Northern Insight - July 2016

NORTHERN

INSIGHT JULY 2016 - 1st ANNIVERSARY EDITION

MBE for the Coastal Accountant business property media technology motors arts leisure issue 13

SELLING THE REGION’S FINEST HOMES

Celtic Manor

Gubeon Wood, Tranwell Woods, Morpeth Celtic Manor represents one of the finest new build detached houses available within Northumberland. A great deal of care and attention has gone into its design with high quality fittings, bespoke walnut furniture, intelligent wiring and impressive lighting. This magnificent, five bedroom home has a leisure suite, a large self-contained apartment and grounds of 6.5 acres. EPC: C

Price Guide: £2.95 Million

Newlands Grange Shotley Bridge

Newlands Grange is a handsome, Georgian country house that sits amidst well stocked landscaped gardens with far-reaching views over open countryside. The four bedroom property has been renovated in recent years yet retains a host of period features including bespoke timber sash windows, marble fireplaces, panelled doors, high ceilings, decorative cornicing and working shutters. EPC: F

Price Guide: £895,000

From Sanderson Young ALL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRIES TO 0191 223 3500 OR EMAIL: DUNCAN.YOUNG@SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK | WWW.SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK

SELLING THE REGION’S FINEST HOMES

Widehaugh House

Corbridge Road, Hexham A fabulous stone built detached family home, set back from the A695 with two acres of grounds and beautiful Tyne Valley views. This old five bedroom farmhouse has been substantially renovated, contrasting contemporary and period styling; the large courtyard drive leads to a triple garage with, to the rear, a maturing orchard, large grazing meadow and stunning formal gardens. EPC: E

Price Guide: £795,000

The Old Vicarage Cramlington

This substantial stone built detached property occupies a secluded three quarters of an acre garden site within the Conservation Area of Cramlington village. Originally constructed in approximately 1860, and extended in the early 1900’s, it offers generously proportioned four bedroom accommodation with original features including fireplaces, sash windows and internal doors. EPC: G

Price Guide: Offers over £750,000

From Sanderson Young ALL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRIES TO 0191 223 3500 OR EMAIL: DUNCAN.YOUNG@SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK | WWW.SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK

Dr Andy Stafford

Dr Darren Cannell

2 – Accent Dr Andrew Gemmell

Dr Mat Simms

Dr Graham Thompson

Dr Matt Garnett

Dr Neal Heaher

Accent – 3

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NORTHERN INSIGHT

foreword Welcome to the July edition of Northern Insight which also marks the first anniversary of the magazine.

Over the past 12 months the support from readers and advertisers alike has been truly humbling and I look forward to bringing a high quality publication to you all for a long time to come.

Our cover star this month is David Hodgson, (“The Coastal Accountant”), who has received a well deserved MBE for his long term work with the regions charity and voluntary sectors.

I am also delighted to welcome the internationally acclaimed interior designer George Bond to the pages of Northern Insight with the first in a series of regular features.

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This added to another potent mix of business, property, media, technology, motors, arts and leisure makes for an excellent read during those longed for balmy Summer nights.

Thank you all for your continued support. Till next month...

Michael Grahamslaw, Publisher

contents JULY ‘16

Business News 8-9 Cover Story 12 MBE for The Coastal Accountant

Recent Appointments 23 Entrepreneurs Interview 30-31 Mark Thompson - Ryder Architecture

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Fashion 34-35 ABConnexions Feature 36-41 Media News 77 Technology News 90 Arts News 102-103 Travel 106-107 Leisure News 110-111

credits

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Managing Director - Michael Grahamslaw Design & Web - Louise O’Rourke, Ruairi McGuinness Lead Photography - Crest Photography Additional Photography - Gordon Taylor Editorial Contributors - Ken Spearen, Jack Grahamslaw, John Gibson, Alastair Stewart, Gordon Taylor, Alex Nelson, Holly Grahamslaw www.northern-insight.co.uk

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@ninsightmag

All photos are copyright MJG Publishing Ltd and are taken solely for use in Northern Insight. If you wish to purchase a photograph please contact Michael Grahamslaw on mjgrahamslaw@outlook.com Photo charges £50 for a single image, £295 for full buy out of a photo shoot. Advertising charges: There is a £25 charge for every set of amendments, following the first initial set of amendments, which are free of charge, for adverts designed by Northern Insight (MJG Publishing Ltd). Cancellations: If an advert is cancelled by the booker within a 7 day period prior to our print deadline, the advert will be charged in full, plus VAT. Editorial Editorial contributions should include a stamped addressed envelope. No responsibility is accepted for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission, or while in the Managing Directors or Printers hands.

Editorial must be received by the 15th of the month or no responsibility 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, a loss of artwork, tranparencies or photographs.

Complaints will only be considered for up to a week after publication. Advertising must be received by the 20th of the month. No responsibility is accepted for errors.

© 2015 Published by MJG Publishing Ltd

7

BUSINESS NEWS

L-R: Paul Hardingham and Tony Ibson

Mortgage experts set to take the strain Applying for a mortgage can be a complicated and stressful process but the launch of a new Tyneside-based brokerage could ease the pain and save clients time and money.

Innovate Mortgages and Loans works to find and arrange financial solutions for people who are looking to buy a property, save money on their existing loans or looking at options that better suit their personal circumstances.

Founder Paul Hardingham and his team have more than 80 years combined experience in the financial services industry so they are ideally positioned to scan the market and find options

for each individual client.

He explained: “For most of us, our mortgage is the biggest financial undertaking we will ever make so our task is to ease the process as much as possible. That means developing good relationships with clients, lenders and other professional services involved in the process.”

One of the key priorities for Innovate is to work with clients who might otherwise find it difficult to obtain a mortgage.

Paul continued: “The application process is rarely straightforward and there are many factors

that can potentially derail things causing the client to waste their time and occasionally their money.”

“It might be something as fundamental as ticking the wrong box or not including a landline telephone number on your application form.

Other people who can struggle to find a mortgage include the recently self-employed, those with a bad credit score and even those who also own a buy to let property.”

“We can work in all such cases to find the most suitable options for the client and then to guide them through the complex application process.”

United’s non-stop service is just Fabulous for Flournoy Fabulous Flournoy is the latest passenger to take advantage of United Airlines’ direct service to New York from Newcastle. The Newcastle Eagles head coach, who grew up in New York’s Bronx, was heading back stateside on a scouting mission to look at potential signings ahead of next season’s BBL Championship.

With United’s impressive route network allowing over 300 onward connections across the Americas from its Newark hub, Fab is looking to take advantage and add to the Eagles’ roster.

Speaking ahead of his flight from Newcastle, Flournoy said: ““Theses flights

are a major asset in connecting the North East with America.

“The United service will allow me to travel right across the US to take advantage of scouting and recruiting. It also means we could potentially trial players in Newcastle.

This service is a game changer that we will fully utilise to maximise our success for the upcoming season and the future.”

Leon McQuaid, Aviation Development Manager at Newcastle International Airport, said: “We are delighted to learn that passengers, including Fab, are making the most of United’s excellent route network.”

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8

BUSINESS NEWS

UNW Young Talent Best in the North Newcastle-based accountancy and advisory firm UNW are celebrating a resounding exam success by their student trainees in the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales 2015 exams.

Four rising stars at UNW were recognised with a number of accolades as UNW achieved a clean sweep of the top three places in the Professional Stage Order of Merit at the Northern Society of Chartered Accountants’ Graduation & Prizegiving event in May. The Order of Merit is a ranking of all the students in the Northern Region who sat the ICAEW professional stage exams during 2015.

Airport radio partnership sees over one million adults tune-in Newcastle International Airport is celebrating a successful start to its partnership with Global Radio.

A 12-month campaign, which started in January 2016, has so far reached over one million adults across the North East as the airport continues to showcase: ‘Discover the World from Your Airport’.

The airport’s initiative highlights the full range of destinations accessible from Newcastle International. The new section of the website includes guides, a search page and an improved map.

it www.synergi.it

Local club bowled over by support from Winn Solicitors A leading North East solicitors firm has strengthened its support for the local community by sponsoring Walker Bowling Club.

Byker based Winn Solicitors has pledged £500 which will be used to purchase branded shirts for the 25 players who regularly compete for the club. The club attracts participants from as young as 15 years of age right through to regulars in their 70’s.

James Askwith, who plays for Walker Bowling Club, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to secure support from such a well known local business.”

North East craft entrepreneur awarded MBE

Durham CCC’s hydration partner committed to enhanced customer experience Perfectly Clear was announced as the new sponsor of Durham County Cricket Club’s volunteer team. The naturally flavoured, sugar free water range was the key brand of the club’s new hydration partner, the locally-based CBL Drinks.

The partnership came a week before Durham hosted the second Investec Test Match between England and Sri Lanka, which started May 27.The volunteers wore new shirts throughout the Test, branded with the Perfectly Clear logo.

Tom Seymour, Sales Director at Durham County Cricket Club, said: “We were very pleased to develop our partnership with CBL Drinks. The Perfectly Clear shirts looked terrific.”

State of the art Radar Surveillance system comes to Newcastle Airport

Crafter’s Companion founder Sara Davies has been appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Her Majesty’s Birthday 2016 Honours List.

Newcastle International Airport has embarked on a programme to replace its Primary Radar Surveillance System.

This is the latest and greatest accolade for the 32-year-old Durham-born entrepreneur who has taken her company from a university-bedroom start-up to an international market-leading business in just 11 years.

Work has begun to change Newcastle International airport’s surveillance system, starting with the installation of the Thales STAR 2000 Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR). A Terma SCANTER 4002 is also being fitted.

Her organisation specialises in the production and supply of crafting tools and products which are sold online, on TV shopping channels and by independent retailers.

Together, they will give Newcastle Airport a modern and technologically advanced surveillance capability that will serve the airport well into the future.

Digital transformation for modern business.

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9

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Anthony Usher, Sales Team Leader

“

Good ethics is good business

”

In the opinion of many sales and ethics don’t go together. In fact, the general view is that salespeople engage in exaggeration, stretch the truth about product benefits or availability and push people into a purchase they don’t need. Unfortunately, such coldblooded salespeople still exist, but they will never turn out to be successful in the long-run.

It is surprising to me how little discussion has been around the ethics of sales, as I understand the positive contribution that ethical standards make to sustained business growth to be obvious. Research from the APS (Association of Professional Sales) has now found a positive link between companies that apply ethical standards and business performance.

Sales Ethics - a solid foundation for trust A key element of long-term business success is the art of earning a customers’ trust. Regardless of a company’s reputation, customers choose to do business with people they can rely on. Trust is a business currency that becomes more important, but more difficult to gain. It has never been easier for customers to switch to a competitor or even harm a business’ reputation if they feel they have been treated unfairly.

Customer trust can only be earned by ethical sales behaviour and by following these 5 rules of genuine customer-centricity: P rovide full disclosure: Always provide clear and concise information and know what you are talking about. Take your time to really understand your customer’s needs and the benefits of the products or services you sell in order to provide the most accurate and competent information possible.

C hoose honesty over a quick win: Customers eventually find out what lies and falsehoods they were told. If you don’t have the information required, be honest and seek to get back to the customer with a correct and useful answer. Do you know that another product or service would be the better fit for the person? Sacrifice an immediate sale to maintain integrity and you’ll strengthen your reputation and with that the chance to receive referrals. Provide objective advice and you’ll gain credibility.

C ompete in the spirit of fair play: Criticising the competition is not honourable.

Your competitors exist for good reason.

Instead find and highlight your unique selling proposition and future potential. Believe in

your superiority, but always be honest about competitors if you are asked. ake responsibilities for problems: T It’s tempting to blame someone else if a problem arises. Don’t tell “white lies” just to avoid embarrassing moments. Acknowledge mistakes whilst at the same time producing a satisfactory solution. e benevolent: Selling is about solving B problems and assisting customers to achieve their goals. Customers expect you to help them make the right decision and that’s a desirable thing you can do. Work in the customer’s best interest and you’ll win an ambassador for your business.

It has to be the goal of every business to strive for long-term, sustainable success. Start with a customer-centric mind set of every member of your organisation. Always remember: Trust is developed through repeated interactions between both parties in which the customer observes the business to be consistent, competent, honest, fair, responsible, and benevolent.

by Anthony Usher, Sales Team Leader at durhamlane

durhamlane are a sales performance company with the passion to raise the bar of the sales profession and helping organisations accelerate their growth exponentially. www.durhamlane.co.uk 0191 481 3800

10

BUSINESS INSIGHT

SMEs: Wired for Success Equipping an SME with the IT infrastructure for the modern world isn’t always a straightforward task. As technology moves so quickly, where do you start? And SMEs are not easily lumped together; there are businesses of all sizes, in all sectors. However Steve Nelson, director at Newcastle’s Calibre Secured Networks Ltd, says there’s one thing SMEs can count on: convergence – or the capacity for data and voice networks to be able to travel along one single network. He offers some advice.

What are the main reasons for having a computer network?

Setting up a network is a good way to get more use out of your computers and peripherals, particularly for start-ups, and small and home business users. The latest generation of enterprise grade networks allow you to share a single broadband internet connection among multiple computers and PC users, facilitating file sharing among computers as well as software resources such as diaries. Networking also allows you to use a printer connected to a different computer, and access media and other resources, such as images and music, which are stored remotely or across the office.

Going wireless Wireless is increasingly the preferred modus operandi for SMEs as investment costs have fallen and it’s become easier to configure and use. It also allows you to have a more attractive and safer office environment with fewer cables around while providing IT location flexibility you can use your laptop from anywhere in your

office – and allowing visitors to benefit from WiFi access or hot-desk facilities.

databases to provide you automatically with information the moment a customer calls.

What type of network equipment?

How do I secure the network?

A secure network foundation enables you to easily and cost-effectively add new users and applications as needed, providing built-in flexibility to help companies stay competitive, react quickly to change, and expand to changing markets. Using Cisco technology for instance enables you to go wireless, helping your workforce to stay connected to business applications, such as your customer database, without the costs and limitations of wiring as your business expands.

With regular news reports about cybercrime and criminals hacking into computer systems, it’s important that you protect your network. You can do this through robust technologies such as 802.1x authentication for wireless networks, which allows windows and active directory logins and passwords to limit access to the network to authorised users, as well as using hardware security like fingerprint recognition, security and password keys, and disk encryption to further protect the network.

It also allows you to stay in touch wherever you go, communicate using your computer through powerful tools such as voice, video, instant messaging (IM), web conferencing, call management, directories, and ‘presence’ applications that can constantly update user locations and availability. You can participate in a video conference using a familiar, easy-to-use phone interface on your computer at the touch of a button while software integrates with customer

When it comes to using the internet, businesses should also check their browser security and privacy settings to ensure that the network is protected from viruses, spam and hacking attempts. Investment in additional security packages and ethical hacking services to penetration test your systems, will protect and maintain system integrity, keeping you safe from external and internal attacks.

Calibre has achieved two of the network industry’s leading supplier awards - the Cisco Express Security Specialisation - NGFW, and Cisco Advanced Core and WAN Specialisation - joining a select group of companies worldwide who have gained the specialisations, one of the network giant’s highest levels of recognition. More at www.calibre-secured.net or 0845 5576355.

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COVER STORY

David Hodgson MBE At Northern Insight Magazine, we are always very pleased to hear of a member of our local community getting an honour from The Queen but on this occasion, we are doubly pleased as it is a well-known face on Tyneside that is both a personal friend and mentor to the magazine.

David Hodgson of The Coastal Accountants, Read, Milburn & Co in Howard St, North Shields has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to the Voluntary Sector and Community in North Tyneside.

During the course of the past two decades, the very unassuming David has been volunteering as an officer with seventeen charitable associations, aside from his role as a full-time partner in his accountancy practice. From the YMCA North Tyneside to Patterdale Hall Estate Ltd; the Victor Mann Charitable Trust and the Cullercoats Watch House Club, his enthusiasm and expertise has been called upon. RNLI Cullercoats and the North Shields Chamber of Trade and Commerce also benefit from advice and input.

David said, ”I was genuinely surprised and, of course, extremely pleased to receive this Honour. I have accepted it on behalf of all the very worthwhile organisations and charities that I have been working with as they too have been recognised for their work so highly valued by the local community.”

Other organisations that David has worked tirelessly on behalf of are Coping with Cancer North East, New Hope for Children, the North Shields Victorian Christmas Market, the Wallsend Festival Partnership, Tyne Metropolitan College (formerly Tynemouth College), North Tyneside Business Forum CIC, The NET North Shields, Remembering the Past Resourcing the Future CIC, and North Shields Fish Quay Company Limited, It is very fitting that David’s charitable efforts have reached the ears of HM The Queen via her advisors and that this honour has been bestowed on him as a result. All of us at Northern Insight Magazine congratulate David on his thoroughly well-deserved honour.

CONGRATULATIONS! 12

The Coast al Account ant s

ReadMilburn & C O M PA N Y

Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors

71 Howard Street, North Shields, NE30 1AF t: 0191 257 0355 e: info@readmilburn.co.uk Annual Accounts • Self Assessment • PAYE Compliance • VAT Compliance • Management Accounts • Statutory Audits • Tax Planning • Revenue Investigations • Contribution Agency • Investigations • VAT Investigations • Company Formations • Business Start-Ups • Information technology • Forensic Accounting • Special Assignments

Another great racing event for the Lord’s Taveners The Lord’s Taverners held its annual race day at Gosforth Park Racecourse at the end of May, marking the charity’s first event on the new all-weather track.

Privately hosted in the Park view suite, the 160+ guests really enjoyed the event and the charity raised in excess of £6,000 which will all go towards giving disabled and disadvantaged kids a sporting chance in the North East region.

Jamie Graham, Chairman of the Northumberland and Durham Lord’s Taverners, thanked all those who attended and donated towards the raffle and table sweepstake so generously.

For information on future Lords Taverners events please contact Jamie Graham (jamiegraham@surgo.co.uk)

INTERVIEW

In Conversation With

Graham Purvis Managing Director and Chartered Tax Advisor Robson Laidler Accountants and Business Advisors What were your career ambitions growing up?

I liked sport from an early age and I would have loved to become a professional sportsman.

Unfortunately a dearth of pace and severe lack of natural ability meant I wasn’t destined to grace the hallowed grounds of Wembley, Wimbledon or Lords (any of the three would have been good). I was told by my school team’s football manager to “eat less chips”; it was a step too far and that was the end of my sporting career dreams.

Can you briefly outline your career path for the readers?

I studied Law at Leeds University but wasn’t particularly enthused at the thought of a career in administrative law, contract law, land law, family law…you get the picture? Perversely I did enjoy revenue law and after graduating I joined global accountancy firm Grant Thornton in Nottingham as a tax trainee. I started as the office dogsbody, tasked with taking the boss’s car to the garage for its service and such like but it was a good grounding learning from the bottom up. Tax has its own chartered institute and professional qualifications and I pursued that path. I returned to the North East in the early 1990’s and joined Robson Laidler later that decade.

Can you describe a typical day in the life of Graham Purvis?

We have a 12 week old baby so, as you can imagine, the ‘normal’ routine has been a little shaken up!

I’ll try and grab a coffee before heading for the office. I’ll know what meetings are scheduled for the day but aside from that the nature of tax

means that things change regularly and there is a natural variety in the type of client work that we deal with.

In general a day could comprise the following: internal team huddle to communicate priorities for the day and identify any obstacles, providing tax advice to a client on the phone, attending a webinar to improve my learning, writing to a client with regards to a particular issue they are having, meeting with our head of communications to discuss current marketing initiatives and working on new ideas for Robson Laidler. I may even try to fit a gym visit into the day somewhere because I want to live as long as I can.

The evenings are baby-intensive and my wife and I will try and catch 10 minutes of watching a favourite TV show (anything zombie-related really) where we can.

What are you currently working on?

There is so much currently going on in our profession and in our business. There are potentially seismic changes on the horizon affecting the provision of accountancy services in the UK and we need to be best placed to take advantage of the opportunities that this will bring.

Additionally, we are striving to develop our own business in a number of areas. The overall aim of which is to ensure that we both provide our clients with an unparalleled level of service and provide the best place to work for our people.

What is your greatest business achievement to date?

That’s a difficult one. Often the little things give you the biggest buzz; the ones where the

16

recipient of your advice/action is genuinely moved by what you have done for them. Just recently I saved a client £14,000 in tax. By using my knowledge of the tax laws I got HMRC to agree they had messed up. That client was an employee, not a business, and to him personally that was a fantastic result. He bought me some Champagne!

We have some ambitious plans for the future and hope to continue to make a splash - watch this space!

What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?

My Grandad grew up on the Parish in rural Northumberland and from zilch built his own successful business - a true entrepreneur. He preached the importance of always looking to learn - be a sponge and open to soaking up new knowledge and, importantly, always be true to yourself - don’t try to be someone you are not.

Away from your desk how do you like to relax?

Spending time with my family and parkrun.

I would wholeheartedly recommend parkrun to everyone, it’s is a free communal 5k every Saturday morning and I couldn’t manage to run the whole 5k when I first started almost 6 years ago.

“

Exercise is therapeutic; it makes you feel great honest!

”

How would you like to be remembered?

A kind, decent, honest, friendly bloke who tried his best.

INTERVIEW

For more information about how Robson Laidler can minimise your exposure to tax call the team on 0191 281 8191 or email: gpurvis@robson-laidler.co.uk

17

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Global Tax Return?

What are the chances of that happening?

The recent upsurge of opinion - from governments, tax authorities and campaigners - against the apparent ease with which multinational corporations can organise their global tax affairs to minimise their tax bills is one of the driving forces behind the relative success of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (“BEPS”) initiative led by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”).

Sure, different countries, different tax authorities and even different corporations are interpreting the results in different ways but make no mistake, the OECD's efforts to stamp out BEPS (tax avoidance by any other name) will have a massive impact whose effects will be felt for many years to come.

But is that going far enough?

We’re beginning to hear calls for the development of a global tax policy for the taxation of corporate profits. While we recognise the strength of the economic case behind these calls, we also know that national jurisdictions will want to have at least some control over their tax policy.

Those in favour of a policy-driven international system argue that it would be vastly preferable to the current hotchpotch of different tax bases, different tax treaties and legislation which is as much a reflection of political expedient as it is of a conscious overarching design.

One possibility which is being discussed is "unitary taxation". This is a method of allocating profits earned (or losses incurred) by a corporation

to a particular tax jurisdiction in which the corporation has a taxable presence. It goes further than the arm's length standard (retained under the BEPS project) by using formulary apportionment to attribute the corporation's total worldwide profit (or loss) to each jurisdiction, based on factors such as the proportion of sales, assets or payroll in that jurisdiction.

EU taxes. CCCTB was also to provide the ability to consolidate EU taxes, although corporate tax rates in the EU would not be changed by the CCCTB as EU countries would continue to have their own corporate tax rates.

Does history tell us about the likelihood of such calls being successful?

To put it another way, history suggests that in the absence of a World Tax Office there’s little or no chance of developing and implementing a cohesive tax policy for the global taxation of business. And so long as there are independent sovereign nations, there’s almost no prospect of agreement to form a World Tax Office which somehow sits alongside but above the interests of the nations themselves.

I’ve only been able to find two examples. The first, California’s attempts to introduce what is called a “unitary” system of taxation in the 1980s, was met with huge opposition from other states in America, from other governments and from corporations trading across state and national boundaries. After a period of expansion, US states retreated from operating worldwide unitary taxation.

The second example is a work in progress in Brussels. Since March 2011 the EU has been looking at the possibility of introducing a common consolidated corporate tax base (“CCCTB”).

The intention was to create a single set of rules governing the way EU corporations calculate their

By 2015 it had not been possible to secure the necessary level of agreement between sovereign nations so the project was suspended.

For all the importance of the OECD BEPS initiative, single-country approaches to the taxation of multinational profits – whether using the arm’s-length principle to price cross-border transactions, or through considered attacks on tax havens and artificial structures – would suggest that a single global approach to taxing companies is a long way off.

For more information on BEPS or other taxation issues, please contact Stuart McKinnon on 0191 255 7000 or email stuart.mckinnon@rsmuk.com or your usual RSM contact.

18

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

Building a Team - Graduates and Apprentices One of the keys to any successful business is ensuring that you have the best available support team; Leathers LLP are a firm believer in providing opportunities to people who are starting out on the long, and sometimes daunting, career path in accountancy.

Graduate recruitment has historically been the preferred option, however, over the past 5 years, Leathers LLP have expanded their recruitment process to take on a number of apprentices.

It is a process which clearly works; Leathers LLP now has a young, vibrant team which primarily consists of employees who have been with the firm for the whole of their careers. There is a real sense of togetherness and purpose within the team, who are ready to take the business onto the next level.

Here, two of the current ACA trainees, Jonathan Leather (graduate) and Joe Black (apprentice), discuss the similarities and differences in their career paths to date: What were your plans after A-Levels?

JL: I felt university was the right choice for me at the time, as I had always been advised of the opportunities available after obtaining a degree.

I chose to study Geography at Leeds; I was excited by the chance to live in a new city, meet new people and broaden my horizons outside of Durham.

JB: My initial plan was to get a job but because I wasn’t going to university, I thought this would limit my chances in areas like accountancy. It was quite daunting, the school advisers were insisting on university, all of my friends were moving away, but I just felt that it wasn’t for me, especially with the new higher tuition fees.

At what point did you consider a career in accountancy?

JL: I left university in 2011 facing a very challenging graduate job market after the recent recession. I took a job in social housing, which was an extremely tough environment and I was subject to some very colourful language! But after 3 years, the graduate job market was improving and I began to consider my options; I wanted a career that was both challenging and enjoyable.

Accountancy was the obvious choice in the end.

Who says accountants aren’t fun?!

JB: During my A-Levels, I worked for HMRC on weeknights for some extra cash. This gave me a

small insight into the financial world and I thought the idea of helping businesses or individuals grow was very rewarding; this ultimately led to my decision to apply for an apprentice role at Leathers.

How have you found the training/role to date?

