Contact magazine - February-March 2015

Celebrating 200 years of North East business

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015

FROM THE GROUND UP

necc.co.uk - necontact.co.uk

✱

The business of social enterprise with Kate Culverhouse

FAMILY VALUES

NECC200

With two generations of the Gott family

Your guide to being part of the biggest business birthday of the year

PROFILE

KING COAL

Gordon Banham: From village coalman to £1bn business CEO APPRENTICESHIPS SPECIAL FOCUS

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200TH ANNIVERSARY GALA DINNER 17TH SEPTEMBER 2015 D U R H A M W O R L D H E R I TAG E S I T E Event Drinks Reception Sponsored by

NECC has a 200-year long tradition of holding the most prestigious, prominent and well attended business dinners across the North East.

This prestigious event will see the largest ever reception held within the Cloisters of Durham Cathedral, engaging speakers and an exciting locally focused menu, the event will not only be the largest ever business dinner in the region’s history, but the highest profile event in the North East’s business calendar in 2015.

PROUD TO BE SUPPORTED BY OUR ANNIVERSARY PATRONS:

Be part of it. Go to www.necc.co.uk/events or email events@necc.co.uk for more information #NECC200

Welcome...

January can be a sombre month with the Christmas festivities over, foul weather battering the UK and the inevitable return to work.

So it has been an absolute delight to start 2015 with a real bang, as NECC celebrates its 200th anniversary with members, colleagues and partner organisations.

Newcastle Quayside was the location for a special birthday party on January 5, as it was in the Guildhall 200 years ago that the good merchants and traders of the city met to form what would eventually become the North East Chamber of Commerce.

It was with great pride that I stood alongside James Ramsbotham and a host of our valued members and NECC employees to cut a giant birthday cake at Sage Gateshead, baked and delivered by Greggs.

To be president in the year that the Chamber marks this milestone achievement is genuinely

NECC president David Laws is in positive mood as a year to celebrate gets off to a positive start

exciting and I hope our members and North East business generally will share in that excitement as we make 2015 a year to celebrate everything that is great about our region, our many pioneering companies and ground-breaking innovators.

And there is much to celebrate…record-breaking employment levels, GVA growing faster than anywhere else in the country, continued success in exports, our Quarterly Economic Survey showing not only a return of optimism across the private sector, but sustained growth and sales across most sectors.

Wearing my Newcastle International Airport hat, the end of 2014 brought a successful conclusion to a long and sustained effort to secure a transatlantic flight. The United Airlines flight to New York is great news for North East business. I see no reason why it can’t enjoy the same success we have seen with the Emirates route to Dubai.

You can read all about NECC’s anniversary, its history and our party in this edition, as well as details on the latest Quarterly Economic Survey and how NECC partner Watson Burton is working with us to highlight the need for more housing development, while Ross Smith outlines the importance of NECC’s 2015 Manifesto and the vital role it plays in our lobbying activities in this general election year. I intend to make sure that the positive start to 2015 is carried throughout the year – I hope that you will all do the same and build on the great strides made throughout 2014.

David Laws, NECC president

EDITOR Jane Pikett jane@offstonepublishing.co.uk EDITORIAL TEAM Dean Bailey Liz Hands Owen McAteer Paul Robertson Contact is the magazine for NECC members. News and press releases should be sent to submissions@necc.co.uk ADVERTISING Contact our commercial team 01661 844 115 sales@offstonepublishing.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson www.kgphotography.co.uk Nicky Rogerson www.nrphotography.co.uk Peter Skelton www.photo-psp.co.uk

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When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

Gordon Banham

Kate Culverhouse

Ian Gott

“Politicians are sometimes a little selective with the facts - they don’t say that if we get rid of coal, domestic electricity bills will double.”

“Work in the environment is great for young people who aren’t doing well in school.

Give them a chance and most will do something fantastic.”

“I’m always conscious that it’s my name, the family name, on the door. When I go and see customers, that’s what’s on my mind.”

Hargreaves Services

Groundwork

Gott Technical Services

©Offstone Publishing 2015. All rights reserved.

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FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 3

Contents

To keep up to date with all the latest NECC and member news download the NECC app by searching for NECC in the Apple app store and on Google Play

Plus 8 INBOX News and views from the world of business

10 SPONSORSHIP DEAL Brewin Dolphin backs NECC President’s Club

26 HAPPY BIRTHDAY NECC members join 2015’s

big anniversary celebrations

30 EXPORT

News from the recent NECC trade mission to Boston

32 NECC POLICY

NECC outlines its 2015 Manifesto

55 APPOINTMENTS

Features 06 200 YEARS AND COUNTING

NECC celebrates 200 years of North East business

Above: Gordon Banham, Hargreaves Services

34 FATHER FIGURE

Hargreaves Services Gordon Banham on his journey from village coalman to CEO

34

New faces popping up in new places

60 EVENTS

NECC events to look forward to

65 DOUBLE TAKE

Sunderland and Darlington BID chairs go head-to-head

38 FROM THE GROUND UP Groundwork’s Kate Culverhouse on a life in social enterprise

40 A FAMILY AFFAIR

We meet the Gott Technical Services family

44 SKILLS

Apprenticeships, training and more

56 OUT TO LUNCH

With Tyne and Wear Archives & Museum’s Iain Watson at Dabbawal

66 LAST WORD

With Apollo Studio Academy principal Sally Hudson

38

40

Clockwise from above: Kate Culverhouse Iona, Ian and Brian Gott Iain Watson

56

PROUD TO BE SUPPORTED BY OUR ANNIVERSARY PATRONS:

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 5

NECC 200

JANUARY 5, 1815 The first meeting of the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce held at the Guildhall in Newcastle

JANUARY 1915

GREAT YEARS Bryn Littleton celebrates 200 years since the formation of the region’s chamber of commerce

FEBRUARY 1916 Formation of a chamber armaments factory to allow workers from chamber members to volunteer in their spare time. A total of 600 people volunteer

MARCH 1929 The chamber helps bring aviation to the region with aerodomes at Thornaby and Newcastle

“

The purposes of the present institution are the redressing of all the grievances in any wise affecting the trade of this Port - the facilitating of any measures calculated to promote the interest and prosperity of our local commerce - and generally the attainment of such objects, connected with the commerce of the Port, as the exertions of individuals may be less adequate to accomplish.”

This is the third item recorded in the minutes of the first meeting of The Newcastle Upon Tyne Chamber of Commerce.

It relates primarily to “merchants, manufacturers and shipowners”, but the principle that businesses are

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The chamber receives a telegram from King George V congratulating it on its 100th birthday

MARCH 1963 The chamber is approached by Lord Hailsham to work with him on his report which results in major upgrades to the A1 and A19 as well as the development of Cramlington, Washington, Newcastle Airport and Teesside Airport

2

The first meeting of the collectively stronger and more Newcastle Chamber of Commerce influential than they are as took place on January 5, 1815 at the individuals, endures today.

Guildhall in Newcastle.

“Back then, it was all That year saw the end about helping North East of the Napoleonic goods find their way THE CHAMBER wars and the Battle to market, and 200 HAS BEEN A of Waterloo, and years later we’re CATALYST OF followed the end of still fighting the POSITIVE CHANGE the Continental same fight,” says FOR NORTH EAST blockade which had NECC chief BUSINESS FOR supressed European executive James 200 YEARS trade for years. Once Ramsbotham. relieved of the burden of “Whether it’s dredging war, Britain was free to trade. a river or securing upgrades Newcastle had the assets to be a to an overused stretch of dual major port, but the city was not carriageway, the chamber of developed enough and was losing commerce has proved a vital ground to other ports. catalyst of positive change for North There were no local authorities East businesses for two centuries”.

MARCH 1816

J U LY 1 8 3 4

The chamber successfully lobbies for a direct mail service from London to Newcastle and a new central post office

Work starts on building the Quayside and dredging and straightening the Tyne. The works are paid for by chamber members

AUGUST 1914 the chamber raises, equips and pays for three battalions of the Northumberland Fusiliers aka The Quaysiders.

Establishes a widows and orphans fund which paid out £2,153,000 in today’s money

JUNE 1867 The chamber campaigns for the appointment of an Inspectorate of Shipping to reduce loss of life at sea through unsafe vessels

FEBRUARY 1839 The chamber instrumental in lobbying for the repeal of the corn laws to improve trade and relieve famine

AUGUST 1857 Fedinand de Lessops visits the chamber to lobby for investment for building the Suez Canal and wins chamber support

NOVEMBER 2005 NECC runs the awardwinning Go for Jobs campaign to lift Article 14 orders, estimated to be blocking £1bn worth of investment and 10,000 jobs in the region

200 JANUARY 1995

SEPTEMBER 1987

Teesside Chamber lobbies for investment for Teesside Development Corporation

and it was left to landowners, members of the aristocracy, and merchants to organise development, and in this context the chamber was established.

The creation of chambers in Teesside, Tyne and Wear, and Tynedale, all of which came together in 1995 to form the NECC we know today, further bolstered the voice of business in the region.

“Businesses quickly realised the power of a united voice,” says James Ramsbotham. “The industrialists and merchants were quickly joined by landowners such as Lord Lambton and Lord Joicey and merchants with interests in shipping.”

The chamber fought for the

Merger of Tyne and Wear, Teesside and Tynedale chambers creates NECC

repealing of the Corn Laws in the 1840s, lobbied against the monopolies of the rail companies in the 1880s, hosted and organised trade missions when the UK was in the grip of post-war depression in the 1920s, fought for fairness when the Thatcher Government opened up the manufacturing industry to international competition in the 1980s, and worked with regional partners to attract massive inward investors like Nissan and Hitachi more recently.

Throughout 2015, NECC will be calling on businesses to join together to celebrate everything that makes the North East great and looking forward to the next 200 years of North East business.

JANUARY 2015

The Queen congratulates NECC on its 200th anniversary

Six leading names in North East industry and education are teaming up with NECC - the region’s largest business membership organisation - as patrons of the 200th anniversary year.

Virgin Money, Port of Tyne, Newcastle International Airport, Gateshead College, Northumbrian Water, and Sage are patrons of NECC’s 200th anniversary celebrations throughout 2015.

During the year, NECC will celebrate two centuries of North East business with NECC Patrons, colleagues, members and the region as a whole through events and activities showcasing innovation and success and celebrating business.

The events calendar began with a huge birthday party for chamber staff and members on Newcastle Quayside in January, and will include a gala dinner, an exhibition of NECC’s contribution to the region over the past 200 years, and a series of anniversary events.

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 7

INBOX

inbox...

Have you got something to say about the magazine or about business in general? Then inbox may be the perfect home for you.

Send your views, comment and gossip to inbox@necontact.co.uk

Tweet Tweet!

Here’s our pick of the best of #NECC200 on Twitter

YOU’RE HIRED!

Here’s Apprentice star Katie Bulmer-Cooke on her recent visit to her former college to mark Enterprise Day. Bulmer-Cooke, 28, returned to New College Durham to inspire business students to achieve their potential. Bulmer-Cooke, who studied sport and exercise at the college, encouraged students to “grab opportunities with both hands, listen to advice and develop their skills”.

TEE TIME

Ramside Hall Hotel and Golf Club, which opened England’s newest golf course in September, has launched FlexiGolf for golfers to join the club for £195 and then buy bundles to exchange for rounds of golf.

According to England Golf, the sport’s national governing body, golf participation is declining in the UK because people see it as too time consuming and expensive. Ramside director of golf Helen Roseberry says: “The days of waiting lists at local golf clubs are gone. We need to make it easier for local people to access the sport.”

THEY’RE ELECTRIC

Well done to Northern Powergrid, the region’s electricity distribution company, which has scooped two prizes at the Pride Awards for PR excellence. The company, which transports electricity across its network in the North East, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, won silver in the Best Use of Digital and Best Use of Media Relations categories. The awards, which reward the work of leading PR teams, recognised the successful introduction of Northern Powergrid’s online Report a Problem service and its approach in engaging the media to help tell customers about the impact of winter storms on its network.

CHAUFFEUR SERVICE

IN THE SWING

Members of The Port of Tyne team which maintains Newcastle’s historic Swing Bridge had their 15 seconds of fame when cabinet minister turned broadcaster Michael Portillo dropped by during filming for a recent edition of his TV programme Great British Railway Journeys.

Port of Tyne’s chief executive Andrew Moffat says: “We’re very proud to be the custodians of the Swing Bridge.”

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NECC Events (@NECCAshley): Several successful events today to celebrate NECCs 200th Anniversary. Loving the projections #NECC200 #bepartofit Bill MacLeod (@BillMacLeod3): @NEChamber 200th birthday cake made by local baker @GreggstheBakers congratulations from @PwC_North #necc200 Ross Smith (@NECCRoss): Our Council in a room where its predecessors met at Ncl Guildhall learning fascinating history of building #NECC200

Park Executive’s Kevin Potts with his son Scott

Sunderland-based Park Executive has been voted the UK’s best chauffeur operator with up to 10 cars and gained a silver award for the best new start-up at a ceremony organised by Professional Driver Quality Service and Innovation. Park Executive launched in 2012 with one vehicle. Owner Kevin Potts and his son Scott set out to provide a quality service for corporate customers and their clients now include Nike, Arriva, Barclays, EDF, Liebherr, Berghaus and Gentoo.

NECC (@NEChamber): A big thank you to @SavilleAV_NE & @ThistleMBrough for the projection on our 200th Anniversary! #bigupTV #NECC200

NEW YEAR HONOUR

Congratulations to David Robinson, chief executive officer of PD Ports, on his MBE in the New Year’s Honours for services to international trade and the UK economy.

Robinson was appointed chief executive in 2006 after joining the company in 2002 as MD of Teesport.

Andrew Heavisides (@neccandrewh): #NECC200 one big birthday celebration Conference & Events (@conf_event): Quayside back drop for the @NEChamber event @sage_gateshead #NECC200

IN MY VIEW

In my view

NECC chief executive James Ramsbotham on his pride at 200 years and the region’s increasing exposure on the international stage

the day. It felt marvellous to share this milestone day with our workforce, who toil ceaselessly for our valued membership without whom we would not exist.

Standing with David Laws at Sage Gateshead and looking around the room at the people who make NECC tick and the people who turn the wheels of North East industry, was an incredibly proud moment. I could think of nobody better to celebrate this momentous day with.

And that is not the end of it.

Throughout the year we will be staging events, dinners, lunches and exhibitions to celebrate our history, outline our future and inform on what we are doing right now to make the North East a success.

You will also read in these pages about a fantastic trade mission to Boston that once again served as a reminder of the role chambers of commerce can play as a force for positive change.

The global chamber of commerce network is unique. We operate in almost every country, we work with every sector of industry, we stand shoulder to shoulder with other business organisations and we lead the way in lobbying the world’s governments for a better deal for business. We are now, through projects like our Access programmes, starting to make better use

of these relationships we have around the world to provide soft landings for businesses exploring potentially lucrative new markets.

In recent years, I have had the pleasure of visiting Japan, the UAE, Germany and most recently India.

The appetite to do business with the UK never ceases to impress and the high esteem our nation’s companies and goods are held in throughout the world is something our businesses must build on, if we are to truly realise the potential of lucrative international markets.

And we are getting better at that, as our Quarterly Economic Surveys over the past 18 months demonstrate.

Our manufacturers in particular are establishing an upward trend in overseas and domestic sales and orders.

The latest QES is a great way to round off a successful year. It was always going to be tough to continue the record breaking performance from earlier in 2014, but the Q4 results show that our businesses are harnessing the positivity and optimism and turning it into genuine growth.

Let’s encourage more of the same in 2015 and make it the Year of North East Business. The year that we ignite the undoubted potential that lies within our region and show the rest of the world just what we are capable of.

H

appy New Year! I never know when too much time has passed to stop saying that, but as this is the first Contact magazine of the year, it seems more than appropriate.

And what a start to the year it has been. I won’t rehash David’s foreword, but beginning the new year with a brilliant celebration of the past, present and future of the North East Chamber of Commerce ensured our January blues were blasted away before they’d had time to settle on our shoulders.

January 5 2015 will live long in the memory. Not only for the entire NECC workforce posing on the Millennium Bridge holding branded umbrellas, the giant Greggs-baked birthday cake we unveiled at Sage Gateshead, or the fantastic debate with staff and members on the future direction of NECC and our region generally.

The overriding memory will be one of happiness and positivity throughout

 Left to right: NECC’s Julie Underwood, James Ramsbotham and Ross Smith at the 200th birthday celebration FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 9

NEWS

I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H

With Eamonn Leavey head of NECC President’s Club in association with Brewin Dolphin What a fantastic start to the year – more than 150 NECC President’s Club business leaders joined NECC at Sage Gateshead for our 200th anniversary party, with special thanks to Greggs for supplying the birthday cake.

Following this we attended a discussion on the future direction of NECC where we benefited from some excellent and positive contributions from our 200th anniversary patrons and from members.

I am also pleased to announce that Brewin Dolphin will continue its associate sponsorship of NECC President’s Club in 2015 and we look forward to working closely with them.

It was good to meet Marcus Clinton, the new CEO at Northumberland College, and we wish him well in his new post. Congratulations also to the Greggs team who have had a great 2014.

Welcome to Vattenfall which has just joined NECC and its UK Energy Team which is based in Hexham.

I am pleased that John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow Airport, has accepted our invitation to be the keynote speaker at the NECC President’s Club business leaders’ lunch in February, sponsored by Benfield Motors.

Tel 07714 845 624 email eamonn.leavey@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCEamonn

William Baker Baker of Brewin Dolphin with NECC president David Laws

Old friends reunited for another big year

O

ne of the region’s oldest firms, Brewin Dolphin, has confirmed it will sponsor NECC President’s Club for a second consecutive year, coinciding with NECC’s 200th anniversary year.

NECC President’s Club membership comprises some of the region’s most influential businesses.

It includes more than 250 organisations from sectors including services, manufacturing, education, professional, local authorities, housing groups, and the public sector and its members employ around 25% of the region’s workforce. Members of the club inform and influence NECC policy.

William Baker Baker, head of office at Brewin Dolphin in Newcastle, says: “We are proud to support an initiative which is helping to build a foundation on which to make the North East a better place to do business.”

Brewin Dolphin provides wealth management services including financial planning and investment management expertise. It employs more than 350 people in the region and manages £28bn in investments.

NECC president David Laws says: “It’s a great way to start our 200th anniversary year by securing the continued sponsorship of this prestigious club by Brewin Dolphin, one of NECC’s oldest members.”

25 YEARS YOUNG Newcastle-based property consultant Naylors Chartered Surveyors is celebrating 25 years in business with plans for growth.

In 2014 Naylors’ agency department disposed of more than 1.3m sqft of commercial space and achieved the largest office letting in East Durham for

10 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

in association with

well over 10 years at Whitehouse Park.

