Contact - April-May 2015 by North East Chamber of Commerce

Celebrating 200 years of North East business

APRIL-MAY 2015

WE HAVE THE POWER

Geoff Thompson’s energy for business

IN THE MONEY

Darlington Building Society’s CEO on the future of the banking industry

necc.co.uk - necontact.co.uk

WE CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW The North East innovator set to restore sight to the blind

PROFILE

IN FINE FORM

Graham Wylie: Mixing business and pleasure BRIGHT SPARKS FOCUS ON ENERGY AND RENEWABLES

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NECC Member Showcase Thursday 11th June 2015, 9:00-16:00

NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY SPORT CENTRAL ARENA, NEWCASTLE As part of NECC200 Business Week 2015, NECC is delighted to announce the return of the Member Showcase Exhibition. We’re proud to continue to support our members with this exciting event in our programme. It is the perfect opportunity to network, mingle and exhibit your business. The event will be open to members to

exhibit and both members and non-member delegates to attend. The showcase aims to focus on networking, getting to know other businesses and NECC members from across the North East. Exhibition package available £150 +VAT (NECC Members only) Contact ashley.carney@necc.co.uk

#neccevents #NECC200 #bepartoﬁt www.necc.co.uk/events Event supported by:

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Welcome...

Welcome to the latest edition of Contact magazine, which has a distinctly overseas feel to it as we feature everything from NECC’s new export contract win and the launch of the North East Exporters Awards to James Ramsbotham’s visit to South Africa on a UKTI trade mission. We were pleased to welcome Heathrow Airport chief executive John Holland-Kaye to the region when he spoke at President’s Club, cementing the excellent relationship our region enjoys with the UK’s only international hub airport. I have to admit to some mixed emotions when I took the podium at the latest NECC President’s Club at Castlegate in Newcastle. As usual, I felt pride at being afforded the opportunity to address a room full of the region’s business leaders. There was happiness at being able to once again reaffirm our close relationship with Heathrow Airport, with John Holland-Kaye

NECC president David Laws has mixed emotions as his term comes to a close

doing a fine job as guest speaker, outlining the North East’s important role in increasing UK exports and thanking us for our support for the Heathrow expansion proposals. But there was also a sadness as this would be my last President’s Club Lunch as NECC president. As chief executive of Newcastle International Airport, I am no stranger to travel and the role with NECC has taken me from Wynyard Hall to India and from Kingston Park to Germany. Three months remain of my tenure and I intend to cram as much into that time as possible. A key theme when I first took up office in June 2013 was making new friends, working with old friends and standing together across all sectors for the good of the North East. I’ve been delighted to see that happening. The rejection by the planning inspector of the County Durham Plan and the willingness of business to support the local authority is just one example. Another was the fantastic way the North East mobilised when Heathrow Airport launched a competition that would see one region receive £1m worth of free advertising in one of its terminals. We responded with gusto, claiming the prize in the dying seconds of the contest thanks to a concerted effort across social media from our firms, individuals and sporting clubs. I am proud to have played a role in this wonderful organisation that has championed regional business for 200 years and I’m sure will continue to do so for another 200. David Laws, NECC president

EDITOR Jane Pikett jane@offstonepublishing.co.uk EDITORIAL TEAM Dean Bailey Liz Hands Owen McAteer Paul Robertson Contact is the magazine for NECC members. News and press releases should be sent to submissions@necc.co.uk ADVERTISING Contact our commercial team 01661 844 115 sales@offstonepublishing.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson www.kgphotography.co.uk Nicky Rogerson www.nrphotography.co.uk Peter Skelton www.photo-psp.co.uk

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LEISA DOCHERTY

GEOFF THOMPSON

LUCY WINSKELL OBE

“Apprenticeships allow employers to bring some fantastic new and enthusiastic talent into an organisation.”

“We haven’t been outrageous risk-takers - it’s been about where we felt the market was and what customers’ requirements were.”

“Endeavour to work with great people. Never shy away from hiring someone who is better than you, it will drive you to achieve more.”

Sage (UK) Ltd

Utilitywise

Northumbria University

©Offstone Publishing 2015. 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.

APR - MAY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 3

Contents

To keep up to date with all the latest NECC and member news download the NECC app by searching for NECC in the Apple app store and on Google Play

Plus 08 INBOX News and views from the world of business

16 COME DINING NECC past presidents

celebrate a special anniversary

28 HAPPY BIRTHDAY NECC members join 2015’s

big anniversary celebrations

30 SUCCESS

We step into the world of video games at Epic Games

42 SKILLS Focus on a successful

National Apprenticeship Week

Features 06 60 SECONDS

With the Bowes Museum’s Adrian Jenkins

32 PROFILE Above: Graham Wylie

Richard Kirk’s mission to change lives

44 EXPORT James Ramsbotham on his

recent mission to South Africa

57 FAB 5 Top business tips 65 DOUBLE TAKE From two cathedral pulpits

34 COVER PROFILE

Graham Wylie on his passion for entrepreneurship

38 PROFILE

Geoff Thompson of Utilitywise on the energy of the North East

40 PROFILE

Colin Fyfe looks to the future of Darlington Building Society

47 SPECIAL FOCUS

Energy & renewables in focus

52 OUT TO LUNCH

With the Theatre Royal’s first life president John Ward

66 LAST WORD With Sage (UK) Ltd’s chief

people officer Leisa Docherty

Clockwise from above: Leisa Docherty Geoff Thompson and Colin Fyfe

PROUD TO BE SUPPORTED BY OUR ANNIVERSARY PATRONS:

APR - MAY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 5

60 SECONDS

Behind the scenes at the museum 60 Seconds: In advance of the arrival of a major show of the work of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, we meet Bowes Museum director Adrian Jenkins

he Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, Co Durham is a historic gem, the Grade I listed French château stuffed with an internationally acclaimed collection of European fine and decorative art, much of it collected in the 19th Century by John and Josephine Bowes. Adrian Jenkins, the man who has led the museum for the last 14 years and overseen a £12m restoration, is looking forward to the opening of a major exhibition of work by French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent in July. Q If I were meeting you for the first time, how would you describe yourself? It depends on the environment. If we were meeting at the Bowes then I would likely be wearing a suit - but never a tie. If it were at home in Upper Teesdale, I have in the past been mistaken for a farmer, which I took as a compliment. Q Who did you look up when you were a youngster? Growing up in Wales in the 1970s, when Wales had one of its most successful rugby teams of all time, it was players like Gareth Edwards, JPR Williams, and Gerald Davis. Q How do you compare now to your 21-year-old self? In your twenties, you rightly assume that

you will change the world. Having recently hit the age of 50, however, my ambitions are now a little more modest. To make a difference will do.

Q What would you be doing if you weren’t in your current job? I’d enjoy something outdoors; perhaps working in forestry or conservation.

Q How would you describe yourself? A family man with a wife - Lucy - and two children - Arwen, 10, and Rhys, seven who enjoys the organised chaos of having a young family.

Q What’s the best decision you’ve made and why? Allowing my girlfriend, now my wife, to persuade me, while travelling home from a holiday in Portugal, to apply for the director’s job at The Bowes Museum, even though the closing date for applications was the following day.

Q What’s the best job you’ve had? Being the director of The Bowes Museum, which I’ve done for 14 years, has been the most fulfilling job I’ve had. I had a museum in my bedroom when I was six, so it is possibly unsurprising that I’ve gone on to work in them. Q What do you enjoy most about your job? I particularly enjoy its diversity. I’ve recently been working on the Yves St Laurent exhibition, Yves Saint Laurent: Style is Eternal, the first exhibition in the UK to present a comprehensive display of his work and life, which is a huge coup for County Durham. I’ve also been exploring exhibitions and projects as far afield as China and India. The recent capital development has transformed the museum and it was incredily rewarding to see it through to completion.

6 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / APR - MAY 2015

Q If I were to tell you that you couldn’t fail, what would you do? I would continue to develop the museum into a world-class visitor attraction. That translates as being financially resilient and able to bring world-class exhibitions to the North of England. Q Who and what has inspired you? As a child, seeing a picture at the Tate called The Snail by Henri Matisse. As I grew up, my dad, and the teachers who offered me new perspectives. Q What scares you? Not being able to see my children grow up. Q Who would play you in a film? To impress my children I’d have to say Daniel Craig.

Milk Snatcher, The Thatcher Drawings ©Gerald Scarfe

YSL: Style is Eternal ©Fondation Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent / Alexandre Guirkinger

YSL: Style is Eternal ©The Estate of Jeanloup Sieff

APR - MAY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 7

INBOX

inbox...

Have you got something to say about the magazine or about business in general? Then inbox may be the perfect home for you. Send your views, comment and gossip to inbox@necontact.co.uk

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Here’s our pick of the best of #NECC on Twitter

BERRY IN STORE

Barker and Stonehouse managed quite a coup in securing queen of cakes Mary Berry to open its £4.5m store at Teesside Retail Park in Stockton. MD James Barker says: “Mary Berry is an icon of British cooking. We were thrilled to have her on board to open our store.” The store features a café, two floors of retail space spread over 48,270sqft and a parking for nearly 100 cars.

Mike Benson Director of Bede’s World (left) and Port of Tyne’s David Profit

BRING IT BACK

Volunteers are on a mission to bring items from Glasgow Museums’ Burrell Collection to Bede’s World in Jarrow. In a first-of-its-kind community-led initiative, the curators of the Burrell Collection are loaning a number of artefacts while their permanent home is closed for a four-year refurbishment. Permission will be sought from the Scottish Parliament for the items to leave Scotland for a Bede’s World exhibition in 2016.

TCAA national partnership manager for the North, Sophie Burt (left) and Finance director at Falck Safety Services UK, Niel Rennie

FLYING HIGH

Offshore survival training firm Falck Safety Services has completed its fundraising year by handing over £5,000 to The Children’s Air Ambulance service (TCAA). Falck has 32 training centres around the world including its team at Teesside which handed over the cheque to TCAA. The team more than doubled its original fundraising target with a series of inititiatives. TCAA is the first and only dedicated national helicopter emergency transfer service for critically ill children and babies across the UK.

NEW KEEP FIT TREND

A ground-breaking new way of using gaming to keep fit is being taken to the next level with the help of a Kickstarter campaign. The Realm System, which was spun out of research at Teesside University, is the world’s first gaming system to incorporate force and resistance into its game play to provide a full workout while playing. The ‘exergaming technology’ was developed from research by Professor Iain Spears at Teesside University.

QUIZ CHAMPIONS

Solutions Recruitment’s annual Mammoth Quiz has raised £4,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. More than 150 people from businesses across the region took part in the fundraising quiz at Newcastle United bar The Terrace. The winners on the night were The Lynch Mob, a team of industry professionals brought together by Mike Lynch of Mike Lynch Advertising.

8 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / APR - MAY 2015

VIRTUAL VISIT

People around the world can now pay a virtual visit to Newcastle’s Discovery Museum using Google’s Street View technology. The museum’s virtual tour is part of Google’s Cultural Institute project, joining other Tyne and Wear Archives & Museums venues online.

Jonathan Walker ‫(‏‬NECCJonathan): Probably the first and only time #Frozen and Picasso will be featured side by side at #NECC AGM Paul Szomoru (@paulszom): Beautiful to be attending the @NEChamber AGM #NECC @Discovery_Mus James Ramsbotham (@NECCTwiTer): @RokeyaValli @DurbanChamber @SouthAfricainUK @eThekwiniM @NewcastleCC #NECC @UKinSouthAfrica @richswart @craigvidere NECCWomenin Business (@NECCWomen): Brilliant talk from @BobPaton2 of #NECC member Accenture on need to encourage more women in technology #MakeItHappen Bryn Littleton (@CreoBryn): Davie Laws welcoming attendees to a packed Turbine Hall for #NECC President’s Club lunch... TW_Photography ‫@(‏‬TW photography92): The NECC building lit up at night. #Middlesbrough #Teesside #Night #NECC

IN MY VIEW

In my view

NECC chief executive James Ramsbotham on the importance of looking overseas as well as the UK

and India, there is a real desire to open up trade relationships with North East companies. I regularly use this column to speak about the importance of these overseas markets and passionately encourage NECC members to explore the potential of foreign shores. The chamber’s International Trade team works hard to make exporting goods as simple as possible for firms, and we’re going to be able to deliver so much more now that we have secured the UKTI export support contract for the next five years. This is great news for North East exporters and NECC. Chambers of commerce provide the only truly global business network, with chambers in every major commercial centre around the world. We already boast a wealth of links and expertise to help regional businesses trade overseas. Securing the UKTI contract helps us marry up everything and provide a comprehensive export support service that will help our region maximise its potential and help more firms tap into lucrative foreign markets. NECC used Apprenticeship Week to challenge one of our members as part of highlighting our work in developing skills. We arranged a one-day “apprenticeship” for the Bishop of

Durham at NECC member IK-UK. Not only did Bishop Paul Butler throw himself into it, but the company really entered into the spirit of the day by encouraging their apprentices to organise the event. The four apprentices were fantastic, putting the bishop through his paces building “pigs” (equipment used mainly in the oil and gas industry to clean out pipelines) and using lathes, plasma cutters and water jet cutting machines. I can’t thank Bishop Paul and IK-UK MD Richard Whadcoat enough for their enthusiasm and support, and for the apprentices who also presented the bishop with his very own “pig” as well as a desk ornament of Durham Cathedral he made with the water jet and a coaster of the Rose Window. Our membership never ceases to amaze me. Whether it’s opening up new trade routes, developing new products or putting a member of the clergy through his paces as an apprentice - our firms are always up for a challenge. With the Budget behind us and the general election to come, I’m certain there are some interesting times ahead for our region. We will continue to grab every opportunity to make the case for the region to all the major political parties and no matter what the outcome in May; we will make sure the voice of North East business is heard.

n the last few months I have become something of a globetrotting evangelist for North East business. Following a visit to India as part of a regional trade delegation, I was invited to Boston to give a presentation on the role North East industry plays in the UK economy and our success in establishing overseas markets. Both were amazing trips and it was very encouraging to witness the appetite within these economic powerhouses to do business with our region. However, I hardly had time to unpack my bags before I was off again to South Africa to help lead another UKTI delegation of businesses. Exports to South Africa are worth about £70m to our region and it is one of the fastest-growing markets. Through hosting visitors from the country’s Government and the British Chamber of Business in Southern Africa, we have established solid links with the country and similarly to Boston

Durban in South Africa is just one of the many opportunities for export APR - MAY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 9

NEWS

Mike Matthews

Nifco strengthens its NECC partnership Manufacturing firm Nifco has joined NECC Partners as it strengthens its ties with the organisation. The Eaglescliffe-based car parts business has become an increasingly active member of NECC in the last five years. Nifco, whose managing director Mike Matthews MBE is NECC vice president, is the 24th NECC Partner, the highest level of membership the chamber offers. Mike Matthews, MD of Nifco UK and European Operations, says: “I believe that the best way for this region to realise its potential is for businesses to collaborate, share best practice and create a united voice that can be heard nationally and internationally. “The work the chamber does achieves just that, and we feel strongly that business in the North East needs to have an organisation that brings together the priorities of the area and amplify them. Becoming a partner is a statement of our support for NECC. “We hope to use our partnership status to help raise awareness of the need for businesses to get behind the idea of investing in their people, working with NECC to ensure that we tackle skills shortages now.”

Benfield chief executive Mark Squires at the new development

Benfield announces £5.7m Audi dealership

he North East’s largest motor group, Benfield is continuing its expansion in Wearside with a new £5.7m Audi dealership in Sunderland. The company, which recently completed building a new £5m Ford retail outlet on Newcastle Road, is now building an Audi showroom on the same site as part of a £20m capital investment programme. Chief exec Mark Squires says: “This underlines our commitment to Wearside. It will be one of the most impressive motor retailing sites in the North of England.” The new development replaces the

present Audi dealership on Stadium Way. It includes after-sales facility, a 16-bay workshop with advanced diagnostic equipment, dedicated customer car parking, a private lounge area and a ‘Quattro Lounge’ with free wifi and refreshments. Benfield Motor Group employs more than 1,500 staff and has 30 retail outlets throughout the North East, Yorkshire, Cumbria and South West Scotland across a portfolio of 12 car retail brands. It is an independently owned family business founded in Newcastle in 1957 by John Squires Senior and developed by John Squires Junior, the present chairman.

NEW STORE FOR CARPET KING Frank’s the Flooring Store has opened its second new Northumberland store in less than 18 months, this time at the Manors Walk Shopping and Leisure Complex, Cramlington. The new 7,500sqft unit joins Frank’s Blyth store which opened in 2013. The new store will also be part of Frank’s work with the North East Chamber of Commerce on providing apprenticeships in a number of roles including warehousing and business administration.

10 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / APR - MAY 2015

in association with

Mick Copeland of Frank’s the Flooring Store

ADVERTORIAL

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD WITH YOUR MARKETING: 5 TOP TIPS

S Haskel’s Simon Ivory, lead engineer (left) and Bobby Gibbon, fitter

SUBSEA INNOVATION

GONE FISHING Alnmaritec has announced a contract with Offshore Shellfish Ltd to build a shellfish farming boat. Offshore Shellfish requires a fast, robust boat to service its rope-grown mussel farms, which lie offshore in Lyme Bay,

Devon. “The team at Offshore Shellfish have come to us because of our expertise in building tough boats,” says Simon Pullin, project manager at Alnmaritec. The new boat is expected to be launched in early summer. in association with

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and delivered by Norwegian gas booster subsidiary of Oceaneering, system a provider of engineered developed by Haskel will play a services and products to the oil and gas industry. key part in new Haskel Aberdeen business equipment commissioned to development manager quickly shut down subsea Jim Millar worked with his oilfield leaks. contacts in Scotland to win The Sunderland-based company, a world leader in the the contract. The new system was then designed and is design and manufacture being built by Haskel’s of high pressure team in Sunderland. pumps and valves NEW SYSTEM The equipment for the defence, BUILT IN will be shipped energy and oil and gas sectors in more SUNDERLAND to Norway to be incorporated into than 50 countries, the complete fast worked with its response unit being built Aberdeen office to win the by Oceaneering. It is hoped £160,000 contract. the system will be rolled The Haskel-designed out to major oil and gas equipment is a new concept companies globally to ensure that will play an integral role better security worldwide. in a complex unit designed

amantha Davidson, managing director of full service strategic marketing company Horizonworks, offers guidance on how to make your marketing work effectively for your business.

