Contact magazine -October-November 2018

contact Together We Grow Stronger

October-November 2018

FOKHRUL ISLAM:

Next generation power play

Plus BRIDGE THE GAP CAROLINE THEOBALD BEST FOOT FORWARD DARREN SPURLING NEW STAGE LYNDA WINSTANLEY

A breadth of expertise

Corporate & Commercial Employment Construction IPR & IT Dispute Resolution Commercial & Residential Property Wills, Trusts & Tax Planning Family Clinical Negligence Healthcare Charities Agriculture www.hay-kilner.co.uk 0191 232 8345

Welcome...

Chamber president John McCabe Twitter: @John_fusionPR

Welcome to the October-November edition of Contact, where we celebrate your success stories and provide updates on the Chamber’s campaigns to make the region the very best it can be.

The highlight of the Chamber’s events calendar, and indeed the North East’s business calendar, took place in September with our Annual Dinner in Durham Cathedral.

It was a stunning occasion, which I’m delighted to say raised £75,000 for the building’s Foundation 2020 restoration fund. We heard fulsome praise for us all from our guest of honour, TV architect George Clarke. He said our region’s grit and determination were epitomised by the cathedral and what it would have taken to build this World Heritage Site.

I also had the honour of speaking to the 630 members and guests about our region, and used the opportunity to lay bare the opportunities and challenges for us all at present. My frustration about the lack of clarity on Brexit was a dominant theme and it seemed to resonate on the night.

Politics is said to be the art of the possible and yet in my lifetime I cannot recall a period when national political leaders across the spectrum have appeared so out of touch, so far removed from the realities of daily life.

On our relationship with Europe and on our global trading arrangements, too many questions remain unanswered and businesses cannot plan for the future in a climate of such uncertainty.

Unless Government listens to businesses and negotiates a Brexit that allows our firms open and unfettered access to key markets, then it will do a disservice to every business that wants to create and sustain jobs.

Despite this there is still much to celebrate in our region and this issue is full of outstanding achievements and our companies’ passion for growth.

I hope it leaves you feeling inspired and proud of how much we are punching above weight, despite some obstacles in our path.

John McCabe, Chamber president EDITOR Jane Pikett EDITORIAL TEAM Dean Bailey Jane Hall Paul Robertson Contact is the magazine for North East England Chamber members. News and press releases should be sent to submissions@ neechamber.co.uk ADVERTISING Colin Rutherford 01661 844 115 colin@offstonepublishing.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson Nicky Rogerson Dave Charnley Gilbert Johnston Peter Skelton

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Commercial Profile

Murgitroyd: supporting innovation in the North East

Arnold Rees MCSD, Inventor, has first-hand experience in the challenges to create an innovative product and take it to market whilst protecting his creation.

With enviable design experience, typically focused in consumer products and spanning almost five decades, Arnold was approached by a manufacturer to design an infant feeding range, which included a non-spill drinking cup. In the end the Elliot Stephens, manufacturer decided it Patent Scientist, Murgitroyd would be a step too far out of its comfort zone to expand the business in this direction.

However, this was an opportunity Arnold was able to seize.

He spent more time designing the valve for the non-spill cup until he created a successful prototype.

From his industry experience Arnold knew he had a unique and desirable product that he would need to protect by filing a patent application with the UK Patent Office. Arnold comments on the initial process: “I found it relatively straightforward to file an application. I submitted my drawings complete with a detailed description of how the newly designed valve worked. However, the UK Patent Office notified me that there were several documents that were similar to the valve I had described in the application.”

It was clear to Arnold that, although filing a description of the invention is straightforward, prosecuting the application to obtain a granted patent would prove much more complex.

After filing his initial UK patent application, Arnold launched his product in the US. He was notified following the first year of sales that his product had reached the top selling position – a result virtually unheard of for a new product.

Arnold realised that to keep the product in the market he would need to file for international protection via The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). “From all of the years spent in the industry I knew that the process would be more complex than merely filing the initial application in the UK,” explains Arnold.

This prompted the next phase - and his search for professional support.

At the first meeting with Murgitroyd, Arnold showed the team a prototype of his product, explained its function and the unique nature of the design and discussed features that were different from any prior designs. For instance, it is a onepiece silicone valve which is hygienic, simpler and more cost effective to manufacture than previous designs. “I felt they understood the uniqueness of the product, were competent to handle patents of a technical nature and had sufficient 4

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experience and core competencies to deal with any issues that may arise, globally. I had the upmost confidence in the team at Murgitroyd Newcastle – and I was not disappointed,” explains Arnold.

Elliot Stephens, Patent Scientist at Murgitroyd discusses the company’s initial involvement in prosecuting the patent: “We first reviewed Arnold’s original draft, including the drawings, description and claims. From this, we identified areas where revisions were required to ensure that all aspects of the product were adequately protected.”

Arnold adds: “The process of formalising the PCT application took some time, but it was completely necessary: by professionally drafting the application, the Murgitroyd team were able to make it difficult for someone to design around the invention, as defined in the patent application.

This to me is one of the best benefits of working with Murgitroyd.

“Also, as an inventor you can’t rely on getting a patent granted, it is a complex process and I know many people who go it alone and then quit.”

In filing an international application, there are many aspects that need to be considered, Elliot explains: “Our experience in this area meant we were able to demonstrate due diligence when reviewing the relevant prior art, which allowed us to draft claims which broadly protect the product whilst still being novel, which is one of the requirements for patentability. Additionally, we drafted and filed a comprehensive response to the patent office, presenting our arguments as to why Arnold’s invention is patentable.”

“It is with confidence that I look forward to developing new products in the future, as well as developing my relationship with Murgitroyd,” comments Arnold.

Arnold is currently working on an additional two inventions… and he will be seeking the guidance of Murgitroyd’s Newcastle team on these.

Now in its 10th year the Murgitroyd Newcastle office can demonstrate its application of IP advice and support across a range sectors including mechanical, physical science, electronics and engineering, charities, creative, media and entertainment. If you would like to discuss protecting your IP more information can be found at www.murgitroyd.com or you can request a meeting with one of our patent and trade mark attorneys on +44 (0) 191 211 3550. www.neechamber.co.uk

“I wake up every morning and think how fortunate I am to be in this position" Fokhrul Islam

40 Profile: Caroline Theobald

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50

Power player: Northern Gas & Power's Fokhrul Islam

Contents

06 60 seconds

40 Profile

Darlington Hippodrome's Lynda Winstanley

Adopted North Easterner and honorary Swedish Consul Caroline Theobald

10 In my view With James Ramsbotham

Profile: Darren Spurling

13 Inbox News and views from the world of business

14-23 News News from the Chamber and its members, including Partners and President's Club updates, new partnerships, investments, national recognition and much more

34 Chamber policy

48 Special focus Energy: We have the power

50 Profile Northern Gas & Power's Fokhrul Islam

58 People Movers and shakers across the region

The Chamber's Brexit Survey

65 Last word

36 Profile

With Kevin Marquis, social enterprise manager at the North East Business and Innovation Centre

Terry de Havilland MD Darren Spurling www.neechamber.co.uk

44 Success The future is green at Husqvarna

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60 seconds

Centre stage Lynda Winstanley has been director of Darlington Hippodrome for six years, a period which has seen a £13.7m refurbishment of the 111-year-old Grade II listed theatre Darlington Hippodrome, formerly Darlington Civic Theatre, reopened last November under its original name following a £13.7m refurbishment which included the restoration of its grand Edwardian auditorium and the addition of a three-storey glass atrium housing its main entrance, box office, café and bar.

Capacity is now 1,000, which, together with improved back stage facilities, enables the theatre to bid for bigger touring productions.

A new education centre and improved public spaces supporting learning and engagement also shine a spotlight on the theatre, which was built in 1907.

The woman charged with overseeing the 18-month restoration project was Lynda Winstanley. Appointed theatre director in 2012, she trained as a teacher in Durham before moving to Darlington and taking a job as an usher at the Civic. More than three decades later, here she remains…

Q You’ve been here 35 years. What keeps you here?

I fell in love with the theatre from the moment I set foot in the dress circle on my first day in 1983. As the lights went down, the curtains went up and the orchestra began to play Five Guys Named Moe, I was swept away by the magic of live theatre. That feeling has never left me.

Q And you started out as an usher?

I trained to be a teacher and wanted a temporary job to fit around bringing up two toddlers. Being an usher was one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. I was bitten by the theatre bug early and never returned to teaching after that. I was mentored by some incredible theatre managers and built my skills and knowledge until I was appointed theatre director in 2012.

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Q What do you enjoy most about your role?

There are no two days the same, so it’s exciting, but it isn’t as glamorous as some might think.

It’s hard work and the hours are long, but I’m surrounded by a wonderful team who are as passionate about theatre as I am. It’s a great honour to be director of the Hippodrome and to have been part of the team which delivered our recent restoration.

Q Many famous names must have trodden the boards at the Hippodrome?

Yes, some of the greatest, including Sir Antony Sher and Dame Janet Suzman, stars of variety such as Ken Dodd, who loved it here and came every year, and Hollywood names including Micky Rooney and Linda Grey. I’ve seen big stars here at the beginning of their careers, including Clive Owen and David Thewlis too.

Q Tell us something about the Hippodrome we don’t know.

Our founder, the Italian impressario Rino Pepi, loved the Hippodrome so much he had his own flat built within it with a secret door leading to one of the dress circle boxes, so he could watch the shows with his wife, the Countess de Rossetti, and their Pekinese dog, who is buried in the theatre.

Q What difference does the refurbishment make to the theatre and to Darlington?

The theatre is an iconic building which has always been at the heart of cultural life in Darlington, as recognised by the Heritage Lottery Fund with a grant of £5m towards the restoration. Since we reopened in November 2017 more than 120,000 people have attended and people of all ages have enjoyed our participatory programme. We have 70 active volunteers and we can now go forward to bring the magic of live theatre to future generations. www.neechamber.co.uk

"I fell in love with the theatre from the moment I set foot in the dress circle on my first day in 1983"

Q How important is it to engage with businesses in the area?

Very important. The Hippodrome helps to make Darlington a great place to live, work and raise a family. We have incredible support from local business and we have numerous ways they can engage with us, including sponsorship opportunities which help to raise their profile.

Q How important is the coming panto season for theatres?

Panto is a key element of the theatre’s programme and planning goes on for it all year round. Pantomime has been happening here since 1907 and for many families the annual trip to the panto at the Hippodrome is an essential part of Christmas. www.neechamber.co.uk

Q Does the refurbishment allow you to be more ambitious in your choice of productions?

Producers and visiting companies are impressed with our new facilities, which means we are able to attract old friends and new, including big musicals and West End plays.

Q In your career at the Hippodrome, who has inspired you?

Our team inspire me with their dedication and commitment.

Q What is the best part about your job?

Being in the auditorium with an audience giving a standing ovation to a fantastic performance, and watching our young people from our youth theatre and dance companies perform. contact   7

60 seconds

Q What might you be doing if you weren’t in your current role?

I can’t imagine doing anything else, but if I were, I am very interested in curating the visual arts and also in archive development.

Q What do you do in your downtime?

I love going to the theatre, and I also love cinema and reading.

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Q What does the future hold for you?

My professional life has been full of unexpected twists and turns, so who knows what is around the corner. I am very excited to see how the Hippodrome can be part of celebrations for the bi-centenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 2025, and in the Tees Valley bid for City of Culture 2025 - both of which we're hoping to play a big part in. www.neechamber.co.uk

In my view

Chamber chief executive James Ramsbotham celebrates collaboration

Chamber chief executive James Ramsbotham

From the moment I became chief executive at the Chamber, my ambition was for us to hold our annual dinner at Durham Cathedral.

Twelve years later and thanks to tremendous hard work by the cathedral and Chamber teams, my dream came to pass on September 6. After fastidious planning to ensure the building was protected and our guests received outstanding service, I am delighted to report the evening was a memorable success and the perfect opportunity to support the cathedral by showcasing its unique splendour and raising funds to help with its restoration.

Impressively, we raised over £75,000 for the cathedral’s Foundation 2020 project to help to ensure the long-term future of this near-1,000year-old building Our guest speaker was TV architect George Clarke, who grew up in Washington. He spoke with passion of his love for the cathedral, which he first visited with his grandfather aged seven. It was this visit which inspired him to become an architect.

Despite having travelled the globe,

"It has never been truer that together we grow stronger"

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this remains his favourite building in the world. Interestingly, he said the cathedral creates a sense of wonder that captures everything that is great about the North East - the region’s strength, determination and northern grit.

Our Annual Dinner is a great opportunity for our members to join together and reflect on the last year. In his speech, our president John McCabe helped us to recognise our many achievements and made plain his view of the challenges ahead. He was stark in his criticism of the Government’s lack of engagement and communication on Brexit. He did add that he was aware not everyone would agree with him, though I think many did.

He said business is all too often kicked around like a political football and was critical of senior politicians on all sides for making disparaging remarks about business, apparently, he said, rejecting the notion that business may have something valid to say on the future of our economy and the society it underpins.

He also highlighted the fact that Government will take our tax contributions and credit for the jobs we create, but appears unwilling to give consideration to our credible concerns about the greatest leap into the unknown we have ever faced.

He captured the views of many of our www.neechamber.co.uk

members, which have also been reflected in our Brexit survey results. We started this research in July and the results, featured on page 34 and 35, are pretty damning regarding the Government’s lack of planning and consultation. They illustrate confusion and thirst for practical information on what is going to happen when we leave the EU and these results, and what needs to happen to resolve concerns, will be communicated to the Government in the strongest terms on your behalf.

Despite these exigencies, there is much for which to congratulate our companies.

I salute Whitewash Laboratories, PC Henderson and Learning Curve Group, which we are taking to the British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards in November.

They are outstanding in their field and I wish them both the very best of luck.

The North East Business Awards for 2019 are now open, so please enter them and spread the word about your own achievements. We have so many brilliant www.neechamber.co.uk

examples of entrepreneurship and business acumen in our region.

The result of many regional businesses’ efforts appeared in our employment statistics, with unemployment down on the same period last year and the rate now at a record low. We are only 0.3% different to the national average, which is a huge achievement.

