Contact magazine - December 2016-January 2017

contact Together We Grow Stronger

December 2016 - January 2017

TECH PIONEER GABRIELLE KENT

Inside the mind of a games maker turned game changer in the world of tech Plus OUT TO MONGOLIA ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST TANJA SMITH'S STEPPES FOR OVERSEAS SUCCESS BREXIT BRIEFING WILLIAM BAKER BAKER ON A POST-EU FUTURE

www.neechamber.co.uk www.neechamber.co.uk Contact August / September 2016

Contact August / September 2016

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A brighter future.

Exam Dates Girls’ School: Saturday 14th January Boys’ School: Saturday 21st January Juniors and Sixth Form: Please contact the Registrar Parents are welcome to arrange a visit to any of the Schools.

0191 275 0608. www.dameallans.co.uk

DAME ALLAN’S SCHOOLS building the future

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Welcome...

Chamber president Mike Matthews MBE on some great North East businesses and the issues affecting us all

Welcome to our new-look Contact magazine, which we've packed with news of Chamber members' successes and important business issues as we say goodbye to what I think we can term an eventful year.

In addition to re-designing your magazine to make it easier to navigate and give it a fresh, contemporary look with new platforms and editorial features, we’ve had a particularly busy couple of months.

Events reviewed in this issue include the excellent speech by Stephen Kelly, chief executive of Sage, at the Chamber President’s Club Lunch; the fantastic Northumbria and Durham Annual Dinners with their guest speakers Kate Adie and Rory Underwood; and the annual British Chambers of Commerce Awards, where Chamber member AV Dawson was a deserved winner of the Customer Service award.

In this edition, we get inside the head of inspirational computer games developer and tech industry pioneer Gabrielle Kent and meet Stephen Bell, head of the charity Changing Lives, which helps to transform the lives of people coping with challenging circumstances such as homelessness and addiction.

Meanwhile, Tanja Smith at Gradon Architecture outlines her firm's notable successes in Mongolia and its growth into Ireland.

I've also had the pleasure recently of judging a Northumbrian Water and Chamber photography competition which showcased the many attractions the region offers to visitors. Congratulations to overall winner Raymond Johnston from Berwick and Jane Lowes, who won my President’s Prize.

And now to 2017 and what I hope will be a less dramatic year.

Time will tell..!

Mike Matthews Chamber president

EDITOR Jane Pikett jane@offstonepublishing.co.uk EDITORIAL TEAM Dean Bailey Liz Hands Owen McAteer Paul Robertson Rosie Waller

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Chamber Sponsorship Opportunities Throughout the year there are a number of event sponsorship opportunities which give our members a unique and valuable way of raising their profile in front of a captive business audience, whilst demonstrating individual support and investment in our great business community.

Why Sponsor an Event: • Increase brand awareness & raise your business profile in the region • Association with high profile events • Access to specific or select audiences • Create new business partnerships • Opportunity to be involved & support your local business community

If you would like to find out more about upcoming opportunities, please email Jennifer.rycroft@neechamber.co.uk or call 07867 541 467 www.neechamber.co.uk 4

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“It's easy to let your imagination run wild, but not every idea will be implemented” Gabrielle Kent

06 Page 34: Tanja Smith Gradon Architecture

Page 64: William Baker Baker Brewin Dolphin

Page 6: Gabrielle Kent

Contents

06 60 Seconds

32 Success

With tech pioneer Gabrielle Kent

Olympic games engineer Cundall

10 In my view

34 Profile

With Chamber chief executive James Ramsbotham

Gradon Architecture's Tanja Smith

13 Inbox News and views from the world of business

14-22 News AV Dawson triumphs at national awards The launch of a 24/7 travel risk app Entrepreneur of the Year awards

23 Fab 5 Christmas memories

28 Chamber policy Laying the Foundations www.neechamber.co.uk

38 Profile Changing Lives' Stephen Bell

43 Special focus The post-EU funding landscape and what it may mean for your business

50-59 Lifestyle Sit back, relax, and enjoy our new platforms Hi Tech, The Look and Motoring

64 Last word Brexit with Brewin Dolphin's William Baker Baker contact 5

60 Seconds

"I'm the redhead dressed as if she's going to a kid's birthday party..."

We meet computer games maker and tech game changer Gabrielle Kent 6

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A leading figure in the UK games industry, Gabrielle Kent - senior lecturer in Computer Games Development at Teesside University – has come a long way since her parents bought a budget computer for their Co Durham home.

Thirty years on, she's one of the most influential women in the games world and was named 2015 Woman of the Year by MCV Magazine - the tech geek and gamers' bible. She runs the annual Animex Festival of Animation and Computer Games, which takes place May 22-26 2017, and has written three books in her Alfie Bloom series of children’s stories.

This is what she told us... www.neechamber.co.uk

Q I'm meeting you for the first time. How do I recognise you?

I'm the redhead dressed as if she's going to a kid's birthday party.

Q Who inspired the young you?

This might sound a bit weird, but my heroine was Elizabeth I. I remember studying the Tudors in primary school and thinking she sounded like a force of nature.

Thinking about it, this probably has something to do with me now being a voluntary redhead.

Q Who inspires you now?

My very talented friends! Through my work I have become friends with a large number of incredibly talented writers,

»

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60 Seconds artists, animators and musicians. I see these people following their dreams every day and it inspires me to do the same.

Q How do you compare to your 21-year-old self?

I’m more confident, but very little else has changed.

I always expected to suddenly know all the answers when I got older, but I think we just become more comfortable and less afraid of making mistakes.

Q What was it like joining the game industry?

Amazing! It was the first job I'd had where I wasn't watching the clock and waiting for 5pm. I couldn't believe I was being paid to work on computer games - something I'd wanted to do since I first picked up a joystick.

Q What was the hardest thing about it?

Letting go. It's easy to let your imagination run wild, but not every great idea you have will be implemented into a game. Being able to let go also helps when a publisher cuts a game which is well into development - something that happens more than you may realise.

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

I'd be a full-time children's author – though it’s great being able to do that alongside my day job.

Q What’s the hardest part of being a teacher?

The passionate students who throw themselves into their studies are a pleasure, but it can be a challenge engaging with students who are less focused.

Q What’s the best job you’ve ever had?

Running the Animex festival. I get to bring some of the most inspirational animators and game developers in the world to Teesside and watch them inspire the next generation.

Q What do you enjoy most about your job?

Working with a diverse bunch of enthusiastic students and spotting the stars of the future. I've seen students go on to some of the most successful games and animation studios in the world and it's always a thrill.

Q What’s the best decision you’ve made?

I decided not to take a promotion last year.

Sometimes we keep moving upwards without thinking and leave behind the roles that really made us happy. I've learnt that happiness is much more valuable than money and status...though a degree of both is still very useful!

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❝Happiness is more valuable than money and status though both are useful!❞ Q Your best career moment to date?

I can't decide between my first book launch and being awarded a Woman of the Year award by MCV Magazine in London last year. Both were a huge honour and I'm very grateful to all the people who helped me get to where I am today.

Q What’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?

Aside from my car, it would be my Invisalign brace.

It's near invisible and was my way of spoiling myself when my books were published. I'm hoping to have Hollywood teeth by this time next year.

Q Which possession do you cherish most?

I'm not overly attached to things, but I do have a few possessions that I'd miss if they weren't there. There's a ruby and opal ring given to my grandmother by my granddad on their 40th wedding anniversary, a replica Eames armchair my husband bought for me, and a copy of Ray Harryhausen's biography [the late, great visual effects creator, writer, and producer who created a form of stop-motion model animation known as Dynamation] which he signed when he last visited Teesside University. He brought the skeletons from Clash of the Titans with him and even let me touch one!

Q What do you collect?

Books and comics. When my husband and I moved in together our comics merged very well, my DC and Titan collection with his Marvel, and both of our 2000AD graphic novels. We've just reached the point where we're deciding whether to let some go or buy more bookshelves.

Q What’s your guilty pleasure?

Alien 3. Why don't more people like that movie? www.neechamber.co.uk

Q What’s your most embarrassing moment?

Thirty years ago at primary school, I was playing netball at another school. I'd forgotten my shorts and just had a big pair of pink pants under my gym skirt. The clasp went on my skirt just as I caught the ball. I grabbed my skirt and the shreds of my dignity as I ran off the court!

Q How do you spend a day off?

Visiting the many beautiful places in the North East, whether the moors, beaches, woods, hills or castles, then curling up in front of the fire with a good book and a glass of rum.

Q What scares you most?

The decisions of people who have been given more power than they can be trusted with.

Q Who would play you in a film of your life?

Eva Green. We're nothing alike, but she'd make me look good!

Q Who would be at your dream dinner party?

Nanny Ogg from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld www.neechamber.co.uk

books, Amy Pond from Doctor Who, Eva Green, Jareth the Goblin King from Labyrinth, Greta Garbo, Captain Jean Luc Picard, Ian McKellen (as Gandalf) and Queenie from Blackadder!

Q Which word do you use too much?

Sorry. I realised this after I read a news article on how women in particular apologise far too much at work, in emails, even when returning undercooked food in a restaurant. It made me realise just how many times I start emails with that word.

Q What’s next on your bucket list?

A trip to Japan. My husband and I met there on a business trip nearly 11 years ago, but we didn't start dating until months later. We didn't get to see much of the country so it would be great to go back as a couple and experience it properly.

Q What does the future hold?

Animex 2017 is shaping up to be one of the best ever. I also have a new book launching in June, and there is interest in the film rights to my Alfie Bloom series. Exciting times! contact 9

In my view

Chamber chief executive James Ramsbotham seeks certainty in an uncertain world

Chamber chief executive James Ramsbotham

Every issue of Contact over the last few months has presented me with an opportunity to comment on extraordinary news, and while you will have your own views about whether UK and world events in particular the result of the EU referendum and the US Presidential election - are good for the UK and the region, I think we can all agree that we’re certainly living in interesting times.

There is a growing clamour for certainty from the Government on a range of issues, from the biggest one - the plan for postEU referendum trading - to the need for practical detail on initiatives such as the Apprenticeship Levy.

We are continuing to campaign hard to get answers on these issues and more so that you, the North East business community, can make decisions with all the important facts nailed down. As we make breakthroughs we will report them directly to you.

Meanwhile, good news stories for the region over the last few weeks include the decision to expand Heathrow, which we campaigned for strongly. The new runway will be vital to our region’s global connectivity and we look forward to it coming on stream.

We also supported the bid for the Great Exhibition of the North and are delighted it will be taking place in the region, providing an international showcase for our fantastic cultural assets. Congratulations to the NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI) team and their partners in winning the event,

“There is a growing clamour for certainty from the Government on a range of issues”

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which is a superb opportunity to boost our tourist economy.

There have been more award winners from our membership, including Crosbys, which won the Fastest Growing Small Business of 2016 award at the Ward Hadaway North East Fastest 50, and The Hastings in Alnwick, which took the Best Partnership Award in the Great British Pub Awards. The North East Charity Awards were also successful for Smart Office Systems, Percy Hedley, Elddis Transport and Children North East.

We also travelled to the British Chambers of Commerce Awards with our members Cundall, Sound Training, Labman, Connection Retail and AV Dawson, which were all shortlisted - Teesside-based logistics giant AV Dawson coming away a deserved winner.

We were also delighted with the recent confirmation that Nissan will be building two new models at the Washington plant.

This investment is a vote of confidence in the fantastic management and workforce at the plant, as well as in the supply chain which plays a vital role in ensuring the manufacturing operation is smooth.

Nissan’s decision further strengthens our reputation as a national export leader and is evidence the North East is a great place to invest.

One of our region’s other major employers shared its secrets of success at our President’s Club’s Lunch when Stephen Kelly, global head of Sage, spoke with passion about the deep connection his business, which has an excellent www.neechamber.co.uk

GIVING EX-OFFENDERS A CHANCE

The Heathrow Airport expansion is good news for the region

apprenticeship and staff development programme , has with our region.

By contrast, there are people within our region who struggle to find employment because of disability. We teamed up with Amacus Training to host a round table discussion on the subject with Department of Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green MP. Local businesses, organisations and health providers put forward their views on unlocking potential and supporting people to find work.

Soon we will be launching our Manifesto 2017 and setting out our members' priorities for the coming year. These issues form the bedrock of our campaigning and include how our region can become more connected, competitive and take opportunities to grow. www.neechamber.co.uk

“The Nissan investment is a vote of confidence in the fantastic management, the workforce and the supply chain” Meanwhile, our region's latest employment figures are positive and the gap between our unemployment rate and the national average is at its lowest since 2010. We are in a good place to start 2017 and ready to exploit our strengths. Let’s hope the year will be less uncertain than 2016 has proved!

It is incredibly difficult for people with a criminal record to be assimilated back into society or try to find work.

The charity Unlock is working to combat stigma and help businesses identify employees among ex-offenders.

Its new website www.recruit.unlock.org. uk - helps employers ensure they have appropriate policies for ex-offenders. More than 10.5m people in the UK have a criminal record and statistics show nine out of 10 employers are open to recruiting them, yet less than 20% have done so. We are helping to promote Unlock and improve understanding of criminal record disclosure legislation and rehabilitation legislation such as the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 - the law which determines when criminal records become ‘spent’.

Success stories include companies such as our members Greggs and Virgin Trains who ensure their recruitment policies are fair and inclusive. A campaign is also underway by Unlock entitled Ban the Box, which calls on employers to ban the tick box question about criminal convictions which often appears on job application forms.

As a Chamber we encourage equality and urge businesses to look at their processes.

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Inbox Have you got something to say about Contact magazine or about business in general? Then this page is the place.

