Northern Insight - August 2016

NORTHERN

INSIGHT AUGUST 2016

Barry Speker 45 years as a leading legal light

business property media technology motors arts leisure issue 14

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 August edition of Northern Insight Firstly many thanks to readers and advertisers alike for the tremendous feedback in relation to our birthday issue which was fantastically received.

We build on this with our biggest magazine to date which features a terrific mix of all of the traditional Northern Insight ingredients.

Our cover star this month is Barry Speker of Sintons Solicitors who is celebrating 45 years of legal excellence. I have known Barry for over two decades and he fully deserves all of the accolades which come his way for his tremendous work within the North East business community.

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In addition we also carry a lot of topical and interesting comment in relation to Brexit, a number of high profile recent social events and a 7 page special on the Asian Business Connexions Annual Dinner and Awards Ceromony.

All in all much to savour and enjoy.

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

Michael Grahamslaw, Publisher

contents AUGUST ‘16

Business News 8-9 Cover Story 12-13 Barry Speker - 45 years of legal excellence

Recent Appointments 24 Entrepreneurs Interview 30-31 Alice Hall - Pink Boutique

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Fashion 32-33 ABConnexions Feature 35-41 Media News 77 Technology News 92 Arts News 106-107 Travel 112-113 Leisure News 114-115

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credits

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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.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Square One Law toast the regeneration of Newcastle’s Palace of Arts The £1.8 million restoration of the iconic Former Palace of Arts in Newcastle’s Exhibition Park and subsequent relocation of Wylam Brewery Limited to the site has been one of the city’s most interesting recent developments.

After reaching full capacity at its former home at Heddon-on-the-Wall, Wylam Brewery Directors Rob Cameron, Dave Stone and Matt Boyle had been searching for the right opportunity to realise their ambitious growth plans for years.

The Former Palace of Arts is the last remaining building from the 1929 North East Coast Exhibition, which was a project to celebrate and encourage craft, art and industry at the start of the Great Depression. Having remained almost derelict for nearly a decade, the building is now a fully operational 30-tap brewery as well as a bar, kitchen and Grand Hall which plays host to live music, weddings and events.

Rob said: “Although we had plans to expand we were keen to wait until the right opportunity presented itself. When we heard the site was potentially available we knew we couldn’t let the opportunity to make it the new home of Wylam Brewery go past.”

Behind the scenes of these popular venues has been a close working relationship between Rob and Dave and Mark Lazenby, Corporate Partner

and Head of Finance at Square One Law. Mark has been supported by Square One Law’s corporate and commercial, property, banking and employment teams over recent years. This has comprised advising on premises acquisitions and joint venture arrangements, which included the involvement of Rob and Dave in Wylam Brewery Limited.

Rob added: “I try to work with people who really understand our brand and business model and that has been the case with Mark and the team at Square One Law. The way we work together is seamless, relaxed and really enjoyable.”

HLA services celebrate turnover and trainee success Mechanical and electrical building service specialist HLA Services Ltd has achieved the best financial results in its 13-year history after expanding its service range, investing £50,000 in new technology and scooping over £1m-worth of contracts from outside the region.

The company’s growth has seen it hit the £11m turnover mark and create 30 jobs over the last 18 months, taking staff numbers to 120 across its bases in Boldon, Middlesbrough and Seaham.

Its client base includes Nissan, Caterpillar UK, Akzo Nobel, Aldi and Greggs, as well as Sunderland and Newcastle universities.

The expansion has allowed the firm to develop

its apprenticeship programme. The company has also opened up its work experience opportunity to more schools.

HLA Services has extended to offer a full range of commercial property services including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing and water hygiene. It also provides a bespoke service for refrigeration and catering equipment through its Coolrite division.

Director Paul Smith said: “The past 12 months have seen a steady increase in the amount of projects we have won here in the region. We are now looking at the viability of adding to our North East bases by setting up an operation in Yorkshire. The future is looking very bright.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

Eothen’s £6.2m specialist dementia care home opens in Wallsend The North East’s newest and most advanced specialist care home for people living with dementia has opened its doors to its first residents.

Lord Curry of Kirkharle and Count Cath Davis, Deputy Chairman of North Tyneside Council, attended an open day on Saturday 16 July to officially open the new purpose-built £6.2 million Eothen Homes facility in Wallsend.

Eothen Homes, a Christian charity who provide quality care for the elderly, is bringing a new concept in dementia care to the region with a ‘family home’ environment, where freedom, security and space are integral to the new building.

Newcastle firm helps people visualise their financial future

North East estate agent prepares next generation of property experts

A Newcastle-based financial advice firm has made significant investment in state of the art planning software to become one of only a handful of firms in the North East to offer interactive financial forecasting advice.

North East chartered surveyor and estate agent Bradley Hall is supporting the next generation of property experts as two placement students join the team.

The appointment of real estate students Libby Naylor and Ben Taylor comes at a time of success for the business, after launching financial arm BH Financial Services, expanding its team and adding its fifth operation in Morpeth this year.

Libby, 19 from Carlisle, is a real estate student at Northumbria University. Ben, 20 from North Shields, is currently studying a BA Honours Degree in real estate at Nottingham Trent University.

Robson Laidler Financial Planning (RLFP), based in Jesmond, has incorporated a financial planning tool at the heart of its client offering. The service allows clients to model different ‘what if’ scenarios to improve their financial decision making.

The software allows clients to see their finances mapped out over their lifetime in an easy to use and visually appealing way. It is poised to help clients deal with current uncertainty, as markets react to the Brexit result.

Silverstone completes sixfigure refurbishment for Bond Dickinson

Primary school pupils supported by law firm staff

Durham cricketer to bat for the next generation

Newcastle-based Silverstone Building Consultancy has completed a six-figure office refurbishment on behalf of UK law firm, Bond Dickinson.The specialist firm was brought on board to refurbish two sub-let floors of Bond Dickinson’s Bristol office.

Pupils from Amberley Primary School in Killingworth have been supported in developing their reading and literacy by visits from volunteers at Sintons law firm.

Durham cricketer Gordon Muchall will swap stumps for studies after being offered a teaching post at his old school.

The fully refurbished vacant suites now provide up to 17,000sqft of modern, open plan, Grade A office space, which is being marketed on a leasehold basis by JLL with a quoting rent of £27.50 per sqft.

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The sessions, part of the national Right to Read initiative, have involved children aged between 7 and 10. Sintons staff have listened to them read and encouraged their progress.

The company is a passionate supporter of Right to Read, a programme which aims to support students in their literacy development, while improving their confidence, communication skills and attitude towards reading.

Batsman Gordon, 33, will leave Durham County Cricket Club after 14 years this summer to take up the position of Head of Boys Sport at Bow School, Quarryheads Lane. The move is particularly significant as Bow is where Gordon spent five years as a pupil.

Gordon will now bring his sporting experience to Bow’s three departments: The Badger Nursery, the pre-preparatory department and the preparatory department.

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

Will Dooley

My life and Sales: why I love my job...

Will Dooley is a Senior Sales Executive at durhamlane, a leading UK sales consultancy. A graduate, with good prospects, Will’s decision to pursue a career in sales was met with surprise from his friends and family. But his enthusiasm and dedication has challenged their view. Here, he explains what attracted him to the job and why he believes sales should be given more value as a respected vocation.

Like most small boys, I wanted to be a footballer when I grew up. I’m still a huge fan of Liverpool and go for a kick-about with friends when I can. But I became a bit more realistic about my aspirations when I started studying (and really enjoying!) economics at school, and then continued reading business and economics at Northumbria Uni. After I finished my degree, unlike lots of my friends, I already had a good idea of the sort of thing I wanted to do. I wanted to be able to use my degree to get a keen insight into the business

world; I wanted to be in control of my own success and I wanted a stimulating and engaging daily environment. The natural place for me to look was in sales.

arranging follow-up calls and meetings, building relationships and networking along the way.

Often, this requires advanced planning and in depth knowledge of market fluctuations.

I had an early taste of practical, on-the-ground selling, immediately after I finished university – on a pretzel wagon in the US and Canada. Although a distant cry from what I do now at durhamlane, it was an exciting time, which crystallised my ambition.

Of course, a life in sales isn’t a life on “easy street” and it takes a certain type of person to succeed – you definitely need to be selfmotivated, have a strong work-ethic and an outgoing personality. And the positives definitely outweigh any negatives. Yes, you need to be resilient and learn how to deal with rejection, but the skills, experiences and opportunities make it all worthwhile.

For some reason, telling your friends and family that you’ve actually chosen a career in sales, doesn’t provoke whoops and cheers. The idea of sales still carries stigma – it’s sometimes thought of as a sleazy, last-resort kind of job.

But it absolutely isn’t. Sales is the fundamental building block of all businesses and, as such, it gives a bird’s-eye view of the whole of a company – from finance and procurement to marketing and the supply-chain. Working in any one of these departments only gives a niche outlook.

Every day since I joined the graduate programme at durhamlane has been different. I don’t just walk into the office every day, pick up the phone and make my way through a database.

I look after three different clients – planning their whole sales campaigns from compiling lists of prospects, scheduling email campaigns and

My future in sales is bright. The world is always going to need salespeople, and unlike many other careers, the more you put into it, the more you can take out. Lots of graduates, and jobseekers in general, see the word “sales” in an advert and immediately dismiss it. Perhaps sometimes, that’s the right choice for them, but there are opportunities out there, and available, like the graduate programme at durhamlane, which provide a stimulating, rewarding career with huge potential for upward progression. Personally, I can’t imagine my future work life without thinking about the sales world, where you can take charge of your own destiny and garner invaluable insights into the world of business.

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

Calibre's Steve Nelson (right) says its important SMEs secure their web apps

Securing Web Apps for SMEs It’s important SMEs have web applications that are safe and secure says Steve Nelson, Operations Director at Calibre Secured Networks Ltd, who considers the importance of testing and security.

In today’s fast paced world, the internet has become the first port call for the majority of people looking for information, leisure, entertainment, shopping and a whole host of other things. Indeed, it would appear that there’s nothing beyond the reach of the white heat of online technology.

But how do SMEs that provide this online convenience ensure that their systems work properly, delivering the requisite performance levels and protect customers from those that inhabit the dark underbelly of a virtual world? The answer is regular and effective web application and infrastructure testing.

Comprehensive web application testing is an important step forward in ensuring systems work properly and helps to address critical issues such as the effectiveness of your web server in coping with traffic volumes and any increase in user numbers, the ability to survive a massive spike in user traffic and the adequacy of your server hardware.

It also covers any flaws or possible entry points that could be used to leverage an attack on your internal work or to access critical database information. After a web application test is performed you will be able to identify system bottlenecks and take the necessary proactive steps to remedy or improve matters.

You ignore performance problems at your

peril as they can lead not only to poor customer experience but possible web application crashes, data loss and reputational damage that can bring operations to a shattering and costly halt.

The best time to perform testing is sooner rather than later because most technical problems or bugs will only reveal themselves when the system is put to the test under load or tested with some of the common methods used by people to gain entry or access to your data – it’s unlikely that you will be able to discover these through testing your system as a single user as it’s a specialist job that requires a high degree of skill.

Furthermore, testing enables you to measure the performance of your web system and its components, allowing you to invest with maximum effectiveness to cover expected traffic levels and any requirement for IT infrastructure upgrade investment.

Of course no matter how well defended your web applications are they will always remain exposed to security attacks by resourceful and clever cyber criminals and if a website is targeted, the downtime can be very costly. So great emphasis should also be put on security testing.

Preparation is the watchword here. Securing web applications is not an easy task, especially when the application is constantly changing and business-critical, and recognising where to start

can be hard for SMEs lacking the specialist knowhow and technical resources.

The first thing to consider is to know your target. It may seem facile but to adequately defend a web application from attacks, you need to understand it properly and pose the right questions. What technologies and frameworks does it rely on? What security precautions, if any, are being taken? Is it a legacy application, and if so, are there any special precautions to take?

Investing in some training and testing allows you to proactively build security in from the onset. This not only allows you to greatly avoid risks, but it also has the benefit of reducing the high costs associated with fixing vulnerabilities in your operational environment.

Preventive measures alone are not going to provide you with enough evidence to support your efforts so investing in automated web application security testing tools can help SMEs test for vulnerabilities should an ever-growing threat surface quickly.

This doesn’t negate the need for human security specialists. After all, automation allows penetration-testers to focus on hard-to-find bugs that require human intelligence and intuition to discover while prioritising remediation identifies how quickly, how effectively, and in which order vulnerabilities are fixed.

Calibre uses the latest network technology and software systems to design and develop integrated bespoke security-focused IT and network infrastructure solutions. More at www.calibre-secured.net 11

COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

Celebrating 45 years of legal excellence and deep community commitment After working in Newcastle’s legal sector for 45 years, Barry Speker OBE DL has become one of the best-known lawyers - and probably one of the best-known people - in the city.

| After qualifying as a solicitor in June 1971, Barry has gone on to achieve widespread national acclaim in his legal career, while also being a leading community figure in Newcastle and the wider North East.

Receiving an OBE in 2008 for his Services to Business and Community in Newcastle, Barry continues to be one of the most active – and not to mention dapperly dressed – members of the city’s business sector, with no plans to slow down even at the grand old age of 69.

Much has changed in the legal sector since Barry began his articles (or training contract as it is now known) in 1969, being paid £5 per week.

Barry remembers: “It was a very different world from what we have now. There were no computers and instead we used manual typewriters. And of course nor were there any mobile phones, internet, emails, scanners or fax machines, everything had to be sent by post.

There was no means of getting the instant responses and transfers of documents we expect today.

“Forty five years is a long time to be in an ever-changing profession and it is certainly a very different sector for young solicitors starting out these days.”

As a lawyer, Barry spent 25 years as Senior Partner of Samuel Phillips Law Firm in Newcastle, having joined the firm upon qualification and becoming a Partner two years later. After 42-and-a-half years with the same firm, Barry took the decision not to retire, but to move to Sintons as a Consultant in its highlyesteemed Healthcare team in January 2014.

Achievements in his legal career are too many to mention and even the summary of highlights is rather lengthy. He has amassed a

loyal and wide portfolio of clients throughout his career, many of whom are something of a ‘Who’s Who’ of high-profile North East individuals and businesses.

Grainger Town Project, he helped to secure public and private funding worth more than £240m to help sustain the historic centre of Newcastle.

Over the years, Barry has become a national leader in medical ethics and medico-legal work, frequently lecturing and writing for Medical Journals and textbooks on the topic. He achieved international publicity recently over a case involving a patient’s right to privacy even on death.

Barry has a well-documented longstanding relationship with the Chinese community in the North East and has become a trusted advisor to them. He was heavily involved in the Imperial Arch project on Stowell Street, which was erected in 2004, playing a central role in spearheading and raising the funding to enable it to become a reality.

He was a founder member of the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Panel and Children Panel (for which he is still an assessor) and is also a past President of the Newcastle Law Society. Barry sat as a District Judge for ten years, and became an Employment Judge in 1991, which sees him preside over Employment Tribunals in Newcastle, Middlesbrough and London.

Barry has also been the highly-esteemed Trust Solicitor to the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust since its inception, and continues to hold the position to this day, dealing with many complex legal issues for the Trust.

But despite his many legal commitments, Barry is deeply committed to his community work.

He has been a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the County of Tyne and Wear since 2002, which sees him carrying out regular ceremonial duties across the area.

Furthermore, Barry sits on the boards of a host of charities and community organisations, including Age UK, NE1, Tyne Theatre, North of England Civic Trust, The Children’s Foundation and NECA (North East Council on Addictions) of which he is president. As a director of the

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Somehow, he still finds time to write monthly articles for two magazines and play the occasional game of golf at Northumberland Golf Club, as well as to make regular trips to London to see his children and four treasured grand-daughters.

Last month, he was named an Honorary Chairman of the North East Chinese Association, in tribute to his many years of support and dedication.

“I have always been very passionate about my work in the wider community. As busy as my legal work does keep me, l always make time for community involvement. It is something I have done for many years, and I believe everyone should make time for it,” he said.

“It is a great privilege to be recognised for my work and it was a very great honour to receive the OBE in 2008, as well as to serve as a Deputy Lord Lieutenant. I was delighted to be made Honorary Chairman of the North East Chinese Association, a community with whom I have been associated for so long.”

But for Barry, it’s very much a case of 45 years and counting, as he shows no signs of slowing down or retiring. Roll on 50?

A Day at the Races More than 20,000 people recently descended on Newcastle Racecourse for the hugely popular Ladies Day meeting.

Sponsored by Collingwood Insurance it was the first time the event had been held on the new all weather track which opened in May.

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Sarah Crilly

For better or worse Sarah Crilly, Associate and Family Expert at law firm Ward Hadaway, looks at the outcomes in two recent divorce cases that hit the press.

A spate of recent cases in the news have caused matrimonial lawyers and experts alike to re-consider the issues arising where parties delay or fail to deal with their finances whilst dealing with the paper divorce and also what constitutes ‘reasonable needs’ when deciding how matrimonial and other assets are to be treated.

In those cases where spouses’ finances have never been resolved despite being divorced, parties are finding that, sometimes many years later, they are being taken back to court when one party’s circumstances have worsened or simply because the other party’s has improved dramatically.

In truth, there is no deadline for resolving financial issues between a divorced couple and no requirement for there to be a change in circumstances on either side - for better or for

worse - and the latest big case to hit the news on this point shows the risks involved in leaving that issue hanging.

The Supreme Court ruled that a wife who had been divorced from her husband for 18 years was entitled to a lump sum payment of £300,000 from him.

This involved a very short marriage of only 3 years duration. They didn’t have much by way of assets at the time of separation but years after they divorced, the husband became a green energy tycoon and multi-millionaire.

The wife claimed £1.9 million of the husband’s estimated £107 million but the Judge said the wife had been unwise to pitch her claim at that level saying an award approaching that size was “out of the question”.

The other case involved a Saudi billionaire who

had been married to a supermodel. On divorce, the wife was seeking £196 million to meet her ‘reasonable needs’ and was awarded £75million.

Her lawyers said the award was by more than £50million the largest needs award ever made by an English Court. The wife had argued that her ‘reasonable needs’ should allow her to seek to maintain her ultra-wealthy lifestyle.

Standard of living arguments do not normally carry much weight in those cases which concentrate on dealing with reasonable needs other than perhaps the standard of accommodation a person may reside in so for family lawyers this was quite a diversion from the normal approach.

Whilst these two cases are unusual on their facts, given the change of circumstances in the first case and the amount of money involved in the second, it is clear that leaving the split of wealth to a court, either at the time of a divorce or many years later, will leave parties in a very uncertain situation due to the large discretion that is afforded to the matrimonial courts by the relevant legislation.

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

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

Brexit – Keep Calm and Carry On On 24th June 2016, the world as we know it appeared to stop turning. The Brexit vote delivered a surprising result for many and uncertainty reigned. Now that the dust has finally started to settle what are the real implications of the referendum?

When Britain finally extricates itself from the EU, how will this impact SME’s? In this article we look at what steps employers can take to successfully prepare for the exit.

First things first. Don’t panic. Exiting the EU will not happen overnight. It is likely to take at least 2 years for a successful exit to be implemented after notice is given under Article 50 of the Treaty of the European Union.

Hiring and firing With many employers trading in Europe and beyond there are clear concerns as to how a Brexit may impact their business. Some employers have immediately halted recruitment as a result of the referendum. Some have even revoked job offers in the midst of the economic state of flux due to concerns about their future income post Brexit.

Whilst it might be wise to err on the side of caution, if an offer has been made and accepted in good faith, a failure to honour the agreement is a breach of contract and the employer could be liable for damages, in this case the earnings the

person expected to receive when employment commenced.

Employers should therefore make certain that they are conducting recruitment and dismissals (including selection for redundancies) in a lawful and non-discriminatory way, for example, it is not lawful to treat European nationals differently to British nationals as the right to free movement of people remains in effect following the referendum result. Even after Brexit it is likely that the UK will push for continued access to the EU’s Single Market and that EU nationals living in the UK will retain their rights to work and reside here in a trade off to allow UK citizens to remain resident and work in EU member states.

It may be worth providing equality and diversity training for your staff to ensure that they are aware of their continuing obligations as regards to not discriminating against job applicants or employees on grounds of their nationality.

Changes in employment law Many of our laws that originated from the EU

are entrenched into domestic legal infrastructure and therefore it would be highly unlikely that, for example, employees’ discrimination rights would be stripped away without resistance.

Although changes in employment law might not be immediate or far reaching the incumbent government has been keen to overhaul the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (which protect employees’ rights on transfer of employment) for some time now to make them more business friendly. Brexit may also provide the opportunity to review the Working Time Regulations which implement the European Working Time Directive to remove the right to include overtime and/or commission in employees’ “normal remuneration” to be paid as holiday pay. However, for the time being businesses should be careful to follow the legislation and case law in relation to TUPE and holiday pay.

Should you wish to be kept informed about developments in the law and the impact of Brexit please sign up for our regular updates at collingwoodlegal.com.

Our team of experts is available to meet at any time. If you require legal assistance or guidance please feel free to contact me on 0191 282 2872 or at anu.kaura@collingwoodlegal.com 18

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Don’t let Brexit fears hinder your business plans The result of the EU referendum has, understandably, been a major cause of concern for businesses in the North East.

The uncertainty regarding the economic state of the country is palpable but it’s important for businesses to take a step back and take stock before making hasty decisions.

During times of economic uncertainty businesses can very quickly talk themselves out of doing something simply because they’re not sure whether it’s right or wrong.

There’s a wealth of information being circulated about what Brexit means to businesses in the UK, many of it contradictory, so it’s not surprising that so many businesses are considering halting growth plans.

Of course, uncertainty does have a wider impact on business but businesses should try

We would recommend businesses to really have a look at where they are, recalibrate their position and, if appropriate, grab any opportunities to develop further and to grow.

They need to very quickly assess whether or not this uncertainty is such that a change of direction is needed. An assessment of core markets, growth plans and funding lines will ensure any reaction to the uncertainty is strategically sound.

By seeking sound business advice from trusted mentors, businesses will be able to look at this overall picture and reassess their situation with the input of an impartial advisor. The only advice that’s sensible advice is by reference to their own situation.

Muckle LLP is a leading commercial law firm for businesses, based in Newcastle upon Tyne.

The firm has nearly 150 people, including 28 partners, and a turnover of £11.4m. It was recently voted Regional Law Firm of the Year at the Solicitors’ Journal Awards and is a three times winner of the Heart of the Community Award for Northumberland and Tyneside region.

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

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Andrew Cawkwell

However, these decisions need to be based on a full strategic evaluation of a business.

Standing still could see businesses miss out on potential opportunities and lagging behind their competitors. It’s important to ensure any momentum that a business has gathered isn’t lost by effectively being paralysed in terms of your decision making.

to proceed and carry on with what they were planning in the first place where possible.

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Square One Law pledges support for children’s literacy in the region

Corporate and social enterprise partner, John Hammill, is the son of the initiator and cofounder of Seven Stories, Elizabeth Hammill OBE. He explains why Square One Law is delighted to have recently joined Seven Stories as a Business Member.

“Seven Stories is the first and only museum in the UK wholly dedicated to the art of British children’s books. It has a changing programme of ground-breaking exhibitions aimed at both children and adults, such as Rhyme Around the World – A Nursery Rhyme, which is a multisensory exhibition specially designed for younger visitors and their grown-ups. Seven Stories is now recognised as the National home for children’s literature, and brings together original manuscripts and illustrations from some of the nation's best loved children’s books, to excite visitors in an exploration of creativity, literature and art.

“We are well aware that the North East is an area with twice as many disadvantaged children as the national average. A recent report by the Institute for Public Policy Research found that disadvantaged children in the north of England are falling behind similar children in the south before they start school. Almost two in five primary school pupils are classified as disadvantaged, and they are twice as likely as their fellow pupils to begin secondary school struggling to read and write.

“I’m delighted that the firm decided to support this fantastic resource we have for children in the north east. As my mother was a co-founder, I fully understand the power and potential of children’s books and reading to unlock the world for children

at a personal, social and emotional level. Early access to books and stories develops confidence, aspiration and understanding and plays a crucial role in development, attainment and success in life. If the north east is going to improve skills in the region, it has to make a positive impact on young people, so it is vitally important that businesses help and support the great work being done at places like Seven Stories.”

drafts, doodles and roughs of the writers and artists that they worked with. I wanted to create a home for this invaluable resource here in the UK - one that could become a kind of National Gallery of Children’s Literature. From first idea to fruition took some twenty years. Today, ten years on from opening, it is wonderful to see how an idea can grow and get better all of the time.”

Initiator and co-founder of Seven Stories, Elizabeth Hammill explains what inspired her: “I came to England from a family of writers, publishers and book lovers. As an educator and children’s bookseller working to connect children with books and their authors and illustrators, I soon discovered that the original papers of many British artists were disappearing into collections abroad in the absence of any dedicated collection here. My experience had taught me how fascinating and inspiring children found the early

Amanda Beckham, Fundraising and Development Manager at Seven Stories said: “We are delighted to have Square One Law on board as a Business Member as this kind of support from the business community is invaluable to Seven Stories and the work we do. Working with a North East company who are genuinely committed to giving something back to support the region’s young people is very exciting and we look forward to encouraging children to discover a love of books and to enjoy reading together.”

John continued: “In the current economic climate, with reduced public sector funding for many initiatives, the importance of charities and social enterprises is increasing, both to deliver services previously provided by the public sector, and to take the lead in finding new, creative solutions to issues for the benefit of society. I work with clients to achieve their charitable or social aims on the best commercial terms for their enterprise, ensuring they remain tax efficient and compliant with all applicable legislation.”

Square One Law, Anson House, Fleming Business Centre, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3AE. Email: enquiries@squareonelaw.com Call: 0843 224 7900 20

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• Flexible Wrap Around Care from 7.30am - 6.00pm.

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Social Media @work #thesequel Mincoffs Solicitors in conjunction with Trinity Chambers presented a breakfast seminar 'Social Media @work #thesequel' on June 30th at the Toffee Factory, Newcastle.

Nick Smith, Partner and Head of Employment at Mincoffs Solicitors and Jamie Anderson, Barrister at Trinity Chambers examined how the everyday impact of social media in the workplace has changed significantly in recent times and explored how to manage the unique risks and opportunities presented by social media.

The seminar was well attended by North East business owners and HR professionals.

Moving forward together.

Our experts will keep you on the right path.

Our leading employment team provide practical advice on all areas of employment law, including redundancies and restructures, employment tribunal disputes and contracts of employment.

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

BUSINESS INSIGHT

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

Sun is shining on Tait Walker as it welcomes new recruits Leading North East accountancy firm Tait Walker has kicked off the summer months by announcing three new appointments at its Gosforth office.

Lisa Nielsen has joined as a Business Services Executive in the Audit team. The firm will support her as she studies towards her ACA chartered accountancy qualification.

The Corporate Tax team has welcomed Sanjay Pugal as a Tax Assistant Manager. He will focus on developing the firm’s capital allowances offering.

The Corporate Finance team sees Laurence Provost join as an Executive. Utilising his previous experience from an audit role at KPMG, Laurence will cooperate with his team on transactional work.

North East law firm strengthens team with triple promotion Gordon Brown Law Firm (GBLF) has made three high level promotions marking the next phase of the firm’s development.

New appointment marks growth of leading North East PR agency Following several new business wins and the renewal of a number of existing contracts, leading PR and marketing agency Round Table Solutions has expanded with the appointment of a new account executive.

Laura Kane has joined Round Table Solutions after working previously in marketing and PR roles at Westfield School, Northumberland College and Josie’s Dragonfly Trust.

She said: “I am delighted to join Round Table Solutions at what is an exciting time for the business. I’m looking forward to working with new and existing clients as the business continues to grow.”

GWA expands with six new jobs Berwick accountancy firm Greaves West & Ayre (GWA) has announced ambitious expansion plans, with six new jobs and work about to begin on its purpose-built new offices in Walkergate.

Solicitors James Godden, Gwen Jones and Paul Crawley have been appointed as associates and will play key roles in the future of the company.

Colin Frame, Managing Partner at GWA, said: “We decided to move to new offices as we have expanded over the recent years. As part of our continued growth we will be taking on new employees, who will be a mix of school leavers and graduates, to train in wealth management, tax and accounting.”

James, who is approaching his 10th anniversary at the firm, forms part of GBLF’s disputes and employment team.

Gwen and Paul joined the firm in 2014 as part of the corporate and commercial team. Together they will take over the day to day running of the department going forward.

GWA has embarked on a comprehensive IT training plan with NECC Training. This is part of its employee development.

North East estate agent celebrates new appointments North East estate agent and chartered surveyor Bradley Hall is celebrating further company expansion with the appointment of two new team members.

Bradley Hall announced that Nick Bramwell, Graduate Surveyor, and Lisa Hall, Administrator, will join the Grey Street operation as the chartered surveyor and estate agent continues to grow.

Nick, 22 from Tynemouth, joins the team after graduating from Northumbria University with an Estate Management honours degree. His role includes working alongside senior surveyors and directors, assisting on commercial property matters across Newcastle and Northumberland.

Administrator Lisa Hall, 24 from Benton, will assist on valuations, liaise with customers, work on the reception and generally run the office.

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Phil Mustard’s Benefit Year England cricket legends were at South Northumberland Cricket in Gosforth to play in a special cricket match for Phil Mustard's Benefit Year. Guests were treated to a highly entertaining Q & A session before the match and opportunities to meet the players. Followed by a great afternoon of T20 cricket in the sunshine.

Victory went to the PCA England Masters in the last over.

The Colonel has more event planned and you can check out his next events at www.colonelbenefit.com.

Meet...

f f o e G

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.

