Tag: business

Full Colour Cards: 5 Reasons To Become A Print Partner

By on 26th October 2015in Have Your Say, Local Biz, What's New?

Full Colour Cards, one of the UK’s biggest print and design retailers, are offering the chance to become an affiliate partner. Company frontman Andy Knowles tells us why you should consider...

I introduced the Print Partner Affiliate Programme back in 2012. Because of the ever increasing number of print resellers signing up as Full Colour Cards customers, I felt there was a gap in the market to offer a turnkey e-commerce website for resellers to drive traffic to, and pick up a nice royalty payment at the end of each month.

As things progressed, we introduced our Customer Service Team so that partners no longer had to deal with emails, phone calls or instant chat. This is all done by our staff in Durham, which means that print partners actually have to do very little.

Today, our Print Partner programme can take care of your online marketing, outbound telesales, and email campaigns, giving our partners the freedom to do exciting and amazing things to drive traffic through their website.

Here are our top five reasons to become a print partner:

1. The UK Print Market Is Huge

According to the British Printing Industries Federation, the UK print market is worth £13.5 billion, and employs over 120,000 people. It’s almost impossible to imagine a world without print. It’s all around us, and plays a vital role in our daily lives. Print is also a highly effective means of communicating a message easily, quickly and cheaply, which means that no matter what, there are always customers.

2. It’s Hassle Free

What sets Full Colour Cards apart from other copycat schemes is that ours is simple to use and hassle-free. Our partners don’t need to take phone calls, answer emails, or deal with instant chat. We do it all!

We also handle all of your orders, and even any customer concerns that might arise. Partners simply drive traffic to their website, and we pay the monthly commission.

3. You Don’t Need Thousands Of Customers

One of the common myths surrounding our Print Partner Programme is that you need thousands of new customers to get anything from it. The reality is that just a handful of good customers can be a winning strategy, as printing attracts a high level of repeat orders rather than one-off transactions. We offer insight into best practices, and share our experiences to ensure Print Partners get off to a great start, and are on the fast track to making money.

4. Little Investment And No Stockholding

Lots of turnkey business opportunities require you to part with a wad of cash upfront, without any certainty of getting a return on your investment. We offer four different website packages, starting from as little as £15 per month. There is no need for you to carry stock or invest in equipment, as the business is completely online based. Welcome to the digital revolution!

5. Unlock A Second Stream Of Income

For many people, 9-5 doesn’t afford the extra luxuries that life has to offer, such as holidays, a new car, or home improvements. Our Print Partner Programme can offer a significant second stream of income to help radically improve finances. This isn’t a get rich quick scheme by any stretch of the imagination, but you can earn substantial monthly commissions very quickly with the help and support of our account managers.

Here’s what an existing Print Partner has to say:

 

PrintPartner-CustomerTestimonial

For more information about the Print Partner Affiliate Scheme, visit Full Colour Cards.

Got a query? You can call 0191 354 5454 or email amanda@fullcolourcards.co.uk.

Sunderland Bistro Unveil Halloween-Themed Menu

By on 26th October 2015in Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

Witches brew, blood red chips and gruesome graveyard pizza are being added to the menu at a North East eatery next week…

The Beach House bistro, Roker, run by 1879 Events Management, is marking Halloween with six days of spine-tingling activities starting Monday October 26th.

This includes a chance for visitors of all ages to decorate themed biscuits from noon until 2pm Monday to Saturday, with a face painter and fancy dress competition also running on Saturday October 31st only.

Throughout the week the bistro will be serving a creepy and creative Halloween-inspired menu, with different dishes for adults and kids to sink their fangs into.

For grown-ups this includes witches brew (bean and bacon soup), spooky mince pie and poison pepper (stuffed pepper with chilli, rice and potato chips), while younger trick or treaters can enjoy a mummy (hot) dog, monster cheeseburger or gruesome graveyard pizza, all served with blood red chips.

David Moses, General Manager at 1879 Events Management, which also manages catering and events at the Stadium of Light and National Glass Centre, said, “Halloween is a holiday for children of all ages, as well as those that are young of heart.