Email your views, comment and gossip to submissions@neechamber.co.uk

TWEET TWEET

Here’s our pick of recent events across the region on Twitter ACG Compliance (@ACG_Compliance): We had a great day at the NE Expo, networked with some amazing businesses and inspirational people. #neexpo #saferoption AV Dawson (@AVDawson): So pleased to bring a #chamberawards back to #Teesside & the NE. Thanks for a great evening @NEEChamber @NEEChamberJames

The surgery team in Tanzania

Out of Africa

A documentary by a Teesside University team has been shortlisted for a major international film festival.

Novemba, which follows Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust medics at work in a hospital in Tanzania, has been selected for the Global Health Film Festival in London.

Dave McPhee and Dominic Dunn from the university’s Aurora House Productions spent 10 days shadowing the team as it delivered keyhole surgery at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) - Tanzania’s busiest hospital.

The 90-minute documentary highlights the 17-year relationship between the Trust and KCMC. To view the film trailer go to vimeo.com/aurorahouse/novemba

James Ramsbotham (@NEEChamberJames): Very impressed by new @theNBS offices in Newcastle's Old Post Office. A great @NEEChamber member with global impact. Congrats @rpwaterhouse Arlen Pettitt (@NEEChamberArlen): Congratulations to @RockliffeHall, receiving their Business Tourism Provider award

Everybody smile…

We couldn't resist including this fab photo of a full team meeting at the new Hitachi Rail plant in Newton Aycliffe, which was taken on the day Chamber chief executive James Ramsbotham and Chamber President’s Club head Eamonn Leavey visited. www.neechamber.co.uk

Knockout!

Young boxer Macy Kilkenny has extra power in her punch thanks to PD Ports.

Macy, 16, who trains with the GB boxing team, has been given £10,000 over five years to help pay for international travel, specialist support and kit costs. Macy’s father Jason, a training instructor at PD Ports’ ferry terminal at Teesport, is a former boxer, and her sisters Jocelyn, 10, and Eden, seven, are following in her footsteps. Knockout!

To the dogs Great North Snowdogs sponsors Bond Dickinson and KPMG delivered a speed quiz raising more than £20,000 for St Oswald's Hospice. The event at The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle attracted 25 teams and included the auction of a replica Snowdog. The losers' claims of 'ruff' justice were overturned...

News Crosbys cuts it Crosbys Catering Equipment has been named the Fastest Growing Small Business at the Ward Hadaway North East Fastest 50 2016.

The family-run Newcastle company, which has recently recruited John Hodgson as MD, is celebrating achieving three years of exceptional growth.

Founded in 1990, it supplies crockery, cutlery, specialist catering equipment, paper and janitorial supplies to more than 2,000 customers across the UK and overseas. The business also has a growing design department, providing consultancy, design and installation services for a range of catering spaces.

NELEP chair Andrew Hodgson and college principal and chief executive John Widdowson with students

£5m development opens New College Durham has officially opened a £5m redevelopment tailored to the needs of local employment and economic growth.

Opening the site, North East LEP chair Andrew Hodgson said: “The facilities are perfectly aligned to economic growth. I am impressed with the linking of the manufacturing, creative and digital areas. This is where the LEP sees the jobs of the future.”

New facilities include an Advanced Manufacturing Centre, Gas and Plumbing Workshop, a Creative and Digital Suite including TV and radio studios, and a Higher Education Centre for students on higher education and professional qualification programmes.

l-r - Colin Hewitt of Ward Hadaway, Roger Crosby of Crosbys, Jacqueline de Rojas of Sage Northern Europe, Ben Crosby and John Hodgson of Crosbys

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NEWS IN BRIEF MANUFACTURING BOOST The Manufacturing and Engineering Taskforce (MET) formed by Durham County Council and Business Durham has developed a high growth programme drawing on best practice from across the UK.

l-r Neil McShane and Charlie Nettle of AV Dawson with North East England Chamber of Commerce chair Lucy Winskell at the BCC awards

AV Dawson triumphs at BCC Awards Teesside logistics giant AV Dawson has won top honours at the prestigious British Chambers of Commerce Awards in London.

The third generation family-run firm took the award for Excellence in Customer Service in recognition of its multi-million-pound investment in operations.

AV Dawson head of marketing and business development Charlie Nettle said: “We are proud to have represented the North East at these awards and won in recognition of our partnerships with customers such as Nissan and TATA Steel.

“The UK steel industry has had a tough time, but by working in partnership we are succeeding. Innovation, commitment, resourcefulness and grit has got us through some challenging times over the last 78 years, but it's also provided us with a strong foundation on which to build a sustainable, customer-focused business.

We are very proud to bring this national prize to the North East.”

North East England Chamber of Commerce chief executive James Ramsbotham said: “AV Dawson is an outstanding operation which has embraced change to ensure its clients get the best logistics service. It is a massive asset to the North East.”

Fellow Chamber members Cundall, Labman Automation, Sound Training and Connection Retail were also shortlisted at the awards. www.neechamber.co.uk

ON THE ROAD The construction division of Aycliffebased Raisco has completed a £250,000 expansion and refurbishment of a 7,700sqm lorry park at Suttons Tankers in Stockton. The land, owned by Aycliffe firm Stiller Warehousing and Distribution, has almost doubled Suttons’ hard standing area for its 250-strong fleet of lorries.

TECH TRANSFORMERS Teesside-based Opentree is to provide Sellafield with a unique software programme powered

by Atlas Cloud.

NEW CEO Andrew Buckley has been appointed chief executive of innovation and technology transfer company RTC North.

A former membership director at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, he takes over from founder Gordon Ollivere MBE.

Spark weighs in Gateshead-based customer service outsourcer Spark Response has been awarded a contract to provide multichannel customer service support to Weight Watchers.

The contract sees Weight Watchers re-shore its UK customer service operations with Spark Response managing all customer care across voice, email and social media channels, creating 50 new jobs.

The win is one of several new contracts and follows Spark Response winning the Best eCommerce Customer Service at the eCommerce Awards for Excellence for its partnership with Micro Scooters.

l-r Wylam’s Rob Cameron and Sintons’ Sarah Smith

Sunday service

A leisure venue in one of Newcastle’s most iconic buildings is extending its opening hours following success in its first half year of operation.

Wylam Brewery opened at the Grade-II listed Palace of Arts in Exhibition Park, Newcastle in May following a £2m restoration and will now open noon-11pm on Sundays. The venue, which employs 50, houses a brewery, brew house, tap room and events space.

Sarah Smith, partner and head of Licensing at Sintons, handled the licensing. contact 15

News PARTNERS UPDATE With Jennifer Rycroft, Chamber partnerships manager An update on the activities of Chamber Partner members, an exclusive group from a range of sectors, who work closely with the Chamber to maximise its impact on our region

It’s been a busy couple of months, during which we were delighted to have Onyx Group join us as a Chamber Partner.

Last month we welcomed Chamber Partner members to a breakfast meeting at Durham County Cricket Club where we reviewed 2016 and put forward priorities for the Chamber Manifesto 2017.

We held a successful event in partnership with Gateshead College alongside Skills Funding Agency and Northumbrian Water - who demystified the forthcoming Apprenticeship Levy.

As part of our manifesto commitments for a global and connected North East we launched our Tourism Campaign in partnership with Northumbrian Water.

This month we also welcomed Andrew Battarbee, area director for the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, to our November Partner Lunch hosted by Bond Dickinson.

Northern Powergrid chaired the last of our Energy Group meetings of the year, focusing on energy lobbying points for the Chamber in 2017. We launched our housing report, Laying the Foundations, in partnership with Thirteen Group at Teesside University, and we are now in the early stages of establishing a project with Sevcon to understand undergraduates’ perceptions of the regional job market.

Email Jennifer.Rycroft@neechamber.co.uk Twitter @neechamberjen

OUR PARTNERS

James Ramsbotham (right) presents Jason Hicks with his NATO medal for bravery

Safe journey A new 24-7 travel risk and advice app designed to keep business people safe has been launched by Newcastlebased Athena Risk.

Travel Guardian provides real time risk information, advice including environmental data and problems like closed borders, 24-hour support in a crisis and a monitoring service.

Athena Risk founders Jason Hicks and David Tait share military and high level security service experience.

Hicks was recently awarded the highest NATO medal for bravery and exceptional leadership, one of only two civilians in the UK to be given the honour.

He received the medal for showing “exceptional leadership, personal example and great courage above and beyond the call of duty” when a helicopter crashed into NATO headquarters in Kabul and he pulled out two crew members and tried to save their lives.

l-r Advantex’s Steve and Dave O’Connell

Gaining the Advantex Gateshead IT firm Advantex Network Solutions is investing more than £350,000 in new facilities.

Advantex, which provides IT and telecoms services to clients including GE Oil & Gas and Caterpillar Articulated Trucks, will double capacity at its Follingsby Park HQ having secured a £75,000 grant from Let’s Grow North East as part of the funding package.

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News ‘Press’tigious Print

C M Y K

Honorable mentions One of the UK’s most successful athletes has received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Sunderland.

Eleven-time Paralympics Gold medallist Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson (pictured), president of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, received her Honorary Doctorate of Law at the Stadium of Light.

Chamber chief executive James Ramsbotham also received an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration to celebrate his career and commitment to supporting the region’s economy and businesses.

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Essentials Portfolio - Julie Digman tel 07912 478 964 julie.digman@neechamber.co.uk Twitter @neechamberjuliedig Teesside - Tom Warnock tel 07714 845 617 tom.warnock@neechamber.co.uk Twitter @NEEChamberTom Darlington and West Durham Susan Anderson tel 07736 799 727 susan.anderson@neechamber.co.uk Northumberland - Joanne McLauchlin tel 07850 740 646 joanne.mclauchlin@neechamber.co.uk Twitter @NEEChamberJo Medium Business - Andrew Heavisides tel 07912 478 961 andrew.heavisides@neechamber.co.uk Twitter @NEEChamberAndy Newcastle/Gateshead - Lynsey Fairless tel 07834 444 627 lynsey.fairless@neechamber.co.uk Twitter @NEEChamberLyns Sunderland/South Tyneside/Durham - Arthur Hodgson tel 07980 259 991 arthur.hodgson@neechamber.co.uk Twitter @NEEChamberArt International - Les Dixon tel 07850 740 645 les.dixon@neechamber.co.uk Twitter @NEEChamberLes

www.neechamber.co.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF FEEL THE FORCE Durham-based Esh Group has been recognised with a silver award for its commitment to being armed forces-friendly by the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme.

Picture perfect A photographic competition to promote the region as a tourist destination has been praised for the quality of its images.

A stunning shot of the Farne Islands by Raymond Johnston from Berwick (above) won first prize in the North East England Chamber of Commerce and Northumbrian Water competition.

The President’s Prize, selected by Chamber president Mike Matthews, was awarded to Jane Lowes of Seaham for a photo of her spaniel Merry in Pelaw Woods, Durham.

The competition is part of a Chamber campaign to raise awareness of tourism in the region which is being tweeted under the hashtag #VisitNorthEastEngland, and the winning images have been turned into postcards by the Chamber.

Housing benefit The region’s biggest furniture manufacturer has launched a dedicated showroom and new accommodation range for the booming student l-r Godfrey Syrett designers Derek Mitchell, Ian Scott, Bob Muir, Laura Holt, market, which is worth an Darren Wingfield estimated £4.5bn.

Godfrey Syrett’s new showroom at its Langley Moor site in Durham showcases a new range for the rapidly expanding market. The firm has already secured contracts worth more than £2m for the furniture manufactured in Newcastle and Durham.

Group sales director David Hall says: “Our first contracts for the new range include a £1.46m contract with Balfour Beatty for a development in Glasgow and a £600,000 contract with Edinburgh University. We are also in discussion with developers regarding accommodation schemes in the North East.” www.neechamber.co.uk

FLYING HIGH Ryanair has launched five new routes from Newcastle Airport. The routes go to Wroclaw, Gdansk, Warsaw, and Lanzarote.

Meanwhile, easyJet is now flying from Newcastle to Berlin Schoenefeld and Las Palmas in Gran Canaria.

GOOD HEALTH Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Damian Green MP met business and health representatives in Sunderland to discuss how to help people with disabilities into work at an event organised by training provider Amacus and the Chamber.

UP AND AWAY A new drone company working with the oil and gas industry has taken flight thanks to business advice from Robson Laidler Accountants and Business Advisors.

North Tynesidebased Inspect Air carries out aerial inspection surveying and photography.

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

It's been a busy few weeks and our Autumn President’s Club Lunch saw a record turnout at The Stadium of Light to hear from Sage CEO Stephen Kelly.

He gave us an insight into his career, from his father’s coffee shop to leading Sage, which employs 14,000 people around the world. He emphasised Sage's commitment to the North East and to the Chamber.

Also at the event, Sunderland College principal Ellen Thinnesen shed light on its £40m turnover, 625 staff and 13,000-plus students. The college recently launched a £29m City Campus which includes a digital hub, one of only four in the country.

We also welcomed Andrew Percy MP, Minister for Local Growth and the Northern Powerhouse, as keynote speaker at the Chamber Corporate & Partner dinner sponsored

by Newcastle University.

• Brewin Dolphin offers Chamber President’s Club members a free, no-obligation financial planning review with one of its experts. For more information, email gary. fawcett@brewin.co.uk

contact 19

News

And now for the news The Chamber's Annual Dinners in the north and south of the region have been hailed the most successful yet thanks to keynote speeches from stars of news and sport.

In Newcastle, a 400-strong audience heard former BBC reporter Kate Adie talk about her career and her passion for the region. Born in Northumberland and raised in Sunderland, she recounted highlights of a broadcasting career which started with the BBC at Radio Durham. Her career then took her across the globe covering stories such as the Tiananmen Square protests and battles in Sarajevo.

In the south of the region, former England rugby player Rory Underwood described how his love of rugby was born in the North East. He spent much of his childhood in Middlesbrough and still holds the region in his affections despite having played all over the world.

