a humungous……. 0.5%! Such a stance may make a marginal difference over a very long period of time (perhaps that’s why such moves are so few and far between) but if the market crashes a 0.5% underweight position isn’t really going to save a client much money.

Horses for courses perhaps, some DFMs may suggest they are long term investors, not market traders and that asset allocation calls are only made

with a long term outlook. The industry as a whole though seems unwilling to take much in the way of benchmark risk for their portfolios and we would question therefore are they doing enough to earn their keep? We believe investors pay a DFM for more than just fund selection.

At Vertem we feel markets move harder and faster than ever and that by making meaningful asset allocation calls we can add signifi cant value to portfolios by avoiding the draw downs of markets and reinvesting at lower levels. We also believe that clients pay us to add value wherever possible; to avoid the sell offs if we can, to be overweight the asset classes performing best. As a result, we can do and have underweight asset classes by up to 33% on a relative basis and overweight them by up to 20% on a relative basis (subject to remaining within a client’s risk boundaries). We have had fortunately timed signifi cantly overweight positions to both Property and High Yield bonds during the last 6 years but never over weighted equities. For the latter asset class though we had signifi cant underweights in 2011, early 2012 and from late 2014/early 2015 onwards, in each case reinvesting at signifi cantly lower levels.

We’re not trying to be smug, although each occasion has indeed added value, as the most recent sell off provided some much needed compensation to portfolios where ironically we had been over exposed to risk in the fi xed income space which had hurt performance. We are clearly taking a lot of reputational risk whenever we make these calls and perhaps that is what the industry at large is unwilling to do, however we continue to stick to our guns on our process as that is what we believe investors are paying us to do.


ADVERTORIAL

PROFILE

In the global industry of chemical analysis, BAS Ltd has been flying the flag for the region for more than 100 years. Elise Rana Hopper discovers the elements which make it a success

Newham Hall is not the average office; it’s a film location scout’s dream, its history intertwined with the

industries that made Teesside great.

Set in rolling pastureland, this quietly grand Grade II listed manor house was built in 1880 for John Mills, a leading ironmaster when Middlesbrough was at the forefront of a booming iron trade.

Yet its immaculate preservation owes more to the company which occupies it now, and whose involvement in that same industry boasts an even greater pedigree than Mills’.

A far cry from the smokestacks and furnaces of the foundries and factories, father and son Noel and Peter Ridsdale were drawn to relocate their business here in 1952 by the fresh air and clean environment essential to their work.

Noel’s father Charles, a quality control expert and former chief chemist at the North Eastern Steel Works, had established Ridsdale & Co in 1912 to meet industry’s

growing need for accurate analysis of the composition of steels; while the industry was revolutionising many aspects of daily life, the sinking of the Titanic that year had shown what could happen when steel was not fit for purpose. Recognising the importance of standard samples for benchmarking, Ridsdale became involved in producing what are now known as Certified Reference Materials for the UK market, and following Charles’ death in 1934, this work continued through the company’s incorporation of the Bureau of Analysed Samples (BAS).

Very little has changed at Newham Hall since Ridsdale & Co carefully restored it from near-dereliction, converting the house into labs and offices and a former MOD storehouse into an engineering workshop. From the grand staircase and gleaming parquetry of the entrance hall to the ornate Victorian tiles in the fireplaces, the hall is a beguiling timewarp that few will ever chance upon, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity.

Appliance of science


“We can be proud of

what we have achieved

within our own little sphere”

PROFILE


“We do hide ourselves away, I suppose, but it’s not as though we’re selling to the public - there’s no gift shop,” says financial director Colin Flintoft as he shows me around the premises. “But we’ve contributed to the history of iron and steel on Teesside and carried its reputation all over the world. We can be proud of what we’ve achieved here in our own little sphere.”

In this ‘little sphere’ operates a small, dedicated team who for more than 100 years have painstakingly developed, tested and manufactured products for industries and countries across the globe.

Company bestsellers have included analoid ‘tablets’ used in everything from controlling moisture in aircraft fuel tanks to enabling sweet manufacturer Trebor to give its Refreshers the perfect fizz. In recent years, certified reference materials have become the main part of the business; the shiny discs and neat glass jars of turnings that can play an essential part in the production of anything from railway lines to knives and forks.

“It’s suited to this kind of environment - it’s very meticulous work,” says MD Richard Meeres, an Oxford chemistry graduate who, having married Peter Ridsdale’s daughter Jane, proved a good fit to carry on the business’s family lineage under the combined BASRID name.

The classical ‘wet’ chemistry practised here is something of a dying art, he says. “People don’t stand in labs and do classical chemical analysis, the kind of thing we remember from school, anymore. Now the work is done by instruments - but those instruments rely on comparison, for which you need accurately

analysed reference materials for calibration.”

In an increasingly fast-moving world which seems to always favour the new, it is inspiring to learn that there are similar laboratories all over the world, and that these materials are tested and verified by a network of co-operating independent analysts to give them ultimate authority - a system set up by Charles Ridsdale and his contemporaries a century ago, and still going strong. The commitment to collaboration in the name of good science is equally admirable - though it has its drawbacks.

“It’s very long-winded,” concedes Richard. “If someone requests a particular sample to be made, it might be two years before they get it.”

“And you wouldn’t believe the paperwork involved - it’s an accounting nightmare,” adds Colin. “But you can’t cut corners.“

As we continue the tour,

exploring the neatly coded vaults of products past and present, it’s clear that while the ethos - and the decor - haven’t changed in decades, the company itself has continued in its own way to move forward, despite the inescapable difficulties facing the iron and steel industry it serves.

“We’ve got to be realistic,” says Richard. “We are no

longer a country of bulk production and will

not succeed if we try to compete with the rest of the world on this. Our belief is that the

sector will contract to a maintainable

size, but to make sure we continue our focus is on maintaining the quality of products while expanding the range of what we do. We are a small company - we thrive because we can adapt.”

Though they may be tucked away in their bucolic corner of the Tees Valley, they keep an ear to the ground. With a long-established honorary advisory committee of experts on the

‘sharp end’ of industry keeping the company in touch with current and future trends, the company receives constant feedback and advice on what it should be producing. “As well as steels, other metals and associated products - minerals, ores, cements - we’re now producing certified reference materials to help monitor emissions - one of the plus points of increasingly stringent environmental standards,” says Richard. “In order to succeed our products have to be good, but also useful, and the right ones.”

Hiding their light under a bushel may not be deliberate, but with so much gloom surrounding the UK’s manufacturing sector, companies like BASRID can be a beacon, and an inspiration. With more than 100 years of success under its belt and its products shipping to more than 100 companies around the world, this small Middlesbrough business has stood the test of time, beating the odds of an industry in decline – simply by keeping calm, and carrying on.

“WE THRIVE BECAUSE WE CAN ADAPT”

l-r: Colin Flintoft and Richard Meeres

EVEN LOWER EMISSIONS,EVEN MORE APPEAL.THE BENCHMARK’SMOVED. AGAIN.

Model shown is 2016 Prius Hybrid Business Edition 5 door 1.8 Auto (CVT). £24,195. Price excludes pearlescent paint at £650. *Business users only. Initial rental and VAT applies. Available on new sales of model shown when ordered and proposed for finance between through Toyota for finance between 18th December 2015 and 31st March 2016 registered and financed by 30th June 2016 on a 3 year non maintained contract at 8,000 miles per annum with an initial rental of £1,302+VAT. Metallic or pearlescent paint are not included. Excess mileage charges apply. Other finance offers are available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. At participating Toyota Centres. Toyota Centres are independent of Toyota Financial Services. Terms and conditions apply. Indemnities may be required. Finance subject to status to over 18s only. Toyota Financial Services (UK) PLC.

