Tag: business

Sunderland Urged To Shop Locally For Small Business Saturday

By on 4th December 2015in Local Biz

Shoppers in Sunderland are being urged to back local businesses and search for seasonal bargains closer to home…

Small Business Saturday, which runs nationwide on December 5th, is designed to raise awareness of small companies, including retailers, and help boost their footfall by encouraging more people to shop locally.

Sunderland’s Business Improvement District, Experience It Here, is backing the Government initiative, and urging the city’s residents and visitors to show their support on the day and beyond.

Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, said: “There are a whole host of small and independent businesses in Sunderland, offering a wide range of amazing products, as well as outstanding levels of customer service.

“We hope that Small Business Saturday will help these retailers to step out of the shadows left by larger stores and household names, as well as encouraging more people to utilise them for their Christmas shopping.”

Small Business Saturday, which was first developed in the US, has been running in the UK for the past three years, with more than five million businesses expected to be involved in 2015.

It is being supported by Sunderland BID as part of a series of events designed to attract visitors to the city during the busy Christmas period.  This also includes the creation of a magical Frost Village around Keel Square, featuring an ice rink, market and fun fair.

For more information visit www.sunderlandchristmas.co.uk.

North East Says Yes! Campaign Supported By Business Leaders

By on 4th December 2015in Local Biz, What's New?

More than 50 leading figures from the worlds of business, charity and academia have offered their support to North East Says Yes! campaign in the two weeks since its launch…

North East Says Yes!, a campaign to generate ideas for the Northern Powerhouse initiative and the North East Devolution Deal, has been warmly received by leading figures in the region’s business community, third sector and academic institutions.

The group recognises that North East Devolution, together with the Northern Powerhouse, represent a major turning point in the affairs of the region and a major new opportunity which we should seek to exploit to the maximum.

Supporters of North East Says Yes!, including former North East MEP Mo O’Toole, Centre for Life Trust Chairman and former Senior Economic Advisor to the treasury Alastair Balls, Dr Joanna Berry of Durham University’s Business School, and Entrepreneurs’ Forum Chairman Nigel Mills, have lent their public support to the Devolution Deal and have been invited to contribute articles to northeastsaysyes.org, an online platform specially built for the campaign.

The campaign’s co-founder Jeremy Middleton said: “It’s great to see the support North Easy Says Yes! has already attracted, and the diverse range of backgrounds its supporters come from. When the North East gets devolved powers, they can’t just be handed from Westminster politicians to local politicians. Power has to be shared with the people in a way that has the backing of our whole community.”

Co-founder Alastair Balls said: “Devolution is a real opportunity for the North East to reach its full potential. To get the most from the Northern Powerhouse and devolved powers, we need people from every background, every political persuasion, and every sector to contribute good, positive ideas.”

Ramside Hall Unveil Final Stages Of Spa Development

By on 3rd December 2015in Local Biz

The North East’s newest and most luxurious spa has now unveiled the final stages of the development…

 

The £8m Spa at Ramside Hall Hotel near Durham opened in August, but has this week launched two further features.

An outdoor Spa Garden and vitality pool, along with a first floor infinity pool, are now being used by guests, extending the wide range of facilities already available at the spa.

The vitality pool can be enjoyed by guests on spa day and spa stay experiences and by members, with the infinity pool available at an additional cost for special occasions or for small groups.

The new additions complement the existing spa facilities, which include a 25m long swimming pool, one of the country’s largest hydrotherapy pools, a thermal suite, sleep sanctuary, 14 treatment rooms, state-of-the-art gym, hairdressers and Asian Fusion restaurant.

The opening of the new pools comes shortly after the spa was awarded a five bubble rating by the Good Spa Guide, winning the top accolade despite only being open for a short period of time.

Since its launch, the spa has become a major attraction and has exceeded its initial expectations for membership, with the hope that the festive season and the additional attractions will see a further boost.

 

“We’re very excited that we are now able to offer our visitors and members even more facilities,” said Jill Russell, Spa Director.

“We’ve also devised some very special packages for the festive season and into the New Year which we hope will appeal to both men and women of all ages.”

Further information about membership, special spa days or general bookings can be found by calling 0191 375 3088, by emailing enquiries@ramsidespa.co.uk, or by visiting www.ramsidespa.co.uk

Gift vouchers are available directly from the spa or through Spafinders.

Brothers Seek Planning Permission For County Durham Wind Farm

By on 3rd December 2015in In & Around

A North East community is hoping permission will be granted for a small-scale wind farm to be built in their area, which would see them benefit from in excess of £1million it will generate…

Church parishes, Scout groups and the Girl Guides will be among those to profit from a share of the proceeds which could be generated by the County Durham based Ponder Gill wind turbine project.

