Tag: featured

A Little Progress Every Day: The Jak Inc Story

By on 27th December 2015in Local Biz

Now in their 10th year, Chester-le-Street Design & Marketing Agency Jak Inc are pushing forward, but not forgetting their roots…

 

Back in 2004, father and son John and Andy Knowles found themselves in the enviable position of possessing a great idea, and having the means to put it into motion.

Keen to showcase the diversity of North East business, they founded JAK Publications, and published the first issues of the In & Around magazine. Despite operating out of a humble spare bedroom, the magazine was an instant success, and the foundations of a great business were laid.

Fast-forward to 2009, and JAK Publications had become JAK Print, now offering great value print and design to the North East. The team had bolstered its ranks with some of the region’s finest Graphic Designers, and moved into larger premises in Chester-le-Street and Darlington.

Crucially, JAK also purchased wholesale print website Full Colour Cards, which took the business from local to national. With the introduction of the Print Partner Affiliate Scheme, www.fullcolourcards.com became one of the UK’s leading online print suppliers.

In 2014, JAK closed the doors of their Darlington office, and consolidated the team under one roof in Unit 4 Station Road, Chester-le-Street, rebranding the business as Jak Inc Ltd. Now comprising a print and design agency, a print wholesaler, a marketing agency, and an online caricature website, a portfolio business was finally nearing completion.

Notably, Jak’s Station Road premises overlooked the site of the famous Horner’s Sweet Factory. The Jak team immediately identified with the fabled creativity and passion with which Horner’s had approached their work. In homage to the shared work ethic, Unit 4 was dubbed ‘The Sweet Factory’.

Today, Jak Inc continue to undergo extensive growth and continued success, forever looking to the future, but never forgetting the spare bedroom in which everything started. As they say, “a little progress every day adds up to big results.”

To find out more about Jak Inc, or to discover how they can revolutionise your business, visit www.jakinc.uk.

#ThrowbackThursday: A Very Victorian Christmas

By on 24th December 2015in Lifestyle

The Tyne & Wear Flickr archive has a few more wintery snaps to offer…

Last week we shared an album of wintery North East photographs from years gone by, and with Christmas just a day away, we’re keeping with the festive theme for this week’s #ThrowbackThursday.

History buffs among you will know that early in the 19th century, Christmas was hardly celebrated, but by the time Queen Victoria was reigning, the festivities were becoming somewhat recognisable to what we know and love today. Vic’s husband Prince Albert brought the country’s first Christmas Tree with him from Germany, and the tradition has stuck ever since.

The album below, titled A Victorian Christmas gives us a window into a North East Christmas just as the holiday was becoming a time for family festivities. Take a look…

Snowy Christmases like these might be a thing of distant memory, but it’s great to see a real local winter wonderland. Highlights are youngsters ice skating, kitted out with – most likely hand-knitted – mittens, and a lady wrapped up tight in a scarf and jacket, about to brave the cold weather.

To see more of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums photographs, click here.

To see more local #ThrowbackThursdays, click here.

Do you have Christmas photographs of your own to share? Leave a comment below, or email online@inandaroundmag.co.uk!

Christmas Coming Twice For Seasonal Workers

By on 23rd December 2015in In & Around

Winter workers from across the North East are being given a second chance to celebrate the festive season…

On Saturday January 9th, 1879 Events Management will host a Post-Christmas Party at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

The event, starting at 7pm, is designed specifically for those who were too busy working or had other commitments in the run up to Christmas, offering them a second chance to celebrate with family, colleagues or friends.

Guests will enjoy a live performance by The Wolcott Band, covering hits by artists such as David Bowie, Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson and Take That, as well as a mouthwatering four course meal.

This includes traditional Northumberland broth, roasted turkey paupiette with all the trimmings, cranberry and white chocolate cheesecake and coffee with sweet mince pies.

David Moses, General Manager at 1879 Events Management, said: “There are so many people who are unable to celebrate Christmas during December, from care workers and the emergency services, to those who are based away from home.

“This year we wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to mark the season in style, and hope that our event on January 9th will offer those missing out this month a much-needed opportunity to get together with their loved ones.”

The Post-Christmas Party night at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light will run until 1am, with every guest receiving a complimentary half bottle of wine.  Places, priced at £24.95 each, can be booked by calling 0871 9111555.

