Northern Insight - July 2015

INSIGHT NORTHERN

july 15

ITPS

15 years of unrivalled growth

business technology media leisure issue 01

est. 2015

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

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NORTHERN INSIGHT www.northern-insight.co.uk

foreword Welcome to the very first edition of Northern Insight Magazine, the new business and leisure publication for the region. Its editorial aim is to cover all subjects that are appropriate and of interest to the area’s discerning movers and shakers. From business news, advice, to the Arts, dining, leisure - and everything else in between, Northern Insight magazine aims to publish entertaining articles and features in an interesting, professional manner.

I hope you enjoy it.

Michael Grahamslaw, publisher

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contents july 15

Business News - 6 In Conversation With - 10

David Williamson, Executive Director,Newcastle Racecourse

Rising Star - 22

Marie-Louise Bozonet, Square One Law

Technology news - 52 Cover story - 55

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Leisure News - 74 Travel - 92 Arts News - 94

credits 95

Managing Director - Michael Grahamslaw Design - Louise O’Rourke Feature Photography - Chris Owens Editorial Contributors - Gordon Taylor, Ken Spearen, Holly Grahamslaw Additional Photography - Craig Leng, David Wood

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

Editorial must be received by the 15th of the month or no responsibility is accepted for errors.

Advertisements Although every care is taken to ensure accuracy the Publishers regret that they cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by an error in the printing or damage to, a loss of artwork,tranparencies or photographs.

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

© 2015 Published by MJG Publishing Ltd

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BUSINESS NEWS

Durham lettings firm is top of the class at Sunday Times awards ceremony

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North East company has been crowned the best student lettings agency in the UK at the most prestigious event in the industry’s calendar.

Bill Free Homes Ltd, based in Durham City, has won Gold in the Student Lettings category at The Sunday Times Lettings Agency of the Year Awards 2015.In addition, Bill Free Homes scooped a Silver Property Management award. They accepted their awards from international athlete Paula Radcliffe.

The agency was praised for its “unrivalled number of services to tenants, a number of which were implemented after a commissioned survey

of students’ views and are completely unique to Bill Free Homes.” They also drew attention to the company’s “excellent” use of technology. One app provides mobile alerts when students walk past an available property.

Bill Free Homes’ lettings documents are now available in a range of languages and several members of the team are multi-lingual. The judges were also impressed that Bill Free Homes own bikes which are available to students for free, in return for an optional donation to charity.

Director of Bill Free Homes, Sean Lawless, said: “We’re delighted to win a Gold award for the

second year running in such a highly competitive national category. On the property management side of the business, we’ve developed specialist software that allows us to track a property’s condition throughout the tenancy in an objective manner.”

Managing director, Peter Smith, was also presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

He said: “It’s been a brilliant summer for us so far.

We are all immensely proud to work in the heart of such a beautiful city and to be recognised as a reliable port of call for students and landlords in all property matters.”

Local architect nationally recognised as part of new diverse campaign

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local architect at xsite architecture, has received esteemed accreditation with her recent selection as a RIBA Role Model.

Out of a possible 64 candidates, xsite’s Maral Rahmantalab has been chosen by the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) as a role model for the diversity of all British architects.

Iranian-born Maral, the only architect from the north east, will promote inclusion, as well as inspiring the talents of the construction industry.

Throughout early years, Maral experienced discrimination. Now, as a ‘Role Model’, she looks forward to inspiring others to appreciate differences.

Maral is thrilled to be recognised by RIBA in this way. She said: “To be chosen is such an honour for me. I believe that everyone from a different culture or background has something different to contribute. You need to seek out differences to inspire new and successful ideas.”

Tim Bailey, partner at xsite, commented on Maral’s appointment: “To be part of such an influential initiative and have the opportunity to make a positive contribution to our industry is a massive achievement for Maral personally.”

Tim also recently guided 23 architects from Sri Lanka to Newcastle to celebrate cultural differences.

TALENT IS IN THE CHOICES

www.alphamalegrooming.co.uk | 0191 285 2955

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BUSINESS NEWS

Darlington business celebrates a healthy first year with expansion

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Darlington-based health and safety business is celebrating its first birthday by expanding into a new sector.

We do Health and Safety, the sister company of family-run We do HR, has launched a new team and appointed expert Ronnie Bage to head it up.

The flourishing business will offer rehabilitation, policies, support and counselling to help minimise the impact of misuse.

Mr Bage said: “I am extremely passionate about helping and educating those who have encountered problems in substance misuse.”

He also plans to work with local schools and universities to build awareness.

Tecaz Expands

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ecaz, the North East bathroom and kitchen specialist retailers, have acquired the 89,000 square foot Sunderland Echo building and its 5.6 acre site in Pennywell Industrial Estate, Sunderland. The site is ideally placed, with easy access to the A19.

The building will be renovated, with updated IT systems, high bay pallet racking and a showroom.

The increase in capacity will provide the area with up to 60 jobs when fully operational.

30th anniversary is a sweet celebration for North East confectionery manufacturer

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amily - run confectionery manufacturer, Sweetdreams, is celebrating its 30th anniversary by setting out to grow turnover by 10 percent year-on-year by increasing its national footprint and introducing new products.

Since taking over the business in 2007, Managing Director Matthew Stephenson has grown the business team, more than doubled turnover and has invested over £80,000 in its Cramlington factory.

Matthew said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating Sweetdreams’ 30th anniversary.

Choc Nibbles represents a quirky and unique British brand, founded here in the North East and I am thrilled and committed to be part of its ongoing success.”

Four in a row for Miller Homes’ Summer of Sport campaign

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ocal sports clubs across North East England are in with a chance of winning £1,000 as Miller Homes launches its popular Summer of Sport campaign for the fourth consecutive year.

Andrew Somerville, North East’s regional sales manager, said: “We strongly encourage anyone with an affiliation to a sports team or club to have a go, and wish all entrants the very best of luck.”

Historic Louis Johnson building goes up for sale

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swald House is being sold by Naylors Chartered Surveyors with an asking price of £395,000. This provides an exciting opportunity to purchase an ornate property on Morpeth’s High Street.

Oswald House is a 4,000sq.ft three-storey building which was built in the late 19th century.

An extension added in the 1980’s provides open plan accommodation and a private rear car park.

Simon Taylor, head of office at Naylors commented: “Oswald House is an iconic building in a prominent position. It would suit a number of different uses and presents an excellent opportunity for a refurbishment project to change of use.”

North East recruitment company lands hospitality contract

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abour4U (L4U) based at Cobalt Business Park, Wallsend, has now set up Hospitality4U, providing staff at all levels for hotels, bars and to service special events.

H4U is also looking to recruit more staff for its hospitality team, with a wide variety of work available.

The company has tripled its turnover in a year and is now diversifying into providing staff in a number of other sectors.

#AskSB

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We’ve worked with Silver Bullet since 2004 and they’ve never failed to impress us with their advice, creativity, common sense and sheer enthusiasm for whatever we’ve asked for.

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Marie McQuaid, Sales Director, Dere Street Homes

Do you have a marketing question you have always wanted to ask? Ask:SB @SilverBulletPR Hello@silverbulletmarketing.co.uk www.silverbulletmarketing.co.uk

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CORE Evening at Newcastle City Library Members of the North East SME community gathered for an evening of canapÊs and cake at Newcastle City Library, to celebrate the launch of Core by Gordon Brown Law Firm - the company’s new offering providing affordable legal services for small businesses.

In Conversation with...

Executive Director, David Williamson is in his second spell at Newcastle Racecourse. With sensational new development plans for the famous popular sporting venue just published, North East Insight felt the time was right to interview this pleasant and unassuming Scot.

What was your background before taking over at the racecourse, David?

Every business has its problem’s on occasion. Are there any issues which have caused you heartache?

I started my hospitality career in Edinburgh with Thistle Hotel’s before coming to Newcastle where I worked in the County Hotel and Gosforth Park. After a spell down South, I returned to the North East and opened Longhirst Hall in Northumberland.

I also spent some time with David Lloyd Leisure to gain a bigger understanding of the leisure industry before joining the Racecourse in 2002.

There was an issue earlier this year with Ladies Day, when a story was reported that we were banning picnics on the course.

Nothing was further from the truth. We simply designated appropriate areas around the Estate and latterly within the Grandstand area of the course where picnics could be had. It was a decision taken in order to enhance everyone’s experience and pleasure of the day. The reporting was, in my opinion, unfair, indeed the first word in the report was Killjoy’s! I was disappointed by it all but have to say it has not damaged the relationship with the Chronicle and Journal that we have. It was a misunderstanding that was unfortunate.

How long have you resided in the area?

Off and on, I’ve probably spent 25 years in the North East, so I’ve spent most of my working life in Newcastle. I particularly love the city.

What attracts you to Newcastle so much?

It’s the people, they’re so passionate about all that is the North East. The strapline that was adopted, ‘Passionate People, Passionate Places’ sticks very much in my mind as it’s so fitting.

From a horse racing perspective, what do Geordie’s love about the course?

Plate Day is hugely popular and it is an event that people enter in their diaries when the fixture dates are released. If you look at the Racecourse now with all the Marquees in the process of being built, it gives you an idea of the scale of the event. Ladies’ Day in July is also viewed as one of the biggest social events of the year in the North East.

How did the Racecourse position come about?

I was offered the position by the then owner Sir Stanley Clark, who convinced me to join with a wonderful comment when I told him, that although I love horse racing I have never managed a Racecourse before. He said to me, “you’re an Hotelier, you put people in bedrooms, we put horses in stables. Every other component of the business is exactly the same.” That’s always stuck with me. The welcome, the experience is essentially the same.

What was asked of you regards the management of the course?

The Racecourse was struggling when I joined and was losing money. We set a target of 2 years to turn the fortunes of the course around and although it was a struggle to begin with, we managed to turn Plate Day back into what it is today, and also developed Ladies Day. The ex-racing correspondent for the Journal, Doug Moscrop and the press in general, were particularly supportive. Doug was a huge fan and was as pleased as anyone when everything began to take off in 2004/5.

Which part of Scotland do you hail from?

Born and bred in Edinburgh, educated there as well, a wonderful, vibrant City with a wonderful football team, the famous Heart of Midlothian (not the other lot!).

You’re married, do you have children?

Yes, I have two. My daughter, Ashley, has just left university and graduates next month and hopes to teach primary school age children. Steven works here for the Estate and Grounds Team and loves the open air life the job gives him.

What did you identify as the first requirements for the course when you arrived?

There had been a succession of manager’s previously in place, so the business lacked continuity in leadership and focus. When I joined, we set about trying to restore the reputation of the Racecourse, by restructuring the staffing levels focussing on attention to detail and service levels. We worked to a business model, the EFQM Business Model, which took us back to the very beginning of building a business. I decided I needed to lead from the front in order to achieve the goals required therefore I spoke to a lot of business people in the city to find out what they wanted from their racecourse.

How much store do you put by the networking aspect of your work?

It’s critical to any business and is an ongoing process.

What is the outlook for the future?

We have just announced an £11m investment in the racecourse, which will include an all-weather track, a 1 mile floodlit track, a new restaurant, refurbishment of the equine facilities and also investment into the fabric and buildings of the Racecourse itself. It has been a long time coming but is hugely exciting now that we have the investment confirmed, the team at the Racecourse deserve it for the effort they put in every single day.

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INTERVIEW

On Course for Better Days 11

WORK, LIVE, PLAY.

WORKSPACE.

The Jesmond – a landmark development. An inspirational building set to create a lasting legacy for Jesmond and the neighbouring areas through its iconic design and high quality materials. It is contemporary and exciting yet elegant. The Jesmond delivers stunning new offices and retail adjacent to the Metro and just a minute’s walk from Acorn Road and Osborne Road with their fashionable shops, cafés, bars and hotels.

The Jesmond provides open plan, flexible floorplates with: • Stunning reception • High quality finishes and materials • BREEAM ‘Very Good’ is anticipated • External roof terraces • Raised access floors • High efficiency VRF comfort cooling system • High efficiency lighting system with T5 lamp technology and PIR control • Lift to all floors

The Jesmond is located one mile north of Newcastle city centre with excellent communication links for public transport and the regional road network.

AN INSPIRATIONAL BUILDING SET TO CREATE A LASTING LEGACY FOR JESMOND. The Jesmond first opened its doors in May 1921 and was the most lavish of a handful of cinemas in Newcastle in the 1920’s.

The building was influential in Jesmond’s culture for more than 70 years until its doors closed for the last time in 1993 after it had fallen into ruin and beyond repair. It was finally demolished in late 2009.

graduate and was the Design Principal for the London 2012 Olympics whilst Stuart has worked extensively throughout Europe with clients such as Vivienne Westwood, Marco Pierre White and Hilton. With the team’s unique design credentials and attention to detail, it’s no surprise The Jesmond is a fitting tribute to the original building.

The Jesmond is now set to open its doors once again in late summer 2015 but as a mixed use retail and office development this time round. The Jesmond will once again influence Jesmond for decades to come.

The Jesmond offers three floors of brand new grade A office space with floorplates between 2,701 sq.ft to 4,477 sq.ft with a total of 10,997sq.ft available. The specification includes full access raised floors and comfort cooling; it has been designed to meet the needs of the modern occupier. The Jesmond also benefits from superb IT connectivity with superfast fibre optic broadband available in the area.

The Jesmond’s iconic design is set to make it a landmark building not just in Jesmond but Newcastle itself. The Jesmond is a high quality building which will create a lasting legacy for Jesmond and the neighbouring areas. Its design is contemporary and exciting yet elegant.

Kevin Owens and Stuart Palmer are the architectural team behind The Jesmond. They were carefully selected for their talent, expertise and passion for design. Both enjoy broad international experience which has given them a breadth of experience which is to be commended. Kevin is a Yale

Every effort has been made to ensure The Jesmond is energy efficient and consequently a BREEAM of ‘Very Good’ is anticipated. Essentially that means the running costs of the building will be minimal and significantly less than similar office space in the City Centre.

The Jesmond is ideally located adjacent to the West Jesmond Metro station and just a minute’s walk from Acorn Road, Osborne Road and Brentwood Avenue with their fashionable shops, restaurants, bars and hotels. Critically, The Jesmond is only 8 minutes from Central Station and 19 minutes from Newcastle International Airport by Metro making it a real alternative to having an office in the City Centre.

The Jesmond can be let on either a floor by floor basis or alternatively, it would make a superb statement headquarters building. With external roof terraces both on the second and third floors offering superb breakout space and/or client entertaining areas, The Jesmond offers a high quality office environment which will help enhance well being and productivity.

The redevelopment of the former Jesmond Cinema site is led by property investment firm MK Partnership. Its main contractor, Metnor Construction, started on site in September 2014 and has made solid progress towards the building being completed and ready for occupation by late summer 2015. The project is being managed and marketed by Knight Frank.

The project is supported by the Department for Communities and Local Government, a European Regional Development Fund grant and assistance from the Regional Growth Fund administered by the Local Enterprise Partnership.

For more information please contact Patrick Matheson at Knight Frank on: 0191 221 2211 or email patrick.matheson@knightfrank.com

WWW.THEJESMOND.COM

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Special investment situations

There are times in business when finance is needed, but funding is unavailable from more traditional sources.

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Andrew Cawkwell

ircumstances such as personal debt, poor credit history and other capital constraints like low revenue, can stop your business from securing a loan via the traditional routes. If you find yourself in a situation like this it demands a different approach to secure the funding your company needs.

Muckle LLP can proactively connect you to special situation investors. They will take a view on how likely it is that their investment is to be repaid, with the appropriate levels of return to support the risk they are taking. Traditional credit type processes do not exist here.

Recently, Muckle was involved in the case of an individual with substantial land assets, but a lot of mortgage debt and in an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) with creditors.

Income generated was being used to pay interest on bank borrowings and pay contributions to an IVA supervisor. However, the individual was contemplating developing land into housing and was in discussions with a property developer.

On one hand, there was an opportunity for the land to be purchased for a significant increase in value. The problem, however, came down to cash flow.

Having fallen into arrears with the IVA meant it wasn’t possible to borrow traditional money. Also, there was a threat of bankruptcy which meant everything could be lost - including value from this development site.

Muckle introduced the individual to a special situation investor who provided funds to meet the short-term cash flow problems, but with a view to a long-term opportunity to share the value in the site later down the line.

We have access to a network of investors with the capital to help a business or individual secure funding in ways they may not have thought about. So the first step is to come and talk to us.

More at www.muckle-llp.com

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

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A difference that makes all the difference.

It’s our commitment to provide a personal service for clients wherever they are that attracts many of them to invite us through their doors. This care led Legal 500 to recognise Muckle LLP as having ‘few peers’ in the region.

As businesses around the North East discover, our expertise in providing commercial legal advice is matched only by our commitment to provide unprecedented service everywhere.

Muckle LLP. We think you’ll like the difference.

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

Catherine Milbanke, Partner at Leathers LLP

Keeping the home fires burning Catherine Milbanke, Partner at Leathers LLP, discusses how their participation in the Tour de Force really is a team effort - even for the non-cyclists.

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hen you are told that the managing partner is going to cycle 2,000+ miles of the Tour de France for fun (? well for charity too) with a rotating team of staff your first thought has got to be around his level of sanity – is it a lifelong ambition, an overwhelmingly philanthropic nature, desire for a ridiculously difficult challenge or has he lost the plot?

Second thought, almost immediately, is how on earth will this affect the office?

From the day Michael asked the staff if they were interested in joining him on this extreme challenge it has been a team event – not just involving those with the blind faith to believe they can cycle several consecutive days of over 100 miles (from a starting position of nil), but every person in the business has been firmly behind it.

We realised early on that those training to do the ride itself would need a lot of support, ranging from extra time off to train, help with organising travel to and from the stages they chose, help

with fundraising and events, nutritional and training advice, even which bike to buy (yes some of the riders didn’t even own a bike when this all started). Those of us not riding have been part of this team support effort, finding skills we didn’t even know we had – website design, blogging, social media, event management, tying bows, golf, to name just a few. And this is before we even mention the changing shape of the staff.

It became clear shortly after training for the event started that Michael and the riders were noticeably shrinking – the effect of watching their diet (after their talk on sports nutrition), lots of exercise and a reduction in time available for the pub. This left some of us in the office with a dilemma – do we sit and wait until all our colleagues shrink to nothing and make us look relatively unfit and large by comparison, or do we take action? This has led to the wholly unintended consequence of the event – the non-riders have been losing weight and doing more exercise too!

From the point at which the idea formed we have been aware that we would need to plan for

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Michael’s absence from the office, and not just for the three weeks of the event itself, but a huge amount of training time and also some recovery time. This has presented some challenges and has meant I have needed to take on some of his role and responsibilities – and several of the senior team have had to take on some of mine.

The whole team has fully supported this and have demonstrated that no matter what else is going on, they are individually and collectively committed to meeting the needs and expectations of our clients (well done you lot). Equally our clients have been brilliant in supporting our efforts and deserve a big ‘thank you’ as well.

What the event has actually done is take a group of staff (riders and non-riders alike) and turned them into a team, all working together, rooting for each other and supporting each other when it’s needed. What has become clear is that while the riders are doing their ‘bit’ in France, there is a strong team behind them to keep the home fires burning (and of course to meet them in Paris at the end of it all ).