2016 Prius Hybrid Business Edition 5 door 1.8 Auto (CVT). Official Fuel Consumption Figures in mpg (l/100km): Urban 97.4 (2.9), Extra Urban 91.1 (3.1), Combined 94.1 (3.0). CO2 Emissions 70g/km. All mpg and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU regulated laboratory test results. These are provided to allow comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

£1,302initial rental + VAT

70g/km CO2

£217+VATper month* (Business users only)

9% BIK

Wireless mobile phone charge

Multimedia system with satellite navigation & DAB radio

ALL NEW PRIUS BUSINESS EDITION

Hodgson Toyota NewcastleOctagon House, The Silverlink, Tyne and Wear, NE28 9ND.Tel: 0191 295 0101 hodgsonnewcastle.toyota.co.uk

Hodgson Toyota GatesheadMetro Centre, Swalwell, Tyne and Wear, NE16 3BL. Tel: 0191 414 0901 hodgsongateshead.toyota.co.uk

@hodgsonltd

/hodgsontoyota

PROFILE


Dean Bailey looks at the considerable business impacts of 25 years of first-class cricket in the region with Durham County Cricket Club director of cricket Geoff Cook

The coach

Standing in the home changing room, watching rain run down the windows as

puddles form on the outfield of the Emirates Riverside cricket ground, it’s hard to believe some 15,000 people will pack the stands in May for an England v Sri Lanka Test Match – hopefully in blazing sunshine. “You can’t beat Durham in March, can you?” jokes Durham’s director of cricket Geoff Cook, as we watch the rain come down.

Surrounded by trophies from the county’s 25 years in first-class cricket, it’s also hard to believe how far the club has come since his arrival in 1991. “What Durham has achieved as a county has been phenomenal,” says Cook, whose various roles here have ranged from establishing an academy for young cricketers to coaching the first XI.

“One of the most amazing aspects for me has been the number of local lads who have represented England,” he says. “The proportion of internationals produced in the 20 years since we started our

academy system is a huge credit to the club.”

Those players – current England stars Ben Stokes and Mark Wood, and former world beaters Steve Harmison and Paul Collingwood among them – have helped propel Durham to the top of the English game, winning the Friends Provident Trophy in 2007, the County Championship in 2008, 2009, and 2013, and the Royal London One-Day Cup in 2014.

And this success on the field has brought success off it. Rebranded the Emirates

Durham International Cricket Ground

in 2010, and Emirates Riverside in February 2016 following a

contract extension with Emirates airline

until 2022, the ground has grown considerably since its construction in the early 1990s.

“When the application was made for first-class status back in 1989 there were some big challenges – including the requirement for a substantial amount of financial backing. The response from local businesses was huge and they gave the county its start,” says Cook. “As the

“LOCAL BUSINESSES

GAVE THE COUNTY ITS

START”

“There is commitment to growing the club off

the field to support its future success”


club has achieved success, the sponsors have grown to include international brands such as Emirates, which is a great credit to the management here and the commitment to growing the club off the field in order to support its future success.”

The stadium, which now has permanent seating for some 15,000 spectators, has come to be admired as one of the most attractive and friendliest of England’s Test Match venues.

However, with a large international cricket ground comes the need to fill it regularly, and that remains a challenge.

The Riverside has maintained its position in the rotation of grounds hosting international cricket matches in England thanks to its continued development and growth. It has now been extended with the addition of further fixed seating brought to the North East following the London 2012 Olympics, and upgraded with permanent floodlights. There is a Bannatyne health club on site, and excellent car parking and park and ride facilities for those big match days. Further development plans, which include a hotel and conference centre, have been approved by planners and are part of the club’s ongoing development programme.

“We now need to ensure the support for each game is maximised,” says Cook. “And that’s where success on the field is vital.”

Away from sport, the club’s revenue streams also include concerts with international artists including Elton John, Tom Jones, and Simply Red, and events including weddings. “Hosting large-scale events is essential to

the business,” says Cook. “They are also great for the area, the big events proven to boost the economy by millions of pounds.”

As the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) explores a restructuring of the English game, Cook says Durham has to keep making its case for Test Matches, and its place at the top of the county game. “The English domestic game is set for an interesting period,” he says. “If it is to be restructured, it is vital Durham is at the forefront of the discussion. That starts with on-field performance, but also has a lot to do with the success of the business and its long-term stability.”

As mentioned, big international matches are a key revenue stream for the club and for the wider region. The Riverside ground competes for England matches against nine other Test Match-hosting venues in England and Wales, and is one of three venues in the north alongside Headingley in Leeds and Old Trafford in Manchester. One of the smaller and newer grounds on the rota, and around half the size of the largest ground - Lord’s in London - it’s always competing against the bigger boys in the playground, but it has won a good reputation.

As well as this summer’s Test Match, it will host matches during the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England and Wales. It’s also widely regarded as one of England’s most picturesque grounds, lying in the shadow of Lumley Castle on the banks of the River Wear, and it benefits from its location outside the city - something cricket fans fighting their way through the

traffic jams of Leeds, Manchester and

Birmingham envy.The cost

of running a stadium of

this size, and supporting a club

which operates 12 months a year, presents

challenges faced by all


counties in English cricket, says Cook. “We’re proud to host Test Matches and internationals, but the strain placed on the club when we don’t get those can be tough,” he says. “The benefits to counties with regular Test Matches such as Middlesex and Nottinghamshire are huge. At Durham, our income

fluctuates far more because of the irregularity of international matches, yet our facilities compete with other grounds in England. Getting those really attractive games and the biggest crowds helps us make a case to host more matches like that in future.”

The power of the major international match was

England and Australia in action during the Ashes Test Match at Durham in 2013

Geoff Cook and the team showing off the Friends Provident Trophy in 2007

PROFILE

“WE’RE PROUD TO HOST TEST MATCHES

HERE”

A batsman, Cook’s playing career included seven Test Matches and six One Day Internationals with England from 1981-83, in addition to more than 450 first-class matches as a county player, and 25 years leading Durham. “I’ve been in professional cricket for 45 years now and getting to know the person you’re working with – how they work, what switches them on, and what switches them off - is key,” says Cook, now 64. “Cricket is a mental game; it’s about making the most of what each individual has to offer. I’m not one for gathering players together for communal direction very often. I give a lot of responsibility to individuals.”

Despite the pivotal role he has played in the careers of some of the North East’s best sportsmen, Cook ranks the arrival of a South African cricketer to Chester-le-Street as one of the biggest moments in his 25 years at Durham.

“Working alongside Dale Benkenstein [Durham captain 2006-2008] was a highlight of my career. The way he led the team and squeezed every ounce out of them by setting an example and showing common sense was a privilege to witness. He played a huge part in taking a team low on confidence to success. It may be difficult to believe for a player of his standard, but he first arrived on trial - playing in a second XI game. We could never have anticipated what he would then go on to achieve.”

With international cricket returning in May and the County Championship season just around the corner, Cook is focused on success. “That means ensuring potential players are getting the right development tree to work from,” he says. “All players are dreamers; we just have to support them to achieve those dreams.”


illustrated in 2013, when Durham hosted an Ashes Test for the first time; a match which ended with the eyes of the cricketing world on it, as it was won by England to take the series. “That was a great occasion for the club and for the North East, and one which will be hard to surpass,” Cook says.

The club is one of Chester-le-Street’s largest employers and an event on the scale of an Ashes Test adds some £1.5m to the local economy, he says. The club also runs coaching programmes in schools and local clubs, which feed into the academy led by Cook since 2013.

“A great pleasure of the

job is seeing young cricketers come through the system with the hope of one day receiving that England call,” says Cook, and with famous names like Harmison, Collingwood, Graham Onions, Liam Plunkett, Stokes and Wood all coached by him here, he has plenty of experience of seeing his boys sporting England whites.

© T

om S

eym

our

© M

itch

Gun

n / S

hutte

rsto

ck.c

om

Former Durham captain Dale Benkenstein in action Lumley Castle from the Riverside ground

SKILLS


Back to the shop floor

Mike Matthews MBE, President of NECC and MD of Stockton-based Nifco UK, stepped into the shoes of

apprentices at the Tridonic manufacturing plant in Spennymoor to mark National Apprenticeship Week in March.