Support for the Teesside Dinner came from the Northern Skills Group and Durham Tees Valley Airport sponsored the drinks at the event, while the Northumbria and Durham Dinner was sponsored by Gateshead College and Newcastle International Airport, with the drinks reception supported by Onyx.

20 contact

Kate Adie OBE - Guest Speaker

Zoe Lewis, Rory Underwood MBE, Mike Matthews MBE, James Ramsbotham

www.neechamber.co.uk

Commercial Profile

The Vertem Christmas Gift Guide

NEWS IN BRIEF EXPO SUCCESS Hundreds of businesses gathered for the North East Expo at Newcastle Falcons' Kingston Park, where Chamber members took over an entire floor.

Chamber chief executive James Ramsbotham delivered a session on great reasons for doing business in the region and Trust Red won a prize draw for a year’s free membership of the Chamber. Exhibitors included Owen Pugh Group, Gospelware, Impack Personalised Apparel, Naylors Chartered Surveyors and Peter Millican Law. The event was organised by Fresh Start Events.

CONTRACT WINS Stone Technical Services’ (STS) has clinched new contracts totalling more than £500,000. Clients include Texaco, Yorkshire Water and the Royal Courts of Justice.

INVESTMENT Stockton-based Axiom Engineering Associates has invested £100,000 in equipment to help it achieve UKAS accreditation.

DEFENCE DETECT Radiation detection technology specialist Kromek has delivered 10,000 personal radiation detectors to the US Dept of Defence.

THE BEST Stokesley-based Analox was named Best SME at Cranfield School of Management’s Best Factory Awards 2016.

www.neechamber.co.uk

Dave Brannon, business development manager at AIS

AIS upskills Omani military AIS Training has joined forces with UK defence training specialist Sterling Training to provide Oman’s Air Force personnel with specialist engineering skills.

Engineers from the Royal Air Force of Oman have been trained in world-recognised welding and non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques in the UK. Following in the footsteps of Oman’s leader, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who served in the British army, delegates have undertaken tailored eight and 10-week training programmes at AIS’s industrial training centre on North Tyneside.

RGS head Bernard Trafford (centre) accepts the award

Top of the class Royal Grammar School Newcastle (RGS), has won the Senior Leadership Team of the Year award at the 2016 TES Independent School Awards.

The award recognises work at the school, in particular to promote mental health and wellbeing among its students.

The judges said the work was: "A clear example of the senior leadership team putting their pupils’ welfare first."

Well, Christmas is here again, and with it comes the John Lewis advert, garish street decorations, overcrowded shops, J2O’s glitter-berry drink and the Gregg’s festive bake. Amongst all of this we have to overcome various gift buying dilemmas. Well, we at Nathan Nicholson-Investment Vertem are always trying to do Associate-Vertem Asset Management our part, and we thought we’d compile the perfect gift guide for the inner Warren Buffet...

For younger members of the family a great idea is the latest Grand Theft Auto game. At first, yes the infamous 18+ rated game seems unsuitable but bear with us. The game teaches players how to (amongst other things) pay rent, drive, hold a full time job and now it even requires them to manage their own stock portfolio. Yes, there may be some elements of this the FCA would probably raise an eyebrow to but overall it’s a winner.

Christmas gift staples are of course books and DVDs. With regard to the former, anything by bestselling author Michael Lewis is a safe bet. To avoid duplication try Lewis’ new title; ‘the Undoing Project’. If you’re buying for a TV & Film fan, this year’s ‘Big Short’ is an obvious choice (adapted from a Michael Lewis novel).

Moving on we have gadgets, a quick fire way into the good books if done correctly. We’re going to recommend a simple, easy free gift, which is of course the Apple stocks app. Yes, people cheered the ability to delete it after ios10 but it is essential for a budding Buffet, a truly understated App (of course you’ll need some Apple kit first, which well, isn’t free but you get the gist). Other fun gift ideas for kids include perhaps a yearly subscription to the Investors Chronicle or FT. Stocking Filler? Bag some wet look gel to recreate the Wall Street slick back look. And finally a gift for the active investor; head down to your local pro shop and get your loved one some golf clubs. Yes, golf clubs don’t come cheap but the look on their faces when they leave the course beaten and incredibly frustrated? Priceless. At times the sport makes investing seem simple.

From all of us at Vertem, have a great Christmas and Happy New Year!

Vist: www.vertem.co.uk // Email: info@vertem.co.uk // The Gresham, 92 Osborne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 2TD Call: 0191 341 0280 Twitter: @vertemam contact 21

News

Enrol for 2017

l-r Prof Roz Anderson of Sunderland University, Kathryn Meadows and Rachel Lumley of Katie’s Garden, Joanne Smith of FACT, awards organiser Nickie Gott, Jacqueline Gallazzi Ritchie of All England Gas Services, Dr Yvonne Gale of NEL Fund Managers, Chloe Thompson of Accenture, Laura Leigh Wayman of Childs Play Private Nursery, Claire Moore of School House Recruitment, Rachel McClumpha of RJM Photography, and Amy Jackson of Unwritten Creative

Business honours

The new term is fast approaching We have a great mix of marketing and communication courses lined up for you, including; The exciting new CIM Marketing Leadership programme A wide range of DMI Digital Marketing certified qualifications Skills Sessions to build marketing know-how one day at a time We think we have something for everyone.

nesma deliver qualifications or company-specific training on a 1:1, group or team basis in the North East, Cumbria, Edinburgh, and in-house UK wide.

The annual North East Women Entrepreneur of the Year Awards honoured some of the region’s most successful businesswomen at a glittering ceremony.

Now in its seventeenth year, the awards celebrate women’s achievements throughout the region in sectors including small business, science, innovation and leadership.

The winner of the Best Small Business Award and the prestigious Susan Dobson Award was Stockton-based All England Gas Services. Owner Jacqui Gallazzi-Ritchie said: “I was humbled to have been nominated and winning both awards is an honour for all the team at All England Gas.” Jaqueline de Rojas, Sage EVP Northern Europe, said: “Championing and recognising the great strides made by our female entrepreneurs and businesses in the region has an important part to play in becoming the nation of choice for inward investment and talent.”

The winners: Best Apprenticeship sponsored by Northern Skills Group Chloe Thompson - Accenture Best Creative Business sponsored by WIN Amy Jackson - Unwritten Creative Runner-up Emma Pace - House of Objects Best Home Based Business Rachel McClumpha - RJM Photography Runner up, Nichola Reeder - 12th Man Solutions Ltd Best New Business sponsored by Tees Valley Unlimited Rachel & Kathryn Meadows - Katie’s Garden Best Use of Innovation sponsored by NatWest Joanna Wake - RAW Digital Training Heart of the Community Joanne Smith - Fighting All Cancers Together (FACT) Runner- up, Laura Leigh Wayman - Child’s Play Private Nursery Leadership Award Yvonne Gale - NEL Fund Managers Runner up, Margaret Toberty - Metrology Software Products Ltd (MSP) Service Award sponsored by North East England Chamber of Commerce Claire Moore - School House Recruitment Ltd

Talk to us about what you want to achieve.

T: 07900 223721 E: hello@nesma.co.uk

WWW.NESMA.CO.UK

STEM Award sponsored by TECHNIP Professor Roz Anderson - University of Sunderland Runner-up Professor Muzlifah Haniffa - Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University Young Entrepreneur of the Year Laura Leigh Wayman - Child’s Play Private Nursery

22 contact NESMA 84 x 252mm Ad.indd 1

www.neechamber.co.uk 02/12/2016 09:18

Fab Paul Bury

Managing partner Endeavour Partnership Christmases followed the same pattern when my girls, Laura and Debbie, were children and we looked forward to it for months.

On Christmas Eve we’d all watch a film before having roast pork and freshly baked bread and heading to midnight mass.

We never got much sleep on Christmas Day as Laura would wake us in the early hours with ‘he's been!’ to start a magical family day. Perfect!

Jane Hogan

5 THE QUESTION

What is your favourite Christmas memory?

Claire Davies

Director of sales, DoubleTree by Hilton Newcastle Airport I love spending Christmas in Northumberland with my family but one of my best Christmas memories was from a trip to the island of Koh Phengan in Thailand. We woke up in a beautiful bungalow on the beach and had a huge feast. We went back to the beach later for a full Moon party and fireworks. There's something magical about feeling completely relaxed, content and excited for the year ahead.

Project lead Great North Snowdogs

Director of Business Development KMS Partners

Matthew Ord

Michaela Reaney

The years when my twin daughters were old enough to understand and young enough to believe were magical - though tricky! When a six-year-old writes to Santa asking for a limited edition toy from last year and my explanation that the toy couldn’t be bought any longer got: ‘but it does exist mum, so Santa will definitely be able to get it,' it took a parcel from Denver and $45 import taxes to fix it.

When you’re a child the best Christmas is the one with the most toys, right? I remember bagging a load of He-Man gear…

Castle Greyskull, Ram-Man and loads more. That was a top year!

Now, Christmas is all about family.

At 16 I was working my first job when I found out my mam had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Thankfully she survived and now every Christmas we’re all together as a family is the best.

Christmas Eve is really important in my hometown, Yarm. Tradition dictates that the local boys and girls start pub crawls at opposite ends of the high street. The girls take part in carols by the Christmas tree and the boys, resplendent in fancy dress, raise money for charity…and it always ends in the Black Bull for a party.

Strict rules also dictate I must be home before midnight otherwise Father Christmas won’t come.

www.neechamber.co.uk

Managing director Gradvert

contact 23

WE DO BUSINESS WHERE IT MATTERS TO YOU Specialising in the sale, letting and acquisition of commercial property and acting on behalf of landlords, investors, developers and occupiers our skilled commercial property team have a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw upon to ensure you receive the best possible advice and a bespoke service fitting your requirements.

KEY CONTACTS

MIKE YOUNG

Partner, Head of Commercial

07768 037063

mikeyoung@georgefwhite.co.uk

SIMON BRIERLEY Consultant

07967 322731

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JONATHAN WALLIS Partner

07590 445301

jonathanwallis@georgefwhite.co.uk

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MATTHEW BROWN Rural Practice Surveyor

07854 903631

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Commercial property

Country life

Market boost

Property analysts are looking for an improvement in commercial rentals in the final quarter of 2016 following a Brexit-affected third quarter.

Carl Potter, senior director and national head of offices at Bilfinger GVA, says: “The recent recovery in sentiment since the Brexit vote is expected to bring an improvement to figures while the positive effect on headline rents will continue as a consequence of the roll out of the Cabinet office requirements for the Government Property Unit (GPU) across most of the Big Nine cities in 2017.”

Take-up across the Big Nine markets during Q3 2016 was down 16% on the fiveyear quarterly average - the lowest quarterly total since 2012. Out-of-town markets performed better with take-up above the quarterly average in five of the nine markets.

Despite market uncertainty, overall rental levels held up with no drop in headline rents. In fact, the Big Nine average rent was £28 per sqft, up 3.1% since Q3 2015.

Matfen Estates, owner of Matfen Hall Hotel, has unveiled Standing Stone Farm; an 8,000sqft rural courtyard office development close to Matfen Village.

Comprising 12 selfcontained units ranging from 22sqm to 160sqm, the development features a range of environmentally friendly facilities and will open early in 2017.

Take me to the river Teesside independent commercial property consultant Dodds Brown LLP has been appointed to market more than 11,000sqft of office and production or storage space at Rivergreen Business Centre, Queens Meadow, Hartlepool. Thanks to its Enterprise Zone status, qualifying tenants can receive up to 100% rate rebates for five years, plus capital grants and additional advice from Hartlepool Borough Council.

Vaux agents appointed Naylors has been appointed joint agent on the forthcoming mixed-use Vaux scheme by developer Siglion.

The 5.5 hectare Sunderland city centre site is being developed to provide office, retail, residential and leisure space. Simon Taylor, director and head of office agency at Naylors, says: “There is very little new Grade A office development in the region and Siglion plans to create something unique to Sunderland.” www.neechamber.co.uk

Campus takes shape Cleveland College of Art and Design’s new campus in Hartlepool is on target to open

by Easter 2017.

The development is a keystone in the regeneration of the Victorian Church Street area as a centre for innovation and the creative industries. With funding from Tees Valley Combined Authority, the 50,000sqft building will feature studio spaces, workshops and digital suites.

Working in partnership with Esh Construction, project manager Turner and Townsend, architect Howarth Litchfield and engineer Cundall, the building features poly-chromatic cladding which changes colour depending on the viewing angle. contact 25

Skills NEWS IN BRIEF

l-r Auckland Castle Trust catering manager Charlotte Walton, director of HR & corporate services Rebecca Coates, and gardener Ian Legge in the Walled Garden

Castle Trust’s £1m boost The Garfield Weston Foundation has awarded £1m to The Auckland Castle Trust to fund up to 28 apprenticeships in horticulture, catering, visitor services and heritage at the castle’s new Walled Garden.

Due to open in 2018, the garden is part of a £70m regeneration programme designed to transform Bishop Auckland into an international faith, art and heritage destination.

The project, which includes a new Spanish art gallery and research centre, aims to create more than 7,000 opportunities for heritage skills and training over the next three years.

Magnificent seven Sunderland-based JB Skills Training is celebrating delivering more than 225 apprenticeships in its first year working in the care sector.

The company’s sevenstrong assessor team is now delivering training for 12 care and domiciliary care groups in the North East, while the firm also works across other sectors.

26 contact

TAKING FLIGHT Technical training group TTE has expanded its network of businesses which support training with the placement of a trainee with Heron Contracting, a Richmond-based professional services provider.

NEW NAME North East-based training company Inteltrain has re-branded as Intelligencia (Intelligencia Training Limited).

MAKING THEIR MARK Five graduates are launching their legal careers with Newcastleheadquartered commercial firm Watson Burton.