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Winn Solicitors Summer Party Winn Solicitors enjoyed a successful summer party, hosted by Managing Director Jeff Winn at his home, The Towers, in Jesmond. Staff and business contacts turned out in their hundreds for the event, which offered excellent networking opportunities for local businesspeople. The party took place in the property’s grand hall, where guests were welcomed by Pantasy Steel Band, adding a Caribbean flavour to the occasion. Popular local band Hip Operation also took to the stage.

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Expansion for Peak Boutique

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A thriving online fashion retailer is marking its first year in business by opening its first shop in the North East, with more stores planned for around the UK. the country. We sell from three different channels now that we have opened the shop, which is such an exciting new addition for us as we begin our second year in business.

“We have big plans for the coming months.

I would like to pursue the avenue of opening more shops, and am already looking at potential locations. We get a lot of business from London, Manchester and Glasgow, so they are areas I am looking at seriously. I would also love to design my own fashion range - as along with setting up a fashion business, designing my own collection is something I have always wanted to do. Hopefully within the next year or so, that will have become a reality too.”

Peak Boutique has been supported since its inception by Newcastle law firm Sintons.

Christopher Welch, Partner in the Corporate and Commercial team - who has acted for the Gillender family for over 20 years - oversaw the creation of Peak Boutique. Real Estate Partner Alok Loomba secured the lease for the premises in Jesmond.

Christopher Welch said: “In only a year, Peak Boutique has become a real force to be reckoned with in the fashion world. In addition

to its thriving online operation, which is enjoying international success, there is now a store which will allow customers in its native North East to have the more traditional shopping experience.

“Jenny and her team have worked incredibly hard over the past year to make Peak Boutique the success that it is, and I am confident that success will continue as they embark on the next phase of the growth of the business.” l-r: Alok Loomba; Jenny Peng Gillender; Christopher Welch

eak Boutique has received international acclaim since launching last April, receiving orders from across the world and building up a celebrity following in the process.

The business - which has so far retailed through peakboutique.co.uk and through its Ebay shop - has now opened its first store on Acorn Road in Jesmond. The venue will help expand on the wide range of on-trend items at affordable prices for which Peak Boutique has become known throughout the fashion world.

Jenny Peng Gillender, owner of Peak Boutique - which previously had its head office in Fenham, Newcastle - is also planning to design her own fashion range within the next 12 months, which will retail exclusively through her business.

Jenny - daughter of one of the region’s most successful retail entrepreneurs,Wilf Gillender, a former master franchisee for the Body Shop – said: “It has been a fantastic first year for Peak Boutique. We have seen more than 75,000 visitors to the site from around the world and regular orders coming from as far afield as New York and Australia. Our clothes have been worn by a host of celebrities and reality TV stars, and we’ve attracted the attention of media across

Exclusive Events Planned for Wynyard Hall A historic stately home hotel in the region is set to host a range of exclusive events as part of its continued expansion and investment to confirm its place as one of the UK’s premier resorts.

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created more than 200 years ago. Through being able to offer events on a scale we previously could not consider, we will be able to showcase this beautiful venue in new ways.”

The new premises licence was secured by Sarah Smith, Partner and Head of Licensing at Newcastle law firm Sintons.

She said: “Wynyard Hall is fast becoming regarded as one of the premium destinations to eat and to stay, not just in the North East but in the whole country. They are adding significantly to their already impressive facilities, and through their new licencing arrangements, are now able to accommodate events on a scale they previously could not. This is a hugely exciting time for Wynyard Hall and we are very pleased to be working with Paul and his team.”

Sarah Smith, Sintons; Paul Mackings, Cameron Hall Developments

ynyard Hall is looking to attract large-scale events to its Grade II-listed site - including the likes of BBC’s Antiques Roadshow – after securing a new premises licence allowing it to make use of the whole of the venue and its land.

The country house hotel has previously been approached by the cult BBC programme as a possible location, and can now be considered for such events through its new licence arrangements. Asian weddings, classical concerts and major large-scale corporate events can also now also be catered for, and are among the type of occasions Wynyard Hall is hoping to play host to.

Wynyard Hall is investing over £5.3m in developing its facilities, with a £1.6m walled rose garden - one of the largest rose gardens in Europe - set to be opened later this year, complete with a visitor centre, shop and café, which will stock local goods and produce.

Paul Mackings, chief executive of Cameron Hall Developments, said: “These are very exciting times for Wynyard Hall and we are investing significantly in the whole historic estate. As well as the new facilities we are adding, which will really cement our place as one of the UK’s most desirable venues, our new licence now allows us to host and be considered for events on a scale we have never previously considered.

“Of course, everything we host will be absolutely in keeping with the Hall and its heritage, so we are looking at large-scale corporate events, car launches, classical concerts, and hopefully something like the Antiques Roadshow. We know they have looked at us before, as being a stately home we are in keeping with the kind of venue they choose, and that is something we would love to have here.

“Wynyard Hall is such a special place with its historic hall and parklands, and we are investing in bringing history to life through creating the likes of the rose garden, which is adding to what the Marquises of Londonderry

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

Rising Star, Marie-Louise Bozonet In a series of interviews with talented professionals, Northern Insight talks to Marie-Louise Bozonet, a senior associate corporate lawyer at Square One Law, who was a finalist in last year’s Insider Dealmakers “Young Corporate Lawyer of the Year”

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remember being asked as an 11 year old by my form tutor what I wanted to be and confidently answering, a lawyer” recalls Marie-Louise, “Even at that young age, I had a notion that I would be helping people and it looked like an interesting career.

Marie-Louise would go on to excel at languages and when going to university chose to study both Law and French Law at Sheffield Hallam.

“At the time it looked like the perfect opportunity to combine my passions. However, it soon became clear that the course wasn’t working and after the first year, I transferred to study law at Northumbria University which is where I found an interest in corporate law.

Following graduation Marie-Louise was offered work as a paralegal for four months before deciding to take the opportunity to go travelling for a year to South East Asia and Australia.

“While I was in Australia I managed to get work as a paralegal for city firm Freehills (now Herbert Smith Freehills) for 12 weeks - as long as I could on a travel visa – it was a fantastic opportunity.

There I was a backpacker, working in one of the biggest law firms in the Asia Pacific. It definitely set me apart from other trainee applicants and I credit it as being my stepping stone.”

On arriving back in the North East, MarieLouise joined Watson Burton as a paralegal and two years later started her training contract with them. She qualified in 2007, and then moved to the corporate team at international firm, Eversheds, where she met corporate partners Alan Fletcher and later, Ian Gilthorpe.

“Moving to Eversheds was the start of a steep learning curve for me and my time there has definitely shaped my career. The structure of the team and the secondments of its more

senior members meant that I had the support of Ian Gilthorpe and I was able to work on larger transactions and had more responsibility than most newly qualified solicitors would have.”

“The last project I worked on at Eversheds was with Ian on the sale of the Mills Group of stores to One Stop, a Tesco division. I worked very closely with Nigel Mills, now chairman of The Entrepreneurs’ Forum, and saw first hand the emotional journey that clients go through when they sell the business they have put so much passion into developing.

“When Ian and Alan left Eversheds to set up Square One Law, I was delighted to be one of the first lawyers they asked to join them. Even at such an early stage of the firm’s existence I knew that I had the opportunity to be part of something different and I could see a much stronger career path ahead of me.

“It was a huge risk to leave a relatively stable job in a well known firm to join a start-up business, but I had absolute faith that Ian and Alan would make it a success and thankfully, it is proving to be the right decision.”

As a senior associate, Marie-Louise advises shareholders and businesses on all corporate and commercial aspects; from structuring new ventures, collaborative working, setting up companies, sourcing finance and company sales.

“I really enjoy the relationship aspect of my role. What I love is getting to know the clients and their businesses as well as helping them to complete their projects.

“On a corporate sale you are often dealing with a person’s life’s work and it can be an incredibly stressful and emotional time for them. Helping them through the process and making it easier for them is what motivates me and to me that is as important as the legal aspects.

“What I find most refreshing about Square One Law is the ability to actually advise clients

on what I would do if in their shoes. It’s not about giving them a list of options; it’s about being a part of their team and helping them to make decisions.

As part of her management role, Marie-Louise assists with the development of the firm’s trainees and is heavily involved in the firm’s graduate recruitment process alongside training partner, Mark Lazenby.

She explains: “I really enjoy this part of my role as it is so different to the law. I can empathise and relate to the graduates and remember how daunting it was at the beginning. We have recruited some very talented trainees over the last few years and we are currently in the process of selecting our 2015 candidates.”

Looking to the future Marie-Louise said: “As a firm we are no longer a start-up and the challenge is now to grow into a mature business and continue providing an excellent service to our clients and win more work in specialist sectors.

“As well as corporate law, I also specialise in the education sector and work closely with corporate partners Ian Gilthorpe and James Bryce, both of whom have given me more responsibility for client relationship management with some of our key clients. Every day is different and brings fresh challenges and that is what I like.”

When it comes to longer term career goals Marie-Louise said: “Ultimately partner is the end goal and the Square One Law ethos focuses on senior advice for clients so I definitely see a partner role for myself in the future.”

We asked Marie-Louise to offer some advice to her younger self, embarking on her law career, “I would tell myself two things – first, keep up the languages and secondly to have more self belief. I have always been comfortable working in a male dominated environment, but in the words of Sheryl Sandberg I would most definitely be telling my younger self to ‘lean in’.

For more information on Square One Law visit www.squareonelaw.com

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BUSINESS INSIGHT Christopher Hewitt

Agriculture is the key for Rowlands

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griculture is a major part of the North East’s economy and it’s also a key sector for Rowlands, www.rowlandsaccountants.co.uk, the region’s largest independent firm of accountants. Newly-retired agricultural lawyer Christopher Hewitt has joined Rowlands as a consultant to share his expertise with the firm’s farming clients. He explains how he sees this new role developing.

Tell us a little about your career to date.

I did my law degree at Newcastle University and then worked for the family firm, Hewitts in Bishop Auckland. When my father became a judge in 1986, I left to join a practice that was one of those that merged to become what is now Ward Hadaway in 1987/88.

I spent 28 years at Ward Hadaway, where I was a partner and more recently worked as a consultant, before I retired at the end of April.

It’s a privilege to now join Rowlands as a consultant, where I’ll be able to use the knowledge I’ve built up over almost three decades to help the firm’s agricultural clients and enhance the services that Rowlands already offers.

Tell us about your new remit and the purpose of the new role.

My role is to advise farmers and agri-businesses on a wide range of issues, such as business

partnerships and land tenure.

Rowlands has always had a large number of agricultural clients in the practice and it’s the gap between the advice the lawyer, the accountant and the land agent is able to give that I’m aiming to fill. The aim is not to overlap with the expertise that’s out there already.

The boundaries of all three professions have merged over the years and become less set in stone. I’m very excited to be joining Rowlands at this time, because it allows me to take a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together these different aspects in order to be able to provide a much more comprehensive service and tailored consultancy to our agricultural portfolio.

This is something quite new for an accountancy practice, and it’ll add value to what Rowlands is able to offer clients in the farming sector, without taking away from the roles of other professional advisors.

What’s the outlook for the agricultural sector?

Currently, it’s a very mixed picture for agriculture, with opportunities for both great successes and unfortunately, failure too.

Income and profit-wise, farmers are facing a challenging time at the moment because of a combination of low prices and the strong pound.

However, capital value is also currently very buoyant. Land prices have shot up in recent years and they are likely to stay high. Plus, the

agricultural sector is also benefiting from a very favourable taxation regime.

This means it’s a time of great opportunities for the right farmers whose businesses are already in a strong position to do well. Those who have a steady income have a positive future ahead of them, helped by the current beneficial tax regime.

However, on the other side of the coin, many are only earning low incomes and some businesses, sadly, will inevitably fail.

What are your ambitions for the future?

It’s been a long-held ambition of mine to work in a multi-disciplinary practice. This isn’t about taking business away from the legal firms or the land agencies, but it’s about providing an extra service.

Lawyers tend to sit in their tower, accountants are in another and land agents in yet another.

But the more they speak to each other, the more chance there is of the client receiving the best advice.

It is now becoming more usual to share information, and the boundaries between the three professions are breaking down.

By working to form a multi-disciplinary approach at Rowlands, I’m aiming to enhance the service levels for our agricultural clients, improve the advice we can offer them and build relationships with our counterparts in professional services.

Email: christopher.hewitt@rowlandsaccountants.co.uk

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Over 100 years of accounting experience at your side.

At Rowlands, our years of experience mean we’re committed to accounting excellence. But our expertise doesn’t stop there.

We’re also big on personal service, that’s why you can count on us to be at your side.

With six offices in our region, you can rely on us to provide up-to-the-minute knowledge and advice. So if you’d like to see what we can do for your business, get in touch.

Hexham 01434 602 230 | Ponteland 01661 871 919 Sunderland 0191 565 1870 | Yarm 01642 790 790 rowlandsaccountants.co.uk

Crook 01388 762 478 | Portobello 0191 411 2468

Audit & Accountancy

Taxation & Planning

Restructuring & Insolvency

Development & Consultancy

FIRST EVENT A BIG SUCCESS The first Lady Taverners fund raising event to take place led by the new regional chair, Sophie Lacey, was a huge success, making around £2.5k for the charity.

The Summer Quiz was attended by over 110 guests. Held on 18 June at As You Like It in Jesmond, it was sponsored by Seven Investment Management (7IM) which is based in the City’s financial district and has chosen the Lord’s and Lady Taverners as its charity of choice across the UK for 2015.

Speaking about the success of the evening, Sophie said: “We are really pleased with the feedback we have had for our first event. The Lynch Mob was the outright winner on the night, but everyone said they had really enjoyed the evening. We look forward to organising many more exciting events in the future.

“A big thank you to our sponsors Seven IM, to Sam Moore, who was our fantastic quiz master and to Trevor Roberts who took our photos on the night, to the committee - Gurdeep, Kathryn, Sarah and Philippa - as well as everyone who attended and bought raffle tickets.”

The next Taverners event will be a Comedy Night on 15 October. Please go to www. lordstaverners.org for more information or call Jamie Graham on 07753882921

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Loving Love Niche

Nisha Vedhara owns and runs Love Niche, www.love-niche.com, an exclusive fashion studio in Newcastle offering bespoke and ready to wear outfits, as well as personal styling. We caught up with Nisha to hear the Love Niche story and discover her ambitions for the future.

Tell us about Love Niche and what makes it unique?

Love Niche is a bespoke styling studio where our aim is to understand what our clients like about their bodies, analyse their assets and dress them to suit their shape.

We’re a fashion studio rather than a shop or a boutique and our focus is on people’s personal style and how they feel in a particular garment. In short, we sell clothes that help women feel more confident and happy in their own skin.

When most women go out shopping, they will often discard an outfit they are drawn to because some element isn’t quite right. It really doesn’t have to be that way so we offer a bespoke service called Niche. I do all the designs and we look at what each person loves to wear and her body shape and the result is a bespoke outfit that accentuates their best bits.

In addition to this we have two other main fashion collections. Love Niche bridges the gap between the High Street and high-end fashion, featuring niche designers from Europe. It’s for people looking for exclusivity, women who know their style and have the attitude to carry it off.

Love Niche London is a trend-based diffusion line of British-made fashion and while popular here, it also has a large client base in India.

Finally we offer a ready to wear cruise and resort wear line - a glamorous beachwear

collection for people going to high-end holiday places.

Love Niche offers a bespoke styling service what does this mean for customers?

Our styling service means that when ladies come into the studio, we evaluate their shape, even if they’re not having an outfit made. It’s important; once you understand your body’s curves, you never make an impulse buy or have an item in your wardrobe you don’t wear because you know what works and what doesn’t.

We recently helped a 50-year-old lady get out of a style rut and stop dressing like her teenage daughters, by helping her to find her own signature style. She walked at a fashion show for us and everyone thought she was a model.

We also work with hairdressers and provide advice from make-up artists, as well as dressmakers and stylists. We have styled entire weddings, proms and much more.

How did you get into fashion design and retail?

I grew up around fashion. My mum is a fashion designer in India and I spent my school holidays watching her. I then studied business administration and took a Masters in marketing because my father thought I should learn how to run a business.

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When I moved to England 10 years ago, my husband’s family was in fashion retail. I used the opportunity to gain experience as an assistant ladies wear buyer, became accessories buyer and also worked as personal shopper in the business.

A lot of clients wanted to come back when I was in because I gave them guidance on how to style an outfit.

I loved this so I went to the London College of Fashion to study personal styling and started working as a freelance personal stylist, taking clients shopping on the High Street. I grew so frustrated with not being able to get certain fabrics, colours and accessories that eventually I started to source them myself and that’s really how Love Niche was born.

The business is obviously thriving. What ambitions do you have for the future?

We export to a number of different countries, including India, Monaco and Dubai. My goal is to start a Love Niche franchise in India and to partner with more niche boutiques around the world.

Having recently had a recently successful foray into this, I’d also like to do more commercial styling for magazines and editorial and expand our styling services to the commercial world. It’s a very exciting time and I’m keen to make the most of everything the fashion world has to offer.

www.love-niche.com

An entrepreneur interview with:

Brett Jacobson, MediaWorks Sitting in the fashionably-specced Team Valley offices of MediaWorks, waiting to meet chief executive Brett Jacobson, it’s easy to think you are in a building that is destined to be the firm’s headquarters for decades to come. However, within minutes of meeting Brett, only just 30, it was clear that this is only short term accommodation for the current phase of hugely ambitious growth plans.

Established when Brett was only 22, with support from Express Engineering chairman Chris Thompson, the company now provides specialist digital marketing services to a number of major companies.

Originally from Jesmond, Brett met Chris in the pub for an introductory meeting, before they were finished their second pint, the pair were hatching a plan that would eventually build today’s multi-million pound business.

Now, living in Killingworth, with his fiancé and two young children, the sky remains the limit as Brett aims to continue the firm’s expansion.

So, Brett, how did it all begin?

I set the business up pretty much straight out of university. I did an honours degree in applied computing at Northumbria University, which was pretty generic and gave me a good understanding of all different parts of IT but no defined career path, so I was looking for the right opportunity. I had always been pretty ambitious, always wanted to run my own business. I was introduced to a local entrepreneur, Chris Thompson, through a friend of mine, and I went to him for a bit of advice, over a beer. By the second pint, we were setting a company up.

Where did you get the funding?

It was 50/50. I lent a bit of money from my dad and Chris put his hand in his pocket. We ran a pilot for the first 12 weeks, with a couple of Chris’ companies. Then, basically, after knowing each other for 12 weeks, we decided to go into business together and set the company up in August 2007.

Do you come from an entrepreneurial family?

Dad was an electrician by trade, just from a normal family in Benwell in the West End of Newcastle, but he managed to carve himself a fairly entrepreneurial-led property portfolio and a construction company and put that entrepreneurial spirit in me. I had a nice upbringing; I didn’t want for things but was encouraged to appreciate the value of money and to work for what I got. I could’ve gone into the family business, but I was encouraged to make my own way, to do my own thing and be successful in my own right.

Tell me what it was like starting your own business at 22.

In terms of the early days, I was being thrust into everything. Prior to this, I‘d only had one job, in the Next store room, other than helping my dad with his businesses, but that was mainly things like sweeping up the warehouse. So, I had to learn not only technical SEO but also sales, recruitment and management skills. I had never seen a P&L before, or a balance sheet, I didn’t know about tax. I had to learn almost everything there is to running a business pretty much immediately.

How have you found the right staff for the business, to grow so strongly?

From a very early stage of the business it became apparent we weren’t going to be able to find experienced people because SEO was so new.

