Tag: featured

Sunderland Distillery Tastes Success With Artisanal Spirits

By on 17th February 2016in Lifestyle

A new ‘wild spirit’ is making its way into bars and retailers across the North East, following the launch of an independent small batch distillery…

Poetic License, based in Sunderland, currently crafts two gins and a vodka, which are all individually bottled, wrapped and labelled by hand.

The business, which produces around 400 bottles per week, is the brainchild of North East entrepreneur Mark Hird, who has more than 25 years experience in leisure and hospitality, including a stand-alone microbrewery, which he launched in 2012.

Mark said: “The recent revival in gin has been astounding. I noticed demand climbing and spotted a gap in the market for high quality, artisanal spirits that mixed traditional techniques with modern flavours, and set about bringing my vision to life.”

After attending a comprehensive course in distilling, Mark invested in a 500L pot still and recruited a passionate, full-time distiller to help create the perfect blends.

Months of experimentation followed, with various flavour combinations and processes being discounted, before the duo were finally able to settle on three core products – and Poetic License Independent Small Batch Distillery was born.

Four months on, and the distillery’s Northern Dry Gin, Old Tom Gin and Graceful Vodka, are already being stocked in bars, hotels and restaurants across the North East, including popular cocktail bars As You Like It and Floritas in Newcastle, as well as the four star Wynyard Hall Hotel, County Durham.

All three products are also available to buy in high-end, regional department stores, including Fenwick and Lewis and Cooper Ltd, with moves now being made to find stockists and distributors nationwide.

“The name Poetic License symbolises our desire to break away from the norm. To create a drink for the wild spirits out there, which blurs the traditional with the unconventional and appeals to those imperfect perfectionists who want to enjoy a tipple that has been carefully crafted and packed with character.

“We’re delighted that so many leisure operators and retailers have already been able to embrace this philosophy and appreciate the unique style of our spirits, and hope that more across the UK will soon follow suit.”

After mastering gin and vodka, Mark and his distiller Luke Smith are now planning to develop limited edition flavours and extend their range with the addition of a dark and white rum and an absinthe.

More information about Poetic License and their products can be found at www.poeticlicensedistillery.co.uk.

Northern Powerhouse: Just Another Fad?

By on 17th February 2016in Have Your Say

Leading business figures, politicians and academics recently delivered a lively – and hotly contested – debate on the merits of a Northern Powerhouse for the North East…

 

Unedited Conversations: Towards a Northern Powerhouse?, was held at Newcastle Business School and chaired by Lucy Winskell OBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Business & Engagement) at Northumbria University.

The panel included Simon Henig, CBE, Leader of Durham County Council, Jeremy Middleton, CBE, Director of Middleton Enterprises LTD, John Fenwick, Professor Emeritus Leadership and Public Sector Management, Northumbria University, Andy Pike, Professor of Local and Regional Development, Newcastle University and Keith Shaw, Professor of Politics, Northumbria University.

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has said that building a Northern Powerhouse “is a revolution in the way we govern England”. Key to the policy is the devolution of more power to the regions from central Government, including the creation of directly elected majors. Devolution is seen by many as an opportunity to re-balance the UK economy, offering regions like the North East greater prosperity, life chances and health and social parity with London and the South.

There is, however, disagreement on whether a push for a Northern Powerhouse is the best way to achieve this.

While some on the panel advocated the need for an elected major as a driving force and strong voice for the whole region, others argued there would be a lack of trust in such a powerful individual, even when it was an elected position.

The Northern Powerhouse was described by one panel member as a “big idea with breath-taking ambition” that could make the North as rich as the South and give young people the same life chances. Another, however, asked whether it was merely a “brand and fashionable label that had become the latest flavour of the month, but that would wither on the vine.”

Challenges ahead were also identified, including competition from an increasingly devolved Scotland and the North East’s capacity to deliver on any potential benefits in a continuing era of austerity and public sector cuts.

Doctor Lorraine Johnston, Senior Lecturer at Newcastle Business School and event organiser, said: “Assembling such an esteemed panel of speakers made for an insightful, productive and at times feisty debate, and we were delighted with the enthusiasm of both the speakers and the audience. Despite the differences of opinion, one area of consensus was that this is an incredibly important issue that will affect us all. Politicians, businesses, academics and the media therefore need to engage far more with the general public. Hopefully this event has contributed to the debate, and will help move it forward.”

