Tag: featured biz

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.

Teaching Assistant Dispute in County Durham Update

By on 1st December 2016in In & Around

The following statement is issued following a third round of productive talks with Unison regarding seeking a solution to the current dispute involving the terms of employment for teaching assistants in County Durham.

John Hewitt, Corporate Director of resources at Durham County Council, said: “I am pleased to say these talks have been positive and productive and an agreement has been reached which means tomorrow’s industrial action by Teaching Assistants in Unison has been called off.

“We are clear that an equal pay risk exists that needs to be addressed. However it is also important to properly examine aspects of the employment of teaching assistants which merit further review given some of the information which has come to light recently.

“We have agreed to undertake a review of teaching assistants’ role, function, job description and activities within the breadth of school activities, to establish whether current job descriptions adequately describe the role being undertaken.

“This review will not re-open the single status agreement currently in place. The timescale for its completion is by the 1 September 2017.

“To enable this to take place, as an act of good will, we have agreed we will suspend the dismissal and re-engage process while the review is undertaken within the timescale above.

“This is a very complex situation and it has also resulted in us having further discussions with other recognised trade unions. We look forward to working with these trade unions on the way forward and very much appreciate Unison’s decision to call off tomorrow’s planned action.”

Tarmac Sending Trainees To Sim Academy Simulation Training Event

By on 3rd October 2016in Local Biz

Tarmac, the UK’s leading building materials supplier, will join forces with Sim Academy to send two of its trainees to an innovative simulated training scheme…

The organisation, which currently employs 6,000 people at over 400 locations across the UK, is working with the Academy to road test the new scheme before an official launch later in the year.

Sim Academy is offering simulated training exercises using its state-of-the-art machinery to achieve realistic and engaging experiences across the agriculture, construction and mining sectors.

The scheme negates the need for on-the-job training in dangerous industries, meaning that employees and machinery can remain in operation while new recruits are trained off-site.

The equipment can be adapted to simulate a range of industry machinery such as track excavators, wheel loaders, tower cranes and articulated hauliers, delivering a safe and environmentally-friendly alternative to on-the-job training where one-on-one vehicle time can be limited.

Simulation training is already used in industries such as air travel and medicine.

Speaking of the new training scheme, Mr X, a spokesperson for Tarmac UK, said: “Bringing simulation into the construction industry is a really interesting concept, and we’re excited to be sending two of our trainees to experience the simulators first hand.

“Training new recruits on-site can be demanding – not only for our employees who have to take time out of their schedules, but for our existing fleet which has to be taken out of operation during training exercises.

“A simulated, off-site alternative is a great idea, and we’re excited about what this means for the future of training at Tarmac”.

Mick Gray, who is an experienced educational facilitator, will head the Sim Academy project.

With decades of experience working with organisations such as Caterpillar, UK Coal and managing his own training solutions firm, Competency Training Solutions, Mick will be able to offer his skills and expertise to trainees looking to meet the industry’s competency requirements.

Speaking of his new venture, Mick said: “I’ve always been interested in finding new ways to improve the safety and efficiency of training employees in using machinery, so simulation makes sense.

“It’s great to see businesses such as Tarmac take an interest in our brand new simulation training. We’ve already had a lot of enquiries regarding our open days, but we still have spaces available if you want to see what Sim Academy can do.”

Sim Academy is holding open days between 10th and the 14th of October to showcase its innovative training solutions. To find out more or to book a place, visit simacademy.co.uk.

Findley Academy Looks To Build Roof Over Skills Gap

By on 1st June 2016in Local Biz

A leading North East roofing specialist is launching its own academy to help invest in the region’s youngsters…

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Washington-based Findley Roofing, will take on four to six apprentices at the Findley Academy over the coming months, where they will be trained to acquire the skills needed to become the best in the business.

Each student will be put through an apprenticeship, while at the same time benefitting from hands-on training from the Company, which has over 30 years’ experience in the industry.