Six or seven years ago, there was nobody who was experienced in it, which was a blessing and a curse because it meant we couldn’t go and put our hands on experienced people, but in a positive way it forced us to go and grow our own. We put a lot of faith in graduates, apprentices and just generally bright, young, intelligent, ambitious people, who want to get on the train and head where we are going. We have developed very intensive, bespoke training programmes. We have structured the business in a way that allows us to recruit fairly inexperienced people and train them up to be highly skilled in a particular part of our business, so we don’t really have many generalists.

How do you market your own services?

We have got an ability, which not a lot of other businesses have, of being able to look in through the window and spot opportunities where we can help businesses. Because of the way that Google works, for our main service SEO, we can look at a website and instantly spot maybe ten problems that are hurting that website, hurting that business and, if fixed, could obviously help that business win more customers and improve, so we can generally approach businesses cold with a pretty solid argument for why they should speak to us. Our new business opportunities are therefore split between referrals, brand recognition though award wins and case studies and self-generated new business opportunities.

As a result, for the first five years, we pretty much doubled the business every year.

You turned over nearly £3 million in your last financial year. Tell me a bit about where you are positioning MediaWorks now.

That’s slightly down from last year, and that was pretty much on purpose. This last 18 months’ transitional period we’ve purposefully concluded some of the less profitable customer contracts and freed up our resources to service higher value opportunities. So, in the past six months, for example, we’ve won Yorkshire Water, Scottish Power, Stagecoach, GlaxoSmithKline, FTSE 100 companies, and that’s because we have massively

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changed our approach to servicing clients. We used to be very product led, whereas now we are far more consultative. We’ve brought a lot of different product options in, put a little bit more agility around our service offering, so that we can fit more customers’ needs.

Tell me about your own motivation?

For me, no two days are the same. MediaWorks has phenomenal growth potential and I think we just want to continue growing and see how big we can get. We have just won the European Search Award. Two months earlier, we won the Northern Digital Awards Agency of the Year, so we are getting recognition. We are in a report as one of the top ten feared agencies, in terms of our competitors. We are starting to work with the likes of Glaxo SmithKline, and there is no bigger business. We are going through this new phase of competing with the best, globally, not just nationally.

How do you keep your staff motivated?

My biggest realisation in the early days was that we are a people business, first and foremost, and happy people equal good work. So, I give them a nice building, incentivise staff very well with an annual bonus scheme where we share out the company profits among all the staff, regardless of their position within the business. We also make sure that they are involved in the success of the business, two of our apprentices were part of the team that collected a recent award, this feeling of ownership and pride in their work is very important. We have a young, active, social employee base and invest a lot in social and sporting activities that keep them engaged in the business.

Finally, where does the future lie for MediaWorks?

We have an aggressive 36 month growth plan that involves more than doubling the current staff base. I absolutely believe that’s achievable. We know where our key strategic opportunities and threats are, and the biggest challenge for me is finding the right people. The right people, and the right balance of people, too much youth, energy and inexperience can lead you to running around like mad hatters, so, it’s finding the right balance of experience and innovation.

Brett Jacobson 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

Together we can take on the world Entrepreneurs’ Forum spring conference, Thursday 14th May 2015

The future of leadership and entrepreneurship were at the fore during the recent Entrepreneurs’ Forum’s spring conference, ‘Together we can take on the world’.

Top entrepreneurs from across the UK and around the world travelled to the region to join North East business owners at what turned out to be an inspirational day of sharing knowledge and creating valuable new business connections.

Floyd Woodrow, former SAS soldier and founder of Chrysalis Worldwide, has an international reputation for designing and running leadership and elite performance training for business, government, sport and the police. He told the audience: “The ability for you as leaders to create the right environment for the leaders of tomorrow is critical, because that’s what leaders do. They create the future.

“You’ve got to have courage.

Without courage, nothing happens; none of the things worth having in life are going to be given to you. You have got to fight for them. You have got to have discipline, especially as a leader you have to perform at that level.

“I’ve been involved in leadership my entire life and I still don’t think I’ve got it. It’s evolution. The best leaders are going to listen to everybody in the room and say ‘help me make my plan better’.”

Charlie Mullins is the archetypal entrepreneur, having started his business, Pimlico Plumbers, from scratch in 1979 and building it into a £25m enterprise. Born in Camden and growing up on an estate in South London, Charlie left school with no qualifications but, after completing a four-year apprenticeship started his own firm.

His advice to entrepreneurs harked back to his days as a young boxer. He said: “To succeed, you have got to put all and everything into it. You’ve just got to go for it. I know it’s corny, but you’ve got to be confident, have the will to succeed and believe in yourself. A bit like a

boxer, if you take a knock in business, it’s important to get back up. I find in business, the harder I work, the luckier I become. You are not going to get anywhere without hard work.”

Richard Tait, of Golazo, is one of Seattle’s most accomplished entrepreneurs. His career began at Microsoft alongside Bill Gates, before he founded Cranium Inc., which became the third largest games company in the world. After selling to Hasbro, he worked alongside Howard Schultz at Starbucks, before founding BoomBoom, the Seattle branding and innovation lab, where he co-founded four companies in the last two years, including Golazo, a football mad company making natural sports fuel.

Richard talked of having a clear sense of purpose within business, saying: “We had a clear sense of purpose and mission that we would let people get lightened and enlightened with the creation of Cranium. We gave them a platform to show the world what they are capable of; it gives them a chance to shine.

“Rule number one in our book is ‘have a mission’. There is nothing more inspiring as humans than having a sense of purpose. If you can’t say to me what that mission is right now, either change it or learn it.

Life’s too short.”

Jamie Combs, the unorthodox American entrepreneur, activist and educator behind the industryleading NAKD brand, is a champion of the wholefood revolution. NAKD bars are the UK’s best-selling health food bars, outperforming global competitors on a fraction of their budgets.

He concluded the conference with a message of simplicity: “Simplicity precedes confidence. It’s impossible to be confident if the world around us is too complex. For me, the insight that simplicity precedes confidence shows that the first step, if I am going to get something done is simplicity – simple, like falling off a boat kind of simple.”

For more information about the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, call 0191 500 7780 or visit www.entrepreneursforum.net

BUSINESS INSIGHT Joanne Major

I’M LEAVING...ON A JET PLANE

W

hen a relationship ends and the parties separate, by definition, this involves one of the parties moving out. When children are involved, the practical and emotional considerations become more complex and arrangements for the children to maintain a healthy and nurturing relationship with the non-resident parent can be a contentious issue for many separated couples.

The pain of separation and the change of environment and routine for children can be more dramatic when the parent with whom they live for the majority of the time decides to move away from the area altogether.

In the modern world, relocation is common for families generally, whether as a result of employment opportunities, aspiration or the forming of a relationship with a person in another country.

This can lead to a great amount of distress and worry when parents have separated and one is facing the prospect of being left behind, many miles from the children they previously spent every day with.

So what are the legalities of this thorny issue?

Many facing the situation wonder how the other parent can be allowed to simply up sticks and move to the other side of the country. At the heart

of any judicial decision about a child’s relocation is the Children Act principle that the welfare of that child is the paramount consideration, as determined by a number of factors contained within a welfare checklist.

The reality of such situations is somewhat black and white: if relocation is denied, the parent wanting to move will be disappointed and unsettled at the least; if granted, the non-resident parent will be left behind and alone with the risk of a deterioration in the parent child relationship as a result of the distances involved.

If a parent wants to move to another part of England & Wales, they do not need to have the specific consent of the other parent, although they do need to ensure they adhere to any contact arrangements. If the non-resident parent objects to the move, it is for them to apply to the Court. Perhaps because of the geographical extent of England and Wales when compared to other, much larger, countries, case law in this country suggests that in all but extreme cases, a parent who wishes to move to another part of the country with the children against the wishes of the other parent will be allowed to do so, although it is not uncommon for conditions to be placed upon the move, such as specifying extended/holiday contact arrangements between

the children and the non-resident parent, as well as travel arrangements to/from the contact, and even that the children should live within a specific region of the area they are moving to.

When the move is to involve crossing borders (international relocation), the legal position is different: the parent seeking to relocate abroad must obtain the consent of every other person with parental responsibility for the children and if the consent is not forthcoming, they must make an application to the Court for permission.

In these circumstances, there is no presumption that the application will be granted and the court will look very carefully at the reasons for the move, the arrangements made and the effect of the move on the children, particularly in terms of an ongoing relationship with the non-resident parent.

Like most family situations, there is no broadbrush approach and the decision of the Court will depend on the specific circumstances of each case and the approach of the parties involved.

For those contemplating relocation or facing the possibility of their children relocating, early legal advice is highly advisable, and sometimes a high priority.

Joanne Major is the Principal with Major Family Law, the Divorce and Family Law Specialists, 12 West Road, Ponteland, Newcastle Upon Tyne. T: 01661 82 45 82 www.majorfamilylaw.co.uk. Twitter: @majorfamilylaw

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Looking after what’s important.

In divorce cases involving children we think first as parents and then as lawyers.

Divorce is not an easy time for anyone, but we will work with you to create the best outcome for you and your children, dealing with your individual circumstances with compassion, respect and professionalism.

Specialist divorce and family lawyers 01661 82 45 82

enquiries@majorfamilylaw.co.uk

12 West Road, Ponteland NE20 9SU

www.majorfamilylaw.co.uk

BEER FESTIVAL Hundreds of people sampled a selection of over 40 beers, ciders and wines at the second annual South Northumberland Cricket Club beer festival, which was once again sponsored by Gosforth-based RMT Accountants & Business Advisors.

Modern Indian cuisine from gourmet restaurant Haveli and authentic barbecue food from Longhorns Newcastle added to the attractions at the two-day event.

Matthew Flinders, at RMT, says: “This event has already become a fixture in the North East social calendar and we’ve had fantastic feedback from all our guests.”

BUSINESS INSIGHT L-R: Nick Manson (Mansons), Matthew Flinders (RMT) and Anthony Andreasen (RMT)

Mansons looks towards home territory for next stage of development

A long-standing North East property business is focusing on home territory as it moves into the next stages of its development.

M

ansons is a Jesmond-based independent residential estate and lettings agent that has operated across the North East for the last 14 years, and has grown to now have a 14-strong team.

Set up and still run by managing director Nick Manson, the firm originally focused solely on sales before moving into lettings and property management seven years ago, and has since also provided an ‘own brand’ lettings service for a number of other independent estate agents across the region without the capacity to offer this service themselves.

However, it has now made the strategic decision to focus resources on Jesmond, Gosforth and central Newcastle with a view to supporting the large numbers of first time landlords in the city who are looking to find occupants for or sell their properties, as well as the professional firms that act as these landlords’ advisors.

Mansons has invested in a new property management software system which provides

detailed, easy-to-access information available for landlords to review online, and is also increasing the functionality of its website, which already hosts ‘videoettes’ of the properties available.

Mansons is developing its new services with the support of RMT Accountants & Business Advisors, with whom the firm’s management team has worked since the early days of the business.

Nick Manson, who sits on the National Advisory Council for the Guild of Professional Estate Agents, says: “The company has always progressed by adapting or extending what we’ve offered to the prevailing market conditions, and we believe the changes and investments we’re putting in place will lead to further success “First-time or inexperienced landlords often need a lot of support and advice to ensure everything goes to plan, from identifying the right investment opportunities and negotiating the purchase through to setting up, managing and maintaining the tenancy.

“Our unrivalled experience in this area, coupled with our knowledge of our heartland area and

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our strong relationships with professional firms and industry bodies, puts us in pole position for providing them with the support they need to get the best possible outcomes.

“RMT has been essential to our direction and development right back to the earliest days of the business. Their advice has been central to our operational and financial structures over the years, and it’s great to still have them on board as we move into a new era.”

Anthony Andreasen at RMT Accountants & Business Advisors, adds: “Mansons is a wellestablished and respected name in the North East property industry, and we’re extremely pleased to have played a part in their enduring success.”

For more information on Mansons, please visit www.mansons.net RMT provides the full range of financial and business advisory services through its Specialist Tax, Recovery & Insolvency, Corporate Finance and Medical divisions. For more information, please visit www.r-m-t.co.uk

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Getting to the core of North East business Gwen Jones

Gordon Brown Law Firm’s Gwen Jones introduces a real approach to legal services for the region’s small businesses

S

ummer is now officially upon us, bringing with it lighter evenings, marginally warmer weather and, dare I say it, a renewed sense of optimism for those of us in the corporate world – as we regroup on plans and ambitions laid out earlier in the year and gear up for the next phase of progression.

In my opinion, a change in season presents the perfect opportunity for reflection and never more so than when thinking about that next step in business – whatever your size or area of expertise.

As a solicitor at Gordon Brown Law Firm, based in the commercial department, I spend a good proportion of my time talking to SMEs. They make up a considerable percentage of our client base across the North East, many of whom we have worked with since we began trading in 1982.

Whether you are a sole trader, small business or a new start-up, at Gordon Brown we know how difficult it can be when running a small enterprise - you are its core, underpinning its success with your hard work and determination. Suffice to say whilst it’s rewarding and self-fulfilling, the pressures and stresses of being a business owner are considerable.

We also appreciate that legal fees and seeing a solicitor for advice can be intimidating, with the costs of the advice in particular being an added pressure for you.

This is why we have launched a unique new small business offering - “Core”; providing upfront, fixed fee legal services for all of your business needs. We want to ensure that you and your company are looked after when you need legal advice so that you can continue with the day-to-day running of your business, without having to worry about legal matters.

We want to help you to grow your business by taking the stress out of seeking legal advice. With that in mind, your first 30 minute consultation would be with yours truly, at either our Newcastle or Chester le Street office and will be free of charge with absolutely no obligation to instruct us after this initial meeting. No jargon and absolutely no pressure – just sound, honest advice from a business you can trust.

With over 30 years spent offering expert legal advice across the region, the team at Gordon Brown Law Firm know a thing or two about small businesses. We’ve done our homework, put the

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time in and developed lasting relationships with North East SMEs. We like to think we know what makes them tick and, perhaps more importantly, what doesn’t.

Let us look after the Core of your legal needs so that you can take the next step in business.

“

...a change in season presents the perfect opportunity for reflection and never more so than when thinking about that next step in business - whatever your size or area of expertise.

”

For further infomation visit www.core.gblf.co.uk

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

Ringing the Changes Read about the changes to ISAs, pensions and investments Joe Bonalli, Financial Adviser for Inspire Financial

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i I’m Joe Bonallie of Inspire Financial.

I’ve been a financial advisor for 28 years and I am based in the North-East - more specifically in Sunderland.

This time I want to talk about Individual Savings Accounts (ISA), investments and the changes to pensions that were made in April 2015 - the most drastic changes to date - and what these changes mean.

First; a word on investments and in particular ISAs. While cash ISAs appear to be a good way of saving money for some individuals it should be noted that the spending power of these savings accounts has greatly dropped thanks to inflation, since they were introduced in 1999.

The current low interest rate, which is expected to stay low for the foreseeable future means that some may prefer investing in a stocks and shares ISA as opposed to a cash ISA. Doing so would mean that you would avoid the effects of inflation on your savings. But as always there isn’t a one size fits all solution to ISA investments.

It’s a good job then that in July 2014, legislation was passed that means if stocks and shares ISA isn’t for you or if there is a change in interest rates, you are free to swap back to a cash ISA. It should be noted however that the maximum ISA allowance for the 2015/2016 tax year is £15,240. The tax efficiency of ISAs is based on current rules. The current tax situation may not be maintained. The benefit of the tax treatment

depends on individual circumstances.

Although there is no fixed term, you should consider stocks and shares ISAs to be a medium to long term investment of ideally five years or more.

The value of your stocks and shares ISA and any income from it may fall as well as rise and is not guaranteed. You may get back less than you invest.

Now, as I mentioned in my introduction, pensions have seen some of the biggest changes in recent years and there is quite a lot to take in.

So I’m going to break down the major points.

From the age of 55, you will now be given flexible access to your pension. You can choose one of three options; 1. T ake the whole pension pot as one lump sum, 25% of which will be tax free, with the remaining 75% taxed as income at your marginal rate of tax.

2. Take smaller chunks of the pot whenever you like. Again, 25% of each withdrawal will be tax free with the remainder taxed as income at your marginal rate of tax.

3. Take 25% of the pot tax free, with a regular taxable income from the rest (draw down) which can be taken directly from the pension fund or purchase an annuity which will provide a secure income for life.

Once again, there are a few things to take into consideration - Income Drawdown carries

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significant investment risk as your future retirement income remains totally dependent on your pension fund performance. You should remember that if you access your tax free cash early, the benefits will be less than if you wait until your planned retirement age. Therefore pension release may only suit a limited number of people.

The change which gives you most of the dilemma is point 3, which does sound a little overwhelming when you look at it for the first time. The big question here is draw down or annuity.

Choosing draw down will mean you are given the freedom to withdraw cash from your pot when and as you wish. However there is the chance that your money may run out, however the greater flexibility to take what you want yearon-year may be perfect for you.

The alternative is choosing an annuity. This will provide you with a secure, fixed income for the rest of your life. They are suitable for pots of any size, however there are negatives with this option too. Once you take out an annuity you are locked into it, you cannot benefit from positive investment returns, and you lose control of and access to the pension fund.

Whatever financial issue you require help with be it pensions, ISAs or anything else don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Inspire Financial on 0191 516 6326.

BUSINESS INSIGHT

A host of events are already planned at Sintons to raise vital funds for Tiny Lives throughout 2015, including a fancy dress party, office quiz, a series of dress down days, and participation in the Virgin Money Cyclone.

Several of Sintons’ staff have visited the Special Care Baby Unit to see first-hand the work the charity does, with more visits planned over the next few months.

Alan Dawson, Chairman of Sintons, said: “At Sintons, we are never afraid to take on a challenge to raise vital funds for charity, and this abseil has been one of our most daring yet! We are delighted to be raising money for Tiny Lives, as we will continue to do throughout 2015.

“Tiny Lives is an incredible charity, which not only provides vital funds for the care of premature and sick newborn babies, but also supports families at a time they need it most.

We are very pleased our fundraising will directly support Fiona’s role, and have heard from families she has worked with what a huge difference she has made to their lives at such a difficult time.”

Carol Meredith, Head of Tiny Lives, said: “Our thanks to everyone at Sintons who is taking part in such an astonishing and energetic year of fundraising. Tiny Lives very much appreciates Sintons’ support that will make a real difference to families at such a critical time in their lives.”

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Alan Dawson, Chairman of Sintons

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taff at law firm Sintons took on their most daring challenge for charity to date as they abseiled from the roof of their iconic Newcastle office.

Fifteen people - including Alan Dawson, Chairman of Sintons, and three Partners - abseiled from the top of The Cube, in Barrack Road, to raise money for Tiny Lives, Sintons’ charity of the year for 2015.

Sintons have set a target of raising £10,000 throughout the year for Tiny Lives, which helps to support and care for premature and sick newborn babies at their families in the Special Care Baby Unit in Newcastle’s RVI hospital.

The firm’s fundraising will go directly towards financing the role of Tiny Lives’ full time social worker. Social worker Fiona Ewing works closely with families whose babies are being cared for to provide vital emotional, practical and financial support, at such a worrying time.

Sintons has raised tens of thousands of pounds over the years supporting a host of local charities, including the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, Down’s Syndrome North East and the Charlie Bear Cancer Appeal.

Last year, the firm raised over £27,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, which was chosen in memory of much-loved Partner Andrew Walker, who passed away in 2013 after a short battle with cancer.