The job swap saw him turn his hand to toolmaking, machine maintenance and quality control of some of the 20,000 lighting control units produced at the factory every day.

Matthews, who started his career as a toolmaker apprentice 31 years ago at Nifco, the company he now runs, says: “I see it as a huge badge of honour to be a skilled man. We know the importance of apprentices to our businesses and work hard to ensure that they gain the right skills and we keep them once they are trained.”

Tridonic employs seven apprentices

through NECC Training and Matthews shadowed three of them - Anthony Lowery, 36, Jonathan Betts, 31, and 55-year-old Peter Johnston, who has worked for the company for 38 years. Before embarking on a maintenance apprenticeship he was a store supervisor.

Elsewhere, PD Ports marked National Apprenticeships Week by highlighting the

opportunities apprenticeships bring to young people. PD Ports has been

providing apprenticeships at Teesport for more than 14 years, with around 70 young people starting their careers in vocations including

engineering, dock operations and administration. Also as part of National

Apprenticeship Week, five young people from Middlesbrough-based TTE gave up their time to help the charity Zoë’s Place. They spent four days at the charity, installing an emergency lighting system and external power supply.

I SEE IT AS A HUGE BADGE OF HONOUR TO BE A

SKILLED MAN

Two new student nurses have started placements at Nuffield Health Tees Hospital as part of its links with Teesside University.

The not-for-profit hospital in Norton, Stockton, has up to three intakes of student nurses every year from the university, each completing an eight-week placement.

Student nurses Debbie Wise and Nicola Bainbridge are now working at Nuffield alongside former Teesside University graduate Amie Wood.

IN GOOD HEALTH

A manager who is helping to keep the largest British Army garrison in the world operating smoothly has been rewarded for his efforts.

Kevin Stewart, who is studying HNC building studies at Darlington College, has been awarded the regional title of Student of the Year by the Chartered Institute of Building.

A delivery manager for CarillionAmey, the company is responsible for providing a housing and maintenance service to UK

STUDENT HONOUR

l-r: Amie Wood, Michelle Court and Debbie Wise

Armed Forces. Kevin, who is based at Catterick Garrison, was judged on his academic excellence, attendance, continual professional development record and commitment, returning to the classroom having worked in the profession for the past 20 years.

Kevin Stewart

Teesside University students have received praise from a local charity after they designed its new website.

A team of four BA (Hons) Web and Multimedia students - Tom Armstrong, Sam Stevenson, Adam Angell and Steven Dent - were given the task of creating a website for the Tees Heritage Trust, which rescues, conserves and finds new uses for neglected, historic buildings in the region.

Myriam Mallet, senior lecturer, said: “We made the experience as real as possible, working with external clients.”

CHARITY BREAKS NEW GROUND

l-r: Tom Armstrong, Charles Morris, chair of Tees Heritage Trust, Sam Stevenson, Adam Angell, Steven Dent

Mike Matthews on the shop floor at Tridonic during National Apprenticeship Week


Newcastle personal injury law firm Winn Solicitors has taken on three new apprentices as it works to encourage internal growth.

With more than 250 employees, Winn is working with NECC to bridge the gap between business and education. The company’s apprenticeships run for 12 months, after which the business plans to promote employees, some of them beginning legal careers.

WINNING WAYS

Five North East apprentices working on one of the region’s largest infrastructure projects are on the road to successful careers following praise from

Transport Minister Lord Ahmed.Josh Brown, Matthew Higgs, Sam

Lawless, Will Ravenhall, and Dan Robinson, all aged 18-20, have won prestigious apprenticeships on the £30m Morpeth Northern Bypass project with Carillion in partnership with Northumberland County Council.

The technical apprentices earned their stripes in a selection process hosted with Learning Skills Partnership.

The event gave them a chance to shine in practical situations, undertaking skills tests including survival skills activities and discussions of the pros and cons of the industry. Transport Minister Lord Ahmad said: “I congratulate them. They are contributing to vital transport improvements, and getting the skills and experience that will help them get on in life.”

The five apprentices have been involved with some of the major milestones of the scheme, including the installation of the 52m Cotting Burn culvert, which saw a 500 tonne crane arrive on site to place 76 individual 13 tonne concrete sections into place.

Teesside-based freight logistics specialist AV Dawson has appointed a new apprentice, Georgia Canham, 19, a former student at SRC Bede College in Billingham.

Gemma joins the business as an accountancy (AAT) apprentice at its 100-acre freight handling facility on Teesport in Middlesbrough.

The appointment is part of a new partnership with Middlesbrough College to provide more opportunities for young people, including work placements and apprenticeship opportunities.

The UK logistics industry requires 1.2m new recruits by 2020 and needs talent to replace the 80% projected to leave within the next five years.

There is a national lorry driver shortage and businesses like AV Dawson need a broader range of roles as the business grows.

Washington-based global hearing aid battery manufacturer Rayovac is celebrating its apprentices with a special award to mark the outstanding contribution they make.

Rayovac, a division of consumer products company Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc, recognised achievement throughout the plant at its gala dinner, where it named Megan Ford its Apprentice of the Year.

Megan, a member of the distribution team, has been with Rayovac since October 2014 and is now a qualified distribution administrator. During the awards ceremony, she was praised for herdesire to learn and her excellent communication skills.

RAYOVAC CELEBRATES SUCCESS

ON THE ROAD

Apprentices Josh Brown, Matthew Higgs, Sam Lawless, Will Ravenhall, and Dan Robinson

GEMMA SHIPS IN

Apprentice Georgia CanhamKevin Stewart

Megan Ford and Paul Deeble, plant manager at Ryovac

Apprentice Sophie Redhead

EXPORT


Lotta bottle

CBL Drinks reached £12m turnover and produced more than 52.5m bottles in 2015 and is now aiming to further improve efficiencies with plans to invest

in a fourth bottling line in 2017. In addition to expanding its presence in the UK market, the business also exports products to Europe and Saudi Arabia and is aiming to boost sales to Asia during 2016 and is currently planning its first exports to India.

The company employs 70 staff at Riverside Road in Sunderland and has invested more than £4m in equipment in the last two years. In addition to providing services to supermarkets, it has its own range of brands

stocked by Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Booker, and Home Bargains. It produces its own 1870 Mixers range, plus a range of sugar-free spring water-based drinks - Perfectly Clear, Fruit Aqua, Northumbria Spring, and Fruit Squeeze. These brands are made with water from the on-site spring, the Hadrian Well, and are sugar free.

Operations director Mark Bell says: “There is high demand for flavoured zero sugar spring water and our Perfectly Clear brand has recorded double-digit growth year-on-year. We are aiming for 20% growth in 2016.”

Perfectly Clear will be featured in the company’s first TV advert, filmed at the National Glass Centre, Sunderland.

A NEPIC and UK Trade & Investment-supported mission to India reached an important milestone with the signing of a collaboration agreement with the Karnataka Drug & Pharmaceutical Association (KDPMA).

The agreement to develop trade and collaborative innovation projects follows three years of engagement between the two cluster bodies.

KDPMA represents 72 pharmaceutical manufacturing companies including multinationals such as Astra Zeneca and GlaxoSmithKline. These companies are

l-r: Sunil Attavar, President KDPMA, Harish K Jain, KDPMA Secretary, Dominic McAllister, British Deputy High Commissioner, with John Brady and Stan Higgins of NEPIC

INDIA AGREEMENT BOOSTS PHARMA

With Julie Underwood, International Trade Director, UKTI

I recently returned from a NECC/UKTI trade mission to South Africa which has already reaped rewards and exceeded our expectations.

This was the second South Africa trade mission for NECC and the first time in the country for me and has been very successful building on links established over several years.

This reflects how Chambers and UKTI both in the North East and South Africa have worked together to build the programme and create the best experience for our companies.