Samantha Davidson, managing director of Horizonworks

Know your customers A communications audit – a sample of your customers, suppliers, employees and partners – is a great way to understand the perceptions of your business and measure the impact of your communications. Ensure effective delivery Use a focused strategy to ensure that you are using the right marketing tactics: these can include PR, digital marketing, direct marketing, social media and events. Multiple activities should be integrated and consistent, rather than carried out ad-hoc. Stay active online Prospective customers will check out your website and social media presence, therefore it’s essential that these channels are kept up to date. Hosting a news page or blog is a great way to build credibility and brand personality.

For information on how Horizonworks can help your business, call 0845 075 5955, email: hello@horizonworks.co.uk or visit www.horizonworks.co.uk APR - MAY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 11

NEWS

Amjid Khazir

TACKLING EXTREMISM

A football club and the American embassy are the latest organisations to enlist the help of a Teesside social enterprise which works to prevent racism and tackle radicalisation. Media Cultured CIC was set up by Teesside University graduate Amjid Khazir with the help of a DigitalCity Fellowship to promote community cohesion and train educators. He was also invited by the American embassy to tour the US speaking to delegates in cities including New York, Washington, Colorado, Minneapolis, Santa Fe, and Miami.

NEWS

LEGO BALTIC North Shields-based architectural photographer Steve Mayes has continued his work with the region’s biggest landmarks by creating a scale replica in Lego of the BALTIC gallery in Gateshead. The new work is on show at Woodhorn Colliery’s BrickPlanet exhibition, which runs until the end of May. It is also expected to appear at BALTIC this summer.

Sunderland’s goal

underland AFC’s charity arm, the Foundation of Light, has been approved to open a new alternative provision school for vulnerable young people. Up to 80 pupils will be taught at the Sunderland Centre of Opportunity (SCOO), which will be championed by the Foundation of Light and SAFC and based at the Beacon of Light. Pupils aged between 13 and 16 will be referred to the centre from schools and academies from across Sunderland, South Tyneside and Durham. The school will aim to successfully re-integrate young people into mainstream education. The Centre for Opportunity will open in September 2016 and will be an independent alternative provision school with a board of governors, enabling it to set its own curriculum, attract funding from the Government and will be subject to Ofsted

inspection. Foundation CEO Lesley Spuhler says: “The local authority, schools and academies have for many years commissioned the Foundation to provide short-term programmes to re-engage and inspire learners who then return to mainstream schools. “This is a natural progression from what we have offered in the past. Our educational qualifications will be on a par with our mainstream peers, including the provision for five GCSEs, while our vocational qualifications will be suited to students’ capabilities and current business needs. “Our important relationship with businesses from across the North East also means we’ll be able to offer unique opportunities for work experience, mentoring and real-life learning.” From 2017, the centre’s classrooms will be inside the £15m Beacon of Light, which will be located next to the Stadium of Light and the Aquatic Centre.

NEW GENERATOR Newcastle’s Generator Studios has welcomed North East recruitment company Gem Partnership. Gem Partnership - which has regional offices in Peterlee and Newton Aycliffe - will relocate its 25 Newcastle-based staff and headquarters to Generator Studios where fellow tenants include Hedgehog Lab, B3 Architects, Black & White Engineering, Real Time Claims, Low Carbon Lighting and Foster Findlay Associates.

12 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / APR - MAY 2015

in association with

Tom Wills, Lee Rankin, Aidan Baker and Jamie Mableson

CORPORATE COMFORT AND BUSINESS BENEFITS AT CROWNE PLAZA NEWCASTLE Business bookings now being taken for much anticipated hotel

Stunning function suite

usiness bookings are now being taken for the much anticipated Crowne Plaza® Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter hotel, set to open this July. Construction is on schedule and the final elements of the refurbishment are well in hand for the completion of this impressive, sevenstorey, 251-bed hotel located adjacent to Newcastle Central train station and the city’s vibrant centre. General Manager, Andrew Fox, is working closely with the property developer Clouston Group, overseeing the final phase of construction along with the fit-out. The hotel will be under a management contract with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®). Once complete, the stylish Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter will add a major new business conferencing and banqueting facility to the city. “We will be offering the largest single conferencing and banqueting space in Newcastle city centre. The unique Stephenson Suite will be a stunning space for business events and exhibitions,” says Andrew Fox. This main conferencing suite – uniquely shaped – will seat and cater around 400 people. The hotel will also offer eight adaptable meeting rooms that can accommodate small seminars of 12 people up to large private meetings of 32 and delegate meetings of 100. Combining the large conference suites and meeting rooms – along with the possibility of using the nearby Boiler Shop space - the hotel can provide more space to become an ideal venue for a wide range of exhibitions. The range of purpose-built, flexible meetings rooms, the high AV spec along with special break-out areas also come with the IHG hallmark of a dedicated meetings director for business events. The hotel and luxurious bedrooms have been carefully designed for both a regional business market along with individual corporate travellers visiting Newcastle. All rooms will be elegantly equipped but the hotel also features extra business benefits such as

high quality double showers, a Club level and lounge. There will be 14 luxury suites, four with separate lounges, but all with balconies providing great ‘blue sky’ panoramic views and ‘fresh thinking’ air! Wireless internet access will be complimentary to all IHG reward guests but there is also individual wi-fi signals for each bedroom to prevent any black spots. Conference delegates and business travellers can take advantage of the hotel’s ‘retreat-style’ leisure club and relax and rejuvenate with a swim, sauna and treatment. After a busy day, the restaurant and bar will provide a perfect place to either network or unwind with colleagues and friends. The chic brasserie will encourage informal, relaxed dining and entertainment. The gin-led cocktail bar will provide a different space for entertaining. Andrew Fox said: “Crowne Plaza Newcastle will be an exciting, new offer for the regional business market and for those travelling to the city. We will be creating a wow factor and raising the bar for corporate conferencing and meetings in the region.”

Luxurious senior suite

Anyone interested in more information about the hotel, its facilities and bookings should contact Amanda McBride on amanda.mcbride@ihg.com

APR - MAY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 13

NEWS

NECC PARTNERS UPDATE With Jo Fryett, head of NECC Partners As I write, we are in the process of collecting our first quarter results for 2015 and we are already looking ahead to the halfway point of the year. We will still be digesting this Government’s last Budget by the time we get to the General Election in May. What does the future hold for David, Nick, Ed and Nigel? I have no idea, but for the rest of us it’s business as usual. NECC Partners met with Mauricio Armellini, agent for the North East at the Bank of England recently, who spoke at length about investment and forward financial planning. Partners were also able to feed back their insights into plans for the year

ahead. NECC’s policy team has also been busy with the completion of the research elements of the Innovation report, which is drawing towards its conclusion. We also welcome Nifco UK as our newest Partner, having worked closely with NECC in recent years. I hope to continue the great relationship we have with one of the region’s leading manufacturers. Lastly, we will be welcoming Ian Neild, who works at BT’s Adastral Park Research Centre, to our nest Partners event and looking forward to hearing his insight into innovation across the UK, and in the North East. joanne.fryett@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCJo tel 07867 541 467

The home designed by Trivselhus-by-Esh

DREAM HOME

house unveiled as the Future Proof Home at this year’s Ideal Home Show is heading back to the North East to be offered for sale. Built by Trivselhus-byEsh, the home was viewed by more than 250,000 people during the show.

Esh Group formed a joint venture with Swedish company Sodra, owners of the Trivselhus brand, to create the house, which is designed to run without any energy bills at all. The property uses an approach focusing on the shell of the building to reduce the home’s energy requirement.

OUR PARTNERS...

FLYING HIGH

Durham Tees Valley Airport has launched a major Business Travel Survey in a bid to understand and meet business needs. The survey, available via the airport’s new website, seeks views on factors

affecting choice of air service, views on existing services and ways in which the passenger experience can be improved, and information on destinations important to local firms. durhamteesvalleyairport.com

GET CONNECTED Data centre and cloud specialist Onyx Group has announced a ten-fold increase in capacity. Onyx Group will increase its core infrastructure to 10GB with a new network. 14 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / APR - MAY 2015

in association with

Onyx CEO Neil Stephenson says: “This highlights our commitment to providing customers with reliable, fast and secure network solutions.” The move follows the £10m acquisition of Knowledge IT.

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Every day, all over the world, companies invest millions in constructing offices and providing first class facilities to house their staff and impress their customers and they want to ensure their investment is constantly maintained to the highest standard. Grahame Chapman, MD of Cleaning and Support Services Limited says “we are here to provide our clients with a five star experience”. Based in the North East and with national coverage, CASS is a family owned and run firm with over 25 years’ experience in facilities management and provides a wide range of services backed

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Call Grahame Chapman today on 0845 1161332 to discuss how we may make a difference to your premises or email sales@cass-uk.com APR - MAY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 15

NEWS

On this day

For more from 200 years of North East business follow @NEChamber on Twitter and use the hashtag #OnThisDay April 5 2004 • Patron @sageuk moved to a £55m, 350,000sqft office in Gosforth April 8 2008 • NECC Tees Valley office officially opened by HRH the Princess Royal April 12 1837 • Meeting to discuss “Town Dues” - the first business rates consultation, we still do this today

NECC past presidents alongside past and present NECC directors

April 25 1961 • Women admitted to the Tyneside Junior Chamber of Commerce for the first time May 6 1867 • Chamber supported Tyne improvement Bill to build quays, dredge and open the river to larger ships May 25 1898 • Chamber agree to become an examination centre for commercial exams

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Faster payment Businesses supplying goods and services to South Tyneside Council are set to benefit from a new early payment scheme. More than 3,000 suppliers help the council provide a wide range of services, from materials in schools and libraries to health and wellbeing, highways and waste disposal. Members of the Supplier Incentive Programme will have their invoices fasttracked in exchange for a small cash return or discount.

Delegates at Trinity House, Newcastle

Come dining

ECC past presidents joined current president David Laws to celebrate the organisation’s 200th birthday at Newcastle’s Trinity House. Attendees included NECC presidents Bill Midgley OBE (1998-2000), Sir Nigel Sherlock KCVO OBE JP (2000-2001), John Irwin (2001-2003), Alan Ferguson OBE (2003-2005), Maggie Pavlou (20052008), Richard Bottomley (2008-2009), John Mowbray OBE (2011-13), and David Laws (2013-). They were joined by NECC vice president Mike Matthews MBE, chair Lucy Winskell OBE, chief executive James Ramsbotham, COO David Langley, director of policy Ross Smith and director of international trade Julie Underwood. NECC chief executive James Ramsbotham said: “It was fantastic to use the platform of our 200th anniversary to bring together individuals who have given

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in association with

Sir Nigel Sherlock

so much to North East business. Each past president comes from a different area of industry and all share a commitment to making our region a success. “They have all dedicated themselves to promoting the many benefits of NECC membership. “Trinity House provided the perfect setting for a fantastic evening. The fivecourse menu provided by Gateshead College students was inspired by the menu from the first meeting of what would become NECC 200 years ago.” The event was hosted and catered by students from Gateshead College, led by chef lecturer Stuart Hawkins and chef manager Michael Beveridge, who said: “It was an incredible experience for our students who gain valuable experience working in the college’s brasserie and working in a real environment with VIP guests can only help them learn and progress.”

ADVERTORIAL News and views from NECC account managers NECC Global With NECC securing the contract to deliver UKTI services for the next five years we are going to see some great opportunities for NECC Global members in the near future. This month we welcome Epax Pharm, IVP Solution and Davies Turner. Matthew Ord tel 07717 300 351 matthew.ord@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCMatthew

made the Linking Business & Education event at Gateshead College the best attended to date. Join us at The Ashington Learning Partnership on May 12. Andrew Heavisides tel 07912 478 96 andrew.heavisides@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCAndrewh Darlington Welcome to new members Houndgate House Hotel, Fleet Recruitment, Vanilla Bay Design, Applied Integration, and Curo Marketing. Thanks to members who submitted their tips for our 200th Anniversary Business Tips Book. Ann Boyd, tel 07739 162 408 ann.boyd@necc.co.uk

Northumberland It has been a positive start to the year with several new businesses joining NECC. We want the support of all members in promoting your chamber among any business contacts Teesside you have. It’s been a busy Les Dixon tel 07850 740 645 month across les.dixon@necc.co.uk Teesside, with the Twitter @NECCLes AGM at Preston Park attracting 100 members. Tom Warnock, tel 07714 845 Newcastle/ 617, tom.warnock@necc.co.uk Gateshead Twitter @NECCTom It was great to see a full house at the NECC Tyne & Sunderland/South Wear Review & AGM. I’m Tyneside/Durham also happy to see NECC I have met support a plan to help future some fantastic development, which in return organisations while helping may help secure some 22,000 to judge the NEBA 2015. The additional jobs and 30,000 tenacity of businesses in the new homes in Gateshead and region always amazes me. Newcastle. Welcome to the Arthur Hodgson area’s newest members Care tel 07980 259 991 Messenger (I-Spy Digital Ltd), arthur.hodgson@necc.co.uk The Rip and Absolute Agency. Twitter @NECCArthur Lynsey Fairless tel 07834 444 627 Essentials lynsey.fairless@necc.co.uk portfolio manager Twitter @NECCLynsey Our AGMs held around the region have been well supported this Medium year. If you are interested in Business becoming part of your area This month committee, please get in touch. we welcome Julie Digman, tel 07912 478 Hampton by Hilton and 964, julie.digman@necc.co.uk look forward to working together. Thank you to all who Twitter @NECCjuliedig

in association with

NEW £6.2M DEVELOPMENT FOR EOTHEN HOMES

orth East care home operator is investing £6.2m in a new specialist care development for people with dementia, the first of its kind in the region Eothen Homes is constructing a new 60-bed residential care facility in Wallsend to add to its portfolio across the North East and Surrey, which will also see the creation of 42 new jobs. The home is being developed to include ground-breaking dementia specific design features, as well as offering a ‘family home’ environment and an array of engaging activities for residents. Additionally, it will provide some residential facilities for partners and spouses. The facility will be unique in this region, and is hailed as helping to significantly raise the bar in specialist dementia care in the North East. Barclays has supported Eothen Homes with its new development by agreeing a funding package for the home. Newcastle law firm Sintons, which has worked with the care provider for a number of years, has overseen the construction, property and left-right: Mark Dobbin, Sintons; financial legal aspects. Jenny Hearl, chief executive of Eothen Homes, Jenny Hearl, said: “This new dementia facility will break new Eothen Homes; ground in terms of its design, services and Alex Rayner, features.” Sintons; Lesley Lesley Telford, relationship director at Barclays, Telford, Barclays said: “Eothen is delivering further innovation for an exciting sector in the North East and the new facility will provide state of the art care for the local ageing population.” Mark Dobbin, head of real estate at Sintons, said: “Eothen Homes has an enviable reputation for the quality of its facilities alongside a strong commitment to exceptional standards, and we are very pleased to be able to work alongside Barclays to support them in the addition of a new groundbreaking development to their portfolio.”

Sintons LLP, Barrack Road, Newcastle, NE4 6DB tel: 0191 2267878, www.sintons.co.uk APR - MAY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 17

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

IMAGE CREDIT: David Fowler / Shutterstock.com

With Eamonn Leavey head of NECC President’s Club The first NECC President’s Club lunch of 2015 saw John Holland-Kaye, chief executive officer of Heathrow Airport as keynote speaker. John discussed the importance of the North East’s connectivity to the global market through Heathrow, as well as the importance of the expansion of Heathrow to UK plc. We had a record turnout of North East business leaders for the event and it was a fantastic way for us to thank NECC president David Laws at his last President’s Club lunch. Thanks to CastleGate in Newcastle, the former site of the power station for the Newcastle Tram system, for hosting the event. Thanks also to Benfield Corporate which sponsored the event and to 1879 Events for the excellent catering on the day. It was great to see five NECC President’s Club members win awards at the recent North East Business Awards, Tyneside & Northumberland Dinner. Congratulations to Egger UK, Ringtons, British Engines Owen Pugh and AAF which was Company of the Year. Our next lunch will welcome the global chief executive officer of Hitachi Rail, Alistair Dormer as keynote speaker. tel 07714 845 624, email eamonn.leavey@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCEamonn

County Durham Plan supported by NECC

ECC has called on Communities Secretary Eric Pickles to intervene and rescue County Durham’s growth plan after it was ridiculed by a planning inspector. NECC has appealed to the Government to back the ambitious County Durham Plan, writing to Mr Pickles to raise concerns after a planning inspector’s report ridiculed sections of it. NECC worked closely with the local authority to produce the plan, which includes pro-growth policies aimed at helping the county boost its economic potential. But planning Inspector Harold Stephens said the 20-year economic blueprint was flawed, unrealistic, and unsound.

NECC chief executive James Ramsbotham hopes to secure urgent talks with the Conservative minister. “By creating an ambitious plan and vision for the future, Durham County Council has made a clear statement that it is open for business; a statement that we fully support,” he says. “The inspector’s report, by ridiculing these ambitions, seeks to condemn the North East to a future of low growth and aspiration. This flies in the face of the Government’s desire to stimulate growth in the North and to create a more sustainable, balanced economy. “It also holds little regard for the current successes of County Durham businesses, many of which are world leaders in their sectors and are making considerable investments for the future.”