The Building Consultancy team handled construction works in excess of £2m and the management department grew its portfolio to 80 properties.

2015 is a set to be a year of further growth for the firm, which plans to expand a number of service lines.

ADVERTORIAL

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL

B

usinesses are beginning 2015 on a wave of sustained growth and positivity, according to the latest Quarterly Economic Survey.

While growth has slowed, the latest survey shows that last year’s growing optimism is turning into genuine economic growth.

Among the positive figures are a third of members reporting that their businesses are operating at full capacity, a quarter of respondents recruiting part-time staff, and three-fifths of respondents recruiting full-time staff.

NECC policy and research INDICATOR

TLW LAUNCH SPECIALIST MOTORING OFFENCES SERVICE

manager Mark Stephenson says: “During 2014 we moved into growth. The first half of the year saw the economy bounce back vigorously, with most official predictions for growth falling short of what was realised.

“To an extent this was to be expected. In the course of a textbook economic recovery, businesses unleash pent-up demand early in the economic cycle as they seek to rebound.”

The outlook for 2015 is good and across most survey indicators scores remain positive, the only exceptions to this being cash flow and export orders.

BALANCE CHANGE CHANGE (ALL ON LAST ON LAST COMPANIES) QUARTER YEAR

MANUF.

L

TEES SERVICE NELEP AREA VALLEY

UK sales

25.8

-10.9 ▼

7.2 ▲

17.5

28.2

22.3

35.9

UK orders

25.0

- 10.1 ▼

7.7 ▲

12.8

28.7

21.7

34.3

Export sales

11.7

-9.5 ▼

-1.5 ▼

21.1

6.2

11.5

16.7

Export orders

6.9

-14.2 ▼

- 5.9 ▼

18.4

0.0

7.8

8.7

Plant investment plans

15.8

-12.8 ▼

-5.7 ▼

17.5

15.2

9.6

35.1

Training investment plans

21.1

-9.8 ▼

3.0 ▲

20.0

21.5

15.3

35.9

Cashflow

0.0

-5.2 ▼

-3.0 ▼

-5.0

1.4

-8.0

24.4

Prices

7.4

-3.9 ▼

3.5 ▲

5.0

8.1

6.9

12.5

Current workforce

21.4

-1.3 ▼

4.0 ▲

27.5

19.7

18.5

29.3

Future workforce

34.2

-1.3 ▼

8.6 ▲

37.5

33.3

31.0

42.5

Future profitability

56.6

5.4 ▲

12.9 ▲

56.4

56.7

58.6

59.0

Future turnover

61.3

- 0.1 ▼

10.4 ▲

70.0

58.9

60.0

65.9

Peter McKenna, founder of MotoPro and Partner at TLW Solicitors

aw firm TLW solicitors has launched a new service and brand – MotoPro - aimed at representing people dependent on their driving licences. MotoPro offers a range of fixed fee service packages - meaning no hidden charges or unexpected bills. The team of experienced lawyers understand that losing your licence can significantly impact on both your professional and personal life and aim to remove the stress and worry you may face. Expert advice from the MotoPro legal team can help prevent the loss of your licence or ensure that you are back on the road as soon as possible.

Dealing with all motoring offences from simple speeding fixed penalty notices to more serious charges where injury or death may be involved, services include pre-trial conferences with a specialist barrister, preparation on what to expect at court and looking to recover your costs in the event of a successful defence.

‘The service is aimed at individuals and businesses where driving is essential and where losing a driving licence can be disastrous – executives, salespeople, taxi drivers, couriers.’ says MotoPro founder and TLW Solicitors Partner, Peter McKenna. ‘It offers niche expert representation with the peace of mind of fixed fees.’

A new website has just been launched which includes a detailed overview of the MotoPro packages and answers lots of FAQs. If you are facing prosecution for a motoring offence, MotoPro can help.

GOLD STANDARD Port of Tyne has been awarded the prestigious Investors in People (IIP) gold standard, joining the top 7% of accredited organisations in the UK. Port of Tyne is the UK’s only Gold IIP-accredited port.

Andrew Moffat, Port of Tyne’s CEO, says: “This is a great achievement. The gold standard means there is real substance to the programmes and initiatives we have put in and they are making a difference to how we work together.” in association with

info@motoprolegal.co.uk www.motoprolegal.co.uk Tel : 0800 7562415 FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 11

NEWS

NECC PARTNERS UPDATE With Jo Fryett, head of NECC Partners Here we are 2015 - time has flown and with such a great NECC year ahead, I can’t help feeling we’ll be talking about 2015 for a long time to come.

NECC celebrates 200 years of supporting business in the North East in 2015 with an exciting programme of events throughout the year.

The new NECC Manifesto will inform key decision makers in this important general election year and at our first meeting of 2015 our Partner members heard about the Manifesto action plan first hand. We also heard from Watson Burton’s Duncan Reid about the benefits of working with NECC and about the Housing Report launch at

the end of last year. 2015 also welcomes two new Partners who will collaborate on new projects. Manufacturing firm NIFCO and energy broker Utilitywise will work with NECC on some key policy areas while our other Partners will lead on key issues such as transport, energy, skills, housing, procurement and innovation.

Without the Partners’ dedication and wider support from NECC members we would not be able to achieve as much as we do.

Their insight and expertise, combined with NECC’s policy, knowledge, and connections are a great illustration of true and fruitful partnership. joanne.fryett@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCJo tel 07867 541 467

OUR PARTNERS...

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Andrew Richardson, deputy CEO, Utilitywise; James Ramsbothan, CEO, NECC; and Yashin Sarnaik, partner channel director, Utilitywise

WE HAVE THE POWER

N

and energy reduction ECC has signed services. Utilitywise, in a partnership conjunction with NECC, will with energy shortly be conducting an expert energy survey to provide Utilitywise to information which will shape help businesses become the service going forward. more energy efficient and get Yashin Sarnaik, partner the best value from their channel director at Utilitywise, utility supply. says: “Our ethos is clearly This new arrangement will aligned to that of NECC. see NECC members gain We aim to help access to bespoke businesses energy services. become more Utilitywise “WE AIM TO HELP efficient and works with BUSINESSES BECOME therefore companies MORE ENERGY more across all EFFICIENT AND competitive. sectors, THEREFORE MORE Utilitywise from SMEs to COMPETITIVE” is already large multi-site working with 15 corporations. other chambers of Established in commerce across the UK 2006, the North East-based and Ireland, supporting more company has seen rapid than 25,000 members.” growth and development, NECC chief executive listing on the Stock Market in James Ramsbotham says: June 2012.

“Energy supply, cost and Utilitywise has pledged to make businesses in the region consumption are important issues impacting on our more energy efficient by membership. Utilitywise has helping them to identify when, delivered real value working where and how much energy with other chambers. This is used across their business. service will be welcomed Utilitywise will offer by our members and add to a range of exclusives to NECC’s business support NECC members, including programmes.” discounted or free monitoring

in association with

NEWS

ADVERTORIAL

HOW TO SUCCEED WITH PR: 5 TOP TIPS

W

hether you’re a start-up or a multi-national, public relations (PR) is an essential tool for building credibility, engaging with customers and reaching new markets. Here, Samantha Davidson, managing director of full service strategic marketing company Horizonworks, provides five tips for great PR. Establish key messages Consider what key messages to convey to customers and prospects. Ensure that your unique selling point and product or service benefits are explained and that these messages are informed by a tailor-made marketing strategy.

Don’t be shy!

Your company is brimming with fascinating stories. A good PR practitioner will help you identify these stories and use them to create impact. The challenges you’ve faced in growing your business, your ground-breaking products, your community work... they can all make headlines.

Samantha Davidson, managing director of Horizonworks

Know your customers What do your customers and prospective customers read, listen to or watch? Regional, trade and national consumer press, plus radio, TV and online platforms all have something to offer, and a tailored PR strategy will help you get your message out in the right places.

Identify your expert Identify a spokesperson within your business with a strong knowledge of your company and your sector. A good PR company can help to position them in the press as an industry expert.

Picture perfect Rather than grabbing a last minute snap on a smart phone, invest in professional photography.

A press release with a high quality image is much more likely to be used by journalists.

We work with a wide range of organisations in developing and implementing their PR strategies, across sectors including manufacturing, engineering, professional services, technology, education, healthcare and biotechnology.

For information on how Horizonworks can help your business, call 0845 075 5955, email: hello@horizonworks.co.uk or visit www.horizonworks.co.uk 14 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

Martin Pluskal, ruby co-ordinator at Excelsior Academy, Newcastle

GOOD TRY!

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usinesses are being urged to help more schools to get involved in rugby in the run-up to this year’s Rugby World Cup. The Rugby Football Union’s All Schools Programme, of which Prince Harry is a patron, introduces non-rugby playing schools to the sport and builds their links with local clubs.

The All Schools Programme has been running for three years and it is hoped it will continue for the next three years with the backing of local businesses and organisations, either through financial or practical support.

Durham County and the RFU have produced a partner offer for businesses to encourage them to take part. Benefits include an

association with rugby union, tickets to see an England game at Twickenham, tickets to Newcastle Falcons or Yorkshire Carnegie matches and inclusion in media releases and launches.

Excelsior Academy in Newcastle is benefiting from the programme. The school’s rugby co-ordinator Martin Pluskal says: “One of the benefits of the programme has been the excellent coaching from the RFU community development coaches. The equipment supplied has also been great and pupils take a lot more pride and enjoyment using high quality equipment.”

For more information, email jim.coulson@microbab. co.uk at Northumberland County RFU or c.t.thoburn@btinternet.com at Durham County RFU

GREEN SHOOTS A North East procurement organisation has been recognised at the 2014 Building and Engineer Awards for a project that saw an area of derelict land in Grove Hill, Middlesbrough, turned into an environmentally friendly community facility.

NE Procurement worked alongside Erimus Housing, a in association with

partner in the Thirteen Group, Middlesbrough College, and Groundwork on the Jellystone project to create a training centre for the college’s first horticulture students and community allotments for local residents.

The scheme was awarded the 2014 Sustainable Project of the Year award.

NEWS

BIG BAND

LOTTA BOTTLE Mark Potts and Martin Thornton of Contract Bottling with Coun Harry Trueman of Sunderland City Council

Sunderland-based drinks and bottling company Contract Bottling is reporting swift growth with the doubling of its workforce and plans for further investment in 2015.

The firm has invested more than £2m in equipment since 2012 and is now the UK’s leading specialist contract bottling firm.

It has grown full-time employees from 30 to 60, the number of bottles produced

has grown from 15m to 52m in the last two years, and turnover has also grown from under £6m to more than £10.6m.

The firm makes and bottles water and soft drinks for customers including national supermarket chains and it plans to expand its Riverside Road plant to meet increasing demand from the UK and overseas. The company has also invested £50,000 in staff training and it intends to begin recruiting apprentices.

Gateshead-based IT and telecoms company Advantex Network Solutions is calling on businesses to apply for a slice of £150m Government funding for Broadband Connection Vouchers.

Under the scheme, businesses can apply for up to £3,000 to use towards the cost of installing new internet and wifi services.

Advantex is a registered supplier delivering the Go Digital scheme, which ends next year, in North Tyneside, Newcastle and Gateshead.

For two centuries our members have stood shoulder to shoulder for the good of the region, developing ground breaking innovations, and playing key roles in industrial and economic change. Our region’s economic and physical landscape continues to change and NECC is, and will always be, evolving with it, but our sole purpose remains the same - we will always make the prosperity of our members and the North East our number one priority. NECC is your Chamber.

PROUD TO BE SUPPORTED BY OUR ANNIVERSARY PATRONS:

#bepartofit Join us now at www.necc.co.uk/join-us or call 0300 303 6322 #NECC200

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FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 15

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CONNECTED

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he iNorthumberland project has passed the halfway mark with more than 30,000 homes and businesses now able to connect to high-speed fibre broadband as a direct result of the programme.

Engineers from BT’s local network business Openreach have clocked up thousands of man hours laying more than 14,000km of optical fibre in a staggering 225km of underground cable.

A total of 35 new exchange areas have been enabled along with the installation of 137 new green fibre cabinets.

Around 126 of those cabinets are now ready to take customer orders with thousands of people already taking advantage of the increased broadband speeds.

A number of areas, including around 1,500 premises in the rural communities of Allendale, Crookham, Harbottle and Wark, now have access to fibre broadband for the first time.

The iNorthumberland broadband programme is being delivered by Northumberland County Council and BT. It recently secured funding from the Government’s Superfast Extension Plan which will be used to further extend coverage in some areas not included in the current roll-out plans. The majority of premises in Northumberland will be getting access to some of the best broadband speeds in the UK via iNorthumberland and the commercial roll-out of fibre by BT’s local network business, Openreach.

LAB TEST Asbestos management company Lucion Environmental has completed a £250,000 expansion to its Gateshead laboratory following a successful year which saw a growth in demand. Financial director Charles Pickles says the move ensures Lucion has the capacity and technology to support clients.

www.riverdalepaper.plc.uk

Tel: 0191 482 42 71 Earlsway, Team Valley Trading Estate Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE11 0RQ Fax: 0191 482 4214 E-mail: info@riverdalepaper.plc.uk

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ADVERTORIAL News and views from NECC account managers NECC Global The start to 2015 has been the busiest since I started four years ago. We continue to grow the number of exporters we work with and the start of the year saw our 150th #NECCGlobal member, Evolution Business & Tax Advisors, which is helping our International members make the most from their overseas dealings. Matthew Ord tel 07717 300 351 matthew.ord@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCMatthew

Darlington Good luck to all members who have entered the North East Business Awards.

They include Fifteen Digital, Subsea Innovation, Harvey & Hugo, Nobia Darlington, Analox, Yellow Box Marketing and Simply Thank You. Ann Boyd tel 07739 162 408 ann.boyd@necc.co.uk

Durham I’m asking our readers to visit the North Pennines AONB’s website and take a Northumberland look at the work they are doing My aim this year to preserve one of the most beautiful areas of the country. is to educate as many businesses John Mansel tel 07736 799 727, john.mansel@necc.co.uk in the north of the region to Twitter @NECCJohn the benefits of NECC in our 200th year.

Les Dixon tel 07850 740 645 Teesside les.dixon@necc.co.uk A very warm Twitter @NECCLes welcome to the following new members to NECC - Semta, Newcastle/ 23 Miles Ltd, and the awardGateshead winning businesses Sound A number of businesses have Training for Reading and Polyphotonix. Tom Warnock tel already joined us in 2015.

Copper Beech Homecare Ltd 07714 845 617 tom.warnock@ and Dynamix Extreme CIC, to necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCTom name but two.

Lynsey Fairless Sunderland/South tel 07834 444 627 Tyneside lynsey.fairless@necc.co.uk Good luck to all Twitter @NECCLynsey our members who have entered this year’s North East Business Awards.

Medium Arthur Hodgson tel 07980 259 Business 991, arthur.hodgson@necc.

We welcome Frontica Business co.uk, Twitter @NECCArthur Solutions and Southmoor Academy into membership.

Essentials Our series of Linking Business portfolio manager with Education events Send me your top continue with The Ashington business tip along Learning Partnership on May with a copy of your logo and we 12 and Hartlepool Sixth Form will include it in our NECC200 College on October 6.

Business Tip Book which will Andrew Heavisides be distributed to all members. tel 07912 478 961andrew.

Julie Digman, tel 07912 478 heavisides@necc.co.uk 964, julie.digman@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCAndrewh Twitter @NECCjuliedig

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JOBS CREATED FOR PHOENIX

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he parent company of security provider Phoenix Security is planning further national expansion for the division, alongside the creation of hundreds of new jobs, after the group secured a multi-million pound refinancing package from Allied Irish Bank (GB).

Newcastle-based Danieli Holdings is looking to significantly develop its Phoenix Security division by opening new offices in Leeds, Birmingham, Edinburgh and London within the next 12 months, raising both turnover and employee numbers by as much as 50%.

The business currently employs about 1,200 people, and could add hundreds more to that number in line with its national growth strategy.

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

Neill Winch, group chief executive, said: “It’s a very exciting time and will result in the group becoming one of the fastestleft-right: growing, multi-faceted privately owned North East Christopher Dixon, Allied Irish based companies with a national reputation to be Bank (GB); Mark proud of.”

Andrew Love, head of Allied Irish Bank (GB) in Dobbin, Sintons; the North East of England, said: “We were very Steve Howe, pleased to be able to get to know and understand Phoenix; Neill Winch, Phoenix; the needs of Danieli Holdings and put together a bespoke refinancing package to support them in Mark Robinson, Allied Irish Bank their growth.”

Newcastle law firm Sintons acted for Allied (GB); Andrew Love, Allied Irish Irish Bank (GB) in the refinancing and GBLF assisted Danieli Holdings.

Bank (GB) Mark Dobbin, Partner at Sintons and head of its Banking and Finance team, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with Allied Irish Bank (GB) and they have made a very significant investment into one of the North East’s most dynamic businesses, which is growing to become a national force.”

Sintons LLP, Barrack Road, Newcastle, NE4 6DB tel: 0191 2267878, www.sintons.co.uk FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 17

NEWS

NEWS

WATCH THE WEB NECC is about to launch its new website following months of work in partnership with website designers at Offstone Publishing in Northumberland, which also publishes this magazine, and web developers at Better Brand Agency in Middlesbrough.

The new website will be bigger and better-suited to the growing needs of the NECC membership. It will include member profiles and news, offers and advice in a digital package which reflects the modern outlook of NECC and its members.

Look out for NECC’s new website coming in the next weeks at www.necc.co.uk

NEWS

NEW LOOK FOR COLLEGE Silverstone Building Consultancy has completed a major refurbishment project at Northumberland College in Ashington, following allocated funding from the Skills Funding Agency.

Northumberland College’s seven-storey, 10,000sqm tower block is believed to be the county’s tallest building and can be seen from miles away making it a key feature of Ashington’s landscape.

It was originally built in the 1950s.

Coun Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council; Sunderland College principal Anne Isherwood and Julie Elliott, MP for Sunderland Central, cutting the first turf of the college’s new campus

Building for the future

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turf-cutting ceremony has marked the start of work on Sunderland College’s new £29m City Campus.

Sunderland College principal Anne Isherwood was joined by Julie Elliott, MP for Sunderland Central, and Coun Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, to cut the turf at the city centre site.

The multi-million pound vocational campus in the city centre will accommodate up to 2,000 students and 120 staff and it is hoped it will help to boost the local economy by welcoming thousands of students into the heart of Sunderland.

Spanning 12,500sqm, the building will house vocational courses transferred from

MAJOR ACQUISITION Onyx Group has acquired Knowledge IT to create the region’s largest IT infrastructure player.

After three years of organic growth, the latest move is designed to enhance Onyx’s consulting and managed service capability.

