Tag: darlington

Darlington Food Service Wins Major Contract With Grade 1 Listed Acklam Hall

By on 5th February 2016in Local Biz

A Darlington-based foodservice consumables company is celebrating a major contract win with the newly refurbished Acklam Hall…

MAC International Food Service has signed a deal to supply the only Grade 1 listed building in Middlesbrough with its new crockery, glassware and cutlery.

The company – which works with many well-known independent hotels, restaurants and caterers throughout the North of England – will also be supplying Foodservice consumables, disposables and hygiene cleaning systems on a weekly basis to the 17th century building.

MAC Foodservice Director, Paul Thompson, is thrilled with this latest contract and is looking forward to seeing the partnership with Acklam Hall develop.

He said: “Acklam Hall will soon become a well-known venue, recognised for its high class events and fabulous restaurant, making it a perfect fit as a MAC partner customer.

“The businesses complement each other well, as both have high standards and expectations of how a dining experience should be for any customers visiting an establishment.

“We both understand the importance of presentation, from the food being eaten – and what it is being served on – to the overall look.”

Acklam Hall has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment over the last 18 months and is set to open on 18th February, much to the delight of Adam Anderson, head chef at the majestic venue.

He said: “It has been a pleasure to work with MAC International, because not only are they very professional, but they are also reliable and thorough, and their advice has been invaluable throughout the project.

“Their knowledge proved integral when we began the process of equipping the building, and we were grateful to be guided on style and quality, to ensure the items were befitting for a building of this kind.”

MAC International is also looking to support Acklam Hall in as many ways as it can, and hopes the partnership will continue to blossom.

Paul added: “We pride ourselves on remaining completely professional, and becoming a trusting supply partner to all of our key customers. We become a business supply partner, not just another supplier.”

To find out more about the bespoke foodservice firm, visit macinternationalfoodservice.co.uk or follow on Twitter @MAC_FoodService.

For information on Acklam Hall, visit acklamhall.co.uk.

2016 Big Spring Clean Calls For Volunteers

By on 27th January 2016in In & Around

Litter legends are being called upon once again to help spruce up their communities as part of this year’s Big Spring Clean…

 

LitterFree Durham, Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council are teaming up for the sixth time to stage the annual campaign.

The Big Spring Clean brings communities together to ‘clean up and green up’ their towns and villages.

Over the last six years, thousands of volunteers have rolled up their sleeves and armed themselves with litter picks to rid their streets and open spaces of dumped rubbish.

This year’s campaign will be held from Monday 29th February until Sunday 17th April, and calls are being issued now for people to sign up and get involved.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “We are delighted to support this excellent campaign. It is always fantastic to see residents come together and do something rewarding in their community.

“This is a great opportunity to make a real difference to where you live, and we would urge everyone to give up some of your time, whatever you can spare, and take part.

“Although most people get rid of their rubbish properly, we work hard to educate the minority who leave their litter lying around.

“Campaigns like the Big Spring Clean make a huge difference to the environment, and help us achieve our aim of making County Durham a safer, cleaner and greener place to live, work and visit.”

Gerald Lee, Chair of LitterFree Durham, added: “Every year more and more people in County Durham and Darlington pledge their time to this extremely worthwhile cause.

“We could not achieve the levels of success that we have without the support of groups, schools, partners and local residents, and we thank everyone for their continued support, including bus company Arriva and the Environment Agency.”

Anyone wishing to take part in the campaign will be supplied with equipment and support, and arrangements will be made to collect all bagged rubbish following litter picks.

Last year’s campaign saw 1,490 volunteers turn out in County Durham, with 147 litter picks carried out. Nearly 3,000 hours were dedicated to collecting a total of 1,458 bags of rubbish.

The Environment Agency also used specialist equipment to remove trees and debris from the River Wear in Chester-le-Street.

In Darlington, 489 volunteers gave up 529 hours of their time to carry out 28 litter picks and collect over four tonnes of bulky waste from rivers using specialist equipment provided by the Environment Agency.

It means that across County Durham and Darlington last year, nearly 2,000 volunteers dedicated more than 3,500 hours to collecting 2,013 bags of rubbish in total.

To take part in a litter pick in County Durham, email litterfreedurham@durham.gov.uk or call 03000 261 000 – in Darlington email litterfreedurham@darlington.gov.uk or call 01325 406 648.

Visit www.durham.gov.uk/bigspringclean for more information.

Litter problems can be reported at www.durham.gov.uk/litter or call 03000 261 000.

Annie’s Truck Shop: A Volkswagen With A Difference

By on 22nd January 2016in Local Biz

Every now and then, a truly unique and exciting new business comes along…

Allow us to introduce you to Dolly.