We also had the honour of hearing Nigel Wilson, head of Legal & General, speak at our President’s Club lunch.

His company is investing in the Helix development in Newcastle and he called for people to collaborate to exploit unique opportunities to grow urban areas and make them less reliant on Government funding. This collaboration theme is at the heart of our own work. Now, more than ever, we know businesses need our support to get organised for Brexit and other challenges, as well as exploiting every chance for growth. We live by our mission, and it has never been truer that together we grow stronger. contact 11

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

Building skills

Karen Anderson, Newcastle Building Society HR director; Chris Lindon, Prince’s Trust ambassador and owner of Lindon Entertainment; and Andrew Haigh, chief executive at Newcastle Building Society

The North East’s largest building society has announced a comprehensive programme of support and investment to enhance employability, develop skills and realise the potential and talent of the region.

At the heart of the society’s announcement is a four-year commitment totalling over £100,000 to support The Prince’s Trust Team programme.

Team is a 12-week programme for unemployed 16-25 year olds which helps them build their skills, confidence and experience to set them on the path to employment.

The donation, from the Newcastle Building Society Community Fund at The Community Foundation, will enable 28 young people per year from across the region to experience the programme. This will be supplemented by additional support from society colleagues who will contribute to the programme through mentoring, supported work experience, and role shadowing.

Spirits soar Northumberland’s first whisky distillery is planned for Wooler thanks to a multi-million pound investment.

Ad Gefrin will be developed and operated by the Ferguson family and takes its name from the Anglo-Saxon palace beneath Yeavering Bell – the Hill of the Goats.

Subject to the relevant planning consents, it is hoped that the distillery and visitor centre will open its doors by 2020. Such is the length of the process of laying down a fine whisky, the full release of the Ad Gefrin Single Malt is not expected until 2028. www.neechamber.co.uk

TWEET TWEET

Have you been keeping an eye on social media? Here's a taste of what you've been posting recently Sara Sawyer (@SaraSawyer37): Productive Regional meeting last night @ellinghamhall (stunning venue!) Thanks again to the @NEEChamber for organising! Always a pleasure to attend such well organised events on behalf of @NorthlandColl R&B Group (@rbgroup): Pleased to provide @NEEChamber with full AV production at their AGM @WynyardHall Jennifer Rycroft (@NEEChamberJen): Great to see #NEEChamberPartner Members exhibiting at our @NEEChamber AGM @SageConferences @PulsantUK @gatesheadcoll The Chamber (@NEEChamber): North East business barometer of #Brexit views reports that more than half (52.4%) of business people in the region believe it will have a negative impact on their business, while just 14.1% see it being beneficial to them Clare McCabe (@NEEChamberClare): Loud buzz of business networking this morning with @NEEChamber in Newcastle John McCabe (@John_FusionPR): Keep an eye out for me on the tellybox tomorrow.

I’ll be just behind @Mo_ Farah #GreatNorthRun

Emily Charlton (left) and managing partner John Pratt (second right), of BHP Law, hand over donated food and toiletries to Chelsea Johnson, programme officer, and Seth Pearson, director of Darlington Cares, for the King’s Church Foodbank

On the table Staff at BHP Law have shown they have a strong appetite for supporting charity after donating provisions to a church foodbank.

The collection of food, toiletries and clothing will go towards the 120 food parcels supplied each week to needy families by the King’s Church Foodbank in Darlington. The donations were collected from BHP Law by staff from Darlington Cares, which is encouraging more businesses to help.

King of the swingers The iconic Swing Bridge in Newcastle, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2018, has been extensively renovated by the Port of Tyne.

An icon of Victorian engineering and one of the few mechanised bridges still operating for 21st Century traffic, the Grade II-listed bridge has received £200,000 worth of repairs. contact 13

News Phil Wilson MP helps to officially open the Aspire Building

Hitachi investment in Newton Aycliffe passes £100m Hitachi has opened its newest building at its train factory in Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham – increasing its investment in the site to more than £100m.

The £5m building was opened by Phil Wilson MP and will house part of the production of Hitcahi’s intercity and commuter fleets.

The factory’s order book includes the Government-led £5.7bn Intercity Express Programme, which includes the Azuma fleet of trains for the East Coast main line that will begin carrying passengers later this year.

Hitachi’s investment in Newton Aycliffe has supported thousands of jobs with 730 permanent jobs at the factory and thousands more in its British supply chain.

Steve Easter and Paul Cleveland

Fairstone growth continues Fairstone, one of the UK’s fastest-growing chartered financial planning firms, has taken a majority stake in Wokingham-based Allensons Mortgage Advisors as it continues to implement its ambitious growth strategy.

As part of the deal, Allensons will rebrand as Fairstone Mortgage Solutions and join a rapidly growing part of the company, which wrote over £1.25bn of new mortgage business over the past year. Paul Cleveland, principal at Allensons, will retain a significant shareholding.

The purchase is Fairstone’s fifth acquisition of 2018 and brings recurring revenues of £700,000. In addition, more than 5,000 clients and the business’ 13 staff will join Boldon-headquartered Fairstone.

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NEWS IN BRIEF ON CLOUD NINE Stockton-based Circle Cloud – which specialises in implementing and managing cloud computing systems Office 365 and Microsoft Azure – has secured the industryleading Microsoft Gold Cloud Platform Partner status. Circle Cloud is one of only two businesses in the region to receive the stamp of approval from the multinational tech giant.

ONE YEAR ON The merger of Sunderland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form College has proved to be a resounding success, one year on with the creation of new opportunities, alongside improved outcomes for students, staff and other stakeholders. The College has reported an overall increase in AS Level and A-Level pass rates and the overall pass rate for both colleges combined is an impressive 97.5%.

NEW LOOK Saville Audio Visual is launching three new visual identities and revamped websites after enjoying a period of strong growth.

Saville Group has been revealed as the new parent brand - joined

by Sparq and Visavvi as the company’s live events business and the AV systems specialists respectively.

David Nicholson

Doubling down North East storage firm Box Clever has doubled its capacity by opening a new facility for an additional 150 container units.

Billingham-based Box Clever was setup in 2007 as one of the first container storage facilities in Teesside and has expanded into a second facility at Cowpen Lane Industrial Estate this summer.

The new 33-cubic-metre units are available now and take Box Clever’s total storage capacity to 9,900-cubic-metres.

Sandra King, Community Foundation chief philanthropy officer

Feeling generous The Community Foundation and Newcastle University are presenting the GeNErosity Festival of Philanthropy and Giving November 7-27.

Events from Berwick to Teesside will celebrate the success of philanthropy in the region while asking what philanthropy can do for the region in the future.

Sandra King, chief philanthropy officer at the Community Foundation, said: “The festival will be a fantastic showcase but it isn’t only about celebrating the past – it’s about influencing the future by inspiring more people to experience the joy of giving.” www.neechamber.co.uk

Our unique Diamond Structure.

Shaping the best boys’ and girls’ schools in the North East.

Sunday Times Parent Power results tables 2017

Our successful Diamond Structure helps to build fully rounded, confident individuals. At the base of the diamond is the Junior School and Nursery, where boys and girls learn better together. Once they are seniors, pupils learn best in our separate Boys’ and Girls’ Schools. Our students then learn together again in the mixed Sixth Form at the tip of the diamond, preparing them for the wider world. We offer all the benefits of single-sex education, with the social and cultural merits of a balanced and mixed environment.

Parents are welcome to arrange a visit to any of the Schools. Please contact the Head of Admissions on 0191 275 0608. www.dameallans.co.uk

DAME ALLAN’S SCHOOLS building the future

www.neechamber.co.uk

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

with Eamonn Leavey

Sadly this will be my farewell column as I will be retiring at the end of the year.

After 33 years with John Lewis & Partners and now nearly 12 years with the Chamber, the time has come to end my career.

It was an honour to have the opportunity to set up the Chamber’s President’s Club back in 2010 and I will always be grateful to James Ramsbotham for his support.

I will also always be grateful for the support of President’s Club members. I have really enjoyed visiting all of you over the past eight years and I wish you all continued success in the future.

A special thank you to Brewin Dolphin over the past five years for their sponsorship of the Club, it is very much appreciated.

I am pleased to hand over the President’s Club members to the care of Michelle Ord (North of Tyne) and Tom Warnock (South of Tyne) - you are in good hands going forward.

It has been fantastic working with you all, and all my colleagues at the Chamber - thank you for the fantastic memories.

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Partners update Jennifer Rycroft, Chamber partnerships manager (@NEEChamberJen) Chamber Partner Members form an exclusive group from a range of sectors, working closely with us to maximise their impact on the North East It’s great to be back working with Partner members and I’m looking forward to catching up with all of you in the coming weeks and months.

There has been a lot of fantastic news for our Partners over the last couple of months. The Duke of Cambridge visited Sage Gateshead as part of the Great Exhibition of the North’s closing celebrations; the teams from BBC Breakfast and BBC Radio 5 met with students at Gateshead College to find out more about the importance of vocational qualifications; Northumbrian Water launched its plan to deliver services from 2020-25 and beyond; and Sabby Gill has joined Sage UK to lead its UK & Ireland business.

Meanwhile, we’ve been busy working with Port of Tyne and DIT to support members trading internationally, particularly in China and South East Asia. We’ve also been busy working on Brexit planning, and we’re working closely with Square One Law to address the importance of good mental health at work.

As part of our Partner Lunch series Sir Gary Verity, CEO of Welcome to Yorkshire, shared his inspiring success stories of bringing the Tour De France to Yorkshire while sharing his thoughts on working together to bring more visitors to the North East. Newcastle Airport also shared their work with Visit Britain and NGI to promote the region.

Finally, we are delighted to have Newcastle Building Society join our Chamber Partners programme. The biggest building society in the North East with 28 branches and assets of more than £3.7bn, it employs more than 1,000 people.

We’re looking forward to working together to look at new uses of high-streets, the impact of digital retail and what high-streets need to become for businesses to survive and benefit communities. This follows our recent work with Litchfields on a report looking at town centres and the difficulties of the retail sector.

For more information about Partners visit www.neechamber.co.uk/about/partners

OUR PARTNERS

www.neechamber.co.uk

Commercial Profile

Ten years after the crisis, what next?

It is ten years since the collapse of Lehman Brothers sparked the global financial crisis. The recovery from the turmoil that followed has been slower than many hoped for or anticipated.

However, a decade after the tumultuous events of 2008, major central banks are finally starting to reverse the ‘easy money’ policies that Nicholas Wilson, Senior Investment Manager they implemented to nurse ailing economies back to health.

The question for investors now, is what is going to drive economic growth over the coming years?

DEMOGRAPHIC SHIFT Demographics are going to have a significant impact: the workforce expansion rate is an important determinant of overall economic growth.

In many western countries, including the UK and Europe, we are going to see a higher old-age-dependency ratio (the number of elderly people as a share of those of working age).

That implies lower economic growth.

Inflation should return as older people move from a period of saving to spending. However, with weaker growth, central bankers will find it difficult to raise interest rates, likely leading to an unsatisfactory combination of rising prices and lower growth.

CHINA’S LEADERSHIP A milestone was passed in the last decade as China made a bigger contribution to global growth than the US. Looking ahead, China has its sights set on attaining technological leadership by 2025.

Traditionally, emerging markets have struggled to compete with richer countries as rising wages mean they lose competitiveness in manufactured goods. The ‘Made in China 2025 strategy’, the blueprint for China’s bid for technological leadership, attempts to overcome this challenge.

China has four times as many people, earning less than a sixth as much as the average American, giving it the opportunity to become the largest economy in the world by an enormous factor.

TECHNOLOGICAL SUPREMACY The technology sector’s growth has been truly impressive.

In the 11 years to 2016, the digital economy grew at an average annual rate of 5.6%, compared with the 1.5% growth in the www.neechamber.co.uk

economy as a whole.

Not unreasonably, The US fears that if China takes the lead in artificial intelligence and other digital technologies it will also lose its economic supremacy. This sets the stage for a protracted period of declining economic cooperation between the US and China.

INNOVATION HOTSPOTS Advances in data analytics and genetics are moving us closer to a world of personalised medicine, catering to the individual needs, lifestyle, and genetic makeup of each patient. Indeed, developments in big data and machine learning are driving forward personalisation in many aspects of our lives, from shopping to insurance.

Huge change is also expected in the energy sector.

Offshore wind power is likely to be one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sectors as the technology behind it improves and costs of installation fall.

Traditionally energy-poor Europe is well-placed to benefit from the deployment of offshore floating wind farms, with a large part of the North Sea being of appropriate depth.

“TOO BIG TO FAIL” But what of the banks, the sector that sparked the financial crisis? The fallout from the Lehman bankruptcy highlighted the dangers posed by “too big to fail” financial institutions.

So it is ironic that the world’s biggest banks have grown even bigger in the decade since. America’s domination of the investment bank world has been a major theme since the financial crisis as American banks have won market share at the expense of European rivals, including Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland.

Globally, banks’ capital reserves have increased sharply, meaning they are safer than before the crisis, but margins have been squeezed.

Of course, a lot can and will happen in the next ten years, much of it impossible to foresee. There remain many challenges ahead and, as financial markets enter a new phase, investors will need to be more discerning about which assets they buy. But, in an age where we could see some incredible technological advances, there will remain plenty of opportunities for growth – if you know where to look.

Email Nicholas.Wilson@brewin.co.uk or call 0191 279 7439 contact 17

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North East social housing provider Bernicia has Natalie Heppell (left), Bernicia sales unveiled plans to invest and home ownership officer with tenant Jennifer Cole £190m into new homes, existing properties and communities in the next five years.

The investment will deliver at least 500 new homes by 2023 while Ashington-headquartered Bernicia will invest £60m into improving its existing housing stock and boost support services for its 60,000 customers who live in properties across the region.