The scheme, which will run from centres in Washington and South Tyneside, will include one to one training, regular appraisals and the opportunity for apprentices who are excelling to earn more, through an accelerated programme.

A short supply of skilled tradesmen is the catalyst behind the idea and the Company hopes resolving this issue, will help them become the roofing powerhouse in the North East.

General Manager Chris Dodds said: “There is a skills gap emerging and we need to help close it by investing in young people.

“It’s not easy to find hardworking, loyal people but we believe young people are the future and this is why we are keen to invest our time, money and effort into helping them.

“As there is currently a short supply of tradesmen, now is the perfect time for young people to get into a trade, as they will have the opportunity of a strong career.”

Findley Roofing is a family run company covering the whole of the North East, from Alnwick to North Yorkshire.

Having experienced huge success over the last 12 months, which has seen the team double in size to 38 and a huge increase in turnover, the company is looking towards the future as it plans to maintain this same level of growth over the next five years.

Chris continued: “We want to be ‘first for roofing’, just as it says on our strapline and truly believe the Findley Academy is the way to achieve this.

“We’re looking for young people who are keen, hardworking, have character and want to learn, as there will be opportunities for them to become team leaders in the future.

“We’re also looking for team players, as the dedicated, professional team we currently have, is one of the reasons for our success.”

Ian Wright, from Hebburn, knows just how important the Findley Academy will be to young people across the region and the difference it could make to them. The 25-year-old has been working for Findley Roofing for 18 months and having excelled in his training, will soon be leading a team of roofers.

“The knowledge and confidence I have gained since being taken on by Findley and working alongside my mentor, Mick, is huge,” said Ian.

“I know I wouldn’t be half the person I am today if they hadn’t given me a chance and I would tell any future apprentices to stick at it, as it’s the only way they will learn.

“A lot of young people give up too easily and if they’re not happy just leave, but if you put your faith in the Company and work for them, you will reap the benefits.”

Findley Roofing is one of the only roofing companies to be backed by Barclays Bank, meaning it can offer finance deals to its customers. The Company prides itself on the quality of the service and products it provides, guaranteeing roofing services for 10 years.

To find out more about Findley Roofing and the Findley Academy, visit: http://www.findleyroofing.co.uk/

Twitter: @Findley_Roofing

North East Lettings Agency Lobbying For Change

By on 26th May 2016in Have Your Say

A North East-based lettings agency has launched a national pledge to help challenge the unethical practices that go on in parts of the industry…

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The Ethical Lettings Pledge is the creation of Carla Keegans, who supports the Government’s proposals to tackle rogue criminal agents, but believes much more needs to be done in the wider industry.

With more than two million private landlords currently operating and over 12 million tenants living in the private rented sector, many people turn to lettings agents for help, but are increasingly let down or excluded.

Carla, who in July 2015 set up The Ethical Lettings Agency in Redcar, has been working on the pledge since December, seeking advice and feedback from trusted individuals around her.

She said: “It’s only right landlords expect agents to be properly qualified and experienced to help navigate round the increasingly complex legislation and issues that are now common in the sector.

“Unfortunately, many agents are not and there are numerous examples, backed up by national research, which indicate many landlords feel ripped off by agents.

“This pledge will show landlords and tenants that agents operate to some clear ethical standards, and if agents signed-up to the pledge fail to deliver, then landlords and tenants can challenge them on this.”

Landlords, tenants, and members of the public can also sign a formal petition to lobby for national legislative change, which will shortly be accessible via The Ethical Lettings website.

As a community interest company (CIC), The Ethical Lettings Agency fully understands the impact letting agents can have on local communities too, which will benefit as much from the pledge as tenants and landlords.

The Agency has already created two new jobs in Redcar, a town which has suffered from 1000s of recent job losses; perhaps a reason why the Agency was recently invited to meet Prince Charles.

Political figures have already shown support for the pledge, including Cabinet Member for Housing at RCBC, Cllr Lynn Pallister.