VIDEO OF THE MONTH

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Newcastle International Airport’s new corporate video Your Airport In Motion is a fanastic snapshot (or rather - 15,000 snapshots) of a very busy airport. The film, created by Jack Fisher, premiered at Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle and is now available on the airport’s social media channels and website. The film, which was made using time-lapse photography, offers a unique view of daily life at the region’s largest airport. in association with

Corporate & Commercial Banking & Finance Employment Commercial Dispute Resolution Corporate Restructuring Commercial Property Construction Wills, Trusts & Tax Planning

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Your business... a better way to make your money work for you

UNI BACKS YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

orthumbria University has launched a new Enterprise and Innovation Fund to encourage more students to engage with start-up businesses. It will provide access to seed funding to establish and grow business ideas, undertake enterprise-focused work placements, and access

proof-of-concept funding. Northumbria is currently the number one university in the UK for graduate start-ups based on turnover, according to the Higher Education Business and Community Interaction Survey. Its graduate start-ups have a combined turnover of £54m and in the past five years they have created more than 100 new companies and 800 jobs.

SCHOOL EXPANSION Invest your business savings and work towards a better financial future. Find out more on

Friday 24th April 2015 Glass House Restaurant, Darlington College DL1 1DR

8.00am: Arrival for Breakfast 8.30am: Speakers 9.15am-10.00am: Chance to network Join us over a complimentary breakfast to discuss opportunities available as both investor and payroll partner with Darlington Credit Union, a community of nearly 5,000 members. Together we’re stronger!

Helping make a difference

To secure your place please contact: Selina Tsang Executive and Marketing Support Officer Telephone 01325 520005 Email selina@darlingtoncreditunion.co.uk

www.darlingtoncreditunion.co.uk

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Newcastle High School for Girls has been granted planning permission to redevelop the former Church High School site on Tankerville Terrace in Jesmond, Newcastle. The 3-acre site will undergo a multi-million pound transformation to create a new senior school campus to accommodate 700 pupils. in association with

The existing red brick Victorian building will be retained and refurbished alongside a new three-storey building within the grounds, housing an assembly hall and performance space, dining room, fitness suite, dance and drama studios, music rooms, science laboratories and classrooms. It will also include a roof top terrace for outdoor learning.

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£4.5M YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME

SHED LOAD OF TRAINING Budding entrepreneurs across the globe are being given the keys to a virtual shed where their entrepreneurial passion can bloom. Hosted on FutureLearn’s social learning platform, The Enterprise Shed: Making Ideas Happen is Newcastle University’s latest free online course. Currently open for registration, the course is aimed at people who want to set up a social enterprise, initiate a community project, or start a new business venture.

AWARDS FOR HOSPITALITY STARS

North East businesses welcomed the new £4.5m Generation NE programme at a round table debate. Generation NE forms part of the North East LEP’s Growth Deal, aiming to help SMEs to future-proof their workforces while tackling youth unemployment. Among the business figures at the debate were representatives from Accenture, James Burrell, Royal Mail, Gordon Brown Law Firm, Wessington Cryogenics, NECC, NELEP and Jobcentre Plus. Generation NE is a collaboration between Newcastle, Durham, Gateshead, North Tyneside and Northumberland councils and NELEP. In the next three years it will support the region’s SME community by increasing job opportunities for 2,000 young people.

NEWS The hotel industry’s brightest stars were honoured at the annual North East Hotel Excellence Awards 2015 at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield. The awards, organised by the North East Hotels Association saw the cleanliness excellence prize go to Matfen Hall Hotel housekeeper Susan Brougham, while the service excellence award was collected by Chris Main of MacDonald Linden Hall in Northumberland. Durham Marriott Royal County Hotel’s Alison Rutherford scooped the inspirational leader award with the community award going

to the Lite@Nite team from Middlesbrough’s Thistle Hotel. The best arrivals experience went to Rachel Common at Hotel Indigo, Newcastle, while the city’s Copthorne Hotel triumphed in two categories - sales champion reactive, won by Susi Lennie, and the shooting star award, which went to Nicola Steele. Other awards included support services, won by Brian Hutchinson at County Thistle Hotel, Newcastle, leisure excellence, won by Kerry Watson at Northumberland’s Close House, and sales champion proactive, awarded to Debbie Brook at Jury’s Inns, Newcastle.

in association with

MOVERS AND SHAKERS Round Table Solutions has moved into a new office and added to its client portfolio. The agency has moved to Blyth Workspace and welcomed biomass heating specialist and fellow NECC member re:heat to its portfolio. Round Table Solutions was launched in May 2013 and specialises in PR and communications.

APR - MAY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 21

CAN YOUR BUSINESS GO SMARTER?

Staff at Muckle LLP celebrate their Go Smarter to Work Gold Award

ow did you travel to work this morning? Was it by car, bike or maybe public transport? It’s not something we think about too often but Go Smarter - Tyne and Wear’s sustainable transport programme – is here to change that. The Government-funded programme works with businesses and schools across Tyne and Wear to encourage people to travel more sustainably, by walking, cycling, car sharing or public transport, in order to reduce congestion, keep people healthy, help the environment and ultimately, have a positive impact on Tyne and Wear’s economy. Go Smarter’s fully funded projects, initiatives and successful matched funding programme has already supported hundreds of businesses and employees keen to enjoy more sustainable, environmental and economical ways of travel. Nick Clennett, Go Smarter’s SRO and Head of Transport Strategy, Communities and Environment at Gateshead Council, said: “Sustainable and active travel doesn’t need to be intimidating, it’s as simple as getting off the bus a stop early or sharing your car with a colleague to and from work.” “We work with businesses to find solutions that work for them and their employees. It’s about making small changes that people can sustain.” In April 2014 commercial law firm, Muckle LLP, became the first organisation to be awarded the Go Smarter to Work Gold Award, in recognition of the firm’s commitment to sustainable travel. Andrew Davison, partner at Muckle LLP said: “As a company we’re committed to minimising the adverse impact of our business and our people on the environment so participating in initiatives which raise awareness of alternative and more sustainable methods of travelling fits perfectly with this. “We first started working with Go Smarter in 2013. One great initiative was the personal travel planning service on offer. Go Smarter looked at the data we provided in our annual travel survey

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and provided a personalised plan for staff detailing how they could get to and from work by the most sustainable method.” As part of its 2015/16 programme, Go Smarter has expanded into a further six new key employment sites around the A19 corridor. These include Sunderland Enterprise Park and Doxford International Business Park in Sunderland; Cobalt Business Park & Silverlink Shopping Centre and Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate in North Tyneside; Port of Tyne & Bede Industrial Estate and Boldon Business Park in South Tyneside. 70 organisations are now recognised as Go Smarter accredited businesses including some of the biggest employers in the region. Melanie Maughan, Corporate Responsibility Manager at the NHS Business Services Authority said: “We’ve been involved with Go Smarter since February 2014 after we launched an internal campaign to encourage our staff to travel in a more sustainable way. “Our staff have been absolutely thrilled with the amount of support that has been provided and we’ve seen a greater uptake in staff cycling to work. We’ve held a number of Go Smarter events including bike maintenance sessions, electric bike trials, cycle training and even Nordic walking! It’s hard to believe that this has been provided free of charge!” For more information about sustainable travel in Tyne and Wear and working with Go Smarter, visit www.gosmarter.co.uk

If you think Go Smarter could help your business, contact us via our website at www.gosmarter.co.uk

NEWS

New depths

New Northumbria Hotel

Atul Malhotra

Commercial law firm Muckle LLP has advised BEL Valves on the establishment of a new £10m subsea engineering facility for Newcastle’s Quayside. Plans are now approved for the 20,000sqft Neptune Test Centre on the derelict former Spillers Tyne Mill site. It will house four hyperbaric chambers that simulate the environment of subsea depths up to 4,500 metres. Muckle set up a joint venture company between BEL Valves and Newcastle University and legal advice was led by corporate partner Philip Clare, solicitor Matthew Walsh, and banking associate Kevin Maloney.

Bunty Malhotra

Malhotra goes PLC

Malhotra Group, which now includes a privately owned North East second generation family member on the company has achieved PLC board, is part of Malhotra Family Holdings status following a three-year which has interests in the UK and India. rationalisation process across Shares in Malhotra Group PLC remain its business interests. privately owned by the Malhotra family, Newcastle-based Malhotra Group PLC, although the opportunity for them to which operates in the leisure, property and be bought by the public will be care home sectors, has brought its offered in future. 26 companies and partnerships The company owns and together within one group. EMPLOYEES operates hotels, bars and The group, originally TO DOUBLE restaurants in and around established through its founding BY 2020 Newcastle, along with ten care company in 1991, has seen homes in the North East and a year-on-year turnover growth from further two in the pipeline. £19.5m in 2013, to £22m in 2014 and It also owns a commercial property a predicted £25m this year. portfolio, with tenants including RBS, Currently employing 1,000 people, the Barclays Bank, Vodaphone and Pret group has embarked upon a five-year a Manger occupying its city centre expansion plan which should see staff locations nationwide. numbers double by 2020.

TAKING THE PLEDGE Chi Onwurah (pictured) is the first MP to sign the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Five-Year Skill Solution pledge. The Labour MP for Newcastle Central backed UK engineering and manufacturing at a UKTI event in Newcastle. The Institution has vowed to work with industry, academia, professional engineering institutions and all the major political parties to tackle the engineering skills gap. in association with

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Taking stock Northern Rock Foundation’s Culture and Heritage Programme has published an evaluation prior to its likely closure to share learning from its work as a regional funder. Between 2003 and 2010, Northern Rock Foundation provided more than £18m in funding through its Aspiration and Culture and Heritage programme grants, supporting 185 organisations. On average, £2.5m was allocated each year. Foundation chairman Alastair Balls says: “I’m pleased the Northern Rock Foundation was able to play such a major and influential role in this transformational programme for the North East and Cumbria. This report shows how that was achieved. It has created a lasting legacy of which the whole community is proud.”

APR - MAY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 23

MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES NEWS

NEWS

The Zebra team

Zebra’s 20th birthday Zebra Internet Services has been around since the early days of the internet industry and gone from strength to strength. Building on NECC’s 200th anniversary celebration of North East business, Zebra is hosting events throughout 2015, including sponsoring a class in a charity horse show hosted by its client, Stepney Banks Stables, on May 4. “Zebra was one of the forerunners of the industry when we first got started and we’re thrilled to be celebrating our 20th birthday,” says MD Annabel Cornish. “We’ve got a few celebration surprises up our sleeve.” Newcastle-based Zebra was one of the first registered members of Nominet, which controls the .uk domain platform. Zebra specialises in domain name registration and portfolio management, hosting, VPS solutions, SEO, and online reputation management.

United Airlines flight attendants James Kelly and Lulu Riedstra greet Leon McQuaid, Newcastle International Airport aviation development manager, as he arrives in a New York taxi at Newcastle International Airport. United Airlines launches its new nonstop service from Newcastle to New York/Newark on 23 May, 2015

Newcastle International Airport celebrates 80th anniversary in style

ECC200 patron Newcastle International Airport has begun its 80th anniversary celebrations with events, award wins, and the launch of its new corporate video. The airport has also been named Thomas Cook Airlines Most On-Time Airport in the UK and Top UK Airport at the 2015 Wanderlust Magazine Travel Awards in London. It also hosted a special visit from a New York taxi and United Airlines cabin crew to celebrate the new United Airlines route from Newcastle to New York /Newark which launches on May 23. Chief executive David Laws says: “Our

80th anniversary year will see a host of celebrations with passengers, business partners, and the local community. “We’ll be working with our new joint adopted charities, Newcastle United Foundation and SAFC’s Foundation of Light, on activity including a charity Race Day and some aviation-themed fundraising. “We are also looking forward to the opening of our new departure lounge. The facility marks a £14m investment from the airport and our business partners and will greatly benefit customers. New brands will join the terminal and improve the passenger experience. It’s part of our goal to be the UK’s most welcoming airport.”

NECC MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES CLUB Congratulations to the below members of the NECC200 Member Anniversaries Club which celebrated birthdays in the first quarter of 2015 BUSINESS

AGE FOUNDED

BUSINESS

AGE FOUNDED

HSBC

150

March 1865

Meditek Ltd

March 1995

Enerpac Ltd

January 1965

Zebra Internet Services

March 1995

Groundwork NE & Cumbria

March 1985

WellWork Limited

March 2000

Westray Recruitment Consultants Ltd

March 1990

Catalyst

March 2005

Izumi Products UK Limited

February 1995

Clear Finance Ltd

January 2010

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in association with

NECC200

BUSINESS WEEK

WED

NECC Global Celebration

JUN

NECC200 AGM and Looking to the Future

JUN

Launch of NECC200 Business Tips Book

08 10

Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground, Chester-le-Street

Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham

THUR

JUN

FRI

TUE

MON

WEEK COMMENCING 08.06.2015 A week-long programme of events across the region aimed at celebrating and promoting NECC members now and into the future. JUN

11 JUN

NECC Member Showcase Northumbria University Sport Central Arena, Newcastle

Inspiring Females Conference

Sponsored by Activ Technology and Microsoft

For further information or to book your place visit www.necc.co.uk/events, email events@necc.co.uk or call 0300 303 6322

PROUD TO BE SUPPORTED BY OUR ANNIVERSARY PATRONS:

Championing the region since 1815

Celebrating 200 years with our Global Members. Sponsored by

Event Name

NECC Global Lunch Date

Mon 8 June

Boarding Time

11:45

Departure Time

14:30

Destination

Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground, Riverside, Chester-le-Street, County Durham DH3 3QR

Join us for a spectacular event celebrating the past, present and future of international trade. To book or for further information email events@necc.co.uk or call our events team on 0300 303 6322

in association with

APR - MAY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 25

Expertise at your side

Hilton Glasgow (STS)

Royal Courts of Justice (STS)

Project wins for STS

Darlington-based specialist maintenance company has secured new projects with a global hotel chain and leading tourist attractions. Stone Technical Services (STS) has won a major renovation contract with Hilton Hotels to conserve and repair 150 masonry balustrades in Glasgow. In London, STS has secured two new contracts working at the Royal Courts of Justice and at St Paul’s Cathedral’s Chapter

House. STS is ahead of its financial expectations, with a 30% year-on-year increase. Turnover is now in excess of £2.5m and expected to reach £3m by the end of 2015. The firm was established in 1998 by Darlington brothers Dave and Grahame Stone. Other clients include Westminster Abbey, English Heritage, the NHS, the National Trust, BskyB, Sir Robert AcAlpine, and local authorities all over the UK.

KITTED OUT A start-up business in Northumberland has been given the tools to outpace industry competitors with help from leading North East garage equipment supplier Gott Technical Services. Cramlington MOT & Service Centre was fitted out by the team at Gott, allowing it to perform an MOT every 40 minutes. Shortly after opening, co-directors Craig Fairbairn and David Douglass took the decision to become a trade centre due to

Cramlington MOT & Service Centre co-directors Craig Fairbairn (left) and David Douglass with Gott Technical Services' James Pattinson (right)

initial strong demand, and now offer trade prices for all of its customers across services.

in association with

THROUGHOUT THE NORTH EAST Hexham, Ponteland, Sunderland, Yarm, Crook, Portobello www.rowlands accountants.co.uk

APR - MAY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 27

NECC POLICY

Heathrow expansion to boost North East growth

NECC is backing Heathrow’s expansion plans on the grounds that it will benefit the North East. Here’s why... The case according to NECC

e’re lucky in our region to have fantastic air links with the rest of the world, and our airports contribute significantly to our regional economy and export success, Newcastle International Airport alone contributing more than £650m each year. We also benefit from larger airports in the South East and research by Quod, commissioned by Heathrow and based on economic analysis by the Airports Commission, shows that an expanded Heathrow will benefit the North East to the

tune of £4bn in economic growth and 5,100 new jobs. Using the same analysis, the growth expected as a result of Gatwick’s proposed expansion would be £2.8bn and 1,600 jobs. The Heathrow expansion will bring business success, increased employment, and a more vibrant economy, ensuring the North East continues to grow. NECC is one of 28 UK chambers of commerce backing the Heathrow expansion plan together with unions and businesses. In our submission to the Airports Commission, NECC supports Heathrow as the

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UK’s hub airport. It is clear that Heathrow is a national asset, benefiting the North East economy via direct employment and connectivity to the global marketplace. This global connectivity brings huge rewards. Investors in many foreign-owned businesses argue that connectivity is key for allocating investment and a connected North East is attractive to both existing and potential investors. Expanding Heathrow is not the only answer; air taxes set some regional airports at a competitive disadvantage and a proposed devolution of air passenger duty to Scotland is

a major threat to the North East economy. But as an overdue first step, expansion at Heathrow must happen. NECC chief executive James Ramsbotham says: “No option is perfect, but Heathrow is the most viable option and the one that spreads its benefits most equitably throughout the UK. “There can be significant economic benefits to expanding the UK’s airport infrastructure. The North East is the only net exporting region in the UK and the role airports play in improving international trade is crucial to us. Heathrow’s expansion must happen - and soon.”