CONTACT YOUR RELATIONSHIP MANAGER TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP

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

Medium Membership Manager Julie Digman - tel 07912 478 964 julie.digman@neechamber.co.uk Twitter @NEEChamberJules Teesside Rachel Thompson - tel 07833 480 474 rachel.thompson@neechamber.co.uk Twitter @NEEChamberRachT Northumberland & North Tyne Claire McCabe - tel 0191 374 6487 clare.mccabe@neechamber.co.uk Twitter @NEEChamberClare Newcastle Lynsey Fairless - tel 07834 444 627 lynsey.fairless@neechamber.co.uk Twitter @NEEChamberLyns

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Gateshead & Durham West Victoria Barrett - tel 07912 478 961 victoria.barrett@neechamber.co.uk Twitter @NEEChamberVic Sunderland & South Tyne East Coast Julie Charlton - tel 07980 25 991 julie.charlton@neechamber.co.uk Twitter @NEEChamberjac1 Darlington and North Yorkshire Susan Anderson - tel 07736 799 727 susan.anderson@neechamber.co.uk International Les Dixon - tel 07850 740 645 les.dixon@neechamber.co.uk Twitter @NEEChamberLes Presidents Club - North of Tyne Michelle Ord - tel 07392 317 728 michelle.ord@neechamber.co.uk Twitter @NEEChamberMiche

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Presidents Club - South of Tyne Tom Warnock - tel 07714 845 617 tom.warnock@neechamber.co.uk Twitter @NEEChamberTom

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Though we’ve grown rapidly in size, we’re still extremely agile.

We’ve assisted and collaborated with many businesses, organisations and individuals across all sectors to ensure their continued success, which has in turn, led to our continued success. Though being a heavyweight law firm has its undoubted benefits for our diverse range of clients, we’re very proud of the fact that we’re still nimble, still responsive, still agile, meaning our team can react and move more quickly and efficiently. We give clients ‘Legal solutions that fit’, which means that we give them what they really need. We don’t give them flannel, over complication and quite frankly, stuff they don’t need.

www.neechamber.co.uk

Venture House, Aykley Heads Business Centre, Durham DH1 5TS Tel: 0191 384 2441 swinburnemaddison.co.uk

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Commercial Profile

Our Plan to shape the future of water and wastewater services for all Northumbrian Water has ambitious plans to shape the future of water and wastewater in the North East region for years to come.

The ground-breaking and most ambitious plans in our company’s history have been handed over to water industry regulators OFWAT and include details on how we Heidi Mottram plan to: • Cut customers’ bills by 10% by 2020 and up to 14% by 2024/25.

• Eradicate water poverty - making services more affordable than ever before.

• Spend and invest £3 billion pounds on improving water and wastewater services across the region.

• Utilise the latest smart technology to stop sewer flooding in peoples’ homes because of our assets.

• Ensure our region has the best rivers and beaches in the whole country by investing in environmental projects and schemes.

In 2017 OFWAT, the team that regulate and oversee all of the water companies in England and Wales, set all water companies the challenge of creating their business plans for 2020 – 2025.

We have been working hard with customers and stakeholders to put our plan together, speaking to more than 500 stakeholders, including local organisations and businesses, and getting input from more than 400,000 customers along the way.

Northumbrian Water Chief Executive Heidi Mottram said: “Our plan has been shaped and co-created through thousands of hours of conversations, scrutiny and debate with our customers, the independent Water Forums, partners, employees, our supply chain and other stakeholders.

“Their voices, concerns and aspirations are reflected throughout our collective plan and the result is an ambitious, innovative and resilient plan that will deliver exceptional service and lower bills for all of our customers.”

Structured across six key themes to deliver the outcomes that matter most to our customers, our plan focuses on: • Unrivalled Customer Service, aiming to be ranked alongside the best global companies in customer surveys and giving 2 million of our customers the chance to engage with us by 2025.

• Affordable and Inclusive Services, with an ambition to eradicate water poverty among our customers by 2030.

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Northumbrian Water has ambitious plans to shape the future of water and waste water

• Reliable and Resilient Services, safeguarding our network for the future and cutting our leakage to the lowest ever levels on record in the country.

• Leading in Innovation, in the water sector and beyond, bringing the ideas from our unique Innovation Festivals through to delivering full value for customers.

• Improving the Environment, including plans to have zero avoidable waste by 2025 and be carbon neutral two years later • Building successful economies in our regions, seeking to place 60p of every £1 of procurement spending with suppliers in our operating areas.

Heidi added: “We are excited about bringing our plan to life with our customers and partners and given our strong track record, are confident that we can work together to deliver it.”

To find out all about the different themes and for more details on ‘Our Plan’ visit http://www.nwgourplan.co.uk and follow us on social media @Northumbrianh2O / @northumbrianwater #NWOurPlan www.neechamber.co.uk

News National showcase

Sustinere Solutions' Steve Wilkinson with Mike Guellard of NEL

NEL passes £1m funding mark The total value of investments made by NEL Fund Managers from two new funds it is managing has passed the £1m mark.

NEL was the only firm awarded two of the five funds that make up the £120m North East Fund Supported By The European Regional Development Fund, which officially launched in April 2018.

NEL passed the seven-figure landmark with its £10,000 Small Loan Fund investment in Bedlington-based JNCS

Business Services, which will help it improve the manufacturing processes around the TorqTag device it has developed to improve safety within the oil, gas and power industries.

The landmark announcement followed that of a £350,000 investment in Tyneside engineering firm Sustinere Solutions, which specialises in installing large-scale renewable energy solutions, from the North East Growth Capital Fund.

Teesside University is being showcased as an economic powerhouse helping to shape the future locally, nationally and internationally in a national campaign promoting the positive impact of higher education.

An online programme featuring Teesside University has been produced which highlights the University’s work in areas including business, industry partnerships, research and teaching excellence.

Universities: Improving Futures is an initiative between Universities UK and ITN Productions. To see the film visit www.youtube.com/ watch?v=N59_qlf-UpA

WYNYARD ON ICE CORPORATE SKATING Ice skating is returning to Wynyard Hall this winter. Strap on your blades and glide around the ice rink in the picturesque outdoor setting of Wynyard Hall’s historic parkland.

If you fancy a different kind of festive celebration with your colleagues this year, why not head to Wynyard on Ice? Perfect for getting your team into the Christmas spirit.

Saturday 1st December 2018 – Sunday 13th January 2019 For more information, or to book corporate ice skating, please call Wynyard Hall’s Events Team on 01740 644811 (option 6) or email events@wynyardhall.co.uk

Book at www.wynyardhall.co.uk | For group bookings call 01740 64481 (opt 6)

www.neechamber.co.uk

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News NEWS IN BRIEF

Brexit focus at Chamber AGM With Brexit just six months away, the concerns of the North East business community dominated proceedings at the Chamber's AGM, held at Wynyard Hall in the Tees Valley.

As survey results showed half (53%) of the region’s business people expect Brexit to have a negative impact on their business, speakers called for the nation’s political leaders to heed the voice of business and provide far greater clarity to allow economic success to continue.

John McCabe, MD of Fusion PR Creative, who was reelected as Chamber President at the event, said: “The debate around Brexit continues to create more heat than light, and the only thing uniting leavers and remainers is their opposition to the options which are on the table. Through all the uncertainty, what is clear is that ‘No Deal’ is a totally unacceptable outcome for North East businesses.”

Chamber chief executive James Ramsbotham outlined a positive year for the region’s businesses while commenting on the Chamber's frustrations around Brexit communication.

The AGM, sponsored by Pulsant, brought together Chamber members from across the region, who also heard from Nagma Ebanks-Beni, commercial director at Seahambased Prima Cheese Ltd.

International drug investment Biotechnology firm ReViral will start the next phase of clinical trials of its antiviral drug early next year after winning $55m from US and European investors.

ReViral, which has a research facility at the North East Technology Park (NETPark) in Sedgefield, won its latest round of funding following a successful human trial of its highly potent drug, RV521, at the Queen Mary Bioinnovation Centre in London.

The drug combats Respiratory Syncytial Virus – a virus which is highly dangerous in those with compromised immune systems. It has caused an estimated 200,000 deaths worldwide annually in children under five alone and there are currently no RSV therapies available.

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NEW ENDEAVOUR One of Teesside’s leading law firms is targeting further growth after opening an office on Co Durham’s biggest business park. Stockton-based Endeavour Partnership has expanded to Aycliffe Business Park and wants to bridge what it says is an obvious gap between Leeds and Newcastle for “city-level” services.

NEW ERA FOR NORTH EAST CANCER CARE A new advanced cancer care centre for the North East has officially opened.

The Rutherford Cancer Centre North East in Bomarsund, Northumberland offers a full range of conventional cancer treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, imaging and diagnostics and will now offer high-energy proton beam therapy.

SOUND ADVICE Newcastle-based commercial law firm, Watson Burton has advised Lok Developments on the purchase of Eagle Star House – a deal valued at £9.5m. The investment is in a disused tower block in Gosforth, formerly used by the DVLA. The large residential development will see the creation of 54 high end units and there are plans for further units and parking.

Newcastle Building Society customer director Stuart Miller

Branch investment The North East's biggest building society is continuing a multimillion pound investment in its branch network.

Having completed work at 12 of its branches, Newcastle Building Society will upgrade or relocate the remaining 16 branches by early 2020. The Society recently relocated its Durham branch and advice centre to Saddler Street in the city centre.

Members of the Cellular Solutions team with MD Mike Bowers (top, centre)

Broadband rollout A new ultrafast broadband solution, which offers one of the fastest connections available in the UK, is being rolled out in Newcastle upon Tyne by North East-based business communications and systems specialist Cellular Solutions.

G.fast Broadband is part of a new generation of broadband solutions being launched in the UK by Openreach, and is capable of download speeds of up to 330Mbps.

Cellular Solutions, which is headquartered in Sunderland, has been chosen by provider Fibre 1 to deliver the new solution to business customers. www.neechamber.co.uk

Do different things, and you will do things differently.

Bright future at Durham University Durham University has successfully secured £225m of borrowing through a private placement as construction work begins on an £80m project to develop new college and student facilities.

The £225m, secured through the sale of promissory notes to private investors, will be used to support the delivery of the University Strategy 2017-2027, which aims to ensure Durham University can extend its mission to contribute to society by delivering world-class research and education, and an unmatched student experience.

The Strategy includes an extensive Estate Masterplan with proposals to develop new buildings while delivering significant refurbishment to existing University buildings.

Meanwhile, construction has begun on a key part of the Estate Masterplan - The Mount Oswald Project. The development involves construction of a new home for John Snow College and a brand new college.

Partnering up

Such is the value of continuous professional development.

Studying new things and meeting new people.

Gaining new skills and new ways of working.

Whether you are a CIPR, CIM or DMI member or just wanting to enhance your CV, we can offer you one-day, two-day, weekend and professional courses to improve your learning and keep you up to date.

Look after your future – today!

The Materials Processing Institute is supporting the growth of Tees Valley-based UK Pods.

UK Pods has received support from MPI, the Middlesbrough-based research and innovation centre, with the provision of office, training and warehousing facilities.

Established in October 2016, UK Pods is a leading supplier for British healthcare providers with its products used in approximately 50% of the NHS’ mental health services. In addition to its professional training services, it has developed the Safety Pod - which inflates to give head and neck support to l-r UK Pods' Palkesh D. Crawford, Chris patients receiving McDonald, CEO Materials Processing Institute treatment.

nesma delivers courses in the North East, Cumbria, Scotland, and in-house.

Talk to us about what you want to achieve.

T: 07734 222 254 E: hello@nesma.co.uk

WWW.NESMA.CO.UK contact 23

www.neechamber.co.uk NESMA 84 x 252mm Contact Ad September 2018.indd 1

21/09/2018 11:13

Professional Careers Advice...

It Can Change Your Life The National Careers Service provides high quality, impartial and free Information, Advice and Guidance to help citizens (England only) make decisions on learning, training and work.

Over the last five years the National Careers Service has demonstrated consistent improvement in quality across all aspects of the service. It has provided locally tailored information advice and guidance and supported customers to achieve positive outcomes particularly for those who are most disadvantaged in the labour market. The evidence suggests that career guidance is effective in re-engaging unemployed people into work.

Education Development Trust are delighted to announce that we have secured Prime Contractor status as the provider to deliver the National Careers Service across the North of England; in North East and Cumbria and Yorkshire & Humber.

Education Development Trust will also be a Strategic Subcontractor to deliver the National Careers Service across the South of England; in the South East and South West working alongside the Prime Contractors for those areas.

This is an exceptional result for Education Development Trust but more importantly for the customers that we will serve across those 4 areas. It also demonstrates that the values as an organisation we hold: Excellence, Integrity, Accountability and Collaboration are clearly evident in all we do and that ‘making a difference’ to the lives of others through education, careers, advice and guidance is at the core of who we are.

Education Development Trust is a recognised OFSTED ‘Outstanding’ provider of National Careers Service with our overall customer satisfaction levels for customers recommending our service at 98% Being successful in securing these contract awards allows for both continuity of service in the North East and South East with growth and development in those new areas which include Cumbria, Yorkshire and Humber and the South West.

Laura Bell, Director of Careers and President of the Careers Development Institute stated: “We are proud of our workforce and subcontractors and the difference they make daily in ‘changing lives’ by supporting people to explore their career aspirations and to help them build that pathway to achieving their goals!

To be able to continue this work with our current customer base is heartening and we look forward to welcoming new personnel and subcontractors to Education Development Trust’s family and to all those new customers who we will now have the opportunity to meet, support and provide beneficial outcomes in line with the ethos of the National CareersService delivering its aims to achieve its mission”.

800,000 customers every year are supported by the National Careers Service in the UK to make the right choices to improve their current and future working lives.

Education Development Trust is a global not-for-profit charitable organisation established in 1968, specialising in improving schools, education and learning with over 1,500 employees worldwide.

This is an exciting time that we welcome, and Education Development Trust are looking forward to delivering the National Careers Service to the highest quality it can be, which ensures great achievements for customer outcomes and direct impact on social mobility and economic growth at a regional level but more importantly within local communities.

The new contracts are due to start on 1st October 2018 and will run until 31st March 2021 and there will be 6 priority group customers, which are: NEETS, Unemployed over 12 months, Low Skilled Adults, Single Parents, those aged 50+ who are unemployed or at risk of unemployment, Adults with special educational needs or have a disability.