The purchase boosts Onyx’s yearly turnover to more than £30m and increases its staff to 170. It means the firm is on target to become a leading £100m revenue IT infrastructure and services business within the next five years.

18 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

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its Hylton Campus, including advanced engineering, manufacturing, construction trades, automotive trades, travel and tourism, catering and hospitality.

The campus will also feature a manufacturing and engineering facility, hair, beauty and barbering facilities, a spa, a bakery, a travel agency, a restaurant, and a car repair service, all of them accessible to the public.

BAM Construction will build the new campus, with expected completion in spring 2016. Funding is from the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) and Sunderland City Council and college reserves, and the land was secured from the Homes and Communities Agency.

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COMPLETION PLANS UNDERWAY FOR CROWNE PLAZA NEWCASTLE Much anticipated hotel on schedule for July opening

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Andrew Fox, GM, Crowne Plaza Newcastle

onstruction of the fabulous and much anticipated Crowne Plaza® Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter hotel is well underway and on schedule for its July opening.

A new milestone was reached recently with the appointment of its General Manager, Andrew Fox. He joins what is set to become Newcastle’s most luxurious and contemporary hotel when it opens this summer in Stephenson Quarter.

His immediate task is recruiting his senior management team while also working closely with the property developer Clouston Group, overseeing the final phase of construction along with the fit-out.

The hotel will be under a management contract with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®).

Once complete, the impressive, seven-storey, 251-bed Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter will add a major new business conferencing and banqueting facility to the city.

The main conferencing suite – uniquely shaped – will seat and cater for 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.

Combining the large conference suites and meeting rooms, the hotel can provide more space to become an ideal venue for exhibitions.

The hotel and luxurious bedrooms have been carefully designed for both business and leisure guests visiting Newcastle. The restaurant and bar will be a perfect combination of urban chic and relaxing space for classic entertaining to more intimate social evenings. A deluxe swimming pool, spa and treatment rooms offer the perfect antidote to a busy day.

For Andrew, his appointment represents an exciting challenge and a welcome return to the North East. Married with four children, he was brought up in Ponteland, Northumberland before leaving the area to study in Manchester and begin a career in hospitality.

Now living in Morpeth, Andrew has around 25 years’ experience in the hospitality and leisure industry having most recently been regional general manager for Q-Hotels, overseeing a collection of hotels in the Midlands. Prior to that he worked at Crowne Plaza Nottingham and worked within management in Marriott Hotels for eight years.

He said: “The development of Crowne Plaza in Newcastle is not only an exciting milestone for the city but represents a great personal opportunity. The chance to come back to the North East, the lifestyle of the city and the wider area, was too good to miss.

“Crowne Plaza Newcastle will become an asset the city will be proud of and a beacon for the Stephenson Quarter and the wider business community.”

Paul Szomoru, head of business tourism at NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Andrew as the general manager of Crowne Plaza Newcastle.

The addition of such a fantastic new hotel and conferencing facility in the city centre is a clear signal of investor confidence in the area and great news for the industry, as well as conference and events organisers who will be even more spoilt for choice.”

Anyone interested in more information about the hotel, its facilities and bookings should contact Amanda McBride on amanda.mcbride@ihg.com

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 19

NEWS

NEWS

CALL FOR INNOVATORS BT is looking for SMEs with innovative ideas to help the Government meet the changing needs of people across the UK. The BT Infinity Lab SME Award: Digital Innovation for the Public Sector, invites SMEs to share ideas about how to do things differently, whether it’s making education, defence, health or other government functions more efficient, improving how Government interacts with citizens, or creating new solutions which could change lives.

Shortlisted finalists will be invited to the BT Tower in London to present their proposals to a panel of BT, Cabinet Office and TechHub industry experts.

The winner will receive £15,000, six months’ support from BT to develop their product or service and six months’ membership of TechHub’s sold-out innovation space. Two runners up will each receive £7,500. The initiative is designed to showcase the breadth of capabilities of SMEs to the UK public sector.

Competition judge Stephen Allott says: “We have introduced a range of measures to open up Government contracts to small businesses. SMEs in the tech sector have been particularly innovative in seizing the opportunities presented by our reforms and this initiative supports our work in this area.”

Entrants can submit their suggestions to www.btplc. com/ideasthatchangelives Closing date is Sunday February 22, 2015

It’s a beautiful life...

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ive-star Rockliffe Hall, in Hurworth near Darlington, has announced major expansion plans for 2015.

The resort is to develop a unique Spa Garden, the only one of its kind in the North East, within its grounds to further enhance its award-winning luxury spa facilities.

The new development is set to open in the autumn and work on the project, which is being managed by Wharton Construction

from Darlington, is under way. The Spa Garden will sit next to the current spa and will feature two outdoor hot pools, including an infinity edge hydrotherapy pool, a Jacuzzi, under-floor heated decking, and a sauna cabin.

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

FIRM FOUNDATION Northern Rock Foundation (NRF) has announced four special awards totalling £1.5m as part of its final programme of work in 2015.

NRF has awarded grants of £375,000 each to the four community foundations in the North East and Cumbria to ensure that communities across the region will continue to benefit from the Foundation’s funds in the future.

The Community Foundation serving Tyne and Wear and Northumberland has used

20 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

in association with

the grant in kind towards purchasing the Old Chapel in Gosforth from NRF, alongside a gift from a private donor.

The building will become the Community Foundation’s new offices and will continue to offer space free of charge for use by community organisations for meetings and events.

County Durham, Tees Valley and Cumbria Community Foundations will use the funding to create a new fund to provide annual grants for disadvantaged people.

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BUSINESSES CELEBRATE SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS All made possible by Go Smarter Matched Funding

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“No more need for offsite meetings with video conferencing”

romoting sustainable transport and introducing initiatives that support employees to find greener ways to travel to work is an ambition for many organisations.

Research has shown that people who have an active commute to work have fewer sick days and are more productive. Sustainable commutes also offer wider environmental and economic benefits.

The Go Smarter to Work Business Engagement Programme offers businesses matched funding to a maximum of £5,000 - to remove barriers to more sustainable work-related travel, and facilitate change.

Businesses across Tyne and Wear have already taken advantage of the scheme with many reporting significant changes in staff travel habits. intu Eldon Square, one of the largest city centre shopping destinations in the UK, worked with Go Smarter to Work to introduce video conferencing facilities. Richie Williamson, Operations Coordinator at intu Eldon Square said: “By improving our ability to effectively communicate with our head office in London, we’ve reduced the need for staff to continually travel to the capital for meetings and also reduced the requirement to provide off-site training and development. This very simple change has made a huge difference to staff output and efficiency.”

The North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust used its funding to install an electric vehicle charging bay at its office on Newburn Riverside, Newcastle. Clare Swift, Environmental & Sustainability Manager at NEAS NHS Foundation Trust said: “The electric charging post enabled us to loan demo electric vehicles and use them as pool cars. The funding has helped us start a conversation around the potential importance of electric vehicles in the sector.”

One of Tyne and Wear’s flagship Universities has also benefitted from working with Go Smarter.

Newcastle University used the matched finding

22 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

programme to increase awareness of Go Smarter initiatives amongst staff and support cycle infrastructure on campus. Rebecca Allen, Sustainability Officer at Newcastle University said: “By working with Go Smarter we have been able to increase staff engagement with greener travel which has helped raise the profile of the University’s wider sustainability agenda.

Our Go Smarter to Work Breakfast Mornings were a fantastic way introduce people to the activity available on campus.

Other successful projects made possible by Go Smarter’s matched funding include brand new shower and changing facilities at the Homes & Communities Agency and home working equipment at Zeco Energy and marketing agency Gardiner Richardson.

Go Smarter’s SRO Nick Clennett, Head of Transport Strategy Development and Enterprise at Gateshead Council, said: “Simple solutions like providing shower and changing facilities can be all it takes to give people the impetus to try new modes of travel. By making the choice as easy as possible we can start to see real change.

“Providing staff with access to flexible working is another popular scheme that can boost productivity and ease congestion on our roads.

Go Smarter’s matched funding scheme has already had lots of success stories and we’d love to see more across Tyne and Wear.”

To find out more about how Go Smarter to Work can help your business contact Peter Henson, Go Smarter to Work Delivery Manager, at peter.henson@newcastle.gov.uk or call 0191 433 3075.or visit gosmarter.co.uk

If you think Go Smarter could help your business, contact us via our website at www.gosmarter.co.uk

NEWS

THE HOUSING REPORT RECOMMENDS: FINANCE • Government must increase housing supply and better utilise public finances • Access to finance must be addressed • The North East must be shown to be attractive to developers through innovative financing options, mortgage availability, and incentives tailored to the housing market

Homes for growth

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a commitment from local and national ction is required across all government to take on board the views sectors if the North East is to of business.” build its way out of a potential NECC director of policy Ross Smith says: housing crisis and ignite “Housing is an engine of growth. Every sustained economic growth, house built in the North East equates to an reveals a new report. £80,532 boost to the regional economy.

NECC and law firm Watson Burton jointly Each house creates 1.9 jobs and the produced Solving the Housing industry as a whole contributes Conundrum, which outlines £1.3bn to our economic output. action to stimulate housing “EVERY HOUSE Housing supports the delivery development to boost BUILT IN THE of new infrastructure, improves economic development.

NORTH EAST EQUATES services, boosts the funding Based on a survey of TO AN £80K BOOST TO available for local schools and businesses in the housing supports a strong consumer THE REGIONAL sector and supply chain, the market. It is critical our region report outlines the economic ECONOMY” plays a leading role in addressing contribution to be made by the the housing crisis and capitalising on housing sector. the economic benefits of doing so.

Tracy Hall, Watson Burton partner “The North East should be a prime location (real estate) and chair of the NECC Housing for development. With an abundance of Task Group, says: “This report presents the potential development land, fantastic quality barriers to, and opportunities offered by, a of life and lower population densities, the sustainable and thriving housing market, and foundations for a strong housing market seeks to unlock the contribution housing can are here.” make to the regional economy. We require

RADIATING SUCCESS Sedgefield-based radiation detection technology company Kromek has been awarded a £650,000 contract extension by a leading global security company to provide systems to government and commercial customers.

It has also been awarded new contracts worth around £700,000 in aggregate for

applications across the company’s three segments; medical, security and nuclear.

Innovate UK, sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, has also awarded Kromek a contract worth around £200,000 to develop a novel radiation detector for the medical and nuclear markets.

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PLANNING • Swift planning processes are required to give the region a competitive advantage • The region must use capacity for development as a key advantage over other regions • A pro-development planning system should be in place to provide confidence to industry to deliver more houses • Local politicians must support housing development EXISTING STOCK • The region should avoid a ‘one-size-fits all’ approach to empty homes, with some brought back into use and others demolished and redeveloped • A combination of refurbishment, demolition and adapting existing stock to meet new needs and market opportunities should be adopted, along with incentives to bring existing stock up to standard • Housing should reflect the North East’s changing demographic profile

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 23

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NEWS RINGTONS HEADS STATESIDE Newcastle tea merchant Ringtons has secured two distribution deals which will see its famous teas sold across the United States.

The 107-year-old family business is sending a select range of teas to the US via two Newcastle-born distributors.

John Lucas will be distributing Ringtons tea to consumer and wholesale markets in the east of America from his bases in North Carolina and Michigan where he runs his company North Atlantic Imports, while Ian Geddes of Finest English Tea will be serving the west of America from his home of 35 years in California.

NEWS BESIDE THE SEASIDE… A leading North East leisure group has saved more than 30 jobs after adding a landmark North Tyneside hotel to its portfolio.

The Rex Hotel, Whitley Bay went into administration in early January and has now been taken over by the Malhotra Group PLC, which is planning a major investment to upgrade the Edwardian property.

The Malhotra group owns The Grey Street Hotel and the New Northumbria in Newcastle, The Three Mile Inn and The Albatross backpackers hostel in Newcastle, The Sandpiper at Cullercoats, and The Runhead at Ryton.

The company also owns care homes and properties across the UK.

Fire fighting Newcastle Airport’s Fire Training Academy continues to host international delegates, its latest cohort travelling from Portugal to take advantage of its state-of-the-art facilities.

The academy was selected to work with FALCK SCI Portugal to train firefighters from Lisbon Airport. They took part in technical and practical training using the fireground at Newcastle.

CLINICALLY CLEAN Gateshead-headquartered WH Partnership (WHP) has helped Scottish biotechnology scientists in their fight against cancer.

WHP, one of the UK’s leading cleanroom design, engineering and construction companies, has completed TC BioPharm’s new clinical manufacturing facility in Glasgow. The centre processes patients’ own cells in an innovative treatment to target and destroy cancer.

24 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

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NEWS JOBS BOOST

Keith Gray, commercial director at Freightliner Ltd, Geoff Lippitt, business development director at PD Ports, and Robin Armstrong, group logistics director at Owen Pugh

ON TRACK PD Ports has welcomed the arrival of the first Freightliner train at Teesport’s new intermodal rail terminal as part of a £3m investment to improve connectivity.

The first train highlights the intermodal connections from Teesport to Felixstowe and Southampton and further new routes to Scotland, the Midlands, and the North West are expected.

The establishment of the new rail terminal, built by Owen Pugh Construction, is the latest major phase in PD Ports’ ongoing investment at Teesport and follows the £16.7m container terminal expansion development in 2011.

David Robinson, PD Ports’ Group CEO, says: “Our facility at Teesport has the potential to further attract logistics activity to sites with efficient low-cost transport networks.”

SURGO SUCCESS Newcastle-based Surgo Construction has announced its appointment to new contracts worth £22m.

The five new schemes are in the care sector, education, healthcare, a project on the River Tyne at HMS Calliope and a major renewable energy project.

Working for care home operator Eothen Homes, Surgo will construct a care facility for people with dementia in Wallsend. It has also been appointed by Inspiredspaces Durham to create a new sports hall at Meadows School in Spennymoor and by Ferryhill and Chilton Medical Practice to construct a new health centre.

An artist’s impression of the new Eothen Homes dementia care home

Other projects include an anaerobic digestion project valued at around £12m for JFS and Associates in North Yorkshire.

The contractor also has teams on site at Newcastle and Durham universities as well as at Newcastle’s Royal Grammar School.

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The North East Chamber of Commerce has welcomed news that unemployment has dipped below 9%.

Employment in the region is at a record high according to figures released in January which reveal that employment in the North East stands at 1,151,000 or 69.7%; a rise of 12,000 over the quarter and an increase of 33,000 over the year.

Unemployment stands at 109,000, or 8.7%, a fall of 9,000 over the quarter and compared to 6% nationally.

NECC policy and research manager Mark Stephenson says: “Moving below 9% represents a symbolic victory.

“The North East business community has made the majority of this progress possible in the context of continuing retrenchment in the public sector, which underlines the necessity for pro-business public policy placing a premium on development, investment, employment and growth.”

NEWS TECH ADVANCES Technology solutions company TSG is aiming to build on nearly £500,000 of new contract wins as businesses seek to invest in improved infrastructure.

TSG, which has headquarters in Gosforth and an office on Teesside, announced a number of deals at the end of 2014.

Major wins in the North East included projects for Home Group, AV Dawson and Mediaworks and wins further afield include Andy Thornton Ltd and The Outward Bound Trust.

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 25

NEWS

NEWS HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OF US

NECC MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES CLUB BUSINESS

NO. OF YEARS

WEBSITES

The Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County 200

www.durhammarriottroyalcounty.co.uk

Port of Tyne

165

www.portoftyne.co.uk

HSBC

150 www.hsbc.co.uk

Fergusons Transport Limited

95

www.fergytrux.com

Teesside University

85

www.tees.ac.uk

Newcastle International Airport 80 www.newcastleinternational.co.uk As part of its bicentenary celebrations NECC is celebrating members which also share big birthdays in 2015; from those which have come through those first five challenging years, to a 200th birthday.

Some 40 members which are celebrating special milestone birthdays have registered their interest to be part of NECC’s bicentenary by being part of NECC’s Member Anniversaries Club.

NECC kicked off the year with a celebration event specifically for this exclusive group of members on January 20. Charlie Nettle, NECC’s head of marketing says: “The event was about celebrating some big milestones for our members.

With this being a different type of event, with quite a different remit, it has brought together a very diverse group of members.

“They do, however, all have at least one thing in common; they have all reached significant milestones with their businesses and so all have stories to share about how they got to this point and how they are planning to celebrate in 2015.”

The event was also an opportunity to hear more about NECC’s bicentenary plans and how this group of members can get more involved. And there was the opportunity for everyone to enjoy a piece of birthday cake.

Digitalab

65 www.digitalab.co.uk

Cummins Ltd

50

www.cummins.com

Enerpac Ltd

50

www.enerpac.com

North of England Civic Trust

50

www.nect.org.uk

Gus Robinson Developments Ltd

40

www.gusrobinson.com

Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust

40

www.wwt.org.uk

Gott Technical Services

35

www.gottservices.com

Groundwork NE & Cumbria

30

www.groundwork-northeast.org.uk

Hydraulic & Offshore Supplies Limited

30

www.hos.co.uk

Stairrods (UK) Ltd

30

www.stairrods.co.uk

Subsea Innovation

30

www.subsea.co.uk

Contex Office Services Ltd

25

Elizabeths Embroidery

25

www.elizabethsembroidery.com

Meridian Advice Ltd

25

www.meridianadvice.co.uk

Nifco UK Ltd

25

www.nifcoeu.com

The Childrens Foundation

25

www.thechildrensfoundation.co.uk

Westray Recruitment Consultants Ltd

25

www.westrayrecruitment.co.uk

County Durham Community Foundation

20

www.cdcf.org.uk

Ecco Finishing Supplies Ltd

20

www.eccofinishingsupplies.com

Izumi Products UK Limited

20

www.izumi-products.co.uk

Meditek Ltd

20

www.meditek.co.uk

The Roundhouse Design Consultants Ltd

20

www.theroundhouse.co.uk

Zebra Internet Services

20

www.zebra.co.uk

Macks Solicitors

20

WellWork Limited

15

Catalyst

10 www.pluscatalyst.co.uk

www.wellwork.co.uk

IPB UK Ltd (Induction Pipe Bending UK Ltd) 10

www.inductionbending.co.uk

O Communications

10

www.opr.co.uk

The Bazaar Group

10

www.beanbagbazaar.co.uk

Clear Finance Ltd

5

www.clear-finance.com

CLR Law Limited

5

www.clrlaw.co.uk

I am You Ltd

5

www.iamyou.co.uk

Vertus LLP t/a Vertem Asset Management

5

www.vertem.co.uk

26 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

in association with

NEWS CELEBRATION A CATALYST

Seaham Hall Hotel

Treasure hunter wins luxury stay

A

lucky treasure hunter has won a luxury overnight stay at the five star Seaham Hall Hotel after solving an especially festive clue to claim the prize for December’s Great North East Digital Treasure Hunt.

