North East Times Magazine - February 2015

FEBRUARY

2015

£2.95

–A SIMPLE LEGAL SOLUTION

CONTENTS

February 2015 BUSINESS NEWS –

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SAVE THE DATE –

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Business events – mark them on your calendar.

ON THE MOVE –

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New executive appointments.

10 QUESTIONS FOR... –

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Tom Hedley, joint managing director of Hedley McEwan.

INTERVIEW –

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James Gray of Taopix.

COVER STORY –

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Meet Barristers & Co, the region’’s first ‘high street’ direct access barristers.

STATE OF THE ART –

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BUSINESS LUNCH –

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Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill.

MOTORS –

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CREDITS

Directors: Mike Grahamslaw, Mick O’Hare Commercial director: Martin Stout Editor: Alexis Forsyth Editorial: Jessica Laing Senior designer: John Haxon Feature photography: Chris Owens

Front cover: Amanda de Winter of Barristers & Co. Office: Quayside - i4, Albion Row, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1LL. | t: (0191) 265 7050 @NETimesmagazine Find us on issuu

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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.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Flying high Newcastle International Airport unveils the latest phase of its £14 million departure lounge development.

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ewcastle International Airport is progressing its departure lounge development, with a host of new retail outlets and restaurants now open for passengers.

The latest phase of the works sees the new Orient Express inspired restaurant, The Cabin opens its doors alongside retail outlet Traveller, premium jewellery store Cuba Lily, Travelex and WH Smith.

The works, which will see the entire departure lounge transform, will be completed this summer. As well as offering new shops, restaurants, cafes and bar

areas, the departure lounge layout will provide a more straightforward journey for customers. Travellers will benefit from an improved sense of flow as they pass through the curved walkways, seating areas and streamlined fronts of the new lounge.

Highlights still to come include a new walk-through World Duty Free store and exciting food and beverage outlets – including Bar 11, which will showcase 11 reasons why the North East is the best region in the UK. Lucy Knowles, group marketing director of SSP, commented: “I read an article, ‘11 reasons why Newcastle

is the best city in the world’ and decided to build the new bar’s concept around this idea. As a northerner, I would want to walk into the departure lounge and think, this is why I love the North East.”

Gill Caleary, commercial director at Newcastle International Airport, added: “We’re delighted with how the departure lounge development is coming along.

Last year we opened a number of new facilities, including the Aspire Lounge, Flying Hippo and Beer House. They’ve all been given a warm welcome by North East passengers and have been very busy over the summer and festive periods.”

Innovation conference confirms 2015 return

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ver 150 of the North East’s entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders gathered at Newcastle Science City last month for the launch of Venturefest North East 2015, the region’s innovation conference.

Spokespeople from Newcastle Science City, the Knowledge Transfer Network and the North East LEP, the organisations that delivered 2014’s sell-out conference with support from Innovate UK, addressed the launch attendees and unveiled this year’s conference date as Tuesday October 13.

The announcement comes hot off the heels of 2014’s event, which brought together over 500 entrepreneurs, business

people, investors and innovators to hear the latest thinking on innovation and how

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it can be applied in a business context.

The commercial impact of 2014’s event is still being calculated but business advice and services were accessed from over 40 exhibitors, over 250 ‘elevator pitch’ meetings were held between funders and businesses and 14 start-ups were offered funding at the event itself.

2015’s conference will be drawing on these successes and ensuring many of the components of last year’s programme are replicated, including high-profile guest speakers, in-depth innovation workshops and opportunities to pitch for investment.

Further details will be announced in the spring.

Primula donates £100,000

AIS expands with renewable energy campus

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NBS adopts its new charity

rimula Cheese, part of Kavli UK LTD, has donated £100,000 to Fighting All Cancers Together (FACT), the UK’s first cancer support and education centre, bringing the charity one step closer to completing its new £2 million Gateshead-based facility which will provide a range of services and support to people with cancer and their family and friends.

Joanne Smith, CEO and founder of FACT, said: “I’m overwhelmed by the donation, it’s a massive leap forward for FACT. We need to raise £2m over the next three years and the money from Primula will speed the building process along dramatically.”

ffshore industry expert, AIS Training is expanding its world-class training village on North Tyneside to create a new state-of-the-art renewable energy centre which is expected to attract thousands of potential workers to the fast-growing wind sector.

The new £1 million Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence will deliver the full suite of technical skills and competency training required by the wind and renewables sectors.

Paul Stonebanks, managing director at AIS said: “Our new renewable energy facility will rival the very best in the world and will put the North East at the forefront of skills and competency training for the global wind energy sector.”

taff from Newcastle Building Society (NBS) have voted to adopt Percy Hedley Foundation as their dedicated fundraising cause.

The relationship with Percy Hedley will last for at least the next two years, with fundraising by individual NBS staff, teams and departments being undertaken through a variety of methods.

Natalie Falkous, head of corporate social responsibility at Newcastle Building Society, said: “Our staff have always dedicated a fantastic amount of energy and enthusiasm to their chosen fundraising causes and there is already a lot planned in the pipeline to help raise as much money as possible for The Percy Hedley Foundation.”

Virgin Money backs NECC anniversary

Tyneside restaurant re-launches

Business advice firm opens in Morpeth

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irgin Money will be a key supporter of a year-long celebration of everything that is great about regional business.

Headquartered in Gosforth, the bank has signed up as Patron for the 200th anniversary of the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC). Virgin Money will be a key supporter of NECC’s landmark year celebrations throughout 2015, further cementing the company’s commitment to business in the North East region.

he Last Days of The Raj at Low Fell closed its doors in 2012, but has now re-launched in a new location and with the second generation of a family dynasty at the helm. Set up originally by Athair Khan, he has now passed on his expertise to son Imran who will be heading up the new incarnation of the restaurant, this time in the former Bay Horse pub at Main Street, Dinnington.

Malhotra Group buys sea-front hotel

Expansion for property experts

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alhotra Group has saved more than 30 jobs after adding a landmark North Tyneside hotel to its portfolio. The Rex Hotel, Whitley Bay went into administration in early January and has now been taken over by the Malhotra Group plc, which is planning a major investment to improve and upgrade the property.

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enture Properties has expanded into its sixth branch in Bishop Auckland as it continues to grow throughout the North East. The new branch on Newgate Street is headed by Leanne Henderson, and has employed three people for the launch, growing the Venture Properties team to a total of 33 employees.

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dvice4Business, which offers advice and coaching services to the SME market across the North East and Northumberland, has opened in brand new premises at Morpeth’s Sanderson Arcade. The Morpeth branch is headed by Linda Lowther, who has 30 years’ senior management experience. Working with SMEs, the company’s advisers deal with all business sectors including accountancy, IT, legal and professional and trade sectors.

South Tyneside dealership expands

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ic Young, on Newcastle Road in South Shields, has taken on five new members of staff to meet an increased demand after opening as a main dealership for Mitsubishi in September last year. Vic said: “The expansion of our team is down to how well things are going with Mitsubishi and it’s great to have them on board.”

DIARY ELIZABETHAN BANQUET

Feb 6 & 27 Lumley Castle, County Durham Tel: (0191) 389 1111 Web: www.lumleycastle.com Email: info@lumleycastle.com Price: £28.50 per person Lumley Castle is offering guests a taste of 1595 in the form of two Elizabethan-style banquets.

Attendees will receive a tour of the castle’s dungeons on arrival, before being served a fivecourse dinner, complete with daggers instead of cutlery and goblets to drink from. Includes a disco and entertainment from storytellers and North East folk bands.

ONE TO ONE: IP AND CORPORATE SOLICITOR IN RESIDENCE

Feb

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Save the date Charity balls, business dinners and seminars.

THE BUSINESS BEHIND HOLLYWOOD WITH MOTION PICTURE CAPITAL Feb

LINKING BUSINESS WITH EDUCATION

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Gateshead College Academy for Sport, Gateshead International Stadium Tel: 0300 303 6322 Web: www.necc.co.uk/events-and-news Price: Free This open event, open to all NECC members operating in the education sector and those operating in business – with an interest in influencing the education sector – aims to facilitate leaders from both sectors in the North East to network and make sustainable partnerships to, ultimately, deliver higher quality career guidance for students. Includes refreshments, a Q&A panel, workshops and guest speakers.

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Discovery Museum, Newcastle Web: www.eventbrite.co.uk Price: Free This celebratory event marks the first anniversary of The Skill Mill – a Newcastlebased non-profit social enterprise providing employment opportunities for people aged 16 to 18. Attendees will be able to meet with the venture’s partners and beneficiaries, as well as network with leaders who have contributed to its development. Includes a drinks reception, canapés, awards, live music and more.

19 The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle Tel: (0191) 516 3109 Web: www.themusselclub.com/events Email: info@themusselclub.com Price: £20 per person

BIPC, Level 3, Newcastle City Library Tel: (0191) 277 4100 Web: www.bipcnewcastle.co.uk Email: bipcnewcastle@newcastle.gov.uk Price: Free Business owners and managers are encouraged to attend one-to-one consultations with Matt Cormack, commercial solicitor at Newcastle law firm, Ward Hadaway. Matt will be providing advice on a range of topics, including business contracts and collaborations, company ownership and management, property rights and key legal issues for start-up businesses. Sessions will be held on the second and last Monday of every month.

THE SKILL MILL ANNIVERSARY EVENT

Fans of the big screen are invited to attend this exclusive event, hosted by Leon Clarance, CEO of Motion Picture Capital and the man responsible for raising funds over £2 billion for some of the world’s biggest feature films. Speaking for the first time in the North East, the event provides guests with a unique opportunity to hear from one of Hollywood’s leading financiers about the business side of cinema and how some of the world’s largest feature films are funded. Includes a welcome drink and a two-course meal.

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

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FREDDY SHEPHERD, SHEPHERD OFFSHORE

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Jesmond Dene House, Newcastle Tel: (0191) 500 7780 Web: www.entrepreneursforum.net Email: info@entrepreneursforum.net Price: £75+VAT per person (members only) This focus dinner will concentrate on the latest developments and projects from Newcastlebased offshore and marine facility, Shepherd Offshore. Specifically, the dinner will shed light on the Neptune National Centre for Subsea and Offshore Engineering and Freddy’s plans to bring brewing back to Newcastle as part of his £500,000 restoration of the city’s Palace of Arts in Exhibition Park.

TYNESIDE & NORTHUMBERLAND BUSINESS AWARDS 2015

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Newcastle Marriott Hotel Gosforth Park Tel: (0191) 201 6072 Web: www.nebusinessawards.co.uk Price: £100+VAT per person, £975+VAT (one table for 10 people), £1,550+VAT (two tables), £2,275+VAT (three tables) The North East’s biggest and most prestigious business competition highlights, celebrates and rewards the success of the region’s most prominent firms over the last 12 months. Along with guest speakers, the awards ceremony includes five bottles of wine per table, plus a three-course meal with refreshments.

APPOINTMENTS

On the Move Your monthly guide to appointments and promotions.

CLAIRE SHARP Northumbrian Water has appointed Claire Sharp as customer director. Claire, who formally worked as distribution manager and has extensive experience of the water industry and customer service, will lead the company’s service to its £4.5 million customers in the North East and head up a directorate of over 600 employees.

LISA JOHNSON Consulting engineering firm, Patrick Parsons, has appointed Lisa Johnson as marketing and business development administrator at its Newcastle headquarters. As well as working on a number of new projects, in her new role Lisa will be focusing on the development of the firm’s digital presence, keeping its intranet upto-date and assisting with tenders and PQQs.

SARAH GLENDINNING

MARK MORLEY

UK business lobbying organisation, CBI, has appointed Sarah Glendinning (right) as assistant regional director in the North East. Sarah, who joins from Newcastle-based global recruitment firm, Nigel Wright Consultancy, will work with director, Dianne Sharp (left), and the rest of the CBI team to ensure the business’ voice is heard both regionally and nationally.

Darlington-based architects’ practice, Niven Architects, has appointed Mark Morley as a senior architect. Mark, who brings a wealth of experience in design and project development to his new role, will help the practice’s senior management team oversee a varied portfolio of significant projects, including an in-patient unit at Darlington’s St Teresa’s Hospice.

RACHAEL HESLEHURST & RACHEL THOMPSON

CRAIG MILLER

Seaham-based digital marketing company, Digitia, has appointed two new account executives. Rachael Heslehurst (front right) will be responsible for working with clients to generate sales and revenue growth through a mix of digital strategies, while Rachel Thompson (front left) will help develop and strengthen clients’ online presence in a bid to generate more sales.

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North Tyneside marketing provider, SME Business Chat (SMEBC), has appointed Craig Miller as contact centre manager. In his new role, Craig, who has 10 years’ experience in customer service, will lead a growing team of social media marketing agents to increase lead generation among small and medium-sized enterprises. Partnered with IT consultancy, Wolf Group, SMEBC launched last month.

INTERVIEW

10 questions for...

Tom Hedley Tom Hedley is joint managing director of Hedley McEwan, a creative communications agency established four years ago. Tom’s key role is to help guide his clients to greater success using the collective experience gained from over 30 successful years in the marketing sector.

What was your first break in business?

What attracted you to your current role?

What has been your career highlight?

And your career lowlight?

What do you enjoy most about your role?

My first job was as a window dresser with the Burtons/Jacksons fashion group and when they were told to hire someone for ‘marketing’, which was quite a new thing back in those flared-trousered days, the only appropriate person they could think of was the window dresser, and so it all began...

It was much more a matter of necessity being the mother of invention! My business partner, Duncan, and I were both long-serving directors of Robson Brown when the American media company that bought it went bust, after just six months at the end of 2010.

Hedley McEwan was an idea we’d nurtured (over many pints of Guinness) for at least ten years or so and that catastrophe provided the stimulus to put our plan into action.

Starting Hedley McEwan; seeing us quickly grow into a successful and hopefully, wellrespected company, staffed with some of the best creative and design talent around. We had Hedley McEwan up and running with a handful of amazing people in less than a week and produced our first ad in two. We have an amazing client list and together, we’ve created some equally amazing things. And believe me, there are plenty of highlights and even more exciting things still to come.

Being a director of a hugely successful company one day and then being made redundant the next. Anyone who has experienced this will tell you that the enormous feeling of sadness and responsibility for the people that work for you, when such things happen completely beyond your control, is indescribably painful.

Running the business in a way that makes it a place where I’d actually like to work. Duncan and I value our people beyond everything else and we do our utmost to ensure they feel appreciated. And, of course, the sheer adrenalin rush of coming up with a truly great idea and then presenting it to a client is as near as some of us will ever get to scoring the winner in a cup final.

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What's your biggest challenge?

Who are your heroes, in and out of business?

Personally, giving as much time as I’d like to being ‘creative’, which is why I came into this business in the first place, and not being consumed by the ‘detail’ of running a busy company. In terms of the business itself, I would say the endless pursuit of perfection.

Professionally, Duncan McEwan (best creative I’ve ever met).

Fictionally, Sharpe (the whole Peninsular War to Waterloo period fascinates me).

Historically, The Duke of Wellington (see above).

Sportingly, George Best (no explanation required).

Musically, Jimmy Page (the person I’d most like to have been – and still try to be!).

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

Never teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig.

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What does the future hold for Hedley McEwan?

We had a very pure vision of what we wanted Hedley McEwan to be and that was, to not get too greedy and chase everything, and not to get too big and too far away from the ‘coal face’ of client servicing and why our clients chose to work with Hedley McEwan in the first place.

We’ve pretty much achieved that. The future is more of the same.

What do you do to relax?

I play lead guitar in a great little rock band called The Desperados, and when I do, I’m 19 again and still think that one day, I’ll be Jimmy Page.

DEVELOPMENT

Going for growth The last 12 months has been one of success for Newcastle-based sales consultancy, training and outsourcing firm durhamlane, and this year promises to be even better as renewed ambition propels it ever closer towards the £1 million turnover mark, says managing partner Richard Lane. rowth and expansion have always been high on the agenda at durhamlane, but the last year has represented something of a stepchange for the company’s fortunes as we have started engaging and winning work with larger business and brands. These include the US financial and tax preparation software specialist Intuit, while invoicing, reconciliation, accounts payable and book-keeping software specialist Xero was also a major customer for us in 2014.

However, while we are being approached more by companies throughout the UK, we haven’t lost sight of customers closer to home, remaining committed to our North East roots.

We continue to provide services, expertise and support to help growing enterprises and ambitious SMEs in the region blossom into thriving and vibrant businesses.

Our success has not only been driven by a genuine ability to get under the skin of an organisation to understand its core values, the compelling challenges it faces and the opportunities that exist; but through continued investment in new talent we are able to enhance the scope of expertise we can offer.

We are extending our reach as we go for growth in the south of England under the guidance of associate partner Mark Taylor.

Meanwhile, the north west and Yorkshire are also firmly in our sights, with ambitious plans to develop our services there under a new

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associate. Both are accomplished sales professionals who possess the requisite vision to lead durhamlane’s future success.

The team at our Windsor Terrace head office remains the engine room of the business, providing the power to propel us forward. We are gearing up to invest further in the services that our clients require and the expertise that will enable us to continue to deliver nationwide solutions from a well-managed, fully resourced, cost-effective and pro-active professional sales environment.

We will remain focused on helping companies improve their performance, helping to raise standards within the sales profession, but also looking to extend the scope of our outsourced services as we see demand for market intelligence and data services gaining increasing traction among new and existing clients. After all, ensuring your data is in good shape is a key part of delivering effective campaigns to the right people, at the right time.

A business can never stand still, so as sales engagement specialists we are always keen to explore new opportunities and ways to develop the business and help our clients. The decision to become a partner at BALTIC is a great business fit for us from an organisational viewpoint, while staff have welcomed the opportunity to take advantage of the chance to share the BALTIC experience with clients and enjoy its many attractions.

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Throughout the year, we will be nurturing our partnership with the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, working closely with the organisation to support both established entrepreneurs and those planning a start-up. We are also delighted to be speaking at one of its events on sales and negotiation in March.

The durhamlane story will also be travelling to the USA in March, where in San Francisco we will be looking to establish relations with a range of hand-picked rapidly growing software and technology companies, all looking to the type of sales engagement expertise we are able to provide, as they target expansion into the UK and Europe.

Finally, our proven ‘selling at a higher level’ methodology remains at the core of the work we will be undertaking throughout the year.

This will help to increase the footprint and success of our clients as they look for fresh and energising new ways of improving the quality of business conversations, with value very much at the heart of the debate.

All in all, 2015 promises to be an exciting chapter in the durhamlane success story as we harness all these exciting new initiatives, investments and resources to secure growth and break through the £1 million in revenue mark.

For more information, call (0191) 481 3800 or visit www.durhamlane.co.uk

INTERVIEW

Picture perfect Entrepreneur James Gray, of photobook and personalised photo gift software platform Taopix, shares his start-up journey... mong the pile of Christmas presents now gathering dust, it's the personalised gifts – photobooks, calendars, mugs and mouse mats, typically with beaming children – that will stand out as keepsakes.

It's a market that's taken off in recent years, and one of the companies leading the revolution is North East-based Taopix, founded by entrepreneurs James Gray and Kevin Gale.

Taopix is principally a software development company that sells its software platform, also called Taopix, to companies, such as Funky Pigeon in the UK, who use the platform to devise and sell their own photo-based products to customers via a downloadable tool or via a web application. Taopix is now represented in over 50 countries, with its products sold in 20 different languages through 30 distributors and generating turnover of £2.5 million.

With few formal qualifications between them, James and Kevin started their careers as apprentices with a computer re-seller in Ponteland that focused on the print industry, with Kevin as a software developer and James as a technical engineer. It soon became clear that sales were James’s real forte and when, increasingly, the products he was selling weren’t meeting customers’ needs – an idea was sown.

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James says: "I looked around for products that we could sell and wrote a brief specification of what we needed so that it could do what customers were asking me for. It turned out there was nothing available that ticked all the boxes. I also knew the photo space was a booming, fast paced, high margin industry."

James knew there was a market, and Kevin had the software development skills. It was 2007 and Taopix was born.

How did you fund the business at the start?

We've been entirely self-funded. When we began developing our own software, we were also selling other people's products from Germany, Israel and the US into the UK. The profit that generated funded the development of our own software. We ran both businesses, but have since separated them.

Was there a trigger to growth?

In 2008, when the product was called Media Album, we promoted it heavily. We went to a major exhibition in Germany and were amazed at

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the interest from Asia, not just from one particular country, but from across the board.

No one in our company had ever even been to Asia, never-mind done business there, but we knew people who had, so we talked to them, asked lots of questions and spoke to translators.

The one thing everybody said was 'say yes to everyone and deal with how you'll deliver later'.

It was a game changer for us. By the end of that year the recession had started to bite so we couldn't expand in Europe or the US, so we decided to chase Asia, focusing on building a distribution network, hiring people in Singapore and Hong Kong and setting up a regional office.

Given you began with no connections in the Asian market, how did you go about finding the right people to work with?

The truth is, we took some risks. We didn't spend too much time worrying about the detail. If we felt good about a relationship, we pushed on, if we didn't – we dropped them. You have to take a judgement, but in countries like China and Japan it's very difficult to validate people when the culture is so different.

James Gray and Kevin Gale, founders of Taopix

We were quite aggressive in terms of growth and sales. We had competition in Asia and had to be much sharper than they were. We developed a network of distributors in Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea and China, and in the early days, India.

We were very hands-on, but there was no way we could have done it ourselves because of the difference in culture, language and the local market. It gave us the confidence to expand into the Netherlands, France, the Nordic countries, Belgium, Italy and Germany in 2009, and into the USA in 2010. We started with the same reseller model there, but it didn't work so we switched to direct selling. However we do now have a reseller network in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia and Mexico.

How did you make sure you stood out?

they were buying.

In 2012, we started a programme that launched Taopix online software. It's opened up doors to customers serving the consumer market; companies that weren't in the photo space but wanted to be, and others who were already in the market and relying on – but not happy with – our competitor’s products. It means we're now dealing with big players.

