BUSINESS NETWORX
REACTION TO DEVOLUTION DEALS
A ROUNDUP OF OPINIONS ACROSS THE REGION
W W W. T E A M V A L L E Y P U B L I C A T I O N S . C O . U K ISSUE #18 • DECEMBER / JANUARY 2016
Regional firms seek R&D Investment Small companies in the North East look to invest in Innovation
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As the North East bids farewell to Rugby World Cup 2015, with an estimated direct economic impact of £43m (indirect impact £93m), tourism bosses have reported a further boost to the visitor economy
Latest figures reveal
NewcastleGateshead as growing tourist hotspot
Figures recently released shows more people visited NewcastleGateshead last year compared to 2013, contributing £1.42bn to the local economy (+1%).
£439m into the economy, all of which represents a 2% increase on 2013.
Overall 17.6m people visited NewcastleGateshead in 2014. While day visitors continue to make up the majority share, the number of overnight stays has increased to 4.5 million nights (+2%), contributing £439m. The average spend per day of an overnight visitor is more than three times higher than that of a day visitor at almost £177.
Sarah Stewart, chief executive at destination management and marketing organisation, NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “Last year, Newcastle was voted the UK’s favourite city-break destination by readers of the Guardian, the welcome we have shown Rugby fans from across the world in the last fortnight, alongside the visitor figures we have seen for 2014, certainly emphasise that point.
Estimated using the Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Model (STEAM), the figures show a significant increase in the value and volume of overnight visitors in particular. 1.9 million people spent 4.5 million nights in the destination, injecting
“It is particularly good news that the number of overnight visitors has continued to increase as the breadth and variety of NewcastleGateshead’s accommodation continues to grow and provide more choice.
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“One of the unique parts of our Rugby World Cup 2015 experience was Conversion Festival, a nine day celebration of rugby, arts and culture. We are now looking ahead to Juice Festival later this month and NewcastleGateshead Winter Festival.” She added: “These experiences alongside an evolving food, drink & nightlife offer, which has seen a recent explosion in new restaurants including the Michelin Star winning House of Tides, combine to provide a desirable year-round offer for visitors to NewcastleGateshead.” Sourced from www.bdaily.co.uk. Receive the Bdaily business news bulletin by registering at www.bdaily.co.uk/register
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Industrial
North East leaders welcome government’s devolution deal Chancellor George Osborne is set to confirm long awaited devolution deals for the North East, which will see two mayors elected in the region to have control over key issues including taxation and transport. One mayor will oversee the North East Combined Authority, serving Newcastle, Sunderland Durham, Gateshead, North Tyneside, Northumberland and South Tyneside. The other will oversee the Tees Valley Combined Authority, which includes Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, and Stockton on Tees. The North East Combined Authority is to receive receive £30m a year over the next 30 years, a total of £900m, to create an Investment Fund. The aim will be to bring in private sector investment to pay for new infrastructure, such as transport improvements.
£1m train contract win
for Gateshead-based Petards Gateshead-based Petards, a developer of advanced security and surveillance systems, has been awarded a £1m plus contract to supply Bombardier Transportation with Petards’ eyeTrain systems. The new contract is for the supply of eyeTrain saloon and Driver Only Operation (DOO) systems, which will be fitted to new four-car ELECTROSTAR Electrical Multiple Unit (EMU) trains to be built by Bombardier. Petards’ deliveries are anticipated to commence during 2016 and to be substantially completed by the end of that year.
