Contact Magazine - August - September 2016

North East England Chamber of Commerce: Together We Grow Sronger

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

www.neechamber.co.uk

Wood you believe it Behind the scenes at chipboard giant Egger

Do we have the power?

The Northern Powerhouse in focus

PROFILE

LET THERE BE LIGHT

FROM A CART AND A HORSE The story of logistics giant AV Dawson

Videre: Lighting up South Africa’s townships

LAST WORD: TO THREE OR NOT TO THREE AT UNIVERSITY

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

Welcome...

The events of the past few weeks have been so fast moving and dynamic I am sure we all feel the need to catch our breath at the level of change which has swept through the country.

This issue of Contact shows that despite this uncertainty we have plenty of successes to build on. There are some great businesses which are thriving and drawing on their strong North East roots and you can read in this edition about the strengths of new companies such as Athena Risk, which despite being just months old, has secured

Chamber president Mike Matthews MBE on some great North East businesses and the issues affecting us all

support for an event from fellow Chamber member Emirates.

There are also digital firms like Espresso Web and Circle Cloud which are recruiting and growing and are proud to be based in the North East and part of our business community.

It may be at a different stage of its development, but Cummins is another inspirational firm which has lessons for us all, as you will see from our profile of Chris Willoughby.

Our region was selected as a key location for Twitter to grow its business and the highlights of a recent workshop hosted by Sage UK are outlined for you in this edition.

We also meet Alison Shaw, the new chief executive of Helix Arts, and Mike Williams from Videre Global, which is bringing light to the townships of South Africa thanks to great North East innovation.

Meanwhile, young entrepreneur Alice Hall asks some tough questions of our university system in our Last Word column, and our skills pages outline some tremendous achievements.

These, plus many more examples of dynamic businesses inside these pages show that, despite political uncertainty, we can be certain of our strength together.

Mike Matthews, Chamber 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 North East England Chamber members. News and press releases should be sent to submissions@neechamber.co.uk ADVERTISING Contact our commercial team tel 01661 844 115 or email sales@offstonepublishing.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson www.kgphotography.co.uk Nicky Rogerson www.nrphotography.co.uk Peter Skelton www.photo-psp.co.uk

GET IN TOUCH

01661 844 115 Follow us @NEEChamber Published by

WHAT THEY SAY THIS ISSUE...

Offstone Publishing Unit 1, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield Northumberland, NE43 7AJ 01661 844 115 enquiries@offstonepublishing.co.uk

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

Gary Dawson

Alice Hall

Craig Morgan

“Our growth is good news for the area and the business; we have increased our workforce by a third to 240 in three years, and have launched an in-house skills academy.”

“Employers want graduates who are ready to hit the ground running. They want them to throw themselves into daily and strategic tasks from the moment they step into work.”

“It was obvious that the desire for the technology was there.

But we needed to start with the business model to make sure it was accessible. We’ve cracked that now.”

AV Dawson

Pink Boutique

Videre Global

©Offstone Publishing 2016. All rights reserved.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

All information contained in this magazine is as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Offstone Publishing a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part. Although every care is taken, Offstone Publishing is not liable for resulting loss or damage. Offstone Publishing endeavors to respect the intellectual property of owners of copyrighted material reproduced herein. If you identify yourself as the copyright holder of material we have wrongly attributed, please contact us. Offstone Publishing does not guarantee the insertion of any particular advertisement on a specified date or at all.

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 3

Matchday Hospitality from £50 per person

Upcoming Premier League Fixtures

Middlesbrough August 21

Everton September 12

Crystal Palace September 24

West Brom October 1

2016-17 Matchday Hospitality Sunderland’s Stadium of Light is one of the most iconic sporting venues in the country.

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

Limited seasonal hospitality packages available.

New for the 2016-2017 season experience the brand new Hilton Garden Inn with our Karbon Grill matchday package.

4853

To book a hospitality package: 0871 911 1555, hospitality@safc.com To book accommodation at the Hilton Garden Inn, Sunderland: 0191 500 9494, enquiries@hgisunderland.com Special rates available for seasonal hospitality customers.

Contents

Plus 08 INBOX News and views from the world of business

11 NEWS Esh Group consolidates 13 NEWS Devolution sets the Chamber agenda

15 NEWS The BIDs for the Powerhouse 23 NEWS Newcastle Building Society posts its results

27 NEWS Twitter de-mystified

Features 06 60 SECONDS

With author LJ Ross

Above: Robert Hanna and Craig Morgan of Videre Global

09 IN MY VIEW

With Chamber chief executive James Ramsbotham

40

50 NORTHUMBERLAND Area focus 61 FAB 5 Summer days 62 EVENTS Connecting with members

32 CHAMBER POLICY

The Northern Powerhouse in focus

34 THE NEXT GENERATION Cummins’ Chris Willoughby

36 SUCCESS

Keeping it in the family with AV Dawson

46 OUT TO LUNCH With Alison Shaw

48 WOOD YOU BELIEVE IT We explore Egger, Northumberland

54 SPECIAL FOCUS IT and professional services

34

46 66

Clockwise from above: Chris Willoughby Alison Shaw and Alice Hall

66 LAST WORD

With Pink Boutique’s Alice Hall AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 5

60 SECONDS

Write stuff

We talk to Newcastle-born LJ Ross, author of the DCI Ryan thriller series

B

orn in Ponteland, LJ Ross is a former Newcastle High School for Girls pupil who gained her law degree at King’s College London and studied in Paris and Florence before becoming a regulatory lawyer in the City. Now a full-time author, her first book Holy Island shot to the top of the Amazon bestseller list, knocking Paula Hawkins’ Girl on a Train off the top spot.

Her latest novel Angel, about a serial killer who buries his victims in Newcastle cemeteries, is available for pre-order now and for sale on August 26.

Q Who did you look up to as a child?

My mother was a very strong role model.

She taught me to reach for the stars, to have a strong work ethic, and to develop a moral code I could be proud of. I’ve tried to instil the same values in my son; I hope he grows up believing the world is an essentially good place where anything is still possible.

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

I had fewer laughter lines when I was 21!

But seriously, I think life is a journey. When I was in my twenties I was an idealist; I thought that I could save the world. Ten years on, I’m more of a realist but I still dream and believe in open societies and social change. I have always been driven, which is useful when working to a deadline! Above all else, I appreciate the value of sleep a lot more than I did.

Q How would you describe yourself?

As a person who loves to laugh and make others laugh. I believe in treating people fairly, regardless of background, race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.

Aside from my family and friends, I love travelling, reading and all things creative.

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

Unless I happened to be wearing heels, you’d have to adjust your eyesight to around the 5ft 3ins level. Then you’d be looking for a brunette with (fairly) wild brown curly hair and a big smile.

Q What’s the best job you’ve ever had?

The one I have now. Although I was a lawyer for years, I knew I wanted to do something more creative and I’ve been incredibly lucky to be become a full-time author. I love nothing more than falling into a story and I can happily sit for hours crafting a novel. It’s food for the soul.

Q What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the whole process, and an advantage of being self published through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is that I can manage the business and creative sides of my work. I love being able to use fine art photography on my book covers to showcase the Northumbrian scenery and it is refreshing not to be at the mercy of long publishing schedules - it means that the readers can have the next instalment a lot sooner.

Q What would you be doing if you weren’t doing what you’re doing?

I might still be working as a city lawyer, but it is hard to imagine.

Q The best decision you’ve made and why?

Taking a leap of faith and changing career.

6 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

Some people thought I was mad leaving a well-paid job in exchange for the unknown, particularly in such a competitive industry, but sometimes you need to be brave to live a happy life. I’ve been so fortunate to have all of my books listed as Amazon Number One bestsellers, so I’ve never looked back.

Q If I were to tell you that you couldn’t fail, what would you do?

I’d probably buy a lottery ticket and donate the proceeds to a worthy cause!

Q Who has inspired you in your life?

My mother, friends who have inspired me to become a better person, my husband, who is a wonderful, kind man who inspires me every day.

Q What scares you most?

Clowns and failure!

Q Who would play you in a film of your life?

I’d love to say Natalie Portman, but I fear my goofy nature is more akin to Melissa McCarthy’s comic turn.

Q What’s the greatest moment in your career so far?

When my debut novel, Holy Island, made it to the Amazon UK Number One slot. That was a fantastic moment I’ll never forget.

Q What does the future hold?

More books! The fourth book in the DCI Ryan series is coming out now and I’m writing the fifth at the moment. I’m also writing a separate, standalone psychological thriller which I hope to finish early next year.

“I have always been driven, which is useful when you’re working to a deadline”

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 7

INBOX

inbox...

Have you got something to say about Contact magazine or about business in general? Then this page is the place. Send your views, comment and gossip to submissions@neechamber.co.uk

Tweet Tweet!

Here’s our pick of recent events across the region on Twitter The Connection Retail and Franks the Flooring Store teams

Winter Lilly the snowdog with Deloitte senior partner Stephen Hall

PAW-FECT PARTNERSHIP

The Newcastle office of business advisory firm Deloitte, which has raised more than £9,000 and provided pro bono support for St Oswald’s Hospice in the last year, is now sponsoring the hospice’s Great North Snowdogs project.

Great North Snowdogs brings together businesses, artists, schools and community groups to create a trail of snowdog sculptures based on the story The Snowman and The Snowdog

by Raymond Briggs. Set to be launched this autumn, each sculpture is painted by a wellknown or undiscovered artist and Deloitte’s sponsored dog, which will be outside its office, is called Winter Lilly. Ahhh!

PRINCELY SUM

The charitably-minded team at Stockton-based Endeavour Partnership have committed to raising thousands of pounds in the coming year for their local branch of Fairbridge, a charity run by The Princes Trust which supports disengaged young people who are not in education, employment or training. The Endeavour team hope to raise £10,000 for the charity, and the Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Society has generously committed to match-fund the amount raised.

WE LOVE CHARITY, US!

Nice work from Franks the Flooring Store, famous for its grammatically improbable ‘I love carpets me’ slogan, and Connection Retail, which have jointly donated £3,500 to Macmillan Cancer Support following a charity football match boosted by sponsorship from West Auckland AFC, Envirostik, Hobbitz and Universal Mouldings. This follows a previous donation from Franks to Macmillan of £25,844 following a year of fundraising activities.

HAVING A BALL

Lumley Castle Hotel (‫@ ‏‬ ‫ ‏‬Lumley CastleLtd): @NEEChamber event @LumleyCastleLtd fabulous pre-dinner drinks on the terrace. @NEEChamberJames with Richard #Chef Stadium of Light (‫@ ‏‬ ‫ ‏‬StadiumOfLight): A few shots from a memorable night @Beyonce

Diane Cleves and Kirsti Bushby

Wynyard Hall Hotel is set to host its first ever charity ball to raise money to support cancer patients at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.

Aiming to raise at least £6,000 for the trust, the event on October 7 will be held in the spectacular 650-seater Grand Marquee in the hotel gardens.

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust is an integrated hospital and community services healthcare organisation serving around 400,000 people in Hartlepool, Stockton and Co Durham.

Jennifer Rycroft (‫@ ‏‬NEEChamberJen): #NEEChamber @LakesDistillery thanks for a fab day! Tradition, innovation & beauty in one!

Catherine Hanlon

THE RIGHT NOTE

Newcastle University graduate Catherine Hanlon is in fine tune having started a business with the help of the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC).

Catherine, 23, from Peterlee, has launched In Harmony Music Tuition and Performance, offering private tuition and performing at weddings and corporate events. She was supported by business adviser Ron Anderson, who guided her throughout the planning stage and helped her apply for the New Enterprise Allowance.

8 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK

In a nice turn of events for a family previously unused to academia, Redcar mum Diane Cleves and daughter Kirsti Bushby have both graduated from Teesside University and both enrolled to continue studying there from September. “Nobody from our family has ever been to university, so collecting our qualifications together is really special,” says Diane, who graduates with a Certificate in Education and will continue onto the BA (Hons) Education. Kirsti, meanwhile, has a BA (Hons) Graphic Design and is progressing onto the MA Future Design course.

ME North East 2016 (‫@ ‏‬ ‫ ‏‬MandE_Events): Visitors to #MENorthEast enjoyed seeing how the FANUC Cobot robot worked at the show this year #ukmfg #engineering Newcastle Airport (‫@ ‏‬ ‫ ‏‬NCLairport): Soaking up the sunshine at @vueling Quayside Seaside @NE1BID @rileysfishshack Richard Swart (‫@ ‏‬ ‫ ‏ ‏‬richswart): With @NEE ChamberJulie & UK Lesotho ambassador Majoro strengthening links between NEast England & Southern Africa

IN MY VIEW

@neechamberJames

In my view

Chamber chief executive James Ramsbotham on the fall-out from the Brexit vote and the issues affecting North East business today

I

f a week is a long time in politics we have all lived a good year in the past month.

Our members need certainty to thrive and there has been little chance of us getting that when those in Government have been so uncertain themselves.

With a new Prime Minster in place I now hope we can start to see some longawaited decisions being made on major capital projects like Heathrow’s expansion.

We continue to campaign vigorously on behalf of the North East business community to get a decision on this vital development which would enable our companies to get access to the rest of the world more easily.

Our work helped to secure funding for the western by-pass to get upgraded, a much needed improvement to our transport infrastructure. I am delighted with that success every time I drive past

the Metrocentre without a traffic jam; proof if any were needed that our ‘together we grow stronger’ vision works. It can also now get you from A to B more quickly!

The result of the EU referendum has been a shock to many businesses in the region, although I know there are some who welcomed the news. We can expect volatility for some time to come, not only in financial markets, which seemed to have been derailed then stabilised, but in business planning both here and in Europe.

Successful exporting relies on longterm relationships and this result risks derailing these, which in some cases have been nurtured for decades.

It is important to remember at this challenging time that we have many strengths as a region and must work together to exploit them to the full. We need to move fast to emphasise these advantages and grow our export-led economy to succeed in markets around the globe.

Our Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) results show businesses delivered steady growth in the second quarter of 2016. These positive results are despite concerns of a slowdown in the uncertain period prior to the referendum.

Once again, the score for workforce was one of the highlights of the survey, with a score of +22.3; well above historic averages.

But there is a significant discrepancy between the main sectors, with services firms reporting strong growth in sales and orders, while manufacturers saw a decline for both domestic and export markets. This is a little concerning, but I am confident our economy is much more

diverse than in previous times so we are more able to withstand short-term issues in particular sectors.

One issue which does raise its head frequently with our members from both sectors, in particular manufacturing, is the shortage of skilled workers. We are holding regular Business and Education events around the region to encourage closer working between schools, colleges and companies, so they understand each other’s needs and can identify job opportunities for young people. There is enthusiasm from both sides and partnerships are developing.

The need for closer working between these two sectors was highlighted in Lord Heseltine’s report on the former SSI site and the Tees Valley. Our view is that we welcome his fair assessment and realise there will be no quick fix. We also recognise this is just the start of the process, but it is still positive.

We will work together and bring to the fore our traditional North East entrepreneurial acumen. The companies which will survive and thrive are those which are resilient in times like these and make the best of whatever is thrown at them. Our members have done that repeatedly down the years.

Last but not least, we organised an Inspiring Females Conference through our Women’s Advisory Board which gave entrepreneurs and businesswomen at all stages of their career the opportunity to network and learn from each other’s experience. We are delighted to play our part in developing women’s knowledge and success in the business sector.

Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out.

The British press on EU Referendum day

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 9

NEWS

NEWS

RETAILER’S STEPPING OUT Streetwear and sportswear retailer Footasylum has announced plans to open a branch at Sunderland’s the Bridges bringing with it 25 new jobs.

The August opening is the chain’s third store in the region and its 47th shop nationwide.

Andy Bradley, centre director at the Bridges, said the arrival of another national brand in the centre showed the confidence that retailers have in Sunderland.

The new 180sqm unit will be next to Schuh and H&M.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION Lucy Winskell OBE DL has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to business.

The chair of the Board of North East England Chamber of Commerce received the Judges’ Special Award at the Director of the Year awards organised by the Institute of Directors (IoD) in Yorkshire and the North East.

Winskell has been pro vice-chancellor for business and engagement at Northumbria University since 2010, where she is leading the development of

relationships with local government, public bodies, businesses and the professions.

A litigation lawyer for more than 28 years prior to joining the university, she is also a former member of the National Law Society Council and a former President of Newcastle Law Society.