They will work across the firm’s key practice areas and cover four six-month rotations across Watson Burton’s national groups.

HE’S THE BEST Daniel Gowland, an apprentice at Mears and Gateshead College, has been recognised by the Newcastle branch of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) with the JB Wilkinson Shield, which recognises outstanding apprentices and teaching.

Around the table In the wake of uncertainty following the collapse of the North East devolution deal and the national impact of the Brexit vote still yet to be fully understood, 14 business leaders met to discuss skills at a roundtable event.

Chaired by Caroline Theobald CBE and hosted by training business Gradvert at Hoults Yard, Newcastle, the event attracted businesses and organisations from across the region.

Erika Marshall, marketing and communications manager at Nifco UK, explained that proactivity was key. “We used to be very traditional when it came to recruitment but decided to build our own online jobs system. That’s been really positive - we speak to schools, host placements and take on interns – and it is paying off.”

Mark Thompson, managing partner at Ryder, said: “There is an assumption that you have to leave the North East to build a successful career. We must tell people that you can have a global career here.”

David Bootle of technology business Nomad Digital - a trustee at the Discovery School in Newcastle - said: “We are creating a pipeline of talented apprentices, showing off the jobs we have available here and providing skills that are adaptable to the workplace.”

“We need to be bold,” said Paul Carbert, policy adviser at the Chamber. “We need to be conscious of the impact Brexit may have on our ability to recruit internationally and shout to the world that we are open for business.”

The roundtable skills debate was part of an ongoing effort

by Gradvert to drive the skills debate in the region. www.neechamber.co.uk

The FDisruptors team with Chi Onwurah

£15m college boost Gateshead College has received a £15m boost for skills and employment across the region.

The award from the European Social Fund through the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) is the highest in the latest round of funding allocations for colleges in the North East Local Enterprise area and is designed to get more people into jobs and training, and support up-skilling workforces.

The college, which is the sixth best in the UK based on the success of its students, receives £10m to support workforce development programmes and a further £5m to support unemployed people into work. College principal and chief executive Judith Doyle (pictured) says: “The funding means we can offer more support to secure the futures of our businesses and create more employment opportunities.”

Here come the girls A new initiative to encourage girls into tech has launched in Newcastle.

The FDisruptors programme began in the North West when a group of 10 young women came together to spread the word among their peers. The team visited Campus North in Newcastle to share their experiences with young women, teachers and entrepreneurs, and met Chi Onwurah MP.

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contact 27

Policy

Home sweet home - or is it?

When your workforce head home, where do they go?

North East England Chamber policy adviser Arlen Pettitt outlines a new report, Laying the Foundations, shining a light on housing challenges faced by workers

Arlen Pettitt, North East England Chamber policy adviser

In North East England, despite some of the lowest house prices and house price-to-income ratios in the country, we also have the lowest levels of home ownership outside London.

It’s clear that, in this region at least, housing is a more complicated issue than a simple equation of demand and supply equals price.

At the Chamber, we've been working with housing group and Partner member Thirteen to investigate why that might be the case and the resulting report, Laying the Foundations, was published in November.

For businesses, the importance of housing in the region is clear – it is crucial to the attraction and retention of a skilled workforce, and to the development of local services which support the economy.

But for many businesses, awareness of employees’ living situations is vague at best. While they may invest in their employees, develop their skills and help them progress in their career, these businesses are unlikely to know much about their team members' aspirations for home ownership or the role housing may play in an individual’s quality of life.

The same is true when looking to the future workforce.

While students may get comprehensive and valuable support in preparation for their careers, many will get very little support to prepare them for financial independence or the journey towards home ownership. When asked about some of the financial products and concepts involved in buying

UP THEIR STREET: A typical Durham street - can your workforce afford to live in a house like this?

Just 33% of students and young people were comfortable they knew what a mortgage was and just 24% were comfortable they knew how credit scores worked

28 contact

www.neechamber.co.uk

a house, young people in the North East showed low levels of awareness and understanding.

Just a third (33%) of those surveyed were comfortable they knew what a mortgage was and how it worked, and only a quarter (24%) were comfortable they knew how credit scores worked.

Equally, Government-backed schemes designed to help first time buyers, such as Help to Buy or Starter Homes, were not well-known or understood.

It’s clear that better financial education is needed to help tackle these low levels of understanding. It’s an issue for Government in its national policy drive towards home ownership, it’s an issue for housing groups looking to shape their products for the future market, and it’s a vital issue for businesses in the region as well.

At the launch of Laying the Foundations, the Chamber hosted a roundtable with Thirteen and www.neechamber.co.uk

Teesside University which was attended by a number of students from the university. They spoke about their own plans for the future and their perceptions of the issues involved.

One told the gathering that she expected her career in a creative industry to take her to several different jobs in several different places before she was able to settle down. Another spoke of the desire to find the ‘dream job’ and the ‘dream house’, but also of an awareness that they may not exist in the same place at the same time.

A combination of those two points really gets to the heart of what it means to be a soon-to-be graduate in today’s job and housing markets.

Nationally, the average first time buyer is now 33 years old, with eight in 10 buying as part of a couple, compared to six in 10 a decade ago.

House prices are high and the average worker today will move jobs more often than their parents or grandparents, delaying the point at which buying a home is feasible.

Perceptions play a role as well. Over half (56%) of young people say a lack of job opportunities makes North East England an unattractive place to live, despite record numbers in work and an unemployment rate falling at the fastest rate in the country.

Similarly, 47% say poor housing quality makes the region an unattractive place to live.

With 57% of those surveyed as part of Laying the Foundations expecting to leave the region upon completing study, it’s vital we act to challenge those perceptions at the same time as preparing the homeowners of the future through financial education.

That movement of graduates out of the region is well-documented, but recent figures from Homes for the North quantify it, finding that North East England has a gap of nearly 5% between the number of graduates who leave the region and the number who arrive.

In Laying the Foundations we propose increased financial education - both at college and university, and in businesses - as a way to challenge that flow and drive up home ownership in the region.

In the next few months we’ll be working to make that recommendation a reality, bringing together businesses, lenders, colleges, universities, housebuilders and local authorities from across the region to help students and employees in North East England access the information and support they need.

To do it we’ll need partners – if you’d like to be involved please get in touch, email Arlen.Pettitt@ neechamber.co.uk or call 0300 303 6322. contact 29

We’d love to help

/SpireWashington Picktree Lane, Rickleton, Tyne and Wear, NE38 9JZ

Your health is our number one priority Looking after number one is important to us all, but with work, family and general life commitments, sometimes the best of intentions to eat well and exercise go out the window – we’ve all been there and getting the perfect balance is never easy!

Spire Washington Hospital, for those who might not have heard of us before, is a part of Spire Healthcare, the country’s second largest private hospital group. Our hospital is based in Rickleton, just off the A1(M) with free parking.

Situated in a quiet residential area, the hospital has extensive grounds which create a relaxing atmosphere for both patients and visitors alike.

We are within easy reach of the A1(M), close to Durham, Newcastle and Sunderland.

At Spire Washington Hospital, every member of staff is committed to providing the highest quality healthcare. Whatever your reason for coming to Spire, we promise you will always be treated with respect and professionalism.

Here at Spire Washington Hospital we have 35 in-patient beds. There is a highly trained team of nurses and a resident medical doctor on site 24 hours a day so you know you are in safe hands. You will see your chosen consultant at every stage of the process, pre and post-surgery.

We frequently offer free open evenings for patients thinking about cosmetic and weight loss surgery, at venues around the North East and also at the hospital. To find out more visit our website.

Your wellbeing is our overriding priority. Our services are available to everyone – whether or not you are insured with private health insurance, paying for your treatment or attending the hospital via the NHS. If you are paying for your own treatment, we offer oneoff private treatment at Spire Washington Hospital, with a fixed price agreed in advance.

We offer high levels of medical treatment and personal care with a wide range of procedures and treatments available from diagnostic imaging including X-Ray, MRI, CT and Ultrasound, to surgery including bariatric, orthopaedic, gynaecology procedures.

For more information or to make an appointment please contact us on

0191 418 8687 info@spirewashington.com www.spirewashington.com

Success

Olympian effort Kay Wilson details the strategy for growth behind Olympic games engineer and worldwide success story Cundall

Palatine Centre, Durham University

32 contact

A walk around Cundall’s global headquarters in Gosforth, Newcastle, is rather like a pocketsized tour of the world – the stunning pictures on the walls of iconic buildings from Shanghai to Qatar, Sydney to Sweden, showcasing the firm’s projects abroad.

From the fourth floor boardroom window, partner Gordon Reid looks out on a primary school, Virgin Money HQ and, in the distance, the home of Sage UK – all buildings delivered by the firm.

Specialising in engineering services including civil, structural, mechanical and electrical consultancy, the firm has a tradition of winning work by repeat business for its 700-strong team based in offices worldwide.

Founded by a group of partners including Geoffrey Cundall and Bernard Johnston in 1976 in Newcastle, the company, which has a turnover of £45m, remains true to the region. A London office was opened in 1981, but Gordon Reid says at the time there was no grand plan to create the worldwide network of practices the firm boasts now. In fact, its first steps abroad came about by serendipity.

“A bright member of our London team, Simon Wild, wanted to live in Sydney and he told us he was going to emigrate and set up his own practice,” he says. “We suggested that he kept his job and opened the office under our name. He jumped at the chance. Offices in Melbourne and Brisbane followed in quick succession.

“In 2007 we decided to exploit emerging

markets in Dubai and Shanghai. DIT was extremely helpful at this stage in our development; we needed it to gain access to the right kind of market opportunities. Our policy was also to launch these new bases with Cundall UK people, so those operations followed our ethos here in Gosforth.”

This global expansion proved to be fortuitous when the recession bit the UK construction sector, protecting Cundall from the impact of the contraction. To this day, if one office is slightly quieter and others are stretched, the teams step in and help each other out and no matter where in the world a Cundall team member is based, the way of working is seamless from the client’s perspective.

“We had a steep international learning curve but in the last five years business has picked up and we have invested heavily in offices around the world,” says Reid. “We have invested in premises themselves and ensuring we have the right level of engineers in a particular country, qualified to work there. In Qatar, for example, it is not enough to have your Chartered status, you also have to sit an exam in that country.

“These professional considerations often need a lead-in time, so you have to build in those parameters when looking at how quickly you can populate your office and win work.”

At present there are 70 engineers based in Doha, Qatar working on a light rail project for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This contract includes seven railway stations, all in close proximity to allow passengers quick and easy access to transport links out of the notorious heat of the region.

Reid says: “We have a track record in sport-related projects which has resulted in further contracts in related fields. For example, we spent a great deal of time on our bid for the London 2012 white water course. Quite often these courses are too expensive for countries to run after the games and they end up being shut down. Our approach was to build in features to make it sustainable, so the electricity needed to power the hundreds of tonnes of water around the course was not prohibitive, which meant it could be used cost-effectively in the future. www.neechamber.co.uk

“We had a steep international learning curve, but over the last five years business has picked up and we have invested in our offices worldwide”

The South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute

“One of our civil engineers, Damian Dungworth, who led that project, was then invited to be a technical adviser on the Rio Olympics course and now we are involved in the Toyko 2020 Olympics.

"This knowledge has also given us further contracts, including one for a luge ride in Singapore.

Our work on the whitewater courses has been invaluable to this project.”

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Closer to home, Cundall has a similarly prestigious list of clients, including Newcastle’s Theatre Royal and contracts for Durham University which have included the Bill Bryson Library and the Palatine Centre. The firm also worked on Middlesbrough College’s £9m STEM centre, which has clear parallels with the company’s ethos of encouraging engineering careers.

Cundall is also part of a new initiative devised by Ryder Architects entitled PlanBEE - a pioneering new route into engineering and construction offering young people the chance to learn a variety of disciplines at different firms and qualify for a degree.

Cundall is also committed to training the next generation of multi-disciplinary engineers and has employed 80 graduates throughout the business worldwide in the last two years.

It has regular industrial placements for undergraduates, mentors students in all North East universities and delivers an in-house future leaders programme. Staff have support to develop themselves and also enjoy the independence to grow their confidence. Plus, they all move desks every three months to encourage team-working and greater knowledge of various disciplines.

The firm’s committment to the environment and sustainability is also central to its ethos. Managing partner Tomás Neeson says: “We were awarded One Planet Living accreditation; the first consultancy to get it globally.

"Our staff also have the chance to study for a two-year diploma in sustainability, whatever part of the business they are based in, whether it is IT, HR or engineering. We also supported World Green Building week and hosted events in 17 of our global offices attended by 500 people.

“We love the fact we have exported North East talent all around the world. It is a standing joke in our industry that there is a Geordie in every Cundall office, no matter which continent you are on.”

And with its growing international reputation, no doubt the company will keep sending Geordies all over the world. contact 33

A Capetown schoolgirl who wanted to be a judge was told to come up with a more realistic calling. Law's loss, it turns out, is architecture's gain Tanja Smith's South African childhood, meeting Mandela and life in Mongolia

When Tanja Smith was growing up in Cape Town, she wanted to be a judge. Sent to visit the city's university by her school so she could come up with a more realistic (ie, less costly) career plan, her attention was captured by an architecture lecturer who looked like the Hollywood actor Tom Hanks.

“When I was really young, I wanted to be a judge, but had to pick something within the realms of affordability when it came to studying," says Smith. "The careers guidance counsellor suggested I become a draughtsman. I went along to university and attended a lecture - the lecturer got my attention because he bore such a resemblance to Tom Hanks. He was talking about architecture and something struck a chord. That was the start.”

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That day has led to where she is now, an architectural technologist and technical director at the only UK architecture practice with an office in Mongolia. Smith's career route has included a degree in Cape Town and another at Northumbria University.