In growing quickly, how have you kept pace to bring the right people into the business to support that growth?

Finding the right people is incredibly difficult, especially in the development space. There is a huge shortage of real talent, especially locally.

Being able to find and hire the right people is the biggest barrier to growth.

Are you training people from within?

By having very clear competitive advantages.

Without going into the complexities of the product, the major difference is that it puts the customer in full control. We supply a platform that lets them build and manage their own business; and how, what and where they want to sell their products.

Have you continued to develop the product?

Initially, we provided a desktop tool that our customers' end users downloaded, but it became clear that it wasn't meeting the needs of all our potential customers. Consumers wanted to go online and upload their pictures to the product

Yes, we have a number of training initiatives at Taopix. As Kevin and I both started as apprentices we did feel we'd be hypocritical if we didn't go down that road, so we now have two apprentices.

But you still need those people with ten years' experience, who are as passionate and committed as you are, and finding them is really tough.

As an entrepreneur, do you have any external networks or people who you rely on for business advice?

We've used opportunities like Growth Accelerator to improve our skill sets and that also brought us an adviser who helped us with management

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accounts, financial planning, management responsibilities, review processes etc so we're in much better shape now.

I joined the Entrepreneurs' Forum last year and we have a mentor – you can't beat a wellqualified, external pair of eyes for spotting obvious things that you just don't see yourself when you're immersed in the business.

How are you preparing for future growth, and what's the long-term plan?

Recently, we've spent time putting the right management team in place and doing all the necessary things to make the business scalable.

We meticulously run the business by quarters now and are heavily focused on our goals.

For the long-term, when people ask if we'd sell the business, I say it might happen if someone came along and made us an offer we really couldn't refuse, but we certainly didn't start out to sell the business. We didn't have an exit strategy and we still don't.

We still enjoy it very much and we believe the business has huge potential. We’re currently looking at new, larger premises in the North East and we definitely want to grow the team here.

James Gray is a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, a unique group of like-minded people who come together through peer-to-peer mentoring and a series of inspirational events to share best practice, create valuable connections and grow their business.

For more information, visit www.entrepreneursforum.net

DEVELOPMENT

The start-up of you Can taking risks help your career? Asks Rod Findlay, consultant at Your Sport Consulting

n previous articles I have written about the need to manage risks in business. This involves analysing the risks your business is exposed to; reducing the likelihood of those risks materialising or the impact on your firm if they do; and then preparing contingency plans in the event that the risks arise.

It struck me though that the same principles might not apply to careers and I have certainly not gone through my professional life without taking a chance or two. Maybe a different approach might be required for careers to develop their full potential? This might mean taking risks – albeit calculated – in order to get the most out of your working days.

It is easy to see why people do not take risks, though. The career ladder is precarious at the best of times. But for the past several years uncertainty has been even higher as the economy has been through recession, unemployment rates have been high and competition for jobs has been – and is still – fierce. Job security is a thing of the past and many people would not want to add further insecurity by taking risks.

unique selling point?

The authors encourage people to strengthen their professional networks by building powerful alliances and maintaining a diverse mix of relationships, while looking for the unique breakout opportunities that accelerate career growth. That might mean taking proactive risks.

The final element is to tap your network for information and intelligence that can help you make smarter decisions when assessing these risks.

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

The Start Up Of You With that background in mind I was comforted in the decisions I have made when I was pointed towards The Start Up of You, a book written by LinkedIn co-founder and chairman, Reid Hoffman, and author Ben Casnocha.

Some of the points they make might strike a chord when considering your own career.

In the book they discuss how people can accelerate their careers in the competitive world. The message they convey is that you should manage your career as if it were a startup business.

Their reasoning is that start-ups – and the entrepreneurs who run them – are nimble.

They invest in themselves; building their

professional networks and taking intelligent risks. These entrepreneurs make the uncertainty and volatility previously discussed work to their own advantage. Having identified the key attributes of entrepreneurs, the authors argue that these are the same skills which professionals need to get ahead today.

The Start Up Of You book sets out the best practices of Silicon Valley start-ups and discusses how to apply these entrepreneurial strategies to your career. There are six key elements – the first is to adapt your career plans as you change, the people around you change and industries change. Second, you should develop a competitive advantage to win the best jobs and opportunities; what is your

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My calculated risks It was the calculated risk element that appealed to me, since I have taken several myself. Those risks have led me to the senior management team of a major sports governing body, attending board meetings, which is unlikely to have happened without an element of taking chances.

My first was to leave my law firm partnership to take up a career in sports law. I did this having discussed the opportunities with my sports law tutor. Having been head of legal at another sports governing body, I again took the risk of moving into sports management at two professional clubs and then the sports council.

I have adapted my career plans and sought to develop a base of skills and experience that few in my career will be able to offer. I do not pretend to have always got it right, though.

Are you ready to take a risk?

You will know best where you want your career to take you. But it is an interesting concept to view it as a start-up with you as the CEO. Are the elements identified in the book worth adopting? In particular, are you taking proactive risks to develop a competitive edge and take advantage of breakout opportunities?

BUSINESS Sir John Hall kick-started the 2015 events programme last month

Entrepreneurs’ Forum unveils new events programme Some of the biggest names in North East business are lining up to share their stories with the region’s entrepreneurs this winter and spring. eading like a roll call of business icons, a full calendar of inspiring events, including onsite visits, dinners and a major conference, has been put together by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum.

The season has already kicked off with Sir John Hall, winner of the Forum’s 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award, who opened the year as guest speaker at the Chairman’s Dinner. Wayne Hemingway MBE, Sir Peter Vardy, Mike Matthews MBE and Paul Walker are all among the names to come.

Forum members will be at the official opening of the Staiths café bar, the final piece in the jigsaw of HemingwayDesign’s visionary housing development in Dunston that has paved the way for alternative thought in estate design.

A visit to Facebook’s UK headquarters in London, also this month, is set to be a hugely popular opportunity to see inside one of the media phenomena of recent times and to learn how the company has developed its culture to stay ahead of competitors.

Perhaps less well known but equally fascinating will be events with former BBC foreign correspondent Alex Brodie, who now runs Hawkshead Brewery in the Lake District, Dr Sam Whitehouse, of QuantuMDx, whose products have the potential to revolutionise healthcare in developing countries, and Kate Hardcastle – a highly successful businesswoman, retail guru, professional speaker, media pundit and founder of numerous charitable foundations.

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Of particular local interest, former fighter pilot Dan Robinson will talk about how he has taken on – and is building – the family construction business, Gus Robinson Developments, following the tragic death of his father.

Other events will be more issue-based and will explore business challenges such as sales, recruitment and retention.

On Budget day, March 18, members are invited to join their peers at PwC in Newcastle to watch the Chancellor’s speech live with experts and follow it up with discussion and comment.

Due to increasing demand, May 14 sees the Forum move to The Sage Gateshead for the first time for its annual entrepreneurs’ conference.

In a combination of brain, body, brawn and blocked drains, the conference will focus on leadership in business, with speakers including: • Former Microsoft executive Richard Tait, the co-developer of the worldwide success story Cranium, which he sold to Hasbro in 2008 for $77 million. He has since gone on to create a new business based on Golazo sports drink.

• Jamie Combs, founder of Natural Balance Foods, whose Nakd range of cereal bars and snacks is sold in supermarkets across the UK and across the world. A leader of conviction, Jamie previously worked in marketing for Baskin Robbins ice cream and as a business turnaround consultant.

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• Floyd Woodrow, a decorated former Parachute Regiment and SAS soldier and ex-head of the Counter Terrorist Unit who went on to be a director in the oil and gas and technology sectors before establishing security organisation Britam Defence Ltd and Chrysalis Worldwide.

• Charlie Mullins started Pimlico Plumbers in the basement of an estate agent in 1979 with just a second hand van and a bag of tools.

Determined to remove the stigma associated with the industry, 34 years later Pimlico is London's largest independent plumbing and service company with a workforce of around 200, 160 vehicles and turnover in excess of £18m.

Forum chief executive Gillian Marshall said: “We are all incredibly excited about our calendar for the next six months. We’ve got events of real strength and depth – inspiring speakers to hear from, amazing companies to visit and some fascinating issues to explore as we seek to support entrepreneurs in growing both their businesses and themselves as leaders.

“We hope the work that’s gone into bringing these opportunities to our members will help them at a critical time in the economic development of the region as, post-recession, we look ahead to renewed prospects for growth.”

For more information, visit www.entrepreneursforum.net

Entrepreneurs’ Forum chairman’s dinner The Entrepreneurs’ Forum hosted its chairman’s dinner in Newcastle last month, welcoming special guest Sir John Hall.

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eginning the year in inspirational style, over 90 North East entrepreneurs joined Forum chairman Nigel Mills for a celebratory dinner at Jesmond Dene House to hear from special guest Sir John Hall – a true icon of entrepreneurship.

Sir John was recognised for his considerable contribution with the Forum’s Lifetime Achievement Award, presented at its annual awards last September. The accolade came in the same year as he celebrated 50 years since establishing his business, Cameron Hall Developments, which masterminded the construction of the Metrocentre. www.entrepreneursforum.net

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DEVELOPMENT

Are skills shortages holding you back?

Bryony Gibson, managing director of Bryony Gibson Consulting, discusses how skills shortages threaten to damage business growth and what you can do to attract and retain top talent.

ollowing a positive year, recruitment is high on the agenda for aspirational businesses. Recruitment firms have almost 30 per cent more vacancies than they did 12 months ago, according to the Association of Professional Staffing Companies.

In a recent survey by Accenture and the CBI, half of British businesses are also looking to expand their workforce in 2015, with over 40 per cent planning pay rises at least in line with the Retail Price Index.

This is, of course, fantastic news but it also leaves me with a major concern, given the skills shortages that are apparent in so many sectors.

To give you an indication of how serious this issue is becoming, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation believes that we had nine areas of skills shortage last year; we now have 43.

Throw in an upsurge in the level of active recruitment, and the battle for top talent has never been fiercer.

In the long-term, greater communication between industry and academia is fundamental to the solution. The Government, universities and colleges must co-operate with businesses to identify key areas where skilled workers are in short supply.

Unless you’re looking for graduates and apprentices, however, this is not going to address your needs today; raising the question: what are you going to do about it?

Widen your network. You might know a lot of people but so do your colleagues. Consider setting up an incentivised referral scheme.

That way, if you let everybody know what you’re looking for, you are much more likely to get genuine recommendations from your staff.

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Think about your brand. How your company is portrayed and how an opportunity is sold to potential employees is crucial. You need to be competitive when recruiting and demonstrate what it is that makes you stand out from your rivals at every turn.

Talk more. It sounds simple, but how often do you praise your top employees? Just taking time to talk to your staff, showing an interest and ensuring they’re happy and feel valued

Act fast. Talented people get job offers quickly. If you find the right person be prepared to act fast. If they are truly top of their game, it won’t be long before one of your competitors tries to snap them up if you don’t.

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

can make a huge difference to the level of commitment they have.

Invest in staff development. If you can’t attract people with the right skills, can you train them internally? By up-skilling your employees, you’re not only giving them the tools to grow your business, but you’re developing them as individuals, offering new opportunities and, ultimately, discouraging them from seeking new challenges elsewhere.

Always be on the lookout. Whenever you come across brilliant people, make a note and try to begin building a relationship. Once you have an opportunity available, they will be much easier to approach and will be more likely to choose you over a competitor.

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Be flexible. If what you’re looking for isn’t out there, you may not have the time to wait for it to come along. Prepare to be flexible and consider someone you have to train or up-skill. If they possess a lot of the softer skills required for the role and have the right attitude, why not take a risk?

Find experts to help. At a time when generalist recruiters are being replaced by more niche consultancies, it will pay to build strong relationships with them as they not only have access to wider talent pools, but can also source the hard to fill vacancies non-specialists and in-house teams simply can’t do.

So are you doing enough to attract and retain top talent, or are you following the same recruitment process you always have?

We all want high-flying employees who create a positive impact and drive our business forward, but when talent is such a scarce commodity it pays to assess how you are going to attract and retain the best people; your future growth could depend upon it.

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

New appointment at Solutions Recruitment Andrew Mears, formerly of Nigel Wright, joins recruitment agency Solutions Recruitment. ndrew Mears has joined independent North East agency Solutions Recruitment at director level to work alongside current directors, Michael Grayson and Ian O’Brien in the growth and development of the group.

Having spent the last nine years of his career with international agency, Nigel Wright, holding a number of key positions in the group’s leadership structure, both in the UK and internationally, Andrew is well placed to focus and guide the ambitious future plans of Solutions Recruitment.

Ian O’Brien, finance director at Solutions said: “We are keen to keep up the momentum and success we have experienced in the last five years and Andrew’s appointment will put the company in a very strong position to continue its push to be the primary recruitment force in the North East.”

Solutions, established in 1984, is a professional multi-discipline recruitment agency

offering a full range of services to accommodate a wide range of staffing needs. Headquartered on Pilgrim Street in Newcastle city centre, it also boasts two offices in Northumberland and one in Middlesbrough (which opened last July) and currently employs 50 members of staff across recruitment and support functions.

Since 2009, the Solutions group has experienced rapid growth and has continued to develop into new markets – something Andrew has a wealth of experience in, having been responsible for launching Nigel Wright’s newest market in the energy sector.

With Andrew on board, Solutions Recruitment is looking to produce record results in 2015 and is planning on creating multiple internal job vacancies across the region as it continues to expand its presence.

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Andrew Mears of Solutions Recruitment

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For more information, visit www.solrecruit.co.uk

BUSINESS

Peter Gilson, investment manager for the NESIFT

Opening the door to social investment Social enterprises across the region can now access £9 million through the North East Social Investment Fund (NESIF). Peter Gilson, of Newcastle-based Northstar Ventures, tells us more about the funding opportunity. ne of the greatest obstacles for any business is accessing the funding it needs to consolidate and expand – and that obstacle is even greater for charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Peter Gilson, investment manager for the North East Social Investment Fund, has spent a substantial part of his 30-year career in the financial sector working with voluntary, charitable and not-for-profit organisations.

Here, he talks us though the new fund and the benefits it brings.

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What is the North East Social Investment Fund?

It is basically a £9m repayable fund available to social enterprises in the North East. It has been set up to support the development and expansion of voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises to increase their social impact.

What is social impact?

I would describe social impact as the difference an activity within your organisation can make on the well-being of individuals and families within the community it serves and how you achieve that difference.

When will the funding become available?

The fund is open now.

Who can apply?

discuss any concerns you may have with regards to borrowing.

The fund is targeted at not-for-profit companies, charities (limited by guarantee or charitable incorporated organisation only), community interest companies (limited by guarantee or shares) and registered societies (previously known as industrial and provident societies, for community benefit).

Organisations should be located, or have substantial operations, in the North East, and should have the following: • A strong passion to improve their social impact in areas such as homelessness, poverty and debt, health and social care, mental health, offender rehabilitation, unemployment or the regeneration of deprived communities.

• A strong management team with the ability to develop the organisation.

• A track record or desire to contract with public sector bodies.

• The ability to measure and monitor the impact of their performance.

How much can I borrow?

Investments are flexible to suit the individual organisation’s needs but normally you can borrow amounts between £100,000 and £1m.

Such investments will generally be in the form of loans and be repaid over periods of up to 10 years with the term fixed at the start of the loan.

However, it is important that your organisation does not borrow more than it can comfortably repay. I am always available to

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What can I borrow the money for?

The loan can be used wherever it’s most needed to develop your organisation further.

You may want to purchase new premises, meet operational costs, strengthen your working capital or put the loan to a combination of purposes. It really is very flexible in terms of the way you use it.

How do I apply?

I would encourage any organisation interested in applying to give me a ring or drop me a line early on in your planning. Often, early discussions can make the application progress far smoother and save time in the long run.

When you are ready, you will need to submit an Expression of Interest form, which can be found on our website, along with your business plan, annual accounts and financial projections.

I will then arrange to visit you to learn more about your organisation and what your plans are, as well as working closely with you to progress your application and tailor the investment to meet your needs.

To find out more about the North East Social Investment Fund (NESIF), call Peter on (0191) 229 2786, email peter@northstarventures.co.uk or visit www.northstarventures.co.uk

DEVELOPMENT

What’s HR all about,Alfie?

Joanne Howe, managing director of Howe Consultancy, explains what the HR profession is really all about.

hen I first started out in business I would get asked on a regular basis: “What exactly is HR?” My young nephew goes one step further and asks: “What do you actually do, auntie Jo?” My Business Network International (BNI) colleagues are used to hearing my response: “HR is about two things; first of all you have to get your staff to come to work every day, and when you get them to come to work every day, you need your staff to do what you want them to do.” Sounds simple, but it is a very daunting task for business owners.

I guest-speak every month to a group of new businesses and one of my top ten tips I share with them is to stick to what you’re good at. So, if you haven’t done HR before, then buy it in as soon as you can afford to. Obviously from my point of view, you can’t afford not to, as the consequence of error can be much more costly.

Let’s not forget the internal damage caused when staff are seen to be ‘getting away with it’.

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EXPERT VIEW Joanne Howe Howe Consultancy Web: www.howeconsultancy.co.uk

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The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), of which I am a fellow member, states that you need one full-time HR person per 100 staff. So if you compare your staff numbers to this ratio and you, as the managing director, do all the HR, then it will now make sense to you that you are spending too much time sorting out the HR headaches.

Pareto’s Principle states that you can apply the 80/20 ratio to just about anything. In my experience, if you apply this to your staff numbers, it will help identify how many staff you may have trouble with over the year. So for every five staff you employ, there will be issues with one, and so on.

Professional HR can deal with the 20 per cent of difficult employees and allow you to get on with making more money. The downside for HR is that they very rarely get the chance to work with the 80 per cent of staff who actually do come to work every day and do what’s expected of them.

LEGAL & FINANCIAL NEWS IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Double promotion at Hay & Kilner The law firm has promoted two of its wealth management and clinical negligence specialists.

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ay & Kilner has announced the promotion to partner of two senior lawyers as the Newcastlebased firm continues to grow.The leading full service law firm has appointed wealth management and tax planning expert, Alice Clewes, and clinical negligence specialist, Helen Morland as its newest partners. Wealth management and clinical negligence are both significant practice areas at Hay & Kilner, and the teams have an impressive range of clients locally and nationally.

Alice, who joined Hay & Kilner six years ago, is one of a few solicitors in the region to hold the Chartered Tax Adviser qualification. Helen, meanwhile, has over eight years’ experience in clinical negligence claims and has also recently had her experience recognised with her appointment to the Solicitors Regulation Authority Clinical Negligence Accreditation Panel. Martin Soloman, senior partner at Hay & Kilner, commented: “We are delighted to announce these promotions.

Alice and Helen are excellent members of our team. Their knowledge, expertise and

business contribution make them both a valuable addition to our 25 strong partnership.”

Queen’s Counsel appointment for Trinity Chambers’ Barrister

Newcastle youngsters score with Winn Solicitors

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rinity Chambers Child Care, Family and Court of Protection barrister, Nicholas Stonor is to be appointed Queen's Counsel later this month. The appointment of Queen's Counsel reflects excellence in advocacy and follows an extensive application and interview process.

Appointments are made by Her Majesty The Queen on the advice of the Lord Chancellor, Christopher Grayling MP, following consideration by the independent Queen’s Counsel Selection Panel. Nicholas will be one of only four Family Silks on the North Eastern Circuit.

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yker-based firm Winn Solicitors has sponsored two of Newcastle East End FC’s mini soccer teams, with new strips provided to the Under 10 girls and Under 9 boys players. Both teams – made up entirely of youngsters from areas within the East End of the city – play for the Pinpoint Junior Football League. Charlie Scott, vice president of Newcastle East End FC said: “We rely on support from local businesses and people within the community and it is fantastic to have Winn Solicitors on board to provide much needed sponsorship.”

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Alice Clewes, Martin Soloman and Helen Morland of Hay & Kilner

Baker Tilly advises on £1m refinancing package for engineering firm

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aker Tilly has advised Sunderlandbased engineering design consultants Desco on a £1 million refinancing package with HSBC which will support the firm’s growth plans in the UK and the Middle East.

Tony Edwards, a corporate finance partner at Baker Tilly North East, said: “We have worked with Desco for more than 10 years and I’m delighted that we were able to secure this deal which provides the firm with the flexibility that it needs across its worldwide operations.”

LAW & FINANCE

Major predictions for the year ahead What lies ahead for the legal profession in 2015? Asks Joanne Major of Major Family Law.

EXPERT VIEW Joanne Major Principal at Major Family Law Tel: (01661) 824 582 Web: www.majorfamilylaw.co.uk Twitter: @majorfamilylaw

t this time of year, it’s interesting to look forward to see what the coming year might bring for the legal profession, and specifically for family lawyers. Here are our predictions for the legal New Year.

The legal press has recently highlighted that many large firms have come to rely on a multitude of paralegals, probably at the expense of offering lucrative training contract places to the same candidates. The lack of training places has always been an issue, with more law students than traineeships available. Those paralegals who meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s criteria can use their paralegal experience to qualify as solicitors. We look forward to congratulating the first paralegal to qualify as a solicitor under this route!

We believe this year will see an increase in the use of non-court dispute resolution models.

Arbitration for financial cases, set up in 2012, is becoming more commonplace, and we anticipate that the Institute of Family Law Arbitrators will take positive steps towards extending the scheme to private law children disputes.

The changes made to mediation by the introduction of the Children and Families Act

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2014 will be felt this year with increasing numbers of people attending the compulsory MIAM (Mediation Information Assessment Meeting) appointment. This will lead to increased numbers of mediations taking place and decreased numbers of court applications.

The lawyer supported mediation model will continue to encourage the use of mediation to help parties resolve their disputes under a fixed fee regime.