Brothers, Andrew and Mark Thompson have applied to Durham County Council for planning permission to build two discreet turbines on their family farm, located next to the A66 near Barnard Castle.

Scout and Guide groups and communities from Bowes and Boldron have been identified as initial beneficiaries, but it is intended to roll-out the project into surrounding communities once planning permission has been granted, and as soon as new opportunities to expand the project are brought forward.

The brothers – who inherited the land at Ponder Gill following the death of their father – estimate the wind farm could be worth up to £2m to the local community over the next 20 years, so are urging people and groups to step forward to suggest how best to spend the proceeds.

Andrew said: “My brother and I were born and raised in this area, so being able to support our community is something we feel strongly about.

“The wind farm will be our full responsibility, not that of a venture capitalist, therefore we can guarantee the entire proceeds generated from the 3rd turbine will be donated through a community benefit scheme to local organisations, including the parishes of Bowes and Boldron.

“We appreciate wind farms can be a contentious issue but we can assure people in the surrounding area, our turbines will be well designed and amongst the quietest turbines on the market, as well as playing a hugely significant role in providing funds for the important work of local organisations.”

Although planning has initially been sought for three wind turbines to be constructed at Ponder Gill, Andrew is keen for the local community to be made aware that the scheme will still work, even if the third turbine is located elsewhere.

A decision on the planning application at Ponder Gill is expected to be reached in early December.

For more information about Ponder Gill Wind Turbine Project, or to voice your support for the community benefit scheme, visit www.pondergill.co.uk.

Sunderland Catering Company Serve A Sneak Peek Of 2016

By on 3rd December 2015in Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?

A North East catering and events company has been serving up a sneak peek of 2016…

1879 Events Management, which manages functions and food at the Stadium of Light and National Glass Centre, Sunderland, hosted a special showcase evening to preview its plans for the coming year.

Guests at the event, including members of SAFC’s first team and business leaders from across the region, were given the chance to meet with many of the company’s top suppliers, including Bidvest Foodservice and Molson Coors, while also sampling dishes from its new set menus.

This included canapes, curries, shin of beef and spicy chicken wings, which will all be available for private and corporate events at the Stadium of Light and National Glass Centre, as well as via 1879’s external catering operations.

The showcase evening, held in a marquee at SAFC’s Academy of Light, also offered guests an early opportunity to learn more about the new Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, opening adjacent to the Stadium of Light in April 2016.

The site, which is currently under construction, will boast 141 bedrooms, a destination grill restaurant, private dining areas, meeting rooms and a 24-hour business centre.

It is expected to offer a number of packages for businesses delegates, as well as football fans and those attending events at the Stadium of Light, including a performance by music superstar, Rihanna, who returns to the venue as part of her Anti World Tour in June.

Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director for 1879 Events Management, said: “2016 looks set to be an amazing year for 1879 Events Management, particularly with the launch of the new Hilton Garden Inn Hotel and high profile events like the return of Rihanna.

“The VIP showcase evening was an ideal opportunity for us to give new and existing clients an opportunity to learn more about these exciting developments and to see how working with companies such as Bidvest and Molson Coors has contributed to our ongoing success.”

Since launching in 2012, 1879 Events Management has been awarded several major contracts, including taking over the catering and event operations at National Glass Centre and the Stadium of Light.

The company, a specialist subsidiary of SAFC, has also launched its own beachside bistro, The Beach House at Roker, and worked on a number of high profile events across the North East, including multiple business awards and festivals such as Newcastle Pride.

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

Additional details can also be found by visiting www.thestadiumoflight.com and www.nationalglasscentre.com/hire/.

Newcastle Tavern Wins ‘Pub With The Best Pint’ Award

By on 1st December 2015in Local Biz

A landmark North East bar, which was restored to its former glory last year, is raising a glass to celebrate being voted the ‘Pub with the Best Pint’…

The City Tavern at Northumberland Road, Newcastle, beat off competition from more than one thousand pubs across the UK to take the honour in the Star Pubs & Bars awards organised by Heineken.

The pub is run by North East entrepreneur David King, who has a long history of working in the industry, and was behind some of the region’s most innovative watering holes.

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

It was Mr King’s commitment to producing the perfect pint which led to him winning the fiercely contested award, with the pub’s beer judged against stringent criteria including taste, smell and temperature, along with staff knowledge and service.