Andy Taylor, studio manager for Gateshead based creative agency Warm Design, was the first to solve a series of coded Christmas-themed clues about Newcastle’s famous St Nicholas Cathedral and reveal the winning golden ticket.

Organised by Catalyst Recruitment, NECC, and Atlas Cloud, the digital treasure hunt is a challenge to solve puzzles which reveal a secret location somewhere in the North East where a prizewinning golden ticket is cleverly hidden.

Open to all NECC members, the initiative has been organised to coincide with the run up to the Chamber’s 200th anniversary celebrations and Catalyst’s 10th birthday.

Winning treasure hunter Andy Taylor says: “I read about the competition in Contact magazine and was curious so I registered for the clue. I identified the location as St Nicholas Cathedral and then had to find out how many bells were in the tower and how many spires made up its lantern crown. I then selected those numbers on a digital Christmas decoration. I was really pleased when I realised I’d won the prize and couldn’t wait to book my stay at Seaham Hall Hotel.”

Andy and his guest will now enjoy the ‘Ultimate Seaham Hall Experience’ - a package worth £499 which includes an overnight stay for two in a Junior Suite, three-course dinner in the Byron’s Bar & Grill, a 50-minute treatment each as well as use of the award-winning spa facilities, a chilled bottle of champagne on arrival, and a full English breakfast.

Well done to all the prize winners: Dave Shepherd of DNV GL, Isabel Hunt of University of Sunderland and Andy Taylor of Warm Design. in association with

Several NECC members celebrating significant anniversaries in 2015 are working more closely with NECC on joint initiatives to mark 2015 as a year of celebration.

Recruitment consultancy Catalyst is one such organisation. Catalyst will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in March this year. In the six months leading up to its big birthday and the launch of NECC’s 200th anniversary celebrations, Catalyst teamed up with NECC and fellow member Atlas Cloud to launch the Great North East Digital Treasure Hunt - a technology-enabled competition (see story, left).

The competition was open to all NECC members and involved solving puzzles to reveal secret locations across the North East where a prize-winning golden ticket was cleverly hidden.

Charlie Nettle, NECC’s head of marketing, says: “This initiative has provided a bit of light-hearted fun for members over the last few months and has resulted in some new people within our member businesses getting engaged. It’s also demonstrated NECC’s keenness to embrace new technologies and explore new ways to interact with our members.

“We have really enjoyed working with Catalyst and Atlas Cloud on this initiative and are grateful to them for their support and also to those members that sponsored the prizes, including Activ Technology Art Evolution, Barbour, Presence Multimedia and Seaham Hall Hotel.”

Expertise at your side

THROUGHOUT THE NORTH EAST Hexham, Ponteland, Sunderland, Yarm, Crook, Portobello www.rowlands accountants.co.uk

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 27

ADVERTISEMENT

MAKING THE CONNECTION

A

s technology grows, so does our need for bigger, better and faster internet connections. Cloud computing is central to the solution, but in order to make use of it, you need to maintain top quality, high-speed internet connectivity. This raises the question of the different options available, and what is right for your business: CABLE BROADBAND This works by using TV channel space for the data connection. The cabling used provides much greater bandwidth than telephone lines at a price point which may be suitable for a business with some online requirements. The fast speeds would make this perfect for cloud computing, but the service is restricted by area.

STANDARD BROADBAND (ADSL) Traditional broadband has an upload speed which is usually no more than 1mbps. It also usually doesn’t carry a service level agreement, so if it breaks it could be down for days.

However, this may still be the best choice as the alternatives may not have been made available in your area yet. It is also the lowest cost

normally, but the speed available is restricted by choice of provider, distance from the nearest phone exchange and reliability.

FIBRE OPTIC BROADBAND The latest advancement in broadband technology is fibre optic broadband. Its name comes from the use of special optical cables which are as thin as a human hair, allowing for faster data transfer. Basic fibre packages start with speeds typically around 30mbps and are the cheapest available option but, like standard broadband, can carry no service level agreement. So while you get much faster internet connectivity, it may not be ideal if you are planning a move into the cloud.

WIRELESS LEASED LINE Wireless Leased Line is a connection to the internet without the use of cable and is geographical in nature, as your office needs to be able to ‘see’ the provider’s mast, which is where the data is sent to and from. This can be backed up with an agreement to ensure any faults are fixed quickly and some providers also guarantee you don’t share the speed with anyone else. This is excellent if you want to

28 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

move to the cloud as it is possible to secure a connection without digging up the road.

Metronet (UK) offer uncontended leased line services completely independent of BT, with a 5day leased line lead times, fixed installs, 99.95% SLA and true diverse route out to the internet.

LEASED LINE A leased line is a dedicated connection from the local phone network to the business. This is typically the most reliable type of internet connection available with a variable choice of speeds to suit your business. It is a one-to-one contention meaning you will always get the speed you have purchased and typically have a very strong service level agreement.

WORRIED ABOUT COST? Metronet (UK) is Newcastle’s leading supplier on the Government’s Connection Voucher scheme, which is designed to assist businesses struggling with a low bandwidth or ADSL connection. Businesses can apply for a grant for up to £3000 towards the cost of installing high-speed broadband and leased line services.

FAQ

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONNECTION FOR THE RIGHT BUSINESS

P

aul Leck, director at StoneHouse Logic, addresses the common queries and concerns to consider when picking the right internet connection type for your business, especially when considering a move to a cloud solution.

What factors should I be considering when selecting the type of connectivity?

Availability – This is the easiest question to answer typically, but you need to know if you can get the connection type in your area.

Speed/Bandwidth – This all comes down to what you actually use the internet for. How many users will require access, what cloud applications are you currently running and will you be adding more in the near future?

Cost – You need to have a realistic budget in mind and be able to see a return on your investment. If you have any level of e-commerce in your business you will require a constant uptime for your internet, as any time you spend disconnected could be business you are losing.

What factors should I be considering when selecting the provider?

Service level agreement – Not all internet connections will be fixed in a set time frame if they break. A service level agreement will state how long it could be down for and should be considered if the reliance on the internet is critical to a business.

Contention – This is rarely advertised but is the number of other people who share your bandwidth. The lower it is, the more reliable the connection is. This is not a factor for all connection types, but could make all the difference to the service you receive.

Terms – This comes down to the business solution you have. If you have just migrated to a cloud-based solution and are happy with the results, you should have a good idea of the speeds you require and will need for the next few years, but if you are planning a move in the future keep this in mind.

TRUST US, YOU’RE IN GOOD COMPANY “Stonehouse Logic demonstrated a clear understanding of our requirements.

Their professional approach has been further demonstrated since taking on our IT support and they are now working with us to improve our system.”

IVAN BLAND, Deputy Managing Director, T Clarke

GIVE ME FIVE!

As well as being Newcastle’s leading supplier of the Government funded Connection Voucher Scheme, Metronet (UK) also offer the most advanced internet support for business in the UK. Here are 5 key reasons to receive support from Metronet UK:

Industry-leading SLAs of 99.95% uptime and 4 hour fix.

Uncontended speeds from 1Mbps to 10Gbps.

Lead times within 10 to 20 days.

Proactive customer service.

24/7 support as standard.

NETWORK INSTALLATION • NETWORK SUPPORT • SAGE ACCOUNTS • SAGE CRM

Paul Leck - paul.leck@stonehouselogic.com telephone: 0191 594 7801 www.stonehouselogic.com

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 29

EXPORT

NEWS HEAR, HEAR!

Washington firm Rayovac has been named Exporter of the Year.

The hearing aid battery producer scooped the title at the Manufacturer of the Year awards in Birmingham, beating top manufacturers from around the country.

The judging panel awarded the title to Rayovac based on the strength of the company’s export growth, investment in technological advances and innovative approach to exporting in different markets.

NEWS

Coun Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council; Sun and Julie Elliott, MP for Sunderland Central, cutting the fir

CHINA BOUND

A sales mission is being planned by Fast Track China (UK) Ltd, helping more businesses to take their first steps into exporting products and services.

Fast Track China’s mission is scheduled around a Meet the Buyer event on May 23 and an inbound mission, bringing Chinese businesses to the UK, is planned for June 2015.

NEWS NEW IMAGE Billingham-based pump distributor and manufacturer Tomlinson Hall & Co is breaking into new markets with the help of marketing company Horizonworks.

The Newcastle company created a new brand for Tomlinson Hall’s Liquivac product, an innovative liquid ring vacuum pump.

Horizonworks also produced presentations and marketing material to support export strategy and promotion in the UAE.

CHEERS!

NECC chief executive James Ramsbotham reflects on a recent NECC trade visit to Boston, the city where everyone knows your name...

J

ust like at the famous bar in the Boston-based TV comedy Cheers, guests are always afforded a warm welcome in this city.

Perched in the North East corner of the US, Boston is a cultural hub and, just like Sam Malone’s friendly bar Cheers, it’s not long before everybody knows your name.

I was proud to lead a trade mission to this grand old city, home to world-leading tech companies and two of the world’s greatest universities in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard.

NECC and UKTI led a delegation of tech businesses from our region (pictured above right) to see how things are done there and make mutually beneficial links.

The idea came about after a meeting

30 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

with ex-pat Geordie Steve Ramsey, Microsoft’s main man for establishing relationships with other businesses. I saw him last year on one of his visits home and we agreed that North East companies would benefit from a trade mission.

Without any subsidies or financial support on offer, more businesses applied for the Boston visit than for any other overseas trip we have led. We took 14 with us, and they were each paired with a mentor company operating in the same sector or sphere of business in Boston.

The British American Business Council for North East USA welcomed us, its president Ken Vacovec hosting a traditional Massachusetts dinner of Surf & Turf where we discussed synergies between the two North East regions.

200TH BIRTHDAY WISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

It’s a great pleasure to congratulate the NECC on the celebration of your 200th anniversary. The work of NECC is greatly appreciated by the universal chamber community and all who do business globally and connected with international interests.

Please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable celebration and the continued success of your organisation. Paul Guzzi, Greater Boston CoC

nderland College principal Anne Isherwood rst turf of the college’s new campus

The delegation on the steps of the Massachusetts State House

We also met Sue Kitchens, British Consul General for Boston, and Kirsten Chambers, head of the UKTI Boston office.

Between them, the British American Business Council, and Microsoft, we had a packed diary, which included putting forward the case for better links with North East England to the State Governor, the City Governor, and the Mayor of Boston.

Boston has caught up with tech hub Silicon Valley, in many ways surpassing it, and many of the country’s leading figures in the sector are alumni of MIT and Harvard. I spoke at a British Consulate dinner, which provided a fantastic stage to showcase our members and remind Boston of the great innovators who have hailed from our region.

The global chambers of commerce community is a business network plugged into every major economy, sector and

almost every country in the world. During NECC’s 200th anniversary year we will build on the success of previous years and use this unique network to provide practical support for NECC members looking to tap into overseas markets.

Boston has a chamber of commerce of similar size to NECC and it has a similar drive to support members exploring foreign markets.

Speaking to our delegates at the British American Business Council Dinner at the Harvard Business Club, it became apparent that all had cemented important relationships during the trip.

A return fixture is being arranged for later in the year, when we will host a delegation of Boston businesses and offer them an equally generous welcome.

Then, we hope, everybody here will know their name also.

BOSTON HAS CAUGHT UP WITH SILICON VALLEY

Happy 200th birthday! We look forward to co-operating with you hand in hand and creating a brilliant future together.

Wang Zhixiong, Shanghai Federation of Industry & Commerce Happy 200th birthday! We look forward to extending our partnership with you and your members to build an even stronger relationship for the future.

Greg Watkins, British CoC Thailand Kindest wishes & blessings: we congratulate the North East Chamber of Commerce on your 200th anniversary.

We look forward to working together so your companies continue to flourish in the Middle East.

Joe Hepworth, British Centres for Business Dubai

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 31

NECC POLICY

The manifesto Ross Smith, NECC director of policy, summarises NECC’s 2015 manifesto

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n a year that will see a general election, important decisions on devolution, and the direction set for the UK’s future relationship with Europe, it is critical NECC ensures members’ views are heard.

And in a year that represents the 200th anniversary of NECC exercising collective influence on behalf of North East businesses, we have a lot to live up to.

Two centuries ago, our policy successes included establishing a direct postal service to London and straightening the Tyne to

enable larger vessels access to the port of Newcastle.

Our influence has been heard ever since; recent achievements include the announcements of a direct flight to New York from Newcastle International Airport and the dualling of an important stretch of the A1 in Northumberland.

This influence stems from the strength of thousands of businesses acting in unity under the banner of NECC, and achieving more together than they could by themselves.

And it’s that power that makes NECC’s annual Manifesto, which sets out its campaign priorities for the

32 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

year ahead, such an important document.

In 1815, campaign priorities could be quite easily agreed by the 53 founding members.

Now, with 3,000 members, setting the Manifesto is an extensive task.

It involves two major surveys, discussions at area meetings, committees and policy groups, many meetings with members, and three debates at NECC Council before the final document is agreed.

This approach gives us confidence that the document represents the most comprehensive set of policy priorities for North East

businesses and members have agreed five priority campaigns for the year. They are as follows: • To champion the North East as a major asset for UK plc • Education and training to meet our future skills needs • Business support that adds value and drives growth • World-class connectivity and energy infrastructure • Tackle the cost of doing business Over the next 12 months, NECC will ensure that key decision makers hear these views and understand a compelling case for addressing them.

CHAMPION THE NORTH EAST AS A MAJOR ASSET FOR UK PLC

EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO MEET OUR FUTURE SKILLS NEEDS

Our 50 Great Reasons campaign shows the North East is a fantastic place to live, work and do business.

However, the region’s economy consistently underperforms its potential and investment in vital assets is a fraction of what other areas receive.

Many have pointed out the lack of fairness and need for greater resources. But we need to build a stronger case based on what the North East can deliver for the UK. We will make the case for more powers for the region, supported by better structures and leadership. We will also argue for a stronger focus on what the region can deliver in housing and tourism; as well as the importance of our links with Europe.

Skills is a major concern for many NECC members. At a time when regional unemployment is still high at around 9% it is worrying that so many firms are still unable to find the skilled staff they need.

It is essential that education at all levels is well engaged with business, and that students receive better advice on career opportunities here in the North East. Funding reform for apprenticeships also needs to be handled well to encourage firms to train.

We also want to attract the best talent to the region - talent which will contribute to business growth and wealth creation - so we will be calling for visa and immigration policies that support this.

BUSINESS SUPPORT THAT ADDS VALUE AND DRIVES GROWTH

TACKLE THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS

WORLD-CLASS CONNECTIVITY AND ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE

Public finances will remain under severe strain this year, so every penny spent has to deliver value. In many areas, publicly backed business support can stimulate significant private sector growth, creating more jobs and wealth in our economy.

Backing for innovation is critical and we will publish a major report on this in 2015. Schemes to support access to finance must be improved, with clearer communication and less bureaucracy.

Businesses looking to invest in our region also need a better, joined-up approach. This includes those seeking to ‘reshore’ work from overseas.

While there has been much debate about the cost of living, the cost of doing business also requires action.

Some business taxes - notably business rates - have continued to increase while personal taxation has been cut. Meanwhile, charges like air passenger duty have a pernicious impact.

We will also continue to push local authorities to take a more positive approach to planning, and public bodies in the region to improve public procurement. Large businesses should also play their part through prompt payment to suppliers.

The North East needs the best possible connections to markets.

This includes improved international connections and important UK road and rail links.

Digital connectivity is increasingly important and, while we want to strengthen this, it is also important that businesses understand how to make the most of the connections we currently have. Our energy sector and energy-intensive industries also require a long-term energy strategy which should include backing unconventional gas and carbon capture and storage projects in the North East.

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 33

PROFILE

Father figure Liz Hands talks to Gordon Banham about his journey from village coalman to CEO of a £1bn turnover PLC

G

customer service. A lot of ordon Banham customers were on lower could be a poster boy for the adage, incomes and if someone’s on a pension of £50 and “when life gives spending £5 with you, it’s a you lemons, big amount. You learned the make lemonade”. hard way.”

At the age of 19, Clearly, lessons when his father were learned, died from a brain “WE’RE TURNING and Banham haemorrhage and OVER NEARLY is now CEO of with his mother £1BN AND Durham-based suffering from EMPLOYING Hargreaves MS, he stepped 2,500” Services, a in to care for his company valued at younger brothers. upwards of £200m and “My father was a on target for an annual profit coal merchant - just him and of £40m. one lorry,” he says. “I was set Not bad for someone to do a degree in chemical predicted for failure. “Some physics at Sheffield University, of my friends went off to but when social workers said university and I remember one they’d have to put my brothers into a home, I said I would take of them saying ‘it’s a shame about Gordon, his life is totally them on. finished, he’s just a coalman’.

“So I gave up my degree But Banham grew the and carried coal. I delivered business to 12 lorries, three in two or three little villages. I depots and a terminal. His carried the bag of coal down firm caught the eye of coal the path, tipped it into the company Charringtons, which bunker and took the money. offered to buy the business.

It was a good grounding in 34 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

“I delivered coal...it was a good grounding in customer service”

“I thought I would sell and do my degree. But they asked if I’d run their business,” says Banham. He ran Charringtons before and after it was taken over by British Fuels. “I ended up running a business with 100 depots and 2,000 employees with a turnover of £250m at the age of 38.”

Then Hargreaves founder Bob Young offered Banham the chance to buy the firm.

“He said he wanted to retire so he’d sell at net assets with no multiple.”

Two years after he joined, he acquired the firm under a management buyout. “I was fortunate I had a finance director, Peter Dillon, who’d floated three companies. He said, ‘son, now we’ve done the MBO, we’re going to float this business. You keep making the profits and I’ll get it

floated’ so that’s what we did.

Hargreaves is celebrating its tenth anniversary as a listed public company. When it first floated, it had a share price of £2.43 compared to £6.50 today, yet despite its success, Hargreaves remains under the radar. “Everyone sees Hargreaves as focused on haulage, and we do have a big truck fleet, but we’re also the fifth largest PLC in the

North East, turning over nearly £1bn and employing nearly 2,500 people.”

The firm has four divisions - Production, Energy and Commodities, Industrial Services, and Logistics.

Starting out as a transport business, it is now the biggest surface mining company in the UK, mining 3m tonnes of coal and importing 4m tonnes every year.

It also has the biggest fleet of yellow plant in Europe and a property portfolio including 20,000 acres in Scotland. The group trades coal, coke and minerals and supplies coking coal for steel plants, including Redcar, along with fuel for the home heating market.

Meanwhile, the industrial service arm works at steel plants and power stations across the UK, taking care of

materials handling. Having opened offices in South Africa, India and Hong Kong, Banham sees this as a big growth area.