JL: It was a massive change initially, moving back to Newcastle and starting a new job. The first few weeks trying to understand bookkeeping was a bit mind blowing but so far I am loving it. Training for my ACA exams has been tough, but I have passed them all so far.

JB: The first six months were definitely the hardest; accountancy is like nothing you’ll experience at school. I suppose it was a good thing that I had limited work experience, as it meant that my training could be tailored to allow me to fit exactly into the role. Completing the AAT qualification before commencing my ACA exams definitely gave me a solid grounding.

How have you found working for Leathers?

JL: The job has been brilliant; I’ve had the opportunity to take on responsibility and have been exposed to a wide variety of client work. Leathers has also given me some great opportunities outside of work too: Cycling the Tour De France, gorge walking and the NUTS challenge to name a few.

JB: The large variety of work available at Leathers makes it a great place to train. I prefer the idea of coming into work and not knowing what jobs to expect, it keeps things interesting! I’ve had experience in every area, including tax, which a lot of trainees at larger firms may not have access to.

What’s the ultimate goal?

JL: To be a character who gets killed off on Game of Thrones! Joking aside, I’m looking forward to being qualified and to increase my involvement in the growth of the business.

JB: I’d like to buy Mike Ashley out of Newcastle United once and for all but that could take a while! Aside from that, I am focussed on becoming qualified and assisting in business decisions at Leathers in a senior role.

So if you had to do it again, would you choose the other route?!

JL: I can definitely see the benefits of apprentices both for Leathers as a business and for the individual. I suppose it comes down to the right people for the role and the firm. People have to be motivated, hungry and buy into the ‘Leathers way’! But, no...I loved university too much!!

JB: No, definitely not! As much as the party lifestyle at university sounds great...I enjoyed having a little bit of money when all my friends at university were living on a packet of super noodles per week. As Jonny says, as long as it’s the right character for the role, it doesn’t matter how you get there.

For advice and assistance with your accountancy, tax and business needs, or for career opportunities, contact Leathers LLP at canwehelp@leathersllp.co.uk or call 0191 2246760

20

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

New jobs to follow as DW Wealth Management look to build on early success Two personal finance experts who brought together over half a century’s industry experience to set up an independent wealth management firm are planning to create new administrative jobs to support their drive towards growing the business. and I felt that the way that personal financial advice in our industry had evolved to become too focused on the banks and not focused enough on the needs of clients, so we set up our own business to do things how we felt they ought to be done.

Dean Whittaker and Michael Davison combined the extensive experience they respectively gained with the private banking arms of Lloyds and Bank Of Scotland to establish DW Wealth Management, which offers individually tailored investment strategies for both personal and corporate clients.

"Our aim is to work with clients over the long-term, developing and executing wealth management strategies that are appropriate to their particular requirements, and it's an approach that has quickly enabled us to build up a solid client base.

And having built a strong client base both within and outside the North East during its first year, DW Wealth Management is now looking to create a number of new administrative jobs which will support their future development plans.

"As the number of DW clients has grown, so has the amount of administrative work required to keep everything running smoothly, and adding new people to manage this will free up more of our time to build the business where we see opportunities to do so.

Based on the Quorum Business Park, DW Wealth Management offers advice on all aspects of finance, including investment planning, retirement strategies, family & individual protection and inheritance tax solutions, and receives most of its referrals from intermediaries firms and existing industry contacts .

"While our primary focus remains on the North East, we also have growing numbers of clients outside the region, and we think there's a great deal more potential to realise from the business over this year and beyond."

The majority of its clients are based in the North East and the Borders, but the firm has also established a growing presence in Yorkshire and the south of England, where it will be looking to make further inroads this year.

Chris Moir, Tax Manager at RMT Accountants & Business Advisors, added: “Having known Dean and Michael for some time, it is no surprise to see the success that they're having and how rapidly their business is growing.

Gosforth-based RMT Accountants & Business Advisors is working with DW Wealth Management on developing and implementing its growth strategy.

"Their approach and level of client service is second to none, and we're

Dean Whittaker, Director at DW Wealth Management, says: “Both Michael

excited to be assisting them in meeting their future growth aspirations."

www.rmt.co.uk

22

BUSINESS INSIGHT

pointments.....Appointments.....Appointments.....Appointme

Miller Homes launches new development and strengthens its sales team Miller Homes North East has opened the doors to the showhomes and sales office at its newest development in North Tyneside, Heritage Green, and added to its team of sales advisers with two new appointments.

Moving into her new role with Miller Homes at Heritage Green is Sales Adviser Lisa Merritt from County Durham. Bringing 12 years’ industry experience, the 44-year-old will welcome potential homebuyers to the site where they can view the newly launched showhomes.

Heritage Green will comprise of 150 three, four and five-bedroom homes. It will be built over the next five years under the direction of award-winning site manager Simon Robson.

Another new addition to Miller Homes’ team of North East sales advisers is former teacher Alexis Grant, who is based at Wheatfields in Seaton Deleval. The 42-year-old from Stanley has realised her passion for the industry, securing a role with the leading housebuilder.

Turnaround and Forensic Accounting Expert Joins Northpoint Chartered Accountant, Mark McCafferty, has joined Greg Whitehead and the team at Northpoint, a North East professional advisory firm providing turnaround, restructuring, insolvency and forensic accounting services.

Mark works to provide solutions to distressed companies in order to avoid formal bankruptcy.

With his extensive experience of investigating and analysing financial information, Mark has developed a specialist role in forensic accounting, including providing reports and evidence in a litigation support role. He also sits on several Boards as a Director.

Valued Accountancy makes Senior appointment North Durham accountancy firm Valued Accountancy has appointed Sharon Main as Senior Accounts Manager.

Sharon joins the Consett-based team from CAV Aerospace where she worked as an assistant finance accountant for seven years.

Excited to be joining the company at a key stage of its growth, Sharon will be responsible for overseeing and managing client accounts, helping them with VAT returns and preparing year end accounts and corporation tax returns.

The award winning company provides accountancy, consultancy and business support to over 600 clients nationwide.

Stephen Paul, Owner and Managing Director of Valued Accountancy, said: “Due to a number of new client wins here in the UK and abroad, I felt we needed to strengthen our management team. Sharon has acquired a lot of skills and valuable experience over the last few years and I am confident she will be a great asset to the business.”

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Malhotra Group plc appoints new Project Director A leading North East care and leisure organisation has strengthened its team with the appointment of one of the region’s most experienced construction industry professionals.

Newcastle-based Malhotra Group plc, which owns some of Tyneside’s most popular hotels, bars and restaurants, has recruited Ian Tubman to the position of Project Director.

Ian has worked in the construction industry for more than 25 years, serving his time as a joiner and building surveyor before going on to be Senior Project Manager for both North Tyneside Council and Durham University. He holds a first class honours degree in building surveying and a number of Leadership and Management qualifications.

Reporting directly to the Group Board, Ian’s primary responsibility will be the delivery of all key property/site development projects on time and within budget.

BUSINESS INSIGHT

A change will do you - and us - good...

Hi everyone and a big welcome from the whole team at KP Simpson certified public accountants.

These days it seems like everything and everyone is online - from shops to services.

Accountancy is no different it seems. Indeed, in terms of accountancy, it may be changing, and challenging the face of the business.

David Oliver, Non-Executive Director at MyFirmsApp outlined four of the biggest threats to the accountancy trade in an interview with the economia news website. Among others, technology was highlighted as a particular issue.

In what Oliver says is an “unprecedented time of change” for accountancy, HMRC’s digitisation is changing the way accountants big and small are looking at the way they do business.

The solution to this, which according to Oliver has the potential to take away the “middleman” and allow clients to do the traditional job of accountants, is to engage in the mobile world, embracing technology as a help not a hindrance.

By changing their view of what is a vital part of modern day life, accountants can provide clients with the services and software they need - in the process preventing them from relying on often pricey software companies.

It’s not the only change that the accountancy business needs to make to stay ahead of the game so says Oliver. He says that the gaining and retaining of clients is vital, as is the limitations of certain marketing types.

The latter if correctly addressed could have positive effects for you as clients. 96% of firms Oliver investigated as part of his report did not have a ‘hook’ on their website - something to get the audience involved.

A suggestion: Offer something for free - be it a free report or even an app to download for potential clients to get involved with.

Whatever it is, a change can always be a good thing and accountants, like other businesses, need to stay ahead of the game.

Until next time!

To find out about how we at KP Simpson are keeping up or to find out more about any of the services we offer, visit kpsimpson.co.uk, call us on 0191 420 0550 or get in touch by email at info@kpsimpson.co.uk

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

Peter Rutherford, Commercial Director, Three Counties Group

Working together I apologise to those that have come to expect something rather light hearted here. However the subject covered below is not overly heavy but the message, I hope, is a strong one.

I was taken by a recent case in Leeds County Court over the estate of a Mrs. Shemwell.

Two of her beneficiaries, Claire Hartley and Tim Herring, decided to sue both the financial adviser and solicitor of the deceased.

attended the meeting, though only for a few minutes. Much of the subsequent dispute was about what was said at this meeting, and what was written on an aide-memoire by her adviser concerning the values of the trusts.

The background is as follows; Mrs. Shemwell had inherited £300,000 from her sister in April 2011. Her intention was to leave as much of this money as possible to two relatives, Claire Hartley and Tim Herring, while protecting it from inheritance tax as far as possible.

The solicitor went on to draft the will, but had not made any enquiries about the terms or nature of the trusts and was not aware of whether the funds held on trust would pass to the two relatives directly on death. Instead he wrote in legacies of £54,000 each for Hartley and Herring on the assumption that they would also receive £146,000 from the trusts.

She consulted her usual financial adviser on this basis and was advised to place £175,000 (representing the unused part of her inheritance tax (IHT) nil-rate band) into a discretionary trust and put the remainder of £125,000 into a loan trust naming the two relatives as the only beneficiaries.

As we all know, the loan capital remains part of the estate whilst the growth falls out of it immediately.

After the trusts had been set up, Mrs. Shemwell decided to make a new will. She gave initial instructions to her solicitor at a meeting at her home on 21 October 2011. Her financial adviser

A few months later Mrs. Shemwell died and subsequently the beneficiaries, Hartley and Herring, were shocked to discover that the loan capital was subject to IHT and so decided to sue the financial adviser and solicitor for negligence.

The solicitor practice claim was settled through mediation.

Leeds County Court has subsequently ruled on the claim against the financial adviser. The judge dismissed the claim on the basis that the financial adviser did not have a duty of care to the claimants, as he had not been involved in the will-making process.

However, the judge did say that the solicitor was negligent in drawing up the will because he hadn't determined exactly what would happen to the trust assets and whether or not they would pass to the claimants on Mrs. Shemwell's death.

The judge concluded that relying on a short conversation and information contained in the aide-memoire was not sufficient.

Clearly anything that an adviser could have offered would have been unlikely to result in a reduction in IHT as Mrs. Shemwell survived a little over a year after seeking advice.

However, in my view, the real moral to the story is that it makes sense for professionals to work more closely together so that the client can enjoy a better result with “joined up thinking.” A financial plan is rarely a one off and is more akin to a journey. Consequently the provision of advice needs to take this into account. Professional advisers need to liaise with each other to both protect themselves and their business, and to provide the best possible advice to the most important party, the client.

If anyone is the mood for a bit of liaising then feel free to contact me. We are always happy to help.

Peter Rutherford is Commercial Director at Three Counties Group. Telephone 0191 230 3034.

Email peter.rutherford@threecountiesgroup.co.uk Three Counties Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

Northumberland firm listed among the UK’s Top 250 financial advisers

Explore Wealth Management, one of the North East’s longest established Independent Financial Advisers, has been ranked among the best in the UK. to our clients.

“Our team firmly believes in providing better financial advice in which people have total confidence in the adviser they are speaking to. They must know their adviser really cares about their needs and has the expertise to assist them in creating and maintaining a plan to achieve their financial goals in life.

“I am very aware that many people find obtaining financial advice a daunting process. This is why we pride ourselves on providing personal, tailormade solutions and purposely restrict our services to a limited number of clients at any one time to make sure that we are confident in maintaining an outstanding level of service. This ethos is reflected in the excellent customer satisfaction score we’ve been awarded in TheVouchedFor Top 250 and I would like to thank our clients who took the time to share their feedback.”

The Cramlington-based firm has been named in the UK’s Top 250 Independent Financial Advisers based on reviews on the independent consumer ratings website VouchedFor.co.uk.

Stephen has worked in the financial services industry since 1976, working as a senior consultant, then branch manager for a large insurance company.

He then went on to work as a financial adviser for a major national building society before investing in the business with his wife Lorraine in 1997.

The Top 250 VouchedFor website helps people to find the best financial, legal and accounting advice from reputable, independent firms, and features impartial reviews from clients.

“Explore Wealth Management is very much a family firm with a holistic approach to financial planning. Our expertise ranges from early career advice to mid-life, pre-retirement and retirement financial planning. Many of our clients have been with us for over 30 years”.

The company is one of only three firms in the North of England to feature in the Top 250. Established in 1978, it specialises in providing advice to individuals and businesses throughout Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and Durham.

“We look after our clients by giving them completely independent and straight forward advice, face-to-face in an honest and friendly way. There is nothing more rewarding to us than helping people make a positive difference to their personal situation,” adds Stephen.

Stephen Sumner, founder and managing director, said: “We are very proud to receive national recognition for the excellent level of service we provide

To find out how Explore Wealth Management can help you, contact Stephen and his team on 0191 285 1555 or visit: www.explorewealth.co.uk.

Corporate & Commercial Business Solutions

With more than 25 years of experience in the asset finance, banking and cashflow finance sectors we are well placed to facilitate the right funding solution for your business needs.

If you are an SME business and are looking at arranging funding in the following areas please don’t hesitate to give me a call.

Cashflow Finance

Business Loans

Asset Finance

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Short Term Finance (Bridging)

To see a selection of recently transacted deals in the North East please visit www.ccfundingsolutions.com 26

Peter Cromarty | Director Corporate and Commercial Business Solutions Ltd e: peter@ccfundingsolutions.com m: 07715 409386

BUSINESS INSIGHT

UNW Young Talent Best in the North Newcastle-based accountancy and advisory firm UNW are celebrating a resounding exam success by their student trainees in the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales 2015 exams.

Martin Oliver won the prize for the best mark in the North for the Corporate Reporting exam and was second in the UK. In addition to achieving the best mark in the North, Brittney Marshall’s Tax Compliance exam result was the highest in the UK whilst Ralf Hall was top of the North with his results in two exams, Business Planning Tax and Audit and Assurance and his Audit and Assurance result was the third highest in the UK. Peter Sym achieved the top mark in the North for Business Strategy and was ninth in the UK. Michael Morris, Audit partner at UNW said: ‘We are absolutely delighted at our students’ performances in these exams. It’s a great achievement to receive industry recognition in these highly regarded qualifications and national awards and they are very well deserved. We’re very proud of their commitment particularly while they balance their studies with their demanding training contracts working across our client base.’

UNW has also continued to rank in the top 7% of accredited organisations across the UK - and one of just 53 in the North East - to be awarded the Investors in People Gold standard.

Four rising stars at UNW were recognised with a number of accolades as UNW achieved a clean sweep of the top three places in the Professional Stage Order of Merit at the Northern Society of Chartered Accountants’ Graduation & Prizegiving event in May.

UNW staff partner Steve Lant said: ‘It is good that some of our students have received recognition for their excellent exam performance during the last year. Whilst the prize winners obviously grab attention, the exam results across all our students have been excellent and are indicative of the quality of our recruits and the training support given – both in relation to formal study towards exams but also on the job training and development. People development is a very important part of our culture throughout the firm at all levels of experience and the exam results give us an external objective measure for part of that development.’

The Order of Merit is a ranking of all the students in the Northern Region who sat the ICAEW professional stage exams during 2015. Brittney Marshall was in first place, Martin Oliver second and Ralf Hall third. In addition, a fourth UNW student, Peter Sym achieved a top ten ranking with a seventh place and there were also a number of awards for excellent performances in individual exams.

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

“

Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change. If you don’t like where you are, change it.

- JIM ROHN

”

Do You Feel Like It’s Time For A Change?

Finding the perfect job is easier said than done.

If you’re searching for a role that really suits you, why not let us help?

As a specialist recruitment expert, dedicated to supporting the North East accountancy practice sector, we’re able to find you the ideal job by making sure it matches your attitude, passions, experience & academics, so you’ll fit in from the start.

Bryony Gibson Consulting @BryonyGibson

If you’re looking for a new challenge, why not get in touch: bryony@bryonygibson.com or (0191) 375 9983 27

Bryony Gibson Consulting Recruiting specialists, helping you grow.

www.BryonyGibson.com

bmi regional Newcastle Stavanger route commences May 31st saw the launch of bmi regionals new route between Newcastle and Stavanger.

It becomes the airlines second route to Norway and will fly daily from Sunday to Friday to the Norwegian City, which is both a major business destination due to the proximity of North Sea oil fields as well as a tourist base with a charming old town.

Leon McQuaid, Aviation Development Manager Director at Newcastle International Airport said: "We are delighted that bmi regional has launched this new Stavanger service as Norway is an important business and trade link for the North East as well as a popular leisure destination."

INTERVIEW

Mark Thompson Ryder Architecture As Managing Partner of Ryder Architecture Mark has responsibility for the strategic development of the company. He is chair of blood cancer charity Bright Red, vice chair of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, board member of North East England LEP, member of the CBI North East Regional Council and the CBI National Construction Council. He also sits on the advisory board of Invest Newcastle. He is married to Dawn with children Hannah and Chris, enjoys socialising and watching sport with friends, particularly rugby, and is a fair weather cyclist and skier.

Tell me a bit about your background I loved school but I under achieved, I made some great friends there, and got into rugby. Actually my wife and I met when we were at school. I stayed on for sixth form, but hated it, so I left and joined British Ship Builders, working in the Naval Architecture Department in Wallsend, this was 1982. I studied Mechanical Engineering part time, first at Newcastle College then at Newcastle Polytechnic. I was made redundant in 1988 and Ryder was advertising for architects and engineers, they were offering training in Computer Aided Design (CAD), so I applied on the basis that I wouldn’t need any training in this because I’d already done it. I got the job and started work in the engineering team.

Over the next three or four years I ended up in the role of design coordination, as we had different disciplines. I studied project management then business at Newcastle University as the role evolved. In 1994 Peter Buchan and I were considering setting up on our own but we were given the opportunity to take the practice on, the rest is history.

The potential and the history the practice had were far greater than we would have had starting from scratch. The first thing we had to do was re-structure; we went from 26 to 14 people over night. This was the first thing I had to do as a director and it was difficult, we just didn’t have the work. Some of the changes we made were ahead of their time in 1994, such as a profit share scheme and sabbaticals.

What was your first business premises and how did you come to be in your new one?

The business was based in Killingworth from the 1950s until 2001, when we redeveloped the old tram station on Melbourne Street. We’d outgrown our premises in Killingworth and wanted to move into the city centre, then moving again in 2011 we saw the opportunity to redevelop another rundown building, so we bought Cooper’s Studios on Westgate Road and made it our home.

How has the business grown?

In 1999 we acquired a London practice by merging with a small firm based there, then in 2001 we set up a joint venture with a big US firm specialising in healthcare, which got us into that market. In 2006 we opened an office in Glasgow on the back of a big education project. We opened in 2007 in Liverpool and 2011 in Hong Kong. Throughout all of that time we had a good spread of sectors in which we operate, this variety made us resilient.

Did the recession change your approach to business?

The last recession was a huge hit, we went from 160 people to 70 people and it was horrible. We’re back up to 145 now, and our turnover and profit is higher than it’s ever been. It changed things here, but in the industry in general the sad thing is I can’t say it has. Throughout the 90s and 00s people started to look at new ways of doing things, with more collaboration, but when the recession hit it became more about cost again.

true in most walks of like; you want experience first, then you want to be financially rewarded, but also rewarded with more challenging projects and opportunities. A couple of years ago we were listed as the top architectural practice in the Sunday Times Top 100 Companies to Work For. People have pride in the work they do, recently Manchester Central Library and Ashington Leisure Centre were recognised with RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) awards, which brings a huge sense of pride into the practice, particularly to the people who worked on those projects.

How is the market changing?

With some firms putting an emphasis on cost and others taking forward the new ideas that were emerging before the recession, and collaborating, there has almost been a polarisation. There are those who want to do things better, for example some contractors are looking at off-site manufacturing and digital engineering.

The lack of investment in skills during the recession is coming back to bite now, though contractors are starting to employ more people again.

We’ve always embraced new technologies and new ways of doing things. We’re currently advising Sydney Opera House, one of the most iconic buildings in the world, on its application of building information management (BIM), for facilities management, which is essentially how they operate the building. This is through a joint venture with Northumbria University called BIM Academy.

You mentioned sabbaticals, how do you manage internal motivation and rewards?

When people have taken their sabbaticals they have done all sorts of things, some have travelled, studied architecture, got married, one started an allotment. I went to watch the British Lions in Australia. Our sabbaticals are four weeks long, every five years, and they have to be taken in one block. This is on top of the standard annual leave.

Some architects are very scientific, others very artistic, and then there’s technology. So we see architecture as a three legged stool with science, art and technology being the three legs and our product being the balance of all three. Different people are motivated by different types of challenge, but we’re all trying to create the best building possible, something that has a positive impact on people’s lives.

People are motivated by different things at different stages of their careers, which I think is

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How does your motivation now compare with that when you started the firm?

When I started out the main motivator was survival, then it became about pride in the work you do, seeing buildings you’ve been instrumental in the creation, having friends work in these buildings and say how great they are. Good examples for me are the Cobalt Business Park and buildings on the Quayside. It’s always nice to be rewarded financially, but most importantly for me motivation comes from seeing people we’ve brought into the business flourish, even exceed the potential they had when they joined us. It gives me an even greater sense of satisfaction than seeing another building finished.

How did your business structure come about?

We looked at how to be more resilient. Getting into different markets and offering different services was one way of doing this, BIM consultancy for example. The other way was geography, we had an opportunity to pitch for a job in Hong Kong, through which we won some master planning work. We’ve actually just moved into new premises in Hong Kong.

Any future plans?

We’re putting a new programme of education together. Change in what is a huge and complex industry doesn’t happen overnight, it needs to start with education. We’re working with 20 other leading companies from across the region, including other architects, engineers, constructors, project managers, universities and Gateshead College to create a degree in Architectural Engineering and Management. In a few years’ time it will be fantastic to see the first graduates equipped for an exciting new career.

We also have some big projects in the pipeline, perhaps the most exciting a new headquarters building in Hong Kong.

INTERVIEW

Mark Thompson is a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, a unique group of like-minded people who come together through peer-topeer 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

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

“

Entrepreneurs need to find the balance between leadership & management

Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall.

People are a company’s greatest asset and with business success often coming as a result of their knowledge and skills, leadership and management go hand in hand for entrepreneurs, even though they are dramatically different.

Leaders are the heart of a company. They inspire people to follow them, communicate their vision clearly and put themselves forward as role models. They embody the values of their organisation and are both empowered and inclined to challenge orthodoxy when it gets in the way.

Managers on the other hand are the brains behind the operating systems and procedures that are responsible for the execution of the plan, but, unlike leaders, they rarely challenge an organisation’s rules, instead ensuring they are enforced.

This makes it a difficult mix to master for an ambitious entrepreneur who, unless they have the luxury of hiring managers so they can concentrate solely on leadership, will still be managing while they lead, particularly in the early stages of growth.

History has thrown up countless examples of great entrepreneurs who embraced this position.

”

Stephen R. Covey

Steve Jobs, perhaps the best known business leader of modern times, was famous for the singular nature of his vision, and is an inspiration to many entrepreneurs having not only founded Apple, but later returned to rescue it from poor fortunes to turn it into one of the world’s best known and most successful brands.

While good leadership is essential for business growth and success, poor leadership almost guarantees the opposite. The inability to inspire or communicate would make someone unsuitable to lead, as would the inability to make a decision.

While a good leader has confidence in their ideas, they are always willing to listen and seek help.

Bad leaders, unwilling to listen and convinced they know best, are often victims of their own over-confidence.

Good managers know how to get results, and they do that by motivating their workforce.

Only when people are driven are jobs done well, processes followed, and they go the extra mile.

A good manager knows that each member of their team is an individual, with their own unique strengths and needs. Good managers also empower employees and nurture talent, knowing that great results can come from people with the desire to make a role their own.

When looking for examples of bad managers you need go no further than two classic comedy characters; Basil Fawlty and the Office’s David Brent. These two characters, while lovable, exhibit a number of traits that no good manager has. Neither has a great understanding of their workers or a will to change that. Bad managers don’t trust their employees, preferring to micromanage rather than empower and often using fear as a motivator.

Such a difficult balance to achieve, the ability for entrepreneurs to improve their leadership capability has recently been identified as one of the major barriers that prevents UK businesses from scaling up; so it makes sense that helping to bridge this gap is one of the core activities of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum.

While it’s important not to lose sight of dayto-day operations, owner-managers mustn’t get so caught up in the detail that they lose sight of their goals. As a manager or leader, the ultimate aims are the same, and entrepreneurs need to ensure their organisation runs effectively and efficiently, while the business remains focussed on the bigger picture, adjusting to change and remaining relevant so they can truly fulfil their growth potential.

The Entrepreneurs’ Forum supports North East business owners in all sectors, helping them to develop, share experience, create new opportunities and grow their business. For more information, call 0191 500 7780 or visit www.entrepreneursforum.net

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Together we can take on the World annual entrepreneurs’ conference Over 300 of the North East’s most aspirational entrepreneurs heard from some of the UK’s leading business owners at the Entrepreneurs’ Forum annual conference. Held at Newcastle’s Crowne Plaza, the entrepreneurial gathering was sponsored by SGP Technology Group, hosted by comedian and presenter Alfie Joey, and focussed on helping businesses overcome the issues that prevent them from scaling-up. www.entrepreneursforum.net

Put your best foot forward...