From Durham to Durban, NECC strives to support its member businesses, increase trade and maximise opportunities.

Delegates were encouraged to take advantage of opportunities in the short and long term, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Durban are already providing food for thought for ambitious companies.

Networking receptions were held in Johannesburg and Durban and at a formal reception in Newcastle, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the city and one of our delegation to provide energy-efficient products and services.

l-r: Mark Potts and Martin Thornton of Contract Bottling with Coun Harry Trueman of Sunderland City Council

Members of the trade delegation and local officials in South Africa

OVERSEAS VIEW

CBL Drinks, Sunderland is growing its export markets and has further expansion plans

involved in all aspects of drug manufacture much like NEPIC’s pharmaceutical cluster footprint in the North East.


A trio of Middlesbrough companies with links to Teesside University took part in a Northern Powerhouse Trade Mission to the world’s largest games industry event.

SockMonkey Studios, Double Eleven and Cardboard Sword were sponsored by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to attend the Games Developer Conference (GDC) in San Francisco - the world’s largest professionals-only game industry event attracting more than 26,000 attendees.

Mobile games developer SockMonkey Studios was founded with the help of the DigitalCity Fellowship programme at Teesside University and is based at the university’s Middlesbrough campus.

Games studio Cardboard Sword was also formed through the DigitalCity fellowship scheme and games developer Double Eleven chief executive Lee Hutchinson is a Teesside alumnus, while its chief of operations Mark South is a former DigitalCity fellow.

Teesside University pro vice-chancellor (Enterprise and Business Engagement) Professor Jane Turner said: “Digital City has helped to create 286 new businesses and 700 jobs, supported 750 businesses in the digital and creative sector and attracted 13 new digital businesses to the Tees Valley. It is gratifying to see them flying the flag for the region.”

GO WEST

A North East recruitment firm has made its first foray into international markets by placing two UK workers overseas.

Ken Wilson & Associates (KWA) sources IT, training, customer service, finance, procurement and sales professionals and the Newcastle-based company, which was formed in 1987, has now found work for two people in Germany and Dubai respectively.

Makham Dhalivaal from Birmingham has

joined Munich-based software solutions provider Incadea as an international business consultant. Emily Lloyd-Ruck has relocated to Dubai after joining multimedia firm 7Days as a sales manager.

Laura Gillespie, operations manager at KWA, says: “We’re looking to expand our geographical footprint. We’ve won several new contracts in recent months, taken on extra staff and now we’re looking to grow our market share.”

l-r The KWA team, Sean Corr, Lucy McKinnie, Avril Leach, Laura Gillespie, and chairman Ken Wilson

MIDDLE EAST SOLUTIONS

Unit One, Bearl Farm, Stocksfi eld, Northumberland, NE43 7AJt: +44 (0) 1661 844 115 www.offstonepublishing.co.uk

MEDIA SALES VACANCY

We are looking for an experienced media sales executive to work on CONTACT magazine.

Your main responsibility will be to develop commercial sales revenue in the printed magazine and associated online platforms and there will also be the opportunity to be involved with our other publications and online brands.

Ideally, you’ll have a minimum of 2 years advertising sales experience and a strong track record of success. You’ll also need to have a positive attitude, knowledge of the B2B market and excellent communication skills.

For further information and to apply visit www.offstonepublishing.co.uk/media-sales-executive

l-r: Bob Makin and Darren Cuthbert of SockMonkey Studios

OUT TO LUNCH

Elise Rana Hopper talks to the Biscuit Factory’s Ramy Zack about food, fine art and getting into the gallery business

“My father always said, never get into food,” says Biscuit Factory owner Ramy Zack. “But lo and

behold, here I am - and he was right, it’s a minefield.” However, as we tuck into an exquisite lunch at Artisan, the fine dining restaurant that’s part of this unique enterprise, he can hardly deny that being in the food business does have its benefits.

“It was another unknown quantity for me, but I admit I do love the restaurant side. I have always been a foodie - I like cooking and can happily sit and read recipe books. So I like to discuss dishes with the team and give feedback, but I don’t dictate the menu - I get involved to negotiate the prices. Otherwise they get carried away!”

A businessman by breeding - his grandfather was a textile magnate in pre-revolutionary Russia, his father moved the family to Gateshead from Israel in the name of a business opportunity, and Ramy himself

took over the running of the family plastics business at the age of 23 - Zack is nonetheless no stranger to leaps into the unknown when there’s the promise of a return.

Having shown more than 35,000 artists since opening in November 2002, the Biscuit Factory is the largest commercial art, craft and design gallery in the UK, yet the move into art came about almost by accident when Zack bought the then-derelict factory building, around the corner from his existing business premises, and resolved to restore it to its former glory.

“I had never been involved in art - my day job was plastic moulding! But I had been to open studio events and was always surprised how many artists there were only opening up to the public one day a year - so the idea was to partition off

an area for a few artists’ studios and another area for a house gallery open to the public. It was just a gut feeling. As the building started to clean up, I began to see the potential for something even bigger, but even on the opening night I still didn’t know if it would work.”

It was a gut feeling that has, of course, been

proved right. “I’m a great

believer in the market - if there’s a demand, there

will be a supply, and there was

nothing on this scale, or in this format. Most high

street galleries are imposing places you’ve got to be pretty brave even to walk into. I wanted to do something completely different - more relaxed, accessible, with something for every budget - from £10 gifts to £10K paintings and sculptures. We have the space to make that work. And we learned right at the

Taking the buscuit

“I HAD NEVER BEEN INTO ART.

MY DAY JOB WAS PLASTIC MOULDING”


OUT TO LUNCH


When the kitchen’s led by a winner of North East Chef of the Year you know you’re in capable hands, so it’s a pleasure to find that Andrew Wilkinson is preparing an impromptu tasting menu for our lunch.

Spring is the theme, with a vibrant wild garlic soup and a garden-fresh starter of goat’s curd wrapped in cucumber and strewn with nasturtium leaves.

The dish that follows is a positive indication of tonight’s Fish Friday menu, sea bass on caramelised fennel accompanied by a bite-sized croquette of crabmeat, morsels of orange flesh and strands of samphire. A zesty Picpoul de Pinet provides summer breeze in a glass.

Chicken breast with morels and pommes Anna showcases the kitchen’s talent for simplicity and flavour over fussiness - while the extra flourish, a portion of wing-meat boned and breadcrumbed into a divine little mouthful of joy, is a real highlight. We squeeze in vanilla crème brûlée decorated with strawberries and pistachios.

“I thought this was going to be a quick chat over a sandwich,” laughs Ramy. “I’m supposed to be going out for dinner tonight - I’m not going to have any room for it!”

Having proved himself since taking over from David Kennedy two years ago, Wilkinson’s take on modern British cuisine is assured. The Tuesday-Saturday lunch menu is a steal at two courses for £15 or three courses for £20, and if time allows, the tasting menu is definitely a journey worth taking.

KITCHEN ARTbeginning not to be judgmental - one of the fastest-selling artists was one whose work none of us liked.

“At the time, some of the so-called experts poo-pooed the idea because it was commercial, and a lot of artists were reticent to supply us - we had no track record, and they couldn’t get their head around a gallery of this scale. But artists emerging nowadays seem to have more commercial sense - they have to if they want to eat. The days of grants and the continuous begging bowl for funding are over.”

Such direct words demonstrate the reason he leaves artist relations to the curators - but in truth, such forthrightness is refreshing, especially in a sphere so renowned for its fickleness. As caustically dismissive of overly self-regarding artists as he is of celebrity chefs, he can be equally forthcoming with positivity and praise when it comes to talent he feels is under-appreciated. Glaswegian Cate Inglis is a current favourite, and he loves the humour and humanity of Whitley Bay-based Sarah Jane Szikora.