BUSINESS INSIGHT

What the North East’s devolution deals mean for business by

Nigel Mills, Chairman of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum

The relationship between businesses and government in the North East could be radically changed by the region’s two very different devolution deals.

The North East Devolution Deal, currently on hold until the new Prime Minister outlines her priorities, covers Northumberland, Country Durham and all of Tyne and Wear, except Gateshead, and is centred on devolving considerable powers to an elected mayor and the North East Combined Authority (NECA).

The Tees Valley Devolution Deal is perhaps narrower in terms of the powers initially devolved, but in addition to the mayor and the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), will have a powerful development corporation comparable to those created for Tyne and Wear and Teesside in 1987.

Critically both deals include a directly elected mayor, who will chair the Combined Authority in their respective sub-region and will have responsibility for a consolidated transport budget.

The North East mayor will also have power over bus and rail franchising, strategic planning, and could levy higher business rates to raise money for infrastructure, while the Tees Valley mayor can create further development corporations.

The unwritten, but widely talked about, role for the new mayors, as will be the case with their contemporaries in London and throughout the Northern Powerhouse, is to act as a champion for their regions. To be successful in creating wealth and jobs they must become campaigners for both exports and inward investment, in the UK media

and on the international stage.

The wider business support powers included in the two deals are different although in both, the Government will work to align national services with local business support - including the Business Growth Service - through the already established ‘Growth Hubs’.

In addition to the extra business rates the North East mayor can impose, NECA will also assume joint responsibility for UKTI export advice. The Tees Valley will not get this power, but will agree an ‘export plan’ with UKTI and get government backing for an annual inward investment event, alongside specific help to mitigate the impact of the SSI closure, business support from HMRC, and priority support for business innovation or specialisation.

The national policy devolution puts both regions of the North East in competition for resources, devolved powers and government attention with all of the other Northern Powerhouse regions, cities in the midlands considering metro mayorled devolution deals, London, and Scotland.

The two mayors in the North East may also have to contend with the impact of Scotland’s ability to set its own rates of Income Tax and airport duty, which came into force earlier this year. Tax cuts or increases in Scotland could lead

to businesses and employees moving from or to the North East; our future mayors must have the ability to prepare for both of these eventualities, and to lobby Westminster for further powers to mitigate any impact.

For an example of what benefits devolution can bring to our region, it is important to look at Manchester, which started the process first, already has an acting mayor, has taken control of its Health and Social Care budget, and is in the process of gaining devolved powers far beyond the scope of its deal.

After all is finalised, the North and South of our region will have separate deals and could end up competing with each other, rather than working together to be more than the sum of both parts.

If the North East is to make the most of the opportunities devolved powers and the Northern Powerhouse have to offer, we need strong leadership with an unselfish and non-political approach to developing our local economy.

Following the Brexit vote, the lower value of the pound has given our exporters a competitive advantage, but without clear and strong regional leadership these opportunities could be missed. Let's work together to get the most from the new-found economic self-determination these changes will give us.

The Entrepreneurs’ Forum supports aspirational North East business owners in all sectors, helping them to improve their leadership capability, share experience, create new opportunities and grow their business. For more information, call 0191 500 7780 or visit www.entrepreneursforum.net 28

Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

INTERVIEW

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

For more information, visit www.entrepreneursforum.net 30

INTERVIEW

Alice Hall Pink Boutique Aged just 27, Alice Hall has turned an initial investment of £90 into a business that now turns over more than £7 million a year and employs 52 people. Spotting a gap in the market for glamourous dresses and even more glamourous models, she set up selling on eBay and later migrated on to her own website. Four years later, the company sells around 2,000 items each day, with a customer base reaching across the world. She is the winner of several business awards, including Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year at the PWC UK Private Business Awards, Women into the Network Young Entrepreneur of the Year and the Entrepreneurs’ Forum Emerging Talent Award.

Tell me a bit about how you started Pink Boutique?

I didn't mean to start a business and never imagined it would grow to this size! I graduated from university during the recession with a journalism degree, and it was impossible to find work as a journalist at the time. I got a job as a full time cover teacher in a high school, and paired this with working in a bar on evenings and doing promotions work on the weekends, but I was still struggling to pay the bills, even with three jobs. I knew I had to make some money on the side to continue having my own home and independence – so I came up with some ideas. The first was a cosmetics and make up artistry company – and the second was selling dresses online. The first one didn't seem viable as it needed too much investment to set up (and I had no money to put in!) so I decided to buy a pack of dresses for £90.

Of course, I couldn't afford this – so I asked my Mum if there was any chance I could borrow £45.

The first pack of dresses sold! What do I do now, I thought? And then came our motto – reinvest! We reinvested the money we made on the first pack of dresses in two more, and then reinvested in four, then eight, and so on. About 3 months after we first started, I realised I had a scary decision to make. I was nipping out on my lunch breaks to send 30 parcels a day at the Post Office – and I couldn't squeeze it in! After roping in just about every member of the family to do the parcel runs for me, I realised it just wasn’t sustainable. I knew I could either stay where I was and continue teaching, or take the plunge and set up myself. I hated the thought of looking back and thinking 'what if?' - so I took the plunge and left work to focus on the business.

What were your first business premises?

My living room, the place that many a fantastic business starts! From there it moved into my mum’s attic, then into her garage, which we converted. My Dad wasn't happy that his car and lawnmower storage had become a start-up hub. We decided we couldn't employ staff to work in the garage, so we upsized into a lovely office premises, but it was expensive to store stock there, so we had to find a warehouse. We now have both office and warehousing space in Newburn, Newcastle upon Tyne. It's likely that we

may have to expand further soon – but moving an ecommerce warehouse is a nightmare! Because we're open for business 24 hours, we can't move stock gradually because we can't pick and pack it all together. So all of our moves have to be done on Easter weekend, when we get 4 days of closedown.

How has the business grown?

Social media has been a great driver for us Facebook was key to our early growth. We now have over 1.5 million followers across our social platforms. We're always trying to get onto the next big platform - right now my favourite platform is Instagram. I'm a creative person so I love the visual feed.

We've also had to hire lots of staff. We've made some amazing appointments recently – people from Harrods, Asda, John Lewis and Missguided – and they are brilliant at what they do. That's been a real highlight, and I'm learning from my staff all of the time. Understanding my limitations has been really important – and as a result, bringing in people that are much better than me at certain things.

How has the market changed since you started?

There’s a lot more competition now, as social media is so accessible. It's great to see other entrepreneurs setting up in online retail – but it does mean that we have to keep our brand and targeting very tight. I’m not sure you could replicate the growth we've had with such little budget now, as so much in the market has changed, although I'm still all about spending little to get big results. Freshness is very important to us, so we still add between 12 and 15 new styles a day to our site. It's as fast paced as it's ever been. Our average price-point is still around £22 per item, which makes us a very affordable little indulgence.

How do you handle internal motivation and staff rewards?

There are lots of opportunities for people who do well, as we’re growing quickly, which is always a good motivator. We want people to work hard, be positive, enjoy their job and build their careers with us.

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We also recently introduced a company-wide bonus scheme. We have amazing staff all over the company who go above and beyond; from the warehouse pickers and packers to our stylists and customer care staff. So to us, it seemed wrong to only incentivise senior management. Now, if we hit target, everyone gets a bonus – and they all know how they can help – whether it's switching the lights off when you leave a room or telling all your friends about our amazing new stock.

Your business structure, how did it come about?

We acknowledged about halfway through that we weren't the best people for some of the jobs - and had to wait until we could afford it to recruit. We have now appointed a senior management team to fit the size of the business and bring on board new knowledge, including a Marketing Director and an IT Director. It's brilliant to have that level of expertise in those areas, and no doubt we'll continue to expand the management team as we go forward.

In addition to being Creative Director I share the role of MD with my Mum and joint owner, Julie.

We both have skills in such broad areas, and such a comprehensive historical knowledge of the company. We are like yin & yang – she is more process driven and I am all about the brand and selling. On a business level, it just works.

How does mentoring factor in Pink Boutique?

In the early days of the business we had a coach from the Growth Accelerator Programme. It was a real shame that the Government cancelled funding for this. I’ve done some informal mentoring when I’ve been able to fit it in, and am looking to do more through the Entrepreneurs’ Forum. I'd love to work with some super ambitious business owners who are really determined.

Any future plans?

Growth and continuous consolidation. At the beginning I just wanted to grow no matter the implications, but now I'm more about steady and safe growth. With our senior management team in, we're really starting to plan our strategy in a lot more detail; and I'm excited to deliver it.

Next blouse £25

Topshop fitted blazer £65 Bon Marche navy dress £24

No need to feel blue...

...when it comes to picking your workwear wardrobe. With an eye for detail and an impressive knowledge of the latest trends and how to style them, intu Metrocentre’s stylist Michaela Dale is the one to watch in the fashion field – and luckily for you lot, she’s here once a month to provide her top styling tips.

Searching for good workwear over the last few months, I've discovered that navy pieces look consistently strong, cover a range of dress codes and remain a business wear staple.

When looking to add to your workwear wardrobe, understanding your business environment is key.

Be sure to see what your colleagues are wearing in the office and take note of which styles reflect the business best. Whether you work in a creative environment or a more formal one, a collection of navy pieces will act as great workwear staples for any season.

A classic workwear wardrobe starts with a statement suit. For a feminine take on the traditional suit, invest in a navy tailored single breasted jacket and coordinating pencil skirt in the same fabric. When adding navy pieces to your wardrobe, be careful in ensuring the colour is identical when pairing two pieces together, as mismatched colours can look careless and noticeable.

pockets will affect how the styles fit, so take some time to see which one you are happiest with and feel most comfortable in.

If your business has a more casual approach to workwear, opt for a navy dress in a loose fitting smock style or bodycon fit and dress it up with colourful accessories. Again, if dresses aren’t your style, opt for a soft navy blouse and team it with a pair of light blue jeans and a brown bag and sandals for an alternative workwear look.

So ladies, when looking for what to wear at your next meeting, trust navy to tick all the boxes for you.

If you’re not one for skirts, add a pair of tailored rousers. There are so many styles in the shops, so fill your basket with everything from the classic cigarette pant, a slim leg, a wide leg and a boot-cut and take them to the fitting room for a good try on session.

Different waistbands, fastenings and

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25/07/2016 19:51

F E AT U R E

ABC sell-out Awards Dinner Odd that when we started planning the ABC Annual Awards and Dinner some months ago I would never have anticipated the world to change so dramatically and drastically.

Yet when the sell-out dinner took place on the 14th July the criticality of the event was overpowering, the divisiveness within our country and the wider world is so disturbing that the event was not only a must, but provided a common purpose for the whole community to come together. Not a common purpose that had been caused by suffering, despair or mayhem, but a common purpose that demonstrated all things that are great in mankind. Recognising and rewarding achievement, appreciating our peers doing well and celebrating the cosmopolitan society that should be the norm.

Last year I was fortunate to be appointed the David Goldman Visiting Professor at Newcastle University by the Goldman family - a hugely successful and devout Jewish family that not only endorsed but wholeheartedly supported my appointment. My inaugural lecture must have been one of the most daunting but exciting speeches I had ever given. A room filled with some of the most intelligent individuals I had ever come across, academics, business and community leaders.

My speech was around the power of 3 and in particular I explored the importance of three key and core principles that when applied would enable success in any activity but more importantly bring individuals and organisations together. The principles whilst simple deliver a profound impact when applied constantly and consistently. They are Communicate, Collaborate and Celebrate. Whilst they may seem straightforward and nothing revolutionary, I wonder what would have happened had they been used in any of the recent worldwide events?

Imagine if there had been better communication within the Referendum, enhanced collaboration that brought people together and even thought towards celebrating the great contribution of all the community. Would the country have been as divided?

With this in mind the ABC Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony that received incredible support from all sectors and communities clearly and concisely launched the Federation of Asian Business (FAB) strictly following the three principles of Communicating, Collaborating and Celebrating. FAB brings together three visionary and likeminded organisations from across the North of England to form a collaboration that will ensure effective communication and inspire celebration to help the Northern Powerhouse and our whole community succeed.

Yorkshire Asian Business Association, Asian Business Connexions and North West Asian Business Association have come together not only to platform the significant social and economic contribution of the Asian community but to showcase harmonious inclusive community relations.

Asian Business Connexions now in its 7th year has always focused on connecting, supporting and promoting the Asian and wider business communities and has done so with incredible success. Even in challenging circumstances when individuals and organisations do not necessarily recognise the importance of partnership working, ABC has persevered and the awards dinner was a clear demonstration of this hard work.

The ABC dinners’ emphasis was precisely to highlight and headline all of the great things the Asian community stands for and the significant contribution of the Asian community. Not in isolation but through integration and understanding, true partnership working which was once again shown by numerous partners and stakeholders’ coming together for a common purpose of showcasing success.

The calibre of the finalists was nothing short of astounding and I am truly proud of each and every one of their achievements. To be a minority can be a challenge in itself but to then go on and succeed in your individual organisation and sector is to be much admired, however to be a minority and a female and have accomplished so much has to be truly applauded. Nearly 50% of our finalists were Asian women from the public, private and third sectors. This is incredible!

I want to thank each and every organisation and individual that attended the dinner and undoubtedly showed that we live in a fair and just society where everyone is encouraged to do well and those that do shine are celebrated regardless of colour, creed or religion.

The ABC Annual Dinner and Awards and the launch of FAB could not have come at a better time to pull everyone up together and to push us all forward in the same direction.

I do hope you enjoy this ABC feature that clearly demonstrates how great the North of England truly is.

With best wishes,

Ammar Mirza CBE

Chair & Founder of Asian Business Connexions Email: ammar@ammarm.com to connect or find out more. #FABupNorth

A special thank you to: Our sponsors - Microsoft, North East LEP, Lloyd Newcastle BMW, Gainford Group, Northumbrian Water, HM Residential and Skylight Events.

Our supporters attending the evening represented all sectors and included Lord John Shipley, ex-leader of Newcastle City Council Councillor David Faulkner, Councillors Doreen Huddart and Robin Ashby, District Judge Malik, Deputy Chief Constable Winton Keenan, ABC Patron Bill Midgley, North East LEP, Your Homes Newcastle, Square One Law, Barclays, AmmarM (UK) Limited, SME Centre of Excellence, Kube Law, Northumbria Police, Durham Police, BQ Magazine, Noor Couture, UKABC, GroundWorks, Armed Forces, Startup Loans, Adept, Caroline Theobald, Kromek, GEMARTS, Trinity Chambers, All Solutions Construction, SME Centre of Excellence, Fattoush Shwarma, SleeperDorm, Tier1 Capital, Dabbawal, Cairn Hotel Group, Jeremy 4 Mayor, Spice FM, Chai Events, Karma Kards, Vitality Insurance, Evolution LLP, Transmit Start-up, DocYoumentary, DigiPro Media, Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue, Teesside University, Digital City, Tokyo Group, YABA, Giacom, NWABA and many more.

35

F E AT U R E

ASIAN BUSINESS CONNEXIONS

We are ABC Our mission is to connect, support, and promote the Asian and wider business communities. Looking to start a business, have an existing business or just want to talk business, we can help. We have access to a range of funding opportunities even in these austere times, and can help you potentially secure grants, loans, or even investment. Plus, as an inclusive action-orientated organisation, membership is open to everyone - you don’t have to be Asian!

Connecting

Supporting

Promoting

ABC is the first point of call for all Asian businesses and others wanting to engage with them, locally, nationally and internationally.

With our help you could find funding that is available to a whole host of businesses.

We offer a range of services - in PR and marketing, including website and advert design.

Business running efficiently?

Make use of our free business health check!

Your business will be listed on the ABC directory with exposure to 10,000’s of people. We appear No1 if you do a google search on ‘Asian Business’.

Receive regular invites to the hugely popular, sell-out AB-Curry Club events, business seminars and much more.

Exclusive discounts from other member businesses.

Access to discounted business services worth thousands.

ABC-Expo where businesses can showcase their services and products.

Expert support and advice on developing your business to its full potential.

Be one of the first to hear about funding, tendering and training opportunities.

Receive PR, Advertising, Marketing and Business services worth £500 Free when you join!

Discounted rates for adverts in Accent and Northern Insight Magazines, and also on Spice FM.

ABC will celebrate the work ethics, achievements and cultural diversity of the Asian and wider business community. By establishing a network built upon trust and social inclusion, ABC will ensure that the representation of the Asian and wider business community is fair and equitable.

36

F E AT U R E

A small example of ABC’s achievements Event & Seminar Highlights were (Connecting):

The Programme of Support included (Supporting):

Launch event at the Baltic with over 120 local, National, and International attendees, showcasing world class entertainment including Ash Mukerjee from the BBC’s Dance Like Michael Jackson show and Desi Nach the allwhite Indian Dance Group. The event was specifically hosted at the Baltic Arts Centre to promote the cultural and arts appreciation in the North East, attracting nontraditional visitors to the venue.

Tendering Workshops - Delivered by the Head of Procurement at Gateshead Council and Boomerang Consultancy. Providing both practical and theoretical support and assistance from experts involved in the day-to-day delivery of Procurement and Tendering.

Licencing Programme - The development of a practical licensing education programme that provides on-site support and advice to General Dealers and Business Owners in the Leisure Industries. This programme is the first of its kind in England and will help tackle drink related issues including underage drinking.

Hosting Charity Abseils off the Malmaison hotel and Segedunum Roman Fort in Wallsend - in all, over £50,000 was raised through ABC for various charities including Cash for Kids, Charlie Bear for Cancer Care and Marie Curie.

2 Week Wellbeing and Business Bootcamp - in partnership with AMPM247 delivering personal and professional training that has helped 80% of attendees into work or further training.

Practical networking seminars hosted at Ward Hadaway That included, Licencing, Debt Recovery, Top 10 Legal Tips, Property Management and Health & Safety.

A Networking Event Hosted by Excelsior during interfaith week. Celebratory guests including Syed Ahmed from the BBC’s Apprentice and Hari Shukla CBE promoting community cohesion and the benefits of collaborating.

Helped launch 287 new start-ups across all sectors including carbon/alternative energy and paperless based technologies.

Assisted and/or supported 6194 existing businesses, sourcing finance and investment through to business development and growth.

Various ABCurry Club events hosted across a number of organisations including Your Homes Newcastle, The Beacon, SME Centre of Excellence and Lloyd BMW.

ABC and Partners trained 3237 organisations/individuals.

UK Trade and Investment and UK India Business Council event focusing on opportunities in India and Asia. Ongoing support to help businesses become export ready and provide a sustained framework of best practice.

Our members generated/created 1654 new jobs.

Internet Safety Training delivered to schools and parents in association with ASK, Microsoft and Newcastle University.

Working with other organisations (Promote): We have spent the past 7 years building up credible relationaships with a variety of organisations including UKTI, Newcastle College, AMPM247, North East LEP, Business Enterprise Group, Federation of Small Business, Microsoft, Barclays, IOD, Army, Police, UK Parliamentary Outreach; and central, regional, and local government. Promoting an inclusive work etghic where all businesses and individuals are treat equally, understanding and appreciating cultural and religious differences.

37

F E AT U R E

‘This Government is committed to rebalancing the economy and creating a Northern Powerhouse. Organisations like the Federation of Asian Business can play a crucial role in supporting business, attracting investment and driving growth across the region.’

James Wharton MP

‘A survey by the Institute of Asian Professional (IAP) found Asians – who make up just 4% of the UK Population – accounted for 10% of the economic output’.

IAP 2012 ‘The Powerful Partnership between the Yorkshire Asian Business Association (YABA), ABC Connexions and the North West Asian Business Association (NWABA) will make a significant impact across the Northern Powerhouse, given the current climate of uncertainty and the unknown, what is required is leadership, collaboration and engagement at all levels only then can we sustain the social and economic well-being of the North. Both YABA and NWABA are delighted to work with ABC to support the launch the Federation of Asian Business and are keen to make this vision into a reality.’

Amarjit Singh - Chairman YABA & Reo Asmal Chairman NWABA ‘Mobility is changing how we work and live, blending personal and professional lives. Many organisations like ABC are already realising the benefits of having access to the right technology. Productivity tools need to work well across different devices and employees increasingly expect to work from anywhere. Today, going mobile means having instant access to all documents, content and tools. At Microsoft, we want ABC members to be at the cutting edge of this technology shift and in partnership with Microsoft & Giacom, we are delighted to support ABC Dinner and also the launch of the Federation of Asian Business’.

Sharon Jandu

Partnerships & Customer Development, Small and Medium Business, Microsoft Ltd ‘We have supported our local community throughout our time as Lloyd Newcastle BMW because we know that vibrant communities are essential for our success. We’re committed to support economic prosperity and inclusive growth by being active and supportive in our local marketplace. We are a local business that our customers are proud to be associated with and can trust. We are proud to support such a vibrant and entrepreneurial organisation as the Federation of Asian Business.’

Richard Skinner - General Sales ManagerLloyd Newcastle BMW ‘The Asian economy accounts for approximately £60bn every single year, or thirteen percent of annual turnover in the capital. The U.K.’s Asian population has an estimated disposable income of £32million.’

‘The UK's decision to leave the EU should make the North East, North West and Yorkshire even more determined to focus on the Northern Powerhouse for the success of all businesses. For the Federation of Asian Business to be launching here in Newcastle is very significant and it's a very exciting time.’

National Asian 2015

Imran Khaliq - Gainford Group ‘Collaborative working is essential in order to realise the full potential of the regional economy and achieve our aim of creating more and better jobs here in the North East. The launch of the Federation of Asian business will bring businesses and business support organisations across the North together, helping to drive growth and providing a strong network across the whole of the North. I’m looking forward to seeing this network strengthen and flourish over the coming months and am confident that the North East business community will reap the benefits of closer connections with colleagues in the rest of the North.’

Andrew Hodgson - Chair of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP) ‘Asian Business Connexions is a fantastic example of people coming together to make a positive economic and social impact upon the wider community, and we are proud to be supporting their awards dinner and the celebrations of ABC’s 7th anniversary.’

Heidi Mottram - Chief Executive of Northumbrian Water ‘Within the North East, where the lowest proportion of the population are of Asian background (1.9%) and entrepreneurship as we have seen is low, Asian entrepreneurship is not twice as great as British White population but three and half times as great.’

Welamedage et al 2009

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F E AT U R E

ABC Award Winners...

Winner of Business Finalists Sufi Ahmed - All solutions Construction

Winner of Independent Finalists

Winner of Arts & Culture Finalists

Shela Rashid - Noor Couture

Vikas Kumar - Gemarts

Winner of Public Sector Finalists

Winner of Professional Finalists

Mehrbran Sadiq - Tyne & Wear Fire Service

Kossar Kitching - Trinity Chambers

Our ABC 2016 award finalists were (all of whom we highly commend and congratulate): Independent: Shehla Rashid - Noor Couture • Abdul Kurkmas - Fatoosh • Amit Bahanda - Karma Kards Public Sector: Daljit Lally OBE - Northumberland County Council • Kerrin Smith - Northumbria Police • Mehrban Sadiq - Tyne and Wear Fire Service Arts & Culture: Vikas Kumar - GEMARTS • Veena Soni - North East Hindu Cultural Trust • Leila Hussein - The Word Queen Professional: Kosser Kitching - Trinity Chambers • Abu Ali - Evolution LLP • Dr Arnab Basu - Kromek Business: Nas Khan - Jennings • Sufi Miah - Entrepreneur • Shafqat Mahmood - Fazals

39

F E AT U R E

Asian Business Connexions hosted an Annual Awards Dinner on the 14th July at the Beacon. The sell event was supported by 250 attendees with guest speakers including Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP, Founder of Freeserve Ajaz Ahmed and Deputy Commander of the Army North Col. Mike Butterwick.

Yorkshire and Northwest Asian Business Associations came together to launch the Federation of Asian Business (FAB) covering the North of England. There were six awards celebrating the significant and sustained impact of the Asian Business Community across the North.

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F E AT U R E

Lifetime Achievement Award Mohammed Khaliq Gainford Group

Mohammed Khaliq arrived in the UK as a young man in 1970 and started his business through the acquisition of one corner store in 1981.

With the help of his wife Susan by the late 80’s they had a number of local stores some of which continue to operate reflecting Khaliqs roots and memories. The company also has a large portfolio of residential lettings throughout the northeast.

As the business progressed by 1995 they established Gainford Care Homes Ltd through the development of their first nursing home in Chester-le-Street, Co. Durham.

Khaliq continued to grow this business and today operates 14 purpose built Nursing and Residential Care homes throughout the North East. The carehome business has won awards as one of the fastest growing companies in the North East and has provided a wide range of specialised healthcare services including Dementia Care for the elderly and Learning & Physical Disability units. The newly built homes also embrace environmental issues by providing the latest technology to generate at least 30% of its own energy.

its former glory, reviving the business. The company went on to purchase The Great Victoria Hotel in 2013 which is a grand hotel in Yorkshire and in 2015 opened the Vermont Aparthotel and Aveika Japanese restaurant bringing life back to Newcastle Quayside. At present the company is also renovating another hotel in Newcastle City Centre which is due to open later in the year along with having several other ventures in the pipeline.

In 2012 Khaliq branched out within the care sector and opened the group's first children's nursery Bright Star, which cares for 115 children and has one of the best Ofsted reports in Durham. He is currently developing another nursery in Birtley accommodating 140 children in the area.

The company currently employs over 2000 staff and with the support of the management team and dedicated staff the company continues to thrive and grow.

In 2012 Khaliq also identified an opportunity to purchase a City Centre hotel which was under administration. Khaliq invested several millions of pounds on the purchased of the iconic Vermont Hotel in Newcastle and restored it to

The future for Gainford Group is exciting and Khaliq is very proud of the achievements thus far, none of which could have been done without the support of his wife and family.

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

Newcastle Biometrics for Shetland construction site Shetland Facilities Management (SFM) Security have provided Morrison Construction Ltd with a robust access control system utilising the very latest state-of-the-art fingerprint biometric recognition devices for their New Anderson High School and Halls of Residence development at Lerwick in the Shetland Islands.

As main contractor for the £56m project, Morrison’s brief for SFM was for an integrated access control system during construction which could give an accurate count of the workforce in each of the site’s two zones, split by company and trade discipline, for not only HSSE requirements but also emergency response, robust time and attendance recording and to capture the data and metrics required for project controls.

SFM’s solution was an integrated platform that combined biometric fingerprint readers from ievo Ltd, the Newcastle-based manufacturer of biometric recognition systems, with a Paxton Net2 access control system.

Eight ievo fingerprint readers were installed on four entry turnstiles together with an ievo desktop enrolment reader for initial registering employee fingerprint templates in the site control room. SFM installed the equipment in two 20ft ISO container security portals (one for each zone of the project) which provided efficient through-put and foot-fall at peak and off-peak times.

Simon Orchard, Director of Security, Shetland Facilities Management, commented, “Logistical issues with using SMART cards alongside a large workforce we always found problematic. Using ievo’s biometric solution allows us to save costs whilst also improving efficiency. ievo devices are easy to install, robust, operational in harsh climates and working conditions and surpass all our operational needs. ievo provided the perfect biometric security solution and we are already planning on using them for our next project.”

provide a system that can help identify and manage a large workforce is what the equipment is designed for. The installation of the solution has now bedded in very effectively and Morrison Construction Limited staff liked the ease of use for both enrolment of fingerprints, and generating accurate and reliable reports.”

Shaun Oakes, Managing Director of ievo Ltd, added, “ievo systems are designed for harsh environmental use, such as construction sites. It was vital that the fingerprint system would maintain operational regardless of the weather conditions or the amount of users enrolled and being able to

ievo Ltd is a leading designer and manufacturer of world class biometric recognition systems based in the North East of the UK. Offering full integration options, ievo Ltd provides a safe, secure and reliable biometric solution for the access control market.

For more information please visit: www.ievoreader.com

“

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 42

Bryony Gibson Consulting Recruiting specialists, helping you grow.

www.BryonyGibson.com

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Make your first impressions count...

When you think of someone you know, love or even have met just the once, I guarantee your opinion of them will have been formed from the second you met.

Good, bad, indifferent, whatever your impression, that first meeting counts for a lot. So why should your company’s introduction to new starters be any different?

That’s the question that’s been posed by employee engagement platform Officevibe, which found 22% of staff turnover occurring within the first 45 days of employment.

The same report points out that too much focus is placed on “corporate culture and identity” – including lectures followed by “a stack of documents on the firm’s history.”

To put that into some sort of perspective, imagine meeting someone only for them to tell you their whole life story and only speak about themselves.

You can probably bet that wouldn’t set you off on the best foot, so is it really surprising that employees are sickened off so quickly?

But how else can you welcome new staff to your workplace?

Well, of course have an induction program, with a brief intro to the company, but do not make it all about the business. Focus on what the employee can get from the company.

Instead of simply saying “we are a brilliant company to work for”, go with something like “a number of our employees have worked their way through into management.” It shows that there is scope for improvement not only for the company, but that good solid work will see rewards for staff.

The most common complaints from new employees are a lack of clarity in expectation, feedback about performance and a lack of what constitutes success.

So without writing an essay, explain these things in a brief induction package, or even better deliver it face to face. It allows for any questions to be asked and answered meaning no crossed wires and the building of a level of trust – allowing both parties to get off on the right foot.

Follow these instructions and your workforce should be sticking around, growing with you and your company.

As always, if you need advice or assistance on any aspect of your HR, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Howe Consultancy on 07921 256 981 or drop us an email at info@howeconsultancy.co.uk.

HALF TERM = HALF PRICE!

GO GO GO! TEAM BUILDING JUST GOT SERIOUS. DO YOUR TROOPS HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? T: 0191 482 2222 WWW.BATTLEZONELASER.CO.UK BZL_2016_NEW STYLE A5.indd 1

15/07/2016 15:51

BUSINESS INSIGHT

The Executive Compass team

All points of the compass and now the underground too In business, competitive advantage is everything.

