Contact Magazine April-May 2016

NECC: Making the North East a success

APRIL - MAY 2016

In the picture The art of commercialising creativity with Biscuit Factory founder Ramy Zack

necc.co.uk

MAKING MOVIES

Oscar winner David Puttnam’s Arctic challenge

Put to the Test Durham CCC’s Geoff Cook on sport’s bottom line

PROFILE

LUCKY THIRTEEN The business of building communities with Thirteen Group’s Alison Thain

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

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Welcome...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mike Matthews MBE, NECC President

EDITOR Jane Pikett jane@offstonepublishing.co.uk EDITORIAL TEAM Dean Bailey Liz Hands Elise Rana Hopper Owen McAteer Paul Robertson Rosie Waller Contact is the magazine for NECC members. News and press releases should be sent to 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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GEOFF COOK

ALISON THAIN

HILARY FRENCH

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

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

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

Durham County Cricket Club

Thirteen Group

Newcastle High School for Girls

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

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

THE DEMAND IS OUT THERE. YOU COULD BE TOO! Mon 18 April

Business support for international growth

Ramada Encore, Gateshead Quays

Wed 20 April

What you need to know to grow your business overseas

Wynyard Park House

Thurs 21 April

What you need to know to grow your business overseas

The Toffee Factory

Thurs 21 April

Showcasing local successes

Crathorne Hall

Fri 22 April

China/Taiwan offshore wind opportunities regional roadshow

NOF Energy

Fri 22 April

Grow your business through international trade

Riverside Stadium

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

Contents

Plus 08 INBOX News and views from the world of business

17 BEST IN THE UK

Lloyd Newcastle BMW named BMW’s best in the UK

20 MEMBERS CONNECTED

NECC members team up

46 SKILLS

Training and skills news

48 EXPORT

Inside the global marketplace

54 SPECIAL FOCUS

Conferences and events

57 APPOINTMENTS Movers and shakers

Features 06 60 SECONDS

With movie producer David Puttnam

09 IN MY VIEW

With NECC’s James Ramsbotham

Above: Alison Thain of Thirteeen Group

30 NECC POLICY

34

59 FAB 5

Movie magic

60 EVENTS

Connecting with members

64 MEMBER OFFERS

Exclusive to NECC members

Europe - the case for and against

32 SUCCESS

Behind the scenes at Calsonic Kansei

34 LUCKY THIRTEEN

Getting to know Thirteen Group chief executive Alison Thain

38 ORIGINAL BENEFITS

Looking back at more than 100 years of success at BAS Ltd

42 THE COACH

25 years of first-class cricket in Durham with Geoff Cook

50 OUT TO LUNCH

The art of business with Ramy Zack of The Biscuit Factory

38 50

42

Clockwise from above: Colin Flintoft and Richard Meeres Geoff Cook Ramy Zack

66 LAST WORD

With Hilary French APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 5

60 SECONDS

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

A

giant of the British film industry, Lord David Puttnam’s 30-plus years in the movies has seen his work pick up 10 Oscars and 25 BAFTAs, including a Best Picture Oscar for Chariots of Fire in 1981.

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

Q If I were meeting you for the first time, how would you describe yourself?

Bearded and elderly! I’m not a flamboyant guy so I may be tough to pick out in a crowd.

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

Q How do you compare now to your 21-year-old self?

I got married at 20 and my family life remains a remarkable and constant part of my life. I remember worrying a lot about the future in my youth, but as you settle down with family and find your feet in your career those things tend to drop away.

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

Q How would you describe yourself?

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

Q Who did you look up to when you were growing up?

My father Len, who was a photojournalist and war reporter with the Associated Press.

He was a remarkable guy, and his intense sense of fairness has stayed with me.

Interestingly, I didn’t meet him until I was five because he was away working, but we were incredibly close.

Q What would you be doing if you weren’t in the film industry?

I have no idea. I may have stayed in advertising. As a boy I dreamed of playing tennis, but I wasn’t good enough to make a career of it. I may have become a sports agent and made more money in the process, though that was never a motivator for me.

Q Who has inspired you?

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

Q What’s the best job you’ve had?

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

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

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

Q What do you most enjoy about your job?

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

Q What has been your best decision?

Marrying the girl I first met at school. We’ve been married for 55 years and are very happy in Ireland with our family.

Q What’s the greatest moment of your career to date?

Receiving the BAFTA Fellowship in 2006.

Q If you couldn’t fail, what would you do?

I’ve come back to the film industry to work on a movie about climate change – Arctic 30.

I would wish for the movie to be a huge hit and to make people engage with the issue of climate change.

Q Who would play you in a film?

With the right accent, I think Ryan Reynolds would do a great job.

Q What does the future hold?

The next two years of my life will be about Arctic 30 and making a success of the movie.

After that, an orderly and healthy life in my 80s would make me very happy.

“My best decision?

Marrying the girl I first met at school”

APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 7

INBOX

inbox...

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

Tweet Tweet!

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

BOOTS ON

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

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

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

THE GOOD LIFE

APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE Budding astronauts have been given a fascinating insight into a career in outer space. Redcar & Cleveland College teamed up with Saltburn Primary School to provide activities during Science Week.

Year Six pupils worked in a science lab at adjoining Huntcliff School, where they built and test-launched their own rocket.

8 / www.necc.co.uk

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

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

TRES BON!

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

NATURE NURTURE

TV wildlife expert Chris Packham is leading Northumbrian Water’s Nature Watch initiative.

Last year, participants spotted 18,858 species in window boxes, gardens, allotments, and parkland. This year the scheme is being extended to pupils from nurseries and schools.

ON THEIR BIKES

Newcastle Airport staff completed an indoor cycle challenge to highlight the return of United Airlines’ non-stop service to New York, helped

by NUFC’s Siem De Jong (pictured) and SAFCs Jack Rodwell in aid of both club’s charity foundations.

Michael D. Williams ‫@(‏‬mdwilliams1971) Today is our first birthday! Thanks for all your support folks James Ramsbotham (@NECCJames): On the @RamsideGolfClub sofa for @MadeinTyneWear with @PeterGrantMedia @AJBaker3 & @GeorgeBond_ AV Dawson (@AVDawson): Proud to have @NECCJames & @NECCEamonn from @NEChamber visit today to see more of what we do here Assembly Rooms ‫@(‏‬Assembly_ Rooms): Today we are hosting @NEChamber Tyne & Wear AGM Richard Swart (@richswart): @NewcastleCC UKLordMayor greetings handover 2 @NewcastleKZN @nnmayor @SouthAfrica @DurbanChamber UniSpace Sunderland (@UnispaceTeam): Many thanks to @NEChamber @ghutchinson80 @SunderlandAFC and @northumbriapol for a great conference

IN MY VIEW

@NECCJames

In my view

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

W

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our links outside the region were at the heart of a lively debate on the EU in March.

We know our members are actively engaged in this debate and encourage everyone to vote to ensure the best possible outcome for the North East.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 9

NEWS

NEWS

THANK YOU Tees Valley Unlimited chairman Paul Booth has paid tribute to outgoing MD Stephen Catchpole, who is leaving to take up a role with South East Midlands LEP. Under Catchpole’s stewardship TVU became one of the first Local Enterprise Partnerships to secure Government approval and he has spearheaded a range of regeneration and economy-boosting projects.

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

NEWS NEW AWARDS FOR EMPLOYEES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

in association with

NEWS

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

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

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

ROYAL GUEST OF HONOUR

Portugal, Morocco and Spain.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This expansion has since provided ongoing employment opportunities.

INVICTA EXPANDS INTO NEWCASTLE

NEWS TAKING THE CROWNE

Rebecca Ramsdale and Mark Stephenson of Invicta

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

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

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

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

in association with

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

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

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

NEWS

PARTNERS UPDATE

With Jennifer Rycroft, NECC partnerships manager

nuts for your titles!

#SPECIALISTA4&A5PrInTErS www.acornweb.co.uk 01924 220633

Is your confidential information in safe hands?