The issue of costs and clients’ accessibility to legal advice will continue to put pressure on firms to look seriously at offering fixed fee and unbundled services. A number of high cost family cases from last year have caused senior judges to highlight the issue of excessive and sometimes disproportionate costs. This will continue to be in sharp focus this year, and costs estimates could even be introduced in the same way that they have in civil litigation cases.

Unfortunately, there seems to be no way back from the restriction of legal aid available in the majority of family cases, following the implementation of the LASPO (Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders) Act 2012. However, it looks like there could be some light at the end of the tunnel for victims of domestic abuse. They might find that the

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evidence that they need to produce to qualify for legal aid may be changed as a result of challenges to LASPO. With financial assistance for family cases virtually non-existent, people requiring the court’s assistance are having to find other methods of seeking assistance. In addition to the significant increase in litigants in person, the use of McKenzie Friends in family proceedings has also increased. Following on from the formation of the Society of Professional McKenzie Friends last year, we anticipate a growth in the number of businesses offering these services. We also predict that the number of paralegals assisting litigants in person with family cases will increase.

Following on from the report by the Financial Remedies Working Group last year, there may well be changes made to the structure and forms used in financial disputes on relationship breakdown in an attempt to make the procedure easier to navigate for litigants in person.

This will be another year of change, following on from some major changes last year when the family court was created. We’ll be interested to see at the end of the year how many of our predictions come true...

LAW & FINANCE

How inflation means more Netflix and less Freddos A fall in inflation is good news for consumers, says Jeffrey Ball, assistant director at Brewin Dolphin.

EXPERT VIEW Jeffrey Ball Assistant director Brewin Dolphin Email: jeffrey.ball@brewin.co.uk Web: www.brewin.co.uk/newcastle

s an economic concept, everyone is affected by inflation. It is ‘taxation without legislation’ as economist, Milton Friedman once said; influencing everything from mortgages to the smallest of purchases.

For me, seeing Cadbury Freddos on sale for 60p because of inflation instead of my childhood price of 10p still fills me with sadness, but that is inflation at its most basic level. Over time, prices go up.

Or do they? Well, at the moment, not by much. The Office of National Statistics (ONS) recently released its December inflation figures, showing a drop in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to only 0.5 per cent compared to one per cent the previous month.

Inflation, as measured by CPI, is made up of an ever changing ‘basket’ of goods and services designed to reflect typical households’ purchases.

From this, the ONS tracks fluctuations in the underlying prices, with the contents updated regularly to reflect changing shopping trends.

As one such example, if you now use Netflix to watch films, you have helped contribute to DVD rentals being replaced by online on demand subscription services.

Within CPI, food and energy prices are important components – so from the supermarket price wars to a falling oil price, is it

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any wonder inflation is falling?

Understandably, the sizeable oil and gas sector has not performed well within the UK’s blue chip FTSE 100 Index and fell ten per cent in 2014. Food and drug retailers were even worse.

But look elsewhere and the repercussions can be positive.

Inflation has been steadily falling since 2011.

Among other factors, this is attributable to the rise of Aldi and Lidl, spurring the bigger supermarkets into offering more and more discounts and putting more disposable income back in to the pockets of consumers.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, the US has embraced the concept of fracking to produce shale gas and oil, leading to exceptionally low fuel costs. Petrol heads rejoice!

However, this has produced an excess in global oil supply, coinciding with a fall in demand, particularly from the likes of China, which is experiencing a deceleration in its economic growth.

This has not been helped by oil producing nations in the Middle East keeping the taps turned on. Historically, Saudi Arabia has usually moved first to trim production back when prices were falling, but this time no one is budging.

The big question now is who can hold their breath for the longest? Oil is currently about $50 a barrel, the lowest since 2009 and down from

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the heady heights of $114 only last summer.

Naturally, the big oil producers quite prudently produce what-ifs for both lower and higher oil prices when planning new projects, but what-ifs for 50 per cent falls in six months?

Maybe not.

Levels of $70-80 per barrel for the next couple of years would hinder but not excessively damage most of the oil majors, but if the falls go deeper or for longer, then they – and the markets – will be really worried.

Until then, the serious side of the fall in the short-term is the risk to North East jobs, with numerous North Sea oil explorers considering mothballing rigs as activity becomes unprofitable. There is talk that the Government may radically reduce the tax bill from the current 60 per cent for these explorers, such is the benefit to George Osborne’s treasury coffers when they are fully operational.

But for now, for the man on the street, this low level of inflation is not a bad thing. Petrol is approaching £1 a litre, a level no one really thought we would see again. And this is the crucial point. For those who have not seen their wages keep pace with inflation and suffered a drop in their standard of living, a fall in inflation is basically a tax cut for consumers and one that everyone can benefit from. Even those who still buy Freddos.

LAW & FINANCE

RMT Accountants provides a range of financial and business advisory services

RMT helps Corelogic complete £23.5 million sale The Gosforth-based accountancy firm supports the sale of a market-leading software business. dvice from RMT Accountants & Business Advisors has supported the sale of Corelogic, a UK marketleading provider of next generation adult and children’s social care case management software, to a major UK technology group for a total value of £23.5 million.

The Servelec Group plc has acquired Corelogic as part of its strategy to drive market share growth in existing areas and to expand into adjacent, complementary markets.

Anthony Andreasen, director of tax at the independent Gosforth-based firm, advised Corelogic throughout the process on taxation matters, while RMT's head of commercial

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services Paul Gainford advised on the financial due diligence aspects of the deal.

Headquartered in Sheffield and with offices in Warrington, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Dorking, together with overseas offices in Melbourne and Brussels, the Servelec Group plc provides software, hardware and services predominantly to the UK healthcare, oil and gas, water, power, utilities and broadcast sectors.

Corelogic, which has 75,000 end users and 58 major customers worldwide, is primarily based in London with offices in Edinburgh, Cochin and Sydney.

Kevin Moorhouse at Corelogic, said: "RMT’s corporate disposal expertise really impressed me and I would strongly recommend them to any

other company involved in such a transaction.”

Anthony Andreasen added: "Our involvement in a deal of this magnitude recognises the corporate capabilities that RMT can offer businesses undertaking major disposal and acquisition work. We're delighted that Corelogic’s shareholders chose to work with us on this transaction and wish them every success in the future."

RMT provides the full range of financial and business advisory services through its accountancy, specialist tax, medical and healthcare, corporate finance and recovery and insolvency teams.

For more information, visit www.r-m-t.co.uk

Game on for developers Anthony Andreasen, director at RMT Accountants & Business Advisors, looks at a tax relief scheme aimed at the video game sector. ne of the regional economy’s real success stories in the last few years has been our video game developers.

Names like Eutechnyx, Pitbull Studio, Ubisoft Reflections and Double 11 have achieved critical and commercial success both nationally and internationally, and their products will no doubt recently have featured under many North East Christmas trees.

In recognising the importance of this growing sector to the wider economy, the Government introduced the approved version of its Video Games Tax Relief (VGTR) scheme in the 2014 Budget.

The scheme is designed to encourage growth and support in this sector within the UK, and offers developers many financial benefits for qualifying work as long as they stick to a specified criteria.

In simplified terms, the net cash benefit is between 20 and 25 per cent of the qualifying expenditure, in the form of a Corporation Tax reduction, or a cash credit from HMRC if your company is loss-making from a taxable profits perspective. The exact benefit varies depending on the calculations around your precise tax position.

Qualifying for the scheme involves at least 25

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EXPERT VIEW Andrew Andreasen Director RMT Accountants & Business Advisors Web: www.r-m-t.co.uk

per cent of the expenditure being UK expenditure and achieving certification from the British Film Institute (BFI). In order to do the latter, a given game must pass what is referred to as a ‘cultural

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test’, stating that the video game is a ‘British Video Game’.

Details of this can be found on the BFI website, but in summary, a company has to achieve at least 16 points in a series of tests that total 31 points.

Some of these tests are straightforward, such as members of development teams being located here, but a larger proportion of points are awarded on points such as whether the original dialogue was recorded mainly in English (or one of six UK indigenous languages).

These areas create some degree of ambiguity, and getting advice on exactly how you stand is crucial before you look to take advantage of the scheme.

All types of games qualify for the scheme, assuming they achieve BFI certification, which means you don’t have to be seeking a ‘technological advance’ or resolving ‘technological uncertainty’, which you would need in order to qualify under research and development (R&D) allowances schemes, along with a wider range of other tests.

However, games do not qualify where they are linked with advertising or promotions, or anything produced for the purposes of gambling, and you can’t claim both VGTR and R&D tax allowances.

LAW & FINANCE The Muckle lawyers with Martin Such and Andrew Scaife (seated from left) from Quantum Pharma plc

A soaring success Muckle LLP plays a key role in the £125 million flotation of County Durham-based Quantum Pharma. ne of the North East's leading legal teams for the stock market, Muckle LLP, delivered the biggest float on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) at the end of 2014 in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector.

The flotation of Quantum Pharma plc on December 11 raised £106m, giving Quantum a market value of £125m.

Muckle LLP has advised Quantum since 2009, when the firm supported management on its buyout of the business. This was followed by a number of strategic acquisitions, which have provided opportunities for product development and market expansion.

More than 40 lawyers from across Muckle LLP, led by corporate partner Andrew Davison, helped achieve the float on time by working around the clock to prepare and complete the three-month project. This is the region’s largest ever Initial Public Offering (IPO) on AIM. In addition to the IPO, Muckle also handled a restructuring of the group by adding two new parent companies and restructuring the shareholding; a refinancing with Yorkshire Bank and the acquisition of the remaining 49 per cent of the shares in product development company, Colonis, for £15m – all of which also completed simultaneously with the listing.

Andrew Davison, who sits on the Regional Advisory Group to the London Stock Exchange, was the overall project leader. Andrew said: “The idea to float developed during the summer.

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Circumstances came together that made an IPO an attractive and realistic prospect. Quantum's management team met informally with key City investors and they received very positive feedback.”

The proceeds of the fundraising were used by Quantum to provide a return for venture capital firm Lloyds Development Capital, repay all of the debt from the MBO, to acquire the shares in Colonis, to provide a partial exit for management and provide capital to accelerate the group's growth strategy.

The management buyout of Quantum Pharmaceutical in 2009, led at Muckle by corporate team head, Robert Phillips, was recognised as Deal of the Year at the Insider Dealmakers Awards. Back then, Quantum employed 130 staff at its Burnopfield site, but now has 320 employees across six sites in the UK. Its focus in 2009 was on being a market leader in supplying unlicensed medicines to retail and wholesale pharmacy, and a series of acquisitions has broadened its business.

Andrew Scaife, chief executive officer of Quantum, explained how the team at Muckle LLP helped at every stage. He said: "Quite simply, we couldn't have accomplished what we have without relying on the technical excellence of the lawyers at Muckle and their consistent commitment to doing whatever it takes to keep projects moving forward to the agreed timescales.

Their one-team approach has worked so well on this latest project and given us all the confidence

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boosts needed to complete such an enormous undertaking.

"They are true business advisers, solving problems and going beyond what could have realistically been expected of them to achieve the right result for Quantum and its shareholders.

Floating our organisation on AIM involved the Muckle team carefully negotiating an extremely complicated set of business structures and relationships during this otherwise technically challenging project. The team's deep understanding of the AIM rules and public markets' practices and procedures was apparent throughout this project.”

Andrew continued: “Muckle LLP has provided us with a truly excellent level of service throughout our long relationship with them. We always find the team commercially and technically excellent, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. They are genuinely an extended member of the Quantum team.”

Muckle LLP has now been lead legal adviser on three of the most recent five floats in the North East, involving Vertu Motors plc, Utilitywise plc and now Quantum Pharma plc. The firm was also involved in a fourth, involving Kromek Group plc, when advising Kromek's shareholders.

Both Vertu Motors plc and Utilitywise plc won national awards for their ‘best use of AIM’.

If you are considering a company flotation, contact Andrew Davison on (0191) 211 7950 or email: andrew.davison@muckle-llp.com

LAW & FINANCE Staff at Sintons chose Macmillan Cancer Support as their charity of the year

Sintons supports its charity of the year It’s been another successful 12 months for the Corporate Social Responsibility Programme at Sintons, raising muchneeded funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. aw firm Sintons raised over £27,000 during a year of fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support, its charity of the year for 2014.

The incredible total was raised through staff organising, and taking part in, a host of events and challenges, including activities as varied as the Virgin Money Cyclone and the Great North Run, through to hosting a five-a-side football tournament and Christmas carol singing in Eldon Square.

The donation to Macmillan has played an important role in helping to launch the pioneering Care Closer to Home project – a partnership between Macmillan and the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – which allows cancer patients to receive treatment closer to their homes. The first site of its kind was opened at Benfield Park Medical Group, in Walkergate, Newcastle, in September.

Macmillan was chosen as Sintons' charity of 2014 in memory of Andrew Walker, a much-loved and highly respected partner at

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Sintons who passed away in 2013 aged only 54, after a short battle with cancer.

Macmillan has also given vital support to many other people at Sintons, as well as their families.

Alan Dawson, chairman of Sintons, said: "Macmillan is an incredible charity which we are so pleased to have been able to support.

Every single person here at Sintons has been involved in fundraising in some way, which is testament to how Macmillan touches the lives of so many people, either directly or indirectly.

The fact our donation has been able to help launch such a life-changing initiative as Care Closer to Home is a true delight."

Andy Welch, medical director of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said of the launch of the Care Closer to Home project: “We are pleased to work in partnership with Macmillan to pioneer this project, and are grateful to Sintons for its wonderful commitment and very generous donation to help Care Closer to Home become a reality.”

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Erin Fairley, fundraising manager for Macmillan, commented: “Working in partnership with Sintons in 2014 has been such a pleasure. Everyone within the company has really been behind the partnership and we are absolutely thrilled to have raised so much money to help local people affected by cancer.”

She continued: "The money raised by Sintons has enabled Macmillan to launch Care Closer to Home, which will see cancer patients being able to have their treatment in a community setting rather than going to hospital, where this is appropriate.

“We launched our first site at Benfield Park Medical Group back in September, and the team at Sintons have been an integral part of raising funds towards this, but also raising vital awareness of the services Macmillan offer.

"I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank them once again for helping us to make sure no one in this area faces cancer alone, we simply cannot achieve this without this kind of support."

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LAW & FINANCE

Restrain your inner pigeon Greg Davies, head of behavioural and quantitative finance at Barclays, on the pitfalls of market timing.

EXPERT VIEW Greg Davies Head of behavioural and quantitative finance Barclays www.barclays.com

n a series of famous experiments, researchers trained pigeons to peck at coloured lights by rewarding them with pellets of food. The experiment was set up so that pecking the green light delivers food 60 per cent of the time, but the red light delivers food on only 40 per cent of pecks.

Over time, pigeons experience the differences in the probability of winning food from each light, and adapt their choices in response. This is similar to the experience of an investor trying to decide on a month-bymonth basis whether to be in the market or out of it. Most developed world equity indices – for example, the MSCI World USD – post gains around 60 per cent of months, with losses the other 40 per cent.

When pigeons encounter this problem they display behaviour that psychologists call ‘probability matching’ – they gradually learn the probabilities of getting food from the green and red light and, over time, they peck the

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green light 60 per cent of the time, and the red light 40 per cent of the time.

Given a similar task, humans also have a tendency towards probability matching in many areas of their lives, and the investing world is rife with those attempting to time the market by flipping between ‘risk on’ and ‘risk off’ on a monthly basis. The trouble is, when the process that generates the result is essentially random, probability matching, as a strategy, falls short.

When you have little way of knowing whether the next result will be up or down, the best solution is to always pick the light with the highest probability. Pigeons (or traders) who peck green at every opportunity will be right 60 per cent of the time. Any deviation from this strategy is likely to reduce your pay-off. So what can this tell us about market timing?

Faced with a random process, the strategy of probability matching results in success 52 per cent, rather than 60 per cent, of the time. So

the tendency of both humans and pigeons leads them to be wrong on 8 per cent more occasions than they should be if they followed a simple strategy of sticking to the option with the best long-term odds (i.e. buy and hold).

Of course, the markets are not entirely random, and tactical shifts in a portfolio can pay off – but only if an investor has sufficient skill (and even then it is not guaranteed). So don’t try this at home!

A strategy that aims to beat the market by making large changes on a month-by-month basis will very likely fall short of one that looks for long-term trends and sticks with them – in short, just keep pecking the green button.

Leaping between ‘risk on’ and ‘risk off’ is betting against the house…with the odds very much against you.

Long-term investors, in contrast, can take comfort in the fact that, if they’re in the market, the odds are stacked firmly in their favour.

Barclays offers wealth and investment management products and services to its clients through Barclays Bank PLC and its subsidiary companies.

Barclays Bank PLC is registered in England and authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Registered No. 1026167. Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP.

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LAW & FINANCE

Can’t pay, won’t pay Andrew Cawkwell on the impact of supply chain insolvency on your business.

very business, no matter how big or small, is susceptible to the risks in its supply chain. With the fall in the oil price causing increased levels of business distress in the region, start 2015 by doing all you can to limit the impact of supply chain insolvency on your business.

The good news is there are a number of things you can do to limit the impact if one of your suppliers becomes insolvent.

Make sure your business has awareness at all times of your suppliers' credit ratings and ensure your terms and conditions are robust enough to deal with a problem in the supply chain.

If you haven’t reviewed them in a while, now may be a good time to do so. You’d be surprised how many companies don’t have robust enough terms and conditions, so take the opportunity to review yours and ensure that they are fit for purpose. Have you got 'retention of title' clauses in them?

If you do make any changes, make sure you communicate this with customers and suppliers.

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EXPERT VIEW Andrew Cawkwell Partner and Certified Turnaround Professional Banking and restructuring team Muckle LLP Email: Andrew.Cawkwell@muckle-llp.com Twitter: @CompanyRescue

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Increase your awareness of policies around credit and invest in better infrastructure within your business to monitor suppliers.

That way, you can ensure that if your supplier’s finance director leaves, for example, you are made aware of this, and can monitor how things progress at the business.

If something does go wrong, seek help early on to make sure you stand the best chance of getting your goods back. If managed well, it can make the best of a bad situation.

At Muckle LLP, we can help you take steps to safeguard your position before things take a turn for the worst. We can help you to demonstrate a valid ‘retention of title' clause which essentially means that we can take a variety of steps in order to get you the best possible outcome – be it enforcing title provisions for you to retrieve your deliveries to an insolvent customer, or securing payment for them, or renegotiating contractual commitments to ensure projects are delivered on time.

LAW & FINANCE

Overcoming the barriers to growth

By Glen Callander, strategic business development manager at Hitachi Capital.

EXPERT VIEW Glen Callander Strategic business development manager Hitachi Capital www.hitachicapital.co.uk/factoring/ Tel: 07867 373 700 Email: glen.callander@hitachicapital.co.uk

he start of a new year is a time when appetite for growth among UK businesses is tested through a series of seemingly endless polls, surveys and questionnaires.

However, with the slow return to economic growth that 2014 saw, this year’s results see the majority of UK SME’s predicting growth in 2015.

Key to achieving this growth will be a need for easy access to various funding streams.

Worryingly one survey states that nearly 50 per cent of business owners saw the lack of bank lending as a major barrier to growth, with a large proportion of these not even being prepared to seek funding as they don’t believe they will get it.

With the nation’s SME’s being the lifeblood of the UK economy it is crucial that these perceived barriers to obtaining funding are removed. So what are some of the options available?

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Business loans Probably the most traditional way of accessing funding is to request a loan from an approved lender. These days, there are a range of different options available with varying terms, fees and interest rates.

However, as already stated, many UK businesses feel that securing the required level of funding from banks will remain problematic.

Business loans are also subject to potential interest rate rises and can prove to be an expensive way of funding growth. The need to budget for the regular repayments is also key which, if cashflow has proved a barrier to growth before, may prove difficult.

Equity finance This ultimately relates to investment that you receive in exchange for a share of your business.

This may come from a wealthy individual or a private equity firm. As you are giving up a share of your business, there is normally no need to make repayments on any funding provided.

However, not all businesses will attract equity investors, as they tend to be attracted to the very high growth businesses. Also, giving up a portion of your business could mean giving up full control of decision making. Not only this, but securing private equity can be a time consuming process, meaning the funds you need to grow are not made available at the opportune time.

Invoice finance This method of funding uses your invoices as a way to bring cash into your business. The two most common methods are invoice factoring and invoice discounting. Invoice factoring sees a

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third party buy your invoices and provide you with a percentage of the value up front, normally 85 per cent. The third party then manages your credit control and invoice process and pays you the remainder, minus a small fee, once the invoice is paid in full. Invoice discounting works in the same way, but it is a confidential arrangement between you and the third party, with you maintaining ownership of the credit control process.

These methods of invoice finance provide you with a steady, reliable cash flow into your business, together with a level of security from the fact that you have credit in advance. The support that factoring provides through managing your credit control processes also allows you to focus on growing and developing your business, and with the amount of funding being linked to your invoices, the amount you could obtain grows as you grow.

At Hitachi Capital we provide access to a range of invoice finance solutions that are designed to provide answers to your business’ challenges.

This could be our award-winning versions of invoice factoring and invoice discounting – Inspired Cashflow and Cashflow Inspiration – which provide invoice finance solutions with a simple, clear fee structure and no hidden costs.

We also offer all our clients a six-month trial period rather than lengthy, restrictive contracts.

EVENT

Child Brain Research drinks reception UK charity Child Brain Research hosted a special event last month, with support from a Newcastle law firm.

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hild Brain Research hosted a drinks reception, sponsored by law firm Irwin Mitchell LLP, on January 22 at Hilton Newcastle Gateshead.

Dr Rob Forsyth, a paediatric consultant at the RVI Newcastle, introduced the work and aims of the charity to members of the local community, who were also treated to a brief introduction into the cutting edge research being conducted here in the North East at Newcastle University.