“We’re quite spoiled for choice, so the art on our walls at home changes quite regularly, and it’s quite an eclectic mix - I used to collect 19th Century watercolours, though a lot are stored away gathering dust. I used to watch the Antiques Roadshow on television and wonder how people could find these priceless objects just sitting in their attic, but now I know.”

If the art inside the space is an interest, the space itself is a true passion. Happily admitting that in another life he would have pursued architecture, the Biscuit Factory and its ongoing development provide Zack with an outlet for his love of design. “I take pictures everywhere I go - I’m always grabbing ideas,” he says, flicking through photos on

his iPhone of reclaimed wood panelling in a ski cabin in Verbier and lighting design in Amsterdam airport. “Everything in this place is me, from the staircases to the colour schemes. It’s continuously developing.”

We head off for a postprandial tour of the gallery. Opened in 2014, the Biscuit Room is a slick 250-capacity multi-function venue developed in response to the overwhelming demand for events to be held at the gallery, from charity functions and corporate events to weddings – and plans for a second floor and roof terrace are in the offing. We return inside to the gallery’s airy upper-floor cafe to look out over the site that Zack hopes will complete the

grand plan - a Mondrian-inspired makeover of the neighbouring building into a three-storey ‘Biscuit Box’ including music studios, and an open-air plaza in between for events from concerts to arts markets.

“I’d love this to become the Left Bank of Newcastle, where there’s enough going on to be a self-sustaining hub for the arts. But it’s never plain sailing when it comes to making other people see your vision.

“There’s still so much to do - and this is just my hobby, I should probably spend more time on the day job that pays for it all! But this is addictive - there’s so much possibility here.”


Be our guestLarge or small, our region is home to an enviable mix of venues for events ranging from the largest conferences to business meetings.

At the centre of the industry in the region, the NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau helps to attract and secure major national and international events, working with a range of venues and partners. It also provides free, impartial advice and unrivalled local knowledge.

Paul Szomoru, head of business tourism at NewcastleGateshead Initiative, says: “The meetings and events industry is thriving, currently worth some £104m to the

NewcastleGateshead economy.“Although organisers’

budgets are tightening, 59% of corporates expect to increase events they organise and are looking for good value destinations – a perfect opportunity for us.

“In the past year, we have been working with VisitBritain, VisitEngland and colleagues across the North of England to promote the region in key international markets as part of the Northern Tourism Growth Fund, a £10m Government-funded programme.

“Although budgets are tightening, the industry is growing and it looks to be an exciting future for the region.”

Conferences and events focus

SPECIAL FOCUS

W ith an ideal location in the centre of the city minutes

from Newcastle Central Station, a stunning setting, and the option to add a spark to any event, Life Conference and Banqueting is a perfect business venue.

A visually striking space incorporating eight suites, all with high ceilings and numerous layout options, Life is ideal for a range of events including meetings, conferences, training

O ccupying excellent locations for those travelling to the region,

as well as for organisations based in the city, Newcastle Civic Centre and The Mansion House in Jesmond are superb locations for business events.

With a reputation for excellent food and high standards of event and

sessions, team building events, product launches and dinners. The spaces can accommodate from two to 1,200 delegates.

Life Science Centre is also available to hire for partial and exclusive use, while Times Square is one of Newcastle’s most attractive outdoor spaces and one of the largest open air areas available for hire in the city.

Life’s catering team is happy to create a range of menus to suit all tastes. From banquets, buffets and light lunches to indulgent dining.

customer management, The Mansion House, and the Civic Centre’s Council Chamber, Banqueting Hall and meeting rooms cater for a range of events and meetings.

The excellent catering options range from simple refreshments to bespoke menus. With space for 10 to 600 delegates, the Civic Centre and Mansion House have a range of possible functions covered.

LIFE SCIENCE CENTRENEWCASTLE CIVIC CENTRE AND MANSION HOUSE

£104mValue of meetings

and events industry to Newcastle Gateshead

Events hosted in Newcastle

Gateshead in 2013

15k

Delegates in 2013

1m


S K Y L I G H TN e w c a s t l e C o n f e r e n c e a n d E v e n t s

EMAIL: [email protected] TEL: 0191 242 4894

The Skylight Suite, located on the entire top fl oor of The

Beacon is one of Newcastle’s premier conference facilities.

If you’re looking for an impressive conference centre, with

free parking, fantastic on-site catering facilities and a fi rst

class events team, there is nowhere better than Skylight

Newcastle. Our penthouse conference suite with its

panoramic views, natural light and outdoor balconies is the

perfect space to impress your clients. This light, modern

space provides a bright and productive atmosphere for

your conference, meeting or training session.

Whether you are looking for an exclusive setting for your special day or prestigiouslocation near the heart of the city for a conference or business meeting, we have twodistinguished venues to offer you.

Contact UsHospitality Services, Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QHTelephone: 0191 277 7222 | Email: [email protected]/weddings | www.newcastle.gov.uk/conferences

Unique Venuesfor weddings & conferences in NewcastleT he Skylight Suite

covers the entire top floor of The Beacon in Newcastle and

is a stunning setting for any event with its incredible views across the city.

Isos Housing’s Julie Brayson, who has hosted events at The Skylight Suite, says: “I have organised two high profile events at the Skylight Suite. The Beacon was an economical option, and its ethos was very much in line with our values as a not-for-profit provider of social housing.

“Both events were very different in style and tone, but the service we received at both was excellent. We have had great feedback from the delegates who attended the events and we will be returning for future events.”

Danielle Turton, communications manager at Siemens, also has praise for the venue. She says: “We have used Skylight for meetings, coaching sessions and large employee events. The convenient location and great service means that we continue to come back to this venue.”

THE SKYLIGHT SUITE

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

APPOINTMENTS

WORLD VIEWGlobal passive fire protection specialist Advanced Industrial Solutions (AIS) has appointed insulation specialist James Lowery to help secure additional global business. He has been appointed group estimating manager responsible for identifying and bidding for multi-million pound, multi-disciplinary projects for Advanced Industrial Solution’s product range.

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS Newcastle Racecourse has appointed Tony Sagar its new head of food and beverage – a newly created role at a time of significant investment at the racecourse, following a £120,000 refurbishment of its on-site gastro-pub Border Minstrel, plans for increased race fixtures and the introduction of a new all-weather track alongside the existing turf jump track.

SALES DIRECTORTina Lowes, Barclays former head of premier and small business for the North East, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, has been appointed director of sales at Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street. As well as consolidating the hotel’s reputation as one of the region’s favourite wedding and event venues, she will aim to raise its profile regionally and nationally.

BUILDING ON SUCCESSTeesside University has appointed Professor Steve Cummings Dean of its School of Science & Engineering. It follows the appointment of the School’s previous Dean, Professor Simon Hodgson, as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation).Professor Cummings previously held the role of Associate Dean (Academic) and Professor of Microbiology in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at Northumbria University.

PORT TEAM GROWSPD Ports has appointed Michael Parker and Alfred van Wyk to help take forward growth plans at Teesport. Parker is appointed business development manager to help develop supply chain solutions while van Wyk joins PD Ports as general manager business development, bringing with him more than 20 years of industry knowledge.

PLASTIC FANTASTIC A plastics firm which has ambitions to export to Australia has recruited its first apprentice. Lewis Scarr, 18, has started his career at Primex Plastics, at Aycliffe Business Park, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham, by taking a commercial business apprenticeship with NECC.

BY ROYALE APPOINTMENT Newcastle-headquartered law firm Watson Burton has appointed a new associate solicitor to enhance its employment expertise.Hazel Royle joins Watson Burton from Burnetts Solicitors in Carlisle where she specialised in employment law and worked with clients in Cumbria, the North West and across the UK. She has particular experience of the education sector, having worked extensively with colleges, schools and higher education institutions.

CLIMBING THE LADDER A talented solicitor has won a promotion as part of the residential conveyancing team at Gordon Brown Law Firm.Craig Foot, 29, from Sunderland, who is based at the firm’s Chester-le-Street office, secured his new role following completion of the legal practice course and professional skills course with the University of Law.

