Contact magazine - June-July 2015

Celebrating 200 years of North East business

JUNE-JULY 2015

Part of the furniture

On the sofa with James Barker of Barker and Stonehouse

necc.co.uk - necontact.co.uk

MAKING OUR MARK North East manufacturing & engineering in focus

Yes, Prime Minister?

Doing business with the new Government

PROFILE

LIFE’S A GAS

Gill Southern: Taking Wessington Cryogenics to the world TO THE FORE MIXING BUSINESS AND PLEASURE ON THE NORTH EAST’S GREAT GOLF COURSES

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NECC Member Showcase Thursday 11th June 2015, 9:00-16:00 NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY SPORT CENTRAL ARENA, NEWCASTLE

As part of NECC200 Business Week 2015, NECC is delighted to announce the return of the Member Showcase Exhibition.

We’re proud to continue to support our members with this exciting event, featuring a funding support area. It is the perfect opportunity to exhibit your business and network with organisations from across the North East.

The event is open to both members and nonmembers, we look forward to seeing you there #NECCShowcase #NECC200 #bepartofit www.necc.co.uk/events Event supported by:

WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT BE PART OF IT (11:00 - 13:00) - FREE TO ATTEND Be part of a World Record Attempt at the NECC Member Showcase. Make new contacts while creating the ‘Largest Human Currency Symbol’ – a £ sign to promote inward investment in the region.

Book your FREE place today to help bring this Guinness World Record to the North East!

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Welcome...

Welcome to Contact, and our special focus on a sector that has for a long time provided the bedrock of our economy - manufacturing and engineering.

We have considerable skill in making and selling things, often abroad. I’m proud Newcastle International Airport contributes to our fantastic export performance and that NECC’s new UKTI contract further supports firms trading overseas enhancing our reputation as a gateway to the rest of the world. As NECC’s Quarterly Economic Surveys have reinforced over the past two years, North East business has led our recovery from the blows dealt by the recession.

The breadth of skill and experience across our business community never ceases to amaze me, and my two-year presidency of NECC has been an education in our economic make-up and the number of businesses that are genuine world leaders. I have enjoyed a fantastic 24 months as president, and it is

NECC president David Laws has mixed emotions as his term comes to a close

with mixed emotions that I hand back the chains of office at the NECC June AGM. I clearly remember sitting down to pen my opening address two years ago and deciding the theme of my presidency would be a united North East.

I have reinforced this every time I have spoken at events. In fact, I have started to rival NECC chief executive James Ramsbotham as one of the North East’s most vocal cheerleaders.

This was never a disparate region, but at the time there was a sense that we were pulling in many different directions. But we have seen tangible benefits of speaking with a collective voice; the upgrades promised for the A1 north of Newcastle, the infrastructure projects that will see the western bypass widened and the A1 dualled between Tyneside and London, and the campaign which won the Heathrow Airport contest for £1m in free advertising for our region.

These projects are down to you, your businesses and your committed employees.

We are proving on a daily basis that the North East can deliver more for UK PLC. Like all good tradesmen, once we have the tools to do the job we tend to excel. My message to the new Government is back us and we will continue to rise to the challenge.

Finally, thank you to everyone who has made the past two years so memorable for me as NECC president. My time in the hot seat seems to have flown by, but the memories will stay with me forever.

David Laws, NECC president

EDITOR Jane Pikett jane@offstonepublishing.co.uk EDITORIAL TEAM Dean Bailey Liz Hands Jessica Laing 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

Anne Elliott

Gill Southern

James Barker

“I entered a male-dominated profession, but I never experienced discrimination.

Now there are more women than men in law.”

“Export is critically important to this region, and everybody also now recognises that manufacturing makes money for UK PLC.”

“Not everyone has the opportunity to go into a family business and I was given that opportunity. I didn’t want to waste that.”

Latimer Hinks

Wessington Cryogenics

Barker & Stonehouse

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JUNE - JULY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 3

Y D E IT IT IL G M B IN LI ILA IN A A V M A RE

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

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. £200+VAT a ticket Event Supported by

Event Drinks Reception Sponsored by

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

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 08 INBOX

News and views from the world of business

11 CONGRATULATIONS NECC members excel at the North East Business Awards

13 POWERING AHEAD Hearing the case for the Northern Powerhouse

15 BACK OF THE NET

Utilitywise CEO Geoff Thompson scores for South Shields FC

23 SAGE ADVICE

60 seconds with the new head of Sage UK & Ireland

Features 06 POLICY

We consider what happens next now the Tories are in government

09 IN MY VIEW Life’s a gas: Gill Southern looks to the future of the family firm, Wessington Cryogenics

NECC’s James Ramsbotham’s message to the new Government

28

49 TO THE FORE

Where to mix business with pleasure on the golf course

63 FAB 5

There’s an app for that

65 DOUBLE TAKE

Two leaders in the hotel industry

24 SUCCESS STORY

The team at IK-UK are making it ‘pig’

26 PART OF THE FURNITURE On the sofa with James Barker

32 TOMORROW’S WORLD

Leading former apprentices discuss their hopes for the future workforce

38 MAKING IT BIG

Manufacturing and engineering under the microscope

56 OUT TO LUNCH

With Latimer Hinks chief executive Anne Elliott

66 LAST WORD

Elaine Bunn of Nortech on making a difference via CSR

56

Clockwise from above: Anne Elliott James Barker Judith Doyle and George Loble at NECC’s Apprentice Greats round table event

26 32

PROUD TO BE SUPPORTED BY OUR ANNIVERSARY PATRONS:

JUNE - JULY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 5

NECC POLICY

What next? politics, if there’s one thing businesses don’t like, it’s instability. The prospect of a stable government with a clear agenda was largely a welcome one.

But there remain three big reasons why we still do not have 100% stability, and NECC will be placing a major focus on these in the months and years ahead.

The first is the position of Scotland. With the Scottish National Party winning an unprecedented landslide, questions have already begun as to whether this will mean further changes in the constitutional position.

The pledges to Scotland of further flexibility - for example, to vary Air Passenger Duty while retaining a favourable funding settlement through the Barnett Formula, raise some concerns for us just south of the border.

A strong Scottish economy is good for the North East; Edinburgh and Glasgow are two of our closest markets, while the links between our offshore industries and

6 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / JUNE - JULY 2015

EO Frederic Legrand - COM

S

ometimes it’s amazing how quickly time moves on. During the general election campaign, many of us thought it might never end, but it seems like a long time ago now.

Cast your mind back to the calculations that were being done every night on how many seats each party would have, based on opinion polls that seemed to show Labour and the Conservatives neck and neck.

The graphics departments of most TV stations and newspapers were kept busy showing what kind of alliances might be needed to form an administration, usually involving three parties if not more.

It turned out it was all based on a huge collective polling error - and the morning after the election we woke up to the unthinkable: a majority government.

The initial reaction from many NECC members was relief. Regardless of party

/ Shutterstock.com

Ross Smith, NECC director of policy, considers the implications of the general election result

 David Cameron

Aberdeen are very important to the region. But that view changes if it is based on competition on fiscal policy that could simply shift activity from part of the UK to another.

We need to be sure that the implications to the North East of any changes are heard and understood by the Government, and we will be looking to our MPs to play a strong role in this.

We also need to see commitments to creating a Northern Powerhouse and to devolution to English cities and regions followed through.

The appointment of the Stockton South MP James

Wharton to oversee this working for Middlesbroughborn Greg Clark - is undoubtedly good news for the North East’s place within this.

NECC members can see a series of areas where policy designed for the North East, rather than the South East, could stimulate stronger economic performance. What they don’t want is a protracted argument over structures, which will see other cities steal a march on ours.

The second reason is the debate over Britain’s membership of the European Union. A referendum is going

effective renegotiation over to take place, though it is the next year to enable the highly unlikely to be before strongest possible case for late 2016 at the earliest. membership to be put to the It will undoubtedly prompt referendum. We also need some nervousness in the politicians on all sides to intervening period among take a responsible those businesses that approach to the trade extensively debate; we saw with Europe. Our “WE NEED TO ahead of the surveys and SEE STRONG Scottish discussions with referendum how members have LEADERSHIP” hyped-up shown a strong rhetoric prompted preference for many firms to staying in the EU, but delay investment. recognition that some The third reason is that, reform of that relationship is while we do have a majority also needed to loosen that government, that majority is constrictions of red tape. only 12. Just a handful of We need to see a very

rebellious backbenchers could be enough to bring down the Government on contentious issues.

That causes real worries that badly needed decisions for the North East over energy strategy, hub airport capacity, or rail investment could be left in the long grass.

We need to see strong leadership to push ahead on these issues. We also need to see opposition MPs put our region ahead of party politics and back those measures that will benefit our economy rather than jump on the chance to give the Conservatives a bloody nose.

So, if you’re struggling to remember back to the days of single party government, it’s as well to remember that a majority does not completely end uncertainty for the next five years.

Nevertheless, there are probably a few political journalists slightly disappointed that they have been denied the chance to report on the intrigue that a complicated coalition might have generated.

For those of us interested in seeing delivery on the ground, the task we would set the Government is to continue to disappoint them.

JUNE - JULY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 7

INBOX

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SEEING RED

Men who wear red clothes send out angry and aggressive signals, suggests research from Durham University.

When 50 men and 50 women were shown images of men in different coloured shirts, they rated those wearing red as more aggressive and angry.

The results could provide insights into whether it is advisable to wear red in social and business situations, says Rob Barton, Professor in Evolutionary Anthropology.

You have been warned!

IMAGE CREDITS: FashionStock.com / Shutterstock.com

DESERVED HONOUR

North East engineer and entrepreneur John Reece has received his MBE, announced in the New Year’s honours, at Buckingham Palace.

Awarded for services to engineering, manufacturing and innovation, it recognises a 30-year career in which he has been responsible for the success of two international engineering businesses on Tyneside - Soil Machine Dynamics (SMD) and Pearson Engineering - and more recently as chairman of Reece Group.

The 1879 team prepares for Bond Dickinson’s clay pigeon shoot

FLYING HIGH

A North East events company is shooting for the sky after successfully catering for a corporate event.

1879 Events Management, a subsidiary of Sunderland AFC, provided outside catering at Bond Dickinson’s annual clay pigeon shoot in the grounds of the historic Lambton Estate.

More than 180 guests enjoyed a breakfast and buffet lunch and the 1879 team was on site for 13 hours.

PERFECT HOSTS

A North East hotel has beaten national competition to be named Large Hotel of the Year.

Matfen Hall Hotel Golf and Spa was named the country’s best large hotel at the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2015 at Sage Gateshead.

The Gold Award is the highest Award for Excellence in tourism in England which VisitEngland can bestow. Matfen MD Bernard Bloodworth says: “We are all fiercely proud of this region and I’m sure that these awards will further increase the awareness of the North East as a holiday location.”

Master chef Danny Parker has teamed up with Gateshead College to pass on culinary skills and expertise to a new generation of young chefs.

Parker, who reached the final stages of BBC TV’s MasterChef: The Professionals, is head chef at Newcastle’s House of Tides restaurant. He demonstrated a salmon dish, explaining how to make the most of flavours and presentation.

8 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / JUNE - JULY 2015

Durham Cricket Club (@DurhamCricket): Durham’s first Corporate Cricket Day @ brewindolphin @ CloseHouseGolf @Cundall_ Global @Bond_Dickinson @ Ryder1953 Break90 (@Break90pod): Fab attempt at the #Break90, break the glass challenge yesterday from @georgiebingham at @ CloseHouseGolf James Ramsbotham (@NECCTwiTer): Congratulations @ NCLairport for safely landing first United Airlines from New York.

Gateshead College hospitality and catering student Lauren Hawthorn, chef, Danny Parker, and Gateshead College hospitality and catering student Richard Marson.

STIRRING UP ENTHUSIASM

Matthew Ord (@NECCMatthew): He has arrived & so far over £100 raised - @NECCTom is a legend - @CashforkidsTFM get yourself to #NECC boro for cake

ROCKLIFFE RIDERS

Intrepid staff from Rockliffe Hall Hotel in Co Durham are taking part in a challenge to raise funds for a children’s heart unit.

A total of 12 team members are attempting to cycle 200 miles in 24 hours to raise money for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund at Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.

The challenge will take in some of the toughest terrains in Yorkshire, in memory of a colleague’s nephew.

Port of Tyne (@Port_of_Tyne): Celebrating 20 years of the @ DFDSSeaways Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry route #HappyBirthday VIA Creative (@viacreative): @NECCTwiTer intro to the Rivers Exhibition @HeritageGallery #middlesbrough also the new Mbro mayors 1st public event

IN MY VIEW

In my view

NECC chief executive James Ramsbotham calls on the new Government to deliver for the region

I have used this column many times to celebrate the achievements of our business community and drive home the message that the North East is an untapped asset that could be delivering so much more for UK Plc. Fortunately, cheerleading for our region is part of my job, and I believe we need to big ourselves up more and grasp every opportunity we can.

The North East Business Awards provide a perfect forum to shout about some of the many great things happening in our region.

Hardwick Hall once again provided a fantastic setting for this annual celebration and NECC is delighted to work with The Journal and the Evening Gazette to bring you these prestigious honours.

It is always a point of immense pride that the majority of winners are NECC members; these companies are helping our region to close the economic gap with the rest of the UK and helping to boost optimism across the business community.

We get to renew acquaintances with some of these firms later in the year as they compete at the British Chambers of Commerce National Awards.

Business in the North East is doing

more than its fair share for UK Plc. We are producing and exporting products around the world and earning wealth for the nation. We remain the only part of the UK with a positive balance of trade and export a greater percentage of our goods and services than elsewhere.

Our supply chains, professional firms and diverse North East businesses are enabling these manufacturers to succeed, and NECC is working hard to open up new routes to overseas markets, combat youth unemployment by providing innovative apprenticeship opportunities, and use our political clout, for instance when we attended all the party conferences to shout about what the region is doing well and call for support where it is needed to help us to do better.

Manufacturing and engineering continues to underpin the regional economy, with our service sector coming back strongly.

Growth remains the key word and accelerating growth is of paramount importance to everybody in the current economic climate.

We will continue to work hard for our members and remain focused on our ultimate goal of making the North East successful.

O

ne of the major drawbacks of a general election is the uncertainty that it can create for UK business.

With uncertainty there comes a decrease in business confidence and, as a result, economic growth.

With that in mind, the decisive victory in the general election is welcome.

However, the Prime Minister must now deliver on some potentially contentious decisions with a small majority.

Although we welcome the Conservative Party’s pro-business measures and commitment to investment in infrastructure, concerns remain around its approach to housing, energy and, most notably, the EU. Devolution to the North East also remains a significant issue. The huge wins for the SNP in Scotland will raise questions over the constitution and it is vital that the North East does not lose its voice.

That voice has never been louder.

