Tag: business

Evolution LLP Appoints New Corporate Finance Director

By on 15th December 2015in Local Biz

North East accountancy practice, Evolution LLP, has appointed a new Corporate Finance Director as it adds to its ever-expanding team…

With over 10 years corporate finance experience, Konrad Rutkowski is the perfect choice for the ambitious Wynyard-based company, which prides itself on always looking for opportunities to grow its service and its team of experts.

Originally from Coventry, Konrad has worked on lead advisory and transaction support assignments, which he gained working for both accountancy firms and specialist corporate finance boutiques, specialising in transactions up to £30 million. He also has experience from his previous role as an acting Financial Director, and has sat on various boards – meaning he fully understands and appreciates the challenges of running a successful business.

The father-of-two is looking forward to working alongside his knowledgeable, new colleagues and playing a significant part in the dynamic company’s future.

He said: “I am pleased to be joining as Corporate Finance Director with the opportunity to work with Andrew Fotheringham in helping to develop the already established team and grow the Evolution Corporate Finance presence in the North East and Yorkshire.

“Evolution is a revolutionary firm which already has a great track record, and the intention is to move this forward, focusing on disposals, acquisitions and equity fundraising transactions.”

Konrad is the latest employee to join Evolution – which now boasts over 60 staff following a major rebrand last year – and brings something different to the existing finance team.

Talking about his latest employee, Martin Barber, Managing Partner of Evolution LLP said: “Konrad has a wealth of business and lead advisory experience, and he will bring a very strong boardroom presence to our offering.

“He is absolutely on brand as we seek to bring the very best talent to the region. Konrad is a great addition to an already outstanding team, and will help Evolution become a leading corporate finance house in the region.”

For more information on Evolution LLP, which provides business accounting, auditing, taxation and corporate finance services, visit: www.evolutionllp.com.

Redcar Handmade Bouquet Business Is Blooming

By on 14th December 2015in Local Biz

Brides all over the UK are exchanging bouquets for buttons, thanks to the talent and craftsmanship of a North East business woman…

Cute as a Button is the brainchild of Danielle Rigg, who creates bespoke wedding bouquets out of buttons and brooches.

The mum-of-one has seen her business bloom since setting up in 2013, with some of her designs making it as far as Italy and Las Vegas.

Working out of her Redcar home, Danielle spends more than 20 hours working on a single bridal bouquet, and already has over 28 orders placed for next year.

Talking about the popularity of her handiworks, she said: “I honestly can’t believe how crazy business has got in the last two years. It’s been incredible how Cute as a Button has really taken off.

“Some of the bouquets I have designed and created have made it all over the world, which is amazing, and I’ve started to get interest from wedding companies abroad, as they’re much easier to carry around and pack in a suitcase. Plus they last longer than traditional flowers… in fact they can be kept forever, which is a great memory!

“I think people also like how personal the bouquets can be, as I’m often asked to put family brooches, bits of jewellery or even photos into the designs.”

It was while organising her own wedding that Danielle created her first bouquet, having been inspired by pictures she saw on Pinterest.

She said: “I thought it looked easy and wanted to give it a go for my own wedding, but after trying it, I found out it wasn’t easy at all.

“My friend Tracy, who owns Sugarcraft in Middlesbrough, offered to help me with the first one, and it took us ages but I really enjoyed making it.

“Lots of people commented at my wedding about how amazing and original the button bouquet looked and then someone contacted me to ask how much I charge for them and it went from there.”

Danielle sources all the materials she needs from the North East – with the bulk coming from Thornaby’s Cleveland Wholesale Supplies and Country Baskets, in Gateshead, and the silk, handmade flowers coming from Scarborough’s ZBaccessory.

“It really is a North East business in every sense of the words, which feels great,” said Danielle.

“In the future, I’d love to be able to work out of a summer house in the garden, as the way things are going, my spare room just isn’t big enough!”

To find out more about Cute as a Button or to place an order, contact Danielle via her Facebook page.

Is your business blooming? Let us know, and we could feature you on In & Around Online!