NECC POLICY

AN EXTRA

AN UPLIFT OF

GROSS VALUE ADDED

TO OUR ECONOMY

£4bn 10%

AN EXTRA

5,100 JOBS

The case according to Heathrow Airport

eathrow has announced a new package of commitments, deliverable with expansion, to strengthen connections to Newcastle International Airport and help North East business connect to global growth markets. As the UK’s only hub airport, Heathrow connects to 75 worldwide destinations not served by other UK airports. The airport’s new package supports routes from Newcastle to Heathrow and includes a review of Heathrow’s charges for domestic routes. A £10m Route Development Fund will

also be established to provide support for new routes between Newcastle and Heathrow. Because Heathrow has been full for 10 years, many airlines have had to use available capacity for longhaul flights at the expense of domestic routes. As a result, the number of regional connections from Heathrow has fallen. For Newcastle, Heathrow’s new commitments could enable better-timed, more frequent flights. The commitments, deliverable with expansion, also outline actions Heathrow will take before expansion, including: · A review of airport charges:

On domestic routes from January 1 2016 · Partnering: UK airports, LEPs, chambers of commerce, and national and local government to jointly approach airlines to improve existing routes After expansion, Heathrow will support new links to airports not connected to it by: · Establishing a new Heathrow Route Development Fund: £10m in start-up capital for airlines to support up to five new routes for three years where the market doesn’t initially provide them · Working with Government: To re-designate Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes to Heathrow, the only airport that

can connect them to and through London to growth markets across the globe. The measures are informed by the new recommendations of the National Connectivity Task Force. Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye, speaking at a recent NECC President’s Club event, said: “We’re ready to help connect businesses to global growth. We have been listening to businesses, politicians and now to the National Connectivity Task Force, and we have a plan to deliver what Britain needs. Only Heathrow can connect Britain to global growth. That’s why we are backed by Britain. Let’s get on with it.“

APR - MAY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 29

SUCCESS

Epic journey for games company Bryn Littleton gets a taste of the growing success of North East-based gaming company Epic Games

amers across the globe have explored the alien world of Sera and fought alongside Marcus Fenix against the marauding Locust Horde, but few would guess that the massively successful Gears of War franchise has roots in the North East. Robert Troughton is at the helm of Epic Games UK, part of a global business that produces some of the best-known games on the market. From Gears of War to the company’s next big game, Fortnite, Troughton, his team, and colleagues from around the world devise, develop and test games for hour after hour, polishing every feature and ironing out every last glitch to ensure that millions of gamers worldwide enjoy the best possible experience. “Most of our work here involves developing the technology that drives both video games and the development of video games,” he says. “That’s pretty rare in the industry; most development studios work on one or two games each year. “We do that too, but we’re also able to make an impact on hundreds more games through licensing of our technology, Unreal Engine, to other studios. It’s a cool job. For a gamer, it’s a dream - to work on the best games using some of the best technology. People who work here get to use one of the most cutting-edge development platforms, Unreal 4, so they become among the best developers.“

The Sunderland-based company usually only employs specialists with a minimum of five years’ industry experience. “The North East is a great region with a very talented labour pool so we can afford to be selective,” says Troughton. “The great universities we have in the North East, coupled with a strong gaming community and our location at the heart of the region in Sunderland, means we are in a great place to attract talent.” In September 2014, Epic Games Inc - headquartered in North Carolina completed a buyout of Pitbull Studio after working with the company for five years, rebranding the company as Epic Games UK and moving Troughton, formerly MD of Pitbull Studio, to be general manager of UK operations. “We were turning over around £3m when Epic Games bought us out. We were tightly integrated with Epic prior to the purchase, so the culture at the studio was already in line with Epic’s own, so the transition was spectacularly smooth.” Now at the helm of such a well-known brand, you’d think Troughton would have been a devoted gamer. “Not really,” he says. “I actually studied maths at university, and hoped to make it as a banker. But after trying and failing to get a job in that field, and after a failed interview at McDonalds - the interviewer didn’t believe that I would be in it for the long

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term - I took on board a suggestion by my brother to follow him into the gaming world. Programming had always been a huge hobby - as a teenager I’d funded a huge home entertainment system - TV, surround sound, video recorder and my own sofa - through programming. Falling into the games industry was surprisingly easy.” At 21, Troughton moved to the region, working alongside his brother for a year at the Newcastle gaming company Reflections. “I remember arriving at the office and seeing a big bin full of empty soft drinks cans and pizza boxes. Not your usual office environment. It was a great place to work. Working on games like Destruction Derby and as part of a small team meant I was able to learn quickly.” The next move was not so fortuitous.

Pitbull Studio MD Robert Troughton and Coun Henry Trueman game of that calibre. We promised a In January 1996, he moved to a newly finished product within nine months, so formed company in Liverpool. Employed we got the contract. We finished the game as a lead engine programmer, he hoped to on schedule and went on to sell well over work on graphics technology, but was 1.5m copies. It allowed us to grow the made redundant when the company company quickly.” ceased trading within a year. The company had a “It was pretty disappointing “WE FINISHED successful nine years before to be in that position,” he being sold to Midway says. “But I moved on. I THE GAME ON Games in 2005. As Midway used it as a catalyst to get SCHEDULE AND Studios Newcastle, the started in my own WENT ON TO SELL company created Vin Diesel business and - as part of a MORE THAN starring ‘Wheelman’. team of eight – set up 1.5M COPIES“ When Midway declared Pitbull Syndicate Limited in bankruptcy in 2009, Troughton December 1996. We tendered moved on to join a new startup to work with Accolade, a company studio, CCP Newcastle, to work on Dust that was looking for a new version of Test 514 on Playstation 3, but after less than a Drive, a popular franchise from the year, he left to set up a new start up, Pitbull 1980s. Their in-house team was saying it Studio, with friends. would take them two years to make a

“The business grew quickly,” he says. “Initially, we were working on Circus Challenge - a game developed for the NHS - but I missed the more technical side of development, so began contracting to Epic Games working on Unreal Engine, while the other team members finished off the game for the NHS. We also contracted to Sega, Kuju, Geomerics and others to support them in Unreal Engine development, but after some time, almost all of our work was for Epic. It became a fundamental part of the business. The plan is to swallow up the competition. We have the skills, the games and the wherewithal to do it, and as part of Epic, we really can be stronger than ever.” Given the company’s achievements so far, it is hard to believe they’d be beaten at their own game.

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PROFILE

The eyes have it

“xxxx”

Liz Hands meets Richard Kirk, the man in charge of a business making sleep masks which could ultimately save the NHS £1bn

ichard Kirk admits to being very ambitious, but then again which CEO isn’t? He’s also, by all accounts, something of an adrenaline junkie. “I’m very passionate about mountaineering and climbing,” he says. “It’s my obsession, my mid-life crisis. I put off doing the proper stuff while my kids were younger because the kind of climbing I do is quite risky. I’ll definitely be in the Himalayas next year.” He tells a tale of taking a bunch of guys walking in the Alps. “I told them it would be fine, we weren’t going anywhere you could fall off, but one of them fell over and dislocated his shoulder. It was a bit precarious - we had to get him down 500 metres so the air ambulance could land. Going for a walk turned into being air-lifted off a mountain.” No wonder then that Kirk needs to be in a business which is really going places to feel fulfilled. His firm, PolyPhotonix in Sedgefield, Co Durham, has developed a revolutionary eye mask which uses light to treat diabetic retinopathy, which can lead

to blindness. Established in of first-generation printed 2008, the company is turning electronics,” he says. “It was over just shy of £700,000 and a piece of paper that lit up will tip into millions next year. when you put a battery next “We’re on that hockey stickto it. We take that kind of shaped trajectory,” he says. thing for granted now, but at “We can see where we’re the time I was blown away.” going and the sales.” That chance Kirk is fascinated by light meeting inspired him and its applications. A former to launch Elumin8, an artist who now splits his time electroluminescent (EL) between homes in Hutton manufacturing company. Rudby in North Yorkshire and Over six years, it became London, he had “that real the most successful printed garret experience” in Paris. electronic company in “My first studio was Europe, installing the likes someone’s spare bedroom of the EL wall for British on Rue Saint Denis in the Airways at Heathrow and Paris red light district,” putting technology into he says. “I had an metro stations art dealer in Berlin around the world. “MY FIRST and in Paris. The firm was STUDIO WAS IN I was selling exporting THE PARIS to national digital posters RED LIGHT collections in as far afield as DISTRICT” France and I had Australia, South good international Africa, China, shows in Australia, America and Canada. New Zealand, and the But Kirk realised the United States.” company had a ceiling on Yet Kirk says he was never what it could achieve. So, going to make the A-grade. reaching an agreement to And, too ambitious to settle part ways with the other for second best, he moved business directors, it was back to England with his onto the next challenge. French wife Virginie and their He was invited to join two children, Morganne, now the advisory board when 22, and Tom, now 20. “I met the Centre for Process somebody in a bar in Soho Innovation (CPI) was being who showed me a piece set up on Sedgefield’s

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Richard Kirk

Polyphotonix, Sedgefield, Co Durham

NETPark. He came to an agreement to partner with CPI and that was the start of PolyPhotonix. At that point, however, he wasn’t 100% certain of the products PolyPhotonix would manufacture or enable. “I knew I didn’t want it to be a lifestyle business,” he explains. “I wanted it to be something that was very scaleable and I wanted to do something significant. Rather than a business turning over a few million, I wanted a business that could turn over hundreds of millions.” Starting off with a business plan to develop a process to “make cool lighting,” Kirk realised he was on the wrong course. “The technological challenges couldn’t be met in a timeframe we could fund,” he says. “There were a number of very large companies like LG and Philips already on the case. At best, we could have ended up stimulating and creating a market that they would have followed us into and dominated.” Instead, he started to attend a lot of conferences, looking for the right application for his technology. “I met someone who’d been doing ground-breaking research into the mechanism of dark adaptation of the eye and everything clicked into place.” PolyPhotonix started to fund clinical research more than four years ago, but the trials are only just coming to publication. “We’ve been on a journey we kept extremely quiet,” he

says. “We kept it hushhush because we’re dealing with something that’s very emotive. We don’t want to over promise. You can’t say you’re going to cure blindness for certain diseases and then not do it, and we also kept quiet for competitive reasons.” Now, though, PolyPhotonix is finally able to shout about its work. Its treatment for diabetic retinopathy is on the market now to challenge a common complication of diabetes - high blood sugar levels damaging the retina, potentially leading to blindness. Current treatments for advanced stages of the condition are injection therapy or laser surgery, which are invasive and expensive. Kirk says PolyPhotonix’s solution is more efficacious and more cost-effective. Independent analysis, he says, has found it could save the NHS £1bn. Patients wear a mask which uses light therapy while they sleep to treat the condition. Clinical trials have already proven the success of the treatment and research is ongoing, with around 35 NHS hospitals currently using the masks for patients. PolyPhotonix is also running small commercial trials in the North East for private patients. Kirk, who has won a raft of awards since going public with his work, is also able to announce the development of a treatment for wet agerelated macular degeneration (WET AMD). Anything else the firm is developing has to remain top secret. What is clear is that Kirk and Polyphotonix are going places. Just don’t agree to go for a walk up a hill with him.

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PROFILE

Inside track Graham Wylie, co-founder of Sage, owner of Close House, TSG, Speedflex, and a string of successful racehorses, talks business and leisure with Jane Pikett

raham Wylie hands me his phone to show me a photo. It shows him, iPad in hand, on the sofa at home, a white miniature bull terrier resting her head on his chest. “That’s my office,” he says. It looks pretty relaxed, and leads us to his wife Andrea’s hopes for Crufts, where her dogs will compete a few days later, one of them winning a junior bitch class. Wylie is also a leading racehorse owner, and when we meet he is looking forward to the Cheltenham Festival, where he has some very lively chances. But, surprisingly, being first past the post is not his main driver. “Of course you want to be in the winner’s enclosure,” he says. “But it’s more important for the horse to run to its potential and come home safe. I’m very calm at the racecourse. I’m not the trainer, I’m not the jockey, I’m not the horse, so I can’t influence the race. I don’t get worked up about it.” It is a philosophical outlook which has served Wylie well in business. A co-founder of the

software giant Sage, he was awarded a CBE for services to industry in the 2004 New Year’s Honours list. He has honorary doctorates from Newcastle and Northumbria universities and the freedom of the city of Newcastle. Worth a reported £180m, he’s one of those people newspaper hacks like to refer to as ‘a tycoon’ - a cliche which brings to mind fat cats and ruthless operators. But Wylie is the antithesis - quietly spoken, impeccably mannered, and apparently egoless. The son of workingclass Scottish parents, his privileged position has been won through hard work and the true entrepreneur’s innate talent for spotting opportunity. This has brought him the means to pursue interests like horse racing, referenced in the names of the golf courses here at Close House (the Colt and the Filly), and a massive bronze sculpture of one of the Wylies’ best horses, Inglis Drever, in flight over a hurdle, on the lawn in front of their new home, Close House. The horse died in 2009 having won 17 races from 35

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starts and nearly £800,000 in prize money. The sculpture is an elegant addition to the Grade II* listed Close House, which presides over Wylie’s golf club of the same name. The mansion is currently undergoing a year-long refurb to restore it from hotel to family home, and the Wylies will move there with their twin daughters this autumn. The house is in clear view of our table in the luxurious No.19 clubhouse, and one does wonder about privacy once it is his family home. Wylie, however, relishes the location. “We both like people and we both like the buzz of this place,” he says. “When we last lived in the country, sometimes all you could hear was the hoot of the occasional owl. Here, there is lots going on, and we like that.” They last lived in the country at Chesters, a great country mansion just along the Tyne Valley near Humshaugh, on Hadrian’s Wall. They left it to move to Newcastle, to be close to the Freeman Hospital where their-then toddler daughter Kiera was a heart patient. “We

“There’s always something interesting to do”

were at the Freeman one day and she collapsed. She only survived because she was there and they could treat her straight away,” he says. “If she’d been at home, she’d have died. We knew then that we had to move close to the hospital.” The Wylies’ personal experience led to their support for the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF), which has benefited to the tune of more than £1m from events driven by them. Most recently, the new Home from Home family accommodation on the Freeman Hospital site was opened by Wylie’s friends and fellow CHUF

patrons Ant and Dec and Alan Shearer. The building provides accommodation for families of children receiving treatment. CHUF is not only about major projects like this, and the charity also provides blankets for young patients. “We know from experience that every little bit helps a child in hospital. Our blankets are softer than the NHS ones,” says Wylie, touchingly. The family accommodation now up and running, his focus has turned to helping to raise money for new ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) machines for the unit - one of which saved Kiera on the day of her collapse.

Kiera, now five, is in robust health, hence the move out of town to Close House. The property, in its most recent incarnation as a hotel and restaurant, was a wellestablished wedding venue, and the decision to close it was greeted with surprise locally. “But weddings were never a major revenue earner for us,” says Wylie. “And the house wasn’t big enough for evening receptions, so we had to have them here at No.19. The wedding and golf businesses weren’t compatible, and the golf business is paramount. Now, golf is our only focus, and that feels right.”

Wylie made his money in computer software. After graduating from Newcastle University in 1980 with a degree in computer science and statistics, he founded Sage in 1981 with David Goldman, Phil Lever, and Paul Muller, selling accountancy software built by Wylie himself as a student. The company grew through acquisition and floated on the stock exchange in 1989, at which point, Wylie says, he allowed himself to begin to believe it was going to be a success. After stepping down as MD of Sage in 2003, he sold a number of shares, from which he is reported to have

gained more than £100m. When the Wylies married at Slaley Hall in 2003, there were 250 guests including Alan Shearer and Sir Bobby Robson and Ronan Keating performed. Retirement, he says, did not enter his head. In fact, he says, he never will retire. “There’s always something interesting to do,” he says. Close House is probably the most high profile of his business interests and, like his racehorses, it competes at the highest level. Its Lee Westwood Colt course is one of the top 100 UK golf courses, and the Close House brand is worn by its attached tour pro, former world number one

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PROFILE Clare Balding. They all come Westwood, at competitions and have a wonderful time.” around the world. It’s also Corporate golf days are a the only place in the world key part of the business and with golf courses endorsed companies which host golf by Westwood - the Lee days here enjoy top quality Westwood Colt, and the customer service and a Lee Westwood Filly, which superb environment in which has just enjoyed a £1m to showcase their brand. revamp. There is also a new Close House will also host three-par short course, an the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors academy and driving range, Championship over the Lee and the luxurious No.19 Westwood Colt course in clubhouse, next to a small June, with major champions lake whose waters reflect on and Ryder Cup captains its glazed walls. making up a strong field No.19 has also just had which will attract thousands a major revamp, its former of spectators, who will all sultry mix of dark woods come for free. “I see it as a and deep reds transformed major marketing opportunity, by a clean sweep of neutral which is why it’s free,” says tones. “I’m pleased to say Wylie, “I want people to come the members like it very and see this place, and I much,” says Wylie, and it is want television audiences to abundantly clear that the see it at its best, packed satisfaction of his members with spectators.” is very important to him. Note Walk onto the the closure of the hotel golf course or and the weddings “I WANT the clubhouse business deemed any day of the incompatible PEOPLE week and you’ll with the golf TO SEE THIS spot a familiar club, the PLACE AT face from the revamp of what ITS BEST” worlds of sport, was already entertainment, or an immaculate business. Today, it’s clubhouse, and the Newcastle Utd player Ryan millions which have been Taylor who stops for a chat poured into the golf courses. - as they all do - with Wylie. The membership here These discerning customers includes some of the bestcome here because they known names in North East expect - and get - the best. business and sport. They are But they also like Wylie, and demanding customers, but talk to them and they speak of no doubt they will support him in his new role as chair their loyalty to Wylie himself, of the local organising fully appreciating what he has committee for the British created here. Close House Transplant Games, coming to is renowned for its fabulous Gateshead later this year. corporate and charity golf Typically, Wylie is throwing days, including Wylie’s starhimself into the project, and studded annual Have a Heart what might have been a Golf Day in aid of CHUF. It simple-enough job chairing raised £375,000 last year, the committee’s meetings setting the bar high for the has turned into a central role 2015 event in May. “We have in marketing the event. He great support and it’s growing says he is privileged to be at year on year,” he says. “Ant a point in his working life to and Dec will be back this year, have the time to devote to Lee Westwood, Alan Shearer, this, another good cause. AP McCoy, Ben Shephard, 36 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / APR - MAY 2015

He is also enthused about the growth of his newest business venture, the rapidly growing Speedflex fitness centres, in which Alan Shearer is a high-profile partner. The business is acquiring gyms nationwide as Wylie seeks to rapidly expand the company first launched two years ago when he bought the European rights to the revolutionary Speedflex fitness system. There are ambitions to grow the firm into an international brand and, having originally sold the Newcastle centre as a franchise, Wylie has bought it back, using it as a prototype for the roll-out of the brand. Close House, Speedflex, sporting and charity interests and various investments keep Wylie busy, and he leaves the

day-to-day operation of his technology company TSG to his trusted chief executive David Stonehouse. Last year it cut fixed costs after reporting a loss, attributed in part to investment in research and development. As a new product, a membership software named Tribe, hits the market, Wylie expects a good return on that investment. In the meantime, he will steer a characteristically steady course. Before he leaves for his next meeting, which is at Speedflex, he stops to say goodbye to the bar staff and asks them provide us with lunch. Afterwards, we wander over to view the bronze Inglis Drever close up. Like its owner, a winner in every sense of the word.

