Author: Phoebe Parker

Sunderland students to get hands on experience

By on 7th February 2019in Local Biz
Students

An innovative programme which prepares Sunderland students for the world of work has unveiled its special sector days for 2019.

Work Discovery Sunderland is now in its seventh year, set up initially to link schools and employers to ensure that young people could make informed career choices.

And now the scheme, which annually involves more than 1000 young people, has announced a full programme of sector days, aimed at familiarising pupils with all the job prospects across a particular industry.

This year the sessions will get underway on 5 March, with a Construction Sector Day which allows young people to discover every aspect of the industry.

The following day schools can choose from two options – a Contact Sector Day and a Discover Health Sciences day.

On 7 March the many opportunities in the world of IT will be outlined in a Tech Sector Day, with the summer term hosting a Discover Nursing/Midwifery event on 15 May.

On 13 June experts will host an Education Sector Day and during Work Discovery Week – which runs from 24 – 28 June -there will be a Social Work Sector Day on 26 June.

“The aim of these days is to give young people a real taste of specific areas of work, highlighting the full range of jobs in each of these sectors,” said John Green, co-chair of Work Discovery Sunderland and retail liaison manager at the Bridges.

“They will get the opportunity to talk to people who are actually working in those particular fields and get a fantastic insight into what the job entails and what they need in qualifications to do it.”

The Work Discovery Sunderland programme helps students develop skills and gain insight into various industries before choosing their career path and since its launch has involved more than 6000 young people.

The year culminates in Work Discovery Week, which is supported by a range of organisations including Sunderland City Council, SAFC, the University of Sunderland, Sunderland College, the Bridges and many others.

Businesses wanting to get involved or who would like to find out about sponsoring the event should contact info@sortedpr.com for an information pack.

Harry Potter inspires new attraction

By on 7th February 2019in What's New?

An award-winning holiday site is set to attract visitors from around the globe with its latest addition – a cottage inspired by a favourite character from children’s fiction.

North Shire at Liverton, Saltburn-by-the-Sea offers guests the opportunity to stay in everything from original gypsy bow top caravans to a story book cottage, complete with a walk-through wardrobe into a hidden bedroom.

The site, which also has camping facilities, previously created a Hobbit House which has attracted fans from across the world who wanted to stay in the faithful tribute to the Lord of the Rings novels.

And from this spring guests will have yet another reason to visit North Shire when the groundkeeper’s cottage is unveiled, inspired by Hagrid’s Hut from the Harry Potter books.

Along with the groundkeeper’s cottage, North Shire is also creating an Enchanted Barn, which will be used as a venue for weddings, conferences and special events.

The new development amounts to a £500,000 investment in the Golden Hill Farm attraction, with the groundkeeper’s cottage open in March and the Enchanted Barn the following month.

Funding for the latest additions to the visitor attraction was provided by SME funder, Reward Finance Group, along with support from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE).

Carol Cavendish, who owns North Shire and is the creator of the latest attractions, said there has already been a huge amount of interest.

“We’re known for offering something very different with a real touch of magic and I believe that’s exactly what visitors will see when they visit,” she said.

“It’s just the start of the exciting plans we have for developing North Shire and I think both the groundkeeper’s cottage and the Enchanted Barn will prove really popular.

“Our thanks go to both Reward Finance Group and RDPE for appreciating the concept, recognising its potential and financially supporting the vision.”

For further information or bookings visit www.northshire.co.uk

Newcastle bar launches ‘fake wake’ package

By on 7th February 2019in What's New?
Union Rooms

People who will miss out on a celebration of their life can now find out exactly what their friends and family think of them, thanks to the launch of a ‘fake wake’ package at a North East bar.

Paying tributes to a deceased person plays a part in most funeral ceremonies, but the ‘guest of honour’ never really gets to hear their loved ones express their feelings – until now.