APPRENTICE TURNS MANAGER NC Insurance, Gateshead, has appointed Jade Little manager of its client service department, four years after she joined the company as an entry level apprentice. Jade will manage and develop the company’s relationships with stakeholders and manage the client service team.

IN CONTROLA loyal member of sales staff at Jennings Motor Group has transferred to the company’s Mitsubishi dealership to take on the role of sales controller/business manager.Dave Horsley, 51, from Billingham, has transferred from the group’s Ford dealership in Stockton, to the company’s Mitsubishi branch on Cargo Fleet Lane in Middlesbrough.The dealership’s previous sales controller/business manager, Awhes Khan, transfers to the group’s Kia dealership, based on Concorde Way in Stockton.

NEW TAX ROLEAlison Welch has been appointed senior tax manager at accountant and business adviser Clive Owen LLP. She will be involved in expanding the tax services at Clive Owen’s Darlington and Durham offices, advising clients on matters such as capital taxes, income tax and corporation tax planning.

DEAN FOR DURHAMProfessor Susan Hart has been appointed the new Dean of Durham University Business School. Professor Hart is currently Associate Deputy Principal at the University of Strathclyde, which she led to achieve its best results in the Research Excellence Framework in 2014, enhanced provision across the School’s nine international centres and built a portfolio of executive education programmes with world-leading companies.

Professor Steve Cummings

l-r: MIchael Parker and Alfred van Wyk

l-r: Alison Welch, tax partner Alan Moore, senior tax manager Lee Watson


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

FAB 5

Fab 5I 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

3 4 5Andrew Fox General Manager Crowne Plaza Hotel Newcastle

Melissa Thompson Managing DirectorKMS Partners Richmond

Rebecca Ball Director Sunderland 2021 (City of Culture bid)

Ellie Riley Sales executiveAct 2 Cam North Shields

Bryn Littleton Account directorCreo Communications Sunderland

1 2

I’d love to trade places with Wallace, of Wallace & Gromit. He always looks on the positive side of things, has a broad smile on his face, and loves creating new things. He aims high – as in the Moon in A Grand Day Out - and he’s got his trusted companion to keep his feet on the ground. I admire his penchant for cheese, local of course, and who could resist a green woollen tank top?

I would trade with Beatrix Kiddo from the Kill Bill movies. No matter what is thrown at her, she has the single-minded determination to avenge the apparent death of her child. She is beaten, shot in the head, in a coma and buried alive, but she continues to seek revenge. A cold-blooded assassin who changes completely once she finds out she is to become a mother. And she looks amazing in motorbike leathers!

Mary Poppins. She dances on rooftops, jumps through chalk pictures on pavements and wins horse races, yet she’s practical and down to earth. She encourages children and parents to sing, dance and use their imagination. I love her precision, her supercalifragilistic vocabulary, her parrot umbrella and her carpet bag. If only we could all get kids to tidy their bedrooms with a click of our fingers.

Sherlock Holmes as played by Robert Downey Jr. He’s quintessentially English, stylish and sophisticated, yet far from perfect. He’s talented in so many different ways, and enjoys using those talents to play tricks as well as solve mysteries.I love the way Sherlock is portrayed by Downey Jr – flawed, yet brilliant. He’s got a gritty realism and a lot of edge about him, which is perfect for me.

Ironman Tony Stark. No Bruce Wayne-like brooding for this billionaire genius superhero, Stark is a playboy, and Ironman is the coolest superhero. A collection of supercars, New York skyscraper penthouse, futuristic Malibu beach house, and married to Gwyneth Paltrow - what more would anyone want? Anyone who can have a major hand in levelling cities and still come out as a hero is clearly a master of PR!

This month’s Fab 5 tell us which movie characters they would like to trade places with


)

EVENTS

Coffee & Connections Seven Stories, January 28

NECC Exchange

Village The Hotel Club, February 11

NECC Local Cocktail Masterclass Fat Buddha, February 25

Michelle Hardie (Theatre Royal), Jemma Cross (Copthorne), Gemma Graham (OPR), Kayleigh Hepburn (OPR)

Antony James (Elm Design Co), Daniel Hardy (JB Skills Training)

Ed Tutty (Fat Buddha), Robert Gillis and Harry Chatha (GEM Premium People)

Nisha Vedhara (Love Niche), Tara Todd (Slaley Hall)

Claire Wilson (Brightstar Productions), Laura Barrett (Seven Stories)

Rachel Wright (NHSG), Jon Malton (Ringtons Tea)

Kelly Johnson (Complete Accounting), Stephen Woods (Act2Cam)

Steven Yellowley (Protector Group), Sarah Bell (Hadrians Recruitment)

Claire Parry (Week2 Week Apartments), Pat Foster (Ken Foster Funeral Services)

Sharon Langridge (Langridge Employment Law), Kerrin Smith (Durham Constabulary)


)

NECC Exchange, Seaham Hall, April 14, 11am-2pm, FREE

NECC’s flagship networking event, encouraging an exchange of experiences, ideas and offers between members in a round-table format.

Event sponsored by

Winner of Small Hotel of the Year in the North East Tourism Awards and a National Finalist in the Visit England Business Tourism Awards, Seaham Hall is an immaculately restored Georgian country house with an award-winning spa in a striking cliff-top location, overlooking County Durham’s heritage coastline. Just 5 minutes off the A19 and 30 minutes south of Newcastle, it’s a wonderfully unique and an easy escape from the stress of meeting in the city.

Business leaders and corporate delegates find privacy and inspiration in Seaham Hall’s elegant and spacious function rooms. Its 37-acres of grounds provide an ideal and exciting environment for teambuilding activities including sea glass hunting, falconry, treasure hunts, bush craft, wine tasting, foraging and cookery classes to name but a few.

NECC ExchangeLinden Hall Hotel, May 12, 11am-2pm, FREE

Event sponsored by

Located off the A1, Macdonald Linden Hall epitomises a peaceful country house location and is the perfect business venue to escape to. With a range of versatile event space including a self-contained conference suite, it is an excellent choice for events ranging from board meetings to gala dinners.

The meeting and conference space is flexible, with wifi and internet connection available. Outside, the extensive grounds and 18-hole golf course are well-equipped for teambuilding events. After the day’s work is done relax and rejuvenate in our Vital Health and Wellbeing Club or wind down on the driving range.

Presidents Club Lunch

Members at the event

James Ramsbotham (NECC), Judith Doyle (Gateshead College), Mike Matthews (NECC President)

Charles Reynard (Eversheds)

Marriott Gosforth Park, March 16Sponsored by Gateshead College, in association with Brewin Dolphin

NECC LocalMade in Tyne & Wear, January 21

Graeme Jordan (STO), Michael Sudworth (True Potential)

Lesley Watt (Made in Tyne & Wear), Fergus Westwood (Brewin Dolphin)


Tour of the studio

EVENTS

To book 0300 303 6322 [email protected]

www.necc.co.uk/events

Featured events

*Global member price £240+VATFoundation Award in International Trade - NECC member price £800 (Global member price £640+VAT)

APR 21 NECC LOCAL 08:00-09:30, Middleton Lodge, Darlington FREEAPR 27 NORTH EAST EXPO 09:00-16:00, Newcastle Falcons, Kingston Park FREEMAY 04 NECC LOCAL (TEAM VALLEY MONTHLY) 08:30-10:30, Area North, Team Valley FREE

NETWORKING

FLAGSHIP

APR 20 BEHIND THE SCENES: NESTLE (MEDIUM MEMBERS) 15:00-17:30, Nestle UK, Newcastle. Event fully booked. FREEAPR 26 INSPIRING FEMALES SEMINAR 14:00-16:00, Mercure Newcastle FREEJUN 23 HR KNOWLEDGE: ENDING THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP 09:30-11:30, Durham County Cricket Club FREEJUL 01 LINKING BUSINESS WITH EDUCATION 08:00-12:00, Cardinal Hume Catholic School FREE