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

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

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

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

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in association with

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

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

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

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

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

NEWS

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

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

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

With Eamonn Leavey Head of NECC President’s Club

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

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

NICE TO MEET YOU...

N

ECC members from across the North East gathered for NECC’s sub-regional AGMs. At the Tees Valley meeting at Kirkleatham Museum, Redcar, newly appointed chair Michael McConnell, group property director of PD Ports, said: “The Chamber has an important role to play in tackling job creation, particularly since the closure of the Redcar steelworks. Lord Heseltine’s announcement of a Development Corporation presents a once-in-ageneration opportunity to regenerate the area.” Peter Dodd, commercial director of Welcome to Yorkshire, also outlined the ingredients for the success of the Tour de France in the county.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the market and launch a report discussing the economic benefits of delivering a wider range of housing for a range of incomes with the aim of planning how stakeholders can develop a potential lowcost homeownership product.”

See p34 for more from Alison Thain

in association with

We were delighted to welcome more than 170 of the North East’s most senior business leaders to the first NECC President’s Club lunch of 2016 at the Newcastle Marriott Hotel Gosforth Park.

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

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

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

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

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

APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 13

NEWS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

in association with

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

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

PARA-SOLS PUTS OTHERS IN THE SHADE A business supporting the needs of financial advisers and planners across the UK is doubling its base in the North East.

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

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

NEWS BAKING DAY

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

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

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

in association with

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

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

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

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

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

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

Airport chief’s new role

N

ewcastle International Airport chief executive David Laws is leaving the airport after 37 years to join AMP Capital as a part-time senior adviser in its international airports business.

The airport’s chief financial officer, Nick Jones, takes over the CEO role on May 1, while an external search for a permanent CEO is undertaken.

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

Creating Outstanding Futures Apprenticeships with East Durham College Why choose EDC: Expert staff with up to date knowledge, skills and experience Professional recruitment service structured around your business needs Outstanding practical training facilities Flexible delivery to suit your business

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

To find out more or to arrange a tour of our outstanding facilities, please call 0191 518 5587 or email emma.norbury@eastdurham.ac.uk

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

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

‘We’re in business for business’ 18/9/15 EDC - Contact, 189mm h x 132mm £5.00.indd 1

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

in association with

18/09/2015 11:52

NEWS

Graham Grieves, managing director, BMW Group UK Michelle Caveney, head of business, Lloyd Newcastle Bryan Lloyd, MD, Lloyd Motor Group Rob Brydon, awards host

$6M US GOV’T CONTRACT WIN FOR KROMEK

NEWCASTLE CENTRE IS BMW’S BEST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COULD IT BE MAGIC? NEWS IN THE MONEY

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

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

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

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

in association with

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

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

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ADVERTORIAL

REGION IN GREAT SHAPE TO SEIZE ENERGY UPTURN BENEFITS

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Andrew Hodgson, North East LEP Chair

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

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

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

“The energy industry is a strong sectoral community that supports a lot of jobs in the North East - it’s also one that we’re really wellpositioned to benefit from in the future, whether that’s oil and gas, offshore renewables or nuclear,” said Andrew, chief executive of subsea engineering company Soil Machine Dynamics and chair of Subsea North East.

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

“The view from the NOF conference was that the industry is cyclical and these low prices are not sustainable, and that particularly offshore gas – as well as oil – still has huge growth potential.

“We’ve also had some welcome news for the sector that will have more immediate benefit for the North East.

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

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

ATOM GRASPS A NEW OPPORTUNITY

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he UK’s first digitalonly bank, Durhambased Atom Bank, has made its first acquisition with the purchase of Grasp (UK) Limited.

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

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

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

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

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

HOTEL NEARS COMPLETION

The Hilton Garden Inn, Sunderland is nearing completion and on schedule to open in May. The hotel, which is next to the Stadium of Light, is the first Hilton Garden Inn property in northern England and is created

by Gateshead-based architect

in association with

Redbox Design Group.

Construction is being managed

by Turner & Townsend and led

by Tolent Construction and key contractors include Opus Building Services of Sunderland, Walker Modular of Yorkshire, and Swandene Specialist Contract Interiors, Washington.

NEWS STREET ART

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

Fire innovation set for world stage

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ueen’s Award-winning manufacturer Advanced Industrial Solutions has received type-approval for a revolutionary new product which could change the global safety landscape for passive fire protection solutions.

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

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

NEWS HOUSING WIN

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

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

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

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

Nordic Focus Training Group, originally set up to combat and remove grafitti, is now preserving urban art in Bristol.

Chairman Peter Robinson says: “We were originally asked by Bristol Council to remove graffiti and we may have actually removed some of Banksy’s work. Now we are using the same materials which protect walls from graffiti to preserve murals.”

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

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

in association with

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

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

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

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MEMBERS CONNECTED / NEWS

NEWS MEMBERS CONNECTED

DELIVERING THE GOODS

Shildon-based The Flooring Superstore has teamed up with Create City Ltd and Stiller Warehousing & Distribution Ltd to expand its delivery network coverage across the UK. In the last two years, The Flooring Superstore has developed its in-house transport team and is aiming to strengthen its market position and expand into other market sectors.

The firm’s relationship with Stiller has brought the creation of a mutually beneficial and reliable trunking route to each company’s regional hubs.

Customers now also benefit from residential next-day pallet deliveries to more than 95% of UK postcodes. This growth requires space, cash flow and effective supply – making the ongoing partnership with Create City essential.

NEWS MEMBERS CONNECTED

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

Life Saving Training provides a range of Ofqual regulated approved qualifications covering a range of situations and skills.

It trained 24 Utilitywise staff.

Staff at MI Supplies in Stockton

MEMBERS CONNECTED

Membership reaps rewards

J

oining the North East Chamber of Commerce has led to ‘seismic growth’ for a Stockton workwear business with an increase in orders and a move into its own purchased premises.

Alex Ingham founded MI Supplies 10 years ago and now has 13 employees and a turnover of £2.25m supplying industrial supplies and protective clothing to clients all over the world. It also undertakes safety audits for businesses.

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

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

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

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

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

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

BOXING CLEVER

MEMBERS CONNECTED

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

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

It worked with Newcastle web design

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

in association with

NEWS TOP MARQUES

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

100 JOBS FOR SUNDERLAND

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underland-based Choice Future Planning has announced plans to create more than 100 jobs by April next year and more than double its workforce by the end of 2016.

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

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

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

SPA SUCCESS

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

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

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

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

NEWS MADE UP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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NEWS BUILDING A NEW CAREER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

in association with

NEWS CRAM AND CO. ON THE RUN

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

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

The Hall dates back to the 1680s and was home to Teesside’s Hustler family for almost 250 years before becoming a school in the 1930s.

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

Olympian Steve Cram and Horrible Histories author Terry Deary were among the runners at an event in Seaburn to prepare for the Sunderland City 10k and Sunderland City Half Marathon in May. Cram’s company Events of the North is organising the races on May 1 sponsored by Siglion, the regeneration and development company leading the transformation of sites around the city, including a planned major leisure development at Seaburn. Cram and Deary led a 5K run on the beach at Seaburn with local runners.

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

NEWS JEREMIE EXTENDED

Dylan McKee with his smartphone app

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

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

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

in association with

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

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

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

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NEWS HIVE OF OPPORTUNITY

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

Iain Forrest of Forrest Digital

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

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

NELEP boosted by enterprising expertise

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orth East LEP has welcomed four new members to its board and two new members to its Innovation Board, responsible for driving innovation and economic growth in the region.

The LEP has appointed Heidi Mottram, chief executive of Northumbrian Water Group, Andrew Moffat, chief executive of the Port of Tyne, Farooq Hakim, North East

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

in association with

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

NEWS

NETPark, home to the North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence, and Dr Simon Goon (inset)

THE AGE OF THE TRAIN

THE FINAL FRONTIER

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

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

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

only three in the country, at NETPark.

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

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

NEWS

FIRE SERVICE SPIN-OUT CELEBRATES A pioneering business spun out by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) is celebrating a successful first year.