And that’s why Newcastle’s The Union Rooms is offering its newly refurbished events spaces and private meeting rooms for anyone who wants to celebrate their ‘passing’ – before they actually pass.

Stuart Young, of Cyclone Leisure, which owns The Union Rooms, at Westgate Road, believes that the bespoke package – which include refreshments and the option for entertainment – is a first for the region.

“We are hoping that this might appeal to a whole range of people,” said Stuart.

“It may be someone who just wants to celebrate their life with family and friends or, sadly, someone with a life limiting condition who may want to get their loved ones together.

“The fact that The Union Rooms is a historic building with such a special feel will give an added dimension and a sense of occasion to the gathering – or any others that people want to have here.”

The Union Rooms relaunched in late November after a complete transformation which includes upper level rooms suitable for private rooms, a restaurant and a stylish library.

As well as the fake wakes – which were inspired by a recent episode of television series Delicious – the venue is planning to host meetings, events and celebrations.

“We absolutely believe we’ve found a gap in the market and are looking forward to hearing from anyone who would like to talk to us about organising one of these events.”

For further information contact The Union Rooms on 0191 261 2226.

Dine with Dippy

By on 7th February 2019in What's On?
Dippy

Businesses can dine in the shadow of Britain’s most famous dinosaur when it travels to Tyneside this spring.

The Natural History Museum’s famous Diplodocus cast, Dippy, is coming to the Great North Museum: Hancock in May 2019 as part of a nationwide tour.

Dippy’s visit is part of an eight city UK wide tour. Dippy on Tour: A Natural History Adventure is being brought to the Great North Museum and visitors across the UK by the Natural History Museum, London in partnership with the Garfield Weston Foundation, and supported by Dell EMC and Williams & Hill.

And Sodexo, the Great North Museum’s catering and events partner, is giving corporate clients the chance to see it at very close quarters.

Dippy first went on show to the British public in 1905 having been shipped in 36 crates from the US, where he was cast from a genuine specimen found in America.

The model skeleton is a massive 21.3 metres long, 4.3 metres wide and 4.25 metres high and Sodexo has unveiled a variety of packages for those who want to drink and dine in its vast shadow.

The corporate packages will give businesses the chance to host colleagues or clients to drinks receptions or formal seated dinners next to the model, which will be on display at the Museum’s Special Exhibition Space from 18 May to 6 October 2019.

They can host a breakfast meeting or networking event with up to 100 guests, treat customers and colleagues to drinks and canapés or enjoy a rare opportunity to dine side by side with the famous dinosaur.

Dinner starters will include hickory-glazed pterodactyl – chicken – wings with creole-spiced coleslaw, smoked haddock with spring onion and lemon crème fraiche timbale and charred red pepper gazpacho and a vegetarian lettuce nest filled with tomato chutney and served with grilled halloumi skewers.

Main courses of slow-roasted feather blade of beef, chicken stuffed with wilted spinach and a mushroom duxelle and Portobello mushroom, spinach and butternut curry will be followed by desserts of either Italian-style lemon meringue pie or chocolate orange mousse sprinkled with praline.

Israh Bhatti, sales and events co-ordinator at Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, said: “We are incredibly lucky Dippy is coming to Tyneside and our corporate packages offer businesses the chance to give their colleagues, guests or clients an experience they will never forget.

“However, demand will be high so we would urge businesses to get in touch to ensure they secure the date they want for their event.”

Newcastle is the fifth venue in Dippy’s eight leg tour and, after he leaves the Great North Museum: Hancock he will head to Cardiff and Rochdale, ending his journey at Norwich in July 2020.

Other key exhibits at Great North Museum: Hancock include an interactive model of Hadrian’s Wall, a significant display of plants and animals, objects from Ancient Greece, mummies from Ancient Egypt and a planetarium.

For further information call 0844 856 1074 or e-mail events@twmuseums.co.uk.

www.museumweddings.org.uk.