In addition, she has held a number of non-executive directorships supporting organisations with a particular focus on promoting regional development.

NEWS CRAFTING NEW BUSINESS Co Durham craft supplies company Crafter’s Companion has announced its second retail outlet.

The store, which represents a £250,000 investment, will open within Dobbies Garden Centre in Chesterfield in September and follows the company’s first store launch in Newton Aycliffe in May. The firm, founded in 2005 by Sara Davies MBE, manufactures and sells craft tools and products online, via TV shopping channels, independent retailers and now its own stores. Davies says: “The chance to collaborate with Dobbies was a fantastic opportunity.”

PROFITS BOOST Law firm Ward Hadaway has seen annual turnover rise by more than 7% after seeing growth in all its practice areas and offices.

The UK Top 100 law firm, with offices in Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester employing more than 450 people, saw annual income rise by 7.2% to a record £35.8m in the year to the end of April 2016.

In the North East, the firm saw marked growth in its Corporate, Commercial and Property departments, with a 41.5% jump in Corporate fee income the stand-out performer.

A tight control on costs saw the firm’s like-for-like profit margin rise to 32.2% and net debt reduced by 80.8%. Managing partner Jamie

10 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

Ward Hadaway managing partner Jamie Martin

Martin says: “These are exceptionally good results for the firm, especially taking into consideration the fact that competition in the legal marketplace has arguably never been greater.”

NEWS

SUNNY DELIGHT

Esh Group CEO Brian Manning

ESH CONSOLIDATES Durham-based Esh Group, which has offices in Yorkshire, Cumbria and Scotland, has announced turnover of £275m, similar to 2014, in the year to December 2015.

Profit before tax was down to £8.6m, while cash balance was £29m.

CEO Brian Manning says: “This is a good performance and a credit to our hard-working employees and supply chain partners. 2015 was always anticipated as a year of consolidation in terms of turnover given the growth in 2014.

“Profit has been affected by a number of factors including market conditions, investments in business outside the North East and costs ahead of a major IT project.”

Esh Build completed a number of projects during the year, including the £5.4m Thirteen Group headquarters in Stockton, the £7.4m STEM Skills Centre at Middlesbrough College and

the £3.3m Boho Five in Middlesbrough.

The Group, which employs more than 1,200 people across the North and Scotland, won significant work in 2015, including a 10-year contract to carry out work on Northumbrian Water’s water and waste water networks.

Esh Property Services was also appointed to the four-year Broadacres Framework, a £160m scheme which includes the construction of 1,600 homes in the North East and Yorkshire over four years.

Development performance at Esh Homes and Esh Developments improved in 2015, as planning permission was secured for 450 houses and a retail development at Philadelphia in Sunderland.

Shareholders were also told of work carried out by Esh Charitable Trust and Esh Added Value, the two supporting parts of Esh Group’s community work.

A Japanese animé festival which brought 3,000 visitors to St James’ Park has resulted in a major contract win for the stadium.

Following the success of SunnyCon 2016, a three-day festival celebrating characters from the worlds of gaming and animé, the organisers have signed a five-year contract with the stadium’s catering partner, Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events.

The contract will enable the annual convention, which was originally held in Sunderland before moving to the Newcastle United ground this year, to expand its offering and capacity.

NEWS PARK OPEN FOR BUSINESS A £2m speculative trade park development has been completed on Team Valley, Gateshead.

Earlsway Trade Park is Team Valley’s first speculative trade park development to have been brought forward in eight years.

The 22,000sqft scheme has been developed by Northumberland Estates and provides nine trade counter/workshop units ranging from 1,905sqft to 3,270sqft.

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 11

NEWS CONTACT YOUR CHAMBERRELATIONSHIP MANAGER TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Sub-contractors working at the Lambs Hill site

Essentials Portfolio Julie Digman tel 07912 478 964 julie.digman@ neechamber.co.uk Twitter @neechamberjuliedig Teesside Tom Warnock tel 07714 845 617 tom.warnock@ neechamber.co.uk Twitter @neechamberTom Darlington and West Durham Susan Anderson tel 07736 799 727 susan.anderson @neechamber.co.uk Northumberland Joanne McLauchlin tel 07850 740 646 joanne.mclauchlin @neechamber.co.uk Medium Business Andrew Heavisides tel 07912 478 961 andrew.heavisides @neechamber.co.uk Twitter @neechamberAndrewh Newcastle/ Gateshead Lynsey Fairless tel 07834 444 627 lynsey.fairless@neechamber.co.uk Twitter @neechamberLynsey Sunderland/South Tyneside/Durham Arthur Hodgson tel 07980 259 991 arthur.hodgson@neechamber.co.uk Twitter @neechamberArthur International Les Dixon tel 07850 740 645 les.dixon @neechamber.co.uk Twitter @neechamberLes

Banking on £1m worth of contracts

T

he total value of contracts awarded to North East firms as part of the construction of a new wind farm on Teesside has passed the £1m mark.

In March this year, Banks Renewables, part of The Banks Group, started construction work on the Lambs Hill wind farm to the North West of Stockton, with Cheetham Hill Construction the main

contractor. Since then, more than 20 sub-contractors have been appointed to work on the four-turbine scheme.

Successful contractors include waste recycling firm Scott Brothers of Billingham, B&S Scaffolding of Middlesbrough, Stockton-based Hope Construction and various accommodation and catering suppliers across the area around the site.

IT’S IN THE BAG Co Durham-headquartered Handbag Clinic, which restores handbags from some of the world’s most renowned designers, has expanded into Leeds.

The firm opened in Newcastle last year and has branches in Chelsea and Islington. As well as giving designer handbags a complete overhaul, Handbag Clinic also sources and sells vintage bags from design houses including Hermes, Chanel, Celine and Louis Vuitton.

The Leeds opening represents a six-figure investment.

12 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

l-r Handbag Clinic staff members Amber Reeve, Vicky Owen and Nayha Faris

Devolution sets agenda

N

NEWS TOP MARKS

orth East England Chamber of Commerce president Mike Matthews (Nifco UK) supported the two devolution deals in the region at the Chamber’s 22nd AGM at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland.

He said: “These two deals are great Chamber COO David Langley, president Mike Matthews, opportunities for us to create better chair Lucy Winskell and CEO James Ramsbotham conditions for business. We will make sure region’s business community.” our members’ voices are heard by those Mike Wade, finance manager at Hodgson developing the devolution plans.”

Sayers, made a speech outlining the Gill Southern (Wessington Cryogenics) business ethos which helped the firm win and Brian Manning (Esh Group) were elected the British Chambers of Commerce Chamber vice presidents at the AGM, which Business of the Year 2015. The meeting also also saw the launch of the Chamber’s new heard that in 2015, the Chamber’s brand identity and its new name, North East international trade team supported nearly England Chamber of Commerce. Chief exec 500 members to export £1.2bn in goods and James Ramsbotham said: “The new logo services, the legal and HR free helpline was epitomises our ethos that businesses are used by 377 businesses, and 5,000 always stronger together. It captures the NECC_Advert_Updated.pdf 1 03/06/2016 15:36:41 businesspeople attended Chamber events. unity which is such an important part of our

Durham University Library’s Learning Team has been awarded the prestigious Sandford Award for Excellence in Heritage Education for its schools programme at Palace Green Library and the Oriental Museum.

The Sandford Award is given only to organisations which meet rigorously applied criteria. The University Learning Team works with more than 20,000 children and young people each year using the historic collections of the university to teach a diverse range of subjects including Ancient Egypt, Prehistory, China, the Romans in Britain, Anglo-Saxons and the First World War.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 13

ADVERTORIAL

NEWS

IMPLICATIONS OF BREXIT

S

What does Brexit mean for business?

o the lengthy divorce procedure from the EU technically began on the 24th June, but there hasn’t been much material change so far. The average consumer will likely not feel any major impact for months if not years. In relation to Article 50 Britain is very much like the child who threatened to run away from home but at the minute hasn’t yet left the street, but the new PM Theresa May has stated that ‘Brexit means Brexit’, so what exactly does that mean for the economy in the interim?

Since the Brexit we have undergone a political pantomime, despite the shock result the FTSE 100 is over 11% higher than its close on the 24th and Pokemon is back (ok the last one is unrelated but backs up the point that the summer has been a curveball). One of the first big changes following the Brexit was last week’s historic interest rate cut from the Bank of England to a record low of 0.25%, with many believing a further rate cut will follow before the end of the year.

Domestically focused stocks like housebuilders have of course had a tough time, similarly domestic banks such as RBS, Lloyds and Barclays have suffered sharp share price declines. Dollar earners however have done very much the opposite, examples include British American Tobacco and miners such as BHP and Rio, as their earnings translate into more pounds after sterling’s approximate 11% devaluation against the dollar since the vote; alluding to the real reason the FTSE 100 has been so well protected.

What about the average British consumer?

Retailers have also been hit hard after the likely import cost rises, but another likely impact for us will be more expensive holidays.

It’s time to dig out all that spare Forex lying about. Earlier this year we agreed upon lower data roaming charges, as part of the EU. So, don’t delete Whatsapp just yet. Everyone’s favourite EU health card also may be redundant eventually, so take happy hour a little steadier in future. All in all, going forward, it is still anyone’s guess.

14 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

HIGH FLYER Newcastle International Airport has come out on top in a national poll of UK airports’ all-round travel experiences.

In a survey by the Daily Mirror and Cheapflights. co.uk, the airport topped the categories for cleanliness, toilets, check-in process, family-friendly facilities, immigration experience and airport lounge. Interim chief executive Nick Jones says: “We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and providing the best possible experience for our passengers.”

The airport currently offers more than 80 direct destinations worldwide.

FELINE GOOD

Sunderland AFC, aka the Black Cats, took advantage of a high-flying sponsorship opportunity in supporting Black Cats Helicopter Display team at the Sunderland International Airshow.

The display team, made up of volunteers from the Royal Navy’s 825 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) and the Lynx Wildcat

Maritime Force, flew Wildcat helicopters at the show and were sponsored exclusively by SAFC and its SoL leisure brand.

The display team is named for the cat depicted on the emblem of the now disbanded 702 Naval Air Squadron and the naval slang term ‘blackcatting’, which means doing better than others.

Powerhouse BIDs

L

eaders of the North’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have called on the new Government to maintain its commitment to the Northern Powerhouse initiative.

Issuing a joint statement, Sean Bullick and Bill Addy, the co-chairs of the Northern City BIDs Group and respective chief executives of the Newcastle and Liverpool BIDs, said: “It is important for business that the Northern Powerhouse initiative is continued by the new Government.

“When an overseas investor is looking at the UK, they have a choice between the Northern Powerhouse or London. In isolation it is difficult for any individual northern city to compete with London, but together we have a genuine chance.

“In the wake of the Brexit vote, the North of England needs certainty. The devolution deals many northern city regions have signed are a fantastic opportunity in terms of devolved powers and budgets, but when it comes to the economic regeneration of the North, the whole is more than the sum of its parts. This is especially true with infrastructure, with transport for the North a separate pillar of the Northern Powerhouse that exists outside of

Sean Bullick, NE1 Ltd

regional devolution.” The Northern City BIDs group represents seven of the Business Improvement Districts of Newcastle, Liverpool, York, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and Sunderland.

SPARKLING MOVE Creative agency Keltie Cochrane is opening an office in London’s famous diamond district.

The agency, headquartered at the Toffee Factory in the Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle will open a second office at Hatton Garden to serve clients in London and the South East.

The company was set up by Ian Keltie and Jason Cochrane when they both worked in London for the BBC, returning to the region to launch the business in 2007 to offer creative design, illustration and web services for of clients in the UK and the US. They have worked with LucasFilm to

l-r Jason Cochrane and Ian Keltie

produce a range of book covers for the Star Wars franchise and on several TV and movie marketing campaigns as well as projects for clients in New York and LA.

NEWS CHAIR WE GO North East furniture designer and manufacturer Godfrey Syrett has completed a major furniture installation at the Royal Victoria Infirmary’s new Clinical Resource Centre in Newcastle.

Godfrey Syrett was appointed to manufacture bespoke furniture for the new building, which will accommodate more than 800 key professional staff over eight storeys.

The project included more than 1,200 chairs, 700 work stations and just under 900 storage units. The firm is on the NHS Shared Business Services framework, working closely with numerous NHS clients on a national scale Godfrey Syrett has also completed a bespoke furniture fit-out for Stockton call centre Lemon Business Solutions. The theme is, fittingly, lemon.

NEWS VALUATION EXPERTISE

Newcastle chartered surveyor and property consultancy Sanderson Weatherall has provided expert valuation advice for the North East’s largest mental health charity.

Mental Health Concern, part of Concern: the Mental Health and Wellbeing Group, instructed Sanderson Weatherall to undertake a full valuation of its portfolio of specialist nursing services and assisted living properties throughout Newcastle and Gateshead.

Gordon Burns, the group’s director of finance and corporate services, said the valuation advice was extremely beneficial.

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 15

ADVERTORIAL

NEWS

YOUR CHANCE TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE NORTH EAST STRATEGIC ECONOMIC PLAN

T

Richard Baker, Head of Strategy and Policy at the North East LEP

he North East Strategic Economic Plan – or SEP for short - is the region’s road map to economic success. It details how we will create 100,000 more and better jobs by 2024.

It is our medium-term economic plan for the North East LEP area.

It sets out clearly how the LEP and the North East Combined Authority support economic growth and details the advice we give to Government about the most important investments needed for our area.

The SEP focuses on the sectors and areas that make our regional economy tick: innovation, business support and access to finance, skills, employability and inclusion, economic assets and infrastructures and transport and digital connectivity.

Like all plans setting out a course of action to reach milestones further down the road, it needs updating to reflect changing times. This is why now is the right time to refresh our SEP - to look again at parts of the SEP, taking into account new evidence of the region’s economic position and evolving public policy environment.

We are in an exciting phase at the moment as we seek comments on the work we done to date.

Please visit our website at nelep.co.uk to find out more about our economic analysis paper, which reviews the current position of the North East economy and our progress review that details the delivery of the SEP priorities between March 2014 and March 2016. We have also published our engagement paper, which poses key questions for discussion and feedback and an online survey, which can be linked to via our website.

Your feedback is key to shaping the refreshed SEP your opportunity to help us reach the ambitious target of creating an extra 100,000 more and better jobs by 2024.

16 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

Paul Bennett and James Craddock of Endeavour Partnership

ENDEAVOUR PAYS OFF

T

eesside law firm Endeavour Partnership has become the first legal practice in the country to assist a client in reversing capital gains tax worth hundreds of thousands of pounds on the grounds of mistake, setting a precedent in English and Welsh law.

Solicitors at the practice worked with father and son farmers from North Yorkshire who had transferred land into a discretionary trust on the advice of another law firm, without appreciating that the transfers would lead to an immediate substantial capital gains tax charge and further capital gains tax if the land were later sold.

Stockton-based Endeavour Partnership has now succeeded in getting the transfer reversed, which means the capital gains

tax of £350,000 will no longer be applied. This is the first time the High Court has set aside a transaction because of a mistaken understanding about capital gains tax and rescission of a transaction ordered on the grounds of mistake using the equitable tracing principle.

Endeavour Partnership’s commercial litigation team, including partner Paul Bennett and junior solicitor James Craddock, worked on the case, which took around a year to conclude.

Paul Bennett said: “The order means a ruinous capital gains tax assessment will now be removed and has also allowed roll over relief to be claimed from capital gains tax in respect of some substantial land holdings that were subsequently sold and the proceeds reinvested.”

SOFTLY DOES IT Muckle LLP has announced the successful completion of the acquisition of Glowsoft Ltd by haulage software solutions firm Mandata (Management and Data) Services Ltd. Originally a part-owned subsidiary of Mandata, Glowsoft is now a wholly owned subsidiary in the Mandata group following the sale of shares by its management team Geof Biggins and Phil Hyde.

Cramlington-based Mandata, which has a turnover of £4.7m and employs 55 people, provides

l-r Geof Biggins (Glowsoft), Jill Dovey (Muckle), Adam Rayner (Muckle), Phil Hyde (Glowsoft

integrated transport management systems to haulage companies across the UK and Europe. Glowsoft document management software has been used exclusively by Mandata for a number of years.

James Barker at the firm’s store on Teesside Park, Stockton, which opened last year

PARK LIFE Work has begun to transform an area of Newcastle Great Park into a vibrant market square with contemporary affordable housing and high-quality retail units.