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PROFILE

Switched on Liz Hands meets Geoff Thompson, whose firm Utilitywise is switching on the lights all over the North East

sing your credit card to get a business off the ground comes with plenty of risks, but it certainly paid off for Utilitywise CEO Geoff Thompson. When he fell out with a major shareholder at the outsourcing company where he was MD, he lost his job. Faced with no salary and a mortgage to pay, he decided it was time to set up on his own. “We started with my credit card and three staff in a serviced office in Gateshead. I was under a lot of pressure,” he says, “and if I’m honest, I didn’t have a long-term strategic plan for the first year. All I really did was fund a project. It wasn’t a fully fledged business, just an idea.” It is a typically selfdepreciating statement for Thompson, who starts our interview pointing out that it will be difficult to get a good photograph of him because of his “wonky jaw”. “In that first year,” he adds, “we turned over £100,000 of revenue and made £5,000 in pre-tax profit, so it was

hardly a roaring success. But the business had potential. I migrated from relying on my credit card to relying on bank overdraft secured on my house.” These were calculated risks. “We haven’t been outrageous risk takers; it’s been about where we felt the market was and what customers’ requirements were. And we’ve tried to invest in the right things - IT systems, processes and products and services that help our customers manage their gas, power and water spend more effectively.” One of the UK’s leading energy and water cost management consultancies, North Tyneside-based Utilitywise, an NECC Partner and preferred supplier, helps businesses get value from their utilities and water contracts, to reduce energy consumption and lower their carbon footprint. The son of a television engineer and a fruit-andvegetable seller, Thompson hasn’t taken a conventional career path. He left Jarrow Grammar School at 16 for

work at Burgess Industrial Silencers. “But I knew I’d got out of full-time education too early,” he says. He did night classes, gained a technical diploma and, as he puts it, talked his way onto a combined science degree at Sunderland Poly. “I managed to get a first,” he says, “not because of intelligence, but because of lots of hard work. I spent hours in the library.” Hard work, he says, comes naturally. “I’m a working class lad. I’m one of four kids from a hard working, North East family and we didn’t have a lot. I used to play at Heworth Golf Club, but if I wanted golf balls, I’d get on my bike, take a carrier bag and spend all afternoon in the rough. “My motivation has never been about money, but I was quite driven and that started to crystalise when I realised I needed to carry on with my education.” After finishing his degree, he joined British Steel. Then he moved to Corning Glassworks in Sunderland while doing a post-graduate diploma in management

“I’m a working class lad from a hardworking family. We didn’t have alot” Geoff Thompson

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studies, followed by an MBA. He went on to join Price Waterhouse Coopers as a consultant, which gave him insight into how a variety of businesses worked. He worked for business process outsourcing firm Axiom before moving to a competitor where the disagreement which cost him his job took place. “Throughout my life I’ve had challenges, and whenever I’ve been faced with real difficulties, I’ve always had persistence and grit to get through,” he says. “It was close sometimes. We had some challenging moments, but it worked.” Launched in 2006, Utilitywise now employs 1,200 people and has 22,000 customers. Turnover expectations this year are north of £60m and £100m for next year. Part of that growth has been funded by an IPO. Thompson got close to a private equity deal, but averted it when his potential partners tried to “chip the deal”. Instead, in 2012, Utilitywise went public. “We’d just had the Euro and first Greek crisis, we’re a North Eastbased, small cap IPO and it was difficult to raise any money. Had it not been for one cornerstone investor, we wouldn’t have been successful. It wasn’t a wealth-creation event for me. I didn’t take any money off the table. We’ve now got

some unbelievable blue chip institutions on our shareholder register and that’s given us access to capital to fund further growth.” Utilitywise has made a series of acquisitions, making it a player in the corporate market as well as SME and mid-sized. Early investment in IT and processes has allowed Thompson to scale the business, which has built a host of products and services. Thompson is quick to praise his team, which includes his sons Andrew and Callum. He also has two stepchildren - Stephanie, a property developer, and Philip, who is busy with his A levels. Having recently moved to Corbridge, Thompson can often be found on one of the golf courses at nearby Close House, although he says his wife Andrea beats him “too regularly”. It’s typical of a man who is refreshingly down-to-earth. “I hope we retain a real opendoor, can-do, entrepreneurial, honest, pragmatic culture at Utilitywise, with no politics and no empire building. It’s about delivery, execution, success, drive and determination, all in a positive way. We don’t trample on people. “We bring everyone with us and make sure our staff understand what we’re trying to achieve. If you lose that and start to believe in your own hype, propaganda, and ego, you’ve lost your way.”

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PROFILE

Back to the future Owen McAteer meets the new head of Darlington Building Society, Colin Fyfe

olin Fyfe might feel like the lead character Marty McFly in the film Back to the Future as he strives to take Darlington Building Society forward. On the one hand, the chief executive of the 159-year-old mutual wants his customers to feel like they’ve stepped back to an age of banking prominent in the 1950s, where the Michael J Fox character finds himself in the original film. At the same time he accepts that every financial institution must look to the future. He intends his organisation to have embraced the latest technology by late 2015, incidentally the same point in time the aforementioned film character found himself in the film’s sequel. Fyfe, who took over from David Dodd a year ago, says: “We are really keen to ensure that all ages know about their building society, that there is a strong awareness of what it stands for. There is a generation growing up which is born with a laptop, tablet or smartphone in their

hand. Visiting a branch is not of its traditional features something they have grown while remaining relevant. It up with.” goes back to the 48-yearThis year will see the old’s own experiences as society step up its online a youngster in a close-knit offering, building on an Scottish community. The improved web presence and young Fyfe would go with his increased use of social media. businessman father to collect “We started an investment the turnstile takings from in technology last year and Motherwell FC and deposit updated our core platform them in the night safe at and on the back of that we the bank. launched our social media,” “Our 10 branches are the says Fyfe. focal point of Darlington “Last autumn, we Building Society,” he went out to tender says. “We don’t on all of our online want to change “THIS YEAR WE that because services and by WILL BUILD UP we believe in the end of this year you will be our strategy of OUR ONLINE able to apply for providing the PRESENCE” mortgages online. ability to bank During 2016, you will online and in a be able to look at your physical branch. savings balances and “Just in February we made transfer money. a substantial change when “We won’t be the first the most senior people in to the market with those our branches were renamed services, but we don’t have branch managers. It might to go through all the stages seem a small thing, but it everyone else has already is important we can say to gone through.” people there is a branch All this talk of technology manager there, and they are does not mean the society willing to speak to you. has forgotten its roots; “My father was lucky, his he is keen it retains many business operated in the days

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Colin Fyfe with staff when there was a designated branch manager who makes the decisions. That is what we have; we are not governed by the ‘computer says’ analogy, we are governed by people who listen and understand the complexities of people’s lives. “We give our branch managers a lot of leeway. They understand what a good credit risk is and what a not good credit risk is. They use their experience and their conversations with the customer to decide not only what is best for the society, but also what is best for the customer. A lot of that has been lost in the financial sector.” The family values instilled in him as a youngster were behind his move into the banking sector - he spent 29 years in various roles for Clydesdale Bank - rather than following his father into the family undertaker’s business. “When my father first left school he went into the steel industry and he always told me to go out and carve my own career, rather than just thinking I would walk into the family business,” he says. His move to the main role at Darlington Building Society is an ideal opportunity, he says, to use the lessons learned working for the National Australia Bank Group-owned Clydesdale in Melbourne as well as in London, Glasgow, Leeds, and Manchester.

“I had the opportunity to demonstrate I could put into practice all I had learned over 29 years,” he says. He is a hands-on chief executive, going around the branches to meet customers, and he wants the society to be at the centre of the communities it serves, offering space in its branches for everything from displays by local artists to meeting areas for local groups. “I have also started getting involved in several community groups,” he says. “We need to demonstrate what we stand for, rather than expecting people to guess. “It is the most interesting part of the job. Our areas are very different - Northallerton is our furthest south and Bishop Auckland our furthest north and they are very different towns with different backgrounds. Our key markets are North Yorkshire, County Durham and the Tees Valley and we ask our individual branches to be as active as they can in the community.” The society has no intentions to expand beyond the present area it serves. “Our branches are all local and we look at our customers individually rather than a computer system,” says Fyfe. And with that, he is away to visit another branch and its customers, keeping things traditional in a very modern world.

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SKILLS

HOT TOPIC

Leading players in UK biomass have joined forces under the leadership of a Northumberland-based businessman to develop a skills standard under the Government’s Apprenticeship Trailblazers programme. Under the programme, groups of employers pool their expertise to develop apprenticeship standards with the aim of ensuring young people develop world-class skills. The Biomass Installation Engineer programme is led by Neil Harrison, founder and director of Alnwick-based re:heat. Harrison is also vice chairman of the Wood Heat Association, the national trade body representing almost 200 biomass businesses employing more than 3,500 people. “The biomass industry is experiencing high growth across the country and we expect demand for this apprenticeship programme to start at 200 in the first year, growing by at least a further 100 annually until we have around 750 participants by 2020,” he says. “It is vital that we ensure the quality of biomass boiler installations if the sector’s potential is to be fully realised.” Harrison and 10 colleagues will work with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to develop the apprenticeship programme, standards and assessment approaches.

Jake Robinson, Andrew Knight, Adam Churm, the Bishop of Durham, and Jack Pallister

From pulpit to ‘pigs’

manufacturing base plates on a lathe and or a man who conducts most of assembling pipeline “pigs”. his business from the pulpit and The “pigs” in question are designed and the House of Lords, the Right manufactured by IK-UK, which employs 47 Revd Paul Butler, Bishop of people, including four NECC apprentices. Durham, proved a dab hand These purpose-built pieces of equipment with a plasma cutter after signing up for are made from polyurethane and an NECC apprenticeship. steel and used primarily in the Bishop Paul took on the role oil and gas industry to of engineering apprentice for IT WAS A FAR clean pipelines. the day with NECC member CRY FROM “When I was offered the IK-UK of Newton Aycliffe to ROBES AND chance of an apprenticeship promote the importance of SERMONS by NECC I was very keen to try apprenticeships to North something in engineering,” says East business. Bishop Paul. “It is a genuine North It was a far cry from robes, East industrial strength and sermons and a constant stream of something I have always held an interest meetings, but Bishop Paul was learning in, so to have the chance to try my hand at from the best and was soon working the it was an opportunity I could not refuse.” water jet and plasma cutting machines,

EMPLOYMENT BOOST BT has announced the North East will benefit from plans to create 1,000 new apprenticeships and graduate jobs in the UK this year. The new recruits to BT will work in areas including software development, IT, engineering and digital technology. The 700 apprenticeship and 300 graduate jobs will be created across the UK, including Newcastle. BT is also providing up to 1,000 vocational

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training and work experience placements for out-of-work youngsters in 2015/16. Some BT apprentices will also begin new degree apprenticeships in September, allowing them to complete full honours degrees while working. Careers ranging from business analysis to software development and technology consultancy will be available at BT as part of a new scheme which integrates degree-level learning with on-the-job training.

NEWS FOCUS ON NEW ROLE

Back (L-R) Neil Blagburn (NEXUS), John Cruddace, (Unipres), Tara Allan, (Direct Recruitment) Front (L-R): Paul Johnstone (NEXUS), Ross Smith (NECC), Adam Tatters (Unipres), Judith Doyle (Gateshead College), Lucy McKinnie (Direct Recruitment)

Inspiring stories

usiness leaders of the present and future came together to celebrate the launch of NECC’s Apprentice Greats book, which profiles 200 people who began their careers as apprentices. The book, sponsored by Gateshead and Middlesbrough colleges, was launched by NECC at The Greenhouse Brasserie, Gateshead College Baltic Campus to mark NECC’s 200th anniversary and National Apprenticeship Week 2015. Some of those who contributed to the book, including public transport operator NEXUS, Sunderland-based manufacturer Unipres, and Newcastlebased Direct Recruitment, were invited

to the launch alongside some of their current apprentices. The book, designed and produced by NECC’s creative agency and publisher of Contact magazine, Northumberlandbased Offstone Publishing, is designed to show young people and employers what can be achieved by apprentices. Neil Blagburn, head of renewals at NEXUS, began his career as an apprentice fitter. He said: “This book will help to inspire both young people and their potential employers. “Our apprentices bring fresh blood into our organisation and, with a bit of motivation and hard work, the world really is their oyster. Employers should realise that taking on an apprentice is an investment, not a burden.”

L-r: Peter Robinson, executive chairman of Nordic Focus Training Group, Margaret Gill, marketing manager at Clive Owen LLP, and new apprentice Kayleigh Tutin

An accountancy and business advisory firm has added a new apprentice to its marketing team. Kayleigh Tutin, 16, of Crook, Co Durham, will work towards her NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration after joining Clive Owen LLP in Darlington. Appointed through Darlington-based Nordic Focus Training Group, she will provide data and administration support to Clive Owen’s marketing department.

NEWS

NORWEGIAN JOB SWAP Newton Aycliffe-based manufacturer IK-UK is using its youngest innovators to share best practice across Europe. IK-UK welcomed a trio of Norwegian apprentices from parent company IKNorway to work alongside its apprentice team to compare working practices and develop new skills. The Norwegians, Bard Angell Bergh, Thomas Masden and Tord Vegard Gilt Saeveried, worked alongside Andrew Knight, Jack Pallister and Adam Churm for two days at the plant. L-r: Andrew Knight, Adam Churm, Jack Pallister Tord Vegard Gilt Saeveried, Thomas Masden and Bard Angell Bergh

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE A new assessment facility for apprentice electricians has opened at Newcastle College. Based at the College’s Energy Academy in Walker, Newcastle, the £145,000 AM2 centre will offer flexible assessments which can be planned around the needs of employers and training providers.

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EXPORT

STEEL DEAL FOR PD PORTS

Main: Zeph Ndlovo, president elect for DCCI; KwaZuluNatal, Transnet Port Terminals; Richard Swart, NECC; and James Ramsbotham, NECC. Inset: Ramsbotham during his day as an apprentice

PD Ports has signed a new seven-year deal with SSI UK for the handling of steel slab through Teesport. Since SSI UK’s steelmaking operations restarted almost three years ago, more than 7m tonnes of steel slab has been exported through the PD Ports’ facilities at Teesport. The new contract includes the provision of additional export capacity at the port and secures some 100 existing jobs at Teesport. PD Ports’ significant investment at its No 1 Quay at Tees Dock, which is on target for completion in May 2015, will enable fully laden panamax vessels to be loaded at any level of tide. This will reduce supply chain costs for SSI UK and facilitate improved efficiencies at Teesport’s premier export steel handling facility. Meanwhile, MPI Offshore has signed a six-year lease agreement with PD Ports to secure Teesport Commerce Park in Middlesbrough as its UK base. The agreement anchors Teesport Commerce Park as home for MPI Offshore’s expanding fleet of installation vessels, which includes the MPI Adventure, Resolution, Discovery and Enterprise.

Mission South Africa

NECC chief executive James Ramsbotham on a memorable trip to South Africa

e had an exciting start to 2015, which continued with a trade mission to South Africa with UKTI and NECC members. In the past, we have welcomed visitors from the South African Government and the British Chamber of Business in Southern Africa, establishing links and a desire to open trade relationships. With exports to South Africa worth around £70m to our region, the time is right to build on this relationship. On hand was our resident South African Richard Swart, who is chair of NECC’s International Trade Committee and global operations director for Berger Closures. We felt huge warmth from everyone we met there, and with its reputation for delivering value for money, it’s obvious why South Africa is one of the world’s fastestgrowing business destinations. I felt a connection between our regions when our journey began in Johannesburg, a city based on mining, and the trip provided saw us work with Baroness Scotland, UK Trade Envoy to Southern Africa. We also visited Pretoria, where we were greeted by a huge statue of Nelson Mandela outside the Union Building. NECC, UKTI and the High Commission met and there was great support for North East businesses. We visited the Johannesburg CoC & Industry an attended a reception in the

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Trade Commissioner’s Residence with local businesses. Here, we met Craig Morgan - a native South African who lives in the North East who runs NECC member Videre Global, which has provided life-changing solar technology to a township near Johannesburg. From here we flew to Durban, which is the largest port in South Africa. We were joined by UK High Commissioner Judith Macgregor, and met with the Durban Chamber. We were part of a Memorandum of Understanding ceremony to emphasise the mutual accord between Durban and Newcastle city councils, and shared our 50 Great Reasons campaign with potential UK investors. We met with our Trade & Investment colleagues for KwaZulu-Natal and were impressed by the opportunities for UK businesses, and then with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Durban at the town hall. Then, to mark National Apprenticeship Week, I took on an international job swap. I visited LIV Village, a charity providing holistic and residential care for children, and was shown the ropes by young entrepreneurs there and was caught up in their enthusiasm. The trip was a wonderful opportunity to build on relationships and meet potential new colleagues. As one of the world’s emerging economic powerhouses, there are enormous opportunities to do business with South Africa and I look forward to NECC members doing so.