Office £48 New Look £39.99

New Look £22.99

Marks and Spencer £59

Dune £65

Dune £85

Forget the glass slippers, because intu Metrocentre’s fashion fairy godmother, Michaela Dale, is here to kit you out in the best new season footwear for work this summer.

The recent shift in weather has got me considering our footwear options within the work place this summer – and it turns out, we have a lot of choice.

Whether you personally prefer heels, or would rather opt for flats, there is a huge selection of shoe shops catering for all tastes at intu Metrocentre, with a vast amount of styles, heel heights and comfort scales available, which help to provide a solution to the usual “what do I wear” before work scenario.

As with all accessories, each season sees a re-

working of traditional styles and this summer is no different - the neat ballet pump style has had a short block heel added and the sleek office loafer has been mixed with a mule to create a quirky take on workwear flats.

If the classic court is more your style however, then why not mix it up? There’s a whole variety of new prints and fabrics available and some even come with hidden comfort additions. So don’t worry heel-lovers, courts aren’t going anywhere soon. However, they are getting some serious competition from the streetwear sneaker…

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In the 90s, the sneaker was something city girls wore to and from work but not today. Women are now opting for both comfort and style with these modern, sporty slip-ons. There is a great selection available at intu Metrocentre and they look amazing with shirt dresses and cropped trousers.

Another trend for this summer is the flatform - where classic shoes such as brogues and oxfords are being ‘raised to new heights’ with a platform sole. These are a fresh take on an otherwise simple shoe and look brilliant teamed with workwear culottes, a crisp white shirt and a pop of bright lipstick.

Shoe shopping can be a real treat, even if it is for work, so don’t be afraid to try some of the new styles on offer and remember, you will spend more time in your workwear shoes than any other, so invest in a good pair and put your best foot forward ladies...

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F E AT U R E

ASIAN BUSINESS CONNEXIONS

We are ABC

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F E AT U R E

37

F E AT U R E

ASIAN BUSINESS CONNEXIONS

THE POWER OF

3

CONNECT SUPPORT PROMOTE

Asian Business Connexions (ABC) Power of 3 - Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony

On Thursday 14th July 2016 at 7pm come and engage with the Asian Business Community from across the Northern Powerhouse.

An evening filled with fun, celebration and success.

Hear from Northern Powerhouse Minister James Wharton MP, Deputy Commander of the Army North Col Mike Butterwick and President of Yorkshire Asian Business Association (YABA) Ajaz Ahmad the founder of Freeserve.

Enjoy a five course authentic Punjabi meal.

Experience a fusion of cultural entertainment including Bollywood Dancers and the Northern Army Cadet Force Brass Band.

Engage with some of the most successful Asian business support organisations from across the North of England that have come together to create the Federation of Asian Business.

Celebrate an awards ceremony that recognises the significant and sustained impact of the Asian Community across Yorkshire, North West and North East.

Support our local charity the Percy Hedley Foundation that helps those that are less fortunate.

Get your tickets early to avoid disappointment - only ÂŁ60 each or ÂŁ550 for a table of 10 email events@abconnexions.org or call 0844 24 777 05 now!

Brought to you in association with:

NORTHERN

INSIGHT

38

F E AT U R E

BMW 7 SERIES.

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Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. †Test drive subject to applicant status and availability. *Plus initial rental of £4,352.22 Offer available to business users only. Figures exclude VAT. Based on a 24 month Contract Hire agreement for a BMW 730d Saloon Auto with a monthly rental of £483.58 plus VAT, annual mileage of 8,000 miles and an excess mileage charge of 26.59 pence per mile plus VAT. Vehicle condition charges may apply at the end of your agreement. Subject to status and in the UK only (excl. the Channel Islands). Individuals must be 18 or over. A guarantee may be required. The amount of VAT you can reclaim depends on your business VAT status.

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39

F E AT U R E

is yours in the can?

The awards will be held on

Thursday, 17th November 2016

The Skylight Suite, located on the entire top floor of The Beacon is one of Newcastle’s premier conference facilities. If you’re looking for an impressive conference centre, with free parking, fantastic catering facilities and a first class events team, there is nowhere better than Skylight Newcastle. Our penthouse conference suite with its panoramic views, natural light and outdoor balconies is the perfect space to impress your clients. This light, modern space provides a bright and productive atmosphere for your conference, meeting or training session.

Skylight Newcastle is also home to The Newcastle Business Awards. Brought to you by Groundwork South Tyneside & Newcastle, the Newcastle Business Awards encapsulate Groundwork’s vision of changing places, changing lives by inspiring communities through enterprise. The event will promote the ethos and practice of businesses and the community working together to drive social improvement whilst encouraging a more environmentally sustainable approach to growing the local economy.

Skylight conference and Events: events@thebeaconnewcastle.co.uk 0191 242 4894 The Newcastle Business Awards: thenewcastlebusinessawards@thebeaconnewcastle.co.uk

Proud Supporters of the ABC Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony 40

F E AT U R E

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Proud Supporters of the ABC Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony 41

NUGC Sponsors Day On the 15th June Newcastle United golf club played host to their sponsor’s summer golf day. Over 50 corporate sponsors took part in the competition as a thank you for their continued support throughout the year.

The Percy Hedley Foundation, also benefitted and over ÂŁ550 was raised to help provide a wide range of high quality, specialist care and education support to disabled people and their families.

Durham County Cricket Club were thrilled to scoop first prize, presented to them by ex-Newcastle goalkeeper, Steve Harper.

BUSINESS INSIGHT

The Secrets of Great Recruitment Bryony Gibson, Managing Director of Bryony Gibson Consulting, lifts the lid on recruitment best practice and the secrets of successful recruiters.

I’m often asked for advice on the best way to recruit. Of course every situation is different, and what works in one job market may not work in the next, but in general if you follow these simple principles you should find success.

Plan ahead The majority of recruitment is reactionary and based on an immediate need. If you want to be efficient and effective it’s best not to wait for an emergency. Start planning ahead by identifying staffing risks against business goals and you’ll quickly begin to build a recruitment strategy that gets you ahead of the game.

Create a ‘most wanted’ list This doesn’t mean searching through websites and scouring LinkedIn to find a list of your competitors’ staff. It’s about taking the time to find out who’s highly regarded in your industry. Google will be able to help, but more important are your personal networks. Speak to suppliers and clients and take advice from colleagues and peers when pulling together a hot-list of potential recruits.

Be proactive People no longer have a job for life, which means they’re usually happy to hear about new opportunities for career progression. Once you’ve identified someone for your business, don’t delay.

Look for the first opportunity to make contact and start building a positive relationship as soon as possible, even if a job is not yet available.

Communicate clearly A regular flow of clear and honest information is

crucial to build trust. It’s important that you show respect to all applicants by keeping them up-todate with timings and progress and by providing useful feedback. Every communication counts, as you will be leaving people with a lasting impression of the level of care your organisation has for its staff. Communicate well and regardless of the recruitment outcome, you have the opportunity to create a host of new and positive advocates for your business.

It’s a partnership One of the main reasons people become valuable and loyal to a company is because they’ve developed a mutually beneficial alliance. This is particularly important to remember if you’re recruiting for small or medium sized businesses where attracting top talent can be difficult.

Whether the motivation is future progression, support with study or an increasing salary, if you’re consistently helping employees to fulfil their career dreams they will work hard for you to achieve yours and over time, you will build a reputation as a highly attractive place for aspirational and talented people to work.

Act quickly In candidate-led markets you need to be decisive. Good people will be snapped up quickly, so make sure it’s by you. From a job applicant’s

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

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

44

point of view there’s nothing more disengaging than attending an interview, being impressed, getting a good feeling and then not hearing back for days. If you like someone, tell them before someone else does.

Induction matters All your effort will be wasted if you don’t carry it on when new recruits start work. Simple things can make a big difference to how welcome someone feels. Try making their first day a Tuesday, so you can ensure their computer is set up properly and the team is in a good mood. Have the CEO meet with them for 10 minutes to explain why their job is important to the company and that they are delighted to have them on board. Take them out to lunch with the team in their first week and explain clearly what the first 30 days will be like, as this is a critical period.

Ultimately, great recruitment comes down to being prepared, proactive and treating people the right way. If you’re honest and genuine in your attempts to help people achieve their ambitions while you reach your goals, then you’ll build not only a good open relationship founded on trust, but a reputation in your industry as a great employer and place to work.

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Sunderland employer supports workplace diversity A Sunderland customer service centre has shown its dedication to workplace diversity and inclusion with a two-day programme of activities and workshops for employees.

Women 2016.

The list is published in partnership with Business in the Community, the Prince’s Responsible Business Network, a business-led charity which engages thousands of businesses to work together to provide a fairer society and sustainable future.

Fiona Jackson, Head of Strategic Resourcing at EDF Energy, said: “To recruit and retain the best and most diverse talent, we know that creating a culture of inclusion is fundamental. Our employees and networking groups have been at the forefront of driving change and we’re delighted that their efforts have been formally recognised.

EDF Energy, Doxford International Business Park, took part in a companywide initiative, Diversity and Inclusion Week, offering workshops and activities to employees, including information on ‘challenging the unseen’ - educating employees about unseen disabilities, the upcoming Paralympics and LGBT inclusion.

Kevin Gatens, head of customer service at EDF Energy Doxford said: “The activities for EDF Energy’s Diversity and Inclusion Week encouraged the team to learn more about how important

diversity and inclusion in the workplace is.

“Everyone was really involved and learnt a lot from the activities. EDF Energy Doxford has been a fantastic place to work since it opened 20 years ago, and we look forward to maintaining a positive working environment thanks to our exceptional staff with support from initiatives like this.”

EDF Energy was also recently recognised for gender equality as the only energy company to be named in the The Times Top 50 Employers for

45

“We firmly believe that having a more diverse workforce equips us better to face the challenges and grasp the opportunities ahead, and to innovate and perform much better.”

The Doxford centre opened as London Electricity 20 years ago, with only 50 staff, before becoming EDF Energy in 2003. It has since grown into an employer of 1500, exceeding the original plans to employ 450 people.

Not only has the centre contributed to career development and the local economy, it has also provided approximately 3,000 hours a year of voluntary work to local charities and organisations in Sunderland and the surrounding areas.

BUSINESS LUNCH

An upmarket venue of food, wine - and song

by Michael Grahamslaw

At the suggestion of a then prospective (now regular) business client, I first visited The Botanist just before Christmas and was well impressed with what I found. What started out as a quick pint at lunchtime ended up as something much more substantial as we both enjoyed the experience so much.

As I said in my article back then, I vowed to bring Lisa back to the establishment for an evening treat – and she has reminded me of that promise every week since. So true to my word, we visited the venue on a midweek evening.

It really is an up-market, social venue that appeals very much to the trendy Newcastle scene. Being part pub and part wine bar with live sing-a-long type modern music from very talented local musicians which went down very well indeed, it is a very “in place” frequented by a lot of Newcastle’s discerning folk.

With different artists performing live every week night, it is a place to see and be seen in. If you log on to www.thebotanist.co.uk you can see (and hear) for yourself how these talented young musicians go down and the kind of response they engender from their audiences. This is not just another pub with music but a top offering in one of the top venues, which overlooks Grey’s Monument and Grey Street.

Serving everything from Champagne, cocktails, craft beers and wine alongside a menu that would grace any good hostelry in the country, it’s a rare and unique venue and though at first glance, might not necessarily suit the beer monkeys amongst us, I urge you to try it.

Over nibbles of marinated olives and pork crackling with chilli, spring onion and sweet apple sauce (guess who had the latter?), we finally got around to ordering our food - but The Botanist is that kind of place. It’s relaxed and engenders a feeling where hurrying is simply of out of the question.

Lisa finally settled on Tiger prawn and avocado salad whilst I opted for the basket of wings with piri piri sauce (sorry, my chilli lust knows no bounds and I just can’t help myself!). For mains Lisa followed up with fillet of salmon, minted peas, crushed potatoes and tartare dressing; whilst the trademark hanging chicken kebabs off the barbecue were just too tempting for me to

pass up. Smothered in sweet chilli sauce, ginger and garlic butter and accompanied by properly seasoned chips, it was a real crowd pleaser judging by the number of other diners that also chose this dish. A dessert was sadly out of the question (as I am dieting, you know!) but I did note the local cheese board on the menu which was served with a flight of Pacific pale ale, Passionate Blonde and Guinness. Now that’s what I call a swift lunchtime repast. A Ploughman’s lunch could never be the same again after that.

The Botanist is very easy on the eye, ear and the pocket and has quickly turned into one of my most favourite places in town. Its new menus are now online for those who like to take their time deciding on the dishes of their choice before arrival.

Will we return? I suggest you ask Lisa who’s already planning a follow up for the two of us and a girl’s night out there. There goes the plastic again.

Open from 12 noon to 12 midnight, the Botanist is situated at 41-43 Monument Mall, Newcastle. SatNav (NE1 7AL).

Log onto The Botanist’s creative and wonderfully atmospheric website, thebotanist.uk.com for all the craic.

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BUSINESS LUNCH

47

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Commercial sector boost for JDDK Newcastle architects, Jane Darbyshire and David Kendall (JDDK) Ltd’s design and management of the £1.8m refurbishment and redevelopment of the Old Post Office on St Nicholas Street in the centre of Newcastle, is the latest project in a growing portfolio of Commercial building schemes that is expanding the awardwinning practice’s reputation out of their traditional housing and health sectors.

The Post Office project, for RIBA Enterprises, will see the Grade II listed building returned to its original unified state prior to it being split up in 1999, creating work space for some 210 staff as teams currently located across different parts of the building are brought together across two main floors. The entire project has also been designed and managed using Building Information Modelling (BIM) with a whole team of designers and contractors able to collaborate far more easily, swapping information and highlighting potential problems in a digital format.

JDDK Director, Kevin Turnbull, commented, “I think the perception amongst some is that we only specialise in healthcare, particularly hospice, and housing projects but the truth is that we have a very varied portfolio, including an increasing percentage of commercial property projects.“ One of their latest projects which has just received planning permission is for a corporate headquarters at Aykley Heads in Durham City.

The three storey building has been designed to meet the highest possible BREEAM rating of “Outstanding” and an open office environment promoting collaborative working and flexibility for future use whilst still providing characterful accommodation for employees working there.

The building’s design is oriented to offer views to the east and west through gable ends which maximise daylight into the office space and has a U shaped form with two areas of open plan offices on each floor split by a central core containing support services. A 375 sq m basement area includes a gym.

Previous developments on the same site include the redevelopment of the Grade II listed Aykley Heads House into offices and a flagship restaurant, the new build offices Roseberry House and the award-winning Rivergreen Centre. The flagship development, which won a National RICS

Award, provides office accommodation for up to 300 people in spaces ranging in size from one and two person offices to open plan areas for up to 100 staff, with an additional conference suite for 200 people and catering facilities. Internally, Europe’s largest internal rammed earth wall provides a high thermal mass, which passively moderates the temperature and humidity, reducing daily fluctuations and thus reliance on additional heating and cooling systems.

Due for completion on site later this year is JDDK’s commercial development at Stannington in the grounds of the former St Mary’s Hospital, providing highly serviced office and conference suites in a two storey facility of minimal environmental impact that is exemplar at European level in terms of design quality and sustainability.

Elsewhere in the North East region, the

practice’s commercial developments range from the Fourways 2 office accommodation in Amble for the Amble Development Trust, to conversions of former farm buildings at Horton Park for the Blagdon Estate for whom the practice also designed new build commercial premises at the nearby Milkhope Centre.

In Sunderland, the JDDK team demonstrated their expertise on the former David Brown factory site in Pallion, designing eight separate light industrial units, a total of some 85,000 sq ft, for Rivergreen Developments which were taken up by a wide variety of tenants, partially due to the high quality design as Rivergreen Developments’ Managing Director, Peter Candler, commented, "The brief to the architects was to provide the high quality, flexible accommodation that modern business users require and these units fulfil that purpose precisely. It’s also important to us that the quality of the design reflects the quality of the buildings and there’s no doubt that here design is helping to attract potential tenants.”

A similar design was used for further light industrial units at Queen’s Meadow in Hartlepool, producing highly flexible spaces which were suitable for a wide variety of commercial sectors.

Kevin Turnbull concluded, “We have no intention of concentrating specifically on any one sector as this varied workload exposes our services to an increasing number of clients and also increases our experiences of design challenges. The whole team appreciate using skills and techniques gained in one sector to bring new ideas into another and this variety is at the heart of the practice.”

Formed in 1987, JDDK’s philosophy has remained clear in a belief that every project is unique. Their diverse work which has won over 80 awards, covers most sectors of the built environment across the UK. For further information on the practice and their projects, please visit www.jddk.co.uk

48

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ENTREPRENEURS’ FORUM Together we can take on the world.

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Retail partnership serves up the best job opportunities A partnership between Gateshead College, intu and Jobcentre Plus has created a world-class recruitment and training solution, helping North East retailers to thrive.

Retail is big business in the North East. We’re home to Europe’s largest shopping mall, intu Metrocentre, and Eldon Square in Newcastle is one of the biggest city centre shopping destinations in the UK. Around 80,500 people work in the sector which accounts for 12 per cent of employment in the region. And with the recent expansion of both intu Metrocentre and Eldon Square, demand for skilled retail workers is on the increase.

Gateshead College has been working in partnership with intu Properties plc and Job Centre Plus since 2014, developing and delivering an innovative recruitment and training programme for intu’s retailers. Due to its popularity and huge success, the programme has been extended to include hospitality training, benefiting food and drink businesses such as American burger chain, Five Guys.

Retail Gold was designed and created by Gateshead College in response to a request from intu which wanted to provide added value for its tenants. The shopping centre management company wanted to offer its retail tenants the choice of using its bespoke recruitment programme that simplified the process, offering them skilled and work-ready people.

Candidates are interviewed, assessed and

filtered before entering a three-week preemployment training programme. This includes an introduction to intu’s world class customer services programme, including retail skills, sales and service, team work, interview skills, health, safety, equality, diversity, and problem solving in a retail environment.

Julie Kelly, work based learning manager at Gateshead College, said: “Thanks to the strong partnership built between Gateshead College, intu and Jobcentre Plus, we have been able to equip local people with the skills and attributes employers need to deliver the highest quality service in their businesses. “intu retailers are benefiting from access to a skilled pool of candidates and local people have the opportunity to secure jobs and careers. Retail Gold has been a real success and it is great now to be in a position where we can extend our programme to include hospitality giving local people the best opportunity to secure work in the many new restaurants and cafes.”

The intensive course, which opens up exclusive access to a range of job opportunities with retailers based in the Metrocentre and Eldon Square, has exceeded all targets and ambitions, helping over 200 people to find work. The new hospitality training will include topics such as basic food preparation, food safety, health, safety,

equality, diversity and problem solving.

Tracy Allison, project manager for Retail Gold, said: “This is an incredibly exciting development for Retail Gold, which has gone from strength to strength in the last three years, during which time over 40 different retailers at both intu Metrocentre and intu Eldon Square have offered positions to those attending pre-employment course, including Collectables, Debenhams, HMV, Namco and Swarovski.”

The timely expansion of the academy coincides with scores of hospitality jobs being created through a £17m extension of The Qube at intu Metrocentre, and the opening of the £25m Greys Quarter dining zone at Eldon Square.

Alexander Nicoll, intu’s corporate responsibility director, added: “Everyone at intu is proud of the success to date of Retail Gold and the partnership forged between intu, Gateshead College and Job Centre Plus.

“Gateshead College has designed an outstanding training solution which has certainly helped to improve the calibre of potential employees and, most importantly, helped people back to work. The move to include hospitality will further expand our ability to assist our retailers in finding the right people for the right job at the right time.”

For more information contact 0191 490 2258 or email employers@gateshead.ac.uk

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

Sharing pensions on divorce Sarah Crilly, Associate and Family Expert at law firm Ward Hadaway, looks at the difficulties of sharing pension provisions on divorce.

Principles on which the courts act in divorce cases when dividing assets between spouses and in particular pensions have risen in prominence following a recent reported case.

The courts dealt with a couple aged 56 and 61 who had married in 1985 and had 2 adult children. The couple's capital assets included properties, investments and interests in trusts and businesses worth £12.3m.

It was common ground that there should be an equal split of capital assets and a clean break. The pensions could not be approached in the same way.

There was a disparity between the couple's pension provision. There would have to be either an off-set or a pension sharing order but pension sharing was not an option because it would take the Husband over his lifetime allowance with severe taxation consequences.

The couple disputed about how they wanted the court to calculate the offset and the court had refused an actuarial report which would have assisted the court in this process.

The couple had very different pension provision

– the wife had a defined benefit scheme based on her final salary. The husband had a defined contribution pension in a SIPP (Self Invested Personal Pension). They had both commuted their 25% tax free lump sum.

The wife was unable to cash in her pension and could only take income for her life. Her income stream was fixed and index-linked.

In contrast, the husband could withdraw the remaining funds in his pension, subject to the payment of income tax. However, the future value of his pension and income stream derived from it was subject to the vagaries of the market.

The husband's pension pot was worth £970,000 and the wife's was £3m. Carrying on the equal sharing principle to the pensions meant the husband was due an extra payment from the wife to cover the disparity between them.

The wife argued that the Cash Equivalent (CE) Value was not to be treated as equivalent to cash for offsetting purposes and the court should use Duxbury, which is a table that matrimonial lawyers refer to in calculating the lump sum necessary to meet a person's particular income needs over his or her natural lifespan. It is essentially a cash flow

projection built on certain assumptions.

The husband asked the court to carry out different calculations including treating the CE value as if it were cash and using annuity calculations. The court preferred the wife's approach.

As her pension was in payment, the court felt the CE value should not be treated as cash and, despite the lack of an actuarial report, they were still able to calculate an appropriate offset using the Duxbury method.

Had the wife's pension not been in payment and had there been little assets then the court would have to approach matters differently.

The couple's needs would have dictated a different approach and in those cases where precision is necessary, an actuarial report would have been required looking at other options such as equality of income in retirement.

As can be seen in this case, pensions are a complex but important issue when it comes to the assets involved in any divorce. As a result, divorcing couples should take expert professional advice on the subject.

For more information on the issues raised by this article please contact sarah.crilly@wardhadaway.com or call 0191 204 4463.

52

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Newcastle’s Cairn group on major acquisition drive following refinance deal One of the UK’s premium hotel and bar operators based in the North East has successfully refinanced £101m with the help of HSBC, in a deal supported by Mincoffs Solicitors LLP. Cairn Group, a privately owned business, will use £50m of the total pot for acquisition and development to strengthen its portfolio, which already includes 26 hotels and more than 30 bars and restaurants as well as care homes across the UK. The news follows the latest acquisitions of the Ramada Glasgow Airport Hotel in November 2015 and 17th century Buckinghamshire country house Stoke Place Hotel, and coincides with the launch of the Group’s brand new website.

Recent developments have seen renowned chef Theo Randall open his first Theo’s Simple Italian restaurant in the Group’s Hotel Indigo Kensington and a rebrand of the Bellhouse Hotel in Beaconsfield to Crowne Plaza Gerrards Cross.

The next completed refurbishment and rebranding will be the Hotel Indigo Edinburgh Princes Street, which is due to open in June, 2016.

Having increased its staff to 2,300 from last year’s 2,000 figure and a strong UK-wide presence, the business also has plans to further

grow employment throughout 2016, seeking and investing in talent from its headquarters in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Richard Warren, Cairn Group’s Finance Director said: “We are incredibly proud to work with our partners on a variety of exciting projects and would like to thank them for their continued support – as well as the hard work, diligence and effective approach is greatly appreciated.

“Our ethos as a company is to engage with local communities and invest in our dedicated workforce to be able to offer exceptional service to customers. It’s extremely rewarding to secure jobs, as well as establish new employment opportunities and search for rising stars in the industry – which HSBC and Mincoffs have enabled us to do even more rigorously.”

Anna Gregory, HSBC’s Senior Corporate Banking Manager for hotels, who acted as the lender in the deal, said: “Our experienced team provided a tailored refinancing package along with industry insight and guidance to support Cairn Group’s acquisition drive. The business’

success is testament to a well-executed strategy, underpinned by solid financial support, which will see the Group continue to build its hospitality and leisure portfolio.”

Tony Leech, HSBC’s Area Corporate Director for the North East, added: “HSBC has been working with Cairn Group for over 15 years, so it has been very rewarding to see the company develop through our partnership. We look forward to continuing our longstanding relationship with the business and seeing the results of this funding package come to fruition.”

John Nicholson, Corporate Partner at Mincoffs Solicitors said: “We have acted for the Cairn Group for over 25 years. The facility represents the next part of the Group’s ongoing success story and I wish them well in their future plans.”

Over the past five years, the Group has spent over £40m acquiring and improving assets and doubled employee numbers in that period, establishing it as a leading player in the privately owned hotel owner and operator market.

Mincoffs’ Corporate Team can help give your business a competitive edge. Call 0191 281 6151 or email jnicholson@mincoffs.co.uk.

54

Ahead of the game.

Our corporate team can help give your business a competitive edge.

Our leading corporate team have expertise in all areas of corporate law, including sales and acquisitions, corporate finance and company reorganisations and restructuring.

To find out more, visit: www.mincoffs.co.uk T: 0191 281 6151 E: info@mincoffs.co.uk

INTERVIEW

Your Eye on the Region

Jamie Martin Managing Partner at law firm Ward Hadaway Did you grow up in the North East or did you decide to relocate here in later life?

I was born in Essex into a Royal Air Force family so I travelled extensively throughout my childhood but went to boarding school in Cheltenham from the age of 7. We located here when my Father left the Royal Air Force in 1971. I was a student here, trained in London and came back to the North East once I had qualified as a Solicitor. I met my wife in Hebburn Magistrates Court and was bound to the North East from then on.

What do you think it means to be a business person in the North East of England?

It means fighting our corner and keeping your feet firmly on the ground and, whilst acknowledging the close-knit nature of the business community, being ambitious and not being afraid to venture out of the North East to offer your services/goods to other parts of the country/world.

What is your favourite aspect of life in the North East?