Lumley Castle Offer Perfect Post-Christmas Break

By on 22nd December 2015in Lifestyle

One of the North East’s best loved hotels is coming to the rescue of couples, friends and families in need of a post-Christmas mini break…

Six-hundred-year-old Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street, is offering a two night Twixmas stay, between Christmas and New Year, with one condition… that guests allow staff to wait on them hand and foot.

Not only will guests spend two nights in a sumptuously furnished courtyard bedroom, formerly the stable block of the 14th century castle, but they will also be served dinner in the hotel’s renowned Black Knight restaurant and a full English breakfast on both mornings.

They will also be able to enjoy long walks in the nine acres of historic woodland surrounding the four star hotel, overlooking both the Emirates Cricket Ground and the River Wear.

“Then, when they return, they can curl up in front of a roaring log fire with a mug of chocolate or afternoon tea, or explore the ancient corridors of the castle and find out a little more about its fascinating history,” said director of sales and marketing, Nola Collinson.

“However they choose to spend their time, we can assure our Twixmas guests that they won’t have to lift a finger; their stay with us really will be the perfect, post-Christmas treat.”

The two night Twixmas break is available from 27th to 30th December, and costs from £60 per person per night.

The offer includes accommodation, based on two people sharing a room, a £30 per person allowance towards dinner in the Black Knight Restaurant on one evening, and full English Breakfast both mornings.

For more information call 0191 389 1111, email reservations@lumleycastle.com or visit www.lumleycastle.com.

Welding Talent Pool Generated For Future Generation

By on 22nd December 2015in Local Biz

Ten North East youngsters are on track to their dream careers after securing apprenticeships with Infinite Learning and Development and Caterpillar Articulated Trucks, with a helping hand from Generation NE…

Youth employment advisors and business advisors from the landmark programme have been working alongside Infinite Learning and Development and Caterpillar to appoint the apprentice welders as the industry works to bridge its skills gap.

Amongst the new recruits who are employed by Zenith People are Blane Raw, James Almond, Jamie Morrison, Jason Anderson, Jason Davison, Lauren Piercy, Shaun Whittle, Levi Watson, Daniel Hilton and Stephen Brook, all from Durham and the surrounding areas.

The trainee welders, who are aged between 18 and 22 years, will spend their initial four months at The Welding Academy completing practical training and their VRQ qualification, before moving on to the shop floor at Caterpillar Peterlee, where they will complete the NVQ element of their City & Guilds Engineering Level 2.

To help with the recruitment of the new starters, Generation NE, which connects businesses in the region with the next generation of employees to future-proof their workforces and enhance their business offering, provided tailor-made support and advice, whilst County Durham Housing Group assisted with securing employability funding for a number of the apprentices who are tenants.

Keith Corbett, operations director at Infinite Learning and Development, said: “Generation NE was extremely supportive throughout the entire process. We work across a specialist industry, however the team put a huge amount of faith in us and have helped to recruit a fantastic team of future welders, including the academy’s first female welder, who I am confident will all go far in the industry.”

Claire Maddison, employability and skills officer at County Durham Housing Group, added: “We are delighted to be able to provide additional financial support for schemes such as these, especially when we’re helping people to carve their future career path.”

The Welding Academy was set up in partnership with Infinite Learning and Development, Caterpillar and New College Durham in 2012 to address a regional shortage of skilled MIG welders experienced by Caterpillar and its supply chain. Since its launch, the academy has now trained 57 junior welders, and the programme and partners were recognised by SEMTA in February 2015, after they were named as finalists for the National Training Partner of the Year Awards in London.

Helen Hopper, employee services manager at Caterpillar Articulated Trucks, said: “Approximately four years ago, we were looking into the market to try and recruit experienced welders, but found that in the North East there was a shortage of these skilled welders.

“Since we partnered with Infinite Learning and Development and developed this bespoke Welding Level 2 apprenticeship programme, we have seen the retention rate for welding staff stabilise with approximately 90% of these ‘Junior Welders’ retained on completion of the programme, and the majority moving on to start their Level 3 qualifications.

“The standard of welder produced proves that the training programme is working, and it’s in Caterpillar’s best interests to keep the programme and the success story going.”