This new contract has a key emphasis on increasing the use of digital technologies - Digital First; to assist customers to ‘self-serve’ to enable customers to navigate a greater part of their journey into learning and work independently; this means that customers will be guided and supported to use a range of high quality digital tools that will enable them to further develop their career management skills and progress in learning and into employment.

The National Careers Service: provides personalised careers information, advice and guidance to assist young people and adults to make informed choices about learning, employment and skills • Delivers online services www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk • The National Careers Service helpline is available every day from 8am to 10pm on 0800 100 900 for everyone aged 13 and over • And is available on the web, on social media, on the high street, in JCPs, and a range of community venues.

“I’ve been speechless, totally in awe of the opportunity. My prospects have definitely improved for the better...my confidence has improved. There’s been many times I thought ‘I cannot get a job’ or ‘no one wants to hire me’. Then one day I woke up and realised ‘only you can change this, so you have to start saying yes to opportunities, big or small’...I’ve had my good days and bad days, and I was just lucky my adviser was there for me on the bad days”.

“I feel that I have a job that I enjoy that has prospects and opportunities to develop. I get a lot of job satisfaction in my career…I was unemployed and conscious that I wanted my next job to be the start of a career…I’m a confident person, but being out of work and not being sure of my next move was knocking my confidence a bit…the National Careers Service changed that!”

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Annual Dinner The very rev Andrew Tremlett, Lucy Winskell, Nick Jones, George Clarke, Judith Doyle and John McCabe

Lucy Winskell, Northumbria University

LNER table

John McCabe

Jeff Brown, BBC

George Clarke

Kathryn Tickell

Come dine with us Chamber Annual Dinner raises £75,000 for Durham Cathedral More than 630 business leaders have supported the restoration of one of the North East’s most significant landmarks as part of this year’s Chamber Annual Dinner at Durham Cathedral.

The event was hosted in the nave of the Cathedral, the first event of its kind to take place in this location, and raised £75,480 for the Cathedral’s Foundation 2020 project, which will protect the fabric of the building for future generations.

TV architect and Sunderland-born George Clarke, who decided to become an architect after visiting the Cathedral with his grandad when he was seven years old, was guest of honour at the dinner.

He said: “This is my favourite building in the whole world and we are making history as there has never been a dinner party like this inside it.

Durham Cathedral creates a sense of wonder that puts my amazing space projects to shame, and captures everything that is great about the North East. This building represents the region’s strength, determination and northern grit.”

The Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of www.neechamber.co.uk

Durham, said: “The Cathedral has always been at the heart of the community, so it was our very great pleasure to welcome leaders from the region’s business community into their Cathedral for this spectacular event. Thanks to their generosity in supporting the Cathedral’s Foundation 2020 fundraising campaign, we are a step closer to reaching our target. Our thanks goes to the Chamber for its vision and support of this hugely successful event and to the Heritage Lottery Fund and Barclays for their contribution to the evening’s fundraising.”

The Chamber Dinner was sponsored by Gateshead College while Newcastle International Airport and Heathrow Airport supported the drinks reception.

Franks the Flooring Store also supplied carpets for the nave to protect the building.

As part of the evening, there was an auction to win a piece of Durham Cathedral stone - won by Learning Curve Group.

The amount raised during the evening was match funded by Barclays, with that amount then match funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. contact 27

Knowledge

What can STEM subjects learn from the arts?

Arlen Pettitt Knowledge development manager, North East England Chamber of Commerce @NEEChamberArlen

The North East population has the lowest proportion of degree-level qualifications in the UK, with just over three in 10 North Easterners (31.7%) holding a qualification at NVQ Level 4 or above. The region lags behind the national average of 38.4%, with the blame often landing on the ‘brain drain’ of young people drifting away after graduating from North East universities.

The workforce is the lifeblood of the region’s economic future and a multifaceted issue. Not only do you need to provide great education here, you also need high quality housing, transport, culture and awareness of a range of careers.

That ethos is behind the Chamber’s long running ‘Great Reasons to Build Your Career in North East England’ campaign as well as our ‘Building My Skills’ work with Chamber Partners Esh Group, linking businesses with schools across the region to provide careers advice.

Closing the gap between education and employment is vital, and why new approaches to education like the North

“The workforce is the lifeblood of the region’s economic future” 28 contact

East Futures University Technical College (UTC) are important. The UTC takes aim squarely at professional skills in the region’s growth industries of health sciences and digital technology, with pupils aged 14-19 working business hours in business dress and engaging in work experience in those sectors.

It’s not just STEM where building an ecosystem involving education and employment is important. In the very different world of the arts, Dance City hasbeen doing just that for 30 years.

The host of a Chamber Behind the Scenes event in Newcastle in October, Dance City takes contemporary dancers, producers and choreographers from the age of four right through to a professional level with degree and postgrad courses.

Part of Dance City’s mission is keeping professionals in the region, supporting them as they develop works and providing space for them to rehearse and perform.

That model could offer a lot for other sectors to learn from - and with the next phase of the Stephenson Quarter development in Newcastle, where the UTC is based, due to house a business incubator we could soon see how it works in practice. www.neechamber.co.uk

Commercial Profile

How to Take Charge of Your Career BMC Recruitment Group’s Senior Marketing Consultant, Will Smith, explains what marketers should be considering - before they leap into their next career move.

Career success within the marketing profession really depends on people understanding your impact.

When I’m working with marketing candidates, the one thing I ask them about is the direct impact they have made – can they demonstrate a successful ROI from the BMC’s Senior Marketing marketing budget?

Consultant, Will Smith It’s a competitive marketplace for any marketer, and to stand out you need to prove that you are driving the business forward – you may have raised brand profile and driven awareness for your employer, but has this translated into direct results from a sales perspective? Consider your worth and what you bring to the table.

The bottom line is that you need to ensure marketing is contributing to the company’s objectives. Marketers face continual business change, and need to respond to this by being proactive yet measured in their activity– ensuring every penny of the marketing budget is accounted for.

Overall, it’s how you adapt your focus and demonstrate a positive impact to the business that matters.

Marketing is an extremely important function of any business, from start-ups to global PLC’s, widely regarded as an integral component supporting businesses to achieve their goals.

If you are in the process of re-evaluating your career, take a step back and think about where you want to be.

What kind of marketing career do you want? Do you have your heart set on a particular sector? Do you see yourself as an in-house marketing professional or a creative agency guru?

You can continue your career growth by taking the lead in investing in your career development – explore lateral job moves to broaden and deepen your experience, attend training sessions and network with your peers. An excellent way to enhance your learning is to seek out a mentor – someone who has been in your sector for some time and offers a wealth of experience, and happy to share their knowledge and expertise with you.

You can capitalise on your current role by looking at the opportunities right in front of you – gather as much information as possible so you can make an informed

decision about the future of your career. Think about how you can make the best of your current situation and what you can do to really tap into any opportunities.

Within your current role, you can increase your visibility by volunteering to complete assignments that will benefit your employer. By offering to implement the solution, you will increase your presence and you are likely to be considered for further opportunities.

Additionally, think about how any development activities can benefit you and how it will contribute to your professional objectives.

If you are seeking to enhance your position within your current workplace to develop your career, it might be worthwhile speaking directly with your manager/ reporting manager. Make them aware that you plan on developing your career and you are heavily invested, determined and engaged in becoming the best you can be in your role.

Strategic career management can really enable you to figure out what you want from your career, from both a short and long term perspective – map out your ambitions, what you would like to achieve and think about goals.

Create a career development plan that will outline the structure of what you want in your next move.

I’m regularly asked by my candidates about how they can successfully transfer between sectors – while there is no set answer, I tend to advise that the skills, knowledge and experience the candidate has gained can readily translate into different sectors – highlighting to employers, the value of the skills and knowledge the candidate offers rather than just sector-specific experience.

Whatever the direction you wish to take your career in, it is worthwhile researching career paths, get advice from your peers or a trusted recruiter.

In my view, the marketing professionals I have met who possess a clear vision and understand the steps to success - succeed!

Looking to move into a new role within the marketing sector? Email: will.smith@bmcrecruitmentgroup.com or call 0191 432 6817 or 07984 637078.

Skills

Apprenticeship champion Forty years of hard work and dedication were recognised on the national stage as NETA Training Group strategic business development co-ordinator Dave Thompson won the Apprenticeship Champion of the Year for the North East prize at the National Apprenticeship Awards.

As North East champion Thompson has been shortlisted for the national prize, which will be announced in November.

Students at SEGi College in Kuala Lumpur

Life-changing journey for Sunderland students Within just five days a group of international students have been on a life-changing educational journey with the University of Sunderland.

Dr Derek Watson spent the week at one of Sunderland’s global partner centres, SEGi College in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, coaching 20 students as part of their Master of Business Administration (MBA) course.

The five-day programme provided research informed teaching with commercially connected insights, using live examples designed to create a rich

learning environment for the students.

“It was great to see how their approach to the programme developed by the end of the week and how engaged and motivated they became,” explained Dr Watson, the postgraduate module leader for Innovation and Technology Transfer and both director of studies and co-supervisor on the Universities Doctoral programmes.

The current cohort of MBA students at SEGi in Malaysia hail from across the world including Afghanistan, the Maldives, Jordan, Sudan and China.

Developing business leaders

Next level performance

Business leaders across the Tees Valley are improving their leadership and management skills thanks to an innovative programme offered free of charge

by Teesside University.

A dozen business executives are taking part in the current Leading Growth cohort, a sixmonth programme developed in conjunction with industry to help SME leaders grow their business.

Businesses taking part in the latest cohort are drawn from a wide range of sectors.

A state-of-the-art sports facility has been launched at Sunderland College by strength and conditioning coach Martin Nugent.

Martin Nugent Elite Performance is now open at Sunderland College’s Bede Campus on Durham Road, alongside the College’s multi-million pound Sports Academy.

The facility, in partnership with Sunderland College, provides elite strength and conditioning training with bespoke equipment and the latest screening technology. Sports students at the College will be able to use the gym

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Ellen Thinnesen, Freddie Woodman and Martin Nugent

and access coaching by NSCA-accredited coaches. It will also be open to elite athletes and the general public. www.neechamber.co.uk

Property

Commercial Profile in association with

Innovative Darlington letting agency expands

New heights A giant crane has come to Newcastle to help construct the city’s tallest building.

The crane has been erected on Rutherford Street – just off St. James’ Boulevard – where developer, High Street Residential, is building Hadrian’s Tower. The 127-metre crane - which can lift up to eight tones - arrived on the back of nine lorries along with a second crane to help assemble it.

It will be in place for 18 months as Tolent Living

constructs the 82-metre, 27-storey tower, which will provide 162 one and two bedroomed apartments for private rent.

Hadrian’s Tower is the flagship £46m project of High Street Residential – one of the Newcastle-based High Street Group of companies. It has a string of similar developments in major UK cities in development with a gross development value (GDV) of £360m.

Be our guest The Chamber has instructed Gavin Black & Partners to market a recently refurbished 2,419sqft first floor office suite in Aykley Heads Business Centre.

Chris Pearson, partner, Gavin Black & Partners, said: “With the City Council approving the first phase of the game-changing business park, Akyley Heads will be one of the region’s strongest business locations capable of attracting up to 6,000 new jobs, worth £400m to the county’s economy.” Occupiers in the area include Atom Bank, the MoJ and Swinburne Maddison. www.neechamber.co.uk

My Property Box team including MD, Ben Quaintrell (far right)

An innovative North East letting agency has achieved further growth by recruiting new staff and moving into additional office space.

My Property Box, based at Darlington’s Business Central has secured more space in the business centre to accommodate new employees and to help facilitate future growth plans.

Established in 2012, the firm have pioneered their way to success, according to its Managing Director Ben Quaintrell.

Since their inception, the forward-thinking firm have embraced digital marketing and technology by implementing an online portal for landlords.

“High street agents are unfortunately becoming a thing of the past,” said Mr Quaintrell, “we were the first letting agency to launch in Darlington that wasn’t on the high street; the industry has gone online and we’re benefitting from being in the perfect environment.

“We wanted a modern office which is why we chose Business Central initially because there’s a synergy between the centre and ourselves, and it’s also well located being next to the station and in the middle of town.

“And we now have two offices within the business centre – one will now exclusively be a department that will only deal with landlords and the other will be focused on dealing with tenants.

“This will enable us to give only the very best service to all of our clients.”

Find out more about our Business Community www.ne-bic.co.uk T 0191 516 6066 contact 31

Say hola to your International Trade Adviser Whether you’re a new or experienced exporter, Department for International Trade can provide you with the knowledge and expertise of highly experienced international trade specialists who will support your entry into new markets with confidence.

Call the Department for International Trade North East on 0345 136 0169 or email northeast@mobile.trade.gov.uk

Export

A World of opportunity Heathrow Airport has revealed the 20 winners of this year’s World of Opportunity Programme with North East-based International Glass Consultants and Horizon Works named among the winners.

International Glass Consultants is planning to use the £2,000 grant to travel to the Ashgal Forum in Doha and the Glasstec Trade Fair in Düsseldorf while Horizon Works will use the grant to attend the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS).

US expert UK automotive clean-tech firm AVID Technology has appointed Mike Dowsett as vice president of business development to lead its expansion in North America.

To capitalise on the boom in vehicle electrification and clean automotive technology in the US and Canada, Dowsett will lead the business growth strategy and operations at AVID’s new US office based in Michigan state.

American dreams North East businesses hungry for overseas growth have had a number of opportunities to learn about exporting at a series of events across the region.

Organised by the Chamber and the Department for International Trade (DIT), the first event took place at Durham Riverside in September – looking at doing business in the US and how to identify opportunities in the marketplace. Among the day’s speakers were representatives of Avitus and the Council of American States in Europe (CASE) and US Embassy Minister John Simmons.

A further North American exporting event took place at the Stadium of Light in September with Rebecca Mowat, DIT Atlanta, Dana Dickerson, DIT Toronto and Michelle Weiss from OCO Global.