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Raschid Abdullah, Petards Chairman, said: “We are delighted that Petards’
eyeTrain systems continue to be the system of choice for fitment to Bombardier’s ELECTROSTAR trains. “This order adds to the hundreds of ELECTROSTAR vehicles for whicheyeTrain systems have previously been specified and further bolsters the Group’s present order book for delivery in 2016.” Sourced from www.bdaily.co.uk. Receive the Bdaily business news bulletin by registering at www.bdaily.co.uk/register
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Start-up
The Office Co’s Rebekah Milne
Ambitious Gateshead property firm plans for new SME growth A Gateshead firm providing managed and serviced accommodation for start-ups and small businesses has unveiled ambitious new growth plans. The Office Co. is set to expand its customer facilities at its Gateshead site, Metropolitan House, following an undisclosed five figure investment. This will see the extension and improvement of conference facilities alongside the development of social workspace for creative industries. The move is being supported by additional investment in superfast wireless broadband services to deliver high-speed fibre connectivity for upwards of 50 tenants. IT and engineering specialists Advantex, who have worked with The Office Co. since 2006, are delivering these services alongside Virgin Media. The plans are part of an ambitious strategy by owner Lynn Gate to double the size of the business in the next 3 years, which currently has sales of approximately £500,000 to meet the needs of creative industries and other fast growing small businesses. Growth will also come on the back of the firm’s expertise in securing occupancy
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levels that are among the highest for commercial property in the North East (85 – 90%), in the face of an improving economic landscape and the increasing demand for flexible business space.
Lynn Gate, who started the business in 2006, has also worked with commercial landlords and businesses to secure tenants for office space they have available for sub-letting.
Latest Business Growth Service* figures reveal that SMEs such as those in creative industries and IT are growing at their fastest rate since the economic crisis in 2008, as private sector firms added over 600,000 new jobs across the UK in 2014.
Rebekah Milne said: “We have ambitious plans for expansion, extended conference facilities coming on stream soon and a new-look brand-oriented website to support our sales and marketing drive.
Lynn Gate, together with her daughter Rebekah, who has joined as sales and marketing director, also plans to expand the firm’s reach, targeting demand for services in the burgeoning sectors in London and Manchester. The Office Co. has provided quality managed and serviced office accommodation across sites in Newcastle, Gateshead and Durham over the past 10 years, built around flexible all-inclusive rents and the core values of a community driven business environment.
“With the emerging creative sector on our horizon coupled with plans for national brand expansion, we are committed to building a team of like-minded entrepreneurial leaders enabling the core values of The Office Co. to widen its reach and inspire a new generation of business.” The Office Co. offers a range of serviced and managed offices, virtual offices and meeting rooms for a wide range of businesses. Clients include Checkatrade, First Contact, Utilita and Toma Fund. More at www.theofficeco.co.uk
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Investment
Devolution deals: Reactions from across the North East Following the Government’s confirmation that The North East will receive extra powers in return for having a directly-elected mayor, we bring you a roundup of reactions to the devolution deals from across the region.
“These are great deals for the North East and Tees Valley, and they are further commitment from the government to decentralise decision-making powers out of Whitehall. “Decentralisation is critical to rebalancing the UK’s economy. Too much centralisation leads to unbalanced growth and creates economic issues of its own, as has been demonstrated by the ongoing growth in London and the South East, while the North has lagged behind. “These devolution deals are therefore a great step towards addressing this issue and will give responsibility to businesses, LEPs and the community to invest in the region. They will enable local decisions to be made about where money can be best put to use, and reduce bureaucracy that often delays projects from happening at the time when they are most needed. “They are also an indication that there could be more deals announced in the Spending Review next month, but it is clear that local authorities need to provide robust accountable leadership in order for power to be devolved, with elected mayors a non-negotiable factor.” Bill MacLeod, PwC’s North East senior partner “We have seen from our own research that devolved powers for the North East are wanted by the overwhelming majority of businesses in the region, so today’s news of deals is very welcome. “Now, we must ensure that this agreement is utilised to its maximum potential and it is vital that business has a strong voice in directing areas such as housing, planning, transport, employment, education and skills. These are the key areas that business believes must benefit from this deal and there is a passion to be engaged and an enthusiasm to use this deal to make the North East a stronger, more prosperous region.” North East and Tees Valley, Nigel Mills, Chairman of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum
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“This is a fantastic deal for the North East that will firmly link the region to the Northern Powerhouse”
“We’re delighted to see the North East Combined Authority Leaders agree this historic deal for the region which will help deliver economic growth across the area. “This is a unique opportunity for the North East to work together across many areas to help create the conditions for growth. Small businesses will be at the heart of this economic growth and it’s right that the implementation of the deal matches the needs and ambitions that they have to be successful in delivery. “We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with those taking it forward on issues like economic development, skills and public service reform to help deliver this deal which will help transform the region’s economy.” Simon Hanson, FSB North East Development Manager
“These deals are an exciting milestone in the drive to create new centres of private sector growth across the country. “Granting powers to local authorities with bold economic plans and the ability to deliver on the ground is the right approach, so we look forward to getting more deals agreed. “To ensure people feel the full benefit, business must be involved at an early stage, so we encourage local leaders to work in partnership with firms to make this vision a reality. “The Government is right to make further devolution dependent on meaningful engagement between business and local authorities.” Rhian Kelly, CBI Director of Business Environment policy “This is a fantastic deal for the North East that will firmly link the region to the Northern Powerhouse. Now it is vital that we ensure the role and powers of the mayor are such that he or she can deliver the maximum impact for the good of our economy. It must not be a token position, or one which is simply there to maintain the status quo. A North East mayor must be a powerful leader that can bring growth and prosperity to the region.