ď °Apprenticeships are crucial in combating youth unemployment JUNE - JULY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 9

#bepartoďŹ t

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:

Be part of it. Join us now at www.necc.co.uk/join-us or call 0300 303 6322 #GreatNE

NEWS

NEWS

Have Metro, will travel

Winners of the North East Business Awards

NECC MEMBERS IMPRESS AT AWARDS

T

he North East Business Awards at Hardwick Hall saw the region shining bright on a night that brought together almost 600 business people from a diverse range of companies.

NECC worked with The Journal and Evening Gazette to organise the awards, which celebrate the progress, achievements and success of the cream of North East business.

NECC chief executive James Ramsbotham said: “It is always a point of immense pride that the vast majority of winners are from NECC’s membership.

“We want to make the North East a success and the field-leading work being carried out by these companies is helping our region close the economic gap with the rest of the UK and helping to boost optimism across the business community.”

The biggest award of the night for North East Company of the Year was awarded to Andrew James of Durham. Director James Buckle said: “This is a huge win for us and I’m incredibly proud to accept this award on behalf of the team. To think that we started 10 years ago from a garage and now we’ve grown to become company of the year, it’s a phenomenal feeling.”

THE WINNERS Apprenticeship Award, sponsored by CIPD: Hodgson Sayers Ltd Best Creative Company, sponsored by DigitalCity Business: Atomhawk Company of the Year, sponsored by Sunderland City Council: Andrew James Digital & Social Media Award, sponsored by Accenture: Andrew James Export Award, sponsored

by Port of Sunderland: Tekmar Energy Ltd

Green Award, sponsored by Middlesbrough College: ElringKlinger (GB) Ltd Heart of the Community Award, sponsored by Derwentside Homes: Gus Robinson Developments Ltd Innovation Award, sponsored

by Newcastle University Business School: Hart Innovations Let’s Grow Award, sponsored

by Newcastle Airport: PJA Distribution Manufacturing Award,

in association with

sponsored by Business Durham: Egger UK Newcomer of the Year, sponsored by Virgin Money: Teesside Industrial Solutions Ltd Not-for-Profit Organisation of the Year, sponsored by Gentoo: The Centre for Process Innovation Services Award, sponsored by Npower: Ringtons Ltd Small Business Award, sponsored by the University of Sunderland: Tomlinson Hall & Co Ltd

Commuters from 89 companies across the Tyne and Wear Metro network have benefited from a corporate discount scheme which was re-launched last year.

Employers are signing up for a staff travel scheme on Tyne and Wear Metro in record numbers after the Corporate MetroSaver ticket scheme was extended, allowing smaller companies with fewer staff to sign up.

As a result, Nexus has seen a rise in the number of enquiries and applications for the scheme from both large organisations and smaller firms.

This means that annually more than 5,000 people across Tyne and Wear now travel to work on Metro using the money-saving Corporate ticket scheme.

Between April 2014 and 2015, more than 68 businesses have come on board with the scheme, bringing the total number of firms taking part to 200.

NEWS

Sowing the seeds

Commercial law firm Muckle LLP is offsetting the environmental impact of its carbon emissions with help from the Tyne Rivers Trust.

Muckle’s Let’s Think Green Team (LTGT) provided the Trust with a £5,000 grant to help offset the firm’s carbon footprint.

Tyne Rivers Trust has used the grant to establish a new project that has led to the planting of 6,050 trees.

JUNE - JULY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 11

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

Is it time to head home from Kings Cross Station?

POWERING AHEAD

N

orthern business is backing calls for devolved powers and embracing the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ agenda, according to research from independent think tank IPPR North supported by law firm Ward Hadaway.

IPPR North director Ed Cox says: “Northern businesses want to see the Northern Powerhouse go full steam ahead. We have heard strong arguments in favour of bringing economic decisions closer to the needs of local business and concerns expressed about the economic dominance of London and the skewed public and private investment that causes. Many of the businesses we have spoken to across the North welcome the prospect of regions being given a greater say in how they run their affairs.”

NECC has set out its priorities for devolved powers, putting skills and transport at the top of the list. “The North East is a critical part of the UK economy,” says NECC chief executive James Ramsbotham. “We have the best export record in the country, significant energy expertise, capacity for further residential and industrial development, and we are a hub of major industry clusters, but our region has performed below potential for many years.

“We believe commitment to devolution is vital to maximise our assets. Whitehall has shown itself to be incapable of delivering an approach that benefits the whole, so we must ensure the North East has the chance to make decisions for itself.

“The North East should be making a strong case to Government for a similar deal to Greater Manchester, albeit tailored to our specific needs.”

GOING FOR GOLD intu Metrocentre has been named overall winner at the British Council of Shopping Centre’s Purple Apple Marketing Awards.

Metrocentre’s marketing initiative, The Heart of a Thousand Crystals, was praised by judges for its innovation and community reach, earning it the Golden Apple - the top accolade of the night. 1,000 limited edition crystal hearts were sold to shoppers, raising £20,000 for the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF) at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital. in association with

We bid farewell to David Laws as NECC president at our last President’s Club Lunch at the CastleGate in Newcastle.

It’s been a pleasure to work alongside this committed, passionate president for the past two years and I’m delighted David will continue to work closely with NECC in his role as past president.

We’re looking forward to welcoming Alistair Dormer, global CEO of Hitachi Rail, as keynote speaker at the June President’s Club lunch at Redworth Hall, sponsored

by Gateshead College. Meanwhile, thank you to RIBA Enterprises CEO Richard Waterhouse, who spoke at our inaugural NECC International Traders lunch. He explained how RIBA Enterprises has engaged with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) services to help it expand.

Congratulations to Close House, which is hosting one of the European Senior Golf Tour’s most prestigious events, the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship, in June. Meanwhile, Newcastle Racecourse has exciting development plans, while J. Barbour & Sons continues to grow its export business and Hewlett Packard is investing in the region.

The apprenticeship programme at Siemens in Newcastle in partnership with Tyne Metropolitan College has also been a great success.

Our last event also welcomed two new faces, Julie Taylor from Jacobs and Eamonn Elliott at Rockliffe Hall.

President’s Club sponsor Brewin Dolphin is offering President’s Club members a free, no-obligation financial planning review. Contact john.duns@brewin.co.uk or visit www.brewin.co.uk/newcastle

JUNE - JULY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 13

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NEWS

PARTNERS UPDATE With Jo Fryett, head of NECC Partners This column regularly opens with surprise at the rapid passage of time, and this one is no different. After a busy start to the year I can’t believe we’re at the halfway point already - some people are even talking about Christmas.

These are exciting times in the North East. Investment at Newcastle International Airport - a gateway to the world and to the region mirrors the region’s ambitions and demonstrates to anyone arriving here what we have to offer. The country also has a new Government and the region has two new elected mayors. We can only wait and see what the future holds from the new Government, but we can be certain that NECC will continue to press for improved conditions for regional business.

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in association with

leaders championing the North East. It works alongside NECC to develop policy briefs across many areas, focusing on developments within the North East that support a range of business needs.

Partners have been busy with the preparation and launch of the NECC Innovation Project. Along with continuation of the energy, transport and planning groups, all have met to pick up on policy issues and ensure we are ready to go once new announcements are made.

Looking ahead to the rest of year, special events to come include the NECC Gala Dinner in September, marking NECC’s 200th anniversary celebrations. Two centuries of championing North East Business will be celebrated and showcased at Durham Cathedral - a night to remember and celebrate.

Jo Fryett, tel 07867 541 46 joanne.fryett@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCJo

Back of the net Utilitywise CEO Geoff Thompson has stepped in with a deal to return South Shields Football Club to its former home.

The ground, in Shaftesbury Avenue, will be known as Mariners Park after Thompson agreed to buy it and lease it back to the club.

Thompson will become the Mariners’ chairman, with incumbent Gary Crutwell taking on the vice-chairman’s role to assist with the day-to-day running of the club.

The deal for Mariners

NEWS

Robot re-brand

Park will go through subject to Northern League ratification and final checks, and is expected to be completed by early June.

The completion of the deal will bring an end to Shields’ two-year stay at Eden Lane in Peterlee, where home games have been played since the club’s former lease ended.

Thompson says: “I’m delighted to be able to help out, and very excited to now be part of such a historic football club with vast potential.”

A Tees-based website design and development agency is celebrating its fifth year in business with record turnover, plans to grow its design team and a re-brand.

Itchyrobot, based at UK Steel Enterprise’s Innovation Centre on the Kirkleatham Business Park at Redcar, has doubled its turnover year-on-year since it set up in 2010. It is now expanding to cope with growing demand for its services.

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NEWS

EXCLUSIVE EVENTS PLANNED FOR WYNYARD HALL

A

Sarah Smith, Sintons; Paul Mackings, Cameron Hall Developments

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

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

Wynyard Hall is investing over £5.3m in developing its facilities, with a £1.6m walled rose garden set to be opened later this year, complete with a visitor centre.

Paul Mackings, chief executive of Cameron Hall Developments, said: “These are very exciting times for Wynyard Hall. As well as the new facilities we are adding our new licence will allow us to host events on a scale we have never previously considered.

“Of course, everything we host will be absolutely in keeping with the Hall and its heritage, so we are looking at large-scale corporate events, car launches, classical concerts, and hopefully something like the Antiques Roadshow.

We know they have looked at us before and that is something we would love to have here.”

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

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

Sintons LLP, Barrack Road, Newcastle, NE4 6DB tel: 0191 2267878, www.sintons.co.uk 16 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / JUNE - JULY 2015

left to right Michael Jopling and Garry Sheriff (ITPS), Tom Seymour (DCCC) George Galloway (ITPS) with Graham Onions (DCCC)

HITTING A SIX Durham County Cricket Club has signed a three-year deal with technology expert ITPS. The deal will see the club switch to cloud technology to strengthen its data backup and security arrangements.

ITPS will take responsibility

for day-to-day support of the ICT infrastructure of the club and its charity arm the DCC Foundation, including backup of systems and data to ITPS’s new £4m data centre in Chester le Street via cloud services.

HEALTHY START Rockliffe Hall’s spa manager has been selected to represent the UK in a new international mentoring programme for the spa and wellness industry.

Victoria Lees is the only UK-based spa manager in the Global Mentorship Pilot Programme, the only formal programme serving the global spa and wellness industry.

DOWN THE DRAIN

A civil engineering firm has secured a contract to provide specialist drainage services across Co Durham.

Owen Pugh GDC, a subsidiary of the Owen Pugh Group delivering civil in association with

engineering contracts to local authorities and water utility companies, has been awarded preferred supplier status

by Durham County Council and will provide drainage and asset management support services.

NEWS

Easy move

WE ARE SAILING New research shows Alnwick Castle and Garden, Durham city and its castle and cathedral, Northumberland’s castles, Hadrian’s Wall and many other attractions are benefiting from increased visitors from cruise ships calling at the Port of Tyne.

Last year, the Port welcomed around 50,000 cruise passengers, whose top ten excursions also included Newcastle city

centre, Beamish Museum, Holy Island and the Durham Dales.

Voted Best Port of Call 2012 for cruise passengers, Port of Tyne is becoming one of the UK’s most popular cruise ports. This year, operators including Fred. Olsen and Cruise and Maritime Voyages will operate transit calls as well as extend their outbound destinations to include St. Petersburg, Morocco,

Spain, and the Azores.

Meanwhile, Miami-based premium cruise operator Oceania Cruises will bring more international holidaymakers to visit the region this year.

Last year, the total visitor numbers arriving via cruise and ferry was over 620,000 - adding around £55m Gross Value Added to the regional economy and supporting more than 2,000 tourism-related jobs.

DIGGING DEEP

An NECC team spent a day armed with trowels and sieves on an archaeological dig in the North Pennines.

The group volunteered with Altogether Archaeology, a project set up by North Pennine Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to encourage the public to participate in archaeological projects.

It is hoped that NECC volunteering days will become part of a longer-term community programme and a sustainable

legacy as the organisation looks beyond its 200th anniversary this year.

Sadly, the NECC team didn’t uncover priceless fortunes, but they did find a nail, possibly from a former stable block, and an item commonly referred to by archaeologists as a ‘posh pot’.

During its anniversary year, NECC colleagues will be volunteering for projects and events including the Great North Run and Durham Cathedral’s Lego Build.

in association with

A print company is recruiting staff after becoming the latest tenant at the new Washington Business Centre. Easy Printing Ltd was started by Bill Duncan after 25 years’ experience in the industry.

He is now recruiting as the company focuses on printing services for SMEs.

NEWS

David Nicholson

Driving growth Nicholson’s Transport, Teesside, has recruited five new staff since the start of the year as it benefits from the upturn in the economy.

The Billingham-based business has adopted a clear progression route for new and existing drivers in order to counteract the shortage which resulted from older drivers leaving the industry.

MD David Nicholson says: “The volume of palletised goods coming into the North East has increased significantly, but this has been countered by a scarcity of experienced, qualified drivers.” The firm is offering apprenticeships and access to qualifications, so staff can progress from vans or forklifts up to HGV licences.

JUNE - JULY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 17

MEMBER ANNIVERSARY CLUB NEWS

TWEETS OF THE DAY This month’s top tweets about our Member Anniversaries Club members Metro Radio Arena (@Arena Newcastle) #LiveSince95 –This year we’re celebrating our 20th year! What’s your favourite @ArenaNewcastle memory?! #Newcastle Nifco UK (@NifcoUK) We are proud to be partnered with @ mbrocollege for £285k of training, just one part of our plans to close the #skillsgap #training HOS (@hospiping) We are pleased to have recently received our first order from South Africa – a new export area for HOS. #HOS30 Ray Spencer MBE (@rayspencermbe) Love @Port_of_Tyne new campaign to get us all cruising from the Tyne Did you know you can sail to the Canary Islands Naylors Surveyors (@NaylorsSurveyor) Looking forward to our 25th anniversary do later on @ pitcherandpiano great day for it! Especially for the cyclists!

Impact Subsea (@ImpactSubsea) We are delighted to now be a member of the UK subsea industry body – Subsea UK @subseauknews

Potts Print print manager Steven Fisher, Potts Print finance director Steph Tobin, and Keith Bowden regional manager, HP & leasing, Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance

Potts invests £1m

N

printing press, supported by a hire orthumberland print firm purchase facility from Lloyds Bank Potts Print (UK) Ltd has Commercial Finance. invested more than £1m Originally founded in North Shields in in a new press as it 1875, Potts relocated to larger premises in celebrates its 140th Nelson Park, Cramlington in 2006 and birthday with a growing workload. has 160 staff. The company Potts specialises in print, achieved revenues of £13.3m in packaging and direct mail for REVENUES 2014, and the new investment sectors including retail, is expected to help it achieve pharmaceutical, DIY, the EXPECTED TO a record £15m during 2015.

NHS, creative agencies and REACH RECORD Finance director Steph the performing and visual LEVELS Tobin says: “This new press is arts community. ultra-efficient. It should provide Customers range from us with efficiencies in time and international corporations to materials which in turn leads to cost charities, public sector organisations savings. It also allows us to maintain our and local businesses. flexibility in terms of lead times.”

