http://www.www.nebusinessguide.co.uk The latest news from the north east business community en-en http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/images/Rm501logoBlack.gif http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/120/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/120/ The super rich and international buyers are bolstering the arts and antiques industry as signs show the credit crunch is beginning to bite, says the RICS Q2 Arts and Antiques Survey published today (8th July 2008). Chartered Surveyors reported no change in all lots prices from quarter one1 indicating that the industry has remained relatively stable throughout quarter two. However, there was a stark divergence between the trend in the lower and upper price tiers. While prices of all lots sli... Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/119/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/119/ In a move that reflects the international growth of the firm, Eversheds LLP has been awarded a licence to operate in Abu Dhabi, effective 01 May 2008. Chris Jobson, previously of the Newcastle office will now become Eversheds’ managing partner for the Middle East. Jobson has been in the Gulf region for several years but he will be joined by Mark Lisgo who is moving from Eversheds’ Newcastle office in the next few days to help open the wholly-owned office in Abu Dhabi. After growing up ... Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/118/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/118/ Isos, a leading provider of affordable and supported housing in the North East, has welcomed a move by the Government to inject almost £300m of investment into social housing and provide the opportunity for social housing groups to buy unsold stock offered by private developers for affordable homes. It is hoped that the announcement, made this week (Wednesday 2 July) by the Housing Minister Caroline Flint, will increase confidence in the struggling house building industry amid the current ... Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/116/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/116/ North East based construction consultant RNJ has been appointed to work on a £1million refurbishment within South Tyneside District Hospital. RNJ will be working as quantity surveyor and CDM coordinator on both Ward 8 and the main entrance and concourse to the Ingham Block at the hospital, based on Harton Lane in South Shields. John Gibson, partner at RNJ, said: “We have successfully completed work at South Tyneside District Hospital, building on our relationship with the South Tynesi... Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/117/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/117/ An architect in South Moor has turned his profession into a business reality with the support of Be Enterprising. Hugh Massey Architects have installed a total of 10 work stations in properties at Mitchell Street and Park Road with the help of funding support from Be Enterprising. The offices are fully equipped for any small business with items such as a computer with MS office software, a printer, broadband internet access, telephone lines and file storage. Andrew Airlie, LEGI Developmen... Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/115/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/115/ RICS UK construction market survey, Q2 2008 The declining number of residential new build developments is taking its toll on the construction sector with workloads falling at the most dramatic rate for over a decade, says the RICS UK Construction Market Survey published today (2 July 2008). Construction workloads have declined at their fastest pace since Q3 1995, breaking more than 11 years of uninterrupted growth with 19 percent more Chartered Surveyors reporting a fall than a ris... Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/114/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/114/ A 200 year old North East law firm has merged with another local firm as it looks to grow. Swinburne ;amp; Jackson, which has its head office in Gateshead, has joined with established Hexham firm Robert Lewis ;amp; Co, which has been operating in the town for over two decades. The merger between the two respected firms will improve services for clients and create a strong practice with 5 partners, 25 fee earners and 40 employees. It will place the firm in a strong position for future gro... Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/113/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/113/ Leading Newcastle law firm Hay ; Kilner has appointed Katie Thackray as a solicitor in its private capital department. The unit provides comprehensive and expert advice on all aspects of private capital work including wills, estate planning, court of protection work and trusts and probate. Katie qualified at Brooke North Solicitors in Leeds and joined Watson Burton in 2005 where she worked before taking up her new role with Hay ;amp; Kilner. She specialises in will drafting, estate administ... Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/112/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/112/ Two local companies have shown their commitment to Northallerton by investing in new premises in the town, which have been developed by one of its best-known businesses. Home improvement firms Think Interiors and Tasker Electrical Installations have both bought units at Barker’s Court, a new development on Standard Way Industrial Estate. Barker’s Court, a group of nine light industrial units, has been developed by Barkers (Northallerton) Limited, owners of Barkers Department St... Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/111/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/111/ Tyneside based diesel engineering company Royston, is forging relationships with companies across the globe. Specialists in the supply, installation, repair and maintenance of diesel generators and engines for UK and internationally-based clients in the marine, offshore, utility and defence sectors, Royston has now acquired a permanent foothold in the Southern hemisphere. In line with the company’s strategy to develop its already widespread international business, Royston has co... Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/110/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/110/ The Deputy Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Paul Kirton, officially opened a new state-of-the-art learning centre for employees at Warburtons Stockton Bakery, yesterday, Thursday 19 June. The ‘Learn for Life Centre’ aims to promote adult learning in the workplace and will enable over 180 staff, across all departments, to enhance their skills and knowledge in areas including IT, literacy, numeracy, communications and Health ;amp; Safety. The new centre boasts work stations equipped with p... Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/108/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/108/ £2m work and up to 30 new jobs. Protective coatings specialist Pyeroy Ltd has won the contracts to repaint two Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships, RFA Fort Rosalie and RFA Fort George. The work involves the preparation and painting of internal machinery spaces and tanks as well as external decks, hull, superstructure and flight deck on the ships. The combined contracts, worth in excess of £2 million, will take six months to complete and are being undertaken by the Gateshead-based firm’s ... Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/109/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/109/ Barclays Bank is creating 85 new jobs at its flagship contact centre in Sunderland. 
