North East Times Magazine - December 2014 by North East Times Magazine

2014

£2.95

DECEMBER

CONTENTS

December 2014 BUSINESS NEWS –

SAVE THE DATE –

Business events – mark them on your calendar.

ON THE MOVE –

New executive appointments.

10 QUESTIONS FOR... –

David Laws, Newcastle International Airport.

COVER STORY –

Meet Brewin Dolphin's financial experts.

STATE OF THE ART –

THE LONG GAME –

William Morris, Perfect Image.

INTERVIEW –

Craig Scott, Redstones Newcastle.

BUSINESS LUNCH – Hotel du Vin, Newcastle.

MOTORS –

132

106

CREDITS

Directors: Mike Grahamslaw, Mick O’Hare Commercial director: Martin Stout Editor: Jessica Laing Editorial: Elise Rana Hopper, Sarah Colwill Senior designer: John Haxon Feature photography: Chris Owens Additional photography: Jim Appleby, Chris Lishman

Front cover: Jo Jackson, head of financial planning at Brewin Dolphin Office: Quayside - i4, Albion Row, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1LL. | t: (0191) 265 7050 www.northeasttimes.co.uk | @NETimesmagazine Find us on issuu

All photos taken by North East Times staff are copyright North East Times Ltd, and are taken solely for use in North East Times magazine or products published by the Accent Magazines Group. If you wish to use or publish a photograph taken for North East Times, please contact the sales department on (0191) 265 7050. Photo charges: £50 for a single image, £295 for full buy out of a photo shoot. Advertising charges: There is a £25 charge for every set of amendments, following the first initial set of amendments, which is free of charge, for adverts designed by North East Times Ltd. Cancellations: If an advert is cancelled by the booker within a seven day period prior to our print deadline, the advert will be charged in full, plus VAT.

Editorial: Contributions should include a fully stamped addressed envelope. No responsibility is accepted for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission, or while in the Editor’s or Printer’s hands. Editorial must be received by the 12th of the month or no responsibilty is accepted for errors. Advertisements: Although every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the Publishers regret that they cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by an error in the printing or damage to, or loss of artwork, transparencies or photos. Complaints: regarding advertisements will only be considered for up to a week after publication. Advertising must be received by the 15th of the month. No responsibilty is accepted for errors. © 2014 Published by North East Times Ltd.

BUSINESS NEWS IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Newcastle International Airport reveals nonstop service to New York with United Airlines Newcastle’s first trans-Atlantic nonstop service will start May 2015.

nited Airlines will introduce nonstop flights between Newcastle International Airport and its New York hub, Newark Liberty International Airport, from May 23 to September 7, 2015. The nonstop service will allow passengers to fly direct to the Big Apple, five times a week. All flights are scheduled to depart at approximately 9.10am, allowing for a noon arrival at Newark Liberty International Airport. The flights will be operated by Boeing 757-200 aircraft, with a total of 169 seats: 16 flat-bed seats in United BusinessFirst

and 153 in United Economy, including 45 Economy Plus seats with added legroom and increased personal space. David Laws, chief executive of Newcastle International Airport, said: “For many years, and everywhere I go, people have been asking when the North East will be getting a New York service.” “We have been carefully and quietly working behind the scenes, with our shareholders, to secure what will be another game-changing new route and I am delighted that we are finally able to make the announcement everyone has been hoping for.”

Bob Schumacher, United Airlines’ managing sales director for the UK and Ireland, said: “United already offers transAtlantic services from more cities in the UK than any other airline, and we’re confident that this new service will be a success.” Councillor, Iain Malcolm, leader of South Tyneside Council and lead of the LA7 shareholders, commented: “This new service will be hugely significant, in terms of further enhancing regional connectivity, growing the regional economy, attracting inward investment and encouraging inbound tourism from North America.”

NECC marks a year of exporting success

Over 80 North East businesses have built solid international foundations, thanks to the ERDF-funded NECC Access Programme, lead by Nynzi Maung (pictured), which helps the region’s businesses develop a market presence in Brazil, India and Russia. Just one year in and the Access Programme’s unique

combination of grant support, free events and market visits has provided vital business insight into how these countries operate, hosting upwards of 13 free events to 100 attendees and provided over £16,000 in grants to support travel expenses to visit these markets.

In the pink

ne of the North East’s youngest entrepreneurs, Alice Blackie (right), has been recognised for her achievements in business. The 26-year-old received the ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ award at the North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, held last month, for her online retail business, Pink Boutique. The annual ceremony, hosted by Women into Network, is recognises, rewards and promotes achievements of women in local business. This year, Pink Boutique has achieved a turnover of £4.5 million and predicts a forecast of £10 million next year.

Student success

hree 22-year-old students have launched a successful holiday business with the help and support of Northumbria University, Newcastle. Created by University students, Ben Trattles, Warren Pearson and Harley Gibb, as part of the University’s Enterprise course,‘Summer Takeover’ caters to travellers, who wish to work abroad, by offering working holiday packages to party destinations. Launched in 2013, the business has become the University’s most successful placement to date, achieving a turnover of £100,000 in its first year.

Best newcomer

wC, the professional services firm, has won the award for ‘Best Newcomer’ in the large employer category at the National Apprenticeship Awards. Now in its 11th year, the awards ceremony celebrates the achievements of the country’s most outstanding apprentices and apprenticeship employers. In the last 12 months, the firm recruited 22 Higher Apprentices in the north, with three based in Newcastle.

ewcastle-based provider of innovative retail systems, MBL Solutions, has appointed three retail specialists, as part of an ongoing recruitment programme. Katherine Wilkinson, who will head up the company’s e-commerce account for Caffe Nero, joins as marketing and account manager, while Mike Morely joins as account sales manager and Beth Wales as sales and marketing manager of its online EPoS software and hardware sales.

ateshead-based dessert manufacturer, Dessert Heaven, has launched its second shop, as part of its plan to expand throughout the North East. Headed-up by Rachel Charlton (left), who recently won the North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award for Best Rural Business, Dessert Heaven produces freshly-made cakes, desserts and pastries, which are distributed to hundreds of restaurants, cafes and hotels across the region. Rachel’s 19-year-old daughter, Dayna (right), will run the second shop, based in Whitley Bay.

40 years in business

underland-based vending machine business, North East Vending, is celebrating 40 years in business. Over the decades, the family-run business, which was founded in 1974 to supply factory and office workers with drinks and snacks, has grown into a multi-million pound enterprise, supplying vending machines to some of the region’s largest firms, universities, hospitals and community buildings.

MBL Solutions expands

A family affair

New business centre

itibase has opened a new business centre in Newcastle to meet growing demands of the ‘new economy’. Located in Milburn House on Dean Street, Newcastle, the fully serviced centre will provide much needed office space, on flexible terms, to the city’s growing number of small and medium-sized business and start-ups. It will be Citibase’s second centre in Newcastle, with the original centre based on Mosely Street.

Signs of hands-on success

ign language tutor, Debbie Jervis, has celebrated a year of business success with thanks to a Birtley-based enterprise agency. Debbie, from Ashington, who has been deaf from birth, launched her own sign language training business, Hands On, last year, with the help of Pinetree, a local enterprise agency that offers free business support and access to finance. The business offers British Sign Language and deaf awareness courses, as well as family sign language and taster sessions across the North East.

Creative champion

ounder of Crafter’s Companion, Sara Davies, has won Creative Industries Entrepreneur of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Sara fought off competition from six creative professionals from across the UK to pick up the prize at a ceremony held in central London. The company, which employs over 60 people across its County Durham headquarters and its US operation in California, specialises in the manufacture and distribution of crafting tools, along with its own brand goods.

DIARY THE NECC CHRISTMAS EXCHANGE

Dec

The Copthorne Hotel, Newcastle Tel: (0300) 303 6322 Web: www.necc.co.uk Email: events@necc.co.uk Price: Free (members), £30+VAT per exhibition stand This Christmas-themed lunch, in a round table setting, will provide members with a chance to gather together and share their successes and challenges during the past year, along with their ideas and endeavours for the future. Includes opportunities for networking around a mini-expo, with exhibition stands available.

HR KNOWLEDGE EVENT: INTERVIEWING FOR SUCCESS

Dec

Save the date Charity balls, business dinners and seminars.

CHRISTMAS WITH BELLS ON Dec

NEWCASTLE CHARITY MASQUERADE BALL

Dec

Newcastle Racecourse Tel: (0791) 805 6109 Web: www.newcastlecharityball.co.uk Price: £65 per person, £600 per table (10 people) Guests are encouraged to join in on a night of dancing, fine food and mystery, all in aid of the Great North Children's Hospital's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Commencing with a sparkling reception and including over seven hours of live entertainment, plus a three-course meal, the night hopes to raise funds for a new transfer trolley.

Dec

Newcastle Racecourse Tel: (0791) 805 6109 Web: www.gov.uk/ukti Price: Free UK Trade and Investment works with UK businesses of all sizes that are either interested in or actively transporting. This workshop will provide attendees with support with and expert advice on motivating and auditing ‘the perfect agent’. Topics covered will include type of distribution channels, marketing investigation and problems within managing relationships.

St James’ Park, Newcastle Tel: (0191) 201 8525 Web:

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT SEAHAM HALL

www.prestigevenuesandevents.sodexo.com

Email:candb@nufc.co.uk Price: £75 per person

NECC Durham Tel: (0300) 303 6322 Web: www.necc.co.uk Email: events@necc.co.uk Price: Free This two-hour seminar, aimed at improving businesses’ recruitment processes, will provide guests with advice on improving and refining their interviewing processes. Hosted by HR experts, who will be offering their tips and tricks in an effort to help prevent common mistakes made during recruiting, the seminar will cover everything from interview planning to assessment and preparation.

UKTI NORTH EAST: MANAGING AGENTS AND DISTRIBUTORS

Dec Seaham Hall, County Durham Tel: (0191) 546 1400 Web: www.seaham-hall.co.uk Email: hotel@seaham-hall.com Price: £195 per person Say goodbye to 2014 in style at Seaham Hall’s New Year’s Eve party, which offers guests a night of fine dining, dancing and fireworks. Includes a sparkling reception, complete with canapés, a five-course meal in the hotel’s award-winning Byron’s Bar and Grill, music from North East function band, Anna Reay, and a fireworks display, which can be enjoyed from the hotel’s terraces.

Businesses, families and groups of friends are invited to a premier evening of festive food and entertainment at the home of Newcastle United FC. Beginning with a champagne reception, this black tie event includes a fourcourse meal, created by chefs from Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, a disco, Christmas novelties and a caricaturist, who will be creating light hearted mementoes of the evening. All house wines, single house spirits and draught beers throughout the evening are included in the ticket price.

Email jessica.laing@accentmagazines.co.uk with your events

‘A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS’ BLACK TIE BALL

Dec

Rockliffe Hall Tel: (01325) 729 999 Web: www.rockliffehall.com Email: enquiries@rockliffehall.com Price: £92 per person (members), £115 per person (non-residents) This glamorous, ‘red carpet-style’ promises hotel guests and visitors a New Year’s Eve to remember, offering everything from champagne and canapés on arrival to a fourcourse banquet to help ring in 2015. Includes live entertainment (including a celebratory sing-along to Auld Lang Syne), a disco and late night snacks and refreshments.

APPOINTMENTS

On the Move Your monthly guide to appointments and promotions.

HUGH LANG

BEN HUNT

Stockton-based community interest company, CES Group, which operates the Stockton GoWarm and is responsible for installing energy efficiency measures into thousands of homes across the borough, has appointed Hugh Lang as chief executive. In his new role, Hugh, who has spent most of this career running airports, including Teeside Airport, plans to build on the company’s existing strengths and maximise its flexibility.

Seaham Hall Hotel and Spa, County Durham, has appointed Ben Hunt as restaurants and bars manager. Yarm-born Ben, who has more than 20 years’ experience working at some of the country’s leading hotels, will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the hotel’s AA rosettes Byron’s Bar and Grill and pan Asian restaurant, Ozone, inside its Serenity Spa.

JEREMY MOUNTAIN

HELENA GANLEY

STEPHEN PATTERSON

North Shields-based IT consultancy, Wolf Group, has appointed Sunderland University graduate, Jeremy Mountain, as marketing assistant. In his new role, Jeremy, who has experience in business to business PR, will work alongside senior staff in the firm’s marketing team to devise and execute a PR and marketing strategy to help define the Wolf Group brand.

The Best Western Roker Hotel, Sunderland, has appointed Helena Ganley as events manager. The 28-year-old, who has more than eight years’ experience in events and hospitality, will oversee all private and corporate events held at the venue. Her appointment is the latest in a series of appointments made by Tavistock Hospitality Ltd, as part of a year-long programme of development at the hotel.

Business improvement district company of Newcastle City Centre, Newcastle NE1 Ltd, has appointed Stephen Patterson as marketing and communications director. 36-year-old Stephen, who has been involved with company since 2007 and was part of the original team that established it, has been responsible for delivering a number of its economy-boosting initiatives, including NE1’s Alive after Five.

STEVEN FOISTER Jesmond-based restaurant, Jam Jar, has appointed Steven Foister as head chef. Gateshead-born Steven, who trained at Newcastle College and has worked at some of the North East’s best-known restaurants, including Terry Laybourne’s Café 21, will be tasked with developing the restaurant’s menu, updating its specials menu and introducing a new range of bar snacks.

INTERVIEW

David Laws David Laws is chief executive of Newcastle International Airport. David joined the airport in 1979 and has since worked in a variety of areas within the business, including its fire and health and safety departments. He became chief executive in 2007.

What was your first break in business?

What attracted you to your current role?

What has been your career highlight?

Getting a job as a trainee fireman at the airport, back in 1979. It was through that job that I was able to meet the airport’s managing director, Jim Denyer. I told him I was fascinated by aircraft. It wasn’t long before the airport was advertising for a health and safety adviser, which I soon became, despite taking a substantial pay cut. This gave me a platform from which to develop my career.

Having refereed football professionally - and to a high level - I had always enjoyed making high-pressure decisions. It never phased me. I had been very fortunate to work in various business units within the airport, including being part of the team that secured the arrival of Emirates. I, therefore, felt ready to apply for the position of chief executive, once it became available. However, as one of 62 applicants, I didn’t expect to get it!

Can I have two? The first was helping to bring Emirates to the region, as this opened the North East up to the global market. The second was the announcement that, from May 2015, Newcastle International Airport will be flying direct to New York, with United Airlines. It was a long haul (literally!) and has the potential to be a real game changer.

And your career lowlight? The recent announcement that, from March 2015, easyJet will be cutting its service to Gatwick. This left me feeling flat for a day or two, but I’m pleased to say that I picked myself up and went on to secure the Flybe route to Stansted.

What do you enjoy most about your role? Many things. The sheer variety and responsibility, I suppose. No two days are the same. I love improving our customers’ experience and watching staff develop, too.

Photo credit: Chris Lishman

What's your biggest challenge?

Who are your heroes, in and out of business?

What is the best piece of business advice anyone has ever given you?

Working through the recession and making sure the airport family survived. The business plan had to be right, as airports were closing. The ash cloud incident was an interesting one, too, as there was nothing I could do to help solve the matter. Reacting to the ongoing threat of terrorism and keeping the airport safe has also proved testing.

In business, it’s Willie Walsh. He’s done an amazing job at British Airways and IAG. Out of business, having run Cramlington Juniors and I was fortunate enough to work with Alan Shearer from a young age. He was the ultimate centre forward. Sir Bobby Robson was also an incredible man. Oh, and Sir Ian Botham, too, for his outstanding charity work.

Employ good people; look after them and they will look after you.

What does the future hold Newcastle International Airport?

What do you do to relax?

In addition to the new New York link, we recently announced Flybe will begin a Stansted service next March and easyJet recently announced a year-round service to Geneva. All will provide the business community with great connectivity. We are also launching a range of new bars, shops and restaurants in the terminal, which are being made to suit customer demand. Finally, there will soon be an Airport Business Park that could be another game changer. We’re going into our 80th year and we aren’t sitting still! It’s very exciting.

Having ceased all football activity in the last 12 months and after 20 years as a referee and 10 years as a Premier League delegate, I have a season ticket - and I love it. I have also started cycling, which gives me time to think, analyse and relax. Getting up to the Cheviot hills is a great escape.

DEVELOPMENT Malcolm Humble (left) and Mike Jobson at Opsol UK in Cramlington.

Humble entrepreneur makes it his business to support others A renowned North East manufacturing entrepreneur is ready to share the secrets of his success to support local businesses in reaching their full growth potential. alcolm Humble, founder of Cramlington-based Opsol UK, has joined Oxford Innovation’s team of 15 coaching specialists to deliver the Business Northumberland High Growth programme. “Having established and grown my own business, I really want to help other local entrepreneurs do the same,” explains Malcolm. “I know what it’s like to take a business through difficult economic times and how it feels to be taking a risk on an investment when there is no guarantee of success. Running a business can be a lonely existence, so I want to be there to support people going through the same. “I don’t claim to have all of the answers, but I can draw on my own experiences, which will hopefully be of value to other local businesses. My guiding principle is that people should be empowered to get on with what they’re good at. I hear so much jargon in business today and it’s easy to see how good, talented people can end up getting bogged down by buzzwords and the latest management trends. Keep it simple, do

what you do well, and you won’t go far wrong.” Bedlington-born Malcolm set up Opsol UK in 2002, taking it from a home-based business to one that now employs 40 people in a 14,500 square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Opsol UK designs and manufactures circuit boards for a wide range of blue chip clients in sectors, including rail and highway signage, education, security, medical and energy. The company is set to achieve a turnover of more than £3.5 million this year. In June 2014, Malcolm sold Opsol UK to one of its clients, Ashington-based A-Belco Group, global specialists in electrical and mechanical engineering. Malcolm remains managing director of Opsol UK and will combine this role with coaching Oxford Innovation clients. “Malcolm is a fantastic addition to our coaching team, says Mike Jobson, Oxford Innovation’s programme manager. “He brings great experience and an outstanding track record of success. If any Northumberlandbased business, especially from the manufacturing sector, would like to receive

completely impartial, straight-talking support from Malcolm, they should contact Oxford Innovation to arrange an appointment.” The Business Northumberland High Growth Programme offers established and start-up firms in the county fully funded support in achieving growth and creating jobs. Since the launch of the programme in April 2013, 80 businesses have been supported by Oxford Innovation’s team of expert coaches, resulting in 82 jobs created or protected. The £1.35 million programme is funded by the North East European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is being delivered by Oxford Innovation on behalf of Arch, The Northumberland Development Company. Anyone wishing to find out more about the Business Northumberland High Growth Programme and how Oxford Innovation can potentially support their business, should call (01670) 528403, email northumberland@oxin.co.uk, or visit www.businessnorthumberland.co.uk

DEVELOPMENT

Begin with the end in mind Richard Lane, partner at Newcastle-based sales consultancy, training and coaching services firm durhamlane, explains how getting under the skin of your customer and their business is paramount for effective key account management. fter working hard to win a sale, make sure you keep your customer happy by practicing pro-active and effective account management. It may seem obvious, but so many promising, and profitable, relationships have been ruined after failing to follow some simple guidelines in this respect. It starts with the development of a thorough understanding of your customer’s business, including their goals and aspirations. How can you help them to serve their customers more effectively? It also pays to assess where you should spend your time. It is often the case that we spend most time with those accounts we have the best relationships with, not necessarily the ones that can deliver the strongest, most profitable business. Key Account Management methodologies help us to think differently about the way we interact with our customers. Try not to assess a customer’s potential or value on revenue alone; instead, consider other elements that make a successful customer for your business. When developing relationships, a couple of durhamlane’s sales mantras play will help to guide you along the right path: be interested to be interesting and under promise, over deliver, overwhelm. Multiple successes,

however small, all add up and help to build trust rapidly. Politics is also something to always be aware of. One great relationship won’t necessarily unlock the true potential of an account and may leave you vulnerable in case your contact leaves the business; so the sign of a good account manager is that they are able to navigate through the politics within a customer’s organisation, in order to grow and nurture further business. Another key requirement is the need to be pro-active. Account management has, in the past, been seen as ‘order taking’. This has had to change, as winning business has become more difficult and today’s account manager has to be far more agile, politically astute and focused on ‘helping a customer to serve its customers more effectively’ than ever before. When we get people into this mind-set, amazing things can happen. Introducing a Key Account Management programme should not be seen as a ‘quick win’ and is not always met with open arms by the sales force - people are often reluctant to change, have vested self-interests and always want to know what’s in it for them. It is important to gain buy-in from across the company when how your customers are

managed and maintained is at stake. Key Account Management is a business strategy not just a sales strategy. By structuring your programme properly, including stakeholders from across the business and communicating the benefits clearly, you can be sure that it will be embraced by both your customers and your employees. durhamlane is a sales performance specialist, which helps companies become more commercial by improving the performance of their people and by managing outsourced sales campaigns on their behalf – creating new business opportunities. It delivers a measurable difference through consultancy, training and coaching sales and non-sales people and embedding best practices through technology, delivering outsourced sales and business development services that increase the footprint and success of clients. Its proven ‘Selling at a Higher Level’ methodology sits at the heart of everything its services, improving performance regardless of where a client is in the lifecycle of its business. For more information, call (0191) 481 3800 or visit www.durhamlane.co.uk

EVENT

Rowlands Chartered Accountants day The North East accountancy firm gathers at Hexham Racecourse.

ynedale was at its autumnal best for the latest National Hunt race meeting when, once again, dire warnings of rain and high winds failed to materialise. Partner at Rowlands Chartered Accountants, Alan Hynd, hosted the event for clients of the firm’s Hexham and Portobello offices. The Rowlands Chartered Accountants Handicap Hurdle was won by bottom weight, Mrs. Grass, who romped home by 12 lengths at odds of 16/1. The horse had over 20 failures to win previously, however the owner, trainer and breeder, Mr J C Haynes, was warmly congratulated on his success and persistence. Alan Hynd said: “It proved to be an exciting day in excellent company.” www.rowlandsaccountants.co.uk

DEVELOPMENT

You never know when disaster will strike: are you prepared? Asks Rod Findlay, consultant at Your Sport Consulting. nfortunately, you never quite know when disaster will strike. Most businesses have insurance and reserves it for a ‘rainy day’. However, proactive approaches can be taken to risk management - time taken to consider to which risks the business is most susceptible and then plan for when the risk materialises.