Now it is investing in a £1m Heidelberg

CARE IN THE COMMUNITY County Durham Community Foundation is celebrating its 20th anniversary throughout the year with a variety of events and a new commemorative logo to mark its birthday.

The County Durham Foundation was launched in June 1995. Managing almost 200 funds and delivering more than £28m in grants to individuals, community groups and charities throughout Co Durham and Darlington, the foundation has much to celebrate.

Its anniversary celebrations include a

18 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / JUNE - JULY 2015

in association with

service of reflection and celebration at Durham Cathedral on June 29 2015. The Foundation also presents Durham’s Big Birthday Blast at Emirates Durham ICG in August, when Lashings cricket team, a team made up of a number of international cricketers, plays a T20 cricket match with entertainment from Peppa Pig and SpongeBob SquarePants, food and drink from local producers and a range of fun day activities, including soft play, face painting and other celebrity guests.

News and views from NECC account managers Newcastle/ Gateshead Congratulations to the winners of the North East Business Awards. Meanwhile, NCS Ltd is warning members about the dangers of telephone phreaking. Lynsey Fairless tel 07834 444 627 lynsey.fairless@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCLynsey NECC Global New NECC Global member Andrew James, named Company of the year at the North East Business Awards, is moving to new 125,000sqft offices in Seaham to continue its growth. Matthew Ord tel 07717 300 351 matthew.ord@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCMatthew Darlington The DL Expo hosted by Darlington Business Club attracted many NECC members who also enjoyed our Exchange event.

Welcome to new member LED Supply & Fit. Ann Boyd tel 07739 162 408 ann.boyd@necc.co.uk Medium Business Welcome to Prince Bishops Teaching School Alliance, The Advanced Manufacturing Forum, Thornton and Lowe, David Gray Solicitors and Thomas Hepburn Community Academy to NECC. Andrew Heavisides, tel 07912 478 96 andrew.heavisides@necc. co.uk Twitter @NECCAndrewh Essentials portfolio manager Please visit the new NECC website to showcase your business

in the business profile section, post press releases in the members’ area, and encourage new contacts with member to member offers.

Julie Digman tel 07912 478 964 julie.digman@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCjuliedig Sunderland/ South Tyneside/ Durham It’s great to have the support of Sunderland Business Network recently for our Exchange event at the Sunderland Marriott.

Arthur Hodgson tel 07980 259 991 arthur.hodgson@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCArthur Northumberland It’s been a positive period in the north of the region with many new businesses joining NECC. Les Dixon tel 07850 740 645 les.dixon@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCLes Teesside Thank you for a successful local event at Hart Biologicals in Hartlepool to mark the opening of its new lab, and welcome to new members Cynergy, Plastrex Ltd, Swap Bay Ltd, CSI Training & Events, Viral Effect and Parsons Containers.

Tom Warnock tel 07714 845 617 tom.warnock@necc.co.uk Twitter @NECCTom Darlington and West Durham We welcome Susan Anderson to the team to look after Darlington and West Durham members. Susan Anderson tel 07736 799 727 susan.anderson@necc.co.uk in association with

Join today...

Identify potential new business opportunities Build new networks & meet energy specific contacts Targeted marketing opportunities to raise your business profile Access to up-to-date project information and industry intelligence Hear what our members have said…

Business won through NOF Energy support…

£in167themillion last 12 months!

It is the old adage - big enough to cope, small enough to care

The biggest industry challenge for members is being able to gain access to key decision-makers

Matt Smith, Business Development Manager, Beck NOF Energy is a great organisation for putting businesses together. The information they provide to all members of our team is timely and of high quality. Their team is professional, knowledgeable, honest and friendly. The leads we get, whether from member introductions or their many events are extremely high quality Charlie Guthrie, Marketing Manager, AIS Group

The team at NOF Energy is excellent and clearly understand what they need to provide to its membership. We joined 2 years ago not quite too sure what to expect. What we have encountered has more than exceeded our expectations and has enabled us as a business to forge relationships with others in the industry Richard Bradley, Finance Director, Dyer Engineering

Another challenge for members working in the energy sector is raising awareness of their products & services to the target market In a recent survey of NOF Energy members, over 60% of respondents said they gained valuable business through using ourservices in the last 12 months

NOF Energy has opened doors we couldn’t on our own.

We are now looking at record turnover and profits we never thought possible 10 years ago

Robert Bowles, Chairman, Barrier Group

For more information about membership, please contact Paul Livingstone, Business Development Manager plivingstone@nofenergy.co.uk JUNE - JULY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 19

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THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF BUSINESS AND LEISURE FOR CROWNE PLAZA NEWCASTLE GUESTS

T

Paul Walker Food and Beverage Manager

he much anticipated Crowne Plaza® Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter hotel aims to take the city’s hospitality to a new level when it opens this summer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The bar will offer something unique to the region – the opportunity to ‘engineer’ your own Martini where the customer will be able to choose the liquor, the garnish and the way it will be mixed and served. This distinctive approach to cocktail making will allow thousands of different combinations. Paul Walker added: “The GIN Bar is going to be unlike any other bar in the region, allowing our customers to ‘engineer’ their own cocktails according to their personal taste.

“We are hoping to work with a few local producers including Jack Cains, Lakelands Gin, Durham Distillery and Masons Yorkshire Gin, to

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support the local businesses and ensure that only the finest drinks reach our customers.

Initially we’ll have around 30 gins with regular guest gins, and we’re hoping to work with one of the local distilleries to create our own bespoke gin.”

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

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

The hotel will guarantee complimentary wi-fi to all visitors and the very latest conference and event technology.

Each of the 251 bedrooms will have an individual wi-fi signal to prevent any black spots and will feature Panorama NG technology that creates an interactive media hub so that guests can view and stream movies, music or video content from their own devices to the in-room TV. Bookings are now being taken for dates starting September 1, 2015.

Stunning function suite

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

NEWS

NEWS

Amen to that

NET BENEFITS Innovators gathered for an International summit to help realise a North East science park’s ambition to become a ‘materials powerhouse’.

The summit, which attracted some of the biggest names in materials integration - where groundbreaking technology is used in everyday products - was held at North East Technology Park (NETPark), near Sedgefield, Co Durham.

The event is part of a 10-year strategy for NETPark - run by Business Durham, the economic development company for

Delegates at the event

Co Durham - to become a global hub for materials integration, creating 3,000 jobs and adding £400m to the region’s GVA. Delegates came from America and across the UK and included advisers to the Government and leading science and innovation organisations.

Two NETPark-based firms are thriving in the materials integration field - Kromek, which makes cadmium zinc telluride (CdZT) integrated into products such as airport scanners, and PolyPhotonix, developer of a sleep mask to treat diabetic retinopathy.

Durham Cathedral has launched a new scheme to encourage young professionals to become patrons in exchange for exclusive cultural and heritage experiences.

For £5 per month, Young Patrons will enjoy exclusive events including behind-the-scenes tours, film screenings in the Bell Tower, access to curators, artists, academics and heritage specialists, and book launches, private views, talks and lectures.

The programme is aimed at people aged 25-40, and will help the cathedral to meet the challenges of preserving the building’s cultural, social and historic heritage.

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

www.getintonewcastle.co.uk SPONSORED BY

MEDIA PARTNER

DELIVERED BY

North East

in association with

JUNE - JULY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 21

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CHOOSING A SMARTER WAY TO TRAVEL

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The Go Smarter coffee cart has been visiting businesses along the A19 to talk to emplyees about sustainable and active travel

o Smarter, Tyne and Wear’s sustainable travel programme, has successfully helped businesses and employees in and around the A1 to engage in greener and healthier travel as part of its Go Smarter to Work scheme.

Working across four key employment sites Newcastle/Gateshead city centres, intu Metrocentre, Team Valley and Washington – staff and businesses have benefitted from Go Smarter’s free events and initiatives that have seen hundreds of employees change how they travel to work. Thanks to additional funding, Go Smarter has expanded into new key employment sites around the A19. Sunderland Enterprise Park and Doxford International Business Park in Sunderland; Cobalt Business Park, Silverlink Business and Retail Park and Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate in North Tyneside; Jarrow Riverside, Bede Industrial Estate, Boldon Business Park and Monkton Business Park in South Tyneside can all now benefit from working with Go Smarter.

Councillor Nick Forbes, who has responsibility for Transport on the North East Combined Authority said: “Go Smarter has already helped organisations like the NHS, Newcastle University and the City Council make big changes to the way that they travel to work – in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

“From installing showers in the workplace to setting up car share schemes, Go Smarter has helped thousands of people make the transition to greener, healthier forms of transport, which supports the wider economy and reduces congestion.

“By expanding the Go Smarter to Work Scheme to the A19 more businesses can take advantage of the free support that the scheme offers to encourage sustainable travel.”

Go Smarter began working with businesses in the

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A19 in spring this year. Its sustainable travel coffee cart toured the area providing advice and guidance to staff on everything from car sharing to public transport and cycling to walking.

Ten new businesses have already started working with Go Smarter. They are North Tyneside Council, South Tyneside Council, NHS, Siemens, Formica, HP, Capita, Coefly GDF Suez, DNV-GL and Be Modern.

Lynn Cramman, Development Manager for Cobalt Business Park said: “We are delighted to be involved with Go Smarter. Cobalt already has a great public transport, onsite travel team and travel office but having the extra support from the Go Smarter team over the next 12 months is fantastic. Our occupiers are always looking for ways to encourage staff to travel more sustainably on their daily commute and the new tool kit and measures really fit the bill.”

“With many of our occupiers such as HP, Utilitywise and EE recruiting at the moment, we can offer free personal travel plans and travel tickets to help new staff choose a smarter way to travel when they start their career on Cobalt.”

For more information about Go Smarter and to find out if your businesses is eligible for free advice and support, visit gosmarter.co.uk or email info@gosmarter.co.uk

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

Expertise at your side

NEWS

60 SECONDS Q How did you get to where you are today?

I’ve worked in technology for nearly 20 years and I’m passionate about its role in helping businesses realise their potential.

I’ve always worked for companies that help firms improve the way they run and become more efficient using technology.

Q Why do you work for Sage?

I moved to Sage to head up the Start-up and Small Business segment in June 2011 and found the company was a natural fit for me. Sage energises the success of businesses around the world through smart technology and imagination. Our priority is to help customers make their businesses easier to run, more competitive and more profitable. We support more than 800,000 businesses in the UK and 3m customers globally. We are delivering products and services that transform the way people work. That’s what gets me out of bed in the morning.

Q What are your immediate challenges?

It’s about continuing to listen to our customers and what their needs are.

Mobile and cloud technologies are transforming the way many businesses operate and we are helping firms to make that transition. Our products give people the freedom to think big and the confidence to succeed, and knowing that you are making a genuine difference to everyone from start-ups to FTSE100 companies makes it exciting to be here.

With Lee Perkins, newly appointed MD, Sage UK & Ireland Q Sum up the business in five sentences We are the champion of SMEs and have a hugely trusted position in underpinning the operations of hundreds of thousands of UK firms. We energise the success of businesses around the world through the use of smart technology and the imagination of our people. We are re-imagining the business of doing business so our customers can realise their potential and prosper. We combine energy, experience and the latest smart technology to inspire our customers to be all they can be. We’ve been doing this for more than 30 years in a changing world.

Q What is Sage doing to support education?

We are teaching software coding to young people through our Code Club and we have strong links with regional higher and further education including Newcastle University and the University of Sunderland. We recently held a speed mentoring evening where we brought together business experts and budding entrepreneurs, many of whom were students, to provide advice and guidance on starting and growing a business.

Q What do you do when you’re not at work?

I’m a huge sports fan and I’ve always played various sports over the years.

Now I’m in the North East, I play rugby at Tynedale. I’m a proud dad of two daughters and spending time with my family is very important to me.

in association with

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

JUNE - JULY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 23

SUCCESS

Making it pig Bryn Littleton explores the world-leading work going on at IK-UK, manufacturer of pipeline cleaning ‘pigs’ for the world

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ig: noun - an omnivorous domesticated hoofed mammal with sparse bristly hair and a flat snout for rooting in the soil, kept for its meat. Synonyms: hog, boar, sow, porker, swine, piglet.

There are five dictionary definitions for the word pig.

Skip past the farm animal, the derogatory term for a greedy individual, and the oblong mass of smelted iron, and you’ll find “a device which fits snugly inside an oil or gas pipeline and is sent through it to clean or test the inside” - an essential component for the oil and gas

industry, and a number of others, for well over a century.

“They got their name because people used to clean pipelines with bundles of hay wrapped in wire and the noise as they were pushed through the pipes sounded like a squealing pig,” says IK-UK chief executive Richard Whadcoat, in answer to the obvious question.

Pigs have been the stock and trade of Newton Aycliffebased IK-UK, part of the Norwegian IK Group, since the company was created four years ago.

Pipeline pigs are made in a range of shapes and sizes from

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In early 2011, the IK-Group, a variety of materials including Norway set about creating a steel, polyurethane and foam. team that would not only IK-UK works primarily with oil manufacture pigs, but break and gas companies, but also new ground in creating across other sectors. bespoke pigging products, “We are manufacturing putting the IK Group at engineers but also a the head of its field. service provider,” The Newton says Richard “THE COMPANY Aycliffe facility, Whadcoat. “Our HAD THE SKILLS, which now engineers and EXPERIENCE AND employs 47 apprentices CONTACTS TO BUILD people, serves travel to clients SOMETHING markets to ensure they’re EXCITING“ worldwide and familiar with the has increased equipment and IK-Group’s worldwide show them not only penetration of its technology how to operate it, but also and isolation tools. how to maintain it and get the Serving key oil and gas best use from it.”

SUCCESS

NECC’s Ross Smith (L) and the Bishop of Durham (R) on the shop floor during National Apprenticeship Week

“We knew it had the potential to grow quickly” markets, the firm has strong links with the Middle East, Far East and North America and is opening up new markets all the time.

“When the company was formed, the team knew it had the potential to grow and develop quickly,” says Whadcoat. “We enjoy a fantastic relationship with our parent company in Norway and they have backed us in everything we’ve set out to achieve in Newton Aycliffe.”

Starting with no customers, no orders and relatively little equipment, a small group was tasked with building the company. Whadcoat came on

board 18 months ago, bringing with him 25 years experience in the oil and gas industry, having worked in many of the world’s major oil and gas producing countries.

“It was something of a leap into the unknown, but the company had the skills, experience and contacts to build something exciting,” he says. “We are lean, we’re committed to training, and we’re focused on customer satisfaction. Our apprentices benefit from experience at all levels of the business and work closely with customers. They are well aware that faulty or incorrect equipment can cause

problems in all sectors, but in ours it can cost lives.”

Apprentices Jack Pallister, 19, Adam Churm, 20, Jake Robinson, 19, and Andrew Knight, 20, are gaining experience across the company. “They bring enthusiasm and are eager to learn and develop,” says Whadcoat. “We value this not just at our UK plant, but in Norway too. We have hosted Norwegian apprentices and our lads will go to Stavangar to experience working life there.”