Julie Underwood, Chamber international trade director, said: “The opportunities for our region's companies to expand their networks are huge and we have a number of examples of tremendous successes.

Chamber members like AES Digital Solutions and Noveltea are reaping the rewards of international contacts through trade missions and really blazing a trail.”

There is a further trade mission to Shanghai for a specialist food and drink exhibition in November.

To help companies learn what is involved with exporting there are a number of events with Tait Walker this autumn while a fifth and final trade mission to Boston will take place in early December.

Raise your profile with Member to Member offers Share your offers and get your business noticed.

The Chamber website has over 16,000 hits each month.

Upload your offers in the member area, and view a full list of Chamber member offers at neechamber.co.uk/our-members/offers

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Policy

Brexit blues As the Chamber completes a major survey of North East business leaders’ views of Brexit, members express their hopes and fears The first solely North East business barometer of Brexit views reports that 53% of business people in the region believe it will have a negative impact on their business, while 14% see it being beneficial.

Gathering data from 400 member and nonmember business figures across the North East, the results showed the top three Brexit concerns are: • the cost of trade • changes in standards and regulation • changes to tax and VAT According to the survey, two in five business people (40%) also feel their business is underprepared, while more people feel completely unprepared (7%) than completely pepared (5%) for Brexit.

Lesley Moody MBE, from Chamber member AES Digital Solutions, who had wanted to remain in the EU says: “When the referendum results were announced, two years seemed a long way away, but there are still way too many grey areas with Brexit. I’m not surprised by these Chamber survey results. As a business community we now all need partywide agreement on the way forward.

We also have to get full details on the Chequers deal so we can fully understand what is being proposed.”

The survey asked respondents where they would look for business advice on leaving the EU. Respondents cited the Chamber itself (30%) and professional consultants such as accountants (14%) and solicitors (12%).

Government trails behind business and industry as just the fifth most popular source of advice and support for Brexit.

Chamber chief executive James Ramsbotham says: “Since 2016, there has been a total lack of leadership and clarity in the negotiation process.

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At the Chamber we’ve been helping our members to start making preparations, but now, with only seven months to go, businesses are still in the dark on the realities of Brexit and are still waiting for Government to give clear answers to fundamental questions.”

Businesses were also given the opportunity to include a message for the Government and the results were wide-ranging. The predominant theme was frustration with the lack of progress and engagement by the Government. There were also views that as the decision had been made negotiations now needed to proceed swiftly.

Ramy Zack, owner of Tyne Moulds & Machinery Ltd in Newcastle and a Chamber member, voted to leave the EU. He says: “My views haven’t changed. I think the EU should be a loose federation of trading nations. With regard to the overall survey results I agree we need clarity. The Government has messed it up by doing Brexit half-heartedly so the EU has us on the back foot. We should have gone in guns blazing.

However, I believe business will prevail as we buy substantially more goods from the EU than it sells to us. As regards frictionless customs, necessity is the mother of all inventions. Spain doesn’t want to have lorry loads of rotting vegetables on Calais docks, the EU needs to compromise. There needs to be common sense where we have mutual interests such as security, pharmacology, IP, safety standards and many more. The EU has to ditch this vindictive idea, that once we leave we will be cut off completely.”

Since the referendum, the Chamber has been proactive in helping its members get Brexit ready. It has published guides, such as how to create a Brexit Ready Supply Chain, a Brexit Checklist and hosted a Brexit Summit for 120 regional business leaders. It is now working with a range of partner members to expand and supplement its range of Preparing for Brexit support services, especially focusing on the top three issues as identified in this survey. www.neechamber.co.uk

SURVEY RESULTS SUMMARY What do you feel the effect of Brexit will be on your business?

Share Very Positively 3.6% Positively 10.2% No Change 32.8% Negatively 38.4% Very Negatively 15% Which elements of Brexit could affect your business most? (Top 5 results) Respondants Cost of trade 238 Standards and regulations 228 Tax or VAT 227 EU funding 227 Ease of trade 217 How prepared are you for Brexit?

1- not prepared, 10 completely prepared Share 0 6.7% 1 7.9% 2 7.4% 3 9.7% 4 7.9% 5 23.2% 6 10.5% 7 8.9% 8 9.4% 9 3.1% 10 5.1% To whom would you go for advice and support for Brexit?

Share Bank 7.6% Trade Association 12.1% Local Authority 7.2% Chamber 30.2% NELEP/Tees Valley 6.3% Government 10.7% Accountants 13.2% Lawyers 11.8% www.neechamber.co.uk

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Profile

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Sole man Newcastle-based couture footwear firm Terry de Havilland has grown from its 1970s London rock ’n’ roll celebrity roots to supplying shoes for today’s stars, including Cher in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. As the business looks to step into new markets, Jane Hall speaks to MD Darren Spurling Fashion is a fickle thing. Few trends stay the course, though there is, of course, the odd exception; enduring pieces that even in today’s fast-fashion society continue to stand the test of time; the little black dress, a crisp white shirt a worn leather biker’s jacket, a Barbour coat. And a pair of Terry de Havilland shoes.

The brand’s signature Margaux shoe with its tradmark curved 5” wedge heel has been a bestseller for 45 years, gracing the feet of everyone from singer Marianne Faifthfull to pop star Paloma Faith and model Kate Moss.

The Zia block heel platform sandal is another ageless success, as is the Ava stiletto with its metallic detail and glitter accents.

Over the years, the colourways and sometimes freaky embellishments have changed, but the basic design of the core collection has remained reassuringly recognisable, and nearly 50 years after the footwear company was founded in London, there is no mistaking a pair of Terry de Havilland show-stoppers.

Not everything has remained unchanged, however. To misquote Nancy Sinatra, these towering design classics (the V&A has a number of pairs in its textiles and fashion collection) are, despite appearances to the contrary, very much made for walkin’, and they have marched right out of London and up the A1 to the North East.

The company founded by de Havilland in the early 1970s is now in the hands of his nephew, Darren Spurling, who last year moved the operation to Hoults Yard in Newcastle. It is from this on-trend business village that Spurling is

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looking to grow the venture as he strives to ensure that de Havilland’s impractically high, idiosyncratic ‘look at me’ shoes continue to be on every woman’s (and man’s) fashion wish list. de Havilland himself is no longer involved with the brand. Now in his 80s, he bowed out, not necessarily gracefully, when Spurling bought the company outright two years ago having been a part-owner since 2011 with Simon Bentley, former chair of Sports Direct.

But the de Havilland spirit lives on in the core collection alongside new additions conceived by the brand's South Shields-born chief designer, Stevie Cape.

Spurling actually describes himself as a “sort of nephew” of de Havilland, who had an affair in the 1960s with his aunt, the result of which was a son. De Havilland had little to do with the family, however, and Spurling became involved with the company after it was featured in a BBC documentary.

Terry de Havilland’s history – the company and the person - is complicated and, given the hedonistic circles he moved in during the 70s and 80s, not easy to piece together. Certainly, his father had a shoe factory in the East End of London, and Terry started designing shoes in the 60s. His big break came when the editor of the now defunct Queen magazine featured a pair of block heels. They were an instant hit.

The famed Margaux wedge was born in 1973, designed around his dad’s 1940s shoe lasts. De Havilland made shoes for The Beatles, David Bowie, Marc Bolan and Cher – who half a century on can now be seen sporting a pair of

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Profile the brand’s Shard boots in the second Mamma Mia movie. She has since bought more designs for her personal use.

De Havilland opened his own shop in Chelsea in the 70s and, according to Spurling, “a good time was had by all.” The brand was a reasonable success, but by the 80s Terry had lost interest. "Punk had come to the fore. Terry carried on making punk shoes, but he didn’t put his name to them. He’d still make bespoke shoes if asked, but I think the fun had gone out of it for him,” says Spurling.

Then in the early noughties de Havilland received a call congratulating him on his shoe design for the designer label Miu Miu. “Basically, they had taken one of his 1970s designs and copied it,” Spurling says. De Havilland was incensed, and featured on the BBC’s Trouble at the Top programme over the Miu Miu case.

But with no licensing agreement, coupled with the fact the design dated back to the 70s, de Havilland didn’t have a stiletto heel to stand on.

The next few years saw de Havilland make some poor business and licensing decisions, and in 2010 Spurling rode to the rescue. “I knew of Terry because of the family connection. He hadn’t seen his son for a long time, but after the TV programme he had contacted his dad. I met Terry a few times and became aware there were a lot of issues.”

Spurling’s background includes main board director of Black Leisure Group and a director of the sports brand O’Neill - roles which brought him to the North East. He could see the potential of the de Havilland brand and brought in a designer to work with the man himself. It was, Spurling admits, “a challenge; Terry didn’t like anybody else being involved, which I can sort of understand.

When you work with an artist they are driven by creativity. Once Terry has done a shoe he almost loses interest in it. He is always looking to create.”

Stevie Cape has moved things on in terms of the designs, “but we always try to ensure the brand’s DNA remains,” Spurling says. “We want people to look at a shoe and know it is a

❝It's a cut-throat business and I really don't want the competition to know the details❞

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Terry de Havilland. Nearly all Terry’s shoes were snakeskin. We have moved into faux skins with some real ones, and revitalised the wedge and the platform. The original DNA is still there, we have just made it relevant for today’s market.”

There are no longer any Terry de Havilland shops on the high street as the brand focuses on global online sales. The new marketing strategy will see a Terry de Havilland pop-up shop open in London’s Selfridges in November and there is a presence at the London, Milan, New York and Paris fashion weeks.

Spurling is especially pleased about the Selfridges tie-in. “It is very top-end. Selfridges has a massive shoe department and we will be in the super brand area, Chanel on one side and Louboutin on the other.” But given Terry de Havilland’s iconic status and price tag (the most expensive shoe at the moment is an £800 www.neechamber.co.uk

five tier python skin wedge), Spurling says there are few retailers, especially in the UK, which would be a comfortable fit. But he refuses to compromise, hence the focus on selling direct to de Havilland’s customers, helped along by the firm’s A-list fans such as Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman.

Globally, there are opportunities aplenty, one of the reasons the company recently became a member of North East England Chamber of Commerce as it looks to gain support for its international sales drive. “Being able to tap into the knowledge base and the Chamber’s resources is good for us. I know if I need any advice I can just pick up the phone,” says Spurling. Thanks to online marketing, turnover has doubled in the past 12 months. What it has doubled from he is not at liberty to say, however. “I don’t tell people. It’s a cut-throat www.neechamber.co.uk

market and I really don’t want the competition to know details like that.” All he will say is that in terms of awareness the brand is in a much better place than he thought it would be, adding that de Havilland has the unique advantage of having a tremendous back catalogue and heritage.

The shoes are currently handmade in Spain, given there is little or no womens footwear manufacturing left here in the UK. It is labour intensive, with up to 30 people involved in each pair, but it ensures quality and craftsmanship remain high, justifying the price tag.

There is no ‘average’ customer in terms of age, although earning power tends to exclude the younger end of the market. “People of any age who are interested in fashion buy into de Havilland,” Spurling says. “Age is only a number these days.” contact 39

Profile

Bridging the generation gap Adopted North Easterner and honorary Swedish Consul Caroline Theobald has many passions in her life, not least education, entrepreneurship and unlocking the potential of the next generation of business owners and leaders. But, she tells Jane Hall, her biggest achievement has been fostered well away from the boardroom It takes Caroline Theobald a while to decide how to describe herself. Is she an entrepreneur?

A networker? Connector? Facilitator? “Good question,” she says as she mulls over the answer.

“I don’t know! What does my Twitter bio say?”

She delves into her bag, produces her phone and opens her Twitter account. “’Chair, facilitator, connector and NED. Passionate about enterprise, start-ups, scale-ups and making a difference.’ Does that help?"

She adds that 'connector' is probably the best one-word answer she can offer, making her living from expediting introductions between those more reticent than herself.

In business, there is a huge difference between being aware of someone and actually understanding what it is they do and how that understanding could be mutually beneficial.People from all walks of life also have a tendency to congregate with those they already know at meetings, conferences, and social occasions and this is where an exuberant, approachable and insatiably curious person like Theobald can make all the difference.

Being a professional connector is something she fell into by accident, but quickly discovered she had an talent for. She is probably best known for establishing the Bridge Club, which launched around the same time in April 2000 as the dot-com bubble burst and the stock markets crashed. The club’s purpose was to make connections, mainly between earlystage businesses, money, management and 40 contact

new markets. Theobald had worked for the leadership charity, Common Purpose, which started in the North East nearly 30 years ago and now operates across the globe, and had built up a strong network.

Despite the volatility of the markets at the time – or perhaps because of it – Theobald says the Bridge Club “just went per-whoosh. We did well very quickly. It had quite a high profile and we were doing interesting things.”

Over the years, the business has successfully introduced thousands of people and given them access to a wealth of new contracts, mentors and leadership teams, fostering partnerships and investment. Bridge Club is now a vehicle for Theobald’s consultancy, while it has developed into a new company called FIRST Face to Face, which connects young people and start-ups to the business community. Theobald co-owns it with “its youthful MD, Charlotte Windebank,” an English and Media graduate from Hexham who was working in a café when the pair met in 2012.

“We started working together and thought it would be a good idea to do something different with Bridge Club, so that rather than being led by old people, young people would be in charge and skills could be passed on to young people. If that worked, we might be able to reinvigorate and breathe new life into the Bridge Club - so that is what we did. FIRST is gaining traction now and has three strands, FIRST Startup, which builds enterprise skill www.neechamber.co.uk

www.neechamber.co.uk

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Profile development through workshops, networking events, competitions and business accelerator programmes, including the annual If We Can You Can challenge; FIRST Face to Face, an online events resource and networking event management consultancy; and FIRST Breakthrough, which is a youth-led Community Interest Company which launched this September connecting 14-30-year-olds to jobs, training and qualifications.”

FIRST Breakthrough also offers careers advice for schools, further and higher education, work experience placements, course programmes, apprenticeships, traineeships and internships, as well as a raft of services to businesses and organisations such as assessment of company culture - looking at whether organisations fit the needs and values of millennial and generation Z workforces. Theobald proudly adds it has placed 90 youngsters with SMEs for work experience since March this year.

