Category: Lifestyle

Baldwins Enhances Northern Presence Through Formation Of North East Board And Significant Team Expansion

By on 5th January 2017in Lifestyle

Baldwins Accountants has formed a North East board out of three local firms, in a bid to enhance its northern presence to better serve the region’s businesses.

The board, made up of Evolution Director, Martin Barber, Rowlands Director, Andrew Little, and Dawn Walton, Director of Alnwick Accountants, will oversee the running of the existing combined firms and expand expertise in order to build an exciting and dynamic accountancy practice fit for the future.

Combining 75 years of industry practice between them, the new board will benefit companies around the North East by combining talent, experience and expertise across the region.

“We’re excited at the prospect for the firm within the North East and as likeminded individuals, we feel we are well placed to deliver excellent career opportunities,” said Martin.

Andrew added: “Through this new, combined larger approach, we will be able to help more businesses, who will benefit from enhanced expertise and top quality, local service.”

Establishing a North East board is just one of the ways the firm, headquartered in the West Midlands, is increasing its profile in the area.

A recent recruitment drive, which saw 11 new starters added to the Baldwins North East group, takes its current team of staff to over 200.

The new members, four of which are apprentices, cover a range of roles within the company and are based all over the North East.

About the new employees, Dawn said: “It’s fantastic to see the North East team expanding so rapidly and with such an eclectic mix of talent and experience.

“We feel it’s important to employ apprentices alongside more experienced members, because we like to give talented youngsters a real career opportunity and our strong links to local education establishments have made this possible.”

With over 10,000 clients and a turnover in excess of £10m in the North East alone, Baldwins is regarded as one of the fastest growing accountancy practices in the UK, a factor which attracted Accounts Senior, Andrew Harrison.

He said: “The chance to work for such a progressive and expanding firm was too good an opportunity to overlook.

“The fact Baldwins keeps growing, yet retains the local accountants’ office feel, really interested me.”

This is a sentiment echoed by Sarah Hale, newly appointed director in audit, who said: “I love the vision and the progressive attitude the firm shows and I also like the idea of working with customers who really need us and value us.”

Tax apprentice Ben Harrison added: “Baldwins jumped out as a great firm to work for when I was applying for apprenticeships, from doing original research on the company website, right down to interview process.

“I was delighted when I was offered a position here and knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”

Baldwins Accountants is one of the largest, independent accountancy firms in the UK with 33 offices and over 800 staff. The firm specialises in accountancy and business advisory services, including corporate finance and specialist tax advice to all businesses from start-ups to mature companies, across a broad range of business sectors.

For more information, please visit: http://www.baldwinsaccountants.co.uk/index.php

Twitter – @baldwinsandco

Save Yourself From Debt This Christmas

By on 18th December 2016in Lifestyle

In the run-up to Christmas, Durham County Council is encouraging everyone to speak to their local credit union to avoid giving themselves the unwanted gift of debt this year.

With weekly payment stores charging several times the actual value of goods, and payday lenders offering easy money at exorbitant rates of interest, people are being encouraged to save themselves from unfair and unmanageable debt.

The council is working with Prince Bishops Community Bank and the North East First Credit Union, the two main credit unions for County Durham, to help spread the word that they can offer sensible loans and effective savings to their members.

Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “Christmas is meant to be a time of happiness and joy but with parents feeling under immense pressure to buy their children the latest toys and gadgets it can also be a time of great stress and worry about money.”

As part of its support for the credit unions, the council has funded a new Apprentice-themed promotional video to alert people to the dangers of using weekly payment stores. It highlights how a loan from a credit union could save Christmas shoppers £1,000 by allowing them to buy a £500 iPad outright instead of signing up for weekly payments and eventually shelling out over £1,500 for the same item.

Cllr Foster continued: “The video highlights just one of many stories we’ve heard as part of our ongoing work with the credit unions. A loan from a credit union can stop you having to pay three times as much for the same item at a weekly payment store or save you from paying hundreds of pounds in interest payments on short-term payday loans.