Judges were also impressed by the fact that the bar offered ten cask ales and ciders, along with three house ales which were brewed exclusively for The City Tavern.

“We are absolutely delighted to have won this award, which is acknowledgement of the commitment we have to pulling the perfect pint every time,” said David.

“We pride ourselves on giving customers a great experience, and for that to be recognised in the face of so much competition from around the UK is fantastic, not just for us but for the region.”

David received the prestigious award at a gala celebration night in Liverpool from celebrity chef Simon Rimmer, where he was also recognised as a finalist in two other categories for best-trained staff and best retailer.

Star Pubs & Bars Trading Director, Chris Jowsey, added: “The hallmark of a great pub is a great pint, and the City Tavern serves one of the best in the country with beers to satisfy all palates, delivery and standards that are second to none, and staff that clearly care.”

This is not the first time The City Tavern has enjoyed victory in these awards however, having last year taken the title of Retailer of the Year.

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Tiger Bills Kitchen: Consett Restaurant Taking Christmas Bookings

By on 30th November 2015in Food & Drink, Lifestyle

Consett’s most exciting new restaurant is now taking Christmas bookings. Here’s why you should book…

Tiger Bills Kitchen is a fresh, new and exciting establishment in the heart of Consett. Mixing Thai and Western, the menu is dynamic and offers something to suit everyone. We pride ourselves on being Consett’s local restaurant, sourcing our produce from within a 10 mile radius.

Our staff are all friendly and are always willing to help. Whether you require the table to be decorated for a special occasion, or are looking for advice on our menu, they will meet your every need.

We accommodate all occasions, from large tables next to a children’s play area, booths for a more intimate dining experience, or even larger areas for business and social events.

Our menu includes everything from BBQ Grills, to Thai Currys and salads. You can see the full menu here.

 

Trip Advisor: “Fantastic”
Had a fantastic night at Tiger Bills. Great food and service! Prices are very reasonable, and the steak was fantastic! Would definitely go again, and would recommend to family and friends!

Facebook:  “5*****”
Just had a fantastic meal for my birthday. Food was lovely and the staff were brilliant. Very friendly, great value, and I was even given a cocktail on the house as it was my birthday. Definitely will be going back!

To book a table with us, call us on 01207 506 002, or pop down and chat to one of our staff.

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New Danish Variety Store Opens In Sunderland Today

By on 30th November 2015in Local Biz, What's New?

A Danish variety store is hoping to get its claws into the Christmas rush by opening its doors in Sunderland today…

Tiger, which specialises in practical, fun and decorative goods (including homeware, kitchenware, stationery and toys), will launch at the Bridges shopping centre at midday today (Monday 30th November).

It follows the opening of the chain’s first North East branch in Newcastle earlier this month.

Mike Davis, who owns the Tiger franchise for the North East, said: “I joined Tiger as a franchisee in 2014, with plans to open between twenty and thirty shops across Scotland and Northern England.

“Launching in Sunderland is a key step towards achieving this target, and I’m confident the city is going to be a great market for us. Not only is there a real gap for Tiger’s type of products, but the high footfall in the Bridges will hopefully be of great value too.”

Tiger, which originated in Copenhagen, is the latest big name brand to arrive at the Bridges in recent months, with others including fashion retailer Pep and Co.

Andy Bradley, Centre Director for the Bridges, said: “This is a hugely exciting time for the Bridges and we are really excited to have Tiger on board.  With more new stores also arriving, we hope to offer visitors even more choice when it comes to this year’s Christmas shopping.”

For more information about Tiger, visit www.tigerstores.co.uk.

Further details about the Bridges, including full opening times, can be found at www.thebridges-shopping.com.

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Genesis 2015 Celebrates North East Entrepreneurship

By on 25th November 2015in Local Biz, What's New?

Hundreds of representatives from the region’s business community came together this week for the North East’s first inclusive celebration of enterprise and entrepreneurship…

GENESIS 2015, which was fronted by the presidents of the region’s universities’ enterprise societies, showcased the home-grown entrepreneurial talent of the North East of England and brought together all five universities, the Entrepreneurs’ Forum and the enterprise ecosystem.

The day-long event hosted at Gateshead’s BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art coincided with The InCredAbles – what if? movement launch and the final of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum’s ‘If We Can, You Can’ challenge, and formed part of the region’s Global Entrepreneurship Week celebrations.

Focused on offering student and graduate entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn from the region’s start-up, professional, financial and business communities, GENESIS 2015 offered a series of workshops, one-on-one advice surgeries and networking opportunities as well as an Entrepreneurs’ Stories session and an Investors Panel, which saw up to £1million worth of investment up for grabs.