“Devolution will mark a huge change for the North East and will ensure local votes can have an even more significant impact on the future of the region. The Combined Authority and the Government should be congratulated for reaching this game-changing agreement, which marks a new and positive chapter in the political and economic story of the North East.” Jeremy Middleton
“I welcome these deals as a massive positive step for the North East and Tees Valley. What is on the table here is more significant than the Regional Development Agency of the 1990s or the Urban Corporations of the 1980s. “Now, we want to see how these deals are legislated for and that business is fully involved with driving this agenda forward. The new powers and resources must be deployed in a way that adds to the wealth and prosperity of the region.” Graham Robb, Chairman of the Institute of Directors (IoD) in the North East
“Devolution will ensure local votes can have an even more significant impact” Business Networx Magazine | 19
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Identifying workplace conflict and how to handle it Flame Heating Spares opens new head office in Team Valley Founded in 2011, the firm now has four outlets, including the new 8,000 sq ft lead branch on Gateshead’s Team Valley Trading Estate. The new site replaces Flame’s original Team Valley head office, which opened in 2011. Having opened a third branch in the autumn of 2014 in South Shields, followed by a fourth in Sunderland in the summer of 2015, the business is considering further growth in the coming year. The new head office, on Ninth Avenue, will also operate as a warehousing facility for expansive stock levels capable of supporting the growing number of branches to ensure a same-day spares service to customers of all sites.
Conflict can arise at work for a number of reasons and can have a negative impact on individual employees, the wider team and business performance and outputs. Workplace conflict can arise as a result of: • Poor management control or styles • Unfair treatment • Unclear job roles • Lack of equal opportunities • Bullying and harassment • Changes to products, working methods, organisation structure, reporting lines, pay systems etc. • Personalities • Team rivalry When a conflict arises the problem should not just be ignored in the hope that it will blow over.
Employees should be encouraged to allow things to be dealt with informally to prevent the situation escalating further and find a resolution at an early stage. If it is a minor issue that you feel could be addressed informally, you should allow everyone to clear the air, have their say, but agree a way forward and how it can be prevented from occurring again. Document the discussions and what was agreed so that you have a reference point to refer to if the situation does arise again. Where a written grievance is submitted or the issue is believed to be of a more serious nature then the company’s grievance and/ or bullying and harassment procedures should be followed.