Knowing what to write, say or do at the right time can be the difference between success and failure. This is especially true in the complex word of bid writing and tendering for contracts.

One Newcastle firm however is ensuring that their clients are winning contracts all across the UK and beyond thanks to their expertise in the sector.

design service ensuring that both the content and presentation of the submission was as professional as possible giving their client the best possible chance of clinching the contract.

We take a look at how Executive Compass helped a client win a lucrative contract for the London Underground.

Their latest success came when a London based, medium sized company with a turnover of circa £70 million needed assistance to make their tender submission as strong as possible. The £600,000 contract was to provide refurbishment works for a station on the London Underground.

Much of Executive Compass’s success has been credited to the fact that they employ permanent members of staff rather than contractors, This helps to ensure a consistent, high standard of work every time. The firm also employs a tried and tested bid management process to plan and manage the tender document from start to finish.

Their process ensures that bid writers have access to all of the relevant information that they need to complete the bid together with easy access to supporting documentation and certifications to minimise delays in submission. The firm prides itself on its relationship with its clients as General Manager, Matthew Walker who worked on the bid explains:

Over a short, three-week period, the team at Executive Compass provided expert bid management, bid writing, planning and a

“ We like to get to know our clients business and how they operate. It’s essential that we use every bit of positive information we can in the

Based in the prestigious Hoults Yard offices and with a new London office, Executive Compass prepare bids and pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQs) for its clients, ranging from ownermanaged businesses to multi-national companies.

process. In this case, the client had no intranet or bid management software in place allowing us to use or own procedures to great effect. Secondly, they had no existing experience of bidding for large contracts. We were able to guide them down the right track too and give them the benefit of our expertise and experience.”

As well as holding bid writing workshops, the team helped to prepare a construction phase health and safety plan, Microsoft Project Plan, a Mobilisation Plan, Business Continuity Plan, various policies, 42 pages of narrative response, design and branding for the project.

“Our workshops were held with key members of our client’s management team helping us to gain vital knowledge and information which was then included within the final submission making it as strong as possible. The workshops also allowed us to train all of their appropriate staff fully in efficient bid writing and management techniques so that the tender showed the capabilities of the company in the best possible light. We are delighted that they saw the light at the end of the tunnel thanks to our work.”

Executive Compass’s client went on to win another three similar contracts with their help and they can help your business too – no matter how large or small it is.

Contact Executive Compass at Maling Exchange, Studio 207, Hoults Yard, Walker Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 2HL Email: info@executivecompass.co.uk Call us FREE today 0800 612 5563 / 020 3507 0314 44

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Learner Loans Supporting Care Industry JB Skills has launched a new division called Skills2Care to specialise in the provision of training and apprenticeships in the care industry.

Already there has been real successes, particularly in the accessing of Learner Loans for clients. These allow people to train when they can’t get the course for free, with a structured repayment scheme making the future better and affordable.

Two recent case studies are: 26-year-old Sarah Nicholson who is all set to change her career for the better since accessing this pot of funding.

Assessor Denise Ewart who works for Skills2Care in Sunderland met with Sarah and when she saw her passion to succeed she introduced her to the new route of funding.

Sarah, who works as a Senior Carer at Deneside Court in Jarrow is ready to take on more responsibility and build herself a career in management in the care industry, but to do that she needs her NVQ Level 4 in health and social care.

The cost of the course and exam was an issue to Sarah who lives in Hebburn with her boyfriend and grandma who she is looking after until she is well enough to return home.

24-year-old graduate Chelsea Robinson works in a similar environment and is all set to change her career for the better since accessing a pot of funding that is allowing her to study.

The Care Assistant works at Bowes Court, Bishop Auckland, which is part of Careline Lifestyles Group.

The home is a state-of-the-art neurological, learning and physical disabilities unit providing specialist nursing, care and rehabilitation for individuals with neurological conditions, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, behaviours that challenge and varying degrees of learning and physical disabilities.

Chelsea who has a degree in photography is ready to take on more responsibility and build herself a career in management in the care industry, but to do that she needs her NVQ Level 3 in health and social care.

The cost of the course and exam was a real barrier to Chelsea who lives in Hartlepool with her boyfriend, but now she is looking forward to completing her NVQ level 3 and to her future career.

Advanced Learning loans have been available since 2013 for any learner wishing to study a qualification at level 3 or 4. Skills2Care, which is part of JB Skills Training Ltd, support applicants through the whole procedure of online application and then deliver the training too.

More information on Skills2Care is available by emailing Delivery Manager Clare Macmillan on clare@skills2careacademy.co.uk

HALF TERM = HALF PRICE!

BRING IT ON. YOU GOT GAME? PLAY FOR REAL. T: 0191 482 2222 WWW.BATTLEZONELASER.CO.UK BZL_2016_NEW STYLE A5.indd 4

15/07/2016 15:51

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Brexit: The Potential Impact on Recruitment Bryony Gibson, Managing Director of Bryony Gibson Consulting, shares her thoughts on how the recruitment industry could be affected by the EU referendum.

Perhaps a knee-jerk reaction, but according to data from CEB, in the week before the referendum almost 1,500,000 jobs were advertised online. This figure dropped to under 820,000 in the following week and, although it’s unclear if the trend will continue, as with any challenge, the key is not to panic.

An awful lot has happened since the UK voted to leave the EU and, in the wake of such seismic change, an inevitable wave of uncertainty has swept across the business community.

in UK offices, with recruitment increasing in European bases.

While it may be difficult to see the immediate business benefits of the decision, in order to capitalise on the position we are in, we need to begin focussing on the things that are within our control, rather than those outside our scope of influence.

Concerns about rising levels of migration in the UK seem to have been among the key reasons many people voted to leave the EU, however the extent to which free movement of people will be effected will remain unclear until the government negotiates our exit.

Attracting Top European Talent

The reality is that no one can accurately predict the future, but neither can we hide from it. With this in mind, I thought I’d take a look at some of the potential changes we might see, both good and bad, in the recruitment industry as a result of our Brexit.

Accounts from recruiters seem split on the immediate impact this has had on bringing top talent to Britain, with some saying businesses who rely on EU nationals are not seeing any recruitment issues, while others are reporting highly skilled people - such as doctors - are already choosing to go elsewhere.

Multi-national Employers

EU Citizens working in Britain

For companies using the UK as their European headquarters it seems unlikely they will continue to operate in the same way going forward, but this doesn’t mean automatic job cuts or relocations to the continent.

The UK is a huge market in its own right and we will be negotiating trade deals across the world, so in the short-term it is more likely that there will be a slow-down in employment growth

Perhaps the biggest area of concern is what will happen to EU citizens already employed in Britain. In terms of the many laws affecting their recruitment, the majority are not imposed by the EU, so it’s very unlikely that regulations around pensions, benefits, tax or National Insurance will change at all.

As an employer, you will however continue to be responsible for checking that your staff

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.

46

are eligible to work in the UK, at the very least until the government sets out a new immigration strategy.

Of course it’s unlikely our borders will suddenly close to the EU, as in a number of sectors the free movement of workers has major economic benefits and is essential to ensuring British businesses continue to lead the way in fields like digital technology and science; two important areas to the North East.

Businesses need to be able to continue recruiting the best people to fill the jobs available, and the expectation of what may happen to EU employees seems to be that currently employed skilled staff will remain eligible to work in the UK following the introduction of an Australian style points system, but if you have a large number of unskilled EU workers in your business it may pay to begin planning ahead for the practicalities of replacing them, should you need to do so.

With considerable uncertainty set for some time to come, now is not the time for hasty reactions from employers or the government.

While leaving the EU is inevitable, it may not come as quickly as people predict which should give businesses the opportunity they need to prepare for any change.

BUSINESS INSIGHT

L-R, David Anderson, Auxin; Dr Olusola Idowa, Hexis Labs; and Peter Kerr, 8020Consultants

North East businesses looking east post Brexit North East businesses, universities and venture capitalists are stepping up activity to strengthen trade links with China and the Far East.

Northumbria University’s Newcastle Business School is among those spearheading efforts to accelerate already strong link building and innovation-sharing partnerships with China.

The move comes as Northumbria continues to extend its international collaboration and global reach.

coaches – David Anderson of Auxin Group, and Peter Kerr of 8020 Consultants along with their client Dr Olusola Idowa of Newcastle based skin care specialist Hexis Labs. They were invited to better understand how regional businesses can explore the commercial opportunities offered by gaining access to China.

Prof Yu Xiong, chair of technology and operations management at Newcastle Business School, recently took a small business party to London to find out more by attending the 9th China UK Entrepreneurship Challenge Competition.

Peter Kerr said: “This was a rare opportunity to get exposure to some very influential people within both the British international trade department along with senior Chinese government representatives. Prof Xiong has for some time been a key conduit for improved Chinese links and relations with the North East.

Prof Xiong was chair of the China UK Forum on Invest in Innovation event, held at the Bank of China, London.

His party included two experienced business

“As coaches that are focussed on helping North East businesses develop and secure more business, particularly following the EU referendum, the

www.northumbria.ac.uk 47

event and opportunity to meet such people was of huge value. North East businesses can only prosper by exploring this enormous market further.

Prof Xiong added: “It was great to see David and Peter along with their client Hexis Labs make the effort to attend this particular event. The North East is a wonderful place to live and work and I am confident we can find opportunities to collaborate in the future. There are many ways that closer ties can help both North East and Chinese businesses.”

Newcastle Business School has worked extensively with China for a number of years. Around 700 Chinese students study at Northumbria University each year, with more than (over 4,700) 10,000 alumni based in China.

B U S I N E S S

are you Exclusive? you should be!

find out more and register at exclusive.co.com Next business event Tuesday 20th September - Business War Games with Quirk Solutions - hosted by Muckle LLP 12 noon - 2.30pm all details at exclusive.co.com

An evening with Bang & Olufsen Newcastle and LEADR TV This Exclusive event brought together leading business people from across the region, London and Manchester.

As part of the event we showcased LEADR TV on the amazing B&O wide screens, the powerful videos captivated the room. Then we announced the surprise, 5 guests had the opportunity to create their own LEADR thought video right there!

Bill Corcoran of HRC Group comments “Best networking event ever” Paul Varley of Everlasting Star – “Brilliant night, don’t miss Business War Games” Martin Wakefield of B&O Newcastle – “The best event I have ever hosted”

Join us at Bang & Olufsen Yarm on 28th September from 6pm when we will be hosting a second evening with the same format – you might be part of LEADR TV

With special thanks to guests, Rachel Taylor, Bill Corcoran, Katie White, Graham Hall and Paul Varley who each filmed a 60 second LEADR TV video.

Date for your diary - Business War Games with Quirk Solutions - How do you stress test your business strategies?

Tuesday 20th September at Muckle LLP, lunch, presentation by Chris Paton - by invitation only Exclusive.co.com Photographer: Simone Rudolphi

BUSINESS INSIGHT Mark Thompson (left) with Chris Toon of Gateshead College

Ground breaking project to build skills in construction sector Unique North East initiative to develop new careers and skills A dynamic private sector led partnership in the North East is working with education to develop a completely new way of attracting talented young people into the construction sector.

The innovative skills and careers programme, a first for the UK, is set to shake up the traditional way that people are recruited and trained in a sector that ultimately shapes towns, cities and communities.

A powerful partnership of designers, builders, and project managers who operate in the ‘built environment’ have come together to campaign for change, addressing the skills gap while also creating more flexible employees through a new architectural engineering and management programme.

PlanBEE was launched by internationally renowned Ryder Architecture in 2013 and the campaign now also includes the support of Arup, Cundall, Desco, Esh, FaulknerBrowns, Napper Architects, Sir Robert McAlpine, Summers Inman, Surgo, Turner and Townsend, Xcite, 3eConsult, NELEP, RICS, CIOB and ICE. Further partners are joining.

support throughout the course, ensuring cohorts receive the right balance of quality in-house educational content and hands on training with our professional industry consortium members.

“We believe PlanBEE will inspire a new generation of bright, talented individuals to consider a rewarding career in construction. The blended learning approach aims to deliver work ready individuals with the creative, practical and entrepreneurial ambition the industry needs to evolve.”

Gateshead College has devised an outline programme that gives new recruits a broader set of skills to ensure greater inter disciplinary working in the construction industry.

Chris Toon, deputy principal at Gateshead College, explained: “This is a genuinely exciting and innovative programme we’ll be offering people from this September.

They have joined forces with the region’s leading further education organisation, Gateshead College to help devise a completely new way of recruiting and training young people for a career in the construction sector.

“It’s a great example of how Gateshead College is taking its strong links with regional employers, listening to their concerns and then working in close partnership to find innovative solutions for complex issues. You have to be responsive and that is how we work.”

Mark Thompson, managing partner at Ryder, said: “We’re delighted to have Gateshead College on board as PlanBEE educational partners, alongside a number of universities. The facilities and staff at the college will provide valuable

Employers across the sector have increasingly felt that current qualifications and degree courses are no longer fit for purpose; there needs to be a greater convergence in the skills traditionally sat within the disciplines of architecture, urban

planning, engineering, surveying and landscaping.

Meetings between Gateshead College and employers have fine-tuned the higher skills apprenticeship programme that launches this autumn. The programme provides study and off the job training at the college’s modern construction facility on Team Valley with a job working with some of the region’s leading companies.

It has been tailored specifically for and by the North East construction sector. It provides students with a starting salary of £10,000 per annum, a professional qualification and a guaranteed job opportunity on graduation.

The college and PlanBEE are also liaising with a regional university so students can study up to degree level.

Chris Toon added: “Gateshead College is delighted to be able to offer young people interested in the construction industry a new way to build a career in this dynamic sector. It’s a real alternative to full time education where you have the opportunity to study up to degree level whilst earning and coming out with no debt but with a job offer – it’s an exceptional way to progress your career.”

The new higher skills apprenticeship programme was formally launched at Ryder’s home at Cooper’s Studios, Newcastle on July 25.

For more information about the programme, contact apprenticeships@gateshead.ac.uk or visit www.joinplanbee.com 50

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking Making the Difference When dealing with a bank, SME businesses need to know two things; that their banking partner understands their business, and that they know the economic conditions in which it operates.

The Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking team in the North East recognises this, with a number of sector specialists who understand the regional economy.

This means businesses can relax knowing that someone with knowledge and experience of the region is looking after their funding applications.

Sonya Atkins, recently promoted to Area Director for Durham and Wearside, is an excellent example of the bank’s commitment to helping local businesses prosper. As a Sunderland resident herself, she is well placed to help firms in the area achieve their growth ambitions.

Leigh Taylor, Regional Director for SME Banking in the North East for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “We’re committed to helping both those looking start a business as well as existing North East firms with ambitions to grow. As Area Director, Sonya will play a vital role in helping companies in the area reach their next stage of growth.”

In her new role, Sonya is responsible for lending decisions for commercial finance of up to £500,000 – which will often be made within 24 hours – and will also assist businesses looking for funding packages of a higher value.

With more than 2,000 local SME businesses served by the Lloyds Bank team across Durham and Wearside, there is a real desire within the team to make the bank first choice for the vast majority of SME businesses in the area.

www.lloydsbank.com/business 51

Sonya said: “My team have a considerable amount of experience and can work with customers on an entirely flexible basis, depending on the needs of the individual business.

“This relationship-led approach means that all customers have direct access to the team, and the breadth of expertise across the bank means that each relationship is truly bespoke. The team can draw on knowledge from across a multitude of sectors from agriculture to manufacturing within the bank.”

This expertise, combined with the strong presence of the bank in the cities of Sunderland and Durham, demonstrates the bank’s confidence in the region.

BUSINESS LUNCH

This Cherry Tree is Blossoming Again

by Michael Grahamslaw

The Cherry Tree is another prime example of Geordie ingenuity.

Previous uses include the old Jesmond telephone exchange and more latterly the Scouts shop but in 2008, it was developed into another top restaurant of note in Osborne Road. I’ve always admired people with vision and this classy venue has it in spades.

The restaurant has since been completely redesigned to give it a modern light and airy feel with a glass balustrade and open spiral staircase letting in a lot of natural light. The white linen table clothes and its stripped wooden flooring also add to its modern clean lines and trendy appeal.

Having read some rave reviews about it on line, I decided to take a fellow Geordie business contact there for a spot of lunch who like me, hadn’t visited the establishment for a meal before so it was a first for both of us.

I’d also heard a well-regarded head chef – Farhad Rakani – had recently taken over in the kitchen and was starting to make his mark, trialling some new dishes.

On arrival, we were greeted at a bar/lounge reception area which I understood was not only for the restaurant but also its private dining and meeting rooms. We settled down in its separate bar for a swift one and some olives and rustic bread while looking at the menus.

It describes its cuisine as being modern British but as we found out, it was much more than just traditional fayre.

The day we were there, its lunchtime menu starters consisted of cauliflower fritters with curry mayonnaise; tiger prawn salad niçoise; Parma ham with a celeriac remoulade and rocket in a balsamic reduction; chicken livers sautéed in garlic, chilli and shallots with rustic bread as well as beetroot and goats cheese with a walnut salad. See what I mean? This is British food with a twist.

Mains were equally as interesting. Apart from its best-selling bistro rump steak with traditional

garnish and fries, it also offers Chicken fricassee in a creamy champagne and mustard sauce with broad beans and tarragon; navarin of lamb served with spring greens and new potatoes; fishcakes with spinach, parsley cream and fries; sea bass with cherry tomatoes in a black olive and chorizo sauce with mashed potatoes and finally, seasonal vegetable risotto with parmesan shavings. The desserts were equally inviting with warm chocolate brownie in a hot chocolate sauce with vanilla ice cream; Eton mess; Lemon cheesecake topped with fresh fruits; vanilla crème brûlée and home-made ice creams and sorbets all on offer. A selection of British and French cheeses was also available as an alternative and this was served with Cherry Tree’s own chutney.

At one course for £9.50, two courses for £15.50 and three for just £20.00, this represents great value for such good food.

The great service was efficient and friendly and is an ideal lunchtime venue for families with young children too.

For a midweek lunchtime, the place was buzzing, so no sign of Brexit cut backs here.

From promotional leaflets, I noticed that it also laid on live music on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesday evenings but not of the modern ear splitting variety. Think more background music to aid the digestion and you won’t go far wrong. Check out live performance dates and musicians on music in concert @ the cherry tree on its website (www.thecherrytreejesmond. co.uk). There is no cover charge for the musical accompaniment and I intend to take Lisa there for a boogie-in-the-chair very soon.

The Cherry Tree can be found at 9 Osborne Road, Jesmond. For table reservations (highly recommended especially on live music nights) call 0191 239 9924 and tell them that Northern Insight magazine recommended you.

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BUSINESS LUNCH

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

Summer’s here!

#Alfrexit social media craze cheers up country

& the alfresco livin’ is easy

British Public come together to dispel doom and gloom

Win a Gastro GoodiBox full of sponsor goodies

The British public is taking to a new social media crusade in a bid to stick two fingers up at the doom and gloom surrounding the UK at the moment and the north east is well and truly taking part!

We all want to live the Mediterranean lifestyle, with the delicious food and drink, the relaxed ambiance and of course the weather.

Well, with summer finally having arrived and a season of sport ahead of us, now is the time to liven up your alfresco days at home.

#Alfrexit is the latest craze, launched by Gastro Alfresco, encouraging people to get outdoors. Photos of happy faces eating & playing outdoors are filling up Facebook and Twitter feeds in a frenzy to prove we can still party outdoors like our European neighbours: #Alfrexit.

The #Alfrexit boom was started by Gastro Alfresco, a campaign on the road at moment promoting healthy eating, as a Twitter competition. Fans of outdoor living have jumped at the chance show off their pics and lifestyle, despite the British weather, across Facebook too. Both social media channels are flooded with hundreds of images of the British public at their best.

The annual Gastro Alfresco campaign is back for the 20th year, with the aim to encourage people to live and enjoy life alfresco this summer.

To celebrate we’re giving away 10 Gastro GoodiBoxes worth around £40, each brimming with brilliant brands that are just perfect for summer eating & entertaining at-home, alfresco.

And it’s only set to get bigger, as the school holidays approach.

Sponsored by large brands including Blossom Hill, Davidstow Cheddar, Shloer, Sacla’ Pesto, Percol and Whitworths Shots Gastro Alfresco is visiting 75 locations across the UK to give away over half-a-million tasting samples.

Sponsors for 2016, include Official Wine - Blossom Hill, “Let it Blossom this Summer” Official Cheese - Davidstow, “Savour the Exceptional”; Official Soft Drink - Shloer, “Here’s to Good Times”; Official Pesto - Sacla’ “Perfect Pesto - Potted”; Official Coffee - Percol, “Celebrate Taste with Percol” and Official Healthy Snack - Whitworths Shots; “The Good-natured Little Snack”.

Brian George of Gastro Alfresco said: “After two terrible Euro exits and an awful early summer, the doom & gloom of politics, sport and weather is being shaken off on social media by our #Alfrexit campaign.

“We need to take a stand as a community and show the rest of the world that the UK is a place to be admired. Experts are telling us it’s better for us to have fun with our friends and family and to enjoy the outdoors.

“Thousands of people are now taking to #Alfrexit to prove that they’re still enjoying life and to help cheer themselves and others up! And that’s before the school holidays even get started!”

To win yourself a gastronomous delight of a Gastro GoodiBox, simply answer the following question:

The Gastro Alfresco RoadShow is on the road throughout August…so plenty more time for lots of #Alfrexit posts!

How many years has Gastro Alfresco been running? a)3

b)11

c)20

Send completed entries to mjgrahamslaw@outlook.com by Wednesday 31st August. Entrants must be over 18 years old, GoodiBox content may vary, image is representative of prize. There is no alternative prize and the judges decision is final. You can find out more about Gastro Alfresco and summer at-home outdoor eating & entertaining, plus a full list of the RoadShow dates and venues on www.gastro-alfresco.com or you can Follow us on Twitter @GastroAlfresco and Like us on Facebook /gastroalfresco

You can find out more about Gastro Alfresco and summer at-home outdoor eating & entertaining, plus a full list of the RoadShow dates and venues on; www.gastro-alfresco.com or you can Follow us on Twitter @GastroAlfresco and Like us on Facebook/gastroalfresco

54

B USINESS DIRECTORY

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55

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Peter Rutherford, Commercial Director, Three Counties Group

A Funding Superhero Mr Max Profit, business owner, and his Finance Director, Arthur Sixpence, are having a meeting as to how they should fund the much needed modifications to the production line of the business, “Profit and Moore Manufacturing Limited.”

“Max, I don’t think the bank will help us with the £200,000 we need,” moaned Arthur. “And if they do they will probably want a charge over your house.”

“Well they can’t have that. Mrs. Profit would never put up with it. It is where we brought up the little Profits so she would never risk it. I don’t like the idea either. These are difficult times,” opined Max. “But we do need new machinery?” Arthur was seeking confirmation.

“No doubt about that” affirmed Max. “We need to keep up with the competition.”

Arthur scratched his chin in an effort to look as though he was thinking. In reality he just had an itch. “What about looking for a business angel to invest?”

Max raised an eyebrow in a rather Roger Moore manner. “Really? Are you serious? Such an investor would want a chunk of ownership of the company for a paltry £200,000.”

“It’s not paltry if you haven’t got it yourself,”

proffered Arthur nervously.

Max swung toward Arthur, eyes ablaze, and was about to lambast him when the door flew open!

“It is I, The Funding Superhero! You have known me as The Man from Three Counties* but I have Super Funding powers.”

“Jonathan!? What on earth...?” stammered Arthur.

profit on lending money. The interest rate can be very competitive too and there is no need for a charge on your house.”

Max grinned. “That’s brilliant! How much can I borrow?”

“Up to 50% of your fund value as long as the pension fund can take some security.”

The Man from Three Counties pulled himself up to his full five foot seven and a half and announced “You think you do not have the wherewithal for the new machinery but you do! I have been advising you, Max, on your pension for the last few years and it can fund your needs.”

“So I could borrow more and get some new delivery trucks?” asked Max.

Max and Arthur looked at each other in some disbelief.

“Jonathan, you are a genius and have given me and my business a new lease of life. But I must ask.”

The Man from Three Counties continued “The pension fund can take a charge on the new machinery and lend the company the money to purchase it. The company will pay interest which is deductible against Corporation Tax but it goes into your pension fund tax free so you get the

“Yes and any older pension plans could be centralised and used for lending purposes,” said Jonathan, The Man from Three Counties.

“Anything” said Jonathan, “I am here to help.”

Max continued, “Do you really think that the Y Fronts worn over your blue pinstripe suit is a good look?”

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. *A Lady from Three Counties is also available.

56

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

BUSINESS INSIGHT

RMT Tax Expert backs wider North East use of Enterprise Investment Scheme Opportunities North East entrepreneurs are lagging behind their peers in other regions in taking advantage of tax efficient investment schemes designed to help expanding businesses maximise their growth potential.

Analysis of the most recent Government figures has shown that, while the value of regional business investments made through the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) has been increasing year-on-year, the actual number of investments being made in this way has been falling.

And Anthony Andreasen, Corporate Tax Director at Gosforth-based RMT Accountants & Business Advisors, is encouraging North East entrepreneurs to ensure they fully consider all the options when deciding on the best way to attract capital into their companies.

The HMRC statistics show that the total value of EIS investments rose from £13.7m in the 2011/12 tax year to £17.9m for the 2013/14 tax year, the most recent for which details are available, the number of investment dropped in the same period from 60 to 50.

The fall is in contrast to almost all other parts of the UK, with the North West seeing an increase from 150 investments to 170 in the same time period.

The Enterprise Investment Scheme offers tax reliefs to investors in higher-risk small companies, and is intended to recognise the particular difficulties which very early stage companies face in attracting investment.

The parallel Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme was introduced in 2012 with a view to helping small, early-stage trading companies with up to 25 employees and assets of up to £200,000 raise equity finance by offering a range of tax reliefs to individual investors who purchase new shares in those companies.

Anthony Andreasen says: "The EIS and SEIS were designed to bring greater financial flexibility to both investors and investees around how they shaped the deals that they put together, and it's clear from the take up of both schemes that they've been successful.

"Our team is involved in an increasing number of EIS/SEIS transactions, and we know of several regional investments where access to the incentives offered by the schemes have been fundamental in ensuring they were completed,

which makes the fall in the number of regional deals that have been done a little puzzling and concerning."

Across the UK as a whole, 2,710 companies raised a total of £1,457 million of funds under the EIS during the 2013-14 tax year, while almost 2,000 companies received investment worth a total of £164m through the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme.

Anthony Andreasen continues: "The result of the EU referendum seems likely to sustain a substantial degree of economic uncertainty over the coming months, and while investors will still be looking to find homes for their capital, it seems certain that they will be examining all the reasons why they should be making each investment even more carefully than usual.

"Our team has extensive experience of securing the tax advantages that come with EIS and SEIS investments, and can provide practical advice on how to make the best of what's on offer.

"Management teams who are looking to bring new money into their businesses have to make the most they can of every opportunity that’s presented to them, such as those that come through the EIS and SEIS, because they can be sure their competitors, both inside and outside the region, will be doing just that."

For further information on how RMT Accountants can assist with progressing tax efficient business investments, please contact Anthony Andreasen on 0191 256 9500.

For further general information on RMT Accountants & Business Advisors, please visit www.r-m-t.co.uk 58

BUSINESS INSIGHT

UNW Race Against Tide for Local Charity years. But a great team spirit and encouragement from our support team and members of the public spurred us on.’

Smile for Life is a charitable organisation dedicated to enhancing and enriching the lives of disadvantaged and disabled children who may be unable to get all the funding they require from the larger national charities and other organisations. They provide specialist equipment, short breaks and experiences along with their invaluable work experience at their Café Beam in Gosforth.

Paula Gascoigne, Chief Executive at Smile for Life commented; ‘We’re absolutely delighted that UNW have chosen Smile for Life as their new corporate charity and we were particularly impressed that one of the first events involved such a demanding challenge! Their efforts will raise muchneeded funds to help us continue our work, helping many of the North East’s children who have disabilities or special needs to reach their full potential and live easier and happier lives. We’re really looking forward to working closely everyone at UNW in the coming months.’

Volunteers from Newcastle-based accountancy and advisory firm UNW set their best feet first and raised over £5000 with an ambitious charity bike ride on Saturday 2nd July.

Twenty brave souls from the team took part in the challenge, riding almost 80 miles from St Mary's Lighthouse to Holy Island in support of their new nominated charity for 2016.

Having recently raised a considerable sum for another local charity, Caring Hands in Shieldfield, UNW had chosen to raise funds for a Gosforth based organisation, Smile for Life after recently becoming the charity’s first corporate supporter for 2016 after staff voted it as their charity of the year.

Michael Morris, Audit Partner at UNW commented: ‘The work that Smile for Life do is so important and the sheer dedication shown by its team in their efforts to improve the lives of disadvantaged and disabled children living in the North East are remarkable. It was a daunting first challenge, some of the team are keen riders but most hadn’t even seen a pedal bike for a good few

For more information please visit www.unw.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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Vehicle Sourcing

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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

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

INTERVIEW

In Conversation With

Paul Moran

Director, Audit, KPMG What were your career ambitions growing up?

is no exception. I have some internal meetings today and a number of sets of accounts that need to be approved before close of play. I also have audit tenders that I am working on. Yesterday I attended an AGM and presented our audit opinions.

I realised pretty quickly that a career in football was not really an option. I did make substitute on the school football 1st team once but only because the B team players were all cup tied and could not play - luckily I was not used.

What is your greatest business achievement to date?