There are a tremendous variety of activities available in the North East which are easily accessible and everything is in touching distance. Having the benefits of a successful urban environment but being in close proximity to the country and all that offers.

Do you have a favourite hotspot for a business meeting?

Room 2 in Sandgate House, our office on the Quayside in Newcastle. We have fantastic views from the top floor of Sandgate House both ways along the river. Not that I get much time to look out of the window!

Where do you like to eat in the region?

Pretty much anywhere run by Terry Laybourne and his colleagues. But I also enjoy Peace & Loaf, Six, House of Tides and Vujon.

Where do you like to unwind in the North East?

I have a share in a fishing coble which we keep at Holy Island. I also enjoy visits to the Stadium of Light and Kingston Park – not always relaxing but it gives me a chance to let off a bit of steam!

Are people really friendlier?

People in the North East are certainly welcoming – but I believe you find friendly people wherever you go in the world.

What do you think is the best view in the North East?

The view from my favourite fishing spot off the North East coast, just south of Holy Island known as “The Tree on the House”. You

get a fantastic view of the Farnes, Bamburgh Castle and Holy Island but you need to be on a boat to see it.

Do you think living and working in the North East offers the same opportunities as elsewhere in the UK? I am great believer in taking the opportunities that are given to you and making the most of them. There is no doubt that the North East has suffered from political deficit. The Labour Party do not have to try to get elected, the Tory Party don’t bother because they won’t be elected and the Liberal Democrats are somewhere in the middle and this has not served the region well. Many of us have been able to build and sustain successful businesses from the North East and there is no reason why that should not continue. We shouldn’t feel too sorry for ourselves, we need to be masters of our own destiny.

Have you had any experience of working elsewhere and how did it compare?

I worked in London during the late 1970s in the somewhat rarefied atmosphere of Lincoln’s Inn. When I first came to the North East to work I worked in Coronation Street, South Shields. The two were not comparable but I have never regretted the move. The North East has provided me with tremendous business opportunities and personal happiness for which I am very grateful.

For further information, please contact jamie.martin@wardhadaway.com or tel: 0191 204 4341

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INTERVIEW

57

BUSINESS INSIGHT

A day in the life of Sarah Fitzpatrick, Partner, Collingwood Legal 6.45 – up and get ready before I wake my kids up. Why is it children always sleep in on school days and wake early at the weekend?

1.00 - the client I saw this morning has emailed to approve the communication to go to his employer, so I issue that and shortly thereafter get a call from their lawyer to discuss some of the finer points. I relay the conversation to my client with a promise to keep him informed.

7.30 – breakfast and collect school bags, ballet shoes, snacks etc before bundling children and dog out of the house.

1.30 – I leave the office to go to the site of a small employer. I’m representing them in their defence of a claim at the Employment Tribunal and need to meet the witnesses in advance of the hearing. All of the team at Collingwood Legal are employment law experts and do advocacy, it’s a huge benefit for clients that we can provide a seamless service, from initial advice to representation, although I’m glad to say that very few disputes make it as far as Tribunal.

8.00 – after I’ve dropped the children at school I exercise the dog.

If I’ve got time I’ll take her for a run on the Town Moor. I love this part of my day as it allows me time to think about the day ahead.

10.00 – Collingwood Legal is a specialist employment law firm and my first meeting this morning is with a senior executive who is negotiating his exit from a large organisation. This is usually a stressful time for individuals; work is a big part of our lives and can define us, our standing in the community and so on. I aim to build relationships with clients so that I can alleviate the stress and work with them to secure an agreeable exit. In this meeting we discuss the current offer and formulate a counter-proposal after carefully considering the pro’s and con’s. After the meeting I prepare the communication to the employer and send that off to the client for approval; speed is often of the essence in these situations!

4.30 – back to the office and I catch up on emails. I also review some matters with colleagues, we work in an open plan environment and we’re always able to bounce ideas off each other.

5.30 – I’m delivering equal opportunities training to a client in the North West tomorrow so I check through the packs of materials and pop everything in the car before I head home.

12.00 – I have a call from an employer client out of the region.

As a firm, I’d say about 80% of our work is for employers. This client is involved in a large scale redundancy exercise and needs immediate advice in relation to consultation with trade unions.

6.00 – I have a meal with the children and then try to encourage them to do homework, easier said than done!

8.00 – once the girls are in bed I check my emails. All is quiet so it’s time to tidy up the kitchen, pack the school bags and, as I’m a Trustee at CHUF, I need to read the papers for the next Board Meeting. After I’ve done my jobs I’ll relax in front of the television, with my ipad to hand as I do like a bit of online shopping!

12.30 – lunch is usually a salad or sandwich at my desk while I catch up with the news online and if I can, I take the chance to have a quick walk along the river. Our office is beside the Tyne only a mile or so from the centre of Newcastle, it’s a great spot!

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

Andrew Cawkwell

Mapping the future success of your business Creating a robust business plan is the first step towards success for any business seeking investment in order to hire staff or invest in infrastructure.

It’s always important to focus on your goals, even when you are faced with obstacles and having a plan means you can show investors the profit potential of your business and how to address challenges.

Here at Muckle LLP, we can help you manage your business by helping to evaluate your plan and provide access to funders to help achieve your objectives.

A strong business plan and cash flow forecast will ultimately help to assess the profitability and liquidity of the business strategy – critical for investors to identify the return for shareholders.

Careful management of cash flow is vital for all businesses as companies often fail, not because they are unprofitable, but because they come up against unforeseen

circumstances that they hadn’t planned for and then can’t get out of quickly enough.

You have to really plan carefully for investment and work out what the funding requirement you need is now and in the future - because if you need more funds in a year’s time, you need to enable the environment to be sustainable to allow that investment to come through. There are a variety of routes forward and it’s about getting the balance right between debt and equity.

We are always happy to have conversations with any business people seeking investment for any purpose, to discuss their present position and where they are trying to get to and the relevant funds and funding sources they may need.

We can also get involved in relevant conversations with potential funders and support a business to guide its strategy in order to achieve its objectives. The first step is always to come and talk to us.

Andrew Cawkwell, Partner and Certified Turnaround Professional, Banking and Restructuring Team, Muckle LLP e: Andrew.Cawkwell@muckle-llp.com @CompanyRescue

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Gordon Brown Law Firm's Charity Fashion Show and Lunch In aid of the Sunshine Fund, on Thursday 26 May 2016, Gordon Brown Law Firm hosted its popular charity fashion show and lunch for the third year to help raise funds for the North East charity. The sold out event saw the region’s foodies and fashionistas enjoy a lunch at Babucho Newcastle as intu Eldon Square and intu Metrocentre showcased an exclusive preview of their summer 2016 fashion trends.

During the event, mums whose families have benefitted from the services of the Sunshine Fund as well as finalists from Miss Newcastle took to the catwalk to model the summer 2016 collection.

Meet...

Geoff

Heavy rock is his passion! From Motorhead to Black Star Riders, Geoff has rocked out at concerts by legendary bands and is always looking for their next tour dates.

Geoff is our Head of Residential Conveyancing, he specialises in Residential Conveyancing, Equity Release and Operations Management.

Speak to Geoff to see how he can help you, call 0191 389 5128 or email geoff.hall@gblf.co.uk

Real People. Really great lawyers.

INTERVIEW

In Conversation with

Claire Rolston Solicitor/Director, CLR Law CLR Law is a niche law firm specialising in employment law and HR. They provide no-nonsense practical advice to a range of clients across the public, private and charitable sectors to help them get the best out of their staff and reduce the risk of claims in the employment tribunal.

What were your career ambitions growing up?

at HR professionals and offers them 6 webinars per year and access to advice from myself and an HR colleague.

From an early age I always wanted to become a lawyer and spent every work experience opportunity visiting a firm of solicitors or barristers’ chambers, hounding them to take me to court.

What is your greatest business achievement to date?

It has to be the celebration of CLR Law’s 6th birthday on 1 July. I founded the business in Leeds in 2010 when I decided I wanted to create a more flexible and modern way of delivering legal services. Following a move back to my native North East, we’ve gone from strength to strength with my trainee, Anna Lovett, deciding to stay with us upon qualification in February this year.

Can you briefly outline your career path for the readers?

Becoming a lawyer has a very traditional career path (although changes are on the horizon) and after doing my A Levels, I went off to university to study Law. I had always enjoyed languages and chose a Law degree that combined English and German Law, mostly because it included a year abroad in Germany! After graduation, I went off to study the Legal Practice Course in Chester and then I was lucky to secure a training contract down South. From there, I undertook all types of litigation, specialising in employment law for the last 13 years.

What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?

When I first went solo, a client said to me that “cash is king” and that no matter how good you are at what you do, a business only exists if the cash flow works. I’ve never forgotten that piece of advice.

Can you describe a typical day in the life?

Every day is different, as a phone call from a distressed client can change the shape of my day in an instant. Usually this means dropping everything else and being reactive to that particular situation. I also have my management and compliance responsibilities to fit in, which for a law firm can be very onerous. Alongside my role as solicitor and director, I have to play “mam” and drop the kids at school before my day at work begins. I wouldn’t change the flexibility I have with my family, as this was one of the main drivers for setting up the business in the first place.

Who are your heroes in and out of business?

My business hero is definitely Richard Branson; he’s a true entrepreneur and gives such sensible and practical advice. My other hero would have to be Rory McIlroy; any sportsman who has achieved what he has is remarkable.

Away from the desk how do you like to relax?

I am a keen golfer and love to get out on the course. It’s the only peace and quiet I tend to get!

What are you currently working on?

How would you like to be remembered?

I developed a product for schools along with an HR colleague of mine, called HR Educate, and we have been speaking to lots of schools about the benefits of seamless support between the legal and practical advice. I’m also working on a group we have called HR Law & Practice, which is aimed

I’d love for CLR Law to still be around even after I’m long gone, but if not, I’d like to be remembered as someone who gave other people chances to further a career in law.

CLR Law Yours Business Networks 7-8 Delta Bank Road Metro Riverside Park Gateshead NE11 9DJ t: 0191 603 0061 m: 07941 487072 f: 0191 603 0062

62

LEISURE INSIGHT

White Sorrow launches in Newcastle

Heartbreaking yet inspiring in equal measure, the new novel about domestic violence, White Sorrow, launches at Newcastle City Library this month.

White Sorrow, is officially launching on July 8th between 2pm and 4pm at Newcastle City Library. It is an open public event where people can buy the book, meet the author, and get their book signed.

White Sorrow is being published by UK Book Publishers, managed and publicised by Get Brindled and will be on sale online, on Amazon, other online platforms as well as in shops.

In White Sorrow, Andrea tells of five years of abuse, at the hands of her 20 stone husband Mark and his entire family – estranged from her own kin, forced into sexual encounters and alienated from everyday life.

The author, 34 year old, five foot tall Andrea Aviet looks like a bright, intelligent, beautiful and strong woman….

And indeed she is, but looking at her you would not know the horrendous struggles she has survived in recent years.

Educated to hold a masters degree she lived a privileged life in the home of her successful businessman father through her youth, enjoying many comforts. That is until she came to England on holiday to visit her family, met a man and wed him here, settling into married life.

Now Andrea, the mother to two girls, is telling her nightmare story of domestic violence, emotional and mental abuse, starvation and what she heart-renderingly refers to as slavery.

She is speaking out to motivate women suffering domestic violence and hopes to raise funds she can donate to charity. She said: “I hope my book will inspire women to remember what they are worth. No one should suffer abuse, but when you are in the depth of it and are brainwashed into having a lack of self worth, it seems there is no-where to turn. There are so many places to turn, and people who will help, as long as you want to help yourself. It was a long battle for me to get to that point, and I want to share with peers that it is never to late to save yourself!”

If you would like to attend the launch you can just call in, but to help us with catering please either visit the eventbrite booking page, or email andrea@whitesorrow.com. More information can also be found on Andrea’s facebook page, WhiteSorrow1

SPECIALIST AREAS Agriculture Arbitration Business Chancery Costs Crime Employment Family & Matrimonial Finance

Immigration Judicial Review Licensing Mediation Mental Health & Court of Protection Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence Planning & Environment Regulatory

Tier 1 ‘Proactive in meeting the needs of clients’ ‘always first rate’ Legal 500 2015

NEWCASTLE

TEESSIDE

The Custom House, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DE

Multi Media Exchange, 72-80 Corporation Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2RF

Tel: 0191 232 1927

Tel: 01642 247 569

www.trinitychambers.co.uk

Chambers abides by its Equality and Diversity Policy

63

BUSINESS INSIGHT

I’ve changed my mind Kevin Anderson, construction specialist at law firm Sintons, discusses how and when a contract can be terminated early.

Having previously looked at other aspects of contract law in Northern Insight, we now look at whether, once parties have entered into a contract, do they absolutely have to complete their part of the bargain?

Yes

No The more complicated answer is that there are myriad reasons why a contract can properly be terminated early.

The parties are, of course, able to stop their contract by agreement. But this is fraught with difficulties - what do you do with only part of the works and how much do you pay for the work that was done?

The simple answer is yes, since that is the whole point of creating a contractual relationship.

This means that either party can compel the other to perform their part of the bargain.

Alternatively, a party may have an express written right to terminate as and when it sees fit. Any such clause should be careful to explain exactly how the relationship will be brought to an end.

For example, if I simply snubbed my contract with you, you have two choices. First, you could accept my repudiation, end our contract and pursue me for damages.

Things turn a little worse, however, when one party decides to terminate due to the alleged fault of the other.

Secondly, however, you can “affirm” the contract, which means that you can demand that I perform. Your right to claim damages remains, but how successful will you be in demanding that I fulfil a contract that I do not wish to perform?

The strength of your position would be that, as the contract continues, I would likely be in delay and you would thus be entitled to ongoing delay damages.

As a simple example, the employer may say that the contractor is failing to perform. This often requires a judgment call to be made as to when the contractor crosses the line; only then would a right to terminate arise. My poor conduct is a breach of contract and entitles you to damages.

But at what exact point is my performance so bad that it entitles you to terminate the contract?

The contract can define those circumstances; but normally it comes down to a question of

fact and degree. Sometimes it is obvious that my breach is serious enough, just as it can be obvious that my breach is too minor.

Maybe The disputes come when we are in the grey zone between the two. What if the terminated party doesn’t accept that their conduct was enough to justify termination? They offer damages, such as delay damages, but they demand the right to finish the contract.

This issue often comes down to whether or not time is “of the essence” to the contract - miss that type of deadline, and the contract can be terminated.

In most cases, delay damages can properly compensate for the delay, so time is not of the essence. However, when a delay happens, you might attempt to make time of the essence by setting a new and reasonable deadline that you state will be of the essence.

However you create such a deadline, that deadline gives you what you should always look for when terminating a contract early - certainty.

Whilst we can seldom achieve absolute certainty, you need to try to be as commercially close to absolute as you can be in the circumstances.

Kevin Anderson is a construction specialist at Newcastle law firm Sintons.

Contact him on 0191 226 3648 or kevin.anderson@sintons.co.uk

64

PROPERTY INSIGHT

High contrast Blurred boundaries

Luxe dimension

SUMMER SEASONAL TRENDS As we look for inspiration with the change of season, Jan Dale reviews the latest on trend themes with the design team at URBAN BASE. Lyrical living

As the draw of technology lures the masses into an ever plugged-in existence, a need for stimulating environments which engage the senses of sight, sound, smell and touch in our homes is ever more present. This new direction in design makes way for interiors that are appealing to the design-savvy, yet sensory-deprived.

Seasonal trends address the importance of colour in constructing stimulating environments: rich sensory spaces created by varying hues of colour, intensity and lightness levels, patterns and textures. Create interiors with impact and dimensionality through the use of varying themes, styles and colour approach.

Creating elegance through classic styling, a tonal palette and reflective surface delights, is a must to achieve this theme. Through the use of layers of warm colours, shiny surfaces and plush textures a relationship between past and present is encountered.

Luxe dimension

High contrast Mingle chromatic brights and dark moody tones, glossy surfaces and layered textures to create an adventurous style. Activate the senses with a playful interaction of colour, texture and pattern, whilst creating an illusion of depth by phasing out the edges of a room. Focus the idea of adventure with brilliant pops of tropical colour.

Blurred boundaries Modern styling is getting softer and rounder, with combinations of organic furniture shapes, subtle colour and natural materials. Envelope in serenity through a mix of patterns and soft textiles, an atmospheric ombre landscape and use of optimistic colour.

Whichever trend stimulates your senses you are certain to create interiors with impact and dimensionality. Call the urban design team for more summer-inspiring ideas.

E: info@urban-base.com T: 0845 6431186

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Jo Emms

Create a room which radiates confidence through the use of eye-catching combinations of contrasting blends of bright and dark colour, sleek lines and translucent surfaces. Horizontal borders of colour at the top and bottom of a wall help to create a wider expanse of space. Enlivened neutral tones with gold create a great air of luxury.

Jan Dales

How to structure colour

STANNINGTON PARK I OFF GREEN LANE I STANNINGTON I NE61 6AT

More of everything inside.

This prestigious development offers a traditional village setting with 4 & 5 bedroom homes boasting a high level of specification.

STAMP DUTY PAID*

Inside : †

Everything and more outside.

• Roca sanitaryware • Steam oven • Warming drawer • Wine cooler cabinet • Appliances including a coffee maker and an additional freezer in the utility • Allowance towards ‘Hammonds’ wardrobes • Bi-fold doors on selected plots • Motorised double garage doors

Outside:

All this from only £449,995

Click: www.bellway.co.uk Call: 01670 789 572 Visit: Monday 12.00pm - 5.30pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 11.00am - 5.30pm, Thursday 11.00am - 8.00pm, Friday - Sunday 11.00am - 5.30pm.

• Excellent gastro pub/ boutique hotel on your doorstep • Beautiful landscaped boulevards • Desirable location for access to local schools • Acres of open space including a communal recreation area • Excellently situated for access to the A1 • Miles of walks starting right from your doorstep • A short distance from the award winning Northumberland Coast • Stunning rural landscapes • Set in the heart of Northumberland

Prices correct at time of going to press. Images are for illustrative purposes only and may include optional upgrades at additional cost. *Available on selected plots only and not in conjunction with any other offer. Not available on second purchase homes. †Specification varies between plots and is subject to change and availability.

PROPERTY INSIGHT

Golden age for North East property market The North East has been hailed as one of the leading areas to buy a property in the UK. Peter Bartley, Operations Director at Bradley Hall, discusses the region’s new property market ‘golden age’.

Now is a fantastic time to buy property in the North East after years of highs, lows and recovery following the 2008 financial crisis.

The regional property market has reached a time when there’s a wealth of opportunities for those looking to purchase their own home or investment property, with plenty of supply and demand to maintain fair prices and a healthy market.

Because of the current market stability, the buy-to-let industry is also thriving, and investors can be rest assured that property is a wise long term investment thanks to local high rental yields, which ensure rent payments can keep up with any interest rate rises.

The latest findings from the Office of National Statistics House Price Index revealed that excluding high increases of 13% in London and 12.2% in the South East, UK house prices increased on average by 5.9% over the year to March 2016 , in a contrast to ‘no change’ in the annual price growth of North East property. If you compare this to the national wage rise of an average of 1.84% in the same period, this indicates that the average person in the capital, and other areas which experienced a price hike, can’t necessarily afford to keep up with the rapidly growing prices of property, especially first time buyers.

This, in turn, encourages buyers to purchase property, especially investments, in regions where properties are more financially accessible or commercially viable. This encourages growth in our local economy, improving demand for housing and creating a healthy and busy market.

Consistent price levels and stability are providing a very attractive market. Buyers are confident in the knowledge that they are paying a realistic price for property, instead of sky-high prices influenced by demand outstripping supply, as is the case in the South East and London.

Interest from new local buyers continues to steadily grow each year. The 2016 Homeowner Survey conducted by YouGov for Home Owners Alliance and BLP Insurance showed an 8% increase in interest from first time buyers in the North East since 2008. However, concerns over deposit requirements and associated costs still linger, meaning many first time buyers are still apprehensive. With confidence in the market growing, more people are realising the wealth of opportunities and cost effective ways to buy, including access to specialist government deposit schemes and savings plans.

Bradley Hall has seen a definite growth in the amount of contemporary, luxury and affordable new properties on offer across our offices in Gosforth, Newcastle, Durham, Alnwick and Morpeth. This has been stimulated by access to the government Help to Buy Scheme, which allows buyers to provide a low 5% deposit with a government loan contribution of 20% towards the property.

Our healthy market is set to continue, with the Royal Institute for Chartered Surveyors (RICS) predicting the North East will experience a modest and sustainable house price growth over the course of 2016. Prices are anticipated to rise by a moderate 3%, compared to the highest predicted rise of 8% in East Anglia. This slight increase will maintain security for us in the region, meaning lower prices and a more attainable property market in comparison to other areas in the UK.

We recently launched the impressive £3.3m Lansdowne development, based in the heart of Gosforth, as well as 15 new homes at Thomas Percy Close, Alnwick. We look forward to welcoming to market luxury and contemporary homes in the much anticipated Walled Garden in Gosforth later this year and six exclusive homes in Priory Mews, Tynemouth.

We also offer a range of services through our financial arm, BH Financial services, including expert mortgage advice and assistance on applications and commercial financial advice.

For more information on Bradley Hall please visit www.bradleyhall.co.uk

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SNCC Dinner Evening The annual South Northumberland Cricket Club Dinner was recently held where a packed audience enjoyed entertainment provided by All Black veteran Sean Fitzpatrick and Olympic swimmer Karen Pickering.

PROPERTY INSIGHT

Master Interior Designers Interior design and home improvements continue to dominate our TV screens and magazines, probably more so than ever, combined with social media, constantly telling us what colour schemes and fabrics we should have in our homes. Confusing isn’t it?

Over the years I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly and what a remarkable journey it’s been. I want to peel back the layers of interiors confusion and over the coming months, provide you with some tips and clear trends advice along with projects we’ve worked on. Time to share my experience and get you inspired!

Firstly though, let me tell you a little bit about my step into the interior design world from being an Inland Revenue employee in the 80's (yes, you did read that correctly!) to having a short spell at exclusive London wallpaper designer Osborne and Little. Design was always my passion and fortunately for me, my potential flair was spotted here. I remain forever grateful for that lucky break. From there I opened my interior design studio in my home town of Newcastle, before being asked to present an interiors programme with Carol Vorderman in 1999, which then ran through the noughties. I knew interior design but TV presenting...?

Talk about stepping outside of your comfort zone but I did and the first ITV's Better Homes programme was filmed at a property in Chester le

Tel : 0191 281 7799

Street. Following several years at Better Homes, Carol remains a close friend to this day. I also worked in New York for a while, co-coordinating Bianca Jagger’s apartment. What incredible memories!

Fast forward several decades, I work alongside my fellow Director Ray Watkin, where our 'day job' remains as exciting and variable, working on people's homes from a single room in an apartment to a full interior design which regularly includes restructure, an extension and architectural advice.

One of our current projects is for a football club owner, and no, it's most definitely not Mike Ashley! It is a contemporary family home, where we have drawn plans to nearly double the size to include that most desired open plan living space with an abundance of bi-fold doors, allowing the outdoor/indoor affect.

As well as residential interior design, we regularly work in the commercial interior design sector, from structural input and planning to colour schemes in restaurants and hotels. We

email: ray@georgebond.tv

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www.georgebond.tv

have just completed a complete renovation of a local prestigious hair and beauty salon, which we'll be sharing with you at a later date.

Commercial design is very different to working on a residential project as public spaces, require different considerations.

We were delighted to be awarded the 5 star Interior Design Company at the 2013-14 & 201415 International Property Awards, while I'm very honoured to continue to be head judge of the Northern Design Awards, along with fellow judges TV's George Clarke and Linda Barker. We receive an influx of award entrees each year from north of Birmingham up to and including Scotland, with a vast array of high standard entries from a multitude of categories.

The Northern Design Awards bring together commercial and residential designers, architects, property developers and more in a glittering celebration of Northern design and style www.northerndesignawards.com It's a wonderful accolade for your business to be shortlisted or to win an award so start pulling your entries together and we'll look forward to seeing it.

twitter @GeorgeBond_

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

Hallbank, Newcastle Road, Corbridge

Price Guide: £2.5 Million Hallbank is a simply exquisite detached family home, built circa 1930s, and set within its own private gardens and grounds of approximately one acre. Located within the heart of Corbridge, this lovely five double bedroomed property has been extensively refurbished in recent years, along with the addition of a double garage combining separate one bedroomed accommodation within ‘Hallbank Cottage’, which also houses a music room/recording studio, gym and office space. The formal gardens are beautifully presented with manicured lawns, well stocked borders, impressive mature trees, a stone terrace, nature pond, croquet lawn and summerhouse; there is also a woodland area and two workshops. The generous sizing of the interior accommodation, combined with the extensive landscaped gardens enjoying magnificent views across the open countryside, create an opportunity to acquire a country house of great splendour.

Contact rare! From Sanderson Young on 0191 2233500 ashleigh.sundin@sandersonyoung.co.uk www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

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PLOT 13-DOWER HOUSE 5 BEDROOM DETACHED HOME

Showhome Interior

PRICE £875,000

Showhome Interior

Showhome Interior

SHOWHOME OPEN THURS - MON 10.00AM - 5.00PM Hill Top Farm, Off Pittington Lane, Carrville, Durham, DH1 5TD

t. 07983 080952 e. jangill@derestreethomes.co.uk

www.derestreethomes.co.uk @derestreethomes

derestreethomes

DEDICATED TO DEVELOPING HOMES OF CHARACTER & INTEGRITY

PROPERTY INSIGHT

The five bedroom detached Dower House at Dere Street Home’s unique Hill Top Farm development.

Part Exchange to Hill Top Farm With only five luxury homes remaining for sale at Dere Street Homes’ exclusive Hill Top Farm development, the County Durham developer is considering Part Exchange on selected plots.