The £5m mixed use development, which will kick start the town centre on Newcastle Great Park, is designed by North Eastbased Gradon Architecture.

The client is Newcastle Great Park Consortium and the appointed contractor is Gus Robinson Developments.

The site includes 38

START YOUR ENGINES

contemporary two-bedroom apartments with nine ground floor retail units. The development also includes a town square, pub and offices surrounded by landscaping and pedestrian routes.

Gradon, which has offices in Ryton, Gateshead, Northern Ireland, and Mongolia is also working on the landmark £6m Gateshead Energy Centre, fire stations in Alnwick and Hexham, a new £10m Arts Centre in Northern Ireland and a £4m Galleria Retail Centre in Mongolia.

The North East Automotive expo 2016 is set for Sunderland, giving automotive suppliers and associated service companies a chance to showcase their products and services.

Make it Sunderland is headline sponsor for a second year and NELEP is partner sponsor. The event at the Stadium of Light on September 22 is expected to attract around 350 delegates with keynote speeches from executives at Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover, who between them account for two thirds of vehicle output in the UK. Briggs Equipment will sponsor this year’s Meet the Buyer, which has gained commitment from Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover, Komatsu, Nifco, Calsonic Kansei, Faurecia and Faltec. The event is organised by industry-led cluster group North East Automotive Alliance.

NEWS

LITTLE AND LARGE One of the smallest members of North East England Chamber of Commerce has joined forces with one of the largest to provide risk assessment and management advice for businesses.

Emirates Airline supported David Tait and Jason Hicks, owners of the new Athena Risk business, in delivering a workshop on risk management at Close House, Newcastle.

Les Dixon, international trade relationship manager at the Chamber, said: “One of the main aims of the Chamber is to help our regional SMEs connect with major organisations. We are delighted to have played our part in Emirates partnering with Athena Risk.”

Athena Risk specialises in practical risk

NEWS

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

Tracy Chandler (Emirates senior corporate sales executive); David Tait (Athena Risk director); Susan Elliott (Emirates senior airport services agent)

assessment and management, analysing risk in areas including information security. The partners established the business after working for the armed forces, the American Department for Defence and the MOD in the Middle East.

Teesside independent commercial property consultant Dodds Brown LLP and Cushman & Wakefield have been appointed to market the freehold of 33,000sqft of office space at Teesdale Business Park, Stockton.

Known as III Acre, the investment opportunity consists of the freeholds of Ash House, Birch House and Cedar House. The park is one of the prime office spaces in the Tees Valley.

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 17

NEWS

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

Good to know.

IN THE SAME BOAT PD Ports has signed an agreement with other major ports across the North in a bid to ensure its unified voice is heard

by Government to improve freight and transport links across the North.

The award-winning ports and logistics company with operations at Teesport, Hartlepool and on the Humber has been hosting regular roundtable discussions with Port of Tyne, ABP Ports and Peel Ports. The collaboration has brokered a ground-breaking pact to pursue a Northern

The Corporate MetroSaver scheme means staff can get the savings of buying an annual ticket, but pay for it monthly through their wages.

Ports Strategy to create new jobs in and around ports and boost investment in an east-west freight super corridor prioritising improvements to rail infrastructure.

PD Ports development director Geoff Lippitt says: “It’s important that the North and northern ports are seen as a progressive body. We at PD Ports have always been at the forefront of developing economic growth and this complements what we are already achieving locally, regionally and nationally.”

TECH INNOVATORS CIRCLE SUCCESS

To get on board, give the Corporate MetroSaver team a call today on 0191 203 3225 or 0191 203 3491 or email corporate.ticketsales@nexus.org.uk l-r Michael Povey and Tom Roberton of Circle Cloud

nexus.org.uk/metro @My_ Metro /mymetrotw

18 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

Prudhoe and Middlesbroughbased Circle Cloud has announced two new contracts and plans to recruit four additional team members.

Providing advice for SMEs on all aspects of IT including cloud computing, the firm’s new contracts are for Darlington Credit Union Bank

and babycare retail business Cosatto. The contracts follow completion of IT work for the North East England Chamber of Commerce.

The firm’s turnover is also set to triple with new contracts from all over the country, including Bolton and Southampton.

Teesport

NEWS

Andy Taylor and Stephen Robinson of Espresso Web

HOT SHOT Three years ago digital entrepreneur Stephen Robinson invested his last £79 on a computer server; now his business is set to grow 160% and create 40 new jobs.

Espresso Web, which offers digital marketing services including website design and ecommerce, has invested more than £100,000 on a new website and CRM system and is the only North East business with ‘trusted agency’ status from Google for Street View technology and ‘trusted Google Partner’ status for digital marketing services.

The firm is forecast to grow 160% in the coming year and is recruiting.

BUILDING CAREERS A private sector-led partnership is working with the education sector to develop new means of attracting young people into construction.

PlanBEE, a campaign for change in built environment education launched by Ryder Architecture, now includes the support of Arup, Cundall, Desco, Esh, FaulknerBrowns, Napper Architects, Sir Robert McAlpine, Summers Inman, Surgo, Turner and Townsend, Xcite, 3eConsult, NELEP, RICS, CIOB and ICE. The partnership has now joined forces with Gateshead College to help devise new means of recruiting and training young people.

Recruitment is now underway for a new higher skills apprenticeship programme following its launch at Ryder’s Newcastle headquarters. Gateshead College has devised a programme which gives new recruits a broad set of skills to ensure

NEWS PERFECT PARTNERS

l-r Ryder managing partner Mark Thompson with Chris Toon, deputy principal Gateshead College

greater inter-disciplinary working in the construction industry.

The programme, which starts in September, provides a starting salary of £10,000 per annum along with study and off the job training at the college’s construction facility on Team Valley in Gateshead.

Queen’s Award winning manufacturer Advanced Industrial Solutions (AIS) has signed an exclusive UK distribution agreement with Lastek.

Lastek is based in Belgium and is a specialist manufacturer of welding electrodes and the agreement makes AIS the sole UK supplier of Lastek’s extensive range.

The deal will enable UK companies to purchase welding electrodes and avoid European delivery charges and currency fluctuations.

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 19

NEWS

NEWS

l-r Gateshead College teacher Andrew Dockerty with students Adam Coates and Amanda Norman

CREATIVE THINKING Two talented IT students have launched their own businesses within Europe’s biggest shopping centre thanks to support from Gateshead College.

Creative duo Adam Coates and Amanda Norman won a design and branding project and have now been chosen to sell their products at the college’s handPICKED store in intu Metrocentre. The project saw Leon Brewerton, director of printer Hip & Square, provide advice to the students, who also received a small start-up loan from the college.

NEWS POWER PARTNER Sunderland’s Business Improvement District has launched a Power Partnership, working with utility giant Utilitywise and telecoms company We Communicate to offer organisations the opportunity to reduce their business outgoings.

Sunderland Power Partnership is a free service to businesses within the BID district offering opportunities to make savings on electricity, water and gas, telecoms, internet services and merchant payments. Utilitywise and We Communicate currently work with around 27,000 businesses in the UK.

Pink Boutique marketing director Caroline Smith and head of IT Gary Gray

Retailer in the pink

F

ashion retailer Pink Boutique has announced major expansion plans and the growth of its workforce to 52 to meet growing online sales.

The e-retail firm founded four years ago has grown to annual sales of £12m and ships 2,000 garments every day. Its new six-figure expansion and recruitment plans include the creation of new photography studios. The firm’s new marketing director

20 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

Caroline Smith says: “In the short time I’ve been here I’ve been impressed with the way that, in just four years, we’ve grown from a tiny initial investment into one of the UK’s fastest-growing e-commerce enterprises.”

Pink Boutique was originally launched with a £45 investment from its founder Alice Hall matched by £45 from her mother Julie Blackie, who is now finance director of the company.

Funding message

NEWS EU EFFECT

A

survey of North East businesses has revealed a significant lack of awareness of publicly funded finance schemes.

Of the businesses surveyed, 60.3% had tried to access external finance in the previous 12 months, the majority to support growth or assist with cash flow.

Yet the vast majority of respondents (82.7%) were unaware of the Government’s Funding for Lending scheme. A similar number were unaware of UK Export Finance (88.9%), Enterprise Finance Guarantee (78.1%) and the British Business Bank (90.4%).

The survey also showed, however, that more businesses in the North East (21.9%) felt access to finance had eased in the past 12 months than those who felt

Will Business Secretary Sajid Javid do more to spread awareness of publicly funded finance schemes?

it had tightened (16.4%). Chamber head of policy and campaigns Jonathan Walker says: “This survey demonstrates a lack of knowledge of Government-backed finance support available. While they are not for everybody, these schemes can help firms looking to grow. The Government needs to do more to promote these schemes and ensure they are structured in a way that makes them attractive to businesses.”

Take-up throughout the Big Nine office markets during the second quarter was 3% below the five year quarterly average according to Bilfinger GVA’s latest BIG Nine Q2 report.

Carl Potter, senior director and national head of Offices at Bilfinger GVA put it partly down to uncertainty in the lead-up to the EU Referendum vote on June 23, seven days prior to the end of Q2. He says: “Aside from Cardiff, Bristol, Birmingham and Glasgow, each of which saw significant deals to record above average take-up, the other five city centres saw activity slowing as had been expected in the lead up to the referendum.”

IT WORKS FOR THEM, IT CAN WORK FOR YOU! GENERATE NEW BUSINESS ENQUIRIES WITH NEECC CONTACT MAGAZINE. Leaflet inserts to Contact magazine work for these businesses, and they can work for you too.

“We have seen a continual upswing in revenue coming from the local area, which I’m sure is the result of the cumulative effort we have all put in over the last few months.”

Mark Harrison – Managing Director, RefurbThat “We use Contact magazine to great effect”. Sara Williams – Marketing Manager, Lingfield Point “We use Contact magazine regularly and it produces excellent results”..

Selina Deeley – Deputy Marketing Manager, Sunderland Association Football Club 7000 copies of Contact are distributed to businesses throughout the North East every two months. 4,000 are delivered to NECC member companies by Royal Mail, with 3,000 distributed strategically to free pick up points.

You can benefit from this distribution network in an extremely cost effective manner, inserting your own promotional literature in the form of leaflets and brochures to this highly respected magazine to reach a first class audience of Managing Directors, Owner Managers and decision-makers.

Distribution to this high quality audience for less than the price of a stamp!

Members Only, 4000 copies – £450 | Full Distribution, 7000 copies – £700 Let us produce effective, professionally designed leaflets for your business 4000 A4, full colour leaflets designed and printed both sides £400 | 7000 A4, full colour leaflets designed and printed both sides £470 For more information, please contact Colin Rutherford on 01661 844115

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 21

NEWS

Royal Courts of Justice

NEW TITLE FOR BARRON Peter Barron – the longestserving editor in the history of The Northern Echo and a board member of the National Council for the Training of Journalists – has joined Middlesbrough College to deliver specialist units on its new BTEC Level 3 Creative Media Production (Print Based) course.

Barron, who left the editor’s chair earlier this year, said he was delighted to be playing a

22 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

role in training the journalists of tomorrow.

“I was just a young lad from Southbank in Middlesbrough, but journalism took me to being editor of one of the biggest regional newspapers in the country and being given an MBE,” he said.

“It’s great to be working with my local college to help other young people access all the brilliant opportunities that the profession offers.”

ON A HIGH

Roch Castle

Ineos

Darlington-based Stone Technical Services (STS) has secured more than £500,000 worth of new contracts across all four of its divisions.

The restoration, maintenance and high level repair expert is working on a variety of projects at the Royal Courts of Justice and St Paul’s Cathedral in London, Colchester Roman town walls in Essex, Roch Castle in Pembrokeshire, Lewes Crown Court in East Sussex and Ineos at Seal Sands.

STS, which employs 40 people, is ahead of its growth plans for 2016. MD Dave Stone says: “Many organisations prepare now for the winter months so we’re working on a mix of heritage and industrial projects which involve our whole team.”

STS, which has four divisions, was established by brothers Dave and Grahame Stone in 1998 and the company now has offices in Edinburgh, Cheshire and central London.

NEWS IN THE MONEY

OLD DURHAM POLICE HQ SITE SOLD

Andrew Haigh, chief executive, Newcastle Building Society

Newcastle Building Society has posted a pre-tax profit of £3.5m for the first half of the year, while continuing to invest in new products and services.

The North East’s biggest building society has more than doubled the £1.5m pre-tax profit it recorded over the same period in 2015, and showed healthy lending volumes with an increase in the value of its gross residential lending from £148m to £255m in the first six months of 2016. The Society is currently implementing a £10m programme of

investment with improvements to its branch network, telephone and digital offering, and operational infrastructure, and a new branch in Gateshead’s Trinity Square which opened in July.

Chief executive Andrew Haigh says: “I’m particularly pleased we have increased profitability at a time when we are making significant investment in new financial advice centres, a branch refurbishment programme, developing our people, enhancing the resilience of our systems and focusing on first-class service.”

Bilfinger GVA’s Newcastle Land and Development team, acting on behalf of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham, has successfully concluded the sale by tender of the former Durham Police Headquarters site at Aykley Heads, Durham city to Persimmon Homes.

The site which extends to 27.4 acres (11 hectares) has the benefit of planning permission for 230 dwellings on the southern part of the site with associated access, landscaping and open space on the site of the (now demolished) former police HQ complex.

The northern section of the site has the potential to bring forward additional residential development in the future.

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 23

Is your confidential information in safe hands?

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

The bin men?

Your waste collection company?

DON’T! Trust the region’s leading specialists in secure data destruction.

Call us now for your free, no obligation consultation

www.riverdalepaper.plc.uk

Tel: 0191 482 42 71 Earlsway, Team Valley Trading Estate Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE11 0RQ Fax: 0191 482 4214 E-mail: info@riverdalepaper.plc.uk

NEWS

PARTNERSPARTNERS CHAMBER UPDATE An exclusive group of businesses which work closely with the Chamber to maximise their impact on our region It’s been another busy month for Partners.

Sevcon joined as a Partner Member as it continues to grow as a world leader in the design and manufacture of motor control systems for zero emission electric and hybrid vehicles, operating worldwide from its HQ in Gateshead.

We worked with Partner Sage UK on a live EU debate chaired by BBC Business presenter Steph McGovern, at which members debated issues relating to the EU referendum.

Sage UK supported our Making the Most of Twitter event where more than 100 members heard from Twitter MD Dara Nasr and senior marketing manager Brian Lavery. We welcomed Michael Ward from UKTI to our June lunch hosted by Durham County Cricket Club at Emirates

OUR PARTNERS

‘Press’tigious Print

C M Y K

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

24 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

Durham ICG. He spoke about his life as a career diplomat, specialising in European affairs and trade promotion, the current challenges for Government, plans to make investment stronger in the North and the importance of devolution.

Esh Group launched this year’s Building My Skills programme - a year-long employability programme providing school pupils with an introduction to the world of work. Croner delivered another successful HR Knowledge seminar and Newcastle International Airport chaired the first meeting of our Chamber Transport Forum.

In addition, we are working with HSBC to produce a quarterly International Trade Briefing Paper and Gateshead College to support members with changes around Apprenticeships.

Jennifer Rycroft, Chamber partnerships manager

NEWS

Neil Henry, HLA service director and Paul Smith, projects director

NEET IDEA

LUCKY THIRTEEN Mechanical and electrical building service specialist HLA Services has posted its best financial results in its 13-year history after expanding its service range, investing £50,000 in new technology, and winning more than £1m-worth of contracts from outside the region.

The company has hit £11m turnover for the first time, having created 30 jobs over the last 18 months to take staff numbers to 120 across its bases in Boldon, Middlesbrough and Seaham.

Its client base includes Nissan, Caterpillar UK, Akzo Nobel, Aldi, Greggs, and Sunderland and Newcastle universities. The expansion has allowed the firm to develop its

apprenticeship programme, taking on a further three apprentices in 2016 bringing the total number to seven.

HLA Services was set up in 2003 in Boldon and has expanded to offer commercial property services including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing and water hygiene. It also provides a bespoke service for refrigeration and catering equipment through its Coolrite division, which was acquired in 2009.

Projects director Paul Smith says: “We have won a raft of significant contracts across the UK, many of them thanks to local clients with bases outside the North East.”