Disasters strike when least expected Many will remember the terrible floods in the North East in summer 2012. I was driving home on the A1 on the day of the worst flood. All was well until I got to Washington services. While there is no mitigation I could have undertaken to prevent the floods, through knowing lots of routes into the city, unknowingly, I had built a contingency plan to get me home on the unaffected roads. I was lucky that day, but less lucky several years ago when my then company’s building was severely damaged in an instant as everyone sat at their desks. Access was limited for several months. The company coped, but it did make me think that pre-planning might have produced a better outcome. The first few days’ stress and confusion might have been reduced with a step-by-step guide for such an event.

Carrying out a risk assessment? Unfortunately, risk management is not a product that you can buy off the shelf. Every business faces different challenges and will need to respond differently - even to generic risks. If your company is very IT reliant, a crash in the IT system for a significant period could prove very costly. A service industry company would have real headaches if 50 per cent of its staff were unable to turn up – whether that is due to weather, pandemic or

EXPERT VIEW Rod Findlay Consultant Your Sport Consulting Email: rodfindlay@yoursportconsulting.com Twitter: @RodFindlay

headhunted by a competitor. Pre-planning is essential to maintain continuity and will ensure a more orderly approach than the post-event confusion you might expect if no planning has taken place. You wouldn’t start in business without a business plan, so why face predictable disasters without any kind of process in place? The first step will be to carry out an objective Business Impact Analysis to assess which parts of the business are vital in the short term. Priority can then be given to those areas. However, a risk assessment should be carried out across the entire operation. It will be necessary to involve senior staff and relevant stakeholders in each functional

department to review threats. This review also needs to be done regularly. Working with one client recently, the risk register drawn up several years ago is almost unrecognizable to the one that has just been ‘accepted’ by the business. Once a register of risks has been drawn up, to make sense of it, you will need to apply some weighting. So, each risk will need probability and severity factors. The sum of those will dictate your approach. Those risks that are identified as highly likely to happen and which would have a serious negative impact on the business will obviously require most and urgent attention.

Contingency planning In a crisis, the last thing to do is think! If your business has identified a risk, it needs a contingency plan for it: a procedural table for what needs to be done, who is going to do it, and what resources and time it might require. The nature of the possible event will dictate how detailed this needs to be. But, the simple exercise of documenting procedures in advance means that a business will be equipped to cope and to reinstate the most vital areas.

Are you ready to start business continuity management planning? This can be a daunting exercise, but will produce real benefits. To ensure the project maintains momentum and tackles all of the necessary issues, it is often beneficial to employ an external consultant. I have worked extensively with the client mentioned above and while unseen to the outside world, I am proud of the positive changes and planning that has been undertaken. Your business might benefit too.

DEVELOPMENT

Christmas: a time of risk and opportunity Bryony Gibson, managing director of Bryony Gibson Consulting, discusses why December should be a key month in your recruitment calendar.

ecember simply isn't like any other time of the year. Aside from an overwhelming urge to put the diet on hold, dress your house in fairy lights and watch Home Alone, the month offers up both high-risk and great opportunity for employers. The risk comes in terms of staff retention. December is, in general, a quiet month for recruitment, but January is a notoriously busy one for people beginning to search for a new challenge. The closer you get to the festive period, the more office productivity tends to slow, meaning your team has extra time on their hands to think about their current role, career and future options. If you combine this with an increase in monthly personal spending, New Year resolutions being just around the corner and people already having received their annual bonus, then it's clear to see that this is a critical time for employers to ensure their staff feel appreciated, happy and secure. Assuming you already have a positive culture of support and team work in place at your organisation, then the flip-side of this festive predicament is, of course, the opportunity it presents to recruit. As others in your industry begin to wind down, you’re gifted with a golden opportunity that has the potential to see you hit the ground running in January and gain a big advantage over your competitors. While you might have traditionally used the extra time December offers to develop next year’s strategy, just take a moment to consider how well your plans will be implemented if your best staff decide to leave in January, or you can’t find the right people to help you drive

EXPERT VIEW Bryony Gibson Managing director Bryony Gibson Consulting Tel: (0191) 375 9983 Web: www.bryonygibson.com Twitter: @bryonygibson

things forward. Currently, the number one barrier preventing business growth in the North East is finding and recruiting top talent. So, if you’re working in a sector which has challenging market conditions and a scarce supply of great people, rather than take your foot off the pedal, you should instead keep the momentum going. By beginning your winter recruitment now, rather than waiting until the New Year, you will be able to take advantage of a time when a lot of potential new employees are not only joining the market, but are also able to excuse

themselves from work to meet with you more easily. As people take time out to reflect on their options, the additional pressures a chaotic run up to the holiday period can bring, all too often influence and alter what it is that motivates them. Money can emerge as a driver where previously it, perhaps, wasn’t. Similarly, people may be more open to considering opportunities that they wouldn’t have entertained earlier in the year, so you have to be opportunistic. Technology is another changing variable that now helps to make December recruitment possible. Traditionally, people would be met with radio silence if they tried to recruit around a holiday period, especially Christmas. Now, technology means people don’t switch off in the same way they used to when they are away from work. Social media is an ever present in many people’s lives today, and a mobile phone is never far away from the majority; especially when they have a little more time on their hands. More contactable and receptive candidates, with very little competition, seems like an opportunity not to be missed and could really put you in the driving seat for 2015. New recruits would not only signify your ambition for the coming year, but also help to fire up your existing team and get everyone ready and raring to go. Don’t tell anyone, but if I didn’t know better, I might even say that December was, in fact, the perfect time for you to recruit. Contact Bryony for help finding the right tax and accountancy role or recruits on (0191) 375 9983. Alternatively, connect on LinkedIn or follow @bryonygibson.

BUSINESS

The future’s bright, the future’s entrepreneurial Christmas is coming and there's added sparkle in the entrepreneurial world this year, according to the Entrepreneurs’ Forum.

n fact, rarely a day passes by without hearing something about the foundations that are being laid towards a positive future for the North East, and the creation of the right conditions to allow entrepreneurs to capitalise on opportunities. Whether it's the announcement of the new £160 million JEREMIE2 fund or the creation of jobs, the continuing low interest rates and infrastructure developments or the trans-Atlantic flights and investment in training, the ground is laid for growth. Many in business will start 2015 feeling confident and excited about the year ahead – something strongly backed up by our very own entrepreneurial business tracker survey results, which show how the majority of our members are anticipating increases in sales and profits, employee numbers and investment in the coming months. It won't all be plain sailing, of course, but if an upbeat spirit is any sort of measure, there is real cause for optimism. As business owners prepare to invest in infrastructure and people, to seek new markets and open the gates of innovation, the role of the Entrepreneurs' Forum is perhaps more important now than it's ever been. We've supported entrepreneurs through tough times, given them access to experience, knowledge and invaluable contacts and shown those who have faced challenges that they're not alone. Through our events, we've provided the inspiration and networking opportunities and our speakers' stories have shown entrepreneurs at all levels that if they can, then others can too. The Forum's 300-strong membership, which has a combined turnover of £6.9 billon and employs over 34,000 people, is proof, if it were needed, of the ambition and achievement already happening in the region. We have countless examples of exceptional growth in both domestic and export markets, job creation, and global success stories among our member businesses. Just last month, at our annual autumn conference, Fortune Favours the Brave, held during Global Entrepreneurship Week, we featured the inspirational stories of:

• Pamela Petty, a Forum board member and managing director of Ebac, the Newton Aycliffe-based manufacturer of water coolers and other appliances that’s also bringing back washing machine production to the UK; • Richard Kirk, CEO of PolyPhotonix, based at NETPark in Sedgefield, who has pioneered the treatment of macular eye diseases using photonic technology, a radically different and innovative solution to a major healthcare problem that could save the NHS £1billion a year in diabetic treatment; • Bryan Bunn, founder of Wynyard-based Nortech Solutions Group, and a finalist for the Forum’s Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2014; • Alex Hayward, MD of engineering information management specialists Phusion IM, based in Billingham and focussed on maximising the global opportunities opening up before them; • Arnab Basu, CEO of Sedgefield-based leading technology company, Kromek Group, which designs, develops and produces x-ray imaging and radiation detection products for the medical, security screening and nuclear markets and was valued at £55m when it debuted on AIM in October 2013. Meanwhile, Utilitywise, Onyx Group, ClicTime, Wilton Group, Hays Travel and Quantum Pharmaceuticals, to name just a few, are among a host of businesses led by Forum members that are achieving incredible success nationally and internationally. They all stand as shining lights to inspire the next generation. Learning from others with business experience to share is central to the Forum's ethos and is manifested in our mentoring programme. Entrepreneurs who've 'got their hands dirty', who've risked everything and achieved success are the best people to support those who are starting out or are ready to take their business to the next level. As well as our success in matching mentors and mentees, many of whom have gone on to build mutually beneficial, rewarding and invaluable relationships, the Forum has:

• Worked to give North East entrepreneurs a collective voice and campaigned on their behalf; • Backed the Pay Fair campaign to encourage faster payments to businesses further down supply chains; • Built relationships with crowd funding and equity investment organisations to help support members' growth ambitions; • Developed relationships with entrepreneurial organisations across the UK, offering opportunities for members to create new connections in London, Leeds, Sheffield and Scotland; • Brought a diverse range of business owners to the region to share their knowledge and inspire local entrepreneurs. The region now has a huge opportunity to lay down a marker as the number one region for entrepreneurship and innovation, which remains the Forum's ambition. Going forward, we, along with our partners in the NECC, IoD, CBI, business support colleagues and our own corporate partners, must play a central role in the development of the 'Northern powerhouse'. With HS2 also set to improve access to the North West, the worst thing that could happen is that our region is left on the periphery of this critical development in re-focusing attention on the North. The Forum is here to serve the whole area, from Northumberland to Tees Valley. Just as the region must act as one, we touch every town and city and break through any parochial boundaries. Entrepreneurship is all around, and entrepreneurs come from anywhere and everywhere and in all sectors. What characterises them is ambition, innovation and determination. Given that entrepreneurial businesses are the driving force of our economy, add in optimism as well and the future really is shining for the North East. To find out more about the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, visit www.entrepreneursforum.net.

Fortune Favours the Brave A

day of amazing stories in an amazing space, the Entrepreneursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Forum Global Entrepreneurship Week conference, held last month at Wynyard Hall, saw over 200 of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading business owners come together to celebrate entrepreneurship, make valuable new contacts, learn from the experience of others and return to their business inspired and with fresh motivation. www.entrepreneursforum.net, tel: (0191) 500 7780.

LEGAL & FINANCIAL NEWS IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Left to right: Chris Marston LawNet CEO, Rayne Tompson Director at Law League (sponsor of the award) Paul Taylor, Partner at Hay & Kilner and Helen Hamilton-Shaw, LawNet Director of Services.

Hay & Kilner wins national award The firm has won a national LawNet award for its quality of service.

eading North East law firm, Hay & Kilner, has won a national award for the high quality service it delivers to its clients.The Newcastle-based firm, which is a founding member of nationwide network, LawNet, fought off stiff competition

from other law firms across the UK and Ireland to win the LawNet Mark of Excellence Award in recognition of its commitment to delivering an excellent level of service. It received the award having posted the most impressive combined performance across

mystery shopping and online client satisfaction measurement. Senior partner, Martin Soloman, said:“We pride ourselves on offering the highest quality of service and advice to our clients, which is why we are delighted to receive this award.”

Law firm advises on strategic partnership

Silk Family Law gains national recognition

Ward Hadaway advises on renewable energy project

eal estate and corporate experts at national law firm, Bond Dickinson, has advised Grainger, the UK’s largest residential property owner and manager, on an agreement with Sigma Capital Group plc to deliver regional private rented sector developments. The agreement grants Grainger the exclusive option for an initial four-year term to acquire development opportunities sourced by Sigma, to create a large scale Private Rented Sector portfolio across some of the country’s key cities.

ewcastle-based specialist family law practice, Silk Family Law, has been placed in the top band in the Chambers UK 2015 Guide, which ranks law firms across the UK based on extensive research, alongside feedback from clients. The guide highlights the Silk’s team’s expertise in highlevel financial proceedings for a range of high net worth individuals. This year’s client feedback rates the firm as “undoubtedly, the best firm for matrimonial finance in the North East”.

ational law firm, Ward Hadaway, has advised one of the UK’s leading biogas developers, JFS & Associates, on an industrial food waste scheme in Yorkshire. In conjunction with city funders, Leeming Biogas has been developed by JFS to convert waste material from the food production industry into green energy. The project is expected to be one of the largest facilities of its nature in the country. Construction of the plant is due to be completed by September 2015.

LAW & FINANCE

Post Nuptial Agreements Lucinda Connell, senior solicitor at Major Family Law, on why post-nupital agreements are worth considering.

EXPERT VIEW Lucinda Connell Senior solicitor Major Family Law Tel: (01661) 824582 Web: www.majorfamilylaw.co.uk Twitter @majorfamilylaw

uch is made of the sentiment behind pre-nuptial agreements and whether they’re an indication that the parties don’t have faith in their marriage lasting. Let me put it to you like this, though: when you buy holiday insurance, you don’t do so in the expectation that some misfortune will befall you while sunning yourself in Cancun; but should it happen, you want to know the damage can be minimised with the least fuss, expense and distress. It’s the same with a pre-nuptial agreement: if you never need to use it, so much the better, but the insurance is there just in case. Talk of pre-nups for ordinary folk is fairly new though, and what if you’ve already tied the knot without the benefit of such insurance? You’ll be pleased to hear that it’s not too late. The logically named ‘post nuptial agreement’ is basically the same as a pre-nup, but entered into when the parties are already married. Like a pre-nuptial agreement, it sets out the financial arrangements that the parties will be bound by in the event that the marriage ever breaks down. The parties can enter into this type of agreement at any time after the marriage takes place and before the

marriage breaks down. There are many reasons that parties may wish to set out their financial arrangements in a written agreement of this type: one of the parties may have inherited or expects to inherit a sum of money that they wish to protect; the parties may have encountered a marital difficulty that they have agreed to work through and have agreed that entering into a post nuptial agreement will avoid unnecessary financial arguments, either in endeavouring to reconcile or in the event that the reconciliation fails and the marriage ends. If the parties to the marriage have entered into a post nuptial agreement and they eventually get divorced, they will be expected to abide by the terms of their agreement. The legal status of their agreement is the same as though they had entered into a pre-nuptial agreement. This means that they will be held to the terms of the agreement, unless there is a very good reason not to – for instance if one of the parties deliberately concealed assets from the other. It is important that anyone entering into this type of agreement understands the nature of the other party’s finances. Both parties are

expected to be clear and frank with each other about the value of their assets and debts. This includes business assets, pensions and offshore investments. They both must understand the nature of the agreement; it helps if they have both taken independent legal advice on the terms of the agreement before they sign on the dotted line. Both parties must enter into the agreement freely; there must be no pressure by one party one the other to sign the agreement. If there is pressure, then the agreement may not be upheld as being binding by the court when the parties divorce. Overall, the agreement must be fair to both parties. The court will want to see that the financial needs of their children have been satisfied in the agreement. If the agreement states that one party gets everything and the other party gets nothing, it is not likely to be a fair agreement and, therefore, won’t be upheld by the court. Ultimately, the court has the power to make an order that it thinks is fair in all the circumstances. If the agreement is properly drafted and entered into by the parties, it is highly unlikely that the court will interfere with the agreement reached by the parties.

LAW & FINANCE

Foundations for success Vinay Bedi of UBS Wealth Management on why we should treasure and support Community Foundations. was really pleased to be able to attend the County Durham Community Foundation AGM recently. Not because of the World War One themed buffet (although the corned beef pie was very good) but because it really brought home to me how important to our communities and our economy these Foundations have now become. In fact, this is a major North East success story that many people are blissfully unaware of. We are blessed – the North East has three of the biggest Community Foundations in the UK and all of them are having a significant impact on their local communities, producing far more positive results than I, and probably plenty of others, ever thought would be possible, say, 15 years ago. The success of the Durham, Tees Valley and Tyne and Wear Community Foundations is a result of tremendously generous giving, utter determination from Trustees and some excellent management from various senior staff over the years. As we have seen with the Northern Rock Foundation, nothing can ever be taken for granted. One advantage that these Foundations have is that they are all funded by a wide range of generous local benefactors, rather than one organisation or individual. As the endowments create and grow funds for future generations to

EXPERT VIEW Vinay Bedi Executive director Tel: (0191) 211 1015 Email: vinay.bedi@ubs.com Web: www.ubs.com/uk

benefit from, the longevity of these Foundations looks assured. So, why have the three North East Foundations grown so successfully, particularly

when compared to some in the rest of the country? It is because of our greater need in this region? Is it because our benefactors have been more generous? I suspect that one of the secrets here resides in the word ‘community’. All three foundations have worked themselves ‘into’ the community with great success. Barbara Gubbins, chief executive of CDCF, told a wonderful story at the AGM. Briefly, it regarded a lady who had suffered considerable misfortune in her life. In trying to rebuild her confidence, the Foundation provided her with a small amount of funding to help her train as a dog handler - her lifelong ambition. The result is one renewed and reinvigorated lady and another small uplift in our economy. What we have to understand is the fact that these Foundations, and indeed many other charities, are generating economic activity and movement across our communities. Their importance to the North East is now clear for all to see and this was emphasised by the tremendous turn out at the County Durham Community Foundation AGM. Well done to them and well done to the Foundations of the Tees Valley and Tyne and Wear, as well. Let’s treasure and support them a little bit more.

Authorised and regulated by Financial Market Supervisory Authority in Switzerland. In the United Kingdom, UBS AG is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and is subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority are available from us on request.

LAW & FINANCE

Holiday Pay Judgment: much ado about nothing? ... asks Lee Betchley, solicitor at Clark Mairs LLP. n November 4 2014, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) gave its decision in Bear Scotland Limited vs. Fulton and Baxter, Hertel (UK) Limited vs. Wood and Others and Amec Group Limited vs. Law and Others. The decision has attracted considerable media coverage. The current legal position in relation to calculating a worker’s holiday pay is that holiday pay should be equivalent to a worker’s ‘normal’ pay. Following the EAT decision, and various European judgments, what is ‘normal’ depends on whether the type of payment concerned is paid with sufficient regularity to justify inclusion in the holiday pay calculations. The types of payment that may require inclusion are allowances, commission and now overtime. As historically employers have not included such payments in the calculation of a worker’s holiday pay, for some employers, they will see an increase in their overall payroll figures. The actual financial impact, however, will depend very much on the type of business

EXPERT VIEW Lee Betchley Solicitor Clark Mairs LLP Email: leb@clarkmairs.com Tel: (0191) 245 4817

and how the business is operated. Employers may take comfort from the recent EAT judgment in relation to historic under payments of holiday pay. The EAT took the view that workers will only be able to recover underpayments where there is less than a threemonth gap between those underpayments. Where the gap has been longer, any claim for historic underpayments will fail. It should be noted, however, that this aspect of the judgment is likely to be subject to an appeal. The EAT judgment also only applies to the 20 days’ annual leave, which is provided for in the Working Time Directive. The additional eight days’ leave, which is provided for under the Working Time Regulations, is not affected. Therefore, workers can expect to receive a higher rate of holiday pay for 20 of their 28 days’ annual leave. This may cause administrative difficulties for some employers. There may also be a question as to which type of leave a worker is taking at any particular time, particularly if the contract of employment is silent on the matter.

LAW & FINANCE

The investment “holy grail?” Peter Rutherford of Universal Tax Strategies lifts the lid on a new fund that invests in foreign exchange trading.

EXPERT VIEW Peter Rutherford Partner Universal Tax Strategies LLP Tel: (0191) 374 0333 Email: peter. rutherford@utsllp.co.uk

t is not often that one comes across a new investment offering that is genuinely exciting and capable of changing the way one thinks of investment; something that combines high returns with reduced risk to capital. Unfortunately, your local IFA is unlikely to be able to recommend it, as you will see. If you ask any investor what they want, it is high returns with no risk. That is impossible in reality and we were all shocked when the Government had to come to the rescue of a number of major banks in 2008. Banks had been considered to be ‘no risk’ homes for our money and yet we had queues forming outside the Northern Rock. It was reminiscent of the ‘run’ on the Bailey Building and Loan in the Frank Capra movie ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’. Historically, there has been a straight choice between equities (the stockmarkets) and fixed interest securities, such as gilts and corporate bonds. However, I believe that could well change. I have been privy to a new fund which is due to be launched in the near future called ‘Serenity Plus’, which invests in foreign exchange trading. According to the Bank for International Settlements, foreign exchange trading increased to an average of $5.3 trillion a day by 2014. To put this into perspective, this averages out to be

$220 billion per hour. The foreign exchange market is largely made up of institutional investors, corporations, governments and banks, as well as currency speculators. Roughly, 90 per cent of this volume is generated by currency speculators capitalising on intraday price movements. The size and liquidity of this market dwarfs every stockmarket in the world. But why would a foreign exchange trading fund be attractive to an investor? Quite simply, the returns quoted are so attractive, that they are difficult to ignore and there is an element of capital protection, too. The fund’s objective is to pay 2 per cent to 3 per cent per month to the investor. The trader also employs a stop-loss strategy, so that the maximum loss is limited to 10 per cent of the capital invested. As we have seen, stockmarkets can lose more than that in a day.

