Tag: middlesbrough

North East Restaurant Brings Unique Twist To Piri Piri

By on 29th April 2016in Lifestyle

A new Piri Piri restaurant that brings a unique twist to the popular Portuguese cuisine, has opened on Middlesbrough’s bustling Linthorpe Road…

Frango’s, which specialises in Piri Piri dishes with an African and Portuguese twist, held an exclusive launch event on Sunday (24 April) to announce its long-awaited arrival in Teesside.

The project is the brainchild of former owner of Bahia Bistro, Eddie De Melo, who was convinced he could produce tastier, healthier cuisine at better value than the competition.

As a result, Eddie teamed up with partner, Iffy, to create a 130+ seat restaurant which employs almost 30 members of staff from the local area, and will cater to the growing demand for fresh, authentic food in the North East.

Born in Mozambique, Eddie was brought up in Brazil and then moved to South Africa, where he jointly owned a Mediterranean restaurant. It’s his 20+ years’ experience in the restaurant industry, combined with his heritage, that he believes gives him an edge over other Piri Piri style restaurants.

Eddie said: “Middlesbrough is very multicultural, so it was the perfect place for me to settle. I bring with me a unique insight into Portuguese cuisine and my experience of African atmosphere, which has influenced things such as including a space for customers to put their names on the menus.

“No matter where I have lived throughout my life, I have learned there is nothing more important than the best, traceable ingredients, and that is why we stress the need for the freshest produce, like our British chicken.

“As a concept, Frango’s will deliver great tasting Piri-Piri cuisine, served in a relaxed and informal environment at affordable prices. We have even installed a state of the art kitchen to ensure speed and efficiency for every order.”

Frango’s is the only Piri Piri restaurant in Middlesbrough that uses fresh, 100% British chicken, and also features specials that complement its multi-ethnic heritage.

Partner Iffy said: “There is a gap in the market for fresh, tasty food that isn’t mass produced, and that’s a gap we plan to fill. Unlike the larger chains, we’re not restricted to a particular format and as such, the food we serve at Frango’s will evolve over time.

“Anyone who visited Eddie’s previous venture, Bahia, will know he’s renowned for serving excellent food, so pulling off dishes that he’s grown up with should be a piece of cake!”

Frango’s has worked with local craftsmen AD Property Maintenance, KJS Woodwork, Wainwright Upholstery and artists Alan Morley and Steve Badger, to prepare the restaurant which has had almost £500,000 invested in it.

For more information, visit the Frango’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Frangos-Piri-Piri-524693127710622/

Twitter and Instagram: @FrangosPiri

Boro Sign Up To Extra Life Health Drive

By on 28th April 2016in In & Around

Football fans know all about extra time, but Boro supporters will soon be talking Extra Life thanks to a new health initiative…

Middlesbrough Football Club is signing up to the ‘healthy settings’ scheme, which works within organisations to improve the health and wellbeing of their staff and service users.

And as well as targeting Middlesbrough FC employees, the scheme will be rolled out to Boro fans across the region, and all visitors to the club’s facilities.

Developed by Public Health at Middlesbrough Council, the initiative works by identifying the specific health needs within a setting; and implementing lasting health improvement and population behaviour change.

In this instance, the findings of Extra Life will be used to shape the objectives of future health projects implemented by MFC Foundation, the official charitable arm of Middlesbrough FC, in their work with Boro fans, as well as encouraging both club and Foundation staff to lead healthier lives.

Extra Life was launched in 2014, and has already benefited in excess of 10,000 people, through organisations including Teesside University, Middlesbrough Council, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Middlesbrough College.

Middlesbrough suffers from poor health outcomes and a high number of people dying early from preventable illnesses. Factors including smoking, poor diet and a lack of physical activity all contribute to this, and the club are keen to target and work to meet these needs.

The most recent research suggests an estimated 131 million days are lost to sickness absence each year in the UK, while up to 50% of health and wellbeing is thought to be determined by social factors and the environment in which people live and work. This in turn has an impact on productivity, a major stumbling block for rebuilding the economy locally and nationally.

It is hoped that by working collectively, Extra Life can reach high numbers of people in Middlesbrough and in turn, help address local health needs through targeted support.

To establish the specific health needs of Middlesbrough FC and its supporters, the club will be working with MFC Foundation to send out surveys in May, with the aim to implement new projects in the 2016/2017 season.

For more information about Extra Life, please visit www.extralifesettings.co.uk

Michael James, Middlesbrough FC’s Chief Financial Officer, said: “Middlesbrough Football Club is committed to improving the health of people on Teesside, from our own staff to the wider community of Boro fans. We’re delighted to join the Extra Life drive, which provides an invaluable opportunity to tailor our efforts and make significant strides together with our supporters.”

Helena Bowman, Head of MFC Foundation, said: “MFC Foundation already delivers strong health projects in our community, but Extra Life will enable us to shape what we are doing around the needs of the Boro fans. We believe this project will help us to provide the most meaningful and impactful campaigns, where they are most needed.”