“Our regular menu will still be available for those too scared to sample the special themed one, while our free activities will help families make more of the build-up.”

For more information about Halloween at the Beach House, visit www.facebook.com/thebeachhousesunderland or www.1879events.com or call 0191 5659473 to book.

Introducing The In & Around Business Directory

By on 23rd October 2015in Have Your Say, In & Around, Local Biz, What's New?

 

In & Around Online is fast becoming a North East hub, and we’re keen to put the spotlight on what the region has to offer.

That’s why we’ve just launched the In & Around Business Directory.

We’re developing a collection of the finest local businesses, all stored in one handy location for ease of access. For customers, it’s a great way for you to find the services you need in a pinch, and for business owners, it’s a great way to get your brand in front of a massive audience.

To find out how you can have your own business featured in the directory, click here.

Sunderland Skates With The Stars This Christmas

By on 22nd October 2015in Entertainment, Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

Stars of Dancing On Ice will this year be skating their way to Sunderland as part of a frost filled programme of festivities…

Sunderland’s Business Improvement District has unveiled its plans for a whole host of Christmas activities in the city, which centre around the creation of a magical Frost Village.

From November 26 until Christmas Eve the area around Keel Square and the former Vaux site will be transformed, and will see the installation of a giant ice rink, a Christmas market, and a fun fair with Ferris wheel.

Getting the action underway will be a Gala Ice Extravaganza, which will include a performance by former Dancing on Ice stars, Andrei Lipanov and Susie Lipanova.

Sessions will take place on a daily basis, with visitors able to enjoy ice skating lessons, ice discos and skating with a range of cartoon characters.

Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, said that all the stops had been pulled out to ensure the city centre enjoyed a spectacular Christmas.

“We have been planning this for some time and we really believe we have created a fantastic programme which all the family can enjoy,” said Ken.

“We hope that not only local people will come and see what’s on offer but that visitors will also come from across the region, which will of course also provide a huge boost for businesses across the city.”

Ice skating sessions are also being offered to schools which might be looking for an alternative to the usual Christmas party or to businesses and groups of friends who may want some early evening entertainment.

A Christmas market will run alongside the rink, with more than 25 stalls providing food, drinks, gifts and crafts.

The Frost Village is also being extended to the former Vaux site, which is being transformed into a traditional fun fair.

Along with the Ferris wheel, visitors will be able to ride on a carousel, waltzers and bumper cars.

“This really is going to be a fantastic Christmas in the city centre,” said Ken Dunbar, “and we really believe there is something for everyone.”

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

Sunderland Shopping Centre Looking For Christmas ‘Toy Testers’

By on 21st October 2015in Local Biz, What's New?

A Sunderland shopping centre is looking for a team of youngsters who can take on an important festive job – as toy testers…

Sunderland’s Bridges Shopping Centre is looking to form a group of discerning youngsters to test out this Christmas’ ‘must have’ toys from the centre’s leading retailers.

As a reward all members of the selection panel will receive a £50 gift voucher to spend on toys for themselves.

Youngsters aged between five and nine-years-old can put themselves forward to be a tester, by sending in a video no more than one minute long, showing their favourite toy and explaining why they like it.

Then the winning group will be invited in for a special session at the Bridges where they can try out some of the new season’s toys and vote for those they like best.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to find out what youngsters want this Christmas and for them to test out the toys in advance,” said Andy Bradley, Centre Director at the Bridges.

“And it also means we get to know what are likely to be the best sellers.

“Hopefully it will also help families decide what to buy for their children, knowing that it’s got the seal of approval from a group of youngsters.”

Anyone wanting to be considered for the toy testing panel should email their video to customerservices@bridgessunderland.co.uk. They need to include their contact details and parental consent to them taking part.

The closing date for would-be toy testers to send a video is Monday November 2nd.

Sweet Tooth Delivery Enjoys The Sweet Taste Of Success

By on 21st October 2015in Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?