Sintons Abseil!

BUSINESS INSIGHT

UNW advises on £100m worth of deals in record first quarter UNW’s enlarged Corporate Finance team.

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USINESS advisers UNW delivered a recordbreaking first quarter of 2015, having completed an unprecedented number of deals with a combined transactional value of around £100m.

Newcastle-based UNW say the advisory market is returning to pre-recession levels after its Corporate Finance team brought six separate transactions over the line in a blockbusting first 12 weeks of the year.

Now UNW, which has expanded its advisory department by a third over the last 18 months, is forecasting a record year overall, as its experts in acquisitions, disposals and fundraisings report a healthy pipeline of activity still to come.

Over the first quarter, UNW successfully helped Teesside chemical firm Chemoxy secure a £20m funding package, including £10m growth capital investment from the Business Growth Fund and £10m of working capital from Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), as well as advising on the sale of Basingstoke storage company Solid State Solutions (S3) to outsourcing giant Capita plc.

The UNW team also helped sell 155-year-old radiology protective equipment manufacturer W S Rothband via a management buy in and acted for Gentoo in the sale of Wigan-based Astley Facades to Entu plc.

In addition, the St. James’ Boulevard-based firm advised on a joint venture between Gentoo Construction and Tolent plc, as well as selling a

channel service provider to a London private equity house in a confidential transaction.

UNW Corporate Finance partner Paul Kaiser said: “Our Corporate Finance team is now the biggest in the North and we are confident our collective skills in fundraisings, acquisitions and disposals can compete with the best nationally.

“Having recognised that the market was recovering, we have invested heavily in our advisory department, leaving us perfectly placed

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to take advantage of this more buoyant market and to handle larger transaction volumes.

“For us these transactions, and a very strong pipeline coming through, provide us with real evidence that we are getting towards pre-2008 transaction volumes, which, with the uncertainty of the general election out of the way, means it’s a very good climate to sell or raise money for your business.”

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Couple say “I do” to new venue

l-r: Jeab Prapunwong; Danielle Dale, Sintons; Barry Speker, Sintons; Sun Ye Lau.

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couple who first met and went on to hold their wedding in one of Newcastle’s most iconic restaurants have now become the new owners of the venue, with support from law firm Sintons.

Waterside Palace, on Forth Banks in Newcastle, has been bought by Jeab Prapunwong and his wife Sun Ye Lau, who have transformed it into Mantra Thai. The couple have invested over £600,000 in revamping the venue.

Jeab and Sun Ye first met in Waterside Palace, then one of Newcastle’s most esteemed Chinese restaurants when it was owned by Sun Ye’s father

Alec Lau, who is also the founder of the Lau’s Buffet King chain. Jeab, who came to the UK as a student, worked there as a waiter.

The couple went on to marry and held their wedding there in 2003.

Now, the future of the venue has been secured with it passing to the next generation of the Lau family through its acquisition by Sun Ye and Jeab.

The restaurant has been fully refurbished and its design and menu have been overseen by Jeab, who hails from Hua Hin in Thailand.

Leading lawyer Barry Speker has acted for the Lau family for more than 20 years, and acquired

the Waterside Palace site for Alec in 2000. He and the real estate team at Newcastle law firm Sintons have enabled the transfer of the premises to Mantra Thai.

Since its reopening, the restaurant is proving a hit with diners, and the sizeable venue has hosted a number of weddings and conferences.

Jeab said: “I have always wanted to open a Thai restaurant since I moved to Newcastle as a student in 1997. This place is special to Sun Ye and I because we met here, and it has been in Sun Ye’s family since it was first built. We are so proud to become its owners and to be able to give a whole new look and identity to this fantastic building. Mantra is something special and unique for Newcastle and we are really pleased with how well it has been received.”

Laura Peace, Partner in the real estate department at Sintons, and solicitor Danielle Dale handled the property aspects of the transfer.

Barry Speker, Consultant at Sintons and prominent lawyer to Newcastle’s Chinese community, said: “It is very special that Sun Ye and Jeab have become the owners of a place that holds such personal significance for them, and furthermore, that they have transformed such a well-known restaurant into a venue which has its own separate identity. I wish Sun Ye and Jeab the very best of luck with Mantra – I am a regular visitor so can confirm they are making an outstanding success of it!”

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

What do you mean I can’t take it with me?

Stuart McKinnon, Partner at Baker Tilly North East.

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enjamin Franklin famously wrote that there is nothing certain except death and taxes. What is equally certain is that you cannot have a death without there being tax consequences. So, if death is certain, you have to consider legitimate tax planning during your lifetime to ensure that your assets go where you intend them to.

Inheritance Tax (IHT) has been with us since 1986. In introducing the tax, Nigel Lawson said it was purely voluntary as all you had to do was give away all your assets seven years before you died.

If only it was that simple! Following the freezing of the IHT nil rate band, the tax taken from IHT is creeping up. It is a fairly brutal tax. The first £325,000 is taxed at a nil rate but thereafter the Government takes 40%.

For a married couple, any unused nil rate band on the death of one spouse can be transferred to the other and therefore the 40% doesn’t kick in until the joint estate exceeds £650,000. The new Government has pledged to increase this to £1m with a new form of exemption but we need

to wait and see how that will work in practice.

The suggestion that it may be based around the family home is fraught with difficulties and is ill conceived.

We may see these new measures introduced in the next Budget which is scheduled for 8 July, but even if we don’t, it is never too early to start planning. It is a sobering thought to have to consider your own mortality and this often puts people off doing anything proactive. But what is worse, admitting that you can’t take it with you or giving away a significant sum to someone other than your family through inertia? The starting point is to work out what you are worth and then take advice on what your options are.

Or you could follow Lawson’s advice and give it all away seven years before you die. Seven years you say? Now what have I done with my crystal ball…….

For advice on IHT or other taxation issues, please contact Stuart McKinnon on 0191 255 7000 or email stuart.mckinnon@bakertilly.co.uk

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BUSINESS INSIGHT Bryony Gibson

A Job For Everyone Who Wants One

Bryony Gibson, managing director of Bryony Gibson Consulting, shares her thoughts on the job creation promises of our new government.

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he Queen delivered her first Conservative speech for almost 20 years when recently opening the new parliamentary term.

Outlining government’s future plans, she said they promised to bring together the different parts of the UK, help disadvantaged people and, perhaps most importantly for recruiters, support workers and aspirational businesses.

David Cameron followed with the promise that we will reach full employment by 2020 through the creation of two million more jobs and three million new apprenticeships.

This means by the end of his reign there will be a job in the UK for everyone who wants one; but can he really deliver on this promise?

That depends on your definition of full employment and whether he actually meant to say ‘net new jobs’, although I suspect he didn’t.

Nevertheless, unemployment currently sits at 1.86 million people and if he can help businesses employ two million more, he must be well on his way.

As you would imagine, job creation being at the heart of any economic plan makes perfect sense to me.

More people working means higher living standards, widespread financial security and greater national productivity. In turn that leads to less welfare outlaid and more taxes paid. To a non-economist recruitment specialist, that

sounds like a pretty good recipe for success.

So how do they plan to do it? The Conservative Party Manifesto suggests their approach will be two-fold; trying to help businesses create jobs and making key sections of the workforce more employable.

Creating As with most political promises, the devil will be in the detail and, so far it doesn’t seem clear how the new jobs will be created.

Assuming this is achieved, the big question will then be: are they the right kind of jobs? Today minimum wage and zero hours contracts are commonplace and I’d question if this can ever truly lead to full employment.

Real wages need to rise and people need decent jobs if this is to be a true success.

Plans to cut red tape will help small businesses, as will an employment law review allowing employers and employees to agree more flexible working practices, but this will be subject to a successful EU negotiation!

Up-skilling the workforce Job availability is great, but as I know only too well, you have to fill them with the right people.

There’s no point in trying to create jobs for those already gainfully employed. The focus

needs to be on specific segments of the workforce who need training and skills.

Investment in technology and innovation is important, but it must be accompanied by a programme to train young people and those working in declining industries.

A growth in apprenticeships should be applauded, as education and vocational training has a vital role to play in increasing overall employment. Business must work with education, supported by the government.

Increases in childcare support will help mothers get back to work more easily, but this also needs to be accompanied by a rise in wages and more flexibility with working hours.

There’s a lot to do, but building an economy with job creation and business at its heart has genuine merit, especially for a region like the North East.

Of course a clear vision of what full employment looks like would help to build support, but, given the positive gains in employment we’ve seen during the economic recovery, I think it could be time to put aside personal politics and try to all pull in the same direction.

You never know, with strong leadership, a clear focus and a commitment across all areas of government policy, these promises might even come true!

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.

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BUSINESS INSIGHT Universal Tax & Wealth LLP Team

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Reducing your tax bill legally

he new Conservative government is limiting contributions to pensions which are now probably the best Inheritance Tax solutions available.

Under the proposed regime someone earning up to £150,000 would still be able to contribute £40,000 per year, of which a sizeable £18,240 would be tax relief - in effect a contribution from the taxman.

Above £150,000 the ability to contribute is reduced by £1 for every extra £2 earned subject to a contribution floor of £10,000.

Naturally investing these lower sums would result in a far smaller pension pot over time; not really a very satisfactory outcome, as pension planning is now even more important. The new pension freedoms allow wealth to pass from one generation to another without any inheritance tax bill, which has got to fall under the heading of ‘really useful’. So is there no way to build up a significant pension pot?

There are things that can be done. One area with great potential is the owner managers of small/medium enterprises, who tend to be controlling directors.

The rules will attempt to restrict the amount

of premium that can be paid where earnings exceed £150k. If income levels are lower, then the restrictions should not apply. There is still an annual restriction of £40,000.

Consider this; we are dealing with what is known as the defined contribution, or DC regime.

There is an alternative, the defined benefit or DB regime. These are the schemes used to provide civil servants and teachers, for example, with their pension benefits. In the past these have generally been restricted to larger employers, but we have access to a scheme that allows DB benefits to be put in place for controlling directors of SME’s. DB benefits are treated very differently in calculating how much can be paid in. You are dealing with a pension promise. You promise to pay a level of pension. The maximum promise per year is £2500 of pension payment, arrived at by dividing the £40k DC limit by a factor of 16, all of which is straightforward, non contentious and uses well established pension rules. No tax avoidance issues here.

The differential is that you can include some extra benefits in the pension that have a capital cost attached, and which can be paid for by the employer, such as annual increases, widows

What the taxman pays in for you

and dependants benefits and guarantees. These all increase the allowable premium, without breaching the £2500 annual pension promise, but allowing much more premium/profit to be diverted in to the plan.

Each plan must be viewed individually and benefit calculations must be done at outset, but the increases in allowable premium can be significant. In my most recent case, the allowable current premium increased from £40k to £88k, and we were able to use unused relief rules to increase that figure overall to over £377,000.

This arrangement is not for everybody, as a specific set of circumstances is needed to make the scheme work. But for those of you who it does suit, it can give you a significant boost to pension savings, make an immediate corporation tax saving and give inheritance tax savings in the long run.

Paul McAtominey is senior pension consultant in Universal Tax and Wealth LLP (authorised and regulated by FCA) and can be contacted on 0191 374 0333 email paul. mcatominey@universaltaxandwealth.co.uk

What You Earn

Max you can pay into pensions

How big your pension poy could be after 30 years (5% growth)

£100,000

£40,000

£16,000

£1,300,000

£150,000

£40,000

£18,240*

£1,300,000*

£210,000

£10,000

£4,500

£325,000

*Note: £11,200 of this contribution enjoys an effective relief rate of 60pc due to reclaim of some of the personal allowance (Source: Hargreaves Lansdown)

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ENGINEERING A GREATER NORTH EAST RECRUITING NOW FOR ALL MANUFACTURING, ENGINEERING AND WAREHOUSE/DISTRIBUTION SECTORS Technical Search and Selection technical@mtrec.co.uk

Industrial Temporary Recruitment industrial@mtrec.co.uk

Training Division training@mtrec.co.uk

Recruitment & Training

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Jonathan Gold

Your business and other people’s cash

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have said before ‘investing is a balance of risk and reward’ - so is running your own business.

Most entrepreneurs do both by taking a big risk with their own cash and investing it into a conviction in their abilities to reap a reward.

Some then go on to seek other people’s cash to support their vision and belief that they can make a return. I first did this when I was 26. Not with mounds of my own money as I didn’t have lots but it was a start-up business with a friend; we also raised money from others.

The business grew to a turnover of just under £1m with around six staff. That was London, in 1986; we lasted three years before learning the best lesson in business, the wrong way! ‘Don’t run out of cash’, or put another way we were profitable but couldn’t meet our short term debts; result, the liquidator.

Most surveys show around 90% of start-ups fail, others say the number is 40%. Whatever survey or professional investor you listen to the fact remains it’s a risky investment but one that can also reap very high returns; sometimes.

I know what it’s like to fail but it didn’t put me off the idea of tackling a start-up again, and eventually led me to form FinanceTree as a management buyout and then Rivers Capital

Partners in 2009. The experience of starting and raising cash in the mid-1980s was more painful than it is now. Today, there are more sources of capital than ever, more mentors, more incubator and accelerator programmes and more tax breaks for investors. There really is no excuse if you want to start a business or if you think you could grow your own.

At Rivers Capital we still see around 200 businesses a year and now also have a loan book with over £5m invested in 400 regional entrepreneurs with an additional 61 with around £14m of equity investment.

The equity side has a range of business angels involved with our Fund. The best entrepreneurs understand that investors are important customers. Others don’t see investors as important. Major mistake; I think it’s because they see it as just another commodity like the electricity they use. Perhaps it’s a little too easy?

For some reason businesses research their products and markets, even customers but don’t research the available investment and the investors. We are all different, want different things and are different to work with. I‘m not a life-long investor; as I have explained, I have built my own businesses while others have been

professional investors all their careers.

And don’t tell me the banks aren’t lending, the best of them are and the alternative finance sector is growing even if it’s still small. A recent NESTA report stated that £84m was raised by equity crowdfunding platforms in the UK last year, small but growing.

Peer-to-Peer lending is more significant; Funding Circle is the leading supplier in the UK with £100m lent to businesses in the first three months of this year.

The North East has had £142m available through the funds from North East Finance via managers like me and the team at Rivers Capital.

Oh, and we also have our very own on-line finance platform in the region, GrowthFunders who are also a growing business and offer something different; go and take a look.

So what’s my point? Well, I want to encourage you to seek investment but more importantly to start and grow your business. Don’t be afraid to fail; I have done and know what it’s like to start and fail and start again. Investors are used to failure (or they should be…) but treat the investors cash like your own and talk to people like me.

Jonathan Gold is the Managing Director and Co-founder of Rivers Capital Partners: contact him on 0191 230 6370 or via www.riverscap.com

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

Glass ceiling still to be smashed A recent report highlights women with the same qualifications and greater leadership experience than male rivals are still likely to be overlooked for top jobs.Sarah Fitzpatrick, a Senior Associate Solicitor at specialist North East employment law firm Collingwood Legal, reviews the report and provides advice for businesses in the region.

The report The University of Kent conducted the study into gender equality in the workplace. The study involved 98 employers’ shortlisting fictional applicants of approximately the same age but with different gender and levels of experience for a managerial role, with the results indicating that employers were still more likely to recruit males even if the female counterpart had more experience.

The fictional applicants were all of roughly the same age, and varied only in their gender and level of experience. Employers had to rate each one’s CV and indicate who they would most like to take on, but no matter what an applicant had achieved in their career to date, the quality deemed most impressive was leadership potential, and only in males.

also have a legal obligation not to discriminate during recruitment which these findings suggest is not being properly fulfilled.

Applicants for jobs can challenge why they weren’t selected, and there can be significant consequences for employers if they can’t justify their decision.

A claim of sex discrimination against any business can be both costly and time consuming to defend and, if the company loses, the financial penalties that could be imposed on your business are unlimited and the impact on your business’s reputation could be similarly costly.

Your should keep a clear paper trail of your selection process and ensure that you can justify your decisions on the criteria you’ve set for the job if you want to recruit the best person for the role and comply with the law.

The advice Sarah Fitzpatrick, a Senior Associate Solicitor at specialist North East employment law firm Collingwood Legal,

North East businesses should take care to ensure their recruitment practices are fair, transparent and non-discriminatory.

While businesses should want to recruit the best person for the job, regardless of their gender, they

If you require further advice and guidance on this matter, please do not hesitate to contact Sarah Fitzpatrick on 0191 282 2882 or by email:sarah.fitzpatrick@ collingwoodlegal.com.

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DUNCAN G YOUNG Dip.Est.Man.FNAEA Managing Director SANDERSON YOUNG

PROPERTY INSIGHT

A New Start

am delighted to be able to write a property feature in Northern Insight and to congratulate Mike Grahamslaw in setting up this fabulous publication, which I am sure will be very well supported and read by many people throughout the region. Mike has been a leading media figure within the North East for many years and I wish him every success with this Title.

In a similar way the housing market has had a fresh start with the recent election and polling results. The first quarter of 2015 showed clear reluctance and some hesitation amongst buyers, who were uncertain as to what the future might hold, with a possible hung parliament and an economy that may have faltered. The resounding success of the Conservative Party has clearly indicated that the economy will continue to be rebuilt and hopefully the UK will lead the way in strengthening sterling and speeding the recovery after a difficult period of time from 2007 to 2012.

Certain locations within the region are now experiencing higher demand than supply and for semi-detached and terraced houses in the popular suburbs of Jesmond and Gosforth the shortage of supply is becoming an increasing problem, with prices clearly rising. That confidence factor will spread throughout the whole region in due course and we hope for our clients to see greater numbers of buyers looking at property in the very near future.

Some of the new homes developments

are proving to be equally popular, with record numbers of buyers considering the La Sagesse site in Jesmond, where they are creating what will undoubtedly be the very best new homes development for decades within Newcastle.

The outstanding luxury mansions and the new and converted apartments are surrounded by mature trees and established parkland, yet have the convenience of Jesmond Dene and fabulous shopping facilities.

At Sanderson Young we are extremely busy this month and we expect it to continue throughout the majority of the summer, with increasing numbers of home owners deciding to move and taking advantage of what we hope will be not just a good summer for weather, but a confident summer for house buying.

Home owners need to focus on their gardens to ensure they look as best as they can and ensure their properties are uncluttered, cleanly presented and freshly decorated. Estate agents need to ensure that their marketing of houses is comprehensive and now that nearly 70 per cent of our viewings take place through the internet, it is a testament to our investment in our own website that our clients are seeing such large responses and high interest in their homes. We have invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in new media and we are seeing a great return from this investment, due to the quality of the photographs that we present, the simplicity

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of the site and the reach we enjoy to so many buyers throughout the region. Indeed, our website statistics prove that London is the second city searching this region for quality homes and our reach continues throughout the world, where buyers are looking to return to or invest in the North East of England.

Email: duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

PROPERTY INSIGHT l-r: Adam Lee, Pod; Emma Gilboy, Sintons; John Fish, Brims; Alan Harkness, Sintons; Tony Douglass, Bradley Homes

North East developer completes first site

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North East housing developer which has recently completed its first newbuild residential project is now looking at further sites in the region on which it can build its bespoke homes.

Bradley Homes Ltd has completed a sixproperty project in Benton, North Tyneside, comprising five houses and an apartment, which are now set to go on the market to potential buyers.

The Benton Farm Mews development marks the first new build project for the Newcastlebased business, which aims to gain a foothold in the housing development market through this and future projects. Other developments in and around the Newcastle area are already being considered.