Child Brain Research was formed in 2008 to foster and develop research into paediatric neurological disease. www.childbrainresearch.org.uk

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LAW & FINANCE

Investment forecasting – a mug’s game Peter Rutherford of Universal Tax Strategies spotlights the unpredictability of financial investments.

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

nyone who has read my old articles will know that I have often espoused doubts about the ability of pundits, ‘experts’ and most fund managers to predict the future. Apologies to Russell Grant and his ilk, but I simply do not believe that you can predict the future with any accuracy.

Why am I bringing this up now? I recall that over the last year or two many financial experts have categorically stated that investors should be moving out of gilts and other fixed interest investments, often referred to as bonds.

The perfectly reasonable rationale for the advice given was that bonds were expensive and interest rates were bound to rise. This is relevant because there is a link between bonds and interest rates. Remember they are fixed interest securities. Consequently as market interest rates rise then the attraction of investing in a fixed interest rate falls. The reverse is also true, but with the Bank of England holding the base rate at the lowest it has ever been since its founding in 1693, and the ending of quantitative easing, then the only way bond prices had to go was down.

Wrong. Indeed, very wrong.

Trustnet, one of the financial statistic sites, recently reviewed the best performing

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investment sectors for 2014. They used the Investment Association’s categories, of which there are many.

We normally expect some equity market to top the table and those that bought into the North American stock market would be feeling smug with an average fund return of 17.8 per cent over the calendar year. However, they came second. Third was the UK gilt sector.

Top of the pops was UK Index Linked Gilts with 18.6 per cent return. Other fixed interest sectors did well with healthy positive returns for 2014.

So what is this information telling us?

Fundamentally, the market (being the sum total of the actions of investors) does not believe that the economy is yet in rude health.

It believes that it may well be some time before the Bank of England Money Policy Committee will feel that an interest rate rise is necessary. Essentially, the UK economy has done comparatively well but is not out of the woods yet.

So which will be the top performing sector this year? There is a mountain of research that indicates, firstly, that top performance is transitory, and secondly, the pattern of returns is random. Being top last year is no guarantee

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of being top this year or even making it in to the top half.

You may be thinking that this is all very interesting but what use is it to me? The lesson to be learned is that it is essential to understand how markets work and to have a diversified portfolio with exposure to stock markets, both here and abroad, and with large, medium and small companies within that exposure. Then, there is a requirement to balance the risk of equities (they fluctuate in value more) by holding fixed interest securities like gilts and corporate bonds. It may be sensible to also consider some other asset classes that react differently to equities and fixed interest securities in certain conditions.

Other rules to follow are that your portfolio should be regularly rebalanced so it does not become over exposed to one sector and become out of kilter with your attitude to risk; and you need to have time. Time is important. Time reduces investment risk and provides well thought out strategies the opportunity to perform.

Our investment management system, while doing everything mentioned above, also continually monitors the managers and flags up failure and provides the successor when needed.

LAW & FINANCE

The Alnwick Accountants will continue in its own name

Alnwick expansion for Rowlands Accountancy practice Rowlands has expanded in 2015 with the addition of a new office, The Alnwick Accountants, in north Northumberland. Rowlands partners Andrew Little and Dawn Walton – who will head up the office – discuss what the deal means for clients, and for themselves.

Why was Rowlands interested in The Alnwick Accountants?

Welcoming Alnwick into the Rowlands family means that we can truly service the needs of our clients from the Tweed to the Tees, and provide even stronger support to businesses in Northumberland.

The deal was the result of a conversation with The Alnwick Accountants’ directors John Spowart and Fiona Robson, who had been looking at how they could reduce their day-today involvement, but still ensure their clients would continue to receive the same level of personal service. It was really important for them to find a firm with a similar ethos to their own to run the business, and they will be staying with the office for the foreseeable future.

It’s a win-win result for everyone – John and Fiona, Rowlands and, of course, The Alnwick Accountants’ clients and staff.

What changes will clients see as a result of the transition?

It will very much be business as usual for clients. The practice and its staff are first class and rather than change what is already there, we will look to add value.

The office will remain branded as The Alnwick Accountants as part of that continuity of service. Clients will now have the support of the specialist knowledge and experience that comes with being part of a larger practice, while retaining the heart of a small firm.

Rowlands will provide the ‘expertise at your side’ to support the staff, who enjoy a great knowledge of their clients and their businesses.

We have benefitted greatly from the team’s guidance as we get to grips with leading the new office and introducing more specialist services.

What are your ambitions for the Alnwick office?

What was the personal attraction for you?

We originally worked in small firms and appreciate the local feel and ethos of The Alnwick Accountants. We both relish the opportunity to return to advising owner-managed businesses with the added benefit of the extra specialisms we now have under our belts, as well as those of the extended Rowlands family.

About the partners As one of the region’s largest independent accountants, Rowlands is a collection of great practitioners with local knowledge and a true understanding of our clients’ needs. This is not a case of a big company coming in, taking over and making radical changes; instead, we will focus on continuing the small firm ethos and reinforcing and expanding the support that The Alnwick Accountants already provides.

We will be offering clients a greater range of accountancy services thanks to the expertise we have across Rowlands. Clients will now have access to specialist tax knowledge, help with business development and, should they be required, the recovery and turnaround skills that we can provide. This is in addition to continuing to deal with an office that retains the strong local values of a small firm.

It’s important that clients receive the same great service and attention to detail they are used to, but we will also provide them with additional help and advice to grow and develop their businesses.

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Dawn is a chartered accountant who specialised as a chartered tax advisor with Rowlands. She is delighted to be returning to her small firm roots in general accountancy and bringing with her this specialist knowledge, which will ensure greater levels of service for clients.

Andrew is a chartered accountant and licensed insolvency practitioner with more than two decades’ experience in practice and industry, with a particular interest in business turnaround and recovery. He is returning to Alnwick, an area where he previously lived and worked, after ten years away developing his skills. He is now looking forward to bringing this specialist knowledge and his wider accountancy experience to enhance the offering to clients, old and new, in North Northumberland.

For more information, visit www.rowlandsaccountants.co.uk

LAW & FINANCE

Business rate reductions – a glimmer of hope for local retailers?

Gwen Jones, commercial solicitor at Gordon Brown Law Firm, looks at the upcoming changes to the business rates system.

EXPERT VIEW Gwen Jones Commercial solicitor Gordon Brown Law Firm Email: gwen.jones@gblf.co.uk Twitter: @gordonbrownlaw

t is well documented that the high street as we know it is continuing to struggle as larger out of town retail parks and outlets dominate the retail sector. Recent statistics show that almost one in seven shops on the high street remain closed and that, post-Christmas, the front end of 2015 will once again result in closure for many more businesses.

We have all seen the campaigns asking consumers to shop locally to try to ‘save them’.

While a number of us may shop at a local level, the bulk of our expenditure is still spent with bigger retailers. The ease of an out of town retail park with free parking and ‘the best deals’ offered online still deter us from shopping at our once beloved high street.

High street retail space no longer commands a premium and new businesses cannot afford the rent that sought-after locations attract.

When additional costs and business rates are also added to the list of outgoings it’s sometimes impossible for smaller retailers to survive.

The news that the business rates system is to

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be overhauled is therefore welcome news for smaller retailers. Following the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement it does now appear that the Local Government Association’s (LGA) suggestions that business rates should be set locally and that councils should have the ability to introduce local reductions at their discretion have, in fact, been taken on board by central Government.

Another change to the system is that the redistribution of sums collected from business rates will be kept at a local level as will any decisions of growth in business rates levels.

LGA suggest that 50 per cent of the income raised by business rates collection be retained locally but there is an argument that this percentage should be further increased when the system is next reviewed in 2020.

The impact of operational business rates reduction schemes can be seen at Sutton Council where new start-ups and expanding small businesses were offered 50 per cent off business rates. Sutton Council also provided

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support to businesses by assisting with the preparation of their business plans. These schemes helped reduce the number of vacant business premises in the borough from 517 in 2010 to 426 in 2014.

A change in the control of business rates will provide greater flexibility to councils to determine reductions in business rates for certain types of businesses that they want to attract to their high streets. In conjunction with local residents, they could tailor what kind of shops and businesses they would like to see back on their high streets.

The introduction of greater local powers would be a step in the right direction for small businesses given the on-going debate as to whether or not devolving powers from central Government is viable for England. It will be interesting to see what changes to business relief control are in fact relinquished by central Government going forward and the impact, if any, that this will have upon the on-going ‘rescue’ of the high street.

LAW & FINANCE

Left to right: Christopher Dixon of Allied Irish Bank (GB); Mark Dobbin of Sintons; Steve Howe & Neill Winch of Phoenix; Mark Robinson & Andrew Love of Allied Irish Bank (GB)

Jobs boost for Phoenix after multi-million pound group refinancing The parent company of security provider Phoenix Security is planning further national expansion for the division, alongside the creation of hundreds of new jobs, after the group secured a multi-million pound refinancing package from Allied Irish Bank (GB). ewcastle-based Danieli Holdings – which operates in the security, healthcare, training and property development sectors – is looking to significantly develop its Phoenix Security division by opening new offices in Leeds, Birmingham, Edinburgh and London within the next 12 months, raising both turnover and employee numbers by as much as 50 per cent.

The business currently employs about 1200 people, and could add hundreds more to that number in line with its national growth strategy.

Alongside the expansion for Phoenix, Danieli Holdings is growing significantly across its other divisions. Its Northridge Healthcare arm operates care homes and has recently returned to the domiciliary care sector with its new Homecare Plus business.

Danieli Property Investments has just completed the 137-bed student block development in Shieldfield, Newcastle, known as Barker House, operated by Student Accommodation (UK), which has just sold the site for £6 million.

The business has been backed by a refinancing package from Allied Irish Bank (GB) in Newcastle, which has worked closely with Danieli Holdings to put a bespoke arrangement in place. Law firm Sintons acted for Allied Irish Bank (GB) in the refinancing.

Neil Winch, group chief executive, said: “We have further expansion plans for the next five to

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ten years in all of the sectors we operate in, and there are more sectors to come with planned acquisitions in the pipeline. It’s a very exciting time indeed and will result in the group becoming one of the fastest-growing, multifaceted privately owned North East based companies with a national reputation.”

The first stage of expansion will be for Phoenix. As well as its door supervision arm – for which they are among the UK’s top five providers, with a strong presence in the North East, south of England and Scotland – Phoenix also provides security for major events, guarding and concierge services through Phoenix Eye. As a result of its relationship with McDonald’s – where they look after 70 of its 24hour restaurants nationally – Phoenix has recently clinched a major deal with the fast food giant to provide overnight supervision for its Ronald McDonald Houses in Manchester, Southampton, Birmingham and London, which provide accommodation for families with children in hospital.

Additionally, Phoenix offers a nationallyacclaimed training scheme for a variety of security and safety issues. It was involved in the creation of the UK’s first Vulnerable People pilot programme in Newcastle, alongside Northumbria Police, which was commended by the Home Office and is now being rolled out nationally. Phoenix is now helping in the creation of the UK’s first dedicated ‘Safe

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Haven’ in Middlesbrough.

Steve Howe, managing director of Phoenix Security, said: “Phoenix has been instrumental in redefining the traditional perception of the security industry within our sector, which is something we are very proud of.

“We predict we will grow by about 50 per cent through our expansion plans, which have been made possible through our partnership with Allied Irish Bank (GB). They have been incredibly supportive of our business and our plans and the willingness of the whole team to invest the time in getting to know us has been greatly appreciated.”

Andrew Love, head of Allied Irish Bank (GB) in the North East, commented: “Our approach is simple – to build deep and long-term relationships with businesses, and to provide a very personal service to fully address their needs.

We were very pleased to be able to get to know and understand the needs of Danieli Holdings and their diverse divisions within the group, and put together a bespoke refinancing package to support them in their growth.

“Phoenix has a superb reputation in its native North East and beyond, and has some very ambitious plans for further national expansion in the near future. We look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead to help them achieve their goals.”

For more information, visit www.sintons.co.uk

COVER STORY

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A DIRECT APPROACH BARRISTER AMANDA DE WINTER TALKS TO NORTH EAST TIMES ABOUT NEWLY LAUNCHED BARRISTERS & CO IN NEWCASTLE AND THE BENEFITS DIRECT ACCESS BARRISTERS CAN BRING TO THOSE IN NEED OF LEGAL REPRESENTATION.

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he North East now has an alternative to sourcing legal advice and services through traditional solicitor practices, thanks to the opening of the region’s first ‘high street’ direct access barristers last month.

Based in the superbly restored Alderman Fenwick’s House on Pilgrim Street in the centre of Newcastle, Barristers & Co, led by Amanda de Winter, offers the direct access model of legal services which has worked so well for her in other parts of the North East.

In essence, it offers clients the expert advice and services of barristers without having to instruct a solicitor.

Amanda, who was called to the Bar in 1998 but has also worked as a solicitor for seven years – latterly as a partner in a North Yorkshire practice, so has knowledge of both worlds – explains: “Direct access has actually been around since important changes in the regulations were made by the Bar Council in July 2004. These allowed individuals to contact a barrister directly, rather than going through the additional expense of a solicitor, potentially saving clients a significant amount of money.

“Barristers & Co, in its high street format, offers all the same services that a client would expect from a high street solicitor.

There are very few services now that cannot be offered by direct access barristers such as ourselves. We provide a specialist Will drafting and Probate Department alongside specialist Family and Litigation Departments and, of course, in all we do we ensure a premium service, which is exactly what you would expect from the Bar.” Originally, barristers could not offer a full litigation service, which meant that only a limited service could be offered. However, Amanda was one of the first direct access barristers to obtain authorisation to conduct litigation in January 2014, which means Barristers & Co offers a full legal service, from free initial advice right through to trial if necessary.

Amanda says: “The benefits to the client are enormous and I believe that anybody who finds themselves in the legal process would much prefer representation from start to finish by the same person whom they have built up a relationship with.”

She continues: “Barristers differ from solicitors in that they are specialist legal advisers and courtroom advocates. They are trained to advise clients, in a straightforward, no-nonsense manner, on the strengths and weaknesses of their case and to argue a case in a civil or criminal court before a judge and possibly a jury. It is this approach that makes a barrister the perfect choice to deal with the whole conduct of any matter being litigated, whether that be commercial, property or a family matter, and indeed at Barristers

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& Co we have access to experts in every area of law.”

Prior to 2004, the route to accessing their legal expertise was only through a solicitor who then instructed the barrister to act on behalf of their client. This, however, could result in a client being double billed – once from the solicitor and once from the barrister.

In addition, the client often did not meet his or her barrister until the morning of the hearing.

By going direct to a barrister, the client can therefore avoid the solicitor’s fees and there is the added advantage that, as far as possible, Barristers & Co offers a fixed fee.

Communication is also improved as the client can talk directly with their specialist barrister as the case progresses, rather than go through a third party. All of this, coupled with the barristers’ advocacy skills, training, experience and detailed knowledge in the subject matter, are proving instrumental when it comes to an individual deciding whether to go the traditional route via a solicitor or to go direct to a barrister.

So, given the cost and other advantages that direct access brings, why hasn’t the concept been more widely promoted given it’s been available for just over ten years now?

Amanda offers one explanation: “It is never easy to break the mould of the way legal services have been provided for such a long time but I decided to make the break and go for it. It is such a sound legal concept that clients have fully embraced elsewhere that I’m confident the model will prove successful in Newcastle – indeed, initial interest has been very encouraging so far.

“Direct access also offers a number of fundamentally practical benefits and a ‘one-stop shop’ service for business clients. The obvious commercial advantages of having in essence, ‘in-house counsel’ are clear and cost-effective – whether a company is simply reviewing its own employment provisions, engaged in litigation or battling with the Inland Revenue, our team of advocates give our clients a clear competitive advantage.”

Amanda adds: “We have acted for business clients involved in multi-million pound litigation and arranged extended payment terms with government agencies while also helping and advising our clients with day-to-day trading issues. We ensure that each and every business client, from the owner to each employee, has the advantage of an ‘in-house’ barrister to help, advise and look after them and their business.”

Barristers & Co is based at 98/100 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle. For more information, call (0191) 603 1603 or visit www.barristersandco.com

LAW & FINANCE

Any chance of a ‘quote’…

Vinay Bedi of UBS Wealth Management on why the region needs more public limited companies. fter spending what sometimes feels like a whole career going on about the need for more public limited companies (PLCs) in the North East, I am happy to have witnessed a glimmer of hope that this situation may be beginning to improve.

As you will appreciate, a strong PLC base makes for a strong economy. Actually, maybe you don’t ‘all’ appreciate this, so let me explain why I feel it's important that the North East has a stronger representation on the country's stock markets…

The issue often comes down to importance.

If a company is based or headquartered here, then directors and senior management will most probably live in the region; shop, socialise and even send their children to school here. It therefore follows that their focus, loyalty and hence investment, will stay in the region.

But why PLC? Don’t private companies offer the same benefits? Well, yes they can, but for a company to be floated on the stock market it has to meet very specific and stringent rules and regulations. In addition, as a quoted company it has to keep delivering these high standards which, in theory, leads to better quality

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

companies being on the stock market.

I fully accept that there are many high quality private companies in our region, indeed some of these private companies are even headquartered in our region, which is excellent.

A large base of high quality businesses headquartered in the region does add value and kudos to our economy, and attracts further investment and interest both from the City and overseas. These are important building blocks for successful economic growth and it is something that we have been desperately short of over the years.

It was a great pleasure to recently catch up with Andy Scaife and his team from Quantum Pharma plc, which floated at the end of 2014.

This business has achieved a great deal to obtain its new quotation on AIM and with a market capitalisation well north of £100 million, it is also a relatively sizeable new jewel in the North East's PLC crown.

A future hope for the North East will be Atom Bank, based in Durham. Craig Iley and his team will be hoping to shake up the retail banking market place not just in the North East, but nationally, too, and we can only wish it every success. Your region needs you!

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.

VAT’s a bit strange Stuart McKinnon, partner at Baker Tilly North East, examines curious cases relating to VAT...

s a Jaffa Cake a cake or a biscuit? You are probably thinking ‘who cares?’. Well, the VAT man does, as he can collect VAT on biscuits but not on cakes.

The courts decided that even though it looks like a biscuit and is usually displayed with other biscuits (and I like to keep mine in a biscuit tin) it is, in fact, a cake. Its name, by the way, didn’t sway the court; the fact it could go stale did!

There is currently £93 million of VAT resting on another case, this time involving good old Spot the Ball. It is a game I remember from my youth; I spent many a happy hour marking my crosses. I never won.

The issue this time around is whether Spot the Ball is a game of chance or a game of skill.

The company involved claims it is a game of

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EXPERT VIEW Stuart McKinnon Partner at Baker Tilly North East Tel: (0191) 255 7000 Email: stuart.mckinnon@bakertilly.co.uk Web: www.bakertilly.co.uk

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chance and therefore doesn’t attract VAT. Like the Jaffa Cake, this surprised me until I read a bit more about the case. The ball is removed from the photograph as we know, but the winner isn’t the person who places their cross where the ball was. Oh no. You have to place the cross where former players Ian Callaghan and David Sadler think it should be.

So, just to clarify, to win the top prize you have to place your cross in the middle of a fictional ball, not the real one. It came as no surprise to me to find that the top prize hasn’t been won for over a decade.

We await the outcome with interest, but I do feel a little better about my own lack of success trying to decide where Wyn Davies had headed that ball...

LAW & FINANCE

Carr & Co recently celebrated 30 years in business

Carr & Co celebrates 30th anniversary Local law firm, Carr & Co, toasts its recent milestone. orth East-based Carr & Co Solicitors recently celebrated its 30th anniversary at a special event at the Frameworks gallery in Blyth. It was also a special occasion for senior director Valerie Wormald, who was celebrating her 30th year at the firm.

Carr & Co Solicitors was established in 1984 by David Carr at an office in Blyth next door to his father’s GP surgery. In 1996, David tragically passed away at the age of just 43 while holidaying in Greece, but the practice continued on. Carr & Co has since expanded, opening offices in Morpeth and Newcastle, and today it is one of the leading law firms in the North East.

Senior director Sharon Smith said: “Many congratulations to both Valerie and the firm on this important milestone. Throughout the past three decades we have remained a family friendly firm active in the local community, and pride ourselves on offering a quality and personalised service.�

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For more information, visit www.carrandcosolicitors.com

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LAW & FINANCE

Accessing cash and skills…

The money for your business is out there but skills are harder to find, says Jonathan Gold, director and co-founder of Rivers Capital. still hear businesses complaining that access to cash is a problem. Well, it shouldn’t be, as there are multiple sources of cash for small businesses in the North East.

Before I list several sources, it’s worth a short comment on what is in shorter supply than cash, and that’s management talent. This is nothing new, as I don’t believe there has been a sudden exodus of good experienced business people to help existing and start-up businesses.

What has happened is that the growth of small businesses has outstripped the supply.

The other factor is the experience of founding entrepreneurs. The average age of a founding entrepreneur in the USA is now 31, with 25 per cent over 40. While age is no indicator of success, experienced management teams have a head start and are attractive to investors. What does matter is building a balanced team of young talent and experience.

The best people, in my opinion, to help businesses in the North East meet other experienced entrepreneurs is the Entrepreneurs’ Forum.

Let’s get back to access to finance...

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Crowdfunding is no longer new, it’s mainstream and, as such, you should treat it like any other lender and read the small print.

Banks are lending; you might not always like the terms but some don’t like venture capital investor terms either.

The other source of lending is the Micro Loan Fund available from Rivers Capital. We

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invested just under £300,000 to a range of businesses in sub £25,000 loans in the run up to Christmas and have around £2.2 million remaining for this year.

There’s also the peer-to-peer lending market headed up by Funding Circle. This is an elegant model whereby it matches your business needs to investors and takes a small fee in the middle.

What’s common across all of these is that you need to be making enough money in the business to afford to pay the interest and capital; so these sources aren’t normally aimed at pre-revenue start-ups. The Start-Up Loan Fund, however, operated in the North East by PNE Enterprise, offers loans to new businesses.