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

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

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

Another five lounges between London and Edinburgh are undergoing a makeover, while Newcastle has more than trebled its capacity and provided new meeting points, desks, and relaxation spots. There is free wifi, soft drinks, snacks and newspapers. In its first year on the East Coast Mainline, First Class travel on Virgin has grown by 6%.

David Horne (pictured), MD for the route, says: “This will help us lift the experience for our First Class customers.”

NEW ARRIVAL

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

in association with

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

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

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

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NEWS HOT NEWS

Darlington College principal Kate Roe with Worcester Bosch and industry representatives

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tomlinson Hall lands award for the fifth time

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illingham-based pump distributor and manufacturer Tomlinson Hall & Co has won the Distributor of the Year award for the fifth time at the Pump Industry Awards 2016.

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

More than 250 engineers, manufacturers, suppliers and distributors

attended the event in Oxfordshire hosted

by BBC News presenter Mary Rhodes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

in association with

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

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

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

ADVERTORIAL NEWS AND VIEWS FROM NECC RELATIONSHIP MANAGERS Essentials portfolio manager It’s been a strong start to the year with some great events and lots of new connections. If you own, or work in, a small business in the North East get in touch.

Julie Digman tel 07912 478 964 julie.digman@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCjuliedig Teesside Teesside feels vibrant at the moment, with lots of great work going on.

Welcome to new members - Paul J Watson Solicitors, Boho Print, Bridge House Mission, Flex Education, Coatham Coaches, Coverall and El-Dharrat Ltd. Tom Warnock tel 07714 845 617 tom.warnock@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCTom Darlington and West Durham Thank you to Houndgate Townhouse and Darlington Space for hosting the NECC Local Darlington meetings, and a warm welcome to new members - S E Landscaping Ltd, My Property Box, Ford Castle/Chateau Beaumont, Blackwell Grange Hotel, Clark Willis Law Firm LLP, KZN Solutions Ltd and PassFM Ltd Electrical Solutions.

Susan Anderson tel 07736 799 727 susan.anderson@necc.co.uk Northumberland /International Trade I want to say farewell to the members I have been working with in Northumberland over the last three years. I’ve met some fantastic people and businesses, and I wish them

and my replacement every success in the future. I’m delighted to follow my good friend Mathew Ord into International Trade.

Les Dixon tel 07850 740 645 les.dixon@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCLes Medium Business A warm welcome to SGP Technology Group, CPD Bodies and Winn Solicitors. Congratulations to Maxim Facilities Management on winning the Service Business award in the Durham & Wearside Business Awards, and thank you to all who attended our linking business event at inspire2learn. Our next event is at Cardinal Hume Catholic School on July 1.

Andrew Heavisides tel 07912 478 961, andrew. heavisides@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCAndrewh Newcastle/ Gateshead Thank you to Tiger Hornsby for hosting a fantastic Coffee and Connections event, and good luck to all my members in the Business Awards finals.

Lynsey Fairless tel 07834 444 627 lynsey.fairless@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCLynsey Sunderland/ South Tyneside/ Durham Well done to all finalists of the regional heats of the North East Business Awards. I look forward to seeing the winners at Hardwick Hall. Good luck!

Arthur Hodgson tel 07980 259 991 arthur.hodgson@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCArthur

in association with

THE SKILLS GAP YOU HAVE NEVER HEARD OF

T

Veronica Swindale, Director.

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

The findings in a recent survey also revealed that far fewer were confident that the level of literacy among their own leadership was strong.

29 per cent of the respondents said leaders within their organisation were ‘not very technology literate’.

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

Social media in the workplace is changing. It is used in recruitment, customer service, internal communications, raising awareness and building brands. It is no longer the domain of PR or marketing.

However, just because someone is a social media native does not mean they know how to use social media in the workplace. There are plenty of toe curling examples to illustrate this - remember HMV? Any investment in training in social media skills will be money well spent - and who am I to argue with Ryan Holmes?

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

These pass rates have been remarkably consistent since nesma began in 2011. As a result the CIM has awarded nesma 25 commendations. These commendations recognise the excellent standard of results in modules of CIM qualifications.

To find out more about the CIPR, CIM, DMI qualifications and other courses or training please contact Veronica Swindale. www.nesma.co.uk veronica.swindale@nesma.co.uk

nesma, 19 Lansdowne Terrace, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne Tel: +44 (0)7590 018 205 Email: info@nesma.co.uk APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 27

NEWS

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

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

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

NEWS

CABLE CONTRACT

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

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

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

College is the One

S

taff and students at Middlesbrough College are celebrating after being awarded the Innovation in Access to Higher Education (HE) award at this year’s One Awards.

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

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

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

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

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

She was praised for her inspiring and supportive role by students.

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

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

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

in association with

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

Expertise at your side

WILL YOU BE A WINNER?

T

he race for the top prizes at this year’s North East Business Awards is heating up following the regional heats.

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

Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield on April 21, where the North East Company of the Year will be crowned alongside top firms in the fields of Export, Innovation, Apprenticeships and more.

For a full list of the businesses shortlisted for this year’s awards go to www.nebusinessawards.co.uk/shortlist

Eco award in pipeline

N

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

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

standards of ethical business practices.

CEO Heidi Mottram says: “This confirms that we are consistently delivering excellent environmental performance and have sustained support to our communities over many years.”

• Northumbrian Water is investing £8m to upgrade its sewer network in Sunderland.

The one-year scheme, which will begin in November, will improve the performance and resilience of the company’s network in Roker, Seaburn and St Peter’s.

in association with

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

APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 29

NECC POLICY

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

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OUT: Ajay Agota

IN: Richard Swart

I assume that I, like many, have sat in the undecided camp, waiting for the outcome of David Cameron’s EU renegotiation deal in order to make some sort of informed decision. So what did he manage to get?

• An “emergency brake” on migrants’ in-work benefits for four years when there are “exceptional” levels of migration. The UK will operate the brake for seven years • Child benefit for the children of EU migrants living overseas paid at a rate based on the cost of living in their home country applicable immediately for new arrivals and from 2020 for the 34,000 existing claimants • The amending of EU treaties to state explicitly that references to the requirement to seek ever-closer union “do not apply to the UK”, meaning Britain “can never be forced into political integration” • The ability for the UK to enact “an emergency safeguard” to protect the City of London, to stop UK firms being forced to relocate into Europe and to ensure British businesses do not face “discrimination” for being outside the Eurozone I have yet to hear anyone base their decision on the renegotiation, and it certainly didn’t help me decide. So, we are left wading through a plethora of claims, counter claims, project fear and propaganda. So why am I voting to leave?

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

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

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

We should stop being afraid of what could go wrong and think of what could go right and vote out.

Ajay Agota is CEO of KIS Group lettings agency, South Shields Twitter @ajaykisgroup

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

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

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

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

Although we import more (£290bn) from the EU than we export (£229bn), we are more reliant on this trade than they are: 3% of GDP of the EU27 links to exports to the UK, 13% of UK GDP links to exports to the EU27. About 8% of EU27 exports come to the UK. Brexit will not be easy. If we want free trade, we still have to pay in, accept the free movement of people, and comply with the legislation required by the market without having any input.

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

We last negotiated a FTA 40 years ago. If we were to leave, we would need to negotiate over 70 in two years, failing which we default to World Trade Organisation rules meaning, for example, 10-20% tariffs on automotives. The Swiss took 10 years on their China FTA and Canada is on seven currently with the EU. Nissan, BMW, Hitachi, Airbus, Nifco and others are “in” because the UK is the best place to access the EU, the biggest single market in the world with 500m consumers. They caution jobs, competitiveness and investments could be impacted by Brexit.

Our universities, farmers, challenged regions like the North East, and private sector are huge beneficiaries of EU funding.

These advantages easilly negate our net cost of membership.

The UK has grown because of EU membership since the 1970s. Let’s not put this success at risk, and make the EU work better for us from within. Richard Swart is global sales director for Berger Group Europe and chair of NECC’s International Trade Committee, Twitter @richswart APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 31

SUCCESS

Driving force

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

I

t’s a case of Kon’nichiwa from Washington on a visit to Japaneseowned Calsonic Kansei.