EXPORT EXCELLENCE

EXPORTERS’ AWARDS 2015 The search for 2015’s top North East exporters has begun. The North East Exporters Awards celebrates companies which are boosting the regional economy through overseas trade. The awards are sponsored by NECC, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), HSBC and PD Ports and celebrate businesses and individuals who have gone the extra mile to boost international sales performance. Last year Ashington-based A-Belco Ltd took SME Exporter of the Year and Overall Exporter of the Year, going on to win the Achievement in International Business prize at the BCC Awards. Middlesbrough-based CorDEX

Instruments took the New Exporter award while the prize for export team went to SOLO Thermal Imaging Ltd. Mid and large Exporter was Glanbia Performance Nutrition and the Supporting Export award went to freight forwarding company, Evolution Forwarding. This year’s awards take place at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham on June 25. The categories are: New exporter, SME exporter, Supporting export, Export team - sponsored by NECC, Medium and large - sponsored by UKTI, Overall - sponsored by HSBC, and Special recognition - sponsored by PD Ports. For further information on judging criteria and eligibility, go to www.northeastexportersawards.co.uk. The deadline for entries is May 1.

NECC has been awarded a five-year contract by UK Trade & Investment to deliver export services across the region. Having been created 200 years ago to grow the Trade of the Port of Newcastle, NECC will now take responsibility for boosting exports across the North East, building on the region’s successful export performance and helping companies find footholds in the global marketplace. NECC will utilise its membership and links to all sectors of industry to increase visibility of the region’s 23-strong expert team of trade advisers.

PROGRAMME MAKES US DEBUT

BRAZIL BECKONS  Sound Training’s founder director

Katy Parkinson (left) with the teaching programme’s CEO Claire Preston

L-r: Paul Langley, Charles Tighe, Richard Knowles and David Pickles

A subsea engineering firm is to open a new overseas operation after doubling its turnover and investing £1.5m in new machinery and additional space. Middlesbrough-based QA Weld Tech is opening a new factory in Sao Paulo as it taps into the buoyant Brazilian oil and gas market. Its first overseas expansion comes on the

back of a record year which saw its turnover double to £16m and the opening of a new office block and the hiring of 40 new staff. QA Weld Tech, which employs 110 people, specialises in the welding and fabrication of complex pipework and is a world leader in the turnkey supply of high-pressure flow bends for the sub-sea oil and gas industries.

Teesside business Sound Training is spreading its wings after its unique teaching programme made its debut in the US. Currently used in more than 300 schools across England, Sound Training boosts literacy levels of mainstream pupils. During a week-long visit supported by UKTI, Sound Training’s Katy Parkinson trained teachers at San Francisco’s Leadership High School. Accompanied by her daughter Lisa, a qualified teacher, Katy provided the team in San Francisco with the skills, knowledge and resources needed to introduce the scheme to pupils.

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SPECIAL FOCUS

Energy & renewables A special focus on companies leading the way in this growing sector vital to the future of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy

In association with

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SPECIAL FOCUS

NEWS

£1m renewable energy campus Wind industry experts descended on the region to attend the launch of a new state-of-the-art renewable energy centre, which is expected to attract thousands of potential workers for the fastgrowing wind sector. The new £1m renewable energy campus, developed by AIS Training was launched on North Tyneside to deliver training for the global wind industry. The centre, accredited by leading industry bodies including RenewableUK and the Global Wind Organisation, is purposebuilt within a 6,000sqft industrial unit and recreate the field conditions found on real wind turbines enabling AIS to deliver realistic skills training and ‘work-ready’ personnel. It has created 12 jobs at AIS.

NEWS

Energy saving Businesses in Darlington have saved more than £30,000 on services and utilities thanks to a new procurement initiative Retailers, independently owned within the Business Improvement District (BID) overseen by Distinct Darlington benefited after joining forces with BID procurement specialist Meercat Associates Ltd.

We have the power

The conference, which was supported by nergy minister Matthew Hancock Invest North East England, Draeger, Teesside MP has challenged the energy University, and Arefco Special Products, also sector supply chain to continue featured a debate on the role of future to develop innovative solutions energy resources, including deep geo to maximise UK resources and thermal, and the opportunities they may take advantage of international present to supply chain companies. opportunities. The conference also highlighted Speaking at the NOF Energy annual international markets with a particular focus conference, Energy: A Balanced Future, at on the United States with a presentation Sage Gateshead, he said the Government from the Greater Houston Partnership and had been listening to representations from the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber industry to improve the fiscal and there was an exhibition with environment for the energy industry. more than 80 UK and international He also encouraged the sector KEEPING companies showcasing their to work closely with government, THE LIGHTS including the newly formed Oil & SWITCHED ON products and services. George Rafferty, chief executive Gas Authority (OGA). of NOF Energy, says: “The supply Energy: A Balanced Future chain, which includes around 500 NOF welcomed more than 600 delegates Energy members, is united in supporting the from across the UK and around the world to drive for a balanced energy mix and debate the role of the supply chain in ensuring we do not have a situation where ensuring a balanced energy mix and the the lights go out. challenges it faces in preventing energy “The energy minister was very supportive shortages in the future. of the role NOF Energy is playing to In addition to discussing the oil and gas galvanise the supply chain across the energy sector, and in particular the evolving sectors and the ability of companies in our landscape in the North Sea, with network to develop disruptive and innovative presentations from BP and Wood Group solutions that will enable the industry to PSN, the conference also heard from DONG deliver cost-effective and long-term Energy and the Nuclear Industry Association energy supply.” on offshore wind and the Nuclear industry.

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In association with

THE UK’S PREMIER ENERGY SECTOR SUPPORT ORGANISATION AT THE HEART OF THE NORTH EAST

OF Energy is the premier business support organisation for companies operating in oil, gas, nuclear and oﬀshore renewables sectors with its HQ in North East England. With around 500 member companies,

of which about half have operations in the region, NOF Energy provides a suite of specialist services to support members’ ambitions to secure new work in the UK and international energy markets. Central to its services is a comprehensive programme of networking events, company brieﬁngs and conferences. Its recent national conference, Energy: A Balanced Future, held in Gateshead, was attended by around 600 delegates and more than 80 exhibitors. The events provide invaluable networking opportunities along with access to key industry ﬁgures NOF Energy also provides marketing support, industry intelligence and a personalised introduction service to encourage the development of new relationships and inter-member trading. Its highly-proactive services have, over

recent years, generated in excess of £167 million worth of new contracts for members which shows perfectly the real impact it has on members businesses. Paul Livingstone, Business Development Manager at NOF Energy, said: “The role of a dynamic, forwardthinking supply chain is becoming increasingly important in the ever changing energy sector and NOF Energy works incredibly hard to ensure members are aware and involved in the development of the sector and the opportunities which exist.”

For more information contact Paul Livingstone, Business Development Manager plivingstone@nofenergy. co.uk

NOF ENERGY – PROVIDING THE GATEWAY TO INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

orth East England has an exceptional international reputation and NOF Energy supports companies from the region keen to access new overseas markets. The organisation oﬀers a dedicated international business support service, which consists of a range of specialist services that increase members’

knowledge of target markets and provides access to important contacts. Through a network of Tier 1 and 2 Strategic Partners, who are the major clients within the energy sector, as well as a group of Global Partners in locations such as Denmark, The Netherlands, South Africa, Canada and Malaysia, NOF Energy is able to encourage the formation of new relationships and partnerships as well as improve its members’ visibility in markets around the world. Most recently, NOF Energy strengthened its position in the US market with the establishment of its Houston Network designed to assist companies looking to build a presence in the world’s energy capital. NOF Energy hosts a calendar of international market visits, which enable

members to form new relationships with contacts and increase awareness of local operations through visits to in-country facilities. These visits are supported by a programme of market brieﬁngs, bespoke overseas reports and NOF Energy’s regular bulletin, BD Global, all of which provide members with invaluable intelligence of activities around the world. The organisation also provides a gateway to the UK market for international companies looking to access British companies with a range of inward visits, matchmaking and programme arranging.

For more information contact Caroline Lofthouse, Business Development Manager clofthouse@nofenergy.co.uk

For more information about NOF Energy contact telephone: +44(0)191 384 6464, business@nofenergy.co.uk or visit www.nofenergy.co.uk. First Floor, Thames House, Mandale Business Park, Belmont Ind Est, Durham, DH1 1TH, UK

In association with

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SPECIAL FOCUS

Hitting the road with Port of Tyne

ourmet Water is building up to a busy - and thirsty - summer, with help from some little monsters and the Port of Tyne. The two-year-old soft drinks company secured a licence to produce its Moshlings range of drinks based on the hugely popular children’s cartoon characters Moshi Monsters. Moshi Monsters is a website with more than 80m registered users in 150 countries around the world and has grown from a web-based game to merchandising and a magazine. Gourmet Water’s Moshlings Magic Water has joined the company’s range of vitamin waters made from natural ingredients sweetened with natural fruit and stevia. Moshlings Magic Water, along with the company’s other soft drinks, are distributed around the UK to major supermarkets, high street bakeries and pub chains. Gourmet Water’s Andy Clarke says:

“With a little help from the Port of Tyne, our logistics partners, we are getting ready for summer which is our busy time with family holidays, days out, kids’ parties and people enjoying the sunshine. We’ve been producing Moshlings Magic Water for just over 12 months now. It’s proving to be extremely popular and we are sure it’s going to be another big hit this year.’’ Gourmet Water’s products are made in Sunderland and distributed all over the UK by Port of Tyne logistics, which handles around five trailer loads a month.

Join today . . . Identify potential new business opportunities Build new networks and meet energy specific contacts Targeted marketing opportunities to raise your business profile Access to up-to-date project information and industry intelligence

Business won through NOF Energy support…

£in167themillion last 12 months!

Hear what our members have said… NOF Energy is a great organisation for putting businesses together. The information they provide to all members of our team is timely and of high quality. Their team is professional, knowledgeable, honest and friendly. The leads we get, whether from member introductions or their many events are extremely high quality

NOF Energy has opened doors we couldn’t on our own. We are now looking at record turnover and profits we never thought possible 10 years ago Robert Bowles, Chairman, Barrier Group

Charlie Guthrie, Marketing Manager, AIS Group

The biggest industry challenge for members is being able to gain access to key decision-makers

In a recent survey of NOF Energy members, over 60% of respondents said they gained valuable business through using our services in the last 12 months

Another challenge for members working in the energy sector is raising awareness of their products and services to the target market The team at NOF Energy is excellent and clearly understand what they need to provide to its membership. We joined 2 years ago not quite too sure what to expect. What we have encountered has more than exceeded our expectations and has enabled us as a business to forge relationships with others in the industry Richard Bradley, Finance Director, Dyer Engineering

For more information about membership, please contact Paul Livingstone, Business Development Manager plivingstone@nofenergy.co.uk

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In association with

It is the old adage - big enough to cope, small enough to care Matt Smith, Business Development Manager, Beck Prosper

RE-ENERGISE YOUR MARKETING

Samantha Davidson, managing director of full service strategic marketing company Horizonworks, on how businesses can effectively get their messages across… We’ve worked with some truly

exciting, visionary companies who have made their mark on new markets. But whatever their size, they’ve all faced a similar challenge: to show how a highly technical product or service can be used in the real world. Successfully communicating

In association with

your business to an audience relies on understanding your target market, getting your message right and choosing the most cost effective communications tactics. Our approach will help you meet this challenge.

We look at a business through the eyes of its staff, customers and competitors, from which we create a marketing strategy which provides the bedrock for growth. At the implementation stage, we take complex ideas and translate them into clear messages which resonate with end users. We then deliver the strategy using methods including brand development, design, public relations and digital marketing. Horizonworks can tailor a strategy for your business and deliver it in a way that gets you noticed. Your message is important - make sure it’s heard loud and clear. For more information, call 0845 075 5955, email hello@horizonworks.co.uk or visit www.horizonworks.co.uk

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OUT TO LUNCH

Bank on it

Liz Hands meets the Theatre Royal’s first-ever life president, retired regional Barclays Bank director John Ward

taff at Bistro Romano recognise John Ward straightaway. The Cleadon restaurant, long a favourite among Sunderland players and managers, was a regular haunt for Ward and his late wife Eileen McCabe. He hasn’t been there for a while, having sadly lost his wife, a former TV presenter, to an aggressive brain tumour just six weeks before we meet. There’s much hand shaking when Ward walks in; the team here obviously pleased to see him again. It’s not hard to see why - he is clearly one of life’s gentlemen, impeccably dressed and somewhat apprehensive about the prospect of talking about himself. But as the conversation starts flowing, it turns out he has plenty to tell us. There’s probably not a major organisation in the North East with which Ward has not been involved. Having worked through the ranks at Barclays to become North East regional director, he has also served on many boards, including the region’s universities, One North East, the Northern Rock Foundation, Arriva, Northern

Investors, the Theatre Royal, Northumbria Water, and Tyne and Wear Development Corporation (TWDC). It was at TWDC some 25 years ago that he met McCabe, who was working in PR for the organisation. Between them, the couple have four children, including his stepdaughter Louise who Ward says he “inherited” when she was six. He touchingly describes her as his “best mate,” and is looking forward to a visit on the afternoon we meet. He was regional director at Barclays until 1993 and after he left, he stayed on for two years in a non-executive role. He balked at the idea of going to London to progress his career further. Born and educated in Stamford, Lincolnshire, he headed north in the 1970s. “I didn’t want to move back south because I enjoy the people in the North East better than anywhere I’ve ever worked. But my argument wasn’t really about going to London,” he says. “I’m of average intelligence, but I do think I’m good with people. It doesn’t matter whether it’s my gardener or Lord Ridley. So, if I’m good

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with people, why put me in head office?” He has natural charm by the bucket load, but he recognises bankers are not always the best-liked professionals. Of the banking crisis which struck following his retirement, he says: “Bankers have never been popular, a bit like estate agents or accountants. But I genuinely think we were trusted and respected. The sadness is that greed over took everything - personal greed and corporate greed. It will take another generation to get back to where the industry once stood. “There’s a bonus culture

where people are getting a million or more. I was a director of Barclays and I got £100 and that was great. I’d find it very difficult to work in today’s banking environment because my interest was doing deals and making decisions. Now everything has to be taken down to London.” He says he was saddened by the Northern Rock crisis. “When the chief executive of Northern Rock stood up and announced a very good set of profits, we were the darling of London,” he says. “But he was targeting a 20% profit increase year-onyear. That just wasn’t

JUST DESSERTS

sustainable.” At Barclays, Ward, who was awarded an OBE in the early 90s, was instrumental in deals which ranged from the bizarre to the extensive. Of the unusual, he remembers, in his first managerial role, being asked for a loan by a woman who wanted to ship greyhounds to Japan. He was also heavily involved in one of the biggest deals the North East had seen at the time when Northern Engineering Industries was looking for around £30m to build a hydro-electric dam in India. “That was a lot of money in those days,” he says. “Now we deal in millions and

billions. Then, it was usually hundreds of thousands.” Having joined the Theatre Royal as a trustee in 1988, he became aware the former Barclays building on Newcastle’s Market Street was about to come up for sale. “The more I thought about it, the more I realised it was the only building the theatre could ever extend to because it was the only one it abutted. The difficulty was an element of the city council has always regarded the theatre as a bit elitist, but they agreed to pay £1m for the building as long as we found a way to fund the renovation.

“Newcastle has always been the biggest village in the country, which has its plusses and its minuses. The plusses outweigh the minuses from my point of view.” Due to retire from the board at the Theatre Royal, Ward has now agreed to stay on as its first-ever life president. It seems they simply don’t want to let him go. We can understand why. But after finishing our ice cream, it’s time for him to head home to Whitburn to see his stepdaughter and new granddaughter. Time now, for family duties, too.

John Ward is a long-time customer at Cleadon’s Bistro Romano, so I take his lead when it comes to menu choices, opting for the same starter. A generous portion of scallops surrounds a crab salad and is served with a delectable appley, sweet reduction. We mix and match from the bistro and the lunchtime specials menu, opting for the seabass served with Mediterranean vegetables and potatoes and the confit duck leg, which is cooked to falling-off-the-bone perfection. With crisp skin, the meat itself is so tender it falls away as soon as you touch it with a fork. I admit I’d already chosen my dessert before anything else and can’t leave without trying the Turkish Delight ice cream, with delicate rose flavours, while Ward opts for a cherry version. No wonder it’s one of Ward’s favourite places. The staff are attentive and friendly, the food is delicious, the décor classy and the prices reasonable. Our meal, including our photographer’s huge starter of mozzarella salad and his chicken tagliatelle main course, comes to just over £80, including beer and sparkling water. Bistro Romano, Front Street Sunderland, SR6 7PG tel 0191 519 1747 www.bistroromano.co.uk

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APPOINTMENTS

in association with

MARKETING EXPERT

TLW Solicitors has appointed Alistair McDonald as head of marketing and business development at its North Shields-based practice. McDonald will be concentrating on growing the business outside of the North East.

ON BOARD

Yvonne Bell, a director of Bell Truck and Van, has joined the board of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum. After joining the family commercial vehicle business nearly 35 years ago, she worked her way through the company to marketing director then leading the organisation alongside her sister Carolyn Bayne.

TOP CLASS VICE CHANCELLOR

Teesside University has appointed Professor Paul Croney as its new ViceChancellor & Chief Executive. He takes over from Professor Graham Henderson CBE DL, who steps down this summer after 12 years at the helm, and 16 years at the University. Professor Croney will join Teesside from Northumbria University in Newcastle where he has held a succession of leadership roles from Dean of the £26m Newcastle Business School, to ProVice-Chancellor for Learning & Teaching, and, latterly, as Deputy Vice-Chancellor with a focus on strategic planning and international development. An academic scholar in the field of management and business education, he holds honorary and visiting professorships from universities in Russia and China.