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION NETWORK

APR 20 NORTHUMBERLAND AREA MEETING 16:00-18:00, TBC FREEAPR 22 CO. DURHAM AREA MEETING 08:15-10:00, Collingwood College FREEMAY 04 HARTLEPOOL AREA MEETING 16:00-17:30, Evolution LLP, Wynyard FREEMAY 06 NORTH TYNESIDE AREA MEETING 08:00-09:30, TBC FREEMAY 17 SUNDERLAND AREA MEETING 16:00-18:00, Stadium of Light, Sunderland FREEMAY 23 NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD AREA MEETING 16:00-18:00, Gateshead Civic Centre FREE

AREA MEETINGS/ COMMITTEES

APR 26 IMPORT PROCESSES, COMPLIANCE AND DOCUMENTS 09:15-15:30, Durham County Cricket Club £300*MAY 17 CUSTOMS COMPLIANCE, PROCESSES AND DOCUMENTS 09:15-15:30, Durham County Cricket Club £300*JUN 09 LETTERS OF CREDIT AND METHODS OF PAYMENT 09:15-15:30, Durham County Cricket Club £300*JUN 28 EXPORT PROCESSES, COMPLIANCE AND DOCUMENTS 09:15-15:30, Durham County Cricket Club £300*

INTERNATIONAL

APR

14FREE

APR 21 NORTH EAST BUSINESS AWARDS THE GRAND FINAL 18:00-01:00, Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield £99*JUN 29 NECC GOLF DAY All Day, Matfen Hall, Northumberland £TBCJUL 06 INSPIRING FEMALES CONFERENCE 09:00-15:00, Lumley Castle, Chester-le-Street FREESEP 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*


NECC Exchange 11:00-14:00, Seaham Hall Hotel

CSR: Exploring Delivering Social Value through Responsible Business Practices 08:00-10:15, Hodgson Sayers, Tanfield, Stanley

NECC AGM 2016 10.30-14:30, Stadium of Light, Sunderland

APR

28FREE

JUN

22FREE

MAY 12 NECC EXCHANGE 11:00-14:00, Linden Hall Hotel, Northumberland FREEMAY 19 STAND UP AND BE COUNTED 14:00-16:00, Customs House, South Shields FREEMAY 19 NECC LOCAL 08:00-09:30 E-Max Systems, Darlington FREEMAY 26 COFFEE & CONNECTIONS 10:30-12:30, Durham Constabulary HQ FREEJUN 01 NECC LOCAL (TEAM VALLEY MONTHLY) 08:30-10:30, Area North, Team Valley FREEJUN 09 NECC EXCHANGE – EURO 2016 11:00-14:00, Middlesbrough Football Club FREEJUL 06 NECC LOCAL (TEES VALLEY MONTHLY) 08:30-10:30, Area North, Team valley FREE

*member price + VAT

THANK YOU For your recent membership renewals. Particular thanks to members supporting NECC for over 20 years

The above businesses have been members for 15 years or more and renewed their membership in January and February 2016

100+ YEARS

Cleveland Bridge UK Ltd 116International Paint Limited 116Lloyds Bank Corporate Mkts 116ncjMedia Ltd 116Gazette Media Company Limited 103

40-99 YEARS

Tomlinson Hall & Co Ltd 86Sulzer Dowding & Mills (UK) Ltd 74P C Richardson & Co Ltd 69Newsquest (North East) Ltd 67Compressor Services International Ltd 66Deloitte 66Digitalab Limited 66E J Melling Ltd 66Fairhurst 66FaulknerBrowns Architects 66HSBC 66Intu Eldon Square Ltd 66Newcastle Building Society 66Newcastle Racecourse 66Potts Print (UK) Ltd 66PricewaterhouseCoopers 66R & J Ince Limited 66R N J Partnership LLP 66RSM 66Sanderson Weatherall 66Seen & Heard Ltd 66Spincraft ETG Limited 66Todd & Cue Ltd 66Watson Burton LLP 66Bureau Of Analysed Samples Ltd 63Inter Terminals Seal Sands Ltd 46Mersen UK Teesside Ltd 44Mech-Tool Engineering Ltd 43Anderson Barrowcliff LLP 42Chipchase Manners 42Bank Of England 40J Barbour & Sons Ltd. 40

30-39 YEARS

Taylor Hobson Ltd T/A Solartron ISA 39Pipeline Engineering & Supply Co Ltd 38Ransome Sporting Goods 37Barrier Ltd 36British Engines (UK) Ltd 36Crabtree Of Gateshead Ltd 36Crossling Ltd 36Fenwick Ltd 36 Flowserve Pumps Newcastle a Division of Flowserve (GB) Ltd 36Harlow Printing Ltd 36Huntsman P&A UK Ltd 36IG Group (Innerglass Ltd) 36Immunodiagnostic Systems 36Jim Hastings Limited 36Lambert Smith Hampton 36Lumley Castle Hotel 36Marsh Ltd 36Megator Limited 36Messer Cutting Systems 36OpSec Security Limited 36Palintest Ltd 36Piramal Healthcare UK Ltd 36

Pure Fishing (UK) Ltd 36Ronan Engineering Ltd 36Rubb Buildings Ltd 36Ryecroft Glenton 36Simco (Engineers) Ltd 36Slaters Electricals Limited 36Smithers-Oasis UK Ltd 36Statebourne Cryogenics Ltd 36 Summers-Inman Construction & Property Consultants 36TEDCO Business Support Ltd 36Thomas Owen & Sons (Newcastle) Ltd 36Thomas Swan & Co Ltd 36Tor Coatings Limited 36Vic Young (South Shields) Ltd 36Schlegel Building Products Limited 35Lawson Fuses Limited 33Hay & Kilner 32NRG 32Sunderland College 32University of Sunderland 32Urquhart Dykes & Lord LLP 32BT 31CSN Consulting LLP 31Canford Group plc 30

25-29 YEARS

AMH Workspace Ltd 29Autoclock Systems Ltd 29Elfab Limited 29Ferschl Hose & Hydraulics Ltd 29Haines Watts Chartered Accountants 29Jebb Metals (Newcastle) Ltd 29Muckle LLP 29Walker Filtration Ltd 29Croner 28Data Supplies (Stationery) Ltd 28Lease-A-Leaf Limited 28Lowrie Foods Limited 28Nissan Motor Mfg (UK) Ltd 28North East Vending 28Rider Hunt (Newcastle) Ltd 28Silver & Charlton Sunderland 28Sotech Limited 28Sunderland Association Football Club 28TTR Barnes 28Atkinson Print Ltd 27Cory Brothers Shipping Agency Limited 27Elliott Associates 27 GE Infrastructure Oil & Gas Pll PipelineSolutions 27Grundfos Manufacturing Ltd 27Horncastle Executive Travel Ltd 27International House Language Training 27Pentair Technical Solutions UK Limited 27PNE Group 27Port Of Blyth 27Samuel Phillips Law Firm 27SCS Group PLC 27Stagecoach North East 27Visage Ltd 27Elizabeths Embroidery 26Longs Steel UK Limited 26Northumbria University 26Petards Group plc 26Straughans Limited 26

C C Jensen Ltd 25Grant Thornton UK LLP 25Minkon Ltd 25Smith & Graham (Solicitors) 25Vixen Surface Treatments Ltd 25