So, if you’re a business with a good plan and a good idea to match, please don’t tell me you can’t raise the finance for growth.

For more information about the Micro Loan Fund, visit www.riversloan.com. For details on the Start-up Loan Fund, visit www.startuploansnortheast.co.uk.

LAW & FINANCE

New healthcare partner for Sintons The nationally-renowned healthcare team at Sintons has been strengthened further with the arrival of partner Victoria Armstrong. ictoria Armstrong joins the thriving healthcare team at Newcastle-based law firm, Sintons, from Ward Hadaway, and is a property specialist who has worked with many NHS Trusts, local authorities and other public sector bodies during her career.

The company now has 32 partners, and Victoria’s appointment follows other recent high-level additions including top private client lawyer Paul Nickalls, personal injury specialist Phil Davison, development specialist Alan Harkness, and nationally-renowned medicolegal lawyer Barry Speker.

Victoria has a strong reputation throughout the region and further afield for her work in healthcare developments.

Victoria said: “I am delighted to join Sintons,

whose healthcare expertise is unrivalled in this region. I have been hugely impressed by their work in the sector and the levels of knowledge and capability here are immense.

“Sintons are the legal advisor of choice for the majority of GPs and dentists in this region, as well as for many healthcare organisations, and are hugely respected as a result. I am very pleased to have made the move here.”

Hilary Parker, head of healthcare at Sintons, said: “Victoria is an outstanding property specialist who has built up a strong reputation for her work in healthcare. She is yet another excellent addition to our team, which has become one of the leading players in this field regionally and, in many cases, nationally too.”

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Victoria Armstrong, new partner at Sintons

For more information, visit www.sintons.co.uk

Dealing with divorce The realities of separation, by Louise Cannell-Mirza, solicitor in the family and matrimonial unit at Ward Hadaway. awyers up and down the country will agree that they typically see an increase in new enquiries regarding divorce and separation following the Christmas holidays. Indeed the first working Monday of January, is commonly referred to as ‘Divorce Day’.

The Office for National Statistics claims that 42 per cent of all marriages end in divorce. The harsh reality is that a spouse's decision to start that process is often after a holiday period, whether that be the Christmas or summer holidays.

While enquiries may increase after the holiday period, with the right advice it doesn’t have to mean a surge in court applications and divorce petitions; importance must be placed on assisting individuals to navigate through the aftermath in the least litigious way possible.

It is becoming more and more common for couples to plan ahead in case of a separation.

While that may sound rather unromantic, such planning can remove the uncertainty of separation when it comes to dividing assets and dealing with jointly owned property.

Appropriately prepared pre-nuptial and postnuptial agreements are becoming well recognised by the courts as a means of protecting one's finances and assets on separation in a realistic and

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EXPERT VIEW Louise Cannell-Mirza Solicitor Ward Hadaway Tel: (0191) 204 4407 Email: louise.cannellmirza@wardhadaway.com

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conscientious way.

Similarly, as more couples choose not to marry, cohabitation agreements can be used in a similar way to protect each party's financial interests, should that relationship break down.

On separation, there are now a wide range of options available to individuals aimed at reducing the anxiety and animosity that court proceedings can bring.

Indeed, at Ward Hadaway we are able to offer advice under the Collaborative Law scheme whereby parties come together with their lawyers, to try and reach agreements outside of the court forum. While this is not for every separating couple, it can effectively be used to allow parties to face each other in dealing with the fall-out from separation while enabling a relationship to be maintained on the other side.

Mediation is discussed in all cases; not only in terms of trying to save relationships, but to also help the parties navigate towards a settlement of the marital finances and any disputes regarding children.

So, while the New Year may unfortunately see the arrival of Divorce Day, the right advice can help to take some of the stress out of a difficult situation.

LAW & FINANCE

UNW continues to attract top talent Chartered accountants, UNW, welcomes new staff members to its team. usiness advisers, UNW, has further bolstered its expanding firm by making a raft of top appointments, including its 13th partner, a former Entrepreneurs' Forum chief and a team to head up an innovative new service line.

Newcastle-based chartered accountants UNW has taken on a former associate director and senior manager from global recruitment specialist Nigel Wright to lead its new Strategic Talent team, a unique move in the North East professional services sector.

Peter Neal and Dave Bowman have been brought in to establish the complementary advisory service, which will help existing UNW clients grow their businesses by ensuring the right senior management team is in place to deliver the very business plans that UNW's corporate finance, audit and assurance and tax experts help devise.

Meanwhile, Hazel Smith, who was born and bred in Newcastle, has relocated back to the city after being appointed accounting services partner.

The Citygate firm, which has built its

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Nicola Short, Fiona Railson, Peter Neal, Hazel Smith and Dave Bowman who have all joined UNW

business advising some of the region's best known entrepreneurs, has also attracted marketing and business development expert Nicola Short, who previously led the Entrepreneurs' Forum, to help advise and review its own marketing, brand and communications strategy.

The new staff will all be supported by new

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audit and assurance PA Fiona Railson, who brings with her project management and office management experience.

UNW managing partner Andrew Wilson said: “It remains an exciting time for UNW and we believe that our robust record for growth over the last five or six years is underpinned by our ability to attract talent and we are delighted to welcome yet more top people to our firm. “Our own business has grown off the back of helping North East businesses grow and we hope the new Strategic Talent team will help ensure that even more of our clients maximise their growth potential by ensuring they have the right board and leadership team in place to deliver their business goals.�

The news comes after UNW further broadened its service offering into cloud accounting last year, to allow business owners and managers to view their business' current financial position and performance at any time.

For more information, visit www.unw.co.uk

LAW & FINANCE

Becky Scott

Barry James

“The biggest challenge I’ve ever taken on? Yes! Possibly the craziest thing I’ve ever done? Definitely!

Pleased I’m doing it? Ask me in six months time!”

“I enjoy my ten-minute cycle to work every morning so, obviously, the next step was to do the Tour de Force and cycle up a massive Alpine mountain.”

James Swiers “This is definitely one of those things that seemed like a good idea at the time. After a series of training rides on the new bike, I still can’t get my feet unclipped from the pedals, so both elbows are quite sore, and the good idea seems less and less so…”

Ryan Harrison

Cycle challenge beckons for Leathers LLP Team Leathers are gearing up to take part in the Tour de Force which covers 3344km over 21 stages, to raise £50,000 for the William Wates Memorial Trust – a grants giving charity that helps disadvantaged young people keep away from a life of crime and violence and fulfill their potential.

“It seemed like a good idea in 2014 but now we’re in 2015, it seems like a bad one.”

Chris Smith “The charity aspect is really important to us all. The William Wates Memorial Trust is such a great charity and one we are very pleased to be able to support. I know that will push us even further, and we are happy to go the extra mile for such a brilliant cause.”

Jonathan Leather “After doing my first road ride ever in icy conditions, I am starting to believe that I am crazy to be doing this challenge. At least if anything happens to me, it’s for a worthwhile cause.”

he epic journey, which will see Michael Leather cycling the entire distance – joined by his colleagues at various stages – is also a novel way of marking 25 years in business for Leathers LLP. Here, the Tour de Force team members share their thoughts as the challenge fast approaches...

T Neil Matthews “Am I insane? Maybe I am, but at least it will make me do something for a worthwhile cause, while at the same time I’ll lose some weight and get a lot fitter.”

For more information about the Leathers Tour, visit www.howdoyoucelebrate25yearsinbusiness.com To find out more about the William Wates Memorial Trust, visit www.wwmt.org For general enquiries, visit www.leathersllp.co.uk

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Jonathan Carr “My friends think I'm mad, as I'm hardly an accomplished cyclist, but these kind of opportunities don't come along every day, and I can't wait.”

LAW & FINANCE

An unpredictable affair…

Charles Nicholson of Sanlam Private Investments (UK) Ltd looks at the volatility of market conditions in recent months. he year of 2014 ended anticlimactically for equity markets, but fixed income markets capped strong gains throughout the year with yet another positive month. None of the global flagship equity indices – the mid-cap FTSE 250 aside – managed to end in positive territory in the month of December, while the emerging markets bore the brunt of sell-off.

Equities saw a great deal of volatility intramonth, in a period generally characterised by low trading volumes as the Christmas period drew closer. As the oil price continued to drop (-18.3 per cent in December) so, too, did confidence in Russia’s ability to weather the storm.

Accordingly, the Russian rouble entered what can only be described as a tailspin, devaluing 37.3 per cent against the US dollar by the middle of the month. The Russian Central Bank’s drastic tightening of monetary policy and sale of US dollar reserves failed to stabilise the currency.

However, towards the end of the period, China offered a helping hand in the form of an extension of the currency swap agreement brokered two months beforehand. The launch of direct FX (foreign exchange) trade between the rouble and the Chinese yuan managed to shore up the rouble’s devaluation, and equity markets bounced firmly into the month-end.

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EXPERT VIEW Charles Nicholson Head of Newcastle office Sanlam Private Investments (UK) Ltd Tel: (0191) 300 9242 Email: newcastle@spi.sanlam.co.uk

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Bond markets continued to respond well to speculation that the European Central Bank (ECB) is moving ever-closer to a full quantitative easing (QE) programme, as president of the ECB, Mario Draghi, once again slashed GDP growth and inflation forecasts for 2015.

The strong downward parallel shift in the yield curve in core government bonds is indicative of the market’s expectations of both a euro QE programme and a continuation of ongoing disinflation.

Concerns over tightening of monetary policy in the Eurozone seem to have moved to the back of investors’ minds, for the time-being at least. The expansion of the targeted longer-term refinancing operation, which extends cheap credit to European banks, by €130 billion, came in below market expectations. Amid these market conditions the euro fell by 2.8 per cent to 2012 levels against the dollar; UK gilts rallied by 1.8 per cent over the period; and UK corporate bonds by 1.3 per cent.

This article is for information purposes and should not be treated as a forecast, research or advice to buy or sell any particular investment or to adopt any investment strategy. The value of investments may fall as well as rise. Investors may not get back the original amount invested.

LAW & FINANCE

Square One Law expands its property team Newcastle-based Square One Law bolsters its expertise with new additions to its team. ommercial law firm Square One Law has grown by 70 per cent in the last year and a key part of that expansion has been in its property

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team.

Head of property, Barney Frith said: “Our reputation in the property sector has organically grown with the market and between us we have built not only strong links in the region but also some very solid long-term relationships in London with developers such as Highbridge and Landid.”

Some examples of the property team’s recent work includes, acting for Highbridge Properties plc on a development agreement between Sainsbury’s and the Homes & Community Agency at Ansty Park, near Coventry, and acting for London-based property group Marick Real Estate on a development agreement with Lear Corporation, as part of plans to double the size of its Sunderland factory at Rainton Bridge Industrial Estate.

Square One Law also acted for London based developer, Landid, on a number of high profile schemes and most recently on the £20 million

The growing team at Square One Law in Jesmond

acquisition of Gorsebrook Industrial Park, Dagenham and the subsequent letting of the whole site to Eddie Stobart Limited.

The existing team of Barney Frith, Peter Clegg, Satpal Pandal and Jenny Atkin are joined

by Michael Shuker, a senior associate who specialises in property finance and previously

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worked for Watson Burton. Other new staff members include Helen Warren, an associate commercial property lawyer who trained with City firm Pinsent Masons before returning to the North East, and Malcom Wood, a senior associate property lawyer from Bond Dickinson.

The team has also been strengthened by new residential conveyancing partner, Francesca Angelucci, who was a partner at niche London private client firm Judge Sykes Frixou.

Francesca’s experience enables the team to work for high net worth individuals and housebuilders.

Barney commented: “We have seen some major changes in the industry in the last few years and the range of skills we now have in the property team means we can continue to target national as well as regional clients. Clients are demanding better value and I believe we are excellent at producing a very joined-up service and looking at matters commercially.”

For further information, contact Barney Frith on barney.frith@squareonelaw.com or call (0843) 224 7914

LAW & FINANCE

Rathbones is a well-established investment management company, with its roots dating back to the 1700s. Having opened its Newcastle office just two years ago, the team are already making a notable impact on the region’s investment sector. North East Times finds out more about the Rathbones story so far…

Investment directors James Garbutt and James Kyle have a combined 30 years experience in advising private clients, trusts and charities on how to invest their money. Together with Nick Swales, the trio established the Rathbones office in Newcastle in February 2013, having moved from UBS Wealth Management in the City.

Rathbones has its origins as a timber merchant and shipbuilding business back in 18th century Liverpool. Established by a William Rathbone, his successors – a series of other William Rathbones – helped to grow the business during Liverpool’s boom years as a flourishing port.

Almost inevitably, another trading hub sprung up in London, eventually leading to an office in the heart of Mayfair, which is the company’s present day headquarters. Around 100 years ago the family business turned its hand to asset and investment management and the origins of the modern day entity took shape.

The Rathbones of today is once again a flourishing business much like its original incarnation in Liverpool all those years ago. The business has 15 offices across the UK and Jersey, managing around £27 billion of client assets. Although now listed on the London Stock Exchange, there is still a link to the original family through Julian Rathbone, an investment director in the Liverpool office. Staff are encouraged to feel a part of the ‘Rathbones family’ through significant shareholder participation and the company places great emphasis on staff welfare and philanthropy.

Pensions (SIPPs). They are ably supported by a financial planning team, headed up by Kirstie McKeown.

a joined-up approach One area of focus on the private client side is on looking after business owners. The team recognise that small and medium-sized businesses form the bedrock of the wealth creation in the region. Their experience is that these individuals often feel well advised on a corporate level, but struggle to find the time to take care of their personal finances.

Often working alongside an existing trusted adviser or, if one doesn’t exist, helping to structure an advisory team around an individual or family unit, they believe offering ‘joined-up’ legal, tax and investment advice is usually the best solution for these types of clients.

standing out from the crowd Rathbones believes that one of its key differentiators over competitors is the strength of its investment process. The branch network plays host to numerous weekly meetings with CEOs and CFOs of some of the world’s leading listed companies.

James Garbutt explains: “We believe it is really important to see the whites of the key decision makers’ eyes before buying or selling on behalf of our clients. These types of meetings give you a real understanding of how sustainable a company’s dividend is, for example, and what is the likely dividend growth going forward.

“For appropriate clients, we are as comfortable holding globally listed shares, such as Apple and Roche, as we are more household UK names, such as BT or a company with a local connection like Grainger.”

The team buy into the fact that Rathbones empowers its investment managers to deliver a solution that is tailored to each client. Clients have a direct relationship with the decision maker on their portfolio, as Rathbones does not separate the relationship and investment management role.

James Kyle says: “Many wealth managers now only offer a model portfolio service where investment decisions are outsourced to a central team unlikely to have met the client. This one size fits all strategy is anathema to the investment managers here and it’s one of the areas that helps us stand out from the crowd.”

Rathbones is an ambitious business and the Newcastle team clearly share that ambition. James Garbutt concludes: “We want to continue our growth trajectory by delivering a first-class offering to our clients. If we can achieve that, business growth will take care of itself. In many decades’ time, we want to look back and be proud of starting a significant new office servicing clients in the North East.”

early success Having started with seven full-time staff when it opened two years ago, the Newcastle team has now expanded to 11, the most recent recruit being Dianne Coulthard as office manager. Dianne had previously worked at Barclays Wealth for 14 years and brings with her a vast amount of operational experience making her a key asset in the office’s plans for future growth.

James Kyle says: “We have been delighted with how Rathbones has been received in its first two years in the North East. Many clients have come to us looking for an alternative to their current investment manager and we have been bowled over by how receptive they have been to the Rathbones proposition in such a short period of time.”

making connections The core of the team had all worked together for many years prior to establishing the office in the city, as Nick explains: “We are all different characters, but the blend is what works, and it is a genuine team effort.

Our business is about relationships so we try to place the right adviser with the right client regardless of how that client finds us.”

James Garbutt tends to focus on larger, institutional type relationships, such as charities, while Nick and James Kyle manage more private clients and their associated accounts, including Self-Invested Personal

For more information on Rathbones, visit www.rathbones.com or call (0191) 255 1440

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Investment directors James Garbutt and James Kyle

With thanks to our photo-shoot location, The Botanist

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS IN ASSOCIATION WITH

More businesses urged to connect to Government internet funding Thousands of Tyneside businesses are failing to take advantage of a Government funded scheme that can help them to be better connected to the internet.

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a t e s h e a d - b a s e d telecommunications and IT infrastructure firm Advantex Network Solutions Ltd says that small businesses are potentially missing out on thousands of pounds of free funding.This could be used to pay for super-fast broadband connection and associated hardware such as wireless and internet security.

The Government has set aside £150 million to fund its Broadband Connection Vouchers scheme. Under this, a business can apply for up to £3000 to use towards the cost of installing new internet and Wi-Fi services.

Advantex is a registered supplier of the connection vouchers and is in the vanguard of delivering the Go Digital scheme in North Tyneside, Newcastle and Gateshead, which closes in 2016 after delivering vouchers to numerous businesses already.

The Beacon business centre has taken advantage of the Broadband Connection Vouchers scheme

Director Stephen O’Connell said that the widespread access to superfast broadband offered by the scheme will provide a tremendous boost to the Tyneside economy.

He commented: “Which business wouldn’t

want the opportunity to tap into a noobligation funding package that puts them on the fast track to success using super-fast broadband connectivity as well as associated IT hardware for connectivity?”

‘Brain drain’ blamed for skills shortage

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orth East IT company, Razorblue, is raising concerns about a lack of technical skills amongst young people in the region as it struggles to fill a number of new jobs it has created.

Razorblue, which has offices in Newcastle, Leeds and York, recently secured over £2 million worth of new work and, as a result, created six new jobs, with more planned this year.

However, despite the current rates of unemployment, Razorblue has been unable to recruit the necessary staff.

Chris Gill, Razorblue’s commercial director, said: “We’ve invested a lot of

time and money in trying to find the right people for our roles and it’s of great concern that there appears to be a skills shortage – and a possible ‘brain drain’ – in the North East. I really believe it could hinder the region’s development in the technical and IT sectors.”

Technical director, Dan Kitchen, added: “We have been shocked at the lack of skilled people and apprentices available for the jobs we’ve created, especially among the 18 to 25 age group where we’re often told that there are high rates of unemployment.”

Dan Kitchen and Chris Gill from Razorblue

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TECHNOLOGY

Garry Sheriff, managing director of ITPS

A year of wins for ITPS Garry Sheriff, managing director of Gateshead-based data centre business ITPS, reflects on the company’s success and looks at what lies ahead in 2015.

014 ended much the same as it started for ITPS, with a series of client wins and new contracts, and a boost in workforce numbers that saw us cement our position as one of the largest independentlyowned IT companies in the North East.

After 25 years in the IT industry I like to take stock at the end of each year, looking back at what we learned and how we met the opportunities and problems that arose, and what the coming year is likely to bring so we can refine our long-term business strategy accordingly. This is a useful move for any type and size of organisation, not least because it allows it to assess how well the IT infrastructure will meet its future needs.

A weak infrastructure will be unable to support business growth, but making informed decisions in this area can be a nightmare for those who lack a trusted IT partner, and we were pleased that a large amount of the new business we won in 2014 came via client referrals.

New companies regularly spring up in our market. Many of them are competent but there are far too many willing to confuse the client with tech-speak, or who lack the depth of experience and vision to create solutions that help to deliver business success and a better return on IT investment.

Last year was our most successful to date.

Our turnover topped £21 million and we

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acquired a 33,000sq ft, ISO27001-certified data centre with 270 fully equipped workspace recovery seats plus dedicated project, build and meeting space, making it one of the largest facilities of its kind in the North East.

We continued to build on our steady growth, expanding our client base across the UK and mainland Europe, strategically extending our services portfolio and keeping a close eye on technology sector developments and those in our client sectors.

Forging strong client relationships so we can help them maintain a robust, future-proof IT infrastructure forms a core element of our strategy. Freely sharing information and knowledge and sharing best practice IT principles between clients and sectors benefits everyone.

We aim to enable organisations of every type and size to understand how new and established technology can help to drive their growth, whether that is through cloud services, unified communications or managed services models. With new technology constantly being adopted into mainstream use, there are several trends tipped to make the 2015 hotlist.

• The convergence of cloud and mobile computing, particularly in meeting the needs of mobile users across a diverse range of environments, will drive the market, as businesses look to save money and increase

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efficiency. Those who understand how public, private and hybrid cloud works will be the ones who leverage the biggest benefits.

• Big data and the Internet of Things will continue to gather pace, as companies see the value in transforming data into actions that help organisations become more efficient and help individuals make better decisions.

• Wearable technology is predicted to go mainstream, with innovations such as Google Glass and the Apple Watch leading the way and forcing businesses to revise their ‘bring your own device’ policies.

• 3D printing hit the headlines last year, and HP’s market entry announcement will shake things up. With prices high, I would expect to see growth in 3D printing bureau rather than individual 3D printers on our desks.

These and many other technology developments are coming your way and your competitors will already be making decisions based on meeting the opportunities they bring.

My advice is to start working with your IT partner now if you want to be equally ready.

For more information, visit www.itps.co.uk, email contact@itps.co.uk or tel: (0191) 442 8300

TECHNOLOGY

A shining example Diamond Group can help drive North East businesses forward in 2015, thanks to the wide range of services and support it offers.

iamond Group now offers a vast array of services, all of which are crucial for success in modern day business.

With services including expert IT support, ranging from basic software installation to major IT crisis management, Diamond and its group of trained specialists are always on hand, ensuring that when IT problems strike, your business has as little down-time as possible; leaving you stress free and able to concentrate on the running of your business.

Another branch of the business, which has continued to grow over the last few years, is Diamond Communications. Diamond Communications’ staff are fully trained in telecommunication solutions and can offer a range of options, tailored to each individual client’s needs. This includes basic business lines, business mobiles, broadband, vehicle tracking solutions, or fully installed hands-free car systems for professionals.