How does the trader achieve the returns? There is a continual ebb and flow of currency value against a paired currency. The trader utilises a system of skimming off many small profits during a trading day, rather than seeking sustained weakening or strengthening of a currency. By continually banking small profits and minimising losses, the trader can produce a

very healthy return for the investor and of course for the FX trading company.

So, who is this aimed at? As the fund will be based offshore and is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority here, it is described as an Unregulated Collective Investment Scheme. As such, it should only be bought by high net worth individuals, sophisticated or professional investors. It will be available to pension funds and trusts. This does not mean that it is not regulated. It is, but overseas. Unfortunately, regulation here is limiting the fund managers in what they can offer the UK investor. I think that is a shame, as this fund offers a real alternative to the stockmarkets. For those that qualify, and as part of a portfolio, I believe that this will be very attractive proposition. Where else can you achieve such high returns with downside protection? After all, after four months of 3 per cent returns, a 10 per cent fall would still leave you ahead of your initial investment. I would stress that I am not recommending this investment through this article, as Universal tax Strategies LLP is not an authorised adviser. However, that should not stop appropriate parties investigating it further for themselves. I believe that they will be pleasantly surprised.

LAW & FINANCE

Bosses given four-point plan after holiday pay ruling Are you prepared for the changes to holiday pay and the financial impact that new and backdated claims could have on your business? Asks Square One Law’s employment partner, Jean-Pierre van Zyl. nder UK laws, holiday pay has been calculated based on an employee’s basic salary, meaning those who regularly work overtime can often be paid less when they are on holiday. Last month, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) announced in a landmark ruling that holiday pay should be based on a worker’s normal pay, which may include overtime and commission if they are regularly required to work extra hours, rather than just their basic salary. Employment law expert and head of Newcastle-based Square One Law’s employment team, Jean-Pierre van Zyl, says that the impact of the ruling should not be underestimated, as the potential financial implications for many employers could be significant, especially considering the scale of potential claimants across various sectors and industries. To help manage the change, the Square One Law employment team has drawn up a four point checklist for employers that are unsure of how to approach the new legislation. Square One Law’s action plan says:

1 - Go through your remuneration structure to identify terms and staff that are affected by absence due to annual leave

2 - Manage the payment of historic liabilities by calculating the time period that has lapsed since the last underpayment 3 - Consider whether you wish to enhance future holiday pay, “to the minimum extent required by law from time to time” 4 - Consider whether you wish to take steps to amend policies and contractual provisions to reduce and recognise the impact of this decision and implement any changes you wish to make (such as distinguishing between the value of EU Holiday and UK Holiday pay) Jean-Pierre said: “Square One Law has been tracking this issue for some time and our employment team is already briefing clients on the implications. This is a complex and far-reaching decision. Permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal has been granted, so a risk remains that the decision may be overturned. “We believe the retrospective application will receive most attention. The judgement concluded that claims for the underpayment of holiday pay must be brought within three months of the last underpayment. This

means that if an employee has had a holiday within the past three months, they can claim for any unpaid holiday pay owed. Claims can go back in three-month increments, if within those three months the employee has been underpaid following a holiday. “The risk for employers is if an appeal by the employees on this point succeeds, claims could stretch back to 1998 when the Working Time Regulations were introduced.” Jean-Pierre continued: “We are advising company bosses that their staff and trade unions will query the value of holiday pay if it does not include overtime and other payments. Our advice is to be proactive and review your position. “The key to managing this situation and the impact of the ruling is to be prepared for all outcomes. This won’t be the last we hear on the ruling so now is the time to put preventative measures in place. “We will keep updating businesses as the situation may change as appeals are launched and individual cases decided.” For further advice or information call JeanPierre van Zyl on (0843) 224 7925 or visit www.squareonelaw.com

LAW & FINANCE

Planning for business success in 2015 Economic signs are positive, explains associate partner in corporate finance at Tait Walker, Chris McCourt. s we approach the end of the year, it’s natural to reflect on the challenges and successes of the last 12 months. Tait Walker Corporate Finance has had another strong year and has worked with some great businesses – but I will leave that to someone else to shout about. I joined the team in November to support the growth of the business, so I’m looking forward to 2015 and the opportunities it brings. Economic signs are positive: the UK is experiencing growth of around 3 per cent, as is the US (although the Eurozone is stagnating). The discussions I have had with businesses during 2014 have become increasingly positive – confidence remains fragile, but businesses are investing in people, equipment and growth. Confidence thrives on certainty and, of course, the May general election will create some uncertainty for North East businesses the same way the referendum in Scotland did. Changes to government spending plans could impact on market and consumer confidence and there is the potential for the UK’s relationship with the EU to change forever. A business owner or manager can’t always predict the outcome of

EXPERT VIEW Chris McCourt Associate partner in corporate finance Tait Walker Tel: (0191) 285 031 Web: www.taitwalker.co.uk

these events, but they can take steps to be prepared. The Scottish referendum shows that the uncertainty around political change does impact on businesses in the region – some deferred investment decisions until the outcome was known, while others focused on the opportunities an independent Scotland might provide. Some didn’t think it would make any difference to them at all. The key to dealing with this kind of uncertainty is to understand your objectives, the main drivers of your business; those under your control and those which aren’t. This allows you to understand what factors you can influence and plan for those that you can’t. Having previous experience of this process, I understand that having the time to step back from the day job and focus on reviewing strategy isn’t always possible. That’s where working with an adviser you trust can help in developing a plan for the future. By understanding and having a clear business plan, you give yourself the best chance of making the most of the opportunities that will arise in 2015.

LAW & FINANCE

Money saving tips to consider now The team at Lowes Financial Management reveal their money management tips.

s an independent financial adviser, our job is to manage our clients’ monies by conducting thorough research regarding savings and investments strategies. But, money management isn’t always about investments and so, recently, I asked each member of my staff to come up with their best money saving tips that they have employed in the past year. So, without further ado, here are our top five:

pots, the need to plan for your income to last for your lifetime and deal with unprecedented events is essential.

4. Write down a budget

1. Review your savings rates Review your cash ISA rates regularly and watch for when headline ISA rates drop, and move your money to a better deal. Providers of ISA savings accounts entice us in with higher rates of interest, offering a bonus rate for a limited period of time, but those rates can be cut further down the line. People who opened a cash ISA this year may find that the provider has already cut their rate of interest relying on customer apathy to stay put rather than shop around for the best deal.

2. Look at re-mortgaging As the consensus is that interest rates are about to rise, this could be the right time to look at remortgaging to a potentially better deal, especially as a number of big name banks and building societies have recently reduced their fixed rate mortgages. While interest rates are not expected to rise rapidly, most mortgages in the UK are variable rate, so rates tend to go up and down with the Bank of England Base Rate. Do the sums – most providers offer mortgage calculators on their website, and look at the terms and conditions of both your existing mortgage and any potential replacement, in particular areas like early exit charges.

3. Opting for a regular income life policy rather than a lump sum

EXPERT VIEW Ian Lowes Managing director Lowes Financial Management Tel: (0191) 281 8811 Enquiry: enquiry@lowes.co.uk Web: www.lowes.co.uk

Often when people select life insurance cover many pick policies that pay out a lump sum to their beneficiaries on their death. This can be an advantage where there is a mortgage to pay off, but where there are no big ticket items to settle, an alternative is to buy a policy that pays a regular income for a set period of time. While inflation may not seem to pose much of a risk now, lessons from the past show us it is a foolhardy assumption to make that circumstances will be the same in the future as they are now. A regular income can be linked to inflation to keep the spending power in line with rising prices and help to maintain a family’s comfortable lifestyle. Another point to note on the subject of income to maintain a comfortable lifestyle is while the new pension freedoms will allow more access to your pension

As simple and common sense as this may seem, it is surprising how many people don’t do it. One of the key principles of financial advice is planning and that applies as much to next week as it does to five, 10 or 20 years ahead. It also pays to bear in mind that life can occasionally throw us a curve ball, so knowing our expenditure limits and having some contingency money set aside can be a prudent strategy no matter what our level of wealth is.

5. Make the most of the annual gift exemption to reduce future inheritance tax liability HMRC allows us to give certain levels of assets away every year, which will then not be counted as part of our estate for inheritance tax purposes. These include set lump sum gift payments, but also any regular gifts made out of after-tax income, not including your capital. These gifts will only qualify if the person has enough income left after gifting them to maintain their normal lifestyle. These include: monthly or other regular payments to someone, regular gifts for Christmas and birthdays, or wedding/civil partnership anniversaries or regular premiums on a life insurance policy - for you or someone else. An Independent Financial Adviser can help you navigate and make use of these gifting rules to reduce your future IHT obligations. As we move towards Christmas and as we make our New Year’s resolutions employing even one of these money saving tips alongside an effective financial planning strategy from an Independent Financial Adviser can help provide you with a brighter financial health outcome for the future.

LAW & FINANCE

12 days of seasonal deadlines With Christmas approaching, the team at Leathers LLP eveals its seasonal deadlines.

1: For Christmas week online food shopping deliveries, book your slot after November 30.

9: December 30 marks the deadline for online submission of Self Assessment tax returns for tax year ended 5 April 2014 for HMRC to collect tax through PAYE codes (where less than £3,000 is owed).

2: December (actually, from November 5 onwards, so this one is cheating a bit) employers should expect a letter indicating their HMRC online filing and electronic obligations for 2014-15.

10: December 31 is Companies House filing deadline for limited company accounts for financial years ended 31 March, 2014.

3: Last day for payment of October 2014 VAT liabilities by online or telephone banking is December 7 2014 (cheque payments for those exempt from online submissions must be in the post by November 20 2014).

11: Happy New Year! Remember: FATCA registrations to be with the IRS by January 1 2015. 12: Deadline for online submission of Self Assessment tax returns for tax year ended 5 April 2014 is January 31 2015 (paper submission deadline was so last yearOctober 31 2014).

4: Last day for guaranteed delivery of secondclass post is December 18. 5: December 22 is the last day for electronic payment of PAYE and NIC liabilities for November 2014 payroll (earlier for payments by post).

7: For those last minute Christmas presents, Eldon Square, Newcastle, is open until 5pm on Christmas Eve.

6: Last day for guaranteed delivery of first class post is December 20.

8: December 25 is traditional Quarter Day, when rents are due.

Merry Christmas everyone, from Leathers LLP. For more information about Leathers LLP, visit www.leathersllp.co.uk or call (0191) 224 6760

Why Christmas is not always a merry time Jonathan Flower, head of family law at Ward Hadaway, explains why many divorce lawyers could find themselves busier than ever this festive season. t is a sad fact of life that many divorce lawyers find that their busiest times occur just after the festive season finishes. In particular, we are increasingly seeing couples break up around this time because of financial pressure and worries. For example, a spouse may be spending more than they can afford or incurring debt without the other knowing about it, which can lead to serious difficulties, especially where one spouse is forced into bankruptcy. So, what happens if a spouse becomes bankrupt? What will become of the family home? All property belonging to, or vested in, the bankrupt at the date of the bankruptcy order will automatically vest in the trustee, who is someone appointed to administer the bankrupt's estate. If there is a family home, this will not escape the bankruptcy, but will form part of the bankrupt’s estate. This means that if there is equity in that property, the trustee can look to realise that equity by forcing a sale of the

EXPERT VIEW Jonathan Flower Head of family law Ward Hadaway Tel: (0191) 204 4376 Email: jonathan.flower@wardhadaway.com

property. The trustee has three years in which to realise the interest or else it will automatically re-vest in the bankrupt. Often, family homes are in joint names so that if one party is made the subject of a bankruptcy order, their 50 per cent beneficial entitlement will vest in the Trustee. At least this provides some security for the nonbankrupt’s spouse, as the Trustee must limit their claim to 50 per cent of the equity. It also means that the non-bankrupt spouse can negotiate with the trustee to buy out their interest and sometimes this can be done without having to pay out the full amount of the other’s half share. For example, this can be done where a spouse has given security for the other’s secured liabilities, such as half share of the mortgage payments, or where a spouse has given security for the other’s debts. If you believe your spouse is, or is likely to, become bankrupt, you must obtain urgent advice from both family and insolvency lawyers.

LAW & FINANCE

Over-trading pitfalls Andrew Cawkwell on the side effects of growth.

s many markets continue to improve, it’s clear that businesses are starting to see the benefit of new opportunities. The temptation is to fill the order book - and fast - but a bulging pipeline can lead to trouble if a firm is not ready for more rapid growth. Having survived the recession by being cautious and reducing costs, business owners still need to exercise caution when the orders pick up. The side effects of growth can be seen in the latest Government insolvency statistics. While these demonstrate an overall decline in company administrations since last year, the number of administrations has increased this quarter. If a business accepts more orders than its working capital can sustain, cash flow can become a problem and a firm may find itself ‘overtrading,’ creating the risk of insolvency. That’s where I come in. As a certified turnaround professional, my role is to prepare a business for the road ahead as part of a business planning and growth strategy. Access to finance

EXPERT VIEW Andrew Cawkwell Partner Muckle LLP Email: Andrew.Cawkwell@muckle-llp.com Twitter: @CompanyRescue

is critical to avoid funding gaps and I can seek out the right solutions for a business – tailored to their needs. If a company lacks the necessary finance to take on the work, but goes ahead regardless, a business owner risks adverse personal consequences too. A recent example of this involved a business I was partly involved with in the energy sector. There was a healthy order book, but the business couldn’t get the funding to complete its orders. The company had contractually committed to the work, but a lack of funding meant the directors breached their directors’ duties. A director can be held personally liable when things go wrong, so ensuring your working capital is sufficient to meet the needs of the business is vital. At Muckle LLP, we like to get involved at the earliest opportunity. We will evaluate operations to ensure your business is adequately financed and ensure it is structured for the conditions ahead.

LAW & FINANCE

UNW advises drug wholesaler in crucial finance raising Deal experts at Newcastle-based business advisers and chartered accountants, UNW, have assisted a Northumberland pharmaceutical wholesaler to secure a six-figure funding boost to grow its business and create 25 jobs. NW's corporate finance team advised the highly experienced shareholders of Cramlington-based PMC Pharmaceuticals Limited in securing the finance round from the North East Growth Plus Fund, managed by FW Capital. PMC Pharmaceuticals, which is run by two equal shareholders, will use the cash injection as working and growth capital to allow it to begin wholesaling drugs from its warehousing facilities on South Nelson Industrial Estate. Paul McCourt and Paul Healey, who between them have over 30 years' experience in the pharmaceutical sector, approached UNW to help it secure the crucial investment following the successful receipt of the necessary licences and permits. UNW senior corporate finance manager, Mark Simpson, who worked on the deal with executive, Leon Cassidy, said: “This massively experienced management team has used UNW in the past for various financing, acquisitions and tax advice in relation to previous companies and

L-R: PMC Pharmaceuticals shareholders, Paul Healey and Paul McCourt, with UNW corporate finance manager, Mark Simpson.

they approached us to help them with this recently established business. “We produced a financial model and approached various potential funders that we

highlighted as relevant from our extensive network. Once we had received offers of funding, we selected FW Capital, as their team demonstrated a good knowledge of the sector, which meant they understood this business really well and they structured investment to facilitate our growths plans. “We are delighted to have been able to successfully advise the directors once again and look forward to watching the business grow into a successful wholesaling operation.” PMC Pharmaceuticals sales director, Paul McCourt, said: “Securing this level of funding has enabled us to commence trading with stateof-the-art software and distribution systems. We expect to create 25 jobs in the next couple of years and deliver a level of service to our customers that will make us their automatic first choice regional supplier.” For more information, visit www.unw.co.uk, email enquiries@unw.co.uk or call (0191) 243 6000

LAW & FINANCE

Plans for the future Rowlands, the North East’s largest independent accountancy practice, now has a significant presence in Sunderland. Consultant, Brian Logan, who heads the city’s office, discusses how the firm is expanding and its plans for the future. Tell us about the Sunderland office – how long has Rowlands had a base in the city and what type of work do you do? The practice that is now Rowlands started in trading as Ainleys in 1993. I was the partner who ran the business in Sunderland. I built up the practice, which primarily dealt with accounts, tax, VAT and payroll, mainly working with SMEs in Sunderland, and County Durham. Since we became part of Rowlands in July 2012, we have expanded to cover the full range of accountancy services including insolvency and corporate finance. We now deal with very large clients through to small nonVAT registered start-ups. I also do voluntary work for the Prince’s Trust as business mentor, helping young people who are starting up businesses and a number of them have become clients, which is great.

What challenges face the area and where are the opportunities for growth? Sunderland has changed a lot over the years since it was a centre for shipbuilding, mining and brewing. The city is now more service industry-based. A lot of the money that used to be spent within the city has gone out of Sunderland. People who worked for the big industries spent their money here and they

have now gone. Although Nissan softened the blow when the shipyards closed, it has not replaced them and, physically within Sunderland, there is no longer the same retail strength as before, so people don’t spend their money here as much as they did. Rowlands is the first large accountancy firm to move into the city in many years. The professional businesses here, the solicitors and accountants, tend to be the old names that have been in Sunderland for years. I believe the city needs investment both from local and national Government. Although we have seen growth with the arrival of Software City, we need radical change to bring more jobs. The roads, railway station and image of the city need a revamp.

How does Rowlands work with the local business community and how do you intend to build on this? The professional businesses in the town used to have quarterly meetings, but that has recently dried up. Networking is something that Sunderland and other professionals could benefit more from. At Rowlands, I meet regularly with local banks, which leads to new client recommendations. Colleagues and I recently took part in the Barclays’ Fired up for Growth Seminar in Sunderland at the end of November and this is the type of thing that’s needed in the city.

I would like to see more seminars organised as joint ventures between ourselves, the banks and solicitors, to discuss mutual work. It is important within our group to keep professional services’ work in the city, rather than seeing it go elsewhere. The majority of businesses in Sunderland prefer to keep their professionals in the city, unless they can’t supply their needs. It’s important to get the message out to people in the city about what we can do. You don’t need to go elsewhere for your professional services, because it’s all here on the doorstep.

What three things would you like people to know about Rowlands Accountants? Firstly, we offer so many services that other accountants in the city don’t, with specialists available in a variety of different fields from agriculture to insolvency, so you don’t need to go out of Sunderland. Secondly, we are a friendly and approachable firm, providing quality advice from a lovely old-fashioned office with a great atmosphere. Thirdly, we’re easily accessible. Our offices on Douro Terrace, near Mowbray Park, are just a short walk from the city centre. We have plenty of free parking and we’re away from the one-way system. For more information, visit www.rowlandsaccountants.co.uk

LAW & FINANCE

What is driving the North East’s new breed of entrepreneurs? Asks Andrew Miller, head of Barclays Wealth and Investment Management in the North East.

he image of successful entrepreneurs has changed: gone is the suit-wearing businessperson generating wealth from traditional industries. Now, any student in your local coffee shop could be creating the next Facebook or WhatsApp. Entrepreneurs, throughout time, have always been driven by the thought that if there’s something out there that needs fixing, they can fix it by quickly developing a technological solution. This disruptive economy sees students develop an idea, turn it into a business and exit all within their summer holiday. This may be on the extreme end of the spectrum, but it is certainly becoming more common. This democratisation of entrepreneurship, opening the concept to younger audiences with less traditional business experience, is undoubtedly what the UK economy needs today, yet there is still room for improvement. Entrepreneurship isn’t something that just happens in HTML code, to those in suits, or within London’s ‘Silicon Roundabout’. Our bi-annual Entrepreneurs Index, developed in conjunction with Business Growth Fund (BGF), measures entrepreneurial activity across the UK. The report demonstrates the significance of regional growth, debunking the myth that the economic recovery is being led by London, or that it is confined to the capital. The fifth and most recent volume of Entrepreneurs Index shows that, between March 2013 and 2014, the number of enterprises in Newcastle alone rose by 4.6 per cent to 6,680, while the North East region as a

EXPERT VIEW Andrew Ward Head of Barclays Wealth and Investment Management in the North East www.barclays.com

whole experienced 5.2 per cent growth, bringing the total number of enterprises to 59,340. And the North East has continued to move in the right direction, with a further 6.4 per cent increase in the proportion of high-growth companies, following positive growth observed in the last report we released. The region has also seen the highest year-on-year percentage increase in the number of enterprises in the region after London, with a 5.4 per cent rise from 2013. Supporting these findings, a recent report from Bibby Financial Services found that more than half of North East SMEs enjoyed an increase in sales in the first quarter of 2014, with 12 per cent reporting a significant rise. More than a third (35 per cent) of businesses said they will invest in staff or recruit new employees, with 70 per cent are planning to invest in their business during 2014. While traditional industries of the North East, such as oil and gas, are performing well, there is also a strong cluster of businesses emerging in the tech sector, particularly in the

Sunderland and Middleborough areas. This is largely thanks to increased skills investment from universities in the area, as well as strong multinational firms starting to set up in the North East, creating a buzz around the technology sector not seen in previous years. In the wake of the financial crisis, policy makers and business leaders have repeatedly stressed the need for economic growth to be more balanced across every region of the UK. If the economic recovery is to be sustained, entrepreneurs need an environment in which they can start and grow successful ventures anywhere in the country. They need access to funding and talent, policies that remove growth barriers, and support networks to guide and encourage them onto a strong growth trajectory. There is a true entrepreneurial spirit emerging in the North East and these talented individuals should be recognised for their role in driving the economy forward. At Barclays, we believe it is imperative that initiatives that encourage young entrepreneurs continue to be supported and have even brought out our own to complement these existing offers. From our Life Skills training to network of entrepreneur clinics and seminars, we make sure that we are going beyond banking to give fledgling, as well as established, entrepreneurs the vital support they need to take them on the next phase in their enterprise lifecycle. We are committed to fostering these fundamental frameworks and supporting local entrepreneurs, whether they are at the start-up or exit phase of their journey and whether they are wearing a suit or Converse.

