Author: Phoebe Parker

North East Optometrist’s invention set to have a national impact

By on 18th December 2018in Articles, Business, Inspiration, Lifestyle, What's New?

Simon Berry, North East based Optometrist, has invented a simple, yet effective way to make eye tests less frightening and intimidating for those with learning difficulties.

Working with Durham University, Simon Berry has created the VFS (Visual Fixation System), which allows patients to watch a video while their eyes are being tested. For many children with learning difficulties, a trip to the opticians can be stressful, but this invention gives them a chance to watch their favourite video while having their eyes tested. The VFS works by splitting a beam of light reflecting the image from a phone to the patient, allowing the Optometrist to examine their eyes.

Simon Berry has been an Optometrist for over 20 years, having worked in a hospital paediatric clinic throughout his professional career. Over 16 years ago, he set up his own independent optometry practice in Gilesgate, Durham and he also works at Sunderland Eye Infirmary as a specialist Optometrist. This week, Berry appeared on BBC’s Look North discussing the success of the device and his plans to take it nationwide.

Berry sees a lot of children and adults with learning disabilities and keeping these patients engaged whilst trying to complete the various clinical measurements required can be challenging. The VFS was specifically designed for this reason. These are a very important patient as they have an increased risk of having eye problems, with one in ten having an eye disease and 40% will need glasses, a far higher percentage than the general population.

Simon has been working on the device for over three years and hopes it will help a wide range of patients. In particular, it has been used on Autistic patients who may find eye contact uncomfortable, as it hides the Optometrist’s face as they complete the test. It is also useful for young children and babies who find it hard to sit still, and he predicts it will be useful for patients with dementia, too.

The initial prototype was made in collaboration with Durham University and the technology is now licensed to Optimec, a UK company based in Malvern, specialising in the design and manufacture of optically based instrumentation and devices. The VFS is already an invaluable aid in helping examine children and patients with a learning disability in his own practice, since its launch in September. The product is now being tested by Optical Specialists around the UK.

Great Ormond Street Hospital has expressed interest in the device and it is currently being trialled by Aston University, Cardiff University, ABDO (Association of British Dispensing Opticians), and SeeAbility (a national charity). Berry hopes it will be used by Optometrist’s nationwide.

To find out more about Simon Berry’s Visual Fixation System, call their office on 0191 375 7544.

Escape from Lumley Castle

By on 14th December 2018in Entertainment, Events, In & Around, Places To Go, What's New?, What's On?

The Legend surrounding a 630-year-old North East castle is to be brought vividly to life, giving amateur detectives the chance to solve a mystery in a UK first.

Lumley Castle Hotel, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, has announced plans to create the country’s first escape room within a historic property.

The 73-room castle has joined forces with the highly acclaimed Escape Rooms Durham, which already runs two games within the city centre, Mr Borrowdale’s Study and Lab Heist.

And the organisation has created a unique new escape room challenge, based on the tragic story of Lily of Lumley, who, in the 14th century, was reputedly thrown down a well by Catholic priests for renouncing her faith.

Lily is said to haunt the castle and there have been many supposed sightings of her ghost over the years – but now everyone who visits Lumley will get the opportunity to come face to face with the tragic heroine.

The escape room is being created in the castle’s former beer cellar and is scheduled to launch on Valentine’s Day, 14 February 2019.

Sam Lupton of Escape Rooms Durham said this will be a unique experience.

“We have worked tirelessly over the past few months to create a game that is not only entertaining but is also completely immersive in its game play and the only one of its kind in the UK,” said Sam.

“We can’t wait to share the experience of Lily of Lumley with visitors to the castle and we’re delighted to be working in partnership with this fantastic hotel.”

Although the story centres around the legend of Lily of Lumley, the experience is set to be family friendly and suitable for anyone over the age of ten.

The Escape Room experience will be open to residents and non-residents alike with the option to add an overnight stay, afternoon tea package, or dinner in the hotel’s highly acclaimed Black Knight restaurant at the time of booking.

Lumley Castle Sales manager Lauren Colledge believes the attraction will be a fantastic asset to the hotel and give visitors another reason to visit.

“This is a very exciting venture for us and we are investing heavily in it,” she said.

It will mean a visit to Lumley will be even more special and we know it will appeal to a wide range of audiences, from corporate guests who want a challenging team building activity to leisure visitors who want to have some fun.”

For more information or to make a booking visit www.escapedurham.co.uk.