In 2015, Diamond Group is hoping to grow another aspect of its business – Diamond

Business Systems. Already well known for providing high quality mono and full colour printers, managing director John Burns and his team have extended their range of quality personal and business products for the new year, diversifying their offerings into tablets, PCs, laptops, EPOS systems, cash registers, interactive whiteboards, and a whole host of software and accessories.

With the purse strings of all businesses being as tight as ever, Diamond Group now even offers its own finance options – Diamond Asset Finance. Offering a range of flexible funding options, including hire purchase, leasing and refinancing, Diamond Asset Finance enables you to purchase key assets that will hopefully make 2015 as prosperous as possible.

So, when it comes to your business IT and communication needs, ask yourself – is it up to the Diamond standard?

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For more information, contact (0191) 519 3700, visit www.diamond-group.net or follow @DiamondGroupNE

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TECHNOLOGY

Andrew Robson, CEO of Perfect Image

Cybersecurity and you Andrew Robson, CEO of North East-based IT consultancy, Perfect Image, discusses online security and how businesses can protect their IT infrastructure from hackers. ovember saw one of the biggest cybersecurity breaches in history, when technological and entertainment giant, Sony, was the target of malicious hackers. The attack resulted in data being erased from Sony’s IT systems, as well as sensitive information being stolen and released to the public, along with pre-release films, people’s private information and other sensitive data.

Scaremongering articles began to appear in the media – both in the US and the UK – suggesting the cybersecurity breach was the result of a new generation of super-sophisticated hackers, armed with the skill to bring any corporation’s IT systems to the ground.

Of course, IT security is incredibly important but it also needs to be put in to context. For example, there’s a world of difference between a small service business and Sony, and so business owners need to complete a proper assessment to define their level of risk; think about how worried you should be about any potential security breach, and how likely you are to be targeted, and then consider what you would be prepared to do about it.

Many organisations only need relatively low levels of precaution, whereas for others, such as companies operating in the financial sector, IT

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security may be a major area of concern and therefore require a greater level of spend. In addition, the risks may vary from one part of your business to another and this will impact your security plans.

Crucially, you need to consider all aspects of security. Simply buying a firewall or an antivirus system in isolation doesn’t stop the problem; you need to consider all areas where your systems may be vulnerable. Think about all the people, including staff, suppliers and customers who may use your IT – what access do they have, and need, and are they aware of security best practices? Also consider all of your applications and your IT infrastructure, including networks and servers. Within each of these areas, it’s not just about paying for isolated security solutions, it’s about awareness, processes, ongoing monitoring of systems and regular re-assessment of the risk as the business and systems change.

For over 20 years Perfect Image has delivered business applications, including security solutions, which improve and enhance our clients’ businesses. We’re our clients’ trusted partner and our approach to IT ensures there is a clear understanding of what is required by our customers at a business level, so that we can select and facilitate the most robust

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technologies and solutions that best meet the business need.

And while we have always provided infrastructure services through our Managed Services team, Perfect Image has further extended its offerings with its Secure Infrastructure Solutions to support customers’ businesses and their critical business applications.

Perfect Image’s ongoing investment is to ensure that we continue to offer the excellent Managed Services our clients demand, and with a view to the future, to continue to align and grow our capability and reputation as a partner that delivers robust and secure infrastructure solutions for them.

Ultimately, businesses need to assess their level of risk, identify their security need and then adopt a joined up approach to implement robust IT security measures across all the various aspects of the business – from people, to applications and networks. We can help with the assessment, the implementation and the operation of the IT security that is right for your circumstances.

For further information about IT security services from Perfect Image, visit www.perfectimage.co.uk or call (0191) 238 1111

TECHNOLOGY

Printing solutions from Concept The Newcastle branch of Xerox subsidiary, Concept Group, continues to meet the print needs of its clients with its latest installation. oncept Group, established over 30 years ago, provides clients with a range of document and print management solutions, and more recently became the only UK wholly owned subsidiary of Xerox Corporation.

The business has six branches across the UK and since opening its site in Newcastle seven years ago, the company has enjoyed continued growth within the North East. Alongside its managed print services, Concept also offers a range of hardware and software products, including printers, copiers and scanners.

The company’s first installation, at Gateshead-based Northern Print Solutions, of the new Xerox Versant 2100 Press – an ultra high definition production engine – marks its most recent milestone. Northern Print Solutions already made use of two Xerox J75 digital presses, supplied and supported by Concept, and these were instrumental to the company’s growth in 2014.

Craig Daly, director at Northern Print Solutions, said: “It is incredibly important for us to work with suppliers based in the North East, supporting our region’s growth alongside

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Concept Group recently installed its first Xerox Versant 2100 Press at Northern Print Solutions

our own. As 2014 drew to a close we knew we had to keep evolving and perfecting our craft, enabling us to give our clients even more, and Concept understood perfectly what we needed.”

Indeed, Concept Group is well versed in

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supporting this type of business challenge, as Newcastle branch manager, Stewart Hunter, explained: “We showcased the new Xerox Versant 2100, highlighting the many benefits that could be achieved for both Northern Print and its customers. Increased capacity, the scope to develop ideas and see them through to reality both reliably and quickly, and unparalleled quality are just a few of the key benefits offered by this technology.”

With Concept's ongoing support, Northern Print Solutions can respond to its clients with improved confidence, performance, quality and flexibility while delivering an unprecedented service.

“Concept has a strategy in business: to work alongside our clients, focussing on their unique requirements and solving their problems,” Stewart added. “Our clients’ needs are at the heart of our business, and as this latest installation shows, we can help them to discover new ways of resolving day-to-day document and print challenges.”

For more information, call 0191 273 8111 or visit www.concept-group.co.uk

TECHNOLOGY

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

NOKIA N1 ivalling Apple’s iPad Mini 3, the new Nokia N1 is an Android Lollipop 5.0 tablet equipped with a 64-bit Intel processor and Nokia’s Z Launcher home screen. The tablet automatically adapts to where you are and what you are doing, bringing you the right app just when you need it most. Thanks to Scribble, users simply need

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to doodle a letter to find an app with, for example, F bringing up the Facebook app. Key specifications include a 7.9-inch LCD display (complete with a layer of protective Gorilla Glass), 32GB of storage and front and rearfacing cameras that support 1080p video recording. Bluetooth and Wi-fi capability are also featured, along with an audio jack,

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reversible Micro-USB port and two speakers.

Weighing 318g and just 6.9mm thick - the Nokia N1 comes in two satin-finished shades – natural aluminium or lava grey and it boasts a respectable nine hours of battery life. RRP: To be confirmed. http://n1.nokia.com

SAMSUNG PORTABLE SSD T1 amsung’s new slim and compact Portable SSD T1 is a stylish solid state drive (SSD) that’s designed for both speed and security.

Ideal for business travellers and content creators who are on the go and in need of secure local storage, the device – which is smaller than most business cards – can be used to quickly transfer large amounts of data. The write speed is up to 100 times faster than an external hard drive, taking just eight seconds to transfer a 3GB movie file. The SSD T1 is compatible with Windows and Mac PCs and is available with 250GB, 500GB or 1TB storage capacities. RRP £154.79.

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www.samsung.com

SONY WALKMAN NW-ZX2 ony’s iconic Walkman family has welcomed the NW-ZX2, which promises to put exquisite musical refinement of high-resolution audio in your pocket. The NW-ZX2 boasts a 4inch screen, over 33 hours’ playback and can store up to 800 high-resolution audio tracks. Its powerful DSEE HX technology restores lost details to MP3s and other compressed music files, upscaling your existing music to near high-resolution sound quality. Plus, its S-Master HX digital amplifier cuts distortion and noise, fully optimising your audio experience. RRP £949.

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www.sony.co.uk

CANON IXUS anon has unveiled three new additions to its stylish IXUS camera range. The IXUS 160, IXUS 165 and IXUS 170 are Canon’s smallest cameras to date. The IXUS 170 boasts a 12x optical zoom, with the IXUS 160 and 165 both featuring 8x optical zooms. All three cameras boast a 20 megapixel sensor for capturing detailed stills and users can also add different effects to their images with Canon’s Creative Filters. The Smart Auto function automatically adjusts the camera settings, ensuring you always capture the perfect picture. From £99.99.

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www.canon.co.uk

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MEDIA NEWS

Pharma client win for North East agency Marketing and PR agency ramarketing increases its healthcare portfolio.

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ewcastle-based ramarketing has further strengthened its healthcare division by securing a 12-month contract with another client in the pharmaceutical sector.

The marketing and PR agency is working with Symbiosis Pharmaceutical Services, a leading contract manufacturing company based in Scotland, on a global PR, SEO, social media and online advertising campaign.

As part of the project, ramarketing has paired up with New York-based scientific strategy and marketing agency, That’s Nice LLC, to provide Symbiosis with full go-tomarket support.

Established in 2009, multi award-winning ramarketing has now worked with over a dozen pharmaceutical and chemical clients, which accounts for half of the company’s wider healthcare portfolio.

Symbiosis specialises in manufacturing sterile pharmaceutical products for the global clinical trials market. The fast-growing organisation already works with companies across the US and Europe, but is aiming to expand its reach even further with the help of the Newcastle agency.

Raman Sehgal, founder of ramarketing, said: “Assisting pharmaceutical and chemistry clients with their marketing and PR challenges has been the bedrock of our business to date, so I am delighted that we have been able to add another

client to this list.

“Symbiosis is an impressive outfit with a niche positioning in an expanding market so there is great potential for us to make an impact by helping the firm reach its growth potential over the next few years.”

A blossoming success

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potting a gap in the market for straightforward, affordable and resourceful marketing advice tailored to small businesses; young entrepreneur Chloe Hall has launched new PR and online marketing consultancy Bumble & Bloom Media.

For Chloe, whose social media efforts and PR successes have been recognised on a local and national scale, Bumble & Bloom Media offers help and guidance to small businesses looking to increase brand

awareness and develop their online presence.

From fashion and floristry, to theatre, health and well-being and high-end furniture showrooms; Bumble & Bloom Media works with businesses of all shapes and sizes across the North East region.

Last year, Chloe was shortlisted for The Guardian’s Rising Star Award for Young Entrepreneurs and in 2015 she will continue her work with PNE (Project North East) as a volunteer business mentor.

North East firm expands its horizons

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illingham-based pump distributor and manufacturer Tomlinson Hall & Co is breaking into new markets – with the help of full service strategic marketing company Horizonworks.

The Newcastle-headquartered company has created a new brand for

Tomlinson Hall’s Liquivac product, an innovative liquid ring vacuum pump which is used across a wide range of industries.

Horizonworks also produced marketing material – including a website, English and Arabic brochures, and

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presentations – to support Tomlinson Hall’s export strategy and the promotion of Liquivac in the United Arab Emirates. In addition, the firm worked with Teesside University, which produced an animation of the pump for use in marketing material.

MEDIA

Ask Silver Bullet Account manager, Richard Hopper, answers your marketing queries.

Q I am told that ‘content marketing is king’ but what is ‘content’ and why is it king?

We are told that ‘content’ is king and that we have to re-shape our entire marketing strategy to revolve around content. Yet, what really is content marketing? And how do we go about executing a content marketing campaign?

Essentially, content marketing is a marketing technique where you create and distribute valuable content to your audience, with the objective of driving action. Content is used to inform and entertain potential consumers; creating attention and ultimately leading to certain types of behaviour. In a marketer’s case, we want to induce engagement, advocacy, leads and then, sales.

So, why use content? Most consumers – both current and potential – do not want to hear marketing or advertising messages. Conversely, modern day consumers have a real thirst for ‘content’; a thirst for relevant information that is seemingly unquenchable. Content marketing provides consumers with that information. In advertising, we try to engage with the audience, but with content marketing, it is the individual who is trying to engage with us.

If you can produce content that is of interest, and in some cases, unexpected, then you have the best possible opportunity to engage.

Essentially, you want to connect with your target audience by telling a story, tapping into their shared emotions, being funny or responding to current events. Sales aren’t the be

all and end all, as 85 per cent of businesses utilise content not for the sale but to develop engagement with their brand.

target the right network utilised by your target demographic and use the right channel, by the very nature of social media, your messages will be ‘shared’.

Know your consumer Bad content You cannot just create content and presume the target consumer will engage – you need to understand whom you want to target and find out more about the networks they utilise, namely the profiled or social groups the individuals are part of. Within these networks, individuals actively communicate and share information with each other.

Content isn’t just about the message, it’s also about how you send this message and which channels or mechanisms – such as digital or social media platforms like Twitter – are used to deliver it. The number of channels available to consumers is increasing all the time, as is the growing number of devices from which we can consume content, principally smart devices and wearable technology.

Indeed, research has shown that a growing number of millennials (those born between the late 80s and early 2000s) consume content through new media channels, primarily social and digital channels. The suggestion that this is because of an apathetic generation lacking interest in global issues is far from the truth; they have a real hunger for relevant information. Many have simply lost faith in traditional publications so have chosen to seek information and content elsewhere, mainly from digital sources.

It therefore goes without saying that if you

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You have to be careful with your content. ‘Bad’ content and content deemed unoriginal can be extremely damaging for your brand. 2014 saw the rise of ‘content’ and many brands were looking to jump on this bandwagon, resulting in a lot of rushed, one-off, poor quality content being developed. To be truly successful, the conversation needs to continue.

The content you produce also needs to be entrenched within all of your marketing communications. A good example of this is KLM airlines, which not only develops excellent and interesting video content, but also continues to place its messages across other marketing channels, especially social media.

With content marketing you need a plan and a strategy. What is your message? To whom do you want to speak? Which channel will you use to speak to that group or individual? In essence, simple marketing.

Considering utilising a content marketing strategy, want to know more about marketing or 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) @SilverBulletPR using #AskSB

MEDIA

Read to lead Sarah Hall, managing director of Sarah Hall Consulting Ltd, the PR and marketing consultancy that builds profiles and profits, looks at why Seth Godin’s Tribes should be top of the reading list for those wishing to enhance their leadership skills.

f you want to be a leader, it’s worth picking up Seth Godin’s book Tribes. The thrust of the book is that it only takes a shared interest and a way to communicate to turn a group of people into a tribe. Provide a purpose and the tools to achieve the group’s (highly defined) goals and you’re on your way to being a successful leader.

According to Godin, all that’s needed to lead is the desire to make something happen.

Here are my top ten quotes from the book to get you started:

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1. Technology is just an enabler, it’s all about people Before the internet, coordinating and leading a tribe was difficult. Twitter and blogs and online videos and countless other techniques contribute to an entirely new dimension of what it means to be part of a tribe. But the internet is just a tool, an easy way to enable some tactics. The real power of tribes has nothing to do with the internet and everything to do with people.

2. A changing status quo brings opportunity to marketers Marketing used to be about advertising. Today, marketing is about engaging with the tribe and delivering products and services with stories that spread.

3. Anyone and everyone can lead Tribes give each of us the very same opportunity.

Skill and attitude are essential. Authority is not.

Leaders don’t care very much for organisational structure. They use passion and ideas to lead

people, as opposed to using threats and bureaucracy to manage them.

7. You can’t please all the people all of the time

4. It’s about quality of fans, not quantity

Great leaders don’t try to please everyone. Great leaders don’t water down their message to make the tribe a bit bigger. Instead, they realise that a motivated, connected tribe in the midst of a movement is far more powerful than a larger group could ever be.

Too many organisations care about numbers, not fans. They care about hits or turnstile clicks or media mentions. What they’re missing is the depth of commitment and inter-connection that true fans deliver. True fans are hard to find and precious. Just a few can change everything. What they demand, though, is generosity and bravery.

5. Don’t let fear of failure stop you leading and innovating Fear is hardwired. It needs to be drowned out by the story of success, of drive, of doing something that matters. The essence of leadership is being aware of your fear (and seeing it in the people you wish to lead).

6. Embrace discomfort Leadership is scarce because few people are willing to go through the discomfort required to lead. This scarcity makes leadership valuable. .• It’s uncomfortable to stand up in front of strangers.

• It’s uncomfortable to propose an idea that might fail.

• It’s uncomfortable to challenge the status quo.

• It’s uncomfortable to resist the urge to settle.

When you identify the discomfort, you’ve found the place where a leader is needed. If you’re not uncomfortable in your work as a leader, it’s almost certain you’re not reaching your potential as a leader.

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8. Don’t lead when it’s not from the heart Sometimes it may make more sense to follow.

Leading when you don’t know where to go, when you don’t have the commitment or the passion, or worst of all, when you can’t overcome your fear – that sort of leading is worse than none at all.

9. Leadership is actually simple The secret of leadership is simple: do what you believe in. Paint a picture of the future. Go there.

People will follow.

10. Good communication is key Realise that you have a choice when you communicate. You can design your products to be easy to use. You can write so your audience hears you. You can present in a place and in a way that guarantees that the people you want to listen will hear you. Most of all, you get to choose who will understand (and who won’t).

For more information, visit www.sarahhallconsulting.co.uk or follow her on Twitter @Hallmeister

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MEDIA

No more rubbish, please!

Businesses should ‘get real’ to connect with their customers, says Jackie Marston, managing director of JAM Marketing.

EXPERT VIEW Jackie Marston Managing director JAM Marketing Tel: (0845) 900 2127 Email: info@jam-marketing.co.uk Web: www.jam-marketing.co.uk Twitter: @JamMarketingUK

e’ve all had those times in front of the TV, seeing an advert and thinking…what on earth is that about? Thankfully, these adverts are becoming fewer and fewer, and there is a simple reason for this – people don't have as much room for waste in their lives and thoughts anymore. With social and political issues at the forefront of people’s minds right now, businesses have had to adapt to employ a greater sense of empathy and understanding in everything their audiences do.

What is great to see, is companies being honest with people and basing their services and products on actually making their users' lives a bit better. From a marketer’s perspective, this is great, as not only can we begin writing and advertising about great businesses, but we also know that these products and services can make a real difference, too.

I firmly believe that as this year progresses, we, as marketers, will be more focused than ever before on braver ideas, honesty, and

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encouraging people to use technology in order to empower them to make the best choices; giving more control back to the audience.

But why would businesses want to do this, I hear you ask? Businesses will see this as a challenge, but also as a way of demonstrating their real colours to the consumer. Businesses who are after making a quick pound or two will hopefully fall by the way side, while the true leaders and innovators of the industries will begin to be known for the honest quality products they produce, rather than having to over dress what can sometimes be a simple yet superb offering.

It’s surely not that simple though? No, of course not, but it’ll be interesting to see throughout this year, and next, products with a real purpose beginning to shine through, and fluffy rubbish being left out of sight.

What do you think of the product, but more importantly what do you think of the company?

Another key factor in any purchase is your emotional connection with the company that

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you are handing over your hard earned cash to.

How a company behaves in the world is becoming increasingly important, which is a great thing. It’s wonderful for the marketers of this world, as we have businesses now wanting to do great things, in the right way, with the kinds of behaviours that will inspire their consumers. What more could a marketer ask for?

But it’s not just good news for marketers – it’s good news for businesses, too. Getting rid of the rubbish and taking this new inspiring, real approach has positives for your company as a whole, with research finding that companies will benefit from a happier, more inspired work force, leading in turn to greater output.

So, our advice for businesses in 2015 and beyond is: find your company’s soul and real key benefit and then think about how you portray that simple yet great product or service across to an ever more informed audience.

Leave the rubbish for your competitors to take out!

MEDIA

The Botanist, a new bar and restaurant in Newcastle

A taste of success at OPR Recent highlights from creative communications agency, OPR. he CIPR North East ‘Outstanding Consultancy of the Year’, Newcastlebased OPR, has had a healthy start to 2015 thanks to several food and drink sector projects.

The creative communications agency, renowned for its high impact launch experience for national brands moving into the north, was awarded the PR for The Botanist in Newcastle, the newest addition to the city’s food and drink scene that opened in December.

The Botanist bar and restaurant venue, brought to the region by The New World Trading Company, marked the company’s first expansion in to the North East, alongside its four existing operations in Leeds, Manchester, Chester and Alderley Edge.

The impressive 8000sq ft venue is set across the top two floors of the Monument Mall development and is Newcastle’s most talkedabout venue of the moment, according to social platforms over the festive period.

Boasting nine bar stations, The Botanist offers an extensive drinks menu serving over 50 different bottled beers and ciders, cask ales and 48 cocktails. The unique interior also features a nine metre tall sycamore tree as its bar centrepiece and offers stunning vista points for views of Grey’s Monument.

OPR ensured The Botanist was the talk of the town with a high impact PR, social media and blogger outreach campaign. It also managed the official launch event on January

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The Lakes Distillery, located in Cumbria

15 that saw hundreds of people, including local celebrities, enjoy the venue.

December also saw the spectacular gates thrown open at The Lakes Distillery, to reveal a world class visitor centre, Terry Laybourne bar and bistro – The Bistro at the Distillery – stills room, private boardroom, casks room and a shop selling distillery products as well as locally produced fare.

O manages all UK and global PR for The Lakes Distillery, which is based in a beautiful setting near Bassenthwaite Lake in Cumbria and is expecting to attract over 55,000 visitors each year to boost the local tourism economy.

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As the distillery opened its gates, designed by Cumbrian metal work artist Alan Dawson, it was featured in the likes of The Guardian, The Independent, The i newspaper and the Wall Street Journal.

As 2014 drew to a close, OPR also helped its client Primula Cheese to communicate its notfor-profit status and donate £50,000 to worthy families over Christmas.

OPR developed a ‘Spread the Joy at Christmas’ campaign and brokered a partnership with The Sun national daily newspaper to spread the cash across 12 families with the prizes delivered in the 12 days running up to Christmas.

Featuring in The Sun newspaper and Sun Online – reaching an audience of over 27.5 million people in the UK – the campaign generated over £1 million worth of press coverage, and was fronted by TV presenter Susanna Reid.