Barclays does not provide tax or legal advice. We therefore recommend that you obtain independent tax and legal advice tailored to your needs.

PROPERTY Back row left to right: David Scrimgeour, Mick Taylor, Lee Barr, Nick Atkinson. Front row left to right: Andrew Coyle, Amy Goldspink, Stephen Hunter.

Engineers enjoy continued growth Portland Consulting Engineers headed for record year. s buoyancy in the construction market returns, Portland Consulting Engineers, Gateshead, is on track for a record year, significantly increasing turnover by 25 per cent and staff numbers by 40 per cent. Additionally, Portland continues to work across the housing, commercial, industrial, and further education sectors, delivering design services for a multi-million pound housing scheme in the heart of Ouseburn Valley earlier this year for Tyne Housing Association, and completing work on a church conversion at St Francis of Assisi in Walker. The team is currently on-site with three projects: a new hydrotherapy pool for the Percy

Hedley Foundation, student accommodation on Claremont Road, for student property specialist, Ziggurat, and new education centres in York and Middlesbrough for Askham Bryan College. Portland has also developed civil and structural designs for a new training facility in Bowburn, for County Durham and Darlington Fire Services. According to managing director, Lee Barr, the scope of work the consultancy undertakes, coupled with its customer focused approach, is why Portland continually wins repeat business. He said: “With a rise in demand for our services, I am confident that our development strategy for sustainable growth is being delivered with strong results. We continue to invest in BIM technology

to stay abreast of the advances in construction and, together with recruitment and retention of highly experienced individuals, we cannot only meet the demands and requirements of clients, but do so without compromising on our quality of services. “To meet this demand and provide clients with further resources we have grown our team by some forty percent, recruiting at all levels of the business.” Portland’s new arrivals include senior project technician, David Scrimgeour, senior civil engineer Mick Taylor, receptionist/administrator, Amy Goldspink, revit technician, Nick Atkinson, graduate engineer, Andrew Coyle and, most recently, senior engineer, Stephen Hunter.

LAW & FINANCE

An ‘outstanding regional business’ Newcastle-based solicitors, Hay & Kilner, has once again been featured in the independently researched guide to the legal profession, The Legal 500.

he leading firm is regarded in the highest terms for its work in a large number of fields, including corporate and commercial, commercial property, banking and finance, insolvency, employment, dispute resolution, clinical negligence, private client and rural. Martin Soloman, Hay & Kilner’s senior partner, who leads the firm’s dispute resolution services, is highly regarded by clients for his work in commercial dispute resolution, construction, intellectual property, IT and telecoms. He is named as a ‘leading individual’ in this year’s Legal 500 guide. He said: “We are delighted that our excellence in so many different practice areas has been recognised by the Legal 500. Our reputation and success is down to our people and the exceptional level of service we deliver. We put our clients at the heart of everything we do and provide a tailored and personal service, which has helped us win new clients and retain our many loyal clients over the years.” Singled out as ‘outstanding’, Hay & Kilner’s corporate and commercial team has gained a number of new clients and continues to provide support to its long standing client base of regional and national businesses. Leading lawyers, Mark Adams and Jonathan Waters, are both recommended. The commercial property team at Hay & Kilner continues to excel, representing clients such as Persimmon Homes, Anvil Homes and The Longhirst Group. Partner, Nicola Tiffen, gives ‘well-thought-through and clearly communicated advice’, according to the guide. Both Nicola and Richard Freeman-Wallace are recommended. Hay & Kilner’s Banking & Finance team,

Hay & Kilner’s senior partner, Martin Soloman

meanwhile, ‘offers a professional and prompt service delivered with a personal touch’. Department head, Phil Broadhurst, is experienced in advising on consumer credit law, mortgage law and FCA regulation, and is ‘a great team player, whose advice and guidance is provided in a professional, timely and above all friendly manner’. Named as a leading individual, Neil Harrold, who heads the insolvency practice at Hay & Kilner, is described as ‘proactive’, having ‘significant practical experience’. Valued for its ‘quick’ responses and ‘business-focused, jargon-free advice’, the employment team has performed strongly over the last 12 months. Partner, Sarah Hall, is ‘extremely knowledgeable and experienced’ and, in common with department head, Neil Dwyer, and associate, Sarah Furness, takes a

‘practical approach’. The team recently launched a new training service available to all clients. HR Showcase offers a range of different training styles including seminars with interactive scenario based role plays, covering all HR related topics. In the clinical negligence field, Hay & Kilner is again positioned as a top tier firm by The Legal 500. The team, led by leading individual, David Bradshaw, and including Clare Thompson and Helen Morland, has a wealth of clinical negligence experience. Hay & Kilner has long been regarded in the highest terms for their private client department. Kirstin Cook leads the ‘prompt, knowledgeable and approachable’ team, which is active across the full range of private client matters, including wills, trusts, estate administration and tax planning. Hay & Kilner’s family department, led by ‘extremely experienced’ partner, Nicola Matthews, has a strong presence in all areas of family law work. The rural team at Hay & Kilner, led by recommended partner, Alison Hall, has considerable expertise in this sector. The team represent a number of clients on a range of matters encapsulating estate planning, property and dispute resolution. Hay & Kilner continues to grow, consistently attracting high calibre solicitors. During the past year, the firm has strengthened its specialist construction and engineering offering with the appointment of solicitor, Jan Rzedzian, as they add to their considerable expertise in the construction sector. For further information on Hay & Kilner, contact Mike O’Beirne on (0191) 232 8345, at mike.obeirne@hay-kilner.co.uk or visit www.hay-kilner.co.uk

LAW & FINANCE left to right: Rivers Capital team - Karen Bestry, Esther Wilson, Dr Michael Dickens, Jonathan Gold, John White, Emma Neal and Nikita Bazko

Rivers Capital extends on to Teeside North East business fund manager, Rivers Capital, has expanded its services across the region to enable smaller, growing companies to access finance. ewcastle-based Rivers Capital has opened an office in Middlesbrough to make expanding companies on Teesside more aware of the Microloan Fund and the extra finance it has to distribute to eligible firms. Jonathan Gold, co-founder and director at Rivers Capital, which recently took over the Microloan contract, said: "We have received a growing number of enquiries from companies in the Tees Valley, in places such as Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar and Cleveland. While we have retained our Newcastle headquarters, we felt that it was appropriate to open an office in Teesside to further improve our service offering to clients in that part of the region." Around £4 million of the £6.5 million Microloan Fund has been invested in 338 companies across the region, leaving a further £2.5 million to invest before the end of next year. The fund typically provides loans of £1,000 to £25,000 and works exclusively with businesses that have struggled to secure mainstream finance. An event was recently held in Middlesbrough to officially open the office and promote the fund.

N Joan Louw of GrowthAccelerator; and Graeme Boagey of Chipchase Manners

Jonathan Gold, Rivers Capital, (front right) talking to guests at Teesside office launch

For more information, visit www.riverscap.com, email info@riverscap.com or call (0191) 230 6370

Stephen Catchpole (left) of Tees Valley Unlimited with Jonathan Gold of Rivers Capital

Directors at Rivers Capital, Jonathan Gold (left), Peter Hiscocks and Dr. John White

LAW & FINANCE Partner, Catherine Milbanke and founder, Michael Leather

Leathers LLP makes its return to Durham In a twist of fate, accountancy firm, Leathers LLP, has returned to the offices in Durham where it was first established almost 25 years ago.

eathers LLP, founded in 1990, moved into 19 1/2 Old Elvet in Durham in 1991 as a small business, run by founder Michael Leather. Since then, the company - now based in Newcastle - has grown to become one of the North East's leading businesses of its kind, working with clients across the UK and beyond. After leaving Durham several years ago to operate from a single site, Leathers LLP has returned to the city in response to a significantly increasing workload and recently opened a new office at 26A Old Elvet, which is

managed by partner, Catherine Milbanke. However, due to the premises becoming flooded, the firm has had to temporarily relocate to the very place the business first started out. Michael Leather, managing partner of Leathers LLP, said: "We are delighted to be back in Durham, the place where the firm started out as Leather & Co, a one-person business, almost 25 years ago. It is ironic that we are now back in the exact building where we launched. Because 19 1/2 is such an iconic little doorway, people always knew where to

find me in those early days - and now they can come and visit us here again! "We are grateful to our landlord, Steve Best, for finding us new premises so quickly after the rather unfortunate flood and we should be back in our more permanent home by the New Year. But, what a lovely coincidence that our very first office should play a role once again in the growth and development of Leathers LLP." For more information, visit www.leathers-llp.co.uk

Sintons oversees £12.3 million property sale Sintons Law Firm has overseen the £12.3m sale of a well-known North East medical building to a leading UK primary care property investor and developer. he One Life Building in Middlesbrough has been purchased by Assura, which now owns 233 medical centres across the country and has a contracted rent roll of £48.9m. Assura bought the property from Teessidebased Park Medical Services Limited, a group of GPs who originally developed the medical centre. The 3,300-square metre building is a key facility in health provision in Middlesbrough and the wider South Tees region. A part-NHS and part-private health resource, it accommodates a GP practice, a pharmacy, a day case operating theatre, community services, mammography and X-ray services, along with other outpatient services. Newcastle law firm, Sintons, which specialises in healthcare work has a national reputation, advised Park Medical Services on the sale. This purchase by Assura follows shortly after their £62.5m acquisition of the 32 medical venues owned by North East-based Trinity

Medical Properties - a deal in which Sintons was also involved. Assura said it remains on the acquisition trail for additional properties to add to their portfolio. Chief executive of Assura, Graham Roberts, said: "The One Life Building, with the wide range of medical services it offers, is a prime

example of the type of space that is needed to meet the increasing role that primary care is playing in the NHS. As such, it is in line with our strategy of adding high quality premises and income to our growing portfolio." The healthcare team at Sintons – led in this transaction by Partner Anthony Evans with newly-promoted associate, Sarah Parish, leading the commercial real estate advice - acted for the selling GPs. Anthony Evans said: “Park Medical Services has created and developed a very impressive healthcare facility that plays a key role in medical provision throughout Middlesbrough and the wider Teesside area. The wide variety of services it offers to the local community makes it an ideal fit into Assura’s national portfolio. “The healthcare team at Sintons has amassed a national reputation for its expertise and capability across the full range of legal matters in the sector, and we are very pleased to be able to handle yet another significant transaction.” For more information visit www.sintons.co.uk

Sintons’ six new stars The Newcastle law firm appoints six new lawyers.

ndrew Carser joins the firm’s corporate recovery and insolvency department and will act predominantly for licensed insolvency practitioners during their appointment and advise on a wide range of corporate and personal insolvency matters. Julie Fawcett, meanwhile, who has more than eight years’ experience advising clients involved in road

traffic, public and work-related accidents, joins as a personal injury lawyer. Lastly, Donna Hunwick, who specialises in employment law, will head up Sintons’ Employer and HR Networking Forum, real estate lawyer, Sarah Parish, joins the firm’s healthcare team and Emma Pern and Luke Phelan both join the firm’s corporate and commercial department.

The North East meets Hong Kong A new North East branch of the Hong Kong Society has been established. he brainchild of Chris Fraser OBE and Clinton Leek OBE, who have spent many years working in Hong Kong, is open to anyone with links to Hong Kong or any

interest in the former colony. Chris Fraser and Clinton Leeks are co-chairmen, Barry Speker OBE DL is vice-chairman and Alvin Cheung is regional coordinator. The inaugural dinner

was held at Sky Restaurant in Newcastle's Chinatown. The guest speaker was Andrew Seaton CNG, former British Consul General in Hong Kong.

LAW & FINANCE

Left to right: Gordon Brown Law Firm’s Wendy Peffers and Amy Whyte

Gordon Brown law firm banks impressive funds for local charities and community initiatives North East-based Gordon Brown Law Firm has put its people firmly behind local causes this year, raising upwards of £8,000 for the region’s charities across it’s Newcastle and Chester le Street offices. n intensive year-long fundraising campaign has seen the Gordon Brown team host everything from quiz nights, golf days and wine tasting evenings, to coffee mornings and comedy events. Individuals have also taken on personal challenges, such as the Coast to Coast bike ride and the Great North Run. This is in addition to a number of community initiatives the team has participated in, for the benefit of both its clients and young people across the region, just in time for Christmas. Heading up the firm’s charity efforts, marketing manager, Wendy Peffers, went up against extreme temperatures and humidity to complete a trek along the Great Wall of China, in order to raise money for the Sunshine Fund. Business development manager, Amy Whyte, has also played a pivotal role in leveraging support for the Sunshine Fund, which provides specialist equipment to disabled children across the region. Amy’s role on the advisory board for the Fund’s annual ball, alongside sitting on the judging panel for 2015 Glass Slipper Awards –

for which Gordon Brown is a headline sponsor – has further cemented the firm’s support for the charity’s calendar of events. The team also showed the value of time through its support of the Percy Hedley Foundation, donning overalls and paint brushes to redecorate one of its esteemed community resources, The Linskill Centre. This was in addition to hosting a business event to bring together top professionals to debate regional issues all in aid of the charity – which caters for the needs of disabled children and adults across the North East. The team will also be supporting this year’s Percy Hedley Mistletoe Ball, held on November 29 at the Marriott Hotel, Newcastle Gosforth Park. In the wider community, Gordon Brown has made a conscious effort to increase the accessibility of its service, with six of the staff achieving a sign language qualification in order to provide legal support to the deaf and deafblind community. Staff have also participated in events led by VODA and the National Citizens Service, supporting young people across North Tyneside

with planning and delivering their own projects within and for the benefit of the local community. Five members of the team are Dementia Champions and have held a number of workshops and talks with local groups and care homes, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society. Kathryn Taylor, managing partner at Gordon Brown Law Firm, said: “2014 has been an incredible year for us in terms of giving back and I’m incredibly proud of the team and the hard work and dedication they have shown – more often than not, giving up their free time in aid of these worthwhile causes, which I know are close to their hearts. “We’ve had an incredibly successful year so far, but we are not going to stop here. Corporate social responsibility underpins our business ethos here at the firm and we are constantly looking for new ways to give back to the community. We are already looking forward to what challenges 2015 will bring.” For further information, visit (0191) 388 1778 or visit www.gblf.co.uk

COVER STORY

Divisional director, Gary Fawcett (right), an investment specialist with over 14 years’ experience, has been closely working with the financial planning team to help entrepreneurs to reach their financial goals. “I’m lucky that I work for a firm who has always appreciated that a successful regional economy depends on business people and business owners doing well in the North East. “For a good number of years, Brewin Dolphin has taken pride in supporting organisations that nurture and recognise the talents of ambitious business people who are helping the regional economy to thrive.” Gary explains: “For example, Brewin Dolphin has long since sponsored the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, the NECC’s President’s Club and we have supported the Journal North East Business Executive of the Year Awards for many years. “Understanding the business community and what makes it tick is therefore really important to us, and we like to think that this can help us to provide the best possible service to some of the business people and entrepreneurs who are leading the way in putting the North East on the map for future generations.” Brewin Dolphin also recognises that it needs to invest in its own future talent to provide a sound basis for its own success going forward. The firm has a well-established and well-respected graduate training programme, which has nurtured many talented investment trainees, such as Samantha Dolby (right). Graduating four years ago with a 2:1 in Economics from Newcastle University, Sam joined the company training scheme and is now a fully qualified investment manager, a well-known face at Entrepreneurs’ Forum events, a member of the Tees-Valley Business Club and a regular columnist on the Northern Echo newspaper. She represents the next generation of Brewin Dolphin and, like her colleagues, she is set on helping the company to engage with the entrepreneurial community who are amongst those leading the way in business in the North East. Sam says: “I’m really motivated to be working for a firm that places such a great emphasis on a joined-up approach, which produces tangible results in order to help business people and their owners to protect and grow their wealth. “For that reason, wealth management is about more than just sorting out someone’s finances. We want to help make some of the individuals behind the best businesses in our region even better. “Brewin Dolphin can help with this, and you can be confident that a professional is looking after your finances with as much dedication as you look after your business.”

s one of the UK’s leading wealth management firms, with over 350 people employed in Newcastle alone, their expert financial planners and investment managers are working hand-in-hand to help many of the region’s successful executives and business owners to protect and grow their hard-earned wealth. Many of Brewin Dolphin’s clients in the North East now rely on their wealth management service, which combines the firm’s investment management and financial planning expertise under one roof. Brewin Dolphin recognises that unpredictable stock markets need careful navigation, complicated insurance products need explaining and the intricate tax landscape can be a minefield. Using proven know-how, Brewin Dolphin’s comprehensive wealth management service has been designed to take a holistic view of financial situations to devise an approach that can help busy business people and entrepreneurs to make the most of their money - for now and for the long-term. Head of financial planning, Jo Jackson (middle), explains: “When you work in a fast-paced, often stressful environment, it’s easy to forget your own finances by parking this at the bottom of a long ‘to-do’ list. “If you’re a business owner, you understand the importance of having the right people to help grow and protect your business - and you should view your own personal finances in the same way. “Ignoring this, can perhaps spell missed opportunities, overpayments of tax, legal and accountancy issues, and more importantly, wasting your time and hard-earned cash.” Jo continues: “So why wouldn’t you seek some professional advice, if you knew it could save you precious time and money in the long-run? A secure future demands careful preparation, but our complete wealth management service proves that getting there needn’t be difficult.” As Brewin Dolphin’s newly appointed head of financial planning, Jo and her expert team work alongside Brewin Dolphin’s investment managers to help find the right solutions for senior executives and business owners. Guided by award-winning research insights, together, they can help tackle everything from retirement planning, to investment portfolio management, protecting family income, estate and succession planning to tax planning and reliefs. Jo explains: “We can guide you through the maze to help find the right plan and solution to suit your particular needs. “Many of us could do with a hand in that respect, and many of our clients value the combined expertise our financial planners and investment managers bring. “Indeed, it is likely that we have come across certain circumstances similar to yours before. We can use these collective insights to help put a plan in place with the aim of giving you, and your family, greater peace of mind so you can just get on with the day-to-day running of your business.”

For more information, or to book a free and no-obligation appointment, please call Jo Jackson on (0191) 279 7300 or visit www.brewin.co.uk/newcastle for more information.

The value of investments can fall and you may get back less than you invested. No investment is suitable in all cases and if you have any doubts as to an investment's suitability then you should contact us. The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily the views held throughout Brewin Dolphin Ltd. No Director, representative or employee of Brewin Dolphin Ltd accepts liability for any direct or consequential loss arising from the use of this document or its contents.

Left to right: Head of financial planning, Jo Jackson; financial planners George Slack, Gareth Davies and Rob Brotherton; investment specialists, Gary Fawcett and Sam Dolby

TECHNOLOGY NEWS IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Entrepreneurs unveil award-winning technology A group of North East entrepreneurs has launched a unique mobile app to improve the vehicle supply sector.

underland-based sisters, Gillian Frary and Deborah Briggs, along with Paula Lumley from Darlington and David Frame and Andy Walton, who are both based in Hebburn, have launched a new mobile app, POINTSoftware, to offer accurate reporting and increase damage revenues and profit margins. The awardwinning app, which has seen a six-figure investment, has been under development for two years and was created in response to increasing demands from manufacturers, hire companies and dealerships for a standardised approach to the reporting of a vehicle’s use as it passes through a supply chain. It is the first of its kind in the vehicle rental sector and can be used by a range of businesses with a fleet of vehicles of varying sizes.

AV Dawson invests in IT infrastructure

eesside multimodal transport logistics company, AV Dawson, has invested £367,500 in its IT infrastructure to support moves towards a 24-hour quayside operation and further growth in offshore and energy support. As part of ambitious infrastructure development plans and a need for a robust and highly resilient IT systems, the company turned to Technology Services Group (TSG) for a solution to underpin business continuity and provide in-built disaster recovery.

Left to right: David Frame, Andy Walton, Paula Lumley and Gillian Frary (front)

IT experts sign up to Team Valley offices

ashington-based IT specialists firm, KCS Datawright, has leased 7,000 square-foot of office space at Mayflower House on Team Valley, Gateshead. Naylors Chartered Surveryors acted on their behalf, negotiating on a 10-year lease. The firm is relocating from Parsons house in Washington as part of their long-term expansion and development programme. General manager of KCS Datawright, Andy Gough, said: “The new offices will support our business growth by providing the right image and accommodation space for our expanding business.”

IT experts on track for growth

T specialists, Razorblue, which has offices in Newcastle, York and Leeds, is on target for its predicted growth after completing a major deal with Beverley Tickton Grange hotel, Yorkshire, to help it improve its business facilities, enter new markets and develop its meetings, conferences and events business. The company worked closely with the venue to install its most efficient Wi-Fi system, allowing it to offer 100 per cent coverage in all of its rooms.

TECHNOLOGY Left to right: Justin Short and Peter Joynson of Synergi, with Garry Sheriff of ITPS

Tech experts alliance to benefit businesses Gateshead-based data centre business ITPS has joined forces with software experts Synergi Information Technology, to deliver the best in technology solutions to businesses. recent survey by SME mentoring organisation, Vistage, shows that 49 per cent of SMEs in Britain have adopted some form of cloud-based service, and 11 per cent plan to invest in the cloud in the near future. This shift to cloud, which typically involves rent and purchase, rather than purchase-only models, shows no sign of slowing down. As a business that has been delivering cloud solutions for the past decade, we are careful not to push it as the answer to everything. It’s not a black and white issue: businesses need to choose the right model for their needs, whether that is public, private cloud or a hybrid of the two, and involving on and off-premise operation and backup elements. This year has seen a sharp uptake of cloud services, as people start to cut through the ‘cloud wash’ myths and misunderstandings around cloud, and see the very real benefits it can bring, particularly in areas such as business continuity and disaster recovery. While cloud and high-speed communications links form the environment that delivers the service, users are now looking for the same innovation in terms of how their software is delivered, hence the increasing popularity of clients seeking the benefits of renting software under a ‘software as a service’, rather than a capital expenditure model. This market shift is just one of the drivers behind our recent partnership with software experts, Synergi Information Technology.