When IK-UK was challenged

by NECC to come up with an “apprenticeship” for the Bishop of Durham to mark Apprenticeship Week earlier this year, its young apprentices, who are provided by NECC, rose to the challenge.

“We knew the lads would deliver a comprehensive experience. They arranged an afternoon of activities for the Bishop, and they programmed the water jet cutting machine to carve an image of Durham Cathedral in copper plate and also presented him with a rose window coaster and pig that he assembled himself,” says Whadcoat.

The opportunity to learn a trade and develop a career attracted Jack Pallister,19, to IK-UK. He says: “After my A-Levels I went to college and very quickly found that it was not the environment for me. I

was keen to build some work experience and at IK-UK we get to work closely with the clients and we’re supported by everyone in the business.

“Because of the size of the company we get to work on interesting projects. We’re encouraged to bring forward ideas and work closely with colleagues who pass on years of knowledge.”

As well as standard pigging products, IK-UK provides isolation tools and AutoCad Inventor design technology services. It also operates a new hire fleet of certified weld testers, high-pressure test plugs and isolation tools.

The workshop has a paint spraying booth, welding and fabrication bay, high-definition plasma cutter, water jet cutter, and drilling, turning and vertical borer facilities including a new CNC lathe.

It seems that IK-UK can turn its hand to just about anything, including building pigs that, at 2.2 metres tall, are probably some of the world’s largest polyurethane products. The plant has also built bespoke products that can navigate bends in pipelines, and the attitude here is to try anything.

A traditional company using traditional methods at the cutting edge of the industry using new technology, this is manufacturing for the 21st Century.

JUNE - JULY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 25

PROFILE

Part of the furniture Barker and Stonehouse MD James Barker talks sofas and serving afternoon tea with Liz Hands

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rom floor to ceiling over three storeys, timbers which were originally part of Indian sailing boats deck the walls. They’re one of many quirky design features at the new Barker and Stonehouse store on Teesside Retail Park, and they’re very apt.

Standing on the mezzanine level surveying the store beneath him, James Barker could be looking out from the crow’s nest of his ship; a particularly stylish ship at that.

When we visit, it is the calm before the storm. While it has already played host to VIP customer evenings, the store is empty except for the beautiful room sets designed by Barker and Stonehouse’s creative manager Claire Hornby and staff preparing for the grand opening, when the Queen of TV’s Great British Bake Off, Mary Berry, will cut a cake in the shape of a sofa.

The Teesside store is the latest in a series of successful investments for Barker, who reported increases in both turnover and profit last year.

He also opened the first Barker

and Stonehouse store in the in agricultural economics in south after finding a disused Newcastle, Barker went on former candle factory in to work across the globe, in Battersea, London. the Far East and Australia, But it was not always a at Macy’s in New York and clear-cut plan that Barker at Saatchi and Saatchi as a would join the family firm. media buyer.

Barker and Stonehouse “It was the 1980s and was founded by wartime RAF it was great fun,” he says. comrades Charles Barker and “It gives you a confidence Alex Stonehouse after the and a way of dealing with war. Charles’ son, the current people. Not everyone has the chairman Richard Barker, opportunity to go into a family joined in 1960 and went on to business and I was given that a management buyout. opportunity. I didn’t James Barker want to waste that “WE’VE joined the family and I’ve enjoyed ALWAYS firm in 1991, it ever since.” although he has He may TRIED TO DO fond memories of not have SOMETHING working there well always been DIFFERENT” before that, in the working within warehouse and as a the family firm, delivery driver. “I’ve grown but Barker always up with it really, but I don’t appreciated what his father know if I ever thought I was and grandfather had achieved. going to go into the business,” “When my father opened the he says. “My father never said Newcastle store, that was a ‘that’s what you’re going to big move and to open out of do’. I went off and did various town in Middlesbrough was things and came back when innovative too. There were I wanted to do it, which is the very few furniture retailers right way round. You have to doing that then, so it was have something to bring to a brave move. It gave us the table.” accessibility and size. We’ve After completing a degree always tried to do something

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James Barker, Mary Berry, Barker & Stonehouse’s Claire Hornby a little bit different.” Talking of different, the Newcastle store and the new one in Stockton both have lovely cafés. The one in Stockton, Chadwick & Co Coffee House and Kitchen, is a partnership with Daryl Chadwick, a successful restaurateur known for his buzzing, continental-style cafés. Dishes here are designed to be eaten tapasstyle and the café is a fine compliment to the Barker & Stonehouse brand, indicative of a very modern approach to retailing at this company.

Barker has overseen much change in nearly a quarter of a century, not least in the advent of internet retailing. “We’ve just gone with it,” he says.

“It’s part of how people shop.

Something like 80% of people who walk into the store will have done research online.

“While once upon a time they may have spent Saturday afternoon going round six or seven furniture stores, now they research online and just go into two or three places that look like their kind of store. We do a lot of business on a Sunday night.

The principles of retail haven’t changed at all, it’s just another way of doing business.”

The new store is testament to Barker and Stonehouse’s defining characteristics.

The stock is still sourced by Barker, who travels the world on buying trips, bringing back one-off pieces from far-flung destinations to feature along

with British-crafted designs.

Some ranges here are the result of Barker’s Trees 4 Trees project, which helps Indonesian communities to plant trees which will later be used to produce more furniture.

Looking out over the shop floor, it’s hard to believe he makes any buying mistakes, though he says he does. “I get it very wrong some of the time; you’re only seeing the good ones. Some things I get in here and think ‘oh, I don’t know why I bought that’. You just remove it quickly and move on.”

But even the most impeccable buyer’s eye couldn’t encourage people to spend money on furniture during the recession.

“The weekend of the Northern Rock queues, we felt the impact instantly. I don’t think the rest of the country did. We were well ahead of the curve because of the immediate effect it had on everyone in the North East.

“But once you see light at the end of the tunnel, you have to start investing for the future again, so when things do come back, you’re in good shape.”

Barker is a father of four, so it may well be that Barker and Stonehouse remains a family firm for many years to come.

“But they’ve all got their own aspirations,” he says. “They’re on a different trajectory at the moment, so we’ll see where they get to. There’s no pressure.”

JUNE - JULY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 27

PROFILE

It’s the family way As she marks 10 years at the sharp end of the groundbreaking firm her father established three decades ago, Gill Southern is still finding there’s never a dull moment, discovers Owen McAteer

A

lthough she always told her father she would one day join Wessington Cryogenics, Gill Southern’s arrival at the firm was not in ideal circumstances.

She gave up an executive role at Sunderland University to join the firm during dark days when, despite a packed order book, rocketing steel prices were making for tough times.

“I would say I have a few more wrinkles, but no regrets,” she says now.

The firm survived that difficult period and has flourished since, designing and manufacturing cryogenic tanks for a diverse client base ranging from the US space agency NASA to CERN, home of the large hadron collider project. Its customers also include energy giant Haliburton, the producers of the James Bond films, and teams taking part in world balloon races.

Equipment from the Houghton-le-Spring firm is

found in locations ranging turnover of around £12m, with from Mount Everest to the 70% of its products exported South Pole and its products as far away as Brazil and as provide special effects for close to home as France.

Chelsea FC owner Roman “Export is critically Ambramovich’s nightclub. important to this region and With their father Eddie everybody now recognises Rowe now taking a back seat, that manufacturing makes Southern and her engineer money for UK PLC,” she says. brother Paul Rowe, the “There are always company’s MD, are opportunities to “I LOVE responsible for take products the firm founded and services HAVING THE in 1984. overseas; it’s FREEDOM TO Designing knowing where BE YOUR OWN to start, having tanks in a range of BOSS” sizes and shapes to the people to carry nitrogen, argon, help you put the oxygen and helium for foundations in place industrial applications, there and grow.” isn’t a sector into which they She sits on the board of the don’t supply products, she North East Local Enterprise says. And although every year Partnership (LEP), though she in the last 10 has presented says she is no political animal, its own challenges, Southern’s despite holding definite views enthusiasm is undiminished. on the anticipated in/out “I love having the freedom referendum on Europe. to be your own boss, though “It’s about fiscal and there are very real challenges. economic stability; we can’t We are responsible for all the afford to rock the boat. A families we employ.” policy where we become an The firm employs 145 outsider makes us visitors people and has an annual for export rather than part of

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Gill Southern

“Export is critically important to this region”

the global stage.” She fears a situation where British firms, no longer benefiting from fair trade agreements, become swamped in bureaucracy as they trade with Europe region by region. She is also quick to praise UKTI and NECC for the support they offer overseas.

“As a woman travelling alone overseas, I like the fact that UKTI will go to an embassy in a place that isn’t necessarily safe for a lone traveller and choose a driver.for you. That’s just as important as choosing factories to visit and learning about the culture.”

She was named Best Woman in International Business at the North East Women Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2012 and the firm was named Durham and Wearside Company of the year in the 2009 North East Business Awards. In addition, Southern was awarded an MBE for her services to North East Industry in 2011.

After Southern came on board, Wessington enjoyed the most successful period in its history. Mind you, it was not a lack of orders that led to its problems 10 years ago.

The firm had a long order book then, but it was locked into long-term pricing agreements with its blue chip clients at the same time as the steel price shot up by 28%.

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PROFILE

“We were victims of our own success; we had a very strong order book but economic factors working against us,” Southern says. “We have never had a period without economic challenges, but as one sector becomes hard work and opportunities dry up, we have been able to be flexible and supply to other sectors.

“That versatility is essential.

If you look at the last 10 years on the basis of the recession in manufacturing, we needed a plan to take us away from an over-reliance on oil and gas. Our plans have borne fruit and we have invested in new product development. We are looking at two or three real growth areas in addition to oil and gas.”

Biomedical science could be one of those areas and the firm is currently looking at bio-blood bank technology. It is also flourishing in a market where Wessington had faced massive price competition from newer entrants to the industry.

“We have earned a degree of loyalty,” she says. “We are known not only for the supply of the product, but also for our technical knowledge and after-sales service. Our location is midway between Aberdeen and Yarmouth and we offer a full repair service.

Our unique selling points mean we are not held to ransom by market price.”

Having started her career in banking with NatWest, she joined Sunderland University in 1995, where a large part of her work involved managing projects linking business and education. “One of my passions is apprenticeships.

We bring parents in as well as young people to explain they are part of Wessington and as valuable as any other

employee. If there are any problems at college I am their contact to ensure they get a quality education.

“We pay them a fair wage - a percentage of full salary rather than the minimum wage set for apprentices.

Apprentices should not be cheap labour. They are an investment in your business to address your skills gaps.

“We also offer second apprenticeships to people on the shop floor who have been time served doing something else. We have 20 plus workers

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doing adult apprenticeships and we have produced one or two really good welder fabricators.”

Bringing in younger people has extended to Southern’s 24-year-old daughter Victoria.

And with her niece studying at Durham and her son Daniel studying chemical engineering at Sheffield, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that those family links could be further strengthened in the future.

In the meantime, Southern and her partner are doing

up their new home in Blyth, which once belonged to one of the UK’s great entrepreneurs - Green Shield Stamps and Argos founder Granville Richard Francis Tompkins.

Going forward, she expects further growth to come from new areas. “That might mean expansion to new premises and creating new jobs, but for now it’s important we make sure the foundations are strong and we have partnerships leading to solid growth. It’s a patience game - all the building blocks must be in place.”

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SKILLS

The youth of today...

Laura McKinlay takes a seat alongside former apprentices at an event to celebrate the launch of the new NECC book, Apprentice Greats

N

ECC’s Apprentice Greats book profiles 200 business people who began their careers as apprentices, and some of them gathered to share their experiences at a special apprentice-focused round-table event as the book was launched.

The book, sponsored by Gateshead College and Middlesbrough College, was commissioned to mark NECC’s 200th anniversary, and the launch event featured a cross section of business people who enjoyed a dinner prepared and served by students at Gateshead College’s Greenhouse Brasserie.

Before the meal, Phil Handley of Caterpillar, Peterlee, echoed the experience of many.

“My dad got me my indenture apprenticeship and always told me, ‘get yourself a trade; no one can take it from you’,” he said.

After a three-course meal, Ross Smith, director of policy at NECC, welcomed the delegates.

“NECC is one of the largest independent training providers in the North East and we believe apprenticeships are a vital way of introducing young people into business,” he said.

“Feedback from events such as this will be used to shape NECC’s 200th anniversary legacy and the valuable work

we will do with our members in the future.”

disagreed. “There’s no stigma.

Employers are simply not offering enough opportunities.

STIGMA Apprentices may have Robin Mackie, chair of previously been labelled Gateshead College, raised the ‘thickies’ but now they are issue of a stigma sometimes ‘smarties’. People want attached to apprenticeships. apprenticeships.”

“My name’s Robin, I’m a Lee Rankin, of Gem thickie. That’s what people used Premium People Recruitment to think of me when I began said: “When the parents were my apprenticeship years ago,” younger, apprenticeships had a he said. “It’s a cultural issue. bad reputation. Things are People need to realise that different now.” apprenticeships are an “It’s a different generation,” opportunity. You don’t incur a agreed Dr Colin Herron of Zero student loan, for a start.”

Carbon Futures. “People don’t David Steele, of Altec look down on Engineering agreed. apprenticeships “We have a skills anymore, PEOPLE NEED shortage and an especially with TO REALISE ageing workforce.

APPRENTICESHIPS the negative Through publicity around ARE AN apprenticeships, university fees.”

OPPORTUNITY young people can get But Maureen their HNCs and their Jamieson of CMR degrees and one day end Group said: “I was told up in a director’s job, but that, due to my apprenticeship there’s a stigma from parents, background, I wouldn’t suit especially around engineering. ‘exam culture’. I felt there was a They think it’s a ‘dirty’ job.” glass ceiling for apprentices “I wonder if it’s the same in compared to graduates.” all industries,” said Peter Ivey, of BEL Valves. “Are potential BUSINESS & EDUCATION apprentices scared they’ll end The group considered how up being stuck on the ‘tools’ all business and education can their lives?” work together. Colin Barnes, of But Gavin Richardson of Go North East, said: “We need OPUS Building Services to get into schools and give kids

32 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / JUNE - JULY 2015

an alternative to debt and university. Through apprenticeships they can earn money, get qualifications and a successful career. They can still have the option to further their qualifications in later life.”

But Judith Doyle of Gateshead College said: “Far too many schools will not allow us, or any college, in to speak to their pupils about the benefits of apprenticeships, and when they do, it’s often just to speak to those they consider to be less academic. The school system is centralised on keeping students.

It’s all to do with the way they receive their funding. Then they push them into university

Tony Green Home Group

Tara Allen Direct Recruitment

Colin Barnes Go North East

Robin Mackie, chair, Gateshead College

Dr Colin Herron Zero Carbon Futures

Phil Handley Caterpillar, Peterlee

where the system starts again.”

But Phil Handler said: “We’ve been welcomed into schools where we’ve had events to promote manufacturing. We get a lot of support from the head teacher of our local school.”