EASY RIDER

Redcar & Cleveland College has signed up to a scheme to help tackle youth unemployment.

Hartlepool Borough Council secured European Funding to launch the £29m Youth Employment Initiative, which aims to provide training opportunities for 15-29 year-old NEETS (people not in education, employment or training) to give them a better chance of finding a job.

More than 30 Teesside organisations are now backing the scheme, which will run until July 2018. The aim is to help 6,500 young people across Teesside move into education, employment, selfemployment or training.

Redcar & Cleveland College will work with individuals to identify their skills needs and personal strengths so they can move onto training courses that will provide a route to higher education, self-employment or employment.

NEWS STAR STRUCK

Jennings Motor Group has launched its new Harley-Davidson dealership in Gateshead.

The latest investment for the region’s longest-established motor dealer group, which operates Ford, Kia, Mazda, SEAT, Mitsubishi and a used car outlet, follows the company’s Harley-Davidson franchise in Leeds.

A total of 12 new jobs have been

created at the new dealership on Ellison Road, Eslington Park.

Responsible for selling both new and quality used Harley-Davidson motorcycles, in addition to offering a range of aftersales facilities, including service and Harley-Davidson parts and accessories, customers will also be able to take advantage of a wide range of merchandise on sale at the dealership.

Event management company She’s Gott It! Events has launched a northern entertainment booking agency.

Services include event management, exhibition design, dressing, AV hire and now an entertainment agency. Recent events include a high-profile launch of the Hitachi Rail plant. MD Nickie Gott says: “This expands our offer and strengthens our brand.

Our cohesive approach will ensure that every client gets the best in the industry.”

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 25

ADVERTORIAL

NEWS

MARKETING IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

T

Veronica Swindale, Director.

heresa May declared Brexit means Brexit”.

While we are all trying to understand what this might mean for our business, our region and the economy, one thing is certain. We are living in a period of uncertainty.

I believe that in these times a good marketing team is essential. They should be providing information about many aspects of the business, including the context of the environment they are operating in.

Last week the Chartered Institute of Marketing consulted nesma about the proposed new syllabus for its Professional Postgraduate Diploma.

We agreed that it should have a practical element, with a strong management focus. One of the key things we want to feature in the revised qualification is a focus on how marketing skills can feed into the ultimate success of the business. This is even more important in times of uncertainty.

In such times the marketer’s ability to scan and interpret the trading landscape is essential.

They need the ability to use all measures of online and offline analytics to have a current picture of what is happening. And that up to date information can be hour by hour or day by day.

All this means that the top marketers are confident to undertake ‘agile marketing’. In today’s fast-paced, multichannel world, marketers no longer have the luxury to spent months crafting long term projects. Now they have to innovate, create smaller, iterative campaigns and respond immediately to market disruptions.

Nesma’s response to this uncertainty is to supplement our range of professional qualifications with specific short courses and workshops to help marketers keep up to day.

This mix gives our students the confidence and skills to achieve a business’s objectives in this uncertain world.

To find out more about the CIPR, CIM, DMI qualifications and other 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 26 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

l-r Prof Ruth Plummer, Jayne Dolder, Nickie Gott and Leisa Docherty

Inspiring women

A

t around the same time Britain gained its second woman Prime Minister and the US adopted its first female presidential candidate, women in the region gathered to inspire one another in business.

Success stories were shared by businesswomen from a range of sectors at the North East England Chamber of Commerce’s Inspiring Females Conference held at and supported by Lumley Castle.

The event was chaired by Nickie Gott, of She’s Gott It Events and chair of the Chamber’s Women’s Advisory Board, and was addressed by Jayne Dolder, founder and creative director of Bazaar Group and North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2015.

She outlined her journey from a

home-run business to a major furniture manufacturer and retailer. Leisa Docherty, chief people’s officer at Sage UK, told the conference how she left school at 16 and fell into recruitment by accident. She was appointed to her first management job at 22 and was encouraged to apply for a job she at first thought was above her, but she got it and has never looked back, she said.

Guests also heard from Ruth Plummer, clinical professor of experimental cancer medicine at Newcastle University; Bethany Ainsley, founder and director of Nouveau Wellbeing CIC and Young Business Person of the Year; beauty blogger Katie Meehan; Aisha Parlindungan, an American student at Durham University; and Sue Jeffrey, leader of Redcar & Cleveland Council.

£6.8M SCIENCE PARK BOOST A £6.83m investment in one of the country’s most prestigious science parks could lead to the creation of 1,400 jobs.

North East Technology Park, (NETPark), in Sedgefield, Co Durham, has received funding from the Local Growth Fund (LGF) for infrastructure works for the next phase of its ambitious plans to provide

space for high-tech, fastgrowing companies.

The grant will help fund a 1km access road from the A177 to the new 26 acre development at the north of the park, creating additional space for research and development companies who need room to prototype and scale up to manufacture on site.

NEWS

TWEET IT! Bamboozled by social media?

You should have been at the masterclass for Chamber members given by Twitter UK MD Dara Nasr.

The event hosted by Sage UK offered tips to maximise this powerful marketing tool which sees 500m tweets sent daily across the world, and 6.4m on the day of the EU referendum result.

Brian Lavery (pictured), Twitter’s European senior marketing manager, offered practical business tips on the benefits of Twitter for business engagement and connections.

He stressed the importance of content to drive engagement and urged business users to ensure their Twitter profile was written to boost search engine optimisation.

Two Newcastle businesses gave accounts of their success on Twitter, including creative agency Drummond Central, which went viral with its live stream of a huge puddle outside its office.

The Drummond team captured people navigating the puddle, attracting 500,000 views and featuring on CNN. Mmmm, a deli in Newcastle’s Grainger Market, has attracted 21,000 followers through its interactive Twitter feed and the owners have connected with celebrity chef Thomasina Miers via Twitter, resulting in her launching her latest cookbook at the shop.

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

With Eamonn Leavey Head of President’s Club

GREEN TEAM Co Durham-based Reprotec has announced that it now diverts 100% of its waste from landfill, with 96% of waste recycled and the remainder used as fuel for power generation.

Reprotec specialises in environmentally friendly repair and protection solutions, using resin-

based products to protect the fabric of buildings. Its clients include Nissan, Mecaplast Group, Unipres, Walkers, 3M and Premier Foods. Its commitment to sustainability is driven by commercial director Nick Megson, an ambassador for Recycling and Sustainability for the Resin Flooring Association (FeRFA).

It’s been a busy month, during which more than 150 business leaders heard about one of the most ambitious visions currently being delivered in the North East at the Summer President’s Club event at Auckland Castle.

Jonathan Ruffer, the driving force behind the castle and the outdoor spectacular Kynren, shared his transformative plans for the area.

A key part of his plans, Kynren tells the epic tale of English history with a cast of 1,000 volunteers. The first performances have taken place and they continue into September.

Many thanks to UK Trade & Investment for its sponsorship of the lunch and to David Coppock, UKTI regional director, for his update on UKTI’s engagement and support for North East exporters.

Many thanks also to Emirates for its sponsorship of the very successful and enjoyable President’s Club Golf day at Close House.

Brewin Dolphin, which supports the President’s Club is offering President’s Club members a free, no-obligation financial planning review with one of their experts. For more information, please contact John Duns at Brewin Dolphin.

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 27

EXPORT

NEWS

Ben Scholes, Paul Wigham of Papetrail

IN GOOD HEALTH Health and safety management systems specialist Papertrail is set for worldwide expansion following the completion of a six-figure funding round supported by venture capital firm Northstar Ventures, The Finance for Business North East Technology Fund managed

by IP Group, and law firm Watson Burton.

The company has developed software which helps businesses manage statutory compliance in relation to their safety equipment and inspection records. Initially focusing on the UK’s adventure and training sector, Papertrail’s systems are now used across the globe.

The funding will help Papertrail to further develop its offline mobile technology product and push into new markets. The new investment will also support Papertrail in building a network of global partners and re-sellers.

NEWS TECH AWARD

Technology Services Group (TSG) is celebrating its latest international award for innovation.

The EMEA Solution Innovation Award was presented in Nintex’s fifth annual partner awards at the 2016 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference in Toronto, Canada.

The Haskel team who designed and manufactured the rigs, l-r Ronnie Marshall, Graham Fox, Robert Gibbon, Jeff Arnett

African dream

S

underland-based high pressure pump and valve engineering specialist Haskel Europe has completed a multi-million pound contract to deliver flushing rigs for export to Nigeria.

The equipment, designed and manufactured for a major UK client, has been built and shipped in batches to the African state for use in both subsea and land-based oil and gas extraction.

The oil and gas sector in Nigeria and Angola are increasingly important export markets for Haskel, which delivers around 60% of the products made in Sunderland to companies working in the oil and gas sector

around the globe. Haskel Europe’s operations manager Graham Fox says: “The Nigerian and Angolan market is a valuable and growing market for us. It is 15 years since Haskel won its first major contract in the region for the huge Bonga chemical injection system, and it has enjoyed steady growth ever since.”

The huge specialist rigs, which are used to flush the valves produced by Haskel’s client, stand 2.5m tall by 2.5m long by 1.5m in width. The kit is a bespoke system that was designed and built exactly to the customer’s requirements with a design and development process that took around four months.

CHEERS! Lindisfarne Mead has won a silver medal in the prestigious Los Angeles International Wine Competition, prompting interest in global expansion for the brand.

The accolade for the mead, sold as Lindisfarne Original in America, comes relatively early in the company’s push into the US. “We’re delighted,” says Keith Stephenson, chairman of Harry Hotspur Holdings Group, which includes Lindisfarne Ltd, Alnwick Brewery and Alnwick Rum. “We have invested considerable effort into acquiring licences to sell our Lindisfarne Mead range in the US; the Original Mead, Pink Mead, and Spiced Mead.”

The LA International Wine Competition attracted more than 3,000 entries from

28 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / JUNE - JULY 2016

Chairman Keith Stephenson (centre) with fellow directors Ian Robinson (left) and Christopher Walwyn-James at the Lindisfarne Winery

23 countries. Within days of the award Harry Hotspur Holdings was contacted by a distributor in New York who wanted to discuss selling the range of Alnwick Rums globally.

LOCAL TRAINING

FROM NATIONAL EXPERTS The QA learning philosophy is about much more than just going on a course. It’s about forming a lasting partnership with our customers, providing capability assessment and sourcing services to truly change the learning culture of organisations.

Technical IT

Cyber Security

Big Data & Database

ITIL®

Agile & SCRUM

Cloud Computing

App & Web Development

Office Applications

DevOps Tools & Culture

PRINCE2®

Business Analysis

Lean Six Sigma

F ind ou t abou t our 150 0 cour ses Q A .CO M / N O RTH E A ST

N O RTH E A ST@ Q A .CO M

03 45 074 7978

NEWS

NEWS

SPA JOBS BOOST The Spa at Ramside Hall Hotel near Durham plans to double its number of therapists from 15 to 30.

Launched last August, the £8m spa’s facilities include one of the UK’s biggest hydrotherapy pools and an outdoor infinity pool, 14 treatment rooms, a gym, sleep sanctuary, thermal suite, beauty snug, Fusion Asian restaurant and a hairdressing salon. It was also the first in the UK to offer the international Wellness For Cancer programme.

Clearing hurdles

O

lympic champion athlete Sally Gunnell gave business leaders advice on how to strike gold in their professional careers.

The 400m hurdles champion at the Barcelona games in 1992 spoke at a workshop to mark the conclusion of two of

Teesside University’s leadership development programmes. The only female 400m hurdler in history to win both the Olympic and World titles and break the world record, Gunnell addressed members of the Leading for Growth programme and Leadership Forge alumni at the university’s Darlington campus.

www.newcastlebusinessawards.co.uk @NCL_BizAwards /newcastlebusinessawards

30 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

APPOINTMENTS

 Ian Kelsall, Mo Malhotra and Mark Richards

 l-r Stan Carty, Guillaume Nicolas and Graham Fox

Business advisory firm Deloitte has promoted three staff in the North East to director.

Ian Kelsall, Mo Malhotra and Mark Richards are based at the firm’s Newcastle office.

Kelsall becomes a director in the corporate audit team, Malhotra plays a leading role in international tax and transfer pricing practice, while Richards supports public sector clients in managing risks and decisions relating to transformation and technology projects.

High pressure pump and valve specialist Haskel has made three new management appointments as it restructures its Sunderland business to make the most of growing global opportunities.

The business, which marks its 70th anniversary in 2016, has appointed Graham Fox operations manager, Stan Carty commercial manager and Guillaume Nicolas financial controller.

TOP TRIO

GLOBAL GROWTH

PLASTIC FANTASTIC

Nuffield Health Tees Hospital has appointed plastic surgeon and skin cancer specialist Jong Kim, known for his work to bring a new procedure for the management of melanoma, Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, to the North East.

Mr Kim is also one of the few surgeons in the region who is trained in providing the new, non-invasive 8-point facelift.

ENGINEERING SUCCESS

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Business support firm Enterprise Made Simple has enhanced its digital training offer with the appointment of training director James Lane, whose focus will be on the launch of HypeStar, a digital skills development arm that aims to fill a gap in the skills of North East SMEs.

INNOVATIVE CHOICE

Professor Alan Lowdon has been appointed chair of the North East LEP Innovation Board.

He brings more than 30 years’ experience in the international energy and utilities markets with multinationals including Shell, Suez, British Gas, and Rolls Royce Industrial Power and takes over from Professor Roy Sandbach, who has been appointed director of the National Centre for Ageing Science and Innovation (NASI).

Lowdon is also an adviser to the UK and US governments.

The Owen Pugh Group has appointed Graeme Cochrane MD of Civil Engineering following the implementation of a new business structure designed to position the company for further growth.

The North Tynesideheadquartered company has established Owen Pugh Civil Engineering and Owen Pugh Services as divisions.

ON THE BUSES

Stagecoach Scotland MD Steve Walker has been appointed to the role of MD, Stagecoach North East.

Stagecoach North East, one of Stagecoach’s biggest regional bus companies, will continue to be managed by Clare Kavanagh, strategy director, Stagecoach UK Bus, until his arrival.

 l-r, Lisa Nielsen, Laurence Provost, Sanjay Pugal

SUMMER SIGNINGS

Accountancy firm Tait Walker has announced three new appointments at its Gosforth, Newcastle office.

Lisa Nielsen has joined as a business services executive in the Audit team, the Corporate Tax team has welcomed Sanjay Pugal as a tax assistant manager, and the Corporate Finance team welcomes Laurence Provost as an executive.

 Nick Bradley, Neil Addyman and Alex Bradley

KEY INGREDIENTS  l-r Gwen Jones, James Godden and Paul Crawley

TRIPLE CROWNED

Gordon Brown Law Firm has appointed James Godden, Gwen Jones and Paul Crawley associates. Gwen and Paul work in the corporate and commercial team, while James, who is approaching his 10th anniversary at the firm, works in the disputes and employment team.

 l-r James Robson and Simon Lenney

ROLES ADD UP

James Robson MBE and Simon Lenney have been appointed to the investment committee at NEL Fund Managers. Robson runs Alexander Jewitt & Co business advisory partnership and Lenney is head of finance at Union Property Services.

South Tyneside-based Restaurant Design Associates (RDA) has appointed Alex Bradley, Nick Bradley and Neil Addyman as directors.

RDA employs 18 people including designers, quantity surveyors, project managers, specialist consultants and site managers and since launching in 2007 has completed more than 300 projects including hospitals, universities, blue chip companies and restaurants.

 l-r Thrive Marketing creative director Johnny Woods and Reza Snowdon

INTERNET INTELLECTUAL Reza Snowdon has joined Newton-Aycliffe-based Thrive Marketing as a senior web developer.

Snowdon, 27, who has a Masters degree in Cognitive Neuroscience, is enabling Thrive to reach its goal of creating a hub of designers, developers and content creators.

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 31

POLICY

Will we have the Powerhouse?

Rachel Anderson, Chamber head of policy and representation, considers the prospects for the Northern Powerhouse in the light of Theresa May’s cabinet appointments

W

ith the post-brexit hoopla and Government reshuffles settling down, the parts of the country which aren’t on holiday or expiring in offices hotter than Satan’s conservatory may be considering the ramifications of where the policies of a new(ish) Government might be heading.