A young North East entrepreneur is enjoying the sweet taste of success, after being nominated for a string of high profile awards…

Kayley Smith, who runs Sweet Tooth Delivery based at Belmont, near Durham, has already won a handful of titles, including the Medium Size Business title in the Sunderland Portfolio Business Awards and the Young Business Person of the Year in the Sage Northern Star awards.

And now she is also in the running for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, which will be decided on November 25th at a prestigious awards ceremony on the London South Bank.

Kayley set up the company after seeing a gap in the market to provide a dessert delivery service, which has led to her also opening two dessert only outlets at Cheveley Park Shopping Centre in Belmont and Prince Bishops Shopping Centre in Durham City.

She was also recently nominated in the Forward Ladies business awards, held in the region for the first time last month.

“As a relatively young business it’s fantastic for us to be recognised in this way, and even if we don’t win the awards, it’s great recognition for the company to be acknowledged,” she said.

The company, which Kayley runs with her partner John-Paul Stonehouse, employs 25 people and is currently recruiting as part of the business’ expansion programme.

Sweet Tooth is going from strength to strength, on course to open a third outlet by Christmas, with long term terms plans to franchise and roll out the concept nationally.

“We’ve grown at an incredible pace because there seems to be a huge demand for the products we’re offering, our whole range is produced in our bakery – you cannot buy our desserts anywhere else,” said Kayley.

Further details about the company are available at www.sweettoothdelivery.co.uk.

Vintageous Rags: Outfit Of The Week #2

By on 20th October 2015in Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

Grace Stringer, owner of Middlesbrough’s hottest vintage and retro boutique, Vintageous Rags, shares this week’s favourite outfit…

Winter is creeping up, but we aren’t ready to face it just yet!

A denim dress is perfect for this transitional period, and this one (UK10 £18) is great for layering. If it does get a little chilly, a turtle neck would look fab underneath, or maybe a cute jacket over the top?

I’ve added this tapestry button-up cropped jacket (M £18), and I just love the autumn colours. It’s teamed with a tan leather belt (£4) to break it up a bit, and accessorised with a headscarf (£4) and statement necklace (£7).

Don’t forget a pair of 70s sunnies (£7) to finished the look off!

The great thing about denim is that it’s so difficult to get wrong. It’s versatile all year round, and there aren’t many colours that won’t compliment it.

You can find this outfit in our Baker Street store, Middlesbrough, or you can shop online at www.vintageousrags.com. See you soon!

Follow Vintageous Rags on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

4 Reasons Your CV Isn’t Working

By on 19th October 2015in Lifestyle, What's New?

Your CV is your marketing tool, and successful marketing is a key part of getting hired…

It’s not uncommon for people to make the same mistakes in their CV over and over again, which means that identifying those mistakes (and fixing them) can put you at a significant advantage over the competition.

So let’s identify them…

1. Poor Grammar

These days, every word processor has a spell check and a grammar check built-in, yet CVs continue to be plagued by spelling mistakes. What does that say to your potential employer?

It suggests a lack of attention to detail, and regardless of the position you’re applying for, that’s a big deal. Your employer wants to know that you take pride in your work, and failing to do something as simple as proof-reading doesn’t exactly send that message.

2. Little Experience

A common complaint among jobseekers is that it’s so hard to get employed without experience, but without being hired for a job in the first place, it’s impossible to get experience.

The truth is, though, that isn’t true. Experience is everywhere! Applying for a retail position? Volunteer in a charity shop. Applying to a film production company? Go out and shoot a film with your mates.

3. Presentation Is… Interesting

We all love WordArt, but sometimes it just isn’t appropriate. CVs are a prime example.

Keep your CV simple and concise. Keep the information on topic, and don’t distract the reader with unnecessary colour or imagery. You should be trying to market yourself as professional and focused, so your CV should appear just like that.

4. It Isn’t 21st Century Friendly

The days of sending your CV through the post, or even going to your prospective employer’s headquarters to submit it in person, are fading fast. These days, the majority of applications are made online.