Jak HQ’s growth set to accelerate following appointment of new Non-Executive Director

By on 11th December 2018in Business
Jak HQ

Jak HQ, a leading creative agency based in the North East of England, has announced the appointment of its new Non-Executive Director, Gary Lumby.

Since being established in 2004, Jak HQ has flourished and is now one of the leading creative agencies in the North East, specialising in all aspects of design, print, marketing and copywriting.

The Managing Director, Benjamin Kerry, said: “We have taken a wide range of small to large businesses from strength to strength, and anticipate further success with our recent contracts, which include Biochemica, Burdon Pharmacies and The House of Roo Gin Company. At the heart of Jak HQ is the philosophy that our clients are more than just clients – they are our partners, and this is what truly sets us apart. I am looking forward to working with Gary and I am sure that his valuable expertise will only escalate our achievements.”

With over 30 years’ experience in the banking sector, Gary Lumby is sure to bolster the company’s growth. Gary has acted as a Non-Executive Director for a large number of SMEs across Yorkshire and the North East of England where he advises owners and directors on growth strategy including acquisitions, sales and marketing, financial performance, HR , risk management and corporate governance. In 2008 he was presented with a MBE by Prince Charles in recognition of his services to the finance sector.

Gary Lumby said: “I am delighted to be joining Ben at Jak HQ as Non-Executive Director and helping him guide the business through a significant period of growth across all areas of our digital services. We have already secured a large number of new clients this year and I intend to ensure that this growth continues and that we invest in appropriate people and asset resources to enable the growth to accelerate.”

To find out more about Jak HQ’s work, head to www.jakhq.com or call their office on 0191 388 2698.

Arriba! Arriba! For Lunch Down Mexico Way

By on 11th December 2018in Food & Drink
Mexican food

Tyneside’s newest Mexican restaurant is spicing up lunchtime with a new express menu, packed with the flavours of Latin America.

El Paso, at Osborne Road, Jesmond, has created a condensed menu of starters, mains and sides, along with a variety of tapas dishes, for those looking for a light or speedy lunch.

And along with favourites such as nachos and tacos, are vegan and vegetarian options featuring classic, Mexican ingredients, from black bean hummus and avocado baja, to courgette ribbon fritters with mango and green chilli.

Among the starters are barbecue glazed pork ribs with pickled chillies, chilli con queso and asparagus baja with cumin and a cider reduction, while mains include lamb meatball tacos, chilli beef or lentil enchiladas and a cod and wilted spinach open sandwich with a caper and garlic aioli.

Other main course dishes include grilled nacho chicken burger, chilli con carne and vegan tacos filled with sweet Mexican carrots and beetroot, while sides include Mexican ‘slaw, chipotle rice, French fries and El Paso’s house salad.

Alternatively, those looking to share traditional Spanish tapas can choose from more than a dozen dishes such as chorizo with peppers and garlic, ham and manchego cheese croquettes, salt cod baja with pea, lime and coriander guacamole and seared halloumi with lime and tequila roasted peppers.

The 100-cover restaurant, owned by Newcastle-based Malhotra Group plc, has also created a special pricing structure for the new lunchtime menu with a main and a side costing just £9.95 with a £3 surcharge for starters.

Those opting for tapas can choose three dishes for £12 or six for £20, which head of operations, Simon Wright, said, “makes a midday treat even more affordable for families.”

Explaining the inspiration behind the new menu, he said: “Half of the fun of eating out is spending time with friends and family and we wanted to find a way of doing that that wouldn’t break the bank.

“This menu is perfect for those who want something light and packed with flavour – or those on the go who simply don’t have time during the working day, perhaps, to sit through three courses.

“Our aims have been to provide excellent food and value for money – and that has got to be worth raising a glass to.”

El Paso is open daily from 10am to 11pm (last orders for food 9.45pm) and the lunch menu is available between 12 noon and 7pm.

For more information, or to book, visit www.elpasojesmond.co.uk.

Darlington Businesses Volunteer Thousands of Hours to Rejuvenate the Town’s Parks

By on 11th December 2018in charity
Darlington Volunteers

Four Darlington parks have been given a new lease of life after local employees volunteered thousands of hours to improve the green areas.

At the Darlington Cares’ Great Park Auction, which took place in April in partnership with Darlington Borough Council, companies were invited to bid the number of volunteering hours their staff were prepared to commit to one of four parks in Darlington. The highest bidder won the right to work in that particular park.

The four parks auctioned were Eastbourne Park, The Denes, Green Park and North Lodge Park.