The automotive component manufacturer is one of Nissan’s biggest suppliers and a major North East employer, though the name may not be as familiar to you as its famous client.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Our business doesn’t stand still and we work to develop a clear strategy with waste reduction. They even go so far as innovative product lines,” says Barnett. testing walking speed. Too slow and you “For example, we manufacture exhaust may be wasting valuable time within a systems and the increasing popularity of just-in-time environment. Too electric vehicles could be a huge fast and you may be at risk concern for us, but we’d rather “AS NISSAN’S of an accident. It’s a see this as a challenge. well-oiled machine.

“We have a state-of-the-art BIGGEST Calsonic Kansei is now press shop, welding SUPPLIER well established in the North capabilities and the ability to THERE IS East.

“Our main priority is to produce intricate PRESSURE” provide our clients with the components needed in every highest quality parts, but we have vehicle around the world.” another duty – to deliver more and Every member of staff is expected better jobs for the region,” says Barnett. to go through rigorous company training “If we continue to grow our business including health and safety, the philosophy we can continue to employ the right of the business, quality assessments and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 33

PROFILE

Home, sweet home Having negotiated five mergers and provided 33,000 homes, Thirteen Group boss Alison Thain is retiring.

She talks Liz Hands through a long and happy career

T

hey say still waters run deep. And housing boss Alison Thain is a fine example of the adage. The epitome of a calm, collected, and charismatic chief executive, it turns out she could have gone down any number of career paths, including spinning the decks as a nightclub DJ. Thain, the outgoing chief executive of Thirteen Group, spent her younger days working at Scamps nightclub, later Rockshots, on Newcastle’s Waterloo Street.

The only child of a joiner and a secretary, she was very self-sufficient. “I just wanted to leave home and get a flat, a job, a car and go out with my mates, so I had a few jobs for a while,” she says. “I did a bit of DJing at Scamps and worked behind the bar. It was great, I loved the music, that Soul and Funk sound Craig Charles still plays on BBC Radio 6Music.

It’s not a lifestyle that’s good for your health, but I’d have loved to have run a nightclub.”

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

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

savings around staffing were big pond of the National brought about by voluntary Youth Theatre. Instead, she redundancies. But no sooner started the equivalent of an had we done that than the apprenticeship at Newcastle Chancellor announced in his Council and discovered a summer budget that instead passion for housing. of having a guaranteed rent “I moved through the increase of CPI + 1%, it would ranks and got my first chief be -1% over four years, which executive job eons ago when I meant we lost £55m we were was in my thirties. I was chief expecting. We almost had to executive of the Cleveland and start again, which is where we Teesside Housing Association, are now, and it’s really hard.” where we had 300 houses. It We meet on the day Thain’s was going to be a brief career successor is announced. Ian move, but I’m still here, five Wardle, 41, previously director mergers later, and we’ve got of regeneration at Redcar and 33,000 properties.”

Cleveland Council, will join Thain is a fan of mergers Thirteen from Reading because, she says, they Council in July. make an organisation For Thain, it’s the more efficient “IT WAS GOING right time both and enable it to TO BE A BRIEF personally and achieve more, CAREER MOVE, professionally though she says BUT I’M to retire. “I’m at the latest, which STILL HERE” the point where created Thirteen I’ve done the heavy Group out of Fabrick lifting on the merger. In and Vela, was tough. the first year, we put together “It’s been the biggest and new teams, did all the office the most difficult because moves, and harmonised the of the scale,” she says. “The terms and conditions of our business case required us to staff, which was a really hard make £10m of savings in the job. We had industrial action first three years. We managed with the unions sadly, but we £7.5m in the first year, but got there and in the first year that was really by downsizing of Thirteen Group, we built staff and losing a lot of middle more than 600 properties. The management posts. That challenge for my successor is was very painful, but we were how Thirteen moves forward in thrilled that all the efficiency

“The challenge for my successor is how Thirteen moves forward in this time of austerity”

APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 35

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

“We have to find new ways of working, be more efficient, and more customer-focused.

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

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

Thain has been instrumental in changing mindsets about housing association tenants. “Many housing associations started in council departments and when I started in Newcastle, the culture towards tenants was shocking. There’s been a gradual move towards treating them as customers, because that’s the right thing to do.

We’re on a journey with that, as they say, and each time we have a merger we reconfigure how we do things and think about it afresh.”

She even has a soft spot for the tenants on the infamous Channel 4 documentary series Benefits Street, which featured Thirteen Group residents.

“It showed a real sense of community,” she says, “and it was the women of the street who were pulling everything together and creating that sense of togetherness.”

to be taking the biggest hit.

While Thain is an admirer That’s reflected on the of some of Chancellor George ground in some of our Osborne’s policies, notably own communities.” devolution and transport Although it’s early days, investment, she also believes Thain, who retains her role as that the economic struggles chair of CBI North East, does endured by many Thirteen believe there are opportunities Group residents are a result of to be seized through the his decisions.

Northern Powerhouse.

“There are questions “The Chancellor is around welfare and the serious that the benefits cap, and North East needs we saw what “EACH TIME to perform better happened with WE HAVE and things are Iain Duncan A MERGER looking good Smith [former WE THINK in many ways, Secretary of AFRESH” but we’re still not State for Work bridging the gap and Pensions, because everyone who stepped down else is getting better too. The following the Chancellor’s Northern Powerhouse is a last budget, citing pressure to great opportunity if we can get make benefits cuts]. the right two mayors for the “We need to think again region. We can seize it with the about how we support people right people behind it.” in need of welfare when we While it’s clear Thain herself have some very poor and has the credentials to be one vulnerable people who seem

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

“I won’t be working 50 or 60 hour weeks any more. I love to travel; America’s my big thing and I’m hoping to get there before the election this year because I love all of that stuff. So there will be more travel, more time for friends I’ve neglected over the years.

Time to do things; I haven’t been down to Grange Road in Darlington or to Yarm for shopping at Jules B.” So, Thain will have more time on her hands for travel or a spot of retail therapy. Unless, of course, she decides to open that nightclub.

ADVERTORIAL

ARE INVESTMENT MANAGERS ‘ACTIVE’ ENOUGH?

F

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

Coming in to all of these sizeable sell offs equity market valuations were at best stretched and at worst completely unrealistic given the backdrop of uncertainty that was visible just around the corner. Given that crystal balls were not necessarily required to see the dangers that lay ahead and that DFMs are essentially paid to navigate the peaks and troughs of markets by their clients, it begs the question why has it taken so long to make an active call on asset allocation?

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

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

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

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

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

APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 37

PROFILE

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

N

ewham Hall is not the average office; it’s a film location scout’s dream, its history intertwined with the industries that made Teesside great.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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“We can be proud of what we have achieved within our own little sphere”

APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 39

PROFILE “We do hide ourselves away, I suppose, but it’s not as though we’re selling to the public - there’s no gift shop,” says financial director Colin Flintoft as he shows me around the premises.

“But we’ve contributed to the history of iron and steel on Teesside and carried its reputation all over the world.

We can be proud of what we’ve achieved here in our own little sphere.”

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

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

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

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

l-r: Colin Flintoft and Richard Meeres

exploring the neatly coded analysed reference materials vaults of products past for calibration.” and present, it’s clear that In an increasingly fastwhile the ethos - and the moving world which seems decor - haven’t changed in to always favour the new, decades, the company itself it is inspiring to learn that has continued in its own way there are similar laboratories to move forward, despite the all over the world, and that inescapable difficulties facing these materials are tested the iron and steel industry and verified by a network of it serves. co-operating independent “We’ve got to be realistic,” analysts to give them ultimate says Richard. “We are no authority - a system set up by longer a country of bulk Charles Ridsdale and production and will his contemporaries not succeed if we a century ago, try to compete and still going “WE THRIVE with the rest of the strong. The BECAUSE WE world on this. Our commitment to CAN ADAPT” belief is that the collaboration sector will contract in the name of to a maintainable good science is size, but to make sure equally admirable we continue our focus is on though it has its drawbacks. maintaining the quality of “It’s very long-winded,” products while expanding the concedes Richard. “If range of what we do. We are someone requests a particular sample to be made, it might be a small company - we thrive because we can adapt.” two years before they get it.”