Sales and Marketing Manager, Marie McQuaid, commented, “We are now beginning to release the final properties and are willing to consider Part Exchange on selected plots to help people secure their home. The development has attracted a huge amount of interest ever since we opened the showhome and we’re confident the last remaining properties will prove equally popular” Typical of the remaining homes is Plot 13, the Dower House, a five bedroom executive detached home featuring large floor to ceiling windows which allow natural light to flow through both storeys of this home, separate family and living rooms and the private driveway leading to an external double detached garage. The design also features a double height hallway which leads to the grand open plan living room.

relax and also benefits from two sets of delightful French doors leading out into the garden. A separate home office provides a quiet study area.

Stairs lead up to a galleried landing and onto the five bedrooms and family bathroom. The rear facing master bedroom has full en-suite bathroom facilities and a separate dressing area, with bedrooms two and three enjoying en-suite facilities while bedrooms four and five share the family bathroom. The Dower House is available at £875,000.

Energy saving has also been a priority at the development with heat recovery systems taking the heat from bathroom and kitchen vented air to heat fresh air entering the homes. Under-floor heating to ground and first floors together with open fireplaces and tripled glazed windows create the best of both worlds - low energy utilisation with abundant light in the homes. The luxury homes also come complete with one year’s complimentary membership to Ramside Hall Hotels Golf Club and also their new Spa and Leisure Club.

The luxurious kitchen and dining area is at the rear of the property with elegant French doors leading onto the garden adding to its light and airy feel with the separate utility area also having external access. The spacious family room flows from the kitchen and dining area allowing plenty of space for a busy household to cook, eat and

Prices for those homes currently released for sale start from £425,000 with full details available from Jan Gill, the on-site Development Sales Manager 07983 080952 or www.derestreethomes.co.uk

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PROPERTY INSIGHT

David Wilson Homes North East celebrate award-winning Nunthorpe development After receiving a string of national accolades, David Wilson Homes North East is celebrating its luxury Grey Towers Village development on Dixons Bank in Nunthorpe. The developer was recently awarded five star status by the Home Builders Federation, achieving a 90% customer satisfaction rate, as well as one of its Site Managers being recognised as National Site Manager of the Year.

One of the homes available at Grey Towers Village is the Bayswater housetype. The Bayswater is a stunning two-and-a-half storey detached home with four bedrooms, including a luxurious master suite on the top floor, complete with a stunning en suite and dressing area. The ground floor consists of an open-plan contemporary kitchen with a dining area, which opens to the rear garden with French doors. To the first floor, there are two spacious double bedrooms, one of which has an en suite shower room, as well a single bedroom. The Bayswater is available now for £319,995.

Another housetype available on the development is the Blackthorne, a beautiful two-and-a-half storey family home with luxurious features, which is currently available from £499,995. The ground floor offers ample space for modern family living, consisting of a lounge, family room, dining room and large kitchen. Upstairs on the first floor, there are four spacious bedrooms, one with an en suite, as well as the family bathroom. The third floor plays host to a den, perfect for families with children, as well as the fifth bedroom with a beautiful en suite.

awards certainly reflect the amount of hard work that goes into all of our developments. For homebuyers looking for that bit of luxury and prestige in the North East, I would absolutely recommend coming to have a look at Grey Towers Village.”

Overlooked by Roseberry Topping and the Cleveland Hills, Grey Towers Village is a superbly located development in Nunthorpe. This highly regarded area offers a range of shops, schools and leisure amenities, with popular market towns of Guisborough, Stokesley and Yarm nearby.

Steven Ball, Sales Manager at Grey Towers Village, commented: “It’s fantastic to work on such a prestigious development in such a beautiful area. We’re really proud of our work and of all the team here and these

To find out more about Grey Towers Village or to book an appointment, please visit: www.dwh.co.uk/new-homes/middlesbrough/H579901-Grey-Towers-Village/

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MEDIA INSIGHT Sarah Hall

Video Drones Video content is on the increase as organisations cotton on to the fact it can aid brand storytelling, as well as significantly increase click through rates and reach where the content is well produced and relevant.

Drone videos are also rising in popularity and Sarah Hall Consulting uses drone pilot David Fox from SkyFox Photography on behalf of clients. David has over 25 years of experience flying model aircraft, and during his service in the RAF as an aircraft mechanic, represented the RAF in the model aircraft championships.

Here he gives the low down on all you need to know:

What is a drone?

A drone is any aircraft that is remotely piloted, for the purposes of capturing video footage or still images. They are known by a variety of names, UAV UAS RPAS SUAS SUSA, but it all means the same. By far the most popular drones are multirotors, which consist of 4, 6 or 8 arms and motors, individually controlled to give movement in all directions.

Drones seem to be getting a lot of bad press at the moment. Are there actually any regulations regarding their use?

Drones are like any complex machine. If you use them properly, they are a very useful and versatile tool. If used incorrectly, they can be extremely dangerous. If you’re thinking of commissioning a pilot, they should hold a ‘Permit For Aerial Work’ (Pfaw) which is the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) qualification required for commercial drone use. The CAA has issued very specific regulations about when and where drones can be used. They cover safety distances from buildings, vehicles and people, and also maximum altitude and distance from the pilot.

What considerations do you need to make before you hire a drone pilot?

By law, we are required to hold a Pfaw or similar, issued by the CAA. We are also required

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to have commercial insurance to cover drone flying activities. As there are restrictions on how close drones can fly to people and buildings, considerations should be given to whether a drone flight is a safe or practical way to get the shots you require. Any qualified drone pilot will be able to advise on this.

Reputation is also key. This industry is in relative infancy, so ring around and talk to businesses who have already used commercial drones.

What most people don’t realise is that drones flown outside are usually done by GPS. This means that with no input from the pilot, the aircraft will stay in exactly the same place in the sky, even in wind or turbulence. This makes flying outdoors relatively easy. A fully skilled drone pilot is one that can competently navigate indoors where there is no GPS signal, and the aircraft needs manual control. We recently flew around a glass factory, which was a tough test of my skills!

How can you incorporate drone footage into your marketing strategy?

Having a well shot and edited aerial video can be a useful addition to your marketing armoury. For example, we recently produced an aerial video for Clayton Glass which showcased perfectly the company’s new site. It gave viewers a unique viewpoint of the scale of the building, and the machinery used.

It could well be that you simply need some well placed aerial stills to display a large product or facility. For example, we were recently commissioned by the vicar at Blanchland Abbey to take shots showing the beauty of the Abbey and surrounding countryside.

It’s always worth having a chat to find out how the footage and stills can benefit your company.

MEDIA NEWS

Hedley McEwan going for growth after record start to year

Following their move into new premises in St Peter’s Marina last summer, creative business Hedley McEwan are celebrating a record start to 2016 following a string of new client and project wins.

After winning the prestigious Manchester intu Trafford Centre account in January, the company have added to their client roster with Flymo Robotic Mowers, MYCO Foods, The Falkirk Lowland Distillery, Carr’s Flour Mills, Collectables, Fergusons Transport ‘Tall Ships Regatta’ Sponsorship, Rare Earth Property Developments,

Commerce House (Teesside) Business Centre, Pendower Hall Wedding & Business Centre and Mantra Thai, with yet more wins soon to be announced.

Hedley McEwan Joint MD, Tom Hedley, said: “We couldn’t have hoped for a stronger start to 2016 and the really exciting thing is how many great opportunities are still coming our way.

Because of this, we’re looking to strengthen our Creative and Design team still further with new appointments.”

Duncan McEwan commented: “One of the great things about these recent wins is the diversity of the sectors they’re in and the type of work we’re producing for them. We love working on different things and with these latest successes, we’re working on an amazing range of work across all types of communication platforms, especially digital.”

Hedley McEwan have also recently become founder board members of Newcastle’s ‘Digital Union’ by helping to form the regional strategy for the future of digital and creative industries.

Sunderland graduate joins Glue PR Christian said: “I am really excited to be able to bring fresh talent to the agency. Charlotte showed eagerness, passion and maturity right from her first interview. With a media landscape that changes rapidly, I know she’s going to be able to add fresh thinking, new ideas and alternative perspectives to our client campaigns.”

Glue PR has gone from strength to strength since it began just over 12 months ago and counts the likes of Lane7 and The Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF) among its client base.

North East PR and communications consultancy Glue PR has added a new face to its team.

Glue PR, which was created by North East communications specialist Christian Cerisola in 2015, is adding to its team with University of Sunderland public relations graduate Charlotte Hagel. The company works to help organisations in a variety of sectors tell their stories in compelling and engaging ways across the media landscape.

Mediaworks lights up St. James’ Park Brett Jacobson, both teams were led out onto the pitch, while the familiar music of Mark Knopfler blared out of the stadium’s speakers.

Although the game itself didn’t go as Mediaworks had planned as they were on the receiving end of a 6-0 thrashing, the opportunity to play an hour of football inside one of the UK’s most iconic stadiums was a truly memorable experience for all involved.

A group of lucky football-loving Mediaworkers were given the opportunity to play at St James’ Park.

The home of the magpies played host to a friendly 11-a-side match which saw a mixture of Mediaworkers, members of partners Cargo Creative and Redwood Cable Projects and representatives from clients Yorkshire Water.

Following a pre-match pep talk from Mediaworks’ Managing Director,

INSIGHT MEETS INSPIRATION Media News brought to you in partnership with 77 0

creative communication

hedleymcewan.co.uk

MEDIA INSIGHT John Dias, Managing Director of Silver Bullet

Ask Silver Bullet

“

VW’s emissions PR disaster of last year didn’t force a re-brand, yet the banking giant RBS looks set to disappear forever why the different approaches?

An interesting question that involves global brands and reputation but, first of all, some background.

The Volkswagen Group’s admission in September 2015 that they had sold 11m cars fitted with software enabling them to cheat US vehicle emission tests wiped an estimated £60bn of its share price, forced the resignation of CEO, Martin Winterkorn, and the appointment of the same US law firm used by BP after the Macondo (Deepwater Horizon) disaster. Interestingly, it was neither the first car giant to be caught out, with Toyota recalling 9m cars in 2009 after Ford had recalled 19m in 1996, nor the last, with Renault recalling 15,000 in January this year after admitting its diesel emissions filtering system didn’t work followed by Mitsubishi admitting it too had manipulated test data to overstate the fuel efficiency of 625,000 cars, thereby wiping 40%, or $3.2bn, off the company’s market value.

There has been no mention, however, of ditching the previously trusted and boringly reliable VW brand. Given the company has its roots in Nazi Germany of 1937, it has already shown remarkable resilience and has managed to divert attention from the other brands within the group such as Audi and Porsche and the top end Bugatti, Bentley and Lamborghini marques. Whilst

”

a PR disaster, that cost the Group millions and will continue to do so as the US legal system prepares to pounce, the scandal is already fading into the background as other vehicle manufacturers come under scrutiny. Sales of the Group’s other brands are reportedly largely unaffected and surveys of motorists are showing a return of popularity.

their aggressive approach to growth. In 2008, however, under controversial chief executive, Sir (later, plain Mr…) Fred Goodwin, their fortunes changed as the economic crash began to impact, culminating in the Government £34bn bail-out of 2009. Worse was to follow with a recent history of record breaking losses and redundancies.

In PR terms, the Group had also admitted their error, been in contact with their customers, supported their ambassadors, the car dealerships, and were seen by the public as trying their best to put right the wrongs that had been done by a small group reportedly against company policy.

These are PR lessons that are common to all organisations, whatever their size or sector.

The Financial Times reported in April that the RBS brand will disappear in the near future, replaced by Royal Bank of Scotland across its 200 Scottish branches with the revival of the Natwest and Williams & Glyn brands across England and Wales.

The fate of the RBS banking group, however is very different. Founded by royal charter in Edinburgh in 1727, the Royal Bank of Scotland had opened its first branch in Glasgow in 1783 and a branch office in London in 1874. From the 1920s it then began to develop by acquisition into a major presence in England, culminating in the biggest takeover in the history of British banking when it acquired National Westminster Bank plc in 2000.

Fast forward to Margaret Thatcher’s Banking Act of 1979 which deregulated the banking sector, and the gloves were off as the bank stepped up

In essence, the RBS brand was seen as so toxic that it had become irreparable. Moreover, it was part of a hugely unpopular banking culture that was seen to be responsible for the economic crash that affected everyone, and still does for many. In reviving the previously trusted brands of Natwest, Williams & Glyn and Royal Bank of Scotland, the Group will be sending out a strong message of a return to trust, caution and sensible banking that will be the antithesis of the modus operandi responsible for their crash.

It’s a lesson in global branding that, again, we can all learn from and realise that at certain times, when trust has gone, your brand can do more harm than good to your chances of survival.

Do you need to some assistance with your marketing? Do you need to review your strategy or do you have another marketing question we can help with? Talk to us. Email your questions anonymously to us today hello@silverbulletmarketing.co.uk or Tweet us (not so anonymously) @SilverBulletPR and use the hash tag #AskSB

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#AskSB

I've a feeling

we're not in Kansas anymore...

Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz

If Ad-Blockers, Adwords, Affiliates, Above or Below the Line, Analytics, Branding, Blogging, Bounce Rate, Cascading Style Sheets, Click Through Rates, Content and CMS have got you thoroughly confused before you’ve really started down the Yellow Brick Road, maybe it’s time we talked...

When marketing and media choice all gets a bit too much, we can guide you through the marketing mix, providing a no-nonsense, professional and fully integrated service that has been helping a wide range of international, national and regional clients since 1999.

Silver Bullet: your full service agency

Are you in need of some marketing clarity? Talk to us @SilverBulletPR

Hello@silverbulletmarketing.co.uk

www.silverbulletmarketing.co.uk

t: 0191 261 7422

MEDIA INSIGHT

The secrets of Snapchat throw a blanket over brand understanding Charlotte Hagel from Newcastle communications agency, Glue PR ponders the hesitation in brands taking to the hottest social media platform right now.

To be brutally honest, if you’re over a certain age, there’s every chance your exposure to Snapchat may be limited. Or you might have just heard of it and dismissed it as something ‘kids’ use. Have you seen the little yellow ghost floating around your other social media channels, posters or even magazines? That’s Snapchat.

Snapchat’s press soon after launch, where the app was associated with some rum activity between users, didn’t help its cause. But those days are gone and brands are falling over themselves to be on there. The platform has not long opened itself up to big brand advertising and those taking advantage can expect ads to be viewed up to a million times a day.

Lets get this into context and start with the stats: 400 million snapchat ‘stories’ (images or videos) are sent every single DAY worldwide.

Compare that to Instagram, that has 400 million users a month. That is the scale we are talking about. Snapchat now has more users than Twitter, so why are people and brands scared of such a powerful tool?

But none of us like viewing ads, right? So smart use of Snapchat can still help brands reach massive and diverse audiences. Brands are using Snapchat to host competitions, offer coupons or discounts, offer behind the scenes tours and live streaming of immersive events. Its all designed to get you, the end user, closer to your brand. These can get an incalculable amount of views. Users can view these snaps as many times as they want in the 24-hour period they are available. After that they’re gone forever…but don’t forget, users can also screenshot these.

Well, for one, the usability and feel is very different from the known social platforms and so has frightened off many who might naturally have made the chronological migration from Facebook, to Twitter, to Instagram and onwards.

But Snapchat has the potential to appeal to massively diverse, youthful audiences, so cannot be dismissed for not feeling like its older brothers and sisters.

Brands such as MTV, Sky News and BuzzFeed, to name a few, are using the ‘Discover’ channels.

These are permanent channels in which their representative social media teams upload items to. These brands pay big bucks to appear on the

Charlotte Hagel is from Glue PR www.gluepr.co.uk

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Discover stream, but figures are phenomenal.

During MTVs video music awards, its Snapchat stream enjoyed 12 million visits. The same show on its TV station didn’t reach 9 million.

Now Snapchat’s live stream event channels are also on the rise. In recent weeks, even mountaineers scaling Mount Everest have taken advantage of Snapchat’s live stream on there, generating massive, enthralled and engaged audiences.

So not only can you do ALL of that, you can create your own geo filters too (at a price, of course!). Snapchat a short video in any major city, take Newcastle for example, you will have a geo filter automatically available to you, enabling you to target just those geographical audiences around you on Snapchat. It’s pretty much an electronic postcard for all to see.

I’m a big fan of Snapchat and, as a 21-year-old in the communications industry, am fascinated with the way brands utilise it. For me, and millions of others in my age bracket, checking my Snapchat stories every morning alongside Facebook and Instagram is now second nature.

@Glue_PR

SPOTLIGHT

Want your business to be in the spotlight?

Talk to the PR specialists at MHW PR...

We storyboard and implement communications campaigns that build client reputations. That involves generating and distributing persuasive, engaging content - online and offline.

We have years of knowledge to help make our clients more famous, putting them centre stage. We work across a range of business sectors from the corporate world to industrial, healthcare and hospitality.

Please call if you need your business putting in the spotlight.

Tel:0191 233 1300

mhwpr.co.uk

The Works are 10 Full service marketing, advertising and digital agency The Works from Chester-le-Street have reached their milestone tenth birthday this year and to celebrate, held a birthday ball at Ramside Hall on Friday 17th June to thank clients, colleagues and supply partners who have helped them get where they are today.

The ball also marked the halfway point in the company’s journey of trying to raise £10,000 for three North East charities.

To find out more about The Works, their tenth birthday celebrations and how they’re trying to raise £10,000, visit wearetheworks.com or follow them @wearetheworks. #TheWorks10

MEDIA INSIGHT

Sophie Bustin, PR & Marketing Intern

It’s not just about coffee…

It’s graduation season in the UK which means that thousands of students will be hitting the job market. But what if, like many others, you have no idea what you want to do?

Applying for full time jobs after university can be pretty terrifying, this is why taking part in internships are so important.

Internships offer the chance to experience job roles that you don’t know much about. Build your CV from a Saturday temp job in retail to a long term professional placement with a reputable business. Work on projects that actually make a difference to the company that’s exciting! As a student most of the work you produce is written at home or in the library and read by your professor, but the only person affected by it is you.

There are some negative connotations surrounding internships that will make the whole concept off putting - commonly being the dreaded coffee runs. Everyone has to start somewhere and it’s a major step towards your future, so the main thing to remember is - don’t be a snob!

There are five main pieces of advice that I would give to interns: eep track of the tasks you are asked to K complete and note down feedback. Not only can it act as a portfolio but you can use it as a point of reference in future job interviews. You can talk about specific relevant tasks to show that you aren’t completely clueless about the job you’re going in for. ake the most of your time there, throw M yourself into the experience of working in an office environment, and learn as many new skills as possible.

Ask questions and learn about the role you and your colleagues are doing. How did they get to where they are now, do they like their job?

Internships aren’t just a benefit to students, they also help the business. Here’s a quote from Jackie Marston, Managing Director of JAM:

Take it seriously! Make a good impression,

and put effort into the work you’re producing because it will benefit you in the long run.

Act and dress professional, this shows you’re serious about the role.

“We have used interns at JAM Marketing ever since we set the company up; 12 years ago.

It is beneficial for us as a business as we have been able to employ some of them after their internship finishes.

And finally: E njoy it! Try your best to be part of the team, most businesses hate nothing more than an awkward intern in the corner that won’t engage in conversation. The more effort you put in, the more you’ll get out and more than likely, the more you’ll enjoy it.

I am currently taking part in a placement at JAM Marketing with the lovely ‘Jammy Dodgers’. My daily tasks include updating social media for the various clients, creating client databases and writing press articles like this one (see, it’s not just about making the coffee!) I’m so lucky to have this opportunity. Working in such a fast paced office with amazing team members has made me realise that this is a career I want to go into.

“

“Others go onto have careers in marketing/event management and/or PR and as they have had experience working in that field are definitely more employable from a company prospective.

“They are treated like any other member of staff and are expected to abide by the same rules for time-keeping, professionalism and standards of work produced.

“It allows them to see what it is like to work in the ‘real world’ as well as get a good view of what it is like to be employed in their chosen career paths and it can, for some people, deter them from working in marketing, however in most cases, it cements their decision and allows them to express themselves and their creativity in a safe environment.

Internships help both the employers and the students and the two go hand-in-hand at JAM.

”

JAM Marketing (UK) Limited Metro Radio Arena Way Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7NA T: 0845 900 2127 M: 07712 467 301

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MEDIA INSIGHT

All aboard! Mediaworks and Stagecoach As a thriving North East digital agency, Mediaworks works with some of the biggest and best UK and international brands. The agency’s continued growth has welcomed a host of new clients to their already enviable portfolio, including leading public transport provider, Stagecoach. Here, we find out more about the partnership and how they are working together to drive forward digital growth.

Operating in more than 100 major towns and cities and with one billion passengers a year, Stagecoach is no small fry. The transport company enlisted the help of Mediaworks to grow and strengthen the brand’s digital presence on both a local and national level.

After evaluating the brand’s existing online position, a multi-faceted campaign was created to deliver maximum results.

At the beginning of the partnership, Stagecoach was preparing to launch a redesigned website to better service their users. The website needed to provide a solid foundation for digital growth, so Mediaworks’ Head of Search, Kev Strong, and his talented team of SEO Consultants worked closely with Stagecoach’s chosen web development company to ensure the site was both technically sound and search engine friendly.

With the website in place, work could begin on a Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) campaign to increase the brand’s organic visibility. The agency’s

in-house copywriters optimised the on-site content to target high-volume, relevant search phrases, while the team of digital marketing executives focused on getting the brand in front of the right audiences and influencers.

To ensure visibility throughout the campaign, Mediaworks delivered Google Analytics training to all Stagecoach marketing managers, keeping everyone fully informed about the campaign’s progress and performance.

Speaking of Mediaworks’ communication, Lynne Harrop, Marketing Manager for Central Marketing and Design at Stagecoach, said: “Mediaworks has supported us through every step of our digital transformation. Instead of bombarding us with technical jargon, the team clearly communicates what is happening at each stage, ensuring we were fully informed about the progress of each project.”

Alongside this continued SEO work, a national Paid Search remarketing campaign was set up

to target past visitors and users who abandoned their visits. Continual keyword research was carried out by the Paid Search team to identify the most relevant search terms for Stagecoach services. This placed the brand in front of the most suitable audiences, helping to achieve the greatest results.

Results to be proud of To date, Mediaworks has achieved incredible results for Stagecoach. Over just a five month period, there has been a 29% increase in search visibility, as well as a healthy increase in traffic. The Paid Search campaign was similarly successful, delivering a 275% increase in revenue, with a current return on investment of 1649%.

Lynne continues: “Overall, the Mediaworks team is a pleasure to work with, exceeding our expectations both in terms of results and delivery.

We look forward to continuing our work with them in the future.”

Want your own success story? Call Mediaworks on 0191 404 0100 or email info@mediaworks.co.uk.

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N SS II GGHHT T MME EDDI IAA II N MEDIA INSIGHT

6 Tips For Success On Social Media MEDIA INSIGHT 6imperative Tips For On but Social Media Social Media is for the Success success of businesses, ensuring your business cuts through

the noise can be a difficult task. DigiPro’s Social Media Manager, Steph Harland, has narrowed this Social Media imperative forthe the success of of businesses, businesses, but your business cuts through Social Media is is imperative butensuring ensuring your business cuts through down to 9for handy success ways to improve your bussiness’ social media. the noisecan canbe beaadifficult difficulttask. task.DigiPro’s DigiPro’s Social Media narrowed thisthis the noise Media Manager, Manager,Steph StephHarland, Harland,has has narrowed downtoto9 6handy handy waystotoimprove yourbut business’ social your bussiness’ social media. cuts through Social Media isdown imperative for theways success ofimprove businesses, ensuring yourmedia. business ENGAGEMEN T noise can be a difficult task.

C ODigiPro’s N T E N TSocial Media Manager, Steph Harland, M A Rhas K Enarrowed T I N G Sthis T R AT E G I E S the

6 Tips For Success On Social Media

down to 9 handy ways to improve your bussiness’ Content is king on social media, and you social media.

Running unique offers, deals and

Don’t forget to put time aside to engage E NGAGEMENT

with people on social media in realtime. It’s calledforget social to media, so be social! Having Don’t put time ENGAG EM E Naside T to engage genuine conversations with your customers, with people on social media in realtime.

It’s Don’tbusinesses forget toso putor time aside to engageis other local local influencers called social media, be social!

Having with people on social media in realtime. a great way of building with lasting connections genuine conversations your customers,It’s calledbusinesses social media, so besocial social!

Havingis and standing out from other media other local or local influencers genuine conversations with your customers, pages that can come across as robotic and a great way of building lasting connections other local businesses or local influencers is automated, with lots ofother postssocial but next to no and standing out from media a great way of building lasting connections engagement. there’s shortmedia cut pages that canHowever, come as no robotic and and standing outacross from other social when itpages comes tocan doing this, and engaging automated, with lots of posts butas next to no that come across robotic and with people does take time engagement.

However, there’s no but short cut automated, with lots ofand posts next to no commitment, but the relationships and However, no short cut when itengagement. comes to doing this, there’s and engaging whenyou it comes to time doing this, and reputation can earn by and doing thisengaging with people does take with people does take time and and certainly makes it the worthwhile. commitment, but relationships commitment, the reputation you can but earn byrelationships doing this and reputation you can earn by doing this certainly makes it worthwhile. certainly makes it worthwhile.

CONTENT

have to ensure that what you’re sharing is both eye-catching and valuable to your Content C O N TisEking N Ton social media, and you audience.

Before posting image, videoisor have to ensure that what an you’re sharing Content is king on and social media, and you post? blog, ask yourself: “Would I share both eye-catching valuable tothat your have to ensure that what you’re sharing is or Would I pay attention to it?” the answer is audience.

Before posting an Ifimage, video both eye-catching your no, have ayourself: re-thinkand andvaluable optI share for to different blog, ask “Would that post? audience. posting an to image, video or content.

It’sBefore also important outside Would I pay attention to it?” If think the answer is blog, ask yourself: “Would I share that post? the have box with your content; don’t be afraid to no, a re-think and opt for different Would I pay attention to it?” If the answer is get creative.