Sunderland Recruitment Agency Celebrates Growth

By on 11th December 2015in Local Biz

A North East recruitment agency has moved into larger premises to accommodate its growing numbers, following a number of successful contract wins…

 

Sunderland-based Willow Hudson was set up by recruitment specialist Gemma Lonsdale in February, and has now moved into new offices at St Peter’s Gate, Charles Street.

Gemma, 31, made the decision to move into the University of Sunderland-run complex after recognising that her company was growing at an impressive pace.

“Since launching Willow Hudson in February, we’ve had some really significant wins, and we have two new members of staff starting with us in the new year,” she said.

“The business has been growing steadily, and we then decided to move into the offices to ensure we had the space we needed going forward.”

Although the company has been in operation for less than a year, Gemma has more than ten years’ experience in recruitment.

Originally from Northern Ireland, she has worked for a range of well-known companies before deciding to go it alone.

Willow Hudson specialises in sales and marketing recruitment across a range of industries, with their current clients including everything from waste management to engineering, along with recruiting for software companies and the oil and gas industry.

“The company has really got off to a flying start,” said Gemma.

“And we’re looking forward to a really busy year in 2016.”

For further information, visit www.willow-hudson.co.uk.

Sunderland AFC Offer Sports-Themed Party Package For Fans

By on 10th December 2015in Local Biz

Football fans can now bring the action off the pitch and into their party, thanks to one of the North East’s leading event companies…

1879 Events Management, a subsidiary of Sunderland AFC, has just launched a new sports-themed package for private events at the Stadium of Light, as well as its sister sites, National Glass Centre and the Beach House bistro, Roker.

This package offers a range of benefits, including appearances by former SAFC players and Black Cats mascots, along with signed merchandise from the Barclays Premier League team.

Anyone who books the Personal Celebration package, available until March 31st, can also receive a complimentary arrival drink for all their guests, as well as the opportunity to have professional photographs taken pitch side at the Stadium of Light.

As an added incentive, the package can also include discounts and offers for the new Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, which is due to open adjacent to the Stadium in April 2016.

Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director for SAFC and 1879 Events Management, said:  “We know that people are really passionate about their football, and wanted to offer fans a chance to really get to grips with the game at their next celebration.

“We hope this will prove a popular addition to our wide range of private and corporate packages, and become a regular fixture at birthdays, christenings and even weddings.”

1879 Events Management, which was established in 2012, currently manages catering and events at the Stadium of Light and National Glass Centre, as well as its own stand-alone venue, The Beach House, Roker.

In recent months the company has expanded its off-site operations, assisting at a wide range of gatherings, including leading LGBT festival Newcastle Pride, and its first wedding at a North East garden centre.

The Personal Celebration package, which requires a minimum of between 20 and 100 guests depending on the venue, is one of a number of special offers released by the firm for 2016.

Others include a day delegate rate of £20.16 per person for corporate bookings at the Stadium of Light up to March 31st, and a 10% discount for all off-site events until the end of July.

For more information, or to book, visit www.1879events.com, call 0871 911 1269, email info@1879events.com, or follow @1879Events on Twitter.

Additional specifications for each of 1879’s venues can also be found by visiting www.thestadiumoflight.com and www.nationalglasscentre.com/hire/

Newcastle United FC Physios Offer Advice To North East Students

By on 8th December 2015in Local Biz

Cryogenic treatments, blood tests and GPS performance analysis…

 

Ever wondered what a day in the life of Newcastle United FC’s team doctor involves, or the physiology behind becoming a top athlete?

Top consultants and physiologists from Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital delivered a mini-series of lectures for students at Newcastle School for Boys this week with the dual purpose of promoting health and wellbeing in teenagers, while also presenting different aspects of medicine as potential career opportunities post A Level.

With the Government’s increased focus on developing home-grown medical practitioners across all disciplines, Nuffield’s team of experts delivered aspirational presentations to highlight the different range of careers available within medicine.

Nuffield is the UK’s largest healthcare charity, and kick-started its series of talks at the school with Health and Wellbeing Physiologist, Aidan Innes. Aidan’s talk, ‘Health and Wellbeing Conditioning in Young Athletes’ focused on how pupils can implement behavioural change in their sports training regimes to both decrease risk of developing lifestyle-related diseases and achieve optimal health.