Bradley Homes has been founded by entrepreneur Tony Douglass, who is being supported in his venture by his father David, a retired solicitor well known in the region for his work in the housebuilding sector.

Brims Construction were appointed to carry out

the construction of Benton Cottages, which has been developed on the site of property formerly owned by Newcastle University. Architects Pod, based at the Toffee Factory, designed the development.

Legal work was handled by Newcastle law firm Sintons, with residential property specialist Alan Harkness leading on the transaction.

Tony Douglass, of Bradley Homes, said: “There is a real resurgence in the housebuilding sector in the North East and beyond, and while there are a few dominant players in the industry, we believe we are well placed to gain a foothold in smaller bespoke developments.

“Benton Farm Mews is our first new-build development and the emphasis is on quality and

bespoke design. We believe that is what sets us apart from the volume housebuilders, and are confident buyers will see that for themselves once our new properties are released onto the market.

“We are already considering our next project, and are looking at sites around the Newcastle area for future development.”

Alan Harkness, Consultant in the Real Estate team at Sintons - who has worked with regional and national developers for over 30 years - said: “Benton Farm Mews is a high-quality bespoke development which I am confident will be the first step in Bradley Homes building a strong presence and reputation in the North East.”

An open day is being held at Benton Farm Mews for potential buyers on June 13 and 14. The properties are being marketed by Bradley Hall’s Gosforth office.

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We have a large choice of blind systems and designs available in our showroom.

Pop in and see us, where our trained staff can help you select your ideal window dressing.

Or shop with us online!

t: 0191 447 9700 www.tyneblinds.co.uk 2 Wesley Drive, Benton Square Industrial Estate, Palmersville, Newcastle upon Tyne. NE12 9UP

BUSINESS INSIGHT

The changing face of procurement Rod Brasington, Chief Executive of NE Procurement

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or many years, the success of procurement has been judged on the upfront saving generated by the tender process. The role of the procurement team has historically been based on process management, negotiation and numerical analysis. However, times have changed of late with procurement professionals having to adapt, acquire new skills and generally work in a different way.

In my role as Chief Executive of NE Procurement, I’ve seen first-hand how procurement has evolved from a moneysaving exercise to an activity that can offer a real, hard-hitting, strategic contribution.

Procurement is, and always needs to be, fully involved in the operational and strategic decisionmaking process within an organisation to ensure full awareness of the organisational requirements.

Full awareness can then be translated into a focussed specification and tender setting activity aimed at optimising the business’ needs.

Involvement in everyday business activities allows the procurement team to showcase their

commercial skills, far beyond running a tender and saving the business money. Procurement teams are now responsible for delivering meaningful Social Value benefits for businesses and their communities and business efficiency which directly impacts the customer experience.

At the start of the tender process it is essential to follow the Public sector most economically advantageous tender (MEAT) principles in order to deliver real value for the business, giving consideration to the following: Q uality - How good is the product or service and how good is its reputation?

P rice - Where does the solution sit in the market place? Does it represent good value?

Just because the price is low, does not mean it’s the best value.

Technical merit - How close does the technical performance match your requirements? Are they providing any additional benefits, if so, do they add value, can you even use them?

F unctional characteristics - What exactly

does it do? Is it easy to use?

E nvironmental characteristics - Will it help or hinder your efforts to reduce your Carbon Footprint?

D elivery - How easy can the item/service be delivered? Will it be delivered on time and how critical is it to your processes?

After sales service - Is this comprehensive, costly, effective and how will it impact on you and your processes or customers? What is included in your initial price?

What are the running costs? - A low cost solution may actually be the most expensive to run.

C ontract delivery - Who will be delivering the contract? Do they have the required experience and qualifications?

S taff turnover - Does the providing business have a high turnover of staff, which could impact on the delivery and on-going service?

Or will the product/service not be impacted by such concerns?

Procurement is now about the assessment of the full package with whole-life costs rightly becoming the firm driver of professional procurement.

The procurement professional now has lot more to consider but also a lot more to offer…

Email: rod.brasingtonneprocurement.com

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Procurement solutions exclusively for the public sector.

NE Procurement Ltd is a forward-thinking procurement consortium offering public sector members a range of solutions in the following areas: • Consultants (e.g. energy assessments, stock condition survey, legionella water surveys etc.)

• Asbestos removal services • Gas servicing • Labour internal works (kitchens, bathrooms, heating and boilers, electrical etc.)

• Labour external works (roofing, painting, landscaping, wall insulation etc.)

• New build • Renewable installers and materials • External materials • Materials Contact us to see how we can make you significant procurement savings and find out about our award winning social value activities working with Members and Supply Chain Partners to create regeneration and employability solutions across the North East.

MEMBERSHIP IS FREE!!

info@neprocurement.com neprocurement.org.uk

/NorthEastProcurement

0191 280 4188

@NE_Procurement

Cobalt Business Exchange, Cobalt Park Way, Silverlink, Newcastle, NE28 9NZ.

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

NORTH EAST IT BUSINESS OPENS NEW DIVISION TO MARKET NEW SOFTWARE IN UK

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orth East technology company, Synergi IT, is expanding its software range and developing a new division to manage its growth. The company has established a strategic asset management (SAM) division after signing an exclusive UK partnership with worldleading Australian software firm, Assetic.

Synergi will now bring innovative software and services to the UK and Europe for the first time, helping large businesses and public sector organisations better manage the degradation of assets and an aging infrastructure.

Peter Joynson, managing director of Synergi IT, explained: “Assetic’s powerful specialist software will allow large private and public sector organisations better manage and maintain a large asset stock. It will be an important tool for local authorities, the utilities and NHS, organisations that are facing financial cuts and need to manage asset decay.”

Mr Joynson added: “Our ethos at Synergi is about driving the adoption of the next generation of IT business technology tools. When the opportunity

Tyneside IT firm gets to the Core with latest contract win

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dvantex Network Solutions Ltd, the fast growing Gateshead-based IT firm, has won a five-figure contract to install a new IT infrastructure at The Core on Newcastle’s Science Central. The building will provide office accommodation for up-and-coming science and technology companies.

The infrastructure work was designed by Advantex to provide superfast broadband connectivity for tenants across the 2,750 sq. m seven-storey building.

The project is the latest success for Advantex, which will see current turnover of £4m grow by 20% this year.

arose to work closely with a world-leading software firm like Assetic, it was a natural fit.”

There is a growing and acknowledged need for improved infrastructure and asset management in the UK, with the National Infrastructure Plan predicting that better management of the country’s assets will save an estimated £30bn in the next 10 years.

Synergi will be running a series of masterclass events on Assetic and strategic asset management for invited audiences at events in London, Newcastle and Glasgow in July.

Assetic solutions are backed by a decade of asset management science, enabling organisations to make more informed decisions about budget allocation for maintenance and renewal of their asset stock. Using the powerful tools in the Assetic suite, Synergi will help organisations reduce their rate of asset degradation by making more intelligent decisions about budget allocation.

What a diamond business idea

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he directors at Diamond Group from Boldon, Tyne and Wear, think their brand new concept will be a hit.

They have recently launched their “Business in a Box” concept which contains a laptop or computer, a multifunctional colour machine (printer, copier, scanner), a business telephone with free local calls and a free inbound fax number for as little as £17 a week.

The company has seen a huge increase in sales since announcing this new package. Diamond expect their profits to continue rising.

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

New funding support for commercialisation of OJ Bio medical device concept

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North East medical device company has raised new financial backing as it continues to work towards the commercialisation of its breakthrough diagnostic technology.

OJ Bio has secured funding that will enable the company to expand its technical production and develop new technology that accurately and quickly identifies various infectious diseases in patient samples.

OJ Bio technology is currently being used in work being carried out on new techniques for the remote diagnosis and monitoring of HIV, respiratory viruses and periodontal gum disease.

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

Call us now and find out how.

0191 442 8300

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COVER INSIGHT

Technology’s new frontiers problems or oppportunities?

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COVER INSIGHT

The big data boom – we’re ready, are you?

Fifteen years of growing a successful business in the fastest-moving sector in the world is no mean feat. Garry Sheriff, managing director of Gateshead-based data centre experts ITPS, takes a look at the pace of change and how the Internet of Everything is transforming the business world.

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hen we established ITPS in 2000 it was the year of the Millennium Bug, predicted to cause worldwide computer malfunction and the collapse of society. Cloud computing was in its infancy and the launch of the app store was eight years away.

The world of IT has come a long way since then, changing how we communicate, gather and manage huge amounts of data, and underpinning every facet of our lives. Big data is big news, with figures showing that data-driven enterprises outperform peers by up to 6% and are up to 26% more profitable.

Data has become power. It has also become our greatest asset, underpinning the shift towards Internet of Things (IoT). This sees everyday objects equipped with sensors, identifiers and wireless connectivity so they can communicate via the internet without the need for human intervention. For example your car could now message your dealer to flag up a service visit, triggering the service desk to automatically text you an appointment.

Take that a step further and you have The Internet of Everything (IoE), which adds in a people element, using networks to connect them with processes, data and things to create intelligence on product, service and customer response. IoE is ushering in many firsts, but its worth will be measured in the ‘lasts’ it creates the last energy blackout, the last product recall, the last traffic jam.

While a business chain equipped with embedded intelligence means better real-time feedback about performance and how it can be improved, it needs a resilient IT infrastructure that can handle data demands and is based on a robust backup and recovery plan that is regularly tested and reviewed.

IoE is increasing the connectedness of people and things on a scale that once was unimaginable and little of today’s functionality was possible back in year 2000. But we had the same simple aim that we have now - a passion to deliver IT

services differently, utilise the best available technology and help clients to squeeze IT budgets while maintaining a flexible, responsive and resilient infrastructure.

It might sound odd but in our years of growing ITPS to a £17m turnover company employing over 100 staff we have never started a conversation about technology, it always starts with what the customer wants to achieve. Maintaining that fundamental principle has paid off, with 94% of clients staying with us for a decade or more, through some monumental shifts in how we all work and live.

We see IT as a utility where the client is in the driving seat, while we become their IT conscience by offering insight and bringing new ideas to the table, and monitoring and improving performance to help to boost performance and ROI. Like any successful business we have seen competitors come and go, and if I had a top tip for other businesses, it would be to focus on honest relationships. When businesses are looking to improve a mission-critical function such as their IT infrastructure, they want to deal with people who they feel have their interests at heart and who are working alongside them as partners.

With so many opportunities and threats around the world of technology you need to be able to trust your IT partner and look under the hood just as you would if you were buying a car, so you understand exactly what you are getting. A dealer would not tell you that you are buying model X then supply model Y, but make the wrong choice of IT partner and you could find yourself buying something that is not what you asked for or what you need. The recession saw some IT companies focus heavily on cost reduction, pushing that as the only driver for change. Lowering costs can be good, but a wiser spend is much more effective in the long term.

Another tip would be to always add value for the customer. Last year we invested in a third data centre, a £4m Tier 3 operation with a 10G communications infrastructure giving clients the fastest connection in the North East

plus access to a wide range of flexible, scalable services including build and project space, and fully equipped workspace recovery seats for use in the face of interruption or to temporarily ease pressure on office accommodation.

We built our data centre services around what clients told us they wanted, and with other data centres in the region standing empty through lack of adding in products and services that add value to clients’ businesses, the success of this approach speaks for itself.

Working with top partners such as Cisco, the world leader in networking that transforms how people connect, we are constantly able to push the boundaries of what is possible, and look at new ways to add value.

Cisco believes businesses can benefit from IoE if they embrace a digital business model and create the infrastructure to support next generation applications. At Cisco Live 2015, senior vice president Carlos Dominguez urged attendees to become gurus for IoE, saying: “In the last 25 years, we’ve had the birth of the Internet, social media and mobile. None of these things existed then and we’re so dependent on them. Before these technologies, we lived in a very local world.

Today in a global world, when anything happens anywhere at all, we’re immediately notified.

“

What we’re beginning to see is that technology and connectivity are the enablers.

”

His quote illustrates the fundamental principle behind building successful ICT partnerships, which is to look beyond the technology and focus on the desired outcome, and then create an infrastructure that will get the client there.

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

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Main pic, left to right: Michael Jopling, Finance Director; Garry Sheriff, Managing Director at the new data centre.

Inset, left to right: ITPS Directors Andy Hunter, Paul Anderson, George Galloway, Garry Sheriff, Susan Jopling, Michael Jopling, Mark Mason.

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ITPS 15 Year Anniversary Golf Day North East IT Company hosts 15 year anniversary golf day On Monday 15th June ITPS celebrated 15 years in business at their annual corporate golf day at Close House. ITPS staff, clients and partners literally played in the footsteps of golf shooting stars including Sam Torrance, Santiago Luna and other legends who appeared only 24 hours earlier at the ISPA Handa PGA championships. The once in a lifetime challenge raised a generous ÂŁ1,200 for local charities Percy Hedley Foundation and Sunshine Fund.

TECHNOLOGY INSIGHT

DIAMOND

the cutting edge in business technology provision

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common problem for modern business is the inability to pin down their providers to be accountable when there is an issue with technology. A typical example of this may be when faults develop on a broadband line and the provider blames the IT but the IT blames the provider, and the broadband provider blames the line provider. This passing the buck is all too common. Your copier isn’t working but the IT provider is blaming the copier supplier.

Sound familiar?

This is where Diamond Group has plugged the gap in the market. Integrating IT, telecoms and copiers into one easy to understand business service has allowed them to remove the grey areas you may recognise, which can be a source of frustration to business owners.

Since opening in 1992 by managing director John Burns, Diamond Group has focused on providing affordable technology solutions to companies across the North East from their Boldon base. Along the line they’ve added IT and Telecoms to their original copier service resulting in the Diamond Group of today.

Diamond’s business support can be tailored to suit each individual clients needs and their packages like ‘Business in a Box’ featuring a laptop, multi-functional printer, telephone, broadband and line rental for just £17 a week can be perfect to get any business started.

The idea of merging technology functions came

about when John’s copier installations became increasingly reliant on information coming from the IT support at SMEs. This information was, at times difficult to obtain and John found himself enlisting the help of Colin Grant and his IT support company.

The two, now co-directors, soon realised that they shared the ethos of affordable high standards of service and talks escalated regarding the creation of the Diamond Group of companies which soon incorporated telecoms provision with another likeminded Director, Gary Rodgers.

Gary said: “The more technologies cross over the more we are being asked to provide bespoke IT and Telecoms solutions to our clients.”

John elaborated on the idea telling us: “I realised pretty early on that companies needed all these services and would be easier if they could get them all from one provider.

He continued: “I am passionate about helping businesses, as I remember only too well the issues we experienced before we had all these services in house, so I thought I could offer high standard equipment and service where others are lacking.

“Ever since, Diamond has strived to be the number one choice for businesses, small and large, to source the technology requirements of their office.”

One of our long term clients, Tolent Construction recently said: “Diamond have provided office technology solutions to us at

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our Head Office in Gateshead and also across 20 installations across the UK for over 20 years, we have been extremely happy with the quality of service provided by Diamond throughout this time.”

Diamond are constantly monitoring their client’s technology including printers, networks, telephone lines and broadband and are on hand for any problems a company may have with their systems. By utilising proactive monitoring software, they are often able to identify issues and take full control in order to resolve any problems before the client is aware it has occurred.

From cloud computing to telephone lines, multifunctional photocopier printers to network architecture, Diamond supply everything that a company could need all in one place saving you time scouring the market. They have a team of experienced staff with the knowledge and expertise to answer and fix any technology problems you may have, which is why they’re fast becoming the North East’s go-to-guys in their industry.

Contact Diamond group today on 0191 519 3700 or visit the website - www.diamond-group.net

TECHNOLOGY INSIGHT Shaun Phillips

BYOD: Have you got the right Calibre?

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) might be the buzz word of the moment but Shaun Phillips, technical director at Newcastle-based Calibre Secured Networks Ltd, offers some wise words to ensure the experience lives up to the promise.

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eralding one possible (brighter) future for the fast and effective delivery of beneficial apps, news and online information services to a plethora of end-users across all sections of business and industry, BYOD is certainly more than a trendy acronym for the zeitgeist. Getting people to engage through work related applications on devices they are already familiar with can undoubtedly deliver greater productivity, enhance the whole IT user experience and improve the quality of everyone’s life.

However, before moving ahead careful thought and consideration must be given by those organisations looking to embrace BYOD if they are to avoid becoming unstuck; bogged down in a mire of IT implementation, escalating costs and human frustration.

You must first consider your business requirements. BYOD is not the same for every organisation so ponder the impact it will have on people from the very outset - identify what it is you would like them to do with technology?

Then ask yourself if they can do these activities better if they were mobile empowered and, if so, are there existing apps you can use or do they need to be created? Ask yourself if you need apps

at all; would a web front end work just as well?

There are of course other factors to consider at this juncture but uncovering the answers to these initial questions will provide a great start to identifying and refining your long term technical requirements.

Think about the policies governing devices and those which allow the management of apps along with the associated security issues - placing security restrictions on users who own their own devices can be problematic at a personal level.

You will also need to consider what happens to personal data held on devices you don’t own, helping you to decide how to provide access to restricted or personal information. It’s an extremely apposite consideration, so perhaps having web-based access would be the best option to avoid a device retaining data within its own storage function.

And as you plan your BYOD strategy, think about the infrastructure you will need to support and deliver a reliable service and ultimately, a beneficial user experience. A robust, well designed and ubiquitous wireless network will be essential to provide the requisite user support and a cost effective operation. There are no short cuts - a wireless infrastructure that’s not up to the job

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is likely to see any BYOD plan eventually fail as users lose confidence in platforms that deliver nothing but flaky, intermittent service with long term reliability issues. Therefore, it doesn’t matter how clever any underlying BYODs are, a platform that’s not working properly is going to be ultimately a waste of your time and money.

The message is clear, get the infrastructure right first time and on time, and you will enjoy the long term benefits your investment deserves.

Make a short-cut, or simply get your specification wrong, and you may have nothing but heartache and headache for years to come.

You’ve got to ask yourself: What price peace-of-mind?

Calibre provides ICT solutions, working across the UK and Europe with clients building longterm strategic relationships to deliver added value solutions, which provide lasting user benefits. This includes services and solutions, which enable schools, local government organisations and companies to maximise their return on investment through the deployment of technology to meet their business challenges.

More at www.calibre-secured.net

TECHNOLOGY INSIGHT L-r: Nick Collins and Annabel Cornish, Directors of Zebra Internet Services

Zebra turns 20

Zebra Internet Services are celebrating their 20th year in business, and Northern Insight wanted to know more about what it takes to withstand business in the web world…

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ne of the oldest web companies in the North East, Zebra have been offering their services to clients since the internet became a commercial commodity. From domain name registration services and hosting to the everchanging world of SEO and online marketing, Zebra have the knowledge, history and reputation to help businesses achieve the next level of success.

Nowadays, the Zebra team reside on Pink Lane, right in the heart of Newcastle’s city centre.

Since their first days providing Introduction to the Internet courses to eager newbies and web services to clients, they have been through everything that the internet has had to throw at them, including the birth of Google and hugely increased levels of competition as more and more web agencies pop up around the country.

Sean Cardus, Head of Systems at Zebra, has been with the company for 14 years, and has seen the industry change and develop dramatically: “When I first started at Zebra; broadband as we know it didn’t exist, The Cloud is what the MET office warned you about and the idea of having all your critical data stored online was a pipedream. However, all of this and much more is

all available at the click of a button. Here at Zebra we enjoy being at the forefront of new ideas and technology.”