20-24 YEARS

Altomed Ltd 24Debmat Surfacing Ltd 24Draeger Safety UK Limited 24Entek International Ltd 24Going Global Skills Limited 24John N Dunn Group Limited 24Parker Hannifin Manufacturing Ltd 24Penn Elcom Ltd 24Storage Equipment Safety Service Ltd 24The Galleries Shopping Centre 24Carter Steel Ltd 23Durham County Cricket Club 23Erimus Insurance Brokers 23International Cookware Ltd 23Labman Automation Ltd 23Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners 23Norseman Travel Ltd 23NVM Private Equity LLP 23Quicksilver 23Bell Truck and Van 22Durham University 22Furniture World (NE) Ltd 22Gateshead College 22Rettig (UK) Ltd 22ThyssenKrupp Access Limited 22Anglitemp Limited 21Beacon Electrical (N.E.) Ltd 21Central Industrial Services Ltd 21Genesis Global Systems Limited 21Hexham Courant 21Multichem Limited 21Shaw Lifting Company Limited 21A S Pneumatics 20ARK Associates 20Cleveland Potash Ltd 20Doby Verrolec 20Gillens Ltd 20Indigo Multimedia Ltd 20Johnson Matthey Catalysts 20Midland Steel Traders Ltd 20Murray Hogg Limited 20Northumbrian Water 20Reay Security Ltd 20Schenker International 20Stockton Bearings & Transmission 20Veolia Environmental Services 20

New members Visit the NECC website for information about the companies which have recently joined NECC - the region’s largest business membership organisation.www.necc.co.uk/newmembers

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

15% OFF AT THE COPTHORNE HOTELCopthorne Hotel Newcastle ltd Offer code: NECCCRO

Staying for business, a special occasion or just fancy a night away? Book a room at the Copthorne and enjoy an evening on Newcastle’s iconic Quayside. For a limited time, NECC members receive 15% off the fully flexible rate.

www.millenniumhotels.com/Newcastle

FEATURED

Radisson BLU Hotel DurhamOFFER CODE: DDR FROM £29

RAW Digital TrainingOFFER CODE: NECC

FREE PROMOTION ON THE MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS SHOW

ESSENTIALS RANGE DELIVERED AND INSTALLED IN SEVEN DAYS

ONE-DAY L2 CYBER SECURITY FOR BUSINESS COURSE

FUNDING FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

EXPERIENCE MEETINGS FROM £29PP

30 % OFF ANY DIGITAL SKILLS WORKSHOP

FREE AREA HIRE AND DRINKS RECEPTIONRevolution Newcastle Offer code: N/A

Book your corporate event with the sales team at Revolution (Sunday-Thursday) and get free area hire as well as a complimentary drinks reception for you and your guests. *Terms and conditions apply.

www.revolution-bars.co.uk

FEATURED

5% OFF EMIRATES FLIGHTS TO CHINAEmirates Offer code: UKCNY16

Emirates is offering NECC members 5% discount on all Emirates flights to China. Destinations include Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Guangzhou, Yinchuan and Zhengzhou.

www.emirates.com

FEATURED


Godfrey Syrett LimitedOFFER CODE: N/A

InteltrainOFFER CODE: NECC1

Revolution Power LtdOFFER CODE: NECC

Koast Radio LimitedOFFER CODE: MYOB KOAST

“As a fast-growing business, it’s been great for Andrew James to have support from the NECC ; their advice has been crucial in helping us develop our plans for the future.”

Andrew Tomlinson, DirectorAndrew James UK Ltd

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

Winner North East Business Awards 2015 Company of the Year Award

GUEST COLUMNIST

If we, as business leaders and educators, are going to deliver the capable and talented workforce needed to create a successful and

prosperous North East we must do it together.

In the past, the work done by businesses and schools has not joined up enough – the odd careers talk or the rare curriculum project. When corporate social responsibility became a buzzword in the 1990s, a raft of overtures were made to schools but these often had little value, a tick box exercise for many.

Fast-forward to 2016, and we see the effect of this lack of collaboration – widening skills gaps regionally and nationally, and businesses calling for changes to the education system to deliver the skills they need. Add to this the constant need for educators to produce students with good grades without necessarily giving them the wider skills required to go into the workplace, and we end up with large numbers of young people who are ill-equipped for modern working life.

Businesses are beginning to recognise these issues, but they must engage with educators to deliver a better future.

Delivering this collaboration is difficult for many schools with the structure of timetables and the need to deliver the specified curriculum, but the benefits are

Last WordHilary French, headteacher at Newcastle High School for Girls, outlines the need for business and education to work closer together

huge. A change of mindset from schools, and Government, is needed to allow these initiatives to get off the ground, grow and prosper. Schools need to have the freedom to deliver these vital opportunities, shape young people for work and allow businesses to be part of the process.

One of our strengths as an independent school is our freedom to deliver these programmes and we are demonstrating the benefits, maintained schools must now be given the flexibility to do so.

That change is made easier if businesses are proactive – offering their time and giving students worthwhile experiences.

At Newcastle High School for Girls, we launched our CareerConnect initiative in 2015, delivering our first CareerConnect fair in February 2016. The initiative is part of our commitment to give our girls the widest opportunities available, both in and out of the classroom. We want to equip our girls with transferable skills and ensure they are resilient and adaptable, making them ready for the ever-changing world of work. We also want our girls to know there are a range of careers, and routes into those careers, which are rewarding.

Research has shown that young people have career goals fixed from an early age and the jobs, careers and people they meet shape this. Rather than focusing on

individual firms, or single sectors, it is key to give students, from an early age, access to as many fields as possible which will provide them with role models, careers and professions they can aspire to.

Our first CareerConnect careers fair was attended by more than 30 businesses including Nissan, BAE Systems and Accenture. All the firms involved have responded positively and we have already begun working with them to provide opportunities for our students. We have completed our first project with Nissan, working in school with engineers from the Sunderland plant. We’ve also got girls taking up work placements and possible summer internships - a fantastic response to our first fair.

The response from our girls, and their parents, has also been great with them opening their minds to the range of possibilities out there thanks to the initiative and the experiences they’ve been provided with.

We now need to grow this initiative, in our school and across the region. More companies must recognise the role they have to play in ensuring they have work-ready recruits, and that schools cannot do it alone. The only way to deliver a strong, adaptable and successful future workforce for the North East is through working together.


Sunderland’s magnifi cent Stadium of Light off ers you

and your guests the ultimate matchday experience. A

winning combination of some of the fi nest facilities, our

fi rst-class service and all the excitement of live football,

you are guaranteed an event to remember.

From as little as £775 per person for a whole season, you

and your guests will be at the heart of the action, taking

advantage of some of the best hospitality in football. An

unrivalled combination of panoramic pitch views with

access to private executive boxes, stunning suites and

contemporary bars, are complemented by our award-

winning service and sumptuous dining choices - at a price to

suit any budget.

A range of advertising and sponsorship opportunities,

tailored to your exact requirements, are also on off er, giving

you the chance to deliver your company message to a huge

audience, regionally, nationally and internationally.

To book or for more information call 0871 911 1555, email

[email protected] or visit safc.com/hospitality

4217

TO EACH AND EVERY FAN...

IT’S YOUR ASSOCIATIONTHAT COUNTS

‘THE WELCOME’

‘THE MATCH ROUTINE’

‘THE ACTION’

*Offers apply to qualifying new Citroën commercial vehicles ordered & delivered 01/04 - 30/06/16 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 Citroën Berlingo HDi 75 manual L1 625 Enterprise, Dispatch HDi 90 manual L1H1 1000 Panel Van & Relay 30 L1H1 HDi 110 6-speed manual Enterprise. 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.

TOWN CENTRE CITROËN 0191 516 8822 FERRYBOAT LANE, SUNDERLAND, TYNE & WEAR, SR5 3JN www.towncentresunderland.citroen.co.uk

TOWN CENTRE CITROËN0191 516 8822

DURABLE WARRIOR

TOUGH GO-GETTER

HEAVY-DUTYPOWERHOUSE

NEW CITROËN BERLINGOFROM ONLY £144 PER MONTH

ON CONRACT HIRE

CITROËN RELAYFROM ONLY £234

PER MONTH ON CONRACT HIRE*

CITROËN DISPATCHFROM ONLY £164 PER MONTH ON CONRACT HIRE*

www.citroenvans.co.uk

*

contact issue 22

Documents