To be honest while I was at school I simply concentrated on making sure that I achieved the A levels needed to get to University rather than a specific career. I studied Applied Physics at University and was applying for careers in aircraft and car design. My housemates, most of whom did economics, told me that even if I became the best aircraft/car designer in the world it would be accountants who decided which projects would go ahead based on finance decisions. The very next day I started applying for accountancy.

Being part of a really successful team at KPMG. One of our core values is ‘We work together’. I am delighted that we won the Firm of the Year award again last month at the North East Accountancy Awards. And being shortlisted for finance non executive of the year at the same awards for my work with North East England Chamber of Commerce was a real honour.

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

Can you briefly outline your career path for the readers?

I know it is a bit corny but I also love the quote from Vince Lombardi, the American football coach ‘Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence’.

I joined KPMG in Newcastle (then Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co) in 1985 straight from university and qualified in 1988. First shock was how hard it was to work long hours in the day job and then have to study on a night and at weekends. We had to also do mock exams under ‘exam conditions’ at home and post them off to get marked - I would be amazed if anyone really did these in the stipulated time limits as they were pretty difficult.

The funniest bit of advice someone once gave me was’ if you want to run with the top dogs you have to get out of the kennel’.

Who are your heroes in and out of business?

Most of my time has been spent in external audit but I have also worked in tax, internal audit, transaction services, forensic and other areas. That is the fantastic thing about accountancy, there are so many different types of work. I have also spent short secondments in at least 3 other KPMG UK offices and have been on secondment to a client.

I would have to say Steve Jobs. I know people question his management style but his pursuit of perfection and the way Apple’s products have impacted how we live and work is staggering.

Alongside any of those 1970s rock stars who are still going strong.

I became a Director at KPMG in 1998 and work with a wide range of clients, Plc’s, Universities, FE colleges, NHS Foundation Trusts and many private businesses. I am also a non executive director of both North East England Chamber of Commerce and St Cuthberts Care. As well as my client facing role at KPMG I also have a local HR role which helps me to stay in touch with the staff.

Can you describe a typical day in the life of Paul Moran?

I am not really sure there is a typical day as I spend a lot of time outside the office at clients and/or travelling.

I am one of those people who sleeps with the phone next to the bed so I do have a bad habit of checking my e-mails as soon as I get up. I will then drive either to the office on the Quayside or to one or more clients and the day will comprise meetings with clients and the KPMG teams and then maybe some time reviewing files. I am more of a late

Away from the desk how do you like to relax?

Playing drums in a local band called NorthStar. We have just played both Ponteland and Keswick Beer festivals which were brilliant crowds. Maybe the beer has something to do with it!

worker than an early bird so I will rarely leave the office before 7pm and very often later (Friday is the exception). A trip to the gym on the way home if I can stay motivated, followed by a late meal and then a final check of the e mails before bed. Some nights I will attend business dinners.

What are you currently working on?

A number of audits of local businesses are underway at any time through the year and today

www.kpmg.co.uk 60

I also like to take to take a social walk down Grey Street to the Quayside with my wife Barbara-Ann on a Saturday afternoon now that my son and daughter are at university. It is amazing how many people are out in the afternoon. The plan is to leave before the night time crowd arrives but we don’t always make it!

How would your like to be remembered?

As someone who worked hard, played hard and made a difference…and hopefully got out of the kennel!

BUSINESS INSIGHT Stephen Sumner

How will Brexit affect your investments?

Stephen Sumner, Managing Director of Explore Wealth Management, one of the North East’s longest established Independent Financial Advisers, discusses the financial effects of Britain leaving the EU. The result of the EU referendum has left political and financial commentators in shock, but while the full impact of Brexit is still unknown we can start to prepare ourselves for the exit.

The recent dip in the stock market and falls in the value of sterling have been unsettling and although the stock market has bounced back, it remains fragile. Having said that, it’s not all bad news as the fall in the value of the pound will be welcomed by exporters who are experiencing more favourable trading conditions with their overseas markets.

I liken times of economic uncertainty as a similar experience to flying a plane through turbulence in that the flight will even out and calm will resume. As to your finances, it’s now become even more important that you find yourself a good financial adviser who will guide you through the best steps to help protect your investments.

There are a range of guaranteed pensions and investments available which are tax-efficient and will help to preserve your money in the long-run. For those of you needing to access your pensions or savings in the not too distant future, there are in fact several steps you can take to give you peace of mind.

So my advice is that anyone looking to retire within the next few years should seek guidance to ensure they don’t lose out financially. A good financial adviser will lift up the bonnet on your savings and check that your hard earned savings will not suffer as a result of Britain leaving the EU.

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.

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

Race to the bottom The Brexit effect on direct taxation has begun to be clarified with the recent statement made by George Osborne that he will look to cut the headline rate of corporation tax to ensure that the UK remains competitive in the brave new world.

Despite assertions to the contrary by spokespersons for a number of European bodies, the Chancellor’s new commitment to reduce UK corporation tax rates to 15 per cent over an unspecified period (and only if official statistics support that approach) is part of a continuing trend. UK corporation tax rates are currently 20 per cent and are set to fall as follows: Year beginning 1 April Rate (%) 2016 20 2017 19 2018 19 2019 19 2020 17 The 2020 rate of 17 per cent was announced in the March 2016 Budget; previously that had been pencilled in at 18 per cent. While any of these figures could be changed in a subsequent Budget, taking this at face value suggests that the corporation tax rate is unlikely to drop to 15 per cent until 1st April 2021 at the earliest.

When I began my career in tax, the corporation

tax rate was 52 per cent. Since then UK corporation tax rates have generally declined. In recent years this has been part of a conscious plan by the UK government to create the most attractive business tax regime in the G20. While the UK has been using the business tax system to attract businesses to the UK, doubts were already being expressed as to whether this was unfair tax competition - a “race to the bottom” so to speak. Even before the recent announcement, some people were already describing the UK as a tax haven. That latter criticism has an interesting flipside: with the prospect of a headline rate of corporation tax of 15 per cent, companies whose tax-planning arrangements worldwide are under threat following the OECD BEPS initiative may begin to see the UK as a very attractive location indeed, especially if the lower rate of 12.5 per cent offered by the Republic of Ireland is also under threat.

Even more significant than the commitment to reduce the UK corporation tax rate is the Chancellor’s preparedness to forego his target of a budget surplus by 2020. That’s been a fundamental feature of his approach throughout his time in office. If the Chancellor is prepared to give up on that in the interests of maintaining

the health of the UK economy, then we should not be surprised if significant tax changes are also ushered in.

Clearly, in the absence of current figures from the Office for Budget Responsibility, the Chancellor can do no more than suggest a general direction of travel for UK tax rates. However, by the time of the Autumn Statement, new data will be available. I would call on the Chancellor to end the current uncertainty by taking that opportunity to publish a roadmap for Brexit tax changes, setting out not only the hoped-for tax cuts but also areas in which taxes can be expected to rise.

That brings us to the question of balancing the books. On the business tax side, the Chancellor is prepared to take a gamble that reducing corporation tax rates will stimulate economic activity, and with it the absolute level of corporation tax receipts. Hand in hand with a healthy economy goes the prospect of buoyant retail sales and therefore solid VAT receipts to make up the shortfall. But if tax receipts do not match expectations and borrowing is not attractive, then other compensating tax rises seem inevitable.

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. For our Brexit commentary, please visit www.rsmuk.com/ideas-and-insights/brexit.

62

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PUT OUR TAILORED INSIGHTS TO WORK FOR YOU To make confident decisions about the future, an entrepreneurial growing business needs a different kind of adviser. One who starts by understanding where you want to go and then brings the ideas and insights of an experienced team to help get you there.

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The UK group of companies and LLPs trading as RSM is a member of the RSM network. RSM is the trading name used by the members of the RSM network. Each member of the RSM network is an independent accounting and consulting firm each of which practises in its own right. The RSM network is not itself a separate legal entity of any description in any jurisdiction.

The RSM network is administered by RSM International Limited, a company registered in England and Wales (company number 4040598) whose registered office is at 11 Old Jewry, London EC2R 8DU. The brand and trademark RSM and other intellectual property rights used by members of the network are owned by RSM International Association, an association governed by article 60 et seq of the Civil Code of Switzerland whose seat is in Zug.

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Charitable Interests

The North East is home to many fantastic charities and Leathers LLP are proud to support some of the many great causes in our region. So when approached by the locally founded Secure Base Foundation to assist with their latest project, “Team Leathers” were itching to get involved!

In a world of ever increasing turmoil and unfairness, working with charities becomes an important and growing responsibility for any business and in the North East, we are fortunate to see how the region’s charities impact on the lives of so many people.

As proud sponsors of the North East Charity Awards, charitable work is something we at Leathers care passionately about. Professionally, Leathers are well-known for their specialist work in advising charities on a wide range of matters.

Prompted by the invaluable contribution these organisations make to our communities, and particularly to young people, the team at Leathers have become increasingly committed to helping in a personal capacity.

Last year, Leathers joined forces with the amazing fundraisers from the William Wates Foundation and embarked on the challenge of cycling the entire Tour de France route. In doing so we helped to raise over £40,000 for various charities, and we are keen to continue showing our support wherever possible.

Leathers are therefore delighted to be teaming up with locally founded Secure Base Foundation.

Secure Base was formed in response to a deeply felt awareness of the painful struggle, potential for isolation and lack of confidence that exists today amongst many young people. Secure Base strives to identify unrecognized potential and support its emergence through creative and practical means.

In its direct work with young people Secure Base hopes to provide a safe and secure space from which they might explore wisdom, values and

emotions by facilitating access to information and resources in a context of relevancy.

Secure Base recently supported a group of 36 eleven year-olds drawn from CFBL, a bi-lingual school in Kentish Town, and INJA, a Paris based school for blind and partially sighted children, in arranging a visit to the Royal National Institute of Blind People’s Talking Books studio in London. INJA is France’s National Institute for Blind Children.

Louis Braille, the inventor of the braille system, attended the school as a pupil and later taught there. The occasion followed the development of remarkable bonds between the two groups of children following their shared experience of visiting the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy.

access to RNIB’s Talking Books in a way which is topical and relevant to vulnerable young people throughout the world. Given its deep roots in the North East, and growing relationship with RNIB, Secure Base also hopes to help promote RNIB’s Talking Books amongst blind and partially sighted people in the region. There are currently estimated to be 2 million people living with sight loss in the UK of which over 25,000 are blind or partially sighted children.

Out of the many brilliant charities Leathers work with, one clear factor is common to them all - brilliant charities need brilliant fundraisers, those who are committed to raise vital funds and inspire others to help.

The RNIB Talking Books service was originally launched to help soldiers blinded in the First World War, particularly those struggling to learn braille.

Today, over 30,000 blind and partially sighted adults and children use RNIB’s Talking Books which this year celebrates its 80th anniversary.

As part of the fundraising efforts this year, members of the team at Leathers will be joining the Secure Base’s fundraisers on the start line of the 2016 Great North Run in Newcastle, and embarking on the iconic 13.1 mile course to South Shields.

Following their visit, the two groups of children wanted to do something more in creating a lasting memento of their friendship which might serve to help other young people see beyond their differences and have chosen to try and raise funds to allow the production by RNIB of one or more new talking books for children. Inspired by these children’s vision and compassion, Secure Base is delighted to assist in their efforts by supporting their fundraising and has persuaded a group of its supporters, including the team at Leathers, to take part in this year’s Great North Run.

Another summer of training beckons for the team in anticipation of September, we’d be delighted if any readers could show their support to the cause by donating at the charities Virgin page: uk.virginmoneygiving .com/charities/ securebasefoundation If you would also like to know more about Secure Base Foundation and its partnership with the RNIB, please visit www.mysecurebase.org.

This important project aims to increase

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 64

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.

NEW SHOWHOMES COMING SOON

Inside : †

• 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

Everything and more outside.

Outside: • 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

All this from only

£449,995 Part Exchange available*

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.

Prices correct at time of going to press. Images are for illustrative purposes only and may include optional upgrades at additional cost. *Bellway reserve the right to refuse a Part Exchange, terms & conditions can be found at www.bellway.co.uk/special-offers/part-exchange. †Specification varies between plots and is subject to change and availability.

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

Lintz Green House, Lintz Green, Rowlands Gill

Price Guide: ÂŁ1.195 Million Lintz Green House is a highly impressive Grade II Listed property, built in 1828 and greatly improved and altered in recent years. This beautiful home provides very fine country living with outstanding features including windows with operational shutters, stripped wood doors, and period fireplaces. It currently provides four reception rooms and five bedrooms and there is an enclosed staircase to the attic store rooms with excellent storage and additional living space if required. There is also a three bedroomed coach house ideal for an independent relative and a range of outbuildings incorporate a snooker room, hobbies room, gymnasium, storage areas and shows potential to be developed into a separate dwelling. Externally, the grounds of circa 2.5 acres include open lawned areas, beautiful borders, fabulous walks, secluded patios, tall trees, a fenced sports area, a lawned tennis court and garaging.

Contact rare! From Sanderson Young on 0191 2233500 ashleigh.sundin@sandersonyoung.co.uk www.sandersonyoung.co.uk 66

SELLING THE REGION’S FINEST HOMES

Graham Park Road Gosforth

Very well located in a popular area of Graham Park Road is this outstanding, three storey, semi-detached family home. The seven bedroom stylish property, greatly refurbished and presented to a high standard, has many outstanding features and enjoys an extra wide plot which gives a secure parking area to the side of the house as well as an extra wide garden at the rear. EPC: E

Price Guide: Offers over £1.175 Million

Mill House

Mill Farm Road, Hamsterley Mill A stunning, Grade II listed detached former farmhouse, circa 1760, situated in a private garden site of approx. 0.68 acres. The superb four double bedroom family home has lovely period features, the addition of a ‘David Salisbury’ conservatory, and the original byre has been converted into a fabulous 34ft vaulted drawing room with mezzanine and guest en-suite double bedroom.

Price Guide: £750,000

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

PROPERTY INSIGHT

An Englishman’s Home is His Castle In this case it really is...this wonderful property belongs to one of our clients and is indeed their beautiful home. If only everyone was as fortunate to own such grandeur, and call a castle their home. We find many of our more mature first-time-buyers continue to try to get their foot on the housing ladder and source suitable funding, but they can struggle to find that perfect home.

An inquiry has been launched to examine the ability of the UK’s house builders to meet the current housing demand, as the CLG committee admits crisis. The Government wants to see 1 million new homes by 2020 and there is no suggestion that ministers want to reduce this. However, the launch of the inquiry suggests significant nerves as to how this can be achieved.

The Communities and Local Government Committee is particularly seeking evidence on: whether the numbers of builders and types of firms in the home building industry is sufficient to meet housing demand the structure of the home building industry, in particular the role of small and medium-sized developers house builders’ business models and how risk and uncertainty affect incentives to expand the sustainability, size and skills of the building industry workforce why fewer homes are being started and completed than the number of planning permissions being granted

the extent to which current planning approaches cause delays to the building of new homes innovative approaches to increasing the housing supply, for example self-build, offsite construction and direct commissioning by central government and local housing companies the role of development finance and how it can promote or constrain housing investment The Committee is chaired by Clive Betts, “The capacity of the home building industry is a key factor in housing supply, which is simply not keeping up with demand and has left us in the midst of a crisis. The Committee will cast a critical eye over the major home builders, examine the decline of small and medium-sized developers and look closely at the skills shortages, planning delays and finance issues hampering the industry.

Our wide-ranging inquiry will also explore alternative models, such as self-builds and off-site construction, to see if such innovative approaches to home building can help address the country’s housing needs.”

This could genuinely mean stronger demand for the high street estate agent, offering quality homes in desirable locations to the waiting buyers. Demand can also be seen for our bespoke property finding service as offered to relocators, sharing our knowledge on the housing stock in our area, and ensuring not only the right property is found but it is in the right location. We also find ourselves simply assisting our clients who are not sure exactly what they are looking for in their next move, and don’t want to miss out on hidden dez-rez gems we often come across first.

We open doors to properties our clients would never have viewed, and sometimes offer discreet “off-market” properties to the discerning buyer wanting something special.

However, the number of homes that are built in the next few years will continue to ease the demand on the housing needs of our nation, and this is very welcomed. As we continue to buy, sell, rent and invest in what we refer fondly to as home, we will no doubt continue to be a nation of property loving homeowners - whether it be a one bedroom flat, or for the very rare few...a castle!

For more information on the castle, property sourcing service, or general property advice, please contact us at URBAN BASE. T: 0845 6431186 68

URBAN Base We didn’t invent exceptional property service.

We just deliver it!

Contact us to arrange a FREE property consultation today - Sales, Rental & Urban Interiors www.urban-base.com NEWCASTLE 65 Quayside Newcastle City NE1 3DE

DURHAM 61 Saddler St Durham City DH1 3NU

MARKETING SUITE Number Fourteen Maling Street NE6 1LP

SALES & RENTALS • LAND & NEW HOMES SPECIALISTS • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • FINANCIAL SERVICES • INTERIOR DESIGN

PROPERTY INSIGHT

Local housebuilder to launch Yarm development with discount market value plots adaptable to suit the homeowners, whether they are entertaining, relaxing or spending time with family. Combining contemporary style with high-quality design features and intelligent interior design, each home will offer a unique space to buyers.

Chris Neal, Sales Manager at Leven Woods, commented: “Seeing Leven Woods come together is hugely exciting for us and once it’s complete, we’re certain that it will be just as exciting for buyers. Like all of our developments, the homes at Leven Woods have been carefully crafted and designed and the whole team is incredibly proud of the outcome. We anticipate that homes on this development will be in very high demand. I would urge anyone considering a purchase at Leven Woods to act quickly and register their interest early online.”

Barratt Homes North East’s newest edition to Yarm is its Leven Woods development, which is set to bring a sense of modern and contemporary style to the area. The development, which is due to launch soon, will offer prospective homebuyers the opportunity to secure a discount market value property in an idyllic location.

Leven Woods will offer a range of two, three and four bedroom stylish homes, a selection of which will be available at the discount market rate of just 85% of the market value.

The collection of new homes benefit from spacious open-plan interiors, designed to allow natural light to fill the home which caters to modern family living. The thoughtfully designed spaces are

Situated in the historic market town of Yarm, Leven Woods is ideally situated for those looking to move home or take their first step onto the property ladder. The development benefits from a range of entertainment and leisure facilities on its doorstep. Add to this its close proximity to the A19 and A66, as well as Yarm train station, it’s clear to see why Leven Woods is predicted to be so popular with home buyers.

For more information on Leven Woods, or to register your interest online, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk/levenwoods

Sales take off as show homes open The Windsor’s living room.

The launch of three stunning show homes has seen sales take off at Linden Homes’ Saint George development in Morpeth.

More than a dozen properties have been sold or reserved on the first phase of the picturesque development, which seamlessly links town and countryside.

Kate Moore and her partner David Morgan are among the first to buy and she said: “We had looked at other developments around Morpeth but Saint George stood out for a number of reasons. The little details and finish of the properties attracted us initially as we hadn’t seen this elsewhere. These added touches of quality were a real selling point.

“Also, the large areas of open space where our children can play and the fact that the development is in the catchment area of Morpeth’s best schools played a large part in our decision. Even at this early stage, the development has a family feel to it. The sales team was helpful, friendly and never pushy, supporting us all of the way and giving us honest and straight forward answers to our questions.”

The show homes comprise the four bedroomed detached Winchester and semi-detached Wordsworth – also available as a detached home - and the three bedroomed, semi-detached Windsor.

includes a wide range of bespoke house styles, from two to five bedroomed homes, offering something for every budget and taste. They provide further evidence of Linden Homes’ commitment to deliver a step change in the quality and style of homes available in the North East.

Saint George could hardly be better positioned. Adjacent to beautiful natural woodland and large, open, green spaces, the stunning new homes are uniquely designed to fit perfectly into the surroundings, delivering tranquillity and convenience.

Help to Buy* is available and Linden Homes’ Assisted Move Scheme can help buyers who have an existing home to sell. Shared ownership is also an option on certain plots.

The first phase of the properties – with prices starting from £219,995 -

The sales office and show homes – just off the A197 (NE61 1JY) - are open Thursday to Monday, 10am to 5pm. Alternatively, call: 01670 751 826** or visit: www.lindenhomes.co.uk/saintgeorge for more information. * Help to Buy terms and conditions apply and are available on request. ** This call will cost 7p per minute plus a phone company access charge.

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Show Homes now open in Morpeth

• We are pleased to invite you to view our three stunning Show Homes • Take in the lovely location, space and style on offer and be inspired • Exclusive offers available

MORPETH

Northumberland NE61 1JY 2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes from £219,995

Marketing Suite and Show Home open daily 10am – 5pm

01670 751 306

lindenhomes.co.uk/saintgeorge

Photographs and computer generated image show typical Linden homes. Interiors may include optional upgrades or extras available at additional cost.

Price and details correct at time of going to press.

PROPERTY INSIGHT

Don’t panic - no need to dash for the Brexit door

by Peter Bartley, Operations Director, Bradley Hall

As the dust settles following the national surprise over the Brexit decision, we can take a more measured view of the likely impact on the property markets.

So far we believe that predictions about an economic crash post-Brexit have been grossly overstated and things haven’t gone as badly as some feared.

The North East will not suffer the dramatic property volatility that London may. And even with a slight drop in confidence it should be remembered that most of the fundamentals affecting property sales and purchases haven’t significantly altered.

Interest rates remain at an all time low, so borrowing is cheap to buy. If there’s a fall in property valuations, and there’s no indication of that yet, then that’s great news for investors in the short term.

Since Brexit, Bradley Hall has seen no slow down in property instructions or sales from our branch network around Newcastle, Durham, Morpeth and Alnwick. Buyer confidence remains strong around the region.

Clearly the markets have endured some volatility in the last month or so; stocks have bounced up and down and the currency isn’t as strong as before the European referendum.

Uncertainty remains one of the greatest problems but the Conservative government has been quick to appoint its leader and get down to the urgent

business of governing.

Housebuilders have been among those that have suffered some stock shocks. Nationally and regionally there was some anxiety in the housing market during May and June prior to the referendum vote.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) said in its last market report that properties coming onto the market fell at the sharpest rate on their records in June; demand dropped at its fastest rate since 2008. But this is no great surprise given the uncertainty around how the vote might have gone.

And, as usual, the south was the hardest hit with evidence suggesting that Brexit anxiety and the buy-to-let stamp duty increases had an impact on sentiment. Activity in the market slowed down generally, but London was the only region to record house price falls. As we all know, London is a unique property region where valuations and activity is constantly either overheating or crashing.

Nationally, the number of surveyors who expect house prices to rise is equal to those who expect prices to fall in the coming 12months.

The North East never suffers the volatility seen

in London and the south and there is little to indicate this will change in the near future. We currently expect a steady rise in house prices.

It’s probably fair to say the market is generally a little cautious and is reluctant to make any bold pronouncements. Following Brexit, the country is in unchartered territory.

A Brexit briefing from Savills UK stated that some initial caution, particularly among discretionary property buyers, is likely to curtail housing market activity across the country, but there will be regional variations to this. Over the medium term, the briefing says, expect to see sentiment improve but possibly fluctuate as negotiations to leave the EU proceed.

Low interest rates, with the prospect of a further cut in the future, will underpin house prices. This may present opportunities for those on low loan to value mortgagees.

Overall, we suggest there is no need to panic.

Brexit surprised many around the country, not least of all our politicians! So far, the impact on the property market in the North East has been negligible. We continue to have a market that is fundamentally undersupplied so this should maintain strong prices and buyer interest.

For more information on Bradley Hall please visit www.bradleyhall.co.uk 72

PROPERTY INSIGHT

A Salon with a Classical Twist While George Bond Design is more renowned for private residences, it’s always exciting for us to work on commercial projects.

The Salon, based on the outskirts of Newcastle, commissioned us to refurbish their new premises which needed to be gutted and have a completely new reconfiguration. Our clients were fantastic in that they put their faith in us to create something special which would represent them as a business and a place for clients to relax during their appointment’s.

We wanted to create an open, clean cut space which was bright and contemporary but with a classical twist. To begin with we planned a new layout for The Salon which saw the removal of unnecessary walls, the original oversized reception desk positioned in the centre of the space and an excessive office, where now a good size treatment room stands. By carrying out these internal amendments, the salons layout now flowed and allowed us to position three treatment rooms, six cutting stations, two shampoo stations, two manicure stations and one pedicure station.

Lighting is of the utmost importance, particularly in a Salon environment, which

Tel : 0191 281 7799

requires a very different effect to that of a private residence. We invested a great deal of time planning exactly where the down lighters should be placed and were delighted with the result.

Talking about lights, the stairwells chandelier is very much a ‘wow’ and sets the tone before you enter the salon itself. The mirrored wall behind the reception desk reflects the natural light streaming through the windows, which works beautifully in the adjoining waiting area.

The official launch consisted of the expected champagne and canapés, however who would of thought The Salon would get the royal seal of approval, right here in the North East?

HRH Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, the London-born daughter of Prince Tomislav second son of the King of Yugoslavia - was invited as a VIP to check out the new-look venue and to perform the ribbon cutting.

email: ray@georgebond.tv 73

www.georgebond.tv

twitter @GeorgeBond_

PROPERTY INSIGHT

Sintons bag 2 awards Law firm Sintons has been confirmed as being one of the leading conveyancing firms in the UK after winning two prestigious awards for its work. complex high-value behalf of investors.

The Newcastle-based firm was named as the Northern Conveyancing Firm of the Year at the Modern Law Conveyancing Awards, and its Digital Marketing Manager David Pritchard was also named as Business Development Professional of the Year.

The awards, held in Liverpool and attended by law firms from across the UK, hailed Sintons for its client-focused approach and technical capability.

David, who joined Sintons in 2014, was praised for his work in integrating a digital approach into the firm’s offering.

Sintons’ conveyancing team, led by Anna Barton, has grown significantly in recently years, and works with clients across the UK. It deals with a range of property transactions, from first-time buyers and family homes, to handling

portfolios

on

Anna Barton, head of the conveyancing team at Sintons, said: “We take great pride in the level of service we provide to our clients and the relationships we build with them, so we are absolutely delighted our work has been acknowledged with two coveted accolades in the Modern Law Conveyancing Awards.

“Sintons have long had a reputation for the high quality of its work in conveyancing, and we are again at the forefront of the market by introducing a high-quality digital offering, which David has led and developed to great success.

“These two awards are yet another endorsement of our work and the very high quality of our service to clients we offer here at Sintons.”

www.sintons.co.uk

Brexit. Another chapter in life Well, this is my first time writing for a while and what a few months it has been. The build up to the referendum was like nothing I had experienced before, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who drank coffee and tried to stay awake as the results started to unfold, especially with Newcastle and Sunderland being some of the first to declare.

I had to get some sleep though, so woke the next morning to the news that the country had voted in favour to leave. A great day for democracy (no matter which way you voted) but also a day of uncertainty and questions.

So now a little time has passed, it’s still sinking in for a lot of us, and I get asked what does Brexit mean to the housing sector? and how will it impact on Chapter Homes, our customers and our ambitions? Well, I’m happy to say that in my experience I am always amazed at how the housing sector faces challenges and constantly looks for new ways and initiatives to meet customer aspirations.

The Chapter Homes ethos has always been to keep our customer central to what we do, we don’t simply build houses and move on, we are passionate about leaving a legacy, a community, a place where people want to live and are proud to be a part of. Being in or out of the EU will not impact on this ethos. Yes, things will undoubtedly change, they already have, but we adapt to that change - and here in the North East we are exceptionally good at this.

From my own experience the level of interest

we have seen in our developments has continued to grow, we continue to see customers purchasing properties ‘off plan’ and customers who are only interested in ‘exceptional’ places to live.

Customers have a fantastic level of choice when looking at purchasing a new home, both in terms of the range of properties on the market and also the financial assistance that is available to help people get on the property ladder.

Furthermore, the ‘one size fits all’ approach to housing is ever changing, so we at Chapter Homes provide a range of products to help people move into one of our homes, whether that be Help to Buy, rental or one of our other assisted move packages.

So Post-Brexit is still a great time to buy, especially at this time of year where people will get their new home in time for the Christmas festivities (apologies for mentioning Christmas in July!).

To that end, whilst I don’t have all of the answers, what I can confidently say in my opinion, is that the North East housing market is still a very positive one. And drinking coffee late at night will do nothing to help you sleep.

URBAN BASE are sales agent for Chapter Homes, Tel:0330 3530056 74

MEDIA INSIGHT

John Dias, MD of Silver Bullet

This goes straight to the heart of marketing – how to maximise your Return on Investment (RoI) given that you have already identified your clients and profiled them, albeit in very broad terms, so that we’re now left with what message can you send them and how?

External media certainly does have some inherent advantages with the foremost being that it is there 24/7, unlike broadcast, or printed media which probably explains why it’s used by the vast majority of top advertisers. The average person now spends some 70% of their time outside the home where they are receptive to a wide variety of media whether this be billboards, bus and rail media, street furniture, taxis or other media. When it’s also remembered that outdoor accounts for only 10% of total media spend nationally, there is evidence of a powerful conversion to success rate.

Outdoor advertising is not only highly visible by its very nature but can also be placed exactly where you decide – a busy Metro platform or bus shelter, for example, is a perfect place where your potential customers are unable to avoid repeatedly seeing your advertisement whilst roadside poster sites will also be seen by the same people that travel that route every day.

Outdoor advertising is also much more affordable and cost-effective than generally perceived – just because it’s used to launch the latest Hollywood blockbusters nationwide, doesn’t mean it can’t be used on a regional scale with smaller budgets. But, and it’s sometimes a big but, the initial production fee for traditional

“

We sell our services to a very wide variety of clients who vary greatly in age, economic status and location – we’ve been advised that external media would suit but need to maximise our limited marketing budget?

”

media can be considerable and becomes more affordable if the media is taken for a reasonable period.