Roofing company plan to win over the 52% of the British public who don’t trust roofers

By on 28th January 2019in Local Biz, What's New?
Findley

According to a recent survey, roofers and builders wound up bottom of the pile when Britons were asked which group of traders they trusted the most. With electricians top of the list gaining 80% of people’s support, roofers only managed to pull in just over half of that figure, with a staggeringly poor 48%.

Above them sat the likes of carpenters, plumbers, and heating engineers, with an impressive 70-75% of public faith. It makes us ask the question: ‘why are people so sceptical of roofers and builders?’

One company in particular are striving to change this reputation single-handedly. Starting with the North East of England, Findley Roofing and Building will not stop until they have changed the ideologies of people nationwide. They have big plans that they have already begun putting into motion, hoping to further enhance the image of their reputable company.

They’ve recently scrapped one job role and replaced it with a much more effective one. There will be no more quantity surveyors, and instead three contracts managers who will not only take over the previous job description, but they’ll also manage the whole project throughout, ensuring better communication and management on every job.

Findley Roofing and Building believe this will better enable customers to follow the process of the work they’ve requested, and if they have any questions they can speak directly to those in charge. The contracts managers will be there before, during, and after the work is completed, and will be with the customer every step of the way.

The North East company are hoping that this new approach will have a positive rippling effect across the country. Grant Findley, the company’s Managing Director said: “It saddens us that roofers and builders have such a negative stigma, when we do everything in our power to create good work and happy customers. We’ve made it our mission to raise that devastatingly low statistic, and quickly.’

To find out more about Findley Roofing & Building, visit their website findleyroofing.co.uk or call their office on 0191 417 3422.

Ultra-fit North East lawyer wins a place in London Landmarks half-marathon to help raise funds for equality and access to justice

By on 23rd January 2019in In & Around, Lifestyle, What's New?

A leading North East lawyer has won a much sought after place in the new London Landmarks Half Marathon….in his continued quest to help raise awareness and much needed funds for the voluntary ‘pro bono’ work within the legal profession.

Hugh Welch took up running as a hobby 10 years ago and is senior partner at Newcastle based law firm Muckle LLP.

Already clocking up an impressive list of marathons and ultra-marathons on his journey so far, he has now been awarded one of ten exclusive national places made available by Advocate, which is the national charity finding free legal help from barristers.

He has now earned the right to compete alongside13,000 other runners in the world famous half-marathon, which takes place on 24th March 2019 and also takes in renowned landmark places through both the City of London and City of Westminster.

The race starts on Pall Mall and finishes by Downing Street and has fabulous views of London’s most iconic buildings including Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, Nelson’s Column, the Gherkin, the Shard, the Tower of London and the London Eye and of course the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand.

Speaking about his news, Hugh said: “This is such a privilege for me to be accepted and be given the opportunity to run in the London Landmarks Half Marathon. I took up running 10 years ago and run for fun, so this is a great opportunity for me to combine my love of running with fundraising for a cause that I really care about.

“I am passionate about equality and justice.  For me, access to justice is every bit as important within our society as access to education and healthcare.  It’s fundamentally wrong that people who can’t afford it are denied access to legal advice and to the court system.

“Also, like many other legal practices, our lawyers at Muckle are very active in doing pro bono work and we see this as a key part of our commitment to this region.

“I have been challenged to raise a minimum of £400 pounds in sponsorship money as part of my place in the half-marathon and this will be the first time I have asked friends, colleagues and clients to sponsor and help support my running,” he added.

Advocate encourages and facilitates voluntary work by lawyers and others working in the legal sector in their local communities.

Mary Dobson, Head of Fundraising and Communications, at Advocate said: “We are delighted to have chosen Hugh as one of our 10 participants to represent Advocate in this, the first year we’ve partnered with the London Landmarks Half Marathon.