Though they may be tucked “And you wouldn’t believe away in their bucolic corner of the paperwork involved - it’s the Tees Valley, they keep an an accounting nightmare,” ear to the ground. With a longadds Colin. “But you can’t established honorary advisory cut corners.“ committee of experts on the As we continue the tour,

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

Hiding their light under a bushel may not be deliberate, but with so much gloom surrounding the UK’s manufacturing sector, companies like BASRID can be a beacon, and an inspiration.

With more than 100 years of success under its belt and its products shipping to more than 100 companies around the world, this small Middlesbrough business has stood the test of time, beating the odds of an industry in decline – simply by keeping calm, and carrying on.

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PROFILE

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

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academy system is a huge tanding in the credit to the club.” home changing Those players – current room, watching England stars Ben Stokes and rain run down the Mark Wood, and former world windows as beaters Steve Harmison and puddles form on the outfield Paul Collingwood among them of the Emirates Riverside – have helped propel Durham cricket ground, it’s hard to to the top of the English game, believe some 15,000 people winning the Friends Provident will pack the stands in May Trophy in 2007, the County for an England v Sri Lanka Championship in 2008, 2009, Test Match – hopefully in and 2013, and the Royal blazing sunshine. “You can’t London One-Day Cup in 2014. beat Durham in March, can And this success on the you?” jokes Durham’s director field has brought success off of cricket Geoff Cook, as we it. Rebranded the Emirates watch the rain come down.

Durham International Surrounded by Cricket Ground trophies from the in 2010, and “LOCAL county’s 25 years in Emirates first-class cricket, BUSINESSES Riverside in it’s also hard to GAVE THE February 2016 believe how far COUNTY ITS following a the club has come START” contract extension since his arrival in with Emirates airline 1991. “What Durham until 2022, the ground has achieved as a county has grown considerably has been phenomenal,” since its construction in the says Cook, whose various early 1990s. roles here have ranged from “When the application was establishing an academy for made for first-class status young cricketers to coaching back in 1989 there were some the first XI. big challenges – including the “One of the most amazing requirement for a substantial aspects for me has been the amount of financial backing. number of local lads who The response from local have represented England,” businesses was huge and he says. “The proportion of they gave the county its internationals produced in the start,” says Cook. “As the 20 years since we started our 42 / www.necc.co.uk / CONTACT / APRIL - MAY 2016

“There is commitment to growing the club off the field to support its future success”

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

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

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

The Riverside has maintained its position in the rotation of grounds hosting international cricket matches in England thanks to its continued development and growth. It has now been extended with the addition of further fixed seating brought to the North East following the London 2012 Olympics, and upgraded with permanent floodlights.

There is a Bannatyne health club on site, and excellent car parking and park and ride facilities for those big match days. Further development plans, which include a hotel and conference centre, have been approved by planners and are part of the club’s ongoing development programme.

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

Away from sport, the club’s revenue streams also include concerts with international artists including Elton John, Tom Jones, and Simply Red, and events including weddings. “Hosting largescale events is essential to APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 43

PROFILE

the business,” says Cook.

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

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

As mentioned, big England and Australia in action during the Ashes Test Match at Durham in 2013 international matches are a key revenue stream for the club and for the wider region. The Riverside ground competes for England matches against nine other Test Match-hosting venues in England and Wales, and is one of three venues in the north alongside Headingley in Leeds and Old Trafford in Manchester. One of the smaller and newer grounds on the rota, and around half the size of the largest ground - Lord’s in London - it’s always competing against the bigger boys in the playground, but it has won a good reputation.

As well as this summer’s Test Match, it will host matches during the 2019 Cricket World Cup in Geoff Cook and the team showing off the Friends Provident Trophy in 2007 England and Wales. It’s also widely regarded as traffic jams of Leeds, one of England’s fluctuates far more because of counties in English cricket, Manchester and most picturesque the irregularity of international says Cook. “We’re proud “WE’RE Birmingham envy. grounds, lying in matches, yet our facilities to host Test Matches and PROUD TO The cost the shadow of compete with other grounds in internationals, but the strain HOST TEST of running a Lumley Castle on England. Getting those really placed on the club when we MATCHES stadium of the banks of the attractive games and the don’t get those can be tough,” HERE” this size, and River Wear, and biggest crowds helps us make he says. “The benefits to supporting a club it benefits from its a case to host more matches counties with regular Test which operates 12 location outside the like that in future.”

Matches such as Middlesex months a year, presents city - something cricket fans The power of the major and Nottinghamshire are challenges faced by all fighting their way through the international match was huge. At Durham, our income 44 / www.necc.co.uk / CONTACT / APRIL - MAY 2016

© Tom Seymour © Mitch Gunn / Shutterstock.com

Former Durham captain Dale Benkenstein in action

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

Lumley Castle from the Riverside ground

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

“A great pleasure of the

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

A batsman, Cook’s playing career included seven Test Matches and six One Day Internationals with England from 1981-83, in addition to more than 450 first-class matches as a county player, and 25 years leading Durham.

“I’ve been in professional cricket for 45 years now and getting to know the person you’re working with – how they work, what switches them on, and what switches them off - is key,” says Cook, now 64. “Cricket is a mental game; it’s about making the most of what each individual has to offer. I’m not one for gathering players together for communal direction very often. I give a lot of responsibility to individuals.”

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

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

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

APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 45

SKILLS

IN GOOD HEALTH

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

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

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

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

CHARITY BREAKS NEW GROUND

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

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

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

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

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

Back to the shop floor

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through NECC Training and Matthews ike Matthews MBE, shadowed three of them - Anthony Lowery, President of NECC and 36, Jonathan Betts, 31, and 55-year-old MD of Stockton-based Peter Johnston, who has worked for the Nifco UK, stepped into company for 38 years. Before embarking the shoes of on a maintenance apprenticeship he was a apprentices at the Tridonic manufacturing store supervisor. plant in Spennymoor to mark National Elsewhere, PD Ports marked National Apprenticeship Week in March.

Apprenticeships Week by highlighting the The job swap saw him turn his hand to opportunities apprenticeships bring to toolmaking, machine maintenance and young people. PD Ports has been quality control of some of the providing apprenticeships at 20,000 lighting control units Teesport for more than 14 produced at the factory I SEE IT AS A every day.

HUGE BADGE OF years, with around 70 young Matthews, who started his HONOUR TO BE A people starting their careers in vocations including career as a toolmaker SKILLED MAN engineering, dock operations apprentice 31 years ago at and administration.

Nifco, the company he now runs, Also as part of National says: “I see it as a huge badge of Apprenticeship Week, five young people honour to be a skilled man. We know the from Middlesbrough-based TTE gave up importance of apprentices to our their time to help the charity Zoë’s Place. businesses and work hard to ensure that They spent four days at the charity, they gain the right skills and we keep them installing an emergency lighting system once they are trained.” and external power supply.

Tridonic employs seven apprentices

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

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

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

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

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

Kevin Stewart

RAYOVAC CELEBRATES SUCCESS

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

Megan Ford and Paul Deeble, plant manager at Ryovac

ON THE ROAD

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ive North East apprentices working on one of the region’s largest infrastructure projects are on the road to successful careers following praise from Transport Minister Lord Ahmed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Megan, a member of the distribution team, has been with Rayovac since October 2014 and is now a qualified distribution administrator.

During the awards ceremony, she was praised for herdesire to learn and her excellent communication skills.

WINNING WAYS

GEMMA SHIPS IN Apprentice Sophie Redhead

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

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

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

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

There is a national lorry driver shortage and

Apprentice Georgia Canham

businesses like AV Dawson need a broader range of roles as the business grows.