Here in the North East we have a wide variety of outdoor media which includes the bus and Metro networks, numerous printed billboard sites, some very high profile digital sites (Northumberland Street, Central Motorway and Pilgrim Street in Newcastle alone, for example), pitchside hoardings, waste bins and other street furniture and some of the first building wraps which have showcased some superb creative ideas.

Whilst the relatively high production costs of traditional outdoor media meant it was usually only considered for long term brand awareness campaigns, new technology, particularly digital sites are rewriting the rules here – consider, for example, the effectiveness of the Sport Direct ‘flash sale’ offers on digital hoardings at St James Park when matches were globally broadcast last season sending specific messages via Sky TV to a huge audience. Moreover these messages can easily be changed, whereas a fully wrapped bus, for example, is a far longer term project with the production costs meaning this should only really be considered for a long term campaign.

Innovation is crucial to outdoor media with brands now able to create stunning installations that have become viral events in their own right from scent squirting billboards for Estee Lauder to augmented reality bus shelters for Pepsi and motion and weather sensitive billboards for McDonalds and French clothing retailer, La Redoute. Your own company may well have a more modest budget but the lesson of creativity in everything you put out shouldn’t be ignored.

Of course outdoor media has its limitations like any other platform but its very diversity in both location and type means that there will be a platform that will reach your particular audience, but I personally believe it works far more effectively if it can be combined into an integrated campaign that combines other platforms, particularly PR and digital media.

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 76

MEDIA NEWS

O named UK consumer PR agency for Parkdean Resorts O PR has been appointed as UK consumer PR agency for Parkdean Resorts, the UK’s biggest holiday park company.

The Newcastle-based public relations agency, which handles a growing portfolio of national clients in the travel, food, retail and leisure sectors, will manage Parkdean Resorts’ media relations across the UK. The firm will promote the newly combined holiday estate of 72 holiday parks from the North of Scotland to the tip of Cornwall.

The agency will ensure Parkdean Resorts’ range

of caravan and lodge holidays, as well as camping, glamping and touring caravan holidays are covered by national travel journalists. O will also work with internal teams and existing partners to engage with digital influencers to drive online traffic and social shares.

Managing Director of O, Kari Owers, said: “Parkdean Resorts is a significant and thrilling client win for us as we continue to drive outwards from the North East and work with national companies that recognise there is agency life outside London.”

John Waterworth, CEO of Parkdean Resorts, said: “We have worked with O PR as our partner for Parkdean for over 18 months and during this time they have become a vital part of our marketing mix. We’re excited to now be working together on our 72 parks as we move into the next phase of the business. They are already underway with the PR campaign for Parkdean Resorts’ summer season which is gaining impressive press coverage across national newspapers, online and across key regional media around the UK.”

North East agency achieves global growth housing, transportation, leisure and retail.

Justine Joisce, Dead of Client services at ramarketing, said: “This is a very exciting time for the team at ramarketing as we continue to put the North East on the map for creative services. We have a very strong reputation locally, demonstrated by the calibre of clients we work with in the region.”

The multi award-winning agency was recently named one of the Top 40 agencies in the north, and as a result of its success has added several new people to its content and digital teams, taking its headcount to 15.

A Newcastle-based creative, digital and PR agency is celebrating a record year, on the back of a successful export growth strategy.

Over the last 12 months ramarketing has grown its turnover by 60% and doubled its headcount, after expanding its international presence and winning work in Denmark, Spain, Ireland, Sweden, Slovakia and the US. Several of its new clients are in the pharmaceutical sector, a niche that has helped the agency to enjoy continued growth since its formation in 2009.

The agency has worked with a range of national organisations including

North East PRide awards set to be biggest and best yet

Throughout the region, organisations are celebrating after being shortlisted for a prestigious award.

The North East shortlist has been released for the 2016 CIPR PRide awards, recognising the outstanding work in public relations being delivered by agencies across the North East.

More than 20 local businesses are represented in the record shortlist of 68 entries, many shortlisted a number of times each in different categories.

Winners will be announced at a glitzy, blacktie evening ceremony at The Biscuit Factory on 2 December.

Debbie Sharratt, CIPR PRide Coordinator, said: “We are incredibly pleased and proud to have seen such a huge number of local PR campaigns recognised by the judges this year. We are very much looking forward to the awards event and to celebrate the incredible talent in the communications industry in the North East.”

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

creative communication

hedleymcewan.co.uk

MEDIA INSIGHT Sarah Hall

Communicating with conscience; influencing organisational leaders to do the right thing

The fallout from the EU referendum has created a huge void in leadership.

With our politicians reeling and casting around for a plan in the face of Brexit, now is an obvious time for public relations practitioners to step forward as strategic advisers, but there is a clear gap there too.

It’s a missed opportunity.

Worst of all, public relations and public affairs professionals are arguably seen as part of the problem, rather than the solution.

A few bad apples do not spoil the barrel but we seem to be happy to allow people to think they do. It’s astonishing.

Why the lethargy?

Neither of the main public relations industry bodies, the CIPR or PRCA, have taken a position or are lobbying Government to utilise the experts they have at their fingertips.

Neither are they holding the communications professionals involved with the Remain or Leave campaigns to account, despite evidence that shows both sides deliberately misled the public with their referendum promises.

The lack of leadership is stark in the face of the legal industry’s response, where over 1000 lawyers have signed a letter to David Cameron to say the Brexit result is ‘advisory’ and not legally binding. They cite ‘evidence that the result was influenced by misrepresentations of fact and promises that could not be delivered’ as a clear issue with the process.

Members of the CIPR and PRCA sign up to a Code of Conduct. If any of their members were involved and broke the Code, it should be a straight forward decision to expel them from the membership.

A high profile example like this would go a long way to placing white space between those operating unethically and the wider profession and maybe that’s exactly what we need.

I’m not holding my breath.

Stand up and be counted As individuals and communications professionals we also have a responsibility to make our voices heard.

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If we don’t, we deserve more of what we get.

I’ve certainly written to my MP to express my concerns with the referendum process and to say I expect him to lobby for a stronger code of ethics.

How else can we ensure political campaigns are no longer founded on deceit but honesty and transparency and are designed to truly engage with the public? It’s up to us to take a stand.

A new type of leadership It’s time both politicians and the public relations profession embraced a new type of leadership.

A leadership which places people over power and profits.

In the book I published last year called #FuturePRoof, Professor Anne Gregory talks about communicating with conscience and influencing organisational leaders to do the right thing.

It applies not just to business but at the highest levels of influence.

Anne says: “To help leaders, to build better organisations and contribute to society, we need to make them ‘good’. As Aristotle said, practice the virtues and you will become virtuous. For public relations practitioners this means more than caring about the day to day interactions with stakeholders and the latest communication toys, but transforming our organisations from within.”

It makes a lot of sense Because of the role we play, public relations people have an unrivalled opportunity to help organisations, including Government, rethink their purpose and, to use Anne’s words, how they “gain and maintain their legitimacy not only with their immediate stakeholders, but with society more widely.”

Check out her chapter, it’s worth a read. Let’s follow her call to action and help leaders find purpose, test their principles and keep them focused on people, rather than process, profits and power.

With the political environment as it is, it can be the only way forward.

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

INTERVIEW

Your Eye on the Region

Wayne Halton Director at PR consultancy MHW

| Did you grow up in the North East or did you decide to relocate here in later life?

and also walking along the breath-taking (sometimes literally) beaches we have.

Equally, there’s friendly people wherever you travel around the UK and overseas.

Most of my life has been spent in the North East and North Yorkshire. I was born on Teesside and moved around that area for a number of years as a child. For about six years I lived in Whitby and schooled there and Robin Hoods Bay before the family returned to Norton on Tees. I then lived in Guisborough for two years before moving again, studying at Northumbria University, living between Newcastle and my mother’s home in the Lake District.

Do you have a favourite hotspot for a business meeting?

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

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

I don’t really look at it like that. But working in and around the region it’s fair to say you have to be resilient and take a no nonsense approach to both work and life.

Many business people I know still try to burn both ends, working hard and playing reasonably hard. It strikes me that our best business people can compete with the best elsewhere - the need to work harder for your pound gives us an added strength.

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

I love working and mooching around Newcastle. It is a fabulous city. Elsewhere, I love getting into the Northumberland country, particularly the Border country,

I ‘hide’ and work in a corner in the Tyneside Cinema Bar Café a couple of times a week.

Where do you like to eat in the region?

I’ll have to be careful answering this, given the number of hospitality clients we have.

For great, reliable food I know I can always enjoy one of Terry Laybourne’s venues; depending on my mood that might be the Broad Chare or his new noodle bar, Ko Sai. For cheap and cheerful, I like Zizzis on Grey Street. Out of town, The Rat, at Anick and the Maltings Kitchen within the theatre and arts complex at Berwick.

Where do you like to unwind in the North East?

Our family bolt-hole for unwinding is a static caravan at East Ord, Berwick. The town is fascinating, the beaches are windswept and usually empty, and the Border country is full of hidden vales and places to walk and lose yourself.

Are people really friendlier?

Northern people are generally welcoming and straight talking folk, which I like.

Berwick’s Tweedmouth estuary from Spittle side is fairly impressive, bridges to one side and the Elizabethan walls to another.

Do you think living and working in the North East offers the same opportunities as elsewhere in the UK? Many of us build and sustain businesses, large and small, from the North East. But for serious growth and opportunity most have to expand beyond the confines of the region to source business from more prosperous areas of the country and overseas. This region does not have to be a barrier to growth. You can certainly find ambition, innovation and clever people around this region.

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

My first job after university was as a journalist on a weekly newspaper based in Wrexham, north Wales. For around two years my wife and I lived in Clywd, while I worked in district newspaper offices in Mold and Chester. They were good times.

For further information, please contact wayne@mhwpr.co.uk or Tel 0191 233 1300 80

INTERVIEW

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MEDIA INSIGHT

Where does marketing end and PR start?

That’s a question many businesses are still uncertain of. Is content creation a PR move or is it a marketing tool and who gets credit for leads or visibility?

Do businesses appoint a PR agency, an advertising agency or a digital agency?

Traditionally, Public Relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their audience. So PR is about relationship building, but it’s also about spreading information between a business and its audience. You can’t expect to build relationships and share information without material to work with, so therefore PR must also encompass some form of creative delivery system.

But wait, that sounds familiar.

The dictionary says 'Marketing is the action or business of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising.'

So PR is how information is spread, while marketing is the actual content. Right? Maybe.

PR and marketing techniques are both out to grab the consumer's attention by providing alluring content. Confusing isn't it?

We have moved away from traditional marketing techniques as digital marketing delivers blogs, videos, email marketing, SEO, podcasts and social media marketing to capture and retain the attention of consumers. This is the online world we live in without a promo leaflet in sight.

But doesn’t that almost sound like relationship building?

Marketing wants to show you something it thinks you’re interested in, and it’s willing to do some research on you in order to pull it off. Therefore, isn’t marketing intrinsically wining and dining its consumer base to warm them up for its ultimate goal: getting a lead?

Today's marketing now focuses more on reaching direct audiences instead of scattered designs to reach as many as possible, and it does it with

the increased application of technology. Online marketing - social media, blogs, mailouts and the like - can all be used in either a PR or marketing way. We establish what the client's perceived image should be along with who their target audience is using online marketing for the dual purpose of marketing and PR. Online marketing is an image builder while it also directs precise traffic to a place of accurate results. How effective is that roadside billboard in comparison to a targeted Facebook ad? For example, a simple sponsored Facebook ad done properly can introduce a new product/ service and accelerate sales as well as building reputation as the product/place is deemed desirable. Blogs can be informative in either a marketing tone of “here’s what we offer” or a PR angle of “why this product is good for consumers”.

Public relations still relies heavily on media relations and media attention. Just like traditional media sources such as newspapers evolved into websites and online articles, traditional marketing techniques evolved into using more technology-based tools. Because of the

“

technological advancements in how we receive our news updates of today, how that content is delivered, and even the content itself, the way that PR specialists and marketing experts perform their jobs can appear mirrored at times.

Public relations is as an image builder and public opinion creator allowing brands to be seen and heard 24/7 through online, video, pictures and advertisements in multitudes of channels and sources.

Marketing and PR may have a different message to share, but are looking for similar results -to generate more sales and to have a great reputation. Businesses should ask themselves what it is they really want, what is their goal and at this point, us digital agencies can cut through the confusion to pinpoint a strategy that would work best. How we get those results will overlap, but it’s how the message is interpreted and analyzed that defines the difference between public relations and marketing. How does a sales team get leads? Marketing. How does the sales team keep leads? Public relations.

Ultimately, PR and marketing can’t work effectively without the other.

”

Catherine Harland of Digipro Media, a digital agency who grow businesses and build reputations through PR, marketing, social media management and web design.

& 0191 3498594

contact@digipromedia.co.uk 82

www.digipromedia.co.uk

@DigiProMedia

£15,000 raised to help brighten the lives of families across the region.

Thanks to all our clients, colleagues and suppliers for your very generous support so far.

You’ve helped us raise over £15,000 already for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, Rainbow Trust and Under the Bridge in this, our 10th anniversary year.

Creative

Digital

Marketing

wearetheworks.com #TheWorks10 M0077846 Money Raised Advert USE.indd 1

22/07/2016 14:54

MEDIA INSIGHT

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MEDIA INSIGHT

Branding is about more than your logo and the colours you use John Simpson has been part of the North East creative industry for more than 30 years. For the past decade he’s been managing partner and creative director at The Works - a full service marketing, advertising and digital agency who are celebrating their milestone tenth birthday this year.

| In the final instalment of a three-part series from The Works, here, John tells us how the creative industry has changed in the past ten years, and why branding is about more than just a logo and colour palette.

Having been in the creative industry for more than three decades, I’ve seen a lot of things change - the biggest one, undoubtedly, being the birth of digital and the way it’s transformed forever how we all communicate, the types of work we produce for our clients and the way in which that work is produced.

With the rise of social media, branding has become increasingly important. But branding is about much more than people assume - it’s not just a logo, colours and where that logo sits in an advert. A brand is about the connection between an audience and you, your story, what you stand for and why - it’s about creating a personal connection with your audience, and them feeling like they are part of something much bigger. Nobody wants to feel like they’re being preached or sold to.

TOMS are a great example of an organisation who have done just that. They’ve managed to successfully tell their story of ‘one-for-one’ - you buy a pair of shoes with us, and a child in Africa will receive a free pair of shoes, you buy a pair of sunglasses with us and a person in need of help with their sight will receive it, you buy a bag from us and a pregnant mother in Africa will be given all the help she needs to have a safe birth it’s compelling and can’t be ignored. Ultimately, it’s not about the shoes you’re buying, it’s about what buying the shoes means. That’s the power of branding, and that’s something that, in my opinion, social media has been a catalyst for allowing organisations to successfully do in recent years.

For a long time, a customer’s connection with an organisation has been one of the

most powerful things in marketing, however, previously, if that connection wasn’t great, it was easy to moderate. Now, in this new age of twoway communication, customers have the power

“71%

of internet

users are more likely to purchase something from a brand after following them on social media

”

– they can make or break a brand in seconds by sharing or commenting on anything you do for the whole world to see. When a connection with an audience is good, someone actively sharing their positive thoughts about you for the world to see is priceless - after all, 71 per cent of internet users are more likely to purchase something from a brand after following their story on a social network. However, when the comments aren’t so good, there’s no place to hide, and the brands who know how to deal with that kind of criticism are the ones who get the most kudos. It’s all about getting that ‘sweet spot’, very few organisations get all parts of their business right 100% of the time, but if you have a good connection with your audience, it will buy you the benefit of the doubt if and when things go wrong.

When we first started The Works back in 2006, branding was only a small part of the work we did, but as our clients’ needs have changed, the work that we do in that area has developed, resulting in us adding brand development as a specialism to our ever-growing creative and studio team.

Surprisingly, one of the things that hasn’t changed in the past decade is the way we approach a branding or creative exercise. Despite now thinking ‘digital-first’ when I’m looking at campaigns, I still go through the same process to come up with a creative idea - I still consider the audiences and messaging in the same way I used to, and the idea still needs to be strong.

If anything, I’d say an idea now needs to be stronger than ever, because it needs to work across multiple platforms and stand out in a crowded marketplace, against an army of people ready to give you their opinion.

Every concept I used to come up with, I hand drew a scamp of (something I still try to do when possible) but now, with the speed at which concepts are required to go out, and with the range of technological tools available to use at the touch of a mouse, it’s no longer necessary as an idea can be mocked-up more or less ready to be sent out as final artwork in a fraction of the time it used to take. Some may say this has made our industry lazy, but actually, I’ve found it means I can show clients a range of creative options much quicker than I used to be able to, and I can mock up ideas into various situations so people can see first-hand what their advert might look like on a phone, on a digital screen or on the side of a bus. Technology eh?

Over the next decade, the ways in which we communicate will continue to evolve as technology develops (I don’t know if I’ll give up my pencils altogether though!), but brands and the connections they need to make with their audience and the way they want to make people feel will only become more integral. Remember, if people like you, they will listen to you, but if they trust you, they’ll do business with you and that’s what matters.

To find out more about what we do and how we can help, visit wearetheworks.com or follow @wearetheworks #TheWorks10

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MEDIA INSIGHT Sophie Bustin, PR & Marketing Intern

50 Shades of Social Media When it comes to social media many people use it to share funny videos or life events.

But more businesses are using social media every day to promote their brand and to ultimately increase brand awareness.

One social media platform that has been increasingly used by businesses is Snapchat.

Fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Tiffany use Snapchat to upload stories. They let a celebrity or a model take over their snapchat for a day so users can see a glimpse into that particular brand. They aren’t selling clothes though, they are selling the lifestyle.

Lifestyle bloggers are on the rise because everyone wants what they don’t have. They promote a lavish lifestyle where every moment is ‘instagrammable’ or perfect. So when Louis Vuitton have a story of a catwalk in London, followed by a take-over by one of the biggest Youtubers Jim Chapman in New York at their regatta, it creates the impression that they have an amazing lifestyle. So if you buy into their brand you will too. Not only this, but it has made the once closed fashion world more accessible.

Now everyone who has snapchat can watch highlights from London fashion week by simply clicking the icon on their home page. The beauty of Snapchat also means that anyone at the event can contribute to the overall story. This means that viewers get the chance to watch the fashion

week from the point of view of the model, the designer, the journalist, the blogger, the A-lister and the make-up artist.

Whilst I have honed in on the fashion side of things, the features of snapchat aren’t exclusive to fashion brands. Major sporting events, festivals, concerts and celebrations have all been documented on snapchat. For example, last year during the NFL, more people watched highlights of the game on Snapchat rather than watching it on TV. Once again, a sporting event that was exclusive to America was made accessible to everyone worldwide who had a snapchat account.

Youtubers have moved from the time consuming vlogging on Youtube to vlogging on snapchat. It’s easier to use and easier to watch.

Anyone can add them and see more aspects of their lives.

Celebrities and public figures have fully grasped the features of snapchat and have utilised them to promote themselves and their personal brand.

Actresses and Actors from TV shows Snapchat their everyday life then have a party on the day their show is airing – coincidence? Of course not, but now everyone who follows them knows that

their favourite show is back.

Another major example which cannot be missed out is the ‘success’ story of Kim Kardashian’s sister Kylie Jenner. While she was somewhat famous before she got involved with Snapchat, this was minor compared to her sisters.

However, Kylie created a lifestyle on snapchat.

She bought a Ferrari, she decorated her home, she showed people her extensive wig collection, talked about brands she loves and has guest stars like Gigi Hadid, Tyger and of course her family.

Watching her story has become a hobby for some people, almost like they can have a 10 minute look at Kylie’s everyday life every single day. Now Kylie has built up her own name and her own fame - just in time for the launch of her cosmetics ranges. The Kylie lipkits sell out so fast that her website crashes and breaks the internet (sorry Kim, but Kylie actually managed it). She tells her followers the date and time her lipkits will be launched and within minutes they all sell out.

Of course this is mainly about the global successes. But there are so many features that make snapchat useful for local businesses.

JAM Marketing (UK) Limited Metro Radio Arena Way Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7NA T: 0845 900 2127 M: 07712 467 301 86

MEDIA INSIGHT

A Pawfect Partnership Digital marketing agency Mediaworks has partnered with St Oswald’s Hospice to create something truly magical. We find out more about this pawfect partnership.

As a digital agency with strong northern roots, it’s always a pleasure to work with another North East success story. St Oswald’s Hospice provides specialist care to people with lifelimiting conditions in our region, helping over 2,000 adults, young people, children and their families each year.

been commissioned to customise the larger figures, many of which have been purchased by North East companies to show their support for the event and make important contributions to the hospice. Local school children will also be showing off their creative flair by designing the little dogs.

The charity chose Mediaworks as their preferred digital partner to work on a very special app project: the Great North Snowdogs 2016. Taking place across the region later this year, the mass participation art event is being held to get people involved and raise awareness of St Oswald’s Children’s Hospice and the lifechanging work they do.

The dogs are part of the region’s Snowdog Trail. Users are encouraged to sniff out the dogs and collect them all, keeping track of their progress and earning rewards via a downloadable app. This is where Mediaworks comes in.

Later in the year, Snowdogs of all sizes will leave The Snowman behind and go walkies in the North East. A mix of large and small Snowdog figures will pop up across the region. Artists have

The agency’s talented design team, headed up by Creative Director, Andrew Blenkinsop, got to work on the exciting project. Speaking of their part in the adventure, Andrew said: “It was important that the designs we created were in-keeping with the existing Snowman and Snowdog styles. The team designed wireframes

and visuals to give an overall look and feel for the app, while making sure the user journey was complete. These were reviewed at regular points throughout the project, ensuring the vision for the app was correct”.

The app will play an integral part in aiding community involvement, with social sharing capabilities helping to promote the event further. With the majority of designs now complete, the project is progressing well and anticipation is high for the finished app.

Jane Hogan, Great North Snowdogs Project Lead said: “Mediaworks involvement with our app design has been invaluable. The team are professional and friendly and have made the whole process of working with them on this ‘impaw-tant’ project really easy for us. We are very grateful for their support and thrilled to have the as part of our #GreatNorthSnowdogs pack”.

Discover how Mediaworks can help your North East business. Contact us on 0191 404 0100 or email info@mediaworks.co.uk.

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F RO M T H E H E A D T E AC H E R ’ S S T U D Y also celebrate arts and sporting initiatives which do so much to garner the best of human spirit. We should not lose sight of this.

How much emphasis do you place on extra-curricular activities?

Enormous! In a school where there is always a very strong focus on academic achievement and one with such a rich musical heritage, we attract pupils who thrive on opportunity. So many are outstanding at sport, art and drama, but there are also clubs for Greek, Lego, Board Games and Gardening, to mention just a few. In the past two years we have introduced rowing and now have our own accredited Boat Club, and we also have a very fine equestrian team.

What major achievements have happened in the past 12-18 months?

Aside from impressive scholarships gained to top public schools around the country, and two memorable productions of ‘Oklahoma’ and ‘Oliver’ at The Gala Theatre in Durham, the highlights of 2016 have undoubtedly been the celebrations for the 600th Anniversary of the founding of the school. The summer term began with a royal visit followed by the service of Thanksgiving in Durham Cathedral in mid-June, attended by some 900 current and past pupils and families of the school, with an address by Terry Waite. We have marked this anniversary year with three very special commissions: the Durham Jubilate composed by Philip Stopford, the new Processional Cross made

by Simon Pattison (past pupil of the School), and a watercolour by local artist Stuart Fisher.

What can prospective parents expect from The Chorister School?

Yvette Day

Headmistress at The Chorister School What was your background prior to joining The Chorister School?

I was born and brought up in Cape Town and studied at The University of Cape Town and King’s College London, before returning to teach at The Diocesan College, an all-through boys’ boarding and day school in Cape Town. I then spent several years as Director of Music at Milton Abbey in Dorset, where my husband and I also ran one of the boarding houses, before moving to Berkshire, to take up the position of Director of Music at St George’s School, Windsor Castle. I joined The Chorister School in April 2011.

What have been your major achievements at the school?

The past five years have seen an impressive programme of development and refurbishment.

In terms of curriculum we have done much to enhance the already numerous benefits of the traditional prep school model, with specific focus on increased opportunities for pupils in Years 7 and 8, best preparing children for scholarship and academic entry to their first choice senior schools.

Almost all of the school buildings and outdoor areas have been refurbished and we were delighted to showcase much of this for the recent visit to the school of Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex, as part of our 600th Anniversary celebrations.

What positive changes have you seen in recent years in education generally?

I am delighted that in education we can embrace the age of digital and social media and that we can encourage children to see their own achievements relative to the world stage. I am pleased that while the development of basic skills in numeracy and literacy remains very much at the forefront, we can

“

It was Nelson Mandela who said that ‘education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.’ At a time of ever-changing technologies and new ways to access information, it is the teaching of wisdom and how best to use that knowledge for the betterment of mankind which must be at the centre of our teaching, including opportunities for children to reflect, to debate and to see the importance of kindness to others.

Confident and resilient children, with a strong sense of real human values, nurtured in a place where childhood is celebrated.

What have you got coming up over the remainder of the year?

There will be more in celebration of ‘600 years’, but now the focus shifts slightly to looking forward and planning for the future of this remarkable school.

Durham Cathedral’s Open Treasure Exhibition opened to the public this past weekend and it is exciting for us to remember that we play so great a part in the story of education and music on this World Heritage site. In 2017 we will host the annual Choir Schools’ Association Conference.

How do you relax away from the desk?

I am a musician so there is always that call, but I much enjoy art, calligraphy and travel. Space, of the scale in Africa, is the place to really hide and find one’s soul.

How would you like to be remembered?

”

I’ve had an idea!

www.thechoristerschool.com 88

600 years of education on a World Heritage Site 600 years of education on a World Heritage Site

We pursue excellence in all forms and aim to instil in every pupil a sense of that inspires them to seekand theaim verytobest they can achieve.

Weworth pursue excellence in all forms instil in every pupil a sense of worth that inspires them to seek the very best they can achieve.

GIRLS & BOYS 3 -13 YEARS

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Chorister auditions for girls and boys aged 7-10 by appointment.

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

Business students help top North East charity diversify to thrive Funding for small arts organisations has been changing significantly and becoming increasingly competitive in recent years. And yet, demand continues to be high from communities who want to work with talented artists.

Newcastle-based charity Helix Arts recently joined forces with students at Newcastle Business School to develop a new revenue stream to ensure Helix continues to make an impact with all kinds of groups, whatever their circumstances, across the North East and beyond.

Helix Arts has been part of the North East arts scene for over 35 years. An Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, it specialises in improving cultural and social inclusion by creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to take part in ambitious arts activity across a range of art forms from film-making and creative writing to animation, music, photography and drama.

The charity teamed up with four final year students on the Business with Finance programme at Newcastle Business School, which currently holds the title UK Business School of the Year in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards. Helix Arts tasked the students with exploring the potential for running an events management arm with the goal of generating

a profit which could be reinvested back into its charitable activities.

Undergraduates Andrew MacQuarrie, Ryan Murfin, Liam Price and Sean Town formed ‘Syndicate Consultants’ to take on the brief.

They used primary and secondary research to deliver a feasibility study which explored the North East events market in-depth and devised a recommendation and implementation strategy with full financial analysis.

Catherine Hearne, Chief Executive at Helix Arts, said: “We decided to approach the Business School after reading about The Business Clinic in the local press. Small arts charities like ours are under increasing pressure to diversify and generate new income streams due to changes in funding structures regionally and nationally.

“I’ve been blown away by the energy, enthusiasm and ideas the team brought to our brief. They went far beyond our expectations.

We’d asked them to explore the feasibility of Helix Arts diversifying into events management and were highly impressed that they went several steps further and were able to make a

recommendation that not only is there a gap in the market, they even highlighted the specific areas we could target our expertise.

“Working with the students has been a fantastic experience and not onerous in the least. The next step for us is studying their strategy in detail over the summer with a view to implementing their recommendations in the autumn.”

The Business Clinic at Newcastle Business School is an education scheme whereby a group of business students participate in a ‘consultancy firm’ to provide advice for clients. The service is offered for all types of businesses from SMEs and multinationals through to not-for-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.

The 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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TECHNOLOGY INSIGHT

The Sky’s the limit with broadband from The Diamond Group…

In today’s fast moving world, slow internet should be a thing of the past and we as users are starting to realise this more than ever.

Stats courtesy of Urs Holze, Senior VP of Operations at Google show that 57% of users abandon a slow website after just three seconds, while 78% feel stress or anger over a page taking longer than they feel it should.

Think of that in terms of business and you can imagine how a slow website can cost you interest and more importantly, potential sales.

The solution? Satellite broadband from the Diamond Group.

Whereas traditional broadband internet connections rely on underground cables, satellite broadband works from the sky, ensuring even coverage for all businesses and homes no matter how high or low you may be, you’re always covered from 22,000 miles above.

Working in the same way your conventional Sky box transmits programming to your TV, satellite broadband sends and receives a signal between satellite in space and the box in your home or business.

It’s also set up in the same way as a Sky dish and box – with the minimum of fuss, mess and disruption to you.

Satellite broadband really is your chance to say goodbye to one of modern day life’s biggest issues and allow you to get on the fast track to digital success from the office or the comfort of your own home.

It’s so quick and easy you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!

What’s more, it’s more cost effective than regular broadband so not only will you save time, and a headache, you’ll also be saving money.

To find out more about satellite broadband from the Diamond Group, get in touch either through their website www.diamond-group.net or over the phone on 0191 519 3700. If you prefer face-to-face – then why not pop into their showroom at the Team Valley, Gateshead?

Come and share our vision!

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS

North East IT company wins global recognition

level of skills and experience.