With this in mind, your CV should sit comfortably in the digital age. Your web and email address should be a hyperlink, allowing for easy contact. Haven’t got a website? Go and create one. An employer’s first order of business will usually be to inspect your digital presence, so make sure it’s a good one.

The Dolls House: Our Autumn/Winter Fashion Tips

By on 19th October 2015in Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?

October can be a tricky month for fashion, but these tips from The Dolls House Fashion Emporium ought to make things a little easier…

Second-guessing the good old British weather is not an easy task when Autumn comes around, but on the plus side, it does provide us with a gorgeous colour palette to work with.

Bang on trend right now is berry, a rich dark maroon which oozes warmth. It’s the colour to be seen in this #AW, meaning there’s no shortage of it on the high street, from suede boots and leather satchels, to strappy sandals and oversized fedoras.

 

So, how can you add berry to your current wardrobe, you ask?

Whether it’s a little or a lot, there’s something for everyone. Have a look online, read a few blogs, and browse boards on Pinterest for outfits and style inspiration. You’ll be full of ideas! New colour and you’re not quite sure? Try a dark nail varnish or a slick of berry lippy to update your style.

If you fancy a new makeup look to match your new autumn outfit, check out Youtube for some seasonal beauty tutorials. These vloggers try out everything from shop own brands like No.7 to high end must-haves like Mac and Charlotte Tilbury. Be warned, though. Youtube is addictive!

If you’re planning cocktails with the girls or a meal out with the other half, take a look at the new arrivals landing at The Dolls House Fashion Emporium, where you’ll find an array of Autumn/Winter essentials, including the Brooklyn Berry Shirt Dress and Scarlett, a fitted cut out jumpsuit.

 

Brooklyn is a perfect day to night outfit, offering a versatile option when it comes to chilly days by either teaming with tights and boots, or throwing on heels and a leather jacket.

Scarlett offers a glamorous but trendy option for your night out. True to size, this cut out berry jumpsuit gives the wow factor when styled with strappy heels and a clutch.

If buying a new on-trend outfit isn’t exciting enough, wait until you hear about the Dress Exchange. New to The Dolls House, the dress exchange allows you to buy a dress, wear it out, then return it and receive up to 50% off your next purchase! You never have to be seen in the same dress twice, and you can look fab this weekend and next, without spending a fortune… it’s genius!

Looking for more great fashion, info and competitions? Check out The Dolls House website, and make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram! Got something to ask? Email hello@thedollshouseuk.co.uk.

Fenwick Christmas Pop-Up Store Opens This Weekend

By on 16th October 2015in Local Biz, What's New?

The UK’s largest independent department store group has spread its wings this Christmas with a seasonal pop-up store…

Fenwick, which has been Newcastle’s retail flagship for more than 130 years, has crossed the river to intu Metrocentre, Gateshead, and its 13,000sq ft. Christmas Wonderland at the Platinum Mall opens tomorrow (Saturday 17th October).

Until January 2016, it will be bringing shoppers everything from decorations, cards and wrapping paper to trees, food and drink, plus an exciting array of Christmas gift ideas.

This is the first time the store – which is famous for the Christmas window at its Northumberland Street site – has opened a festive pop-up store in the region.

Kate Grant, regional director of intu, said: “We are delighted that Fenwick are branching out in the North East and opening a Christmas emporium on the ground floor of Platinum Mall. 

“We already work with Fenwick at intu Eldon Square and are looking forward to seeing how they bring their own special brand of Christmas magic to intu Metrocentre.” 

A Fenwick spokesperson said: ‘We are pleased that so many people in the region see Fenwick as an indispensable part of their festive shopping experience, so with an opportunity arising to open a pop-up store in the Metrocentre we’re really excited to bring our unique take on Christmas gifting to even more North East shoppers.’

Fenwick is currently recruiting for Christmas team members for both the intu Metrocentre and Newcastle stores. Click here or call into the HR Department in the Newcastle store to apply.

For further information visit www.intu.co.uk/metrocentre.

ADVERTISERS