Guest speakers offering guidance to entrepreneurs included graduate success stories such as Brett Jacobson from Media Works; Tarek Nseir, founder of TH_NK; and Tony Cleary from the Lanchester Group; while Nevil Tynemouth from New Results Training hosted networking; and financial input was given by Andy Fishburn, head of investment at Virgin Start-up; Santander and the North East investment community.

FIRST Face to Face’s managing director, Charlotte Windebank, who supported the organisation of the event, said: “Over the last three years, graduate entrepreneurs have made a crucial contribution to the economy, creating 1,500 jobs, 450 businesses and £64million in turnover, and it is vital that as a region we continue to encourage and nurture the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

“Since the launch of the ‘If We Can, You Can’ challenge, we have been overwhelmed by its success, so it seemed fitting to combine this year’s final with GENESIS 2015 to create a truly innovative event celebrating entrepreneurship powered by the North East’s five universities.

“With up to 700 people attending over the course of the day it was fantastic to see the region’s business community really get behind the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.”

Amongst those spearheading the event was Edd Dutton, president of Northumbria University’s NUOVO; Laura Pritchard, president of University of Sunderland’s Enterprise Society; Abz Dawar, president of Entrepreneurs Durham at Durham University; Noah Knapton, president of Newcastle University’s Entrepreneurs Society; and Lizzie Dixon, enterprise coordinator at Teesside Launchpad.

Edd Dutton, founder of Giving Origin and Northumbria University’s NUOVO enterprise society, added: “The power of networking with your stakeholders at any stage of business is so vital in success. Entrepreneurs should always feel integral. They should believe in what they are doing and showcase not just their ideas but vision – GENESIS has fully supported that from conception. Giving Origin is pleasured to work with the GENESIS team in forming and curating the brand.”

Sponsors of the event included Ebac, TEDCO and Virgin Start-Up, Santander, Gateshead Council, NELEP, Tees Valley Unlimited, North East Finance, Entrepreneurs’ Forum, Giving Origin, O PR, FIRST Face to Face Ltd and Gospelware.

Carole White, chief executive of TEDCO Business Support, added: “We were very keen to be involved in such an important event for the region’s enterprise community. As one of the principle sponsors, it has been heartening to see first-hand the great appetite for entrepreneurship that exists in the North East and we look forward to working with some of the new ventures attending to help get their business moving in the future.”

For more information on GENESIS 2015 visit www.genesis2015.co.uk.

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Sunderland Tech Startup Take Their Software Global

By on 24th November 2015in Local Biz, What's New?

A North East marketing agency has been appointed to help one of the region’s newest businesses launch its video recruitment software globally…

Sunderland-based McDonough Marketing Communications is working with software start-up business Shine to help promote its product, which uses cloud-based video to interview prospective job candidates.

Shine, based at the eVolve Centre in Rainton Bridge, is now engaging with large blue chip multinationals, all keen to harness the power of video in their recruitment campaigns.

“I wanted Shine to think and act like a multi-million pound software giant from the start”, said Natasha McDonough, MD of McDonough Marketing Communications.

“Software for recruiters is a vast market, but I could easily see how Shine could be different.  For a start, it’s cloud based, fully responsive and candidates can send interview answers straight from their smart phones.

“Having worked with many recruiters, I know how powerful a tool like this could be in their hands – they can literally sift, score and organise shortlists from wherever they are.”

She added, “I believe Shine has an incredible opportunity, not least through tapping into the North East’s recruitment market but on a global basis, too; so I was able to identify quite quickly how we could get a full inbound marketing campaign up and running.”

Mobile video consumption has increased by 35% in the last year, and mobile recruitment is also steadily growing.

Shine was initially launched out of frustration following years of CV sifting in previous roles by its founder and CEO, David Copple.

David has been involved with start-ups for a number of years and was previously the Chief Technology Officer of Test Factory. He also held roles at Communicator while it was part of the Leighton Group, and 2Touch.

The software created by Shine can be applied to various sectors, including the contact centre market, where there is a high level of recruitment required.

“Natasha lives and breathes marketing, she’s well connected and has introduced me to many potential clients already,” he said.

“Through working with Natasha and her associate team, I feel confident that I have a solid marketing plan in place along with a powerful brand image and highly optimised website. I’m thrilled to say we’re on track to building our customer base.”

For more information about McDonough Marketing Communications, please contact Natasha McDonough by emailing natasha@mmc.agency, or calling 0191 548 3448 or 07956 165978.

Further information about Shine is also available at www.shineinterview.com.

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