“This year we’re desperate to encourage people to give themselves a truly merry Christmas by talking to their local credit union instead. They lend money to their members even if they’ve got a poor credit history but they won’t charge over the odds to do so. And if you’re looking for someone to save with, you can help your local community at the same time by saving with a credit union, knowing you’ll be helping to put loan sharks and people that prey on the vulnerable out of business for good.”

People can save with confidence with County Durham’s credit unions as, like all banks and building societies, they are regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority, the Financial Conduct Authority and are part of the Bank of England’s financial compensation scheme. They currently have over £3 million deposited with them and council staff alone have saved and borrowed over £750,000 with credit unions over the last 3 years through a salary savings scheme.

People can see the video and find out more about their local credit unions at www.durham.gov.uk/financialhelp. Also on the website is a link to a host of information for anyone having trouble managing their money or dealing with debt.

More Foster Carers Needed In County Durham

By on 9th December 2016in Lifestyle, Uncategorised

The number of foster carers in County Durham continues to rise – but more prospective parents are needed to help provide a loving home for looked after children.

Councillors will next week hear how Durham County Council’s fostering service has seen an increase in the number of potential foster placements – but that the number of children in care continues to outstrip that supply.

A report to Cabinet, on December 14, will set out four main priorities for the service over the next year, including recruiting more foster carers to ensure that children remain in County Durham communities; and developing its Foster Xtra scheme that supports children with some of the most complex needs.

Margaret Whellans, the council’s corporate director of children and young people’s services, said: “The majority of our looked after children are placed within our fostering service, but it is increasingly challenging to manage the growing demand for placements.

“Our foster carers tell us that nothing gives the same feeling of love and warmth as fostering and by working with us you could make an enormous difference to a child’s life.

“We know that there are many myths that surround fostering and so we would encourage people to find out the facts before they rule themselves out.

“You don’t need any special qualifications – just a genuine interest in caring for young people, patience, understanding and a sense of humour – and we can offer you training and specialised support along the way.”

For more information about fostering with Durham County Council visit www.durham.gov.uk/fostering.

10 Things Not To Forget This Christmas

By on 1st December 2016in Lifestyle

The festive season may be a time of fun and plenty (in theory, anyway), but there’s a huge amount of preparation that goes into a truly successful Christmas. Here are 10 of the things that you really shouldn’t allow to slip your mind if you are to avoid those last minute ’emergencies’.

  1. Planning

This is the single most important thing not to forget. After all, with everything from the office Christmas party to your children’s nativity play to think about, you’ll be overcome with anxiety if you fail to follow such basic steps as putting together a ‘to-do’ list and spreading out those essential duties over the coming weeks in your diary.

  1. Christmas cards

This is the time of year when you suddenly seem to remember all of those family members you never actually meet, and you won’t want to be the only one in the family not to have sent them a Christmas card. So, make sure you make a list of all conceivable recipients to avoid repeat trips to the card shop when someone else pops to mind.

  1. Postal costs

Sending off presents to your far-flung relatives can get pretty expensive. To alleviate this, look for gifts that are light, non-breakable and easy to wrap, and include your Christmas card to the recipient in the same package to save you having to buy another stamp.

  1. Budget

It seems that we all plan to be frugal over the festive period, but so often find ourselves plunging into our overdrafts due to that costly present that we hadn’t initially expected to buy, or that party where we overspent on the sherries. So, by all means, agree a budget with your family – not too strict, and not too costly – but then stick to it.

  1. Tidying up

Those weeks of calm before the Christmas celebrations are the perfect period in which to declutter your home – not least to make space for everyone set to descend on your humble abode. Put last year’s unwanted gifts on eBay to raise present-buying funds, find a cupboard for all of that wrapping and make a flattering space for the Christmas tree – accounting for height and not just width!

  1. Food and drink

This aspect of your Yuletide shopping threatens to be such a headache with all of the queues – unless you take steps to avoid this, such as ordering online for home delivery or purchasing all non-perishable products well in advance. The turkey’s a natural essential, so order yours well ahead of time for collection on the 23rd.