Next up was Gavin Watt, one of the leading health and wellbeing physiologists in the country who focused on ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing in 14 to 18 year olds’, taking a wider view on the general health issues associated with teenagers. His presentation focused on the impacts of exercise and nutrition on cognitive function and emotional wellbeing, whilst also covering topics such as sleep physiology and developing good revision techniques.

The lecture series culminated in a talk by Dr Paul Catterson, Newcastle United FC team doctor and host of Nuffield Health Hospital Newcastle’s weekly sports injury clinic. Dr Catterson presented his talk ‘A dose of sporting medicine: The role of medicine in elite sport’ giving an insight into the role of a doctor at a leading sporting institution.

Each specialist also shared advice with their audience including career top tips and health guidance.

Newcastle School for Boys headmaster, David Tickner, said of the events: “It’s invaluable for our students to hear first-hand of the opportunities within medicine from leading experts in their field who are based right here in Newcastle. There is a lot of hard work involved but, as demonstrated by our guest speakers, the results are incredibly rewarding, and we’re here to provide our students with the support and framework to achieve greatness in their chosen careers.

“What’s equally important is the ongoing health and wellbeing of our students. As teenagers, their bodies are in continuous development, so it’s important they learn processes now which will prepare their bodies, both physically and mentally, for the future. Thanks to the Nuffield team, they now have the basis for that preparation.”

Chris Land, sales and services manager at Nuffield Health Hospital Newcastle, was central to the arranging of the lecture series. He said: “The students of today are our doctors and physiologists of the future, so it’s vital we nurture them now at the start of their career path development.”

Nuffield is the UK’s largest healthcare charity and has two sites in Newcastle – the Nuffield Health Hospital in Jesmond and Nuffield Gym in Gosforth. Nuffield delivers a wide variety of inpatient and outpatient private healthcare treatments and services using the best possible technological facilities.

For more information, visit www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/newcastle-upon-tyne.

Darlington Couple Take Handmade Beard Care Products International

By on 8th December 2015in Local Biz

Bearded men across the region are swapping their traditional grooming tools for oils and balms, thanks to one young Darlington couple…

Heavy Metal Gentleman (HMG) is the brainchild of Thom and Laura Langlands, who produce homemade, luxury beard care products, having identified a gap in the local market for men’s grooming products.

The creative husband and wife team has rapidly seen their innovative idea grow into a business over the last year, with their high quality products reaching as far as Poland.

Talking about the snowballing of the business, Laura, 25, said: “It is a very exciting time for us. Not only to be recognised throughout the UK, but also Europe, because we’ve only been trading for a few months.

“Thom is an avid beardsman and with my understanding of hair and skin care, creating products quickly became a passion of ours, which we believe shows through our products.”

HMG was born from a shared love and interest in heavy metal and homemade skin care. Thom, 30, and Laura, decided to start working from their home in Darlington and believe this is one of the main reasons behind their business’ success.

“By brewing the oils and creating the balms ourselves, then hand-sticking a label on to every single product in our kitchen, we are able to pay a great amount of care and attention to what we produce and then go on to sell,” said Laura.

“There’s no doubt a lot of blood, sweat and tears goes into everything we make, but at least we know it’s 100% homemade.

“We use purely natural ingredients, including six of the best carrier oils, to make the base of our bespoke, handmade oils, and wouldn’t work any other way.”

Thom and Laura believe HMG products are suitable for everyone, and see this as another reason for why the business has taken off so well.

Thom said: “The great thing about our products is they’re for anyone, from the career beadsman to Mr Clean-Shaven.

“By using carrier oils, we can ensure our products contain the necessary vitamins and antioxidants for hydrating and revitalising the skin and hair, and they are also great for anyone to use who has sensitive and problematic skin.

“We see the Heavy Metal Gentleman brand as sophisticated, and our products are made with quality in mind. This is why we believe everybody who wishes to take care of their skin and hair should be using our oils.”