Sarah Willshire has joined law firm Watson Burton as associate in real estate. Willshire’s expertise lies in development work, advising clients on the acquisition of sites for development purposes, and for clients acquiring or disposing of ground rent portfolios. She has worked for the Department for Education and the Education Funding Agency on development of sites for free schools.

CHANGE AT THE TOP

Commercial law firm Muckle LLP has announced the promotion of Jason Wainwright to managing partner. Wainwright, a real estate partner who has been with the firm for ten years, takes the helm from Steve McNichol who takes up a new position at Muckle, focusing on client development.

PIC TO COME

TREASURES TRIO

A trio of experts has been assembled to support Durham Cathedral’s Open Treasure project to transform the way visitors enjoy the cathedral. Head of collections Lisa Di Tommaso will be joined by Exhibitions officer MarieThérèse Mayne and Megan de la Hunt, documentation officer, creating digital records of the cathedral’s collections.

TECHNICAL ROLE

Andrea Hanna has been appointed as technical manager at Newcastle and Chester le Street-based Gordon Brown Law Firm. She will work closely with managing partner Kathryn Taylor and head of residential conveyancing Geoff Hall. Wendy Frame has been appointed to replace Andrea as team leader, joining from Bindman & Co Solicitors.

SPA DAYS

The new multi-million pound Spa at Ramside Hall, near Durham, has appointed Jill Russell, former spa revenue manager at Rockliffe Hall, as spa director. Anthony Woodhouse takes up the role of general manager for spa and leisure at the hotel and Phillipa Donnison is guest services manager.

POWER OF THIS ATTORNEY

A solicitor’s professional journey has brought her back to the North East to join legal practice BHP Law. Lydia McCaslin a specialist in wills, trusts and probate, is now heading the team at BHP’s Newcastle office.

LABOUR MARKET POLITICS As the general election approaches, the labour market gains prominence with zero hours contracts and a clamour for more regulation in the recruitment industry both examples of political point scoring. Our trade association the REC have taken a proactive approach with a manifesto aimed at influencing the debate around what the next government should do to create a UK labour market which can respond to the evolving challenges of the next decade. The REC call to arms: 1. Give everyone the chance to succeed through work. 2. Accelerate business growth and job creation through skills. 3. Build the best local jobs market through partnerships and SME access. 4. Enhance our position in the global marketplace. Lee Rankin Managing Director

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200TH ANNIVERSARY GALA DINNER 17TH SEPTEMBER 2015 D U R H A M W O R L D H E R I TAG E S I T E Event Drinks Reception Sponsored by

NECC has a 200-year long tradition of holding the most prestigious, prominent and well attended business dinners across the North East. This prestigious event will see the largest ever reception held within the Cloisters of Durham Cathedral, engaging speakers and an exciting locally focused menu, the event will not only be the largest ever business dinner in the region’s history, but the highest proﬁle event in the North East’s business calendar in 2015. £200+VAT a ticket

PROUD TO BE SUPPORTED BY OUR ANNIVERSARY PATRONS:

Be part of it. Go to www.necc.co.uk/events or email events@necc.co.uk for more information #NECC200

FAB 5

Business tips

Ahead of the publication of the NECC200 Business Tips Book as part of Business Week, June 8-12, we asked our Fab 5 for their business tips

1 Lucy Philipson Chief executive COCO www.coco.org.uk

It is essential to surround yourself with great people. Hire people who possess skills you don’t to enhance your business and encourage them to speak up on strategic decision making so that you’re all working towards the same goals.

Laura Kemp

Lucy Winskell OBE

www.sunderlandlive.co.uk

www.northumbria.ac.uk

‘So What?’ When delivering a message to your customers always aim to engage with them, rather than just talking at them. Read your proposed communication and then ask yourself, ‘So what?’

Endeavour to work with great people. Be aware of the shadow you cast on those you manage and take stock from time to time. Also, never shy away from hiring someone who is better than you, it will drive you to achieve more.

Business Development Manager Sunderland Live

Pro vice-chancellor Northumbria University

Maggie Pavlou

Amanda Vigar

www.peoplegauge.com

www.vigargroup.com

People don’t really care what you think until they believe that you really care. People may forget exactly WHAT you said, they will never forget HOW you made them feel. Employee engagement is not a dark art but get it right and it works like magic.

It’s very easy to unwittingly agree to things you didn’t realise you were signing up for, particularly if you are juggling many aspects of the business.So, whether it’s business or personal, read the small print - or it could cost you dear.

Owner People Gauge Limited

Managing partner V&A Vigar & Co LLP

APR - MAY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 57

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE: LUNCH NO.19 AT CLOSE HOUSE

STRAUSS SUITE AT THE COUNTY HOTEL

DABBAWAL

HOTEL DU VIN

No.19 is a place where comforting home-cooked food is served in a contemporary environment. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite after a round of golf, enjoying dinner in No.19 or a light lunch on the terrace, you can relax in stunning surroundings in the heart of the Northumberland countryside while tasting the best of Northumberland’s local produce. No.19 also offers a restaurant and function room able to cater for parties up to 140.

Occupying a corner location in the hotel the Strauss Suite boasts large picture windows overlooking the city. Its magnificent marble fireplace and comfortable Chesterfield sofas make it a favourite for board meetings, smaller events, private dinners or for a reception room tothe connected Mozart Suite. Private Lunch in the Strauss or Opera Suite is £17.50 pp inc vat including hire of the room, 2 Course Meal and Tea/Coffee

Dabbawal, street food pioneer of the North East, brings the amazing tastes of the street to its two restaurants in Newcastle, featuring unique tapasstyle plates for sharing and classic dishes with a twist. A popular spot for business lunches (see page 56), client lunches and dinners, Dabbawal’s excellent £15 Chef Express business lunch is perfect for a working lunch - featuring classic dishes and a number of new, exciting plates you’ll not find anywhere else in the city.

Bistro du Vin is at the heart of the hotel in Newcastle’s vibrant Ouseburn district. Experience an elegant and informal setting for lunch and dinner. At Bistro du Vin Newcastle, dishes rely heavily on fresh, seasonal, locally sourced and, wherever possible, organic produce. It’s about enjoying moderately priced à la carte dining in a down-to-earth, warm and relaxing setting.

LOCATION: Close House, Heddon on the Wall, Newcastle, NE15 0HT Tel: 01661 852 255 www.closehouse.com

LOCATION: The County Hotel, Neville Street, Newcastle NE1 5DF Tel: 0191 232 2471 www.thistle.com/newcastle

LOCATION: 69-75 High Bridge Newcastle, NE1 6BX, tel 0191 232 5133. Brentwood Mews, Jesmond NE2 3DG, tel 0191 281 3434 www.dabbawal.com

LOCATION: Hotel du Vin, City Road, Newcastle, NE1 2BE Tel: 0191 229 2200 www.hotelduvin.com

MARCO PIERRE WHITE STEAKHOUSE BAR & GRILL

NATIONAL GLASS CENTRE BRASSERIE

PEACE & LOAF

SACHINS

The Steakhouse Bar and Grill Express lunch is £18 and includes two-courses and a glass of wine (quote NECC). If you haven’t got much time out of the office try the Marco in Minutes express lunch two courses and a glass of wine - and you should be back at your desk within the hour. If a leisurely lunch is more your thing, that’s always available, too.

Eating at the Brasserie is as much about the atmosphere and stunning surroundings as it is about the food. Having undergone a stylish transformation, from the décor down to the tableware, the Brasserie stands out as one of the most attractive restaurants in the North East. Echoing the philosophy of National Glass Centre, the menu showcases heritage and innovation, delivered with creativity and passion. Open daily: 10am–5pm

The latest addition to the North East’s fine dining scene, Peace & Loaf boasts a chic and stylish venue alongside an entirely original and unique dining experience. Indulge in the meticulously crafted three course business lunch for just £19.95, showcasing the skills of the dedicated team and highlighting fresh, locally sourced produce. The menu is inspired by traditional British cuisine and will excite even the most discerning of palates.

Celebrating 30 years in Newcastle, the award-winning restaurant Sachins on Forth Banks has been delighting diners with its signature, meticulously crafted menu since opening its doors. Using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, chef and proprietor Bob Arora offers the discerning diner a unique opportunity to sample the very finest Punjabi food in a fresh and exciting environment.

LOCATION: Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, 2-8 Fenkle Street, Newcastle NE1 5XN Tel: 0191 300 9222 www.mpwsteakhousenewcastle.co.uk

LOCATION: National Glass Centre Brasserie, Liberty Way, Sunderland, SR6 0GL Tel: 0191 515 5555 www.nationalglasscentre.com

LOCATION: Peace & Loaf 217 Jesmond Road, Jesmond NE2 1LA Tel: 0191 281 5222 www.peaceandloaf.co.uk

LOCATION: Sachins, Forth Banks, Newcastle, NE1 3SG Tel: 0191 261 9035 www.sachins.co.uk

58 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / APR - MAY 2015

HI! TECH

Google Glass

Watch this space As Apple launches its Watch, Dean Bailey explores the world of wearable tech I’ve always been a fan of a nice watch, nothing too flash or ridiculously large, just something which does its job properly. My current favourite has been doing its job for a long time, quietly, without any attention – as it should do. It’s very effective. But, with the Apple Watch due any day now, is it time for a major upgrade? First and most importantly, it does tell you the time (remarkable, I know, and no doubt a key area of the design process). It also allows you to customise the watch face “to present time in a more meaningful, personal context that’s relevant to your life and schedule”. That’s at least one lunchtime of entertainment. The Watch’s functionality is very impressive. Thousands of the world’s most popular apps, including Facebook and Instagram, have already been customised for the device ahead of its April 24 launch. Working in sync with your iPhone, the Watch displays notifications, allows you

to read emails and take phone calls, and tells you when you’ve been sitting still for too long. The Watch also has a range of options – from three distinct styles, to a wide selection of straps to get the perfect match to the rest of your Apple kit. Across the standard, Sport, and Edition – which features 18-carat gold cases, there are 38 different models ranging from £299 to an eye watering £13,500. The Watch will last around 18 hours and has a power reserve facility which means it will continue to show the time for 72 hours, so you won’t end up with a useless piece of tech on your wrist. CCS Insight has estimated smartwatch shipments will rise from 3.3m in 2014 to 27m in 2015, with the Apple Watch inspiring tech companies around the world to develop new products. A fan of Apple tech since the early days of the iPhone, I will be in line on April 24 - although the £13,500 version may be out of the question.

Google is developing the next stage of its Glass project having shut down its Explorer programme in January. A number of new jobs within the project tem were posted on LinkedIn in March.

Pebble Time

Meanwhile, Pebble, the company which first brought attention to the smartwatch market in 2012 when it raised £6.7m through its crowdfunding programme, has reappeared on Kickstarter with a colour screen device called Pebble Time. The fund reached $2m within 58 minutes and we should see the first Pebble Time devices in May with a £129 price tag.

Jawbone UP3

Fitness trackers are expected to be a huge part of the wearable tech revolution with tech researcher Gartner expecting 68m wearable fitness devices to be sold in 2015. The Jawbone UP3 (£149) is packed with sensors to measure your heart rate, automatically track workouts and monitor your sleep stages.

Ralph Lauren

Tech clothing is no longer just a couple of LEDs in a Christmas jumper. Adidas, Under Armour and Ralph Lauren are already producing shirts with built in heart rate and respiration monitoring.

CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 59

EVENTS Northumbria University to host NECC Member Showcase Thursday June 11, Northumbria University Sport Central Arena, Newcastle DELEGATES: FREE • EXHIBITORS: £150 As part of NECC200 Business Week in June, NECC’s Member Showcase Exhibition returns. NECC is proud to continue to support its members through this exciting event; the perfect opportunity to network, mingle and exhibit your business. The event will be open to members to exhibit and both members and non-member delegates to attend. The showcase focuses on networking, getting to know other businesses and NECC members from across the North East. There are also plans for a World Record attempt. Exhibition package available (for NECC Members only). Contact ashley.carney@necc.co.uk

NECC Local Durham Cathedral, 22 January 2015

 Dominic Corcoran, HRC Group; Jenny Evans, Rainbows End Coaching; and Nevil Tynemouth, New Results Training

 Ed Tutty, Fat Buddha and Kate Hunter, Durham Cathedral

Thank you to Northumbria University for hosting and supporting the event

As a major contributor to the regional economy, partnerships with businesses and organisations such as NECC are extremely important to Northumbria. The University is also proud of its outstanding cultural partnerships, such as an award-winning collaboration with BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead and the International Centre for Life in Newcastle. Northumbria also works with major employers, including Nike, IBM, Nissan, Proctor & Gamble, Apple, the BBC, and the NHS, as well as a range of regional SMEs and micro-businesses. More than 560 employers and 60 professional bodies sponsor and accredit the University’s programmes.

 Tony Leather, HR4U; Colin Churchward, Sintons; and Tracy Chandler Emirates

Stand up and be counted event NE BIC

PROUD TO BE SUPPORTED BY OUR ANNIVERSARY PATRONS:

 Paul Lofthouse, Waymark IT and Howard Bullock, Zoom CCTV

60 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / APR - MAY 2015

 Karen MacLennan, Grace House and Lauren Saul, NE BIC

NECC200 AGM T& W Committee, 10 March 2015 Discovery Museum

Three NECC Exchange events coming up in Newcastle, Darlington and Sunderland in April-May NECC’s flagship networking event, Exchange encourages the sharing of experiences, ideas and offers between members through round table discussions with three table changes to discuss success, challenges and do a 60 second business pitch. Limited amount of exhibition stands available at £30+VAT, email events@necc.co.uk.

NECC Exchange

 Iain Watson Tyne & Wear Museums

 Bill McGawley, Chair of T&W Committee; Iain Watson, Guest Speaker; and Jonathan Walker, NECC

President’s Club, 27 February 2015, The Castle Gate Sponsored by Benfield

 David Laws, NECC; John HollandKaye, Heathrow Airport; Mark Squires, Benfield; and James Ramsbotham, NECC

 Dawn Fairlamb, New College

Thistle Newcastle, 11am–2pm Thursday April 23 FREE Sponsored by Thistle Newcastle, The County Hotel

Thistle Newcastle, the County Hotel is a beautiful Grade II listed building. Perfectly positioned opposite Newcastle’s Central Station it has great public transport links and for road users an onsite car park. The hotel boasts 114 bedrooms, including 9 recently refurbished Executive rooms and a Junior Suite. The first floor hosts some of Newcastle’s finest function rooms including the Mozart which can cater for up to 220 delegates, the County for up to 100 and the Strauss a private dining room & function suite for up to 24, complemented by the modern boardroom suites which cater for 2 to 20 delegates.

NECC Exchange

Marriott Sunderland, 11am–2pm, Thursday May 7 FREE Sponsored by Marriott Sunderland

 Iain Nixon, Sunderland College and Alan Ferguson, Ferguson Transport

 John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow Airport

Sunderland’s only four star hotel located on the seafront overlooking the sandy beaches at Seaburn, featuring banqueting and conference facilities, cocktail bar, fine dining restaurant, free on site car parking and superb leisure facilities.

APR - MAY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 61

EVENTS APR

The NECC networking events programme prompts members to engage and share ideas and experiences. With events throughout the region, the programme ranges from largescale round table networking to smaller presentation‑focused events and localised informal networking

Coffee and Connections

APR

NECC Exchange

APR

North East Expo

APR

DL Expo 2015

APR

NECC Exchange

MAY

NECC Exchange

APR

www.necc.co.uk/events

10:30-12:30, Oldfields, Durham

11:00-14:00 Thistle Newcastle

09:00-16:00, Newcastle Falcons

10:00-16:00 Northern Echo Arena, Darlington 14:00-15:00 Northern Echo Arena, Darlington 11:00-14:00 Marriott Sunderland, Seaburn

Northumbria & Durham Reception NECC200 Archive Exhibitions

APR

FREE

North East Business Awards – Grand Final

FREE

MAY

Tees Valley Reception NECC200 Archive Exhibitions

FREE

APR

FREE

JUN

FREE

JUN

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION NETWORK

NECC has various opportunities for event sponsorship in 2015 including sponsorship of the NECC Showcase on June 11. For more information contact Ashley Carney, events executive, email ashley.carney@necc. co.uk Remember to use #NECC200 when tweeting about events and tag @NEChamber so that the NECC Twitter account can retweet!