After her first graduation, she worked for Cape Town's Urban Design team, redeveloping shanty towns. “That’s why I got involved with architecture - to make a difference," she says. "It was soon after Nelson Mandela came to power, and the highlight was meeting him and shaking his hand."

The daughter of a Geordie father, she later headed to the North East, working for a number of practices before teaming up with Graham and Donna McDarby to launch Gradon Architecture in 2009. Based in a former church in Ryton, Gateshead, the firm has experienced steady progressive turnover every year and has a 20% profit margin. On the day we meet, the practice announces four contract wins in London - for a cosmetic surgery practice in Harley Street, two residential projects and an office conversion. And, uniquely for a UK architecture practice, Gradon has an office in Mongolia. Introduced to opportunities there and in Kazakhstan by a UK client, the practice is now shaping developments in the country's capital.

“We visited Mongolia and did work from distance, but clients wanted us to have a presence, so a couple of years ago I went on a recce to see if I could live there,” says Smith. “We got premises, did interviews, employed staff and I wrapped up my life in the North East in record time.

“The country is in recession so things have slowed down, but we’ve still won good concept work. There’s a definite curiosity about England. The perception is it’s all Barbour jackets and dog walking in the countryside. They expect to hear BBC English so Graham has to toff up his Geordie when he's there.

We’ve done massive master planning projects, we’re waiting for a further shopping mall scheme and two significant tower projects to come through, and we've been able to help children’s charities."

Galleria UB, Central Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia 36 contact

❝Mongolia is developing fast.

It's a clash of First and Third World and how they collide❞

Tanja's Mongolian adventure has also broadened her culinary horizons . "There's airag, which is fermented horse milk," says Smith. "They also eat sheep’s head and a dish called khorkhog, where they boil meat and vegetables in a pressurised container with hot rocks. It’s tasty, but you have to be careful when you open it - it can be like a bomb going off."

She's been horseriding on the Steppe, camped in Gers, ridden dodgy quad bikes and endured temperatures of -40C in winter and 35C in summer.

She's also seen first hand how attitudes are changing.

“As a Russian communist outpost, the impression I had was that you went to work and, whether you're a brain surgeon or a street sweeper, you get your basic wage and that's that. But that changed overnight when Russia left. Mongolia is now developing fast.

It’s a clash of Third and First World, the ancient Mongolian traditions and modern society. They’re a very proud nation, lovely people; they say, because of Genghis Khan, that they have a 'Khan-do' attitude.”

In Mongolia, there are more women than men.

When Smith first arrived, she planned to set up a branch of NAWIC, the international organisation for women in construction, but realised there were already refreshing numbers of women walking around in hard hats. When it comes to architecture, www.neechamber.co.uk

Mongolians tend to ask for concept work to be done before trying to secure funding, while Smith and the team are trying to encourage clients to do it the other way around to ensure their projects are built.

“There’s an aspiration to build the tallest building in Mongolia, so we’ve had many requests for 40-plus storey buildings," says Smith. "We’ve done concept work for housing, mixed use, schools, hospitals, apartment blocks, hotels, a cinema, shopping centres, an underground water park. It’s now about attracting investment.”

She is now back in the UK, along with a puppy found living on the streets by the Lucky Paws organisation. She is called Hachi, after the famous Japanese Akita Hachiko, a dog which became famous in the 1920s and 30s for his loyalty and still held up in Japanese culture as an example of fidelity. Hachi, says Smith, is "having to adapt to British ways and become more polite.”

In addition to its Mongolian base, Gradon has an office in Derry and a team of 20 across its three bases. "We Skype a lot, we’re in contact every day," says Smith. "We have cross-border design reviews www.neechamber.co.uk

and we help each other out. Cultural differences bring fresh ways of thinking and our experiences affect how we design. We encourage people to travel, and put on their boots. We take a study trip every year to a different city.”

So where next? “We wouldn’t rule out opening another office," says Smith. "We’re multi-sectored so we don’t know what will walk through the door, which is exciting. We’ve done everything except for a prison and a nuclear plant, so maybe they’re next.

“Some of the enquiries we’re getting are very big and we attribute that to the fact that we’re an international firm now. We're not London, Paris, New York, but we are Ryton, Derry and Mongolia. We have an annual review we call the Be Plan. It stems from when we first opened and we were going to come up with a mission statement. I piped up - ‘oh for heaven’s sake, can we not just be for a while’ and that stuck. So we’ll see what the next Be Plan brings…”

And with that, there is another Skype call with Mongolia and, later, the dog to walk. The legal profession’s loss, it seems, has been architecture’s and Mongolia's - gain. contact 37

Profile

Providing a voice for the disillusioned Liz Hands talks Trump, Brexit and the social pressures behind both of them over lunch with charity CEO Stephen Bell

We meet on the day Donald Trump is announced as America’s new president-elect, the pair of us blearyeyed having both stayed up as key swing states declared their results.

Despite the pollsters’ predictions of a comfortable win for Trump’s rival Hillary Clinton, Changing Lives CEO Stephen Bell isn’t surprised by the result.

“We saw it with Brexit and now we see it with Trump,” he says.

“The pollsters got it wrong because lots of people didn’t want to admit how they were going to vote. There are a lot of disillusioned people who feel they are being ignored. They’ve had enough and this is how they have chosen to make their voices heard.

“There’s a movement of people who have been pushed aside. The Ken Loach film I, Daniel Blake [which chronicles a life on benefits in Newcastle] is a reaction to that. We have welfare cuts and we have people who have gone from hardship to real poverty.

We deliver food to food banks and community

“There are a lot of people who feel they are being ignored”

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groups and demand has gone through the roof. I get that the welfare system needs to change, but we have people who can’t afford to eat.”

Many of those disillusioned people, those operating on the fringes of society, are users of Changing Lives, the charity Bell has worked for 22 years and led for 14.

Awarded an OBE for services to the sector, Bell fell into charity work by accident, but has found his calling helping some of the most troubled people in society.

He left school in Stanley, Co Durham at 16, refusing to stay on to do his A-levels because older friends had jobs and spending money. The son of a bus driver, he had harboured ambitions to join the police, but the joining criteria at the time ruled him out because he wore glasses. Instead, he ended up working for Go Ahead Northern in accounting, HR and pension roles, ending up managing accounts.

He was there for 12 years before he was made redundant, but he wasn’t jobless for long. “I got made redundant on a Friday and started working here on the Monday. I had my interview two days later,” he says.

At the time, Changing Lives was The Cyrenians,

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Profile rebranding four years ago as it underwent major expansion to become a national organisation. While still headquartered in Gateshead, it now operates nationwide, excluding London.

Since Bell joined, staff numbers have grown from 45 to 440, and there are more than 600 volunteers.

Turnover, meanwhile, has risen from £5m to more than £17m, and the charity is expected to grow by 22% in the coming months, growing its support network from 20,000 service users to 30,000 and increasing turnover to £25m.

“We’ll only stop expanding when we forget why we’re here,” says Bell, “and that’s to change lives.”

While it used to work mainly with the homeless, the charity’s services have expanded to support those with drug and alcohol problems, employment challenges, women’s services, sex workers and longterm housing. Most have one thing in common – childhood trauma.

The charity relies on grants and local and national government funding. It’s part of the Northern Inclusion Consortium comprising the region’s biggest charities which come together to bid for large contracts. It has a property portfolio for long-term stability and Bell aims to grow its fundraising activities.

Annual donations amount to about £100k, he says. “We don’t do donkeys, we’re not a cancer charity, and we don’t only look after children. There are many fantastic charities doing those things, and it can be harder for us to attract donations. We provide support that is ground-breaking for people whose lives have often fallen apart in childhood. While other organisations may provide a sticking plaster, we find out the cause so we can turn around the pattern.

“I’m heading to a project today where people have had their kids taken away from them, predominantly because of drug addiction. We get people into 12-step programmes and drug or alcohol free so we can engage them back with their children. They return to living independently in the community, so the saving to the taxpayer is huge. We’re also working with sex workers.

Most people have been forced into prostitution, predominantly by a family member, and have started taking drugs at the age of 12 or 13 to cope. We give them hope and aspiration.”

So how do you begin to offer hope? “We talk a lot about childhood dreams,” says Bell. “Everyone was young once, but things happen to some of them which make them need our services.”

Key to providing those services, says Bell, is ensuring his staff are able to cope with the traumatic scenarios they see every day. “They take on a lot, so 40 contact

my job is to make sure they are looked after and that they take some down time. If we look after them, they can look after the people who use Changing Lives.”

Bell says his second marriage proved the catalyst for a better work-life balance, and having swapped cricket for golf, he now makes time to play at Hobson Golf Club in Burnopfield and pick up his children, aged 15 and 10, from school.

A fifth of the charity’s staff are former service users. “That’s really important to us,” says Bell. “We do lots of work, but predominantly we believe in giving people a safe home and a job. And we try to give people employment through our own services.

They’ve come through it and can show others that it’s possible to change their lives.”

Bell is expecting pressure on services to increase with Brexit, as more families fall into poverty. However, he says: “While I didn’t agree with it, I wish we would just get on with it now, because we need clear guidelines about what is going to happen.”

You won’t, however, see Changing Lives out on the street demanding donations because Bell has called for so-called ‘chugging’ to be banned. He also won’t be giving money to beggars or operating mobile soup kitchens.

He says: “We develop a relationship with authorities and those on the streets. We know we only have a very few homeless people sleeping rough in Newcastle at the moment, though that may change – we’ve seen a worsening situation in other cities. If you want to give something to someone on the street, make it a sandwich and a cup of tea, not money, because many use it to fund addiction.

“While we support food banks, mobile soup kitchens, which are no doubt run by people will good intentions, can help people sustain a lifestyle which is harmful. We want to get them into the system so we can provide help to turn things around.”

And with that, he’s off to see staff and service users on the frontline, before sitting down for a meeting with the DWP. “All the sounds coming from Theresa May’s Government have been of softer rhetoric,” he says, “but people who use our services are really suffering. We’re seeing levels of poverty that we haven’t witnessed in a very long time. I hope that the political upheaval we have seen with Brexit and Trump will provide a key moment for change.”

“While I don't agree with [Brexit], I wish we would just get on with it now - we need clear guidelines”

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Durham’s shining as a business beacon AS DURHAM County Council looks to promote Durham as a beacon for business, we speak to one man who has chosen the county as the perfect place to expand his company.

Nic Marshall is Chief Executive Officer of customer contact company ResQ, which had reached full capacity at its site in his home city of Hull, where it employs 670 people.

The company considered various sites within a two-hour travelling time of Hull but, as Mr Marshall puts it: “We fell in love with Seaham.”

Mr Marshall sees a lot of similarities with the people of Hull. They too have had their dark times, due to the decline of the fishing industry and the docks, but hardship has engrained in them a determination to do well.

“Those hard times in Seaham and in Hull have led to people wanting to better themselves, and that gives them a real pride in the job. Our employees do a cracking job for us and we strive to be a good employer – rewarding them with a good living.”

It is not so long ago that Seaham felt unloved following the shattering decline of the coal industry.

When ResQ expanded to Seaham’s Spectrum Business Park in the summer, it announced that its objective was to employ 1,200 people by the end of 2018.

But the seaside town is now seen as a vibrant place to do business and Mr Marshall describes it as “perfect” for the needs of a fast-growing family-owned company like ResQ.

That ambition makes it one of the county’s largest inward investments and the jobs tally is already up to 160 and will be around the 200 mark by the end of the year.

“It was really important to us to have access to the right workforce and the people of Seaham had exactly the kind of attitude we were looking for.

The “fantastic positivity” of the workforce was matched by the excellence of the facilities ResQ found at the Spectrum Business Park.

“Attitude is more important to us than skills because, if people have the right attitude, we can give them the skills they need.”

“If you had to draw the perfect site for a call centre, you’d draw what was available to us at Seaham,” says Mr Marshall.

Nic Marshall, Chief Executive Officer, ResQ.

A positive workforce and perfect facilities were underpinned by the openness and flexibility of Durham County Council and Business Durham, the county’s economic development company working on behalf of the council.

Mr Marshall said: “The attitude was ‘What can we do to help you?’ It was so refreshing. Of course, there were barriers, but there was always a will to find ways to overcome them.

“From the people who work for us, to those who helped to bring us to Durham, it has been a positive experience from the start.”

Special focus

The funding landscape looks set to change drastically with postBrexit negotiations yet to be restricted to a two-year deadline and the future allocation of funding to regional development projects by central Government not yet on the table...

We ask experts from across the region to detail the current funding landscape, how to access it, and for their take on the future

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Commercial Profile

40 PLUS YEARS OF STEEL SUPPORT We’ve got great ways to finance your business... ...to help you with working capital, re-locating, buying premises, equipment or with a management buy-out.

Established in 1975 by the then British Steel Corporation to ‘put something back’ into steel areas, UK Steel Enterprise has actively sought to provide support, finance Sarah Thorpe and premises to growing businesses ever since.

The objective has remained the same: to encourage economic regeneration and job creation in the steel areas of the UK. Investments are tailored to your customer's needs and we can often be more flexible than other lenders.

Our equity finance provides investment funding of up to £1m.....taking a minority stake in your business but leaving control with you.

Our loan finance starts from £25,000 is often unsecured and with fixed interest rates.

Our Regeneration Fund backs start-ups and early-stage businesses that may need just a few thousand pounds at a vital early stage.

UK Steel Enterprise’s two purpose-built Innovation Centres in Hartlepool and Redcar support around 80 of the region’s new and growing businesses with offices, workshops and a range of facilities all available on ‘easy-in easy-outterms.

UK Steel Enterprise, a subsidiary of Tata Steel, has been supporting businesses for more than 40 years, investing more than £20.6m into companies in its Northern region alone.

If you want to join UK Steel Enterprise-backed companies in the North including Hart Biologicals, Micropore Technologies, Cleveland Containers, BMM Heaters, Pinnacle Re-Tech and JDP Contracting Services .........get in touch.