First under the sunlamp will be the new

Government’s approach to the Northern Powerhouse and devolution agendas. As we watched the parade of new ministers arriving in Downing Street for their audiences with the new Prime Minister it became clear that there was no place for George Osborne, the project’s main cheerleader. Meanwhile, Middlesbroughborn Greg Clark has been moved from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to Business and

32 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

Energy (a very welcome appointment in itself) and Stockton MP James Wharton, previously Minister for the Northern Powerhouse, is busy studying an atlas following his move to International Development.

This all means that all the politicians familiar with devolution and the significant progress it has made in the Tees Valley and the North East have gone off elsewhere and we need to start the

process of familiarising the new ministers with the assets this area offers the UK. The new Northern Powerhouse Minister is the MP for Brigg and Goole Andrew Percy (no, me neither…). Born in Hull and a student in York, we can hope that he is at least familiar with the issues the Northern Powerhouse in theory exists to address.

The challenge for our politicians now is to make sure the new team understands the North East and Tees Valley and why we

win gold in the heavyweight bushel category every time. But not only does the Northern Powerhouse present a real opportunity for us as an area to move forward quickly, we also have a huge opportunity with the appointment of Greg Clark and his very clear brief from Theresa May to provide a joined-up industrial and energy strategy; cue a huge round of applause from the manufacturing and energy industries.

Of course, government announcements do not always translate into action. I have personally sat through three separate announcements on full length duelling of the A66 since I have been doing this job, complete with the requisite minister in a high-vis vest photo.

Recognition that the UK needs a long-term industrial and energy policy is a massive step forward in itself and places the ball very firmly in industry’s court. Here is a real opportunity for industry to be forthright and work with the Government to give a clear steer on the measures which will help us grow UK Plc in terms of investment, innovation, energy costs and security and marketing. Now we can really shape the agenda and it is not an opportunity to be wasted.

An industrial strategy walks hand in hand with the aims set out by the previous regime for the Northern Powerhouse. The appointment of a new Northern Powerhouse Minister is a positive move, but less reassuring so far is the lack of a vocal commitment from the new regime to the whole project. A tie-up between the two departments to produce a coherent, joined-up strategy which really works for northern industry is a must. While the prime ministerial to-do list is no doubt long, some early are so well placed to help drive a renewed policy statements from DCLG and a North. Presumably, politicians in every area commitment in the Chancellor’s Autumn will want to press their case for investment Statement will be required to calm political nerves. early and will be in pursuit of the new As for the North, we can continue to minister like some political game of work with the devolution deals we have Pokémon Go. The Tees Valley in particular has always and building our cases for investment had some difficulty in getting across to the based on how our economy can contribute to UK Plc. The new PM might rest of the world some of the truly great work we do here. Partly it is our own fault; have a lot to get on with, but we can’t sit back and wait to be asked. if light hiding was an Olympic sport we’d AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 33

PROFILE

The next generation Owen McAteer meets the man at the head of Cummins, Darlington, to find out how the company is going about building a new-generation workforce

T

here are always pressures associated with taking up a leadership post, as Chris Willoughby knows, having found himself in charge of a plant employing hundreds of people days before it opened its doors to public scrutiny on one of the most important anniversaries in its history.

His promotion to plant manager at Cummins Engines Darlington plant on July 1 last year was followed swiftly by its 50th anniversary celebrations attended by several thousand invited guests, former workers and their families, all of them curious to see how this, one of the town’s most-established names, does its business.

He survived, describing the big event as “a great day”, and a year on is fully ensconced in his role, which he landed 16 years after he first arrived at the plant on a student placement.

It is his own long history with the business, and the management team’s acute awareness of the engineering sector’s skills shortages, which inspire Cummins’ commitment to growing local talent and a future workforce which, it is hoped, will safeguard the next 50 years and more of this company.

For since production began at US-headquartered Cummins’

high-impact projects which Darlington Yarm Road plant will be sustainable, with the on July 13, 1965, some 1.5m environment, social justice and engines have been built for education being the three key vehicles ranging from HGVs, to areas going forward.”

London’s famous Routemaster Recent projects include red buses, to speedboats. a partnership with Hurworth Having started with around School, which launched a GCSE 400 employees, the £8.5m plant (Double Award) in Engineering now employs more than double last September. The launch that number, who were joined by of the qualification, which retired workers and their families is equivalent to two GCSEs, to celebrate the anniversary. coincided with the completion of “It was 10 days before the a newly expanded engineering 50th anniversary celebrations suite at the school supported and we had 4,000 coming on

by Cummins and other site,” says Willoughby of that local companies. particular baptism of fire. It Willoughby says: “We work turned out, he says, to be a with local schools and develop “really good day and a chance students’ interest in STEM to showcase the plant”; subjects and careers an opportunity which in engineering. he treasured, “OUR STAFF People are the committed as he GAVE 3,300 most important is to spreading the VOLUNTEER asset and having word about career HOURS LAST that pipeline of opportunities here.

YEAR” talent is crucial.

He proudly points “You could start out a giant mural your career based in created by 45 students Darlington and end up in China from seven local secondary or the US. It’s important that schools to commemorate 50 engineering is seen as a good years of the firm in Darlington. industry to get into. If you look “The 50th anniversary was a key at this plant there is a whole point demonstrating the impact breadth of different roles at a the company has had on the local level. We have done a lot community,” says Willoughby. in schools and colleges and “A massive part of what worked on the employability we do is supporting the side where you have NEETS community and our staff gave (Not in Education, Employment the equivalent of 3,300 volunteer or Training) who haven’t had hours last year. We like to do

34 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

“It resonates with employees when you are born and bred here” the opportunity to raise their aspirations.”

He can point to his own career as an example of how the industry grows and develops its own talent. He has spent his entire career with the firm, having initially arrived at the Darlington plant on a work placement before holding positions both at Darlington and around Europe.

“I originally came here as a student from Sunderland University while doing a degree in product design,” he says. “The idea was to work for a year and to get some work experience.

Then in 2001, as a graduate, I was offered a two-year placement then given a full time contract in 2003.”

Around 40,000 diesel engines leave the plant each year at the rate of up to 200 a day, made for more than 200 customers in 40 countries. National customers include Transport for London’s new generation of Routemaster red buses, truck firm DAF, and construction equipment manufacturer Komatsu.

Willoughby is particularly happy to be heading up a plant in this region. “I was born in Hexham and raised in Wylam. I am very proud of my North East roots and when you are talking to a workforce from the region I think it resonates with the employees that you are born and bred here.

“It really is good to be looking after a North East plant and I look forward to the future.”

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 35

SUCCESS

Family fortunes

Kay Wilson meets the third generation head of freight logistics operator AV Dawson

D

rive along Middlesbrough’s quayside with the Transporter bridge to your right, and you will appreciate something of the vast scale of the AV Dawson operation.

Vast hangar-like buildings emblazoned with the company logo rise above the site, bases for a major freight logistics operation fulfilling road, rail, land and sea contracts for customers all over the globe.

This is a Teesside success story; a family business which some still remember when it was set up, in 1938, by Arthur Vernon Dawson (Vernie) – one of a family of 14 children brought up in central Middlesbrough - and his wife, Eleanor.

Beginning with £50 and a horse called Dina, they began selling coal from a small yard in Emmerson Street, Middlesbrough and they soon grew, investing in the company’s first lorry in 1944 and diversifying into hauling timber, construction materials and furniture.

Today, this £24m-turnover business is a local landmark led by MD Gary Dawson, who took over from his father Maurice, now the chairman.

The vision of its founder remains strong, and the company’s growth and ambition unabated, particularly over the last three years, which has seen a stepchange in the way it operates, as Gary

Dawson explains: “We had grown steadily, but we identified a number of new opportunities to provide not just cost savings, but also improved services for our customers.

“This resulted in us devising and delivering a £12.5m masterplan to transform how we managed our assets, including the five berths on what is now 850 metres of prime Tees quayside.

“The completion of this ambitious development has revolutionised our business, and that is not overstating it. The investment is already delivering increased efficiencies and substantial profits.”

At the heart of the vision is a £6.5m transporting. It may seem strange to automotive steel distribution centre for describe a 30 tonne crane picking Tata steel (which is separate from the hundreds of steel coils as poetry in North East business which Tata sold to motion, but the scale, flexibility and Greybull Capital and rebranded as efficiency with which this British Steel). The facility multi-million pound logistics receives trains loaded with “OUR GROWTH company operates is just steel coil from Port Talbot in IS GOOD NEWS that. There is an almost Wales, which are then FOR THE AREA balletic flow to the work offloaded and stored before AND FOR THE being carried out by the being transported by road to BUSINESS” behemoth pieces of major clients like Nissan. machinery here.

It could be called state-of-theThe new centre enables trains art, but that doesn’t really do the from the East Coast mainline to run building justice; the space goes on as far directly into the store alongside storage as the eye can see, the massive steel coils like giant bobbins neatly lined up, ready for bays where the steel coil is unloaded. To

36 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

AV Dawson MD Gary Dawson on site

protect the integrity of the product, the building is sealed and climate controlled.

The centre runs on renewable energy, 1,000 solar panels and 10 ground source heat pumps powering an intelligent heat and humidity system forecast to generate savings in excess of £800,000 over the next 20 years, which AV Dawson is sharing with its client Tata. The facility also includes intelligent lighting, a packaging recycling centre and a rainwater lagoon, which saves an additional £40,000 per year on water drainage costs.

Even the five shutter doors, which provide lorry access into the facility, have been designed for optimum speed -

operated by a sensor rather than manually which shaves seconds off a lorry leaving or entering.

These precious seconds have played their part in the centre reducing the unloading time for a train delivery of steel coils from 12 hours to three, creating significant cost savings for the customer and making rail a more competitive option than other forms of transport such as road haulage.

While around 30% of the steel coil is bound directly for Nissan, the remainder is distributed to local businesses in the automotive supply chain for processing and manufacturing other automotive

parts. The business’s connectivity with the rail network is paramount and a £1m investment has helped to join up its new developments with the national rail network. It has taken over a 99-year lease on Middlesbrough Goods Yard from Network Rail and made substantial infrastructure improvements to make rail more competitive.

Interestingly, AV Dawson was the first private terminal operator to take on this role and with four rail terminals including an intermodal rail terminal for storage and transportation of containers, it is now one of the largest independent rail terminal operators in the North of England.

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 37

SUCCESS Arthur Vernon Dawson began the firm in 1938 with £50 and a horse called Dina The first lorry followed in 1944 (below right)

Dawson says: “Our growth is good news for the local area and for the business; we have increased our workforce by a third, to 240, in three years, and have recently launched an in-house skills academy.”

The AVD Skills Academy offers the team here the opportunity to develop skills in technical and non-technical areas, undertake NVQs and join apprenticeship programmes. There is also a leadership development programme accredited by the Institute of Leadership & Management.

This investment is paying off. Over the last two years, company turnover has increased by some 15% to £24m with profits of £4.4m; a 29% increase over the last year.

Future areas of growth include exploiting the valuable assets of the dockside and maximising the company’s 100 acre property portfolio. Hence, the company is working with its tenants to ensure they are suitably located on the site; freeing the quayside up for those tenants who work closely with its onsite shipping agency and rely on direct access to the River Tees.

The business is in the fortunate position of owning business land to enable this realignment, including Bowes Road Business Park, home to QA Weld Tech and Bayley Security.

Tees Valley’s steel industry has been hard hit, but Dawson remains philosophical: “While global steel markets are volatile, the UK automotive sector is experiencing growth and there is strong demand for steel, and as a result our services as well. We are also winning new business including a new partnership with car parts supplier ElringKlinger.”

The waste-to-energy market is also part of the company’s diversification strategy with potential identified in the plastics conversion sector, Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF). This market is experiencing strong growth, with around 3m tonnes currently being exported from the UK, much of it heading to Scandinavia.

The key, says Dawson, is in planning for change and the flexibility to make quick decisions, and he has seen a lot in his 33 years with the business.

“I first came down to help with the business as a 13-year-old in 1983 and it was a very different world from the one we know now,” he says.

“It was a very hard culture with plenty of swearing and physical graft. I had to get my hands dirty for pocket money, sweeping out warehouses and that type of

38 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

thing. When I joined as a full-time member of the team aged 22, there was such a tight family of long-serving employees. I was the youngest by at least 10 years.

“We have tremendous strength in being such a well-established name and a family business. We can draw on our history for inspiration while keeping the freedom of the quick decision-making and flexibility of our management structure.

We can change course and make decisions at a pace which is the envy of many organisations.

“I feel a deep connection with my business’s Middlesbrough roots and still meet people who knew my grandfather.

You never forget that history, it grounds you and engenders great respect for the area and how the people from it have worked and supported us.”

And with that, he’s off to take a look at the latest delivery and see it off to its destination, just as his father and grandfather did in their day, and as, perhaps, more Dawsons will in future.

Exchange Experience Exchange Ideas Exchange Contacts Exchange Success To find out more about the benefits of being a chamber member visit www.neechamber.co.uk

PROFILE

Light bulb moment

Videre Global MD Craig Morgan gives Liz Hands the inside story of lighting up swathes of Africa

V

idere Global is on the brink of big things. Launched 18 months ago, the Newcastleheadquartered firm’s turnover is set to grow rapidly into the millions following a deal its directors have been working on for more than a year.

As we meet at Videre’s offices overlooking the bobbing boats at St Peter’s Marina, the team have just received the news they’ve been waiting for: Videre has been successful in securing £500,000 from the Energy and Environment Partnership (EEP) programme, which is a joint venture between the UK Department for International Development, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Finland and the Austrian Development Agency.

Designed to provide seed finance to cover start-up costs and to bridge the gap between ideas and implementation, the EEP funding is a game-changer for Videre as it expands into fastdeveloping African markets.

MD Craig Morgan says: “We have a contract for £25m for a project with the Botswana Ministry of Health and this is what we were waiting for. This £500,000 is the key. It allows us to demonstrate proof of concept to go forward.”

the lives of a community Videre will be bringing previously afraid to go out energy to 44 maternity clinics after sunset. across Botswana, where Without power, children in power cuts are rife and many communities in Africa struggle clinics are operating without to do their homework, have back-up generators. The first to leave school before it gets will be at Qangwa in the North dark, and don’t feel safe at West. This is one of several night. On a wider economic life-changing projects in the level, businesses cannot start, pipeline from Videre, which grow or thrive without power. designs, builds and supplies Now Videre, which has specialist equipment for offswiftly gained support from grid energy production in the high-profile North East renewables sector. business figures as well as It supplies solar generators, being involved in several streetlights, refrigerators and UKTI trade missions, will be freezers as well as LED street providing power on a new lights. It has also created a level. Seizing opportunities solar home pack designed to its directors liken to give off-grid households the advent of the a reliable source mobile phone in of energy. With “THE Arica, Videre has lighting, an FM OPPORTUNITIES created the Vero Radio and MP3 ARE THERE FOR Power Grid. player, the unit THE TAKING” The grid uses charges in seven solar panels to to eight hours, capture the sun’s providing six to energy. All energy is seven hours of lighting. stored in back-up batteries, In Botswana, Videre is setting allowing customers constant up solar solutions to light the access to power. They can use main road, clinic, school and market place in the community a mobile app to add credit to their accounts and monitor of Xaxa. real-time energy usage.

The firm was named one But Videre isn’t just of 16 firms to watch in 2016 about a great product; it is

by Chamber chief executive about creating solutions for James Ramsbotham after he businesses, communities and saw first-hand how providing individuals looking to finance a light to a township near power system.

Johannesburg had changed

40 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

l-r Craig Morgan and Robert Hanna at Videre HQ in Newcastle

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 41

PROFILE

Videre director for Africa Robert Hanna, in the UK to help Morgan move forward with ambitious growth plans, says: “You can have a Rolls Royce product, but that doesn’t mean it is going to work in Africa.

“The opportunities are there for the taking. Annual GDP growth rates in Botswana, for example, are high, there is a young, highly educated population and expectations are First World.

“It was clear from the outset that there was demand for

our products, but we have to offer more. It’s about making it affordable and being innovative in the way it is funded. We’ve evolved into providing service solutions, into an energy service company.”

Morgan adds: “We talked with Coca-Cola, with Pepsi, with Lays crisps. It was obvious that the desire for the technology was there, but we needed to start with the business model to make sure it was accessible. We’ve cracked that now.”