She said: “This social enterprise delivers ethical services and investment into our community and we are proud to support it for the benefit of our residents.”

Saltburn-born Carla, spent several years working in a senior housing role within the City of London Corporation, before returning home to start The Ethical Lettings Agency. Her time spent in the capital inspired her to create the pledge, which she hopes will attract as many signatures as possible, to help create national change.

Carla, a long-standing Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing, added: “My experience working for various housing and public sector organisations had already convinced me there was a need in the market for an agency that provides a better service to landlords and tenants, which is why I set up The Ethical Lettings Agency.

“The Ethical Lettings Pledge is simply an extension of my vision and the company’s ethos, which is to shake up an industry which is letting people down time and time again, by making the system fairer.”

The Ethical Lettings Agency is open to all landlords and tenants in the Redcar and Teesside private rented sector. In particular, the Agency works with landlords to help manage their rental properties as a business, to reduce rental risks and save money.

To show your support for the pledge, visit http://theethicallettingspledge.co.uk/ or for more information about The Ethical Lettings Agency, visit http://www.ethicallettingsagency.co.uk/.

Twitter: @EthicalLets

Canny Beds Celebrate Newly Opened Team Valley Store

By on 27th April 2016in Local Biz

Leading North East furniture supplier Canny Beds are celebrating the opening of their brand new store…

We all know how difficult it can be to find good quality furniture and beds at prices you can afford, which is why Canny Beds & Furniture believe they have brought together the best possible furniture at down to earth prices.

Whether it is the bedroom, dining room or living room you’re looking to add beautiful furniture to, you can rest assured that you’ll find it here for the best price online.

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Canny Beds’ brand new store is now open in Team Valley, which means you can choose between that or the Chester-le-Street store to pop in and find your new furniture. Want to check availability beforehand? Call 0191 410 9994 to chat to one of their staff in advance.

Testimonials:

“Seamless ordering and delivery. Bed of good quality and assembled easily. Great price.”

“Brilliant communication, bought bed for my 3 year old and it is excellent quality and very easy to assemble. All round excellent product for price.”

“Speedy delivery and the cheapest I found the bed anywhere!”

“Brilliant. Lovely comfy mattress. Great price and service.”

Killer Queen Set To Bring A Kind Of Magic To Chester-Le-Street Fake Festival

By on 26th April 2016in Entertainment

With summer just around the corner it’s time to think about this year’s big days out – so we’re delighted to be back at Riverside Park for an amazing fourth year on Sat 6th August – when 3 world-class tributes to Queen, Arctic Monkeys & Stereophonics, will be headlining a Fake Festival that has something for everyone.

In a year that sees the real Queen & Adam Lambert touring major European cities – we bring you the next best thing – the amazing Flash – a tribute every bit as good as the original Freddie in sound, performance & attitude!

We’ll also be bringing you 5 of the very best local bands to support our headliners – already confirmed are the brilliant Riverain, Edenthorn, The Firelight Opera & Sean Hainey – who will be performing a fabulous mix of original music and covers for your enjoyment!

We’re also very excited about our new look festival food options – which include the Fat Hippo Burger Bar, delicious wood fired pizzas, speciality barbecued pulled pork and amazing local fish & chips! We guarantee they will whet your appetite and have your taste buds dancing too.

Families are welcome too and there’s plenty for kids to do – with a professional face painting team and a secure outside entertainment zone. Doors for the all-day event open at 12:30pm – and those who come down before 2pm to support the local bands will be rewarded with a free drink of your choice from the fully licensed bar.

Local event organiser Bec Evans says, “We’re amazed at the popularity of these one day music festivals – but the quality of the tribute bands, the atmosphere generated inside our giant marquee and sheer value for money have made it the local event not to be missed!”

So if you’re up for a great day out this summer – get in quick and take advantage of the Early Bird discounts which are available until midnight on Wed 6th July. Tickets are available now from www.fakefestivals.co.uk – or our outlets: Costcutter (Garden Farm Estate) & M J O’Brien’s Newsagents (Chester le Street High Street).