With 20 years of experience in retail and sales between them, the couple are continually developing new ideas and recently sealed two important deals with Darlington’s Maison Royale and Mr. Hutton’s barbers and bar, who will now stock the HMG range.

Future plans have also been put into place to develop a wider range of beard care and accessories – but the couple are not content with just supplying to Europe.

Laura said: “We both love what we do and we have had lots of fun with the products, from their concept to their creation, which drives us to keep creating new ideas.

“With our ever growing passion and excitement keeping our company interesting, innovative and continuously expanding, I definitely believe we can go global.”

In the hope of attaining this worldwide recognition, Heavy Metal Gentlemen has launched a Kickstarter campaign which aims to help the company find financial support to aid in its development and growth.

To show your support for Heavy Metal Gentlemen, visit the Kickstarter page.

For more information about Heavy Metal Gentlemen, visit their website, follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Hundreds Gather At Metrocentre For Christmas 1K Elf Run

By on 7th December 2015in In & Around

North East families have dusted off their elf costumes for the second intu Elf Run at intu Eldon Square and intu Metrocentre…

 

Over 1,000 excitable elves took to the region’s favourite shopping malls to take part in the 1km charity fun run.

Participating elves paid £10 to enter the race and received an elf T-shirt and hat, an ‘official helper’ certificate from Santa and a well deserved runner’s medal for completing the fun run.

Santa’s little helpers also showed their Christmas spirit by fundraising on behalf of The Percy Hedley Foundation, and bringing in unwrapped presents for Santa to distribute to children in the North East.

First off the starting blocks at intu Metrocentre was Lisa Clark, from Hebburn, and her children Owen, Ewan and Freya. Lisa said: “It was a really fun event to take part in. The kids just sprinted ahead when the race began! Can’t wait to do it again.”

Clair Williams, from Kenton, who attended the run with her husband Simon and their sons Thomas and Luke, said: “It was a really fun day for the whole family. The kids love their medals and certificates, and would love to come back again.”

At intu Eldon Square, Maria Bokhari from High Heaton attended the run with her children Zavi, age 6, and Ariana, age 2. Maria said: “We’ve had a great morning at the fun run. Everyone involved was so enthusiastic, and there was a wonderful atmosphere with all the little elves running around!”

Mary Dowson, from Morpeth, completed the run with her children Leo, age 10, Lorenzo, age 7, Lewi, age 6, and Rowon, age 3. Mary said: “This is our second year doing the run. My kids haven’t slept all night as they were so excited about taking part! It’s a fabulous event and a great way to support a local charity. We’ve had a fantastic time, although I’m completely out of breath now!”

Karen Carr, intu regional marketing manager, North, said: “We’re delighted with the response we’ve had to our second intu Elf Run. The atmosphere on the malls has been joyful with lots of new little elves taking part as well as some who ran last year. Christmas may be a time of indulgence, but these unique 1k indoor family fun runs are a great opportunity for our shoppers to get active, get elfy, and get into the festive spirit whilst raising valuable funds for The Percy Hedley Foundation, an organisation recognised nationally and internationally as leading the way in the provision of specialist, high quality, and innovative services for disabled people.”

Wynyard Hall Farm Shop To Host Christmas Shopping Evenings

By on 6th December 2015in Local Biz

Shoppers can snap up some last minute Christmas gifts and festive fare at two special events being held by the North East’s newest attraction this month…

Following the success of its annual Christmas fayre, Wynyard Hall Hotel, Tees valley, is hosting festive shopping evenings, on Thursday 10th and 17th December, at its recently opened Walled Garden farm shop.

And, along with the chance to purchase some of the finest locally sourced gifts and ingredients, visitors will be given special price discounts at each event.

A glass of Prosecco will be served to each visitor on arrival and they will also be able to sample some of the food lines on sale at the farm shop, overlooking the multi-million pound rose garden.

“I have personally selected – and sampled – every food item on sale in the farm shop,” said Wynyard Hall’s Managing Director Allison Antonopoulos.