In a celebration event at the Theatre Hullabaloo, it was revealed that employees from Darlington Cares’ members Cummins, EE, Darlington Building Society and Capita had delivered over 3,400 volunteering hours.

Representatives from each of the companies attended the volunteering organisation’s event, which commemorated the hard work of the employees.

Darlington Cares’ Director Seth Pearson said: “We were thrilled to see that the original pledge of 2,135.5 employee volunteering hours the firms had committed to has been smashed!

“We can’t thank the companies and the employees enough for all of their hard work and dedication to the parks. We’ve had some fantastic feedback from the community and all four areas lookastonishing.”

The businesses worked alongside their respective park’s Friends groups to develop a project that benefitted the local community. Darlington Borough Council Parks, Allotments and Countryside Ranger, Pippa Smaling and Assistant Parks and Countryside Ranger, Warren Bearpark were also on hand to advise the volunteers.

The volunteers worked on their park throughout the Summer months and an advisory inspection by Northumbria in Bloom Judge Allannah Robinson and Chairman Andrew Jackson also took place.

Andrew said: “These four projects have been coordinated and have improved the network of parks across the whole of Darlington, so it’s made a significant difference to the quality of the parks within the town.

“I’ve noticed a big difference in the parks since our inspection and the local residents have seen what the volunteers have been doing and this has encouraged them to get involved as well, which is brilliant.”

To find out more about Darlington Cares, its projects and volunteering opportunities, visit www.darlingtoncares.co.uk.

Twitter: @darlingtoncares

Red House Secures Top Spot In School League

By on 11th December 2018in Articles
Red House School

Red House School, Teesside’s high-flying independent school, has been revealed as the top school in the whole of the North, and fifth in its category in the UK in the Sunday Times 2019 ‘Parent Power’ list.

Judged on 2,000 schools in the UK, Parent Power is widely acknowledged as the most authoritative survey of the country’s best schools. It assesses academic results as well as the performance of a given school compared to others in the same town, local authority and nationally.

Built on an ethos of encouraging children to develop their interests and talents, and fully participating in the life of the busy school, Red House offers a very personal and unique family atmosphere. Being a small school, teaching staff know all pupils individually and work with them to achieve their best – something evidenced by the school’s incredible GCSE results in 2018.

Mr Ken James, headmaster at Red House School, said: “Achieving the top position in the whole of the North in our category really is a testament to the great work of our staff here at Red House.

“Our school is going from strength to strength and we’re looking at waiting lists for some year groups. After the incredible GCSE results achieved during the last school year, and our continued programme of refurbishment and development, we’re seeing an upsurge in interest in our school.”

Red House is investing heavily throughout its school and facilities including a Zen Den (to encourage the importance of mindfulness), an enchanted outdoor classroom and a new IT suite in the junior school. The senior school has benefited from a new Learning Hub, extension of design facilities, indoor sports flooring and an all-weather Astroturf pitch.

To find out more about Red House School or to arrange a tour please contact Claire Bellerby, head of admissions, on 01642 558119 or email claire.bellerby@redhouseschool.co.uk.

The school is also holding an open morning on Saturday January 26th, 9am – 12 noon for prospective families to tour the school, and experience life at Red House.

For more information about Red House School see www.redhouseschool.co.uk, Twitter: @RedHouseSchool, Facebook: @redhouseschooluk and Instagram: @redhouseschool

£3m Investment Secured for City Centre as Businesses Vote Yes to Sunderland BID…

By on 4th December 2018in Business
Business Improvement District

Sunderland Business Improvement District will continue for a further five years, after city centre businesses voted yes to secure its future.

The results of the ballot for the BID to continue for a second term was announced this morning (29 November) with an overwhelming vote in favour.

72.7 per cent of votes cast by businesses supported the BID, which amounted to 77.1 per cent of businesses by rateable value.

More than 51 per cent of businesses voted – way above the national average.

And that means the BID will now be able to turn into reality its long term strategy to make the city centre a welcoming, safe, clean and attractive environment for businesses and visitors.

Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID, said the organisation now has the opportunity to build on the foundations which had already been laid.

“This is a great vote of confidence in the work that has already been done and we can build on those successes to help Sunderland city centre become the vibrant and prosperous place it deserves to be,” she said.

“Going forward it is about continuing to work in close partnership with leading organisations, the council and of course the levy payers so that we can turn the vision for the city into a reality.

“We’d also like to thank all the businesses who have given their support and who have put their confidence in us.