In October 2015, the North East Combined Authority – covering County Durham, Tyne & Wear and Northumberland – signed an agreement with the Government to take on more powers. The deal included a financial commitment for the region to receive £30 million a year over the next 30 years, and for North East voters to choose a directly elected major by 2017. A similar deal has been announced in Tees Valley.

We want to know what YOU think about the Northern Powerhouse. Leave your comments below!

Britain Does Vintage Festival Comes To Newcastle

By on 16th February 2016in Entertainment

On 23rd April, the Clayshed at Hoults Yard (just outside of Newcastle’s City Centre) will be hosting a remarkable vintage occasion…

 

From 10.30am to 5pm, vintage lovers can enjoy purveying an eclectic mix of authentic vintage and vintage-inspired stalls.

There’ll be the opportunity to tap your feet to vintage DJs and live music, get crafty at the demonstration zone, join the beauty bar to get glammed up as your favourite vintage icon, and even get snap happy at the vintage photo booth.

Plus, there’ll be plenty of old-school street foods available, along with the chance to drool over a selection of classic cars.

Once all the shopping has been done, relax at one of the quaint tearooms, supplied by Melonberry Vintage.

Wondering what to wear for such an occasion? Out with the new and in with the old is Britain Does Vintage’s creedo, so take the opportunity to dress like it’s yesteryear! 40s uniforms, 50s dresses, 60s headpieces, 70s leggings and 80s jackets are all encouraged.

Early bird tickets start at £3.50 for adults. For more information, visit www.britaindoesvintage.co.uk.

Management Consultancy Brings Six Associate Directors On Board

By on 16th February 2016in Local Biz

A Teesside-based management consultancy business has expanding significantly by taking on board six associate directors from across the North East and Yorkshire…

Focus On Success Ltd., whose goal is to improve businesses in the region, has appointed Bob Marris, Andy Knowles, Kevin Newson, Meg Heath, Sarah Dunwell and Lisa Lockey.

As experienced business owners and advisers themselves, the team will work alongside individual companies within their own areas of expertise, offering the help and advice needed to ensure each one is successful.

The recent appointments have come as a result of Focus On Success seeing a significant rise in the demand for its services.

Managing director Gary Lumby MBE said: “We have been placing non-executive directors and chairmen into SMEs across the North East and Yorkshire for the last four years.

“The success of our appointments and the impact they have made on the businesses they are working with means the demand for our services has expanded rapidly, with many more SMEs wanting to go down this route.

“SMEs and their professional advisors are starting to understand the benefits of having a non-executive director on their board – as part of an extended management team – and are realising this is a really low cost option to help grow any business.”

Between them, the six professionals boast a rather impressive skill set, with each member having been brought into the company to oversee a specific area of business.

Bob Marris, whose expertise lies around strategic business planning, and who has previously managed and delivered government backed business support initiatives across the region, believes the team will be able to make a significant impact on businesses in the area.

He said: “Being part of a group with such a range of skills and expertise is very powerful, much more so than being a ‘one man band’.”

Finance director Lisa Lockey has held a number of board posts over the last 15 years, and has experience in a variety of sectors for multimillion pound companies.

“I’m really looking forward to working with companies with ambition, who recognise that they can use the experience of a non-executive director,” she said.

“I can’t wait to play a part in helping them reach their goal quicker, and may even help them avoid some costly mistakes along the way.”

Andy Knowles, managing director of Jak Inc Ltd, has a proven track record of building both online and offline award-winning business models.

He said: “It’s a great team to be a part of because we have such a great variety of business knowledge among us.

“I hope to be able to bring what I have learned over the last 20 years into the group, and also the companies I will be working with, and I’m looking forward to sharing my stories and learnings with my new clients.”

Focus On Success has already hit the ground running, and Gary is looking forward to what the future holds for the business and the one-of-a-kind service it offers.

“Focus On Success is the only company I know offering to put non-executive directors into SMEs through a group of experienced business leaders who are all connected, and will use their collective knowledge and contacts to help those SMEs,” said Gary.