The Zebra biography would make a great business read as it would contain chapters on all sorts, from being part of the consultation process for setting up Nominet, the UK naming authority to designing one of the BBC’s very first regional web sites, doing web sites for local (but sadly gone) legends Vaux Breweries and national treasures Typhoo Tea; they have been in collaborative projects to do with property, health and ticket sales, partnered with regional support agencies, and been approached by City investors.

Zebra opened one of the region’s first commercial data centres in partnership with Project North East, a stalwart of the region’s business support network.

Lessons learned along the way by Nick Collins and Annabel Cornish, Directors for the full 20 years are also numerous. Key to survival is the ability to be nimble and flexible.

“We have been able to change our strategy quickly where necessary, firstly during the dot com bust in the late 90’s and again following the devastating global crash of 2007”, says Annabel.

“As a company we’ve had to adjust to changing

trends and consumer behaviour in order continue to offer the dynamic and expert service we’re known for.”

A great team is the most important part of any company and Zebra pride themselves on being part of each person’s development professionally and personally. The Zebra team has grown into a diverse group of people with different backgrounds and complimentary core skills. With many team members undergoing additional courses and training alongside their roles, Zebra ensures that there able to remain on top of latest industry trends and development.

The last few years has also seen the concept of collaboration become a core part of Zebra’s business strategy, essentially by becoming an ‘agency’s agency’. By building relationships with other businesses in London, the North West, and of course locally, Zebra now play a pivotal role in the online development of clients nationally.

The SEO division in particular has expanded its relatively local client base to working on national campaigns for leading global brands - whilst still maintaining a strong regional reputation and continuing to delight clients large and small.

The future the internet industry generally will remain a mystery, but one thing’s for sure - these guys can battle anything.

For more information on Zebra Internet Services, you can visit www.zebra.co.uk, or call the team on 0191 2612252.

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TECHNOLOGY INSIGHT

How lifestyle is reshaping the workplace Pete Watson, CEO. Atlas Cloud, The Hosted Desktop Specialists.

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work-life balance that works for them as staff are increasingly struggling to fit their job into their busy lives. Parents can leave early, pick up their kids from school and continue working from home when the children are tucked in for the night, or employees can work from home whilst waiting for the plumber to fix that broken pipe rather than having to take a day off. By helping take care of their day-to-day worries, businesses benefit from focussed, content and productive employees. We have clients that have benefitted from an average of 20% increase in fee income per employee as a result, helping them grow revenues and profitability.

hether it’s through market pull or technology push, there’s no denying the level of innovation in technology is expanding at the moment. As technologies such as the cloud evolve, our expectations and attitudes towards new working methods - be it in the office, out in the field or on the kitchen table - are changing.

What do these new means of mobile working mean for businesses?

Employee engagement

Lengthy and expensive non-productive commutes often result in employees feeling stressed before they have even reached the office, which can negatively impact their mood and in turn the quality of their work. By enabling mobile access to apps and data whilst remaining easily contactable (and comfortable) through technologies like hosted desktops, the average worker can gain around 4 additional hours of productive time per week. Allowing staff to work from home – even if it’s only a day or two per week – results in a happier, more engaged workforce.

Attracting the best talent Graduates have been brought up as digital natives. They are more accustomed to a virtual way of working, are always online and therefore quick to respond to customer requests which is crucial in the competitive service economy.

Like bees to a flower, offering the newest technology and a flexible way of working could be an attractive factor for new talent to push a company forward, whilst this new work-life blend can drive productivity and efficiency.

Work-life blend

Enabling employees to work productively wherever they are can also help them find a

www.atlascloud.co.uk

helping you tell your story.

Public Relations. Media Relations. Social Media. Content Marketing.

Contact us today: www.gluepr.co.uk • christian@gluepr.co.uk • 64

@ChristianCeriso

MEDIA INSIGHT John Dias. Managing Director of Silver Bullet

Ask Silver Bullet

Managing Director, John Dias answers your marketing queries.

“

”

I hear that Google has changed its search mechanism, how will that impact on my Google ranking?

I

n February 2015 Google announced a new search algorithm that gave “mobile friendliness”’ or how your website works on mobile devices, a far greater weighting in the criteria in its web searches. These algorithms were launched on April 21st 2015 and now a website’s text size, space between links and how the site generally appears on a mobile screen will be one of the key factors in determining your Google ranking. The implications for SEO on older sites will be dramatic - some have even called this “Mobilegeddon!”.

We all strive for that higher Google ranking, as online search engines are now one of the primary ways our potential customers will come across our company. Being in those first few spots makes it increasingly likely that the searcher will select your site and your product/service.

Why have Google done this?

There are many search engines that we can use to search the vast array of information at our disposal via the Internet. Google will be striving to be the search engine of choice, not to mention the small matter of building on their $66billion revenue in 2014. They want their users to find relevant information as quickly as possible, so will select the best website they feel will meet the visitors’ needs at the top of their rankings. Now, with the rapid increase in Internet traffic from mobile devices, via phones, tablets and with the growth of wearable technology, even watches in the not too distant future, Google wants to give their visitors the best sites.

If you want your website to get that high ranking it really isn’t a matter of choice now, you have to be mobile responsive. We have seen the

growth in responsive websites where a single website effectively “responds” to the device in which the user is operating it on. In the past we have seen organisations build mobile specific sites and push users to access their “apps”. However, it was the rise to prevalence of the tablet (hard to believe the iPad is just 5 years old?) that has caused the development of increasingly responsive sites, as the tablets size suits neither desktop nor mobile sites.

So, if your website is not mobile responsive, then will you just disappear off Google altogether?

Well, no. Google searches or the “Google-bots” use over 200 criteria to select websites from across the World Wide Web that Google feel best match search criteria. It is just now that mobile friendliness is one of the heaviest ranked criteria.

Google’s handy online developer tool goes give advice on the current responsiveness level of a particular site. It is worth taking a look at your site…

Now then, your website isn’t responsive?

As we have said, you don’t really have a choice here, if you want to stay ahead, you have to do something about it. Of course you can invest in a new mobile responsive website, which can be costly, but, investment in your website is extremely important. The second option is to adapt your current website to make it mobile responsive, which is possible with a large amount of websites, but not all.

We would advise any client to review and when it comes down to it, invest in their website as this may very well be the first view a potential

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customer has of your brand and your organisation - a poorly designed website can often be an instant turn-off for a potential customer.

It is important to remember that even if you get your site mobile responsive you won’t just appear at the top of the Google rankings. Getting to the top of Google isn’t easy, but there are things you can do to help your website move up those rankings.

Firstly, there is the content on your website, is it relevant? Up to date? Does your website text contain the words that people are likely to search for?

There are also your website key-words editable key-words embedded in your site which are a key factor in your online visibility. When Google searches for sites they don’t want to give the user out of date or inactive sites, so it’s a good idea to keep adding content (relevant of course…) to your website and the best way to do this is often through a news or blog section. Much like your news, an active and engaging social media presence will also have a positive impact on your Google ranking.

After reading this are you considering adapting your website? Do you need some help in moving up those Google rankings or 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

MEDIA INSIGHT Sarah Hall

The value of video for PR There is no doubt that video is recognised as a key way to engage with audiences. A natural story telling tool, videos can entertain, educate, inspire and communicate complex messages very simply. PR is asserting its natural place in content management and SEO, so it makes sense that practitioners are turning to short films as part of their arsenal.

Press pause and find out why There’s a lot to be said for uploading decent branded content that is relevant to your target audiences.

Research by Syndacast states that 52% of marketing professionals worldwide name video as the type of content with best return on investment.

Using the word ‘Video’ in an email subject line boosts open rates by 19%, click-through rates by 65% and reduces unsubscribes by 26%.

Take YouTube, which turned ten in April. With over 1 billion unique users each month, YouTube is the world’s second largest search engine after Google and processes around 36 billion queries annually.

Placing your or your client’s branded content on there therefore opens up significant market potential. And it’s a great place to go to look through the huge range of videos for inspiration and idea development.

Find a purpose for your videos There are many advantages to uploading branded videos to YouTube.

The platform’s analytics show that half of its global views are on mobile devices. According to We Are Social, 50% of the UK population have

active mobile social media accounts.

Killer content can quickly gain traction through shares but that shouldn’t mean you only create videos with the aim of going viral in mind.

As with any marketing tool, videos need to have a purpose and align with the organisation’s overall objectives. This means that even if the resulting film isn’t the run away success you’d hoped for, it still has a use and allows you to rationalise the budget spend.

Aiming for a box office smash Even when your product or service faces huge competition, there are ways of achieving cut through.

The Dollar Shave Club and Trapped In A Commercial: Hot Pockets videos are great examples of this. Both brands operate within commoditised marketplaces but use humour to attract attention and get across key messages.

They are worth looking up if you haven’t seen them.

Bally’s interactive videos makes the online shopping experience extremely easy as you can click right through for more information and buy, while product demonstrations and sharing know how can all help reach wider audiences and provide solutions to consumer problems.

Tapping an emotional insight to profile a

product or service can also be a successful tactic.

It’s likely many of you have seen the recent Pandora video which illustrates the unique bond between mother and child and has already had over 12,510,060 views on YouTube since April.

Video translates across all subject matter Video is perfect for PR because it can help serious messages translate extremely well and explain complexities in a way other marketing disciplines can’t. Take Emma Watson’s impassioned HeForShe speech on gender equality for UN Women which created conversations about women’s rights across the world.

The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association was able to raise awareness as well as funds through an Ice Bucket Challenge that saw user generated content sweep across Facebook.

In one month, the charity secured $98.2m compared with $2.7m in the same timeframe the previous year.

Ultimately the message with using video is no different to when devising other PR and marketing campaigns. Understand your audiences, tap an insight, tell your story and create an interaction with your customer that doesn’t feel like marketing. Being human is a great way to build brand loyalty and achieve emotional engagement.

Sarah Hall is Managing Director of Sarah Hall Consulting Limited.

For more information visit www.sarahhallconsulting.co.uk or follow her on twitter @hallmeister

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NOT ALL

PR FIRMS ARE THE SAME

MHW

Cele

PR

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Tel 0191 233 1300 www.mhwpr.co.uk

MEDIA INSIGHT

Do your research...

Jackie Marston

“

Hi, I wanted to talk to you about the ways in which our team here at JAM go the extra mile for every single one of our clients and how we feel that going the extra distance is not an excess but a bare minimum.

”

O

ver the years, we have worked in association with numerous organisations and charities, alongside the opportunities we present to students and graduates looking to take the leap into the real world of marketing. But unfortunately we can’t offer placements to everyone; otherwise I’d invite every single budding marketeer to join us (although I think the office may be a little cramped).

So, here goes, from my personal book of tricks; get your pen at the ready.

we always consider, whether the client is new or established.

By doing our research into both the industry news and trend predictions we know that we are going to offer the most current and connected service, because at the end of the day we’re all aware that a lot of business owners and the public alike are cautious of immoral marketing ploys. It’s not about pulling the wool over the consumer’s eye anymore; it’s about engaging their vision and matching it with yours. This being the exact reason JAM is promoted as a personal and transparent B2B company, because we want our current and prospective clients to join us in a partnership to better their business and not feel baffled by marketing techniques and collateral. Just leave that to us...

One of the first things we look for in any client we begin working for is a defined brand personality, something that sets you apart from your competitors, a little quirk perhaps. It’s often overlooked how much your brand colours and aesthetics reflect your goals, but just think of it this way, consider a little blue bird, a black apple with a bite out and the golden arches – what brands do you think of? Although we’re a full service creative agency, focusing on PR, marketing and events management, strategy and business development is something

So there are a couple of tips from me to you and I just want to say good luck to all of you working towards a career in the marketing and PR sector. Just remember; we all start somewhere.

If you have any queries you can call our office on 0845 900 2127 or email info@jam-marketing.co.uk.

Jackie Marston is Managing Director of Jam Marketing

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MEDIA INSIGHT L - R, Veronica Swindale, Laurel Hetherington and Sally Keith

Study centre’s growing recognition has awarded nesma 20 commendations which recognise the excellent standard of results achieved in individual modules of the qualifications.

The third portfolio of courses offered by nesma comes from the Digital Marketing Institute. This, like CIM qualifications, has attracted students from around the world. The last cohort of students nesma taught in Edinburgh came from as far away as Egypt, Thailand and Australia.

Over the last year there has been an increase in the number of students from Cumbria studying CIM qualifications with nesma, so the training centre now has a base in Carlisle, too.

Nesma is working in partnership with the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce to run digital marketing programmes in the north west, with the first DMI courses running from August this year.

Veronica Swindale, founder and director of nesma, believes that the centre’s supportive approach is the key to their success.

Karen Graham

T

he Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has now accredited nesma as one of only five centres across the UK to deliver the CIPR Advanced Certificate. In addition nesma (North East Sales and Marketing Academy) becomes only the second teaching centre in the UK to be accredited for the CIPR Internal Communications certificate.

After a rigorous inspection and accreditation process, staff at the Newcastle based study centre were thrilled by this approval to deliver the two CIPR qualifications, alongside nesma’s existing CIPR Foundation Award programme.

In just five years over 300 students from nesma have been awarded professional qualifications in PR and marketing.

Nesma is the only accredited study centre in the north east of England and Cumbria to provide every level of CIM qualification, so over the last five years students have progressed through the various levels from the Level 3 Introductory Certificate in Marketing up to the Level 7.

While some students work for major north east employers such as Virgin Money and Nova International now the Great Run Company, many come from smaller businesses, charities or the public sector, and individual practitioners have also studied successfully with nesma.

Their pass rate is impressive and the CIM

“

We are able to deliver the tuition in a variety of ways to suit both the employer and the student, so, for example, we have run in-company programmes for businesses as diverse as Arco in Hull to the NHS in Newcastle as well as delivering online and centre based programmes. At present we run half day, full day and evening and Saturday morning classes or students can study on-line to fit in with work and personal commitments. As a result, our students keep coming back for more!

”

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MOTORS INSIGHT

Behind the wheel of the

DISCOVERY SPORT

I

I would recommend paying the extra £1800 for the automatic box as it really transforms the car.

The car’s Achilles heel is the old 2.2lt diesel engine is not only slow but it’s really noisy as well. When you start the car up the engine has an agricultural tone although once warm it does get quieter. It gets to 60mph in less than nine seconds; it also gets from 30-70 miles per hour in nine seconds, with the cars top speed being 117mph. Land Rover are bringing out a two-wheel drive version which will be better on economy and it will cost under £30,000 but it will also be much cheaper for company car drivers. A 2.0lt diesel engine will also be launched next year, this promises to be much more economical but it will be much more refined than the current 2.2lt diesel engine.

The car is priced from £30,000 and the range topping car is £42,995. The car is available in three trims, starting with the SE Manual, SE Tech and the range topping HSE. The SE features part leather trim, climate and cruise control, heated front seats, Bluetooth, rear sensors, 8” colour touch screen and DAB radio. The SE Tech also gets Sat Nav, auto lights and wipers, front parking sensors and a power tailgate. The HSE also gets full leather interior, panoramic sunroof, Xenon and running lights, keyless entry, heated rear seats and rear view camera. The Discovery Sport is 80mm longer than the Evoque. You may see the Discovery Sport towing quite a lot of caravans as it can tow 2200-2500kg’s. So expect to see quite a few around. Like Range Rovers the Discovery is fitted a Terrain Response control, but it really needs air suspense on rather than the coil springs fitted to the car. The car also features permanent four wheel drive and it’s not afraid to wade in water up to 600mm or flex its muscles off-road.

The cars ride is nowhere near as good as the

70

Evoque’s but the Discovery Sport feels very agile on twisty country roads. The steering is very sharp and direct and it really feels like a car to drive despite its size.

I have seen the car in a few colours but my favourite is a grey colour with the Black Edition pack. This pack costs £1500 but it really transforms the car with black alloy wheels, black grill and exterior trim. I was amazed to find out the original Discovery was launched over 25 years ago to fit in the range between the Defender and the Range Rover. This car is a really stylish change to the Freelander; you can see styling cues from the Evoque. I am sure this car will sell like hot cakes but it’s a shame they didn’t put the new engine in straight away.

Bob Arora

t seems hard to believe Ford sold Land Rover to the Tata group over seven years ago. Tata have managed to really turn the company round from losing money to being one of the most desirable brands at the moment. They literally had waiting lists for the Evoque, Range Rover Sport and the Range Rover.

The designers and engineers have made the cars not only very good to look at but they are so much better to drive than previous models. The Freelander and Discovery had just been tweaked and no major design work had been done to either car until now. This brings me neatly on to the Discovery Sport which has been launched very recently; it is the upmarket replacement for the Freelander. This car is a very luxurious SUV that has the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 firmly in its sights. It is much more stylish than the outgoing car and it really has the Evoque’s rakish profile.

The Discovery Sport does not use the same quality materials as the Evoque which let’s not forget is a Range Rover.

The dash looks great but a Range Rover driver would know where the cut backs have been made in materials and finish. The gear selector rises from the centre console and the dashboard and switches have all been taken from the Evoque.

They have also fitted an electric handbrake which frees up a fair amount of space. The Discovery Sport has the option of either five or seven seats; with the seats up the car has 981 litres of boot space, drop them and the car has a very van like 1698 litres of space. The car has absolutely acres of storage space and cup holders all over. They even have seven USB sockets throughout the cabin.

A nine speed gearbox is available and a six speed manual is standard. After driving both cars

by Bob Arora

EXPERIENCE SOME OF THE WORLD’S FINEST CARS IN ONE OF BRITAIN’S MOST BEAUTIFUL STREETS GREY’S MONUMENT & GREY STREET

www.getintonewcastle.co.uk SPONSORED BY

MEDIA PARTNER

North East

DELIVERED BY

Hodgson Customers Get In the Swing On Friday 5th June, Hodgson Newcastle Ltd celebrated their customers in true Hodgson style, by hosting the 2nd annual Hodgson Golf Day at Tynemouth Golf Club. Steve Hodgson, Managing Director, commented “When you’ve been in the trade as long as we have, you find out a huge amount about our customer interests. One of the most popular hobbies is undoubtedly golf, so we felt this was the best way to give something back to the people that have given so much to our business over the years”.

Following on from last year’s success, Hodgson had an equally brilliant turnout of 50 customers at the Golf day with customers representing all of Hodgson manufacturer partners , Toyota, Mazda & Suzuki taking part in a ‘shot gun’ Stableford event.

Suffice to say, it was a great day! The sun, fortunately, was shining and plenty of fun was had by the players. Catering to all types of golfers, 1st, 2nd & 3rd place prizes were awarded along with ‘longest drive’ (not the journey to the course) and ‘nearest to the pin’ which were hotly-contested until the very end. The day ended with an informal lunch followed by prize giving. A huge thank you to Tynemouth Golf Club for hosting the event, and of course to our customers!

UNBELIEVABLE THINGS TO SEE IN THE NORTH EAST...