She describes FIRST as “the daughter of the Bridge Club run by a 32-year-old, which is absolutely as it should be. I’ll be 61 in September. I’m too old to be doing this sort of thing.” Which is untrue, of course. Theobald has great empathy for young people, believes passionately in nurturing young talent, and dislikes the disapproval sometimes directed at today’s youth. “People talk about young people in a very negative way. I believe if you give young people the respect you would want yourself, and if you listen to them, you will find we actually have very talented young people in this region. They just need to have opportunities.

“I have used my company as a learning place for young people. Being able to listen to people and being able to convert that listening into something useful is, I believe, really important.”

Theobald is aware that her attitude is sometimes a little out of kilter, and it was her late husband, Alan Morse, who told her: “Don’t think that everybody thinks like you, because they don’t.”

Looking back, she says: “It was the biggest lesson I learnt from Alan.” He played a big part in Theobald’s life, although their time together was brief. Indeed, she says meeting him, “has reflected on everything I have done.

My life really started when I arrived in the North East. I was desperately unhappy. When I was in London I earned lots of money, but I was miserable. I was arrogant and I was selfish. Then 42 contact

I came up here, met Alan, and he gave me focus and a purpose. He opened doors for me. He is what rooted me when I didn’t have any roots.”

She grew up in Surrey and attended boarding school. One of five siblings, her father was an entrepreneur involved in tea importing and later property. After studying English literature at York University, she got a job with Haymarket Publishing in London and fell into a reporting role on the unglamorous-sounding Litho Printer Week. She then went to work as a news editor on Printing World, and thought she was heading for a career in journalism.

One day she interviewed the late newspaper magnate Robert Maxwell and before long found herself employed as his press officer - on quadruple her old salary. She professes to have liked the man, later generally accepted to be an abominable human being, but admits she “didn’t understand half of what was going on.”

They parted company when he took over the Mirror and he said he would either make her MD of one of his printing companies, or his head of PR. “I said I couldn’t do either of them.” www.neechamber.co.uk

❝I have used my company as a learning place for young people❞

Still in her twenties, Theobald was hired as a marketing manager by an architect’s firm. She became involved in the community architecture movement, and after one or two more twists and turns found herself working for the Free Form Arts Trust creative regeneration agency in North Shields, which is where she met Alan, a 6ft 8in tall commercial fisherman based on the fish quay. “That was a baptism of fire! We met, got married and I took on his two young children from a previous marriage. He was away 10 days out of every 14. Then five years after we met he had a heart attack at sea and died aged 46.”

It says much about Theobald that the children continued living with her and that they remain close. It perhaps explains her empathy towards young people and the struggles they can face.

Aside from the Bridge Club and FIRST, her business interests over the years have been wide-ranging and have seen her awarded both a CBE and a Queen’s Award for Enterprise. In 2007 she was appointed the Honorary Swedish Consul for the North East and chair of the regional Chapter of the Swedish Chamber of www.neechamber.co.uk

Commerce. It’s a role in which her networking skills have proved useful, and has helped her build trade as well as cultural connections with the Nordic country.

Her own links with North East England Chamber of Commerce through the Bridge Club and now via FIRST are invaluable. “It is about being able to connect businesses and opportunities and knowledge. If you don’t know who to ask, the things that should happen don’t.

The Chamber gives you a far bigger intro to the business pool, and is a real force for good.”

Ask Theobald what has been her own force for good in the 30 years she has been in the North East, and her answer has nothing to do with business. “The fact I was able to bring up two children as a single parent. It was bloody tough, but I'm proud I was able to give them the opportunities they had, and for them to think of me as their mum, even though they already have one, and that I have equal status.

“Nothing can make me feel more proud than that my children, who aren’t my children, still want me to be their mum.” contact 43

Success

The future is green Your lawn needs cutting and you’re lolling by a pool in Majorca. What are you going to do about it? You’re going to instruct your robotic mower to do it via your mobile phone is what, and Husqvarna could well be the name on that clever mower. Kay Wilson discovers more The power of innovative thinking in business – and the courage to invest in growth ahead of the curve – could be said to be embodied by Caraline Robinson, head of Newton Aycliffebased Husqvarna, manufacturer of electric and robotic garden equipment and part of the global Husqvarna Group.

Joining the business as a 16-year-old apprentice, sponsored by it through a degree in Instrumentation and control at Teesside University, and working after graduation as a production engineer in the moulding section just as automation was being introduced, she is the epitome of the factory floor lass done good.

Working her way up through various departments within the business, she was appointed manufacturing director 10 years ago, customer demand for robotic mowers has grown exponentially during her time in senior roles.

Between 2006 and 2017, 1 million of them were manufactured by Husqvarna, and today more of them are manufactured in one week than in the whole of the first year of the operation.

Robinson is extremely confident of future trends generating business for the company and is building manufacturing capacity to be ahead of the curve of demand.

“Our season, October to July, has seen an 44 contact

increase in demand for robotic machines, which is a common challenge now year-on-year,” she says.

“Our potential markets are gardens, large green areas and businesses which have green space.

Our products enable them to maintain lawns with minimum expense and effort, and here is potential to operate robotic mowers from a phone on the other side of the world if required.”

Husqvarna has bases in 40 countries and sells its products all over the world, Germany being one of the main markets. “Our growth in Germany was really down to the fact people there were early accepters of innovation,” says Robinson.

“Nordic countries such as Sweden are a saturated marketplace for our types of products, but there is huge untapped potential in the UK.” Husqvarna’s Newton Aycliffe facility now has five robotic lines and three traditional hand-held production lines due to the demand for automated machines. It also has a sister plant with production lines in Vrbno in the Czech Republic. This close working relationship is an invaluable support when there are fluctuations in demand.

Robinson says: “We are constantly looking at ways to improve our processes and products. We work strategically with the designers in Sweden to help in the development of new products. It generally takes around two years from conception to delivery, but www.neechamber.co.uk

this process is constantly evolving. “For example, we are Introducing more automation, artificial intelligence and 3D vision. We have just started our journey to create a factory for the future and want to make a robotic product with even more automation than we have currently.

“We invest several million pounds each year in developing the plant and the workforce is a big part of this. We want our employees to always ask, ‘what can I do to make this business better?’ It is important to have a culture where their ideas are always considered and where appropriate taken on board.

“We also recruit six apprentices a year, primarily www.neechamber.co.uk

in the technical and product teams as it is vital we have skilled staff now, and in the future, to deliver all of our growth potential.

“Sustainability is also a watchword for us and we are proud of our record of zero waste to landfill. There is inevitably scrap produced from our processes, but this is all re-ground and reused to make low risk components and packaging for component storage. We also have 100% windgenerated green electricity supplied to our site.”

Husqvarna is a member of North East Chamber of Commerce for the benefit it brings, with connections across the region, linking to other businesses and the ability to raise its profile. contact 45

Commercial Profile

Smells like team spirit

Established in 1999, Nirvana are market leaders in the management of major UK, European & Worldwide Sporting Events.

The Nirvana team there to assist with all of your on-site event needs

Their experience covers all aspects of accommodation, transportation and logistical expertise that are required to make each and every event a major success.

The team includes trained travel professionals who are experts in their field, logistical experts with vast amounts of experience in event transport requirements and IT/Web technicians who support our online presence, all of whom are passionate about sport and events.

As a company they strongly believe that the key to delivering a successful event is to understand and meet the specific individual requirements for the various key groups of people such as event officials, event delivery/national association staff, elite athletes/teams/coaches, VIP’s VVIPs and media enabling them to enjoy the experience of a fantastic event.

Nirvana are proud to be named the ‘Official Travel & Accommodation Partner’ for the following organisations • British Triathlon Federation (Olympic & Age Group Teams) • IRONMAN Europe • Celtic Football Club • European Triathlon Union • XTERRA Europe • British Wrestling • The Great Run Company As a result of existing relationships Nirvana have successfully developed an understanding of the requirements for high performance athletes helping to support their Olympic ambitions and are now work closely with a number of athlete Agents and Managers organising individual travel to high profile sports events all over the world.

BUSINESS TRAVEL Along side major sporting events Nirvana have also been involved more locally helping to provide accommodation and logistic solutions to many local events. Due to expansion within the team they are now in a position to offer their specialised services to businesses with travel needs throughout the region.

With a track record of delivering top-class event travel, Nirvana have planned and executed bespoke travel, 46 contact

accommodation and logistical arrangements for thousands of clients all across the globe.

As ABTA members and fully licenced by the Civil Aviation Authority, Nirvana can take the stress out of your travel arrangements leaving you to get on with your important business meetings and preparations.

Our services include: • Worldwide flights • Worldwide rail • Worldwide accommodation • Worldwide transfers • Worldwide car hire • Travel insurance • Worldwide travel information EVENT MANAGEMENT Nirvana also have their own in-house team of event specialists, allowing us them to work in partnership with their clients to offer a one-stop shop for all of their business needs. From corporate event management to bespoke incentive travel their services can be tailored and utilised as much as required.

Nirvana work with their client vision at the forefront, they will work with you to make your events memorable for all the right reasons. Nirvana organise corporate events of all kinds of sizes – whether you require a meeting room for a handful of people or conferencing facilities for thousands of delegates, their experienced events team will be on hand to assist you.

There’s no event too big or too small.

SCHOOL, COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY TRAVEL Nirvana’s extensive experience within the sports travel industry has lead them to work with schools, colleges and universities to provide unforgettable overseas travel experiences. They fully understand the pressures on both educational and parental budgets in the present climate, their local presence and low overheads mean the prices they offer are the very best available.

Nirvana staff will travel out to your resort 48 hours prior to your group's arrival to ensure everything will run smoothly. Their staff are on-hand to assist with any and all requirements throughout your trip, providing a stress-free experience for all.

Email: travel@nirvanaeurope.com Tel: 01912571750 www.nirvanaeurope.com/en www.neechamber.co.uk

Power up your business.

If you’re ready to grow, get in touch. We’d love to help.

Call 0300 303 6322 Visit neechamber.co.uk Connect @neechamber 48 contact

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Focus

We have the power In focus: The North East energy sector

New energy lead appointed at North East LEP

£82m green energy deal Banks Renewables, the renewable energy division of North East property and energy business Banks Group, has secured an £82m refinancing deal to help fund the next stages of its development.

The Durham-headquartered firm has worked with lenders National Australia Bank and Santander to agree a refinancing deal for seven of its existing wind farms across northern England, five of which were built using external finances and two using Banks' own capital reserves.

The new funding will be utilised in a number of projects, including Banks Renewables' forward programme of onshore wind farms. Banks Renewables currently has a total generating capacity from its onshore wind farms, both in operation and construction, of 224MW - with further schemes with a total capacity of 190MW in development.

It's the second time that the family-owned firm has secured substantial finance from National Australia Bank and Santander, with both lenders contributing to the transformational £210m investment package that Banks obtained last year to support the construction of the Kype Muir and Middle Muir wind farms in South Lanarkshire, and the Moor House wind farm near Darlington in Co Durham. www.neechamber.co.uk

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has appointed Andrew Clark to the new role of programme lead for the energy sector, with the aim of leveraging the region’s strengths to attract investment and create more and better jobs.

Clark, who has extensive programme leadership experience having delivered energy and low carbon programmes nationally and internationally, will be working with public and private sector organisations, universities, local and national government, key networks and national research and innovation facilities including the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult in Blyth. contact 49

Profile

Power player From a start-up in a bedroom in his South Shields flat, Fokhrul Islam has led Northern Gas and Power to become a global force in the energy industry.

Jane Hall hears about the ‘fire in his belly’ which in six years has taken Islam from broke twenty-something to multi-millionaire entrepreneur It’s not what you expect to see in the reception area of a global company. Yes, there’s the view.

A sweeping one along the River Tyne and its famous bridges. But first to catch the eye are dyed ostrich feathers, a Hollywood-style rope barrier, red carpet and 1930s-inspired Burlesque cardboard cut-outs.

The theme continues throughout the open plan office of one of the North East’s fastestgrowing companies; black and red ostrich feathers and strings of glitzy beads adorning desks where staff chat animatedly on the phone. This is the Gateshead HQ of Northern Gas and Power, which helps organisations cut energy bills, consumption and carbon emissions, and which, six years after it was founded, employs 345 people in five nations.

Another 80 or so are being recruited as NGP works to tighten its grip on the energy procurement industry and move into the Asian market with a base in Singapore.

An extravagant sign offers an explanation for the flamboyant decor. The theme for the firm's annual conference at The Boiler Shop in Newcastle is Moulin Rouge and to get everyone in the mood, it’s been rolled out across the office. Based at Baltic Place, NGP not only occupies the East Tower’s entire eighth floor, but has taken the third too, not for more desks, but for fun-filled downtime. Last Christmas, staff enjoyed real life Super Mario racing on mini scooters, with a £2,000 cash prize for the winner. There have been Nerf blaster shootouts and Space Hopper contests.

NGP divides its yearly target by 11 months,

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and once that is hit – usually by the first week in December – everyone is sent home to enjoy the festive season, returning in January. This is on top of a standard 28 days holiday per year. Staff are rewarded with trips abroad, have access to life coaches and the opportunity to earn uncapped commission that has seen many pay their mortgages off.

Its owner, Fokhrul Islam, knows all 345 staff by name, not just in Gateshead, but at NGP’s operations in Leeds, Paris, the US, Malta and Chennai. All staff have his mobile number and can ring him about anything, personal or business. He doesn’t have his own office, preferring to sit on the shop floor with his team, who genuinely hold him in high regard.

Perhaps it's because he doesn’t see himself as anything special. But for the fickle finger of Fate, this quietly spoken visionary could be any one of the 170 people he employs at Gateshead.

One of six brothers and two sisters born in Huddersfield, Islam’s father had moved to the UK from Bangladesh with his then 17-year-old bride seeking a more secure future. Islam was a difficult child and at 12 he was sent to live with an uncle in South Shields because, he says: “We had no money and I was getting into trouble.