The youth employment programme, Generation NE, is a collaboration between five local authorities, including Durham County Council, and the NELEP, which is working with local businesses to support up to 2,000 young people aged between 17 and 24 years into sustainable employment over the next three years.

Cllr Neil Foster, cabinet member for regeneration and economic development at Durham County Council, said: “This is another great example of how the Generation NE programme is helping to link companies which have vacancies with potential candidates.

“As well as helping employers to find new recruits, the scheme also offers tailored support to young people to help them gain the skills and qualifications they need. I wish all of these apprentices every success in their future career.”

For more information on Generation NE, visit www.GenerationNE.co.uk or call 0191 230 0491.

2016 Adult Learning Courses Are The Perfect New Year’s Resolution

By on 21st December 2015in Lifestyle

Thinking of making your New Year’s resolution to learn a new skill, brush up on your maths or English, or get qualified for a whole new career?

 

Durham County Council’s Adult Learning and Skills Service offers a wide range of courses, and details can be found in its new Spring 2016 Learning Guide.

As well as helping people boost their skills, confidence and job prospects, courses offer the chance to meet new people, and many can also lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

This year’s classes include Maths and English at all levels up to GCSE equivalent, Information Computer Technology courses, and vocational qualifications in subjects including Childcare, Health and Social Care, and Business and Administration.

The service also offers apprenticeships at intermediate and advanced level in a wide range of employment-related areas including Business Administration, ICT, supporting teaching and learning in schools and customer service.

There’s also a range of self-improvement courses including Starting Your Own Business, Confidence Building, and Family Fitness.

Most courses are held in community venues, where they offer a friendly and welcoming learning environment. However, some are also available online, offering people the chance to learn at a time and place that is convenient for them.

Cllr Maria Plews, Cabinet member for leisure, libraries and lifelong learning, said: “If you’re looking to make a positive change in the New Year, our courses are an ideal place to start. Meet new people, feel more confident in your skills, get the new job you deserve, or start a whole new direction in life. With courses on getting back into work, setting up your own business, or a recognised qualification to take you onto a new level in your career, there really is something for everyone.”

With courses starting in January, people are being encouraged to enrol now. The Spring Learning Guide is available to download at www.durham.gov.uk/adultlearning.

For further information on courses and how to enrol, contact the Adult Learning and Skills Service on 03000 266 115 or email alss@durham.gov.uk.

Top Tyneside Hotels Slash Prices For 2016

By on 20th December 2015in In & Around

Shoppers heading north to snap up New Year sales bargains can extend their stay with a Sunday saver…

Two top Newcastle hotels are slashing their room rates on Sunday nights in January and February.

The New Northumbria and Grey Street Hotels are offering double rooms for just £20.16 per person based on two people sharing, on Sunday nights only.

Grey Street Hotel takes its name from its location on Newcastle’s most famous city centre Regency street, while the New Northumbria is at the heart of the upmarket Jesmond area of the city.

For further information about the Grey Street Hotel, call 0191 230 6777 or visit www.greystreethotel.co.uk and to find out more about the New Northumbria Hotel call 0191 281 4961, or visit www.thenewnorthumbriahotel.co.uk.

The offer is subject to availability, and callers must quote SUNDAY2016 at the time of booking.

Stadium Of Light Announce New Year’s Eve Gala Ball Entertainment

By on 19th December 2015in Entertainment, Events

Sunderland’s Stadium of Light are cueing the fireworks for a spectacular New Year’s Eve…

Renowned tribute artist Jamie Tinkler, who became a fan favourite on ITV talent shows Pop Idol and X Factor, will be performing as both Michael Buble and Olly Murs at the New Year’s Eve Gala Ball at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on December 31st.

The event, organised by 1879 Events Management, will also feature a Scottish piper and a fireworks display as the clock strikes midnight, which can be viewed either from inside the function suite or the stadium outside.

Along with all the live entertainment, guests at the event will enjoy a fabulous five course feast created by 1879’s expert chefs.

This includes roasted parsnip and apple soup, warm goats’ cheese, herb roasted fillet of beef, white and dark chocolate minted marbled torte, and a selection of farmhouse cheeses served with assorted biscuits.

Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director for 1879 Events Management and SAFC, said: “New Year’s Eve is one of the most highly anticipated nights of the year and we’re going all out to make it as memorable as possible.