  1. Stress management

With so much to plan, buy and organise, it’s easy to become overwhelmed – but don’t shirk your duties. Instead, practice effective stress management techniques such as breaking down everything that you have to do into smaller, less daunting chunks, or delegating tasks to other people where you can. Are the kids helping out enough with the washing up, for instance?

  1. Fashion

You won’t want to lag behind anyone in the style stakes at your Christmas party. Get an instantly glamorous look by pairing a statement necklace with a lightweight knit, and for your footwear, opt for a medium heel or a block heel with a platform to ensure the utmost comfort on the festive dance floor. Nor will a tasteful handbag go amiss for completing your look.

  1. Everything you need for wrapping

Sellotape, scissors, wrapping paper that isn’t embarrassingly out-of-date… they’re all the kind of things that you might expect to already be in your cupboard due to all of that shopping you did last year. However, you should always double check far in advance. Don’t forget those labels either, and make sure everything’s wrapped up ahead of the last Christmas posting dates.

  1. A smile

If you’re the host of the Christmas party, you’ll need to remember to provide the best possible hospitality, including that all-important festive cheer. Try to avoid those heated debates about politics or who should have brought the food course – unless all of that’s your “thing”, of course.

Fascinators Are Odds On Favourite As North East Women Prepare For Ladies’ Day

By on 13th June 2016in Lifestyle

Ladies from across the North East are being encouraged to dress to impress for Redcar Racecourse’s Ladies’ Day with superb designer prizes up for grabs…

The Teesside racecourse’s annual Ladies’ Day Premier meeting, on Saturday June 18th, is always a glamourous occasion and this year won’t disappoint, as thousands of women will don their most fabulous outfits for an afternoon at the races.

In keeping with the tradition of Ladies’ Day there are fabulous prizes to be won for the ‘Best Dressed Lady’ and the ‘Best Hat’, which have been kindly donated by Market Cross Jewellers, Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty, Lynne Young Chic Hats, and Eastwood Photography.

Amy Fair, Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, said this is one of her favourite Premier meetings of the season as it’s always a magnificent event.

She said: “With fascinators, dresses, bubbly and glamorous prizes to be won, what more could a girl want? This is the most highly anticipated event of the racing season and we’re looking forward to welcoming ladies from across the region to Redcar Racecourse.”

“This is the perfect event for social racegoers and racing enthusiast alike. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a great excuse to get dressed up, then you need to attend Ladies’ Day.”

Competition ‘spotters’ will mingle with the crowds throughout the afternoon and select the ten finalists for the hotly contested ‘Best Dressed Lady’ and ‘Best Hat’ competitions.

The lady judged to be the ‘Best Dressed’ will be invited to represent Redcar Racecourse in the Go Racing In Yorkshire Grand Final at Doncaster Racecourse on Saturday 22nd October.

The prizes for the ‘Best Dressed’ ladies are: (1st) A Gucci necklace and bracelet and £150 gift voucher from Market Cross Jewellers, and a cut and blow dry voucher from Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty; (2nd) Links of London necklace, Chlobo pearl star ring, Chlobo pearl bracelet, and £100 gift voucher from Market Cross Jewellers; (3rd) Daisy heart necklace, Swarovski slake bracelet, £50 Nomination gift voucher from Market Cross Jewellers. All three placed winners will also receive Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty gift packs.

The prizes for the ladies with the ‘Best Hat’ are: (1st) Bespoke fascinator and matching bag from Lynne Young Chic Hats, a makeover photoshoot for two from Eastwood Photography, and a gel nails voucher from Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty; (2nd) Lola and Grace collier crystal necklace from Market Cross Jewellers; (3rd) Michael Kors logo stud earrings from Market Cross Jewellers.

Racegoers are being encouraged to put on their best accessories for a chance to win one of 20 #TopSpot goodie bags on the day.

The racecourse has teamed up with local charity Teesside Hospice to showcase a ‘Dress For Less’ fashion show after the 2nd race at 2.05pm. All of the outfits have been sourced through the Teesside Hospice shops proving that you can look fabulous without spending a fortune and you’ll be supporting a great cause at the same time.