Dolly is a 1978 Volkswagen Bay Window Pick Up, born in Hannover Germany. Some time in the early ’80s, she was exported to Switzerland, and then to Poland. Now, her proud owners are Ann Marie and Jonathan Stoker from Darlington.

And what’s so special about Dolly?

Following a drastic restoration, she is now a mobile sweet shop, carrying thirty varieties of traditional and contemporary sweets. The business goes by the name of Annie’s Truck Shop, and trades in and around the North East, serving a host of different events from private parties to weddings.

Jonathan says: “A friend of ours has a VW Wedding Transport business, and had bought Dolly as a restoration project. At the time, the van was little more than a box of lego!

“Dolly was fixed up and painted, but our friend was too busy to do anything with her, so we ended up as the new owners. We then worked out a whole new image, coming up with the idea of the shop area on the back, and sent her off for the frame, cover and canopy to be fabricated.”

Customer experience is everything at Annie’s Truck Shop, which is why all of the sweets are weighed using traditional scales, and served in classic paper bags.

Ann Marie says: “We really didn’t know how we’d be received, or where we’d end up. Dolly was completed four days before our first event, and by the time it was over, we’d been invited to two more!”

It was at one of these events that Dolly and the Truck Shop team met the VW community, who welcomed them with open arms. Seeing the gleaming paintwork and unique brilliance of their van, it’s not hard to see why.

Annie’s Truck Shop is available to hire, and details can be find on their Facebook page. To find out more, give them a call on 07941188965, or email anniestruckshop@gmail.com.

Is your business as unique as Annie’s Truck Shop? Email online@inandaroundmag.co.uk to have your business featured!

Want to share something else? Visit the Write For Us page.

Durham Biz Aids Environment And Boosts Profits With 500 Solar Panels

By on 19th January 2016in Local Biz

Precision plastic injection moulding firm Icon Plastics has extended its commitment to the environment with the installation of 500 solar photovoltaic panels…

The company, based at Durham Lane Industrial Estate, Eaglescliffe, already has a keen focus on making its operations as green as possible.

Its moulded scrap plastic is granulated and remoulded into steel girder foundations used in the construction industry and waste cardboard packaging, paper and polythene bags are all bailed and sold on to a specialist recycling company.

During the last 12 months, Icon has halved the amount of waste going to landfill saving thousands of pounds, and the sale of recyclable material is generating additional income for the business.

The panels, which have been installed on Icon’s main factory roof by Advantage Energy Ltd, of Darlington, will enable the company to generate its own electricity during the week and benefit from the Feed in Tariff at weekends, when the factory is not operational.

Icon’s latest investment, totalling £120,000, will reduce its impact on the environment as well as cuttings its annual running cost by about £30,000.

Under the Government’s Feed-in-Tariff scheme, businesses are paid a tariff for the electricity they generate, and a tariff for the electricity they export back to the national grid. Due to Icon receiving this tariff for the next 20 years, the project is expected to pay for itself in four years.

The company has a robust environmental policy, which was scrutinised as part of the independent validation carried out in advance of it being awarded the prestigious TS16949 industry accreditation.

Icon, which has customers in a range of sectors including electronics, agricultural, healthcare and medical, construction, defence and automotive, has now invested more than £1m since it moved to Durham Lane Industrial Park in 2014.

It operates around the clock five days a week and has 24 moulding machines. While Icon’s marketplace is predominantly the UK, it does some business overseas, and exports to Malaysia, Austria, and Eastern Europe. Its clients include Veolia group, and Sepura.

Free Road Safety Training Offered To Young Drivers In County Durham

By on 18th January 2016in In & Around

Young drivers in County Durham and Darlington can benefit from extra road safety training thanks to a free voucher scheme…

 

The Excelerate programme is designed to target the three main types of crashes young people are involved in by providing training at five key stages.

Durham County Council co-ordinates and delivers the training on behalf of the County Durham and Darlington Road Safety Partnership.

A new scheme has now been launched giving young people aged up to 25 the opportunity to download free vouchers to use for the training after they pass their driving test.

The vouchers, which have no expiry date, will also be available during 2016 from a number of outlets throughout County Durham and Darlington.

Paul Watson, road safety manager, said: “We would urge any young drivers who have recently passed their test to take advantage of the free safety training on offer. It’s free and can reduce the risk of accidents. We would also encourage any family members and friends of young drivers to let them know about the scheme.

“Nine per cent of all driving licences are held by young drivers, but according to research they are involved in 40 per cent of fatal road crashes on our roads.

“The Excelerate young driver course looks at the three main kinds of crashes involving young drivers, and works with them to help them protect themselves and others while they’re behind the wheel.”

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg funds the Excelerate programme, and has lent his support to the voucher scheme.

He said: “Improving road safety is one of the key areas I am focusing on in my Police and Crime Plan.