Managing director, Peter Joynson, and his team took their decades of industry experience and technical knowledge and created Synergi, a new venture designed to give businesses access to the next generation of IT business technology tools, such as Microsoft Office 365 and SharePoint, along with specially designed web-based business apps that can be integrated on-site or via the cloud. Synergi’s SharePoint focus is fronted by director and nationally recognised technology expert, Justin Short. First launched in 2001, SharePoint is a powerful business tool that connects people with business data via intranet portals; it’s a gateway to document libraries, improving the way we collaborate internally between departments and externally with clients and supply partners. Our expertise in IT consultancy, services and support, combined with Synergi’s specialist software capabilities, mean big benefits for clients. For instance, a recent project saw us work together with Newcastle-based statexcolourprint to help the business improve its business processes and deliver services more effectively. By improving the communications connectivity, we were able to implement a cloud-based solution with Microsoft Office 365, plus a series of apps developed by Synergi to automate and improve business processes. While services such as email and document storage are delivered via cloud, critical systems, such as ERP, remain on statexcolourprint’s premises and are backed up to our Tier 3,

ISO27001-certified data centre. This hybrid cloud solution involving both on and offsite infrastructure and backup gives the client the best of both worlds, streamlining the delivery of IT services and supporting both its office-based and remote staff. Our partnership with Synergi is already attracting regional and national companies, who welcome the fresh approach that we bring. We have the same culture and that is based around being honest, providing our clients with the best possible quality advice and service, and focusing on innovation that will help them find smarter ways to work. Peter Joynson, managing director of Synergi, said: “SharePoint can help all businesses – large or small – perform better by automating business processes, encouraging more effective collaboration and communication. SharePoint is one of the key components within Microsoft’s Office 365 cloud offering and also within Windows Server platforms, so whether you are hosted or not, we can help modernise the way businesses work and perform better.” Our strategic alliance between expert partners helps us continue to deliver best of breed technology solutions to all sizes and types of business. Together, we can give them faster, more reliable tools, so they can focus on their business and not their IT problems. For more information, visit www.it-ps.com, email contact@itps.co.uk or tel: (0191) 442 0250

TECHNOLOGY

The Cloud is setting business leaders free Says Pete Watson, CEO of Atlas Cloud, who has experienced first-hand the benefits cloud computing brings to businesses.

EXPERT VIEW Pete Watson CEO Atlas Cloud The Hosted Desktop Specialists www.atlascloud.co.uk

T has arguably advanced more in the last two years than in the previous two decades, with cloud computing being one of the major game changers in the industry. The rise of smartphones and tablets and improved connectivity and internet access have opened up entire new ways of conducting business. A recent study by Microsoft shows that, by embracing mobility alone, SMEs experienced 40 per cent higher revenue growth over the course of 12 months, compared to companies that continued doing business the traditional way. Even though mobile gadgets haven’t been around for long, people are already used to being able to access their emails anywhere, adding and removing apps depending on what they need, as well as syncing and accessing their data across various devices. With cloud computing, they can now enjoy the same

functions and benefits at work. This means that they have all their emails, apps and data at their fingertips, on any device and wherever they are. The flexibility that is gained by utilising cloud computing in the workplace increases employee engagement and overall productivity, improves collaboration and simplifies remote working, all in a secure environment. For business leaders, cloud computing means that they can forget about their IT entirely. We constantly see leaders struggling to keep up with current trends and changes within IT while maintaining a working, secure infrastructure – alongside running their actual business. Especially when lacking needed expertise, the risk of IT outages increases which, in turn, has a direct, negative impact on business performance. With cloud computing, businesses can have their IT taken care of by experts in the field. Their business intelligence

is held securely and is managed by the provider, so they can focus on their customers and on remaining competitive in the marketplace. Instead of being a nuisance and a constant source of worry, companies’ IT systems are turned into a solid foundation for business operations. In addition, businesses that showcase a forward-thinking, modern culture, attract good young talent. The younger generation of employees has grown up with technology and expect to use the best tools available in their workplace. We are only at the start of this exciting change and as technology progresses, businesses need to make sure they jump on board quickly in order to avoid being left behind. This means that businesses need to break out of their usual IT cycle and routine and embrace the cloud, which – inevitably – is the future of IT.

TECHNOLOGY

Calibre marks year of growth ... and promises more in 2015 Growth and expansion have been top of the agenda for Newcastle IT firm, Calibre Secured Networks Ltd, over the past 12 months. Managing director, Karen Nelson, reflects on what achievement means for her and looks forward to more success in 2015. his year, Calibre has gone from strength to strength on the back of an expanding team and continued to build its reputation as one of the region’s foremost providers of ICT and related services and solutions to core public sector markets: education and local authorities. This has been driven not only by investment in new talent and resources, but also by a genuine ability to get under the skin of an organisation to understand its values and philosophy to identify the compelling issues driving decisions to invest in IT and technology – today and in the future. For instance, in the education sector, investments have to be definitely financially viable, with dynamic and flexible IT services that propel schools, colleges and higher education facilities forward to a new golden age in education and teaching but, ultimately, the testimony to the success of one of our projects has to be the long term legacy it leaves. This has to be measured not only in terms of cost savings (value for money is always an important factor), but in delivering an enhanced learning environment – one in which pupils can

thrive and lead rounded young lives that are enriched by better, faster and safer access to an abundance of online, digital and interactive learning resources, materials and support wherever they are and whatever time of day it is. Truly, 24/7 learning for the 21st Century. Success for Calibre is also about never standing still, always looking to the future. It’s about being proactive when recommending solutions to problems our clients didn’t even realise they had, while our can-do, go-ahead attitude is always welcomed by customers as refreshing in an intensely competitive yet complacent IT services’ sector. While it’s been a vintage year for Calibre, the ambitious firm will certainly not be resting on its laurels as it heads into 2015. Work to provide state-of-the-art video conferencing technology for a FTSE Top 100 company is among a plethora of new contracts providing the springboard for even more success next year and beyond. Blue-chip projects, such as this, strengthen Calibre’s believe in the advantages of public/private sector partnerships built around a

long-term commitment to using collaborative and complementary cloud-based technologies, underpinned by the highest quality pre and after sales advice and support. Furthermore, increasing capacity in 2015 will continue to bring closer together Calibre’s sales, marketing and technical support functions as a central feature in a raft of strategic initiatives that will secure a prosperous and enduring future for one of the region’s fastest growing, brightest and best IT innovators. Calibre provides ICT solutions, working across the UK and Europe with clients building longterm strategic relationships to deliver added value solutions, which provide lasting user benefits. This includes services and solutions, which enable schools, local government organisations and companies to maximise their return on investment through the deployment of technology to meet their business challenges. For more information, visit www.calibresecured.net, tel (0845) 5576355 or email karen.nelson@calibre-secured.net

TECHNOLOGY

State of the art Sarah Colwill looks at what’s new in the world of technology and gadgets.

IPAD AIR 2 ntroducing the new iPad Air 2: Apple’s ‘most powerful iPad ever’ and, at present, the thinnest tablet in the world. At just 6.1 millimeters thin and weighing less than a pound, the sleek, aluminium-built device offers unrivalled portability and comfortable hold – making it the perfect companion for people on the go. Its improved Retina display, which features an anti-reflective coating that reduces glare by 56 percent, provides enhanced contrast

and colour vibrancy, while innovations to its iSight camera (including an 8MP sensor and a host of new features, such as time-lapse video, slo-mo and 1080p HD video and FaceTime HD camera which captures over 80 per cent more light that the iPad Air’s camera) allow users to capture crisper, higher quality footage. Other highlights include Touch ID technology, enabling users to unlock their iPads with just their fingerprint and support for Apple Pay

within apps (which is just as well, as the tablet can run more than 675,000 of them). If that wasn’t enough, it also offers a 40 per cent improvement in CPU performance and 2.5 times better graphics performance compared to the iPad Air– all thanks to a new Apple designed A8Xchip. Available in metallic gold, silver and space grey. From £399. www.apple.com

SENNHEISER URBANITE ON EAR HEADPHONES ennheiser introduces its new Urbanite On Ear Headphones – the new choice for great sound, deep bass and urban style on the move. Designed for music lovers on the go, the headphones deliver powerful bass, while ensuring excellent clarity through the entire frequency range. Their robust (yet flexible) quality, meanwhile, thanks to URBANITE’s premium stainless steel hinges and aluminium sliders, guarantee years (rather than months) of use. Highlights include a detachable cable that features a three-button remote control and integrated microphone. Compatible with Apple and Android devices. RRP £149.99.

www.sennheiser.com

HTC EYE EXPERIENCE he ideal phone for those with a passion for photography, the all-new HTC Experience boasts dual 13MP cameras, each with dual LED flash. Both offer 1080p HD video recording through their wide-angle lenses. Also on offer, guaranteed to please Instagram addicts, is a brand new editing application, dedicated to perfecting photos and videos. Also includes face-tracking, conferencing, split camera and even a ‘voice selfie’ mode.

www.htc.com

MOTO 350 SMART WATCH his clever watch does so much more than simply tell the time. Stay connected and upto-date just by telling it what information you need. Finely crafted with stainless steel, leather and scratch-resistant glass, the classic design is a stylish juxtaposition to its hi-tech appeal. RRP £199.

www.moto360.motarola.com

EVENT

Northstar Venturesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Annual Drinks Reception

orthstar Ventures hosted its annual Autumn Drinks reception at The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle, last month. In attendance were a range of local businesses including lawyers, advisors, fund providers and Northstar Venturesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; own portfolio companies. The evening was a celebration of the year for Northstar Ventures and a kick-start to the Christmas festivities. To find out more about Northstar Ventures, please visit www.northstarventures.co.uk

INTERVIEW

The long game North East Times asks successful business men and women, with more than 25 years’ experience in their field, what their industry was like when they first started, how it has changed and where they see their sector going.

William Morris Managing director of Perfect Image

PAST fter graduation, I had aspirations to head to the city, but the big crash in 1987 put paid to that. I joined Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) straight after University and worked in IT and corporate strategy. At the time, the business was pioneering and, so with huge growth in the firm and the IT industry, came big career opportunities. It was a very exciting time. A lot of my work in the early years was working on huge mainframe-based development projects. It’s hard to imagine now in our super connected world, but at the time there was no such thing as the internet and mobile phones were still simple things. You could make a call, but by no means were they the hand-held computers we know today. At the time, most business IT applications were text-based green-screens, as Graphical User Interfaces had just begun to emerge through the launch of the Apple Mac.

FUTURE

PRESENT ’m finding that many people prefer to work in a forward-thinking, fast-growing SME than being lost in an IT corporate giant. Being part of a smaller team, you’re able to enjoy direct access to clients, experience agile working and work with new technologies – like true cloud computing. I fear for IT service companies who have invested in their own bricks-and-mortar datacentres. There are offerings, like Amazon Web Services, that do it so much better with a huge matrix of virtualised servers across the world, where you simply pay for the computing power you use. I wouldn’t generate my own electricity or get a small company to generate it for me – and the same goes for my computing power. Neither would I buy or rent servers in a discrete physical data centre, where I would be locked in to the services of that particular company. For the forward-thinking in the industry today it’s all about ‘flexibility’.

oftware and computing power use is changing: they will no longer be purchased outright, but will be consumed as a utility. This allows costs to be variable with operational activity, which is what all businesses strive for - a low fixed cost means a low breakeven point. Fantastic technical and social connectivity mean you can act on a business idea quickly and collaborate with others to bring it to fruition, so entry barriers to the industry are low. As a result, these barriers will continue to lower, meaning less agile IT companies will fall by the wayside. What hasn’t changed in the industry is the emphasis on attracting the very best people you can find, providing an excellent career path on which they can flourish, while providing the very best service to clients, and making your company a great place to work. It’s something that I concentrate on every day at Perfect Image.

TIMELINE 1987: Graduated from Imperial College with a degree in Physics 1987: Joined Andersen Consulting - now known as Accenture - as a graduate, working in IT and corporate strategy, mainly in the financial services sector 2001: Became a partner at Accenture 2003: Joined the Uniys leadership team with responsibility for the banking sector 2005: Invested in Perfect Image, becoming managing director

MEDIA NEWS

Young influence Mediaworks’ technical director named one of ‘Tomorrow’s Travel Leaders’.

echnical director, Daniel Hoggan (pictured), at Gateshead-based creative search agency, Mediaworks, has been named one of ‘Tomorrow’s Travel Leaders 30 Under 30’ - a prestigious title awarded to influential under-30s working in or with the travel industry. The competition was organised by TTG Digital and Tui, in association with the ITT. Recognised for his exceptional work on the Travelex Netherlands campaign, which also earned Mediaworks a Big Chip 2014 Best Use of Search award, Daniel was instrumental in the formation and successful execution of this integrated, multilingual SEO and PPC project. With an aim to help Travelex Netherlands increase its share of the online currency market, Daniel led a team that created content, implemented technical tweaks and conducted outreach. In just 12 months, the client witnessed a revenue increase of 779 per cent. TTG Digital invited Daniel and the other winners to the first of a series of networking events, where they enjoyed the opportunity to share their stories and learn more about what it means to be one of Tomorrow’s Travel Leaders. Daniel said: “We are exceptionally proud of the Travelex Netherlands results and it’s

fantastic to be recognised for our achievements. I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of the 30 Under 30

community and learning how others are succeeding in the fiercely competitive travel industry.”

O PR celebrate a hat trick of launches

ollowing a successful launch for The Lakes Gin on the Yacht London to a variety of national media and bloggers, O PR has welcomed a further two new lifestyle brand clients. The Newcastle-based firm has been appointed to launch brand new premises for lifestyle salon and spa, House of Savannah, and The New World Trading Company’s The Botanist bar and restaurant.

Set across the top two floors of Newcastle’s Monument Mall development, The Botanist’s 8,000 squarefoot bar and restaurant venue will be a first for the company in the North East and is set to open on Monday December 15. The venue will offer nine bar stations, an extensive drinks menu, serving over 50 different bottled beers and ciders, cask ales and 48 cocktails, plus unrivalled views of the city from its terrace area.

MEDIA

Ask Silver Bullet Account manager, Richard Hopper, answers your marketing queries. Q. Is the investment in Database Marketing worth the cost? We are now told that Database Marketing is fast becoming the key element in marketing strategy and we all now must invest in often expensive Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, but what does database marketing actually mean? Database marketing is a form of direct marketing and is a method of utilising the information (data) of current or potential customers. Customer Relationship Management Systems are simply the programmes used to analyse this data, breaking it down via various criteria in order to target specific groups and individuals Unlike generic advertising, which could be missed by your target market, database marketing allows you to get your message directly to your target audience, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of your communications and reducing wasted budget spend. Building a database will give you information about not only current, but also potential customers, with the data including various criteria (age, gender, geographical, behavioral, social and purchase profile history are the most common). However, seemingly innocuous questions, such as choice of free time activities or preferred brands, reveals information which is gold dust to marketers, as we want to know as much as we can about our customers. This

understanding will shape all additional marketing techniques you employ, as you now know to whom exactly you want to get your message. So, how do you get this data? Database development must be a cultural practice within your organisation. Everyone in the organisation, especially those who are customer facing, has to understand the value of information and should seek to collect data at every opportunity. Data can come from existing customers and there is potential to undertake data collection exercises. Loyalty cards, for example, are an excellent form of data collection, as every purchase is recorded allowing real profiling of the consumer. You can also share information with partner organisations and even purchase data. Social media accounts are also effectively databases, with large amounts of valuable information on profiles, including likes and interests. It is then imperative to tell consumers how their data is being used, how you are going to communicate with them and, in many cases, what incentives they will receive for consenting to the use of their data. Consumers, however, are now beginning to understand how much the marketers want their information and researchers have begun to place values on data records. 78 per cent of consumers are said to understand how important their data is. With estimations of customer data worth around ÂŁ140 per record, this is not a cheap commodity. Orange mobile stated 59 per cent of customers would not share email addresses,

while 39 percent would not share purchase history. This realisation of how important personal information is has led to high levels of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;opt outsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and consumers not giving away personal information. However, we seldom want to be perceived as just consumers, but rather as individuals, meaning that the balance and tone of the communications with your database becomes imperative. If the content is of interest and relevance, there is increasing chance it will be read, understood and engaged with. A constant sales message can make the consumer feel intimidated and lose interest in the communication. Should they become disenfranchised, they may unsubscribe or remove themselves from the database altogether and it is extremely difficult to get what were once loyal customers back into the fold. Ultimately, a well-managed database marketing campaign can reap real rewards for your business and get your message directly to your target market. It also allows you to develop a conversation with your customer and can be the most effective way of achieving the marketing holy grail of customer retention. Do you want to know more about Data Marketing or do you have another marketing question we can help with? Email your questions anonymously to Silver Bullet at hello@silverbulletmarketing.co.uk or tweet (not so anonymously) to @SilverBulletPR using the #AskSB

MEDIA

Don’t be cheap, be more! Why competitive positioning is so important, says Micky Knowles of JAM Marketing.

EXPERT VIEW Micky Knowles JAM Marketing Tel: (0845) 900 2127 Email: info@jam-marketing.co.uk Web: www.jam-marketing.co.uk Twitter: @JAMMarketingUK

ll of us want more clients, more business, more sales, and more profit. But, to get there, it’s not those that are cheapest that always win the race; in fact it can be quite often the opposite. The biggest and most successful businesses are actually the ones who differentiate themselves from the competition, with one or more USP’s (Unique Selling Points). Competitive positioning in the market place is what sets your product, service and company apart from your competitors. What value do you provide and how is it different from the alternatives in your area? So, competitively positioning yourself in the market is one of the first steps you should address when starting or restrategising your marketing plan. So, with competitive positioning being about defining how you’ll ‘differentiate’ your offering and create value for your customers, how are you going to carve out a spot in today’s competitive business landscape, and win mindshare in your market place? Well, the cold, hard truth is that if you nail it, it gets you off to a great starting point. You need to offer something different to be better than your key competitors in at least three ways if you want to survive and thrive. This means that even if your competition is Sage, Greggs, or even Fenwick, you have to find a way to outdo and

out think them. The good news is, if you're a small to medium sized business, which means you're more adaptable, more flexible, you’ll already be better than many big brands in dozens of ways that you’ve probably over-looked. So, let’s look at how you can use these tools to your advantage, allowing you to take on your competition. Two key marketing tools you can use to attack when looking to fight to your competition are:

Your product: Can you make, or is your product: better quality, longer-lasting, rarer, cheaper, more expensive, easier to use, safer to use, more efficient, more compact, more retro, more modern, more quirky, more stylish, endorsed by a celebrity, quieter, packaged in an unusual way, fresher/tastier, approved by a respected organisation, or more daring than your competitors? If you can nail three or more of these key USP’s, then you are on to something very special. Just look at some of the items you currently own, and think about these criteria. A good example of this would be the allconquering iPhone. When launched, it was better quality, more compact, easier to use, stylish, modern, and faster than its competitors’

products. Think about it: how many celebrities can you remember seeing with the iPhone? It couldn’t have ticked many more boxes.

Your service: Does your services, or could your service have: better customer service, faster delivery options, better payment options, offer online ordering where competitors don't, an easy to use website, offer relevant freebies that competitors don't, employees who know the industry inside out, or a smart trustworthy looking uniform, than your competitors? Again, employ three or more of these USP’s at one time and you’ll be surprised with the warm positive response you receive from your clients. Researching your industry is critical as, unfortunately, it’s not as easy as picking a few of the above variables (i.e. offering a wider range of products than a competitor doesn’t at a cheaper price, still won’t work if no one wants to buy it). So, with this array of variables, it’s about finding the right blend that is appropriate for your customer base. Here at JAM, we meticulously analyse your industry and marketplace to create the right marketing strategy that will hit as many of these key criteria, ensuring the industry knows you for what makes you truly different and makes you truly great.