The BIDs plan for the next five years is built on three main priorities – City Pride, City Promotion and City Voice – with the bid already unveiling some of its ideas for each of these areas.

This includes strengthening its street ranger team as part of City Pride, along with plans for a food and drink festival and the continued Christmas programme under its City Promotion pledge

The BID is also planning to take an active role in bidding for a share of the High Street Fund, recently announced by the Chancellor.

“We can bid for up to £25m and the BID will be playing an important part in ensuring that Sunderland gets a share of this fund,” said Sharon.

Today’s good news has also been welcomed by chair of the BID board, Alan Patchett, who said it was great news for the city.

“We are absolutely delighted the BID has won the support of the city centre businesses, who see its value and have given us the opportunity to work on their behalf going forward,” he said.

“I’d also like to thank the BID team for their hard work over the last five years. They have played an important part in us achieving this great outcome.”

Cllr Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Centre, added that it was a good day for the city.

“We’re delighted that city centre businesses have agreed to a second five year term for Sunderland Business Improvement District,” he said.

“The BID has played a key part in helping increase the vibrancy of Sunderland city centre in the last few years by introducing popular attractions like the twice yearly restaurant weeks, the Fanzone, Hadrian’s Tipi and the Christmas ice rink at Keel Square that help bring people into the heart of the city.

“Voting the BID in for another term will allow them to carry on this good work at the same time as trying some new things like the introduction of street rangers as well as continuing to give city centre businesses a voice.”

The BID’s new term will begin in April 2019.

North East’s Encore Envelopes Secures Future in Yorkshire

By on 4th December 2018in Business
Encore envelopes business

Washington-headquartered business and the UK’s largest independent manufacturer of printed envelopes, Encore Envelopes Limited, has secured the future of its Leeds operation with a 10-year property deal.

After acquiring Great Northern Envelopes from administrators in February 2018 and safeguarding a significant number of jobs, Encore has moved production from Morley to a better-suited, 25,000 square foot site in Dewsbury offering high quality facilities to futureproof its growth.

Russell Croisdale, managing director of Encore Group, said: “The acquisition was a difficult period, but we are in a stronger position now and saving so many jobs is something we are proud of.

“The new site on Shawcross Business Park is just what we have been looking for and provides us with everything we need to develop the business further.”

Encore is investing in the new premises with a full refurbishment of the offices and installation of LED lighting throughout the property. The company is also recruiting both qualified and trainee printers to help shape the thriving business.

Paul Mack, director at Gent Visick who negotiated the transaction on behalf of the landlord said: “We are clearly delighted to see Encore Envelopes acquire GNE out of administration and safeguard so many jobs. On behalf of the landlord we were very pleased the company selected this building, which looks to be ideal for its needs.”

“The transaction was particularly complicated given the timescale in which Encore needed the premises, whilst at the same time having to negotiate an early surrender with the outgoing tenant.”

Langleys Solicitors, which has offices in York and Lincoln and acts on behalf of private individuals, owner managed businesses and large national organisations, have assisted and worked closely with the management team at Encore on a number of projects and transactions.

James Bradley, senior associate at Langleys Solicitors commented: “We have a long-established relationship with Encore and have acted on a number of property and corporate transactions for the firm. The company has seen impressive growth during this time and clearly has an exciting future ahead.”

The new site will enable the envelope overprint and sales operation to thrive. Between Leeds and Washington, the company is now able to offer a diverse range of products and quality of service which cannot be matched anywhere else in the UK.

For more information on Encore Group, see www.theencoregroup.co.uk.

North East Businesses Hop On Board to Drive Digital Double Decker Crowdfunding Success

By on 28th November 2018in Business, charity
double decker bus

Newcastle-based volunteer group Success4All is converting a double decker bus into a multi-functional digital learning hub thanks to local businesses who hopped on board to help.

Work is underway to transform the London bus into a state-of-the-art learning facility, complete with built-in WiFi, STEM equipment and a café.

Once the conversion is complete, workers at the charity plan to take their range of fun, hands-on activities, such as STEM and computer coding clubs, direct to communities that it otherwise wouldn’t be able to reach.

Following a donation of £30,000 from North East engineering charity Reece Foundation, the group launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise the remaining cash to fund the project.

Long-term supporter of Success4All, Newcastle-based law firm Muckle LLP, was one of several kind-hearted businesses to donate and also reached out to its network of business contacts to help raise awareness of the remaining funds required. Hays Travel and HTL also supported the project and, as the crowdfunding deadline dawned, The Watson Family Charitable Trust generously donated £7,000 to take the charity beyond its target.