My parents thought he could help. But after a year he stopped speaking to me. My parents were immigrants and it was tough growing up.

There were a lot of arguments and anger over money. My mum had left her dad behind when she was only 17 to come to England, and I can remember that just before he died she had wanted to go back to Bangladesh to see him,

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contact 51

Profile but there was no money to send her. She fell into a deep depression after that. I was about eight when one day her sari caught fire while we were at home, and she turned around and said, ‘I want to die.’

“When I was seven I came home from school to find mum and dad arguing, so I went straight into the kitchen and asked if there was anything to eat. Mum looked at me and said, ‘out of all of us, you are the one that is going to fail.’ I thought, ‘you know what? I’m going to go out there and make something of myself.’ I had this fire in my belly to make money and help my family. I wanted to be able to take my mum to Bangladesh, I wanted to buy her a house.”

Destiny was not smiling on Islam’s plans, however. He left school with a handful of GCSEs at Grade C or lower. “The education system is right for 95% of the population, but it wasn’t for me. It didn’t challenge me. It was all about history and geography, and it inhibited my thought processes. There was nothing that appealed to my entrepreneurial side. I was in trouble. A lot.”

He landed a customer service job with BT. “Many people use sales as a stepping stone; I made a conscious decision that sales was something I wanted to do. I made it my focus and as a consequence became very good at it,” Islam says. “As a result of that success I was moved to BT Global, and was very bad at it, but I did learn a lot about business.”

He found himself £35,000 in debt. More sales jobs followed, this time in the energy sector. He was sacked from all of them. He had a talent for identifying problems and thinking outside the box, but managers couldn’t grasp his suggested solutions. “I was out of work. I had no money, and I hadn’t paid my mortgage for months,” Islam recalls. “I thought, if I don’t do something I will lose everything. When you only have £2 in your bank account, it is not inspiration, it is survival that motivates you.

So I put a phone in my spare bedroom and started making calls. I got a sale, and that is how Northern Gas and Power started. That opportunity was given to me and I decided I would devote my body and soul to it. I made a simple website and quickly realised that if people could hear activity in the background, they would be more likely to listen, so I got a tape that sounded like a call centre.”

It would be nice to say everything slotted conveniently into place, but energy suppliers refused to deal direct with Islam, so he reached 52 contact

an agreement with a third party firm to issue contracts to customers. By his second year, he was employing people. He moved the operation to North Shields and by himself was bringing in £40,000-£50,000 a month. His projection had been to make £500,000 in his first year. “I got in £650,000,” he says.

In its second year, NGP brought in £1.2m. By the third, £2.6m. It brought in £16m in year four, £32m in year five, and is on track to make £48m globally by the end of 2018. It has contracted more than £100m of business in the last six years, all without any borrowing.

Major suppliers and networks globally now deal direct with NGP. The firm has joined North East England Chamber of Commerce, because, Islam says “it has so many good connections and its finger on the pulse of the region.”

The operation has diversified with NGP ClearVue - a device providing real-time monitoring and the ability to control energy consumption remotely. The hardware was www.neechamber.co.uk

developed by another firm which NGP has bought for £3.7m. Islam says: “We have taken it, improved it and developed smart software.

The industrial sector consumes nearly 40% of annual global primary energy use and is responsible for a similar share of worldwide energy-related carbon dioxide emissions.

There is considerable potential to reduce the amount of energy used in the manufacture of most commodities. Businesses need real-time reporting.” Smart technology is close to Islam’s heart, and no wonder; the energy sector is changing rapidly and NGP must stay ahead of the game. Currently the business is valued at around £100m. Islam’s plan is to use technology to ratchet that up to £500m in the next five years, by which time he will hopefully have realised his dream of retiring at 40.

He drives a Lamborghini Huracan Spyder and has homes in South Shields, Malta and the US. He’s taken his whole family to Bangladesh, bought his mum the home he said he would, www.neechamber.co.uk

and gives generously to charity. He’s also made many of his employees very wealthy, many of them achieving weekly sales of £38,000 with uncapped commission. “I wake up every morning and think about how fortunate I am to be in this position. Before I went to Bangladesh for the first time I used to complain and think I was entitled to things, then you see kids begging on the roads there. One particularly sticks in my mind. He had no legs and had made himself a cart to push himself around; he chased my cousin for a half-eaten water melon.

“Here if you are poor you still have a home and medical care. In Bangladesh, people die on the street and the public just step over them.”

He may become involved with the Red Cross in a Third World country when he retires. “Or I may only retire from business for two days. I have told myself I will retire at 40. But I haven’t said how long for,” he adds with a mischievous smile, no doubt fully aware that drive like his is unlikely to run out any time soon. contact 53

Motoring

360 degree turn Volvo's new 360c autonomous concept is being touted by the car maker as the beginning of a conversation which will change not just travel, but our lives Assuming you haven't been on Mars for the last couple of years, you will be familiar with the idea of autonomous cars, but have you considered what the space afforded by the removal of driver and engine could provide in terms of a living space on wheels?

Volvo has imagined this idea with the new Volvo 360c concept, which it says could open up new markets in competition with, for example, the US's domestic air travel industry.

The 360c is a fully autonomous, fully electric car without a human driver. The concept capitalises on the space afforded by the absence of steering wheel and combustion engine, providing the ability to reimagine the traditional placement of passengers in rows of two or three.

It presents four potential uses of autonomous driving vehicles – a sleeping environment, mobile office, living room and entertainment space – to reimagine the way we travel. It also introduces a proposal for a global standard in how autonomous vehicles can safely communicate with all other road users.

“The business will change in the coming years, and Volvo should lead that change of our industry,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars. “Autonomous drive will allow us to take the next big step in safety, but also open up exciting new business models and allow consumers to spend time in the car doing what they want to do.”

Volvo says the 360c represents a competitor to short-haul air travel. For example, within the United States, more than 740 million travellers embarked on domestic flights last year, but some busy domestic routes, such as New York to Washington DC, Houston to Dallas, and Los

54 contact

Angeles to San Diego are more time-consuming by air than by car when you include travel to the airport, security checks and waiting times.

“The 360c represents what could be a new take on the industry,” said Mårten Levenstam, senior vice president of corporate strategy at Volvo Cars. “The sleeping cabin allows you to enjoy premium comfort and peaceful travel through the night and wake up refreshed at your destination. It could enable us to compete with the world’s leading aircraft makers.”

The 360c also carries implications for the future of travel, city planning, infrastructure and our environmental footprint. It doesn’t just reimagine how people travel, but also looks at how people engage with friends and family while on the move, and how they can recapture time while travelling in the cities of the future.

“Autonomous vehicle concepts have a tendency to become a technology showcase instead of a vision of how people use it,” said Robin Page, senior vice president of design at Volvo Cars. “But Volvo is a human-centric brand.

We focus on the daily lives of our customers and how we can make them better. The 360c is the next iteration of this approach.”

Volvo says the 360c is a first deliberate step towards a broad discussion about the potential for autonomous driving technology to fundamentally change society in many ways.

“When the Wright brothers took to the skies in 1903, they did not have a clue about what modern air travel would look like,” said Mårten Levenstam. “We do not know what the future of autonomous drive will hold, but it will have a profound impact on how people travel. We regard the 360c as a conversation starter.”

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contact 55

Motoring V60 on a roll The Volvo V60 estate has been named Best Large Family Car in the 2019 Parkers New Car Awards.

Launched in February, the V60 was described by Parkers as "the perfect large family car for those who crave style and a cool image".

The award judges said it provides further evidence of the "huge progress" Volvo has made as a brand. Parkers also drew attention to the V60's "engaging drive" and "sleek interior", and the "excellent value" of its PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) deals.

Keith Adams, Parkers editor, added: "The Volvo V60 looks fantastic, is good to drive, and has a super-cool image. It also demonstrates that the traditional large estate car has plenty of life left in it. Volvo is on a roll right now, with a fantastic range of cars."

Berlingo makes a splash at international show Citroën's New Berlingo Van has been named International Van of the Year 2019 at the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover.

The third-generation Berlingo was recognised for its developments in terms of comfort and technology, which the judges said had been provided with no compromise on functionality.

Citroën says the van adapts to the

CITROËN C3 PureTech 82 manual Flair

needs of all professions and trades and the judging panel praised its two sizes as well as its comfort and safety features which include 20 driving aids and four connectivity technologies.

This is the fifth time in the history of this prize that Citroën has won International Van of the Year, and the second for Berlingo Van. UK deliveries of New Berlingo Van are scheduled to begin any day now.

From only

and

+ VAT deposit

+ VAT per month

£801 £134 6,000 MILES PER ANNUM

48 MONTHS TERM

Official Fuel Consumption in MPG (l/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km); Highest: Citroën C3 Range: URBAN 65.7-46.3mpg [4.3-6.1L/100km]; EXTRA URBAN 88.3-67.3mpg [3.2-4.2L/100km]; COMBINED 78.5-57.6mpg [3.6-4.7L/100km]; CO2 emissions 93.110g/km. 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. *Terms and conditions apply. All rentals are subject to VAT at the current rate. Vehicles must be registered by 28th September 2018, subject to any price adjustment by the manufacturer, interest rate movement or changes to Government Excise Duty. Quotation is for Business Users only and is subject to status. guarantees may be required. Should the contract mileage be exceeded by over 30% then the excess pence per mile shown will be doubled. The 50% blocking of input VAT may apply to certain elements within the services included in the above service rental. The 50% blocking of input VAT applies to RLF and Contract Management included in the above service rental.

TOWN CENTRE AUTOMOBILES SUNDERLAND, FERRYBOAT LANE, SUNDERLAND, TYNE & WEAR, SR5 3JN

56 contact

Telephone: 0191 5168822 www.towncentreautomobiles.com www.neechamber.co.uk

www.neechamber.co.uk

contact 57

People

l-r Laura Kirkpatrick, Alexandra Ketchley Amie Leyden, James Craddock

Going global

Climbing the ladder

Be our guest

Newly formed technology and training group 3T Energy Group has appointed Gavin Ames as a vice president to help deliver its ambitious global growth plans.

Ames, who has a wealth of experience in senior roles in the oil and gas sector, will be responsible for expanding the group’s global reach.

Stockton-based legal firm Endeavour Partnership has promoted three members of its team of solicitors – Amie Leyden, Laura Kirkpatrick and James Craddock - to associates, while Alexandra Ketchley has been promoted from associate to senior associate within the commercial property team.

Harwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield has appointed Liam Fishburn, who has worked at some of the North East’s finest restaurants including Six@The Baltic, Wynyard Hall and The Biscuit Factory, as restaurant manager at its Rib Room Steakhouse and Grill to help steer its future development.

l-r Marianne Whitfield, Keith Langford

Top team Advanced manufacturing software company Metrology Software Products - which works with the world’s largest aerospace, defence and motorsport companies - has appointed Marianne Whitfield as director of development and Keith Langford as UK technical account manager.

l-r Tim Spratt, Richard Bendelow

l-r Susan Howe, Alex Blenkinsop

Trusted expert Lawyer Alex Blenkinsop, who recently became an associate member of ACTAPS (the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists), has been appointed to the new role of head of the contentious trusts and probate service at law firm Muckle LLP .

l-r Anne-Marie Knight, Adam Dymock Richard Palmer

Tech support

Raising the bar

Techquity, based in Fusion Hive on Stockton’s North Shore, has employed senior developer Tim Spratt to design new applications which will help it provide a more efficient and effective services thanks to funding from Innovate Tees Valley, a Teesside University-led programme which supports SMEs.

Law firm Watson Burton has strengthened its Professions and Insurance team with the promotion of Adam Dymock. Listed as a Legal 500 recommended lawyer, Dymock has been promoted to associate in recognition of his commitment, expertise and investment in the development of junior colleagues.

58 contact

Expert sails into Port The Port of Tyne has appointed Mike Comerford to its board as a nonexecutive director. With more than 30 years experience in shipping, maritime safety and engineering, Comerford is a Member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects and an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute.

l-r seated - Tom Clarke, Rebecca Weir l-r standing - Sophie Allinson, Jeremy Nash

Stepping up North East law firm Hay & Kilner has rewarded four young lawyers' - Jeremy Nash, Rebecca Weir, Tom Clarke and Sophie Allinson - for their hard work and dedication by taking them on in solicitor roles at the end of their practice traineeships with the Newcastle-headquartered firm. www.neechamber.co.uk

Recruitment drive

New boy at school Prof Scott Wilkes will head up the University of Sunderland’s new School of Medicine when it opens in September 2019.

A professor of General Practice and Primary Care at the University and parttime GP in North Tyneside, Prof Wilkes will oversee the new school’s teaching, research and engagement with NHS partners building on Sunderland’s already strong partnerships in health related disciplines.

Sunderland is one of only five new medical schools to be announced in the UK - established to address the regional imbalance of medical education places across England.

The University has delivered clinical education for almost 100 years, and trainee doctors will specialise as they choose - though it’s anticipated a large proportion will graduate into general practice or psychiatry.

Authors award A Teesside University academic has been named alongside some of today’s most prominent literary figures after winning a prestigious prize for her debut collection of poetry.

Jenna Clake, a lecturer in creative writing, was among the winners of the Society of Authors 2018 Authors’ Awards.

The awards recognise the best and most promising voices of the year.

In previous years the awards have recognised the early works of some of today’s most recognised writers such as Zadie Smith, Seamus Heaney, Helen Dunmore, Hari Kunzru, Carol Ann Duffy and Mark Haddon.

A host of debut names along with recognised writers shared a prize fund of £98,000, making it the UK’s biggest literary fund.

Full service history A dedicated member of the aftersales management team at Jennings Motor Group has clocked into work for the last time.

Brian Johnston, 66, began his career as a mechanic at Jennings Ford Direct, formerly Selwoods of South Shields in 1972, having trained as an apprentice. He was promoted to group service and bodyshop manager - responsible for the company’s Ford, Mazda, SEAT and Kia service and bodyshop departments located across the North East, from Gateshead to Middlesbrough, in 2013. www.neechamber.co.uk

Group service and bodyshop manager Brian Johnston (centre) with Jennings staff at South Shields

Newcastle-headquartered law firm Ward Hadaway has grown its team with the appointment of 14 trainees.