Rapidly growing North East technology specialist Synergi IT has received international recognition for its use of business technologies.

“For current and prospective customers it gives them the confidence to know they are working with an award winning solutions partner who is not only proven in their experience but also working very closely with the Nintex product and support teams to bring the greatest value to their business.”

Synergi has beaten off strong European competition to win one of the six 2016 Nintex Partner Awards for the Nintex Choice category.

Justin Short, Director of the Gateshead-based company, received the award at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference held recently in Toronto. The accolade recognises the valuable contribution partners make in helping their customers.

An investment in Nintex software means Synergi has already helped make an impact on a number of North East and Scottish businesses and organisations.

Josh Waldo, Nintex VP of channels and product marketing, said: “Synergi IT is a well-deserving winner in the 2016 Nintex Partner Awards. Everyone who is part of the Nintex community is positively improving the way in which we work.”

Synergi’s Justin Short said: “The Nintex Partner Award is a recognition of our competency with Nin-tex technologies and it places us amongst a select group within a large global partner community, reflecting our outstanding

Major transatlantic investment secured by Datatrial A leading North East-based data and technology business is looking forward to an exciting future, following a deal brokered by award-winning business and tax advisory firm Evolution.

The ambitious accountancy practice, which has just joined forces with one of the UK’s leading independent accountancy firms, the Baldwins

Accountancy Group, facilitated an agreement which has resulted in Newcastle-based Datatrial, a company which specialises in the clinical trials sector across the globe, being sold to a private equity investor in the USA. Since the beginning of this year, Evolution’s Corporate Finance Director, David Bell, has been

working in close partnership with Datatrial’s CEO, Dr Emma Banks, to negotiate the complex crossborder transaction.

David said: “Datatrial is precisely the sort of growing business the Evolution team specialises in dealing with and we look forward to helping them with their expansion plans in the coming months.”

Scott Logic gains experienced new client manager part of it.”

Bespoke software development consultancy Scott Logic has welcomed a new client manager as it continues to grow its client base.

Andrew Carr joins the firm after hearing good things about the company from a former colleague who took a role at Scott Logic earlier this year.

Andrew, who’ll be based in Scott Logic’s London office, explained: “I was already familiar with the company as I sometimes attend the Bristech meetup group that Scott Logic sponsors and helped found. I heard such good things, including the positive culture that Scott Logic presents, and I wanted to be

Originally from Enfield in North London, Andrew graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in Computer Science in 1994, having begun coding as a hobby at around the age of 12. He has since built a career working with clients on trading applications, both in equities and bonds.

The appointment highlights Scott Logic’s ongoing growth as it continues to diversify its client portfolio.

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 92

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@ITPSltd

A new approach to managing your ICT infrastructure!

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) sounds complicated but it really is as simple as using computing power and services as you need it.

Stay in control and take advantage of improved resilience, scaleability, reliability and most importantly in these days of cyber crime hits, security. IT teams can focus on strategy and costs are controlled in regular contract payments.

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

ITPS Annual Charity Golf Day The weather was glorious for the Annual ITPS Charity Golf Day at Close House, which raised £1,060 in aid of the Percy Hedley Foundation and the Sunshine Fund.

TECHNOLOGY INSIGHT

Garry Sheriff, Managing Director, ITPS

Infrastructure as a Service Time for a new approach to managing your ICT infrastructure As consumers we think nothing of buying utilities such as power and water from providers who invest in the necessary infrastructure and support, so when we turn on a switch or a tap the service is instantly available.

We have long believed IT could and should be provided in the same way, for those who want it.

Why pay out good money for space, hardware, software and a supporting framework, when someone else is prepared to shoulder the burden and pick up the cost on your behalf?

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is the fastest growing area of IT, appealing to organisations looking for a cost effective way of avoiding having to buy, manage and support an ICT infrastructure on their own premises.

The basic principle of IaaS lies in using a secure internet connection to access your computing power, usually via a virtualised rather than a physical server environment.

You’ve probably heard IT people tag the

phrase ‘as a service’ on to words such as business continuity (BCaaS), disaster recovery (DRaaS) and unified communications (UCaaS), but you may not have made the connection between these terms and the seismic shift in how organisations access essential services such as IT. So what does it mean to you? Assume for a minute that you are a business with a couple of computer servers housed in your offices, you have a 50-strong staff team equipped with a mix of PCs, laptops and tablets using a variety of software and apps, and everyone needs to be connected to all their data and emails from anywhere, at any time. Your IT team face the challenge of maintaining security, monitoring the hardware and storage power needed, carrying out backups, managing user queries and fixing

problems, as well as keeping up to date with software updates and technology developments so your IT remains future-proof.

By choosing the IaaS route, many of the headaches involved in that scenario are transferred to your provider, who houses your computing power on their servers – physical or virtual - on their premises, and assumes all associated costs so you pay only for what you need, when you need it.

Its key advantages are improved resilience, scaleability, reliability and security. It frees up your IT team to focus on strategy, and your finance director will approve because it allows costs to be split into monthly or annual charges rather than having to make large, up-front capital purchases and bear depreciation costs.

If you are looking for a better way to finance and manage your ICT infrastructure, talk to our experts about whether IaaS is the right route for you.

For more information call 0191 422 8300, email contact@itps.co.uk or visit www.itps.co.uk 96

MOTORS INSIGHT

Sheldon Cockburn, General Manager, VW Scotswood Road

Lookers show confidence in car market with newly refurbished VW facility on Scotwood Road, Newcastle A gathering of excited Volkswagen enthusiasts has helped mark the official opening of Lookers Volkswagen following a £1.6 million refurbishment.

The modernised dealership focusses on enhancing the customer experience, with a showpiece 2 lane drive-through that allows customers to drive straight into the building without having to worry about parking.

It also includes 50 high quality used vehicles on display around the premises, leading to a further 40 cars in the used car showroom, followed by a display of 17 new vehicles.

John Cuthbertson, Operations Director said: “With over 20 years of trading business on the site and with thousands of happy customers you can be sure that Lookers VW will continue to offer a friendly, approachable, warm and welcoming atmosphere when our customers arrive at Lookers VW Scotswood Road. This new ultra-modern site is one that is truly fit for today’s sophisticated consumer and reflects the forward thinking and customer centric values of Volkswagen manufacturer and Lookers as one of the leading car retailers.”

The site also embraces the very latest technology such as Apple TVs that allow customers to customise cars to their exact requirements.

Every measure has been taken to make the customer feel at home, including relaxed seating areas and a customer coffee bar with ‘workstations’ that allows IT devices to be charged via USB & 240v sockets.

In addition to the new drive-through facility, over 40 customer parking spaces are also available.

John Cuthbertson, Operations Director commented “Lookers will continue to invest in the VW brand and the other marques in our portfolio of cars. We have over 160 dealerships across the UK supporting our customers and keeping them and their families on the road.”

2016 has been a great year for the UK car industry with over 1½ million cars being built.

The car industry also provides jobs to more than 800,000 people and contributes more than £15bn to the UK economy. The UK is headquarters to seven mainstream manufacturers, eight premium manufacturers, seven Formula One teams, six design studios, 13 R&D centres and over 100 specialist brands, all here because the British workforce are highly skilled and have adopted flexible working practices.

Lookers VW, Scotswood Road will continue play a small but significant part in keeping its customers on the road while driving the regional, UK and European economy.

The opening of Lookers VW Scotswood Road tops a great week for the company. Lookers picked two of the most prestigious awards at the Motor Trade Awards winning ‘Dealer of the Year’ and Andy Bruce, CEO, won ‘CEO of the Year’. The awards are a clear indication that Lookers is a market leading innovative car retailer.

www.lookers.co.uk 97

MOTORS INSIGHT

Jodie Kidd with Lookers Chief Executive, Andy Bruce

LOOKERS recognised as industry leaders at prestigious awards National motor retailer Lookers has won Dealer Group of the Year at the industry’s most prestigious awards ceremony, with Chief Executive Andy Bruce also taking home CEO of the Year.

O

ver 1,200 guests attended the 2016 Motor Trader Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, and saw Lookers take home the Dealer Group of the Year prize, which recognises the motor dealer who has been most successful in growing sales and profitability in four or more sites during the past year.

The achievement is made all the more remarkable by the fact that the same award was won by Benfield Motor Group in 2015 before it was acquired by Lookers in September of that year.

Recently Lookers has grown through acquisition, significant investment in new facilities and the introduction of the latest industry technology as it looks to become the retailer of choice for motorists in the UK. However, it was the hard working people within the business that Lookers CEO Andy

Bruce was most eager to congratulate. He said: “This award is dedicated to the fantastic team that we have here at Lookers. I am proud and immensely privileged to be working alongside such an amazing group of people. We should all take a moment to celebrate this achievement.

Every single one of our team has made a fantastic contribution to this result.”

Andy was also given special recognition on the night by receiving the Motor Trader CEO of the Year Award in recognition of his innovative and strategic vision, which has seen Lookers consistently grow over the last 7 years into a business with a £3.65bn turnover and one which sees its customers drive away over 180,000 new and used vehicles each year from over 160 dealerships across the country.

Lookers has also been keen to develop its corporate responsibilities having recently reduced its energy consumption as part of a £2m a year deal.

98

In addition Andy was instrumental in the £87.5m acquisition of North East based motor retailer Benfield, which has since successfully integrated into the wider Lookers group. The successful merger is demonstrated through customer loyalty and increased sales and staff retention of key Benfield colleagues, some of which have been promoted to group-wide roles within the enlarged group.

Nigel McMinn, Managing Director at Lookers, said: “The fact that the larger Lookers group has essentially won the Dealer Group Award backto-back perfectly illustrates how successful the integration of Benfield has been. As we move forward we aim to now build on the success of these awards to become even better at delivering world class customer service and continually lead the industry as an innovative retailer.”

MOTORS INSIGHT Nigel McMinn, Managing Director, Lookers

“

We strive to become a retailer and an employer of choice as well as a genuine and authentic business that is appealing and inspiring for customers and colleagues alike.

”

Andy Bruce, Chief Executive, receiving award

T

he Scot received the title at the 2016 Motor Trader Awards in recognition of his innovative and strategic vision, which has seen Lookers consistently grow over the last 7 years into a business with a £3.65bn turnover and one which sees its customers drive away over 180,000 new and used vehicles each year from over 160 dealerships across the country.

Andy has been at the helm at Manchester headquartered Lookers since 2014 and has overseen a number of significant milestones, including the £87.5m acquisition of North East motor retailer Benfield last year.

Avid Glasgow Rangers fan Andy began his career in the motor industry in 1986 as a graduate trainee at Land Rover before advancing to a number of dealer facing roles and eventually becoming Sales Director for Land Rover in the UK.

LOOKERS CEO recognised for strategic vision at prestigious awards Andy Bruce, Chief Executive of motor retailer Lookers, has been heralded as an industry leader after winning CEO of the Year at the industry’s most prestigious awards.

He joined Lookers in 2000 to run the Northern Ireland side of the business before becoming Managing Director of the Motor Division in 2010, Chief Operating Officer in 2013 and CEO in 2014.

Recent years have seen Lookers grow through acquisition, significant investment in new facilities and the introduction of the latest industry technology as it looks to become the retailer of choice for motorists in the UK. It is this continued success that saw Lookers become the only winner of two Motor Trader Awards on the night, with the company also taking home the 2016 Dealer Group of the Year Award. This award recognises the motor dealer who has been most successful in growing sales and profitability in four or more sites during the past year. The award marks back-to-back wins for the enlarged Lookers group, Benfield Motor Group

99

winning the same award in 2015 before it was acquired by Lookers, illustrating how successful the integration of the business has been.

Andy said: “I am really proud and a little overwhelmed to be awarded CEO of the Year.

My management style has always been about empowerment and encouragement and to have this acknowledged is something I am immensely proud of. To win this on the same night that Lookers became Dealer Group of the Year makes it doubly special. “Of course these awards would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the amazing people we have here at Lookers. From our call centre people right through to our dealership technicians, everyone should be proud of the contribution they have made to these awards. As a result of all our hard work we are quickly becoming the go-to retailer for a significant proportion of UK motorists.”

MOTORS INSIGHT

A

tremendous driving experience The new Ssangyong Tivoli offers leading edge design and combines luxury, style and performance at a price as comfortable as its ride.

It can be yours for as little as ÂŁ12,950 with features including cruise control, smart steering and 7 airbags as standard.

Higher specification models include luxurious soft leather seats, a dual zone air conditioning system and an advanced two mode 4x4 system.

Add to this the premium infotainment provided by a 7" LCD multimedia display with touchscreen, displaying both Tom Tom satnav and rear view camera and you have s spirited deluxe crossover vehicle. Indeed the Ssangyong Tivoli offers a levels of attention to detail and driving experience usually found only in vehicles with a much higher price tag.

The new Tivoli boasts an interior that matches the needs of today's demanding market. It is luxurious, well appointed and gives great comfort with a dash of style. EX and ELX models come with leather, heated seats as standard.

The exterior is no less impressive with LED daytime running lights adding to driving safety day and night.

Safety is taken care of also with 7 airbags for maximum passenger protection on impact - the most in its class. These include a drivers knee protection airbag which are normally only found in prestige vehicles.

All in all this is a tremendously impressive model and fantastic addition to the Ssangyong range.

www.denniscommon.co.uk 100

FREE E RAD EC G P U X’ SP TION A TO ‘S‘EE’ SPECIFIC 50 M £1,6 FRO H T WOR

PR A 0% e* tativ n e s re Rep

Brand New SsangYong Tivoli EX specification over and above SE includes: • Grey or Beige Leather Upholstery • 18” Spiral Alloy Wheel • Dual Zone Climate Control • 7” Touch Screen Smart Audio System • Luggage Load Cover • Heated Front Seats • Rear View Camera • Front Fog Lights

Dennis Common

www.denniscommon.co.uk

Rothbury Rd

A69 7

*Tustain Motors Limited is a credit broker not a lender. To finance your purchase we may introduce you to a limited number of lenders. Cars shown for illustration purposes only. Prices correct at time of media production on 7th July 2016. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. 18s and over. Guarantee / indemnity may be required. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. You will not own the vehicle until all repayments are made. Offers available on vehicle orders made before 31st July 2016. Offer relates to upgrade from SE manual to EX manual specification, worth £1,650.

Dennis Common Common Dennis

A1

Part of the Tustain Motor Group

West Road Garage, Rothbury Road, Longframlington, Morpeth, NE65 8HX Telephone: 01665 570 542

Longframlington

Fuel consumption figures for the SsangYong range mpg (1/100km): Urban 28.8 (9.8) – 34.5 (8.2), Extra Urban 49.6 (5.7) – 52.3 (5.4), Combined 39.2 (7.2) – 44.1 (6.4). CO2 emissions in g/km: 167-149; Standard EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.

Newcastle Audi Scotswood Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7LA 0191 639 2382

Tyneside Audi Silverlink Park, Wallsend NE28 9NT 0191 357 0907

Wearside Audi Stadium Way, Sunderland SR5 1AT 0191 639 1952

Teesside Audi Brooklime Avenue, Preston Farm, Stockton TS18 3UR 01642 906359

www.lookers.co.uk/audi Official fuel consumption figures for the new Audi A3 Sportback and Audi A3 Saloon range in mpg (l/100km) from: Urban 30.7 (9.2) – 65.7 (4.3), Extra Urban 47.9 (5.9) – 80.7 (3.5), Combined 39.8 (7.1) – 74.3 (3.8). CO2 emissions: 163 – 99g/km.

Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained under standardised EU test conditions (Directive 93/116/EEC). This allows a direct comparison between different manufacturer models but may not represent the actual fuel consumption achieved in ‘real world’ driving conditions. Optional wheels may affect emissions and fuel consumption figures. More information is available on the Audi website at www.audi.co.uk and at www. dft.gov.uk/vca *Where the law permits. †Virtual Cockpit (available as part of Technology Pack Advanced) is an optional extra. Statistics stated are relevant to models shown: A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI 184PS quattro S line S tronic, A3 Saloon 2.0 TFSI 190PS quattro S line S tronic. Images are for illustrative purposes only and include optional extras. A3 Sportback shown in Ara blue available to order late 2016.

AUDI0043 Accent Ad 130x180mm.indd 1

25/07/2016 14:45

MOTORS INSIGHT

The Awesome Audi A3 range The A3 range offers plenty of choice in four different body types - from the elegant Saloon to the freespirited Cabriolet.

Redesigned inside and out in 2016, new A3 models now boast a sharper, angular, redesigned front grill flanked by striking Xenon headlights.

For the first time all models across the A3 range are available with Audi intelligent Matrix LED headlights that adapt to your surroundings and automatically dip main beams for ongoing traffic as an optional upgrade.

There are also an array of new features inside incorporating some of the most up to date Audi technologies.

These include the Audi Smartphone interface that turns the A3 into an extension of your phone, also as standard. The digital and fully customisable Audi Virtual Cockpit is available as an option.

For full details visit Newcastle Audi, Scotswood Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7LA Tel : 0191 2261144 www.newcastleaudi.co.uk 102

JenningsFord - Contract Hire offers that really mean business New Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi ST-2 5dr (185 PS)

• Metallic paint • C02 emissions 110g/km • 18” alloy wheels • Dual-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (DEATC) • Ford SYNC2® with 8” touchscreen, DAB audio system with enhanced voice control and Emergency Assist • Automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers • Recaro front seats with partial leather trim • Quickclear windscreen

only £195+VAT

per month with Ford Lease Advance rental £1169.88 + VAT followed by 35 monthly rentals of £194.98 + VAT

New Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium FWD (150 PS)

New Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi ECOnetic Titanium 5dr (150 PS)

INCLUDES Appearance Pack (silver roof rails and rear privacy glass) worth £350 & 18” alloy wheels worth £450 • Metallic paint • C02 emissions 122g/km • Partial leather trim • Ford SYNC2® with 8” touchscreen, DAB audio system with enhanced voice control and Emergency Assist • Quickclear windscreen • Automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers

• Metallic paint • C02 emissions 107g/km • 16” alloy wheels • Navigation system • ‘Ford Power’ start button • Ford SYNC2® with 8” touchscreen, DAB audio system with enhanced voice control and Emergency Assist • Front and rear parking sensors • Cruise control with speed limiter • Automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers

only £215+VAT per month with Ford Lease

only £199+VAT per month with Ford Lease

Advance rental £1290.36 + VAT followed by 35 monthly rentals of £215.06 + VAT

Advance rental £1197.66 + VAT followed by 35 monthly rentals of £199.61 + VAT

Get more from Jennings, your local Business Partner Business users only

www.JenningsMotorGroup.co.uk

STOCKTON, Yarm Road.

Call: 01642 632 200.

GATESHEAD, Eslington Park, Dunston.

Call: 0191 460 7464.

OPEN HOURS: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm

Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) Ford Car range: Urban 48.7 - 23.54 (5.8-12.0), Extra Urban 64.2 - 34.87 (4.4-8.1), Combined 57.7 - 29.73 (4.9-9.5).

Official CO₂ emissions 115-249g/km. Standard EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.

Ford Lease Contract Hire is available to Business Users only, subject to status. Guarantees/indemnities may be required. Rental shown based on a 6-0-35 non-maintained agreement (6 initial rentals up front followed by 35 rentals +VAT) with a mileage of 10,000 per annum. Subject to availability. Rentals must be made monthly. Prices exclude VAT. When the vehicle is returned it must be in good condition and not have exceeded the agreed mileage, otherwise further charges will be incurred. Prices are correct at the time of going to print and are subject to change without further notice. Terms and conditions apply. Ford Business Contract Hire is provided by ALD Automotive Ltd t/a Ford Lease, Oakwood Park, Lodge Causeway, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3JA. Cars not necessarily as illustrated. Certain categories of business users may be excluded. Offers end 30th September 2016. E&OE.

MOTORS INSIGHT

Jennings Ford Business Centres deliver ultimate service to local and national firms Businesses looking for fleet vehicles can take advantage of a range of high quality, competitively-priced and economical models available at Jennings Ford Business Centres across the North East.

Jennings Ford, part of the multi-award winning Jennings Motor Group, operates two Business Centres located at its Yarm Road dealership in Stockton and the company’s Eslington Park branch in Gateshead.

Established by Ford Motor Company in 1994, the aim of the Business Centre, is to deliver the ultimate service for fleet managers of both car and commercial vehicles.

When a customer purchases a vehicle, or a fleet of vehicles through Jennings Ford’s Business Centres they are automatically assigned a dedicated Ford Fleet Business Manager, who specialises in the field, in addition to an Account Support Manager.

The dedicated team is highly trained and can assist with purchasing new cars or commercial vehicles, advise on suitable options and specifications and discuss leasing arrangements, in addition to financing fleet vehicles and maintenance and repair enquiries.

the years, we have built good working relationships with a cross section of businesses from one-man operations to multi-national firms.

“We have a number of competitive offers available across the range, in addition to the option of tailor made packages also being available to both local and national businesses.”

Models available in the Ford car range includes, the Fiesta, Fiesta ST, Focus, Focus ST, RS Focus, Mondeo, Vignale, Mustang, C-MAX, Grand C-MAX, B-MAX, S-MAX, Galaxy, EcoSport and the recently launched all-new Edge.

One of the most popular models with business and fleet customers is the refined, stylish and practical Ford Kuga SUV (Smart Utility Vehicle).

Offering excellent stowage capacity and the very latest on-demand technology, the sporty Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi 150ps Titanium FWD is currently available at Jennings Ford from £215.06 plus VAT per month.

Ron Homan, business centre manager based at Jennings Ford in Stockton, said; “Our dedicated teams have specialist expertise which reflects individual business requirements, whether they be contract hire, corporate fleets, SMEs, rental or the public sector.

Businesses interested in the Ford Mondeo model can take advantage of the 2.0TDCi 150ps ECOnetic Titanium model from £199.61 plus VAT per month.

Current offers are based on a 10,000 miles per annum, 6+35 non maintained contract (6 rentals in advance, followed by 35 monthly rentals) with Ford Lease contract hire.

“We can supply the entire Ford car and commercial vehicle range to customers and over

Recent additions to the popular Ford range and available through Jennings Ford’s Business Centres,

is the all-new Edge, Vignale and Mustang models.

Launched in June, the refined and spacious allnew Ford Edge offers cutting edge styling and stateof-the-art technologies, as well as delivering strong fuel efficiency. The latest model complements Ford’s medium sized Kuga SUV and the EcoSport compact SUV. Customers can choose between three specifications, including Zetec, Titanium and the top-of-the-range Sport derivative.

The all-new, top-spec Mondeo Vignale is available in Hybrid, Saloon or Estate, with the added option of all-wheel drive also being available.

Meanwhile, the iconic all-new Mustang, which is available in ‘Convertible’ or ‘Fastback’ bodystyles, comes in two engine sizes, including a 5.0-litre V8 GT, or the entry level 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. There is also a choice between a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

Ron went on to say; “With an even wider range of models to choose from, there really is something to suit everyone’s business needs.”

Models in the commercial vehicle range includes, the Fiesta van, Transit Connect, Transit Courier, Tourneo Connect, Transit van, Transit Custom, Tourneo Custom, Transit mini-bus, Transit Tipper, Transit chassis cab and the Ford Ranger.

For more information about the wide range of products and services available at Jennings Ford’s Business Centres, contact Yarm Road, Stockton on 01642 632200, Eslington Park, Gateshead on 0191 4607464, or visit www.jenningsmotorgroup.co.uk 104

Hawthorns Terrace Party The sun was shining, cocktails were flowing and a feast of local produce was on offer as Hawthorns Brasserie at Crowne Plaza Newcastle - Stephenson Quarter celebrated the launch of its new menu.

The event was held on the hotel’s new summer terrace and over 100 guests tucked into a spread of the region’s finest food and drink. Local suppliers joined the celebration to showcase their produce and some of the region’s talented musicians and DJs provided an eclectic mix of music.

ARTS NEWS

Billy Connolly announces High Horse Tour Voted best comedian of all time by Channel 4 and included as one of the Huffington Post’s favourite UK comedians, Billy Connolly will come to Newcastle City Hall (15 – 17 Nov) as part of his High Horse Tour.

Billy Connolly is a stand-up comedian, actor, musician, TV presenter and artist. After an apprenticeship as a welder in his hometown of Glasgow, he became a professional performer in 1962, forming The Humblebums band with Gerry Rafferty, before pursuing a solo career.

Aside from starring in numerous films and TV series, Billy has toured worldwide continuously for the last 50 years, performing to an audience of over 10,000,000. Billy was awarded a CBE in

2003 and was named Britain’s most influential stand-up comic in 2012.

Perhaps best known for his performance as the loyal servant John Brown in the highly acclaimed Mrs. Brown, Billy’s other film credits include Gulliver’s Travels, Quartet and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, as well as the acclaimed BBC productions Down among the Big Bad Boys and The Life and Crimes of Deacon Brodie. His voice is also featured in the animated films Pocahontas and Brave.

On television, Billy featured in Head of the

Class, which was later spun off into his own series, Billy. He has also made various television guest appearances in the US, such as Columbo.

Billy has hosted various programmes including Billy Connolly’s World Tour of Scotland, a six-part series documenting a tour of his homeland, a theme continued later in his World Tours of New Zealand, Australia and England, Ireland and Wales.

Recognised also as an artist, original artwork by Billy has been displayed in various exhibitions throughout the UK since 2012.

Show gets re-commissioned by promotion company Talented Newcastle-born singer Anna Reay has attracted a promotions company responsible for bringing acts including Roy Chubby Brown, Foster and Alan and The Commitments to venues across the region.

Durham-based entertainment company Steven Lloyd Promotions has commissioned Anna’s One Enchanted Evening show, which was previously a sell-out Valentine’s Day performance at Sage Gateshead, at Spennymoor Leisure Centre on 2 September.

Steven Lloyd said: “I am determined to bring the best entertainment to all parts of the region. We have so many wonderful venues with easier access for many so it seems a shame not to utilise them. Following Anna’s sell out show in February, demand was building for another date so I’m excited to be able to bring it to Spennymoor.”

Box Office: (0191) 454 1234

Mill Dam South Shields NE33 1ES www.customshouse.co.uk

Anna and her band will be performing songs from the most popular West End shows as well as an eclectic mix of love songs from artists such as Sam Smith, Michael Buble, Etta James, Cilla Black, Maria Callas and Ed Sheeran.

She will be joined on stage by special guest, award-winning crooner Chris Dakers.

Classically trained, Anna says One Enchanted Evening is heavily influenced by her time in Italy. She noted: “The culture of Italy and the world-famous singers who originated from there such as one of my all-time favourites, Andrea Bocelli, inspired me to incorporate some of that passion into the show. The band and I are delighted to be doing the show again and are looking forward to performing at Spennymoor.”

“Let your event take centre stage” Weddings, Conferences & Events 106

ARTS NEWS

Newcastle Theatre Royal announces autumn 2016 season

What’s on this August?

1916: No Turning Back July 21-August 28 Gala Theatre Durham (03000) 266600 www.galadurham.co.uk An Evening With Low August 4 Sage Gateshead (0191) 443 4661 www.sagegateshead.com The Geordie Rat Pack August 4 The Custom’s House (0191) 454 1234 www.customshouse.co.uk The Pied Piper August 4-6 Whitley Bay Playhouse (0844) 248 1588 www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk Jamilah August 5 O2 Academy Newcastle (0191) 260 2020 www.academymusicgroup.com

There’s something to suit every taste with spellbinding dance, madcap comedy and scintillating drama amongst the world-class productions announced by Newcastle Theatre Royal for the autumn 2016 season.

The magical story of the world’s favourite Nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is set to delight audiences when Mary Poppins flies onto the Theatre Royal stage (9 Sep - 29 Oct).

A line up of top-class musicals includes the sexy and sensational Chicago (1 – 13 Aug).

Comedy fans can enjoy a night with Stewart Lee on 6 November. Laughs will also be a plenty when show-stopping pantomime Cinderella takes to the stage and brings fun and adventure for all

Record of The Month -

Michael Kiwanuka ‘Love & Hate’

the family (22 Nov - 15 Jan).

Following their hit run on Broadway, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart will star in the brilliantly entertaining No Man’s Land (15 – 20 Aug).

Dance fans will be swept away by the magic of Northern Ballet’s Beauty and the Beast (8 – 12 Nov) and younger ballet fans will be delighted with a special performance of Goldilocks & the Three Bears on 11 November.

Finally, opera fans will be mesmerised with a host of performances from Opera North including Der Rosenkavalier (2 and 5 Nov) and Billy Budd (3 Nov).

Chart-topping young British soul man Michael Kiwanuka is the name on everyone’s lips. Following 2012’s debut album Home Again, music critics far and wide drew comparisons with Randy Newman, Bill Withers and perhaps most flatteringly Otis Redding. His outstanding follow-up Love & Hate however is worthy of even greater acclaim. The sheer scope of the album is unprecedented as the small-band sounds of his first are replaced by more expansive arrangements. Daringly, Kiwanuka fuses elements of soul and folk with almost cinematic strings. Such invention, is best demonstrated by the rollicking 10-minute opener Cold Little Heart which takes 5 minutes for Kiwanuka’s despairing self-lacerating vocals to even arrive on the scene.

Lyrically, Kiwanuka pours themes of longing, doubt, racial injustice and isolation into the melting pot with this sophomore record proving a lot more rounded than the classic folk-soul feel of his debut. Love & Hate is a real stonking offering from a man soon to become a household name.