42 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

For Videre, it isn’t simply about installation of its pioneering technology, but also providing long-term service contracts. The firm’s ambitions are clear as soon as you walk into its offices.

While Videre is clearly still settling in at St Peter’s Basin, that hasn’t stopped it from making plans for the future.

A huge whiteboard is full of information on countries where it is working, and on those it is targeting, while another wall is covered in coloured project

notes. While it may not seem like the natural first choice of business premises for Morgan, who grew up in Johannesburg, he has seen first hand over the years the opportunities and expertise available in the North East.

His mum is originally from Sunderland but moved to South Africa after meeting his dad in London in the seventies, and Morgan has spent many years travelling between Johannesburg and the region.

It’s just as well he isn’t fazed by travel as he’s set to do a whole lot more as Videre projects gather pace. The company currently has offices in South Africa and Botswana and is working in Zimbabwe and Zambia as well as talking to 10 further countries and carrying out an energy management project for the Mauritian government.

To ensure the longevity of its plans, Videre has also created a training facility in Botswana. At the moment it is putting through its first cohort, first training the trainers to ensure the local population has the skills and expertise necessary to install and manage Videre’s systems.

Based in Tynemouth while working from the North East, Morgan clearly feels at home with the sea and with the boats outside his office at St Peter’s Marina. A keen sailor, he is heading to Turkey to take part in a yacht race from Bodrum to Icmeler. He, and the directors at Videre, will then have their own race to win in the coming months and years; delivering power to Africa. When you consider that an estimated 1.2bn people globally do not have access to electricity, and more than 95% of those are living in sub-Saharan Africa, the possibilities for Videre and the communities it helps are boundless and bright.

Join us for the North East’s most prestigious business dinners in 2016 LAST FEW TICKETS REMAINING 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).

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@neechamber.co.uk or visit www.neechamber.co.uk/events

SKILLS

CLEVER CARBON

Esh Group business development manager Rita Callender and energy & environmental adviser Simon Park with apprentices

Esh Group’s latest cohort of 50 apprentices are poised to embark on the Carbon Coach Course; a skills programme designed to instil carbon reduction and energy management knowledge.

Apprentices will apply their learning to real-life construction site situations as the course tasks them with reducing carbon consumption on developments. The project has a total cost of £49,460 to which the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Flexible Fund has contributed £34,600 over 13 months.

FIRST ECITB GAS TURBINE COURSE Northumberland-based global training provider HTL Training Services has become the first to offer the only Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) internationally recognised qualification for Gas Turbine Introduction to Operations and Inspections.

The use of gas turbines in the power generation, petrochemical and pipeline industries is widespread and this course is a mixture of practical and theoretical training, studied over five days with HTL’s expert technical trainers offering delegates maximum contact time through small working groups.

l-r, Paul Attrill, director of training and education at AIS, and James Wharton MP at the new Connect Academy

Powering ahead

P

arliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Development James Wharton has officially opened a new skills academy designed to revolutionise the way young people are trained for industry.

The £2.5m Connect Academy on North Tyneside has been developed by industrial training specialist AIS Training to give young people aged 16-24 the skills, work experience and knowledge essential for careers in the global energy, construction, manufacturing and engineering sectors.

It features state-of-the-art engineering

work spaces and welding bays, scaffolding areas and classrooms designed for the delivery of a range of industrial training programmes developed in close consultation with industry.

Wharton, who is MP for Stockton South, said: “The Government remains committed to rebalancing the economy through a Northern Powerhouse, and we must ensure we have a workforce equipped to achieve this goal. Boosting skills to meet the needs of the local economy will help to increase productivity and leaders and employers in the North have a big role to play in this.”

TOP PERFORMERS A total of 67 employees at Jarrow-based HVR have been awarded apprenticeships in Performing Manufacturing Operations.

The employees, who represent a third of the workforce at the high voltage ceramic resistor manufacturer, were all trained in manufacturing apprenticeship skills thanks to NECC Training, which worked with HVR to develop a training framework for each employee.

Headquartered in Jarrow, HVR exports 98% of its products to Europe, America and

44 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

Asia. The group also has factories in Birmingham, Germany and America and it employs 172 people.

RETAIL THERAPY

Retail Gold trainee Siobione Chambers

>???

CHARACTER BUILDING

T

wenty construction students enjoyed an insight into their future career thanks to the first ever Constructionarium North East project.

Students from Newcastle University, Newcastle College and TyneMet College teamed up to construct scaled-down versions of the distinctive arched Millennium Gallery in Sheffield as part of the pilot project designed to provide students with hands-on construction experience.

The project took place at The Owen Pugh

Group’s Marsden Quarry site, which became an outdoor construction classroom for the occasion.

The Owen Pugh Group first started investigating the idea some 18 months ago, having been inspired by Constructionarium Ltd, a project that has operated successfully in Norfolk for the past 10 years.

The original project was designed to provide colleges and universities with links with industry to ensure that students are able to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical, safe and relevant environment.

Gateshead College has expanded its successful retail training programme Retail Gold into the hospitality sector.

Run in partnership with intu and JobCentre Plus, the Retail Gold programme, which has helped more than 200 people to secure jobs with leading retailers, will now also offer training and job opportunities in hospitality.

Launched in May 2014, Retail Gold aims to supply outlets in at Newcatle’s intu Eldon Square and Gateshead’s intu Metrocentre with industry-standard trained job seekers.

STUDENT TAKEOVER

THE IT FACTOR A Berwick accountancy firm is halfway through updating its 100-strong workforce in IT skills through NECC Training.

Greaves West & Ayre (GWA) staff are increasing their Microsoft Office programme knowledge and learning about innovations in internet security.

Angela Bruce, GWA operations manager, says: “Some of our staff joined us from leaving school when there were no computers. The NECC Training programme has helped to increase skills levels across the board.”

A total of 40 GWA staff completed the training last year and achieved IT user Levels 2 or 3. A total of 23 are currently studying for the same IT User qualifications.

From reception to the kitchen, one of Teesside’s top hotels was taken over recently by Middlesbrough College students.

Four star Jurys Inn in Middlesbrough welcomed catering and hospitality students to work across the hotel with the help of staff ‘buddies’.

The event, the second of its kind, was organised by Middlesbrough College curriculum team leader Michael Jones.

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 45

PROFILE

Wood you believe it Dean Bailey explores Egger, Northumberland’s largest manufacturer and one of the North East’s best-kept success secrets

T

here’s a fair chance that the floor you’re standing on was made in Northumberland by one of the region’s largest and greenest manufacturers. Your kitchen cupboards may have begun life here too, while the floor of the new bar around the corner may well have been designed here. Who knew, eh?

Egger, an Austrian chipboard producer employing 7,700+ people across 17 sites in Europe, including Hexham, has been here since 1984 and this is where it all happens - all that flooring, cupboarding, designing that makes the world go round and keeps 660 workers busy.

This is a major operation committed to investment, energy-saving and recycling, and employing local people. Hexham - you’ll have seen the steam from the site’s W.E.S.P (wet electrostatic precipitator) as you pass on the A69 - is a year-round, 24-hour production process. It receives 15,000 tonnes of raw materials every week; sawdust, woodchip and roundwood used to produce some 650,000m³ of chipboard every year.

Since 1984, that’s enough melamine-faced chipboard to put 1.5 kitchens into every home in the UK, and enough tongue and groove structural flooring for 2m homes. And in the last 10 years,

more than £200m has been invested here, part of a €1bn investment across the group.

The site is a maze of production lines and machinery.

We tour the plant from preproduction to the heat of the contiroll; the continuous belt which turns chips and sawdust into finished boards, adding resins, steam, heat and pressure.

The contiroll, part of a £110m upgrade in 2006-7 which doubled the site to 70 acres, is the heart its daily production of 2 metre-wide chipboard enough to stretch the 45 miles from Hexham to Newcastle and back.

Bob Livesey, commercial director Western Europe, explains: “As well as improving efficiency and technology to maximise production, we invest in our supply chain to improve everything from our forest management through Egger Forestry in Hexham and near Glasgow, to the Campact subsidiary in Hexham, which produces our glues and resins.”

The Hexham site is one of the greenest within the industry and holds ISO 50001 accreditation for energy management. Some 90% of its power is produced by its biomass plant and heat recovery systems. “The biomass plant is one of the steps in Egger’s morefrom-wood philosophy,” says Egger UK corporate relations manager Jackie Watson as we

46 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

walk under elevators ferrying material into the chipboard production hall. “We make as much use as possible of every piece of roundwood, woodchip and recycled wood.”

The loads arriving here every day comprise timber from Kielder, woodchip and sawdust from sawmills and recycled wood from Egger subsidiary

Timberpak. “Each chipboard is a mixture of materials from suppliers and subsidiaries,” says Watson. “All the waste from our operational processes goes to our partners’ reprocessing operations which ultimately eliminates the need for disposal via landfill. Transport is one of our largest carbon costs so we are constantly working with hauliers to improve efficiency; we average 70% return loads.”

The UK business operations have returned year-on-year sales growth for 2010-2016 of 76%, with turnover for the year ending April 2016 of £265m.

Our tour is full of twists and turns, some buildings dating back to the 1980s and some a few months old. The process is highly automated and we see fewer than 15 staff. “Everything from the continuous rolling press to knife sharpening, cooling and

warehousing is automated,” says Watson. “The engineering department is in a new £4m building and the lab team are in their department, but putting the boards together needs very few people.” A major challenge is in recruiting engineers. “We have the oldest average workforce of the Egger group and we are working to deliver the next generation of young mechanical and electrical engineers,” says Bob Livesey, adding that Hexham takes on four engineering apprentices each year. After a year with Engineering Training Centre North East (ETC) and North Tyneside College, they join the Egger team, working alongside its specialists.

“We have a range of apprenticeship programmes and want to show people they can have a successful career here,” says Livesey. “Whether they’re a school leaver, an apprentice or a graduate we’re committed to fresh talent.”

As well as raw chipboard, Hexham is also home to upgrading; adding tongue and groove profiles for structural flooring or laminating raw chipboard. This upgrading process creates melaminefaced chipboard (MFC), used by kitchen, bathroom and bedroom manufacturers and for interior design in hotels, retail chains, student accommodation and care homes. “We’re also leaders in the latest trends and we work on innovative techniques to better mimic real wood, ceramics and just about any other texture,” says Watson as we end our tour back in the Design Forum.

I’ve learned a lot – more than I imagined when my editor told me I was spending a day in a chipboard factory. But then, this is a green, lean manufacturing machine. And, as mentioned, it probably made your floor, your kitchen cupboards, no end of things you take for granted. Who knew? You do now.

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 47

FEATURE

Special focus: Northumberland

Copyright: coxy58 / Shutterstock.com

T

John McCabe, managing director of Round Table Solutions Ltd and chair of the North East England Chamber of Commerce’s Northumberland Area Committee explores the diversity of business in Northumberland and what the future holds for the region

he diverse economy of Northumberland includes everything from niche businesses which were once the brainchild of entrepreneurs with a passion for their work, such as Geneius Laboratories in Cramlington, and creative companies which show stylistic flair has no geographical boundary. Then there is the wide variety of advanced manufacturers whose products are exported to a range of sectors around the world including Ashington’s Thermacore Europe and Hexham’s Egger.

Add in our tourist economy, with the best coastline in the UK, our historic monuments and castles and our unspoilt countryside, and it’s easy for me to say there is nowhere better than Northumberland to live, learn and work.

As well as our great history of success in the county, I am greatly encouraged by the ambition shown to take on big projects and deliver them successfully.

National Grid’s North Sea Link project will see the construction of a 720km pipeline to connect the electricity

infrastructures of Norway and the UK. On completion, the North Sea Link will improve the security of electricity supplies for both countries, provide opportunities for shared use of renewable energy and support economic growth in Norway and the UK. North Sea Link will join the mainland at Cambois in South East Northumberland and, on completion in 2021, will be the longest subsea interconnector in the world.

Meanwhile The Sill, a new £14.8m national landscape discovery centre under construction alongside the UNESCO World Heritage site at Hadrian’s Wall, is going to create more than 100 new jobs and generate an additional £5m of visitor spend every year. It is the biggest capital investment project ever undertaken in a National Park, and it’s on our doorstep.

In a few weeks, the Tall Ships will return to the North East, arriving into the thriving River Blyth and bringing with them an estimated £8m boost to the economy.

There is also exciting news at Northumberland College, where there are plans to build a STEM centre for the development of a specialist curriculum which addresses emerging technologies

48 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

and job opportunities, as well as plans for a 50-bedroom training lodge at Kirkley Hall which will become a regional centre of excellence for training in catering, hospitality and tourism.

Northumberland is a net exporter and the county has received more than £100m in European investment in the last nine years, so Brexit, whenever and however it comes, is going to fundamentally change how we do business. The priority must be to ensure our businesses can continue to trade internationally and that any funding gaps are fully offset by domestic policy.

Northumberland has been one of the most devo-enthusiastic local authorities in the region with the county council pushing hard for transport, connectivity and the nature of the rural economy to be key themes in the final North East devolution deal. It is important Northumberland has a strong presence and clear message in the ongoing debate. The Chamber also welcomes the council’s commitment to regenerate our market towns and we’d like to see the new core strategy include plans to create the commercial space small businesses need in which to grow.

PLANNING FOR GROWTH

Richard Garland, head of planning and development at George F White (third left) and his team

L

and, property and business consultancy George F. White has expanded its planning and development services across Northumberland following an increase in client demand.

Changes in the planning

system opening up new opportunities for property owners has been a key driver, with a rise in planning-related work, as Richard Garland, head of planning and development at George F. White, explains: “The UK planning system has undergone huge changes.

“From this, we have seen increases in different types of planning and development needs from clients across the UK, both new and existing. “The planning team was established in 2007 and has grown rapidly to offer advice across a range of planning issues.

“Our team now offers a service akin to some large scale urban consultancies, dealing with large scale applications and urban extension of 1400 units and upwards.

“With development land getting more and more complex, joining up planning to an understanding of land deals and values is essential.

“That is our unique selling point and we pride ourselves in being the source of highest quality advice for landowners with development needs.”

Working on a diverse range of applications from major residential, retail and agricultural

applications through to lawful development certificates and prior notifications, the team has achieved a 93% success rate for applications in the last 12 months.

“In the last two years, the team has doubled in size to include a number of planning and development specialists.

Providing services from Scotland to Lincolnshire, it has delivered an increase in annual turnover of 150% since last year.

Richard added: “Our key objective now is to grow further - we are currently recruiting for new members of the planning team right across the business - to continue to diversify services so that we can adapt to clients’ differing needs.

“It’s an exciting time for the team following all the commitment they’ve shown in turning George F. White’s planning and development services into what it is today.”

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 49

We are looking for Achievers apply now

www.egger.com/jobs

Apprentice Open Day November 3rd 2016

We seek people with passion The diversity of our 7,785 employees makes us a strong team.

In our work we have much in common: • Taking action instead of just talking about it.

• The stability that allows us to progress.

• The satisfaction of having delivered what we say we will.

We do not simply look for employees. We seek people who share our values.

FEATURE

LEARNING CURVE

W

hen Darren May joined Thermacore Europe as a 20-year-old apprentice, a future at the leading edge of thermal management technology seemed an ambitious career goal.

Eight years on, Darren is an applications design engineer at Thermacore’s European headquarters in Ashington, Northumberland and celebrating graduating with an honours degree in Mechanical Engineering.

“It’s been a lot of hard work over a prolonged period but

my graduation day made it all worthwhile,” said Darren who is now focusing on his work at Thermacore, the 3D and 2D design and manufacture of cold plates and heat exchangers used in a wide range of sectors including military, aerospace, communications, medical and automotive.

Thermacore and Tyne North Training funded Darren’s engineering apprenticeship. He studied at South Tyneside College before combining his work with studying for his degree with Northumbria University.

ON THE ROAD l-r Phil Smith, MOT centre manager at Northumberland College and Muhsin Jumaa, academy director for engineering, renewables, STEM and construction

N

orthumberland College has launched its own approved MOT Test Centre, the first collegebased centre in the country, with servicing and MOTs carried out by fully qualified technicians, while allowing motor vehicle students to train in a real working environment and develop their skills.

Muhsin Jumaa, academy

director for engineering, renewables, STEM and construction said: “We are proud of our new motor vehicle workshop. The facility is equipped with the latest technology and is managed by highly qualified motor vehicle engineers.