Thisimportant will help to stand out content. also to different think outside no, haveIt’s a re-think and optyou for from your competitors andto your followers the box with yourimportant content; don’t be afraid to content.

It’s also think outside should respond positively to the get creative. will help you to stand the box withThis your content; don’t bevaried afraidout to content.

Atcompetitors the end the day, get creative.

This willofhelp you toyou’re stand out from your and your followers from your andto your followers fighting for competitors people’s attention and high should respond positively the varied shouldcontent respond to theyou’re varied quality ispositively a very important factor in content.

At the end of the day, content.

Atpeople’s the end of the day, you’re ensuring you win that attention. fighting for attention and high fighting for people’s attention and high quality content is a very important factor in quality content is a very important factor in ensuring attention. ensuringyou youwin win that that attention.

ADVERTS

FOLLOWERS Having followers F O L LFlots O RWSE R Sis great, but the key OW Lof LE O

is to make sure that your followers are also relevant followers. by ofWhat followers is great, but the HavingHaving lots oflots followers isI mean great, butthis theis, keykey is to sure make sureyour that your followers also what good is having 10,000 followers ifare they is to make that followers are also relevant What I mean by this don’t live local followers. to your business, or aren’t relevant followers.

What I mean by this is, is, whatingood is having 10,000 followers if they interested slightest infollowers what you’re what good is the having 10,000 if they don’t live local to your business, or aren’t offering?

Quality over quantity should be don’t live local to your business, or aren’t interested in the slightest in what you’re the approach toQuality building your social media interested in the slightest what you’re offering? overin quantity should be followers, and there’s many different ways offering? over quantity should bemedia theQuality approach to building your social thatapproach you can ensure this happens.

It’smedia the to and building your social followers, there’s many different ways important to build a community that is both followers, there’s many ways thatand you can ensure thisdifferent happens.

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Facebook’s algorithm is constantly AA DDVVEERRTTSS changing, and due to more and more content battling for competition, you’re Facebook’s algorithm is Facebook’s algorithm is constantly constantly changing, andto due to more and more usually going have to fork out if you want changing, and due to more and more content battling for your competition, you’re people to even see Facebook posts on content battling for competition, you’re usually going to haveThe to fork out ifthat want your business page. results you usually going to have to fork out ifyou you want people to even see your Facebook posts on can get to from Facebook Ads conducted people even see your Facebook posts on your business page. The results that you correctly is a quite aconducted gamechanger. your page.simply The results that you canbusiness get from Facebook Ads Even a measly £10 simply can go long way, can get from Ads conducted correctly is aFacebook quite aagamechanger. catapulting reach from 50 way, to 50,000 in correctly is ayour quite simply gamechanger.

Even a measly £10 can go aalong a matter of days.

You’ll need totothink Even a measly £10 can from go a 50 long way,hard catapulting your reach 50,000 in about whoofexactly you’re targeting, and use a matter days.reach You’ll need to hard catapulting your from 50think to 50,000 in about exactly you’re targeting, and use trial andwho error over varying factors of hard a matter of days.

You’ll need to think trial and error over varying factors of Facebook to find out what works best about whoAds exactly you’re targeting, and use Ads to find out works best forFacebook your bewhat sure to give them trial and business, error overbut varying factors of for your business, but be sure to give them a go, you won’t it. what works best Facebook Ads toregret find out a go, you won’t regret it. for your business, but be sure to give them a go, you won’t regret it.

M A R K E T I N G S T R AT E G I E S

competitions on your social media pages is a great way to create awareness of your business and on generate tons media of exposure competitions your social pagesand is Running unique deals and new followers/page likes.

Ask yourself these a great way offers, to create awareness of your competitions on your social media pages is questions:and “What competitions can I run and business generate tons of exposure a great way to create awareness of your where even when the majority of people new followers/page likes.

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What offer can I runof that’s good where even the majority questions: “Whatwhen competitions can I run people enough tothey make people stop andapay don’t win, may still become where even when the majority of people attention mystill business?” your followers customer?

What offer can IaIfrun that’s good don’t win, theyto may become have toWhat enter a competition by sharing enough to make people and pay your customer? offer can I runstop that’s good post, page/following you, or enough toliking make people stop and Ifpay attention toyour my business?” your followers attention to a my business?”

If your followers tagging friend, the amount of sharing organic your have to enter a competition by have to enter competition bycan sharing your reach andaexposure you getyou, fromorthis post, liking your page/following post, liking your page/following you,of ororganic can be extremely impressive. tagging a friend, the amount tagging a friend, the amount of organic reach and exposure you can get from this reach and exposure you can get from this be extremely impressive. cancan be extremely impressive.

Running MA R K E Tunique I N G Soffers, T R ATdeals E G I and ES

ANALYTICS

Reviewing your analytics can tell you a lot how your social pages work, and can teach you what to continue doing intell the future, Reviewing your analytics can tell you a lot Reviewing your analytics can you a lot or howin your social pages work, and teach some cases, what not to can do.

Investing a how your social pages work, and can teach youyou what to of continue doinginto in the future, or youror portion your time researching what to continue doing in the future, in some cases, what not to do.

Investing a spot social media analytics allows you to in some cases, what not to do.

Investing a portion of your time into researching your trends such as ‘what timeresearching or day is best to portion of your time into your social media analytics allows you to spot post’ or ‘if posts with videos are social media analytics youmore to spot trends such as ‘what time orallows day is best to successful posts with images’ trends suchthan as ‘what time or day is and bestin to post’ or ‘if posts with videos are more the case Facebook particularly, post’ orthan ‘ifofposts with are successful posts with videos images’ and more incan give you insight as with to how their than posts images’ thesuccessful caseaofslight Facebook particularly, can giveand in Reviewing youalgorithm a slight as to how their your analytics the caseinsight ofworks.

Facebook particularly, can give algorithm works.insight Reviewing your analytics and alearning why some posts are more you slight as to how their andalgorithm learning why some posts are more successfulworks. than others allows youanalytics to gain Reviewing your successful than others allows you gain stronger social media results thatposts aretomuch and learning why some are more social media results that are much stronger and more consistent. successful than others allows you to gain and more consistent. social media results that are much stronger and more consistent.

L IYCTSI C S A NAANLA YT

a digital agency with a mission growbusinesses businesses and through webweb design, PR, marketing & social DigiProDigiPro MediaMedia are aare digital agency with a mission totogrow anddrive driveleads leads through design, PR, marketing & media. social media.  0191 349 8594  www.digipromedia.co.uk  www.digipromedia.co.uk   0191 349 8594  contact@digipromedia.co.uk contact@digipromedia.co.uk  @DigiProMedia  @DigiProMedia DigiPro Media are a digital agency with a mission to grow businesses and drive leads through web design, PR, marketing & social media.

 0191 349 8594

 www.digipromedia.co.uk

 contact@digipromedia.co.uk

 @DigiProMedia

CREATE. CONNECT. GROW.

CREATE. CONNECT. GROW. 86

CREATE. CONNECT. GROW.

“Look after YOUR Customers, Before someone else DOES”

“Do you know who is YOUR best customer, who is your most efficient member of staff, where the SALES opportunities are? If NO, then you need a CRM, better still YOU NEED one from US”.

SOME KEY BENEFITS:

n n n n

Track SERVICE related issues and make sure they are solved Know where your SALES team are with opportunities Get a BETTER view on your customers, their interests and demands Empower your teams to make DECISIONS with reports that make sense

info@cellular-solutions.co.uk 08700 118 000 Cellular Solutions, Ferryboat House, Ferryboat Lane, Sunderland, SR5 3JN

Mobile

Landline

Software

Email

Cellular Solutions Annual Corporate Golf Event Cellular solutions again hosted their annual corporate golf day on the Lee Westwood Championship Colt course. We were delighted again to support the Evening Chronicle’s Sunshine Fund and would like to thank all of the players who took part in this event which lead to over £4,000 being raised for the charity with the assistance of the Barclays team.

Their guests were welcomed by the Cellular Solutions Events Team and treated to a full English breakfast in the Lee Westwood Suite before digging into the bowls of pick n mix and grabbing their goodie bags and heading off to the course for a shotgun start.

As ever, Cellular Solutions like to keep the game a team sport and provided a wide range of games and challenges including straightest drive on the 1st, nearest the pin in 2 on the 3rd, chip into the toilet challenge and beat the babe on the par 3 on the 9th.

There was also a challenge to beat the lady driver along with the ability to beg the roaming tour pro to take your shot, there was also a cider pong challenge and finally a challenge to hit our giant 6ft robot on the 18th fairway to win a bottle of champagne.

When returning to the suite the guests were treated to lunch before prizes were given out to the winning teams and the individual challenge winners.We were again delighted to have held another well attended, successful event which brought together our clients, partners and friends alike for a worthy cause.

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Evolution LLP chosen to facilitate IT company’s first ever multimillion pound acquisition A North East IT and telecoms services company has taken a significant step in consolidating its position as market leader in its field, following a multimillion pound deal managed by Evolution LLP. The ambitious accountancy practice was chosen by Communicate Technology PLC to facilitate the acquisition of York-based Touchdown Offices Ltd, which it was able to complete in just seven weeks.

Evolution’s Corporate Finance Director, Konrad Rutkowski, headed up the transaction, which involved working with advisers and lawyers from across the UK. He worked with Communicate Technology PLC to structure a fundraising deal to best fit the business and its investors, using the strong relationship he has with Barclays Bank to ensure the required funds were raised.

Scott Logic strengthens its Newcastle team with new Senior Developer Cisco partner awards show the Calibre of Newcastle firm’s network experience Newcastle-based Calibre Secured Networks Ltd has achieved two top Cisco awards, the Express Security Specialisation – NGFW and Advanced Core and WAN Specialisation.

This sees the Science Central firm join a select group of companies worldwide who have gained the specialisations, one of the network giant’s highest levels of recognition.

To achieve the Express Security Specialisation, Calibre demonstrated expertise in selling, designing, and installing the Cisco ASA 5500-X Series Next-Generation Firewalls. Expertise in providing a high-quality Cisco network experience also secured the Advanced Core and WAN Specialisation.

The awards reflect the firm’s proven network sales capability, skills’ set and service as it supports education and public sector customers across the UK.

Another new senior developer has joined the ranks of bespoke software development consultancy Scott Logic.

Darren Smith, 31, has joined the firm after nearly six years working in web development for digital agencies in the North East region.

Darren, from Bedlington, Northumberland, will be based at Scott Logic’s Newcastle office at St James’ Gate.

Darren said: “I kept hearing good things about Scott Logic so when I started to look for a change I did some research and found the company was hiring. I felt the firm had a strong focus on delivering great solutions with exciting technologies and that attracted me.”

Darren studied Computing Science as part of his MSc in Natural Sciences, which he gained from the University of Durham in 2006.

Campus North officially Best Workplace in Britain Campus North, home to the North East’s tech community, has been named the Best British Workplace 2016.

Just two years old, Campus North is home to accelerator programme Ignite, as well as offering hot-desking, co-working, offices, meetings and events space.

The shortlisted spaces for the awards, run by Adzuna, were visited by independent judge Robin Klein.

In awarding the prize to Campus North, Adzuna said: “It was the genuine sense of community on display at Campus North that really blew our judge away.”

Campus North Co-founder, Lyndsey Britton, said: “We’re ecstatic at winning this accolade. We know that people who come to work, learn and meet up at Campus North love it. To have what we do recognised nationally is fantastic and helps put us firmly on the map.”

Ready to reduce costs and achieve more from your IT spend?

IT Professional Services Ltd. Axwell House, Waterside Drive, Metrocentre East Business Park, Gateshead NE11 9HU. E: contact@itps.co.uk Follow us on

Call us now and find out how.

0191 442 8300

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www.itps.co.uk

@ITPSltd

Is your IT strategy future-proof?

Every business needs to control costs and in a constantly changing environment, that includes investment in IT. All too often, slashing budgets is the solution but in our experience, a far better approach is to focus on getting best value by creating a strategy across all areas of IT and comms and utilising a mix of tried and tested solutions as well as emerging technologies.

Our free IT healthcheck will highlight savings, efficiencies and future-proof solutions. Call us today!

ITPS have unrivalled expertise in communications services, data security and storage, virtualisation and networking. We work with businesses like yours to improve your performance and efficiency and get better value for your IT spend.

Protecting your data is our world.

Contact us today to find out more:

call 0191 or email

442 8300

contact@itps.co.uk www.itps.co.uk

TECHNOLOGY INSIGHT

Garry Sheriff

How to get more value out of your IT budget One of the most common questions business owners ask themselves is what do we get for our IT spend? Regardless of the economic climate, all businesses need to keep a close eye on costs.

But cost optimisation is not about simply slashing budgets. A better approach is to switch the focus from cost to value. From a simple IT health check to full scale rationalisation and restructure, an IT partner with high end, cross-sector experience can guide you towards reducing cost and improving efficiency across all areas of IT. Your key drivers should be to align your IT to your business strategy, reduce spend where possible, improve efficiency within the existing model, and re-architect the infrastructure. Here are some points to consider:

Communications - if you are using a ‘too good to be true’ cheap provider for your connectivity but staff are having trouble logging on to systems, processing data or struggling with slow internet connections, it is false economy.

Cheap deals often involve slow download rates, which you do not find out about until the day you have an interruption in service and need to restore systems and data from a backup. At that moment your ‘great’ deal may have just cost you your business.

A move to high speed communications can prompt an upturn in productivity and improvements in customer service. Look for a deal that includes low latency, which means just milliseconds between a piece of data leaving

one location and arriving in another, whether that is across your premises or half way around the world. This is vital in sectors where massive amounts of data are processed such as law, manufacturing or digital.

Virtualisation – virtual rather than physical hardware will cut your energy and space needs and allow you to scale your computing power up or down alongside the business, meaning you are not paying for technology you do not need.

Lower investment - look at options for moving some of your systems into the cloud, which simply describes secure business services delivered via the internet. You do not have to go 100% cloud to benefit from new technologies, when models can be created that combine holding your hardware on and off-premise, based on a mix of public, private and hybrid cloud.

Instead of buying IT, you are buying services, and moving from a capex to an opex model means you are no longer locked into a cycle of constant investment in hardware and software.

You also have the reassurance of always having the best technology available, and upgrades become quick and easy.

Location - if your hardware and software

is located on your own site you will know how much need space, power and effort it consumes.

Organisations who use high security data centres

such as our ISO27001-certified centres in the North East, which include workspace recovery seats, are buying into our investment in facilities, network and know-how that will support their business growth. ‘An extension of our own organisation, at a fraction of the cost and without the risk’, as one of our clients describes it.

Unified communications - consider switching from a standard phone system to unified communications, which pulls together data, voice and images into one efficient and cost-effective stream.

Support - create the right support model by identifying what your in-house resource can cover, and plug any gaps with a managed services or outsourcing partner. They can handle some, or all of your needs from strategic consultancy through to implementation and technical support.

Market forces and technology advances have pushed costs down making an unprecedented range of tools and functionality available at costeffective rates, allowing even the smallest of SMEs to buy into high end connectivity and services.

Our advice is to seek out an IT partner who can help you refocus your budget across all areas of your ICT. Call us for a free IT health check and a chat about how you can make sure your budget really delivers.

For more information on ITPS’s services and solutions, please visit www.itps.co.uk

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NPS ACCENT Mag ADVERT 170616 PRINT.indd 1

17/06/2016 13:08

E D U C AT I O N I N S I G H T

Sacred Heart High School for Girls: devoted to the education of women since 1905 In a few short weeks our Year 13 students will be passing through our doors for the final time. As we wave them good bye, emotions will be a mixture of great pride and joy, if tinged with a little sadness at all the farewells.

Mrs Bath with our Head Girl, Amy Baird

Over the seven years they have been in our care, the staff at Sacred Heart have worked tirelessly and in so many different ways to ensure these young women flourish; the most obvious, by helping them to succeed academically so that they can move on to university or worthwhile employment; and they do.

Courage and Confidence However, what is equally important is our determination to ensure all our students leave us with the courage and confidence needed to make them happy, kind and successful women.

These two attributes, courage and confidence are central to what we want to achieve with our students. So, how do we go about doing this?

What makes you unique?

Firstly, we recognise above all, that each and every one of our girls is unique, and our mission as a school is to help them to discover what makes them special and give them the opportunities needed to encourage and foster this attribute. For some it may well lie in their academic prowess within a particular subject or discipline. However, for a number of students, what makes them special will lie outside of the classroom and so it is essential that we provide as many chances as possible to both identify and harness this ability.

Clubs, Societies, Sports and Performing Arts Every night and most lunchtimes, girls participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular clubs. As a school we actively seek to provide as many opportunities as possible for girls to find

something that makes them happy and they can excel in. When the girls perform in our orchestra, at recitals, or dance and sing at Northern Stage, their talents are quite frankly breath taking and I am humbled by how good these girls are and delighted at the courage and confidence they demonstrate by doing so.

will travel to Kenya to work in our Sacred Heart Primary school in Nairobi as well as camping with the Masai Mara. Events such as these give students the chance to test themselves and discover how resilient they can be, as well as giving back to the communities they are part of.

a “Once Sacred

Fantastic memories

Heart girl, always a Sacred Heart girl.

Another important feature of our school is how we strive to create fantastic memories of school. This year we were particularly pleased to be able to offer our Year 7s the chance to perform alongside the Royal Shakespeare Company in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at Northern Stage. In July a party of Year 12 and 13 students

There is a saying our girls use when they leave us, ‘Once a Sacred Heart girl, always a Sacred Heart girl.’ I would like to think that the girls say this prompted by pride in their school, a realisation of how it has shaped them, and above all, because of the love and care they received in the time they spent with us.

”

Sacred Heart Catholic High School 0191 274 7373 www.sacredheart-high.org

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Finally

E D U C AT I O N I N S I G H T

Step by step; how Week2Week solves hotels’ biggest problems The bath is too big. The dog did not enjoy his stay. There was no ocean view from a London room… Believe it or not, these are not punchlines for poor jokes - they are all legitimately made complaints from hotels.

At Week2Week Apartments, while we offer a cost effective home from home and spacious alternative to often cramped hotel rooms, we certainly won’t be looking to fix those nonsensical issues, identified by boutiquehotelier. com. Instead, we know that our visitors - often from the business world need to be on top of it all whenever it’s needed.

That’s why we look to right some of the actual wrongs of hotels. If you’re wondering how we do it, fear not as below we list the steps we have in place to ensure your stay with Week2Week is the best it can be, before during and after your visit.

Problem No 1. – Why do I have to pay for Wi-Fi? The simple answer - you don’t. At Week2Week, we understand the need for visitors to be switched on no matter the time of day. Business is a 24-7 world and so is our Wi-Fi connection in each of our fully serviced apartments. It means you can get on with things without it costing you the earth.

nasty surprises for you upon arrival and no added stress. If you don’t see what you’re looking for listed on the website you can contact the office where they have regular new properties available to show you.

Problem No 2. – This place looks nothing like the advert Another common issue for businessmen, holiday makers and anyone else looking for a hotel is the often cited complaint that the accommodation does not resemble the product advertised online or in adverts. Well, that room probably does exist somewhere, but there’s only four in the hotel that have been updated in the past 10 years.

Problem No 3. – Where have these extra charges come from?

A valid question when you think you have a real bargain. Then you check the bill and all sorts of mystery costs have been added. At Week2Week we are up front with all extras. These will be offered to you upon booking and you are free to add whichever extra needed – if any – in real time, with the cost displayed in front of you.

A range of Week2Week apartments are visible on the website, which features up to date images of the interior of the accommodation. This means no

If you are looking to book a Week2Week apartment or accommodation within the UK, contact us for more details.

Visit www.week2week.co.uk, call 0191 281 3129 or email us at info@week.week.co.uk.

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E D U C AT I O N I N S I G H T

(L to R): Business Clinic students Aine Connolly, George Allen, Emma Stephenson and William Cooke with Jill Hopkirk from The Cycle Hub

Business students support firm’s growth cycle With rental forming the backbone for many bike businesses, The Cycle Hub, a bike friendly independent café in Newcastle, recently enlisted the marketing expertise of students from Newcastle Business School to grow its cycle hire division.

‘Sage Professionals’ a team of four final-year International Management students have been working with The Cycle Hub to research and develop a comprehensive marketing strategy to enable the company to tap into new markets and increase revenue.

The team carried out extensive primary and secondary research into the current cycle hire market within the city. Their analysis of competitors identified four key markets The Cycle Hub should target, along with a range of potential strategic business partners to enable them to grow their presence quickly and efficiently.

The project culminated in a full report and recommendations to grow the business’ cycle hire offering and a detailed two-year marketing strategy.

Jill Hopkirk, from The Cycle Hub, said: “I think the Business Clinic programme at Newcastle Business School is of very high quality and has a real role to play in the commercial marketplace.

“Bike rental continues to grow in popularity as people are realising that renting bikes is a very convenient way of getting around without having

to travel with their own bike and they also get the opportunity to try out different types. This is why we chose to team up with the Business School as we were keen to get a fresh insight into how we could further develop this arm of the business.

“I’m in no doubt that the team’s research into untapped potential markets and how we can grow our current customer base will prove valuable to our business as we look to promote and facilitate cycling across the region’s hotel, student and tourism sectors.

“It has been a great experience and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the group of students we’ve worked with. They’ve been well organised, insightful and charismatic throughout our working partnership.”

The Business Clinic at Newcastle Business School, which currently holds the title UK Business School of the Year in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards, is an education scheme whereby a group of business students participate in a ‘consultancy firm’ to provide advice for clients.

The service is available to all types of businesses from SMEs and multinationals through to notfor-profit organisations. Students are encouraged to get to the root of the problem, deliver results and provide a detailed report and presentation of their recommendations.

William Cook, 22, one of the Sage Professionals

consultancy team working with The Cycle Hub, said: “Taking part in the Business Clinic has really helped me because I can provide a real-world example of working in business when I graduate.

The Cycle Hub project has given me something to show and tell potential employers which will only serve to improve my employability prospects.”

Fellow student, Aine Connolly, 22, said: “Working on behalf of a real client is an experience you wouldn’t normally get from other academic courses and this is what will make us stand out among other graduates. It’s been a fantastic experience.”

The Cycle Hub is located on the banks of the River Tyne at the bottom of the Ouseburn Valley in Newcastle. In addition to bike hire its café is a great meeting place with some of the best views along the Newcastle-Gateshead quayside. The company aims to promote cycling in the local area by helping people get out and about on two wheels. It provides access to cycle training, cycling lessons, bike maintenance courses and hosts regular guided rides.

Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University has an enviable global reputation for delivering some of the best business management education in the UK which enables individuals to achieve leadership, management and career potential through research-rich, business relevant academic education.

If you’d like to know how Northumbria University’s Business Clinic can support your organisation, please contact Kirk Dodds, Business Clinic co-ordinator, on 0191 227 3030 or email kirk.dodds@northumbria.ac.uk.

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Come and share our vision!

Nunnykirk Centre of Excellence for Dyslexia est.1977

"Young people achieve academically and their emotional well-being is paramount."

OfSTED 03/16

High-quality provision for Dyslexia, mild-ASD, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia and other needs CReSTeD and DfE approved Qualified, experienced, specialist staff Focus on holistic approach to developing physical and emotional health, well-being, learning and thinking Particular success with those struggling to cope in mainstream Excellent extra-curricular activities Day School (Mon-Fri) and Boarding (Mon-Thurs) from Y6 through to Sixth form, for boys and girls

Please contact the Head teacher,

Barry Frost

NPQH MSc MEd BA(QTS) Hons PGDip

Nunnykirk Hall, NE61 4PB

(01670) 772685

www.nunnykirk.school

E D U C AT I O N I N S I G H T

End of term report It’s been a good year for the Royal Grammar School (Newcastle). We are fortunate thanks to the sheer geographical position of the school and that we are in great demand from parents and children and still at full capacity. We never underestimate how highly motivated and hard-working the boys and girls who join us are, and, in short, are such fun to work with and achieve tremendous success.

But this year has been particularly good, even by those standards. September 2015 saw us open our new sports facility to provide a top-quality 25 metre, six-lane swimming pool, seemingly infinite numbers of warm comfortable changing-rooms, a superb fitness and aerobic suite and a second sports hall. One of the first groups to use it was the Scotland Rugby team who chose us to be their training base during the Rugby World Cup. Another landmark was passed in December when we received a visit from the Independent Schools Inspectorate – or, more accurately, in January when the report was published.

Inspectors were generous in their comments, fully appreciating the quality of what they saw and awarded us a judgement of ‘excellent’ in every aspect of the school: its teaching; its pupils’ learning; its governance and leadership; and its pastoral care. In terms of sheer achievement we gained the very rarely awarded “exceptional” grade, awarded only to some 10% of independent schools in the country.

Nonetheless, a school is about its people,

particularly children, and most important in that report was the fact that inspectors understood just how precisely our constant, even ruthless, concentration on the individual needs, wellbeing and happiness of every girl and boy underlies all that achievement and success. The visiting team saw the link, appreciated it, judged it and deemed it excellent.

But schools never stand still! This isn’t a moment to rest on our laurels. On the contrary, during these past months we’ve been planning furiously for next year. What will that bring? In truth, more of the same - but better still, we hope.

At this time of year we’re sketching out the year’s structure of extra-curricular sport, with literally hundreds of practices and fixtures to arrange. We’re devising a comprehensive programme of plays and concerts to provide performing opportunities for every age-group from 7 to 18. Then there are all those national debating competitions, study and field trips and a host of other educational visits and trips – around 200 of those in an average year – and all of them must fit into what always proves a

www.rgs.newcastle.sch.uk

98

packed calendar.

We’re certainly going to be as busy as ever, but that will not be at the expense of still more concentration on the individual, nor on developing resilience in our pupils. Something that is particularly important as the nation sees increasing levels of mental illness and anxiety among the young. We shall be doing our best to teach our boys and girls the skills of coping with failure, of problem-solving, overcoming disappointment and challenge, thus (one of the most important metaphors given to us by Dick Moore, a specialist in youth mental health issues) equipping them, when they encounter troubles, to bend in the wind, rather than to snap in the hurricane.