Peter Walls of Gentoo Group said pupils should spend one

Geoff Ford Ford Aerospace

Peter Walls Gentoo Group

day of their learning week in enterprise. “It would help them understand the other four days they’re at school. We need to get the Apprenticeship Greats book into every school so they can see the potential waiting.”

Tara Allen of Direct Recruitment said: “Young

Lee Rankin, Gem People Recruitment

Maureen Jamieson CMR Group

Peter Ivey BEL Valves

Gateshead College and one of the first apprentices in the region, came to the UK during the Second World War after escaping Nazi Germany. He said: “Young people don’t know what’s out there other than the traditional and conventional jobs their parents might have done in the past.”

people have the wrong sort of role models nowadays. It’s all reality television and celebrities.

They need to be shown that if you work hard you’ll get a lot out of your life. Careers advice is not enough.”

Special guest George Loble MBE, 88, a past apprentice of

THE SOLUTION Considering a solution, event chair Ross Smith said: “We need to link business with education; help schools to understand the range of jobs in the North East.”

Robin Mackie said: “There’s no joined-up thinking. If 500 young people apply for five

JUNE - JULY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 33

SKILLS apprenticeships, as Phil Handley said earlier, what happens to the 495 who are rejected? Businesses should work together to pool this talent. We have to do more to generate ideas and put them into practice.”

“We need to think of the life cycle of our business and its jobs,” said Phil Handley. “It can be frustrating for apprentices when there’s no job at the end of it. They need to have long-term goals” Peter Walls added a sense of urgency in addressing a skills drain to other areas. “There’s a magnetic pull of young people to London and Manchester,” he said. “We can’t sit back and catch the curve of devolution.

We need to catch them before they leave the region. The business community must build on graduate success stories before talent drains elsewhere.”

The conversation turned to the work-readiness of young people. A reputation, whether warranted or not, of turning up late and being disrespectful, follows the younger generation like a dark cloud, said some of the delegates.

Geoff Ford of Ford Aerospace said: “We have our own academy where we offer six month traineeships with skills that the world needs – Maths, English, etc. Kids don’t know what employers need. We need tomorrow’s engineers. Get the teachers into our businesses.

They don’t know what we do, but we can show them.”

Tony Green, of Home Group, agreed that communicating directly with young people is

CLAIRE TALLON

Judith Doyle, principal and chief exec Gateshead College, George Loble

David Steel, Altec Engineering

crucial. “It’s refreshing that the North East is pushing apprenticeships as an opportunity rather than a last resort. I’ve noticed that when we go to schools to ‘sell’ apprenticeships no-one takes notice. You have to talk to young people on their level, make a connection, not just talk about business. They need a light bulb moment.”

Judith Doyle called for changes in funding. “Great apprentice schemes won’t happen unless the funding

Gavin Richardson, OPUS

regime is changed to allow us all to focus on providing the best opportunities for young people - training which leads to jobs and careers.”

Special guest George Loble said: “I always wonder what MPs know about anything.

NECC has the job of educating MPs and telling them about what’s going on in the real world. It’s simple. Businesses must influence teachers.

Teachers must influence parents. And parents must influence their children.”

DELEGATES Tara Allen, MD, Direct Recruitment Colin Barnes, apprentice manager, Go North East Judith Doyle, principal and chief executive, Gateshead College Geoff Ford, chairman, Ford Aerospace Tony Green, director of procurement, Home Group Phil Handley, MD, Caterpillar Peterlee Dr Colin Herron, MD, Zero Carbon Futures

Peter Ivey, chief operating officer, BEL Valves Maureen Jamieson, FD, CMR Group George Loble, retired Robin Mackie, chair, Gateshead College Lee Rankin, MD, Gem Premium People Recruitment Gavin Richardson, MD, OPUS Building Services David Steel, MD, Altec Engineering Peter Walls, chief executive, Gentoo Group

34 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / JUNE - JULY 2015

When Claire Tallon found herself, aged 19, sitting in front of a typewriter in a Hartlepool Portakabin, little did she know that one day she’d be considering embarking on an MBA with Durham Business School.

As sales director of Wynyard Park, with more than 800 acres of premium development land to look after, Tallon, 41, has climbed the ranks through hard work, determination and learning on the job.

“I love my job and I have always been very proud of what I had achieved in my career,” she says. “But, rightly or wrongly, the fact that I didn’t go to university bothered me and it would sometimes make me doubt myself.”

When meeting with NECC to discuss an apprentice scheme, she was asked if she could recommend anyone who might be interested in a Leadership and Management course.

“I felt the time was right to do something for me, so I said yes. I wanted to do the course.

“I really enjoyed it and learnt so much from the foundation courses of Maths, English and ICT. “If letters after my name help me feel more confident, or if I can help my daughter with her maths homework and be a positive role model to her, then it’ll be worth it.”

NEWS PORT OF CALL

Vreo engineer Ross Embleton, Generation NE’s Lorreen Butler, and Vreo MD Mark Vernon

New generation for tech business

T

echnical design consultancy Vreo has expanded thanks to support from new youth employment programme Generation NE. The £4.5m partnership between five North East local authorities has enabled Vreo to access funding and training to recruit 23-year-old engineer Ross Embleton who will be responsible for printed circuit board design, programming and network management in Vreo’s R&D team.

Vreo, which was shortlisted for the Innovation Award at the North

East Business Awards 2015, designs electronics and optoelectronic circuits and develops imaging systems using cameras, lighting and optics.

Its products are used across a range of sectors including healthcare, fire and security, biometrics, night vision and intelligent transport systems.

Generation NE, which forms part of the North East LEP’s Growth Deal, is empowering North East SMEs to future-proof their workforces while tackling the region’s youth unemployment by supporting young people into sustainable employment.

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE IN GHANA Teesside University has teamed up with social enterprise Media Savvy Training Solutions to help young people in Ghana.

Media Savvy, which has been given a grant of £15,800 from the UnLtd SEE Change programme, will deliver media production classes in Ghana for vulnerable and disadvantaged people to promote education, employability and creativity.

Dan Makaveli (pictured) who founded the social enterprise said: “We specialise in using a personalised learning approach so all of our courses are tailored to the specific needs of the groups which we’re delivering to.”

PD Ports is celebrating gaining recognition for its community engagement by Business in the Community.

In the Responsible Business Awards 2015, the port operator was shortlisted in the Freshfields Work Inclusion Award and received re-accreditation of a ‘Big Tick’ first awarded last year for its High Tide Foundation, launched in 2012 to raise aspirations and increase employment opportunities for young people on Teesside.

The Responsible Business Awards champion responsible business and celebrate companies which address social and environmental issues and transform their communities.

PD Ports was shortlisted for its Dock Operative Apprenticeship scheme, which has 13 apprentices in full time roles and eight others due to complete their aprenticeships next year.

NEWS

Catering students Mason Swallow and Rebecca Jackson

TASTE OF SUCCESS New College Durham catering and hospitality students cooked up a feast at the Major Series National Culinary Challenge.

They won four of a possible five gold medals in Street Food, Table Settings, Flambé, and Cocktails as well as nine silvers and 15 bronzes at the event.

JUNE - JULY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 35

EXPORT

HAVE YOUR SAY ON EXPORT Accountancy and business advisory firm Clive Owen LLP is inviting businesses to contribute to a survey designed to gain insights into how exporting affects SMEs in the region.

Clive Owen LLP, which has offices in Durham, Darlington, and York, is urging businesses to enter its export survey in order to find out where the region needs to focus its efforts to maximize growth.

The survey can be accessed at http://bit.ly/1S0mJXG

NEW MAN AT THE HELM Chris Hewitt has been appointed MD of North Tyneside print, packaging and supply chain business Elanders UK, part of Elanders AB, which has operations in 36 worldwide locations. The company, which recorded a record UK turnover of £23m in 2014, employs 194 people across its North Tyneside HQ, Birmingham and Scotland and offers global solutions for print and packaging, supply chain management and e-commerce.

CONTRACT QUARTET Kromek, the radiation detection technology company, has signed new contracts worth £633,000.

It has secured two new customers in the nuclear detection and security markets, with orders worth a combined £291,000 from two global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Kromek will provide the US-based clients with patented nuclear detectors to enhance their radiation detection capabilities.

Tomorrow’s world

N

ECC has launched a new suite of programmes to support businesses of all sizes to trade overseas as part of its UKTI contract across the North East.

NECC international trade director Julie Underwood says: “We have services for companies of all sizes and specialities, whether first-time exporters needing support with training and planning and support to grow business overseas, or advice on how to overcome cultural barriers.”

Worldwide demand for British goods online is growing and UKTI has negotiated discounted rates for UK brands to list their products on major e-commerce platforms including Amazon (US), Mercado Libre (Latin America) and Alibaba (China).

“We are working with organisations

to increase their online and e-commerce presence and are also offering group trade visits to a number of European countries,” says Underwood. “We also have a networking reception with a range of tailored contacts from the business networks of our overseas teams and there are opportunities for companies to learn from one another.

“Our services are designed to increase confidence and competence before entering overseas markets. We can help to find the best way to do business in a market and increase profits by using effective overseas promotion. We’re always looking for the next opportunity and, after researching and validating projects, we share information at an early stage, giving a competitive advantage and saving time and resources.”

Contact UKTI, tel 0345 136 1069

QUEEN’S AWARD FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE Elfab in North Shields has won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of its outstanding achievements in International Trade.

The company has shown significant year-on-year growth over the last 10 years and the award further enhances its reputation as a leading manufacturer of intelligent pressure relief systems to protect

36 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / JUNE - JULY 2015

people, plant and processes, including rupture (bursting) discs, explosion-venting panels and associated burst detection.

MD Deborah Bevan says: “This award is tribute to the hard work of the entire Elfab team. The company has responded to global economic challenges to ensure that we continue to grow through our offering of superior products and services.”

APPOINTMENTS

in association with

AT YOUR SERVICE

IN’n’OUT car servicing has appointed Helen Wesolowski as its new business development manager for the Northern region. She is now the first point of contact for those taking advantage of NECC ‘member to member’ deals available at the firm’s Stockton branch.

COMMERCIAL CHOICE

Owen Pugh Group has appointed a group commercial director to oversee all commercial activity across the organisation.

Jonathan Grant has responsibility for leading the development of the group’s long-term strategy in relation to corporate performance, finance and acquisition.

PENSIONS PARTNER LEGAL APPOINTMENTS Newcastle law firm Wallers has strengthened its specialist Complex Team with the appointment of solicitors Vicki Alexander and Amanda Robinson.

Vicki Alexander is senior manager of the Complex Team. Her brief includes contested cases, reputational risk and mortgage fraud as well as actions brought by LPA Receivers.

Client relationship manager Amanda Robinson has completed her training contract, working in complex mortgage repossession litigation, mortgage fraud and appeals.

The pensions team at law firm Ward Hadaway has been strengthened with the appointment of Ian O’Toole, who joins the firm as a partner.

He advises companies and trustees on a range of pensions matters, encompassing advisory, transactional and trustee work and including issues such as auto-enrolment, scheme mergers and demergers and dealing with the Pensions Regulator.

DRIVING CHANGE

A career change has steered an ambitious teenager towards an apprenticeship programme at Jennings Ford. Bethany Hayden, 19, from Stockton has moved from a hairdressing career to become an apprentice service adviser at the Yarm Road dealership. She will learn sales and customer service through on-the-job training and continuous assessment.

GEM Partnership has strengthened its engineering recruitment team with the appointment of Luke Ryan. Luke has relocated back to his native North East after working in Manchester for the last 3 years for an international recruiter.

ATTRACTING IT TALENT FAIR PLAY

Technology-led financial advisory business Fairstone Group has appointed Colin Van Dam as senior developer and Stuart Marshland as infrastructure manager to its IT team. Both previously worked for Newcastle based GL Education Group.

LITIGATION EXPERT

Swinburne Maddison LLP has appointed Jen Pearson, formerly an associate with Newcastle law firm Bond Dickinson, to its dispute resolution team.

Pearson, a member of the Property Litigation Association, advises clients such as local authorities, registered social housing providers and private landlords with large property portfolios in relation to freehold, leasehold and housing disputes.

In the commercial property sector she advises clients on matters of tenant default issues such as non-payment of rent, breaches of covenant and alterations and dilapidations..

NEW STARTER

SOUND SUCCESSOR

Technology specialist Saville Audio Visual has announced a successor for sales and marketing director Ed Everard, who has retired. Andy Dyson has played an influential role in Saville’s award-winning success. He joined as a warehouseman and was appointed to the board as commercial director in 2012.

Many organisations identify skill shortages as a threat to productivity, hindering the realisation of future goals. This is particularly pertinent within Technology sectors where demand for Developers is at an all-time high. With companies all vying for the same talent, employers should recognise that the balance of power has shifted in favour of the job seeker.

Progressive organisations are reacting to these shifts in the market by evaluating their “employer of choice” branding and recognise the need to sell the company to prospective employees. Employers are also becoming acutely aware that the hiring process itself needs to be timely and leave a positive impression. Once talent has been secured it is equally important to continue to review the retention strategy.

Nosheen Tariq IT Team Manager

JUNE - JULY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 37

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With specially trained relationship managers for the manufacturing sector, an extensive range of products, and a proven commitment to lending, we’re here to help. lloydsbank.com/manufacturing

Any property given as security which may include your home, may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or other debts secured on it.

All lending is subject to a satisfactory credit assessment. Lloyds Bank plc. Licensed under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 under licence number 0004685. We subscribe to The Lending Code; copies of the Code can be obtained from www.lendingstandardsboard.org.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Rok solid training

S

underland College has joined forces with Sunderland pharmaceutical company Rokshaw to launch a new apprenticeship programme in Performing Manufacturing Operations (PMO).

Three apprentices are currently on the scheme, which involves on-thejob training at Rokshaw’s specially designed laboratory in Rivergreen Industrial Estate in Pallion, Sunderland, and expert knowledgebased training undertaken at Sunderland College.

The partnership was formed after Rokshaw secured approval from the Home Office and Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency to begin manufacturing.

The three apprentices are now completing an 18-month PMO apprenticeship and, once qualified, will join Rokshaw’s skilled workforce as production technicians.

Jonathan Hodgson, business development director at Rokshaw, says: “We have been delighted with the commitment and quality of the apprentices we have taken on. They are already adding great value to our business and, as our workforce continues to expand, we would be delighted to run this programme again.”

Iain Nixon, Sunderland College’s executive director of commercial activity, says: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Rokshaw to provide entry-level manufacturing opportunities in the city.”

Iain Nixon, Sunderland College’s executive director of commercial activity

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Ahead of the game.

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

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

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Hartlepool College flying high

H

artlepool College of Further Education is expanding its engineering provision with new dedicated facilities designed with input from employers to ensure their relevance to the sector.