“I strongly believe this is far better than contracting with just one individual non-executive director, because companies will get the collective experience and networks of the whole group.

“I am looking forward to seeing the family of SMEs we currently work with increase over the year, and to see them all benefiting from the great ideas and advice which our non-executive directors will provide.”

For more information on Focus on Success, visit www.focus-on-success.co.uk.

Top Dentist Warns White Teeth Obsession Suggests Body Dysmorphia

By on 15th February 2016in Lifestyle

One of the UK’s top cosmetic dentists has warned that the obsession for white teeth can be an indicator of a form of body dysmorphia…

A preoccupation with the colour of teeth is commonly recognised as a symptom of BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder), a psychological condition where sufferers are fixated about certain aspects of their appearance.

And Dr Ken Harris, of Riveredge Cosmetic Dentistry, which has surgeries in both Sunderland and Newcastle, warns that those desperate for bright white teeth should steer clear of using home treatments or the excessive use of whitening toothpastes which can leave them with severe dental problems.

“Whitening toothpastes do not work,” said Dr Harris.

“They clean off surface stains, but do not touch ugly deep staining, and they are also very abrasive so can wear the enamel off teeth, causing significant damage.”

Dr Harris added that people obsessed with having perfect white teeth often use abrasive pastes and brush aggressively, which can lead to damage.

“No amount of tooth brushing can whiten teeth,” he said.

The abrasive nature of toothpaste is measured by RDA – Relative Dentine Abrasivity – and in 2012 the British Dental Journal said that toothpastes with an RDA of more than 100 were considered abrasive and could damage teeth and gums.

A number of popular whitening toothpastes on the market have an RDA in excess of 100 so are leaving people in danger of potentially damaging their teeth.

Dr Harris said that many people also try to use a variety of substances ranging from lemons to strawberries in the belief their teeth will get whiter.

“None of these processes work,” he said.

“The best way to get a proper and safe whitening treatment is to see a dentist, not attempt it on your own.

“A dentist will also give proper advice on what is suitable and what isn’t, rather than people buying treatments off the internet which simply won’t work, and may even be harmful.”

Dr Harris added that teeth get more yellow with age, and trying to combat this with excessive brushing or whitening toothpaste will, again, just not work.

“The dentine beneath our enamel becomes tougher and more dense over the years, and, as such, it gradually becomes darker in colour,” he said.

“Dentine is the part of the tooth beneath the outer enamel layer of teeth, and therefore can not be reached by toothpaste or brushing.

“The only way to whiten teeth is to get the bleach to soak through the enamel into the deeper dentine where it will do its job.”

Multi-award winner Dr Harris is respected across the globe for his expansive knowledge on cosmetic dentistry, and he regularly teaches around the world.

He is one of only two Fellows of the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (BACD) which involves him teaching other dentists around the UK. He is a full member of the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (BAAD), and regularly teaches USA dentists at the world-renowned Kois Center programme in Seattle.

He regularly travels to North America and Canada, delivering lectures on aesthetic dentistry to practitioners in New York, Vancouver, San Francisco, Orange County, Fresno and San Diego in his role as the Clinical Director for California Centre for Advanced Dental Studies.

His award-winning team also provides general dentistry. For further information, visit www.riveredge.co.uk.

Witton Gilbert Flood Defences Completed

By on 14th February 2016in In & Around

Work to protect homes from flooding in a County Durham village has been completed…

 

Durham County Council has developed a new flood defence scheme at Witton Gilbert with funding from the Environment Agency. It will help to protect 50 properties which were affected by flooding during severe weather in 2012.

The scheme was designed following an investigation into the flooding in 2012, and has involved the creation of a series of basins to the rear of Durham Gardens and South Lea.

The five basins can store up to 1,000 cubic meters of rain water, which would otherwise flow through the village, putting properties at risk of flooding.

The council has also worked with local landowners who have allowed existing ditches at the back of Brookside to be extended in order to divert water flows away from houses and towards the basins.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships at Durham County Council, said: “I am delighted that this work has been completed, and very much hope that it will provide peace of mind to local people who have previously suffered the effects of flooding caused by severe weather.