The newcomers will take up posts across the company’s commercial, litigation, real estate, corporate, employment and housing teams in Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester.

Ward Hadaway managing partner Martin Hulls said: “We are delighted to be welcoming so many talented people through our doors. We had nearly 400 applications for places this year, so it’s great to see so many young, enthusiastic people keen to start their legal careers with us.”

Acas launches new advice on job references Workplace experts from Acas have published new guidance to help North East employers and employees know the rules around employment references.

Acas North East area director Alex Peel said: “The job market can be very competitive so it is vital for job applicants and employers to know what the legal requirements are around work references. We’ve based our advice around the typical questions that we receive on our helpline about job references. Our new advice has information on what to include in work references, when they are needed and how to resolve problems with references.”

The full guidance is available at www.acas.org.uk/references contact 59

Events Chamber Exchange

Inspiring Females Conference July 19, hosted by Ramside Hall, sponsored by Virgin Money and Ramside Hall

Whitworth Hall Country Park Hotel, November 8, FREE This is the Chamber’s flagship networking event encouraging an exchange of experiences, ideas and offers between members.

A round-table networking event with two table changes held the second Thursday of each month across the region. The first table 'Sharing a Success' – delegates are encouraged to share a recent business success. The second table 'Discussing a Challenge' – delegates are encouraged to discuss current or recent challenges, how you may have overcome this challenge or if someone is facing a current challenge, those around the table are encouraged to offer advice and guidance. Chamber staff including senior management and partners will lead each table.

Jackie Barnett (Jackie Barnett Consulting)

Jules Smith (Virgin Money)

Kevin Haynes (Greggs) and Emily Pearson (Be Wellbeing)

Laura Middleton (The Office Rocks)

Naomi Morrow (Sunderland Software City)

Ashley Thirlwell (Ramside Hall)

Business Leaders Lunch July 27, hosted by Newcastle Falcons, sponsored by Pulsant, Presidents Club in association with Brewin Dolphin

Venue sponsor

Helen Whitfield (NBS)

Chamber Exchange

Eamon Leavey (Chamber), Nigel Wilson (Legal & General), George Sanger (Pulsant), John McCabe (Fusion PR) and James Ramsbotham (Chamber)

George Sanger (Pulsant)

John McCabe (Chamber president)

Darren Warneford (Esh Group)

Copthorne Newcastle, 11:00-14:00, December 6, FREE Venue sponsor

Lucy Winskell (Northumbria University) 60 contact

Steven Parker (Digital Allies)

Nigel Wilson (Legal & General)

www.neechamber.co.uk

Chamber Summer Fiesta August 23, hosted by Revolucion de Cuba, Newcastle

Sarah Mckenna (Sarah Mckenna Recruitment), Tracy Chandler (Emirates) and Claire Mitchell (Rivers Hotel)

Yvonne Gale (NEL Fund Managers), Graeme Jordan (STO Consulting), Helena Sansum (Life Saving Training) and Dan Bishara (Dan Bishara Financial Planning)

Chris Forster (FD Centre), John Mansel (Advanced Finance Solutions) and Lee Brannigan (Namco)

Justin Edlagan (Newgen Creative) and Chloe Inness (Revolucion de Cuba)

Tom Willcox (Tom Willcox PR), Alan Helm and Fran Briggs (ANH Digital Media) and Rik Lambert (Action Coach)

Chamber Summer Social August 9, hosted by Middleton Lodge Estate, sponsored by North Yorkshire Physiotherapy

Members networking

www.neechamber.co.uk

Clare Pearce and Kate Turner (North Yorkshire Physiotherapy)

Susan Anderson and Alex Swart (Chamber)

contact   61

Events FEATURED EVENT

FEATURED EVENT

FEATURED EVENT

Chamber Exchange

North East Expo

November 8, Whitworth Hall Country Park Hotel, FREE

November 7, Newcastle Falcons £180+VAT stand, FREE to attend

TO BOOK

www.neechamber.co.uk/events

0300 303 6322

Networking

22.11 - COFFEE AND CONNECTIONS 10:30-12:30 • HOTEL INDIGO, DURHAM FREE

09.10 - CHAMBER LOCAL (NEWCASTLE CITY CENTRE MONTHLY) 08:30-10:30 • THE VERMONT, NEWCASTLE FREE

29.11 - STAND UP AND BE COUNTED

09.10 - CHAMBER EXCHANGE – DARLINGTON BUSINESS WEEK

11:00-14:00 • ROCKLIFFE HALL, DARLINGTON FREE

10.10 - NORTH EAST VENUES EXPO

14:00-16:00 • ST BENEDICTS HOSPICE, SUNDERLAND FREE

Chamber Christmas Exchange

December 6, Copthorne, FREE events@neechamber.co.uk

Area Meetings 16.10 - SUNDERLAND AREA MEETING 16:00 -17.30 • UNIVERSITY, HOPE ST. XCHANGE

FREE

31.10 - SOUTH TYNESIDE AREA MEETING

13.12 - CHAMBER CHRISTMAS EXCHANGE 11:00-14:00 • BLACKWELL GRANGE, DARLINGTON FREE

08:00 -09:30 • SOUTH TYNESIDE COLLEGE

FREE

Skills, Knowledge and Information Network

09.11 - NORTH TYNESIDE AREA MEETING

11.10 - CHAMBER EXCHANGE 11:00-14:00 • STADIUM OF LIGHT FREE

10.10 - BEHIND THE SCENES

FREE

17.10 - CHAMBER LOCAL (SUNDERLAND & S TYNESIDE)

16.10 - INSPIRING FEMALES SEMINAR

26.11 - NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD AREA MEETING 16:00-18:00 • GATESHEAD (TBC) FREE

10:00-15:00 • DURHAM COUNTY CRICKET CLUB

FREE

09:30-11:30 • DANCE CITY, NEWCASTLE FREE

08:30-10:00 • NORTH EAST BIC, SUNDERLAND FREE

17.10 - TEESSIDE BUSINESS SHOW 10:00-15:00 • MIDDLESBROUGH FOOTBALL CLUB

FREE

FREE

28.11 - NORTHUMBERLAND AREA MEETING

19.10 - MAXIMISING YOUR MEMBERSHIP

16:00-18:00 • HMP NORTHUMBERLAND

FREE

08:00-10:00 • MARRIOTT METROCENTRE

24.10 - CHAMBER LOCAL (N. TYNESIDE & NORTHUMBERLAND) 10:00-12:00 • THE HASTINGS, SEATON DELAVAL

FREE

FREE

30.11 - MAXIMISING YOUR MEMBERSHIP 08:00-10:00 • MARRIOTT METROCENTRE

06.11 - CHAMBER LOCAL (GATESHEAD MONTHLY) 08:30-10:30 • ESLINGTON VILLA, G'HEAD

FREE

06.11 - CHAMBER LOCAL (TEES VALLEY MONTHLY) 10:00-11:30 • COMMERCE HOUSE, M’BROUGH

FREE

13.11 - CHAMBER LOCAL (NEWCASTLE CITY CENTRE MONTHLY) 08:30-10:30 • THE VERMONT, NEWCASTLE FREE 21.11 - CHAMBER LOCAL (SUNDERLAND & S TYNESIDE) 08:30-10:00 • NORTH EAST BIC, SUNDERLAND

FREE

14:00-16:00 • RIVERS HOTEL, GATESHEAD

08:00 -10:00 • TRAVEL OFFICE, COBALT

International FREE

11.10 - AUTHORISED ECONOMIC OPERATOR

Flagship

09:15-15:30 • DURHAM COUNTY CRICKET CLUB

16.11 - NORTH EAST BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2018

19.10 - IMPORT PROCESSES, COMPLIANCE & DOCUMENTS

£350**

18:30-00:00 • HILTON NEWCASTLE GATESHEAD

09:15-15:30 • DURHAM COUNTY CRICKET CLUB

£75*

£350**

Department for International Trade Events

06.11 - EXPORT PROCESSES, COMPLIANCE & DOCUMENTS

07.11 - YOU CAN EXPORT: INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL TRADE 11:00-17:00 • COMMERCE HOUSE, MIDDLESBROUGH FREE

09:15-15:30 • DURHAM COUNTY CRICKET CLUB

£350**

20.11 - CUSTOMS COMPLIANCE, PROCESS & DOCUMENTS 09:15-15:30 • DURHAM COUNTY CRICKET CLUB

£350**

*Chamber Member Price+VAT ** Global member price £240+VAT. Foundation Award in International Trade: Global Member Cost: £640.00+VAT (3 courses) £800+VAT (4 courses) Standard Cost: £900.00+VAT (3 courses) £1000+VAT (4 courses)

62 contact

www.neechamber.co.uk

7 November 2018, 09:00 - 16:00 Newcastle Falcons Kingston Park The Chamber have once again joined forces with member Fresh Start Events, on the region’s ultimate event for small and medium sized businesses - The North East Expo, which is taking place in November 2018.

With more than 200 companies exhibiting and around 1,500 delegates in attendance, it doesn’t matter what part of the business community or industry sector you’re from, this event is for you.

Chamber members can exhibit on level 2 from £180 or attend the event as a delegate completely free.

The event will feature a variety of seminars, masterclasses and workshops throughout the venue, including a presentation on business leadership from James Ramsbotham, Chamber CEO. For more information about the event and to book your stand or free place visit www.northeastexpo.co.uk/chamber-showcase

Introducing our brand new Knowledge Hub. The latest information and insights from the Chamber and its members on the topics which matter most to your business.

For more information on how to get involved contact: Arlen Pettitt Knowledge Development Manager arlen.pettitt@neechamber.co.uk @NEEChamberArlen neechamber.co.uk/knowledge

Last word

‘Not-for-profit’ – an outdated term Kevin Marquis, social enterprise manager at the North East Business and Innovation Centre, busts some myths surrounding social enterprise

Kevin Marquis

We have the private sector, which is ‘for personal profit’, the public sector, which is statutory, and the third sector - voluntary, community and social enterprises, which is referenced as ‘not-for-profit’.

This is an awful term and misleading when we discuss the value of social enterprise to our economy, resulting in a misunderstanding of what social enterprises do and suggesting the sector has no need to be profitable. In fact, social enterprises are businesses, with a mantra of the more profit they make, the more they can deliver on their social objectives.

So, making profit is not the issue - what makes an organisation a social enterprise is what it does with that profit.

Social enterprises are motivated by social objectives rather than maximising profit.

They do, however, have to be profitable to survive. The profit they make is not distributed to owners or shareholders; it is invested back into the organisation to support public benefit and its social purpose. So, the term ‘not-for-profit’ means ‘not for profit for personal gain’. Most of my clients don’t know this - they have the impression that social enterprises are unprofitable - a poor relation to the private sector.

Social enterprises operate in many different markets, selling goods and services to individuals, local authorities, Government and business.

“The term ‘not-for-profit’ means ‘not for profit for personal gain’.” www.neechamber.co.uk

There are many examples you will have heard of: The Big Issue, Divine Chocolate, John Lewis, the Eden Project. Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Restaurant would just be another restaurant without social purpose, but it has grown into a commercial social enterprise which puts 100% of its profits back into the development of young people.

You may not realise that there are also many social enterprises in the North East working to make the region a better place for all. Bishopwearmouth Co-operative CIC in Sunderland provides day care, training and employment opportunities for some of our most vulnerable adults. Previously a city council service, this business uses horticulture to provide daycare services, training and employment for those with learning difficulties. This year it has launched a fully commercial garden centre which has significantly increased turnover and profitability and opened up new opportunities for the business.

Building on the success of the garden centre, the business has raised £200,000 from investors to acquire an adjacent cemetery house and convert it to a café / restaurant. This will further increase retail sales and delivery on its social objectives, expanding the range of services, training and employment opportunities available to care customers. The café, for example, will offer training and employment opportunities in catering and hospitality.

This business is making a real social impact for some of the most disadvantaged in our community and is a successful business. contact 65

Last word

Jamie Oliver, founder of Fifteen Restaurant (credit / Shutterstock.com)

The evidence suggests that social enterprises are playing an increasingly important role in economic growth.

Government statistics identify around 70,000 social enterprises in the UK, contributing £24bn to the economy and employing nearly 1m people. They also show a significant increase in the number of start-ups choosing the social enterprise approach, acting commercially and reinvesting profits for their social purpose.

A social enterprise is a viable business model that shows considerable commercial resilience.

According to research by Social Enterprise UK in its 2017 survey The Future of Business, social enterprises continue to outperform traditional SMEs in turnover growth, innovation, business optimism, start-up rates, diversity in leadership and much more.

On the 10th anniversary of the banking crisis, it is good that we reflect on alternative business models. Emerging in society is a new standard exemplified by business that is local and environmentally responsible, and collaborative and community business models serve this aspiration well. UnLtd found that 73% of consumers are more likely 66 contact

to buy from brands that put purpose before profit and among those under 35, it’s 81%.

Consequently, social entrepreneurship as a new way of understanding and doing business is becoming more and more attractive. We need to continue to foster skills and knowledge in social entrepreneurship and encourage everyone to think creatively about social problems and find solutions.

Specialist support may be required to choose the most appropriate legal and governance structures, access different sources of finance and investment and measure social impact, but building any business is not easy and social enterprises are still businesses that need to make money and turn ideas into a profitable business model.

Traditional businesses have a vital part to play in solving social and environmental problems, but new business models are key.

Social businesses that are the way forward.

They operate and make a profit, but they are driven by a social purpose and achieve social change as part of their primary objectives. The term not-for-profit just isn’t cutting it! www.neechamber.co.uk

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Comfortable customer waiting area with free Wi-Fi and refreshments

Quotes fully tailored to you

Full servicing and maintenance facilities on site

Call Town Centre Automobiles’ Business Centre Manager, Mark Johnston on 0191 5168822 for more information or a quote tailored to your business needs.

Town Centre Automobiles - Sunderland, Ferryboat Lane, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR5 3JN

Tel:

0191 5168822

www.towncentreautomobiles.com