In the run up to the big day, Redcar Racecourse is also giving one lucky racegoer the chance to win a VIP day for four. The winner and their three friends will receive a three course meal with wine in the Voltigeur Restaurant, VIP Grandstand Admission badges and racecards, and a luxury gift, all with an estimated value of more than £500.

Anyone who wants to be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize should head over to Redcar Racecourse’s Facebook page and follow the instructions.

Amy added: “Ladies’ Day is always an incredible event and winning a VIP day at the races would make it extra special for any racegoer.”

Alongside the seven races, local performing arts company, Page2Stage, will help to deliver another grand day with entertainment for all the family, including appearances from princesses Snow White, Cinderella, and Rapunzel.

Admission prices on the day start from £5 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under. The admission gates will open at 11am and the first race is scheduled to start at 1.35pm.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

For more information visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/ and to enter the Ladies’ Day VIP competition, visit https://www.facebook.com/RedcarRacing/.

Facebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing

2016 remaining Premier meetings:

Saturday 18th June Ladies’ Day

Sunday 17th July Help for Heroes Family Fun Day

Saturday 6th August Caribbean Carnival Day

Saturday 27th August Ladies’ & Gents’ Evening

Saturday 1st October Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day

Darlington Food Festival Is In Best Possible Taste

By on 13th May 2016in Lifestyle

Foodies will get the chance to sample some of the newest flavours and products in the region this weekend…

One of the biggest events in the culinary calendar, Distinct Darlington’s Distinctly Delicious Darlington Festival of Food, returns to the town on Saturday and Sunday.

And, along with live music, competitions and more than 50 stalls, at High Row and West Row, selling locally produced food, visitors will enjoy two days, of tastings, demonstrations and giveaways.

Among the gourmet goodies on offer will be North Chocolates new, Gardener’s Hour range of chocolates, with flavours including milk geranium and lavender, 70 per cent dark rosemary and lemon sea salt and beetroot and raspberry.

The company, voted Artisan Business of the Year in 2015, will be handing out samples and giving visitors the chance to win a floral three bar box of their Gardener’s Hour chocolates.

Riverford Organics will be offering tastings of their new, tomato, bean and chorizo soup and holding a ‘guess the vegetable’ competition. They will also be offering a free spring and summer cookbook to new customers who sign up for delivery of their award-winning, organic vegetable boxes.

Stateside Treat Emporium will be inviting food lovers to guess the flavour combination on a range of their chocolate bars, while Café Nobia will be offering free tasters of their curried goat dish.

Bella Italia will ask ice cream fans to guess the flavour and will be holding a masterclass for decorating the best gelato cup, while Leaside Cheese will be holding blind tastings throughout the event.

Some of the region’s finest chefs will also be sharing their skills over the course of the weekend, at the town centre’s Pease Monument, starting on Saturday with Steven Chesnutt, from The Crown at Mickleton.

At 11am he will be demonstrating how to make a salad of smoked Teesdale trout with asparagus and a citrus and horseradish dressing and, at 12.30pm, seared fillet of stone bass, with charred spring onions, new potatoes, pickled radish and salsa verde.

Chefs from Darlington’s popular The Keys restaurant will take over the demo kitchen at 1.15pm and then Kendra Fry, of Voodoo Café, will reveal the secrets of her world class chilli at 2pm in the run up to the festival’s chilli eating contest at 2.30pm.

Master mixologist Johnathan Cairns, of Hotel Mercure Darlington, will be giving cocktail masterclasses on Saturday, at noon, 3.30pm and 4.15pm and, on Sunday, at noon and 2.30pm.

Also on Sunday, Aaron Craig, brasserie head chef at Rockliffe Hall Hotel, will return to the stage at 3.30pm, for the third year running, to demonstrate some of his favourite dishes.

Finally, there will be a giveaway of Ringtons tea and cake for everyone following the annual Locomotion Cake Parade, which brings the festival to a close at 2.30pm on Sunday.