“The scheme is designed to protect streets and properties from any further flood damage by diverting rain and surface water away towards the new basins.”

As well as working with the Environment Agency, which has contributed funding for the scheme, the county council has also worked alongside local contractor Hall Construction, which carried out the work on site.

John Reed, head of technical services at Durham County Council, said: “The flooding of homes and businesses can have a devastating impact on people’s lives.

“We have worked successfully with the Environment Agency and local landowners to construct a flood prevention scheme to protect homes and businesses in Witton Gilbert from flooding in the future.”

Prestwick Care Home Resident Celebrates 100th Birthday

By on 13th February 2016in Lifestyle

Champagne corks were popping as one of the first residents to move into the North East’s newest residential care home hit a birthday milestone…

Grandmother of eight, Norah Wilson, moved into purpose-built Melton House, Gosforth, Newcastle, just a few weeks ago.

As the former shop worker turned 100, staff at the home, owned by Newcastle-based Prestwick Care, joined Norah’s friends and family to make sure the occasion went with a swing.

Not only did they bake her a cake and lay on a birthday tea, but they also invited the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Newcastle, Cllr Ian and Margaret Graham, to join in the celebrations.

And, in keeping with tradition, a greeting from HM The Queen took pride of place among Norah’s flowers and cards.

“It was a fantastic day,” said Norah’s son Robert, 63, from Fenham. “The staff pulled out all the stops and made sure she had a lovely time.”

Margaret Burn, manager of the 67-bedroom home, built on the site of the former Northumberland Records Office, overlooking Gosforth racecourse, said: “In the short time we have been open, the staff and residents have become like one, happy, family.

“Norah is a wonderful lady and we were delighted to join her family in celebrating her special birthday.”

Melton House provides residential care, as well as general and dementia nursing, and boasts a range of services and facilities, including in-house physiotherapy, a cinema, full laundry service and hairdressing salon.

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

30% Off Train Fares In Support Of Flood Hit Areas

By on 13th February 2016in Lifestyle

A discount of 30% on Off Peak Advance fares to regions hit by floods is now available as part of Virgin Trains’ partnership with VisitEngland for their ‘Love the North’ campaign…

Virgin Trains, which operates passenger services on both the East Coast and West Coast, has teamed up with VisitEngland to support ‘Love the North’, which aims to promote tourism in the North of England and demonstrate that Cumbria, Lancashire, Northumberland and Yorkshire are #OpenForBusiness following the damage caused by storms Desmond, Eva and Frank in December 2015.

The offer is available for travel between 19th February and 13th May, and is timed to coincide with the February half-term holiday and the Easter break in March.

Discounted fares can be purchased on direct Virgin Trains services to destinations including Carlisle, Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith and Preston on the West Coast route, and Berwick-upon-Tweed, Doncaster, Leeds, Morpeth and York on the East Coast until Tuesday 1st March.

Destination organisations along the East and West Coast have pulled together some accommodation offers and deals to help customers make the most of this great travel discount.

Phil Whittingham, Managing Director at Virgin Trains, said: “We care about the local communities and want to show our continued support for them. We’re pleased to launch this 30% discount as part of VisitEngland’s ‘Love the North’ campaign. We look forward to welcoming visitors on board our trains, and hope they make the most of the many offers that show the region is very much open for business.”

David Horne, Managing Director of Virgin Trains East Coast, said: “This is a fantastic initiative to bolster areas affected by flooding and put them back on the map for visitors. As our head offices are in York, we have seen firsthand the damage the storms caused to communities and businesses this winter. Indeed we were one of many businesses affected as our offices were flooded.

“York is just one of the wonderful destinations on our route which is linked by some of Britain’s most breathtaking scenery. From the Flying Scotsman season at York’s National Railway Museum to the great shopping on offer in Leeds or the spectacular backdrop of Berwick-upon-Tweed, there are plenty of great reasons to visit, and we hope customers take advantage of this offer.”

Peterlee Training Firm Expands Into Yorkshire

By on 12th February 2016in Local Biz

A North East-headquartered training firm has made its first foray into Yorkshire after winning a clutch of new contracts in the county…

Peterlee-based KF Training has expanded rapidly since it was launched in 2011, opening two more outlets in the North East as work flooded in.