“Last year Simon Gledhill of 3 Temple Gardens achieved a Guinness World Record for the fastest half marathon whilst wearing barrister robes. He’ll be running again in 2019, this time alongside Hugh to raise funds for our work.

“We are hoping our ten participants will raise thousands of pounds and much needed awareness for our work getting free legal help for really vulnerable people facing court alone in England and Wales.”

Advocate was founded as the Bar Pro Bono Unit by Lord Goldsmith QC in 1996. They are the only pro bono charity to provide legal assistance in every area of law in all courts and tribunals across England and Wales. They work with 4,000 volunteer barristers who donate their time and expertise to help people who cannot afford to pay for legal assistance and who are not eligible for legal aid. The Unit rebranded to become Advocate in October 2018, modernising their brand and service to become more accessible to as many people as possible and to help increase access to justice for all. Read more on their website https://weareadvocate.org.uk

Muckle LLP has a well-established charity and fund raising programme and actively encourages staff to become involved. Over 40% of its staff regularly volunteer for charities and the firm donates 1% of its annual profits to its charitable fund each year. To date, many communities and worthy causes across the North East have benefitted from over £500,000 in grants from the fund.

Hugh Welch has led the business in developing its award winning corporate social responsibility programme. Muckle is a five-time winner of the North East Business Heart of the Community Award (Tyneside and Northumberland) and won national recognition when it scooped ‘Best Contribution by a Firm with a Regional Head Office’ at the 2017 Law Works Pro Bono Awards.

To find out more about Hugh Welch’s half marathon fundraising drive, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/HughWelch

Personal Support Network adds two support workers to its team

By on 16th January 2019in Business
Personal Support Network

We have been working closely with the Personal Support Network recently and are pleased to report on their success.

They offer person centred care and support services to individuals who live in the Middlesbrough locality. They offer a wide range of services which include domiciliary care, social support, educational and work support, 24 hour care, rapid response call out, family support and more.

They have just added two new workers to their team of support workers. They have welcomed a new support worker and welcomed back another who will fit community duties in-between sessions of university study. Ian Mendum, has returned to the Public Support Network. He is currently in the second year of a degree course at Teesside University as he studies to become a social worker. He will assist with on-call duties at PSN and also work part-time in the community.

Ian Thompson will be a great addition to the team and the company are excited about his future at the Personal Support Network.

The team are still recruiting for another Support Worker, living in the Middlesbrough area.

Grace House runner Steven truly is Great!

By on 4th January 2019in charity
Photo from left to right: Matt Wylie MBE and Steven Garrigan

People take part in the Great North Run for a number of different reasons; to get fit, to challenge yourself or to remember someone special. In 2018 Steven Garrigan ran the Great North Run in memory of his Niece Grace Jones, who was the inspiration for Grace House and sadly passed away in September 2017.

Steven wanted to do something for Grace House and his daughter Alisha persuaded him to run the Great North Run to honour the memory of Grace. Along with Alisha and his friend Ian, they signed up and set themselves a target of £1,250, little did they know that they would go on to smash this! Steven raised over £2,300 in the lead up to the event and between the three of them they raised a total of £3,247! Steven admitted he did struggle to find time to train as he works away from home however, he did fit in some last-minute training while he was on holiday in Fuerteventura! This paid off as he completed the run in 2 hours and 15 minutes, crossing the finish line as the Red Arrows flew over South Shields.

To acknowledge this amazing achievement Grace House awarded Steven with a trophy for best fundraiser which was presented to him at Grace House by Matt Wylie MBE.

Victoria Brown, Chief Executive at Grace House said “Steven should be immensely proud of what he has achieved in the name of his Niece Grace. His story is inspiring, and Grace House is extremely grateful for his amazing effort in raising such a fantastic amount of money. Local charities like ourselves rely so much on the passion and commitment of our supporters and we cannot thank Steven and his family enough”

Steven said “Completing the Great North Run I felt a huge amount of emotion, pride and sense of achievement. I couldn’t of done this without all the fantastic support from my family, friends and work colleagues donating such a large amount to such a worthy cause in Grace House, making the whole day and memory of it stay with me forever.”