The best performing provider of apprenticeships in the country and one of the top 17% of English colleges overall, the college is the region’s original STEM centre, its history dating back to 1849 when its forerunner delivered skills in engineering, shipbuilding

Hartlepool College and the restored ex-RAF Jet Provost in its grounds

and mathematics. In 1962, the college moved to its current location in the centre of Hartlepool, offering

courses and facilities that introduced many engineers to emerging areas such as electronics and computing. It

is now the largest provider of apprenticeships in the area, working with more than 2,000 employers.

Apollo teams up with Caterpillar

Principal Sally Hudson and Apollo Y12 students Connor Mason, Thomas Gorham, Daniel Salmon, Christopher Halliday and Greg Robson, learning manager at Caterpillar, Peterlee

T

he Apollo Studio Academy has announced a new three-year partnership with

Caterpillar Peterlee after Apollo’s principal issued a call for employer support.

The partnership follows an article in Contact magazine by

Apollo’s principal Sally Hudson, who called for more support from local engineering companies for apprentices.

After the article was published,

Caterpillar Peterlee came forward to commit to a partnership with the new studio school.

Caterpillar Peterlee has come up with a new community learning strategy to be piloted in 2015 with two local secondary schools, working with fewer students to build stronger connections.

It has also committed to a number of projects over the three years, including offering students the chance to work three days a year in its simulated work environment.

A total of 13 students a year will benefit from a week’s work experience.

Sally Hudson says: “Caterpillar has bought into what we are doing here at Apollo. Hopefully many of our students may go on to have great careers with the company.”

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ADVERTISEMENT

AEROSPACE BOSS OPTIMISTIC AS APPRENTICESHIP PIECES FALL INTO PLACE

By Geoff Ford MBE, Chairman of Ford Aerospace Ltd and Ford Component Manufacturing Ltd

I

Ian Parnaby, a lecturer at South Tyneside College’s School of General Engineering and an instructor with the Ford Engineering Academy, Ford Aerospace apprentice Chloe Kingsland (seated), Renee Laming, South Tyneside College’s adult workplace learning assessor, and Geoff Ford MBE, Chairman of Ford Aerospace Ltd and Ford Component Manufacturing Ltd.

t’s a statistic that is as daunting as it is concerning - and poses questions as yet only partially answered. In a region where engineering and manufacturing have been essential to industrial success and enterprise, how do we eradicate SEMTA’s estimated 15,000 shortfall in skilled jobs in these sectors by 2020?

While many of us are working hard on the solution, it remains a worrying sign of the times – but not one without hope. Providing the opportunities to fill these positions is a great challenge but one of potential for us all - be we business boss or ambitious school-leaver. These opportunities are vast and open to all, and must be grasped.It is approaching two years since I put into practice a long-held ambition to support those aged 16 to 24 to work in engineering. That the Ford Engineering Academy has proved such a success since taking its first trainees in September 2013 shows how much young people want to learn its range of skills.

We are looking for around 30 recruits for its Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations Certificate intake in September – the fourth and largest tranche yet. Although we would like to accept all applicants, the final number will be decided by quality, not quantity.

Run in conjunction with South Tyneside College, whose lecturers provide expert tuition, age is its only limitation. It has attracted female as well as male candidates, which pleases me greatly and is something that should no longer raise eyebrows.

Indeed, concerted steps are being taken to encourage women to learn the engineering skills at which they usually prove incredibly adept.

After all, research reveals they do better than boys in engineering and manufacturing-related subjects at GCSE level but, disappointingly, perceive the same subjects too difficult at A-level and desist from these studies. There is no need for this and ways must be found to persuade them to persevere.

My own recent experience confirms they have nothing to fear. Chloe Kingsland, a new recruit to Ford Aerospace Ltd, has instantly and conclusively proven that engineering can no longer be considered a man’s world.

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Chloe is just 16 years old, yet is an apprentice of great potential and taking her first steps towards a long, satisfying and well paid career.

She is proof that possessing confidence in one’s own ability and the right attitude are the essential first building blocks to success. Boasting these attributes, her work skills will quickly develop.

Indeed, 25 per cent of our workforce of around 160 people is female, a figure based entirely on merit.

In this arena the National Careers Service in Gateshead is playing its part through a newlydeveloped app under its COGS, or Challenging Occupational Gender Stereotyping initiative.

Downloadable to mobile devices, it supports careers advisors through in-depth profiles of careers where there is under-representation of men or women – and manufacturing and engineering are included.

Schools and colleges can offer other important support in eradicating our worrying skills gap.

There are promising signs, with increasing numbers introducing specialist STEM programmes, aware of their importance and popularity. I am a STEM ambassador, which means I actively promote the learning of science, technology, engineering and manufacturing. Last month alone we responded to requests from a number of schools to support activities including holding mock job interviews around STEM subjects. As part of this, staff from Ford Aerospace will explain to them the many varied opportunities that exist in engineering and manufacturing. There is a multitude of career paths, and I am proof of that, being an accountant by profession rather than a trained engineer.

Today there are many grounds to be optimistic that our engineering and manufacturing base can be successfully developed. There is greater awareness regionally and nationally that steps must be taken - there are many who realise this and are working towards a better resourced and better regarded future. In time we may have successfully combined our resources and determination and achieved our aim.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Tackling skills gaps with Lloyds

L

loyds Bank Commercial Banking is continuing to support businesses in the North East to close the skills gap by supporting the work of Quorum Business Park-based TDR Training.

TDR has long-standing relationships with schools and colleges and supports businesses hiring apprentices by project managing the recruitment process, ensuring applicants have a passion for engineering and manufacturing, and the skills, knowledge and attributes to help them succeed.

TDR matches young people with one of the 75 companies it works with, and supports apprentices and businesses

through to the completion of each apprenticeship.

Michael Hindhaugh, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, says: “The manufacturing industry is a key driver of economic growth in the North East. As demand for products and services escalates, businesses need to train and develop their existing workforce and find the next generation of employees capable of meeting the challenges of a global marketplace. A common problem for employers is finding high-calibre candidates to fill these roles, which is where TDR Training comes in.”

Lloyds Bank has worked with TDR MD Ian Young

Get the best out of your business with

to provide the funding to support the firm’s recent move to its premises in Newcastle. Lloyds Bank has also spent time with the TDR Training team to learn how to communicate the benefits of employing apprentices to its other clients. Michael Hindhaugh says: “Our team in the North East is committed to supporting the growth of ambitious businesses in the region. Thanks to this collaborative approach with TDR Training, a number of local firms now employ apprentices, helping to shape the future generation of manufacturers and engineers.

“We understand the importance of working with schools, colleges and businesses to encourage

youngsters to explore a career in STEM subjects, and we look forward to seeing the North East manufacturing industry flourish as a result.”

New College Durham

New College Durham Higher Level Apprenticeship Funded programmes now available offering current or new staff the opportunity to gain a degree or high-level vocational qualifications in: Accountancy Professional Administration Computing and IT Construction Management Health & Care Leadership HR Management Advanced Manufacturing

Free or heavily subsidised programmes now on offer at New College Durham newcollegedurham.ac.uk

BUSINESS IS GREAT BRITAIN

JUNE - JULY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 47

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Nifco puts college in driving seat

T

eesside car parts maker Nifco UK has recently completed the first year of a three-year operative training programme with Middlesbrough College, which will see staff undergo productivity training with a value of almost £1,000 per person.

The Eaglescliffe-based business, which was awarded the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) Employer Ownership Fund (EOF) to help deliver a people development programme to support its rapid expansion, will work with the college to deliver training, including employee ownership, improvement activities and coaching courses.

The £285,000 committed

Mike Matthews, MD, Nifco UK, with Ian Smith, Middlesbrough College STEM director

to the programme with the college is partially funded by an EOF grant of up to £142,000, which the business must match-fund with its own money and will allow Nifco to provide staff training in areas

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such as maintenance, quality and principles.

It will also allow Nifco UK to engage the whole workforce in the next step in achieving the company’s vision, which is to be the European number

one supplier of choice for automotive plastic functional components.

At present, it has a turnover of more than £50m and is aiming to reach a turnover of £100m by 2020.

New College Durham is number one in apprenticeships

A

ccording to figures released by the Skills Funding Agency, New College Durham is the region’s top college for apprenticeships.

The college saw 85% of apprentices successfully gaining their qualification in 2013/14 - significantly above the national average and the third best in the country.

Principal and chief executive John Widdowson CBE says: “Apprenticeships are essential for the success of businesses and make a significant contribution to

Apprentices Callum Mekins (carpentry & joinery apprentice), Leo Hare (sports apprentice), Clark Gill (motor vehicle apprentice) and Rebecca Hollis (catering apprentice)

the economy. Apprenticeship programmes are great way for young people to kick-start or get ahead in their career, allowing them to earn a salary while learning specific on-the-job skills and gaining a nationally recognised qualification.”

“Our apprenticeship team works hard with employers to develop new apprenticeship programmes to satisfy business needs.”

The college currently offers more than 30 apprenticeship frameworks across a wide range of different industry

sectors, from accountancy and engineering to dental nursing, sport and hairdressing.

It also offers new Higher Apprenticeships, which enable apprentices to gain higher education qualifications, such as a foundation degree.

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We’re motivated by results

Are you?

We firmly believe that training and development should deliver results – strengthening your business to make it more efficient and more competitive.

So when you’re thinking about your workforce and skills needs, choose a training provider that really understands your requirements, will deliver high quality solutions and provide a clear return on your investment.

Choose Sunderland College We’ve a proven track record of designing and delivering courses including HNCs and HNDs in: Fabrication and Welding, Performing Manufacturing Operations, Business Improvement Techniques, CAD, Leadership and Management To find out more call 0191 511 6000 or email employers@sunderlandcollege.ac.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE

THE BUSINESS OF GOLF

When is a day at work not like work at all?

When it’s spent on the golf course

W

hether you’re meeting clients, catching up with colleagues, or hosting a corporate golf day, there are few better places to spend a working day than on the golf course.

It’s often said that more deals are done on the golf course than in the boardroom, and there are few better ways to get to know a person than walking the fairways.

Add to that the number of venues which combine golf with quality food, facilities and great accommodation, and the North East’s golf clubs are clearly excellent places to do business.

LONGHIRST HALL GOLF CLUB Now in their prime and hosting professional events including the PGA EuroPro Tour this summer, the two championship golf courses at Longhirst Hall test some of the UK’s best professionals while providing a great place for an afternoon away from the office.

The Lakes course, a taste of Florida golf in Northumberland, is a stern test with water in play on 14 of the 18 holes.

Its large greens are widely regarded as some of the best presented in the region, and adding up the number of balls left in its lakes makes for entertainment in the clubhouse.

The Dawson course, which will host some of the country’s best young professionals from the EuroPro this summer, is

Longhirst Hall

also superbly presented and offers a mix of risk and reward holes for an entertaining day’s golf.

Away from the golf course, the clubhouse is the perfect

place to relax, while the menu is home cooked and available for large parties for golf days.

There is ample room for large parties in the clubhouse, and the lounge is perfect for a

post-round meeting or presentation.

Longhirst Hall Golf Club Longhirst, Morpeth, NE61 3LL tel 01670 791 562 www.longhirstgolf.co.uk

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ADVERTISING FEATURE RAMSIDE HALL HOTEL & GOLF CLUB Home to one of the UK’s newest golf courses and an award-winning hotel and spa, Ramside Hall Hotel and Golf Club is an ideal venue for doing business.

Its two 18-hole championship courses - the Prince Bishops course and the new Cathedral course - are fine examples of risk and reward golf.

The Cathedral course, opened in September 2014 as part of a £15m redevelopment at the four-star resort, is 7,200 yards from the back tees and is laid out across a hilltop plateau and a picturesque wooded valley. It also has its own Amen Corner with holes inspired by Augusta National Golf Club, and views across Durham city and its cathedral.

The par 72 Prince Bishops

Ramside Hall

course measures 6,851 yards and opened in 1996 having been designed by Jonathan Gaunt around 16 water hazards and more than 50,000 mature trees.

Away from the golf courses,

there is a luxury clubhouse and driving range, plus a new Rib Room, Steakhouse and Grill.

The resort’s spa offers full-day experiences and one-off treatments, and the hotel has 80 rooms and suites

Longhirst Hall G O L F

C L U B

THE PERFECT VENUE FOR YOUR CORPORATE EVENT OR FUNCTION TWO EXCELLENT COURSES TO CHOOSE FROM - EXCLUSIVE USE FOR YOUR GOLF DAY CORPORATE MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE LONGHIRST HALL GOLF COURSE, LONGHIRST, MORPETH, NORTHUMBERLAND, NE61 3LL

Telephone 01670 791562 or email: enquiries@longhirstgolf.co.uk visit us online at: www.longhirstgolf.co.uk

52 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / JUNE - JULY 2015

and a five-bedroom Farmhouse.There is also a health club, gym and pool.

Ramside Hall Hotel and Golf Club, Carville Durham, DH1 5TD www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk

Linden Hall

LINDEN HALL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB A short drive from Newcastle, the impressive country house setting of Linden Hall Golf & Country Club is home to a championship golf course,

conference facilities for up to 300 delegates, and an awardwinning restaurant and accommodation.

The 18th Century hall is at the heart of the resort and the golf course is laid out in

mature woodland with views to the Cheviots, Coquet Island and Northumberland coastline.

The 6,846 yard, par 72 course, which was designed by renowned golf course architect Jonathan Gaunt, is well

defended by bunkers and the highlight of many rounds is the risk and reward par-five 13th - a double dog-leg with a green protected by water.

Away from the golf course, facilities include a golfers’ lounge - Linden Tree Pub, conference facilities for up to 300 delegates, teambuilding activities including quad biking, raft building and blindfolded 4x4 driving within the 450 acre estate, meeting rooms, and the two AA Rosette Dobson restaurant.

There is also a spa, gym and pool on site - all of which can be included as part of stay and play and society packages.

Linden Hall Golf & Country Club, Longhorsley Morpeth, NE65 8XF tel 0844 879 9084 www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/ our-hotels/macdonaldlinden-hall-golf-country-club

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book your corporate golf day at close house and play the north east’s only top 100 golf course • Where Lee Westwood is the Attached Tour Professional • One of only 5 PGA Golf Academies in the UK • Two world class 18-hole courses

• New 9-hole par 3 Yearling course • 17 palatial bedroom suites • Magnificent No.19 clubhouse and restaurant

Giving your guests an unforgettable golfing experience

please speak with a member of the golf team, call 01661 85 22 55 or email enquiries@closehouse.co.uk for further information. close house, heddon on the Wall, neWcastle upon tyne, ne15 0ht WWW.closehouse.com

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ADVERTISING FEATURE CLOSE HOUSE Close House offers worldclass facilities and two golf courses approved by Lee Westwood just eight miles from Newcastle.

Its luxury No.19 clubhouse has had a major refurbishment recently, while the golf courses, the Lee Westwood Colt and Lee Westwood Filly, are deservedly renowned.

The Colt, one of the UK & Ireland’s Top 100 golf courses, will host this summer’s ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship with legends of the game taking on the Scott Macpherson-designed course.