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

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

APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 47

EXPORT

OVERSEAS VIEW

Members of the trade delegation and local officials in South Africa

With Julie Underwood, International Trade Director, UKTI I recently returned from a NECC/UKTI trade mission to South Africa which has already reaped rewards and exceeded our expectations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lotta bottle

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

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BL Drinks reached £12m turnover and produced more than 52.5m bottles in 2015 and is now aiming to further improve efficiencies with plans to invest in a fourth bottling line in 2017. In addition to expanding its presence in the UK market, the business also exports products to Europe and Saudi Arabia and is aiming to boost sales to Asia during 2016 and is currently planning its first exports to India.

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

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

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

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

INDIA AGREEMENT BOOSTS PHARMA A NEPIC and UK Trade & Investmentsupported mission to India reached an important milestone with the signing of a collaboration agreement with the Karnataka Drug & Pharmaceutical Association (KDPMA).

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

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

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

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

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

MEDIA SALES VACANCY

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

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

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

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

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

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

MIDDLE EAST SOLUTIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Makham Dhalivaal from Birmingham has

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

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

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

Unit One, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AJ t: +44 (0) 1661 844 115 www.offstonepublishing.co.uk

APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 49

OUT TO LUNCH

Taking the buscuit

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

“

My father always said, never get into food,” says Biscuit Factory owner Ramy Zack. “But lo and behold, here I am - and he was right, it’s a minefield.”

However, as we tuck into an exquisite lunch at Artisan, the fine dining restaurant that’s part of this unique enterprise, he can hardly deny that being in the food business does have its benefits.

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

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

took over the running of the an area for a few artists’ studios family plastics business at the and another area for a house age of 23 - Zack is nonetheless gallery open to the public. It was no stranger to leaps into the just a gut feeling. As the building unknown when there’s the started to clean up, I began to promise of a return. see the potential for something Having shown more than even bigger, but even on the 35,000 artists since opening in opening night I still didn’t know November 2002, the Biscuit if it would work.”

Factory is the largest It was a gut feeling that commercial art, craft has, of course, been and design gallery in proved right.

“I HAD NEVER the UK, yet the “I’m a great BEEN INTO ART. move into art believer in the MY DAY JOB came about market - if there’s WAS PLASTIC almost by accident a demand, there when Zack bought will be a supply, MOULDING” the then-derelict and there was factory building, nothing on this scale, around the corner from his or in this format. Most high existing business premises, and street galleries are imposing resolved to restore it to its places you’ve got to be pretty former glory. brave even to walk into. I “I had never been involved in wanted to do something art - my day job was plastic completely different - more moulding! But I had been to relaxed, accessible, with open studio events and was something for every budget always surprised how many from £10 gifts to £10K paintings artists there were only opening and sculptures. We have the up to the public one day a year space to make that work. And - so the idea was to partition off we learned right at the

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

APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 51

OUT TO LUNCH beginning not to be judgmental - one of the fastest-selling artists was one whose work none of us liked.

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

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

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

If the art inside the space is an interest, the space itself is a true passion. Happily admitting that in another life he would have pursued architecture, the Biscuit Factory and its ongoing development provide Zack with an outlet for his love of design.

“I take pictures everywhere I go - I’m always grabbing ideas,” he says, flicking through photos on

KITCHEN ART

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

It’s continuously developing.”

We head off for a postprandial tour of the gallery.

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

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

“I’d love this to become the Left Bank of Newcastle, where there’s enough going on to be a self-sustaining hub for the arts.

But it’s never plain sailing when it comes to making other people see your vision.

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

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

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

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

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

“I thought this was going to be a quick chat over a sandwich,” laughs Ramy.

“I’m supposed to be going out for dinner tonight - I’m not going to have any room for it!”

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

SPECIAL FOCUS

Be our guest

£104m

Value of meetings and events industry to Newcastle Gateshead

Conferences and events focus

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

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

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

NewcastleGateshead economy.

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

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

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

LIFE SCIENCE CENTRE

W

ith an ideal location in the centre of the city minutes from Newcastle Central Station, a stunning setting, and the option to add a spark to any event, Life Conference and Banqueting is a perfect business venue.

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

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

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

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

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

15k

Events hosted in Newcastle Gateshead in 2013

1m

Delegates in 2013

NEWCASTLE CIVIC CENTRE AND MANSION HOUSE

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ccupying excellent locations for those travelling to the region, as well as for organisations based in the city, Newcastle Civic Centre and The Mansion House in Jesmond are superb locations for business events.

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

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

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

Unique Venues

THE SKYLIGHT SUITE

T

he Skylight Suite covers the entire top floor of The Beacon in Newcastle and is a stunning setting for any event with its incredible views across the city.

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

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

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

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Y

for weddings & conferences in Newcastle Whether you are looking for an exclusive setting for your special day or prestigious location near the heart of the city for a conference or business meeting, we have two distinguished venues to offer you.

Contact Us

Hospitality Services, Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QH Telephone: 0191 277 7222 | Email: enquiries@theciviccentre.co.uk www.newcastle.gov.uk/weddings | www.newcastle.gov.uk/conferences

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Newcastle Conference and Events

The Skylight Suite, located on the entire top floor of The

Newcastle. Our penthouse conference suite with its

Beacon is one of Newcastle’s premier conference facilities.

panoramic views, natural light and outdoor balconies is the

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

perfect space to impress your clients. This light, modern

free parking, fantastic on-site catering facilities and a first

space provides a bright and productive atmosphere for

class events team, there is nowhere better than Skylight

your conference, meeting or training session.

EMAIL:

Events@thebeaconnewcastle.co.uk

TEL:

0191 242 4894

APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 55

Join us for the North East’s most prestigious business dinners in 2016 NECC have a 200 year history of delivering the most prestigious, well attended and engaging dinners across the North East each year. NECC Dinners are the perfect opportunity to entertain clients and contacts and network with a broad mix of NECC members, including some of the most influential business people in our great region..

NECC TEES VALLEY ANNUAL DINNER 2016 Thursday 29 September 2016; 18:00-00:00 Jury’s Inn Middlesbrough Headline sponsor:

Drinks Reception Sponsor:

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

NECC NORTHUMBRIA & DURHAM ANNUAL DINNER 2016 Thursday 3 November 2016; 18:00-00:00 Civic Centre, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Headline sponsors:

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

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

0300 303 6322

@NEChamber

necc.co.uk

APPOINTMENTS

WORLD VIEW

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

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

NEW TAX ROLE

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

CLIMBING THE LADDER

A talented solicitor has won a promotion as part of the residential conveyancing team at Gordon Brown Law Firm.

Craig Foot, 29, from Sunderland, who is based at the firm’s Chester-le-Street office, secured his new role following completion of the legal practice course and professional skills course with the University of Law.

APPRENTICE TURNS MANAGER

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

IN CONTROL DEAN FOR DURHAM

Professor Susan Hart has been appointed the new Dean of Durham University Business School.

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

A loyal member of sales staff at Jennings Motor Group has transferred to the company’s Mitsubishi dealership to take on the role of sales controller/ business manager.

Dave Horsley, 51, from Billingham, has transferred from the group’s Ford dealership in Stockton, to the company’s Mitsubishi branch on Cargo Fleet Lane in Middlesbrough.

The dealership’s previous sales controller/business manager, Awhes Khan, transfers to the group’s Kia dealership, based on Concorde Way in Stockton.

BY ROYALE APPOINTMENT

Newcastle-headquartered law firm Watson Burton has appointed a new associate solicitor to enhance its employment expertise.

Hazel Royle joins Watson Burton from Burnetts Solicitors in Carlisle where she specialised in employment law and worked with clients in Cumbria, the North West and across the UK. She has particular experience of the education sector, having worked extensively with colleges, schools and higher education institutions.

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

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

SALES DIRECTOR

 l-r: MIchael Parker and Alfred van Wyk

PORT TEAM GROWS

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

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

 Professor Steve Cummings

BUILDING ON SUCCESS

PLASTIC FANTASTIC

A plastics firm which has ambitions to export to Australia has recruited its first apprentice.

Lewis Scarr, 18, has started his career at Primex Plastics, at Aycliffe Business Park, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham, by taking a commercial business apprenticeship with NECC.