“One of my pet issues is the idea that coal is disappearing,” he says, “but the amount of coal being consumed in the world is increasing. Yes, we’re stopping burning coal in Europe, but they’re building more coal stations in Asia.

Everyone wants a simple, quick

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 35

PROFILE Gordon Banham (right) with the Duke of Buccleuch (left) and plant operator Ronnie Cowan (centre) pictured at the Glenmuckloch restoration project in Dumfries & Galloway >>

solution to climate change, but you can’t blame someone in India who wants a fridge and a telly when the cheapest form of energy is coal. They’re quite rightly saying ‘you’ve had your industrial revolution, now we want ours’.”

Banham believes the way forward is carbon capture, storing CO2 under the North Sea, where the process could push out oil from depleted oil fields. He wants an honest debate about climate change and energy use.

“While something needs to be done on climate change, there are two points people forget. Wind farms and solar panels are very inefficient, which is why they have to be subsidised. This is where politicians are sometimes a little selective with the facts - they don’t say that if we get rid of coal, domestic electricity bills will double.

“Industry’s electricity bill also potentially doubles, so you start offshoring jobs because someone in India who is using coal can produce a product cheaper.”

As the UK’s largest coal producer, Hargreaves lobbies the major parties, but Banham says he is true to his workingclass roots. “I’m not a raving left winger and I’m not a raving right winger,” he says.

“All I can tell you is that there is something wrong with society when you have food banks in Middlesbrough. How can that be right?”

Banham is a man with strong principles. While he’s been praised for bringing up his brothers, he says: “I don’t think there was a choice. I don’t care who you are, if a

Cooling towers at coal fired Ratcliffe Power Station

social worker is saying they’re going to a home, what are you going to do? Fundamentally, people are decent.”

One is an architect and the other is a teacher and of them he says: “I’m very proud of them. They both have kids but I have no children.

People always ask why but I was 19 when I brought up my brothers who were 10 and 11. That’s the best form of contraception there is.”

Banham is equally philosophical about situations he can’t change in business, including Government policy and fuel prices. “Whatever happens externally, I never get stressed. World coal prices have halved in the last 12

36 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

months but you’re not King Canute, you just have to do the best with what you’ve got. If a company is built on strong foundations of honesty, integrity and decency, you normally get through.”

While he still has a Norwich burr, Banham considers himself an honorary north easterner. “One of the proudest moments I had was when I won the North East Business Executive of the Year award. That meant a lot because it meant people in the North East had taken me to their heart. I love that it doesn’t matter whether you drive a Ferrari or a Mini, people here judge you for what you are.”

With strong principles for himself and his business, Banham says he has a huge amount of time for the unions.

“They act like the social conscience of a business because you’ve got banks and shareholders trying to maximise profit on one shoulder and you need a union guy sitting on the other one saying ‘it’s alright about them lot, but what about this lot over here?’

“I’m a guardian of 2,500 people’s livelihoods and they have families to support. If you sit in a job like mine, you have a huge level of responsibility and people who don’t take that seriously don’t deserve to have the job.”

FAB 5

Fab 5 Brave new world

We find out how things are going for five young businesses under 12 months old

1

2

3

4

5

Paul Callaghan

Lou Murray

Director In the Fast Lane Events

Director Online Intelligence

Dave Stopher

Nick Gilroy

Director Sailaway Coaching

Managing director KD Communications

The highlight of 2014 for me would definitely have to be investing in smartmoneypeople.com It was our first investment and it has led to them building a company that’s gone from a start-up themselves to finding their first customer in less than six months.

In the next 12 months, I would like to invest in four more tech start-ups here in the North East and see them prosper as much as our first investment has.

After a bit of a slow start, 2014 was a very good year, with some very successful events.

I also took on a location director role with 8Business Networking - which included some fab events and some great networking sessions.

In 2015, I’m looking forward to working with NECC on its NECC Local events - bringing a fresh approach to those, as well as continuing to grow the B2B side of my business.

We smashed the targets we set in the business planning stage - so I would say 2014 was a great year.

In the first eight months of trading, we grew from zero clients to more than 30 and we’re now looking forward to adding more people to the team to enable us to grow further. In 2015, our aim is to set up an R&D department so we can deliver even better solutions for each of our clients.

The second half of 2014 saw us grow rapidly thanks to some really positive referrals from satisfied clients.

The highlight would have to be convincing a legal practice that they needed to add to their sales skills, as well as using their expertise, to help up and cross-sell their services. To see their business grow on the back of the coaching was fantastic! This year I’m looking forward to working with more SMEs in the North East.

Just five months in, the business is going very well; things are moving a lot faster than I was ever expecting them to.

I’m working in a mix of sectors, from construction to education, some of which weren’t part of my initial plan, but I’m enjoying the challenge.

In 2015, I’m looking forward to starting a couple of big projects, including one for start-ups - exploring how I can help them build and shape their brand from day one and help them make a fast start.

Founder 3 Miles Ltd.

Kathryn Dishman

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 37

PROFILE

From the ground up For social entrepreneur Kate Culverhouse leaving school at 15 ultimately led to her perfect job, as Liz Hands discovers

T

he social enterprise Groundwork North East and Cumbria is about to celebrate its 30th anniversary, a milestone chief executive Kate Culverhouse says is particularly appropriate.

“Thirty years is pearl,” she says. “A tiny piece of sand which turns into something beautiful.”

The parallel is clear.

Groundwork has a broad remit which includes helping young people to become workready, improving the local environment and encouraging individuals and businesses to be greener.

Groundwork, which has a £10m turnover and an eco head office at The Greenhouse, Annfield Plain, Co Durham, is run in a business-minded way.

“It is hard just trying to sustain ourselves, but we have grown and I see Groundwork going from strength to strength,” she says. “Our business model is to trade and work where we can make a profit, which in turn funds work

where the income is more difficult to find. While once upon a time councils used to fund a lot of youth activity, now no one has any money, so it has to come through the Government’s youth contract.

“We’re still working with the same client group, but running it in a different way and accessing funding differently.

“Outcomes have to be far tighter, whether it’s about progressing an individual on a pathway to employment, away from crime, or into a healthy lifestyle. Where before it might have been more about personal development and allowing that individual to have a broader range of experience, it now has to have a very specific outcome.

“That’s how everything is funded, and where there’s a will there’s a way to get that funding.”

Culverhouse is the first to admit she knows a thing or two about being wilful. “I left school at 15,” she says. “I was bored and disruptive, and they told me not to darken their door again.”

It is clear why she didn’t

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fit in. Her father, who was in the Army, died when she was eight and her mother, a nurse, moved the family to Yorkshire for work. “I went from a girls’ grammar school in Salisbury to the comprehensive system,” says Culverhouse.

“I spent the first year being bullied because I didn’t have a Yorkshire accent and my grades were way above everyone else’s, so I decided to become the worst of the worst.”

After leaving school, she worked in a chocolate factory to save money to live on a Kibbutz in Israel for two years.

When she returned to the region, having met her future husband in Israel, it was with a renewed thirst for education.

She took O and A levels, twice deferring an English and History degree at Northumbria University when she fell pregnant with her daughters.

“I went back when they were babies,” she says. “We didn’t have any money or a car so I’d get the bus from Quaking Houses (near Stanley, Co Durham), which took an hour to get to Newcastle. I’d

“I left school at 15 - I was bored, destructive and they told me not to darken their doors again”

administration, but I do like go and do my study, then get programmes where you can my nappies in the Grainger place people in work.

Market. On Sundays, I’d leave “You’re able to fund out of the back door and loop someone to work with an back into the house so the organisation which can mould girls didn’t know I was in so them into a person they can I could concentrate on my see a benefit in taking on. work. It was hard. My one They would never take that regret is I worked so hard I risk otherwise.” didn’t see a lot of them.”

Groundwork employs Culverhouse, who began 200 and has about 120 work with Groundwork’s volunteers running projects.

West Durham team in 1992, These include a green team clearly couldn’t be prouder in Middlesbrough where the of her daughters. While her only criteria for participants eldest Lizzie, 29, has set up a is they have to have a prison pop-up art gallery in London, record. There is also a native Lucy, 27, is currently living in tree planting scheme, and New Haven after marrying a help for businesses to achieve physicist who moved from green credentials. In the last Durham to Yale University. financial year, Groundwork Meanwhile, Culverhouse delivered more than 350 is working hard to create projects across the region opportunities for young and secured more than £4m people here in the North East. of Heritage Lottery funding “Work in the environment for landscape schemes in the is great for young people Tees and Derwent valleys. who aren’t doing well in “I love my job,” school. You can get says Culverhouse. them outside and “Working at channel them “GIVE PEOPLE Groundwork is into something A CHANCE AND a privilege and else; give them a MOST WILL DO I always say chance and most SOMETHING to people when will do something FANTASTIC” they start that I’d fantastic. I’m not be disappointed if saying we will give they didn’t enjoy working them the skills Nicholsons here. You have to work very next door need to make their hard, but if you love it and aeroplane parts, but it will want to do well, you will.” make some ready to learn.

Culverhouse has certainly “It’s a long-term problem done well. She’s just been and our political system named the Key Woman of the means we don’t have longYear at the North East Woman term policies. It takes a long Entrepreneur of the Year time to get a young person to Awards, where her testimonial where we want them to be. described her as a “caring, “If they’ve grown up never driven whirlwind”. leaving a pit village, what do She is an inspiration to they know about the wider those she is trying to help. world unless someone gives Growing up in a household them that? The more outside where money was tight, she experiences they can get dropped out of school before and the more opportunities, entering the education system the better. on her own terms, ending up “There can never be too in a job which seems tailor many links between business made for her. No wonder that and education. But I know she relates to the process it’s hard for businesses, of a grain of sand becoming particularly the smaller ones. a pearl.

I’m not a fan of the current

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 39

PROFILE

A family affair Liz Hands meets the father, mother and son who are Gott Technical Services

W

I started talking to people e had a about leaving, they told me camping I was mad. I was in a welltable as a paid job. desk, a “I remember the bank second-hand manager asking whether I typewriter, and a wardrobe as was happy,” says Iona. “I said an office cabinet,” says I’d just have to trust that Brian entrepreneur Brian Gott about knew what he was doing.” the humble beginnings of With an initial investment his business. of £425, Brian’s final month’s He launched garage salary and an overdraft of equipment supplier Gott £6,000 from Lloyds Bank, Gott Technical Services with his Technical Services began wife Iona in their spare room to grow, moving out of the in 1980. The couple have spare room after six months since been joined by their son and into a rented office in an Ian, who is now director of old water mill at East Mill, the Morpeth-based business, Morpeth, and taking on a while Brian is MD and Iona is salesman and an engineer. company secretary.

“The mill was old and In the early days, the firm rat-infested,” says Brian. “Our was built through Brian and offices were on the first floor Iona hitting the phones and and I remember sitting at my pounding the pavements. desk and watching a While Brian would be rat scamper across the one knocking on the floor. doors to secure “IN THE EARLY “In the early sales, Iona would DAYS OF days of a scour the Yellow BUSINESS YOU business you Pages for leads.

JUST HAVE TO just have to cope Going it alone COPE“ and make things was a risk for happen. We would Brian, who was at get extremely heavy the time working as air compressors delivered general sales manager at Thor to the mill, which was very Tools in North Shields. “When

40 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

Gott Technical Services is celebrating 35 years in business in 2015 difficult to access, and we had to get them in. The truck would pull up outside and we’d put a couple of planks across and sort of bounce the equipment in.”

The company did so well, it managed to turn a small profit in its first year. Initially, most of its business came from contractors, such as Taylor Woodrow and Derek Crouch, working in opencast mines in Northumberland and Durham.

Brian remembers servicing Big

Geordie, the giant excavator which dominated the Northumberland skyline for generations at mines across the county.

In 1982, Gott, now based in Coopies Lane, Morpeth, started receiving more enquiries from the road transport industry and began to sell and service garage equipment, a division which has grown under the directorship of Ian, who was 14 when his parents launched

the business. “I remember the pressure washers in the garage at home. You had to try out every one that came in to make sure it worked,” says Ian. “I used to do Saturday morning jobs and when we got East Mill with its creaky wooden floors and dark corners, it was a bit freaky when you had to go up and get something from the top floor. And it used to flood.

We got a phone call at 3am one day to say the river was

rising so we had to go and get a new delivery of vans out and park them up until the water level subsided.” Ian had been studying graphic design and photography, but it soon became apparent that the family firm had grown to such a size, it needed someone to take control of the stock.

“As a 19-year-old I wasn’t totally sure what I wanted to do,” he says, “and it just fell into place. You can always ask if it would have been

better to have gone and done something else first, but it’s an ever-changing business with a lot happening, lots of challenges and lots of excitement, so it’s not like you’re stuck in one job all your life.”

The challenges at Gott Technical Services have included weathering times of recession. In 1998, the company suffered a loss for the first time in its history, while in the most recent

recession, the family had a strategy ready. As firms weren’t going to be buying new equipment, the Gotts decided to concentrate on servicing, a plan which has helped them grow through tough times and come out on the other side ready for their customers to start re-investing.

The trio believe being part of a family firm is a strength when it comes to getting through lean years. “I’m always conscious that it’s my name, the family name, on the door,” says Ian. “When I go and see customers, that’s what’s on my mind. We’re all committed to it. You can have honest and open discussions in those situations and not worry that, if it was an employee, you’re going to frighten them off.”

Ian also has the support of his wife Nickie Gott, a fellow entrepreneur who established an events business, She’s Gott It! in 2002. “You do end up getting home and talking about work, but her business interests me,” says Ian. “She’s been there to give me advice and I support her.”

Brian adds: “Ian and I have both been very fortunate in choosing the right wife. Iona made the commitment to the business and works very hard.”

Brian and Iona now have plans to take a further step back from the firm. They currently work four days a week and are looking into exit strategies. “Ian’s asked for my office,” laughs Brian. “The dilemma is do you just say ‘that’s it’, put your hat and coat on and leave them to it, or stay for a while and go gradually?”

So far, however, it doesn’t look as though any more members of the Gott family will be joining the firm. Ian’s son Harrison has joined Durham Police and daughter Francesca is a stay-at-home mum. But, as Ian is grandfather to Reid, one, perhaps there might one day be a fourth generation running the family firm.

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 41

PROFILE

Clear as a bell Owen McAteer meets Dominic Moore of Clearbell; a firm making two new and high-profile stakes in the North East

I

personally think the North East is about to have a little bit of a boom,” Dominic Moore says as he explains his company’s decision to invest in two prominent North East sites.

The asset management director of the independent private equity real estate fund management business Clearbell is speaking following November’s £23.45m deal with Marchday for green business park Lingfield Point, in Darlington.

This deal followed hot on the heels of the company’s £11.85m purchase of The Gates shopping centre in Durham City last July; proof twice over of Clearbell’s interest in the region.

The growing nationwide perception of the North East as a sound business location is central to Clearbell’s plans, and the firm’s confidence in the attractiveness of the region to business is amply illustrated by the £60m still to be invested by the firm in Lingfield and The Gates.

For Moore, who is responsible for the overall

management of Lingfield that’s not attractive. In Point, the region’s lure is aided the North East there are a by booming property prices lot of prospects of further in traditional commercial regionalisation on the back of centres like London. Plus, the Scottish referendum and there is an expectation further funds heading north. that the Government will “The North East is invest further in North East gaining a good reputation infrastructure following the for attracting big occupiers. long-awaited announcement It has a good reputation for of plans for a £290m upgrade skills and a good reputation of the A1. for higher education, which Add to the mix worldmeans a critical mass of leading research at the young professionals coming region’s universities out of university. These leading to spin-out things attract companies, and occupiers. In fact, “WE THINK THE the North East we think the NORTH EAST IS is an exciting North East is ABOUT TO HAVE proposition. about to have A LITTLE BIT OF “The North East a little bit of A BOOM” has a lot going for a boom.” it,” says Moore. “I Clearbell hope the Government hopes to attract the is going to do what it says, in aforementioned university which case, the region is only spin-out companies to going to get better. settings like Lingfield Point.

“Clearbell hadn’t previously “It’s exactly the kind of had anything in the North market we want to attract,” East, and it’s only by pure says Moore. “Traditionally, coincidence that the deals Newcastle is the first location in Durham and Darlington people look at, but Lingfield came so closely together.

Point is an equally viable But the fact remains that location with a young buzz.” other commercial centres Funds managed by have been overpriced, and Clearbell come from

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“The North East has a good reputation for skills and education”

Above Dominic Moore and below left welcoming estates manager Eddie Humphries and Anthony

Designer Wayne Hemingway at the Festival of Thrift at Lingfield Point

the recent expansion of the Student Loans Company at Lingfield Point with Lingfield Point Hill of The Student Loans Company

Trixie and Tilly, who serve tea from a musical trolley while dancing to records, meet visitors outside Lingfield House at the Wayne Hemingway-backed Festival of Thrift

first new homes on the site independent investors and since 1951, and the total pension funds from as number of employees on site far afield as Australia, the now numbers 2,500. They US, and South Africa. With work at Amec, the Student many equity firms looking Loans Company, Capita, Four at traditional centres such Seasons Healthcare, and 50 as London, Manchester or other businesses.

Edinburgh for investment, Moore says: “We were Moore says the firm tends attracted by the high to look at assets away quality of tenants from the major “THERE ARE already here and commercial A LOT OF we have the centres. ability to bring Lingfield PROSPECTS in some smaller Point definitely AND FURTHER companies and falls into FUNDS HEADING start-ups that will that category.

NORTH” grow with us.

Generations of “That is a very townsfolk once worked exciting model - one a lot of on the site at the Paton landlords are doing. Lingfield and Baldwin’s wool factory Point has a strong name in and then at the Rothmans Darlington and Teesside. We cigarette plant. After buying think there is the opportunity the 32-hectare site in to leverage off that to attract 1998, Marchday set about more large occupiers.” transforming it into a lowThe initial investment in the carbon integrated community where people would live within site will be on infrastructure improvements such as a walking distance of their new power line. Meanwhile, workplace, their children’s a £30m redevelopment of school, parks, sports fields, The Gates in Durham city and shops. will include a multi-screen Existing factory buildings cinema, restaurants, cafés, were given a contemporary student flats and a new facelift, urban art sprang parade of shops. Clearbell up, honey bees were moved is clearly making quite a on site, and the high profile, stake in the North East, in the innovative designers Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway are knowledge that the business occupiers it needs to succeed heavily involved in the annual here will follow. A clear vote Festival of Thrift at Lingfield. of confidence, if ever there Two years ago, Taylor was one.

Wimpey started building the FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 43

SKILLS & APPRENTICESHIPS

NEWS NEW STEM CENTRE BEGINS

Middlesbrough College principal Zoe Lewis with Ian Smith, STEM director

A £12m centre of engineering excellence is taking shape on Teesside backed by scores of North East businesses.