“And, as it is of the utmost importance to me to showcase local suppliers, we have some fabulous lines, from the likes of Norton-based Blackwells Butchers, the Acorn Dairy, near Darlington and Proof of the Pudding, Northumberland.

“There are also dressings and condiments from Great Taste award-winners Wildon Grange, County Durham, real ales from the Black Paw Brewery, at Bishop Auckland and vintage sweets, courtesy of Hartlepool-based Carnaby’s Treats.”

Shoppers can also choose from a wide range of gardening items, Christmas decorations, handmade cards and gifts and seasonal homeware, including cushions, throws and scarves by Yorkshire-based Bronte by Moon, one of the UK’s few remaining woollen mills. 

The festive shopping evenings will take place between 6pm and 8pm. Attendance is free, but those who pre-register at www.wynyardhall.co.uk/events will receive a voucher entitling them to a 10 per cent discount on purchases of £40 or over.

Plans To Rename A1 Could Boost North East Business

By on 5th December 2015in Local Biz

What’s in a name…?

Members of North East Says Yes!, a group calling for debate on the benefits of the North East Devolution Deal and the Northern Powerhouse, have welcomed calls for the A1 to be renamed.

Campaigners for the renaming of the A1 to the M1, including from the North East Combined Authority (NECA), cite its potential economic benefits, such as making it clear that the North East is open for business.

North East Says Yes! founding member, Jeremy Middleton, said: “One of the key objectives of the Northern Powerhouse is to put the North of England on the map for business and investment. Renaming the A1, once the upgrade to motorway status is complete, could help put the North East on a footing to compete with every region in the UK.

“Powers that will be granted to the North East as part of the Devolution Deal will include transport and infrastructure budgets, so it is vital that we start to discuss these ideas now.”

Top Festive Tips For Looking After Your Teeth This Christmas

By on 5th December 2015in Lifestyle

A top North East dentist is giving out timely advice for the festive season to ensure that the New Year doesn’t herald problems with teeth…

The inevitable celebrations at this time of year also bring in their wake late nights, too much alcohol and too many caffeine-rich fizzy drinks to help stay awake the following day – which can be hugely detrimental to teeth, according to one of the UK’s leading cosmetic dentists.

Dr Ken Harris, who runs Riveredge Cosmetic Dentistry in Sunderland and Newcastle, believes the round-the-clock party lifestyle that many people indulge in at this time of year can really take its toll on teeth.

And now he is highlighting some useful advice to help people in the run-up to Christmas.

“It’s that time of year when people are constantly out celebrating, with late nights and more alcohol that usual,” said Dr Harris, who has almost 35 years’ experience working in general dental practice.

“This can lead to dehydration and reduce the flow of saliva, which helps protect teeth, putting people at real risk of acid damage.

“Many people then compound the problem by drinking energy drinks to stay awake.  Carbonated drinks like these, even sugar-free versions, contain significant acid in the fizz which soften the enamel on your teeth, and if you then brush softened teeth, they wear down really fast.”

Dr Harris has the following tips for anyone who is planning to party in the next few weeks:-

  • Don’t brush your teeth straight after having carbonated drinks or fruit juice. This could actually damage teeth because tooth enamel would be softened by the acid.
  • Wait four hours after having fizzy drinks before brushing your teeth – giving the enamel time to harden up again.
  • Drink plenty of water, especially if you exercise a lot.
  • If you vomit, do not brush your teeth immediately, but rinse your mouth with water.

“It’s really important not to forget to look after your teeth at this time of year,” said Dr Harris.

“And also if you have any problems with your teeth, ensure you get them looked at before the festive season rather than wait until a time of year when there may only be emergency treatment available.

“Nobody wants Christmas and New Year spoiled by toothache or any other issues which could be avoided.”

For further information visit www.riveredge.co.uk.

Dr Harris is one of the UK’s foremost cosmetic dentists and a multi-award winner. With almost 35 years of experience, he has an MSc in Restorative & Aesthetic Dentistry, and is a Fellow of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

He is a member of the AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) and acts as UK clinical director for California Center for Advanced Dental Studies in San Francisco along with lecturing around the globe.

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