Managing director of OPR Kari Owers said: “As 2014 crossed over into 2015 we had a great deal of fun at the agency delivering some really special work for our food and drink clients at a key time for the sector, from giving money to good causes to organising launch events we created PR strategies that help them drive forward their business goals.”

For more information about OPR, visit www.opr.co.uk, call (0191) 232 5690 or follow @oprtweets

STYLE

Get the look Fashion and accessories for women.

By Jessica Laing.

Debenhams, £60

Carlo Pazolini, £345

Office, £70

F&F at Tesco, £20

ith spring just around the corner, there’s no time like the present to start thinking about refreshing your wardrobe and, as the weather warms up (ever so slightly), rethinking about what to wear in the workplace. Fortunately, spring 2015 is set to offer style-conscious women a host of new trends to experiment with, some of which translate perfectly into the world of work wear.

Opting for more voluminous skirts, throwing on billowing, wrap-around blouses or even braving flared cropped trousers are just a few examples of how to create a slouchier, more elongated silhouette – forecast to be one of the season’s most popular looks, inspired by the essence of 1970s fashion and the breeziness of springtime. It’s effortlessly laid-back, but businesswomen can make this work for them by replacing bright, floral colours with office-friendly hues, such as monochrome, and throwing on a pair of court shoes for added smartness.

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House of Fraser, £25

MODEL ATTIRE White textured shirt, £59 Pied a Terre tailored crop trousers, £69 Biba black ‘Fara’ bag, £79 All from House of Fraser SS15 Lookbook

Next, £36

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WORKSPACE & CONSTRUCTION NEWS

Design firm revamps university’s catering facilities A family-run company completes a string of catering projects at one of the UK’s leading universities.

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outh Tyneside-based Restaurant Design Associates (RDA) has been working with Durham University to design new catering areas within two of its residential colleges – St Mary’s College, which was established in 1899, and Trevelyan College, founded in 1966.

The design work marks the latest in a line of projects that RDA has undertaken since the university first engaged the firm’s services as design consultants in 2011, during the development of its college catering. This formed part of Durham University’s dynamic approach to improving facilities in the estate, in line with a structured investment programme across a number of years.

Paul Hirst, design director at RDA, said: “At the heart of our brief was the determination to satisfy the desire to provide services and facilities that were cutting edge and future-proofed.

“We were employed not only to create

The new-look catering facilities at Durham University

state of the art designs and to advise on all aspects of new technology, customer flows and dwell times, but also to create the look

and feel of high quality catering establishments that would enhance the user experience.”

Office space with character

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hree prime offices in Trinity Chare at the heart of Newcastle’s Quayside are now available to let through JK Property Consultants.

Based in a Grade I listed building at 17 Trinity Chare, the offices are uniquely located at the centre of a quiet courtyard which tenants can use, by

arrangement.

Tenants can also exclusively book facilities for business and social functions at the historic Trinity House, which itself dates back to the 1400s and has been used as a hospital, almshouses and rigging loft over the centuries.

JK Property Consultants has been

instructed by the Corporation of Newcastle Trinity House to let the modern Grade A style offices on a fiveyear lease. The three offices and accompanying kitchen facilities cover a total 448sq ft, with the largest office providing 195sq ft of space and the smallest 105sq ft.

Refurbishment for Washington property portfolio

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major refurbishment of a portfolio of units at Armstrong Industrial Estate in Washington is now complete.

Silverstone Building Consultancy project managed the £200,000 makeover on behalf of owners, IO Asset Management, who acquired the premises from Valad last year.

The 22 industrial/trade counter units are situated on Whitworth Road and range in size from 2900sq ft to 12,472sq ft.The comprehensive refurbishment included new external cladding, roof repairs, new carpeting and full redecoration, providing much improved accommodation for

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potential occupiers.

The estate is located approximately one mile north of Washington town centre and offers easy access onto the A1and A19.The properties are ideal for start-up businesses or small companies looking to expand or upgrade.

PROPERTY

The 2015 Budget ... could help keep the property revival on track, says Neil Hart, director at Bradley Hall.

he upcoming March Budget gives Chancellor George Osborne the perfect opportunity to give commercial property professionals some post-festive cheer.

The industry has been doing well for the last few years but complacency must not be allowed to set in, especially as there are a number of factors that point to a possible slowdown in UK economic growth. Deflation in the Eurozone has triggered fears of a fall in the Euro, which would be bad news for Britain’s army of exporters and the UK Government. It would make exporting more expensive and cost Britain more to service its already large mountain of debt.

Also, uncertainty over the make up of the next UK Government has forced some companies to postpone investment plans, which could stifle the economic recovery.

Even if Mr Osborne introduces a raft of business-friendly measures on March 18, there will be some scepticism that they will be implemented if he is not in power after the election. Having said that, the upcoming Budget will give him a chance to demonstrate to the business community why he should remain in 11 Downing Street.

The commercial property sector is important

• Retention of low interest rates and the extension of small business rate relief on existing properties beyond April 2015.

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• Introduction of extra rate relief on newly built commercial properties for a minimum period of three years.

because it influences the economic performance of so many other sectors, including construction, engineering, property, energy and the environment. For that reason, Mr Osborne should consider the following: • Funding for much-needed infrastructure projects in the North of England. Mr Osborne needs to honour his pledge to create a ‘powerhouse of the North’, including a substantial investment in rail and road improvements.

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• Relaxation of planning laws – it is critical that a review of the General Permitted Development Order (GDPO) goes ahead.

This would fast-track the conversion of warehouses and light industrial buildings into residential properties, helping to remove obsolete stock from the commercial market and create new homes.

• Reform of business rate valuations. The current system calculates rates based on 2008 values and needs a radical overhaul. The way they are calculated at the moment doesn’t incentivise investment - in fact, it’s quite the reverse.

For more information, visit www.bradleyhall.co.uk or call (0191) 232 8080

RURAL

A big change for small developers Willy Browne-Swinburne from Rural Solutions discusses the ground breaking new planning guidance announced by the Government and its impact on small residential sites. t really is a rare treat to plug some government policy guidance that has been well thought out. Furthermore, this guidance will genuinely make a positive contribution to the nation. The guidance is particularly positive for something very close to our hearts at Rural Solutions – small rural settlements.

These settlements – and the North East has some of the finest in the land – need development that is appropriate and positive.

Development that will help sustain and indeed revitalise rural communities, schools, pubs, post offices and sports clubs.

Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, announced after a long consultation that there would now be no requirement for developers to allocate any affordable housing in schemes of ten houses or less. The impact of this on the rural landowner, the small developer and, hopefully, on smaller rural settlements will be significant.

On a straightforward business level it now means that it makes sense to develop good quality homes on smaller sites that ultimately offer a village an appropriate increase in housing. Developers can now make sensible returns on appropriate and desired developments.

In terms of land release, the move will encourage landowners, parish councils and residents concerned with the impact of a

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substantial affordable allocation to reconsider smaller sites in their villages.

The new guidance states that: • No affordable housing (on or off site contributions) on any houses of five houses or less.

• In the vast majority of cases, the no affordable housing provision will be required on sites of ten houses or less.

• The smaller threshold applies to areas of outstanding natural beauty, National Parks or other ‘rural areas described under section 157 (1) of the Housing Act 1985’ (this applies to a limited number of parishes).

• Even where the smaller threshold applies, developments of between six and ten houses do not have to provide on-site affordable housing – an off-site commuted sum will be levied.

• The guidance also removes the requirement to provide any other developer contributions, which would have previously been levied against developments of the prescribed sizes, for example, play areas, sports facilities etc.

At Rural Solutions we have been quick to see the enormous opportunity that this change offers our clients. Our discussions with local authorities across the country have shown

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that they are prepared to accept the guidance. In short, we are ‘game on’ and anyone with small sites, particularly in rural areas, should be looking at them again.

So what next? Our recommendation is to look at, and reconsider, small-scale residential sites within portfolios, estates or local authority strategic land appraisals and do the math. With the onerous requirement for affordable homes lifted, things will probably start to stack up.

It is worth looking at consents already granted to see if the changes can be applied to those retrospectively. It might also be prudent to reconsider housing numbers on existing consents to see if the numbers look better on a smaller scheme.

This doesn’t open the sluice gate for development. Inappropriate sites won’t suddenly achieve consent but it does make good, small sites, viable. Viability is fundamental to achieving development and this policy goes a long way to helping that. In the struggle to meet the UK’s vast housing shortage, this guidance is a rare thing – genuinely intelligent planning policy.

Willy Browne-Swinburne heads up Rural Solutions in the north. For more information, email wbs@ruralsolutions.co.uk, contact the Rural Solutions Planning Team on (01756) 769 199 or visit www.ruralsolutions.co.uk

EVENT

Silverstone Building Consultancy celebrates five years of success The Newcastle-based firm of chartered building surveyors and project managers celebrates five years in business at Tiger Hornsby cocktail bar, Newcastle.

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ore than 100 guests joined Silverstone’s directors and staff at a special drinks reception to mark its fifth year in business.

The event was an opportunity for Silverstone to thank clients for their continued support, which has helped it achieve another highly successful year.

During the past year, the firm has worked on a number of construction projects amounting to over ÂŁ7 million on behalf of clients. It has also expanded its team, recruiting a new associate director.

Silverstone provides project management and building surveying advice to commercial property owners and occupiers on a regional and national level. www.silverstonebc.com

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

Rockliffe reveals new Spa Garden The five-star hotel announces major expansion plans for 2015.

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ockliffe Hall, County Durham, has announced plans for the creation of a new ‘Spa Garden’ within its grounds to further enhance its award-winning spa facilities.

Set to open in autumn this year, the new 200-metre Spa Garden, which will be the only one of its kind in the North East, will be adjacent to the current spa and will comprise two outdoor hot tubs, including a jacuzzi and an infinity edge hydrotherapy

pool, under-floor heated decking and lounging areas, and a unique garden room.

The garden room will offer guests a glassfronted sauna cabin, a fire pit and water features, along with landscaped gardens with views across the hotel’s grounds.

Work on the development is now underway, with Darlington-based contractors, Wharton Construction, managing the project, and the hotel’s spa

team is now developing a range of new treatments, spa days and promotions to introduce new experiences for the Spa Garden’s launch.

Commenting on the new Spa Garden, chairman of Rockliffe Hall, Warwick Brindle, said: “The investment marks the start of an exciting growth phase for our resort, with big plans in the coming year as we continue to strive to increase both business and leisure and tourism in the region.”

A swinging scheme

Marina of the Year

49 shades of Grey

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amside Hall Hotel and Golf Club County Durham’s only 36-hole golf resort and home to England’s newest golf course – has launched a new Flexi-Golf scheme to encourage more people to take up the sport. The new flexible membership scheme allows golfers to join the club for just £195 and buy bundles of points to exchange for rounds of golf at the resort’s two courses.

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ewcastle has been dubbed the ‘Monte Carlo of the North’, after the industry body for marinas in the UK, The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA), crowned NE1 Newcastle City Marina as ‘UK Coastal Marina of the Year 2015’. For the first time, yachtsmen and sailing enthusiasts were encouraged to vote for their favourite marinas in an online voting system, making the 2015 awards the fiercest competition to date.

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n the latest stage of a phased refurbishment timed to coincide with its 10th anniversary, Grey Street Hotel, Newcastle, has created a range of facilities designed to appeal to corporate guests, including a state-of-the-art function room and a range of bespoke corporate packages. The 49-bedroom hotel hopes its new suite, which can hold up to 80 delegates, will strengthen its appeal to local companies looking for a meeting venue.

LEISURE & HOSPITALITY

Catering for success From business awards and clay pigeon shooting, to weddings and one of the UK’s largest free LGBT events – 2015 looks set to be another busy year for one of the region’s leading leisure companies… ince launching in 2012, 1879 Events Management has established itself as one of the market leaders in the North East’s leisure and hospitality sector.

As the appointed manager of the catering and events operations at the Stadium of Light and National Glass Centre, Sunderland, the organisation has already garnered a wealth of experience in handling everything from concerts and graduation ceremonies to business dinners and corporate awards.

It has also managed a wide range of external events at sites across the North East and, in summer 2014, was able to build on this experience with the launch of its first, whollyowned venue, The Beach House, Roker.

This year, that expanding remit looks set to diversify even further, with 1879’s first ever external wedding, as commercial director, Gary Hutchinson explains: “Since its launch three years ago, 1879 Events Management has catered for a wide range of occasions, not just at the sites where it works in-house, but as an external supplier at venues across the North East.

“We’re very excited that 2015 will include the company’s first wedding outside the

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Stadium, National Glass Centre or The Beach House and look forward to this, and all the other challenges that lie ahead.”

Over the next 12 months, 1879 Events Management and its hard-working team of staff will be clocking up the hours at all three of its Sunderland-based venues, with key events taking place at each throughout the year.

For the Stadium of Light, this includes the highly-anticipated Foo Fighters concert, being held in May, along with the countless conferences, meetings and match-day hospitality, delivered there on a regular basis.

A similar array of events will be taking place at the National Glass Centre, where 1879 Events Management is also tasked with the day-to-day running of the in-house Brasserie.

“The National Glass Centre Brasserie brings its own set of challenges,” explains Gary, “including the need for a continual redevelopment of menu concepts to keep diners coming back for more.”

He continues: “Thankfully our executive head chef, Steve Welch, and his team are more than capable of delivering this effectively, as well as overseeing our food offerings for all our

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events, and at The Beach House.

“Another priority for Steve and the team at The Beach House this year is to develop new packages to coincide with the redevelopment of nearby Roker Pier, an initiative 1879 Events Management is supporting wholeheartedly.”

Along with all of these in-house events, 1879 will also be handling a variety of external celebrations in 2015, many of which represent repeat business for the firm. This includes the UK’s second largest free LGBT festival, Newcastle Pride, where 1879 catered for more than 65,000 people in 2014, as well as the Teesside Business Awards at Teesside University.

Gary says: “The team at 1879 Events Management are really looking forward to working with all our existing clients in 2015 and to building new relationships with customers and venues right across the North East.”

For more information about 1879 Events Management, visit www.1879events, call (0871) 911 1269, email info@1879events.com or follow @1879Events on Twitter.

LEISURE & HOSPITALITY

Sunderland’s retail boom Sunderland is a city on the up, thanks to a host of exciting new developments. hoppers across the North East will rejoice with the news that one of the UK’s favourite shoe brands, Kurt Geiger, is strengthening its presence in the region with a concession in Debenhams from March.

The opening of Kurt Geiger in The Bridges in Sunderland is far more than just a national brand making its mark on Wearside – it’s also further evidence about the confidence in the retail offering in the city.

The arrival of Kurt Geiger is hot on the heels of other major brands setting up shop in the centre, including premium jewellery store, Swarovski, clothing brand Roman Originals and the American style eatery, Ed’s Diner.

Add to that all the major high street staples from Next and Boots, to Superdry and Pandora and you’ve got a centre that really is thriving.

To help boost the retail offering, The Bridges is part of a concerted effort to grow the evening economy in Sunderland and has now launched a Thursday late night shopping evening.

Working closely with other partners, including Sunderland’s Business Improvement District, a programme of entertainment is also

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planned for Thursday evenings to make it even more attractive to shoppers.

Andy Bradley, centre director at The Bridges, believes this is a vital move and it’s been introduced in direct response to research which highlighted this as a priority for shoppers. Andy said: “The late night shopping – coupled with the fact that there will also be free parking – will make The Bridges a great place to come after work.

“Combined with the entertainment, bars and restaurants in the city, it will hopefully mean people will come and make a night of it – and then of course come back time and time again.”

This push to highlight The Bridges and its offerings comes at an exciting time for Sunderland, with masses of investment in the city, including a new cultural sector. The arrival of a new international brand is further evidence that Sunderland is on an upward spiral.

Dan Hirst, store manager at Debenhams Sunderland is delighted to welcome Kurt Geiger to the store’s shoe department: “This new addition strengthens our already impressive product offering and gives our customers even greater choice.”

Andy Bradley added: “There are many people who are just starting to discover what we have to offer. The addition of these big name brands to The Bridges – with the hope of more to come – is further evidence that Sunderland is on a really exciting journey.”

For more information, visit www.thebridgesshopping.com

Crowne Plaza Newcastle appoints general manager Andrew Fox makes a welcome return to the North East to join the new hotel development at Newcastle’s Stephenson Quarter. rowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter has reached a new milestone with the appointment of its general manager, Andrew Fox. Andrew joins what is set to become one of Newcastle's most luxurious and contemporary hotels when it opens in Stephenson Quarter in July this year.

His immediate task is recruiting his senior management team while also working closely with the property developer Clouston Group, overseeing the final phase of construction along with the fit-out. The hotel will be under a management contract with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).

Once complete, the impressive, seven-storey, 251-bed Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter will add a major new business conferencing and banqueting facility to the city.

For Andrew, 48, the appointment represents an exciting challenge and a welcome return to

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the North East. Married with four children, he was brought up in Ponteland, Northumberland before leaving the area to study in Manchester and begin a career in hospitality.

Now living in Morpeth, Andrew has around 25 years’ experience in the hospitality and

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leisure industry, having most recently been regional general manager for Q-Hotels, overseeing a collection of hotels in the Midlands. Prior to that, he worked at Crowne Plaza Nottingham and worked within management in Marriott Hotels for eight years.

Andrew said: "The development of Crowne Plaza in Newcastle is not only an exciting milestone for the city, but represented a great personal opportunity. The chance to come back to the North East, the lifestyle of the city and the wider area, was too good to miss.

"I'm thrilled to be at the helm of such a significant project in Newcastle; a project that will breathe life into this part of the city, creating much needed investment, jobs and opportunity for the future.

"Crowne Plaza Newcastle will become an asset the city will be proud of and a beacon for the Stephenson Quarter and the wider business community."

For more information, visit www.ihg.com

LEISURE & HOSPITALITY

Business lunch

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill Alexis Forsyth samples contemporary dining in Newcastle. rought to us by the Godfather of modern cookery, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill is housed within Hotel Indigo Newcastle, in a prime city centre location on Fenkle Street.

Promising ‘affordable glamour’, the 100-seat restaurant serves up a blend of modern British cuisine and has received rave reviews since launching three years ago. Needless to say, I was rather excited about sampling the restaurant’s fine fayre for my very first business lunch as editor.

Inside, the setting is stylish, spacious and inviting, yet minimal, with monochrome and green dominating the décor, and large black and white portraits of Marco hanging on the rear wall, intently overlooking the restaurant’s diners.

After being shown to our table nestled in the corner of the room, our waiter attentively talked my colleague through the selection of nut-free dishes on the menu.

Despite the number of diners – many of who, we suspected, were taking advantage of Restaurant Week – we received our starters fairly quickly. My trio of crab cakes, coated in

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crunchy breadcrumb, were perched on a dollop of lemon and herb mayonnaise, with a smattering of salad on the side. The salad dressing had a delicate kick, which contrasted beautifully with the creamy mayo.

As for my colleague’s baked Camembert, this was presented ‘rustic style’ on a wooden board.

Dreamily gooey inside and mild in flavour, the Camembert was perfectly offset against the accompanying pickle chutney, which boasted sweet and sour undertones. My other colleague, meanwhile, decided to follow my lead by choosing a seafood-based dish. His portion of battered calamari was very appetising indeed.

Keeping it simple, I chose the lemon and rosemary chicken for my main, served with truffle chips and a rocket and parmesan salad.

The chicken breast arrived on the bone with a golden, crispy skin, alongside a dinky copper pan brimming with thick-cut chips. The chicken breast was so succulent, banishing any qualms I had about the absence of a sauce. The salad also added a light, refreshing note to the dish.

My colleagues opted for mains of the beef variety – Ribeye steak, and steak and ale pie.

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The flavoursome Ribeye was served with grilled tomato, sizable onion rings and chips. I have to admit, I was a little envious of this plate. My colleague plumped for a blue cheese sauce to go with his steak, but this teetered on the mild side; he had expected a punchier flavour. As for the steak and ale pie – the pastry lid was perfectly flaky, hiding rich, silky gravy underneath and a generous portion of beef.

After a little break, we tucked into our indulgent selection of desserts – a classic bitter chocolate mousse, a box tree Eton mess (both presented in a cocktail glass) and always a firm favourite – sticky toffee pudding. These were as scrumptious and satisfying as you could imagine, rounding off our meal on a sugary high.

It would be fair to say, after my lunchtime visit at least, that Marco Pierre White’s first North East restaurant is everything you would expect from the celebrity chef – top service and top food to match.

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill, 2-8 Fenkle Street, Newcastle. Tel: (0191) 300 9222, www.mpwsteakhousenewcastle.co.uk

Crab cakes, lemon and herb mayonnaise

Crispy fried calamari

Baked Camembert and crusty bread

£8.50

£8.75

£8.75

10oz Ribeye steak, garnished with grilled tomato, onion rings and real chips, and blue cheese sauce

Lemon and rosemary free range chicken, truffle chips, rocket and parmesan salad

Steak and ale pie with minty garden peas

£26.95 (£3 extra for the sauce)

£17.50

Classic bitter chocolate mousse

Box tree Eton mess

Sticky toffee pudding

£6.50

£6.50

£6.50

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£14.25

EDUCATION

News from Dame Allan’s Schools The latest achievements from the independent school.

Fashion fundraisers win national award Two inspiring alumnae of Dame Allan’s Schools have been recognised for their charity work during their time at the schools.

Amy Grounsell and Amy Shaw were presented with the Champion Fundraiser Diana Award at a star-studded ceremony in Leeds. X Factor contestants Jack Walton and Rough Copy joined Britain’s Got Talent’s Gabz and Olympic medalist Sarah Stevenson to highlight the work of young fundraisers at the ceremony. There was also a surprise message from the band Kaiser Chiefs to congratulate the winners.

The two Amys received the award in recognition of their efforts leading a group of Sixth Formers in organising a fashion fundraiser, which raised over £2500 for the Marie Curie Hospice in Elswick. The students chose this charity because of the care it had provided to many of those associated with the Schools.