Meanwhile, the Lee Westwood Filly course, recently re-designed by Macpherson, loops back to the clubhouse making it the ideal course when you have time for nine holes after work.

The resort also features the North East’s only PGA

Close House

Academy with tuition and custom fitting available from the team of PGA professionals led by head professional Jonathan Lupton.

Close House’s award-winning food and

accommodation, coupled with its close links to the city and Newcastle International Airport, are renowned.

In addition to corporate memberships, Close House’s expert team facilitates golf

days for any size of party including on-course branding and entertainment.

Close House, Heddon-on-theWall, Newcastle, NE15 0HT tel 01661 852 255 www.closehouse.com

Arguably the best venue for your corporate or society golf day in the North of England • Two 18 hole championship golf courses • Shotgun starts any day of the week We understand how time consuming it can be to organize golf days.

So why not leave it to us to organize your event? Our events team will liaise with you at each stage to keep you informed.

For more information visit: www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk/golf Telephone 0191 386 9514 Email: helen.roseberry@ramsidehallhotel.co.uk Ramside Hall, Carrville, Durham DH1 1TD

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OUT TO LUNCH

The best laid plans Liz Hands speaks to Latimer Hinks chief executive Anne Elliott about law, lambs and Lenny Henry

O

ur interview doesn’t get off to the best start. Nothing to do with my interviewee Anne Elliott, chief executive at County Durham law firm Latimer Hinks, who is charm personified, even when we are turned away from our original choice of restaurant because of a booking mishap.

What follows is a series of phone calls and a dash around Teesside, in convoy, looking for a late lunch alternative. Finally settled down at Cena Trattoria in Yarm, where staff display impeccable customer service, we start again.

It’s perhaps little wonder that Elliott is used to searching out an alternative choice.

Growing up on her family farm at Scotch Corner, she was conscious that her two brothers would be the ones to go into farming, while she and her sister would carve out different career paths.

Her headmistress at school in Richmond suggested she should go into law, and it was advice well taken. Elliott completed her law degree and articles in Leeds, before sitting her finals after college in Guildford. She went into her

first job at Latimer Hinks, and will soon be celebrating 40 years at the firm.

“I went in as an assistant to two senior partners,” says Elliott. “They were both big personalities in very different ways and I learnt so much from them. They and their partners asked me to join them in partnership when I was just 28.

It was all about being in the right place at the right time.

“I was the only woman solicitor there when I started in 1976, so I was something of a novelty. I watched the film Made in Dagenham recently, about the 1968 strike at Ford when female workers walked out in protest over unequal pay.

But, even though I entered what was a male-dominated profession, I never experienced any discrimination. Now, there are more women than men going into the law.”

A strong work ethic propelled Elliott through the ranks. She now heads up Latimer Hinks as chief executive after the firm moved from partnership to limited company to switch to a “more modern way of doing things”.

Driven yet down-to-earth, you get the impression Elliott

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would have made her way to the top no matter what her career choice.

“When you grow up on a farm, you can’t help but have a good work ethic,” she says.

“People who aren’t in the farming industry have this notion of childhood on a farm being about frolicking through meadows and cuddling baby lambs. But the fact is, it’s hard work. We all had to pitch in.”

While Elliott admits it is unusual to have been in the same firm for a full career, it has clearly worked for her. “Some people say you should change jobs because you learn

something different at every place you work and I can see that argument,” she says. “But it was a completely different climate then. A lot of people expected that they would be in a job for life.

“Now I think the situation is coming full circle. People want job security coming out of a recession. Most of our staff have been with us since they trained, being promoted through the company. We take on law graduates at secretarial level, they often stay to do their training and we retain them as solicitors. Our team ethos is a big plus point.”

While Elliott is clear that Latimer Hinks should be a practice “for the people of Darlington”, the firm has carved out a deservedly impressive reputation for helping high net worth clients right across the country. Latimer Hinks is listed in the Legal 500, which recommends the best law firms across the world.

“We major on agricultural and property work of all types, wills, trust, probate and personal and business succession planning, so we are often dealing with very affluent clients. Fortunately, a number of financial advisers and

accountants and other professionals recommend us, so, taken with strong client loyalty, that’s the way our business has grown.”

Talk of wills turns the conversation to the decision of many celebrities and highprofile entrepreneurs to disinherit their children. The day we meet, comedian Lenny Henry revealed he was unlikely to pass down his £5m fortune to daughter Billie because he wants her to learn to “stick up for herself”.

“We want to step in before there is any sort of problem when it comes to wills and

succession planning,” says Elliott. “Because we get to know clients and their families over the years, it really affects us personally and on a human level if they fall out.

“Everyone wants their children to find their own way in life, to have a good work ethic.”

Her own children have carved out their own career paths. Her son has gone into the world of horse racing, working as a bloodstock agent in Newmarket, while her daughter initially followed in Elliott’s footsteps by doing a law degree at Leeds, before she went

into private equity work in London. Technology and the advent of low-cost, online legal services has been the greatest change Elliott has seen.

“There are websites where you can pose a question to a lawyer, DIY wills, firms offering conveyancing for a small fixed fee. I tried one of these sites as a bit of an experiment and the advice wasn’t far off the mark.

“But it’s about whether you want to build a relationship or you simply want a product.”

It’s clear Elliott’s firm is all about offering solutions which are bespoke and tailored rather than off-the-shelf.

JUNE - JULY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 57

New members Our online new member page brings you information about the companies which have recently joined NECC - the region’s largest business membership organisation. Along with contact details, there are 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

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

Thank You

For your recent membership renewals. Particular thanks to members supporting NECC for over 15 years 100+ YEARS! KPMG LLP

15-19 YEARS 110

30-39 YEARS K Home International Ltd PSI Global Ltd Van Der Velde (Services & Support) Ltd Arco Ltd Casper Shipping Ltd Northern Machine Tools (Eng) Ltd

38 38 37 36 35 34

25-29 YEARS Dodds Brown Commercial Aycliffe Engineering Ltd A H L Industrial Pipework Specialist Ltd Feller (UK) Limited David Fox Transport Equine Products (UK) Ltd Sir Robert McAlpine Limited Tyne Gangway (Structures) Ltd

28 27 26 26 25 25 25 25

20-24 YEARS Bradley O’Mahoney Public Relations 24 Cormeton Fire Protection Ltd 24 Gott Technical Services 24 Spire Washington Hospital 24 Stockton Riverside College 24 UHY Torgersens Ltd 24 W O Silmon Ltd 24 Berendsen 23 Cherry Parts Ltd 23 Dunwoodie Architects Limited 23 Hepple Engineering Services Ltd 23 International Syalons (Newcastle) Ltd 23 Robert Kirkland (Blyth) Ltd 23 Shuttleworth Picknett & Associates LLP 23 Techwax Ltd 23 Todd Milburn Partnership Limited 23 Elring Klinger (Great Britain) Limited 22 Safetech 21 SIB Office Supplies Ltd 21 Travel Bureau 21 AUK (rpe) Ltd Trading as Airservices (UK) 20 Christopher Brummitt Architect 20 Cramlington Precision Forge Ltd 20 Cummins Ltd 20 Gilpin & Harding Ltd 20 Hospitality Services 20 Interglobal Forwarding 20 Leven Bridge Limited 20 Parkland Engineering Ltd 20 Playprint Limited 20 RTR HANDELSGESELLSCHAFT 20 The Jennings Group 20 Universal AV Services Ltd 20

Adecco UK Ltd BES Consulting Engineers Ltd Cavotec UK Limited Clive Owen LLP Consett Steel Services & Taylorsteel (NE) Ltd Doncasters Paralloy Ltd DWF LLP England & Lyle Limited Fife Engineering Co Ltd J W Colpitts & Co Ltd Jotron (UK) Ltd NDT Global Limited Northumberland Wildlife Trust Limited Perfect Image Ltd Redcar Business Association Ribchesters Chartered Accountants Scotia Instrumentation Ltd Trans-Store Security Compounds Blaydon UK Ltd Fleet Services North East J N Straughan & Co Chartered Accountants MMC Group Rhenus Logistics Limited Starscape Star Ceilings Ltd Tynetec Division of Legrand Electric Ltd Typhoon International Limited United Carlton Office Systems Ltd Able Construction (Northern) Limited Acquisitions International Cane & Pine Design Claremont Controls Ltd D W Marshall & Co Ltd Hanro Ltd Scott Bros Ltd Stockton on Tees Borough Council Chester-Le-Track Ltd Christie Proud Thompson Elanders Ltd J E Nixon & Son North of England Civic Trust R M Myers & Co Ltd Sanderson Young Visitech International Ltd Wilsonart Ltd A1 Asphalt & Tarmacadam Surfacing Ltd Bettablast Blasting Services Cambridge Research Biochemicals EC Jarred (MSS) Ltd GLH Hotels Management (UK) Limited King Design Associates Ltd KMJ Risk Solutions Ltd Matthew Trotter & Miller Planit Poster Distribution Ltd Polar Krush - NICC Ltd Power Wholesale Ltd RHLS Ltd Servicemaster Contract Services and Merry Maids Tyneside Willowcrete Manufacturing Co Ltd

The above includes members which have supported NECC for over 15 years and renewed their membership during March and April 2014.

We would like to thank all of our members for their continued support.

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HI! TECH

Hi Tech!

Right on time!

Everybody’s talking about it, and should you manage to get your hands on it, the Apple Watch is proving rather useful. A must-have, if you can afford one!

Apple Watch, £299-£13,500 apple.com

Dean Bailey takes a look at some of this summer’s must-have gadgets

Turn up the volume

Tired of those tiny speakers in the back of your flatscreen TV? Invest in a soundbar and greatly improve the audio quality of your TV from under £100 up to well over £1,000. The Q Acoustics Media 4, available from John Lewis and Amazon, is a safe choice for just under £400.

Q Acoustic Media 4, £399 qacoustics.co.uk

Press print

Lights, camera, action!

One for the action men and women among us, capture those action-packed moments this summer with the GoPro Hero4 Black.

Synonymous with action cameras across the world, at around £400 this one is great for everything from mountain biking to skydiving.

GoPro Hero4 Black, around £400, GoPro.com

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is getting cheaper by the day. Resolution and size are key, if you’re in the market, and the CubePro Trio offers three colour, three material printing and is a great choice for amateur modellers and engineers out there CubePro Trio, around £3,000 cubify.com/cubepro

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE: LUNCH STRAUSS SUITE AT THE COUNTY HOTEL

NO.19 AT CLOSE HOUSE

HOTEL DU VIN

DABBAWAL

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, two course meal and Tea/Coffee

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

Whether you’re 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.

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.

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, 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.

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

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

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

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

JUNE - JULY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 59

EVENTS World Record – Be Part Of It Northumbria University Sport Central, Newcastle, June 11, 11am-1pm FREE As part of the NECC Member Showcase at Northumbria University on Thursday June 11, NECC aims to break a world record.

Rivers of Enterprise: Celebrating 200 Years of North East Business NECC Archive Exhibition Literary & Philosophical Society, Newcastle, April Heritage Gallery at Cargo Fleet Lane, Middlesbrough, May

The aim is to create the Largest Human Currency Symbol, creating a Pound sign with more than 300 business representatives to promote inward investment in the region. It will also be a great networking opportunity.

To book your free place go to www.necc. co.uk/events or email events@necc.co.uk The event is open to members to exhibit and both members and non members to attend.

The Showcase is open 9am-4pm and the World Record attempt takes place 11am-1pm.

This event is supported by Tyne & Wear Metro and Northumbria University  James Ramsbotham, NECC chief executive opens the Lit & Phil event

Metro has been getting people to work since 1980, connecting people, places and businesses in the North East. Metro fully appreciates the value of a thriving, cohesive business community championed by NECC. Rooted in the region, but focused on innovation, Metro is both proud of its history and committed to the future.

 Drinks reception with members at the Lit & Phil

 Rebecca Surtees-Brown, Baltic; Claire Mitchell, Ramada Encore; Lucy Winskell, Northumbria University

 NECC members at the Heritage

 The exhibition at the Heritage

Gallery at Cargo Fleet Lane

Gallery at Cargo Fleet Lane

PROUD TO BE SUPPORTED BY OUR ANNIVERSARY PATRONS:

60 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / JUNE - JULY 2015

NECC Exchange Networking Events

Loans or Equity, the Big Question Optimal funding strategies for new business ventures: When to take equity, when to take debt

supported by Tyne & Wear Metro

Northumbria University Sport Central, Newcastle, June 11, 2.30- 4pm FREE

April 23 sponsored by Thistle, at The County, Newcastle

This event follows NECC’s Quarterly Economic Survey, which found demand for this topic among the organisation’s membership.

Many businesses seeking cash to start up or grow face the question - which is best for us, a loan or selling some shares to an equity investor? Others just assume one is better than the other, while some don’t even think about it or won’t even consider what they call ‘selling part of my business’ to an investor like a venture capital fund or business angel.

 Dawn Hanson, Tyne & Wear Metro; Emma Neal and Esther Wilson, Rivers Capital

 Lisa Bucknall, David Gray Solicitors; and James Winnifrith, Slickshoot

There are pros and cons to each approach, and to help you start to think about this choice, Peter Hiscocks, director and cofounder at Rivers Capital, will be sharing his guidance to ensure you have the information you need to make the right choice.

 Janine Nottage, Thistle; Julie Schneider and Leanne Brass; FACT

May 7 sponsored by Marriott Sunderland  Laura Kemp, UK Events Live; and Nikki Nichol, Namco

Topics include: • Finance for early stage businesses • Different types of finance • How to support and enable growth • Sources of loan and equity funding in the North East • What type of funding will benefit your business • When to seek loan finance or equity investment.

Event sponsored by Rivers Capital

Rivers Capital is also sponsor of the funding support area at the NECC Member Showcase.

 Mark Richardson, Army Reserves; and John Taylor, Veterans at Ease

 Megan Ringer, Sunderland Marriott; and Seema Ahmed Short, Richardson and Forth

JUNE - JULY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 61

EVENTS

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION NETWORK JUN

Loans or Equity? – The Big Question

JUN

HR Knowledge – Sickness and Absence

11 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.