MEDIA

Mediaworks’ managing director, Brett Jacobson

Mediaworks: your local digital partner and creative search expert Develop and perfect your online presence with the help of creative search agency, Mediaworks. ediaworks isn’t just an SEO company; we’ve evolved with the digital landscape and grown into a premier creative search agency that works with, not for, our clients. In short, that means that we think up innovative new ways for Google to point potential customers to your business and develop your online presence. We offer support and expertise in three core areas. We identify online opportunities that will benefit your business; protect your brand from online threats and outdated marketing methods; and share business intelligence via customer data, analytics and insight. So, why is online marketing important? Obviously, we all use Google. With an evergrowing mobile and tech-savvy world, your business needs to be digitally accessible — otherwise, it’s like having a shop in the middle of the desert. To improve your site’s visibility, we offer innovative client-focussed campaigns, tailored to your business objectives. We don’t talk gobbledegook or throw technical acronyms at you. Rather, we focus on figuring out exactly what your business challenges are. From there, we discuss your requirements with you and then

tailor a bespoke solution to make them a reality. Having developed a unique way of being a ‘digital partner’ for our clients, we’ve seen great results when we work centrally to their entire marketing activity rather than a plug-in or addon service. This allows us to influence our clients’ digital thinking regarding aspects of their business they would not normally associate with digital. In doing so, we unearth the value from traditional offline channels and build a digital platform that maximises both offline and online elements. This approach has led to fantastic results for our local clients such as Gentoo, Jules B, Newcastle College, TSG and Northgate PLC. We never get too comfortable. Google is always changing and it’s our mission to ensure we remain on the cutting edge of technological advancements. If you place your trust in unscrupulous or outdated agencies, your entire online business and brand are at risk of a Google penalty. Thankfully, none of our clients have ever received the dreaded ‘Google slap’. The key to success is being real. Don’t try to trick Google. It doesn’t like that and if you’re caught, you’ll feel the wrath of Google’s pandas,

penguins, pigeons and humming birds. We know the ingredients that Google likes and we pass the recipe onto our clients. It’s simple… not everyone bakes great cakes, even though they know the ingredients. What does the future hold for Mediaworks and our clients? We doubled the size of our business every year for the first five years. The past 12 months has seen us invest heavily in our delivery teams, ensuring the most successful campaigns for our clients. Over the next five years, we predict our turnover and workforce to double. An immediate strategy for the next two years is to grow into several exciting new markets and position more local businesses at the top of Google. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, more changes to the market are predicted. So, if your brand is online, make sure you don’t build your house on sand. Give us a call and come and see us for a coffee and chat and we can get your digital presence where you want it to be. For more information, visit www.mediaworks.co.uk or call (0191) 404 0100

MEDIA

Top tips for New Year marketing trends Sarah Hall, managing director of Sarah Hall Consulting Ltd, the PR and marketing consultancy that builds profiles and profits, takes a look ahead at some of the trends that are likely to impact our marketing efforts in 2015.

his year, we’ve really seen Twitter come into its own as a marketing medium, thanks to the almost universal take-up of smartphones and the ‘share anywhere’ culture that’s grown up around it. Social media is no longer in its infancy and businesses, big and small, are recognising that they need to be part of it if they want to get noticed. We’ve also seen an explosion in the use of videos as a marketing tool, again with an eye to social media. Google, which owns the video-sharing giant YouTube, has even started to invest in content from some of the most popular short-video makers – or YouTube ‘stars’ as it calls them. While becoming a YouTube star may not be on everyone’s list for the New Year, there are some trends that are gathering pace and are worth taking note of. I asked some top PR and marketing gurus for their 2015 predictions. Author and celebrity service and OMG marketing speaker, Geoff Ramm, said: “My crystal ball goes something like this: we will continue to see great viral videos and content - bigger brands will be competing for views and shares like never before. SMEs will become bolder by creating OMG moments around global events, such as the second royal baby. I also have a feeling we will see the next big social media site to challenge Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

“Finally, events are as popular now as they have ever been. I predict a rise in the amount of events for companies seeking face-to-face opportunities with both business and consumer audiences.” Ross Wigham, head of communications and marketing at QE Gateshead, is expecting more of the strategies we’ve seen making a difference in 2014. “When it comes to predictions I’m very much with footballer, Paul Gascoigne, who famously said ‘I don’t make predictions... and I never will’. With regards to PR/marketing, I think the next 12 months will continue to see brands looking to use digital and social as a way of reaching out to customers. But here’s the thing – with the market becoming increasingly crowded it will be those who can cut through the white noise and avoid being lost in the social system that succeed. “How do you communicate with people when everyone is talking (or shouting) at the same time? Good content and strong stories will be king in 2015. Same as it ever was.” Jen Robson, writer with digital marketing agency, Sparkle Communications, believes working with others will help to create effective campaigns over the next 12 months. She said: “If I had to select one trend for next year, it would be greater collaboration. Working in partnership and playing to strengths instead of competition will become better understood.

“Creating a talented pool of collaborators means you can tap into fresh, innovative ideas and concepts while remaining inspired and ahead of an ever-changing industry. More importantly, working in this way will ensure maximum effect and return on investment.” Finally, Stephen Waddington, European digital and social media director for Ketchum and president of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, predicts that brands will start listening more to their customers. He said: “Brands will truly become social. Consumers deluged with inappropriate content will fight back. Much of so-called content marketing is the equivalent of direct mail in the 90s and noughties - too often it’s inappropriate and spam. “The difference between what came through your letterbox and what is served on your Facebook page is the volume. Our news feeds are packed with brands trying to hijack a news event or own a moment. At the moment they don't really care about what you think, but in 2015 they’ll have to. “The brutal truth is that brands which fail to engage with their audiences on a social level will be ignored.” For more information, visit www.sarahhallconsulting.co.uk or follow her on Twitter @Hallmeister

EVENT

RMT’s diamond anniversary event The Gosforth-based accountancy firm celebrates 60 years in business at City Tavern, Newcastle.

ore than 200 North East business leaders raised a glass to RMT Accountants & Business Advisors’ continuing success at a special event to mark its diamond anniversary. Clients, contacts and friends joined RMT's directors and staff for a sparkling reception, held at City Tavern in Newcastle City Centre. The firm’s special anniversary comes at the end of a highly successful 12 months, during which it has recorded a doubledigit increase in its annual turnover. RMT provides a full range of financial and business advisory services through its accountancy, specialist tax, medical and healthcare, corporate finance and recovery and insolvency teams. Tel: (0191) 256 9500, www.r-m-t.co.uk

MEDIA

10 years in business marks 10 charitable acts at O PR Creative communications agency, O PR, is set to organise 10 fundraising events for its chosen charity, The Sunshine Fund, as it celebrates a decade of successful business in 2015. ext year will see the award-winning Ouseburn agency mark its 10th anniversary in business. It will celebrate by encouraging its team to organise 10 charitable activities over the course of the year to raise money to help change the lives of children with disabilities in the region. Since its inception, O has always had a corporate social responsibility policy, supporting many charities from local organisations, such as Women’s Aid Newcastle to national campaigns, such as Breast Cancer UK’s Wear it Pink Day. Managing director, Kari Owers, said: “Next year is a milestone one for us, so we wanted to make a bigger difference to just one charity to mark 10 years of not just being in business, but putting back into our community.

“We have chosen The Sunshine Fund to receive our fundraising efforts, which will be anything from a skydive to a cake bake, to raise as much money as possible for this very worthy cause which is close to all our hearts. “I’m excited to see what the team come up with; as we are a creative team, I’m sure this will provide a lot of fun throughout 2015 too.” O PR also actively encourages its staff to give their time and skills to the local community and, as part of its volunteering programme, has seen its staff help organise events and advise charities and non-profit organisations on PR and communications, such as Age UK, Childline North East and Young Enterprise.

For more information, visit www.opr.co.uk or call (0191) 232 5690.

DEVELOPMENT Paul King, owner of Chartwise UK

The wise Kings charting for a successful future Ensuring that your business is running safely and legally is paramount and one North East-based company is doing all it can to make this as straight forward as possible for local businesses. hartwise UK has nearly 30 years experience in the industry and is looking to grow its business and employee base further, right here in the North East. Established in 1985, Chartwise UK has been delivering training services and tachograph products to the transport industry in the North East of England for almost 30 years and has continued to grow ever since, gaining a reputation for excellent customer service along the way. Ran by father and son owners, Dave and Paul King, Chartwise UK is now located on one of largest trading estates in Europe, Team Valley in Gateshead. The pair are now keen to grow their business with a few strategic changes, while also ensuring they maintain their outstanding customer service levels. The team plans to increase sales and, in turn, create more jobs in the region. The new options they’ve been planning for a while, which will utilise their knowledge of the driver’s hours and tachograph legislation more, as well as utilising their staff’s wealth of knowledge for handling dangerous goods, will allow for an even more competitive pricing strategy, for both training and their products alike.

Chartwise UK has built its brand on its impeccable level of customer service, offering clients a personal contact, rather than the faceless non-contact approach many of its competitors take. This is the core reason why so many of its clients are long-term repeat customers. With a superb range of legislatively compliant, accredited and bespoke products, it’s easy to see why top companies, such as RBS, the NHS, Harvey’s and Warburton’s, to name a few, like and trust Chartwise UK. Owner, Paul King, said: “We’ve built this company with the customer at the heart of our focus. With our latest investment, improvements and increase in our training services, along with our competitive pricing strategy, both new and existing clients will want to use us more than ever for all of their commercial training needs.” Chartwise UK now offers an extensive range of accredited courses, including:

Digital Tachograph Training – This comprehensive training takes the user from learning how to download their digital tachograph and drivers’ cards, to making sense and understanding of the data and inputting entries. It also covers making manual changes and printing off daily and legal data.

Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) Training – You must attend Driver CPC periodic training if you’re a lorry, bus or coach driver. It has been introduced across Europe with the aim of improving road safety. The new legislation means that all drivers’ must do 35 hours of periodic training every five years.

Driver Hours Training – Tailored courses in driver hour’s laws and working time regulations, ensuring you get exactly what your business needs. After the course has been completed, the business and all necessary employees can stay up to date with any legislation changes, with complimentary handbooks available at anytime to download from their website. ADR training – With their recent appointment of new staff, specialising in the dangerous goods area, this new training offers both dangerous goods awareness, as well as carriage of dangerous goods by road. For more information on all of the services available from Chartwise UK, visit www.chartwise-online.com or call the team on (0191) 491 5032. For regular posts and updates, find Chartwise UK on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter @chartwiseUK

STYLE

Get the look Fashion and accessories for men. By Sarah Colwill. Marks and Spencer, £299

Mens at Dune, £89

Barbour at House of Fraser, £39

Whitestuff, £65

he suit is a staple part of any man’s wardrobe: a trusted piece that can have you looking sharp in an instant, with minimum thought or effort. However, when it comes to layering over it to fight off the winter chill, all the while remaining office appropriate, it pays to have a flattering and versatile coat on hand. The grey, slightly boxy, coat is a key trend this winter: large enough to slip over suit jackets and neutral enough to be worn against just about any colour. For extra warmth, why not team yours with woolen suit trousers and a smart jumper (bright cool shades, such as teal, are big hits this season) worn over your shirt? A simple scarf, draped around the neck and over the shoulders, along with a pair of brown suit shoes, tie this easy-toachieve look together.

Ted Baker, £85

MODEL ATTIRE Trousers, £40 Jumper, £18 Jacket, £99 Shoes, £55 All from Burton Menswear London’s Autumn/Winter 2014 Collection

Topman, £90

WORKSPACE & CONSTRUCTION NEWS

Landmark Jesmond site to create 100 jobs Property investment firm announces £6.4 million development.

he former site of the famous Jesmond Picture House in Newcastle is set for a major revival after Milton Keynes-based property investment firm, MK Partnership, announces a £6.4 million development scheme. At an official launch event, it was unveiled that the landmark that includes office and retail space will be known as ‘The Jesmond’ and, in turn, will create around 100 jobs. Architect, Kevin Owens, who was the Design Principal with the London Organising Committee for the London 2012 Olympic Games, conceived the design of the new development, which has been supported by the Department for Communities and Local Government’s (DCLG) and a grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Sunil Mehra, of the MK Partnership, said: “We are delighted to unveil the updated plan for this historic sire tat will help regenerate the area and deliver a huge amount of value to the local economy.”

Miller Homes grants festive offers

eading UK housebuilders, Miller Homes, has introduced a number of price reductions across its North East development to help buyers make their next move for less. Offers include a £10,000 reduction on four-bedroom family homes at Wensleydale Park, Blyth, a £10,00 reduction on a plot at Park View, Gateshead, and a selection of deals on the last few homes remaining at its Newcastle development, Greenvale Park.

Cyber office space

orth East and Yorkshire-based surveyors, Addisons Chartered Surveyors, has re-designed its Richmond office. As part of the redevelopment, the company, which can provide a home staging service for clients, has invested in bespoke Open Door user-friendly software, allowing clients to login and track the progress of the marketing and sale of their property at any given day or time.

Investing in next generation of engineers

ward-winning building services engineering design consultancy, Desco, is helping combat skill shortages in the construction industry by supporting young engineers into their future careers. The company, which has offices in Sunderland and London, has invested in a special training programme combining a university degree with on-the-job learning. To date, the company, which is committed to training young individuals through University with funding towards their course fees, has supported almost 30 young people through the scheme.

RURAL

Rural planning – you’ve never had it so good! Willy Browne-Swinburne from Rural Solutions discusses the great opportunities and pitfalls in the current planning environment. or the first time in the last 30 years, owning a plot of land in the rural North may just offer a big opportunity. The 2012 NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) mandated Local Authorities to change their planning ethos to one of a ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’. A considerable shift to the positive. What has also become apparent is that allocation of brownfield sites in urban areas will not be enough. Even initiatives to build new Garden Cities don’t overcome the desire for many people, which is to live in villages away from the main conurbations. Furthermore, these villages need new housing. The addition of 20 new houses to a small village that has a school, a pub and a village hall brings young families in and new faces that, in turn, will support these facilities. In short, housing correctly allocated at the right density can make a hugely positive contribution to the vitality of the rural economy and village life. For the Politicos, the rural sector offers a great opportunity to try and attain housing land targets, without upsetting the green belt

occupants and losing their votes. It seems that, at last, we realise that a sensible allocation of housing land in rural settlements is a win win. At Rural Solutions, we are not planning consultants who simply help clients through the planning process - we do much more. Ultimately, we provide the evidence required to justify a housing scheme in the form of a Sustainability Report. The report is crucial, not just in terms of informing the planning application process, but also more importantly, in understanding the requirement for housing and therefore the demand. The bottom line is that even with a red line marked on the plan, if people don’t want to live in a place, they won’t buy a property there and so, ultimately, the site won’t sell. Residential development aside, the critical and robust assessment of the market opportunity in any rural situation, commercial, leisure or any other new use is the key. Informed innovation over and above smashand-grab development means that clients can de-risk schemes to ensure that they ultimately succeed. We work with many clients on developments in some of the most sensitive and precious rural

environments in the UK. It is this combination of a deep understanding of the rural sector, with all the tools and data, to confirm the market opportunity with creativity and a true entrepreneurial spirit that really delivers. Landowners in the UK have never had it so good and the rural sector has a huge amount to offer the North East in particular, but don’t be tempted by the feeding frenzy for the sake of it. If the opportunity is there, make the most of it by understanding it as well as possible. Value may lie in something happening in 20 years time, in which case it is worth talking to us about how we can help ‘landscape’ a site to make it viable in the future. A new access point and some careful tree planting can leave a site ‘in bond’ for future generations to enjoy. There has never been a better time to consider what land holdings, or even redundant or previously developed sites can offer, although the consumer will always dictate where and when the true opportunity lies. Willy Browne-Swinburne heads up Rural Solutions in the North. For more information, email wbs@ruralsolutions.co.uk or visit www.ruralsolutions.co.uk

PROPERTY

Business growth fuels office market activity ... says Neil Hart, director at Bradley Hall t’s hard to believe that only three or four years ago Britain was in the depths of a recession. The North East commercial property market was hit harder than most sectors, but the strength of its recovery has been astonishing. During the last couple of years, the industrial and office markets have been particularly buoyant, although that in itself has spawned some tough challenges. In the office market, for example, there is a current shortage of Grade A space. This has been triggered by a sharp increase in the number of businesses looking to expand into high-quality premises. In the recession, which sapped the confidence of the local business community, companies conserved cash and held back on investing in new equipment or moving to bigger premises. Expansion was not on the agenda. Now, however, the picture has changed. Companies are winning more orders, increasing their workforce and, in many cases, moving to bigger and better premises. Increased demand has led to a shortage of top quality office space in the region.

The obvious solution would be to build more Grade A offices – but that’s not as simple as it sounds. New developments can often take a couple of years to get through a convoluted planning process, which is little use when they are needed now. That need will become even more pressing as more businesses seek high-quality office

space to comply with legislation. Under the UK Energy Act 2011, in four years’ time it will be illegal to occupy buildings if they do not meet minimum standards on energy efficiency. The expansion of out-of-town office developments can fill the gap while new Grade A schemes are being pushed through planning. For example, there’s still scope for growth at North Tyneside-based Cobalt, which is already the UK’s largest office park, with more than two million square feet of developed space. Bradley Hall assisted IT firm, Perfect Image, in its move to Cobalt 3.2 and has been instructed to market an additional 30,000 square feet of space elsewhere on the site. In the short term, the shortage of Grade A office space will push up rents, but there are still some excellent incentives for people who shop around. In the medium to long term, the region needs an acceleration of new office developments to attract investment and keep the economic revival on track. For further information, visit www.bradleyhall.co.uk or call (0191) 232 8080.

INTERVIEW

Red hot and rising Director at Redstones Newcastle, Craig Scott talks to North East Times about his career in estate agency and why his company is definitely one to watch.

When did your interest in estate agency begin? When I was about seven or eight, I remember asking my Mum why a house near us had had a For Sale board in the garden for so long! The idea of people moving from one place to another really fascinated me … and the fact that you could have a job doing this was intriguing. When I was living in my student flat in Gosforth, I was always looking at the house prices in the area compared to the rental prices, but it was the service I received as a landlord that inspired me to become a property professional. One of the things I noticed in particular was – and this happens in a lot of industries – there is a lot of focus on the people paying the money i.e. the landlords. But without the tenants and the buyers, the whole operation is a waste of time. So my plan was always to start up a business based on excellence from the point of view of all of these groups. Even in a competitive market there is market share to be had if you can do things better, delivering service that exceeds customers’ expectations.

When and where did you begin your career? I actually started my career in the mortgage department at Northern Rock, working through customer services to sales coach. I took real pleasure in helping both buyers and investors secure the funds for their property purchases, and took interest in their ambitions.

When did you join Redstones? Having gone on to work for Your Move in Low Fell then Bowson Lettings in Jesmond, I started Redstones in June 2014. Redstones delivers the service levels that I would expect to receive as a customer - being a landlord myself, this was very important to me, so I jumped at the chance to open up and run the Newcastle office.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I love meeting new people and seeing different properties and what people have done with them. I’m afraid I’m one of those that will watch all the property programmes on TV and have opinions on them all! But without doubt the best part of what I do is when you help somebody find their new home. I love hearing about their ambitions and future plans and if I’ve helped make them a reality then that is really satisfying.

What are the key things needed to get ahead in an estate agency career? Personal skills – you will meet a lot of different people from many different backgrounds, and it’s crucial that you can build rapport and demonstrate you are trustworthy. Doing what you say you will do is another obvious one. Getting back to someone before they have to call you is a great way to build that trust. Allied to all of this is the ability to give the

right advice – even if it’s not what the other person wants to hear.

What’s the most difficult thing about being an estate agent? Here in the North East, the economic downturn has had a big impact on the property market - it’s difficult when you meet people that want to sell but may struggle to achieve their target price if they have bought at the height of the market. Whilst things will improve, this will take time and it is important to manage expectations professionally.

What are your hobbies outside of work? I’m a keen golfer and play cricket for two local teams, though my favourite thing to do though is to take my 2-year-old cocker spaniel Oscar on a walk through our local nature reserve. It’s important to find a balance, but luckily my family and friends are incredibly supportive, and they understand that if I’m working all weekend this means I’m growing my business.

What are your career aspirations, short and long term? To grow a customer base where the majority come from a testimonial or a recommendation - I never underestimate the power of word-of-mouth! Long term - to be recognised as not the biggest, but the best property marketing and management company in Newcastle.

EVENT

Clark Mairs celebrates a year of success

ewcastle-based solicitors, Clarke Mairs LLP, celebrated another successful year, with drinks and canapĂŠs at Harry's Bar, Grey Street, Newcastle. The party was a great success, with over 100 guests attending including clients, bankers, accountants and business contacts. Clarke Mairsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; success since its launch in 2007 prompted their recent move to new City Centre premises, on Hood Street, to keep up with the continuing expansion of the firm. For more information, tel: (0845) 111 0795 or visit www.clarkemairs.com

L E I S U R E & H O S P I TA L I T Y N E W S

£18 million development plan Ramside Hall reveals plans to create new deluxe bedrooms and a luxury spa.

amside Hall, County Durham, has unveiled its plans for an £18m development, which will see the creation of a luxury spa and 47 new deluxe rooms. The new spa, set to open in spring 2015, is set to offer a range of state-of-the-art facilities, including new saunas, a 25-metre long pool, a hydrotherapy pool, and a variety of different steam rooms. The project will also include an outdoor balcony, complete with an infinity pool spa, a hot plunge pool and a Rasul mud chamber, 12 therapy rooms, a gym, dance studio and hair salon, along with a new Asianinspired restaurant and bar. The additional bedrooms, meanwhile, will bring the four-star hotel’s offering up to 128. General manager, Tim Boyd, said: “This will be a massive boost for the North East and will cement our reputation as one of the most exciting destinations in the region.”

Relaxing relocation

ifestyle salon and spa, House of Savannah, opened its doors at a sought-after location in Newcastle last month, after moving from Nelson Street to a 6,500-square foot property at 1 Eldon Square. The urban retreat, founded in 2000 by Marc and Kay Cunningham, now offers a L’Oreal-designed hair salon, a nail bar, spa relaxation lounge and boutique therapy loft rooms – all set across four floors.

Winning winter package

t James’ Park is offering businesses a range of perks thanks to a new ‘You’re a Winner This Winter’ corporate package, available from January to March 2015. Created by Sodexo Prestige Venue and Events, which manages conferences and events at the stadium, the package includes room hire, complimentary Wi-Fi, equipment hire, unlimited tea and coffee, stationary and bacon sandwiches on arrival – all for £33.95 per person.

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Lola Jeans expands

ollowing on from its success in Tynemouth, bar and restaurant, Lola Jeans, celebrated the launch of its second branch in Newcastle City Centre last month. Located on Market Street, the new site, which boasts a mix of classic 1800s décor and contemporary furnishings, offers diners a menu of barbequed American plates and traditional English dishes, along with customised cocktails created by a team of experienced mixologists.