Call 01642 777 777 and talk to Sarah Thorpe or email north@uksteelenterprise.co.uk to see how UKSE can help your business grow.

Helen Golightly, North East LEP chief operating officer

We were encouraged by the Autumn Statement and news of a national productivity fund of £23bn to support innovation and infrastructure.

We look forward to finding out more about this and the extra £2bn to support R&D and innovation funds, and how we can bid to bring funding to the North East.

The North East LEP competes nationally to bring funding into the region. We hold a multi-million pound pot which is used to deliver the Strategic Economic Plan priorities and we have delivered or secured more than £830m so far.

I was particularly proud of the central role we played with partners to secure and retain the £145m super fund solely for North East businesses. The North East Fund (formerly known as JEREMIE 2) will be available in the New Year and will provide equity investments and loans for fast-growing regional businesses, using money from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), funds accessed from the European Investment Bank and legacy money from historical funds. We anticipate this fund could support 600 businesses and the creation of 2,500 jobs as well as leave us with legacy funds of up to £80m.

We manage the region’s Local Growth Fund (LGF), which is worth £220m from 2015-21. During 2016 it has supported private sector schemes including Tyne Met College, East Durham College and Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate. From April, the second Enterprise Zone comes on stream, increasing the region’s number of sites from to 20. Businesses can access either Business Rate Relief of up to 100% over five years or Enhanced Capital Allowances up to 100%, to invest in plant and equipment.

The original sites, launched in 2012, have already attracted over 25 businesses and generated 1,200 jobs.

Businesses looking to access funding should go to www.nelep.co.uk or the North East Growth Hub website www.northeastgrowthhub.co.uk

www.uksteelenterprise.co.uk 44 contact

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Commercial Profile

John King, NBSL North East Business Support Manager

With money coming from the European Regional Development Fund there are a number of questions around how funding for businesses will be impacted

by Brexit. Leaving the EU does not mean the end of business support grants and financial support and we have a fund in place that stretches into 2018.

With the Prime Minister pledging to begin the Brexit process before March 2017, there is time for the Government to make sure replacement and/or alternative programmes are in place to pick up where European funding ends.

Businesses require certainty and assurances. So long as there is no lag between the two, any impact will be minimised.

North East enterprise agency NBSL administers the £2m North East Business Support Fund (NEBSF) available to SMEs across Co Durham, Northumberland and Tyne & Wear. NEBSF can provide up to 35% funding towards a business growth project costing between £3,000 and £8,000 with a maximum grant of £2,800. The funding will be available until early 2018.

Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), businesses can use the funding for most externally delivered business support, from marketing and web design to financial or HR planning. The programme has helped more 450 businesses to date.

Details of the funding offer and the online application form are at www.nbsl.org.uk/nebsf Contact the NBSL team, tel 01670 813 322 To see a series of free two-day master classes go to www.nbsl.org.uk/nebsf-masterclasses www.neechamber.co.uk

Deal signed for new £145m super fund for the North East

Andrew Hodgson, North East LEP Chair

A £145m super fund to support the growth of hundreds of North East businesses will go live early next year after an agreement was signed.

The North East Fund – formerly known as JEREMIE 2 – will offer different types of equity investments and loans to firms to drive local growth, investment and job creation

in the region.

The agreement has been signed by the seven Local Authorities in the North East, North East (SPV) Limited and the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) which has responsibility for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in England.

Over the next five years, the North East Fund will pump loan, equity and mezzanine funding into new and existing fast-growing businesses across a wide range of sectors which will spearhead new regional economic growth.

The new fund combines ERDF backing with EIB finance.

It is estimated that the North East Fund could provide financial support for 600 businesses; help create around 2,500 jobs in the next five years and a further 1,000 jobs throughout the life of the fund - and deliver a legacy fund of up to £80m over the next decade for further financial support to companies.

Andrew Hodgson, North East LEP Chair, said: “The agreement signed today with Government ensures the Fund stays in the North East, to back the investment plans of our fastest growing, brightest firms. It is a prime example of public sector partners working together to achieve maximum return for the North East economy.”

1 St James Gate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4AD, United Kingdom Tel:0191 338 7420 Email:info@nelep.co.uk www.nelep.co.uk contact 45

Sarah Thorpe, UK Steel Enterprise regional executive

We have now invested £20.6m into more than 1,230 businesses in the North and continue to back projects from management buyouts, the purchase of premises and equipment to expanding workforces and export growth.

UK Steel Enterprise provides equity finance of up to £1m. Loan finance is available from £25,000 and can often be provided unsecured. A Regeneration Fund helps start-up and early stage companies with smaller loans of up to £7,500.

UKSE was set up to help regenerate steel areas and, because our bottom line is still all about regeneration and the creation of

UK Steel Enterprise has been a constant in a business landscape that has seen many changes over four decades. jobs, we can often be more flexible than other funders.

We welcome the growing number of investment projects coming to fruition in the North thanks to co-operation between funders, advisers and businesses.

The Tata Steel subsidiary, with its

impressive 40 years of experience in supporting businesses with finance and premises, is working with an increasing number of financial and legal advisers and other funders to back projects that are creating jobs.

UK Steel Enterprise invested £110,000 from its Equity Growth Fund, backed by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, alongside an investment of £100,000 from the North East Angel Fund, managed

by Rivers Capital Partners, in high-tech company Micropore Technologies Ltd. The company is growing its team and customer base in a £270,000 expansion.

A Loughborough University spin-out, Micropore recently re-located to Redcar’s Wilton Centre and its patented membrane emulsification and encapsulation process is in demand from companies manufacturing foods to rocket fuel.

Its vote of confidence in Teesside and the successful co-operation between investors is something to celebrate demonstrating what we do together.

For full details of the funding available visit www.uksteelenterprise.co.uk, call 01642 777 777 or email north@uksteelenterprise.co.uk

Unlock your Innovation potential with 40% funding Get in touch...

innovation@ne-bic.co.uk www.ne-bic.co.uk/innovation

46 contact

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Inward investment Durham County Council is working on an innovative campaign to showcase the county as an area for investment, business development and innovation, as Coun Simon Henig explains: "We are committed to bringing more investment into the county and over the last four years have helped 3,400 businesses to relocate, set up or expand in Durham, which equates to a £187m boost for the economy. In addition, 40 multinationals, unique and niche companies have invested and re-invested since 2014.

"The council isn’t simply highlighting business opportunities, we are looking to create a better future for people in the area. Through our work with Business Durham, the county’s economic development company, we are launching a number of projects which aim to create jobs, generate economic growth and create stability.

"One of those projects is NETPark, which is aiming to become the global hub for materials integration by 2025. The council also recently purchased Salvus House to act as a business incubator for Durham City, which will create up to 200 direct jobs and a further 500 indirectly.

"We have also set out our plans to create 6,000

private sector jobs and a potential investment of £370m in the county’s economy by redeveloping the county hall site. The Aykley Heads area is home to the award-winning Atom Bank’s HQ and is already home to more than 30 businesses.

"In June we announced that customer contact firm ResQ will create 1,300 jobs in the next three years at Spectrum Business Park in Seaham.

"We have secured £20m for new venture capital fund Finance Durham and launched a new innovation process, Durham Smart County, linking social challenges directly to companies who can develop and provide new solutions.

"There has never been a more exciting time to be doing business in Co Durham."

Business leaders at the opening of Salvus House

Thinking about investing to grow your business?

Access up to £2800 of funding for all sorts of business improvement projects. www.nbsl.org.uk/nebsf OR CALL 01670 813322

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People Five of the new trainees, l-r Rosie Taylor, Lydia Armstrong, James Cooper, Frances Everett and Sarah Robe

Whitmell returns

New facilities

Top 10

Former COO David Whitmell has returned to NEL Fund Managers to lend his expertise to its main board. He left NEL in 2011 to set up the first North East franchise of business coaching organisation The Alternative Board and has served as a director for more than 15 small and medium-sized companies across the region.

Teesside-based independent commercial property consultancy Dodds Brown has appointed Andrew Carr to the post of facilities manager.

He will work closely with senior associate partner and head of property management Richard Wilson on the firm's £70m property portfolio.

The Newcastle office of law firm Bond Dickinson has promoted 10 employees.

Helen Seeber, David Millard, Jonathan Gribben and Samantha Pritchard are promoted to managing associate and Hazel Picton, Catherine Willis, Naomi Jacques, Jill McCartney, Julie Boakes and Francesca Hodgson are promoted to associate. The office has also welcomed six newly qualified solicitors and eight trainees.

Rapid expansion Advantex Network Solutions has expanded its team to meet demand for its IT, IP telephony and network services. Dean Cowens (sales man.), Celia Yeates (finance man.), Gemma Barker and Ryan Masters (accounts assistants), Dan Baird and Nick Scott (comms. engineers), Chris Airey and Andrew Simpson (IT engineers), Nathan Colquhoun (IT apprentice), Julie Lamb (operations admin), Jason Lilly (storeman), and Oli Atkins and Graeme Dalkin (project managers) have all joined the team.

Howdy, partner Endeavour Partnership has promoted Alex Smith to partner within its commercial dispute resolution department, which acts in all areas of litigation such as construction, commercial arbitrations, insolvency, intellectual property disputes and professional negligence claims.

MD Heather O'Driscoll (second left) with l-r Business Services team members Barbara Conley, Emma Harrington and Louise Baker

Job adds up Chartered accountant and business adviser Waltons Clark Whitehill, which provides a range of support services including annual accounts, audits, payroll and business and strategic planning has appointed Emma Harrington as a lead auditor in its Business Services team.

l-r Louise White, Ruth Beeton, partner and head of residential conveyancing Terry Saffin, Charlotte Alexander, and corporate and partner and head of corporate Tony Wentworth

Legally bound

Heartfelt role The Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF) has appointed Charlotte Campbell as senior fundraising manager.

She brings experience from the Marie Curie Hospice in Newcastle and Team Valley-based ethical trader Traidcraft.

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Jacksons law firm, which is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year, has recruited four new members of staff.

Solicitor Ruth Beeton joins the Newcastle office to head Residential Conveyancing as solicitors Ann Owens and Louisa Bestford join the family department. Solicitor Louise White and paralegal Charlotte Alexander join partner and head of corporate Tony Wentworth in the firm’s Teesside office.

In the money Digital marketing agency Mediaworks, Best Large Agency at the Northern Marketing Awards, has appointed Mark Rutherford finance director, who brings experience gained as head of the UK Finance Team for Wellstream PLC and more recently as the finance director for the Great Run Company. www.neechamber.co.uk

David Simpson and George Galloway

Connected Richard Swart and Matt Boyle

Top 100 Two North East company bosses have been named among the top 100 manufacturing leaders in the UK. Richard Swart, global sales director and UK MD of Berger Group Europe, which has a base in Durham, and Matt Boyle, president and CEO of Tyneside-based low carbon vehicle firm Sevcon, are named in the annual Manufacturer’s Top 100 report.

Swart, chairman of International Trade with the Chamber, has supported the global export ambitions of hundreds of businesses. Boyle has led Sevcon since 1997, during which it has become a leader in the design and manufacture of components for hybrid and electric vehicles.

Lifetime achievement

North East-based Mary Davies is celebrating after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 CIM Northern Awards.

Mary, a chartered marketer since 2002 and fellow of CIM since 1976, said: “It has been my great pleasure to work for the marketing cause, one that is even more important since Brexit. I've met many interesting people who have enriched my life.”

In the chair

John Marshall has been appointed chair of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, the public-private partnership which delivers economic growth for Newcastle Gateshead and the wider region through its work to attract visitors, major events, conferences and inward investment.

He has served on the NGI board for six years and takes over from Paul Callaghan CBE. Marshall, who retired from Bond Dickinson LLP in June, says: “I am committed to seeing the region continue to grow and prosper. This area must look outwards, profiling its unique and distinctive features to a wide range of international and national audiences.” www.neechamber.co.uk

Two of the region’s longeststanding IT companies are joining forces with David Simpson, MD of Coniston Computers, joining Gatesheadbased ICT specialist ITPS in a commercial sales role.

The move provides continuity to Coniston’s client base as it winds down after 34 years.

Established in 2000, ITPS is the largest independently owned IT company in the region, employing 110 people at its 33,000sqft data centre and workspace recovery facility.

Cawkwell scores Andrew Cawkwell, a partner in the Banking and Restructuring team at Newcastle-based Muckle LLP, has been recognised as one of the UK’s leading turnaround professionals at the TRI (Turnaround, Restructuring & Insolvency) Awards.

Cawkwell was recognised for various achievements, including his work with a fan-based consortium which purchased Darlington FC from administrators and his continued support for the club’s board.

contact 493

Commercial Profile

Are you an SME based in County Durham looking to achieve energy efficiency savings?

The three year Project has been developed to generate financial savings for County Durham based SMEs through energy savings.

BEEP offers a trusted and independent service with the ultimate goal of generating financial savings through reduced energy consumption or even energy generation.

The Project will launch in 2017 with support provided by five dedicated specialists and a website with free to access downloadable tools and case studies. Businesses will be able to access a wealth of free introductory information related to energy use and energy reduction within SMEs, from understanding your bill and reading your meter, to understanding the Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme for Energy Efficient Technologies or understanding efficient lighting. The website will also feature water savings hints and tips from Northumbria Water and other local businesses.

In partnership with Business Durham, FSB, NECC, and Northern Powergrid the Project offers any compliant business a free in-depth energy audit delivered by BEEPs team of experts. The audits will identify and prioritise all avenues where financial savings can be made through improving both an SMEs equipment and processes through more efficient use of energy. The results of all audits will be based upon actual energy data from your business, there are no assumptions or estimates made. Although any business can use the website only SMEs within County Durham can apply for an audit or grant assistance.