None of this is easy. None of these great things happen by accident. But we know we are on the right track and are determined to go further on that journey. Happy children thrive: and, whatever its other attributes, the Royal Grammar School is above all, a happy place to be.

MOTORS INSIGHT

Spacious and refined new SUV is available at Jennings Ford Sales controller, Lee Spence, with the all-new Edge model at Jennings Ford in Stockton

Customers visiting Jennings Ford, part of the Jennings Motor Group, are taking advantage of the latest SUV model to join the award-winning Ford range – the all-new Edge.

Expanding Ford’s SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) and AWD (All-Wheel Drive) line-up, the allnew Ford Edge is now on display and readily available to test drive at all three of the group’s showrooms located at Cargo Fleet Lane in Middlesbrough, Yarm Road in Stockton and Eslington Park in Gateshead.

Offering premium technology and refinement, the latest model joins Ford’s medium-sized Kuga SUV and the EcoSport compact SUV. Ray Riaz, general manager at the group’s Stockton-based branch, said; “There is a huge demand for SUV and all-wheel drive vehicles and since its arrival, the new model has been generating additional sales across the group’s branch network.

“Not only is the all-new Ford Edge spacious and refined, it also offers cutting edge styling and state-of-the-art technologies, as well as delivering strong fuel efficiency.”

Priced from £29,995, customers wanting to take advantage of the latest model, can take their pick from a range of three body styles, including the entry level Zetec model, Titanium and the top-of-the-range Sport derivative.

Specification on the entry level Zetec model includes, 19” Alloy wheels, Ford DAB Audio with

9 speakers and SYNC 2 with colour Touchscreen, Rear View Camera, Keyless Start Button, Active City Stop with Pedestrian detection, Privacy glass, Rear Spoiler, Automatic front windscreen wipers, Automatic headlights with Auto high/low beam, ‘Quickclear’ heated front windscreen, Lane Keeping Aid, Traffic Sign recognition and Active noise control.

Available with a choice of 190PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission, or 210PS bi-turbo 2.0-litre TDCi diesel with sixspeed PowerShift automatic transmission, both powertrains deliver up to 78.4mpg fuel efficiency and 149g/km CO2 supported by Auto-Start-Stop technology.

The latest model also includes Ford’s Intelligent AWD technology as standard, to deliver a seamless transition between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive performance, providing a more secure footing on the road especially in wet and slippery conditions.

Adaptive steering automatically optimises the steering response according to vehicle speed, making it easy to manoeuvre at low speeds, while remaining precise and intuitive at higher speeds, in addition to a Front Split View Camera, making restricted visibility junctions or parking spaces

easier to negotiate.

Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which is a camera and radar based system that operates at speeds from 5mph to over 100mph to detect vehicles and people in the road ahead, is also available. The system can automatically apply the brakes if a potential collision is detected and the driver does not respond to warnings.

Other new Ford models in the range and available at Jennings Ford, includes the Ka, Fiesta, EcoSport, Focus, Focus ST, new Focus RS, new C-MAX, new Grand-C-MAX, Kuga, Mondeo, Vignale, new Mustang, S-MAX, all-new S-MAX Vignale and all-new Galaxy.

In addition to the new Ford model line-up, customers can take advantage of a wide variety of quality used cars.

Anyone who purchases a new or used car can also take advantage of a number of after sales facilities, including service, MOT, accident repair and parts.

Jennings Ford branches are also Motability accredited, which means customers eligible for a brand new motor through the Motability programme, can take advantage of a three-year leasing facility.

For more information about the range of products and services available at Jennings Ford, contact Middlesbrough on 01642 240055, Stockton on 01642 632200, Gateshead on 0191 4607464, or visit www.jenningsmotorgroup.co.uk

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MOTORS INSIGHT

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Driving the Industry Forward The purchase of Benfield Motor Group by Lookers last year represented one of the biggest deals in the history of the UK motor industry. Managing Director Nigel McMinn tells us how the integration of the businesses is going.

Lookers, one of the top three motor retail and service groups in the UK, is set to deliver over 200,000 cars to its customers this year through a network of 160 dealerships, supported by more than 8,500 employees.

It’s a performance that Nigel believes has much to do with the expertise of former Benfield staff. He says: “Not only did Benfield bring 30 dealerships into the Lookers portfolio, we also quickly identified a number of talented Benfield people who have since been promoted to senior Lookers positions.

These appointments reinforce my belief that this acquisition was the perfect strategic and cultural fit for Lookers.”

procedures that we are taking into Lookers, demonstrating what a well-run and forward thinking business it was.

“The days of three car dealerships are now long gone. We need to offer a dealership network that can deliver a ‘customer experience’ when buying a new vehicle.”

So, with the successful acquisition and integration of Benfield into the Lookers network completed, Nigel is positive about the future. “The future looks bright for Lookers,” he says. “We will turnover more than £4bn this year. We would like to add more brands to our business but, for us, it’s not about adding scale for scale sake.

The purchase of Benfield also allowed “The biggest challenge for the future is how Lookers to tap into new markets. Nigel says: we develop, embrace and integrate changing “Benfield was the ideal acquisition to cover technology to better engage with customers the North East of England and strengthen and enable our own colleagues to deliver a our dealer network in Yorkshire. We are also seamless, personalised and rewarding customer continuing with our investment programme in experience. the North East with dealership refurbishments at Nissan Newcastle, Volkswagen Scotswood Road and Audi in We strive to become a retailer and Sunderland.”

Lookers has also made sure that investment in technology is also a priority. Nigel says: “Benfield brought with it a number of excellent and robust

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an employer of choice as well as a genuine and authentic business that is appealing and inspiring for customers and colleagues alike.

www.lookers.co.uk

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ARTS NEWS

Something got me started...

Simply Red will take their classic album ‘Stars’ on the road this November in what will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the year. The first half of this special show will feature the entire album in its original running order while the second half will feature hits and classic Simply Red songs. They are set to arrive at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on Tuesday 22 November 2016.

‘Stars’ was released in September 1991 and was the bestselling UK album for two consecutive

years, a feat that hasn’t been repeated since. It was their 4th album and the first to feature a collection of songs written entirely by Mick Hucknall, for which he received an Ivor Novello award for Best Songwriter of the Year in 1991, as well as a Brit Award for Best British Band that same year.

Mick Hucknell said: “After the huge success of ‘A New Flame’, I set myself the challenge of composing a whole album of original songs. I could never have imagined that ‘Stars’ would

have had the impact that it did. It was a truly magical time. Now, looking on after 25 years, it seems only fitting to celebrate by performing the album in the original running order.”

25 years after its release, ‘Stars’ remains one of music’s best and most successful albums. It made Mick Hucknall a superstar, turning Simply Red into one of the country’s biggest bands. The album sold over 10 million worldwide, 4 million in the UK. Today the album sounds as fresh and exciting as it did in 1991.

July highlights at Sunderland Empire Long established as the World’s Official No.1 Eagles tribute, The Illegal Eagles, will make a welcome return on July 1 for yet another outstanding show promising more of their tight harmonies, acute attention to detail and incredible showmanship.

Jackie the Musical tells the story of a fifty-something divorcée who revisits her stash of wellthumbed Jackie magazines for advice on how best to navigate the opposite sex. With choreography

by Arlene Phillips, the show will hit the Sunderland Empire stage for one week only from 5-9 July.

Asunder will be one of the region’s major commemoration events of the WW1 centenary. The stories of people from Tyneside and Wearside will be told through a beautiful film that is set to arrive July 10.

From 12-16 July, prepare for Horrible Histories live on stage. Using actors and 3D special effects, the show is guaranteed to thrill parents and children around.

Finally, relive the passion, indulge in the romance and celebrate the greatest movie soundtrack of all time with A Night of Dirty Dancing on July 17. Revel in the moments you loved, the memories you made and music that has resonated throughout the years.

Box Office: (0191) 454 1234

Mill Dam South Shields NE33 1ES www.customshouse.co.uk

“Let your event take centre stage” Weddings, Conferences & Events 102

ARTS NEWS

Tremendous times ahead at Newcastle Theatre Royal

What’s on this July?

That’s Entertainment July 5-9 Newcastle Theatre Royal (0844) 8112 121 www.theatreroyal.co.uk Jackie The Musical July 5-9 Sunderland Empire (0844) 871 3042 www.atgtickets.com Bryan Ferry July 7 Mouth of The Tyne Festival www.mouthofthetynefestival.com

Adapted from Alan Warner’s brilliant novel about six girls on the cusp of change, Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour will arrive from 12-16 July. The funny dialogue will feature love, lust, pregnancy and death that will all spiral out of control in a single day.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, the struggle between rival gangs, the Sharks and the Jets, is a classic. West Side Story will be performed from 19-23 July.

Surprise! Peppa Pig, George and their friends will return in a brand new stage show of Peppa Pig’s Surprise 27-28 July.

Based on real life events back in the roaring 1920s, Chicago is set to take place 1-13 Aug. Nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and fights to keep herself from death row.

Following their hit run on Broadway, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart will return to Newcastle Theatre Royal in Sean Mathias’ acclaimed production of No Man’s Land from 15-20 Aug. And finally, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh present the multi award-winning musical Mary Poppins that will come to Newcastle Theatre Royal 9 Sep-29 Oct. The magical story of the world’s favourite nanny will be brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs.

Record of The Month Pure McCartney Deluxe Edition

Encompassing early wings classics (Band on the run et al) to recent greats (Queenie eye, Early Days), Pure McCartney is perhaps the most complete Paul McCartney solo compilation ever released.

Despite being derided by critics as ‘pointless’ for its notable lack of new material, the sheer depth of the collection is unprecedented and serves as a useful access point for anyone interested in exploring the back-catalogue of one of the writers of the great Liverpudlian songbook. This 69-track album was compiled by McCartney himself with the intention of ‘just giving people something fun to listen to’ and features thrilling collaborations with Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. Pure McCartney also contains a number of remastered tracks including Wanderlust and No More Lonely Nights. The poignant string-laden remix of his 1982 John Lennon tribute ‘Here Today’ however proves to be the real highlight. At over 4 hours in length, this is a truly comprehensive overview of Paul’s long and winding solo career and should finally silence anyone who claims he did nothing after The Beatles!

Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour July 12-1 Newcastle Theatre Royal (0844) 8112 121 www.theatreroyal.co.uk Footloose: The Musical July 12-16 Tyne Theatre & Opera House (0844) 249 1000 www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk Pitmen Poets July 13 The Custom’s House (0191) 454 1234 www.customshouse.co.uk The Counterfeit Sixties July 15 Whitley Bay Playhouse (0844) 248 1588 www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk Lords & Ladies July 19-23 The People’s Theatre (0191) 265 5020 www.peoplestheatre.co.uk West Side Story July 19-23 Newcastle Theatre Royal (0844) 8112 121 www.theatreroyal.co.uk Magic - A Kind of Queen July 22 The Custom’s House (0191) 454 1234 www.customshouse.co.uk Mary Chapin Carpenter July 24 Sage Gateshead (0191) 443 4661 www.sagegateshead.com The Railway Children July 25-27 The Custom’s House (0191) 454 1234 www.customshouse.co.uk

“More than just a theatre” Box Office: (0191) 454 1234

Mill Dam South Shields NE33 1ES www.customshouse.co.uk

THEATRE CINEMA RESTAURANT EVENTS GALLERY 103

LEISURE INSIGHT

It’s back! Chase Park Festival returns to Tyneside this summer The team behind the award-winning Chase Park Festival have confirmed it will return once again this summer in what has been billed as the “biggest and best yet”.

This year's music live gathering will take place on Saturday, August 6 and is set to attract thousands of music fans to Gateshead to the all-inclusive family affair.

Festival organiser Alistair McDonald has said Chase Park 2016 will be a step up on last year's sell-out gathering – which featured Irish rock legends Ash and Sunderland's SLUG - and promises to deliver yet more fun in the sun in one of Tyneside's most idyllic and picturesque settings.

Speaking ahead of this month's line-up announcement, which will come on the 23rd June, he said: “We are delighted to be back and when people see the line-up announcements people will see we are really back with a bang!

“We were absolutely blown away by the public reaction last year. We sold out the night before the event for the first time! Without the support of North East music fans buying tickets and supporting the event we simply couldn’t continue to put the festival on so we're going to reward our supporters with another memorable festival here at Chase Park this August!

“We have been the best-kept secret for a few years now but after the success of last years event, I think we can safely say that we are on the map in terms of North East Festivals and we're gearing up for something special.

Stay tuned and watch this space.”

Thanks to Arts Council and European Regional Development funding and running alongside this year's stellar line-up, Chase Park Festival has confirmed it will also run a programme of masterclasses aimed at disabled artists.

Chase Park Festival is one of only three festivals in the country to have a Gold Standard from Attitude is Everything for its accessibility for disabled

music fans, and this year it will build on this esteemed award that will position it as one of the most inclusive live music events in the country.

“We are delighted to have support from the Art’s Council which this year will enable us to run a focused talent development programme aimed at disabled artists. This shows that the scale and scope of the event are growing beyond purely being one of the most accessible events in the UK,” added Alistair.

“When the event started we discovered that festivals are often not accessible to disabled music fans due to location, cost and various others factors. By running a stage for disabled musicians we have discovered that opportunities are limited.

“We are working with the UK’s leading music development agency, Generator, to develop and expand people’s skills and knowledge so that disabled individuals have improved access to opportunities and the chance to develop careers as artists.”

Chase Park Festival, located in Whickham, Gateshead, just 5 miles from Newcastle's city centre and only a 30-minute drive from Sunderland, will be the must-see live music spectacular of the region's festival programme.

If businesses would like to sponsor the event, applications are now open.

If interested, they could contact Alistair McDonald on (0789 101 8603) or email (alistairneilmcdonald@yahoo.co.uk).

Tickets for the event will be free for people with a disability and their carers and the general public can snap them up for just £10.

For more information visit www.chaseparkfestival.co.uk www.facebook.com/ChaseParkFestival

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THE WEEKEND SHOWS Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Our most exciting shows are on the weekend – you’ll get five top acts on every bill in a two hour showcase. Live comedy 7 days a week!

THE NORTH EAST’S FAVOURITE COMEDY CLUB “The Stand Comedy Club Newcastle hits the target. It has a brilliant atmosphere and great staff. I almost wished I lived in Newcastle so I could gig there every week ...almost! Seriously it’s what a comedy club should be and more.”

John Bishop

The Stand Bistro has quickly become Newcastle’s favourite hidden gem.

Situated on the cobbles of High Bridge, we are open seven days a week serving food, speciality teas and coffees, continental and craft beers from 10am until late.

Our menu is comprised of locally sourced ingredients, using only the choicest cuts and freshest produce.

We have something for every palate from our famous Sunday Lunch, our ever popular lunches to our pre-show bistro classics.

To reserve a table call us on: 0191 232 1410 or 0191 232 0707 bistro@thestandco.uk | thestand.co.uk @StandNewcastle /StandNewcastle StandNewcastle thestand.co.uk

31 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1EW Box Office: 0191 300 9700

TRAVEL INSIGHT

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TRAVEL INSIGHT

I’m not a celebrity so don’t get me out of here!

by Travel Writer, Ken Spearen

If you have ever seen ITV’s “I’m a Celebrity, Get me out of Here” where wannabe and Z-list celebs battle for the dubious honour of being crowned the king or queen of the jungle, you will have glimpsed the mind-blowing 5-star plus Palazzo Versace Hotel that contestants use as a base after their televised ritual humiliation.

With a new series of the reality show starting in the Autumn, I’m aware of a certain local couple who are already planning a 3-week trip over to the aforementioned hotel to watch the action as it unfolds. For legal reasons, I’m not prepared to identify them in print but this couple simply have more money than sense!

Designed in partnership with the Gianni Versace fashion house, this 200-bedroom palatial hotel is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean in Brisbane and Australia’s Gold Coast. Owned by the Sunland Group and the ubiquitous Emirates Investments Group, it very successfully borrows heavily from the style and comfort of the latter’s Dubai 5-star+ luxury hotels.

With its spectacular architecture and lavish rooms featuring bespoke Versace furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows and marble bathrooms, it is very impressive indeed and a marvel to behold. It’s truly jaw-dropping suites have to be seen to be believed but all bedrooms have private balconies and bathrooms with spa baths.

This fashion-brand hotel also has a top spa with a 24/7 fitness and wellbeing centre and, of course, a Versace Boutique. In addition to a huge outdoor pool with sundeck and cabanas, it even has its own 90 berth marina where the rich and famous hop off their yachts and slip in and out

of the hotel in complete privacy. You can always tell when someone famous is arriving as certain areas are temporarily cordoned off just in case one of us mere mortals gets a glimpse of them.

Dining at the hotel is an event in itself. There are three chic restaurants for casual and fine dining, as well as two snazzy cocktail bars.

For the ultimate in sophisticated fine dining, guests can dine at Vanitas, its main restaurant, were diners can choose between a 7-course degustation menu or the a la carte menu. For a more casual affair, iI Barocco serves a buffet breakfast and an a la carte lunch as well as a lavish seafood buffet in the evening whilst the Vie Bar and Restaurant serves contemporary dining in an alfresco setting. A somewhat surprising extra (as if one was needed), was the Le Jardin in the hotel’s palatial lobby which serves a luxury version of a traditional English high tea. It’s good that such an old English tradition is still celebrated around the other side the world.

Although visually secluded, Versace Palazzo is less than ten minutes’ walk from Marina Mirage and Sea World, both of which are well worth a visit. Should you wish to immerse yourself in some Australian culture, the city of Brisbane is nearby. Its South Bank cultural district houses the Queensland Museum, the interactive Sciencentre and the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art. Again, all worth a visit.

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If you can tear yourself away from the sumptuous delights of the hotel, the Brisbane sub-tropical Botanical Gardens on the slopes of Mt. Coot-tha is a must visit. It’s only a short taxi ride from Brisbane but the stupendous panoramic views from its summit are well worth the fare.

Back at the hotel, the price of a standard room at the hotel starts from around £300 per room, per night which is equivalent to the average price of any top 5-star hotel anywhere in the world. This increases to a minimum of £1,500 for a night in a suite.

When you add into the equation the price of flying from Newcastle Airport to Brisbane via Dubai, you are looking at approx. £4,000 per couple, per week flying economy and staying in a standard double/twin room depending on the time of year and airline. This jumps to a minimum of £15,000 per couple, per week travelling by business class and staying in a suite. Remember, this is per week on an accommodation only basis and as the TV show runs for three weeks, multiply this by three without meals.

Without doubt, the Palazzo Versace Hotel is a totally amazing venue where absolutely no expense has been spared. It would probably need a lottery win for most ordinary people to experience it but then the couple in question aren’t most people. Ooh, I love my job!

TRAVEL INSIGHT

United Airlines It’s the future that counts Thursday 26th May 2016 saw the inaugural flight of United Airlines new six day service to New York from Newcastle International Airport.

It was a day of razzamatazz with local crooner Paul Skerritt belting his way through a medley of numbers including ‘Come Fly With Me’, ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ and many others for the benefit of passengers checking in on this first of the season, direct service to New York.

decided on this occasion to try United direct from Newcastle because frankly people were talking about it and I’d seen the adverts.”

Bob Schumacher, Managing Director of United Airlines UK and Ireland was in attendance to see the implementation of the service, along with other executives from the company and they would have been proud at the airports efforts in making this a special day.

John Irving is the Director of Business Development at Newcastle International Airport and talking of the service he comments, “I think just to have a direct transatlantic connection is really important for the airport but also for the region, we haven’t had one for such a long time and this six day service gives a great connectivity.

The season length is the same May to September, but with the six day service rather than five, it really helps with the weekend travellers. The only day we don’t fly is Wednesday.”

Following the successful trial of the five day service last year, Bob extols the virtue of the service by saying, “We’re back again and we wouldn’t be if it didn’t work. It was always the ambition to come to the market and by the end of the service last year, a quarter of the airplane was made up of Americans coming this way, so it was working both ways. A direct service between New York and Newcastle meant people could come to this wonderful part of our country and by the end of the service in September, business traffic was beginning to pick up as well, all of that made it ogical to come back.”

Alan Maxwell was the first person to check In for the first flight, “The reason I chose United on this occasion was a price out situation; I’ve always flown B.A. all my life but prices had rocketed so I

Since the inception of the trial in 2015, it has become a smooth, comfortable check in experience when taking the flight from Newcastle.

Sarah Hall, Angela Bixter and Sue Shields other passengers, made some interesting observations as to why they chose United, for Angela it was simply the fact they wouldn’t be faffing about at Heathrow, Sue commented on the convenience and Sarah dittoed both their comments. They all said they would return to the states and United would be their airline of choice.

Looking to the future, there is tremendous scope for increases in both leisure and business traffic. Assuming all goes well with the service and judging by the first flight it should, it would appear United Airlines will continue this route for a long time to come.

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It’s the future that counts.

Long may United Airlines see the benefit of the service from Newcastle.

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LEISURE NEWS

Central Bean expands to central England One of the North East’s leading independent coffee shop names has expanded its portfolio outside of the region.

Forming the first of Newcastle-based leisure company Vaulkhard Group’s wider expansion plans for its coffee shop brand, Central Bean opened in Stocksbridge’s new retail park, Fox Valley, on June 16, eight years since opening its first shop in Gallowgate, Newcastle, in 2008.

The £300,000 investment from Vaulkhard Group sees the new 3500sq. metre coffee shop hold 120 seats with an outside area complete with landscaped gardens, contemporary stone benches, TV screens and a fountain within the landlords peace gardens.

The £50million retail park scheme is being developed by South Yorkshire based Dransfield Properties Ltd, the company who led the regeneration of Sanderson’s Arcade in Morpeth, Northumberland.

Brand manager for Central Bean, Kieran Holliday, said: “With Central Bean already established in Sanderson’s Arcade, Mark (Dransfield) presented this opportunity to Vaulkhard Group and we were instantly excited. As a result, we became one of the first businesses to sign up to the scheme three years ago.”

“We hope to strengthen our reputation for providing quality coffee and refreshments within the Midlands. Central Bean is a name that is enjoyed by many across the North East and we envisage a significant growth programme to other parts of the UK over the coming years.”

The new Central Bean is located in an attractive stand-alone iconic umbrella shaped building in the centre of the park, inspired by the paragon umbrella frame, which was patented by Samuel Fox in the 1850s in his workshop.

Young faces at The Botanist reach new heights Popular Monument Mall bar and restaurant, The Botanist, has made two appointments within its team as it embarks on its second summer in Newcastle city centre.

Business Development manager Paul Burns and unit PA Alice Wheatley have received promotions to senior business development manager and assistant business development manager respectively.

Moving forward, Paul will continue to be responsible for overseeing the site’s marketing and client relations, which includes creating connections with businesses around the North East. He is now also part of the training programme for new business development managers.

Paul said: “It’s a complete pleasure to be able to do my job for a company that gives so much back to its employees. We’ve got such a strong

foundation in place from our staff to our offering, so I’m looking forward to embracing this next step in my career and relishing the challenge.”

Alice will manage events and day-to-day operations. She said: “A day in the life at The Botanist is always different so it’s a really exciting place to be. It’s such a buzzing environment and we’re constantly planning the next big thing.

There are so many opportunities and incredible initiatives to get involved in.”

26 Goldspink Lane | Sandyford | NE2 1NR, UK | t: 0191 232 5888

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LEISURE NEWS

Hinnies Restaurant named ‘Diners’ Choice’ by Opentable diners Hinnies Restaurant in Whitley Bay has been announced the ‘Diners’ Choice’ by restaurant-goers in North East according to OpenTable, the world’s leading reservation booking system.

The restaurant, which only opened in February on East Parade, is already making its mark with thousands of customers rating it as one of the best eateries in the region.

Every customer who books through the OpenTable system is asked to judge a restaurant based on key factors such as food, service, ambience and value. Hinnies has been scoring the highest mark over the last two months in all areas.

An example of one of the comments was: “Exceptionally tasty - every dish was succulent and bursting with flavour. Really good choice of dishes and some lovely wines to accompany them. Our server was wonderful and the timing of the courses was perfect.”

Managed by Andy Hook and David Townsley, Hinnies serves Geordie Comfort Food using local and seasonal produce.

Andy said: “We are delighted to receive this acknowledgement from OpenTable so early after opening. We are proud to know that these diners thoroughly enjoyed their overall experience and have given us such high marks.”

Newcastle restaurant to spice up golf in aid of charity Keen golfers are being urged to practice their swing and take part in Mantra Thai Dining’s charity golf day in aid of the Sunshine Fund.

To help raise funds for the North East charity, golfers with a love of fine dining can enjoy a round of golf at Matfen Hall followed by a meal at the Newcastle-based restaurant on July 6.

All proceeds from the event, which is being hosted in partnership with the restaurant’s wine supplier, House of Townend, will be donated to the Sunshine Fund to help provide specialised equipment for children with disabilities in the North East.

The charity golf day will see golfers enjoy a pre-game morning brew and sandwich before taking to Matfen Hall’s 27-hole golf course spanning over 6700 yards. The party will then head to the restaurant to enjoy a three course Thai meal alongside the winner’s prize presentation and charity raffle during the evening.

Jeab Prapunwong, Mantra Thai owner, said: “At Mantra Thai we highly value the importance of giving back and are looking forward to hosting this exciting event to help raise essential funds for such a fantastic cause.”

Local suppliers are a key ingredient to workforce training at Crowne Plaza Newcastle

New steak house creates jobs A new steakhouse has breathed new life into a derelict building in central Newcastle.

Toro’s Steakhouse, on Marlborough Crescent, is the first Halal steakhouse in Newcastle. Its opening comes after almost five months of significant investment and extensive renovation work.

The two-storey venue, which serves a variety of meats but no alcohol, can seat up to 90 diners and has created several jobs through its opening.

Toro’s is the first of the company’s franchises to open in the North East however it is the seventh in its portfolio.