Tickets bought up to and including 6th July: Adults (18+) £17 – Young Person (10-17) £9 – Family (2 x Adult + 2 x Young Person) £43. Tickets bought from 7th July: Adult £20 – Young Person £11 – Family £51. Under 10s are always free with a paying adult.

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.

Lumley Castle To Host Swinging Afternoon Tea This May

By on 19th April 2016in Entertainment

Enjoy afternoon tea with a difference at a special event at Lumley Castle Hotel this May…

On Sunday 22nd May, Lumley Castle, Chester-le-Street are hosting a swing afternoon tea in their breath-taking surroundings with live music by singer Alexander Lomas.

Starting at 2.30pm visitors will enjoy the ambience of the castle in their Garter room which oozes elegance and luxury. Combining historic architecture with views from the County Durham landscape the setting is truly a dream come true.

Alexander Lomas has 15 years of experience within the industry and has won many awards including North of England Wedding Awards for entertainment. He encapsulates his audience with classics from greats such as Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Bobby Darin and Tony Bennett.

Not only will guests revel in fabulous music, they will relish in Afternoon Tea designed by our top class restaurant team. Including a selection of finger sandwiches, scones and delicious cakes your taste buds will be tantalised.

“This event has always been a hit at Lumley Castle and we are very excited to be running it again,” said the hotel’s director of sales Tina Lowes, “Alexander Lomas is a great entertainer and makes the experience of our fabulous afternoon tea even more enjoyable.”

“We guarantee that anyone attending will have a fantastic afternoon in one of the castle’s most beautiful rooms, and we already planning more events like this for the future.”

Places for Swing Afternoon Tea at Lumley day cost £20 and can be booked by calling 0191 3895845 or emailing banquets@lumleycastle.com.

www.lumleycastle.com

Sunderland Brands Join Forces For 2016 Air Show

By on 15th April 2016in Local Biz

Two of Sunderland’s biggest brands are joining forces to cater for visitors at one of the city’s most popular events…

1879 Events Management, part of the SoL hospitality brand, has been awarded a new contract to provide a wide range of services at the Sunderland International Airshow 2016.

The event, which annually attracts close to a million visitors, returns for its 28th year from Friday July 22, with a host of airborne acrobatics, air displays and entertainment at Roker and Seaburn seafront.

As part of the event, organised by Sunderland Live, 1879 Events Management will now be operating a world food and drink village in the former amusement park overlooking Seaburn beach and providing new hospitality packages for VIP guests throughout the weekend, as well as a family zone.

Sue Stanhope, Airshow Director, said: “The Sunderland International Airshow is one of the North East’s biggest events, not just in terms of visitor numbers but in the positive impact it has on the economy too.

“This year we’ve got another exciting line up and we are delighted that 1879 Events Management have come on board to add a new dimension to the weekend’s food offering and help enhance the overall visitor experience.”

1879 Events Management, which currently runs catering and events operations at the Stadium of Light and National Glass Centre, Sunderland, has successfully managed a wide range of high profile events since launching in 2012, including concerts, weddings, business dinners and festivals.

It was recently awarded an extended five year contract to provide catering for leading LGBT festival, Newcastle Pride, which also takes place in July.

Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director for SAFC and 1879 Events Management, said: “It’s been a real privilege to be involved in some of the North East’s biggest events over the past four years and we are thrilled to now be lending the same expertise to such an amazing occasion in our home city of Sunderland.

“With the Sunderland International Airshow and Newcastle Pride both taking place in July and Beyonce’s concert at the Stadium of Light to look forward to in June, it looks set to be another busy summer for 1879 Events Management and our partners.”

Full details for 1879 Event Management’s food village and hospitality packages for the Sunderland International Airshow will be released in due course via www.1879events.com or @1879Events on Twitter.

To enquire, or for more details, please contact airshow2016@1879events.com

More information about the event itself can also be found at www.sunderlandinternationalairshow.co.uk

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