Entries for the 2019 Simplyhealth Great North Run are now open and if Steven’s story has inspired you, you can sign up and join #TeamGraceHouse now at the link below or email lf@gracehouse.co.uk. https://members.gracehouse.co.uk/events/simplyhealth-great-north-run-2019

Thermal imaging cameras set to tackle heat loss this winter

By on 21st December 2018in Articles

According to The Energy Saving Trust, a quarter of heat is lost through the roof of an uninsulated home and investing in proper loft insulation could save you up to £215 a year on energy bills. Even homes that are insulated could be racking up large bills this winter if the Beast from the East makes a return. Heat loss, through chimneys, lofts, badly sealed doorways and more, can account for up to 50% of all energy consumption in a home.

New innovative technology can now tackle this problem. Thermal imaging cameras can detect heat loss in properties by detecting missing insulation, air flow and equipment issues, compromised roofing and more. They are able to quickly detect sources of heat loss that are invisible to the naked eye. This new technology will ensure homeowners are not paying more than they should on their energy bills this winter.

The state-of-the-art thermal imaging cameras can also detect the source of rising damp and leaks in homes, with minimal disruption and no damage to the property. These cameras can accurately detect leaks hidden under floors, ceilings, flat roofs and behind walls.

thermal imaging

Findley Roofing & Building are the first roofing company in the North East to invest in six state of the art Flir thermal imaging cameras and offer an innovative way to tackle heat loss and detect the source of leaks quickly. This winter they are offing free 120-point roof MOTs that includes a thermal imaging camera inspection – regular price £299.

Grant Findley, the company’s Managing Director said: “If we have a winter like last year, many homeowners could be paying over the odds on their heating bills if their home is not energy efficient. This year, we are offering free thermal imaging surveys to homeowners to ensure they are prepared. We can now offer superior MOT’s and give extra diagnostics that should be the absolute minimum available to everyone.”

To find out more about Findley Roofing’s free MOT roof inspection, visit their website findleyroofing.co.uk/winter-deal/ or call their office on 0191 417 3422.

Diamond celebrates a sparkling year

By on 20th December 2018in Business
(L-R) Director of Transformation and Growth, John Jones, Financial Director, Hazel Burns, Operations Director, Gary Rodgers, Managing Director and Owner, John Burns and IT Director, Colin Grant.

North East-based Diamond Group providing holistic business solutions within key areas people process and technology, is celebrating an outstanding year seeing significant sales growth and profit providing the capacity to invest in more team members moving forward.

2018 has seen the company’s turnover increase by 20 percent and it has appointed a new director of transformation and growth, service technician managers, sales executives and business development managers, to support its comprehensive operational programmes and ambitious growth plans.

Diamond has made significant investments in further technology, including a six-figure datacentre upgrade; the upgrade focussing on developing its full service offering of ICT, communications, DBS and people development.

Managing Director, John Burns said: “We have seen significant growth this year, due to the holistic nature of what we offer. Our business has been set up for success, allowing it to adapt to our needs as well as our customers as it grows.

“Our 2018 has been all about technology, process and people, encouraging empowerment and resilience so that each member of the team can make an individual contribution to our success.

“We anticipate that 2019 will be no different; we intend to continue to grow, transform and prosper with confidence. Our service approach will be enhanced due to our sustainable dynamic solutions and we will continue to focus on ensuring that our people understand and uphold our vision, mission and values.”

Based in Team Valley, Diamond Group offers a holistic approach to promote transformation, growth and prosperity for businesses in the North East and beyond. The company focuses on people, process and technology to add value to its clients’ businesses, adapting the service provided as their needs evolve.

For more information on Diamond Group, see www.diamond-group.net  

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