The Orbison Story August 6 Sunderland Empire (0844) 871 3042 www.atgtickets.com Bryan Adams August 12 Durham Cricket Club www.ticketmaster.co.uk Bring It On: The Musical August 12-14 The Custom’s House (0191) 454 1234 www.customshouse.co.uk Crux August 13 02 Academy Newcastle (0191) 260 2020 www.academymusicgroup.com The Ken Dodd Happiness Show August 13-14 Whitley Bay Playhouse (0844) 248 1588 www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk No Man’s Land August 15-20 Newcastle Theatre Royal (0844) 8112 121 www.theatreroyal.co.uk Joe McElderry August 19-20 The Custom’s House (0191) 454 1234 www.customshouse.co.uk Roy Chubby Brown August 27 Whitley Bay Playhouse (0844) 248 1588 www.playhousewhitleybay.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 107

BUSINESS INSIGHT ARTS INSIGHT

Commission an Artist Commission aninto Artist turning your vision reality turning your vision into reality

Commission an Artist. They complete paintings of your dogs, cats, hor racts, landscapes, fantasy – you think it, they make it!

team themselves love to help clients and sts with their artwork. Artists can also ggle sometimes and, with a couple of artists the back office team, Commission An Artist acutely aware of the issues artists face.

The process is very simple:

Step 1 - Submit Your Brief by clicking the button below. Try to give us as muc information as you can so that we can good feel for your project.

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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

ARTS INSIGHT

Party People in The Park It’s the music which defined a generation, but with a twist.

And it’s coming to Sunderland this month…

Had someone told Happy Mondays and New Order back in the late 80s, that their tunes would one day be played by a 40-piece orchestra, chances are they’d have laughed.

Yet this is exactly what is happening in Sunderland later this month, as Haçienda Classical makes a one night only stopover at Herrington Country Park.

The critically acclaimed show takes some of the biggest floor-fillers from the now legendary ‘Madchester’ scene and gives them a modern classical twist.

Manchester Camerata Orchestra is joined by two of the club’s original DJs, Mike Pickering and Graeme Park as well as members of the AMC choir and special guests Peter Hook and Rowetta to take audiences on a journey back in time.

subject of Michael Winterbottom’s 2002 film 24 Hour Party People. Staged by Sunderland Live’s in-house music promoter Northern Sessions, the Wearside event will be held on Friday, August 19, and follows sell-out dates in Manchester, London, Glasgow, Lancaster and Brighton.

Joy Division and New Order’s Peter Hook – who was co-owner of the club - has been at the forefront of the project as executive producer, while Happy Mondays backing vocalist Rowetta owes her own rise to fame to her days in the club.

The show celebrates the music which once filled the former Haçienda nightclub in Manchester back in the late 80s and early 90s.

Rowetta describes Hacienda Classical as one of the most exciting projects she has ever worked on. “These tunes are classics, and to hear what Mike and Graeme have done with them is mindblowing,” she reveals.

The now legendary club is credited for the rise of acid house and rave music, and was the

“You have these massive hits from back in the day being brought to life by the orchestra. It’s

powerful, and sometimes a bit surreal. It appeals to dance fans who have never listened to classical as well as classical fans who may never have heard dance music.”

Karen Makepeace, in-house promoter for Northern Sessions believes the show will bring back happy memories to a whole generation of former party-goers.

“The whole dance music revolution was born out of the Haçienda club, and back in the 80s and 90s it was the only place to be, with people travelling there from all over the country to be a part of what was happening,” she said.

“Haçienda Classical takes audiences back to that era and the chance to relive those days, but the music has been given a whole new edge thanks to the orchestra and choir, mixed with the DJs, Rowetta and Peter Hook.

“To be able to bring Haçienda Classical to the north east is a real coup, and the beautiful setting of Herrington Country Park will provide the perfect backdrop for such a unique show.”

The show also features support act 808 State, another leading act from the era which features original band members Graham Massey and Andrew Barker.

General admission tickets cost £35 and are available from www.ticketline.co.uk/hacienda-classical-northern-sessions#bio or by calling 0844 88 89991. VIP packages are also available, priced at £100.

Further information is available at www.thenorthernsessions.co.uk 110

TRAVEL INSIGHT

‘Ryanair - The Newcastle connection’ 2016 has already been a superb year in the life of Newcastle International Airport with increased expansion of services. The latest additions to the airports schedules for 2017 are three new flights announced by Ryanair to Faro, Girona and Palma.

Following intense negotiation, the popular Irish based company has also included 5 new services to Gdansk, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Warsaw and Wroclaw.

Ryanair is Europe’s No1 airline today, which is testament to its ‘Always Getting Better’ initiative.

New and improved flights are only one part of the programme with new digital features, improved cabin interiors across the fleet and even more low fares on offer.

Leon McQuaid (Airport Development Manager) has played an important role in negotiating with Ryanair and its Director’s, “We are particularly pleased with the new routes Ryanair has announced, giving our travellers more choice both for business and leisure passengers. There will be

a huge new schedule for 2017 from the company.

We believe all the routes Ryanair operate at Newcastle are very strong, particularly the so called sunshine routes. The Irish carrier brings in a lower price route band which will be highly popular and with the amount of availability on offer, our customers will benefit greatly.”

With a number of carriers at the airport, negotiations have naturally been delicate but sustainable routes for Ryanair were evident and they fit into the airport’s picture well.

Robin Kiely, Head of Communications for Ryanair says, “We were here in the springtime and have been adding more routes over time,” he says,” Three things determine our involvement here; first is demand, do people want to fly from

here, Second, is aircraft, do we have enough aircraft to satisfy those routes and thirdly could we negotiate a viable deal with the airport.

The answer to those questions was yes. We worked very closely with John Irving (Business Development Director of Newcastle International Airport) and Leon to establish the feasibility of these routes and this will be the start of something big between Ryanair and the airport.”

Ryanair operate in 200 airports across Europe and potentially our local airport could be connected to anyone of those. The implications for further expansion are obvious. Newcastle looks forward to a long and profitable relationship with the Irish carrier.

Discover the World from Your Airport at www.newcastleairport.com/discover.

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TRAVEL INSIGHT

Singapore

- Service with a smile!

by Travel Writer, Ken Spearen

On our way back home from Brisbane, we chose to stay over in Singapore for a couple of nights. Like many travellers, we had often been in transit through its Changi Airport, one of the largest transportation hubs in Southeast Asia, but had never stopped over. This turned out to be a great decision. In the past, it had been described by some commentators as “little more than a sterile stopover” but things have changed dramatically.

Singapore has reinvented itself as one of the world’s coolest tourist destinations offering superb shopping, dining and diverse entertainment opportunities.

Singapore’s name is derived from Singapura, the Malay name for "Lion City" and the Merlion, a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, is the country’s national emblem.

The Republic of Singapore, to give it its official title, is very humid being situated 85 miles north of the equator and just south of the Malay Peninsula. Size-wise, it is quite a small country with a population of just over 3m but its location in the far-east is of strategic significance on the international stage.

Hotels in Singapore are plentiful and range dramatically in quality and price. From the

famous Raffles Hotel at over £230 a night room only, to the iconic gravity-defying Marina Bay Sands Hotel costing up to £550 B&B a night, there is accommodation available for every budget. Costing nearly $6billion to build, the latter is almost a resort in its own right offering 2,560 luxurious rooms spread over three separate towers sat on top of multi-level retail, conference and entertainment venues including a casino and theatre. The roof spanning all three towers offers the ultimate infinity pool with heart-stopping views. NB: This adrenalin pumping experience is not for the caffy-hearted as your brain is in survival mode where walking, let alone swimming, is a Herculean effort.

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As you do when in town, we made a point of visiting Raffles for a Singapore Sling but at £12 a go, we had just the one. Its interior had a very eerie feel and seemed to be relying heavily on the echoes of its past colonial glories. We finally booked into the extremely busy 4* V Lavender Hotel complete with outside swimming pool which at £70 a night was a great base to explore Singapore from. Its rooms were compact but quite adequate and very good value for money. A real trip down memory lane was its nostalgic inhouse 12” Bistro serving 12” pizzas while playing some rare 12” vintage vinyl records (which diners chose) on an old Dansette record player hooked up to the restaurant’s sound system.

Singapore's MRT (mass rapid transport) is the back bone of its transportation system. In the UK, our own Metro or the London tube system would be its equivalent but Singapore’s version is on a much grander scale. It runs from 5.30 am to 1 am daily, criss-crossing over 100 miles of the city carrying three million passengers a day from 113 stations. In the rush hour, spotless but crowded trains run every 60-120 seconds (on the dot!) and at six-minute intervals at all other times. Our hotel was very conveniently built on top of a shopping centre which in turn was itself built on top of the Lavender MRT station.

This very inexpensive way of getting around effortlessly whisked us across town to Singapore's massive Chinatown, one of Asia's biggest open air markets. Here you can buy anything and everything

TRAVEL INSIGHT

including the kitchen sink – and, whatever it is, they’ll ship it home for you! Prices are inexpensive and the market is hugely popular with tourists and locals alike. Although being very up close and personal with the jostling crowds of the market where you have to literally go with the flow, we didn’t feel uncomfortable or threatened at any time. It’s like Dubai used to be a decade ago.

The country’s “can do” mentality is due to

Singapore having no natural renewable resources (e.g. oil, gas and coal etc.) and water is scarce too so its economy relies very heavily on the service industry to attract tourists into the country to fund its imports. As a result, every local inhabitant we met was deferential, helpful, friendly and, more importantly, very good at their roles/jobs.

Nothing was too much trouble for them. The best example I can give was when we first went to Chinatown by MRT. On arriving, we were unsure

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which direction to take outside the station and were examining a tourist map when a young, suited and booted, professional type approached us and asked whether he could help. Being rather suspicious of his intensions initially, not only did he give us directions but also insisted on escorting us to Chinatown itself, even though he was on his way to work in the opposite direction.

Enough said?

LEISURE NEWS

Hawthorns celebrates new menu and unveils al fresco dining area Hawthorns Brasserie at Crowne Plaza Newcastle - Stephenson Quarter has launched a new menu and unveiled its summer terrace al fresco dining area.

menu is a celebration of great modern cooking, with produce from the fields of Northumberland, Durham and Yorkshire along with the seas off the Northumbrian coastline.

Accompanying the fantastic food is a choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including specialist martinis from a vast range of gins that can be used to engineer your own cocktail.

A relative newcomer to Newcastle’s thriving restaurant scene, the brasserie is already starting to build a reputation in the city and beyond as a place to enjoy superb food with a local twist.

A selection of small eats includes Mac and Cheese Bon Bons and Popcorn Cajun Rabbit.

Also on the menu is signature dish, Ingram Valley Lamb Loin and regular mains such as Turnbull’s of Alnwick Leek and Stilton Sausages and Toon Ale Battered Cod.

General Manager at Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter, Andrew Fox, said: “We want customers to have a truly bespoke experience by catering for all needs. Chris has done a fantastic job creating the menu. We have great food and drink areas which are complemented by live music from local musicians. Together they create a unique and truly special dining experience that we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy.”

The launch of its new menu, which is available all day, coincides with the opening of a new terrace area to offer an al fresco dining experience throughout the summer.

Designed by Executive Chef, Chris Wood, the

Freshly made sandwiches, a range of desserts, local cheeses, Afternoon Tea, which can be upgraded with bubbly, and a breakfast menu are also available.

Assembly Rooms seek public support to help celebrate big birthday Newcastle’s Assembly Rooms is searching for the region’s memories of the venue to create a special display to mark its 240th birthday this year.

The venue is asking members of the public to share their photographs, short stories and any other manner of memorabilia to be unveiled as a memory wall at its birthday celebration in

September.

Since opening its doors in 1776, countless occasions have been celebrated at The Assembly Rooms, including balls, dinners, banquets and weddings. They have welcomed thousands of guests from the region and beyond, including historic figures, royalty and some famous faces.

Antony Michaelides, Managing Director at The Assembly Rooms and Bonbar, said: “The Assembly Rooms is such an iconic building in the city which holds so many memories and our memory wall will allow these to be shared and celebrated.”

To submit your memories of The Assembly Rooms please email memories@opr.co.uk before Monday 12 September 2016.

26 Goldspink Lane | Sandyford | NE2 1NR, UK | t: 0191 232 5888 114

LEISURE NEWS

Newcastle Brown pours from Tyne Brewery site The first pint of Newcastle Brown Ale on draught was poured in the city on 12 July, in the very spot where the famous beer was first brewed.

The Shark Club Gastro Bar at Newcastle’s Sandman Signature Hotel has become the first bar in the city to install Tyneside’s legendary drink on tap.

The 170-room hotel opened its doors in 2011 in a former 1960s office block which formed part of the Scottish & Newcastle Brewery. It was there where Newcastle Brown Ale was first created in 1927 and quickly became the drink of choice among local people.

To mark the launch, the hotel is offering an exclusive overnight Brown Ale package. This includes one-night bed and breakfast, a draught pint of Brown Ale served in the Shark Club, one bottle to take home and Newcastle Brown Ale merchandise. Prices start at £99 per person.

NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week celebrates 5th anniversary From Mon 8 to Sun 14 Aug, over 90 of the city’s top restaurants are taking part in NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week, one of the major highlights in the city’s summer events calendar.

For seven days, diners can enjoy some of Newcastle’s finest restaurants for fixed price menus of £10 or £15 per person, with many of the city’s newest restaurants joining the illustrious list of dining venues involved in the event’s 5th anniversary year.

Since its launch in 2011, NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week continues to grow in stature and popularity as another ten restaurants are joining the event this August.

NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week is a firm fixture in the city’s events calendar with over 60% of customers visiting 2 or more restaurants during the week, with some dining out every night.

Spa at Ramside in the running for national industry award

Pop icon heads Oyster Festival line up Eighties icon Paul Young will lay down his hat at Hardwick Hall Hotel on Friday 30 September at the 13th annual North East Oyster Festival.

Famous for pop hits including Wherever I Lay My Hat, Love of the Common People and Every Time You Go Away, the pop heartthrob of the 1980s is still very much in demand as an artist as he is currently touring Europe.

A top North East spa is celebrating after being shortlisted for an industry award.

The Spa at Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham, has reached the finals of the first-ever Professional Beauty Regional Awards, which will take place in Manchester in September.

He will be joined at the festival by top comedian Bobby Davro as well as soul singer Diane Shaw who has performed alongside legends like Martha Reeves, Sister Sledge and Alexander O’Neal.

The finalists were chosen by a panel of judges for their “professionalism, innovation and customer service.” The overall winner will go to the national Professional Beauty Awards in February 2017.

The North East Oyster Festival supports Butterwick Hospice Care which operates hospices in Stockton and Bishop Auckland to care for people of all ages with progressive life-limiting illnesses.

Jill Russell, Spa Director, said: “This is fantastic news in a year that has been packed with great achievements. We were awarded five bubbles – the top award – by the Good Spa Guide within a few months of us opening and since then the spa has gone from strength to strength. To be shortlisted by professionals within our industry is another great accolade for the Spa at Ramside.”

Guest will be able to enjoy a Champagne reception, a three-course fruit de mer menu, oyster stalls and complimentary beer, lager and wine.

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LEISURE INSIGHT

New kitchen duo unveil menu revamp at new Lane7

L-R: Keith & Diego

The new duo installed to head the restaurant operations at Newcastle’s only boutique bowling alley have quickly set about making their own mark with brand new menu.

Keith Lothian and Diego Fenwick have been installed as head chef and sous chef respectively at central Newcastle’s Lane7 restaurant.

Keith, aged 24, started as sous chef at Lane7 when it opened two-and-ahalf years ago and, following stints at other leading Newcastle eateries, has returned to head up operations in the kitchens.

Keith, who lives in South Tyneside, said: “It’s wonderful to be back here at Lane7. Diego and I are keen to put our own stamp and personality on a new, exciting and re-energised menu. We’ve created some really exciting new dishes while remaining true to what customers know and love about the food here at Lane7.”

Working alongside him is Diego Fenwick. The 25-year-old sous chef, who lives in Heaton, started his career at Lane7 when it opened, having just arrived from a year in Argentina, where his mother originates from.

He said: “Meat and barbeques are all I remember from my upbringing.

Those periods spent in Argentina taught me so much about how different meats and cuts react to differing preparation and cooking methods. I’m thrilled with the trust Lane7 has placed in me since starting here and I’m really excited to be working side by side with Keith again. We make a great team.”

The new menu includes an extravagant lobster roll, featuring a butter-fried brioche bun filled with freshly-caught, seasoned and dressed lobster. Lane7 was the first permanent food outlet to bring pulled pork sandwiches to the masses in the North East and even that popular dish is having a makeover, coming in a new savory pretzel-style bun.

New burger ranges, new meat sharing platters and different styles of wet and dry ribs also feature on an extensive new menu that places the focus on freshness and powerful flavours.

Charlie Snow, operations manager at Lane7, said: “It’s really great to see Keith and Diego side by side again in the kitchens. They’ve got an instinctive understanding of each other and their passion and knowledge for extracting full flavours from the raw ingredients will have us back on the map as forerunners in new food movements, just as we were when we opened.”

In addition, Lane7 has invested heavily in new gaming attractions with two new firsts for the North East. The Racing Rig, a ten player racing game which comes with its own giant indoor track and individual race ‘cockpits’, launched this month. And later this summer, it has also confirmed its popular mini golf pop-up, last seen at the venue two summers ago, will also be making a permanent return to its basement.

Lane7 opened late in 2013, winning acclaim for its inventiveness and unique offering of grown up gaming, including bowling, pool and ping pong, alongside a refined approach to American style barbeque food.

No Ordinary Conference Venue

Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester Le Street, County Durham, DH3 4NX Tel: 0191 389 1111 www.lumleycastle.com

For more information contact Christian Cerisola at Glue PR on 07824 553170 116

LEISURE INSIGHT

Gorgeous Grenache August is the traditional month for the annual holiday with many of us heading for the warm and sunny climate of the south of France and Spain. This part of the world is famous not just for lovely beaches and warm sea, but it is also home to the world’s most widely planted red grape variety.

No, not Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Shiraz but Grenache; a grape that tends to play more of a supporting role in a multitude of wines not just in southern Europe but also in the “New World”, especially in California and Australia.

The Grenache vine is characterized by a strong, woody, upright growth that makes it ideal to being grown as stand alone “bush vines” rather than being trained along wires and trellises as is usually the case with other varieties such as Cabernet and Merlot.

This robust structure gives it good wind tolerance which is useful in exposed vineyard areas or those effected by strong winds such as the Mistral of France’s southern Rhone Valley. It is also a variety that performs well in hot and arid conditions meaning it is a perfect choice for the dry, warm and breezy climate around the Mediterranean. In order to survive in these conditions the Grenache sends its roots down to depths of many metres to seek out moisture and nutrients not available in the upper levels of the soil. This usually results in small quantities of fruit that have great character. The vine buds early and needs a long growing season to fully ripen - Grenache is often one of the last grapes to

be harvested, often ripening weeks after Cabernet Sauvignon. This long ripening period means the grapes develop very high sugar levels that in turn result in strong wines with levels of 15% alcohol and more common.

It generally produces red wines that are spicy, berry-flavoured and soft on the palate, wines that are low in acidity and tannins and as such it is usually blended with heftier, more assertive varieties like Syrah (Shiraz) Carignan, Tempranillo Mourvèdre and Cinsault.

Thin-skinned, the Grenache makes for paler coloured reds and it is this characteristic that makes the variety particularly suited to the production of rosés.

Grenache is planted all over southern France where it produces a vast range of different styles from rustic whites, to delicate rosés, and rich and robust reds.

Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre is regarded as

the holy trinity in this part of France. This is the classic blend for the southern Rhone’s best red wines: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Lirac, and a host of increasingly exciting wines from villages such as Rasteau and Cairanne. The Grenache is often the main variety in the wonderfully elegant Provençe rosés that so epitomise a holiday on the Côte d’Azur.

In Spain it is known as Garnacha and it is the country’s most widely planted red variety. It dominates vine plantings all over the northern half of the country that has more land planted to vines than any other in the world. Here it usually plays a supporting role to the more fashionable Tempranillo- especially in Rioja & Navarra.

So when you are enjoying your holiday in the South of France or Spain with a glass of something interesting in your hand, spare a thought for the Grenache, not the best known of varieties but certainly one of the most important.

Further information about the aforementioned wine 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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CORPORATE EVENTS @

TIGER HORNSBY Planning a corporate event?

Looking for a stunning venue?

At Tiger Hornsby we have everything you need for a flawless event. Set on Newcastle's iconic Quayside, we can offer: • • • • • • •

A beautiful backdrop to your occasion A first class service to you and your guests Bespoke catering & drinks packages Entertainment tailored to your gathering Full AV connectivity Large LED projector screen Free venue hire Monday to Wednesday

So if you're having an important meeting and want to impress, or a business celebration and need to pull out all the stops, Tiger Hornsby is the perfect host.

Interested in booking? Give us a ring or drop us an email and we will get straight back to you.

Te l : 0191 261 6141 Em a i l : e nquir ies @tiger ho r nsb y.co.uk Tige r Hornsby, 8-1 0 Close, Quayside, Newc a stle Upon Tyne, NE 1 3 RE

Relax and Unwind this Summer...

Life is all about balance and studies have shown that making time to relax can increase productivity, reduce blood pressure and help regulate sleep. We have tailored our Relaxing Serenity Spa Package to help relax your mind and boost your energy!

Your package includes; - Use of our award winning spa from 9am-3pm - Complimentary use of robes, towels and slippers - A delicious two course lunch in the Ozone - Choice of ONE of our 60 minute Signature treatments; Wellbeing Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Lava Shell Massage or Sundari Facial From only £110 per person. Valid Monday - Friday. Offer ends 31st August 2016. T&C’s apply.

Seaham Hall, Lord Byron’s Walk, Seaham, County Durham, SR7 7AG Call: 0191 516 1400 Email: reservations@seaham-hall.com

LEISURE INSIGHT

The Fighter and the Writer The North East’s first World Boxing Champion, Glenn McCrory and Award Winning Journalist, John Gibson, continue their tour of the region’s culinary hotspots with a visit to Terry Laybourne’s Saltwater Fish Company in Fenwick Food Hall.

of ice for £60 as three Japanese gentlemen, resplendent in smart suits, decided was definitely for them.

Terry Laybourne, a son of the North East, is a leading light in the culinary world.

He first came to prominence at the picturesque Fisherman’s Lodge in Jesmond Dene where he was head chef for eight years.

The Fighter and the Writer began their assault on the taste buds with pickled herring, russian salad and caviar at £6.80 and Lindisfarne oyster, soy, ginger and cucumber at £2.50 each. A gorgeous way to ease into a lovely lunch.

Having thoroughly learned his trade Terry decided in 1988 to open his first restaurant, 21 Queen Street. Four years later, he was receiving congratulations upon receiving a Michelin Star.

Now Laybourne’s business empire has grown to include 21, Cafe Vivo, and the Broad Chare on the Quayside along with the Saltwater Fish Company, Ko Sai, and Cafe 21 all housed within Fenwick.

of his is a must see,” insisted Glenn while Gibbo remembers first encountering the master chef during regular visits to the Fisherman’s Lodge with local celebrities for the monthly North East Football Awards.

Both fish lovers, Glenn McCrory and John Gibson targeted the Saltwater Fish Company which has been open for less than a year and is all about fast, fun seafood dining with delicious dishes cooked to order right in front of your very eyes.

So it was a lunchtime of wallowing in the delights of the sea for our intrepid pair. Well if the Saltwater Fish Company is good enough for Simon King, the Geordie one in the Hairy Bikers who has dropped in a couple of times then it would probably be good enough for us!

Bar stools and an open kitchen make it a bright and stylish place to drop in when the shopping demands a break. Open from 11am to 7pm, its a must which particularly attracts crowds on a Saturday.

We sampled most things on the menu, smiled Glenn and Gibbo, “trying to find something we didn’t like but we couldn’t.”

“Terry is the guv’nor up here and any new place

The range of food is terrific from a two course fixed price menu at £16.50 to a splendid heaving array of delicacies laid decoratively on a bucket

Main course produced a riot of choice _ five Farne Island langoustines with mayonnaise £21.50; new season’s wild salmon, lemon, black pepper and hot butter £18.50; seared rare tuna, new potatoes, salsa verde £18.50; whole roast sea bream, lime, butter and basil £15.95; and summer lobster salad, tomato, avocado and mayonnaise £19.50 some of the diamonds.

All washed down of course with in our case a very pleasant bottle of Cuvée 21 Blanc George DuBeouf. Cost: £18.90 “Even Rick Stein would be drooling at this sea food extravaganza,” declared Glenn to nodded agreement from his pal.

There’s no way to spend a more satisfying lunch break from the chores of the day with the service both friendly and attentive. Thoroughly recommended to all.

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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LEISURE INSIGHT

Airbnb fails to take off for business travellers Holiday makers from London to Sydney and everywhere in-between may have been quick to jump on the success of Airbnb, but according to one study the “unique accommodation provider” has failed to make an impact on business travellers.

Founded in 2008, Airbnb sees hosts offer their worldwide properties out for rent online, including here in the North East.

But Guild of Travel Management Companies (GTMC) figures show that just 2% of frequent corporate travellers would book through a site like Airbnb. The biggest reasons for the low number of business travellers who are fans of the website are, so say the stats, ease of booking, safety and knowing what you’ll get. The number one concern though was by far complimentary Wi-Fi – with 96% of business travellers pointing it out as a necessity.

Facilities such as this have consistently been a sticking point for business travellers with technology now an absolutely vital part of the business world both in the office and on the go.

If it isn’t fully comprehensive or in an even worse case scenario, isn’t offered at all, it can put off business travellers completely.

At Week2Week Serviced Apartments, we know that business comes first and with us you know exactly what to expect – free WiFi, a fully serviced apartment which can be viewed before booking, and a real time booking option which allows you to see exactly the availability and dates in front of your eyes.

A major worry for travellers using Airbnb and similar sites that has come up time and time again, is an understandable one – the lack of guarantee of a good service, comfortable beds and working showers included. In short, the lack

of reassurances is a real concern.

Fully serviced, a Week2Week apartment can give you the true feeling of being home away from home with the added extra of a prime location in the north east with excellent transport links including Newcastle and Gateshead quays, Jesmond and Tynemouth, as well as worldwide locations - meaning the only thing you need to worry about is getting on with your business.

We are fully certified and accredited by the Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP) and members of the TAS alliance - so you can be safe in the knowledge that you are booking from a reputable company, taking away a lot of the ‘what ifs’ of booking from a mystery ‘host’ through a site like Airbnb.

And did we mention the complimentary, 100% free Wi-Fi?

For more details about us and our properties or to make a booking, visit www.week2week.co.uk or get in touch over the phone on 0191 281 3129 or email us at info@week2week.co.uk.

Week2Week - your home-from-home alternative to hotel accommodation.

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Spring into Summer at Malmaison Malmaison Newcastle held a launch for its summer food and drink menus on 30thJune, which showcased the new Ă la carte, afternoon tea and cocktail menus. 70 guests were treated to a night of delicious food, expertly mixed cocktails and live music, whilst taking in the breath-taking views of the Millennium Bridge, in the stylish quayside setting.

HG Afternoon Tea Insight Magazine:Layout 1

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Come and indulge in Afternoon Tea at Horton Grange!

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!

Available 7 days a week, 12pm - 5pm

The Horton Afternoon Tea From £16.95 The Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea From £17.50 Horton Grange Country House Hotel

@HortonGrange

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

LEISURE INSIGHT

Crathorne Hall Rises from the Ashes by Michael Grahamslaw Whilst Lisa and I took advantage of a couple of day’s well-earned holiday in Cannes, we discussed at some length my mother-in-law’s forthcoming 70th birthday and where to take Joyce for a treat that she would appreciate. The venue needed to be special and somewhere that she and husband Tommy had never been before.

It also needed to be somewhere with history, meaningful to their era. It was quite a tall order but after researching all the requirements on the net, the only place to meet all criteria was Crathorne Hall in Yarm.

As Northern Insight Magazine is attracting a lot of interest and business backing from the southern end of our area, I thought it a great idea to entertain my "outlaws" and follow it up by writing an article about my experience.

Crathorne Hall ticked all the boxes for our celebratory family night out. This large country house was built for the Dugdale family in 1906 during the reign of King Edward V11. To give you an idea of scale, it originally had 115 rooms, 41 of which were bedrooms and its 26 live-in servants actually had their own servants’ wing. Now that is serious style. It remained in the family until 1977 and has since transformed into a top notch Grade 11-listed country house hotel.

For nearly four decades it has had many distinguished Royal visitors including the late Queen Mother and more recently, Prince Charles. Exprime ministers who have also sampled its delights include Sir Anthony Eden, Sir Alec Douglas-Home and Harold Macmillan, the original "Super Mac" of his time. Other dignitaries and celeb visitors include Lord Louis Mountbatten, Group Captain Douglas Bader, racing driver Graham Hill, actresses Dame Edith Evans and Dame Sybil Thorndyke, musician Yehudi Menuhin and composer Benjamin Brittain whilst more modern day comedians include John Cleese, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graham Chapman and Bill Oddie who liked the place so much, he stayed on for an additional week.

Set in 15 acres of prime real-estate in Yarm on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, this extremely imposing Grade 1-listed, 4-star hotel

country house hotel boasts 37 bedrooms and a 2AA rosettes award-winning restaurant.

Following a fire that badly damaged and virtually demolished its east wing in 2014, destroying the kitchen, basement, four meeting rooms and a

corridor connecting many bedrooms, it has recently undergone a £4.5m sympathetic restoration using traditional lath and plaster work to restore the original ceilings and even slate, hand cut, to match the existing roof. Externally, it has been restored so expertly that thankfully it looks like nothing has changed and it retains its original stately charm but inside is where the magic begins. All 37 of its bedrooms have now reopened revealing stylish, individually designed interiors.

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Our party stayed in the sumptuous Welbury and York rooms respectively and after settling in, we got our bearings by having a stroll around Crathorne Hall's magnificent gardens. Their peace and tranquillity belied the private estate's nearness to Teesside and the A19 and Joyce and Tommy were absolutely blown away by it all - just the effect Lisa and I were hoping for. They are really great people and deserve all the comfort and cossetting they get.