Companies including Huntsman, Johnson Matthey, Lotte Chemical UK, Caterpillar UK, Tees Components, Sabic, Amec Foster Wheeler, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, PD Ports, NIFCO, and Sembcorp Utilities are playing a key role in ensuring the centre is equipped to deliver the skills needed by local industry.

The centre, being built by Esh Build, will specialise in advanced manufacturing, process oil and gas, digital technologies, warehousing and logistics and engineering disciplines.

Zoe Lewis, Middlesbrough College principal and chief executive, says: “The new STEM Centre is a natural progression of the relationship Middlesbrough College has with industry for many years.

“The college has seen an 80% rise in the number of apprentices we train in the STEM sector. Working in partnership with employers on the advisory board ensures that the thousands of people trained at the centre will get the skills they need.” The centre will operate as a simulated COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) site.

A pioneer for apprentices Liz Hands meets George Loble, the last surviving of Gateshead College’s first cohort of apprentices, and a lifelong supporter of apprenticeships

W

hen George Loble was forced to flee Nazi Germany before the Second World War, he arrived in the UK with just a few clothes and 10 shillings.

As a child growing up in Bamberg, Bavaria, Mr Loble’s family were well off. His father and uncle employed 200 people at a factory which manufactured outdoor light fittings. Mr Loble’s household employed a maid and a nanny and he remembers a chauffeur coming to pick up his father for work every morning.

But with Hitler in power, war imminent and Jews being stripped of their rights and money, the family had to leave the country. The family firm was sold and the Gestapo confiscated the proceeds.

Mr Loble travelled with distant relatives to London where he stayed with a Jewish family before his parents’ visas were supported by a British intelligence officer who had borrowed Mr Loble’s father’s car. The reason given on the visa for wishing to enter the UK was ‘to found a manufacturing plant for electric light fittings and accessories,’ which had to be done within 12 months.

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Penniless, with limited English and a year to set up a viable business employing British workers, the family was under pressure.

Offered premises by the British Board of Trade at the Team Valley Industrial Estate, Loblite Ltd was opened to make engineering parts for the war effort.

At the age of 14, Mr Loble, now 88, applied to become an apprentice at Sigmund Pumps, also on Team Valley.

“It was very brave of Mr Sigmund to take on a foreigner whose English was not very good,” says Mr Loble. “I was termed an ‘enemy alien’, I was German and Britain was at war with Germany. I have always been most grateful to Mr Sigmund for giving me an opportunity in life and taking me into his company.

“We got the first year off the job for training, which was unusual then. I then went to Gateshead Technical College on evening and day release, becoming a graduate engineer. I was paid nine shillings for a 48-hour week, which was unusual too, rather than your parents having to pay for your training.”

Mr Loble, who became a magistrate and school

governor, was awarded an MBE for charity work in the North East, credits that apprenticeship with setting him up in his career and is urging businesses to consider taking on their own apprentices.

One of the last surviving of Gateshead College’s original apprentices, he spent 10 years at Sigmund before working as a mechanical equipment engineer in London. He returned in the 1950s to take on the family Loblite business, which had returned to its electrical roots, where he worked until his retirement 20 years ago.

A keen supporter of apprenticeships as a way into work, Mr Loble took on a new apprentice at his firm every year. He officially opened the Gateshead Skills Academy on Team Valley in 2008 and has backed the NECCled 100 Apprentices in 100 Days campaign.

Mr Loble has written a book about his experiences to raise awareness and remembrance of the Holocaust as well as recording the family history for his children, grandchildren and great grandchild. It is available to download at www.theboyfrombamberg. com

NEWS GATESHEAD IN TOP 10%

Chris Toon, Gateshead College

CASE STUDY: THIRTEEN GROUP The partners in Thirteen Group own and manage more than 32,000 homes and deliver specialist services across an area spanning North Tyneside to York, making it the largest social housing provider in the North East and one of its 10 largest employers.

NECC works in partnership with Thirteen Group to deliver vocational training to selected staff, allowing them to expand their knowledge of the housing sector.

NECC also assists in the support and training of placed apprenticeships.

Allison Joynes, people development manager at Thirteen Group explains: “NECC has assisted and supported us in our

commitment to develop and promote apprenticeship opportunities within the Thirteen Group. The professionalism, knowledge and experience of NECC Training has ensured the successful completion of both internal and external apprenticeships; we could not have done it without NECC’s help.”

The housing apprenticeship is just one programme within NECC’s Business and Professional Apprenticeship provision. For further details on individual programmes from Business Administration, Customer Service, Management or ICT contact the skills development team tel 0300 303 6322 or email apprenticeships@necc.co.uk

Gateshead College is in the top 10% of apprenticeship providers in England for a third year in a row.

The news follows statistics confirming that 80% of the college’s 1,421 apprentice learners completed their courses during the academic year 2013/14, which was considerably higher than the national average of 70%.

Apprenticeships showing particularly strong performances were childcare, sport, art and design, engineering, construction, health and social care, culinary arts, and manufacturing.

Deputy principal for curriculum and quality Chris Toon says: “We ensure that students achieve challenging apprenticeship frameworks and gain the workforce training and skills local employers and industry require and demand.”

Gateshead College currently has 1,000 more apprentices than some of the other main North East FE colleges targeting a position in the top 10%, and has seen steady growth in its apprenticeship provision during the last few years.

During 2013/14, the number of college apprentices grew by 22% with hundreds of individuals benefiting from an apprenticeship framework over that same period.

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 45

WE’RE BIG ON APPRENTICESHIPS! Delivering a staggering 1000 Apprenticeship programmes in the last year alone, more and more North East businesses are choosing to work with us to strengthen and support their staffing.

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SKILLS & APPRENTICESHIPS

NEWS BOOM TIME FOR BRICKLAYERS

Steve Willis (left) of Brickwork Services with Simon Hamilton, MD of UK Steel Enterprise

Benfield Motor Group’s Toni Nelson, one of the people featured in NECC’s Apprenticeship Book

From apprentice to chief executive...

B

usiness people who began their working lives as apprentices are invited to be featured in a new NECC book celebrating apprentices in the North East.

The book will feature inspiring personal stories of people who began their lives as apprentices, such as Newcastle International Airport chief executive and NECC president David Laws, who began his career as an apprentice firefighter.

NECC wants people in business who began their working lives as apprentices to come forward to be featured in the book, which will be a lasting souvenir of this landmark 200th anniversary year.

The book will illustrate the career opportunities apprenticeships can provide and will include 200 personal stories to inspire young people and employers to take this route.

James Ramsbotham, NECC chief executive, says: “This ‘Who’s Who’ of successful former apprentices includes some of the most influential people in the region, illustrating that you can accomplish as much starting out as an apprentice as you can following the more academic route of going to university.”

The publication, which is also supported

by NECC200 patron Gateshead College and Middlesbrough College, will be published in

the spring to support National Apprenticeship Week. Copies will be available to employers and schools and an e-version of the book will also be available.

Judith Doyle, principal and CEO at Gateshead College says: “Our absolute focus is to equip people with the skills and qualifications to give them an edge in the jobs market. Apprenticeships provide a fantastic route into work and, as the people in the book show, can lead to rewarding careers. It’s important everyone has the opportunity to follow a route which is right for them, to achieve their aspirations, and to help our business community prosper. I hope the book inspires people to consider apprenticeships as a great opportunity.”

Zoe Lewis, principal and CEO at Middlesbrough College says: “There are so many fantastic stories of people from the region who began life as apprentices and have gone on to enjoy incredible careers.

With our new £20m STEM centre opening this year, we are keen to celebrate those who succeed in STEM industries. We’re excited to support this book project.”

If your organisation has senior managers that began their career as apprentices; whether they were NECC apprentices or were trained by another organisation in the region, contact charlie.nettle@necc.co.uk to be be part of the NECC Apprenticeship Book.

Hartlepool-based Brickwork Services is seeking trainees and qualified bricklayers to enter training programmes.

The firm, which says bricklayers have the potential to earn more than £1,000 per week, expanded last year thanks to an investment from UK Steel Enterprise.

It now provides work for more than 130 bricklayers on contracts for major clients across the North East.

“We’ve been struggling to find the skilled workers we need for some time,” says MD Steve Willis. “We have some bricklayers currently earning considerably more than £1,000 a week, so it’s a real opportunity.”

Brickwork Services’ clients include Gentoo, Taylor Wimpey, and Esh Group.

NEWS BACK IN TIME A global manufacturing boss returned to his former training college after nearly 35 years to present awards to young engineers.

Colin Thirlway, who qualified as a maintenance apprentice at South West Durham Training in the 80s, is now director of global product compliance at Stanley Black & Decker and spoke at the training provider’s awards evening.

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 47

SKILLS & APPRENTICESHIPS

Top marks for New College

T

wo New College Durham courses have been added to the national higher apprenticeship framework for the IT, Software, Web and Telecoms Professionals programme, placing the college alongside the country’s top awarding bodies.

The foundation degree courses form the technical certificate of the higher apprenticeship programme. Units completed by students on the courses include software development, web development, technical support, telecommunications, databases, and Cisco networking.

New College Durham principal and chief executive John Widdowson says: “Including higher apprentices on these

pathways broadens the opportunities for local employers and offers meaningful progression routes to advanced apprentices.”

A higher apprenticeship includes a qualification up to Level 5 and an employer-driven work-based learning programme which takes a minimum of 18 months to complete.

The college has launched nine new higher apprenticeships in health, construction, manufacturing, accounting, business, retail, management, and IT. Students can secure funding for the new apprenticeships to support them with the costs of a higher level qualification, while employers will not have any costs other than salaries.

Get the best out of your business with

New College Durham

a New College Durham Apprentice Get up to £2500 funding to support salary costs* Free training and recruitment Work with an apprenticeship provider with a 85% timely success rate (30% above national average)**

newcollegedurham.ac.uk * Depending upon eligibility ** Based on timely success from 2013/14: for students completing their framework successfully within 90 days of the planned end date (national average).

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BUSINESS IS GREAT BRITAIN

Left to right: Desta Ross, apprentice; Iain Nixon, Sunderland College’s executive director of commercial activity; Samer Almansory, apprentice; Philip Foster, Sunderland Care and Support’s chief operating officer

GRAND DESIGNS

F

rom IT to painting and decorating, Sunderland College reports that it has supported more than 1,000 apprentices in the last 12 months, having expanded its apprenticeship provision following a rise in demand from industry and trainees.

The college’s range of courses cater for a wide range of professions and the college has forged partnerships with businesses and organisations, including Sunderland Care and Support to ensure it delivers the skills apprentices need in the workplace.

As one of the biggest

providers of health and social care in the region, Sunderland Care and Support employs 1,200 and offers a range of apprenticeship opportunities.

Iain Nixon, executive director of commercial activity at Sunderland College, says: “Our strong reputation in the apprenticeship field is a

Apprenticeships.

The Right People.

The Right Skills.

The Right Support.

Right on your doorstep.

direct result of the quality training we provide and the ongoing support we offer to employers. Taking on an apprentice has huge benefits for an employer, and statistics show apprentices have an impact on productivity, staff morale and increased staff retention.”

The college works closely with employers to deliver tailored programmes. Philip Foster, Sunderland Care and Support’s chief operating officer, says: “We believe in investing in our workforce and attracting people into social care. Working in partnership with Sunderland College, we see our apprentices as the skilled workers of the future, who will help us to improve our business and meet our wider responsibility to the local community.”

Hartlepool College of Further Education

Hartlepool College is one of the largest providers of Apprenticeships in the North East with over four decades of experience in delivering quality training.

We offer full employer support in advertising, recruiting, training and assessing apprentices.

Additionally our work experience programme includes partnership work with over 2000 regional employers. Call us now, and find out how Apprenticeships can help your business.

Apprenticeship Open Event 12th March 2015 Come and meet our employer partners to find out how apprenticeships work for them

Contact our Business Team for more information or to arrange a visit: Hartlepool College Business Services | 01429 292888 | business@hartlepoolfe.ac.uk

www.hartlepoolfe.ac.uk/business

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 49

SKILLS & APPRENTICESHIPS

Apprenticeship needs are Met

T

yneMet College is encouraging employers in the region to empower their workforce by enrolling staff on bespoke training and apprenticeship programmes which benefit both businesses and their employees.

Audrey Kingham, deputy principal of curriculum and business development at the college, says apprenticeships are the key to future economic growth in the region.

“As a college boasting unique resources and a broad

range of industry-specific skills sets, we have always played a big role in the business community,” she says.

Andrea Gibson, learning and development consultant at property, residential, construction and services group Kier, says: “TyneMet College is an excellent training partner to work with. Its business development team has the right attitude, approach and commitment to succeed.”

Paul Smissen, head of business development at TyneMet, adds: “As North Tyneside’s largest vocational

new job new career

TyneMet College, North Tyneside

provider, we have watched the marketplace in the region transform over the years.

Employers such as Kier are looking for ways to secure

their existing and valued workforce to ensure they are meeting demands within industry, while empowering employers and employees.”

CASE STUDY: JUST THE JOB

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Call the team today on 0191 200 4718 www.intraining.co.uk

50 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

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fter struggling to find full-time work when she left school, teenager Alex O’Neil decided to give Intraining a try and hasn’t looked back.

“I was keen to get a job, but was struggling to find work,” she says. “I think it was down to my lack of confidence, but InTraining gave me a lot of encouragement and helped me with interview techniques.”

Following the support she received from InTraining, Alex began an apprenticeship programme with office supply and stationery firm Mintprice in February 2014. Now, she has been hired on a permanent full-time contract by the firm.

She says: “I love working at Mintprice. It has taught me so many new skills and it has totally changed me as a person.”

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Apprentices are a great way to grow your workforce and harness talent, to ensure the future success of your business.

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Financial incentives - grants between ÂŁ1,500 - ÂŁ2,275 when you recruit an apprentice.

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To speak to a member of our Apprenticeships Team call 0191 490 2258 or email employers@gateshead.ac.uk

www.gateshead.ac.uk Contact - Appren Ad 5.indd 1

28/01/2015 17:32

SKILLS & APPRENTICESHIPS

CASE STUDY

Hartlepool success

H

artlepool College has grown to become one of the region’s largest and most successful providers of apprenticeships.

The College, which opened its new £55m campus in September 2011, is training more 16-18-year-old apprentices than any other North East training provider

with the exception of the Newcastle College Group.

The pass rate at the college is also strong, as assistant principal Steve Wallis explains: “Overall completion rates in England are only around 70%, this is due to a number of variables, but retention of the apprentice is a key contributor.

“Working with the right employer partners is essential in overcoming and negating

52 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

this issue. We are very pleased to be working with a good number of superb companies and as such our completion rates are closing in on 90%”.

Hartlepool College principal Darren Hankey adds: “It is pleasing to see the apprenticeship brand getting more national publicity, but apprenticeships have stood the test of time because they work well for many employers

and young people. Colleges and providers are training young people up and down the country and there is certainly no shortage of interest from students. All sectors simply need more employers to become involved.”

Two former Hartlepool College apprentices have also found success recently.

Anthony Smith and Scott Pearson shared first place in The Welding Institute’s (TWI) annual awards ceremony at Cambridge University.

They are both now employed at Hartlepool-based offshore fabrication yard Heerema. Alan Lloyd, director of Heerema Hartlepool says: “It’s important that we encourage companies to take on apprentices. We have a skills gap with an ageing workforce so it’s essential that young people are coming through with the right skills and attitude.”

NEWS BACK TO WORK

FITTING TRIBUTE

A

charity set up by Gus Robinson Developments to nurture the talent of the region’s young people has been officially launched.

The Gus Robinson Foundation supports young

people on the pathway to successful careers in engineering, academic studies or sports and has been established in memory of the building firm’s founder Gus Robinson, who died in 2011.

Although it has been working with young people at

Hartlepool College of Further Education for more than a year, the foundation was only recently granted charitable status and was officially launched at Hartlepool College in front of a delegation of the region’s top businesses and organisations.

LIFE, ANIMATED An animation studio has been launched with the help of the DigitalCity Fellowships scheme which offers graduates up to £4,000 to cover costs while they develop a business product or idea.

Pharos Creative, which provides bespoke 3D

animations for films, television commercials and computer games, was founded DigitalCity fellows Emil Bachvarov from Bulgaria, Ivan Jerez from Spain, and Niall Walsh from Loughborough at Teesside University’s business incubator at the Victoria Building.

A North East company which helps unemployed people get back into work has recruited a new member of the team after he spent five years looking for a job.

Enterprise Durham Partnership (EDP), a wholly owned subsidiary of North Durham housing provider Derwentside Homes, provides training and support to people struggling to find employment. For recent recruit Tom McCabe, gaining a job has ended five years of unemployment which started in 2010.

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 53

Championing the region since 1815

Smart, eager apprentices There are multiple benefits to Labman and the apprentices We are committed to developing the future workforce

The difference is NECC We’ve had some frustrating experiences with engineers we’ve taken on straight from university, but it’s been quite the opposite with the apprentices we have had from NECC Jamie Marsay, Senior Manager, Labman Automation Ltd

NECC - The employers’ choice for apprenticeships. Over 25 apprenticeships available including accountancy, building technician, business administration, IT and engineering. For more information on how you can benefit from apprenticeships contact us.

Tel: 0300 303 6322 Email: training@necc.co.uk Web: www.necc.co.uk

APPOINTMENTS

in association with

Paul Tailford, Ian Butler, Simon Bartlett, Louis Bell-Proctor and David Cooling

TECH BOOST

IT and communications services provider Advantex is boosted by the promotion of Dave Cooling to account manager and the appointment of new account managers Simon Bartlett and Louis Bell-Proctor.

Ian Butler comes in as a new IT engineer, while Paul Tailford adds further to Advantex’s capabilities as a new infrastructure engineer.

This brings the number of employees to almost 50 based at Advantex’s Gateshead HQ and follows a funding injection from the North East Angel Fund.

ON BOARD

Members have been appointed to the first Innovation Board for the North East by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership.

The board will support the LEP in driving innovation to propel growth and investment.

The new board will be chaired by Prof Roy Sandbach (pictured). The private sector is represented by Dr Alan Lowdon, Neil Hemming and Dr Peter Simpson. They are joined by senior university figures Prof Peter Fidler, University of Sunderland and North East LEP board member; Prof Nick Wright, Newcastle University; Dr Tim Hammond, Durham University; and Prof George Marston, Northumbria University.

Gillian Hall, former senior partner of Watson Burton, and Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek, have also joined the board.

Mayor Norma Redfearn, North Tyneside, and Coun Iain Malcolm, leader of South Tyneside Council, will represent the NE Combined Authority.

SOUND ADVICE

Nick Holmes has joined the team at Ramside Hall Hotel’s new £16m spa and leisure development in an advisory role.

Holmes left Rockliffe Hall after six years last year and has since been working as a consultant on a number of projects.

TO A TEA...