Businesses who would like further support can apply for a BEEP grant which can provide a discount of up to 40% from the cost of energy efficient equipment*. The grants are available on a first come first served basis and are only available to those SMEs who receive a BEEP audit.

The Project has been financially supported through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Durham County Council, and was the first project in the North East to receive funding through the EUs new Low Carbon Priority.

BEEP will open fully for business in early 2017 and provide dedicated SME support until the autumn of 2019.

If you would like any more information or you would like your name added to our already growing list of interested businesses please contact BEEP Manager Calum Baker at beep@durham.gov.uk *terms and conditions apply 50 contact

If you would like any more information or you would like your name added to our already growing list of interested businesses please contact BEEP Manager Calum Baker at beep@durham.gov.uk www.neechamber.co.uk

Hi-Tech Christmas essentials

NINTENDO CLASSIC MINI This year’s gaming must-have, the Mini comes pre-loaded with 30 of the greatest games ever, including Super Mario and Legend of Zelda, plugs straight into your TV and comes with the classic A and B button gamepad. £50, nintendo.co.uk

Dear Santa…

Dean Bailey puts Apple and Microsoft’s latest releases head to head and takes a look at this year’s must-have Christmas tech The laptop v desktop and Apple v Microsoft arguments have picked back up with the announcement of a new MacBook from Apple and the Surface Studio desktop-touchscreen hybrid from Microsoft pitting the industry’s biggest names head-to-head in the future of touch technology.

I'm instantly drawn to the Surface Studio for its good looks, power and functionality – plus the brilliant Surface Dial, which gives you control over everything from colours and effects to undoing text with a turn.

Apple’s “future of the notebook” comes in the form of the Touch Bar on the latest MacBook Pro, which replaces the function keys and allows you to swipe through images and emojis and adjust volume - unfortunately nowhere near as cool as the Surface Dial in the videos.

While I love Apple’s iMac, iPhone and iPad, the chance to go beyond a keyboard and mouse while having desktop power is a huge draw. Add in the coolness factor and all-round usability of the Surface Studio and the chance to get hands-on in the same way as we have for year’s with Apple’s industry-leading touch capabilities in phones and tablets, and all I need now is that $4,000…

RIF6 CUBE This 2ins3 projector is a must for movie-lovers on the go with its 120ins image capability and 90 minute battery life. £269.95, rif6.com

Apple v Microsoft for the future of touch technology

www.neechamber.co.uk

LEGO STAR WARS With Rogue One: A Star Wars story out this December this year’s LEGO purchase has to be the TIE Striker - complete with four minifigures! £59.99, shop.lego.com contact 51

The look

Up your fashion game with these new winter work looks Autograph coat £199 jumper £45 shirt £39.50 trouser £45 shoe £49.50 bag £39.50 Marks & Spencer

Wrap front trouser £149 Jigsaw

Eloise dress £129 Hobbs

Biba skirt £59 House of Fraser

Cashmink scarf £25 John Lewis

52 contact

Olive tote £269 Hobbs

Ankle boot £85 M&S

Pom pom beret £46 House of Fraser

www.neechamber.co.uk

Suit £245 Jumper £45 House of Fraser

Waistcoat £69 Marks & Spencer

Checked jacket £149 Marks & Spencer

Dress scarf £19.99 TK Maxx

Leather belt £40 Mens at Dune Brown leather shoe £95 Mens at Dune

www.neechamber.co.uk

Fortnum quilt jacket £199 Barbour Leather documents bag £39.99 TK Maxx

contact 53

LOOKS AREN’T EVERYTHING, BUT THEY CERTAINLY HELP. The new V90 versatility, space and elegance.

Introducing the elegant and confident new Volvo S90.

The Volvo estate is a motoring icon.

But with the new V90 now at Mill, it’s more beautiful than ever.

A beautiful synthesis of Swedish luxury and Scandinavian design. The new S90 is the executive saloon redefined.

From £318 per month

From £299 per month

V90 2.0 D4 Momentum Geartronic

S90 2.0 D4 Momentum Geartronic

Initial Payment £1908 + VAT*

Initial Payment £1794 + VAT*

47 Monthly Rentals £318 + VAT*

Mileage per Annum 10,000 miles

47 Monthly Rentals £299 + VAT*

Mileage per Annum 10,000 miles

No Administration or Sourcing Fee | FREE Metallic Paint | Taking orders now at Mill

VOLVO CARS NORTH EAST Mill Newcastle Scotswood Road, Newcastle NE15 6BZ

Mill Sunderland Wessington Way, Sunderland SR5 3HR

Mill Stockton Preston Farm Business Park, Stockton TS18 3SG

Mill Harrogate St James Retail Park, Knaresborough HG5 8PY

www.millnortheast.co.uk

Tel: 0800 612 4715

*All quotes based on 6 rentals as deposit followed by 47 further monthly payments of £299 for S90 and £318 for V90 commencing in month 2. All by Direct Debit. Based on business contract hire, non-maintained. All rentals and excess mileage rates are exclusive of VAT and are subject to vehicle availability, credit approval, manufacturer’s price changes, volume related bonus and purchase through Volvo Car Leasing. Supplier Network, with a mileage of 10,000 miles per annum. Vehicle returned must be in good condition and within agreed mileage, otherwise further charges will be incurred. Excess Mileage 14.40p per mile for S90 and 15.30p per mile for V90. In the event of cancellation of an order, you will be liable for such costs to be confirmed to you in writing. All other terms

54 and contact conditions are as per the Master Hire Agreement or Customer Agreement between yourselves and Volvo Car Leasing. Prices correct at the time of going to print, are subject to change without notice andwww.neechamber.co.uk do not take into account any variation to government taxes or charges arising after date of publication. Subject to availability at participating dealers for vehicles ordered on or before 31st December 2016 or while stocks last. Not available with other promotions. Volvo Car Leasing Contract Hire is Provided by Lex Autolease Ltd, trading as Volvo Car Leasing, incorporated and registered in England with company number 1090741 & registered office at 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Car shown for illustration purposes only. Prices correct at time of going to press.

Motoring

Hot hatches Still hankering for the days when whizzing around in your hot hatch was the best way to spend the weekend? Worry not, the hot hatch is all grown up, which means you're allowed to drive one again.

Here's four of our favourites

RENAULT TWINGO GT The ‘hot’ version of the rear-wheel drive, rear-engined Twingo, the GT comes with a 898cc turbocharged engine giving 108bhp (up from 89bhp in the standard Twingo).

That means you’ll get 113mph – not bad when you’re also getting

www.neechamber.co.uk

54mpg and paying a tiny amount of car tax for the privilege!

There’s also a sporty look to go with the power boost complete with 17ins alloys, a central exhaust and more air intakes. Prices start from £13,755.

» contact 55

Motoring CITROËN C3 Debuted at the Paris Motor Show, the new C3 will be available in the New Year, packed with new tech. The exterior features Citroën’s Airbump technology first seen on the C4 Cactus plus ultra-slim daytime running lights and an overall chunkier look.

Inside, Citroen has opted for ‘sophisticated simplicity’ with a 7ins touchscreen and fewer buttons and controls, and the interior is available in four ‘moods’. The C3 will be available with 67bhp, 81bhp and 109bhp petrol or 74bhp and 99bhp diesel options. Prices start from £11,000.

FORD FIESTA The seventh generation of the ubiquitous supermini was unveiled in Germany in November. The latest incarnation of the Fiesta, which has had around 18m sales worldwide in the last 40 years, is out next year and will be available in top of the range Vignale, sporty ST, mid-range Titanium and Active - an 18mm higher riding crossover/SUV due in 2018. A new softer shape is complemented with Bang & Olufsen sound, more rear legroom and lots more tinkering to this classic hatchback.

Prices start from around £14,000.

NEW CITROËN DISPATCH Blue HDI M1000 Enterprise

CONTRACT HIRE FROM:

£198

+ VAT (6+23)

Ferryboat Lane, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear SR5 3JN

56 contact

| 0191 5168822

www.neechamber.co.uk

NISSAN MICRA The latest incarnation of Nissan’s Micra will be available in the New Year with more options than you can shake a stick at. The new model is wider, longer and lower than its predecessor and has a more grown-up look. Available in Visia, Visia+, Acenta, N-Connecta and Tekna specs, the fifth generation Micra features a new 7ins touchscreen, Bose sound and autonomous braking with Pedestrian Detection - a first for Nissan in Europe. Prices start from £11,995.

NEW CITROËN C3

With ConnectedCAM Citroën™ AS UNIQUE AS YOU ARE. Thanks to its ConnectedCAM Citroën™ New Citroën C3 allows you to share all your experiences and discoveries on social media with a simple click.

New Citroën C3 PureTech 82 manual Flair

£149

ONLY PER MONTH ON CONRACT HIRE* *Offer applies to qualifying new Citroën commercial vehicles ordered & delivered 01/10-31/12/16 for business users only excluding National Fleet customers as defined by Citroën UK. Metallic paint optional at no extra cost.

Rental price shown applies to New Citroën C3 PureTech 82 manual Flair. An advance rental of £897.06 will be required followed by 35 monthly rentals on a 3 year agreement of 10,000 miles per annum. Contract Hire rental includes: delivery to dealership, Citroën Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Excise Duty and Government First Registration Fee. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Over 18s only. Excess mileage charges will apply if you exceed the agreed annual mileage. Finance provided by and written quotations available on request from PSA Finance UK Limited (company registration number 01024322) t/a Citroën Contract Motoring, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1QA, UK. Citroën Contract Motoring is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Contract Hire rental rates have been calculated with the appropriate manufacturer’s support applied to the OTR price. All rentals are subject to VAT at 20%.

Citroën Contract Motoring reserve the right to amend any of the rentals quoted without notice. TOWN CENTRE GARAGE (SUNDERLAND) LTD IS ACTING AS A CREDIT BROKER AND IS NOT A LENDER. TO FINANCE YOUR PURCHASE/ LEASE WE MAY INTRODUCE YOU TO A LIMITED NUMBER OF LENDERS. Offers & specification correct at time of going to press from participating Dealers. Terms & conditions apply. Please ask us for details. Subject to stock availability.

Official Government fuel consumption figures (Range): Urban cycle, Extra urban, Combined (litres per 100km/mpg) & CO2 emissions (g/km); Highest: New Citroën C3 PureTech 82 manual Flair 5.7/49.6, 4.1/68.9, 4.7/60.1, 109. Lowest: New Citroën C3 BlueHDi 75 S&S manual Touch 4.2/67.3, 3.1/91.1, 3.5/80.7, 92. MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions.

TOWN CENTRE CITROËN & DS 0191 516 8822 FERRYBOAT LANE, SUNDERLAND, TYNE & WEAR, SR5 3JN www.towncentresunderland.citroen.co.uk

www.neechamber.co.uk

contact 57

Test drive the brand new

SEAT Ateca at Pulman SEAT.

STARTING PRICE

£17,990

ADVANCEMENT PAYMENT FROM

£499

On Motability *

>> Air conditioning >> Bluetooth >> Touchscreen media system >> Electric tailgate with Virtual Pedal >> 4x4 off road performance >> FullLink

>> 18” alloy wheels >> Full LED headlights >> Satellite navigation >> Wireless phone charger >> Keyless Entry >> Rear view camera

“

Do you qualify for PIP? The Ateca is available on

Pulman SEAT

EURO NCAP SAFETY RATING

Join the conversation #ThatsPulman

Pulman

www.pulmanseat.co.uk / TEL: 0191 549 2926

”

Burntland Avenue, Southwick, Tyne & Wear, SR5 2ET *Offers subject to availability, all figures correct at time of going to press. Options prices inclusive of VAT. To qualify for the Motability Scheme, you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate of Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP). Applications must be received and accepted by Motability Operations between 01/10/2016–31/12/2016. Offers may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Selected models only.

Motoring

Electric future

Top tech Nice work on the part of Volvo, which has been voted Tech Brand of the Year at the first Car Tech Awards organised by Carbuyer and Alphr.com.

The award recognises Volvo’s groundbreaking technology, including the Sensus touchscreen control system and Drive-E powertrains, while the XC90 picked up the Most User-Friendly Tech and Best Audio System awards.

Commenting on the awards, Jon Wakefield, MD of Volvo Car UK, said: "These award wins recognise the fact that Volvo is a technological leader – not just in the field of safety, but in terms of connectivity and in-car entertainment, autonomous drive and efficient powertrains. They also show that no matter how sophisticated Volvos get, the way in which we interact with the technology needn't be complex."

And the winner is...

The shortlist for the European Car of the Year has been announced and features the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Nissan Micra, Toyota C-HR, Peugeot 3008, Volvo S90, Citroen C3 and Mercedes E-Class. A team of 58 judges will now decide which takes the title over from 2016 winner – the Vauxhall Astra.

Jaguar Land Rover has announced plans to build electric vehicles in the UK – subject to the Government subsidising investment in new infrastructure – following the launch of its first electric model – the Jaguar IPace.

Hands free Ford has revealed plans to begin testing autonomous cars on European roads. The plans will see US programmes rolled out across the pond in 2017 – with Ford intending to have a “highvolume, fully autonomous vehicle in commercial operation in 2021”.

Brexit warning

Christmas essentials Ford’s iconic GT and GT40 models have been immortalised in LEGO bricks. The latest additions to the Speed Champions series join the likes of the Audi R8 and Model A Hot Rod, and the set includes both cars as well as racing driver minifigures, a chequered flag and a trophy to make it easy to recreate those history-making victories. www.neechamber.co.uk

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has stressed the need for the UK to stay in Europe's single market following the EU referendum result. Its research shows the UK faces the threat of a £4.5bn car tariff if the country does not stay in the single market. contact 59

Events Chamber Christmas Exchange December 8, The Copthorne, Newcastle, 11am-2pm, FREE The Chamber’s flagship networking event encouraging an exchange of experiences, ideas and offers between members.