The evening was rounded off with a truly superb meal. Initially, our guests of honour who, like most of their peer group, prefer traditional British cuisine, were worried that the menu could be a bit too rich for them but the hotel pulled out all the stops and found them both a favourite meal of their choice.

That’s what I call accommodating service and it perfectly matched a memorable meal.

A wonderful evening was rounded off with some coffee in an extremely comfortable lounge, from which I had to be prised away from, before retiring to our rooms for a great night’s sleep.

Without doubt, Crathorne Hall is an impressive place that would satisfy the most demanding connoisseur.

It is part of the prestigious Hand-picked Hotels Group and is situated just off the A19 (sign-posted Crathorne), south of Middlesbrough. For those arriving by road, there is plentiful free parking at the top of its sweeping drive and SatNav coordinates are TS15 0AR. For more information either call 01642 700398/0845 072 7440 or alternatively, log onto www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/crathornehall and be prepared to be transported back to a golden age where royalty, nobility, politicians and socialites rubbed shoulders in its famous corridors.

With IT connectivity being improved as part of the refurbishment work, it now has all the modern extras demanded by today’s business movers and shakers.

Put simply, this upscale hotel is truly exceptional and I cannot wait to return for a special occasion.

With my daughter Holly growing up fast, I think it’s time to start putting some money aside for her wedding and I think I’ve found just the venue!

Crathorne Hall Hotel

Book and benefit…

Book your meeting or conference to take place in August, September or October and choose from the following to enhance your day: - Bacon rolls or fruit platters and orange juice to be served with your arrival refreshments - An afternoon pick-me-up of confectionery and soft drinks - Coffee and KitKat for your delegates onward journey e - Organiser goes free delegat y a d - Complimentary upgrade for the organiser should they stay over - Discounted syndicate hire Additionally the trainer can enjoy a complimentary breakfast on arrival prior to the event.

rates

ust £32 j t a t r a st

For more information or to book, please call 01642 700398 crathornehall@handpicked.co.uk rathornehall@handpicked.co.uk handpickedhotels.co.uk/crathornehall @CrathorneHall facebook.com/crathornehall Crathorne Hall Hotel, Crathorne, Yarm TS15 0AR

LARGE HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2015

escape to matfen hall Matfen Hall is an ideal escape for your prestigious event.

A lovingly restored country house hotel with all the modern facilities you’ve come to expect; a magnificent golf course, finest dining and luxurious Spa facilities.

From meetings and private dining to conferences and product launches, our dedicated Event Co-ordinator is here to ensure your event is a huge success.

Matfen Hall, Matfen Village, Newcastle, NE20 0RH - Tel: 01661 886 500

Discover more at www.matfenhall.com

LEISURE INSIGHT

A Rookie’s Top Lunchtime Experience

by Clarke Kennedy

As a new chap on the block, I’m eager to impress the boss so I thought I’d kick start my writing debut with the magazine by sampling what the Caledonian Hotel on Osborne Road, Jesmond was serving on a lunchtime.

The Billabong Bistro and the Billabong Bar are based in the very up-market looking Georgian hotel which I’m assured by those in the know has a contemporary edge with its vibrant cafe and bar culture, especially on an evening.

The Bistro has a very relaxed vibe while the lively Bar offers alfresco dining on its outdoor terrace. On the extremely hot day I tipped up, it was just the jobbie.

The Billabong Bar offers a classic gastro pub menu with a tapenade corner, I think they mean tapas, where a single dish was only £1.95; two was £5.50 and three for a very reasonable £8.00.

The twelve dishes to pick from included red pepper and jalapeno bites with salsa and king prawns with a garlic dip to sautéed chorizo sausage and mushrooms in red wine and pan fried potato cubes in chilli, smoked bacon and tomato sauce. For a more leisurely lunch or dinner, a varied starter menu alongside pizzas at £7.50 a pop, plus a choice of salads bowls and wraps. Mains included steaks, curry, pasta and, of

course, fish and chips plus class burgers and deli sandwiches.

After my Nachos with cheese, salsa and guacamole starter over a glass or two of a most agreeable rosé on the terrace, my Steak Frit with all the works at a tenner really went down well.

I think I will bring my new girlfriend here on an evening as the prices plus the prestigious look of the establishment are bound to impress her. She’s teaching me Geordie and I’m attempting to teach her Oxbridge English. I think I’m having more success than she is, “ye knaa what ah mean leik?”

No? Oh well, I am trying. No doubt the mag’s editor will sub this anyway.

On reflection, I will have the smoked BBQ beef and peppers wrap with salad and chips next time.

Great tucker here, sorry, I mean “scran”, at very reasonable prices!

After an agreeable luncheon, I pushed back to observe other customers. There was a mix of business execs, ladies-who-lunch, foodies out for a quick lunchtime bite and even a couple of

students sharing tapas dishes which took me back to my happy undergrad years. How can I be so precise? That’s easy, I just flashed my new Northern Insight business card and asked them.

This magazine’s obviously got clout as all parties were cooperative and interested in why I wanted to know. They even asked where my photographer was. I could defo get used to this again. As you can probably tell, I’m a newcomer to the area and am sharing with two Geordie flatmates who do their best to update me on everything that’s cool in the North East. They call me a Cockney but that’s not true because leafy Surry where I was born is far from the sound of Bow Bells. Please drop me a line if there’s a venue you could recommend to me and I’ll do my best to accommodate all requests - as long as it’s not that “go back home, posh boy” again. It’s really isn’t very helpful, tha knars?

www.peelhotels.co.uk/hotels/caledonian-hotel-newcastle-upon-tyne-tyne-and-wear-england/ 126

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 available. 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

National award for regional investor The owners of Newcastle’s Tiger Tiger entertainment venue, has scooped a national award – beating out competition from international heavyweights in the process.

Novus Leisure took the top prize at 2016’s Relationship Building/CRM category at the Marketing on Mobile Awards (MOMA) for its customer experience dashboard, after seeing off competition from finalists Carling, O2, Renault and AstraZeneca.

Created by Novus’ digital agency, Red Ant, the dashboard was launched across the Novus Leisure estate in December 2015 after successful trials, and actively analyses feedback across multiple channels including social media review sites and surveys.

Kevin Walker, regional operations manager at Tiger Tiger Newcastle says the investment in the technology is paying off already.

He said: “We are beyond thrilled to have won this award against such incredible competition. Praise must go to our digital agency, Red Ant, which worked hand-in-hand with us to bring our vision to life and launch this ground breaking technology across our estate. As a business, we are driven by innovation, with our customers at the heart of every decision we make.”

As part of the judging criteria, the operator was required to demonstrate evidence of clear strategic thinking, innovation, effectiveness, tangible results, together with clarity and transparency.

Now in its fourth year, the MOMA awards celebrate the campaigns, brands and agencies at the forefront of the mobile industry.

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LEISURE INSIGHT

On the Tee-box - Linden Hall, Northumberland Golf course architect Jonathan Gaunt must have rubbed his hands with glee at being given the job of designing the golf course at Linden Hall. Combining a mixture of mature woodland, wonderful countryside, established lakes, ponds and streams, Gaunt has been instrumental in delivering a perfect mix of golf holes that are a real treat to play. Opened in the mid-90s, the course appears a lot more mature than its tender years might suggest.

There are four loops of holes, all starting and finishing near the hall and it’s ideal for those golfers who do not want to play a full 18. At the higher points on the course, players are treated to magnificent views of The Cheviots and the stunning Northumberland countryside. The Linden Hall course starts with a strong, slightly uphill 417-yard par-four, played usually into the prevailing wind. With trees lining both sides of the fairway, the drive is a little intimidating but the fairway does open up around the 150-yard marker. A good drive should leave a medium to long iron to a generous green sloping right to left.

Walk off with a par and it’s a good start to your round.

fact file

The second is another good par-four and at just under 400 yards. A ditch crosses the fairway at around 265 yards but this only comes into play for the longest of hitters. The second shot is played to an elevated and undulating green protected by two bunkers on the right. The third is the longest hole on the course and a genuine three-shotter for most of us. Try to keep to the

GREEN FEES Weekday Adults £50, Juniors £25 Weekends Adults £60, Juniors £30 Full memberships available - £499 Buggies available £25 a round TOTAL DISTANCE Douglas course White tees - 6,502 yards Yellow tees - 6,117 yards Red tees - 5,530 yards FEATURES 18-hole parkland course

left side of the fairway to avoid being blocked out by a tree on the right, 55 yards from the green.

The short fourth is the first of four very attractive par threes on the course. No room for error here, the 159-yard tee shot is over a large pond to a small green surrounded by trees.

Holes five and six are both par fours well over 400 yards. Played from an elevated tee, the drive at the fifth is downhill to a generous landing area with out of bounds to the left and a water hazard on the right. The approach shot should be no more than a mid iron to a green protected by three bunkers. The sixth dog-legs sharply to the right, with a stream crossing the fairway 125 yards from the green. The second shot is played slightly uphill to a green which slopes right to left and falls away to the left.

The par-three seventh is the second gem on the course. Played from another elevated tee, the green is protected by a large pond on the left and surrounded by trees. The last hole on the front nine is a 516-yard par-five back towards the Hall.

Two large bunkers left and right come into play from the tee and if avoided, the longer hitters may well have a go for the green in two. Play the second shot to the left side of the fairway to leave a clear pitch to a large green.

The back nine begins with the stroke index one 10th and a dog-leg to the right. With out of bounds to the right and three bunkers protecting the corner of the dog-leg, an accurate drive is required to leave any chance of making this

Driving range Short game practice facility Putting green PGA tuition available Well stocked shop, Changing rooms Excellent bar and dining facilities Ample car parking CADDY’S TIP Make use of the short game facility and practise your chipping and approach play even the best of players will have difficulty hitting some of the greens in regulation

400-yard par-four in regulation. The signature hole 13th (see fact file) is followed by a 395yard par-four and a dog-leg right. The fairway is generous for the tee shot, but it does tighten up the closer you get to the green. The third of the par threes is the 15th and well worth adding to your photograph collection. At 173 yards from the back tee, the tee shot is played through a narrow avenue of trees, over another large pond to a receptive green surrounded by trees.

At 530 yards, the 16th is the easiest par-five on the course. A very wide fairway awaits the drive before rising uphill towards the green. Played usually downwind, this hole should be a good birdie chance.The final par-three on the course is next. This 176-yard hole requires a good long iron, over a water hazard to find the large putting surface. With two bunkers on the right and another pond on the left, a par here is a bonus.

If you have a good score running, take care at the final hole or disaster looms – a very tough 429-yard par-four finishing hole with water on the right and trees, gorse and bushes on the left. A long accurate drive is required to reach the corner of the dog-leg to bring the green into view. The approach is then played through large trees and over a stream to a green protected by bunkers left and right.

Finish with a four and you’ll certainly enjoy a pint or two in the Linden Tree Pub.

SIGNATURE HOLE The 556-yard par-five 13th is a classic and a genuine three shotter. A double dog-leg requiring two accurate shots to get within range of a small green protected by water front, left and right. Total commitment is required for the third shot otherwise a watery grave and a bogey or worse will be the end result - a very good test of course management.

MacDonald Linden Hall, Golf & Country Club, Longhorsley, nr Morpeth Northumberland, NE65 8XF Tel (golf): 01670 500 011 Hotel: 01670 500 000 Email: golf.lindenhall@macdonald-hotels.co.uk Web: www.macdonald-hotels.co.uk/lindenhall

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LEISURE INSIGHT

A Top Afternoon Tea with “Caroline”

by Clarke Kennedy Happily, things are going well for me on the magazine so I thought I would dash up country to St Mary's Inn near Morpeth for a spot of afternoon tea. I took Caroline, my new girlfriend with me as I wanted to impress her. She seems proper posh and tells me she is part of the county set (although she didn’t say which one) and I’m not really in her league - but I do like a challenge.

Things seem to be going quite well though and I think she was initially attracted by my attempts at speaking Geordie which she thought were hilarious, even though I wasn't trying to be. Set on a new Northumberland development near Stannington village, we pitched up in my old Beemer and I was immediately taken by the fact that this imposing red brick building complete with a clock tower was more like an Edwardian stately pile rather than a country pub. Built on the sight of the old St. Mary’s Hospital which closed in 1996, some of its outhouses have been converted into housing, whilst the former administration building has been transformed into St Mary’s Inn, a country pub with 11 country-style bedrooms.

We started off in its capacious bar, an extremely customer-friendly hostelry serving real ale including its own custom made St Mary's Ale from the Wylam Brewery in Northumberland.

This is right up my street and would be a great place for some good old fashioned carousing.

Working dogs were very much in evidence with their respective masters giving it a very rural feel. It really reminded me of home and Dexter, my old golden retriever, whom I miss terribly.

Apparently, not only are dogs very welcome at St Mary’s but they can also have their own popcorn and dog beer. How cool is that - I've never seen a squiffy pooch before. After Caroline's third glass of fizz, our afternoon tea arrived and what tucker it was. It consisted of a choice of teas, crustless sandwiches, just like at home, plus scones with cream and jam, and some really terrific cakes. We feasted regally in the cloisters but moved outside for Caroline to take in some rays. Our leisurely afternoon repast was informal and unstuffy and I can thoroughly recommend both the food and the experience itself.

St Mary’s has a lot going for it and would make a fortune down in my old stamping ground in the Home Counties. It serves good, flavoursome food and real ale in very hospitable surroundings.

Since my flying visit which was too brief to take everything in, I have since looked the establishment up on the internet (www.stmarysinn.co.uk) and was surprised by the diversity of other things it has to offer. A showcase for local artists and photographers, the current exhibition ‘The Trophy Room’ is by Trai Anfield, an ex-BBC local weather presenter. On display until 2nd October this is a series of wildlife and landscape images displaying her natural history photography prowess. From the couple of pictures featured on the web, she is obviously a highly talented lady and I’m going back to see for myself later this month to immerse myself in art, great food and real ale. An overnighter to fully recover from the experience is on the cards as I noted that St Mary’s is offering a very good value 3-course dinner, bed and breakfast package starting at just £105 per couple.

Another version of that is their Romantic Escape which includes a bottle of fizz on arrival which

I’m hoping will appeal to Caroline. Hope springs eternal, you know. I’m a single, red blooded male with a degree in geography and, according to my publisher, prospects in publishing. What else can I say?

My flatmates have given up trying to teach me how to speak Geordie and I’m now trying to teach them Oxbridge English. I don’t think they are taking it seriously though as they sound like a cross between Sir Lawrence Olivier and Ross Noble. I’m beginning to think they are taking the rise out of me.

No matter, whether it’s just a good meal, reasonably priced wine or real ale you are looking for or perhaps just a lunchtime haven for entertaining a business client, which of course Caroline is (?), this warm and welcoming, nononsense, sociable great British establishment deserves our patronage – with or without Caroline, if that really is her name. . .

Open every day from 8am to 11 pm with all day dining available up until 9.30pm, St Mary’s Inn can be located at St Mary’s Lane, St Mary’s Park, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 6BL. Tel: 01670 293293 130

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

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LEISURE INSIGHT

All about the Alpha Male In the ten years that Alpha Male Grooming has been open, a lot has changed in the world of men’s grooming. With men arguably now more willing to invest in their appearance than ever before, the market is expanding massively among men of all ages and professions.

| But for Alpha Male Grooming, they are a decade ahead of the curve.

Since opening in July 2006, they have built up a regular clientele of men wanting everything from haircuts and shaves to massages, manicures and waxing.

From its base just off Gosforth High Street, conveniently situated next to Regent Centre, Alpha Male Grooming has changed with the times, adapting its services in line with the latest trends. It has also expanded accordingly – since being opened with a staff of two, it now boasts a ninestrong team to accommodate growing demand. Earlier this year, it beat off hundreds of salons across the UK to reach the finals of the Revlon/ American Crew men’s hair competition, receiving national recognition in the process.

With a strong and growing client base, taking in everyone from young children to men in their 80s – and even one man who lives in Brazil, but waits until his trips to his native Newcastle to have his hair cut at Alpha Male Grooming – the salon is well positioned for the future.

Back in 2006, owner Lee Hetherington - who trained in salons in Fenwick’s in Newcastle and world-famous Harrods in London, and then spent 13 years with a leading barber in Jesmond – spotted a gap in the market for a dedicated men’s grooming salon.

“There were plenty of barber shops and there were plenty of beauty salons, but nothing in between just for men. That was the idea I had for a while so I just went for it,” he said.

“At first there was just me and Jane Robson, who is still here today, and we started out mainly just cutting hair and doing shaves, but we’ve added various other services as time has gone on. Even when we first opened we had a good client base, including several clients who had been with me since I worked in Fenwick’s, and that’s something that continues to grow all the time.

“One of the main differences to other places when we first opened was that we offered appointments – for a lot of men, who were used to sitting and queueing in the barber’s, that was a really strange concept. But now it’s so popular we even offer booking online through our website.

“Trends change all the time, so we have to keep pace – our shaving services aren’t so much in demand at the minute as everyone seems to be growing beards, so we offer various grooming services and products for beards. And the rise of social media has been massive, Instagram in particular. Whereas when we first started out, we had style books in the salon for inspiration, now clients are bringing in photos on their phones of the style they want.

“It’s amazing that you and your clients can get inspiration from around the world, it’s no longer just the big names who get the exposure. There could be a barber in Peru renting one chair in a tiny salon, but his ideas and designs could be inspiring us here in Gosforth. It’s huge for our whole industry.”

Alpha Male Grooming – which is a stockist of American Crew and Dapper Duke products - expanded in September last year to offer Alpha Femme, a women’s hair and beauty salon in an adjoining unit, which is run by Lee’s wife Claire.

Lee said: “It’s been a good addition for us, and made use of space that we already had but weren’t using. Claire has been a beauty therapist for a long time but didn’t have her own salon, so she moved her business in here. Her friend Faye does the hair and Claire does the beauty, they’ve worked together for a long time, so it’s a good atmosphere in there.

“Alpha Femme is doing well – similar to when I opened Alpha Male, they have a loyal client base they’ve built up over the years, so that’s something they are building on all the time.”

With Alpha Male Grooming having such a strong foothold in such a growing market, what are the plans for the future? According to Lee, more of the same.

“We are just going to keep doing what we’re doing – keep growing, keep expanding, keep on top of trends, and keep adapting our services to match. We know we will have competitors, but we are confident in what we do and will just keep going, hopefully for another 10 years and a lot more,” he said.

For more information, visit www.alphamalegrooming.co.uk 133

LEISURE INSIGHT

Newcastle’s Entertainers set to mark 20th Anniversary of Man Utd win with a charity rematch

| Newcastle United’s record goal scorer, Alan Shearer, announced that he will in fact be returning to the dugout one more time as the Newcastle Legends take on Manchester Select at Kingston Park on Sunday 9th October in aid of the Alan Shearer Foundation.

ALAN SHEARER

(Newcastle Legends Manager) “I don’t think I will be able to play - my knees and ankles are shot and knackered.

“I might be able to stretch it to kick-off but unfortunately my body is not as good as it used to be. I’ll be in the dugout though and Les will be my number two. I’m working on it though - I’m giving them all time to get fit.”

“Rob, he needs a good three months to get fit so hopefully he’ll be involved, I’m sure he will be. I’m giving him a little bit of time to get a bit of fitness, the same with Bez and a few others.”

DARREN PEACOCK “I was disappointed with myself in the first Entertainers fixture as I didn’t last that long (a matter of minutes).

“I was so unfit that it was unreal so now I’ve got the time to shed some of the timber and it gives me a target to work towards as well. It’s also going to be good seeing everyone again, especially for such a great cause as this. Whoever turns up it’ll be good to have a chat and be able to reminisce about yesteryear. It just won’t be as dynamic performance as twenty years ago.”

RUEL FOX “We did OK I guess against Liverpool but I’m hoping that we give a better account of ourselves this time.

“For me though I just want to see how my legs hold out and if I can get the ninety minutes in then I will do, especially with it being a charity game. I’m honoured to be asked by Alan to play in the game, even more so after his recent CBE honour by The Queen for his services to charity and the North-East community.”

TINO ASPRILLA “In those days Manchester United were our big rivals and they broke our hearts when they won the title in that infamous season.”

“It will be good to see the lads again. The banter in the dressing room is what I miss. I could not understand a lot of what the lads said but my interpreter at the time Nick Emmerson would help me out. I’m pleased to say that he will be popping along to the game this time.”

“I am looking forward to pulling on the Black and White shirt of Newcastle one last time in front of the fans. When Alan asked me to play there was only going to be one answer. I am already in training now for the game, I am determined to get a goal or two for the fans this time. I might try and persuade Keith Gillespie to switch sides at half time to help me get a hat-trick!”

| On the opposite side of the field, a former Newcastle and Manchester United star takes charge of the Manchester Select. Northern Ireland’s Keith Gillespie played for both sides during the nineties and bided his time before announcing his first two players - there’ll certainly be more to come.

KEITH GILLESPIE (Manchester United Select)

“It’s going to be fun pitting my wits against a duo like Alan and Les. “Picking people like May and Blackmore will certainly counteract any threat the Newcastle side will look to pose – and we have a few aces of our own don’t forget. Some big names have played for both clubs down the years and a game like this will showcase that fact.

“I’m honoured to be not only given the chance to manage a Manchester Select, but to be able to help raise money for such a worthy cause.”

DAVID MAY “Alan and myself played together during my time at Blackburn.”

“We remained friends ever since so I’m looking

forward to helping raise money for his charity.

When Keith (Gillespie) asked me if I’d play I was more than happy to say yes and always will to occasions like this. Being able to get together with the lads and to raise charitable funds is an amazing thing and I’m really looking forward to it.”

“Alan though is up there with some of the best strikers and I’ve played with lads like (Andy) Cole, (Ole Gunnar) Solskjaer, (Dwight) Yorke and more.

He set goal scoring records that I don’t think anyone can beat; which will certainly last the next decade at least.”

“As for St James Park, if anyone ever asks me then that place is always up there with the best of, after Old Trafford of course, the atmosphere, the passion, it’s unbelievable. The intimidation, and noise levels, will either to get to you, or it will spur you on – that day it got to us.”

CLAYTON BLACKMORE “I played with Keith the year after I returned from a double hernia operation and after we won that first Premier League title.”

“We won the Reserve League that year together, first time in 36 years; I then moved to Middlesbrough and did the exact same thing, winning the old First Division championship then Reserve League consecutively. I felt I was on a bit of a roll there.

“Shearer though, he was a great player and should be given the England job; although in this game I’d love to play up front as I did in the Reserves and maybe score a hat-trick – the competitive side is still there with us all and I’m aware there’ll be some younger, maybe fitter players on the day.

“Although I’ve not played football for a while it’s incredible that we can still come together on occasions like this, for a fantastic reason, is amazing.”

WHEN: October 9 2016 KO: 13:30 (gates open Noon) WHERE: Kingston Park, Newcastle Falcons RUFC COST: £10 Adults, £5 Children (Corporate Packs Available) HOW TO PURCHASE: www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk or 0871 226 6060 (Corporates 0191 214 2892) 134

THE FACTS The Alan Shearer Centre is a highly specialist, respite, residential and social facility for people with complex disabilities and acute sensory impairments. Situated on the outskirts of Newcastle the establishment comprises three specialist facilities on the same site: a short break provision, offering respite care tailored specifically to the needs of our disabled guests, a new specialist residential home for disabled adults with multiple needs, and an activity centre, open daily to disabled children and adults offering a wide range of therapeutic and sensory activities – www.alanshearerfoundation. org.uk & www.alanshearercentre.org.uk//index. php – follow on Twitter at @AlanShearerFndn

H E A LT H I N S I G H T

Cosmetic Surgery at Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital Considering Cosmetic Surgery is a huge decision which is why at Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital we specialise in providing the right level of information, so our patients can make an informed decision regarding surgery.

How to choose a Plastic Surgeon Choosing the right surgeon to perform your surgery, is one of the most important in the decision process along with choosing your provider. At Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital, all our specialists are registered Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and registered with the appropriate professional bodies including the GMC (General Medical Council) and BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons). At Nuffield Health we also require our consultants to work within the NHS or be retired from the NHS which means you can feel rest assured knowing your consultant is highly experienced and qualified and working both locally within the trust and here at our hospital, in Jesmond Newcastle upon Tyne.

How to choose a provider Choosing the right provider is paramount in ensuring you receive the right level of care when undergoing your chosen cosmetic provider. At Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital, we provide the highest level of care in first class surroundings, ensuring our patients feel confident on arrival as well as comfortable and safe throughout their stay.

We have a dedicated Cosmetic Surgery team including specially trained nurses, who are available should you have any queries or

concerns prior or following surgery. Our relationship with you doesn’t end when you walk out of our hospital. As a Nuffield Health patient, subject to the clinical needs related to your procedure, there are no time limits on your aftercare**

Cosmetic Procedures Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospitals offer a range of cosmetic surgery procedures including, but not limited to: Breast Augmentation Breast Uplift Breast Reduction Tummy Tuck Liposuction Facelift Browlift Rhinoplasty Otoplasty (ear correction/repositioning) Eyelid surgery Neck lift Brachioplasty (arm lift) Pectoral implants Gynaecomastia (male breast reduction) Injections for wrinkles

What’s next?

We know that making such a personal and potentially life-enhancing decision isn’t easy.

But don’t worry, we’re here to help and we always set aside plenty of time to discuss your plans with you.

Complimentary one-to-one appointment We offer complimentary one-to-one appointments for patients considering surgery who are still undecided and unsure whether surgery is right for them. These appointments are a great opportunity to ask questions that only a consultant can answer. There will not be a nurse chaperone available as this appointment is for advice and guidance only.

Out-Patient appointment Once you’ve done your research and you’re ready to proceed, then a full consultation is the next step. During your consultation, your consultant will provide all of the necessary information and perform a full examination in order to provide further advice regarding your surgery.

Our aim is to provide a different kind of treatment for cosmetic surgery patients – the Nuffield Treatment. The difference is we’re an independent not-for-profit organisation, so any surplus we make is reinvested to improve the quality of the procedures and healthcare we offer.

**Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required from your Consultant for as long as you may require it. If a prosthesis is used as part of your treatment, this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s official lifetime of that prosthesis. ‘Clinically required’ indicates where further intervention and/or monitoring of a patient’s condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of surgical intervention.

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 136

Gift Vouchers Available 7 Kenton Shopping Centre, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne t: 0191 213 5300 e: info@be-fit.co.uk www.be-fit.co.uk

TRAVEL INSIGHT

Out & About Hebden Bridge

Stationmaster Alex Nelson has been suggesting places to go by train each month and for August, he takes a look around Hebden Bridge.

Hebden Bridge railway station lies on the Calder Valley Line between Manchester Victoria and Leeds City. The station is now painted in the original Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway colours, decorated with hanging baskets, original signage and luggage trolleys.

Age activists and more recently, wealthier ‘yuppie’ types. This in turn saw a boom in tourism to the area. During the 1990s, Hebden Bridge became a dormitory town, due to its proximity to major towns and cities both sides of the Pennines.

The present building dates from 1891. From the north east it is accessed via the TransPennine Express service into Leeds, and the line runs west via Bradford Interchange to Halifax and on to Manchester via Hebden Bridge.

You could visit the town as a day trip from the north east, or stop a night away and take in Bradford and/or Halifx on your travels. Remember with a day return you can break your journey in either direction wherever you like on route.

Hebden Bridge suffered two devastating floods in the summer of 2012, and again at Christmas 2015, the worst damage being in the town centre, although you would barely know it now and most businesses are trading again. Although it is a popular place to live, space is limited due to the steep valleys and lack of flat land. In the past, this led to “upstairs-downstairs” houses known as over and under dwellings. These were houses built in terraces with 4–5 storeys. The upper storeys face uphill while the lower ones face downhill with their back wall against the hillside. The bottom 2 storeys would be one house while the upper 2–3 storeys would be another.

I spent a few hours there on the sunny 6th June, having finished work in Lancashire early and being on a timed departure Advance ticket from Leeds.

It’s a market town the Upper Calder Valley of West Yorkshire. Steep hills with fast-flowing streams and access to major wool markets meant that Hebden Bridge was ideal for water-powered weaving mills and the town developed during the 19th and 20th centuries; at one time Hebden was known as “Trouser Town” because of the large amount of clothing manufacturing.

Drainage of the marshland, which covered much of the Upper Calder Valley before the Industrial Revolution, enabled construction of the road which runs through the valley. Before it was built, travel was only possible via the ancient packhorse route which ran along the hilltop, dropping into the valleys wherever necessary. The wool trade was served the Rochdale Canal (running from Sowerby Bridge to Manchester) and the Manchester and Leeds Railway, opened in 1840 (later the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway).

During the 1970s and 1980s the town saw an influx of artists, writers, photographers, musicians, alternative practitioners, teachers, Green and New

Acre Mill was an asbestos factory in the hilltop settlement of Old Town, owned by Cape Insulation Ltd. It was opened in 1939 to meet the demand for gas mask filters made from blue asbestos during the Second World War. Blue asbestos would not be a filter of choice now, and by 1979, when the mill was demolished, 12% of a total of 2,200 former employees had asbestosrelated disease.

Hebden Bridge has built a reputation for “great little shops” and has an unusually high density of independent shops for a UK town of its size. In a national survey by the New Economics Foundation in 2010 Hebden Bridge was ranked sixth on a diversity scale and was praised for its independent shops and unique shopping experience. I found myself in the Olive Tree restaurant, a Turkish enterprise which I later found was the #1 restaurant of 51 on Trip Advisor, and enjoyed their early bird menu before taking my direct and punctual onward train to Leeds and home.

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 138

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