LEISURE & HOSPITALITY

Festive Flair Jessica Laing visits Eslington Villa for a Christmas meal with a difference. onfession: I’ve never really been fond of festive restaurant menus. Call me crazy, or indeed unimaginative, but I’ve always believed Christmas food is best enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. Mum’s homemade pigs in blankets? Check. Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ on full blast? Of course. Enough turkey gravy to swim in? Always. While dining out with friends and family is, undoubtedly, a great way of celebrating the festive season, in my experience, restaurants’ versions of Christmas food have always been two things: a bit forced and, all too often, underwhelming. Who wants to eat deconstructed trifle anyway? So you can imagine my hesitation, then, when I was invited to sample Eslington Villa’s take on Christmas cuisine. However, after reading many encouraging reviews of its restaurant and armed with an optimistic dining partner, I hoped that, perhaps, the place would prove to be an exception. Tucked away in an unassuming area of Low Fell, Gateshead, Eslington Villa, which is actually a family-owned and ran hotel and one of the area’s most esteemed venues, is a popular haunt among the middle-aged and silver-haired, known most notably for its tranquil atmosphere and smart, yet homely, surroundings. Its award-winning restaurant, meanwhile, is praised for plating up a varied range of sophisticated, yet unpretentious, dishes, with a nod and a wink to classic French cooking. Once seated, my Mum and I are presented with the restaurant’s ‘Christmas Dinner’ menu. Available for parties of 15 and under until December 23, the menu, despite being

pleasantly simplistic, offers something for just about everyone: beef and turkey for the traditionalists, handsome salads and meat-free terrines for the vegetarians, plus a few less typical options for the more adventurous (did someone mention dahl?). While my Mum enjoys a medley of rocket, beetroot and tangy whipped goats cheese, dressed in a light drizzle of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkling of crushed hazelnuts, I begin with the potted salmon and dill pate, served with Scottish oatcakes and a sweet celery chutney for dipping. Surprisingly, the pate is well-seasoned and generously filled with fresh salmon flakes, providing moreish texture and a gentle, smoky flavour with every mouthful. In the true spirit of Christmas, for mains, I choose the slow-cooked beef shoulder, joined by creamed potatoes and spinach. To my delight (or

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should I say sheer relief?) the meat, which arrives smothered in rich red wine jus, rather than gravy, is cooked to perfection: slightly charred on the outside, with a tender, melt-in-the-mouth centre that makes it nothing but an absolute pleasure to devour. In a word: faultless. My Mum, meanwhile, settles for something a little more exotic – the lentil dahl. Marrying spicy pulses with cauliflower, crispy gnocchi and smoked cheddar, this inventive, Indian-inspired dish may look slightly out of place on a Christmas menu, but it certainly earns its spot thanks to its winning combination of textures and unusual flavours. Ever the dessert enthusiasts, we round off our meal with classic crème brulee, infused with Madagascan vanilla, and pannacotta, served with strawberry jelly and rugged white chocolate and almond brittle. Both are beautifully presented – so beautiful, in fact, that it seems a shame to eat them – and taste exactly how they should: gloriously creamy and delicately sweet. I left Eslington Villa in a glassy-eyed haze of satisfaction, trying desperately to remember why I ever shunned restaurant Christmas menus in the first place. While I may not have received sausages wrapped in bacon, or heard George Michael’s voice oozing from the stereo, what I did receive was an innovative feast, full of flavour and festive flair. A meal so good, I’ll probably still be thinking about it come next Christmas. £28.95 per head. Other festive menus are available. For more information, or to book a table, visit www.eslingtonvilla.co.uk or call (0191) 487 6017.

LEISURE & HOSPITALITY

Cheer up, warm up, shape up! However you plan on bringing in 2015, do it right at Rockliffe Hall. ake January 2015 the best start to the year ever. It’s time to ditch the winter blues and make the most of the crisp, wintry days, warming seasonal food and cosy evenings. Whether you’re cheering up, warming up or shaping up, Rockliffe Hall is the ideal place to be this January, with lots of new ideas to get the year off to the best start.

Shape up!

Rockliffe Hall has its own state-of-the-art technogym, offering a variety of classes for all ages and abilities, membership options to keep you motivated and a few hidden extras that might just tempt you to try something new for the New Year. A ‘Centre of Excellence’ for Nordic walking, Rockliffe Hall also provides walks around its stunning grounds. Afterwards, warm up with a refreshing herbal tea, or perhaps a hot chocolate. As well as activities and facilities to improve with your fitness, Rockliffe Hall also offers a range of experienced sports therapists, who are on hand to help with any ailments or issues that might be stopping you from getting started. From clinical sports medicine to postural and muscular problems, Rockliffe Hall’s experts can help you banish those aches and pains. And don’t forget golf – another great way of getting fit for 2015. Players of all levels can enjoy Rockliffe Hall’s championship course, famed for hosting the likes of Ian Woosnam and Sam Torrance during the European Tour English Senior Open. What’s more, thanks to the course’s exceptional design and choice of tees to play off, you can play as much or as little of the course as you wish. There is also a driving range available and Rockliffe Hall’s PGA professionals are on hand to offer tuition. New membership options are also now available. So, whether you’re looking to banish the blues or the bulge this January, Rockliffe Hall can make it the most wonderful time of your year.

The New Year is also a great time to start thinking about getting in shape. Luckily,

For more information visit www.rockliffehall.com or call (01325) 729999

M Cheer up!

It may be cold outside and Christmas may be over, but there is still a lot to celebrate! Take some time out, plan a night or two away and get something in the diary to really get excited about at the start of the year. Rockliffe Hall’s ‘Beat the January Blue’s break showcases the best in fivestar hospitality with full spa use, a stunning room to relax, recline and unwind in, and breakfast in The Orangery. And don’t forget, Rockliffe Hall is home to three restaurants that offer new dishes that change with the seasons. Whether you choose creative British cuisine in The Orangery, set within the walls of the iconic Old Hall, simple gastro-pub grub in The Clubhouse, with its views across the Championship golf course, or all-new tasting and sharing plates in the Spa Brasserie, there is something for everyone.

sandwiches jostle for space at the table, providing you with an unforgettable afternoon treat. There is also always a glass of champagne on offer, for extra sparkle. January is also a great time to cocoon yourself in Rockliffe Hall’s multi-award winning spa, which you can visit during the day, as part of a break, or even at night as a special ‘twilight’ treat. As well as a extensive range of signature treatments, using some of the most luxurious products available from names such as Murad, Comfort Zone and ORLY, and you’ll certainly leave feeling revived for 2015.

Warm up! Ward off those winter chills with a spot of Rockliffe Hall’s renowned afternoon tea. Homemade cakes, scones, pastries and

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LEISURE & HOSPITALITY

Business lunch

Hotel du Vin Jessica Laing enjoys first-class comfort food at one of Newcastle’s most respected hotels. ’m pretty ashamed to admit that, despite reading numerous glowing reviews and hearing countless good things about the place (for years, might I add), I’d never actually stepped foot in Hotel du Vin until this month. Situated on the banks of the River Tyne (and, rather conveniently, minutes away from our office), the hotel has long been celebrated by locals and visitors not only for its charming good looks and luxurious accommodation, but also for its exceptional food offering. It was with great pleasure, then, that I accepted an invitation to visit the hotel’s restaurant, Bistro du Vin, with my two colleagues, to enjoy and indulge in my first business lunch as editor of North East Times. Renowned for its French home-style cuisine, infused with classic British flavour, the wellpresented, mahogany-rich bistro, which is smaller and more intimate than I had imagined, serves up a fuss-free jumble of simple, yet undeniably elegant, plates and hearty, slowcooked dishes that rely heavily on fresh, seasonal produce. Once seated, we were presented with two menus: a limited edition set menu, created in celebration of the hotel’s 20th anniversary

(which, unfortunately, will have ended by the time you’re reading this), and the main a la carte menu, which has recently been redesigned for autumn/winter and provides diners with a generous selection of French-inspired entrees, comfort food, grilled meat dishes and classic desserts. After much deliberation and salivation, eventually, we made the majority of our selections from the a la carte menu. While my companion tucked into delicate Shetland scallops, doused in a silky sauce vierge (an olive oil, lemon juice, tomato and basil infusion), I began with the cheese soufflé, which was highly recommended by our waitress. Smothered in a rich, béchamel-like cheese sauce, its tall and crisp exterior was definitely impressive and, once pierced, revealed a lighter-than-air centre that was a pleasure to eat. Our mains, meanwhile, especially the duck shepherd’s pie, which united tender flakes of meat with velvety creamed potato, and the braised beef bourguignon, which arrived proudly on the bone and accompanied by an earthy mix of Portobello mushrooms, shallots and smoked pancetta, provided depth of flavour and mouthwatering richness with every bite.

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Although very nearly tempted by the cheese trolley, which teases the taste buds with a varied selection of French and British cheeses, chutneys and biscuits, to round off our meal, we willingly gave in to the sweet treats available from the menu’s enticing dessert section. It felt wrong not to devour a French classic or two within such a venue, so we opted for tarte au citron, served with a slick of sweet raspberry sorbet to cut through the sourness, and bubbly mousse au chocolat, joined by a generous dollop of crème Chantilly. Having left licking my lips and feeling comfortably full, I’m extremely pleased to report that my first dining experience at Hotel du Vin was a definite success. Most deserving of its superb reputation, the hotel’s bistro does nothing short of deliver when it comes to plating up robust, high-quality dishes, with plenty of French finesse. For more information, or to book, call (0844) 736 4259 or visit www.hotelduvin.com Early evening dining is encouraged by a complimentary glass of wine before 7pm Monday to Friday, if dining two courses from the a la carte menu.

Shetland scallops, served with sauce vierge

£12.95

Beef bourguignon on the bone, braised beef short ribs with Portobello mushrooms, shallots and smoked pancetta

Comte cheese soufflé

£8.95

Duck shepherd’s pie

£13.95

Jerusalem artichoke soup, served with wild mushroom ragout

From the 20th Anniversary menu

Pan-fried chicken breast, served with chorizo, thyme, garlic and orange lentils

From the 20th Anniversary menu

£19.95

Tarte au citron, served with raspberry sorbet

Mousse au chocolat, served with crème Chantilly

Chargrilled bananas, served with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream

£6.95

From the 20th Anniversary menu

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LEISURE & HOSPITALITY

Bar Hound’s first venture exceeds expectations In less than 12 months, the first venture for Newcastle-based bar operator, Bar Hound, has fast become a favourite haunt for those who like sophistication and a laid-back atmosphere in Newcastle City Centre. ollowing a major renovation, transforming it into a family and dog friendly food-led bar, City Tavern opened its doors in March this year, receiving great reviews for both its food and its atmospheric exposed brick interior, as well as its choice of craft ales. Using his expertise in the leisure sector, managing director, David King, set about designing a bar that would stand out from what was currently on offer in the mainly retail area of Newcastle and one that would appeal to a wide range of customers looking for somewhere to go throughout the day and evening, whether for coffee, lunch, dinner or simply a glass of wine or beer. A key ethos of the business is to buy local wherever possible and so City Tavern supports local food and drink producers, using the best quality ingredients. Head chef, Mark, has created an appetising range of menus, on which all dishes are available as a gluten-free option. Furthermore, King wanted to create a multifunction venue that would fill the void for anyone wishing to hold a more intimate private function with a quirkier backdrop to that found elsewhere in and around the city centre. It is

safe to say he has succeeded in his endeavours. Recently, local costume designer, Paul Shriek, chose City Tavern as the runway for his collaborative collection, ‘Marnie to Monster’, which he designed with Matt Fox. City Tavern is often the preferred destination of those who have married at the nearby Civic Centre and want to hold their reception in the distinctive venue. Not content with hosting wedding receptions, City Tavern is also a licensed wedding venue, allowing couples to marry in the iconic building, which stands out because of its distinctive facade. However, the pub’s appeal doesn’t just lie with the man in the street. It is fast becoming a venue of choice by many professional firms with offices in the city centre. Recently, it played host to accountancy practice, RMT, as it marked the occasion of its 60th birthday. Other companies who have chosen City Tavern for corporate and staff events include Ryder Architecture, Portland Consulting Engineers and solicitors, Bond Dickinson, to name a few. As the Christmas season kicks off, some of the major retailers located close-by will be partying there throughout December. Despite being less than a year old, City Tavern’s early success has been recognised with

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nominations in three of Heineken’s national Star Pubs and Bars Awards. Against competition from 1,300 other pubs across the UK, City Tavern has been shortlisted in the ‘Team Training’, ‘Best Newcomer’ and ‘Retailer of the Year’ categories. Speaking about this early recognition, King said: “This is fantastic news for City Tavern, its staff and its customers. To be shortlisted at all, so soon after opening, would have been great, but to be selected for three categories against so many other pubs throughout the UK at such an early stage of the business, is actually quite humbling. It is also a reflection of the effort each member of staff contributes to the pub’s ongoing success.” Finally, in a coup that no other venue has managed to pull off, King has persuaded the famous Yorkshire brewery, Theakstons of Masham, to create Bar Hound, a cask ale unique to City Tavern. King continued: “When we opened City Tavern, I wanted to create a venue that was stylish and comfortable and would appeal to a wide variety of people looking for somewhere that would provide good beers, good food and where you walk in and feel you’re among friends. I think we’ve achieved that.”

LEISURE & HOSPITALITY

Foo Fighters – hospitality that rocks International rock legends, the Foo Fighters, are hitting the North East in spring 2015 and the Stadium of Light has all the details on how you can drink, dine and air guitar at one of the biggest gigs the region has ever seen. ith more than 11 million album sales, sell out tours and 20 years of hits, including Learn to Fly, the Pretender and Best of You, the Foo Fighters have earned an international fan base and carved their place in music history. Now, the Grammy award-winning group, fronted by charismatic singer, Dave Grohl, are heading for Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, where they’ll play the opening night of the European leg of their Sonic Highways world tour on May 25. Tickets for the bank holiday gig – the band’s only English stadium performance outside London – start from £55, with a range of hospitality packages also available for gig goers who prefer to rock out in style and avoid the crowds. The new packages, expanded beyond those previously offered at the stadium’s rock concerts featuring Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi and the Kings of Leon, all include a selection of specially crafted American cuisine, prime seating, red carpet entry and access to a post-show bar. Those booking the Gold Package, priced at £175 per person, will also enjoy a reception

drink on arrival, use of private bar facilities and a selection of easy-to-eat dishes, including sticky BBQ ribs, spicy curly fries and slider burgers. The next level Platinum Package, priced at £235 per person, offers the addition of a specially crafted Champagne cocktail, table service and a selection of grazing and sizzling platters, including grilled steaks and pulled pork, along with the option to have pictures of attendees taken by a professional photographer. This will be hosted in one of the stadium’s Platinum Suites, where groups of 10 people or less will share tables to boost the party atmosphere. For those who prefer to air guitar in private, SAFC and its specialist subsidiary 1879 Events Management, is also offering use of the stadium’s executive boxes for £285 per person with a minimum of 10 guests. This includes access to a balcony, offering direct views of the Foo Fighters in action, plus Champagne, canapés, two free bottles of wine and a selection of USA-style grazing and sizzling platters, equivalent to a three course meal. But, for a true American feast, you’d be

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hard pressed to beat the Diamond VIP Summer BBQ Party Package and its selection of starter-style snacks, barbecued mains and canapé desserts. Just imagine tucking in to brisket, chicken, steaks and baby back ribs, all fresh from the grill on the outdoor terrace, and enjoying Champagne and Pimms before taking your padded seat when the Foo Fighters hit the stage. Picture, also, the convenience of returning to the Riverview Brasserie or James Herriot Suite after the performance to enjoy more snacks, including chili dogs and tacos, set to a soundtrack of rock anthems, while other concert goers battle the traffic on the journey home - it’s all included at £325 per person. For more information, or to book any of the hospitality packages for the Foo Fighters at the Stadium of Light, call (0871) 911 1555 or email fooshospitality@safc.com For more information about the concert, as well as other concerts being held at the stadium in 2015, visit www.safcconcerts.com, Facebook at StadiumofLight and Twitter.

INTERVIEW

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PREPARING TO TOUR HIS ACCLAIMED NEW ALBUM, FROZEN BY SIGHT, A COLLABORATION WITH FELLOW MERCURY PRIZE NOMINEE PAUL SMITH, FIELD MUSIC FRONTMAN PETER BREWIS TALKS ABOUT PIANO IN THE GARAGE, HOW HIS HOBBY BECAME A CAREER AND THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKING YOUR OWN PLACE IN THE MUSIC WORLD.

My parents didn't play any instruments but we had a piano in the garage which I messed around on. I can't remember how out of tune it was but it must have been pretty bad. My Mam and Dad grew up alongside pop music - the usual stuff really - Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin, 10cc, Roxy Music, Kate Bush, The Police, Peter Gabriel - and it all got played and sung at home and in the car.

be supportive rather than competitive. If there is such a thing as a scene in the North East then I hope it's defined by that attitude rather than any kind of 'sound'. I like getting into the nitty gritty of music - figuring out how things can be done, how to change things. That's all lots of fun. But, if I've ever been inspired at all I have my family and friends to thank.

The first record I bought myself was probably 'Stutter Rap' by Morris Minor and the Majors although my parents had bought me many records before that. 'Green Door' by Shakin' Stevens might the first of that bunch. It's the first song I really remember loving. The last record I bought was probably the Hyde and Beast record. I got sent Freeze Puppy's fantastic new album a few days ago too.

I've had too much essential advice to single anything out. Someone once suggested that completing something and abandoning something is much the same thing. I'll be testing that one out for the rest of my days. Career? It's more that my hobby has taken over my life and now I can't do anything else. The best moments are always when I think I've written something new and decent. It's still a thrill.

Initially, what made me want to become a musician would have been the usual thing - to impress the girls in my year at school. But, like Shania Twain said, it didn't impress them much. So, luckily I started to really like music.

Let's pretend that my greatest pleasure in life isn't spending time with my family and friends and say that it's drinking a cup of strong black coffee alone in Louis, Park Lane, Sunderland. I'd be idly watching the world go by through the huge windows while listening to the sound of cutlery, crockery and chit-chat. It's magic but it'd still only just get into my top 20.

I don't think I have a very defined sound. Other people might think otherwise, which is fair enough. I prefer to hear other people's attempts at defining what I do. Make your own place in the world and don't worry if it seems as if nobody likes it. If you have to work within the music industry, make it work for you, to do the things you need it to do. Not the other way around.

In the very near future I'm looking forward to some much needed sleep after a week of long drives and the head-spinning logistics of doing sessions with a 9 piece band. In the not-toodistant future I'm really looking forward to the three dates we have for Frozen by Sight in December. It's been an amazing experience to be able to work with such a great band.

There're a few people in the North East who I've known for years and they all still seem to keep getting involved in new and exciting things - not just the musicians but also the venues, the promoters, the labels and such like. Those people and places tend to be very supportive of things that are going on across the region. I feel that there's a certain camaraderie - people tend to

Peter Brewis and Paul Smith perform Frozen by Sight at Sage Gateshead on December 20. Tickets from ÂŁ10.50 (www.sagegateshead.co.uk). For more information see www.frozenbysight.co.uk

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EVENT

ITPS Race Day

TPS and Cellular Solutions hosted their annual Race Day event at Gosforth Park Newcastle last month. The event was held as thank you to customers and partners for their commitment and support throughout the year. The Bond-themed occasion saw 330 guests dressed to thrill for a day of fine food, racing and good company. The two companies chose to raise funds for local charities The Sunshine Fund and The Percy Hedley Foundation, and a total of ÂŁ2,600 was raised. www.it-ps.com

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EDUCATION

Super schooling Headmistress at Sunderland High School, Dr Angela Slater, talks to North East Times about what the independent school offers its students ... Tell me a little about Sunderland High School…

What is Sunderland High School’s ethos?

Founded in 1884, Sunderland High School is an independent school for boys and girls aged between 2 and 18. We’re part of the biggest national group of schools, United Learning, and the only independent school in Sunderland with a Sixth Form. The school is close to Sunderland City Centre, however our pupils come from a wide geographical area - stretching from Hartlepool to Jarrow – and many of them use our minibus service.

Our aim is to bring out the best in everyone by expecting the best from everyone – and that means both pupils and teachers. Our class sizes are small, enabling our teachers to provide each child with individual attention, which they benefit greatly from. This is reflected in the fact that we achieved 36th place in the 2013 Sunday Times Top 100 Prep Schools listing. Our pupils are able to experience a wide range of activities as part of their normal school day. Lessons are planned to be fun and engaging, taking advantage of opportunities that arise outside of the typical classroom environment, from the school garden to our annual ExCEL Week. In our Sixth Form, we don’t just help the students achieve their ALevel target grades. We start them off on their journey beyond school by providing individual support and advice about their future university and career paths.

How long have you been headmistress at the school? This is my seventeenth year as headmistress. During that period, there have been a lot of changes in the North East’s educational landscape and I’m very proud that our school continues to be the independent school of choice for families in Sunderland and the surrounding area. This is because, in addition to providing a vibrant extra-curricular programme, ranging from fitness and film clubs to knitting and robotics, we achieve excellent results. Recently, we achieved a 100 per cent pass rate at A-level, with 84 per cent of those passes being the all-important A* to C grades. At GCSE level, meanwhile, 87 per cent of our pupils gained five A* to C grades, including English and Maths.

Tell us about some of your highlights during your time at the school… Each day has its highlights - some of which are entirely unexpected. This morning, for example, brought two: a trip to our nursery to see our two-year-olds painting with ‘happy’ colours and the delight of witnessing a Year 8 student successfully identify the opening line of George Orwell’s ‘1984’. Last week, it was the

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intense rivalry in the ‘Sound of Music’ themed choir section of our House Music competition. I am always thrilled when former pupils come back to visit us and let us know what they’re doing now. Our most recent returnee, who is now working in London and living in Canary Wharf, was very keen to try out the new school lunch menus and compare them with those from ‘the olden days’ – (all of five years ago!) It’s also particularly special when former pupils come along to register their own children as pupils here. They want their sons and daughters to enjoy their school days here as much as they did.