The event is supporting Cash 4 Kids – attendees are asked to bring along a gift for a child.

Chamber Exchanges

October 13, in association with Cumbria Chamber, sponsored by Slaley Hall November 10, sponsored and hosted by Sunderland Marriott

Christopher Wayne Wills (Slaley Hall), Sarah Solly (Chamber) and Derek Armstrong (Cumbria Chamber)

Andrew Glover (Sunderland Marriott) and Oliver Randall (Soft Intelligence Data Centre)

Bayeh Jones (Eazi Apps), Neil Todd (JN Todd Associates) and Nikki Hunter (EGC)

Claire Rolston (CLR Law) and Amanda Dixon (North East Social Media)

Andy Larmouth (Magician) and Peter Evans (The Hastings)

Soo Darcy and Kieran Darcy (Client Confident)

Sponsored by

Venue sponsor

Supporting

Chamber Christmas Exchange

Inspiring Females Seminar October 20, sponsored by Business Durham at NET Park

December 15, Blackwell Grange, Darlington, 11am-2pm, FREE The event is supporting Children North East attendees are asked to bring along a book for the charity’s book tree.

Melissa Thompson (KMS Partners), Laura Mack (Change & Transformation), and Beverly Sherratt (Profectus 4 People)

Sponsored by

Supporting

Catherine Johns (Business Durham) 60 contact

Alison Jones (NBSL), Jayne Hepple (Clutter Companion) and Marina Puente (Smith Creative)

www.neechamber.co.uk

Chamber Showcase at North East Expo November 16, in association with Fresh Start Events at Kingston Park

Lynsey Fairless and Arthur Hodgson (Chamber)

Katie Foster (Premium Hospitality)

Tracy Chandler (Emirates)

Sarah Barber (Matfen Hall)

James Ramsbotham (Chamber)

Sean Bell (Lloyd Newcastle)

High Tunstall College of Science

Graeme Tennick Accountants

Laura Simpson (Lakes Distillery)

President's Club Lunch

November 10, sponsored by Sunderland Stadium of Light and Sunderland College at Stadium of Light

Ellen Thinnesen (Sunderland Coll.)

James Ramsbothan, Ellen Thinnesen, Stephen Kelly, Mike Matthews and Eamonn Leavey

www.neechamber.co.uk

Jacqueline de Rojas (SAGE)

Stephen Kelly (SAGE)

contact   61

Events FEATURED EVENT

FEATURED EVENT

FEATURED EVENT

DEC 08

DEC 15

JAN 06

Chamber Christmas Exchange, FREE

Chamber Christmas Exchange, FREE

Quarterly Economic Survey Breakfast Briefing, FREE

TO BOOK

www.neechamber.co.uk/events

Networking

0300 303 6322

JAN 27 - APPRENTICESHIP LEVY EVENT

8AM-10AM • TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY

DEC 15 - CHAMBER CHRISTMAS EXCHANGE

FREE

FEB 15 - APPRENTICESHIP LEVY: WHAT IT MEANS FOR SMES

events@neechamber.co.uk

JAN 24 - NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD AREA MEETING

4PM-6PM GATESHEAD CIVIC CENTRE

FREE

JAN 25 - REDCAR & CLEVELAND AREA MEETING

11AM-2PM Blackwell Grange, Darlington

8AM-10AM • GATESHEAD COLLEGE

FREE

FREE

JAN 18 - CHAMBER LOCAL (WEARSIDE)

Local AGMs

FREE

FREE

FEB 28 - TEES VALLEY 2016 REVIEW AND AGM

4PM-5.30PM STADIUM OF LIGHT, SUNDERLAND

9AM-11AM WEARSIDE FARM, SUNDERLAND

JAN 19 - STAND UP & BE COUNTED 10AM-NOON PARK HEAD HOTEL, BISHOP AUCKLAND

FREE

JAN 25 - CHAMBER LOCAL

8.15AM-10AM TBC

JAN 30 - SUNDERLAND AREA MEETING

11AM-2PM TBC

FREE

MAR 07 - DURHAM 2016 REVIEW AND AGM

International

FREE

10AM-NOON THE HASTINGS, SEATON DELAVAL

11AM-2PM TBC

FEB 07 - CHAMBER LOCAL (TEAM VALLEY MONTHLY)

MAR 14 - TYNE & WEAR 2016 REVIEW AND AGM

£300**

FREE

FEB 09 - IMPORT PROCESSES, COMPLIANCE AND DOCUMENTS

FREE

FREE

JAN 24 - LETTERS OF CREDIT AND METHODS OF PAYMENT

9AM-4PM DURHAM COUNTY CRICKET CLUB

8.30AM-10.30AM AREA NORTH, TEAM VALLEY

11AM-2PM TBC

FEB 09 - CHAMBER EXCHANGE

MAR 24 - NORTHUMBERLAND 2016 REVIEW AND AGM

£300**

FREE

FEB 22 - EXPORT PROCESSES, COMPLIANCE AND DOCUMENTS

FREE

11AM -2PM, TBC

FREE

11AM-2PM LINDEN HALL, NORTHUMBERLAND

Skills, Knowledge and Information Network

Area Meetings

JAN 06 - QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY BREAKFAST BRIEFING

DEC 13 - DARLINGTON AREA MEETING

8AM-10AM TYNE & WEAR FIRE & RESCUE, SUNDERLAND

FREE

62 contact

8.15AM-10AM DARLINGTON COLLEGE OF FE, DARLINGTON

FREE

9AM-4PM DURHAM COUNTY CRICKET CLUB

9AM-4PM DURHAM COUNTY CRICKET CLUB

£300**

** Global member price £240+VAT Foundation Award in International Trade – North East England Chamber of Commerce member price £800 (Global member price £640+VAT) contact us for information

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Exchange Experience Exchange Ideas Exchange Contacts Exchange Success To find out more about the benefits of being a chamber member visit www.neechamber.co.uk

Last word: William Baker Baker

Brexit

/'breksit/ (noun)

William Baker Baker, head of office, Brewin Dolphin, Newcastle

Much has happened since the EU vote, but not necessarily pointing in any specific direction. Indeed, at the time of writing, a leaked memo demonstrated potential disarray in the methodology of leaving and what might result.

Since the vote there have been many developments, including a new Government, more monetary stimulus and undulating economic data. So now seems like a good time to talk about Brewin Dolphin’s current take on the topic.

What might our new relationship with the EU look like? Other than the Prime Minister’s mantra "Brexit means Brexit", we have heard so little about what Brexit really means that we might genuinely claim to know less now than we did immediately after the vote.

For example, we followed the conventional wisdom that the UK would decide between three choices - membership of the European Economic Area (EEA) like Norway; falling back upon the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) rules; or a bespoke UK trade deal. Our European partners are clear that if we want to be members of the Single Market the EEA was the only way to achieve it (other than full membership). That option, however, would never fulfil the ambition of being able to limit immigration from within the EU, so it would always be controversial.

For that reason David Davis, the minister managing the UK’s departure from the EU, was probably being realistic when he said “a requirement of membership is giving up control of our borders.”

That has been the consistent message from other EU leaders and led Mr Davis to conclude that membership of the European Single Market was “improbable”. The Prime Minister rebuffed his defeatist attitude.

What was in doubt before was which of the mutually exclusive priorities – membership of the Single Market or control

"We still don't know much about a postBrexit environment"

64 contact

of immigration - would take precedence. It seems Mrs May has settled the matter. She has said the UK’s deal “must mean controls on the number of people who come to Britain from Europe, but also a positive outcome for those who wish to trade goods and services”. While the “positive outcome for those who wish to trade” is vague, the imposition of controls is explicit. Continued unfettered access to the Single Market will come as a result of masterful negotiation or, more likely, it will be lost. An immaculate exit is, to use Mr Davis’ term “improbable.”

The pound’s weakness In the days following the vote, the pound fell sharply against virtually all its trading partners. Under normal circumstances that should give it room to rise, but Sterling’s inherent weakness stems from the UK’s trade deficit, which means the UK must attract sufficient investment to offset its excessive spending or see the pound fall to a level which will attract such investment. It is logical to believe the referendum will have reduced the incentive to invest in the UK. If that is the case, however, early evidence suggests the decline in the pound has been sufficient to offset this impact. Certainly, there is anecdotal evidence of foreign buyers seeking opportunistic purchases in London property while the pound is low.

Mortgage and interest rate cuts The Bank of England took aggressive action at its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting and the 0.25% interest rate cut and other stimuli will have added to the pressure on the pound. The Bank’s actions were despite tentative indications that the near-term performance of the economy might improve. It was acknowledged that in the immediate term the likelihood is that inflation will rise rather than fall (ordinarily, central banks will provide stimulus when they believe inflation will be low). We doubted whether the benefit of an interest www.neechamber.co.uk

House price slowdown As with the broader economy, there was something of a shock factor in the immediate outlook for housing following the vote. Despite some rebound since, there remains evidence of a modest slowdown in house price growth. Generally robust leading indicators, such as the number of mortgages approved over the last few months, suggest price growth is slowing. We can’t say how much of this slowdown, if any, results from the referendum. In many parts of Britain, house prices had reached historically high levels in relation to average earnings and as such seem to be held back by affordability alone.

Lower mortgage rates will help to support prices a little. Also, the market is under-supplied to the tune of about 75,000 new homes per year, which will help to support prices, but prices will be vulnerable if more tangible negative consequences of Brexit follow. If companies are reluctant to invest or hire because their trading arrangements with the EU are unclear, slower employment and wage growth will weigh on the property market. www.neechamber.co.uk

Stock-market benefits The stock market has rebounded strongly from its immediate drop following the referendum. With the Brexit process yet to start and confidence having broadly held up, the only meaningful impact on UK shares has been lower interest rates and a weaker exchange rate. That combination makes equities more valuable. Many UK shares derive some of their business revenues from overseas and those revenues are now worth more in pounds. In addition, the value of shares has some relationship, if vague and abstract, to the returns available from other forms of savings.

As the interest on cash savings falls, the more willing investors will be to take risk in the equity market.

We still don’t know much about a post-Brexit environment, but we have seen some significant expressions of preference from policymakers.

The Government appears to be willing to sacrifice membership of the European Single Market in order to enforce a more prescriptive immigration policy.

It seems likely this would have negative implications for the UK economy, most likely through reduced investment. Meanwhile, the Bank of England seems willing to ignore the expected inflation which looks likely to show itself in consumer price data from November onwards. Instead, it has expressed a preference for lower interest rates in order to lessen the impact of the UK’s disrupted trading arrangements with its economic partners.

While the whims of policymakers are prone to change, for now these circumstances favour a portfolio containing equity investments. There are, however, likely to be further twists and turns in the road out of Europe.

Image Credit: Hadrian / Shutterstock.com

rate cut would flow through to borrowers. Generally, the rate cut was passed onto borrowers with tracker or standard variable-rate (SVR) mortgages. That said, a pronounced trend in recent years has been to move from floating-rate to fixed-rate mortgages. Floatingrate loans accounted for 42% of the mortgage market in 2010 and just 23% today. Although the Bank left policy unchanged at its September meeting, it did emphasise in its minutes that a majority of MPC members expected to cut interest rates again before the end of the year, to just above 0%.

contact 65

Member 2 Member Exclusive offers for Chamber members Make more of your Chamber membership with these great member offers and many more at www.neechamber.co.uk

CHAMBER NOTICE

FEATURED

FEATURED

Chamber Business Support Services update

Discounted skiing holiday in the Alps

Discounted physiotherapy services

The provision of the Chamber's legal business support services is transferring to a new supplier. The service will include a number of new features and benefits - look out for the updates coming soon.

For more information, please contact your relationship manager. *Not applicable to all levels of membership.

FORD CASTLE ADVENTURE Ford Castle Adventure is offering Chamber members discounted stays at Chalet Beau Soleil in the Portes du Soleil region in the Alps. The fully catered chalet is a great base for skiing with flights available direct from Newcastle to Geneva and transfers to and from the lifts daily. Offer available until April 15 2017. www.alpine-ski-chalet.com

NORTH YORKSHIRE PHYSIOTHERAPY North Yorkshire Physiotherapy is offering Chamber members and their employees help with a range of conditions from muscle aches and pains, osteoarthritis, Multiple Sclerosis to continence issues, pregnancy related pain, back pain and sciatica with a 15% discount for members. www.northyorkshirephysiotherapy.co.uk

£100 for referring businesses to Business Central Darlington

Bid & Tender training from £250+VAT

30% off mobile apps

NORTH EAST BIC www.ne-bic.co.uk

THORNTON AND LOWE www.thorntonandlowe.com

EAZI -APPS www.eazi-apps.co.uk

International payments service for business customers

Newcastle Tours corporate offer

10% off social media workshops

EUROCHANGE www.eurochange.co.uk

ILES TOURS ilestours.co.uk

NORTH EAST SOCIAL MEDIA LIMITED www.northeastsocialmedia.co.uk

66 contact

www.neechamber.co.uk

We’ve got you covered in the North East.

The Henderson Insurance Broking Group is one of the UK’s top five leading independent insurance brokers operating from 15 offices across the UK, three of which are located in the North East. By choosing the Henderson Insurance Broking Group for your insurance needs, you are reassured of the commitment and expertise of our specialist and divisional teams operating across all sectors and in areas from general insurance to professional risks, healthcare, risk management and construction bonds.

We now have offices in Newcastle, Sunderland and Stockton.

7 Park Road Gosforth Business Park Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE12 8DG T: 0191 229 7788

7 Defender Court Sunderland Enterprise Park Sunderland, Tyne & Wear SR5 3PE T: 0191 516 5555

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Map House 3 George Stephenson Court Westland Way, Preston Farm Stockton on Tees, TS18 3FB T: 01642 659300

www.hibl.co.uk