...AND SOME NOT TO BE MISSED. The Angel of the North takes a bit of beating, but when it comes to motoring, Hodgson Toyota, Mazda & Suzuki are the No.1 to discover for Sales • Service • Contract Hire & Leasing • Parts • Daily, Weekly & Monthly Rental • Approved Body Repairers

Find us on:

Hodgson Toyota Newcastle

Hodgson Mazda Metro Centre

Hodgson Mazda/Suzuki

Tel: 0191 295 0101

Tel: 0191 461 5277

Tel: 0191 295 0099

Octagon House Bittern Close Newcastle Upon Tyne NE28 9ND

Holly House Riverside Way Gateshead NE16 3BL

Pentagon House Bittern Close Newcastle upon Tyne NE28 9ND

Hodgson Toyota Metro Centre

Derwenthaugh Road Swalwell Gateshead NE16 3BL

Tel: 0191 414 001

LEISURE NEWS

Blackfriars heralds five years of Banquet Hall success with 1000th event

O

ne of the oldest buildings in Newcastle is welcoming its 1000th event to celebrate five years since it was restored to its former glory.

Blackfriars’ Banquet Hall was brought back to life in 2010 following a meticulous restoration project, and today hosts a range of events including authentic medieval banquets, wedding receptions and ceremonies, corporate events, christenings and parties.

The venue’s 1000th event is a special medieval banquet to mark the longest day of the year on Friday 25 September.

During its restoration, the Banquet Hall was transformed with authentic and bespoke banners,

chandeliers, wall coverings, stained glass windows, reclaimed wooden screens, large oak dining tables and matching chairs. Modern additions such as a bar, kitchen, lighting, under-floor heating and toilets were also installed, to make the hall comfortable for 21st century guests whilst retaining the beauty and character of a medieval banqueting setting.

Owner, Andy Hook, works with Durham University to host medieval lectures at the venue for students and those with a keen interest in medieval history.

Blackfriars offers a Banquet Hall menu which includes a complimentary glass of fizz on arrival, three courses and coffee for £25 per person, for

parties of 12 or more. A wedding menu, private dining menu, and buffet and canapé options are also available – as well as three-course medieval meals or five-course medieval banquets, which are popular choices for birthday parties, corporate events and anniversaries.

Andy Hook said: “Since we began promoting the rich tapestry of the Banquet Hall’s heritage five years ago, we’ve been delighted to see that so many guests are embracing this slice of fascinating history on their doorstep.”

Blackfriars Restaurant received the Taste of England accolade in the North East England Tourism Awards and was voted Best North East Restaurant in the Licensed Trade Awards 2014.

More silverware for SAFC

O

ne of the North East’s top flight football teams has boosted its trophy cabinet, with a new award for activities off the

pitch.

1879 Events Management, the specialist events and catering arm of Sunderland Association Football Club (SAFC), was awarded silver in the Operations Team of the Year category at the Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards 2015.

The prestigious ceremony, organised annually

by Stadium Experience, recognises the efforts and dedication shown by the catering, conference and events teams at football and rugby stadiums across the UK. The team from 1879 Events Management, based at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, impressed the awards committee and sponsors judging panel with their ability to cater for all manner of audiences at events of any scale. Efforts are now being made to build on this award-winning status

It pays to advertise...

and boost bookings at the Stadium of Light for the rest of 2015.

Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director for 1879 Events Management, said: “Since its launch in 2012, 1879 Events Management has helped the Stadium of Light evolve from a sporting arena to an award-winning venue that offers the perfect combination of superb facilities, first-class service and top flight football.”

1996

...but you have to do it with the right people.

2015

THE MEDIA PLANNING & BUYING SPECIALISTS

www.mikelynchadvertising.co.uk

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LEISURE NEWS

St. James’ Park scores a top award

S

odexo Prestige Venues & Events, which manages catering and events at St James’ Park, home to Newcastle United, won the Operations Team of the Year category at The Stadium Events and Hospitality Awards 2015.

The awards celebrate the hard work and dedication that make stadia events and hospitality run seamlessly. St James’ Park saw off competition from a clutch of the country’s top stadia to win the award – one of several won on the night by Sodexo Prestige.

Among Sodexo Prestige’s other successes on the night were a hat trick of awards for the team at Brighton and a win at Everton.

New life for Northumberland Hotel

A

Northumberland hotel is to get a new lease of life, after been bought by a leading North East leisure operator. The 27 bedroom Percy Arms Hotel at Otterburn is will turn the hotel into a stunning wedding venue along with creating a new village pub.

The plan is to start work to bring it up to scratch, with the aim of reopening at the end of the year.

North East spa has membership boom

A

n exclusive package to become one of the first members of the North East’s newest spa has made a real splash, with the majority of them now sold.

This summer Ramside Hall Hotel near Durham will unveil its multi-million pound Spa, providing state-of-the-art facilities, some of which have never been seen in the area before.

The Spa is due to open in early August.

Fluid Bar to close for major refurbishment project

Bento meets Bait at The Three Mile Inn

A

popular North East pub is going the extra mile - giving diners a Japanese-style treat, with a Tyneside twist. The Three Mile Inn, Gosforth, Newcastle, has unveiled its new, summer menu and the highlight is the bait box.

Just like its Far Eastern counterparts, The Three Mile Inn’s bait boxes contain rice and vegetables, in the form of salad and coleslaw. However, they are also inspired from a variety of cuisines – from Mexican to Italian.

Under the pub’s new refurbishment, customers will also be able to watch all major sporting events on televisions placed throughout the bar.

Hundreds of applicants interviewed for Crowne Plaza Newcastle Team

O

ver 400 candidates attended an interactive recruitment event for the luxurious Crowne Plaza Hotel, Newcastle, which is set to open this summer.

The event, held at the hotel’s neighbouring venue, the Boiler Shop, targeted the best local talent and encouraged people to come and meet the hotel’s senior team.

Impressive candidates were prompted to apply for particular jobs online. Around 140 roles will be created.

W

ork has begun on a major £590,000 refurbishment project in popular city centre sports pub, Fluid bar and kitchen. The make-over forms the first of Vaulkhard Group’s £4 million development plans across several of its city centre bars over the next three years.

Although the interior design plans are currently under wraps, the leisure company has hinted that it wants the multi-level venue to be more female focused and have a contemporary offering complete with a new name.

The new bar is set to open its doors to customers at the end of summer.

Ramside Hall Hotel unveils luxury suite

A

leading North East venue is set to celebrate the opening of the region’s most luxurious hotel suite. The Premier Suite, part of the new wing of rooms launched recently at Ramside Hall Hotel near Durham, has just been unveiled.

It boasts a free standing round copper bath, a 90 inch television screen and a seven feet wide Hypnos bed, along with a separate walk-in shower room, dressing area and a personal dining area.

Tiger pays tribute to Julie’s

Sandpiper unveils summer menu

T

he Sandpiper, Farringdon Road, Cullercoats, has unveiled a summer menu for those who do like to be beside the seaside.

Along with wraps, salads, burgers, bar snacks and starters, the venue is offering a choice of main courses, including scampi and mixed grill and a range of risotto and pasta dishes. On certain days of the week, diners can also take advantage of special, ‘designated dish,’ food offers.

Shouting louder than your budget will allow.

O

ne of the North East’s most popular cocktail bars is paying a special tribute to the past.

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, clubbers flocked to Julie’s nightclub at the Quayside, Newcastle. Now, the venue, Tiger Hornsby, is echoing its heritage with Throwback Thursdays.

The bar has tracked down the DJs who made Julie’s so popular, as well as creating updated versions of cocktail classics from the 80s and 90s.

1996

2015

THE MEDIA PLANNING & BUYING SPECIALISTS

www.mikelynchadvertising.co.uk

75

LEISURE INSIGHT

Copthorne Hotel Newcastle – A Highly Progressive Few Years

B

ack at the end of 2011, Ken Ellington took over the running of the Copthorne Newcastle, one of the city’s best known hotels. Ken’s remit was to oversee a significant change in direction for the hotel, re-establishing it at the forefront of the hotel community, and overseeing significant tactical investment within the property. Now well through his fourth year at the helm, Northern Insight spoke to Ken about what had been achieved to date, and what was still to come.

It’s been a better year within the local marketplace, with renewed confidence and more positive economic conditions. Whilst remaining competitive, sales growth has been healthy, in particular with bedrooms.

We have had the benefit of a period of considerable investment, which has impacted very positively, in particular over the past 12 months. The Copthorne benefits from a fantastic location overlooking the Tyne, has a very stable team who are fantastic with our guests, and combining this with visible investment has worked very well for us. Similar to 2011, this year sees an influx of new hotels into the city once again, so the year will undoubtedly have its challenges ahead through this increased supply to an already overcrowded market. The development of the Stephenson Quarter, however, will benefit this hotel in the long run, through its location becoming a strength once again after a number of years in the arguably less-fashionable part of town.

From a property progression side, we have seen a lot of very positive change. As it stands at the time of writing, all hotel bedrooms have seen new carpets, curtains, beds, tub chairs, desk chairs, lamps, TV’s and fridges, and new tables are just about to go in as well. We have built a new external seating area on the banks of the Tyne, added a new mini-gym facility, refurbished the restaurant, bar, reception and all of our function suites bar one (which is just about to be done). Behind the scenes for the guests we’ve also invested over £500,000 in our heating / cooling system and in our guest lifts, which whilst never interesting are always essential. For the team, we’ve also invested heavily in new equipment across the hotel, which makes the smooth operation of the hotel that much easier.

Remaining projects for this year include new carpets for our bedroom corridors and the last remaining function suite, planned bathroom works, further bedroom decoration, new public area furniture, and the continuation of the upgrading works behind the scenes. The journey never stops!

How has the Copthorne progressed over the past few years?

Where would you see the Copthorne this time next year?

From a team side, we have enjoyed a period of tremendous stability. We had a lot of senior change in 2012, and this has worked very well for us ever since, through having the right persons in place. Team stability has ensured that we have had a solid base to develop a positive and progressive culture of service excellence within the hotel. Our guest service feedback, both internal and external has seen a tremendous shift, and I am really pleased with how this has progressed. Our aim was always to push to develop one of the friendliest hotel teams in the North East, and positive guest service feedback remains by far our most regular piece of customer feedback.

Our key re-positioning took place a couple of years ago, and the aim remains to continue to fine tune the product, whilst capitalising on our great peaceful location as the only hotel in the city with 100% of bedrooms overlooking the Tyne. The cornerstone of the hotel, however, remains the key strength of great North East hospitality from our local team. The next couple of years will aim to see us consolidate our strengths, and promote them increasingly within the marketplace. It is often said that ‘location is everything’, and we believe our location to be the best of any hotel (current or new) in the city.

How have you found 2015 trading this year?

Ken would love to hear from anyone interested in any aspect of the hotel, and can be contacted via ken.ellington@millenniumhotels.co.uk For more information, visit www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/copthornenewcastle

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A RARE TREAT Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill Newcastle offers its customers an ultra modern dining experience, serving locally-sourced produce and delicious cocktails in a cosy yet vibrant setting. Why not join us for a delicious afternoon tea or a relaxing lunch.

Located at Hotel Indigo, the Steakhouse offers Marco’s own brand of affordable glamour.

To book call 0191 300 9222 th Ba

St

Fe nk le

A6 95

A189

Cl ay to n

Ch ar lo tte

A189

Sq

Ln

West gate Road

MPW

St

A186

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill, 2-8 Fenkle Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5XU www.mpwrestaurants.com

LEISURE INSIGHT

The Perfect Combination of Business and Leisure for CROWNE PLAZA NEWCASTLE Guests The much anticipated Crowne Plaza® Newcastle - Stephenson Quarter hotel aims to take city’s hospitality to a new level when it opens towards the end of July.

of the gin-led cocktail to a completely new level.

The GIN Bar is going to be unlike any other bar in the region, allowing our customers to ‘engineer’ their own cocktails according to their personal taste.

“We are hoping to work with a few local producers including Jack Cains, Lakelands Gin, Durham Distillery and Masons Yorkshire Gin, to support the local businesses and ensure that only the finest drinks reach our customers. Initially we’ll have around 30 gins with regular guest gins, but we’re also hoping to work with one of the local distilleries to create our own bespoke gin.”

The stylish hotel will also add a major new business conferencing and banqueting facility to the Newcastle’s city centre.

The uniquely shaped Stephenson Suite will seat and cater around 400 people. The hotel will also offer eight adaptable meeting rooms that can accommodate small seminars of 12 people up to large private meetings of 32 and delegate meetings of 100.

Crowne Plaza Newcastle will also offer its guests the latest wireless and smart technologies which will allow it to surpass any other hotel technologies around the city.

Each of the 251 bedrooms will have an individual wi-fi signal to prevent any black spots and will feature Panorama NG technology that creates an interactive media hub so that guests can view and stream movies, music or video content from their own devices to the in-room TV.

Bookings are now being taken for dates starting September 1, 2015. Anyone interested in more information about the hotel, its facilities and bookings should contact Amanda McBride on 0191 230 1323 or amanda.mcbride@ihg.com

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Paul Walker

C

rowne Plaza Newcastle will be the biggest new hotel built in the city in the last decade and will offer its customers first-class conferencing facilities as well as a superb dining and bar venue.

The GIN Bar will be located on the ground floor of the hotel and will be open to the public.

Specialising in gin-based Martinis, the bar will also offer a variety of craft beers and carefully selected, boutique wines.

Following the contemporary, stylish designs applied within the hotel, The GIN Bar will be an attractive marriage of the well-recognised hallmarks and brand promise of Crowne Plaza with more regionalised and bespoke features.

The stylish, relaxing, yet classic feel will be created using retro bar equipment, newspaperstyle, disposable menus and elegant glasswear along with hip, refillable cocktail flasks.

“When deciding on the general ethos of the Crowne Plaza hotel bar we wanted something that would be attractive to both our business guests, who need a casual yet elegant space to relax after a busy day, as well as local people who would visit the bar for something unique and different,” says Paul Walker, Food and Beverage Manager at the hotel.

The bar will offer something unique to the region - the opportunity to ‘engineer’ your own Martini where the customer will be able to choose the liquor, the garnish and the way it will be mixed and served. This distinctive approach to cocktail making will allow thousands of different combinations.

Paul Walker added: “We took the latest fashion

proudly presents

29th June - 12th July

Watch all the action on our 70 inch screen with strawberries, Pimms & Champagne.

Game. Set. Match.

Exceptional Food - Local Hand Pull Great Wine & Gin - Garden - Dogs Welcome

LEISURE INSIGHT General Manager Paolo Franchi with the Hampton by Hilton Newcastle team

Newcastle’s Newest Hotel

The Hampton by Hilton Newcastle has already welcomed nearly 13,500 guests since it opened in March, with business and leisure travellers coming to stay in the 160-bedroom hotel opposite Newcastle Central Station.

P

aolo Franchi, General Manager at Hampton by Hilton said: “We have already received huge interest in the hotel with an exceptional number of guests coming to stay with us and many businesses taking an account with us - both from outside of the region and from local companies who book accommodation for colleagues coming to visit them in Newcastle.”

The 7-storey hotel is the first of Hilton Worldwide’s Hampton Hotels to open in Newcastle and offers a very welcoming, friendly and bright place to relax and work away from home and the office, as well as offering magnificent views of the city. Hampton Hotels internationally pride themselves on their ‘Hamptonality’ approach where staff offer a friendly, pro-active service and go that extra mile so that guests feel extremely welcome.

Paolo added: “With different zones throughout the hotel, including our living zone, gathering zone and our work zone, we are focused on offering our guests a great stay at great value.

Our contemporary and comfortable style, with relaxing spaces such as our Hub bar, appeals to

guests who want to take advantage of a high quality hotel at an affordable price.”

“In addition to our business facilities we have 17 inter-connecting bedrooms which are ideal for guests staying with a carer, families with young children, or groups of friends looking for a city break. We are situated in the ideal central location near to the train station, restaurants, bars, shops and the culture and music scene that NewcastleGateshead has to offer.” said Paolo.

Visitors to the hotel can take advantage of Hilton’s award-winning customer loyalty programme, Hilton HHonors. Points can be redeemed for a range of rewards and experiences including air miles.

Hampton by Hilton hotel is part of Hilton Worldwide’s UK portfolio and is managed by Interstate Hotels & Resorts on behalf of Baron House Hotel Limited. The Hampton by Hilton is the sister hotel to Hotel Indigo. The global management company recently strengthened its position in the UK with the acquisition of an additional 18 hotels, bringing their UK portfolio up to 55 hotels.

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Lunchtime Special Menu any Starter, Main Course and Coffee or Ice Cream £5.95 any Starter and Main Course or Main Course and Coffee or Ice Cream £4.95 any Pizza or Pasta from Lunchtime Menu £4.50

Early Bird Specials any Starter, Main Course and Coffee or Ice Cream £6.95 any Starter and Main Course or Main Course and Coffee or Ice Cream £5.95 any Pizza or Pasta from Early Bird Menu £5.50 See separate menu for Early Bird and Lunchtime Specials (December, Bank Holidays, Valentine’s and Mothers Day add £1)

Sunday Lunch Traditional Roast Beef, Pork, Lamb or Chicken with Seasonal Vegetables £6.95

3 Course Sunday Lunch Starter, Main Course, Coffee or Ice Cream £9.55

Look out for our special nights of entertainment; these will be advertised in the restaurant and on our website.

Amici Restaurant 95 Station Road, Forest Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 8AQ 0191 215 1115

info@amici.me.uk

www.amici.me.uk

Hotel du Vin Menu Launch There’s really nothing more delicious than the British summertime.

Just in time for the warmer and longer days, the brilliant chefs at Hotel du Vin Newcastle recently launched a new Al Fresco menu that boasts the best tastes of summer. Fresh, seasonal ingredients - plus their signature wine list and new colourful punches and cocktails.

All have been created to be enjoyed, outdoors or in the bistro, with friends and family. Their launch night was a great showcase of what they do best; great food, carefully selected wines, fantastic cocktails and attentive service - all brought together in a music filled courtyard and bistro.

LEISURE INSIGHT

The Arch stands the test of time

By Barry Speker, Consultant, Sintons Solicitors

I

t is 10 years since the Imperial Chinese Arch was erected at the entrance to Newcastle’s Chinatown and it has become a major magnet and landmark. The Chinatown area was established in Stowell Street in 1974 with the Jade Garden and Ming Dynasty restaurants quickly followed by the Dragon House, King Neptune, Palace Garden and Mandarin. Many more restaurants and other Chinese businesses have followed as well as the establishment of the headquarters of the North East Chinese Association.

But from early days, there was an ambition to erect an Imperial Chinese Arch, which is the internationally acknowledged sign that a real Chinatown exists, the arch bringing good fortune and healthy business. Such arches had been erected in the Chinatowns in London, Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham.

Several attempts to produce an arch in Newcastle had floundered. It was only in 2000 during the Graingertown project to develop the historic core of the City that the Chinese Arch project began to seem achievable.

As a Board member of the Graingertown Partnership I was pleased to champion the project and to have it accepted as one of Graingertown’s ambitions to recognise the important role and success of the Chinese community in Newcastle.

Initially the budget was set for the purchase of an Arch from China, using Graingertown Funds from SRB (Single Regeneration Budget), Local

Authority and Northern Arts. It was necessary to raise some funding from the Chinese community and its friends. Together with Barry Yu, I established a fund for donations to the Arch and the opportunity for names to be displayed on the pillars of the Arch. We managed to raise over £10,000 ( and you can see the names displayed in English and Chinese - including my own).

Unfortunately we were not able to persuade the then owners of Newcastle United to contribute, even though the Arch can be seen from SJP. To ensure the Arch was authentic and in accordance with Chinese tradition both in style and colour, we held many consultation meetings with all sections of the Chinese community and democratically selected the design of the arch and the decorations to signify aspects of North Eastern life and history.