Teesside University has appointed Professor Steve Cummings Dean of its School of Science & Engineering. It follows the appointment of the School’s previous Dean, Professor Simon Hodgson, as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation).

Professor Cummings previously held the role of Associate Dean (Academic) and Professor of Microbiology in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at Northumbria University.

APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 57

I DON’T SEE BORDERS I SEE OPPORTUNITIES. AS A CHAMBER MEMBER I’M WELL CONNECTED. IF IT’S NEW CUSTOMERS YOU’RE AFTER OR THE RIGHT ADVICE TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS GROWING, BELONGING TO YOUR LOCAL ACCREDITED CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEANS YOU ARE ALWAYS WELL CONNECTED. VISIT WWW.NECC.CO.UK TO SEE HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS. #JOINYOURCHAMBER

FAB 5

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

2

1

3

4

5

Andrew Fox

Melissa Thompson

Rebecca Ball

Ellie Riley

Bryn Littleton

I’d love to trade places with Wallace, of Wallace & Gromit.

He always looks on the positive side of things, has a broad smile on his face, and loves creating new things.

He aims high – as in the Moon in A Grand Day Out - and he’s got his trusted companion to keep his feet on the ground.

I admire his penchant for cheese, local of course, and who could resist a green woollen tank top?

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

And she looks amazing in motorbike leathers!

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

Sherlock Holmes as played by Robert Downey Jr. He’s quintessentially English, stylish and sophisticated, yet far from perfect. He’s talented in so many different ways, and enjoys using those talents to play tricks as well as solve mysteries.

I love the way Sherlock is portrayed by Downey Jr – flawed, yet brilliant.

He’s got a gritty realism and a lot of edge about him, which is perfect for me.

Ironman Tony Stark. No Bruce Wayne-like brooding for this billionaire genius superhero, Stark is a playboy, and Ironman is the coolest superhero.

A collection of supercars, New York skyscraper penthouse, futuristic Malibu beach house, and married to Gwyneth Paltrow - what more would anyone want? Anyone who can have a major hand in levelling cities and still come out as a hero is clearly a master of PR!

General Manager Crowne Plaza Hotel Newcastle

Managing Director KMS Partners Richmond

Director Sunderland 2021 (City of Culture bid)

Sales executive Act 2 Cam North Shields

Account director Creo Communications Sunderland

APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 59

EVENTS

NECC Exchange

Coffee & Connections Seven Stories, January 28

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

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

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

Village The Hotel Club, February 11

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

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

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

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

NECC Local Cocktail Masterclass Fat Buddha, February 25

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

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

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

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

NECC Exchange,

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

Seaham Hall, April 14, 11am-2pm, FREE NECC’s flagship networking event, encouraging an exchange of experiences, ideas and offers between members in a round-table format.

Event sponsored by

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

 Charles Reynard (Eversheds)

 Members at the event

NECC Local

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

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

Made in Tyne & Wear, January 21 NECC Exchange

Linden Hall Hotel, May 12, 11am-2pm, FREE Event sponsored by

 Tour of the studio

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

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

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

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

APRIL - MAY 2016 / CONTACT / www.necc.co.uk / 61

EVENTS

Featured events APR

14

FREE

NECC Exchange

11:00-14:00, Seaham Hall Hotel

APR

28

FREE

CSR: Exploring Delivering Social Value through Responsible Business Practices

JUN

22

FREE

NECC AGM 2016

10.30-14:30, Stadium of Light, Sunderland

08:00-10:15, Hodgson Sayers, Tanfield, Stanley

To book 0300 303 6322 events@necc.co.uk www.necc.co.uk/events FLAGSHIP APR 21 NORTH EAST BUSINESS AWARDS THE GRAND FINAL

MAY 12 NECC EXCHANGE 11:00-14:00, Linden Hall Hotel, Northumberland

FREE

MAY 19 STAND UP AND BE COUNTED 14:00-16:00, Customs House, South Shields

FREE

MAY 19 NECC LOCAL 08:00-09:30 E-Max Systems, Darlington

09:00-15:00, Lumley Castle, Chester-le-Street

FREE

SEP 29 NECC TEES VALLEY ANNUAL DINNER 18:00-23:00, Jurys Inn, Middlesbrough

£80*

NOV 03 NECC NORTHUMBRIA & DURHAM ANNUAL DINNER 18:00-23:00, Civic Centre, Newcastle

£100*

*member price + VAT

NETWORKING APR 21 NECC LOCAL 08:00-09:30, Middleton Lodge, Darlington

FREE

APR 27 NORTH EAST EXPO 09:00-16:00, Newcastle Falcons, Kingston Park

FREE

MAY 04 NECC LOCAL (TEAM VALLEY MONTHLY) 08:30-10:30, Area North, Team Valley

FREE

APR 22 CO. DURHAM AREA MEETING 08:15-10:00, Collingwood College

MAY 04 HARTLEPOOL AREA MEETING

JUN 29 NECC GOLF DAY

JUL 06 INSPIRING FEMALES CONFERENCE

FREE

FREE

JUN 01 NECC LOCAL (TEAM VALLEY MONTHLY)

£TBC

16:00-18:00, TBC

MAY 26 COFFEE & CONNECTIONS 10:30-12:30, Durham Constabulary HQ

All Day, Matfen Hall, Northumberland

APR 20 NORTHUMBERLAND AREA MEETING

FREE

18:00-01:00, Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield

£99*

AREA MEETINGS/ COMMITTEES

FREE

08:30-10:30, Area North, Team Valley

FREE

JUN 09 NECC EXCHANGE – EURO 2016 11:00-14:00, Middlesbrough Football Club

FREE

JUL 06 NECC LOCAL (TEES VALLEY MONTHLY) 08:30-10:30, Area North, Team valley

FREE

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION NETWORK

16:00-17:30, Evolution LLP, Wynyard

FREE

MAY 06 NORTH TYNESIDE AREA MEETING 08:00-09:30, TBC

FREE

MAY 17 SUNDERLAND AREA MEETING 16:00-18:00, Stadium of Light, Sunderland

FREE

MAY 23 NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD AREA MEETING 16:00-18:00, Gateshead Civic Centre

FREE

INTERNATIONAL

APR 20 BEHIND THE SCENES: NESTLE (MEDIUM MEMBERS)

APR 26 IMPORT PROCESSES, COMPLIANCE AND DOCUMENTS 09:15-15:30, Durham County Cricket Club £300*

FREE

14:00-16:00, Mercure Newcastle

MAY 17 CUSTOMS COMPLIANCE, PROCESSES AND DOCUMENTS 09:15-15:30, Durham County Cricket Club £300*

JUN 23 HR KNOWLEDGE: ENDING THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP

JUN 09 LETTERS OF CREDIT AND METHODS OF PAYMENT 09:15-15:30, Durham County Cricket Club £300*

15:00-17:30, Nestle UK, Newcastle. Event fully booked.

APR 26 INSPIRING FEMALES SEMINAR FREE

09:30-11:30, Durham County Cricket Club

FREE

JUL 01 LINKING BUSINESS WITH EDUCATION

08:00-12:00, Cardinal Hume Catholic School

FREE

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

JUN 28 EXPORT PROCESSES, COMPLIANCE AND DOCUMENTS 09:15-15:30, Durham County Cricket Club £300* *Global member price £240+VAT Foundation Award in International Trade - NECC member price £800 (Global member price £640+VAT)

THANK YOU

For your recent membership renewals. Particular thanks to members supporting NECC for over 20 years 100+ YEARS Cleveland Bridge UK Ltd International Paint Limited Lloyds Bank Corporate Mkts ncjMedia Ltd Gazette Media Company Limited

116 116 116 116 103

40-99 YEARS Tomlinson Hall & Co Ltd Sulzer Dowding & Mills (UK) Ltd P C Richardson & Co Ltd Newsquest (North East) Ltd Compressor Services International Ltd Deloitte Digitalab Limited E J Melling Ltd Fairhurst FaulknerBrowns Architects HSBC Intu Eldon Square Ltd Newcastle Building Society Newcastle Racecourse Potts Print (UK) Ltd PricewaterhouseCoopers R & J Ince Limited R N J Partnership LLP RSM Sanderson Weatherall Seen & Heard Ltd Spincraft ETG Limited Todd & Cue Ltd Watson Burton LLP Bureau Of Analysed Samples Ltd Inter Terminals Seal Sands Ltd Mersen UK Teesside Ltd Mech-Tool Engineering Ltd Anderson Barrowcliff LLP Chipchase Manners Bank Of England J Barbour & Sons Ltd.