Amair Mohammed, from Toro’s Steakhouse in Newcastle, said: “It has been a very big job but we are delighted with the outcome. We have created new jobs in Newcastle and opened an excellent steakhouse right in the middle of town, which serves high-quality food at very reasonable prices.”

The opening was supported by law firm Sintons as various specialists worked on the transaction.

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A love of all things local at Crowne Plaza Newcastle - Stephenson Quarter is being taken a step further with the development of a staff training programme run in partnership with the hotel’s North East-based food and drink suppliers.

A series of visits to local suppliers have been organised as part of the training and development of the hotel’s food and beverage team who provide service in Hawthorns Brasserie and The GIN Bar. Being able to talk to guests and share knowledge about the origins and provenance of food is an increasingly important part of their role. The training aims to provide a hands-on experience to learn about the suppliers and how the ingredients are produced.

The first visit took place at family owned craft bakery, Geordie Bakers, in Newcastle. Owner, Mike Henderson, hosted a bread making session which gave the Crowne Plaza team the chance to learn how to produce the bread served in the hotel.

LEISURE INSIGHT

Meet The GM Paul Mandeir, Holiday Inn, Washington Northern Insight’s Michael Grahamslaw meets seasoned hotelier Paul Mandeir of the Holiday Inn, Washington and asks him all about his path to the top, his proudest achievements to date and what lies ahead for both himself and the Holiday Inn. Whilst growing up did you always envisage yourself working within the Hotel Industry?

We imagine that working in hotels can be exciting and varied. Is it really true that each day offers something different?

After leaving school I initially applied for both the West Midlands Police Force and Catering College. As my parents were from a hospitality background I ended up opting for the hospitality industry.

It is certainly true every day is different, spent with all my customers, whether they be hotel guests, suppliers or indeed my team of staff. As General Manager you become very skilled at juggling!

Can you briefly outline for the readers your career path to date?

After catering college I selected to work for mainly privately owned hotels; Garden House in Cambridge, as trainee manager then moving to the Imperial Hotel in Hythe, followed by Britannia Hotels and yes the legendary Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool.

Then onwards and upwards to Dean Park Hotels in Watford followed by a very long spell with Queens Moat Houses significantly in Harrogate and Washington, where I took my first General Managers post. By then firmly settled in the North East area, I moved to Redworth Hall, Darlington and then Derwent Manor in Consett.

A brief spell at Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford then delighted to be back in the North East with Kew Green Hotels at the Holiday Inn Washington.

Is there a mantra you always aspire to do business by?

Always go 100% of the way to deliver customers’ expectations.

What do you feel is The Holiday Inn, Washington, greatest asset?

Hand on heart I can now truly say the staff and management team are the hotels best asset by far. However it has helped having a 1.5 million refurbishment to the property making it a great place to work.

Can you summarize some of your greatest achievements to date?

By far my most outstanding achievement to date has been the positive effect I have had on developing young stars at hotel level into now fully fledged general managers and directors of hotel groups.

Which ideas are you currently working on?

At the moment Kew Green Hotels are very positively and actively pushing the development of our people and significantly our food and beverage product. We aim to be a hotel that punches way above its weight in the market place.

The Holiday Inn Washington has been established for many years now, what do

you see happening in the future?

The Holiday Inn Washington has been a little gem that has sat on the side of the A1 waiting for someone to invest in it and take it further.

Kew Green Hotels have now certainly started to awake this giant with investment into bedrooms and bathrooms, and with the next phase shortly moving onto the public areas with the development of the open lobby concept.

Certainly over the last 18 months the food and drink offering has improved immensely and this is reflected by the great comments made by our guests on a regular basis.

With various new hotels emerging only recently in the region can you outline how you adapt to the changing trends in the hotel industry?

Industry trends and new hotels constantly appearing in our market place keep us focused.

So long as we offer rock solid service from the moment the guest enters the door to leaving, we will always be fighting our corner. With the support of Kew Green we keep at the forefront of many changes such as social media, centralised bookings, and in house promotions to keep the clients interested.

How do you relax after hours?

Relaxing for me is about enjoying other people’s hospitality and enjoying new restaurants and hotels.

Emerson Road, Washington, NE37 1LB Contact: 0191 418 9482 E:events@hiwashingtonhotel.co.uk www.hiwashingtonhotel.co.uk

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Have a sneaky peak at our 12 days of Christmas!

Sunday 20th November Christmas Market Free entry 11am-4pm

A host of exhibitors selling all kinds of festive crafts.

Christmas shopping starts here!

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Friday 2nd December Ladies *All Inclusive Night £35 pp

Buffet, *unlimited drinks, disco and waiters in the buff!!

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Friday 9th December Disco Party Night £22.50 pp 3 course festive meal, party games and disco

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Saturday 10th December Bollywood Curry Night £20 pp Curry, pint, disco and a little Bollywood dancing!

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Sunday 11th December Family Fun Panto £20 per adult • £10 per child

Lunch and Santa visit, Reindeer trail, buffet lunch, Santa and the Panto Aladdin

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Wednesday 14th December Sing along Lunch with Bingo £10 pp

Friday 16th December Disco Party Night £22.50 pp

3 course festive meal, party games and disco

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Thursday 22nd December * All Inclusive Ladies Night £35 pp

Buffet, *unlimited drinks, disco and waiters in the buff!!

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Sunday 25th December Christmas Day Lunch £43.50 per adult • £22.95 per child Make it special for all the family, Welcome drink, 4 course lunch and visit from Santa

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Monday 26th December Boxing Day Family Fun Panto £20 per adult • £10 per child

Lunch and Santa visit, Reindeer trail, buffet lunch, Santa and the Panto Aladdin

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Saturday 31st December New Year’s Eve Family Party £39.25 per adult • £25 per child

Sumptuous buffet, children’s entertainment and disco

Festive lunch, bingo and a sing song

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Thursday 15th December Festive Afternoon Tea £10 pp

Indulgent afternoon tea, and a trip back in time with our very own tribute to Doris Day

Follow us on Twitter @HIWashington

Like us on FaceBook Holiday Inn Washington * Terms and Conditions apply

Washington

Emerson Road, Washington, NE37 1LB Contact: 0191 418 9482 E:events@hiwashingtonhotel.co.uk www.hiwashingtonhotel.co.uk

LEISURE INSIGHT

Summer Pageturners The companionship of a good suncream-stained read is a core component of every successful summer holiday. Here we select four of the best new releases to enjoy whilst soaking up the sunshine.

Paul McCartney: The Life by Philip Norman At a staggering 822 pages, Norman’s 2008 character study of John Lennon was a sheer behemoth of a book and stands as possibly the most complete and revealing text in The Beatles’ biography canon. Now writing in similar depth, he turns his attentions to Macca – a long misunderstood genius. In typical fashion, Norman evokes half a century of popular culture with meticulous detail as he chronicles Paul’s early loss of his mother, an extraordinary song-writing partnership with Lennon and his subsequent search for meaning after the dissolution of The Beatles. Drawing upon previous untapped material and with access to all of McCartney’s close friends and family, ‘The Life’ is the first biography to be written with Paul’s seal of approval. This may add a few precious grams to your luggage, but it’s most certainly worth it!

Fifty Years of Hurt:

The Girls

The Story of England Football and Why We Never Stop Believing

by Emma Cline

by Henry Winter 50 years on since Bobby Moore held the Jules Rimet trophy aloft in front of 96,000 at Wembley, the nation’s leading football journalist Henry Winter ponders: where did it all go wrong? Fifty years of hurt is truly unique in scope as Winter integrates a treasure trove of over 40 recent interviews with the biggest names in the last five decades of English football. Charlton, Shilton, Hoddle, Waddle, Lineker, Shearer and Hodgson are to name but a few of those supplying anecdotes. Winter not only has unprecedented connections to all areas of the game but also writes with knowing insight and great humour as he analyses the many shortcomings of the nation who invented the game.

The Blade Artist

by Irvine Welsh Irvine Welsh is an author often muchmaligned in recent times although with offerings like this it’s difficult to figure out why. Resident psycho, Francis Begbie returns as a practically unrecognisable man with the novel opening on a successful sculptor living quietly in California with his wife and children. Inevitably however, Begbie’s dark past comes back to haunt him as he must return home to Scotland to attend the funeral of the murdered son he barely knew.

It’s certainly an exhilarating ride as Begbie exchanges palm trees for pub brawls with Welsh concocting a trademark narrative of scamming, hustling and ultraviolence.

Typically though, laughter punctuates the darkness with The Blade Artist being every bit as funny as it is filthy. You’ll feel like you need a shower after it – but that’s Welsh at his most compelling!

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Dubbed the book that will “Break your heart and blow your mind”, The Girls is a disturbing debut by American novelist Emma Cline. An arresting coming of age story partly inspired by the Manson killings, The Girls takes place during the summer of 1969 and follows 14 year-old Evie Boyd who after the recent divorce of her parents carries a yearning desperation to be noticed.

Under the Californian sun, Evie subsequently becomes involved with a Manson-like cult of deranged hippies and is plunged into a world of unimaginable violence. Cline adeptly communicates the insecurities of girlhood yet also sinks into much sinister territory. Sundrenched and atmospheric, this is a musthave for the sun lounger.

In the Heart of Jesmond The Caledonian Hotel Newcastle is located in the heart of Jesmond, a chic and leafy area, only one mile from Newcastle city centre with a vibrant cafe and bar culture.

The hotel itself combines Georgian architecture with a contempory edge having recently been refurbished. 90 spacious en-suite bedrooms, a fully equipped conference and banqueting centre, and a range of dining options are all avaialable. Choose from the relaxed ambience of the Billabong Bistro, the lively Billabong Bar or alfresco dining on the heated outdoor terrace.

With ample free private parking and easy access to all major transport links, including Newcastle International Airport, the Caledonian Hotel is ideally situated for both the business and leisure traveller.

To make your booking email events@caledonian-hotelnewcastle.com or tel: 0191 281 7881

LEISURE INSIGHT

The Fighter and the Writer

The Assembly Rooms is one of the North East’s oldest and grandest Georgian buildings dating back to 1776.

It has been owned and run by the Michaelides family since 1974 combining a personal touch with rich elegance.

Kenny Atkinson, Dave Coulson, and Tom Kitchen, was particularly impressed by the succulent, fleshy meat of the cod and the ample portions.

Ideally located in the heart of Newcastle's city centre only two minutes walk from the Central Station and Metro rail links, it is the perfect backdrop for a night of pleasure and indulgence.

John, who has eaten with Glenn at the finest tables from Las Vegas to Casablanca, was reassured by the tenderness of his steak served beautifully pink as requested but with no sign of blood.

Bonbar, one of eight luxurious suites, was the destination for the Fighter and the Writer, both regular visitors to the Assembly Rooms down many years dating back to when the Little Waster Bobby Thompson, respendant in evening wear, used to roam the casino.

It's true, Bonbar, situated on the ground floor of the Grade 2 listed building, has an evening feel about it rather than daytime after a £1m refurbishment.

We were ushered into one of the booths and presented with a menu of interesting variety.

Glenn McCrory began with duck and apple rillete, complete with crouton and watercress, for £6.25 while John Gibson settled for slow

cooked belly pork, frizzy lettuce, radish, and green bean salad at £6.50. Off to a good start.

On the mains it was pan seared cod, chorizo and tomato broth, Samphire and sauted potatoes for Glenn. Real value for money at £14.50 Gibbo went for the more traditional sirloin steak, served pink with roasted tomato, grilled mushroom, and beer battered onion rings which also included a side dish of your choice with him plumping for mashed potatoes. JG's cost was naturally slightly more expensive at £19.50.

All washed down with a bottle of De Luca Pinot Grigio from Italy at £19.

Glenn, a cook himself who has worked in the kitchens of the likes of Marco Pierre White,

There are other appealing mains of course such as king prawn and kerala curry for all veggies at £13.50; lime leaf chicken skewers (£12.50); down to a Bon burger or shredded chicken burger both at a most reasonable £8.50.

The service was friendly but not intrusive, the wines good value, and pre-dinner cocktails also available ranging from the beautifully named Sugar Snap Daisy at £6 to a Bon76, which is Hennessy Cognac, fig, blood orange and Veuve Clicquot Champagne for £10 per glass.

Thus splendidly re-enforced our intrepid pair ended a splendid occasion by grabbing one of the taxis that regularly patrol outside a historic building still dominating the Newcastle skyline after 240 years.

If you would like Glenn and Gibbo to review your venue, please contact Mike on mjgrahamslaw@outlook.com to co-ordinate.

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Phil Mustard 2016 Benefit Race Day As part of his benefit year the popular Durham cricketer Phil Mustard recently hosted guests at a race day at Newcastle Racecourse. This was the first meeting on the new all weather track which opened to huge acclaim.

The Colonels next event is on July 29th as he takes to the field at the Emirates ICG in the last match of the T20 season.

For further information visit www.colonelbenefit2016.com

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Best of British at Linden Hall Current, past and future clients of Linden Hall came along to celebrate a ‘Best of British’ golf day. A beautiful day resulted in a host of rosy cheeked golfers flock back to the Linden Tree pub for a well-earned bite to eat and glass of local ale.

The golf course has recently secured over £100k of investment in on-course improvements & machinery upgrades taking place over the six weeks, which will support the repositioning of Linden Halls golf offering.

M AC DO N A L D L I N D E N H A L L GO L F & CO U NTRY C LU B

INSPIRING MEETINGS AND MEMOR ABLE EVENTS A BE AUTIFUL 18TH CENTURY MANOR HOUSE SET WITHIN 450 -ACRE ESTATE. OUR HOTEL IN NORTHUMBERL AND IS THE PERFEC T VENUE FOR DISTR AC TION FREE MEETINGS, TE AM BUILDING AC TIVITIES, CORPOR ATE GOLF DAYS OR AS A SPEC TACUL AR SET TING FOR CORPOR ATE EVENTS. • Located just off the A1 with free parking • Meeting capacity for up to 300 delegates • Six flexible meeting rooms • Elegant ballroom for up to 240 guests • Private grounds for team building

NEW FOR 2016 Clay pigeon shooting – a great outdoors experience for any event.

For more information, call 0344 879 9086 or email specialevents.lindenhall@macdonald-hotels.co.uk

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LEISURE INSIGHT

In it, to Gin it!

In the last three or four years gin has seen a tremendous turnaround in fortune. Previously seen by many as an “old fogies” drink, the market was dominated by a handful of huge global brands that had done little to invigorate the sector. Whilst it was never going to disappear, gin was not a drink that looked to be going anywhere and looked destined to be consigned to the darkest corner of the drinks cabinet.

Today though the picture is completely different. Gin is definitely on the up with hundreds of “craft”, micro distilleries creating their own version of the classic spirit and gin bars, dedicated to serving the drink in all its guises, opening all over the place.

So what is gin? Simply put, gin is a spirit that is flavoured with juniper – a coniferous plant of the cypress family. Indeed the name gin is a shortened version of genever, and derived from the French genièvre and the Dutch jenever which in turn owe their origin to juniperus, the Latin for juniper. One of the few restrictions in gin production is the need to use juniper – no juniper, no gin!

Think of gin as vodka that has added flavours and you won’t be far off the mark. Vodka has been a hugely successful spirit, especially with younger drinkers, and the development of gin from vodka is a logical one with many of today’s small batch gin distilleries having evolved out of vodka production. Both drinks share a common,

and commercially brilliant, feature; they can be produced very quickly with production times measured in days and weeks rather than years as is the case in other spirits such as whisky or brandy.

Although an essential ingredient, juniper is only the starting point when it comes to creating gin – the distiller has many flavours (known in the trade as botanicals) that can be used, all of which will add their own individual detail to the overall character of the finished spirit. Common additional botanicals include angelica root, Coriander seeds, Orris root, Citrus peel (orange, lemon and grapefruit), Liquorice root, & Cinnamon bark. Some gin is made with only 3 or 4 botanicals whereas others use a wider palette of flavours with many using readily available hedgerow plants to add a real local flavour. Northumbrian gin, Jack’s and Hepple, are excellent examples, the latter using, amongst others, Douglas Fir pine needles.

The best gins are considered to be the result of using whole botanicals (as opposed to adding an extract). Some will distil the chosen botanical “recipe” as a whole, others will elect to distil each botanical separately. Whatever the process, the initial spirit will probably (but not exclusively) have been distilled from a grain base such as barley – the idea is to start off with as neutral a base as possible to allow the botanicals to show at their best. By law, the end spirit must have a minimum alcoholic strength of 37.5% vol, but again many producers are going for stronger gins with strengths of up to 47% vol common.

Will this extraordinary revival continue? It’s certainly showing no signs of a slowdown at the moment – figures from the Wine and Spirit Trade Association put the number of UK gin distilleries currently at around 200 and rising.

Whether as a traditional “G&T” or as part of a cocktail, there has never been a better time to enjoy and experiment with gin.

Further information about the aforementioned gin can be found at www.richardgrangerwines.co.uk or instore at Richard Granger Fine Wine Merchants, West Jesmond Station, Lyndhurst Avenue, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 3HH

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LEISURE INSIGHT

Out & About Woolwich Stationmaster Alex Nelson has been suggesting places to go by train each month and for July, he takes a look around Woolwich.

If you want to see a real military museum,you’ve only got a few days left. The Royal Artillery Museum, “Firepower”, closes on 7 July and will be relocating to Larkhill on Salisbury Plain, where a near neighbour will be Stonehenge. “Firepower” is at Woolwich, downstream on the River Thames in London’s Royal Borough of Greenwich. I visited recently but Woolwich is a bit off the tourist trail and the exhibition has had low visitor numbers for a while, even though it is way bigger than the recently closed DLI museum in Durham. For people interested in transport, Woolwich is something of a draw. It’s where the North Circular Road meets the South Circular road to the east.

Here’s a good quiz question coming up! To the west, Kew Bridge joins the two roads, but to the east crossing of the river is on the Woolwich Free Ferry (first recorded in 1308) whose three boats ply between Woolwich and North Woolwich on the north bank of the Thames. Indeed, until the London County Council was formed in 1889, North Woolwich was a detached part of Kent, not Essex. It had been gifted after the Norman Conquest to one of William the Conqueror’s lords, Hamo, who was granted land on both sides of the Thames at this spot, probably to enable him to enjoy the taxes from crossriver traffic. Now there are no taxes because there is no fee to cross, and you can return the other way underground through the Woolwich Foot Tunnel, opened in 1912, also free. There is a similar free foot tunnel further upstream at more fashionable Greenwich.

There is a new Premier Inn being built at Woolwich, ready for Crossrail (to be known as the “Elizabeth Line”) a limited stop eastwest tube link which has already increased land values in Woolwich, and should open in 2018. Already

the Docklands Light Railway comes to Woolwich Arsenal, though Arsenal FC (founded 1886) left for Highbury in 1913.

There’s also a frequent service into London with SouthEastern trains so in 2018 Woolwich is going to be one of the best connected places in London, hence the regeneration of the area in recent years.

Here’s another good quiz question. Where was the first branch of McDonald’s opened in the UK? Answer, Woolwich of course, on November 13, 1974 and it has a plaque to prove it. At the time it was their 3,000th restaurant, first in the UK. I was on my way to it a few months ago, but decided to patronise the refurbished Gregg’s branch a few doors away also on Powis Street, and support a northeast business.

The most stylish way of getting to Woolwich is not on the railway at all, but on the MBNA Thames clipper which is a fleet of catamarans which ply mostly between the O2 (aka “the Dome” or “North Greenwich Arena” during the Olympics) and the London Eye at Waterloo (the Coca Cola London Eye as we should now call it, was British Airways). But in the morning and evening peaks the service extends through the Thames Barrier, opened in 1982, and terminates at Woolwich. There is really no better way to see London than to set off downstream with the commuters on their way home, with a cup of Costa’s Old Paradise Street coffee, through Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, Greenwich and through the Thames Barrier (opened in 1982 and closed four or five times a year subsequently!)

Search Thames Barrier Information Centre for details. www.firepower.org.uk

Alex Nelson, Chester-le-Track trades at Chester-le-Street station (0191 387 1387) and Eaglescliffe (01642 200140). To contact Alex, phone/text 07860 953981 any reasonable time. www.nationalrail.com. For National Rail Enquiries call 24hr 08457 484950

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Afternoon Tea at Horton Grange is a mouth-watering blend of the sweet and the savoury and the sparkling too! All of our Afternoon Teas are presented with a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, exquisite cakes on a three-tier stand and, of course, a fine selection of teas and coffees from Pumphreys!

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Horton Grange Country House Hotel, Berwick Hill Road, Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne NE13 6BU. T: (01661) 860686 E: info@hortongrange.co.uk W: www.hortongrange.co.uk Photography: Jonathan Stockton Photography

H E A LT H I N S I G H T

Nuffield Health cares about Men’s Health

Good health is important because it allows you to get the most out of life. Many conditions that affect men’s health happen gradually and can sometimes go unnoticed.

You may have conditions about your health, and may not be sure what to do next. Here we provide advice and guidance on a selection of Men’s Health conditions, however if you have a particular question, advice is easily and readily available by contacting our dedicated Customer Service team.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, we recommend a visit to your GP immediately:

Hernia

Urgency to urinate

At Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital we have a number of Consultant General Surgeons who specialise in hernia repair. A hernia occurs when an abdominal organ, typically your bowel, pushes through a tear in the muscle wall. Depending on its cause, a hernia can develop quickly or over a long period of time. Sometimes a hernia becomes noticeable after the strain of lifting a heavy object.

Treatment for a hernia can be performed by either keyhole or open surgery, usually as a day case under general or local anaesthetic.

Prostate enlargement and prostate cancer The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. It surrounds the tube that carries urine from the bladder. There are several health issues that can cause prostate problems.

Consultant Urologists specialise in various prostate conditions such as an enlarged prostate to prostate cancer.

Prostate enlargement symptoms: A weak or slow urinary stream Frequent urination Getting up frequently at night to urinate

Testicular Cancer At Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital we can’t stress enough the importance of frequent selfexamination. This enables you to become more aware of what’s normal for you, so you will notice if something is different.

We advise that you examine your testicles every month to make sure they remain healthy.

A urinary stream that starts and stops

Contact us if you notice:

Straining to urinate

Lumps on a testicle (even if small and painless)

A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying

Unusual pains or heaviness in the scrotum

Difficulty starting urination

Dull aches in the groin or lower abdomen

Prostate cancer symptoms:

Sudden collections of fluid in the testicle leading to swelling

Lower back pain Pain in the hips or pelvis Any urine-related symptoms At Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital, we begin with tests to help us diagnose the problem. It’s important to make an accurate diagnosis to ensure the best treatment is provided.

If you are worried about any prostate related condition, don’t delay. The importance of booking a check-up with one of our specialists is paramount. Early diagnosis can help with further complications, providing you with a healthier, happier future.

Differences in size between one testicle and the other, if this is something that has changed over time

Solving your health problem together It’s important to think about your health and get advice straight away. Men of all ages come to us for a range of procedures and it’s easier to treat some conditions if they are diagnosed early.

To discuss any of the information in this article, please contact our dedicated Customer Service department on 0191 2125215 or 0191 2125274 or via email on Newcastle.enquiries@nuffieldhealth.com

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LEISURE INSIGHT

International Flavour for Wraith Promotions Having promoted numerous events across Tyne, Tees and Wear throughout the past two decades, Steve Wraith and his Wraith Promotions team have this year taken things further afield with events not only in London, but also internationally in Gibraltar and Marbella.

Promoting some of the biggest names in the world of sport and music, the running of such events has just about become a second nature for Steve so moving further afield was pretty much inevitable.

Having started ‘small’ with Keith Gillespie at the end of May, a successful event teaming up with Jansen Dalli at the Queensway Quay Waterfront in Gibraltar, before a promotional game of foot-golf in Marbella the following day (alongside Lee Clark who was holidaying with family and added a competitive edge).

Next up though is the big one, a mini-tour with a world champion, and, having promoted him on a number of occasions in the past taking someone of Anthony Joshua’s magnitude would be no small feat. However, a mini-tour it is, and July 14 and 15 sees AJ in Newcastle and Gibraltar respectively.

“Promoting and putting events in the UK, or other parts of the world, doesn’t faze me.

“If you have events, concepts, in mind, then you have to be able to think outside the box with them as well.

“Going abroad, although something different, works because of friends, contacts which I have elsewhere. I did a reccy to Gibraltar and Marbella in February and met up with Adam Saint who then introduced me to Jansen – actually going

there though, and seeing places for yourself, is completely different and made it all worthwhile.”

With Gibraltar being the rock of Spain, it also has a deep rooted English ex-patriot feel to it and, with a large population of Englishmen, and women, the opportunity to give them something like this was not lost on Steve and Jansen – Gillespie and AJ are just the start.

“They don’t get opportunities like this out there so the idea was to start with something small like we did with Keith, the addition of Clarkie, who was on his holidays, just made it more fun in Marbella.

“Keith being who he is, is always up for a challenge and both events we were involved in were fantastic and showed that we made the right decision.

“Credit must be afforded to Jansen who did really well in pushing the event, having someone like this certainly makes it easier all round.

“Promoting and putting events in the UK, or other parts of the world, doesn’t faze me.

“If you have events, concepts, in mind, then you have to be able to think outside the box with them as well. Jansen meanwhile, who was introduced to Steve during that reccy to the rock added: “Since Steve and I met earlier this year we have been excited about the prospect of bringing ex-footballers and boxers to Gibraltar.

“I've been wanting to do this for a few years now, but didn't manage to get anywhere, probably due to having the wrong contacts and no support.

Thankfully I've come across Steve who has the same ambition and hunger to succeed as I do, so we bounce off each other's great ideas.

“My background falls mainly in football which I'm obviously passionate about. I even managed to get a scholarship in the US, which didn't work out the way I would have wanted to due to life circumstances but I guess that wasn’t meant to be, I was meant to do this instead.”

The future for Steve Wraith and Wraith Promotions certainly has an international flavour to it, and it’s a bright one….

www.newcastlelegends.com or Twitter @NCLE_Legends www.proboxingnewcastlegateshead.com or Twitter @proboxnclegates Tel: 0191 2299632

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