“Jamie and our Scottish piper will both be on hand to help guests bid farewell to 2015 and look forward to all of the fun and promise that a New Year can bring. It’s going to be a spectacular night at the Stadium of Light.”

Tickets for the New Year’s Eve Gala Ball at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light are priced at £52.95 per person, including a Bucks Fizz reception, bacon rolls at midnight, and coffee and mince pies.

For more information or to book, visit www.safc.com, call 0871 911 1555 or email christmas@safc.com.

Further details about 1879 Events Management can also be found by visiting www.1879events, emailing info@1879events.com or following @1879Events on Twitter.

#ThrowbackThursday: A North East Winter Wonderland

By on 17th December 2015in Lifestyle

A browse through the Tyne & Wear Flickr archive reveals some wintery gems…

The Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums Flickr page is home to nearly 2,000 photographs of North East history. Whether you’re looking for photographs of World War Two factories, turn of the century ship launchings, or criminal mugshots of the ’20s, you’ll likely find it in one of their many albums.

But with Christmas just around the corner, and with a few flashes of snow in our recent memory, we think you might like to check our the ‘Winter Wonderland’ album.

With just a light frosting, our local landscape is transformed into an image straight from the front of a Christmas greetings card.

See for yourself…

Gems include Jesmond Dene, and an awesome aerial view of Alnwick Castle.

To see more of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums photographs, click here.

Do you have wintery photographs of your own to share? Leave a comment below, or email online@inandaroundmag.co.uk!

Lakes Single Malt Whisky One Year On And Maturing Well

By on 17th December 2015in Local Biz

England’s largest whisky distillery raises a glass, as the country’s newest single malt whisky reaches a major milestone in its maturation…

The Lakes Distillery started production of its Lakes Single Malt in December 2014, the same month it officially opened its doors to visitors.

The spirit, which will officially become whisky after three years maturing in oak casks, will be ready for drinking from spring 2018. Early feedback from the distillery’s team, which includes some of the UK’s foremost whisky experts, is that the Lakes Single Malt is on track to be one of the finest.

“After only one year maturing, already it is smooth and sweet and very drinkable” says Distillery Manager John Drake. “It is quite outstanding.”

In just 12 months, The Lakes Distillery has also become one of Cumbria’s leading tourist attractions, welcoming more than 70,000 visitors through its doors. Meanwhile, the acclaimed Bistro at The Lakes Distillery has built up a tremendous reputation, being popular with tourists and locals, thanks to head chef Andrew Beaton with renowned chef Terry Laybourne overseeing the bistro.

The Lakes Distillery has also been named as a ‘Top 50 Cumbrian Icon’ in only its first year.

Founder and Managing Director of The Lakes Distillery, Paul Currie, who founded and ran the award-winning Isle of Arran Distillers in Scotland before opening England’s largest distillery, said: “This has been a phenomenal year for the business. The reaction from the drinks industry, the public and the local businesses in the North West has been fantastic.

“We feel honoured to have been awarded a string of accolades from different industry bodies in our first year. Our spirits have picked up awards at the IWSC and International Spirits Challenge (ISC), while the Bistro at The Distillery has been listed in the Michelin Good Food Guide 2016 and picked up Open Table Diner’s Choice Awards several months in a row.”

In 2016 Paul will not be resting on his laurels, and already has big plans for the distillery’s second year of business – including a series of talks and events at the venue.

He continued: “We’ve run a couple of events this year, including one with former Olympian Jonathan Edwards, an ambassador of our whisky, a gin themed evening with Olympic skier Chemmy Alcott, and a night of fine dining with Michelin-starred chef Nigel Haworth. All the events have been very successful, and we’re planning an exciting schedule for next year.

“We are situated in one of the most stunning places in the world, which we think gives us a real edge, and that, combined with the unique spirits we are producing, makes us a strong contender in this industry. Our aim is to ensure The Lakes Malt is recognised as one of the finest malt whiskies in the world, making us a challenger to Scotland.”

Already the creators of artisan spirits The Lakes Gin and The Lakes Vodka, The Lakes Distillery offers a blended British Isles whisky called The ONE, which is currently available in a limited edition sherry cask finished bottle, marking the distillery’s first birthday.

For more information on The Lakes Distillery, visit www.lakesdistillery.com or for further details on The Bistro at The Lakes Distillery, visit www.bistroatthedistillery.com.

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