The Arch was constructed by craftsmen from Changshu Classical Gardens Ltd in Jiangshu Province. The artists journeyed from Shanghai and stayed in Newcastle for the duration of the construction and embellishment.

The payment of the weekly cash wages was handled through my office. The workers were irritated that the work was slowed down for various reasons - progress being halted whenever it rained due to Health and Safety; work being curtailed at weekends when supervisors from Citiworks would not turn out; having to comply with what the Chinese regarded as mambypamby maximum working hours.

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The artists added golden panels at the top of the arch featuring Stephenson’s Rocket, coal mining, shipbuilding, the Tyne Bridge and Grey’s monument. The arch was decorated in traditional bright colours and mounted with symbolic ornamental tiles. Barry Yu and I made various inspections of the roof. We also took delivery of the two ornamental guardian lions which were generously donated by Aspers casino. The lions are an essential prerequisite of any self respecting Imperial Arch.

On completion the Arch was formally handed over to the Lord Mayor on behalf of the City in a colourful and noisy ceremony followed by a banquet at the Royal Circle.

The cost of buying the Arch with all decorations and including transport from Shanghai and the costs of the team from Shanghai stayed fixed at the initial price £150,000. The additional costs of excavation, archaeological surveys, architects, quantity surveyors, supervision, moving cables, pipes and wires, and changing paving added another £220,000 to the bill!

The Arch has become a major landmark in Newcastle and a constant reminder of Newcastle’s valuable Chinese community. Next time you pass by, it is worth taking time to enjoy the design. This was a project well worth the effort and perseverance needed to bring it to fruition.

Email: barry.speker@sintons.co.uk

The George Washington Annual St Patrick’s Golf Day Now into its 3rd year this popular event witnessed the course in immaculate condition and also heralded the opening of the new state of the art golf driving range. This year’s competition was won by Steve Wright and 3663 who have regularly attended the event and have the pressure of retaining the trophy next year.

Thanks also to Benfield for supplying the hole in one prize, a £10,000 Nissan Micra!

Cele of Crickbrating 20 yea rs et i Countyn Durham and Durha Com grantmmunity Foundam ak ti lives acinr g that is chanon, g oss the county ing

SUNDAY AUGUST 16

Cricket Durham CCC Celebrity XI vs Lashings XI

CHARACTER APPEARANCES AT INTERVALS

FUN FAIR DIGGERLAND FAMILY FUN

FACE PAINTING

SOFT PLAY

CHESTER THE LION

Venue : Emirates Durham ICG Gates open 12 noon Cricket starts 3pm. Tickets: Adults £5, Kids under 16 FREE TEL: 0844 499 4466 WWW.DURHAMCCC.CO.UK sponsored by

Graham Onions 2015 Benefit Golf Day Graham Onions Benefit year continued in style at the first of his fundraising Golf Days, which was held at Close House on 1st June.

80 golfers, including Durham stars Paul Collingwood and Scott Borthwick, enjoyed a breakfast reception, a very blustery game of golf and evening BBQ, which was hosted by Pete Graves from Sky Sports.

All golfers were presented with a Golf Shirt, courtesy of ProQuip.

His next golf day will be held at Longhirst Golf Club on 24th September.

LEISURE INSIGHT

MATCH FIT

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re-season training has begun for football players everywhere. The road to getting match fit involves regular structured training, a carefully mapped out nutrition plan and self discipline.

These principles don’t just apply to premiership footballers though: all sports players, at any level, and anyone wanting a healthier, fitter lifestyle can benefit from using these cornerstone standards to make fundamental improvements to their

health and fitness.

The level and intensity of training and diet may vary but the basis remains the same. It may be overused as a slogan, but the dictum “getting into shape is 80% nutrition and 20% training” is nonetheless true. Don’t kid yourself that by playing 5-a-side or hitting the cross trainer a couple of times a week, you’re going to get that perfect body.

Start with some basic changes to what you

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eat. Food is fuel. Processed foods that didn’t exist 100 years ago make up more than 60% of our diet and natural vegetables and fruit provide less than 5%. Cut out the takeaways, ready meals and quick fix snacks. Focus on meals made up of lean protein and green leafy vegetables. And hydrate!

Most people don’t drink anywhere near enough water. Ditch the diet fizzy drinks, the juices and the alcohol and learn to love water!

Glycogen is a molecule made up of one part carbohydrate to four parts water. If you want to get your muscles in shape, you need to stay hydrated. Just making this one change can bring dramatic rewards in a short space of time.

Combine this with a carefully structured fitness programme which includes regular effective cardiovascular and strength training and you will see significant changes in how you look and feel in as little as 8 weeks.

James Milburn, is owner and head trainer of James Milburn Training in Ponteland. He is an award-winning nutritionist, sports coach, lecturer and former UK athlete.

For more information contact info@jamesmilburn.co.uk www. jamesmilburn.co.uk Tel: 01661 598 271

Alaskan Adventure Travel writer Ken Spearen visits Alaska which was much greener than he thought!

Upgrade to the Celebrity Suite

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eing seasoned cruisers with 30+ cruises over the past 20 years, my wife and I have just about satisfied our cruising wanderlust. From Australia and New Zealand to Hawaii and the West Indies and Dubai, we have experienced it all but two items remained unticked on our bucket list and these were a “cold climate” cruise to Alaska and a cruise on a so-called six-star cruise line. So when we saw both advertised on-line by Cruise.co.uk., a trusted travel intermediary we always use, we contacted sales manager Tamir, to see whether we could satisfy both targets whilst we are still fit and able to enjoy it.

The Alaskan cruise was on the 5-star Celebrity Infinity on which we had previously cruised to Hawaii in 2004. It has recently undergone a multi-million dollar refit to staterooms and public areas and with over 1,000 staterooms, from inside cabins to luxury suites, it remains the epitome of style and service. The importance of the latter is

underlined by the ratio of staff to passengers as its 1,000 crew members offer a virtually one-toone service.

At 90,000 tonnes, the Infinity may not be the newest or largest ship available in today’s cruise market but it offers top class food with service to match that other ships would do well to adopt. Its entertainment programme is way above average with a daily programme offering over 90 activities. From the Infinity’s singers and dancers (aka The Stars of the Infinity) with their energetic and professional twice-nightly WestEnd shows, to talented comedians, an amazing show by a card mechanic who now works for the Las Vegas casinos spotting “wrong-‘uns” and interesting and humorous “Beyond the Podium” guest speakers, all was geared around keeping cruisers engaged and entertained. We were lucky enough to get a back-stage tour from Brooke, the show’s dance captain (how the dancers work and change in such small areas and yet still present a

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slick multi quick-change show is remarkable); and also a very informative ship’s bridge tour from Captain Michael who demonstrated how the ship was expertly handled even though it did not have propellers or a rudder! That said, this had been far from a rudder-less cruise.

The 11-night cruise and stay package from Celebrity started from just £1,499 per person which included all flights, transfers, a pre-cruise overnight stay in Vancouver - a most welcome break to get over the 11-hour flight from the UK, a 7-night cruise up the Inside Passage on the Infinity with ports of call at Icy Strait Point (featuring the longest 60 mph zip wire in the world), Hubbard Glacier (thunderously spooky), Juneau - the capital of Alaska and the home of salmon and giant Alaskan king crabs the size of small coffee tables; and Ketchikan (wonderful lumberjack show shore excursion).

TRAVEL INSIGHT

Upgraded eating in The Luminae Restaurant

In addition, a free all-inclusive drinks package, a free whale watching tour; plus a further 3-nights post cruise accommodation in Vancouver before flying home to the UK completed the package. A bargain or what?

As our own personal comfort is worth any price, we decided to upgrade our package to business class flights with KLM to Vancouver via Amsterdam and one of the Celebrity suites on board - but still found the overall price acceptable in bringing the “unattainable” within reach.

Earlier this year, Celebrity Cruises introduced a new suite-class category which offers the facility of an exclusive dining room (the Luminae on the Infinity) for all passengers that book a suite. This allows passengers to dine when they want and with whom they want and has been very well received. Lazar, its restaurant manager presides over a very smooth operation indeed. His staff are well trained and very attentive (we generally had

three waiters looking after us at any one time) whilst the food was simply sublime. Chef Alan, the Luminae’s dedicated chef is a very talented man and the quality of his dishes had us returning daily even though we had free entry to other speciality restaurants. This had been a great cruise and everything about the Celebrity package worked superbly well. From Esther, our meet and greet lady in Vancouver to Lenny, Michael’s Club’s uber helpful and ebullient host who helped the disembarkation process pass in an oasis of upmarket calm and tranquility, everything had been super slick. Our biggest surprise was how green Alaska is. We expected cold weather but with summer temps of mid 70’s in Ketchikan and a sea temp of 65F, it’s little wonder the glacial ice is melting. Catch it while you can!

We are now looking forward to our next adventure on board the 6-star Oceania Marina in August. We’ll let you know how we get on in a later edition. For full details on above and

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other cruises, log onto www.cruise.co.uk or speak to Tamir on 0800 408 6123 (direct line) for guidance and expert advice on everything cruising.

“

...a free all-inclusive drinks package, a free whale watching tour; plus a further 3-nights post cruise accommodation in Vancouver before flying home to the UK completed the package. A bargain or what?

”

ARTS NEWS

50th ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION SET TO BRING THE HILLS OF NEWCASTLE ALIVE

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he greatest family musical of all time - The Sound of Music is returning to the Theatre Royal in September to celebrate the Hollywood film’s 50th anniversary.

The Sound of Music tells the true story of the world-famous singing family, from their romantic beginnings and search for happiness, to their thrilling escape to freedom as their beloved Austria becomes part of the Third Reich at the start of WWII. Created as a Broadway musical in 1959 by Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, the unforgettable score features some of the most memorable

songs ever performed on stage, including ‘Edelweiss’, ‘My Favorite Things’, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, ‘So Long, Farewell’ and of course, the title song, ‘The Sound of Music’.

Playing the iconic role of Maria von Trapp in this new production is Danielle Hope, who captured the hearts of the country when she won BBC Television’s Over the Rainbow and made her professional debut as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium. Danielle has since played Eponine in Les Misérables in London’s West End and Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The role of Captain von Trapp is played by

much-loved stage and television star Steven Houghton. Well-known for his longstanding television roles in Coronation Street and London’s Burning, Olivier-Award nominated actor Steven has taken on leading roles in Spend Spend Spend, Blood Brothers, White Christmas, Martin Guerre and Grease.

This wonderfully lavish new staging of the classic musical is produced by Bill Kenwright, directed by Martin Connor, choreographed by Olivier Award winner Bill Deamer and with musical direction by David Steadman. Presented by special arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe.

Pirate fun

Bursting with pride as full festival line-up is revealed

Musical phenomenon returns

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s the sequel to Dreamboats and Petticoats, Dreamboats and Miniskirts returns to showcase the greatest hit songs of the 60s with a visit to Sunderland Empire for one week only (Monday 26-Saturday 31 October 2015).

The advent of the Beatles and the Merseyside sound is inspirational. But will it inspire Bobby and Laura to have one more shot at stardom and Ray to realise his ambition and manage a really top pop act?

All will be revealed in a follow up with the same wit, charm, and great songs as Dreamboats and Petticoats.

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he Friends of Tyne Theatre and Opera House present an energetic production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s hilarious operetta The Pirates of Penzance. This popular work will be accompanied by a large live orchestra.

The Pirates of Penzance are a rollicking band of pirates too kind-hearted for their own good.

We discover deception, paradoxes, bravery and revelations along the way in this witty show.

The production will raise funds for the Tyne Theatre and Opera House Preservation Trust for the restoration of this beautiful Victorian opera house.

H

eaven Is A Place On Earth for music lovers as the full line-up for Newcastle Pride 2015 is officially revealed. The three-day festival, now one of the largest, free LGBT events in the UK, returns to Newcastle’s Town Moor from Friday July 17, with a host of entertainment celebrating 45 years of world Pride.

Event organisers, Northern Pride, recently announced that girlband B*Witched and pop superstar Belinda Carlisle would be headlining the event.

PUBLIC RELATIONS WITHOUT THE BULL

PUBLIC RELATIONS | EVENT MANAGEMENT | MEDIA BUYING

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0191 265 6111 bernice@sortedpr.com

INTERVIEW Rob Armstrong

Northern Insight meets Rob Armstrong The mark of any member of society is their attitude toward their fellow man. It’s easy to pass by on the other side when we encounter an individual in distress or at low ebb, because we’re in a more privileged position.

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ob Armstrong, a well known personality and successful North East businessman has reached a position where he’s more than comfortably off but as a self made man and owner of several successful businesses, he’s acutely aware of his civic responsibilities and particularly his ability to make a difference to people less fortunate. That attitude burns deeply within him and he intends to carry on helping where he can for the rest of his life.

“I was born in Benwell and my family struggled to exist. It was a depressingly hard life in those days and my mother had a particularly tough time raising her family,” Rob says, “Like most kids, I remember uttering the words, I’m going to be a millionaire one day. It might have been a childish dream but I’ve been lucky enough to realise it,” he continues.

Over the years, hard work and determination have put him in a position of achieving his goals and because of that, allowed him to realise his ambition to help others where he can.

“It has to be said, when I was young, I was a less than savoury individual and had a chequered history at best, but the moment I started to do well, I knew a lot of the rewards I earned, could help to make the lives of others less fortunate, that bit easier.”

Immediately before the interview I conducted with Rob, he’d given his time to judging a charitable cake making contest and provided a donation to the worthy cause. Most importantly, Rob doesn’t make a song and dance about his

work in this area but he does spend phenomenal amounts of time and resource ensuring other’s lives are that little bit better.

Although Rob does provide to worthy national causes like Children in Need, he tends to do those things on a local basis. Without mentioning any names, he recently discovered a young boy was very seriously ill and the prognosis was very bad.

The boy had tremendous personal courage and that encouraged Rob to help the family who were facing a bleak future. When Rob visited them, seemingly the boy’s main pleasure was visiting his friend to play FIFA 15 on his PS4 when his condition allowed.

“It wasn’t much but I went out at that point and bought him a PS4 of his own and FIFA 15, so he could enjoy playing any time he wanted to,” advises Rob, “I wish a lot more business people would look around, see what kind of heart rending stories are out there and give just a little bit of time and money to alleviating some of the suffering. They should think back to times when their lives weren’t particularly comfortable, when they needed a bit of a hand, and just do something to help. Don’t get me wrong, I know an awful lot of business people around Newcastle who do just that but equally, I know others who don’t and it’s a real shame.”

It’s interesting to realise that Rob’s main preoccupation with his charitable giving is to local causes, mainly individuals who never ask for help but are deserving of it. When he hears of those cases, he will contact the family and ask

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for permission to help. It’s this approach which endears himself to those he is fortunate enough to aid.

From a commercial standpoint, this successful businessman tries hard to help others who are struggling to find work. He owns both a recruitment company and a taxi company in Newcastle ‘LA Taxis’. Some time ago an individual turned up with little prospect of work. Despite having no references to speak of, Rob saw something in the individual. He was impressed to the extent, he offered him a position as a taxi driver, paid for his medical, his taxi badges and bought him a car, which the individual would pay back over a protracted period.

As a result of that first encounter, Rob has had many requests for help with work and he has set up a system of recruitment to help others in similar situations.

Perhaps the most important achievement in Rob’s life was his ability to purchase a comfortable home for his mother in Cramlington, well away from the deprived area’s she’d always lived in and to look after her in every way, “She was a colourful character,” smiles Rob, “One of the old school who spoke her mind, enjoyed her cigarettes and the simple things in life; there’s no better feeling than being able to give something back to someone who gave everything to me. A chequered past maybe but Rob Armstrong is a man of real humanity.

The Hadrian School Charity Ball The Hadrian School Charity Ball was recently held at the Hilton Hotel Newcastle,Gateshead.

The event raised the magnificent sum of ÂŁ83,000 towards the planned Rebound Therapy/Heads Center with special thanks given by the school to Rob Armstrong and the Akbar Brothers.

Photo with kind permission of David Lawson Studios at Franki & Gerrys Retro Studio Gateshead.

INTERVIEW

Michael Grahamslaw meets...

Simon Robertson

Presenter, Host, Compere and Managing Director of One Voice Productions.....

the North East. I’ve also just presented the Sports Direct Conference at St James Park and the SNUG EMEA 2015 conference in Manchester for Noble Systems.

I recently became the face of Kwiz on the Box a non-interactive quiz which will be shown around the UK, we film in Manchester and after the pilot episode I’ve done five more since which is tremendous fun. One Voice is having another busy year as well looking after our clients at Bannatyne Hotel, Jesmond Dene House, Doxford Hall Hotel, and Durham CCC to name a few with lots of weddings and events throughout the year.

What were your career ambitions growing up?

Growing up I always wanted to be a lawyer, particularly after watching My Cousin Vinny and JFK. I then decided I wanted to be a Jockey which my Dad thought was great as he was an avid fan of the horses. The thing was I meant a disc jockey as even then I loved the world of entertainment.

Tell us about your career path?

I suppose I can say that ive always worked from my days as a paper boy. I had various jobs including tele-sales and door to door canvassing early in my career.

I learned this industry from the bottom first working as a stage hand and then in lighting and sound before studying media at college.

Here things took an interesting turn. In my horoscope one day was the line “destiny sees words circled.” A letter arrived inviting me to audition as a Bluecoat at Pontins with my time and date circled.

It was then I decided hands on entertainment experience would be the path I would take.

I got into this industry as I love waking up not knowing what the day will bring and I still have that same energy and enthusiasm as I did back in 1997.

What have you learned over the last 20 years?

Not to take myself to seriously. That everything happens for a reason and to always remain calm under pressure. A lot of the time I’m presenting live so you have to be able to think on your feet which I love.

Who has influenced you in your life?

Unquestionably my parents. I also have a great admiration for The Two Ronnies and Morecambe

and Wise and Sinatra as i’m a huge fan of variety. In the world of business Richard Branson and Duncan Bannatyne.

What has been your greatest achievement?

Surviving! The last 11 years have thrown all sorts of challenges at me so to still be doing what I love doing I am very lucky. I was told you only get out what you put in. I’m very fortunate to have great friends in and out of the business as well such as Steve Walls, Chris Low, Phil Holden, Michael McNally, Jacqui Booth, Alan Blakey and his wife Vicki and of course you Mike!

What are you currently working on?

It’s fair to say I am spinning a few plates and enjoying every minute of it.

Miss North-East is just around the corner which we have made the biggest competition of its kind in

What does the future hold?

More of the same with continued growth I hope.

I love the spontaneity of this job and I have many events I would like to launch in the future. I’m really excited about more presenting and I’d love to do more work as a host and Compere too.

How do you like to relax?

I love theatre and cinema as well as all kind of music as well as socialising with friends over dinner. Often I’m just happy to chill at home with a glass of Jack.

Favourite Book?

Who Moved my Cheese by Spencer Johnson Changed the way I looked at everything in business.

Favourite Film?

Can I have three?! The Shawshank Redemption, Rocky and The Godfather.

Favourite CD? White on Blonde by Texas...a band I always go back to. It’s still sounds fresh everytime I listen to it.

Sharleen Spiteri has such an amazing voice.

To enquire about booking entertainment or for event management enquiries please visit: www.onevoiceproductions.co.uk simon@onevoiceproductions.co.uk 0191 487 6430 To enquire about Simon to host and present at your event please visit: www.simonrobertson.co.uk or contact him on 0191 487 6430

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WHEN IT COMES TO MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS WE’RE LIKE A DOG WITH A PHONE!

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