Gloria Sanchez has taken up a new role as business development manager with the Ringtons Beverages team. She is responsible for securing new business for the family firm across the Lake District and North West. She has already secured high-profile accounts, including the Haig Pit Mining and Colliery Museum and Maryport Golf Club.

Bryn Littleton with Creo account executive Jess Ramsey and director Louise Robinson (right)

DESIGNS ON GROWTH

Sunderland Software Centrebased Creo Communications has appointed Bryn Littleton as an account director. He joins the company from NECC, where he was PR manager for three years.

He says: “The opportunity to join such a dynamic, rapidly growing new agency is one that could not be missed. I am genuinely excited by the projects we currently have on our books and the many fantastic challenges that lie ahead.”

NEW CEO

North East procurement specialist NE Procurement has appointed Rod Brasington as its new chief executive.

His prior experience includes sales, marketing and land buying expertise with major house builders and recent roles within the banking sector.

Dave Scarr also takes up the post of procurement and contracts manager.

JOB FOR LIFE

Newcastle Theatre Royal has appointed its first life president, retiring trustee John Ward OBE DL. A former regional director of Barclays Bank, over the last 25 years he has served as vice-chair and chair of the finance and general purposes committee. He also played a large part in the acquisition of the former Barclays Bank premises in Market Street.

SHARP OPERATOR

Claire Sharp has been appointed customer director for Northumbrian Water and will lead the company’s service to its 4.5m customers in the North East, Essex and Suffolk. She succeeds Ian Donald, who has moved to the new role of market reform director.

SALUTING UNSUNG HEROES

With Anthony Antoniou An organisation’s success is often credited to management, strategy, market advantage or innovation and every day we see the business press promoting these attributes as key influencers to performance.

However, behind every story there’s an efficient and well-organised support team, without which the foundations of success could not be built.

At GEM Commercial, we recognise and salute the vital role support functions play and understand the implications when these functions are understaffed or undervalued.

Retaining and recruiting talent in these roles will lead to achieveing organisational goals in 2015 and at GEM we are well positioned to solve these problems for your business. in association with

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 55

OUT TO LUNCH

Strange days Variety is certainly the spice of life, discovers Liz Hands, at lunch with Iain Watson of Tyne and Wear Archives & Museums

I

’m cooking for you,” says chef Sanjay Mohakud as we sit down at Dabbawal Indian street food restaurant in Newcastle. Having just returned from a trip to India which provided the inspiration for some new dishes on the menu, Sanjay is keen to show them off, so we opt for the Chef’s Surprise choice and tell him to bring us whatever he wants to.

What follows - as my interviewee, Tyne and Wear Archives & Museums director Iain Watson, puts it - is a culinary journey of impeccably presented Indian tapas.

“It’s nice when the people who know the food best choose it for you,” says Watson. “We work with the British Museum and every year we host curators from around the world. One year, there were two Chinese women and we went to Chinatown in Newcastle. A menu that wasn’t the ordinary menu came out and one of the dishes was just a plate of deep-fried red chillies which we simply couldn’t eat.”

Watson’s enthusiasm for showing visitors all that his museums can offer mirrors chef Mohakud’s passion for food.

“The objects are wonderful and we have 1.5m of them,” says Watson of his organisation’s treasures, “but it’s about how people interact with them.

When you see a 2,000-year-old piece of Roman pottery in someone’s hand and the look on their face when they realise it really is that old and they’re making all these connections, that’s great, it gives immediate gratification.”

His days are often delightfully weird and wonderful. “We have nine museums, including the Stephenson Railway Museum with 1.5 miles of track. How many museum directors actually run a working steam railway? I have to worry about the Office of Rail Regulation and the quality of my fencing.

“So there are bizarre days when you’re looking at tamping ballast on the railway line and then you move to ‘should we borrow that Picasso painting or not?’ and feeding live crickets to the salamanders - we also have zoo licences. One of the strangest ones was signing a petty cash chit for buying suncream for the pigs when I worked at Killhope Lead Mining Museum. Pigs are very

56 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

sensitive to sun and it was someone’s job to massage factor 50 into their backs. It’s all in a day’s work.”

After reading archaeology at Leicester University, Watson did research at Durham before he decided it wasn’t for him and trained as an English teacher, which led him into the world of museums.

“I got a job working in a museum with kids and I’ve worked across museums, archives and libraries ever since so I was lucky. If I hadn’t done that teaching qualification, I’d never have got in.”

Having worked at Durham

museums, including the DLI Museum and Killhope, Watson went on to become senior manager at the Hancock Museum, project managing fundraising for its transformation into Great North Museum: Hancock and writing the Lottery funding bid.

He now runs nine of the region’s best-loved museums in addition to Great North Museum: Hancock, the Discovery, the Laing, Shipley art galleries and Segedunum.

Funding for museums is notoriously hard to come by.

“I first worked in a museum in 1986 so I was around at the

SUGAR AND SPICE

time of the Poll Tax and local authority capping,” he says.

“Some museums lost 25% of their funding in a year, so it’s not as if nothing like this has happened before, though we did have a period from the mid-1990s when suddenly there was a lot more funding available. There’s a resilience built in, but the scale of change over the last four or five years has been graver than anything we’ve seen and we’re having to think very differently about our business model. When staff come to me with an idea, I ask for a business case. I need costs, benefits, and income. That’s just

the way any business would work.” Watson and his team now look at a number of revenue streams. “Admission charging is not for us because we’re supported by the Arts Council to cover that core charge, so we look at other ways like venue hire for weddings and events. In December we had Santa specials train rides at Stephenson and events around the film Frozen. A business might want to use a room at the Laing with some famous paintings on the wall to entertain select clients, while somebody else might want to host a 300-seater staff event.”

Tyne and Wear Archives & Museums also holds archives for some of the region’s longestablished businesses and Watson attends NECC’s President’s Club events.

“I was with some retired businessmen who were reminiscing about brown Windsor soup and big 1960s lunches at the Rainbow Rooms and the Northern Counties Club. Deals were done there with a handshake. There was no tendering, no European project monitoring. It’s changed a bit!”

With that it is back to the business of museums, where time is always on the move.

At Dabbawal in High Bridge, Newcastle, Chef Sanjay Mohakud suggests we taste as many dishes as possible to get a real flavour of the range on the menu, which includes an excellent £15 Chef Express business lunch.

He sets down Ragda Pattice, a potato and chickpea cake topped with spicy, crunchy noodles. It’s a wonderful mix of tastes and textures. Pretty-as-apicture lentil soup served in a little cup with coconut milk froth and a curry leaf on top comes next, followed by the excellent Chicken Chilli Fry spiced chicken with chillies in a roasted pepper.

We have three dishes from the Tandoor menu Punjabi Chilli Chicken Tikka, Jaffrani Salmon, and Adraki Champeen - lamb chops marinated in ginger, paprika and black pepper, perfectly pink inside and served with a chilli and coriander dip.

Full, but not allowed to leave without dessert, Gulab Jamun arrives. Little donuts soaked in syrup, these are India’s lighter answer to sticky toffee pudding.

Dabbawal has done what all good restaurants should - taken us on a culinary journey where the food becomes the subject of conversation. In addition to the £15 Chef Express business lunch, the Chef’s Surprise menu is £21 per person, street food snacks served tapas-style start at around £4.25, and classic plates start at around £6.95.

Dabbawal: High Bridge, Newcastle tel 0191 232 5133 Brentwood Mews, Jesmond tel 0191 281 3434 www.dabbawal.com

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 57

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE: LUNCH NO.19 AT CLOSE HOUSE

STRAUSS SUITE AT THE COUNTY HOTEL

DABBAWAL

HOTEL DU VIN

No.19 is a place where comforting home-cooked food is served in a contemporary environment.

Whether you are grabbing a quick bite after a round of golf, enjoying dinner in No.19 or a light lunch on the terrace, you can relax in stunning surroundings in the heart of the Northumberland countryside while tasting the best of Northumberland’s local produce. No.19 also offers a restaurant and function room able to cater for parties up to 140.

Occupying a corner location in the hotel the Strauss Suite boasts large picture windows overlooking the city. Its magnificent marble fireplace and comfortable Chesterfield sofas make it a favourite for board meetings, smaller events, private dinners or for a reception room tothe connected Mozart Suite.

Private Lunch in the Strauss or Opera Suite is £17.50 pp inc vat including hire of the room, 2 Course Meal and Tea/Coffee

Dabbawal, street food pioneer of the North East, brings the amazing tastes of the street to its two restaurants in Newcastle, featuring unique tapasstyle plates for sharing and classic dishes with a twist. A popular spot for business lunches (see page 56), client lunches and dinners, Dabbawal’s excellent £15 Chef Express business lunch is perfect for a working lunch - featuring classic dishes and a number of new, exciting plates you’ll not find anywhere else in the city.

Bistro du Vin is at the heart of the hotel in Newcastle’s vibrant Ouseburn district. Experience an elegant and informal setting for lunch and dinner. At Bistro du Vin Newcastle, dishes rely heavily on fresh, seasonal, locally sourced and, wherever possible, organic produce. It’s about enjoying moderately priced à la carte dining in a down-to-earth, warm and relaxing setting.

LOCATION: Close House, Heddon on the Wall, Newcastle, NE15 0HT Tel: 01661 852 255 www.closehouse.com

LOCATION: The County Hotel, Neville Street, Newcastle NE1 5DF Tel: 0191 232 2471 www.thistle.com/newcastle

LOCATION: 69-75 High Bridge Newcastle, NE1 6BX, tel 0191 232 5133. Brentwood Mews, Jesmond NE2 3DG, tel 0191 281 3434 www.dabbawal.com

LOCATION: Hotel du Vin, City Road, Newcastle, NE1 2BE Tel: 0191 229 2200 www.hotelduvin.com

MARCO PIERRE WHITE STEAKHOUSE BAR & GRILL

NATIONAL GLASS CENTRE BRASSERIE

PEACE & LOAF

SACHINS

The Steakhouse Bar and Grill Express lunch is £18 and includes two-courses and a glass of wine (quote NECC).

If you haven’t got much time out of the office try the Marco in Minutes express lunch two courses and a glass of wine - and you should be back at your desk within the hour.

If a leisurely lunch is more your thing, that’s always available, too.

Eating at the Brasserie is as much about the atmosphere and stunning surroundings as it is about the food. Having undergone a stylish transformation, from the décor down to the tableware, the Brasserie stands out as one of the most attractive restaurants in the North East. Echoing the philosophy of National Glass Centre, the menu showcases heritage and innovation, delivered with creativity and passion. Open daily: 10am–5pm

The latest addition to the North East’s fine dining scene, Peace & Loaf boasts a chic and stylish venue alongside an entirely original and unique dining experience.

Indulge in the meticulously crafted three course business lunch for just £19.95, showcasing the skills of the dedicated team and highlighting fresh, locally sourced produce. The menu is inspired by traditional British cuisine and will excite even the most discerning of palates.

Celebrating 30 years in Newcastle, the award-winning restaurant Sachins on Forth Banks has been delighting diners with its signature, meticulously crafted menu since opening its doors.

Using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, chef and proprietor Bob Arora offers the discerning diner a unique opportunity to sample the very finest Punjabi food in a fresh and exciting environment.

LOCATION: Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, 2-8 Fenkle Street, Newcastle NE1 5XN Tel: 0191 300 9222 www.mpwsteakhousenewcastle.co.uk

LOCATION: National Glass Centre Brasserie, Liberty Way, Sunderland, SR6 0GL Tel: 0191 515 5555 www.nationalglasscentre.com

LOCATION: Peace & Loaf 217 Jesmond Road, Jesmond NE2 1LA Tel: 0191 281 5222 www.peaceandloaf.co.uk

LOCATION: Sachins, Forth Banks, Newcastle, NE1 3SG Tel: 0191 261 9035 www.sachins.co.uk

58 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

HI! TECH

The greatest show on earth

Dean Bailey takes a look at the new tech developments getting everyone talking at the Consumer Electronics Show

For the uninitiated, the annual CES is the gathering of the great, the good, and the next big things in tech.

A geekathon of immense proportions, the world’s tech leviathans and emerging innovators gathered the other week in Las Vegas to share all the clever stuff they’ve been developing in the last year.

The CES covers one of the most diverse, fast-moving industries on the planet, and it’s huge. In fact, this year was the

biggest ever, with 2.2m sqft of exhibition space, which adds up to a lot of kit on show.

Not surprisingly, driverless cars were a big talking point this time, and the four-day event kicked off with a smart Mercedes pulling up in front of the crowds on the Las Vegas Strip - minus a driver.

The car, a Mercedes F015 Luxury in Motion, was soon joined by Audi’s A7, which had travelled 550 miles from Silicon Valley on its own, negotiating

heavy traffic, changing lanes and reaching speeds of up to 70mph while its driver sat with his hands in his lap.

The other big talking point this year was in the wearable tech category. Following the recent arrival of Apple to this scene with the Watch, its rivals all had their take on hands-free gizmos on show.

It wasn’t just phones for your wrist that drew the crowds.

There were fitness gizmos for everything from your socks to

your shorts, and Bluetooth speakers that fit conveniently on the front of your shirt. And of course, they all talk to your smartphone.

There was a also a talking BBQ, enough interconnectivity to tie you in a wireless knot, and more drones that you can shake a stick at. Yet when CES returns to Las Vegas in January 2016, many of these futuristic exhibits will have been overtaken.

Check out some of our CES highlights below...

The talking BBQ

The next level of wearable tech

Drones

Child Angel

The standout piece of tech at this year’s CES has to be the talking BBQ. The Lynx Concept Grill is voice-controlled and talks its user through everything from the optimal grilling time to which part of the grill to use, all based on an online database.

Doubtless, it will one day join the bread, ice cream and yoghurt makers at the back of the cupboard, but for now it seems like a very good idea.

Robotics has always been a big part of the Consumer Electronics Show, and one of the most talked-about categories each year. This year’s robotic tech highlight were exoskeletons produced by Ekso Bionics, which can do everything from helping the average human carry heavy loads to enabling paralysed people to walk again.

If you’ve ever stood next to a beehive you’ll know what it felt like standing in the cavernous halls at 2015’s CES. This year’s new drones included remotecontrolled floodlights and the next stage of snooper drones, capable of tracking users wearing a device on their wrist.

Many are destined for the entertainment industry and some will become regular sights in our skies.

Wearable tech isn’t just a novelty product. Child Angel caught our eye as one of the most useful pieces of tech this year. The child-tracking bracelet allows parents to follow their children’s movements on their smartphone and set up a geo-fence which pings an alert to your smartphone when the wearer moves into or out of the pre-set ‘safe zone’.

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 59

EVENTS

C E L E B R AT I N G

NECC Exchange, November 27 2014 YEARS Find out how your business can get involved in the NECC’s bicentennial year, a 12-month celebration of everything that is great about the past, present and future of North East business.

The events range from NECC locals which can help you connect to local businesses to our 200th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Durham World Heritage site. All members are invited to our events and encouraged to attend no matter what size your business as “We can achieve collectively what we cannot accomplish individually”.

Events not to be missed include NECC200 Business Week 8-12 June which includes our NECC Member Showcase exhibition and NECC200 AGM amongst other events. Our Anniversary Lunches in November are also dates for the diary.

Sponsored by Ramside Hall Hotel and supported by Durham County Rugby Football Union

 Nola Collinson, Lumley Castle Mandy Dowson, Open Awards

 Tom Fenwick-Brown Steve Wilkinson, Julie Digman

NECC200 REGIONAL REVIEWS AND AGMS – FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015 The NECC200 Review and AGMs will review business in each region and the North East as a whole over the last 200 years. There is also the opportunity for networking with other businesses over a free lunch.

Speakers include the Right Revd Michael Sadgrove, Dean of Durham Cathedral, who will speak at the Durham event to be held at Lumley Castle; and Iain Watson, director of Tyne and Wear Archives & Museums, who will speak at the Discovery Museum, Newcastle. We will hear from at the Northumberland event at Horton Grange; while Cornelius Louwrens, business director and COO, SSI UK at the Teesside Region event to be held at Preston Park.

 Maccine Hall, Designs Unique

NECC Exchange, December 3 2014 Sponsored by Copthorne Hotel This event supported Metro Radio Cash 4 Kids and more than 100 gifts were donated to the charity

PROUD TO BE SUPPORTED BY OUR ANNIVERSARY PATRONS:

 Solutions for Accounting, with Les Dixon (centre), NECC

60 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

 More than 100 businesses networking

NECC Anniversary Celebrations – January 5 2015 NECC celebrated its official 200th anniversary on Monday January 5 at Live Theatre, Sage Gateshead, and the Guildhall, exactly 200 years after Newcastle Chamber of Commerce was founded at the Guildhall on Newcastle Quayside. The event included birthday celebrations with staff and members, followed by a panel debate with the NECC200 Patrons, and a ceremonial Council and Patrons meeting at the Guildhall

 David Laws, NECC president

 David Laws and James Ramsbotham cut the birthday cake provided by Greggs  200th Anniversary Debate

 Julie Underwood, James Ramsbotham and Ross Smith, NECC

 The NECC200 logo projected onto the Tyne Bridge

 NECC staff enjoy lunch inspired by the menu from an 1874 chamber dinner

 NECC staff at the Colleague Conference at Sage Gateshead

 Debate panel: David Laws, Susan Wear Caroline Marsh, Heidi Mottram, Paul Say Graeme Mason and Judith Doyle

 Mike Matthews, Lucy Winskill, David Laws and James Ramsbotham

 NECC200 Patrons join Mike Matthews Lucy Winskill David Laws and James Ramsbotham

 NECC Council and patrons at the Guildhall

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 61

EVENTS

FEB

24 The NECC networking events programme prompts members to engage and share ideas and experiences. With events throughout the region, the programme ranges from largescale round table networking to smaller presentation‑focused events and localised informal networking

FLAGSHIP

REGIONAL REVIEWS & NETWORKING

MAR

03 MAR

NECC200 Tees Valley Review & AGM 11:30-14:00 Preston Park, Eaglescliffe

NECC200 Durham Review & AGM 11:30-14:00, Lumley Castle

05

NECC Local

MAR

NECC200 Tyne & Wear Review & AGM

10 MAR

17 MAR

25

16:30-18:30 Ashington Workspace

11:30-14:00 Discovery Museum, Newcastle

NECC200 Northumberland Review & AGM 11:30-14:00 Horton Grange, Ponteland

NECC Local

10:00-12:00 Hart Biologicals

FEB

FREE FREE FREE

www.necc.co.uk/events

FEB

26 MAR

03

International Trade Committee 07:45-10.00 NECC Durham

Middlesbrough Area Meeting 08:15-10:00 NECC, Middlesbrough

MAR

Hartlepool Area Meeting

MAR

Darlington Committe

04 06 MAR

19

16:00-17:30 TBC, Hartlepool

08:15-10:00 Mercure Kings Hotel, Darlington

Tees Valley & Co Durham Bank of England Economic Panel 08:00-09:30 TBC

MAR

FREE

MAR

Teesside Business Awards

26 23 09 JUN

FREE

11 JUN

25 JUL

15 FREE

SEP

13 SEP

FREE

17 NOV

FREE FREE FREE

07 NOV

12 NOV

19 NOV

26

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION NETWORK FEB

11 MAR

12 APR

23

HR Knowledge – Overtime & Holiday Pay 09:30-11:30 NECC Durham

Defusing the Demographic Timebomb

09:30-11:30 NECC Durham

HR Knowledge – Legislation Update

09:30-11:30 NECC Durham

Durham & Wearside Business Awards

18:00-midnight Ramside Hall, Durham

JUN

FREE

18:00-midnight, Newcastle Marriott, Gosforth Park

12

APR

AREA MEETINGS / COMMITTEES NECC has various opportunities for event sponsorship in 2015 including sponsorship of the NECC Showcase on June 11.