“As well as our ability to offer members of the public a good service we have made sure the facility offers our learners a great environment and prepares them for work.”

With clean beaches, acres of unspoilt countryside and attractions for families of all ages, it is no wonder increasing numbers of visitors from the UK and abroad are heading to Northumberland.

And, whether their trip is geared around business or pleasure, Cottages in Northumberland can provide a superb home from home – however long or short their stay.

The Jesmond-based holiday lettings agency is the ‘go to’ agency for property owners and now looks after more than 180 cottages, houses and apartments across the North East.

From Berwick upon Tweed to Newcastle city centre, its portfolio includes everything from stylish apartments – ideal for business guests – to country cottages and even a range of dog-friendly properties, so no-one gets left behind on holiday.

With a personal, seven-day a week service and access to a range of exclusive offers when they book, guests are guaranteed a holiday they will remember forever.

For further information visit: www.cottagesinnorthumberland.co.uk, email enquiries@cottagesinnorthumberland.co.uk or call 0191 231 3020.

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 51

FEATURE

Special focus: Professional Services Chamber policy adviser Arlen Pettitt explores the professional service sector in the North East

I

f you walk along the Quayside in Newcastle past the Gateshead Millennium Bridge and the Crown Court, in the space of little more than 200 metres you’ll pass the offices of some of our region’s largest law firms, accountants, insurers, recruiters, development consultants and wealth managers.

The stretch of office space looking out at the Tyne and its bridges is a who’s who of North East, national and international success stories including the likes of KPMG, Ward Hadaway and Bond Dickinson. Travel a little further and you will find household names such as Sage, PwC, TSG, Sintons, Tait Walker and more.

The professional services sector is just as happy within walking distance of the Tyne as it is the Thames, and while

Newcastle is the standout in the North East and home to 27,000 jobs in the professional services sector, it isn’t an isolated case in the region. Sunderland has 6,500 financial and professional services jobs, Stockton nearly 4,000 and less than a year ago Darlington welcomed 450 jobs with the arrival of Capita alone.

As important as the professional services sector is in its own right, it is also a crucial cog in the wider success of the regional economy.

In order to thrive, businesses across every sector need the support professional services firms offer to secure their future success and prosperity - whether you’re an automotive manufacturer, a designer fashion retailer or a dog groomer. The sage advice and steady hand of an experienced lawyer or accountant is what turns a great

52 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

idea into a great startup, and a great startup into a thriving, established business.

While much of that support can be provided from anywhere – North East service sector firms trade all over the world – sometimes there’s no substitute for having the depth of knowledge that comes from being based in the region and being able to meet face to face.

That’s why, as the North East continues to add jobs, it is vital we help the professional services sector continue to grow with it. That means making sure it can get the right staff by keeping skilled graduates in the region; making sure we showcase what we do by shouting louder about the successes we’re already having; and when we focus on growth in other sectors we recognise and support the often crucial role played by professional services.

ADVERTORIAL

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING THE RIGHT RECRUITMENT PARTNER Bryony Gibson, managing director of Bryony Gibson Consulting, discusses how working with a specialist recruiter will give you an edge in the war for talent.

I

Another brick in the wall

O

ne of Newcastle’s most historic buildings, which dates back to the 1200s and forms part of the City Walls, is being converted into an exclusive event venue with the support of Sintons.

Sallyport Tower, a Grade I-listed ancient monument built between 1265-1307, is receiving significant investment to create a unique venue space for weddings and corporate events.

Photographer Kevin Radcliffe is behind the renovation, after taking on the building last year.

Kevin, whose work is sold in Selfridges, Fenwick and The

Conran Shop, has relocated his Radcliffe Gallery photography business from Jesmond into Sallyport Tower.

The venue will be used for gallery space and photography shoots between event bookings, which are being taken now for September onwards. It is also set to be opened to the public twice a year for the city’s Heritage Open Days, as well as for some exhibitions.

Bryony Gibson, Managing Director at Bryony Gibson Consulting

f people are a company’s greatest asset, then why doesn’t every business believe choosing the right recruitment partner is one of the most important decisions they will ever make?

Continually finding and recruiting skilled people that match your company’s needs, values and ambition is one of the biggest barriers to business growth, and it’s where a lack of expertise could be holding you back.

To attract the best recruits, you need to either employ or have a strong relationship with someone who understands your labour market inside and out.

As an authority in their field, a specialist recruiter will not only know the marketplace intimately, but also the top candidates within it, giving you an immediate advantage.

If you can build a flexible, trusting partnership, not only will they be able to fill any urgent needs you have, but they’ll also use their unique relationships to be on the constant lookout for future prospects.

I often ask myself what people expect when it comes to a recruitment partner and at the top of the list are: professionalism; high quality service and care; honesty and transparency; and a positive, ethical manner.

You should be looking for a consultancy who will support, advise and help you, whilst at the same time being honest and realistically managing your expectations. Of course I know recruitment isn’t always perceived in this way, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for less.

Any specialist recruiter you work with should have experience of supporting similar size businesses in your field and be able to act as a sounding board for salary and market advice. By taking the time to find and get to know your options, you will not only save time and resource, but also money in the long-term.

Bryony Gibson Consulting Recruiting specialists, helping you grow.

Contact Bryony for help finding the right tax & accountancy role or recruits on (0191) 375 9983.

Alternatively, visit www.bryonygibson.com, connect on LinkedIn or follow @bryonygibson.

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 53

ADVERTORIAL

RIGHT DIRECTION

Technology, investment, and print’s role in the marketing mix with Washington Direct Mail

F

Washington Direct Mail, Team Valley

or more than 30 years, Washington Direct Mail (WDM) has been at the forefront of the mailing industry, servicing trade and direct clients across a range of sectors – from manufacturing and retail to education and IT, locally and nationally.

With changes in the marketing mix to incorporate more digital and online techniques, the role of WDM has changed a great deal in the last 10 years. Keeping pace with the marketing industry has been key to the business’ continued success, with Managing Director Lynn Beasley explaining how consistent investment in technology and broadening in-house expertise has kept WDM at the forefront of the industry.

“The last 10 years have been a tough transition for the print industry. Traditionally, direct mail has been a means to an end for print production - the final stage in the process of sending letters and magazines to end users. The print trade has seen production volumes fall, titles and frequency cut, and the explosion of digital technologies and online communication with customers. It may have seemed that print as a medium was in decline.

“Though we have seen a fall in the length of typical print runs, we have adapted to the trend, harnessing the latest technology to remain a key part of the way businesses communicate. Rather than sticking to what we’ve done for 30 years, we are innovating, answering our clients’ requests for smarter services and supporting a broader base of customers with a wider portfolio of services than ever before. That decision is beginning to pay off with a resurgence in businesses using print and direct mail.”

As part of an on-going investment programme, WDM has implemented a number of innovations. A bespoke information management system, specific to the mail and print environment, was developed to incorporate all production processes. Upgraded enclosing equipment was commissioned to provide new features - meaning documents can be scanned and intelligently collated, improving personalisation.

Data also now plays a major part in the operation and a new digital print suite has been created, including further print finishing equipment, to provide additional capacity for data-driven digital print.

“The scatter gun approach to customer contact is a thing of the past,” says Sales Manager Steve Harrison.

“Brands are more considered with their targeting and message and we now operate in an environment where highly personalised mail is sent to very specific

54 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

audiences - something traditional printing and distribution wasn’t capable of. Today, we have access to millions of pieces of data and can use it to improve services while retaining all the benefits of print.”

Continuous investment in hardware and software at the Team Valley site has been further supported by the acquisition of the production arm of creative agency IGNIFI in April 2016, a move which further increased the range of services offered at WDM. “Careful investment and our recent acquisition have allowed us to grow the business in the right direction,” adds David Beasley, WDM’s Financial Director. “We have great people, with a wealth of experience and knowledge of an ever-changing industry. The team is passionate about delivering more – whether it’s a full mailing campaign, cost-effective use of postal services, graphic design, managed print buying, or using technology to its best advantage and we work with clients to guide them through the process from start to finish.”

Embracing the change within the marketplace helped turnover at WDM rise by 25% last year, with a further increase of 20% expected in 2017.

“We understand the value of printed material and direct marketing techniques as part of every business’ marketing mix, irrespective of sector or the size of the business. Nowadays, print is less of a commodity and is more about added value. Volumes may have dropped but revenues are increasing. We are positioning ourselves at the forefront of the industry and are ready to embrace technology and new techniques to reach our clients’ audiences,” adds Lynn.

As a strong advocate of the print and mailing industry in the UK, WDM is a member of the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), British Association for Print and Communication (BAPC), the Royal Mail Strategic Mail Partnership and is an active member of the North East England Chamber of Commerce.

“This is an exciting time for the business,” Lynn adds. “The range and complexity of our work is a constant challenge, but it is also key to delivering improvement and success for our clients. Technology must work for our clients, not the other way around.”

WDM is a family-owned print and mailing specialist based on Team Valley, Gateshead providing print, design, mailing and distribution solutions, specialising in data-driven print and intelligent mailing applications.

For more information, contact Lynn Beasley, tel: 0191 487 5148, email: lynn.beasley@ wdmonline.co.uk, www.wdmonline.co.uk

Lynn Beasley

Steve Harrison, Jon Beasley and David Beasley

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 55

FEATURE

ON THE MOVE

l-r Simon Crowe and Peter Hodges of Niven Architects

Niven Architects has moved its headquarters to Darlington’s Business Central as it continues to shape the town and develop some of the region’s most significant buildings.

The practice has transferred operations from a Georgian townhouse in Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, to a 2,500sqft open-plan studio at Business Central.

The award-winning practice has been responsible for some of the North East’s most significant buildings, including the Feethams leisure complex in Darlington, MC6 Middlesbrough College’s sixth form centre, Cleveland College of Art and Design, Daffodil House - a bespoke homes scheme at Hemlington, Beaumont House in Darlington, offices at Wynyard and St Teresa’s Hospice in-patient unit in Darlington.

Director Simon Crowe says: “Our Coniscliffe Road premises have served us well for many years but our working practices now require modern surroundings allowing us to work more collaboratively.”

Fellow director Peter Hodges adds: “We need to react quickly and creatively.

You can only do that by being on the same floor, in a healthy atmosphere, that allows us to bounce around ideas and share experiences allowing us to identify issues and developments, and create the very best design solutions.”

The Corporate Finance team at UMW

Double deal success for UNW

N

ewcastle-based business advisory firm UNW has completed two major deals for clients in two days.

UNW’s corporate finance team advised Gentoo on the sale of its speciality glass division Romag to Clayton Glass and the shareholders of ForSkills on its sale to national awarding organisation NCFE. The Gentoo/Romag deal took around three months to negotiate and the sale was agreed for an undisclosed sum.

Romag will continue to produce its specialist solar glass from its Consett base under its own branding, and under the ownership of Clayton Glass, the North East’s biggest independent producer of insulated glass and composite glass doors and windows.

The deal for Newcastle-based national

qualifications awarding organisation NCFE to acquire ed-tech company ForSkills, which provides assessments and resources for functional skills qualifications, was announced the day after Clayton Glass took over Romag.

UNW advised ForSkills, which has bases in Nottinghamshire and Co Durham, on the disposal of the business to NCFE. UNW corporate finance partner John Healey, who advised Gentoo and ForSkills, and also recently advised on the sale of assessment engine The Test Factory to GL Education, said: “UNW is building a strong reputation in the corporate finance world in the North East and nationally. The strength in depth of our team with its different specialities means we are able to advise businesses across a variety of sectors and stages.”

PEOPLE POWER Sunderland-based software developer Cornerways Consulting has received a £120,000 investment towards the development of its online video interviewing software, with the support of the Finance for Business North East Proof of Concept Fund managed by Northstar Ventures.

The software is designed to tackle inefficiencies in the recruitment process through a cloud-based platform called Shine.

David Copple, founder and CEO, says: “We have experienced a thrilling first 18 months in business, launching an innovative videobased recruitment solution that is already being used across the UK. The funding via Northstar Ventures allows us to grow the team while pushing ahead with some exciting product developments.”

James Foster, investment manager at

56 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

l-r James Foster, Northstar, and David Copple, Cornerways

Northstar Ventures, says: “The Shine offering plays into the hands of current trends among large firms, which are changing recruitment processes to focus on communication skills.

“We have been impressed by the technical skills of David’s team and their vision; the technology is designed to be scalable and the features will be applicable to almost any sector. So far Cornerways Consulting has had interest from companies looking to recruit from 10 employees to 20,000+.”

On Wednesday 5th October 2016, HR Showcase are proudly presenting...

“Keep calm and weather the storm!”

This employment seminar, by way of role play, will focus on steps employers of all sizes can take to protect their business in times of economic uncertainty where they: Wish to change terms and conditions of employment; Need to make redundancies; and Face allegations of unfair treatment.

We will also show you how to conduct a redundancy consultation meeting.

Key learning points: How to implement changes; Guidance on the appropriate policies; How to protect your business; and How to avoid costly employment tribunal claims, lost management time and ‘sleepless nights’.

Venue: Centre for Life, Newcastle Date: Wednesday 5th October 2016 Time: 8:30am - 10:30am To reserve your free place at this seminar contact Helen Ward Call: 0191 232 8345 Email: helen.ward@hay-kilner.co.uk Visit: www.hay-kilner.co.uk to book a place online

Feedback from the previous seminar: “Other seminars are just so boring in comparison to Hay & Kilner’s.”

“Great content and delivery. As ever, the method of delivery far exceeds anything else in the market.”

“Great seminar, thank you! Thoroughly enjoyed it.”

OUT TO LUNCH

Different class From inner-city headteacher to a new voice for vocational education and champion of participatory arts, Alison Shaw may not be used to the limelight, but she has plenty to shout about, discovers Elise Rana Hopper

A

lison Shaw isn’t used to this sort of attention. Leading the establishment of the region’s flagship Northern Futures University Technical College (UTC) and newly appointed chair of Helix Arts, her diary is packed, but the invitation to be interviewed over lunch is a welcome surprise – the requirement that she have her photograph taken less welcome.

“I’m not accustomed to self-publicity,” she says, calmly navigating the unforeseen issue of static cling as we settle into a quiet corner. “I’ve had my head down, being a headteacher. And in that role my experience of journalists was very different - I’m trying to put that wariness to bed!”

Here at the Crowne Plaza hotel, amid the gleaming newness of Newcastle’s Stephenson Quarter, we’re next to what is all but officially confirmed as the site for the UTC – and though a long way from the urban schools and colleges in which Shaw built a 20-year career in senior leadership roles, it’s a continuation of what was very much a calling.

“My parents were both educators, and I’ve been brought up to believe that if you’re in a position to make a contribution, that’s what you do. Like every teacher I know, I wanted to make the most difference I could. But I came to the point where that was getting hard within the system; we need headteachers who can really be engaged in the wider civic endeavour, but it’s hard for them to do that because they work flat-out.

“In this last year planning the UTC, I’ve been able to participate in policy

discussion, developing partnerships and networks that will benefit education. It’s an interesting conundrum.”

The importance of the ‘wider civic endeavour’ is also at the heart of her involvement in Helix Arts, whose CEO Catherine Hearne she met through her work on the UTC. An Arts Council England portfolio organisation, Shaw hopes that the development of other linked funding streams will enable Helix to scale up its innovative work.

“Falling on your Feet was the first performance I was invited to as the chair designate. I turned up at a community hall in the west end of Newcastle, rushing from a work meeting with no idea what to expect. A group of ordinary older people took seats in the centre of the group, then music started and they started to move with such grace, vulnerability and dignity it made me cry. It was one of the most powerful performances I’ve ever seen and the impact on that group of dancers was clearly huge and life-changing. That was my initiation, and it really helped me root my conviction that this is a brilliant, precious organisation and we can make more of it.”

Where her two roles overlap is in the belief that arts and culture belong to everyone, having seen at first hand how many children grow up not being taught, as she was, that these are a normal part of life. “It’s not about forcing tastes on anybody or dictating what people should like - it’s giving everyone the right to grow up exposed to those experiences and able to choose for themselves.”

58 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

Just as the UTC model looks to business to help shape the education of future employees by giving its sponsors (Accenture, University of Sunderland, Academic Health Sciences Network and North East IT network Dynamo) the opportunity to design, deliver and assess the college’s curriculum, arts organisations including Baltic and Sage Gateshead have been brought on board to ensure a rounded educational offer; in doing so, reaching into communities that might not otherwise access them.