 The jobs will be based at a new financial planning telephone advice centre which Barclays is setting up at its Doxford International contact centre - the bank's biggest in the UK, which already employs 1600 people. The new centre, a first for the bank, will provide customers who prefer it with financial advice over the telephone rather than in a branch or in their own home. The highly s... Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/107/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/107/ Tenants select contractors to deliver four-year £32m improvement scheme. Castle Morpeth Housing, part of the Isos Housing Group, has signed an official charter with two partnering contractors, chosen by tenants to carry out improvements on thousands of homes across the borough as part of an extensive £32 million investment programme. Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) North East and the Mears Group will work alongside Castle Morpeth Housing to carry out the four-year programme, set to improve ov... Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/106/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/106/ A local partnership is celebrating after receiving national recognition for its work to make sport safer for children. Tyne ;amp; Wear Sport, one of 49 County Sports Partnerships (CSPs), has been awarded the Intermediate Level of the NSPCC National Standards for Safeguarding and Protecting Children in Sport. The award demonstrates its commitment to creating a safer environment for children, where they can enjoy and get the best from their involvement in sport. David Marri... Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/105/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/105/ Tougher economic conditions have resulted in manufacturing pay settlements falling for the third consecutive month to their lowest level for more than 18 months, according to the latest figures from EEF, the manufacturers' organisation. EEF's latest figures for the 3 months to the end of May 2008 show that the average level of pay settlements fell to 3%. This is slightly lower than the previous 3 month figure of 3.1% and is the lowest level reported since October 2006. In the sam... Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/104/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/104/ While manufacturers saw a modest improvement in their order books in June, the rise in prices of manufactured goods will continue almost unabated over the next three months, the CBI warned today. Last month, the balance of manufacturers reporting products would get more expensive reached a 13-year high. This month, the figure has barely changed. Firms rated their total orders as ‘normal’ for June, which is a slight improvement on the previous two months but not as good as it wa... Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/103/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/103/ Two North East commercial law firms, Mincoffs from Tyneside and Jacksons from Teesside are to merge in October 2008.  The firm, to be called Mincoff Jacksons, will stake its claim as one of the top five major players in the North East legal market. Comprising 21 partners and over 160 staff Mincoff Jacksons will continue to operate from its current offices in Newcastle and Teesside. The new firm will be headed by the current senior partners of both practices, Howard Gold and Kevin Fletcher,... Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/99/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/99/ Managing directors from some of the region’s most successful SME’s attended a special event to celebrate a unique management development scheme which helped them on the road to business success. Since it launched in 2001, The Durham Business School Strategic Development Programme (SDP), has been equipping owner-managers of small businesses with the appropriate skills, knowledge, tools and techniques to enable them to implement major changes and dramatically improve business performance.... Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/100/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/100/ Darlington law firm Latimer Hinks has expanded its range of services to provide a one-stop-shop for clients selling properties. In addition to the usual conveyancing, the firm has launched a Home Information Pack service. As HIP providers, Latimer Hinks is one of only a small number of law firms throughout England and Wales currently providing this service and its implementation highlights the firm's progressive approach to embracing legislative changes. Since 14 December 2007 eve... Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/101/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/101/ Three local charities will benefit to the tune of £3,333 each from the generosity of clients and associates of Darlington solicitors Latimer Hinks. The fifth Latimer Hinks Summer Charity Ball took place at the magnificent Wynyard Hall to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance, TFM and Magic 1170's Cash for Kids and County Durham Foundation. The glitzy black tie evening featured a superb four course meal, a charity auction, live entertainment and a magician. There was also ... Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/98/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/98/ Rising commodity costs and weaker consumer demand will combine to push down next year’s GDP growth to the lowest rate since 1992, according to the CBI’s latest UK economic forecast. The UK’s biggest employers’ group said today (Monday) that it has lowered its forecast for GDP growth in 2009, by 0.4% to 1.3%. The forecast for growth in 2008 is essentially unchanged, at 1.7%, down only 0.1% on March's forecast. The slowdown already underway in consumer spending is set to intens... Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/96/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/96/ A Newcastle-based nano-biotechnology company is aiming for further success following a £150,000 funding boost from NEL Fund Managers Limited (NEL). Orla Protein Technologies Limited (Orla) aims to double its turnover within 12 to 18 months and expand its workforce taking staff numbers from five employees to at least 10. The company, which was established six years ago, is focussed upon high performance bio-surfaces which have applications in diagnostics, cell culture and life science to... Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/97/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/97/ As higher commodity prices become ‘the new normal’ rather than a temporary peak, we may see a greater impact on consumer behaviour and retailer and supplier strategies than has been apparent so far, according to a new report, “Food and Beverage 2012 – a taste of things to come”, from Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. While food commodity prices may come down from their current peaks, the rises already seen in the real cost of food represent a permanent step change. With consumers also being... Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/95/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/95/ A new £3million golf clubhouse at the George Washington Golf and Country Club officially opened its doors on Tuesday 3rd June. The Washington-based hotel has completed the second phase of a multi-million pound redevelopment. The new facility comprises of locker and changing facilities, function room, lounge bar, golf shop and an outdoor balcony overlooking the first and tenth tees. The 150-seater function room includes the latest audio-visual technology, plus free WIFI and a private bar. The... Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/94/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/94/ Thomas R. Dixon have been awarded the prestigious award of quality and excellence from the Association of Chartered Accountants (ACCA), the first chartered accountants in the North East to receive the honour. An inspection by ACCA officers earlier this year, demonstrated that Thomas R. Dixon, who boast an impressive thirty years of experience, are an established and professional accountants delivering best practice, in all areas of their business service. The award from the ACCA is a high ack... Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/93/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/93/ A Newcastle-based nano-biotechnology company is aiming for further success following a £150,000 funding boost from NEL Fund Managers Limited (NEL). Orla Protein Technologies Limited (Orla) aims to double its turnover within 12 to 18 months and expand its workforce taking staff numbers from five employees to at least 10. The company, which was established six years ago, is focussed upon high performance bio-surfaces which have applications in diagnostics, cell culture and life science to... Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/92/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/92/ County Durham based Intersnack, the UK’s number one pretzel manufacturer, is relaunching its premium pretzel brand Penn State today with a starring role on Sky Movies Drama. The sponsorship of the channel is part of a marketing and PR campaign designed to capitalise on the growing popularity of the snack. The exclusive sponsorship deal with Sky Movies Drama premiered on June 9 and a series of 12 ‘snack-size dramas’ will run over the next six months. Calum Ryder, Intersnack’... Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/88/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/88/ Homeowners across the North East are being hit by the rising costs of transport and raw materials and a shortage of tradesmen as the costs of home improvements soar, according to new figures by RICS’ Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). With 93% of the North East properties over 10 years old*, BCIS’ updated Property Makeover Price Guide, launched today (03 June 2008), gives homeowners in the region an accurate guide to what they should expect to pay for home improvements. It has fo... Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/89/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/89/ Commenting on the decision by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to keep interest rates on hold at 5.0% today (Thursday), Sarah Green, Regional Director, CBI North East said: “The Bank had little option this month other than to leave interest rates on hold - oil and commodity prices are still of great concern and businesses are having to raise prices as profit margins get squeezed further. We have yet to reach the peak in inflationary pressure, even though we still ... Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/90/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/90/ A garden nursery in Shotley Bridge, Co Durham has opened its doors to both trade and the public due to the support of Derwentside District Council’s Emerge Business Start-up Scheme. Thoburns Plant World opened to wholesale and retail customers earlier this year following the renovation of an existing site in the village and is proving to be a roaring success with customers. Owner Lynsey Thoburn said, “The response from customers has been absolutely fantastic. We are thrilled that the... Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/91/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/91/ Newcastle law firm Hay ; Kilner has appointed Eric Flannaghan as an associate in the commercial disputes unit. Eric has worked in both commercial litigation and corporate recovery, latterly at Ward Hadaway. He has experience in a broad range of commercial disputes and contentious insolvency related issues acting for companies, directors, individuals and insolvency practitioners. Martin Soloman, Senior Partner at Hay ;amp; Kilner said: ‘We are delighted that Eric has joined our commerci... Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/87/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/87/ The Entrepreneurs’ Forum has successfully formed and spearheaded a unique consortium of specialist regionally based creative and media agencies  tasked with delivering the first phase of the ‘If we can, you can’ campaign aimed at actively addressing the current business shortfall in North East England by unlocking the region’s entrepreneurial potential. The consortium, consisting of eight regionally based creative agencies, was forged by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, with funding fro... Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/85/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/85/ A North East consultant structural engineering company specialising in steel superstructures for buildings has clinched a prestigious overseas project providing designs for a tropical island resort. AMP Consultants has won a contract to produce light steel frame designs for seven different styles of villas on Cape Verde, off the west coast of Africa. The villas will be built in Vivendas de Santiago, the second phase of the Sambala Village development on Santiago Island, known as th... Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/86/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/86/ North East manufacturers are continuing to defy the pervading economic gloom by posting their tenth consecutive quarter of healthy growth in the second quarter of 2008 according to a major survey published by EEF, the manufacturers' organisation and Grant Thornton. Despite reports of weakening economic growth in the UK, firms in the North East are reporting a rise in domestic orders. Export orders have also remained relatively strong although there are indications of a softening, possibly ... Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/84/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/84/ A County Durham-based company that produces quality ready meals and soups plans to double turnover in the next year thanks to a £150,000 fund injection from Evolve Finance, the specialist debt and mezzanine finance division of NEL Fund Managers Limited. The Tanfield Food Company based in Consett, County Durham - established in 2004 aims to increase turnover to over four million pounds. Tanfield Food’s products are passionately created by a small team using prime ingredients, sourced fro... Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/82/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/82/ Deloitte, the business advisory firm, has been named as the best graduate employer in finance and professional services at the Target National Graduate Recruiter Awards, taking the award from PwC which has held top spot for the past three years. The National Graduate Recruitment Awards is an annual survey of 30,000 students in the UK. The students are asked to vote for their recruiter of choice in the finance and professional services industry. Deloitte was picked ahead of PwC, KPMG, E;amp;... Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/83/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/83/ A young North East chef is sitting at the top table of his profession after landing a prestigious industry award. Martin Evans, a chef de partie at Terry Laybourne’s acclaimed Café 21 in Newcastle, has been recognised by the Academy of Culinary Arts at its annual awards. He is one of only five chefs in the UK – and only two in the North – to achieve the honour, which is judged by leading industry luminaries such as Brian Turner and John Williams, the executive chef at the Ritz. ... Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/81/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/81/ Deloitte’s latest Annual Review of Football Finance reveals that Premier League clubs’ revenues have increased substantially across all areas of their business. The Premier League now generates more revenue than any other league across each of the three primary revenue categories; matchday, broadcast and commercial. This has enabled them to recruit and retain the best players which attracts fans and fills stadia resulting in on pitch success at home and abroad. Dan Jones, Partner in ... Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/80/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/80/ The Be Enterprising programme in Easington has provided business start up help and advice to their 500th client in only 10 months. The 500th client was Michelle Burnham of Easington Colliery; she has been working with Dave Collett, one of seven Be Enterprising Coaches in the District of Easington to discuss her business idea. Michelle will be setting up as a Mortgage consultant providing advice on new mortgages as well re-mortgages when customers fixed term agreements come to an end. ... Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/79/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/79/ Automotive parts distributor Randstad Limited has become the only distributor in the UK and Ireland of an innovative new product that gives diesel vehicles better fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions, with help from Allied Irish Bank (GB) in Newcastle. The Cramlington-based company is determined to continue expansion and diversification of its customer base, and its latest venture as the sole UK distributor of the European manufactured Diesel Power Tuning module helps achieve this aim. Or... Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/78/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/78/ A new company has burst onto the commercial property scene, marketing more than £6m of local properties and businesses for sale only six weeks after starting up. North East Commercial Property, based in Gateshead, was formed by businessman Kevin Brown in March and has already attracted a team of talented commercial property and business transfer professionals. Joining Kevin as co-director is Richard Finney, who been in the business transfer market for 14 years, having worked previously ... Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/76/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/76/ RICS residential lettings survey Q1 2008 New instructions to let property have increased significantly during the first quarter of 2008, as those homeowners experiencing difficulty in selling their properties turn to the rental market to take advantage of rising yields, says the RICS Lettings Survey published today (Thursday 22 May 2008). The net balance of Chartered Surveyors reporting a rise in new landlord instructions (an indicator of supply) inc... Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/77/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/77/ Fewer firms expanded their property portfolios over the last six months, while the weaker economic outlook has pushed up the number of firms planning to reduce their property holdings, the latest CBI/GVA Grimley Corporate Real Estate Survey reveals today. The twice-yearly survey, conducted between 12 March and 4 April 2008, reveals a balance of +15% said they had increased their property holdings in the last six months, indicating a slower rate of growth than in the previous survey (+22%) a... Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/75/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/75/ Sunderland-based Challenger Foods is the first company to be awarded a grant from the Northern Food Industry Innovation Network (NFIIN) Innovation Fund. The company, based at the Leechmere Industrial Estate, has received the sum of £5,000 from NFIIN towards the cost of trialling new software that will help it work towards a Holy Grail of the food and drink industry known as ‘clean labelling’. Part of the 2 Sisters Food Group, Challenger Foods produces a wide range of ‘value-... Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/73/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/73/ A high-flying sales executive has joined the business development team at The Specials Laboratory, one of the UK's fastest growing companies and a market leader in the manufacture of unlicensed medicines for the retail pharmaceutical and hospital sectors. Gina Watson, 30, has been recruited to spearhead a new focus on the hospital pharmacy market for the Prudhoe-based company, which has grown rapidly to become one of the leading companies in the North East’s hugely successful pharmaceutic... Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/74/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/74/ The best of new and upcoming architecture in Newcastle and Gateshead is being celebrated in the first North-East Festival of Architecture, running for nine days from June 14. Around 30 mostly free activities will allow public audiences to explore buildings and places, hear and find out more about architecture, urban design and its impact in a series of talks. There will also be weekend activities with children in mind. Events include lunchtime talks on architecture, a family postca... Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/72/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/72/ RICS expects UK house prices to slip by around 5 percent this year but transactions could fall 40 percent if there is no easing up in the credit crunch according to its latest Housing Forecast out today. In December the RICS was looking for the housing market to gain sometraction during the latter part of the year, but the on going re-pricingof risk by lenders makes such an outcome improbable. RICS believes thatprices will continue to edge lower during the remainder of 2008. Howeve... Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/70/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/70/ Students studying for a Masters Degree at Durham Business School can now achieve one of the highest qualifications available for a career in finance, whilst also preparing for an internationally recognised qualification. In a new partnership announced with the Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA) Institute - a non-profit association of investment professionals - all Masters Degrees in Economics and Finance at the Business School, will now cover more than 70 per cent of the curriculum required f... Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/71/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/71/ A gold card service, stepping up free advice on legal and employment matters, has been introduced to help contractors in north-east England. A phone link started a year ago now gives about 85 firms working between Berwick and Whitby an additional half hour of free consultation with a lawyer, making a full hour in all. The service is run by Civil Engineering Contractors Association (North-East) and Newcastle upon Tyne law firm Watson Burton. Douglas Kell, director of CECA (NE) says: “W... Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/69/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/69/ Gap between public and private sector absence rates hits new high. Absence from work cost the UK economy £13.2 billion last year as the average employee took almost seven (6.7) days off sick, while the gulf between absence rates in the public sector and the private sector grew to a record level, new research revealed today (Wednesday). The latest CBI / AXA Absence Survey showed that average absence levels across the public sector stood at nine days, which is 55% higher than the 5.8 day av... Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/68/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/68/ A unique business transaction which, after lengthy negotiations was finalised recently that could make legal history. Metro City Taxis, owned by Mohammed Suleman (Suly) recently secured the deal at Sintons Solicitors to take over Noda (Newcastle Owner Drivers’ Association) Taxis and merge the two companies, making them now the largest taxi fleet in Newcastle. Eddie Binks, Chairman of Noda Taxis for 15 years explained: “Two large taxi companies coming together is good news for all con... Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/65/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/65/ Students studying for a Masters Degree at Durham Business School can now achieve one of the highest qualifications available for a career in finance, whilst also preparing for an internationally recognised qualification. In a new partnership announced with the Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA) Institute - a non-profit association of investment professionals - all Masters Degrees in Economics and Finance at the Business School, will now cover more than 70 per cent of the curriculum req... Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/66/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/66/ A North East accountancy firm which spawned a chain of practices the length of the country is celebrating 100 years in business. Chipchase Manners, is the biggest independent accountancy practice in Middlesbrough and was established in Albert Road, Middlesbrough, in 1908 by Charles Chipchase, after he qualified as a chartered accountant in the town. Chipchase went on to establish other practices, as far apart as County Durham and London. A century later, Chipchase Manners is one o... Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/63/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/63/ An £8million North East sixth form centre has won a national design award. Usworth Sixth Form Centre on Stephenson Road in Washington, part of City of Sunderland College, has scooped the top award at the Further Education Design Excellence Awards 2008. The 900 pupil building opened in September 2006 and has been praised for its innovative design and environmentally friendly systems, including the use of natural daylight and ventilation in places that would normally rely on electric... Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/64/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/64/ Urban regeneration and property specialist, Jomast Developments, has expanded its impressive business portfolio by acquiring Wynyard Golf Club, part of the exclusive Wynyard Estate, for an undisclosed sum. This significant move will see the Stockton-based company increase interests in the region's leisure and hospitality industry having also been named as the preferred developer for Trincomalee Wharf, an ambitious, multimillion pound, mixed-use scheme at Jackson Dock, Hartlepool Marina. ... Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/60/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/60/ Cramlington-based medical device company Applied Neurodiagnostics Ltd (AN) has boosted its operations with the appointment of a new quality assurance and regulatory affairs manager. Fifty three-year old Duncan Dando joins from stair and bath lift company Bison Bede, where he had been QA manager. He comes in as the company gears up for the national launch of its new Pupilmetrix™ glaucoma test and detection system. Using this technology, opticians will be able to determine the pre... Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/61/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/61/ The North East has a new specialist investment readiness company following an MBO by two leading entrepreneurs. Jonathan Gold and Peter Hiscocks have established Finance Tree to help companies prepare for investment. The new company has been created after Jonathan, a former director of NStar, and Peter, an international investment expert and business angel, completed a buyout of the NStar Finance ;amp; Business team. Having developed the innovative programme with support from One N... Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/62/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/62/ Commenting on the decision by the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to keep interest rates on hold at 5.0% today (Thursday), Sarah Green, Regional Director, CBI North East, said: "The latest data shows the economy is slowing, albeit only gradually, and at the same time inflationary pressures continue to mount. So, the Bank faced a difficult decision, but it is no surprise that rates were kept on hold this month. "While the housing market... Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/56/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/56/ The worsening economic outlook has dented manufacturers' confidence across most UK regions over the last three months, according to the latest Regional Trends Survey published by the CBI and Experian. At a national level, the volume of total new orders was stable over the past quarter but the regional picture was mixed. In six regions total new orders fell, notably in the South West and South East. By contrast, in Wales total orders surged to record the strongest gain since 1995. They al... Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/57/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/57/ Thanks to his own ambition and the help and support of his Be Enterprising Coach, Keith Ellison, 34, of Moorside Consett, has realised his dream of running his own IT business. HD Computer Centre, an IT repair shop located in Derwent Street, Blackhill, opened in November 2007 and Keith says business is going well. “With all the recent security scares my first month has been busy with customers who want virus updates and PC protection. I have a fresh approach to IT and I keep the custome... Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/58/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/58/ Basement windows that haven't seen the light of day for almost half a century are being brought back into use at a Grade-II listed Georgian mansion house. The windows are among several hidden gems being restored at Neasham House, a mid-nineteenth century detached villa in Grange Road, Darlington. Maineside Developments Limited is turning the once derelict and vandalised building into two high-quality three-storey homes, Neasham House and Neasham Lodge, while also building a new apartm... Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/59/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/59/ TEESSIDE: Armstrong Davis Associates (ADA), the Stokesley-based specialist construction consultancy, has been appointed to provide its commercial expertise in support of a major contract recently won by Aker Floating Production (AFP), which is based in Norway. “This is a highly complex project from all standpoints,” said Aker Floating Production's Project Director, Heine Haktorson. “The intricate structure of the contract requires close cross-contract co-ordination and we are ... Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/55/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/55/ Specialist coating company to expand customer base with new marketing tools. AMD Specialist Coatings Ltd, a specialised high-quality product finishing company, is investing in new marketing tools to expand the company's already impressive client base after Managing Director Steve Davis recently bought-out a silent partner with a fund injection from Evolve Finance - the specialist mezzanine and debt division of NEL Fund Managers Limited. Already well-established in the specialist coati... Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/54/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/54/ Businesses across the Durham area will have the chance to be part of a new and unique networking venture thanks to Derwentside businesswomen Hazel Armstrong and Maccine Hall. The female entrepreneurs, who each run their own successful companies in the district, identified an opportunity to set up a new company, which would provide a business support framework to local companies across the county. DCM Durham, the Co Durham franchise of DCM, has received financial support, encouragement a... Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/53/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/53/ Teesside’s Wilton Engineering Services has acquired a Scottish firm that will see the expanded company employ more than 250 people - and raise annual revenue to more than £30m. The deal will also see Wilton Engineering at Port Clarence provide bespoke fabrications to the offshore and petrochemical industries. The acquired business, Project Design ;amp; Management Services of Aberdeen, provides technical support, engineering and project management services to the oil and gas industr... Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/52/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/52/ One of the most distinctive buildings in the North of England is to receive a much needed face lift using Optimal high performance opaque woodstain from leading paint manufacturer Jotun Paints (Europe) Ltd, which has its Decorative Division in St Peter's Basin. The Byker Wall, designed by renowned Northumberland-born architect Ralph Erskine - who lived and worked for most of his life in Sweden - and built in Newcastle upon Tyne in the mid 1970s, is a block of 620 maisonnettes lying at ... Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/51/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/51/ Would you leave the office without locking the front door…? World Intellectual Property Day celebrates creativity and the contribution made by the products and technological innovations that help to shape our world. More importantly, it aims to raise awareness of how Intellectual Property can exist in every day life and increase understanding of how that Intellectual Property can be protected. So, when you sit down to value your business assets, what do you see? Buildings? Ca... Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/50/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/50/ A Middlesbrough based hair and beauty superstore is investing in the next generation of stylists by supplying the region's top colleges with glamour products. Officially launched by Nicki Clark of Business Link last week (April 7) the Hair and Beauty Superstore is set to supply hair and beauty products to a number of local and national colleges. It is also offering training on a host of techniques including Hollywood Lashes, manicure and nail extensions, waxing, spray tanning and I... Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/49/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/49/ Students from Russia's top business school visited the region this week in a bid to develop their international business know-how. The study tour, hosted by Durham Business School, saw over 20 delegates from the Institute of Business Studies-Moscow visiting successful North-East organisations, including the Esh Group in Durham, Newcastle International Airport and One NorthEast. The group, who are all Executive MBA students, also attended lectures by experts at Durham Business School i... Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/48/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/48/ Allied Irish Bank (GB) got a boost to its reputation amid the current economic climate when a significant percentage of customers said they expect to increase business with the Bank. Allied Irish Bank (GB) continues to enjoy an excellent relationship with its customers, who recently confirmed their satisfaction in an annual survey and, of those asked, 62.6 per cent said they expect to increase transactions. The Bank regularly tracks customer opinion using detailed customer satisfact... Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/47/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/47/ Paul Carr gave up chances of a second degree at university in favour of more experience in on-site and office work. His decision has paid. He has been named Trainee of the Year and most promising trainee in quantity surveying in the north-east of England. The award was made by Civil Engineering Contractors Association (North-East), the representative body of 85 contracting firms in the region. Paul, 25, of South Shields, had a degree in geography when he started work at Lumsden ;amp; C... Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/46/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/46/ North East business solutions provider Knowledge I.T has won a major new contract to provide the primary care trusts in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland with IT equipment and support services. The £1.2 million deal will see Knowledge supplying and installing more than 1400 PCs and 1100 printers to 155 sites throughout Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland, including 116 GP practices. This is the largest one-off health contract that the Washington-based company has e... Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/44/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/44/ Appeal for employers to back new diplomas. Businessin Newcastle will be invited to have a direct input into the new 14-19 school Diplomas at a breakfast meeting at St James’ Park on April 29. The meeting will be addressed by Sir Alan Jones, chairman of Toyota UK and chair of the Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance. Companies including BAE Systems and RyderHKS Architects have already pledged their involvement and Newcastle Education Business Partnership (EB... Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/45/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/45/ Construction and plant hire specialist Owen Pugh is to equip hundreds of students every year with skills to support the North East construction industry. The Cramlington company has set up its own training arm Owen Pugh Training Services. This has been accredited by the Construction Industry Training Board and will offer about 100 training courses a year. It will train both Owen Pugh employees and students from other organisations. Owen Pugh executive chairman John Dickson says: ... Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/42/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/42/ A Durham based firm set to revolutionise traditional story time with a high-tech invention is in discussion with the UK’s leading independent children’s publisher. Ameeca is holding talks with Walker Books, which publishes authors including Dick King Smith, Jez Alborough and Lewis Carroll, about supplying stories for StoryPhones, a wireless MP3 player which enables pupils to listen to pre-recorded stories down-loaded from the web. StoryPhones is the brain-child of teacher Eleanor... Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/43/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/43/ The balance of Chartered Surveyors reporting house prices falls increased to a record high in March. However, a lack of new supply is still preventing significant price falls despite rising stock levels, says RICS' UK housing market survey published today (15 April 2008). In the North East region, the RICS house price balance dropped for the eighth month in succession. The highest number of Chartered Surveyors since the survey began in 1978, reported a fall in house prices. The previo... Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/41/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/41/ A North-East firm that helps businesses in construction to go green - with modular buildings of steel 80% recycled - has just completed its 300th project on UK sites. EOS of Newton Aycliffe designs and manufactures light gauge steel framing systems particularly popular for social and private housing, commercial buildings, student accommodation, schools, and healthcare schemes. The frames made by the firm employing 32 people are reckoned to last 1,000 years if adequately protected. ... Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/40/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/40/ Commercial law firm Muckle LLP has chalked up its 100th deal in a year, bringing the total value of deals it has advised on to £0.5bn. It has acted for plant hire and waste disposal company Owen Pugh in the acquisition of 33-year-old civil engineering firm Graydon Dawson. The deal, for an undisclosed sum, sees Dudley-based Owen Pugh acquiring all the share capital of Blaydon-based Graydon Dawson. Graydon Dawson, which specialises in trench-laying and has major contracts with local ... Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/39/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/39/ A flagship development putting Tees Valley at the cutting edge of digital technology. A flagship development putting Tees Valley at the cutting edge of digital technology is celebrating further investment into its groundbreaking work. The Institute of Digital Innovation (IDI) in Middlesbrough will move into the next phase of its development thanks to a further £1.4m of funding from regional development agency One NorthEast. The investment will allow the IDI to focus on establishin... Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/37/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/37/ Time is running out to submit nominations in the annual search for the most enterprising place in North East England. The Enterprising North East England competition is looking for the area, city, town or village in the region which is doing something really innovative to boost the local economy or to help the community. The deadline for entries is Friday, 18th April. The winning place will receive a cash prize and will go forward into the national, Enterprising Britain competition, ju... Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/36/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/36/ A new event being held in County Durham next month will showcase the regions' talent. A new event being held in County Durham next month will showcase the region’s talent and track record in providing the latest internet-based technologies for regional, national and international customers. IP World 2008 is the first event of its kind and is the brainchild of fast growing Houghton-le-Spring based IT infrastructure specialists Advantex Network Solutions. The event is designed to u... Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/35/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/35/ Sunderland-born Stephen Hughes, Labour MEP for the North East, took time out of his schedule to congratulate City of Sunderland College. During a special visit to the college to deliver the European Parliament Report to TUC representatives, he learnt of the college's plans to invest in excess of £100 million in capital projects during the next six years. During his visit, Mr Hughes met college Principal, Angela O'Donoghue, before addressing eighty Union Learning representatives... Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/32/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/32/ North East boat builder is using a national Design Council initiative to help his business. An award-winning North East boat builder is using a national DesignCouncil initiative to help his business sail forward and meet the needs of a changing market. John Flynn has worked in the boat building industry for over 19 years, overseeing the construction of over 500 narrow boats, designedespecially for cruising the canals of UK and Europe. More recently however, the demand for narrow boa... Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/33/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/33/ Tyne and Wear Development Company has expanded as it looks to increase support for investors. The agency has recruited Alma Harrison, who was previously international business manager at Newcastle University, as strategic accounts officer. Alma will deliver support geared towards meeting the long-term needs of key businesses and investors in Tyne and Wear. ... Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/34/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/34/ Newcastle company set to transform PC use. A Newcastle company set to transform PC use has keyed into support from Tyne and Wear Development Company as it gets ready for growth. Broadband Computer Company has patented a landmark easy-to-operate system for use in homes and offices. Following trials of the product, the company has invested in new premises at St James’ Boulevard in Newcastle with support from Tyne and Wear Development Company as it looks to refine the system ... Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/31/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/31/ Durham Business School and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Durham Business School and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) have formed a new alliance to provide members with excellent personal development support and professional recognition. Members of the School’s alumni association Agora will receive a special 10% membership discount to the CMI. It is hoped this will enable alumni members to gain the full benefits of the CMI programme and continue to develop new skil... Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/30/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/30/ One of the region's leading enterprise development organisations is opening an office in Tees Valley to provide extra help for businesses in the area. NStar Finance ;amp; business has moved into Wellington House at Wynyard Park as it looks to help local businesses boost their economic performance. Finance ;amp; business, which is backed by One NorthEast, was set up last year and provides financial support and training for SMEs. Services include training, mentoring and coaching - as well... Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/29/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/29/ A response group has promised to offer help. A response group has promised to offer help to every Northern Rock worker affected bythe announcement that the bank intends to lose around one third of its workforce. The Northern Rock Response Group - led by One NorthEast Chief Executive Alan Clarke - has been formed to put in place a package of assistance for every affected worker. It will meet for the first time at One NorthEast's Stella House headquarters in Newburn Riverside, Newcastle... Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/28/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/28/ Launched by cabinet minister. A new initiative to inspire people across Tees Valley to become the entrepreneurs of tomorrow has been launched by Secretary of State for Business and The Regions, Rt Hon John Hutton. Mr Hutton officially launched the Make Your Mark in Tees Valley campaign when he visited Middlesbrough Football Club in the Community’s Enterprise Academy on Friday the 14th of March. Make Your Mark is the national campaign to create an enterprise culture by giving peopl... Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/26/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/26/ From films about polygamist African chiefs to sensuous art installations and gaming mastery, the latest DigitalCity exhibition has it all. The showcase of recent work by DigitalCity Fellows and the start-up businesses it supports reveals a range of skills and creativity nurtured by DigitalCity mentors. Shane Walter, Director of the world’s largest digital media festival onedotzero, will officially open the exhibition at a VIP event for invited guests on March 17. The exhib... Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/27/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/27/ Reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change will take centre stage next month. North East England is staging its first Low Carbon Innovation Exchange event as part of a nationwide programme which brings together top executives, leading businesses, local authorities and regional organisations to share best practice on reducing the carbon footprint. Sponsored by regional development agency One NorthEast, the event includes seminars, workshops and presentations on topics such as... Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/25/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/25/ Big Weekend coming soon. BUSINESS professionals across the region have an open invitation to boost their knowledge and build contacts at Durham Business School’s Big Weekend coming soon. The school’s alumni are running a programme of workshops led by successful entrepreneurs and leading academics. There will be one-to-one networking with top managers and professionals, and a chance to gather from technology experts how current technology affects business strategy, management an... Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/21/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/21/ First UK exhibition for Mona Marzouk uses company's paints. Artist paints a picture of success thanks to Jotun. Leading paint company Jotun Paints (Europe) Ltd has helped a renowned Egyptian artist make a colourful splash at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead with her first UK exhibition. Jotun recently established its Decorative Division in Newcastle and in a move to mark the occasion has supplied Mona Marzouk with emulsion paint to enable her to create two stunning larg... Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/22/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/22/ Tourism has never been such an integral part of the North East economy. Over 8 million overnight visitors contributed £3.5bn to the region in 2006 and figures are set to rise significantly - with the online market seeing a massive surge in popularity. Recent industry highlights have included the announcement of Durham as best city in the UK by readers of Conde Nast Traveller Magazine, the Lonely Planet Blue List naming North East England as a ‘must see’ destination and the new Em... Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/23/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/23/ Work is underway on the final phase of a business park which could create as many as 3,500 jobs. Spectrum Business Park, located on the 34-acre site of the former Dawdon Colliery in Seaham, is due to be completed by developers the Hillford Group later this year. It is made up of eight office blocks catering for new companies as well as expanding regional and national firms and complements the wider regeneration package of improvements on-going across Seaham. Ed Rowley, Acting Direct... Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/20/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/20/ Mitchell Halton Watson PR (MHW PR), one of the North East's leading strategic communications firms, has won the Jotun Paints (Europe) Ltd account. The move will see the agency raising awareness of Jotun's protective treatments for exterior timber - marketed under the Optimal and Butinox brand names - among trade specifiers and retailers ahead of a consumer launch later this year. Newcastle-based Jotun Paints (Europe) Ltd is part of the Norway-based Jotun Group, one of the world's le... Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/19/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/19/ Darlington law firm Latimer Hinks is inviting friends and colleagues to enjoy a spectacular night out and help raise funds for three local charities. The fifth Latimer Hinks Summer Charity Ball, which takes place on Friday May 16th at the magnificent Wynyard Hall, is being staged to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance, Make a Child Smile and the County Durham Foundation. The black tie evening will feature a superb four course meal, a charity auction, live entertainment and ... Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/15/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/15/ New school success shows Washington IT firm has the Knowledge. Cardinal Hume opens with ‘best possible learning’ IT facilities. Leading North East business provider Knowledge I.T has completed work on a major contract to provide the IT infrastructure for a new Gateshead school. The £1.7 million contract is a major coup for Knowledge and involved the Washington-based firm designing, supplying and installing a campus wide high performance wireless network for the recently opened ... Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/18/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/18/ Morpeth Cricket, Hockey and Tennis Club at Longhirst Hall has been included in London 2012's Pre-Games Training Camp Guide. This guide goes to all the countries involved in the Olympics so they may select their preferred venue for their pre-training camps. To be chosen as a potential Pre-Games Training Camp Venue, Morpeth Cricket, Hockey and Tennis Club at Longhirst put together a detailed application. This was then followed by two site visits to view the facilities at Longhirst, incl... Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/13/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/13/ A successful first year is prompting Fusion group to recruit another 400 workers. A successful first year is prompting Fusion group to recruit another 400 workers for its Peterlee contact call centre. Fusion, which works with motor and home insurance firms nationwide, opened at Peterlee in March 2007 and already had 200 on the payroll as it announced its expansion. It employs 350 more at Hylton Riverside in Sunderland. Part of BGL group, it took over building vacated by Orange ... Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/14/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/14/ Relations between business academics in the North-East and a Russian university are developing despite a chill in Britain’s political relations with Russia. A delegation from Nizhni Novgorod, a major industrial centre east of Moscow (and birthplace of the Russian author Maxim Gorky), has been looking at how academics of Teesside University work with business and handle technology and knowledge transfer. ... Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/17/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/17/ One of the North East's top performing colleges has announced its "go green" approach to travel. A new state-of-the-art sixth form centre, based next to the University of Sunderland St Peter’s Campus is due to open this September, and will be promoting clean and eco friendly attitudes towards transport. Students, staff and visitors to the new £6.5 million St Peter’s Sixth Form will be encouraged to use greener forms of transport, such as local bus and metro serv... Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/10/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/10/ A technology firm has invested in new premises. A growing green technology firm has invested in new premises as it prepares for expansion. Nano-porous solutions Limited (n-psl), headed by ex Domnick Hunter CEO Colin Billiet, has moved to a new 10,000 sq ft facility at Team Valley as it looks to double the size of its workforce in the next 12 months. The firm, which manufactures environmentally friendly filtration products, was assisted in its expansion by Tyne and Wear Development Com... Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/11/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/11/ BQ (Business Quarter) Magazine BQ aims to deliver business information, editorial and relevant lifestyle features to a wide business audience across the region in an exciting and vibrant style that breaks the mould in regional business magazines. Recognising the demands placed upon many of our entrepreneurial and key business readers this new quarterly publication will combine a wealth of business information with Informative and personal interviews. BQ will highlight the success ... Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/9/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/9/ Gosforth man go(es) forward thanks to the North East Contact Centre Academy A South Gosforth man is on the road to a new career and life in the North East following completion of a new business skills course from the North East Contact Centre Academy. Thirty two year-old Krishnan Balakrishnan has landed a job as an operations administrator at electricity and gas supplier npower’s office in Newcastle after enrolling on the ‘Go Forward’ programme at the Academy’s newly opened Wallse... Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/12/ http://www.nebusinessguide.co.uk/news/art/12/ A thriving managed workspace centre in South Tyneside. A thriving managed workspace centre in South Tyneside is proving to be a launch pad for successful businesses. The TEDCO (Tyneside Economic Development Company Ltd) managed centre in Jarrow has supported many business start-ups and established businesses to develop and grow since it opened its doors in 1994. One of its current tenants is the latest business preparing to move on to larger premises. After 2 ½ successful years bas... Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600