“This is an excellent course for young people as it will help them to forge a sensible attitude to their driving, and prepare them for a safer future on our roads. This is also an ideal opportunity which parents can take advantage of and enrol new drivers in their family on to the free training course.”

For more information, and to download a voucher, visit www.exceleratedurham.com or www.durham.gov.uk/roadsafety.

Venture Properties Co-Owner Celebrates 20 Years In The Industry

By on 17th January 2016in Local Biz

Twenty years after selling his first house, a successful North East estate agent says he still gets the same excited feeling when a sale goes through…

This year will see Venture Properties’ co-owner, Carl Jenkinson, start his 21st year in the industry, and over the last two decades, he has stayed as enthusiastic as the day he began in 1995 – when a three bedroom house could be sold for £35,000.

“It’s surreal how the time has gone so fast, and so much has changed in my 20 years in the industry, but I am still 100% passionate and committed to what I do,” said Carl.

“When I first started, we had no internet and no emails, everything was photocopied and stuck on photos.

“Now we are so much more advanced with technology, which is fantastic, however the job is still the same and still requires the same hard work and dedication.

“When I became an estate agent, I was told good communication, listening to your clients and sound knowledge are the attributes you need to be a success, and this is what I have gone by every day.”

Originally from Darlington, Carl had a passion for houses from a very young age. He found properties intriguing, and realised working in the estate sector was the career for him. As most young starters did in those days, Carl started off as a YTS, and since then has done every job possible in the industry.

Remembering the first house he sold isn’t hard for Carl, as it was a house he has come to know all too well.

He said: “My first sale was in a street close by to our office, and funnily enough, I’ve sold the home many times since over the years.

“The feeling I had back then was amazing, but what’s great is I still get that now. There really is no better feeling than making someone’s dreams come true in helping them secure the home they want.”

In 2008, Carl became co-owner – along with Michael O’Connor – of Venture Properties, which is considered one of the leading estate agents in County Durham, with offices in in Darlington, Cockerton village, Chester-le-Street, Crook, Bishop Auckland and Durham City.

This was one of the personal highlights of his career, despite objections at the time from people around him, due to the state of the economy.

Carl said: “I worked for a corporate from school, and felt there was always more I could do, but had my hands tied.

“I decided to open my own agency in the town, and had already dealt with Michael on sales, and he was in the lettings arm so we decided to collaborate and open a fresh agency.

“People thought we were crazy doing this as the recession had hit, however we had great success in such a short period of time and continue to be on the up.”

With the arrival of 2016, Carl is excited about what the future has in store for both himself and Venture Properties. He is looking forward to more exciting ventures and celebrating his next milestone, surrounded by the team of family and friends who have been with him every step of the way.

For more information about Venture Properties, visit www.venturepropertiesuk.com, or follow them on Twitter.

Council To Close 12 Adult Day Care Centres Across County Durham

By on 14th January 2016in In & Around

Changes to council-run adult day services in County Durham have now been agreed…

 

Members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet agreed a reorganisation of services that will result in the closure of 12 centres by September 2016.

People using the 12 centres which will close will be supported in finding alternative provision to meet their needs in the independent and/or voluntary sector.

All people who are assessed as needing a service will continue to receive one, and any changes will be carefully planned.

The decision was made in response to significant changes to the way in which people choose day services, which has led to drop in demand for traditional council-run centres, as well as the need to make £1.59m savings during 2016/17.

The council will continue to run five centres from across the county in order to continue to offer specialist services to people with complex needs. Around 101 people currently fall into this category.

Cllr Lucy Hovvels, cabinet member for adult and health services at Durham County Council, said: “This was not an easy decision to make, and we recognise that it will be disappointing for many of those affected.

“However, we must respond to the changing demand for these services, as well as the financial pressures we face, and therefore we must make these changes.

“Many people are already choosing alternative care services in the community and voluntary sector – particularly as a result of national changes such as the introduction of Direct Payments, which enables people to make their own choices about where and how to get support.

“Our staff are very experienced in helping people to make the right choices for their needs and in supporting people through the move to a new service.

“We will continue to work with people to understand their needs, and any concerns they have so that we can support them through any changes.”

The five centres which will provide specialist day services are Durham Pathways, Pity Me; Spennymoor Pathways, Spennymoor Leisure Centre; Newton Aycliffe Pathways, Aycliffe Leisure Centre; Peterlee Pathways; and Stanley Pathways, Louisa Leisure Centre.

The 12 day services which will close are Ebony Woodwork Unit, Consett; Chester-le-Street Pathways; Crook Pathways; Proudfoot Centre, Bishop Auckland; Annfield Plain Pathways; Silver Street, Spennymoor; Consett Pathways; Harmire Unit, Barnard Castle; Bishop Auckland Pathways, Tindale Crescent; Bracken Hill Centre, Peterlee; Bede Day Centre, Barnard Castle; and Stanhope Pathways.