FLAGSHIP

NETWORKING

APR

23 MAY

Stockton South Business Hustings General Election 18:00-21:00 Endeavour Partnership

Redcar Business Hustings General Election

18:00-21:00, Redcar College

HR Knowledge – Legislation Update

09:30-11:30, DCCC

Linking Business with Education

09:00-13:00, Bothall County Middle School, Ashington

09 JUN

FREE

JUN

FREE

JUN

FREE

JUL

FREE

APR

14 APR

24 APR

28 APR

29 APR

29 MAY

07 MAY

08 MAY

Middlesbrough Area Meeting 08:15-10:00 NECC, Middlesbrough

08:30-10:00 Business Durham, Net Park, Sedgefield

Sunderland Area Meeting 16:00-17:30 Sunderland Stadium of Light

Northumberland Area Meeting

16:00-18:00, Blyth Workspace

Redcar & Cleveland Committee 08:15-10:00 TBA, Redcar

South Tyneside Area Meeting 08:00-09:30, TBC

North Tyneside Area Meeting

08:15-10:00, Tyne Metropolitan College

Stockton Business Forum 16:00-18:00, TBA, Stockton

62 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / APR - MAY 2015

FREE FREE FREE FREE

12 NOV

13 NOV

19 NOV

FREE FREE

NECC200 BUSINESS WEEK: NECC AGM & Looking to the Future

FREE

NECC200 BUSINESS WEEK: NECC Member Showcase

FREE**

11:30-14:00 Durham County Cricket Club

10:45-16:00 Ramside Hall, Durham

09:00-16:00, Northumbria University Sport Central

NECC200 BUSINESS WEEK: Inspiring Females Conference All day, TBC

North East Exporters’ Awards

18:00-midnight, Ramside Hall, Durham

NECC200 Golf Day Great North Run NECC200 Member Race

NOV

£99*

NECC200 BUSINESS WEEK: Global Celebration Lunch

SEP

Durham Area Meeting

17:30-19:00 The Heritage Gallery @ Cargo Fleet, Middlesbrough

15 SEP

FREE

18:00-midnight Hardwick Hall Hotel, nr Sedgefield

All day, Matfen Hall, Northumberland

AREA MEETINGS / COMMITTEES

FREE

17:30-19:00, Lit & Phil, Newcastle

All day, Newcastle to South Shields

NECC200 Anniversary Gala Dinner

18:00-midnight, Durham World Heritage Site

NECC200 Durham & Wearside Anniversary Lunch

11:30-14:00, Sunderland Marriott, Seaburn

The North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 18:30-01:00, TBC

NECC200 Tees Valley Anniversary Lunch 11:30-14:00, Rockliffe Hall, Tees Valley

NECC200 Tyne & Northumberland Anniversary Lunch 11:30-14:00, Newcastle Racecourse

TBC £75* TBC TBC £200* £37.50* TBC £37.50* £37.50*

FREE

To book, tel 0300 303 6322 FREE email events@necc.co.uk www.necc.co.uk/events FREE

*NECC Member Price. (+VAT) **Exhibitor packages £150, email events@necc.co.uk

THANK YOU 100+ YEARS! International Paint Limited Lloyds Bank Corporate Mkts ncjMedia Ltd Gazette Media Company Limited

115 115 115 102

40-99 YEARS Tomlinson Hall & Co Ltd 85 P C Richardson & Co Ltd 68 Newsquest (North East) Ltd 66 Baker Tilly 65 Chemplas Limited 65 Compressor Services International Ltd 65 Deloitte 65 Digitalab 65 E J Melling Ltd 65 Fairhurst 65 FaulknerBrowns Arhitects 65 Hogg Engineering Ltd 65 Intu Eldon Square Ltd 65 Newcastle Building Society 65 Newcastle Racecourse 65 Potts Print (UK) Ltd 65 PricewaterhouseCoopers 65 R & J Ince Limited 65 R N J Partnership LLP 65 Rolls-Royce Power Engineering plc t/a Michell Bearings 65 Sanderson Weatherall 65 Seen & Heard Ltd 65 Spincraft ETG Limited 65 Todd & Cue Ltd 65 Bureau Of Analysed Samples Ltd 62 DHL Global Forwarding (UK) Limited 48 Seal Sands Storage Ltd 45 Mersen UK Teesside Ltd 43 Mech-Tool Engineering Ltd 42 Anderson Barrowcliff LLP 41 Chipchase Manners 41 30-39 YEARS Bank Of England J Barbour & Sons Ltd. Ransome Sporting Goods Barrier Ltd British Engines (UK) Ltd Crabtree Of Gateshead Ltd Crossling Ltd ES (Group) Limited Fenwick Ltd Harlow Printing Ltd IG Group (Innerglass Ltd) Immunodiagnostic Systems Jim Hastings Limited Mandata Limited Marsh Ltd Megator Limited Messer Cutting Systems OpSec Security Limited Palintest Ltd Piramal Healthcare UK Ltd Pure Fishing (UK) Ltd Ronan Engineering Ltd Rubb Buildings Ltd Ryecroft Glenton Sanofi-Aventis

39 39 36 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35

For your recent membership renewals. Particular thanks to members supporting NECC for over 15 years Simco (Engineers) Ltd 35 Slaters Electricals Limited 35 Smithers-Oasis UK Ltd 35 Statebourne Cryogenics Ltd 35 Summers-Inman Construction & Property Consultants 35 Thomas Owen & Sons (Newcastle) Ltd 35 Thomas Swan & Co Ltd 35 Tor Coatings Limited 35 Vic Young (South Shields) Ltd 35 Schlegel Building Products Limited 34 Lawson Fuses Limited 32 Hay & Kilner 31 NRG 31 Sunderland College 31 University of Sunderland 31 Urquhart Dykes & Lord LLP,31 CSN Consulting LLP 30

Penn Elcom Ltd 23 Storage Equipment Safety Service Ltd 23 The Galleries Shopping Centre 23 Durham County Cricket Club 22 Erimus Insurance Brokers 22 Norseman Travel Ltd 22 NVM Private Equity Ltd 22 Quicksilver 22 Bell Truck and Van 21 Furniture World (NE) Ltd 21 Rettig (UK) Ltd 21 Anglitemp Limited 20 Beacon Electrical (N.E.) Ltd 20 Genesis Global Systems Limited 20 Hexham Courant 20 Multichem Limited 20 Shaw Lifting Company Limited 20 15-19 YEARS

25-29 YEARS AMH Workspace Ltd 28 Autoclock Systems Ltd 28 Ferschl Hose & Hydraulics Ltd 28 Jebb Metals (Newcastle) Ltd 28 Muckle LLP 28 Walker Filtration Ltd 28 Croner 27 Data Supplies (Stationery) Ltd 27 Elfab Limited 27 Haines Watts Chartered Accountants 27 Lease-A-Leaf Limited 27 Lowrie Foods Limited 27 Rider Hunt (Newcastle) Ltd 27 Silver & Charlton Sunderland 27 Sotech Limited 27 TTR Barnes 27 Atkinson Print Ltd 26 Cory Brothers Shipping Agency Limited 26 Eldon Associates Limited 26 Elliott Associates 26 Grundfos Manufacturing Ltd 26 Horncastle Executive Travel Ltd 26 International House Language Training 26 Nissan Motor Mfg (UK) Ltd 26 North East Vending 26 Pentair Thermal Management UK Limited 26 PNE Group 26 Port Of Blyth 26 SCS Plc 26 Stagecoach North East 26 The Mailing House 26 Visage Imports Ltd 26 Elizabeths Embroidery 25 Straughans Limited 25 20-24 YEARS C C Jensen Ltd Grant Thornton UK LLP Minkon Ltd Smith & Graham (Solicitors) Vixen Surface Treatments Ltd Altomed Ltd Debmat Surfacing Ltd Draeger Safety UK Limited Entek International Ltd John N Dunn Group Limited Parker Hannifin Manufacturing Ltd

The above businesses have been members for 15 years or more and renewed their membership in November and December 2014

24 24 24 24 24 23 23 23 23 23 23

A S Pneumatics 19 achillesphysio 19 ARK Associates 19 Dane Group plc 19 Indigo Multimedia Ltd 19 Johnson Matthey Catalysts 19 Murray Hogg Limited 19 Reay Security Ltd 19 Stockton Bearings & Transmission 19 Veolia Environmental Services 19 Browell Smith & Co LLP 18 Comtek 18 Excel Commercial Services Ltd 18 Renolit Cramlington Ltd 18 Reynolds Packaging 18 Waterstons Limited 18 Woodland Global Ltd 18 ABFAD Limited 17 Butterwick Hospice 17 Carbis Filtration Ltd 17 Cleveland Cable Co Ltd 17 Heating Components & Equipment Limited 17 Lomax Training Services Limited 17 Nala Engineers Ltd 17 Phoenix Taxis (NE) Limited 17 The Solution Group Limited 17 Waltons Clark Whitehill LLP 17 youngsRPS 17 Air Design Systems Ltd 16 Emerson Process Management 16 Haskel Europe Ltd 16 M A P Group (UK) Limited 16 Redcar Racecourse Ltd 16 Sir Joseph Isherwood Limited 16 Thermo Fisher Scientific 16 Bay Plastics Limited 15 CSD Sealing Systems Limited 15 DBH Serviced Business Centres Limited 15 Graypen Limited 15 Hill Street Shopping Centre 15 HVR International 15 JHH Contracts Ltd 15 Primetals Technologies Limited 15 Royal Grammar School 15 Washington Direct Mail 15 WellWork Limited 15 XL Precision Technologies Limited 15 Yorkshire Bank 15

DEC APR 2014- -MAY JAN2015 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 63

MEMBER 2 MEMBER

Member2Member

Make more of your NECC membership with these great member offers and many more on the NECC website

www.necc.co.uk/member2member FLOOD PROTECTION

MONARCH FLOOD PROTECTION Offer Code: Necc15 Property protection (home or business) from flooding. Free survey/assessment and 10% off all work undertaken. Includes damp proofing/tanking.

EXHIBITION STAND CONTRACTORS LARGE FORMAT DIGITAL PRINT

THE RIP Offer Code: lpwnecc001 During March and April NECC members can receive a 20% online discount from largeprintworks.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES COMMERCIAL

ALLINSONS PHOTOGRAPHY Offer Code: neccPR1stPhoto NECC members can get a 50% discount on PR photography services when booking Allinson’s Photography for the first time. This means members pay £47.50 per hour for their first PR Photography booking.

MANAGEMENT SERVICES

GUTHRIE & CRAIG LTD Offer Code: G&CPAT01 Portable Appliance Testing – Introductory Offer £30.00 + VAT for first 25 items £0.85p + VAT per item for remaining items for large quantities (i.e. 300 +) of items at same depot.

Further discounts can be applied. Prices above include replacement plugs and fuses.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & MENTORING

TIMCAIN LEADERSHIP Offer Code: TCL150210 One free 45 minute taster session to explore your leadership potential and think about whether you might benefit from the services of an experienced leadership mentor. The sessions can be conducted over the phone or by Skype.

ART & DESIGN GALLERY WITH LOCAL ARTISTS SELLING THEIR WORK

NORTH EAST ART COLLECTIVE Offer Code: NEAC10 A Free seven day home and office trial - so if you are not happy we will exchange or give a FULL REFUND. There is also a 10% discount on all purchases for NECC members.

SOFTWARE INFORMATION SECURITY QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS SUPPLY CHAIN RISK MANAGEMENT

SIGNACURE RESILIENCE OFFER CODE: SVUL02 SMEs are subject to the same sophisticated and random attacks as large corporates but without the same resources

to counter them. Signacure Resilience are offering Internal Network Scans for all NECC members to identify network vulnerabilities before it is too late.

HR SERVICES

THE HR DEPT DURHAM & DARLINGTON Offer Code: HRD-153-1 A free initial review of your employment contracts and handbooks to ensure they are up-to-date with legislation.

A’s Superheroes as you take advantage of this interactive and comprehensive course.

FINANCE BROKER

MYINFINITY FINANCE LIMITED If your business could benefit from improving its cashflow then invoice finance could be the solution. More commonly known as factoring and invoice discounting, it releases the cash tied up in your invoices which are not due for payment for 30 days, 60 days or even longer.

SAVING COMPANIES HUMAN RESOURCES HR4U-TLC TIME & MONEY ON THEIR MUSIC LICENCE Spend just 30 minutes of your valuable time with me to see if I RENEWALS MUSIC LICENSING SOLUTIONS LTD Offer Code: NECC10 Although we offer a free consultation to ascertain if we can make savings and improvements for you, we’d like to offer an additional incentive to NECC members. If we are able to identify that our service will be of use to your business, we will reduce our standard fees by 10%.

GRAPHIC DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION FOR PRINT AND ONLINE WEBSITES

ONE HUNDRED PERCENT CYAN Offer Code: OHPC001 We’d like to offer a 25% Discount on any Design Services we offer, with a minimum spend of £100. As well as a batch of 250 free business cards with any print order you place with us.

TRAINING PROVIDERS

NEW CHAPTER LEARNING LTD Offer Code: ncl-0215-50 50% off - Learn the principles of great customer service of Appearance, Attitude, Attention and Accuracy in the company of our very own 4

can help your Organisation and I will give you 60 minutes of my time – FOR FREE! I can give you a hand with your HR business needs, so why not give me a try?

PAT TESTING PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING DRA SOLUTIONS LTD T/A DRA PAT LTD Unbeatable prices from a PTN and CHAS accredited company who also supplies the NECC 500+ items - 65p per item. 300-499 items - 75p per item 101-299 items - 85p per item

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

WAYMARK IT Offer Code: Web - Mar2015 Is your website ready for a refresh? We will design and build a simple 4 page brochure website for just £499.00. This represents more than a 20% saving on our normal pricing.

Entry into the Member2Member section is not an endorsement by NECC 64 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / APR - MAY 2015

DOUBLE TAKE

God’s work

Dean Bailey gets to know the Deans of Durham Cathedral and St Nicholas Cathedral, Newcastle

.DEAN. .DURHAM CATHEDRAL.

Michael Sadgrove How long have you been in the job? I was ordained 40 years ago, so have been a minister for the whole of my working life. I came to Durham as Dean 12 years ago. What do you love about your job? So many things: belonging to a place of such rich heritage; the Cathedral’s powerful spiritual presence; the privilege of worshipping each day in a magnificent building; the music; the warm people and communities of Durham and North East England; colleagues in the Cathedral, the Diocese. The Cathedral is an emblem in the North East, and is held in huge affection. What are the most challenging aspects of your job? Financial challenges are always with us. We do not charge our visitors for admission because we believe in free access to what is God’s space but finding the eye-watering sums of money needed to maintain and grow the Cathedral’s mission is a constant and relentless demand. Highlight of your career so far? Walking my daughter up the aisle of the Cathedral on her wedding day. I wanted to be there as her ‘Dad’, so I did not officiate at the ceremony. On that day, professional and personal life came together in an unforgettable way. Who do you admire most? My wife for her wisdom, resilience, practicality, humour and love. What would you be doing if you weren’t in your current job? A writer or teacher. How will you spend your time when you retire? I should like to volunteer in places where I can be useful, to write, more frequent visits to France, enjoying our hobbies and interests: for me, music, photography and church architecture. Walking in Northumberland where we shall live and try to grow old gracefully.

.DEAN. .ST NICHOLAS’ CATHEDRAL, NEWCASTLE.

Christopher Dalliston How long have you been in the job? I’ve been Dean of Newcastle for 12 years now. What do you love about your job? The infinite variety of it. Part pastor and teacher, part manager of a historic building and part ambassador for the Church. It’s very stretching, but it’s such a privilege to be working at the historic heart of a vibrant city like Newcastle. What are the most challenging aspects of your job? Speaking of the values of the Christian faith in a culture which has shifted its frame of reference so fundamentally in recent decades and which often characterises the Church as an outdated institution. The other is more down to earth; great historic buildings like the Cathedral cost a huge amount to maintain and keep open. Making ends meet is something we have to work hard at. Highlight of your career so far? The remodelling of Cathedral Square to create a spacious, welcoming environment. And re-lighting the Cathedral’s lantern tower as a sign of what we would want to be - a beacon of hope. Who do you admire most? Of contemporary figures, I do admire the current Pope for his capacity to tackle head-on some of the deep-rooted issues in the culture of the institution he leads and encourage the Catholic Church to change - courageous and costly. What would you be doing if you weren’t in your current job? I would like to see myself as a writer of some sort, perhaps of comic novels, but I don’t know if I have the self discipline to write a book. Perhaps a journalist? How will you spend your time when you retire? Try and write that book, enjoy being an armchair critic of the Church of England, and have a season ticket for Norwich City.

APR - MAY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 65

GUEST COLUMNIST

Last Word Leisa Docherty chief people officer at NECC200 Patron Sage (UK) Ltd, outlines the case for apprenticeships

pprenticeships are vital to the UK economy and are the future of the British workforce. In March National Apprenticeship Week highlighted the options for businesses and apprentices considering their future career. As a result of Government policy, apprenticeships are higher on the agenda for businesses than ever before. Recent data from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) shows that more than 200,000 UK firms now employ at least one apprentice, up from 130,000 in 2010. This strong uptake is great to see and we must continue building momentum. At Sage, we value the benefits of having apprentices within the business. In the past two years Sage has taken on 21 of them across our organisation in various roles. These have been across a range of professional, technical service and administrative roles. We’ve seen first-hand the fantastic contribution that apprentices

make in the workplace and, through our own scheme, we are underlining our long-term commitment to supporting regional employment and training. Apprenticeship schemes offer people a great opportunity to increase their skills and gain real-world experience working in business. It also allows employers to bring some fantastic new and enthusiastic talent into an organisation. Behind this wave of enthusiasm for apprentices, businesses are seeing the value that hiring an apprentice brings. The facts from BIS speak for themselves; 70% of businesses saw an improvement in the product or service quality they produce;

Sage apprentices

66 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / APR - MAY 2015

65% saw improved productivity; 79% would recommend an apprenticeship to another employer; and a massive 82% of employers were satisfied with their apprenticeship experience. For many businesses, knowing where to start can be a challenge. A great range of apprenticeships are available and you can view all the information you need on the government apprentice’s website (www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship). You should also talk to your local Training Providers or Further Education College about the training and support they can offer. Then the fun part begins as you start to positively change someone’s life and develop what will become a real asset for your business. As a FTSE 100 company based in the North East, we are proud of our heritage in the region and our record in helping some fantastically talented young people realise their potential. We will continue investing in our apprenticeship scheme and fully recommend that all businesses look at this route as a brilliant way of bringing in and nurturing new talent within your business whatever size of company you work for.

Enjoy 15 reg offers on 12 great car brands. Every relationship is a journey. It’s about discovering new and enjoyable experiences. It’s about connecting with people who you trust. It’s about choosing what’s right for you. Enjoy great 15 reg offers on new cars at Benfield, with 12 brands at over 30 showrooms across the North. To find out more about our new 15 reg offers visit www.drivebenfield.com or call 0191 298 6300.

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17/03/2015 10:08