The Diana Award is a legacy of Princess Diana’s belief that young people have the power to change the world for the better. The rationale behind the awards is that young people should be encouraged to contribute to society, be empowered to reach their full potential and engage in social action as early

in life as possible.

Tessy Ojo, executive director of the Diana Award said: “The Diana Champion Fundraiser Award is presented to inspirational young people who have made a positive difference in their communities, such as these two inspirational former pupils of Dame Allan's Schools.”

Amy Shaw, who attended the awards ceremony, said: “It was a privilege to be at the ceremony with so many inspiring young people. It was amazing to be a part of it; we were just happy to raise so much for charity and want to thank everyone who supported us and donated.”

Premiership rugby invitation Three talented pupils at Dame Allan's Schools have been invited to train with premiership rugby club, Newcastle Falcons.

Year 10 students Jack Netts, Adam Gurteen and Alexander Watson have joined the Newcastle Falcons’ Academy after consistently impressive performances for the Schools’ team.

The talented players were selected after successful county training sessions and attend the academy twice a week to hone their skills, with access to some of the best coaches and equipment in the country.

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Alexander Watson, flanker, commented: “We are all really excited to have been selected. We love playing rugby and have trained very hard with the help of our coaches at Dame Allan’s and at our own clubs.”

The Newcastle Falcons’ Academy scheme is run by the Elite Department of the Rugby Football Union and its job is to identify and develop the most talented young rugby players in the country. The scheme has a record of bringing players through the system and onto the first team squad, including the current Falcons captain.

Mark Laycock, academy manager, said: “The three Dame Allan’s boys were selected because they showed real promise in their trials. They have made an excellent start in the academy and I’m sure this is just the beginning of an excellent rugby career for all three of them.”

Dr Hind, principal at Dame Allan’s Schools said: “We are all very proud of the boys, and fully expect many more of our pupils to be invited to the academy. We will support them in every way we can in this exciting venture and look forward to following their success.”

For more information, visit www.dameallans.co.uk

EDUCATION

A forward-looking education Newcastle High School for Girls provides an educational setting that enables its pupils to flourish and reach their potential, as headmistress, Hilary French explains. aunched in September, Newcastle High School for Girls has quickly established itself as a leader of education in the region; not surprising given the 250 years of experience in educating girls brought by the two founding schools.

Newcastle High was formed by the merger of Central High and Church High and is one of the 26 schools of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the UK’s leading network of independent schools.

Its mission is to deliver an outstanding, forward-looking education, rooted in traditional values. At its heart are four values: Girls First, Networked, Bold and Principled.

Hilary French, headmistress of Newcastle High School, says: “We are a girls’ school and proud of it. Girls flourish in a single sex setting where they can develop and grow in confidence. At Newcastle High we put the girls’ interests, happiness and well-being first at all times and encourage each girl to be the best she can be and reach her potential.”

One of the striking differences about Newcastle High School for Girls is its

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determination to build upon and develop its networks and connections with the city, the region and other institutions.

It’s a strong approach that has earned praise from the wider community. Universities and employers are all demanding that young people be better equipped for the future.

Hilary explains: “Business leaders speak of the need for young women to have the confidence to aim high as well as the importance of making bold and brave decisions. These echo the aims of our school and our new curriculum, which encourages girls to take risks and to be prepared to challenge themselves.

“For far too long girls have been wrapped in cotton wool and actually what we need to do is help girls to step out of their comfort zone so that they can really play to their strengths.”

She continues: “We have introduced a deep learning approach to the curriculum from Nursery through to Sixth Form so that girls develop and learn skills which they can then apply in a wide range of settings; they are no longer confined by ‘subject’ area so,

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for example, skills acquired in Mathematics do not just stay within the Mathematics lesson.

“It is liberating to be able to encourage girls to discover and learn the facts and figures through independent learning and use the lessons to explore the how and why, to solve problems and discover solutions. It allows genuine discussion and enables personally significant learning to become commonplace.”

The importance of authentic leadership, strong principles and of society and community is also widely discussed by leading businesses and organisations.

Hilary adds: “To be principled is one of our core values; to always do the right thing by our own high standards and everyone else’s.

We help the girls to grow in the qualities of tolerance and compassion and learn to respect themselves and others.

“At Newcastle High, we educate girls in the broadest sense of the word.”

For more information, visit www.newcastlehigh.gdst.net

MOTORS

Behind the wheel by Jessica Laing.

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LEXUS GS F exus introduces the new GS F: the latest addition to its stable ‘F’ line of high performance models. Revealed last month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the four-door model delivers sports car performance and handling, but in a luxury saloon car package. Having undergone extensive circuit training in Japan and Germany, the GS F is designed – and guaranteed to – satisfy the needs of speed enthusiasts. The model is powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine and equipped with lightening quick eight-speed transmission that offers four operating modes, Normal, Eco, Sport S and Sport S+, which is specifically designed for racetrack driving. It also features an exclusive, tuned suspension design that not only captures the potential offered by its

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F.Y.I. Engine: V8-powered engine Max Power: 470bhp Max Torque: 530nm Max Speed: 155mph Acceleration: 0 - 60mph in 5.9seconds

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high power engine but, when combined with its larger tyres and uprated braking system, provides exceptional stability and balance – essential for high-speed, track-worthy driving. Externally, the GS F (which sits lower and wider than other GS models and can comfortably seat five adults – making it the largest car yet to bear the Lexus F badge) boasts a larger and more pronounced spindle grille (to improve aerodynamics and internal cooling), a subtle carbon fibre spoiler, front air vents and 19-inch alloy wheels – all inspired by its sporty nature. Its elegant cabin, meanwhile, offers an electronic instrument display that automatically adjusts content and appearance according to the selected drive mode, as well as custom-designed front and rear seats to provide extra lateral support.

MOTORS Benfield has teamed up with St Oswald’s Hospice to host ‘Back to the Future’

Benfield continues its support and goodwill in the region Benfield Motor Group pledges its support to the Future Fund and St Oswald’s Hospice.

The Future Fund

Back to the future

Benfield Motor Group has pledged £50,000 through its Benfield Charitable Trust to help Future Fund campaigners take a step closer to realising their ambition to create the £5.5 million Newcastle University Centre for Childhood Cancer.

This new specialist facility will provide state-ofthe-art resources where clinical and research teams from across the city can come together to advance and accelerate their understanding of how to treat childhood cancers.

The Future Fund is a partnership between Newcastle University, Newcastle Hospitals’ Great North Children’s Hospital (GNCH) and North of England Children’s Cancer Research (NECCR), a charity set up by parents of children with cancer and which has raised £20m for research in Newcastle over the past 35 years.

The £50,000 gift from Benfield was pledged by the company’s owners, the Squires family, after learning of the NECCR’s involvement with the campaign and its goal to position Newcastle at the centre of the global fight against childhood cancer. The pledge brings the campaign total to £2m and it follows endorsement from North East heroes including Sting, Mark Knopfler and David Almond.

Mark Squires, chief executive at Benfield, said: “As a family business which hails from the North East we are absolutely delighted to support this worthwhile campaign. The Future Fund is going from strength to strength with fantastic support from many local businesses in our joint bid to beat childhood cancer.

“The money we have donated through Benfield Charitable Trust will be going directly towards the new centre, helping Newcastle become the centre of excellence for children’s cancer research.”

Benfield Motor Group and St Oswald’s Hospice have teamed up to take guests ‘Back to the Future’ in a fun filled fundraising 1980s party with a difference this spring.

To be held at Benfield’s new £7m Audi showroom on Scotswood Road, Newcastle, guests are invited to relive the era of big hair, shoulder pads and neon lycra for an evening of non-stop nostalgia, all in aid of St Oswald’s Hospice, which was opened in 1986.

Hosted by BBC Radio presenter Alfie Joey, ‘Back to the Future – St Oswald’s does the 1980s’ will take place on Saturday April 25 from 7pm.

The unique event will include 80s disco, themed cocktails, street food devised by double winning Michelin star chef Kenny Atkinson, special performances from Encore Dance Entertainment, an auction and plenty of surprises on the night.

St Oswald’s fundraiser, Laura Elliott said: “The film, ‘Back to the Future’ was set in 2015, so we thought it the perfect title for our all out ‘80s extravaganza! We know it’s an era when a lot of our supporters were growing up, and it’s associated with so many iconic moments, songs, fashions and films, we thought we could host a really fun and informal fundraising event which would appeal to many people.”

Matthew Squires, brand manager, North East Audi, added: “We are delighted to play host to this fun filled party of nostalgia. The event promises to be a great fund raising occasion and as a North East based family business we are pleased to continue our long-term support for St Oswald’s by providing this unique venue for the party to take place.”

Benfield Motor Group’s Chief Executive Mark Squires (left) finds out how the company’s Future Fund donation will benefit children’s cancer research

Kenny Atkinson is providing the catering for Back to the Future

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For more information, visit www.about.drivebenfield.com

LEISURE & HOSPITALITY

A special Sunday Mike Grahamslaw visits Holiday Inn Newcastle Gosforth Park for a Sunday lunch with a difference. y wife and I enjoy eating out and I love nothing more than trying new places, as recommended by our friends. There are few things more enjoyable and filling than a hearty Sunday lunch coupled with a glass of wine (or three).

We had been told by our close friends to try the recently refurbished Holiday Inn Newcastle Gosforth Park, as they had started doing an original lunch known as the ‘Bird on a board’.

This sounded too appealing to turn down, so off we went, and living quite close, we decided to jump in a taxi and treat ourselves to a few glasses of red.

We started our meal with simple, but tasty, starters. My wife had the prawn cocktail, which, I have to say, couldn’t have tasted any fresher! I went for the soup of the day, which was creamy chicken accompanied by freshly baked wholemeal bread – delicious!

After we had quickly polished off our starters, our friendly and attentive waitress brought

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across our main meal – the ‘Bird on a board’ special, and special it was!

What a feast; a whole roasted chicken, cooked to succulent perfection, with mountains of healthy fresh vegetables, giant Yorkshire puddings and roasties.

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The chef came out and carved a few thickly cut slices, before bringing over the piping hot, meaty gravy, which, to me, is the highlight of any Sunday lunch.

We didn’t quite manage to finish the entire chicken, but we gave it a good go (in fairness, it is recommended for two adults and two children).

After a suitable comfort break, we tackled our third course. We decided to share a delightful looking sticky toffee pudding (I say share, my wife kept it as far away from me as possible!)

The little amount of pudding I managed to prise away from under my wife’s fork, however, was delicious and I instantly regretted not ordering my own.

With a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and delicious food, The Holiday Inn Newcastle Gosforth Park is the perfect place to visit for a chilled-out Sunday – and a place I know I will be returning to again soon.

For more information, call (0191) 201 9988

MOTORS

All-new Mazda2 Combining Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology with its ‘KODO-Soul of Motion’ design philosophy, the all-new Mazda2 provides new levels of technological sophistication, driving pleasure and active safety. ffering a choice of 12 petrol and four diesel variants, the all-new Mazda2 model range, which is priced from £11,995 to £17,995 on-the-road (OTR) and comprises a five-level grade structure (-SE, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav), sets new standards for infotainment, in-car connectivity and equipment levels in the highly competitive B-segment.

The model’s optimised range of ultraefficient SKYACTIV powertrains – 1.5-litre, 75, 90 and 115ps petrol and 1.5-litre, 105ps diesel engines – offer customers the ideal balance of agile performance and highly competitive fuel economy.

The arrival of the all-new Mazda2 in the UK will be celebrated by the availability of a special, £14,995 OTR Sports Launch Edition, which is powered by Mazda’s 1.5litre 90ps SKYACTIV-G petrol engine and includes 16-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, dusk-sensing lights and more.

The 90ps SE-L Nav models, meanwhile, feature a seven-inch colour touch screen, a rotary Multimedia Commander infotainment control, MZD Connect, DAB radio and a

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satellite navigation system as standard, while Sport Nav models also benefit from the addition of 16-inch alloy wheels, smart keyless entry and climate control airconditioning.

Externally, the Mazda2 features Mazda’s signature ‘wing’ front grille and headlamp styling, as well as a muscular, cab-rearward design that incorporates a longer wheelbase with smaller overhangs to maximise interior space.

Inside the model’s cabin, drivers will discover a user-friendly layout, filled to the brim with cutting-edge technology. DAB radio features for the first time in the Mazda2 and, in SE-L Nav and Sport Nav grades, a new navigation systems offers greater accuracy, improved search features and three years of free map updates.

Mazda’s in-car connectivity system (MZD Connect), which is compatible with iPhone and Android smartphones and supports iPod, MP3 and CD playback, provides drivers with access to a variety of free mobile content, such as Twitter and Facebook feeds, along with location-based services and thousands of stations.

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Safety-wise, the all-new Mazda2 offers a range of active systems that are fitted across the model range as standard, including Antilock Brakes (ABS), Electric Brake Assist (EBA), Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS) and Hill Hold Assist (HHA).

SE-L 90ps, Sport, Sport Nav grades and the Sports Launch Edition model, meanwhile, are further equipped with a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), which operates between speeds of 2.5 and 18.5mph and automatically applies the brakes if the system detects frontal impact.

Finally, an optional Safety Pack on 115ps Sport Nav models offers even higher levels of driver assistance and security with High Beam Control (HBC), Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), as well as an Active Driving Display. Introducing head-up display technology to the B-segment for the first time, the system projects the most important real-time driving data directly into the driver’s forward field of view. www.hodgsons-newcastle.co.uk

MOTORS

Colin Massey, sales manager at Jennings Ford in Middlesbrough, with the new Ford Focus model

All-new Focus and Mondeo models available at Jennings Ford The last quarter of 2014 saw two new models being introduced to the family at Jennings Ford, part of the Jennings Motor Group. ustomers have been taking advantage of the all-new Ford Focus and Mondeo models, which are on display and available to test drive at the group’s network of Ford dealerships across the North East.

Since November, motorists visiting Jennings Ford branches located at Eslington Park in Gateshead, Cargo Fleet Lane in Middlesbrough and Yarm Road in Stockton, have been taking advantage of the latest version of Britain’s top selling family car – the all-new Focus model, which offers a number of new powertrains, in addition to an updated interior and exterior, plus an array of new technology.

Six trim levels are still available in the Focus range including: Studio, Style, Zetec, Zetec S, Titanium and Titanium X. Customers opting for the 1.6 petrol, entry level Studio model, priced at £13,995 which offers great design, quality and Ford’s renowned driving dynamics, will benefit from a number of new features including: 16-inch 5x2-spoke alloy wheels, steering wheel audio controls, trip computer, Ford EcoMode driver information system, new design interior seat trim, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), hill start assist and MyKey. Other standard features on the five-door body style Studio model include: Ford’s AM/FM CD audio system with USB connectivity, electric heated body colour door mirrors with integrated turn indicators, body colour rear spoiler, electrically-operated front windows with one

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touch lowering on the driver’s side, air conditioning, rack-and-reach adjustable steering column, Ford easy-fuel capless refuelling system, Ford intelligent protection system, electronic stability control with traction control and emergency brake assist, torque vectoring control, remote central locking, front, side and curtain airbags and ISOFIX child safety attachments.

Meanwhile, the range topping Titanium X model – powered by Ford’s new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine – has been fitted with new style 17-inch 15 spoke alloy wheels, Active City Stop, enhanced Active Park Assist offering automatic parallel and perpendicular parking and Park Out Assist, in addition to SYNC 2 with 8-inch touchscreen and enhanced voice control and MyKey. Crafted to be more sophisticated – the exterior of the new Ford Focus reflects the One Ford global design language that carries through the Fiesta and all-new Mondeo. With a lower, wider stance, the all-new Ford Focus has a new bonnet, front fascia and grille. Slimmer front headlamps and rectangular, elongated fog lamps add to the bolder front end while the rear of the car is sleeker with thinner tail lamps and a new fascia and tailgate arrangement.

The interior of the new Ford Focus retains the same driver-orientated feel but provides more intuitive layout, complimented by a threespoke steering wheel and a new central stack with fewer controls and switches.

Colin Massey, sales manager at Jennings Ford in Middlesbrough, said: “The new technology-

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packed Ford Focus is a much more complete car than before. In addition to the wide range of technology, customers can take advantage of a number of new powertrains and an updated interior and exterior.”

Meanwhile, the new Mondeo model, which comes with a new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, delivering improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions, arrived in showrooms in December.

For the first time, the model is also available with two different petrol-electric powertrains, a traditional Ford Mondeo Hybrid, and a plug-in Hybrid known as the Mondeo Energi will be available this quarter.

Jennings Ford sells the entire range of new models in the popular Ford range and in addition to the all-new Ford Focus and Mondeo models, customers can also take advantage of the Ka, Fiesta, Fiesta ST, Focus ST, C-MAX, BMAX, Kuga, S-MAX, Galaxy and the all-new EcoSport, which are on display and available to test drive at Jennings Ford.

Customers can also take advantage of a number of after sales facilities, including service and MOT’s, in addition to accident repair centres and parts departments.

For more information about the range of products and services available at Jennings Ford, contact Gateshead on (0191) 460 7464, Middlesbrough on (01642) 240 055, Stockton on (01642) 632 200, or visit www.jenningsmotorgroup.co.uk

WELL-BEING

Sugar: making the right choice Be-Fit’s Will St Leger on the perils of simple sugars in our diet. nless you have been living under a rock for the last few decades, there are a few things you should know as fact rather than theory by now – exercise is good for you, smoking is bad for you and food choices dictate your overall health. Now, if I may draw your attention to the word ‘choice’.

Your health and well-being, not to mention your body shape and fitness, are all set by the foods you choose to eat, whether that’s something you may not of known or something you fail to acknowledge makes no difference, it’s as simple as that. If you choose to eat a diet devoid of nutrients, then your diet in turn will leave your body devoid of nutrients, simple.

Your body will adapt to what you expose it to most. If you consume large quantities of refined simple sugars (which your body will happily store as fat) your body will take on a certain shape as a result of that stored body fat.

I am not a big believer in overcomplicating matters just to sound clever, so here it is: cut simple sugar out of your daily diet, and your body composition will improve and you will be much healthier as a result. Interested? Then you will need to know a bit more…

Sugar or carbohydrate can present itself as either simple or complex. All simple carbohydrates are made of just one or two sugar molecules, hence they are the quickest source of

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energy and are very quickly digested. This may sound like a useful food to have around, but as the examples will show – these foods are without sustenance. Examples of simple sugars include: table sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, honey, maple syrup, jams, jellies, fruit drinks, soft drinks and candy.

Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, may be referred to as dietary starch and are rich in fibre, and are thus satisfying and health promoting. They are often found in whole plant foods and are for that reason high in vitamins and minerals. Examples of complex carbohydrates include: fruits, green vegetables, peppers, starchy vegetables (such as sweet potatoes and potatoes), corn and pumpkin. You can also find complex carbohydrates in beans, lentils and peas, as well as whole grains and foods made from the latter, such as oats, pasta, rice and whole grain breads.

From the above examples it’s pretty clear that simple sugars should be largely avoided, omitted and have no place in a healthy diet. Complex carbohydrates, conversely, are more fibrous and nourishing and are therefore a better choice.

So, with simple sugars off the menu, let’s take a closer look at our complex carbohydrates, as they are not all created equal.

Some complex carbohydrates are better for you than others and this can be seen through a

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food’s glycemic index or load, which refers to a food’s impact on blood sugar and insulin levels.

A high glycemic index or glycemic load indicates a higher blood sugar and insulin spike.

Insulin is a storage hormone made by the pancreas that allows our bodies to use sugar from carbohydrates. It helps keep our blood sugar from getting too high or too low. Too much sugar over a sustained period of time can damage the body’s ability to use insulin effectively.

Starchier foods such as white rice, pasta and white bread elicit a much higher glycemic response or blood sugar/insulin spike and should be kept to a minimum for optimal body composition. Dark green leafy vegetables and other fibrous carbohydrates such as brown rice, lentils and beans elicit a much lower blood glucose response. It is for this reason that these should be the common choice of dietary carbohydrate.

For sustained energy throughout the day, better body composition, improved concentration, and better overall health – blood sugar is best kept consistent as opposed to the fluctuation of sharp rises and sheer drops, which would be the case if your daily diet is largely composed of simple sugars and starchy carbohydrates. Choose your foods wisely.

For more information, visit www.be-fit.co.uk

INTERVIEW

Get to know me ...

Stewart Hunter Area sales manager at Concept Group.

When I was growing up, I wanted to be a professional footballer. I did manage one trial with Newcastle United, although anyone who has seen me play will know why it was unsuccessful.

My first job was as a fitness and nutritional advisor. It was an interesting job looking at people’s eating habits and training regimes, then devising ways of improving these through a mix of supplements and whatever training ideas were popular at the time.

I’d tell my 18-year-old self not to wish my life away. Always be patient and take time to think things through, enjoy a few holidays with your mates before settling down and generally enjoy life.

I’m inspired by ambitious, honest

and hardworking people. On a personal level, I am inspired to succeed when other people don’t think it can be done. My parents always used to say that you can achieve anything if you work hard enough (with the exception of my aforementioned football skills).

taste in music came from, but I’ve always liked them. They are playing here in Newcastle this May so I will definitely have my dancing shoes on for that concert.

In my spare time I like to socialise with my friends and family. I also like

Passing my driving test at the seventh attempt has got to be in my top ten, too.

eating out. I have a couple of favourites, including Babucho on Newcastle Quayside and also Peace and Loaf in Jesmond – both have a really good atmosphere and the food is exceptional.

When I need a helping hand, I turn to people who have more experience than me. However, if it’s

In five years time I hope my family are all fit and healthy and that my career is progressing well.

anything to do with DIY then I would turn to my wife.

Hopefully, my lovely dog Lola will have stopped chewing everything in sight by then…

My greatest achievement is definitely the birth of my son, Alfie.

One of my favourite songs is Grooving by UB40. I’m not sure where my

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www.concept-group.co.uk