Places are still available for the chilli eating contest. To book a place, or for more information, visit www.darlofoodfest.org or contact Simon Preston at simon@graceonline.co.uk.

North East Restaurant Brings Unique Twist To Piri Piri

By on 29th April 2016in Lifestyle

A new Piri Piri restaurant that brings a unique twist to the popular Portuguese cuisine, has opened on Middlesbrough’s bustling Linthorpe Road…

Frango’s, which specialises in Piri Piri dishes with an African and Portuguese twist, held an exclusive launch event on Sunday (24 April) to announce its long-awaited arrival in Teesside.

The project is the brainchild of former owner of Bahia Bistro, Eddie De Melo, who was convinced he could produce tastier, healthier cuisine at better value than the competition.

As a result, Eddie teamed up with partner, Iffy, to create a 130+ seat restaurant which employs almost 30 members of staff from the local area, and will cater to the growing demand for fresh, authentic food in the North East.

Born in Mozambique, Eddie was brought up in Brazil and then moved to South Africa, where he jointly owned a Mediterranean restaurant. It’s his 20+ years’ experience in the restaurant industry, combined with his heritage, that he believes gives him an edge over other Piri Piri style restaurants.

Eddie said: “Middlesbrough is very multicultural, so it was the perfect place for me to settle. I bring with me a unique insight into Portuguese cuisine and my experience of African atmosphere, which has influenced things such as including a space for customers to put their names on the menus.

“No matter where I have lived throughout my life, I have learned there is nothing more important than the best, traceable ingredients, and that is why we stress the need for the freshest produce, like our British chicken.

“As a concept, Frango’s will deliver great tasting Piri-Piri cuisine, served in a relaxed and informal environment at affordable prices. We have even installed a state of the art kitchen to ensure speed and efficiency for every order.”

Frango’s is the only Piri Piri restaurant in Middlesbrough that uses fresh, 100% British chicken, and also features specials that complement its multi-ethnic heritage.

Partner Iffy said: “There is a gap in the market for fresh, tasty food that isn’t mass produced, and that’s a gap we plan to fill. Unlike the larger chains, we’re not restricted to a particular format and as such, the food we serve at Frango’s will evolve over time.

“Anyone who visited Eddie’s previous venture, Bahia, will know he’s renowned for serving excellent food, so pulling off dishes that he’s grown up with should be a piece of cake!”

Frango’s has worked with local craftsmen AD Property Maintenance, KJS Woodwork, Wainwright Upholstery and artists Alan Morley and Steve Badger, to prepare the restaurant which has had almost £500,000 invested in it.

For more information, visit the Frango’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Frangos-Piri-Piri-524693127710622/

Twitter and Instagram: @FrangosPiri

Experience Affordable Luxury At Durham Housing Development

By on 25th April 2016in Lifestyle

Local housebuilder, David Wilson Homes, is urging house hunters looking to buy in the Durham area to visit its luxury Mount Oswald development, which features a premium collection of four and five bedroom homes available in 11 beautiful designs. Each house is crafted with the very best materials and finishes, offering spectacular views of the surrounding woodland and open areas.

Buyers visiting Mount Oswald can view a range of quality homes from the 5* housebuilder, including the Blackthorne housetype, a beautiful five bedroom, three-storey home with a generous lounge, family room, dining room and kitchen with a beautiful orangery. Upstairs leads to four bedrooms, one with an en suite, and a family bathroom, whilst the second floor has a den and fifth bedroom with an en suite. The Blackthorne is now available to buy from £599,995.

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Steve Ball, Sales Manager for Mount Oswald, commented: “Mount Oswald is a fantastic development with a great community feel in a beautiful setting, so close to Durham city centre. We have a wide range of properties available and the sales team is always on hand to discuss your buying options. We would advise buyers to come along and truly experience the luxury of the development.”

To find out more about David Wilson Homes in the North East, please visit: www.dwh.co.uk.