For more information contact Ashley Carney, events executive, email ashley.carney@necc. co.uk Remember to use #NECC200 when tweeting about events and tag @NEChamber so that the NECC Twitter account can retweet!

26

Tyneside & Northumberland Business Awards

18:00-midnight The Olympia Building, Teesside University

North East Business Awards - Grand Final

18:00-midnight Hardwick Hall Hotel, nr Sedgefield

£90* £90* £99*

NECC 200 BUSINESS WEEK: NECC AGM & Looking to the Future

FREE

NECC 200 BUSINESS WEEK: NECC Member Showcase

TBC

10:45-16:00 Ramside Hall, Durham

09:00-16:00, Northumbria Uni

North East Exporters’ Awards

18:00-midnight, Ramside Hall, Durham

£75

All day, Matfen Hall, Northumberland

NECC200 Golf Day

TBC

NECC200 Great North Run Member Race

TBC

Newcastle, South Shields

NECC 200th Anniversary Gala Dinner

18:00-midnight, Durham World Heritage Site

The North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 18:30-01:00, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead

NECC200 Durham & Wearside Anniversary Lunch

11:30-14:00, Sunderland Marriott, Seaburn

NECC200 Tees Valley Anniversary Lunch 11:30-14:00, Rockliffe Hall, Tees Valley

NECC200 Tyne & Northumberland Anniversary Lunch 11:30-14:00, Newcastle Racecourse

£200* TBC £37.50 £37.50 £37.50

INTERNATIONAL

FREE FREE FREE

MAR

Import Processes, Compliance and Documents

£300*

MAR

Customs Compliance, Processes and Documents

£300*

APR

Letters of Credit and Methods of Payment

£300*

05 26 28

To book, tel 0300 303 6322 email events@necc.co.uk www.necc.co.uk/events 62 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

£90*

*NECC Member Price. (+VAT)

New members Visit our website for information about the companies which have recently joined NECC - the region’s largest business membership organisation.

Along with contact details, there are opportunities for announcements from new members keen to publicise their products, services and activities to other NECC members. While listings are free to all new members, editorial announcements are part of a broader package designed to promote a new member’s business to reach the readership of Contact magazine.

For further details contact the Contact advertising team, tel 01661 844 115, email sales@offstonepublishing.co.uk

Thank You

For your recent membership renewals.

Particular thanks to members supporting NECC for over 15 years 100+ YEARS!

15-19 YEARS

John Lilley & Gillie Ltd

102

40-99 YEARS S M Thompson Ltd Radiographic Accessories Ltd

64 45

30-39 YEARS ConocoPhillips Petroleum Company UK Ltd North East Truck & Van Ltd Greggs plc Helena Biosciences Sealpump Engineering Ltd

38 37 35 35 31

25-29 YEARS Con Mech Engineers Limited Hydraulic and Offshore Supplies Metro Freight Services (UK) Ltd Tyne Metropolitan College

26 25 25 25

20-24 YEARS Association Of International Accountants 24 Caravel Liner Agencies (Darlington) Ltd 24 Finchale Training College 24 Hosch (GB) Ltd 24 Javac (UK) Ltd 24 Redcar & Cleveland College 24 Tegrel Ltd 24 The Clinkard Group Ltd 24 Yusen Logistics (UK) Ltd 24 A-Belco Group of Companies 23 Alco Plumbing Services Limited 23 Phusion IM Ltd 23 Profins Ltd 23 Thermal Transfer Technology Ltd 23 Wardell Armstrong LLP 23 Censis 22 Design Solutions (Europe) Ltd t/a Creative Glass 21 2B Graphics Design Consultants 20 Eden Farm Ltd 20 Roballo Engineering Co Ltd 20

The contact details of all the companies which joined NECC recently are now available at www.necontact.co.uk under the ‘New Members’ link

Exwold Technology Limited 19 Gilligan Engineering Services 19 Griffith Textile Machines Ltd 19 Johnson Matthey Davy Technologies Ltd 19 Rennyco Limited 19 TRW Systems Ltd 19 A T S Electro-Lube (UK) Ltd 18 Belt Technologies Europe 18 Edward Egglestone & Co. 18 ERS Limited 18 Formula Plastics Ltd 18 Gliderol Garage & Industrial Doors Limited 18 Ingeus Training Ltd 18 Lubrizol Ltd 18 Sintons LLP 18 TT 2 Limited 18 Teesside University 17 Falcon Engineering & Development 16 Hipkin & Co 16 International Centre For Life Trust 16 R T H - Lubbers UK (International Transport) Ltd 16 The Punjab Kitchen Ltd 16 Absolute Quality Consultancy and Training Ltd 15 Custom Electronic Fire & Security Ltd 15 Durham Businesswear Ltd 15 EDF Energy 15 Geo A Carter Ltd 15 Lucite International UK Limited 15 Prestige Seating Technology 15 QA Weld Tech Ltd 15 Storey & Fellows 15 Wensleydale Bacon Limited 15

The above businesses have been members for 15 years or more and renewed their membership in November and December 2014

DEC FEB 2014- -MAR JAN2015 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 63

MEMBER 2 MEMBER

Member2Member

Make more of your NECC membership with these great member offers and many more on the NECC website

www.necc.co.uk/member2member SPECIALIST EXPRESS CAR & LIGHT VAN MOT/SERVICE AND VALETING IN’N’OUT CENTRES LTD

Up to 40% Off MOT’s & Car Servicing - Exclusive NECC offer MOT for only £29 (saving £20 and including a free re-test) • Xpress Service for only £79* (saving £20 and for any make and model of car) • Or £99* for both with the MOT and Xpress Service Combo package (back on the road within 90 minutes).

The offer is also available to your husbands, wives, partners and children.

FINANCE BROKER MYINFINITY FINANCE LIMITED

Quick and easy Business Finance Could your business benefit from a 1-15 month loan ranging from £1,000 to £120,000 with a decision in less than two hours, and payout in less than 24 hours? The loan can be for any purpose, regardless of what industry you are in. There are no fees, we never charge our clients for using our service.

HOTEL - NEW BOUTIQUE STYLE - 175 BEDROOMS IN THE CENTRE OF NEWCASTLE

SANDMAN SIGNATURE HOTEL

Offer Code: REWARD The Sandman Signature Hotel

is offering all members a special offer to stay at the four-star luxury hotel in Newcastle City Centre. Stay on a Friday or Sunday night for just £59.00 (on a room only basis. Subject to availability). All you have to do is call and quote your company name and the discount code to be valid.

INFORMATION SECURITY QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS SUPPLY CHAIN RISK MANAGEMENT

SIGNACURE RESILIENCE

Seminar on information security and resilience Date: February 27, 2015 Time: 9am-12.20pm. Venue: Northern Design Centre, Abbotts Hill, Baltic Business Quarter, Gateshead, NE8 3DF. Half-day seminar, normally £110 per attendee, but fellow members can get a 50% discount (£55+VAT). The event will look at how you can identify and manage information security risk, build resilience and continue to prosper.

PAT TESTING PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING DRA SOLUTIONS LTD T/A DRA PAT LTD

Free risk assessment with PAT test When you book your PAT test with DRA Solutions (as a new customer), they will conduct a risk assessment on your behalf

to determine the recommended intervals between inspections.

Not having PAT done annually will save you money. Risk assessment usually from £99.

FREE LEAN SIX SIGMA EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW TRAINING LEAN SIX SIGMA TRAINING LTD Offer Code: NECC-MEMBER This half-day Lean Six Sigma Executive Overview course is free and offers a basic understanding of the concepts of Lean Six Sigma and how its tools, techniques and methodologies can add value in the workplace. The free class runs 9am-noon on the first Monday of each month at the Quadrus Centre.

CONFECTIONERY SERVICES OFFER EVENT 167

Offer Code: NECC10 - 10% off confectionery bookings in 2015 10% off any of confectionery service for events during 2015.

Services include; chocolate fountain, candy floss, popcorn, candy tables and candy ferris wheels. Events must be for a minimum of 100 guests to qualify. This offer is transferable to NECC member employees.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND MENTORING TIMCAIN LEADERSHIP

Offer Code: 201501 Timcain Leadership is offering leadership development workshops to NECC members at a special Member2Member rate. Workshops, tailored specifically to your team’s needs (and availability) will raise managers’ awareness of how better leadership can improve not only the bottom line, but also the well-being of staff.

PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS SUPPORT AND ADMINISTRATION SERVICES EXECUTYPE PA LIMITED

Offer Code: VO001 In association with Town Hall Chambers Conference and Business Centre, Executype PA is offering you a complete virtual office service. For a limited time, you can get the Silver Package with your first month - free of charge. After your first month you pay as little as £20 per month.

FIRST SOFTWARE OFFER ORCUMA LTD

Offer Code: NECCDEC 3 MONTHS HOSTING Orcuma is offering all NECC members the following: 12 months hosting, support and maintenance of its FIRsT software for the price of nine months. You will also receive 10 days free implementation consultancy or training.

ELEGANTLY TAILORED CORPORATE COMMUNICATION SOLUTIONS BRAVO CHARLIE COMMUNICATIONS

Offer Code: BYXA1PAJ7K 25% Off Practical Communication eBook Practical Communication for Busy People covers a range of hands-on communication advice, skills and tools that you can put into practice immediately to enhance your business communications. Written in short, easily digestible chapters, it’s a great reference for smaller businesses and sole traders who want to make their communications more professional.

Entry into the Member2Member section is not an endorsement by NECC 64 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

DOUBLE TAKE

Do their bidding

Dean Bailey speaks to the chairs of the Sunderland and Darlington Business Improvement District companies

BID CHAIR .

SUNDERLAND EXPERIENCE IT HEREI

BID CHAIR DISTINCT DARLINGTON

John Craggs Nicola Reading How long have you been in the job?

Two months.

What do you love about your job?

I do love the challenge of leading a team whose purpose is to improve the offer in the BID area to those who work, shop and live there.

What are the most challenging aspects of your job?

Finding enough time to do the job justice as I also have a rather busy full time job as deputy chief executive of Gentoo.

Highlight of your career so far?

It has to be being part of the team that enabled the housing stock transfer to take place in Sunderland. This has led to direct investment across 30,000 properties of more than £750m in 13 years - improving the homes and lives of many thousands of people in and around the city.

Who do you admire most?

Dynamo - the street entertainer and illusionist. What he is able to do defies any logic or explanation that I can see.

What would you be doing if you weren’t in your current job?

I used to want to be a professional footballer. At 55, I now realise that is unlikely to happen. I would love to work in an outdoor activity centre for young people.

How will you spend your time when you retire?

My son has just emigrated to Australia and is getting married there in a couple of months. Spending six months of the year in the sunshine seems like a good plan!

How long have you been in the job?

Three years.

What do you love about your job?

Every day is different. I love seeing the company evolve, and I enjoy being able to influence how the town centre is going to look.

As a town centre retailer - I own Bliss Gifts - I have first-hand experience of the issues businesses face and I find that very helpful.

What are the most challenging aspects of your job?

Persuading people who are dead set against the scheme of the benefits it offers. I enjoy converting non-believers into believers!

Highlight of your career so far?

Being voted Independent Trader of the Year in 2011. We were so excited to be nominated and incredibly honoured to win.

Who do you admire most?

I was lucky enough to meet Michelle Mone OBE, founder of the Ultimo lingerie brand, and I found her to be an inspiring and down to earth person. I really admire her entrepreneurial flair.

What would you be doing if you weren’t in your current job?

I think, perhaps, some sort of event planning would suit me well.

I recently organised my 50th birthday party; not only did I really enjoy it but my friends were blown away by the detail I’d put into everything.

How will you spend your time when you retire?

I can’t imagine ever retiring. I have so much energy and I’m a bit of a control freak so I can’t see myself taking up gardening or anything like that. If I had to retire, I would probably travel.

FEB - MAR 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 65

GUEST COLUMNIST

Last Word

Sally Hudson, principal of Apollo Studio Academy, appeals for employers’ support in providing work placements

L

ast September, in an exciting joint venture between East Durham College and The Academy at Shotton Hall, we opened East Durham’s first studio school, The Apollo Studio Academy in Peterlee.

Importantly, Apollo’s curriculum was designed and created by talking to a range of local employers in the region to discover what they needed from young people to tackle their future skills gaps.

Employers told us they wanted young people who were work-ready, able to step straight out of school, college or university and be prepared for the rigors of the world of work. Apollo aims to give employers just that.

We also analysed a range of labour market needs data for the region. This supported what employers were telling us; that there’s a growing need for skilled people to enter the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), healthcare and business sectors in the North East. So these were three of the key sectors Apollo created as educational pathways that our students can follow.

A central part of the ‘studio school concept’ sees our students spend time on work placements from the age of 14. From age 16, these placements make up to two days a week of the students training as part of the Apollo experience. Most of these placements have been sourced for the healthcare and business pathway students with a long line of employers

ready to get involved. The issue we have had at Apollo is finding a sufficient amount of engineering placements for our students.

Over the last decade, engineering employers have talked about the desperate need for more young people to be educated to work in their sector and particularly girls.

A report by the Institute of Engineering and Technology indicates that 59% of companies have concerns that a shortage of engineers could be a threat to their businesses, while others suggested that new engineering, IT and technical recruits do not meet expected skill levels.

We listened to these needs and that’s why we decided STEM subjects would be a huge part of our curriculum.

Engineering UK’s latest report forecasts that there will be 257,000 vacancies in the sector by 2022. We want to help educate some of the students that are going to help fill this gap, but we can’t do it without the help of the local engineering employers.

But despite the calls from local engineering companies and their concern about the lack of educational facilities and

66 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / FEB - MAR 2015

STEM-related provision in the area - now it’s on offer, they are failing to help us with the demand from students to pursue a career in the sector. We have invested over £1.5m in the Apollo Studio Academy’s facilities and on top class teachers to offer students the best available education to help fill these employment gaps in the engineering sector.

Now we need the North East’s engineering companies to stand up and be counted, and help us with training these students, to help create the engineering workforce and leaders of tomorrow.

The success of the studio school model is dependent on employers playing their part. It would be a shame if engineering employers were not forthcoming, especially when we are all so acutely aware of the growing skills shortages.

A recent report by the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee, found that almost half of STEM graduates take up employment in non-STEM areas.

Working alongside employers at this early stage in a student’s development, together we can help stop this from happening.

The new Passat.

As advanced as you are.

(We’ll even advance you a £2,500 deposit contribution.* )

The new premium class Passat is here. Fresh from the Paris Motor Show and trailing rare plaudits of 5-star ratings from both What Car & Auto Express. The range of new engines increases fuel efficiency by up to 10% with CO2 emissions reduced by up to 14% on the DSG derivative. Optional technological innovations include Traffic Jam Assist, which makes stop-go driving a lot less stressful, and radar-controlled Pedestrian Protection. A more advanced, more dynamic, more comfortable, more safety conscious Passat than ever before.

Passat SE • £2,500 towards your finance deposit.*

• Only £217 per month.

Representative Solutions Personal Contract Plan example based on 5,000 miles per annum for a Passat SE 2.0 TDI. Duration

4 years

Retail cash price

Acceptance fee payable £24,435.00 with first payment

£125.00

Deposit contribution

£2,500.00

Optional final payment

£9,876.60

Customer deposit

£4,799.00

Option to purchase fee payable with final payment £60.00

48 monthly payments

£217.00

Total amount payable

£28,165.60

Amount of credit

£21,614.00

Excess mileage (per mile) 7.2p Rate of interest

5.6% fixed

Representative APR

5.9% APR

To arrange an extended test drive or request a personal video tour of the new Passat please contact your local Benfield Volkswagen business specialist Peter Atkinson on 0191 226 3317.

Benfield Volkswagen Silverlink Business Park, Wallsend, NE28 9ND. Telephone: 0191 295 0555.

Scotswood Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 6TZ. Telephone: 0191 226 3317.

www.benfieldsilverlink.volkswagen.co.uk

www.benfieldnewcastle.volkswagen.co.uk

Das Auto.

*Deposit contribution available to customers who purchase their car with Solutions Personal Contract Plan from Volkswagen Financial Services. When you buy on Solutions PCP, at the end of the agreement there are three options: i) retain the vehicle: pay the optional final payment to own the vehicle; ii) return the vehicle; or iii) replace: part exchange the vehicle, subject to status. Retail sales only. Subject to agreed annual mileage. Available to 18’s and over. Offer available for vehicles ordered by 31st March 2015 and delivered by 30th June 2015. Further charges may be payable if vehicle is returned. Offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. Finance subject to status.

Accurate at time of publication. Freepost Volkswagen Financial Services. Finance providers may pay us for introducing you to them. We can introduce you to a limited number of lenders to assist with your purchase, who may pay us for introducing you to them. Model shown New Passat GT with optional 19-inch ‘Verona’ alloy wheels and metallic paint: £26,335. Standard EU Test figures for

comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Official fuel consumption in mpg (litre/100km) for the New Volkswagen Passat range: urban 44.1 (6.4) – 62.8 (4.5); extra urban 61.4 (4.6) – 78.5 (3.6); combined 53.3 (5.3) – 70.6 (4.0). CO2 emissions 139 – 103g/km.

Join us at one of our

MBA Open Days

Visit northumbria.ac.uk/mba for more information.

EMBARK ON A NEW JOURNEY The Newcastle Business School MBA One year full-time, two years part-time or distance learning.

Double accreditation from AACSB places us in the top 1% of Business Schools in the world.

GIVE YOUR CAREER AN EXTRA EDGE

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

LEARN FROM THE BEST

You will experience hands on projects and engage in transformational professional development.

Newcastle Business School’s MBA offers research rich, business relevant content supported by executive coaching and career support.

The impact of almost two-thirds of Northumbria’s Business and Management research has been rated as world leading or internationally excellent. (REF 2014).