86 74 69 67 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 63 46 44 43 42 42 40 40

30-39 YEARS Taylor Hobson Ltd T/A Solartron ISA Pipeline Engineering & Supply Co Ltd Ransome Sporting Goods Barrier Ltd British Engines (UK) Ltd Crabtree Of Gateshead Ltd Crossling Ltd Fenwick Ltd Flowserve Pumps Newcastle a Division of Flowserve (GB) Ltd Harlow Printing Ltd Huntsman P&A UK Ltd IG Group (Innerglass Ltd) Immunodiagnostic Systems Jim Hastings Limited Lambert Smith Hampton Lumley Castle Hotel Marsh Ltd Megator Limited Messer Cutting Systems OpSec Security Limited Palintest Ltd Piramal Healthcare UK Ltd

39 38 37 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36

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

36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 35 33 32 32 32 32 32 31 31 30

25-29 YEARS AMH Workspace Ltd Autoclock Systems Ltd Elfab Limited Ferschl Hose & Hydraulics Ltd Haines Watts Chartered Accountants Jebb Metals (Newcastle) Ltd Muckle LLP Walker Filtration Ltd Croner Data Supplies (Stationery) Ltd Lease-A-Leaf Limited Lowrie Foods Limited Nissan Motor Mfg (UK) Ltd North East Vending Rider Hunt (Newcastle) Ltd Silver & Charlton Sunderland Sotech Limited Sunderland Association Football Club TTR Barnes Atkinson Print Ltd Cory Brothers Shipping Agency Limited Elliott Associates GE Infrastructure Oil & Gas Pll Pipeline Solutions Grundfos Manufacturing Ltd Horncastle Executive Travel Ltd International House Language Training Pentair Technical Solutions UK Limited PNE Group Port Of Blyth Samuel Phillips Law Firm SCS Group PLC Stagecoach North East Visage Ltd Elizabeths Embroidery Longs Steel UK Limited Northumbria University Petards Group plc Straughans Limited

29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 26 26 26 26 26

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

25 25 25 25 25

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

24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 22 22 22 22 22 22 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

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

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

MEMBER 2 MEMBER

MEMBER TO MEMBER OFFERS ED TU R FE A

ED TU R FE A

FE A

TU R

ED

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

15% OFF AT THE COPTHORNE HOTEL

FREE AREA HIRE AND DRINKS RECEPTION

5% OFF EMIRATES FLIGHTS TO CHINA

Copthorne Hotel Newcastle ltd Offer code: NECCCRO

Revolution Newcastle Offer code: N/A

Emirates Offer code: UKCNY16

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

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

Emirates is offering NECC members 5% discount on all Emirates flights to China.

Destinations include Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Guangzhou, Yinchuan and Zhengzhou.

www.millenniumhotels.com/Newcastle

www.revolution-bars.co.uk

www.emirates.com

FREE PROMOTION ON THE MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS SHOW

EXPERIENCE MEETINGS FROM £29PP

30 % OFF ANY DIGITAL SKILLS WORKSHOP

Koast Radio Limited OFFER CODE: MYOB KOAST

Radisson BLU Hotel Durham OFFER CODE: DDR FROM £29

RAW Digital Training OFFER CODE: NECC

ESSENTIALS RANGE DELIVERED AND INSTALLED IN SEVEN DAYS

ONE-DAY L2 CYBER SECURITY FOR BUSINESS COURSE

FUNDING FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

Godfrey Syrett Limited OFFER CODE: N/A

Inteltrain OFFER CODE: NECC1

Revolution Power Ltd OFFER CODE: NECC

For many more exclusive NECC member offers visit www.necc.co.uk/offers 64 / www.necc.co.uk / CONTACT / APRIL - MAY 2016

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

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

As a chamber member you can access a whole host of business support services. Our members join and engage with us for many different reasons; • Expand your network of business contacts • Tap into the knowledge of your own Dedicated Relationship Manager – meet new customers and suppliers • Raise your company profile • Peace of mind with Legal Expenses Insurance up to £50,000

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

• Access 24/7 Legal Advice Line: Employment law, contracts, taxation, environment and health & Safety • Apprenticeship and Staff Training • Assistance with International trade • Representation: a strong voice for change We have a number of packages designed to suit your business needs.

Together we grow stronger To find out more about the benefits of being an NECC member get in touch.

Andrew Tomlinson, Director Andrew James UK Ltd

0300 303 6322 enquiries@necc.co.uk www.necc.co.uk

Winner North East Business Awards 2015 Company of the Year Award

@NEChamber /NorthEastChamber

GUEST COLUMNIST

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

I

f we, as business leaders and educators, are going to deliver the capable and talented workforce needed to create a successful and prosperous North East we must do it together.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘THE WELCOME’

‘THE MATCH ROUTINE’

‘THE ACTION’

TO EACH AND EVERY FAN...

IT’S YOUR ASSOCIATION THAT COUNTS Sunderland’s magnificent Stadium of Light offers you and your guests the ultimate matchday experience. A winning combination of some of the finest facilities, our first-class service and all the excitement of live football, you are guaranteed an event to remember.

From as little as £775 per person for a whole season, you and your guests will be at the heart of the action, taking advantage of some of the best hospitality in football. An unrivalled combination of panoramic pitch views with access to private executive boxes, stunning suites and

contemporary bars, are complemented by our awardwinning service and sumptuous dining choices - at a price to suit any budget.

A range of advertising and sponsorship opportunities, tailored to your exact requirements, are also on offer, giving you the chance to deliver your company message to a huge audience, regionally, nationally and internationally.

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

4217

www.citroenvans.co.uk

TOWN CENTRE CITROËN 0191 516 8822

TOUGH GO-GETTER NEW CITROËN BERLINGO FROM ONLY

£144 PER MONTH

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DURABLE WARRIOR CITROËN DISPATCH

£164 PER MONTH

FROM ONLY ON CONRACT HIRE*

HEAVY-DUTY POWERHOUSE

CITROËN RELAY

£234

FROM ONLY PER MONTH ON CONRACT HIRE*

*Offers apply to qualifying new Citroën commercial vehicles ordered & delivered 01/04 - 30/06/16 for business users only excluding National Fleet customers as defined by Citroën UK. Metallic paint optional at no extra cost. Rental prices shown apply to New Citroën Berlingo HDi 75 manual L1 625 Enterprise, Dispatch HDi 90 manual L1H1 1000 Panel Van & Relay 30 L1H1 HDi 110 6-speed manual Enterprise. One bulk advance will be required followed by 23 monthly rentals on a 2 year agreement of 10,000 miles per annum. Contract Hire rental includes: delivery to dealership, Citroën Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Excise Duty and Government First Registration Fee. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Over 18s only. Excess mileage charges will apply if you exceed the agreed annual mileage. Finance provided by and written quotations available on request from PSA Finance UK Limited (company registration number 01024322) t/a Citroën Contract Motoring, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1QA, UK. Citroën Contract Motoring is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Contract Hire rental rates have been calculated with the appropriate manufacturer’s support applied to the OTR price. All rentals are subject to VAT at 20%. Citroën Contract Motoring reserve the right to amend any of the rentals quoted without notice. Jarretts Motors Ltd is acting as a credit broker and is not a lender. To finance your purchase/lease we may introduce you to a limited number of lenders. Offers & specification correct at time of going to press from participating Dealers.

Terms & conditions apply. Please ask us for details. Subject to stock availability.

TOWN CENTRE CITROËN 0191 516 8822

FERRYBOAT LANE, SUNDERLAND, TYNE & WEAR, SR5 3JN www.towncentresunderland.citroen.co.uk