Now the company has clinched deals with several Yorkshire firms, and is in the process of recruiting staff to service the extra workload.

One of the contracts is with Sheffield-based stainless steelmaker Outokumpu, which is putting many of its first line supervisors through KF Training’s leadership and management programme. Eventually the programme will be rolled out to 113 staff in Sheffield. Outokumpu has its headquarters in Finland and employs more than 11,000 employees in 30 countries including Scandinavia, Europe, North America and Asia.

Barbara Ayres, HR Manager at Outokumpu, said: “We are continually looking at ways of improving the skills base of our employees in our business, and we highlighted a training need within our first line supervisory team. As a result of our partnership with KF Training, more than 100 of our people will get an opportunity to learn special techniques that will help them develop and improve the performance of their respective teams.

“This will be vital as we look to succeed in an ever more competitive environment in the stainless steel and advanced materials markets.”

KF Training delivers business-focused skills programmes and consultancy services across the North of England. Headquartered in Peterlee, County Durham, the fast-growing business was launched in 2011 by Managing Director Kelly Lee, and now employs 52 people. With four specialist training divisions covering innovation, leadership and management, continuous improvement and business skills, KF Training has helped dozens of clients to build strong, dynamic businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce.

Sara O’Brien, Commercial Director at KF Training, said: “Our partnership with Outokumpu is one of several contract wins for us in Yorkshire, which is a key part of our growth strategy. We discovered that this part of the country has a range of training needs in key growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing, healthcare technologies, creative and digital, life sciences and low-carbon technologies.

“We are currently recruiting staff who can help us achieve our goal of building our presence in Yorkshire.”

For further information about KF Training, visit www.kftraining.co.uk, call 0191 518 6830 or e-mail info@kftraining.co.uk.

County Durham Hotel Set To Save £250,000 In Energy Bills

By on 11th February 2016in Local Biz

The Ramside Hall Hotel & Golf Club is set to make a six-figure saving on its energy bills after forging an alliance with a cost management specialist…

Nine months ago, the prestigious leisure venue entered a three-year contract with Great Annual Savings Group (GAS) in a bid to cut its soaring energy bills, which amount to around £800,000 a year. Since then, Seaham-based GAS has renegotiated Ramside’s electricity and gas contracts, resulting in a saving of more than £60,000.

Over the period of the contract, Ramside will expect to make savings of up to £250,000, which will allow the company to reinvest the money in other parts of the business. The hotel is currently in the middle of a £16m investment programme, which has seen the opening of a brand new luxury spa, a second championship golf course, and a new wing of 47 premier rooms with state-of-the-art bathrooms. The expansion plans have already created around 100 jobs at Ramside, which now employs more than 400 people.

John Adamson, Managing Director at Ramside Estates, said: “We’re well on the way to establishing the hotel as one of the most exciting leisure destinations in the region. However, while we’ve invested a significant amount of money in new facilities, we’re also conscious of the need to keep costs under control, which is why we’ve teamed up with Great Annual Savings Group.

“They’ve helped us to secure a good deal on our utility bills, which has given us extra security and cashflow visibility at a time when energy prices are quite volatile.”

GAS helps businesses reduce their variable costs and save money in a range of areas including energy procurement, energy and water cost management, fire safety, telecoms and insurance. The company has built up a portfolio of more than 950 customers, which include Ramside, food service distributor Tyneside Foodservices, and the Parkmore Hotel in Eaglescliffe.

Bradley Groves, chief executive and chairman of Great Annual Savings Group, said: “In this era of austerity, cost control is just as important as generating revenue and new business. Through our negotiations with key suppliers, Ramside has been able to make significant savings that will improve its financial performance – with the prospect of further savings to come.”

GAS has also embarked on a major investment programme that has seen the firm treble headcount to more than 100 in the last twelve months.  As well as an expanding team of Business Solutions Managers, a raft of new senior staff have now joined the business, strengthening the management team in preparation for further expansion.

For further information about Great Annual Savings Group, visit www.greatannualsavings.com.

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