What makes Sunderland High School special? We treat each child with the individual attention he or she deserves; our teachers know that they are here to provide the best possible teaching and learning environment. As we are part of a large, national group of schools, we are supported in everything we do and have access to a wonderful range of resources and professional development opportunities. We are also a registered charity, meaning that every penny goes towards providing an excellent education for each pupil who comes through our doors. Our aim is to be the school for Sunderland. For more information about Sunderland High School, visit www.sunderlandhigh.co.uk

EDUCATION

News from Dame Allan’s Schools The latest achievements from the independent school. Thank you from Sir Bobby Robson Foundation Pupils and staff from Dame Allan’s Schools in Newcastle, from the nursery to the Sixth Form, voted to raise funds for Sir Bobby Robson Foundation this year. Together, they undertook a sponsored walk along the Derwent Valley, raising £7,807.84 for the cancer charity that Sir Bobby launched in 2008. The walk was organised by the Schools’ charity prefects, Amy Shaw and Rob Kellaway, and their successors, Suzie Barwise-Munro and Patrick Cunningham, who took over their roles in May. Alan Shearer, a patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, was pleased to meet up with representatives from the Schools to receive their cheque for the money raised. Alan said: “It’s fantastic that the entire school voted on which charity they wanted to support this year and we’re really pleased they chose the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. They’ve raised an impressive amount of money and included everyone in their challenge, from the very youngest to the most senior pupils. That’s something I’m certain Sir Bobby would have been greatly touched by. “It was a pleasure to meet the staff and pupils from Dame Allan’s Schools. They’ve done the Foundation proud.” Pupils and staff were sponsored to walk all or part of the 11-mile route between Blackhill and Blaydon. They received a great boost when they

were joined by cancer charity fundraiser, and now Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year, Tony ‘the Fridge’ Phoenix-Morrison carrying his trademark appliance. Dr John Hind, Principal of Dame Allan’s Schools, says: “It was a truly memorable day for Dame Allan’s. It epitomised the sense of community, which is central to all we do in the family of Dame Allan’s and which makes the Schools such a special place.”

Black Holes, Science and Dr Who Year 11 girls at Dame Allan's have been inspired to pursue science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers after an enthralling lesson with former pupil Professor Ruth Gregory. Ruth, who is Professor of Physics and Professor of Mathematical Sciences at Durham University, took a Year 11 girls’ physics class entitled ‘Time and Extra Dimensions in Space’, discussing black holes, the galaxy and more, with a Dr Who-inspired twist. The lesson aimed to encourage girls’ involvement and engagement in the sciences and also touched on the exciting career prospects it can hold for them. Professor Gregory was the perfect role model to inspire the girls, having been the first woman to be awarded the prestigious Maxwell Medal by the Institute of Physics for her work into understanding the structure of the universe. As students prepare to make their A level

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subject choices, Professor Gregory encouraged the girls not to feel intimidated by physics or maths. She said: “Only your imaginations can limit you.” During the lesson, Professor Gregory discussed many fascinating aspects of her work and the world of science, with the girls particularly interested in black holes and the process of ‘spaghettification’. One of the students in the lesson, Hannah Richards, 15, wants to pursue a career in science and commented: “It was a brilliant opportunity to have Professor Gregory in school. To know that she was a student here too really makes me feel like I could achieve what she has.” Professor Gregory is an alumna of Dame Allan’s Schools, having left in 1981. She noted that, although the school had inspired her science career, she was impressed by the laboratories, which have been upgraded significantly. She recalled her time at Dame Allan’s: “What I most remember from school was the discovery of what I wanted to do, and the outstanding, consistent and often humorous support that I had from my core of sixth form teachers. Finally, my best recollection about school years was the freedom and support to develop as an individual.” That is what Dame Allan’s is all about. For more information, visit www.dameallans.co.uk

H E A LT H

The right enhancement Breast enlargements are the UK’s most popular cosmetic procedure and Spire Washington Hospital provides surgeon-led consultations for women interested in finding out more before committing to any surgery. he confidential, hour-long sessions focus on what options are available, the potential complications associated with the procedure and how much it is likely to

cost. Consultant, Mr Tom Collin, one of the hospital’s breast enlargement specialists, said: “Much of the time spent is discussing the patient’s expectations - why they want the procedure carried out, what they hope to achieve and what the goal is in terms of shape and size. “The discussions always cover the pros and cons of having surgery and we generally discuss the safety of silicon implants – people are still concerned about safety after the PIP crisis and it is something we take extremely seriously.” At the consultation is the opportunity to try some implants from the ‘sizer kit’ to get an idea of what sort of size and shape is right for you, both now and in the future. Although breast implants don’t have a set ‘lifespan’, they aesthetically look at their best for six to 10 years. Changes in weight or body shape can affect the way the implants look, just as with natural breasts. “My experience is that most people are pretty conservative and look for a natural enhancement,” said Mr Collin. “It’s important to note, however, there may be some deterioration in the tissue surrounding the implants as the person gets older. There is a general downward movement in everyone’s body, as skin starts to sag slightly and when there are

implants that becomes enhanced. If you have overly large implants, you can imagine that effect is more noticeable. That said, people can have them in for years and they can continue to look great.” The implant operation takes around an hour and a half to two hours and most people go home the same evening or the next morning. After having the procedure, a sports bra or a hospital bra needs to be worn for around six weeks and the patient has to take life relatively easily. Recovery times depend on whether the implants are above or underneath the muscle. Implants under the muscle mean a longer recovery time, as it can be four to six weeks before you can comfortably get your hands above your head. Mr Collin said: “We encourage people not to do too much too soon. It takes around three to six months for the implants to settle into a permanent position with silicon. It can take a little longer to settle with fluid. I almost exclusively use silicon gel for aesthetic reasons.” Spire Washington Hospital also offers saline implants for women who particularly want this type of procedure. Saline became popular in the US in the 1990s due to unfounded concerns about the safety of silicon implants. Emma Talbot-Browne, from Sunderland, had her breasts enlarged by Mr Collin in October last year. It was something she spent a number of years considering before deciding to go

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for the procedure. She said: “I had two children and things weren’t the same. I was quite big busted when I was younger, and I wanted my shape back to boost my confidence. I hated not being able to wear low cut tops any more. It took me five or six years of feeling depressed to make the decision to investigate further. “After the first consultation, Mr Collin told me to go away and think about it. I had just had a baby two months earlier, so he wanted me to take my time. When I went back he told me about the pros and cons. There was a lot to take in.” Emma tried different sized implants and, with Mr Collin’s agreement, she opted for the biggest ones, which has taken her to a size DD to EE. She said: “I had the operation at 2.30pm on the Thursday and I was home at 11am the next morning. I wasn’t allowed to do very much, my husband had to do everything because they hurt even just getting up. “After about a week, I started to feel OK and within a couple of weeks, things were back to normal. “They look great. I am now much more confident and I can’t wait to wear a bikini. The team at Spire Washington Hospital was very professional and I received top-rate care. I would recommend it to anyone.” For more information, visit www.spirewashington.com

WELL-BEING

Golf specific conditioning Duncan Edwards, director of Bodyguards Fitness Services Ltd, is a health and fitness coach with over 15 years’ experience in the industry. Here, he tells you how to take your game to a new level, avoid injury and improve fitness levels. he recent coverage of the Ryder cup illustrated the continued popularity of the game of golf. Over the years, golf has witnessed several noteworthy developments in terms of cutting edge technology, but lately there has been an important acknowledgement of the fitness levels required to play good golf. Being fit for golf allows for a more consistent, improved level of performance, reduced incidence of injury, longer drives and smoother swing mechanics. A 'bad round' is normally a result of inconsistency, an inability to maintain mental focus for the full 3-4 hours spent on the course and also a lack of physical fitness. Golf is actually a highly athletic event. There are significant forces placed upon the joints and particularly the spine, which frequently result in spinal injuries or repetitive strain injuries. Recently, professionals and amateurs alike have chosen to address this by developing their golf specific fitness in order to prepare themselves for the demands of the game and increase club head speed golfers, like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, have followed such exercise programmes with significant success. "Amateur golfers achieve approximately 90 per cent of their peak muscle activity when driving a golf ball. This is the same lifting intensity as picking up a weight that can only be lifted four times, on average, before total fatigue. Yet, golfers fail to consider that they strike the ball an average of 30 to 40 times each round with comparable intensity." Paul Chek, Golf Biomechanics Manual 2009

So what is golf fitness? This month, we address the need for good postural alignment, muscle balance and core stability in order to reduce wear and tear on the joints and create an optimal axis of rotation for an effortless, consistent golf swing.

Flexibility, mobility and posture Tight muscles shorten the range of motion of certain joints, forcing other joints to compensate and become hyper-mobile. This leads to an altered alignment of the musculoskeletal system (or ‘poor posture’) and, because the forces involved can be so high, inevitably injury. We commonly refer to this as ‘muscle imbalance’, where a muscle group on one side of the body is short and tight when compared to the antagonist muscle group on the other side of the body, which is often consequently long and weak. By first identifying which muscles are short and tight and then by stretching and releasing these specific muscle groups, we can begin to restore balance to joints, the spine and the entire musculoskeletal system.

Joint stability, core stability and balance (controlling your centre of gravity) Once we have started to loosen the tighter muscles, we can look to restore the

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balance/stability of our joints, spine and core by strengthening the longer, weaker muscles. The modern golf swing is about rotation of the spine. Rounded shoulders and a hunched back, for example, can detrimentally affect the ability to rotate. Therefore, golfers with poor posture commonly experience some form of back injury or overuse injury of the hips or shoulders. This is due to over-compensatory recruitment of muscles surrounding these joints, which commonly result and manifest themselves in knee or elbow pain. At Bodyguards, we offer personalised Golf Conditioning programmes, designed specifically for you. They involve a detailed assessment of your posture, your flexibility and ranges of motion, your muscle strength and, most importantly, your core stability. Once this information has been collected, we'll write you a custom made correctional exercise programme, including a bespoke stretching plan to restore your posture and musculoskeletal balance and then, via one to one personal training sessions, we'll guide you through a carefully designed exercise programme, periodically progressed to develop your fitness from stability/endurance to strength and then finally power generation. Next month we'll take a closer look at strength training for golfers… Duncan Edwards, director, health coach & exercise specialist, Bodyguards Fitness Service Ltd. For more information, visit info@bodyguardsapt.com or tel: (0191) 239 9000

INTERVIEW

25 years ago, Glenn McCrory became the North East’s first World Boxing Champion. On the eve of a Variety Club Tribute Dinner, Mike Grahamslaw spoke to Glenn about his career and Rob Armstrong of event sponsor, MTREC Recruitment. Glenn, take me back 25 years to when you were entering the ring with a chance of becoming the North East’s first world boxing champion. How did you feel? G: To be honest, it was a surreal moment. I remember walking up to the Louisa Leisure Centre in Stanley and seeing all these people and thinking “what's happening here tonight?!“

Glenn, you achieved your lifetime ambition and became world champion. How difficult was it to keep motivating yourself after that? G: Winning was the best night of my life - I had climbed Everest. However, the following morning was the worst of my life, as I didn't have a dream anymore. I'd never made a plan. Looking at the current day, how well is the North East geared up to produce future world champions?

Tell me about the fight itself… G: I'd been written off. My good friend, Colin Hart, declared in the Sun I was a goner. I was prepared to die in the ring. Everyone thought I’d be cautious, as Lumumba had sparred with Tyson. I thought, “I'm going to smash him in my town” and tactics went out the window. I nearly knocked him out in the first round! The fight changed my life - I was off the dole! Rob what were your recollections of that period? Did you know Glenn then and were you a fan? R: I was a massive boxing fan and attended all the local fights. I remember thinking, “this is one of our own”. He's world champion. Not many people get to say that.

G: It’s always going to be hard as there is no sustainable force but, as I showed, it’s not impossible.

In the intervening years, you've carved a great name for yourself as a broadcaster with Sky. What has given you the greater satisfaction: boxing or broadcasting? G: That's a great question and I’m unsure I can answer! My boxing career was very, very tough. Sky came along at the right time, though, and has been great for me. After 25 years, I've now gone freelance, which has opened new doors and I've enjoyed that as well.

Finally, what do you hope to achieve in the next 25 years? How did it feel to put MTREC’s name as main sponsor to the tribute evening? R: We were honoured to do it, as it’s long overdue recognition. It's great for the MTREC brand to be aligned with the North East’s first world champion. Glenn is also a friend of mine, which makes it even better.

G: Boxing will always be number one for me, so more of the same I suppose. I'm now an old expert! I also hope to bring out a book and do a film next year, of my brother’s life, called ‘Carrying David’. Cooking is also a passion and I'm hoping to open a little kitchen with Olivier Bernard, so there is plenty to keep me going!

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www.glennmccrory.com

EVENT

Glenn McCrory Variety Club Dinner

oxing champion, Glenn McCrory, was recently honoured on the 25th anniversary of his world title win, with a star-studded dinner at the Hilton Hotel, sponsored by MTREC Recruitment. Here, the Variety Club presented him with a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;silver heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in acknowledgement of his achievements. wwww.glennmccrory.com

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MOTORS

Behind the wheel by Jessica Laing.

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ALL-NEW VOLVO XC90 ffering an unrivalled combination of power and fuel efficiency, world leading safety features and striking good looks, the all-new XC90 marks the beginning of a new chapter in Volvo’s history, capturing its future design direction and incorporating its brand new range of powertrain technologies. Along with a brand new chassis, front and rear, the all-new XC90 is the first model to sport Volvo’s ‘new face’, featuring a new, more prominent, iron mark, together with a T-shaped “Thor’s Hammer” DRL lights. Its large bonnet (boasting new typography), sharpened shoulders and new rear lights, meanwhile, are also new design signatures that will be mirrored across the range. Described as ‘the most luxurious interior to have ever been designed for Volvo’, inside, the model combines high quality materials, such as the finest Nappa leather, with handcrafted details,

F.Y.I. Engine capacity – 2,400cc Power – 340bhp Max torque – 420Nm at 2,000rpm Top speed – 127mph Acceleration – 0-60mph in 9.7 seconds Fuel consumption – 34.4mpg CO2 emissions – 215g/km

including a crystal glass gear lever and diamondcut start/stop and volume controls. Other highlights include a tablet-like touch screen

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control console, which forms the model’s all-new in-car control system (which includes one of the top audio systems available in the automotive world), and plush, ergonomically shaped seats. All seats can be reclined (for relaxation), boosted (for children) and slided (to create more legroom, especially for third-row passengers), making the XC90 a genuine, family-friendly 7-seater. Last, but certainly not least, when it comes to driving dynamics and efficiency, the XC90 certainly delivers, providing the smooth, solid ride of a premium SUV with sharp handling and response and a range of two-litre, four-cylinder Drive-E powertrains - all of which offer outstanding levels of performance and fuel-efficiency. If that wasn’t enough, the model is also the first car in the world to offer ‘life-saving’ automatic braking, which kicks into gear should the driver turn in front of an oncoming car. From £35,890.

MOTORS General manager at Benfield Nissan, Michael Scott, and the Lord Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne

Lord Mayor leads the way in electric limousine thanks to Benfield Nissan The Lord Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne is blazing a trail for elected officials everywhere after taking delivery of his new, 100 per cent electric Nissan LEAF mayoral limousine. ouncillor George Pattison is believed to be the first mayor in the UK to make a permanent switch to a pure electric official car, trading in his present petrol-fuelled car, which has been used by his predecessors for several years. Used to transport the Lord Mayor to official engagements by the official chauffeur, the Nissan LEAF is fitted with a plaque bearing the Lord Mayor’s coat of arms, a city council flag and the city’s oldest number plate, OBB1. The groundbreaking move is part of Newcastle’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, the environment and delivering maximum value for taxpayers. The all-electric Nissan LEAF has been supplied by Benfield Motor Group, the North East’s largest motor retail group, through a unique partnership agreement. The council will also enjoy significant savings, thanks to the LEAF’s ultra low running

costs of just two pence per mile. In addition, the LEAF - the world’s bestselling all-electric car – is built at Nissan’s record-breaking Sunderland plant, helping to secure thousands of jobs across the North East. Meanwhile, the local authority will further boost Newcastle’s credentials as an ‘EV friendly’ city, with the installation of new electric car charging points at the Civic Centre and Mansion House, the Lord Mayor’s official residence. Councillor George Pattison, the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, said: “Trading in the previous vehicle for the Nissan LEAF is a tradition we are happy to break, as we go in search of savings wherever we can find them and continue efforts to reduce our carbon footprint. The car has zero emissions and costs virtually nothing to run, so it’s an excellent addition to our growing fleet of electric vehicles. And with the flag, crest, and plates

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attached to it, it really looks the business too.” Colin Pybus, operation director at Benfield Nissan, said: “We are delighted to support the Lord Mayor and City of Newcastle Council in their quest for a greener city and environment. Benfield is a family business based here in Newcastle and we are very proud to handing over the keys of this locally built Nissan LEAF to the Lord Mayor of Newcastle. “We are sure this high-profile partnership will heighten the awareness of the Nissan LEAF and the many benefits associated with electric motoring.” With more than 120,000 sold worldwide and 4,000 sales in the UK, the Nissan LEAF is a true global leader. It can cover 124 miles on a single charge and can be charged from zero to 80 per cent in as little as 30 minutes. For more information visit www.about.drivebenfield.com

MOTORS

Shaun Ayre has taken over as rental manager at the Jennings Kia dealership on Concorde Way in Stockton.

Jennings Kia goes from strength to strength Since launching in Teesside more than 15 months ago, Jennings Kia, part of the Jennings Motor Group, is going from strength to strength. he Concorde Way franchise, located in Stockton, has continuously exceeded sales targets, achieved Kia’s Top 100 Club on two separate occasions this year and was the first dealer in the country to introduce Kia’s new rental service. Selling the entire range of new Kia models, everything from the Picanto, Rio, Soul, Venga, cee’d, and cee’d Sportswagon to the pro_cee’d, pro_cee’d GT, Optima, Carens, Sportage and Sorento is on display and available to test drive at the state-of-the-art dealership. As a result of exceeding sales targets during the registration plate change months of March and September, the dealership has placed in Kia Motor’s prestigious 100 Club on two separate occasions during 2014. Competing against 179 dealers nationwide, the flagship dealership was one of 30 branches across the country that successfully sold in excess of 100 new car units throughout the months of March and September. A major contributing factor in the influx of sales is the recently revamped urban friendly Sportage SUV model, in addition to customers being attracted to Kia’s marketleading 7-year peace of mind warranty package, which is available on every new model in the range. The latest rental hire side of the business is also proving to be a huge success, as

customers take advantage of a dedicated fleet of Kia vehicles. Heading the rental department as rental manager is new recruit, 32-year-old Shaun Ayre, from Thornaby in Stockton. Shaun’s past experience and knowledge, having spent more than eight years working for another vehicle rental company, made him the ideal candidate to oversee the new Jennings Kia Rental division, which offers customers a dedicated fleet of Kia vehicles. Everything from the manufacturer’s critically acclaimed cee’d, to the brand’s family MPV Carens and the hugely popular Sportage model, is available to hire at competitive daily and weekly rates. A dedicated fleet of 10 vehicles is currently available at the Jennings Kia Rental department, with the dealership aiming to expand this to 20 in 2015. As rental manager, Shaun is responsible for providing the Kia rental service to customers and businesses both locally and nationally, in addition to liaising with potential customers and arranging vehicles for delivery and collection. Shaun said; “This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I am looking forward to providing the Kia Rental service to customers, whether they are looking for a vehicle for holiday or business purposes.”

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Welcoming Shaun on board, Steven Flack, franchise manager at Jennings Kia in Stockton, said: “The new Rental division means we are now a one-stop-shop for our customers and can cater for every motoring need. In addition to customers being given a completely new rental experience, the new service is also giving people the opportunity to experience a new Kia from the range. “Shaun’s experience and knowledge in the rental business made him the ideal candidate to manage and develop the Kia Rental department at the dealership.” Customers can also take advantage of a wide range display of quality approved used vehicles on site at the dealership. In addition to this, an after sales service is available to customers via the dealership’s service and MOT departments, where fully approved Kia technicians are employed to carry out work on vehicles. There is also a parts department on site, offering high quality and competitively priced Kia parts to retail and trade customers. For more information about the range of products and services available at Jennings Kia Rental, contact rental manager, Shaun Ayre, on (01642) 2632278, or for more information about the range of products and other services, call 01642 632299 or visit www.jenningsmotorgroup.co.uk

INTERVIEW

Get to know me ...

Glen Callander Strategic development partner at Hitachi.

When I was growing up, I wanted to be a helicopter pilot for the Royal Navy. Having Mr Magoo in charge of a Sea King isn’t a good thing.

My first job was working in a record shop. After a couple of Saturday jobs, I joined the Merchant Navy straight from school. I spent many happy years at sea – I loved it.

I'd tell my 18-year-old self to believe in yourself and surround yourself with great people with positive energy. I’d also say love what you do, and do what you love. Oh, and you’ll begin to like the taste of cabbage!

I'm inspired by so many things – too many to single anything out. I did the

One of my favourite novels is The Firm, by John Grisham. I think I’m a

Great North Run this year (the first and last time, might I add) and got talking to a couple of the ‘blind runners’, which was truly amazing and humbling.

closet lawyer trying to get out! As for films, ‘Damned United’ is still my favourite. As a Leeds United fan (don’t tell anyone), this is the only thing about them I enjoy watching these days!

My greatest achievement has yet to be achieved. Continuing to be a good dad, husband and friend is an achievement, though!

When I need a helping hand, I ask. I’m very fortunate to know a lot of fantastic people, who are always around when I need support. I also go running, as solutions often present themselves to me while running along the coast at South Shields.

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In my spare time, I love to listen to and play music. My band, Azimuth Circle, is playing at our networking event on January 22 at Northern Stage. Running keeps me just about sane, too.

In five years time, I'll be five years older… but not five years wiser. www.hitachicm.co.uk