This may shake up the status quo, but

CROWNE JEWEL

the core principles the State strives for in education – the wellbeing of the population, the prosperity of the nation – are the same.

“In this country, we have an entrenched misunderstanding about what vocational education and training should be,” says Shaw. “The way the qualification structure constrains what educational settings do needs to be challenged. There is deep need to change the way education works with employers.

“There’s a lot to celebrate about our region, but if we’re going to come anywhere

near doing as well as we should, we need to grow what we’re good at by giving our young people local, sector-relevant skills.

I’m not saying education should go back to the utilitarian 19th Century model of churning out the workforce; it’s about purpose, which is a significant component of happiness.”

That sense of purpose is certainly not something lacking in Shaw: “My folks made their contribution here and I want to do the same. There’s no region in this nation that needs it more, and now’s the time for us to come together and take control.”

The flagship new destination of Newcastle’s Stephenson Quarter, the Crowne Plaza, sets the tone for this newly minted business district – quietly luxurious and un-ostentatious, contemporary without being blandly corporate.

Its brasserie, Hawthorns, follows suit, its well-edited offering ranging from mod-Brit (or as they like to call it, ‘North Brit’) mains (£14-£18) to sandwiches, small plates and executive-friendly ‘fast and fresh’ options starting from just £6.

Intrigued by the popcorn cajun rabbit and spiced green lentil and shiitake lettuce cups listed on the menu under Small Eats, these dishes proved delectable and substantial starters. The beetroot, orange and quinoa salad which followed was a rainbow-bright bowl brimming with colour and flavour, and the courgetti standing in for linguini with North Sea crab brought a green veg-patch crunch and contrast to the richness of avocado pesto.

The staff were warm, polite and efficient, and with the genuine interest and concern of a teacher, Alison asked the waitress how she was enjoying the job and was pleased to hear she was being well looked after in what was only her first week. “We would never have guessed,” she says. “You’re doing a brilliant job.”

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 59

FAB 5

Fab 5

This month our Fab 5 are summer dreaming...

2

1

3

4

5

Christine Bell

Stuart Sutton

Kirsty Ramsey

Chris Lee

Heike O’Leary

In my opinion, there’s no better way to spend a nice sunny day than a trip to Whitby. It’s a proper traditional day out for the whole family.

You can grab fresh fish and chips brought into the harbour that morning by a local fisherman, followed by a stroll along the pier with an ice cream. All of which can be eaten guilt-free if you climb the 199 steps up to the Abbey to enjoy the fantastic view, which entitles you to a stick of rock for the drive home!

My perfect summer’s day would be really relaxing.

I’d start with a drive through the beautiful countryside of Northumberland.

Then a walk on Druridge Bay with friends and my dog Rupert would be ideal.

I’d follow that up with lunch at the Longsands Fish Kitchen restaurant on Tynemouth Front Street, and then a few beers sitting outside the Head of Steam Pub watching the world go by.

My favourite way to spend a sunny day involves enjoying the region’s beautiful coastline – I love being by the sea.

I’d start with a walk along Tynemouth Longsands, building up an appetite before lunch at Riley’s Fish Shack, such a hidden gem with beautiful views across King Edward’s Bay. Afterwards, I would take a leisurely stroll into Whitley Bay for an ice cream then head to my local beer garden for a much deserved G&T!

I’m a bit of a golf nut so it would have to be out on the golf course, perfecting my swing and competing with friends. My favourite has to be Ramside Hall Golf Club where I’m a member, both courses there are stunning, especially when the sun is shining.

I’m lucky enough to live on the sea front and my wife Wendy and I enjoy a stroll along the prom, occasionally interrupted by the lure of the public houses and restaurants en route.

Summer is great for family. My weekends are preferably spent outdoors, in the garden, horse riding or on a golf course. My family is my weekend priority as I am away from home most weeks. I’m grateful that my twin girls share my passion for golf. I was brought up on a vineyard in Italy and unwinding in the evening in my favourite swing chair on the patio with a chilled glass of Italian white is in my blood... That’s my excuse anyway!

Company Secretary Boro Taxis

Operations Manager TT2 Limited

Marketing Manager Tait Walker

Managing Director CCS

Marketing Director Lookers

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 61

EVENTS

Chamber AGM Stadium of Light, June 22, sponsored by NE LEP

 Colin Bell (NE LEP North East Growth Hub)

 James Ramsbotham (Chamber) and Helen Godfrey (Amber Northeast)  Chamber members hear from James Ramsbotham, Chamber CEO

 David Langley (Chamber), Lucy Winskell (Northumbria Uni), Mike Matthews (Nifco), James Ramsbotham (Chamber)

 Chris Simpson and Jonathan Gamblin (UKTI)

 David Langley, Mike Matthews, Lucy Winskell, James Ramsbotham

Chamber Golf Day Matfen Hall, June 29, sponsored by Lloyd Mini BMW, supported by Matfen Hall and European Golf Challenge

 Nikki Hunter, Laura McDonald (European Golf Challenge) and Rebecca McGinley (Ladies European Tour)

 Winner of the Mini for a weekend - Philip Lishman (Durham Tees Valley Airport) with Sean Bell (Lloyd Mini BMW)

 John Watson, John Ellis and Warren Colby (United Carlton)

 Andrew Howie (Tyneside and Northumberland Mind), John Jude, Chris Jude and Peter Jude (Building Surveyors)

62 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

 Rebecca Mcginley ( Ladies European Tour)

Chamber Exchange

Inspiring Females Conference Lumley Castle, July 6, sponsored by Lumley Castle

This is the Chamber's flagship networking event encouraging an exchange of experiences, ideas and offers between members.

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

Event sponsored by

 Event speakers

 Academy for Chief Executive's Seminar with Karen Gray and Jackie Barnett

 Next generation of North East business leaders panel

Newcastle Falcons Kingston Park, November 16, 9am-4pm, stands from £150, FREE TO ATTEND

Presidents Club Golf Day Close House, July 8, sponsored by Emirates

 President's Club members

 Winning Team - Rockliffe Hall

Holiday Inn Darlington A1 Scotch Corner, September 8, 11am-2pm, FREE

 Andrew Fox (Crowne Plaza), James Ealey (NGI), Richard Adams (TSG) and Brian Rooney (Biffa)

The Chamber has joined forces with member, Fresh Start Events to promote the expo event taking place in November 2016.

The North East Expo is being staged at Kingston Park on Wednesday November 16 from 9am-4pm.

The theme throughout the day will be business connections, and Level 2 of the main grandstand will play host to the Chamber Showcase, which will form part of the Expo event. Chamber members can exhibit in this space from £150 or attend the event as a delegate for free. The event will feature a variety of seminars and presentations.

There will be more than 200 companies and around 1,500 delegates in attendance For more information and to book your stand visit www.neechamber.co.uk or to book a free place, visit www.northeastexpo.co.uk

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 63

EVENTS

Featured events SEPT

8

FREE

Chamber Exchange

11:00-14:00, Holiday Inn Darlington A1 Scotch Corner

SEPT

15

FREE*

Behind the Scenes: Newcastle International Airport

SEPT

29 £80

Chamber Tees Valley Annual Dinner 18:00-23:00, Jurys Inn, Middlesbrough

15:30-17:30, Doubletree by Hilton & Newcastle International Airport *Open to Global, Medium, President’s Club and Partner members only

To book 0300 303 6322 events@neechamber. co.uk www.neechamber. co.uk/events FLAGSHIP SEPT 15 NORTH EAST EXPORTERS’ AWARDS 18:30-late, Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham

SEPT 28 TEESSIDE BUSINESS SHOW

SEPT 15 INTERNATIONAL TRADE

09:00-16:00, Middlesbrough Football Club

08:15-10:00, Durham County Cricket Club

SEPT 28 CHAMBER LOCAL

SEPT 19 NEWCASTLE GATESHEAD AREA MEETING

FREE

10:00-12:00, The Hastings, Seaton Delaval

FREE

OCT 13 CHAMBER EXCHANGE 11:00-14:00, Slaley Hall, Northumberland

FREE

NOV 10 CHAMBER EXCHANGE

TBC

* Member price +VAT **£700+VAT Member price Table of 10, £650+VAT Global member price

SEPT 6 CHAMBER LOCAL (TEAM VALLEY MONTHLY)

09:00-16:00, Newcastle Falcons Kingston Park

STANDS FROM £150*

SEPT 21 MAXIMISE YOUR MEMBERSHIP

SEPT 27 STOCKTON BUSINESS FORUM 15:45-17:30, Trade Interchange, Stockton

FREE

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION NETWORK SEPT 15 HR KNOWLEDGE – DIGNITY AT WORK 09:15-11:30, Durham County Cricket Club

FREE

OCT 7 QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY BREAKFAST BRIEFING OCT 21 LINKING BUSINESS AND EDUCATION 08:00-12:00, King Edward VI, Morpeth

FREE

08:00-09:45, Tyne Metropolitan College

FREE

OCT 18 SUNDERLAND AREA MEETING 16:00-17:30, Stadium of Light, Sunderland

FREE

INTERNATIONAL SEPT 8 IMPORT PROCESSES, COMPLIANCE AND DOCUMENTS 09:00-16:00, Durham County Cricket Club

£300**

AREA MEETINGS/ COMMITTEES SEPT 13 MIDDLESBROUGH AREA MEETING

SEPT 22 COFFEE & CONNECTIONS

SEPT 14 HARTLEPOOL AREA MEETING

FREE

OCT 14 NORTH TYNESIDE AREA MEETING

08:00-10:00, Centre for Life, Newcastle

08:15-10:00, Jurys Inn, Middlesbrough

10:30-12:30, TBC

SEPT 23 COUNTY DURHAM AREA MEETING FREE

08:00-10:00, Durham County Cricket Club

FREE

FREE

08:15-10:00, TBC

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

FREE

FREE

16:00-18:00, TBC

FREE

NETWORKING

SEPT 20 DARLINGTON AREA MEETING 08:15-10:00, TBC

NOV 16 NORTH EAST EXPO/ MANUFEX INC. CHAMBER SHOWCASE

18:00-23:00, Civic Centre, Newcastle

18:30-late, The Boiler Shop, Newcastle

FREE

SEPT 21 NORTHUMBERLAND AREA MEETING

FREE

NOV 3 CHAMBER NORTHUMBRIA & DURHAM ANNUAL DINNER NOV 11 NORTH EAST WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARDS

16:00-18:00, Newcastle High School for Girls

11:00-14:00, Acklam Hall, Middlesbrough

£80**

£100*

FREE

FREE

16:00-17:30, EDF Energy, Hartlepool Power Station

FREE

64 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

SEPT 20 CUSTOMS COMPLIANCE, PROCESSES AND DOCUMENTS 09:00-16:00, Durham County Cricket Club

£300**

** Global member price £240+VAT Foundation Award in International Trade – North East England Chamber of Commerce member price £800 (Global member price £640+VAT) - contact us for information

MEMBER 2 MEMBER

MEMBER TO MEMBER OFFERS D RE AT U FE

FE

FE

AT U

AT U

RE

RE

D

D

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

50% OFF LANGUAGE MOT

MEMBER DISCOUNTS FOR AUDIO VISUAL EQUIPMENT HIRE

10% OFF LANGUAGE COURSES

The Language Centre CIC

R&B Group

The Language Centre CIC is offering Chamber members 50% off its Language MOT, which assesses your website, branding, marketing literature and more with advice on the most cost effective solution to communicate with overseas markets. Offer available Jul 25-Aug 31.

During August 2016, R&B Group is offering Chamber members a range of discounts on audio visual equipment hire, which ranges from sound systems and large TV screens to staging projection systems, microphones and voting systems. Offer available Jul 31-Sept 1.

Bridge Interpreting Translating and Training Services CIC

www.tlcnewcastle.co.uk

www.rbgroup.co.uk

www.bridgeinterpreting.co.uk

£200 TOWARDS VOCATIONAL PROCUREMENT DIPLOMA

COMMERCIAL INSURANCE REVIEW

FREE SEO AUDIT AND FEEDBACK

APO Training Offer available Jul 26-Sept 30

Square Circle Brokers Ltd Offer available Aug 8-Aug 7, 2017

Flow Offer available Jul 13-Sept 30

TRAFFIC AND CONVERSATION PACKAGE

20% OFF SOUND, LIGHTING AND STAGING EQUIPMENT

SALE OR RETURN LED LIGHTING TRIAL

Newgen Creative Offer available Jul 11-Sept 11

The Undefined Group Offer available Jul 27-Sept 2

Hadar Lighting Offer available Jul 28-Sept 30

Bridge Interpreting Translating and Training Services is offering Chamber members 10% off French, Italian, Spanish and Mandarin language courses – all of which are tailored to your business needs.

Offer available Aug 1-Jul 31, 2017.

For many more exclusive Chamber member offers visit www.neechamber.co.uk/offers AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 / CONTACT / www.neechamber.co.uk / 65

GUEST COLUMNIST

Last Word

To three or not to three?

Alice Hall, creative director of online fashion retailer Pink Boutique, considers whether three years at university is too long

T

he old adage goes that good things come in small packages.

But when it comes to further education, good things could also come in shorter packages.

We’ve become so used to university courses being three years’ long that we haven’t stopped to question whether that historic model is still right for today’s students and employers.

By the time I reached my own third and final year, I was in university just one day a week. My dissertation was a rushed last-minute affair, which meant quitting my part-time beauty counter job just so I could finish it. How many of us, if we’re honest, really think that what they studied, produced and learned at university really needed to take three years?

University, while no doubt life-enriching, can encourage students to fall into a slower pace of life, where their presence is only required on campus for the odd lecture or debate. This does graduates no favours when it comes to preparing for the world of work; surely the ultimate aim when undertaking a degree?

Employers want graduates to come to them ready to hit the ground running. They want them to throw themselves into daily and strategic tasks from the moment they step into work in the morning to the moment they leave. They want graduates to work at a pace which would be unimaginable at university. Why not get them used to this from the outset by compressing their degree courses?

Two-year degrees can turn out graduates who work well under pressure, who can deliver, prioritise, and remain focused, and who don’t become too used to long summer holidays.

Former Business Secretary Vince Cable said two years should become the norm, making the university experience leaner and more focused on results. The National Union of Students gave the idea a cautious welcome, saying quality control was necessary and now 10 universities are offering fast-track degrees, though ideally this should be a widespread choice.

No one would suggest we shorten all degrees. I’d like our GPs or our surgeons to stay at university and on placement as long as it takes. But, for many courses, it makes sense to compress the time taken to gain a qualification.

Students could pay less for a degree over two years than over three, while getting themselves into the right mind-set for the world of work. Employers get graduates who are ready for the pace required in a busy modern workplace.

Meanwhile, universities could find that while there would be staffing implications, their intake increases as more people are willing, and financially able, to invest two years of their life into getting a degree.

66 / www.neechamber.co.uk / CONTACT / AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

The workplace has become much more flexible in recent years. The education system must keep up. While university used to be the only route into a long-term career, this is simply not the case anymore, with alternative routes such as apprenticeships increasingly gaining ground on degree courses.

These days, tuition fees stand at some £9,000 a year. According to the latest research, English graduates are leaving university owing an average of £44,000 in total. The cost has thrown the dilemma to get a degree or not - into sharper focus than ever. Universities must offer choice to stay relevant.

While much of our workforce at Pink Boutique is made up of graduates, a degree is by no means a must for us. We have just taken on a new marketing team member who carried out an apprenticeship. She has no debts and she is in a role that other members of staff have done a degree for. Her skillset and her work ethic are admirable and her career prospects are promising at an age when she would otherwise have been at university. For school leavers who still want the university experience and still want to gain a degree, should there not be a happy medium?

A brighter future.

Open Mornings Junior School and Nursery: Saturday 24th September Boys’ and Girls’ Schools: Saturday 1st October Parents are welcome to arrange a visit to any of the Schools.

Please contact the Registrar on 0191 275 0608. www.dameallans.co.uk

DAME ALLAN’S SCHOOLS building the future

CONTACT US FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON OUR VIP LAUNCH EVENT Register your interest in the NEW CITROËN DISPATCH at : http://www.citroen.co.uk/new-cars-and-vans/future-vehicles/citroen-dispatch

NEW

CITROËN DISPATCH ARRIVES SEPTEMBER