Managing Director John Savage said: “As the business has grown its number of branches, we have also seen an increase in staffing – including the appointment of our first two apprentices this year – and in the required warehousing space to ensure we maintain our high levels of service. “The last 12 months have been very busy, with the signing of a supplier agreement to cover all of 0800 Repair’s vans and the opening of our South Shields and Sunderland branches. “Our customers know they can get the parts they need on the day they need them, which is one of the things that sets us apart from the competition. With the additional warehousing space available at our head office, we can make this service even better and ensure we can support new branches when they come online.” Source: bdaily.co.uk
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Entrepreneurship
Six figure investment to fuel growth at Gateshead’s One Utility Bill Gateshead-based One Utility Bill, the Newcastle University-backed energy firm, has received a six figure investment to boost the startup’s growth. Launched earlier this year by graduate come entrepreneur Chris Dawson, the company aims to help tenants, landlords and letting agencies manage bills more easily in shared rented accommodation. Chris Dawson co-founded One Utility Bill after experiencing first-hand the difficulties facing utilities companies and letting agents. After graduating from Newcastle University he took part in its inaugural Founderships programme before joining the Ignite accelerator programme earlier this year. The company’s platform was built by Dale Knight, co-founder and CTO, who has been working with Chris since the company’s inception. After successfully completing the Ignite programme the pair went on to raise a £150k investment round, led by venture capital firm Northstar Ventures. The company also has the backing of several Angel investors. In addition to creating 4 new full time roles, the funding will allow One Utility Bill to pursue its ambitious growth plans. Rebecca Roberts, Investment Manager at Northstar Ventures, said: “Chris has taken his experience working in the utilities and lettings industry and used it to
develop a service that has the potential to completely disrupt the process of paying bills in rented accommodation. “The company has seen significant interest from letting agencies and landlords since it began trading, and the investment from the Finance for Business Proof of Concept Fund will help it continue to grow.” One Utility Bill is a services and software company that simplifies utility bill organisation and payment for tenants in rented accommodation. By sourcing utility providers for its clients, and allowing bills to be paid as part of an ‘all inclusive’ cost with rent, the company is able to save tenants money and add value to rented properties for landlords. Chris said: “We built the One Utility Bill platform to reduce the stress and confusion tenants often feel when paying bills in shared accommodation. By simplifying the process, we can reduce the risk of bad debt, as well as lowering the cost of customer acquisition for utilities providers. We’ve also found that it is often more convenient for landlords and letting agents to offer an ‘all-inclusive’ price for rented properties.“
One Utility Bill was advised during the deal by the corporate team at Watson Burton. Paul Wigham, associate and funding specialist at Watson Burton said: “I’ve known Chris and the team since they first joined the Ignite programme. It’s great to be able to support the progress of a forward-thinking company from its inception at university, through an accelerator programme and now a successful funding round. “I’m sure that they will continue to enjoy success, and we look forward to working with One Utility Bill in the future.“ Jackie Wade, the Rise Up Business Adviser who mentored Chris through the Founderships programme, said: “Chris was great to work with and he had a clear vision from the start about what he wanted One Utility Bill to become. He’s made really good use of his network, tapping into expertise to support his business journey, whilst also forging ahead with his own ideas and creativity. “He has shown the tenacity and ability to overcome some significant challenges and I’m delighted to see One Utility Bill secure this investment package.” Source: bdaily.co.uk (L-R): Rebecca Roberts, Northstar Ventures, Dale Knight and Chris Dawson, One Utility Bill
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Business Networx Magazine | 25
Innovation seeking North East SMEs held back by location A new survey by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking has found that small firms in the region are planning a fresh wave of R&D investment in a bid to boost sales, but fear their location is holding them back. A new survey by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking has found that small firms in the region are planning a fresh wave of R&D investment in a bid to boost sales, but fear their location is holding them back. Small businesses said their investment in innovation over the last five years had increased profits (50 per cent) and led directly to them securing new contracts (47 per cent). The North East’s SMEs invested on average nine per cent of revenue on R&D over the last five years (Q9) which was responsible for 15 per cent of sales, meaning every £1 spent generated £1.69 of sales. In total, over half (54 per cent) plan to raise external funding to support their innovation rather than working capital. Three quarters (78 per cent) of firms polled said innovation was vital to their growth strategy. Almost a third of firms (31 per cent) expect to increase their investment in new products
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and services over the next five years, while a further 63 per cent say they will do more if they can access the right funding. In a further sign of growing business confidence, bosses at small firms in the North East expect annual sales to increase by eight per cent over the next two years driven by new innovation. But despite the upbeat outlook, 59 per cent of small firms said their R&D plans were being held back, with 38 per cent finding their location is preventing them from accessing talent. Last month, the CBI called on the government to prioritise innovation and science funding in the Comprehensive Spending Review, highlighting that the UK’s research and development spending is now the lowest amongst the G8. In September, the World Economic Forum’s global competitiveness index showed Britain had slipped to 10th place in the rankings, being overtaken by Sweden.