Success4All provides safe and relaxed learning spaces, called Learning Hubs, for children and young people living in areas marked by low academic achievement.

Its eight hubs with six STEM and CODE clubs deliver a total of 24 weekly sessions from Monday to Saturday in eight different areas in Newcastle and North Shields for 420 children and young people, with the support of 179 volunteers.

Caroline Afolabi-Deleu, founder and CEO at Success4All, said: “We’re so grateful to all the businesses and individuals that have supported us in our drive to convert the bus.

“Our strategy was focused on acquiring the bus and converting it into a digital learning hub for the benefit of communities which are in need of extra educational support.

“We also want to dispel the myth that academic support is boring. Success4All is a fun experience and this new mobile learning bus will help us to reach and help more children in more communities where suitable facilities may not be otherwise available.”

Anne Reece, chair of the Reece Foundation, which was established to support education relating to science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), said: “We are pleased to be supporting this innovative project that aims to provide young people with opportunities that are otherwise not found in their area or are too costly.

“The North East needs more engineers and we hope that with its in-built STEM facilities, this very special bus will give more young people the chance to get hands-on and discover the wide-range of exciting career opportunities studying STEM can bring.”

Ian Watson, Chief Executive of Hadrian Healthcare and founder of the Watson Family Charitable Trust, said: “We have supported Success4All initiatives in the past and when we heard the charity was £7,000 short of its target and in danger of losing all its crowdfunding donations, we decided to step in and help. It’s a wonderful, local charity which is helping children for the benefit of us all and is just the kind of cause the Watson Family Charitable Trust strives to help.”

Hugh Welch, Senior Partner at Muckle LLP, added: “Our firm has been a long term supporter and contributor of the valuable work of Success4All, so we were happy to help and encourage our business network to do the same.

“Unfortunately, there are still many areas of deprivation throughout the North East and we are delighted Success4All are now able to expand their invaluable academic support programmes to other areas in need across the region.”

Success4All works to fill the gap between home and school in areas of Newcastle marked by low academic achievement through independent, collaborative or paired learning.

The charity lends academic support in: Primary School subjects at Key Stage 2 and 3; GCSE and A-level subjects; GCSE and A-level preparation in minority foreign languages; basic numeracy and literacy; academic writing; and study and careers advice for parents to support their children.

Most of Success4All’s Learning hubs and clubs are run by local volunteers, including young people, parents and retired people.

To find out more, please visit www.s4a.org.uk

Help Give a Child a Christmas Miracle

By on 28th November 2018in charity
Christmas tree presents

Newcastle’s newest and most festive bar is urging Tynesiders to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and buy a gift for an unknown child.

This year, an estimated 48,000 youngsters in the region could wake on Christmas morning to find that Santa Claus has passed them by.

Now, Miracle on Grey Street, at Newcastle’s Grey Street Hotel, is appealing to its customers to make sure that doesn’t happen.

The bar’s owner, Malhotra Group plc is calling on partygoers, shoppers, businesses and nearby residents to “make a miracle happen” this Christmas by donating a gift for youngsters aged anywhere between birth and 18 years.

The bar, with its fairy lights, garlands and traditional decorations has proved so popular since it opened earlier this month that owner, Malhotra Group plc, has doubled it in size.

And, along with additional seating, the new space to the rear of the main bar will house a seven-foot Christmas ‘giving tree’ and a drop-off point for donated gifts, which can encompass everything from toiletries to toys.

Gifts, which must be new and in their original packaging, will be handed over to the Cash For Kids charity and should be left unwrapped so the charity can label them and distribute them accordingly.

It is hoped sufficient gifts will be donated to ensure each child has at least two presents to open on Christmas morning.

“That any child should miss out on a visit from Father Christmas just doesn’t bear thinking about,” said sales and business development manager Fabian Pritchard, “and we very much hope our customers will help us ensure that doesn’t happen.

“The Malhotra Group will be getting the ball rolling with gift donations and we hope others will rally round and help – because, never mind the tinsel and the baubles, surely kindness and compassion are what Christmas is really all about.”

Miracle on Grey Street is open daily from 12 noon to midnight (children are welcome until 8pm) and the deadline for donating gifts is 19 December.

For more information visit www.malhotragroup.co.uk/miracleongreystreet and for Christmas Party booking enquiries email miracleongreystreet@malhotragroup.co.uk.

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