Restaurant Review: Le Raaj, Sedgefield

By on 11th April 2016in Lifestyle

Andy Knowles shares his thoughts on Sedgefield’s newest premium dining experience…

For years I had been driving past the derelict Little Chef building at the round-a-bout between Sedgefield and Stockton. A road I use each evening on my way home from the office in Chester-le-Street so when I noticed the Le Raaj ‘coming soon’ signs appear I was quite excited. Not only is it great to see one of our clients expanding from Durham into my region of Teesside, its also great that a new Indian restaurant was opening as I consider myself an Indian food aficionado.

After many weeks of anticiptation I noticed the ‘we are open’ banners were on display so I made a mental note to organize a babysitter and treat my other half to a night of beer and a curry. Who said romance was dead!

As we arrived at the restaurant the grand entrance looked stunning with a pitched roof and marble pillars that stood out with mood lighting similar to something you might expect to see at an exclusive members club in Mayfair, London. We were both very impressed.

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On entering the restaurant there was a great ambience and we were greeted by the polite manager who ushered us to a comfy seating area where we ordered some drinks and were handed the menus that were so new and the ink was must have barely dried. This was going to be a great evening I thought.

After a comfortable and relaxing wait the manager took our orders and we were showed to our table by the window. The restaurant was relatively busy considering it was a Tuesday night and the sound of chatter and music made the atmosphere really great and added to the overall ambiance.

As we caught up with each other on this very rare ‘date night’ the waiter arrived with poppadum’s and pickles and it wasn’t long before we started to break them up and work our way up to the lime pickle.

After another comfortable break it was time for the starters. My wife opted for Tikka chicken paneer that was described as marinated boneless chicken in tandoor and served with homemade Indian cheese. I opted for Onion Baji that was one of the best I’ve ever tasted.

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For main course Kelly selected a predictable Chicken Korma and I went for one of the chefs special dishes called ‘Goan chicken’ A classic northern dish, slow cooked with aromatic spices, whole zera, garlic Goan chilli and coconut – spicy dish

We finished off with a nice coffee and complimentary chocolate before heading home after a great evening of good food and exceptional service.

So would I recommend Le Raaj in Sedgefield? Absolutely! And I hope its not too long before we get to visit again.

City Tavern Invites Couples To Tie The Knot

By on 9th April 2016in Lifestyle

A stylish city centre bar is providing a quirky alternative venue for weddings with three unique packages…

The award-winning City Tavern at Northumberland Road, Newcastle, is opening its doors to couples who want to tie the knot in a stylish city centre location.

Offering a range of wedding options is the latest initiative from the bar’s entrepreneurial owner, Dave King, who has put the historic pub back on the map since taking it over two years ago.

The weddings are aimed at smaller, more intimate ceremonies suitable for parties of between 10 and 50 guests.

Couples can choose to say “I do” in the bar’s library or even marry on the City Tavern’s terrace, followed by a reception on the mezzanine level.

And chefs at the venue have also created an imaginative range of menu options including dishes such as canapés of seared tuna and caviar tartlets and tempura king prawns, with main courses of Northumbrian beef, steamed mussels, ‘gold leaf’ flatbread and vegetable and apricot tagines.

“The City Tavern is unique as it’s a venue with a really historic feel and a sense of tradition,” said Mr King.

“It’s perfect for more intimate weddings for people who like somewhere truly original and for couples who find a city centre venue really appealing.”

The packages on offer include a range of extras for the couples, including candle-lit candelabra in the library windows, PA system for the speeches and a variety of drinks options.

The bar is also able to provide everything from personalised wedding crackers to individual cupcakes, to add a real “wow” factor to the day.

“We are an unconventional venue but we find that more and more couples like that,” said Mr King.

“And we promise anyone who does choose to get married here a really memorable day.”

City Tavern, widely recognised for its Tudor style façade, was taken over by Mr King early in 2014 and then enjoyed a £450k refurbishment to create a state-of-the-art bar while still retaining the venue’s historic features.

City Tavern’s wedding packages include a range of options. Details and prices can be found at http://www.citytavern.co.uk/weddings/

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