All people who use the existing 17 centres, their carers and staff at the centres have been consulted on the proposals, and their feedback was included in the report to Cabinet.

Durham Police Request Residents’ Views Over Funding

By on 11th January 2016in Have Your Say

Residents have the opportunity to give their views on the police budget for 2016-17, thanks to a public consultation launched this week…

Between 11th and 27th January, members of the public can have their say in the annual consultation, either online or at a number of public events across County Durham and Darlington.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, Ron Hogg, proposes an increase of 1.98% to the amount of Council Tax which goes to the police service. This increase equates to just £3.22 over the year, or 6p a week for the average house in Band D.

Ron said: “As PCC I am responsible for setting the police budget. In the recent Comprehensive Spending Review, the Government indicated that it expects PCCs to increase the precept by up to 2 per cent when setting their budget for 2016-17.

“They also stated, as a result, the overall national policing budget will be protected in line with inflation. However, the amount of funding coming to local policing from Government is still reducing year on year.

“The total provisional grant received by Durham in 2016-17 will be £457,127 less than in 2015-16. The small increase I am proposing will raise approximately £520,000 and help to keep the equivalent of eleven Police Officers on the street.

“I am committed to ensuring that the police have the resources they need to continue to provide an excellent service to the public. The survey is short and will only take a minute or two to complete. I encourage residents to get involved and let me know their views.”

The survey and details of the public events are available on Ron’s website, www.durham-pcc.gov.uk, and are available on Facebook or Twitter. You can also give your views by telephone at 03000 264 631.

Rent A Cop Christmas Special Clips Released

By on 18th December 2015in Entertainment, Film & TV

The final episode of the Rent A Cop series may have aired last night, but there’s still more to come…

Fans of the show will be pleased to hear that the Rent A Cop Christmas Special will be aired on Tuesday 22nd December.

The festive episode is set to see the return of faithful Sparta sidekick Luke ‘Pembow’ Pemberton, and the debut appearance of ‘Sparta Claus’.

Ahead of the episode’s first airing, BBC Three have released two exclusive clips as a taster. See the clips below…

Sparta frontman Francis Jones is also reported to be stepping back into the boxing ring, where he’ll be living up to his nickname ‘Fearless’. Secretary Rachel will be taking on the role of drill instructor as Francis works to shed the pounds before his comeback charity match.

Word on the street in Darlo is that the Sparta gang have had their Christmas tree up since early November, so the episode should be full to the brim with festive cheer and – hopefully – some wintery justice… Francis Jones style.

Have you seen Sparta’s Christmas tree? Are you looking forward to the Christmas Special? Leave a comment below!

Police And Fire Services Agree Landmark Deal To Work Together

By on 12th December 2015in Local Biz

A landmark deal has been signed by Durham Constabulary and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service…

The “Statement of Intent” sets out the two organisations’ intentions to work more closely together and to enhance co-operation and collaboration.

They hope this will further improve the already excellent service they provide to the public, as well as saving them money.

Police and Fire already work well together operationally, and share estates and facilities such as a joint station at Newton Aycliffe and training centre at Bowburn.

But this deal marks a step change in how they will work together.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Ron Hogg, said: “The people of County Durham and Darlington already benefit from having outstanding Police and Fire and Rescue Services.

“I believe there is great potential for closer collaboration to improve services even further, and to help us manage through the tough financial times that are ahead. I am committed to making swift progress with the Fire and Rescue Authority so that we can achieve improvements and savings quickly, for all our benefit.”

Chair of the County Durham and Darlington Combined Fire Authority, Councillor Michele Hodgson, said: “We already have a very constructive relationship between the fire and rescue service and police in this area. Providing an efficient and effective emergency response for the communities of County Durham and Darlington is our number one priority; any proposals that aim to help us do this must be carefully considered.”

 

Stuart Errington, Chief Fire Officer for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We welcome this opportunity to explore all of the options for collaboration. There is a strong base to build on as we already have strong relationships, and work very closely with the police operationally, in training, on special projects and by sharing facilities and expertise. We will consider any proposals which will safeguard frontline services and, when and where appropriate, support further collaboration.”

Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary, Mike Barton, said: “Stuart Errington and I have worked closely together for several years. This puts our working together on a more formal footing, and will allow us to improve the service we provide to the public.”

Councillor Joy Allen, Chair of the Police and Crime Panel, said: “Partnership working between emergency services is second to none in the region. This statement of intent formally cements these productive and professional relationships, which will deliver tangible benefits to both services, and more importantly help protect valuable front line services.”

Areas on which the services will look to collaborate include estates and assets, control room, safety initiatives, training, back office functions, and community engagement.

Click here to view the Statement of Intent.

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