18 JUL

16 OCT

06

10 JUN

10 NECC has various opportunities for event sponsorship during 2015.

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! www.necc.co.uk/events

JUN

FREE

2.30-4pm Northumbria University Sport Central

FREE

9.30-11.30am DCCC, Chester-le-Street

Behind the Scenes@ Cummins (Medium Members)

FREE

3.30-6pm Cummins, Yarm

Linking Business with Education

FREE

8am-noon Hartlepool Sixth Form Centre

Northumberland Area Meeting 4-6pm St Mary’s Inn, Stannington

Darlington Area Meeting

JUN

11 15 JUN

26 JUL

01 JUL

10 JUL

14 JUL

16

11 JUN

11 JUN

12

NECC200 Golf Day

SEPT

Great North Run NECC200 Member Race

13 SEPT

17 NOV

13

NOV

FREE

19

FREE

NOV

24

All day Newcastle to South Shields

NECC 200th Anniversary Gala Dinner 6pm-midnight Durham World Heritage Site

NECC200 Tees Valley Anniversary Lunch

£37.50*

NECC200 Tyne & Northumberland Anniversary Lunch

£37.50*

11.30am-2pm Rockliffe Hall, Tees Valley

11.30am-2pm Newcastle Racecourse

NETWORKING

Durham Area Meeting

FREE FREE

North Tyneside Area Meeting

FREE

8.15-10am, TBC, Redcar

8-9.30am, TBC

FREE

Sunderland Area Meeting 4-5.30pm, Stadium of Light

South Tyneside Area Meeting

FREE

8-9.30am, TBC

NECC Member Showcase

9am-4pm Northumbria University Sport Central

World Record Attempt

11am-1pm Northumbria University Sport Central

Inspiring Females Conference All day Marriott Metrocentre

FREE FREE FREE

£200*

£37.50*

11.30am-2pm Sunderland Marriott, Seaburn

FREE

Redcar & Cleveland Area Meeting

TBC

NECC200 Durham & Wearside Anniversary Lunch

NewcastleGateshead Area Meeting

8-10am, Esh Group

£130*

£80*

6.30pm-1am Crowne Plaza, Newcastle

*NECC Member Price. (+VAT)

4-6pm, The Core

£75*

North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

FREE

8.15-10am Nordic Focus Training Academy, Darlington

JUN

17

NECC Local

FREE

JUN

NECC Local

FREE

JUL

Tees Valley Business Summit

24 08 TBC

NECC200 BUSINESS WEEK JUN

6pm-midnight Ramside Hall, Durham

15

12

4.30-6pm HMS Trincomalee, Hartlepool

North East Exporters’ Awards

All day Matfen Hall, Northumberland

NOV

Co Durham & Tees Valley Hartlepool Area Reception

JUN

25 JUL

AREA MEETINGS / COMMITTEES JUN

FLAGSHIP

10am-noon BMW Cooper Teesside, Stockton

4-6pm White Swan, Alnwick

9.30am-4pm Teesside University Olympia Building

Joint Chamber Networking Event TBC TBC, Northumberland

FREE FREE

INTERNATIONAL JUN

09 JUN

23

Import Processes, Compliance and Documents

£300*

Customs Compliance, Processes and Documents

£300*

9.15am-3.30pm Durham County Cricket Club

9.15am-3.30pm Durham County Cricket Club

Foundation Award in International Trade - NECC member price £800* (Global member price £640+VAT) - contact NECC for information

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

FAB 5

There’s an app for that This month we ask our Fab 5 about the apps they can’t live without

Rasel Rana

1

Manager Dabbawal, High Bridge dabbawal.com

I couldn’t live without my social media apps; whenever I have a few minutes spare I check Facebook and Twitter. I like to keep up to date with what’s happening in the city, see what my friends are doing, and I like to see posts and tweets from people who have been in the restaurant. It’s always good to get feedback on what we’re doing.

Rachel Turnbull

2

Chief Executive TT2 Limited tt2.co.uk

For me it has to be LinkedIn; I find it invaluable. It sits really well with its full website with really good mobile functionality, and as an overall service, it remains the most significant business networking tool online. I can connect quickly and easily with people who can help me and my business, whether in the office or on the move.

Gareth Johnson

3

Head of Managed Investment Services Brewin Dolphin

Dave Stone

4

Managing Director Stone Technical Services

brewin.co.uk

stonetechnicalgroup.co.uk

It would have to be TED – Ideas worth spreading. As I split my time between Newcastle, Edinburgh and London, I spend a good proportion of the week on trains. This allows me to indulge in the world of TED. The lectures are diverse and inspiring and I often step off a train full of thoughts, ideas and challenges for the day.

There are two apps that I can’t live without.

Firstly, our lightning protection app which allows us to file information on site which means clients get their information faster saving time and paper.

The second one has to be LinkedIn. I use it to get and share advice, and also to build contacts. It has helped us to secure contracts.

Paul Harrison

5

Director Waltons Clark Whitehill waltonscw.co.uk

The app I couldn’t live without is LinkedIn. It automatically syncs contacts to your phone, including their profile picture, email, phone number and address. If people move jobs you can stay in touch and when trying to contact someone you don’t know, you can ask mutual connections for an introduction to make a warmer connection.”

JUNE - JULY 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 CONFERENCE AND EVENTS SERVICES

DEDICATED 24-HOUR AIRPORT TRANSFER SERVICES

Finchale Training College Offer Code: NECC Finchale’s Conference and Events services are already attractive and value for money and now NECC members can, for a limited period, receive 10% off.

AIRPORT EXPRESS TRANSFER SERVICE Offer Code: NECC2015 10% off any pre-booked airport transfer. Pick up or drop off Inc. meet and greet.

10% DISCOUNT ON WASTESMART TRAINING COURSES

ENVIRO UK CONSULTANTS LIMITED OFFER CODE: WS01 Throughout May and June 2015, Enviro UK Consultants Ltd is offering NECC members a 10% discount on all Wastesmart training courses

LOOKING FOR BUSINESS FINANCE?

WHAT PARTNERSHIP Offer Code: N/A With access to 96 providers, What Partnership can look at the full range of business finance from unsecured loans and property development, to asset and vehicle solutions.

What Partnership can often find a lender for you when your bank hasn’t been able to assist, and the services are fee free.

PROMOTIONAL VIDEO UNDER £360 FREE IT AUDIT

RESILIENT BUSINESS SYSTEMS LIMITED Offer Code: NECC/ITAUDIT/02 Resilient Systems is offering a free on-site IT audit, reviewing your current systems and pinpoint places where security or productivity may be improved.

FREE IT HEALTH CHECK

DC SERVICES LTD Offer Code: NECC-HEALTHCHECK If you are not 100% confident in your IT system DC Services Ltd is offering a free IT Health Check to give you peace of mind.

SLICKSHOOT LTD Offer Code: N/A Slickshoot Ltd is offering a half price bespoke promotional video, shot and tailored to your business for a cost of £599.

Slickshoot Ltd is a registered NBSL provider, meaning you can apply for a 40% grant towards this cost - reducing the overall cost to under £360. The NBSL application is easy and you could be shooting in no time.

STATIC AMERICAN CAR HIRE FOR YOUR EVENT

EVENT 167 Offer Code: NECC-15-e167 Event 167 is offering all NECC members 15% discount on its static American car hire.

CRUISE TO THE WORLD’S MOST INSPIRING DESTINATIONS FROM YOUR DOORSTEP

PORT OF TYNE Offer Code: NECC10 Take your pick from Arctic wonders, dramatic fjords, fascinating cities and beautiful beaches - all within easy reach from the Port of Tyne’s International Passenger Terminal. Port of Tyne cruise partner Fred. Olsen is offering NECC members 10% off cruises.

This offer is in addition to any promotional discounts at the time of booking.

BEST VALUE COMES IN TWO

SANDMAN SIGNATURE HOTEL Offer Code: SATURDAY Stay two nights over the weekend and get up to 50% off either Friday or Sunday.

Rates exclude breakfast. Noncancellable, non-amendable, non-transferable. Credit card used for the purchase must be presented at check in.

TRAINING PROVIDERS

NEW CHAPTER LEARNING LTD Offer Code: ncl-0215-50 50% off - Learn the principles of great customer service of Appearance, Attitude, Attention and Accuracy in the company of our very own 4 As Superheroes as you take advantage of this interactive and comprehensive course.

CHAMBER MEMBERS OFFER

IN’N’OUT OfferCode: N/A Chamber members, employees and their immediate family can take advantage of IN’n’OUT’s new offer of up to 40% off at your local IN’n’OUT car centre.

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

DOUBLE TAKE

Stay with me Getting to know two leaders from the North East hospitality industry

.GENERAL MANAGER. .CROWNE PLAZA, NEWCASTLE.

Andrew Fox How long have you been in the job?

I’ve been nine months with Crowne Plaza Newcastle and more than 20 years as a general manager in the industry.

What do you love about your job?

I’m really enjoying creating the new team; selecting the right people that will be able to deliver the best customer service.

More generally, I really enjoy working with the property owner and developer, the Clouston Group, and getting involved in the construction and interior design. Creating the hotel culture, its vision and strategy from scratch is very exciting.

What are the most challenging aspects of your job?

The volume of work while setting up the new hotel! Balancing the time pressures of the construction project and gaining access to the hotel for staff training and set up can be very difficult.

Highlight of your career so far?

Managing my previous hotel when hosting the 2012 Olympic football teams. Effectively we became a part of the Olympic Village for four weeks.

Who do you admire most?

So many people. It can be anyone in business, entertainment or who I know on a personal level who is positive, able to change with time and trends, see the value in people and can drive things forward despite setbacks and challenges.

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

I’d love to be a classical music conductor or a record producer.

How will you spend your time when you retire?

I’ll be writing and playing music, having an active life outdoors, supporting my children through their lives and enjoying time with my wife, Kathryn.

Not necessarily in that order!

.SPA DIRECTOR. .RAMSIDE HALL HOTEL.

Jill Russell

How long have you been in the job?

I joined the Ramside team earlier this year, having previously worked at a number of the top spas in the region including Rockliffe Hall and Seaham Hall.

What do you love about your job?

The sheer variety. It’s very fast paced which I love and the scope and potential of the project, being able to create something that will eventually make so many people feel great is an amazing feeling. This new spa at Ramside Hall is going to be something that the region has never seen before and it’s fantastic to be part of it. I’ve also been incredibly lucky to have a great team around me who have the same high standards and work ethic as myself.

What are the most challenging aspects of your job?

Putting the final touches to everything and ensuring that we are on track means that it’s fairly intense at the moment. I would say trying to manage the huge workload is the biggest challenge.

Highlight of your career so far?

It’s got to be this amazing opportunity I’ve been given here at Ramside Spa, it really is incredible.

Who do you admire most?

That’s easy, my former boss at Rockliffe Hall, Liz Holmes, she’s highly driven and determined, knows what she wants and nine times out of ten she achieves it. She’s an amazing woman.

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

In my dreams I would be a mountain climber. However, back to reality and I suppose I would say I’m really happy in my current role.

How will you spend your time when you retire?

Travelling the world, enjoying the great British countryside, especially the lakes and mountains and hopefully I’ll have a few grandchildren by that time to keep me busy.

JUNE - JULY 2015 / CONTACT / www.necontact.co.uk / 65

GUEST COLUMNIST

Last Word Elaine Bunn, director of Nortech Cares, on why corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities mean business

N

ortech Cares is the new corporate social responsibility programme for Wynyard-based engineering design and project management company Nortech Group. Launched in early 2015, the scheme provides a platform for our charitable and community work, including our existing fundraising initiatives.

We decided to put the programme into place because we wanted to give back to the local community. Nortech has been engaged in charity initiatives for years, raising more than £25,000 for a number of deserving organisations within the Teesside area alone within the last four years, so it just made sense to create a new scheme and organise everything under one banner.

Nortech Cares aims to support two fundraising campaigns each year; one in the spring and one in the winter, alongside our regular charity events, such as our annual charity golf day.

Collaborating with clients, partners and stakeholders through the scheme is a great way of increasing staff participation.

One of the best things about Nortech Cares is that our employees are actively encouraged to suggest causes of their own, whether it’s a charity that is particularly close to their hearts, or a local organisation that they know is in need of

some extra support. Our first campaign, Hope 4 Nell, was recommended to us by Nortech buyer Charlotte Phillips, and ended up being a huge success.

Charlotte nominated her friend’s two-year-old daughter, Nell Ramsey, who was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, a rare and incurable neurological disorder, in 2014. Through a family day at Wynyard Golf Club, we were able to raise over £4,000 - a life-changing sum that allowed Nell’s family to buy her a special device that enables her to communicate effectively using her eyes.

As well as participating in our annual Charity Golf Day & Shoot, which raised £5,415 last year for Butterwick Children’s Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support, staff have also taken part in a 285-mile cycle ride from our offices in Wynyard to Aberdeen to raise money to support a terminally ill former colleague and his family.

In addition, we have been involved with the Jo & Mya Memorial Fund, which supports bereaved children, and on June 4, three members of staff will be entering the Butterwick Bake Off at Wynyard Hall in aid of Butterwick Hospice.

We also continue to work with local

66 / www.necontact.co.uk / CONTACT / JUNE - JULY 2015

schools and universities to support STEM subjects. We try to help in every way that we can and, as director, it is my job to ensure each campaign runs smoothly.

Nortech Cares’ first few months have been extremely fulfilling, not only for myself, but for everyone involved at Nortech Group. Engaging in CSR activities within business is an effective way of bringing employers and employees together and boosting morale within the workplace. It is still only early days, but in the future we hope to extend our CSR activities to further afield, including pursuing initiatives in the Aberdeen area and perhaps even overseas.

Elaine Bunn and the family of two-year-old Nell Ramsey, who has benefited from Nortech Cares

The third generation TT. The critics’ first choice.

Car of the Year 2015

Best coupé

The Audi TT Coupé Sport ultra from £299 per month.* Includes: • • • • • •

Audi Virtual Cockpit Xenon headlights 18” alloy wheels Front Sports seats Audi Music Interface What Car? Best Coupé 2015

Solutions Personal Contract Plan# representative example from Audi Finance based on 10,000 miles per annum for the Audi TT Coupé Sport 2.0 TDI ultra 184PS manual Duration

49 months

48 monthly payments of Deposit Retail cash price

£299.00 £6,367.52 £29,809.99

Acceptance fee** Optional final payment

£125.00 £13,893.75

Option to purchase fee***

£60.00

Total amount payable

£34,673.27

Total amount of credit

£23,442.47

Representative APR Rate of interest Excess mileage†

6.5% APR 6.24% fixed 7.2p per mile

Newcastle Audi Scotswood Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7LA 0191 226 1144 www.newcastle.audi.co.uk Tyneside Audi Silverlink Park, Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne NE28 9NT 0191 289 6200 www.tyneside.audi.co.uk Teesside Audi Brooklime Avenue, Preston Farm, Stockton on Tees TS18 3UR 01642 603 444 www.teesside.audi.co.uk Wearside Audi Stadium Way (Opposite Stadium of Light), Sunderland SR5 1AT 0191 564 5600 www.wearside.audi.co.uk Official fuel consumption figures for the Audi TT Coupé Sport 2.0 TDI ultra 184PS manual in mpg (l/100km): Urban 54.3 (5.2), Extra Urban 70.6 (4.0), Combined 62.8 (4.5). CO2 emissions: 116g/km. Standard EU Test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. # 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. *Available when purchased on a Solutions Personal Contract Plan. **Payable within first payment. ***Payable with optional final payment. †Subject to agreed annual mileage.

Further charges may be payable if vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. Audi Finance, Freepost Audi Finance. Offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time.

Available to over 18s in the UK only. Valid for 30 days from date of printing (21/5/2015).

20908494-56_TT_Hotline_Newcastle_Ad_186x273_v7.indd 1

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