Leigh Taylor, area director, SME Banking in the North East, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking said: “What we’re seeing is a growing determination amongst the North East’s small and medium sized firms to innovate in order to drive competitiveness and secure their long-term success. “SMEs are ideally placed to lead this charge. They have the advantage of being closer to their customers and more internally flexible, which makes the process of listening to feedback and adapting products and services a shorter cycle.” He added: “The scale of the challenge, however, is equally clear. Unless we provide access to the talent necessary to deliver that innovation, we run the risk of missing an enormous economic opportunity. That requires a concerted and collaborative effort on the part of the UK’s innovation ecosystem, with skills and funding being the killer ingredients. As a major supporter of small firms, we’re determined to play our part.” Source: bdaily.co.uk
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Indulge in Primula’s limited edition smoked salmon tubes, just in time for the festive season Indulge this autumn with the delicious taste of real cheese and real smoked salmon combined in the new, limited edition Primula Cheese and Smoked Salmon tubes launching exclusively in Asda this November. A modern twist on the classic salmon and cream cheese combination, the new Primula Cheese flavour will launch at just £1 per tube (standard RRP £1.45 per tube) and is a perfect evening snack - what better way to enjoy a ‘me moment’ than with a cracker topped with indulgent Primula Cheese and Smoked Salmon Shoppers will find Primula’s new Smoked Salmon tubes next to the brand’s special Christmas tubes in the chilled cheese aisles of Asda stores from November. Speaking of the new tubes, a Primula spokesperson said: “We’ve combined the classic and fresh flavour of smoked salmon with the delicious and creamy taste of Primula cheese to create a new flavour which we think is a delicious and creamy snack.” The new limited edition Primula tube is the sixth flavour in Primula’s collection alongside Original Cheese, Cheese with Chives, Cheese with Ham, Cheese with Prawn and Light Cheese. Primula Cheese is made with real cheese and real chopped salmon, chives, ham or prawn to give cheese lovers their daily hit.
Keep fridge raiders happy this autumn with three new flavour primula cheese tubs Whether you’re rustling up a tasty snack or making lastminute pack lunches, Primula Cheese has launched three new flavour tubs exclusively in Asda, which are the perfect, versatile fridge filler. The three new delicious flavours, which combine real, freshly cut ingredients with the delicious and creamy taste of Primula cheese, include Cheese with Chilli, Smoked Cheese and Cheese with Onion. Containing the same classic, Primula cheese as the traditional and much loved Primula tubes, the new flavour tubs are ideal for anyone who loves the Primula taste but wants to try something a little different. Shoppers will find Primula’s new tubs next to the brand’s classic tube format in the chilled cheese aisles of Asda stores across the UK. The new Primula Cheese tubs retail at just 90p per 125g tub and are perfect for filling hungry tummies at any time of day.
Speaking of the new tubs, a Primula spokesperson said: “Primula lovers tell us they like to experiment with our variety of flavours, using our cheese to liven up their everyday snacks and recipes. The new range offers exciting new tastes, using real added ingredients that give real family favourite combinations, adding chopped chillis, onion and smoked cheese. “We’re sure that the chosen flavours combined with creamy Primula cheese will become a fridge favourite during the festive season and beyond.” The new limited edition Primula tubs add to Primula’s growing collection including new limited edition Primula Cheese with Smoked Salmon tubes launched in Asda this November, and the classic Original Cheese, Cheese with Chives, Cheese with Ham, Cheese with Prawns and Light Cheese tubes. Primula Cheese is made with real cheese and real ingredients to give cheese lovers a great taste with a real flavour twist. For more information on Primula please visit www.Primula.co.uk
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