Sue Perkin, Middlesbrough Council’s Head of Public Health, said: “Extra Life is all about harnessing the resources, insight and expertise of some of our biggest institutions for the benefit of the town as a whole. Middlesbrough continues to make significant progress in a number of areas, but there are undoubtedly challenges which must be overcome if we are to see real long-term benefits.”

MFC Foundation Introduce New Transition Project For Teesside Schools

By on 18th March 2016in In & Around

Last October, Head of Ofsted Sir Michael Wilshaw said that the importance of a good start to secondary school “cannot be overstated”…

And now, a new schools project on Teesside is set to give children their best chance yet when making the step up from primary to secondary education.

Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation is teaming up with Middlesbrough Council to roll out the schools transition project, with more than 300 children to receive support from ‘transition coaches’ from the later years of primary education through to their first years at secondary school.

Delivered by qualified staff from MFC Foundation, the official charitable arm of Middlesbrough Football Club, the pull of the Boro badge will be used to engage with the young pupils. As well as leading classroom activities to prepare youngsters for the step up, the transition coaches will provide a consistent point of contact for the children throughout the process.

The £100,000 scheme, which includes £70,000 of funding from Middlesbrough Council, will be piloted in three Teesside secondary schools and their 12 feeder primary schools from May.

Recent government research has suggested that the culture shift from primary to secondary school is one of the most critical periods of a child’s education. Published by Ofsted in September 2015, a report entitled ‘Key Stage 3: The Wasted Years’ concluded that “the rate of pupils’ progress and achievement [in Key Stage 3] were not good enough”.

It is hoped that the project will provide a positive catalyst to improve Key Stage 3 for children in the Tees Valley.

MFC Foundation is currently advertising three staff positions to work on the transition project. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 22 March. Please visit www.mfcfoundation.co.uk for more details.

Stewart Smith, MFC Foundation’s Chair of Trustees, said: “Raising aspirations through education is a huge part of MFC Foundation’s vision for the Teesside community.

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with Middlesbrough Council to target and improve a crucial part of the school experience for our young people.”

Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “We are committed to improving outcomes for all young people, and the transition from primary to secondary is one of the most important periods in a great many young lives.

“Through this important scheme Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation is creating a unique opportunity to engage children in our disadvantaged communities and help them improve their self-belief, life skills, employment prospects and health.

“It is a fresh approach which has the potential to change lives for the better, and we are pleased to be able to support it.”

Boro Taxis Saves French Skiing Holiday

By on 9th March 2016in Local Biz

Boro Taxis came to the rescue to save the holiday of a woman who had left her passport 250 miles away by driving to London and back…

Christine Gordon, 27, had travelled up to her parents’ home in Osmotherley, North Yorkshire, from her home in London for a family skiing holiday in the French Alps.

She had journeyed from Kings Cross to Northallerton by train arriving at her parents’ home at 10pm on the evening before her flight.

Christine, a dentist, 27, explained: “I arrived at my parents’ quite late in the evening and it suddenly dawned on me that I couldn’t remember having packed my passport.

“I frantically emptied my bags and couldn’t see it anywhere. I called my boyfriend, who was back at my flat in London, and he saw that it had slipped down the side of the bed where I had been packing. I couldn’t believe it as I’m normally so organised.”

Christine and her family realised there were a few options; drive to London and back, arrange a courier collection, change Christine’s flight to the following day from London, or Christine could miss the holiday all together.

Christine added: “It was such a stressful start to the holiday as it was, without the thought of a mission back to London or missing the start of the holiday. Then my dad had a brainwave and wondered if Boro Taxis could do it.”

Her father Ian called Boro Taxis, one of the largest firms of its kind in the North East, and the company quickly accepted the job and dispatched a driver who travelled through the night to London and then back to Osmotherley.

Christine was reunited with her passport in time to catch her flight.

Christine said: “I was in a real state when I realised I had forgotten my passport. Boro Taxis didn’t just save the day, but saved my holiday thanks to its fabulous customer service.

“It’s great to know that there are firms able and willing to step in when people are in a crisis. I can’t thank Boro Taxis enough – the company and its driver were my saviours!”

Boro Taxis regularly is called upon to transport people from the region to destinations throughout the UK, but picking up and delivering a mislaid passport is among its more unusual bookings.

Mohammed Bashir, Boro Taxis founder, said: “We strive to meet the needs of our customers whatever their transport requirements.

“We’re proud that Christine’s father felt that Boro Taxis had the ability to come to the rescue. We are delighted that we were able to reunite Christine with her passport.”

5 Teesside Kids Represent England At Kickboxing Championships

By on 22nd February 2016in In & Around

Boro Taxis has kick-started a fundraising campaign to support five talented Teesside youngsters who have been selected to represent England at the World Kickboxing Championships…

The children, aged 6 to 12, are all members of the M.A-X Training Academy in Middlesbrough, and have been crowned national or European titleholders to qualify for the World Championships.

Heading for the prestigious October competition in Portugal are Adam Ullah and his sister Angeli, Warren Green, Holly Underwood, and Saran Hill.

The achievements of the young kickboxers were brought to Boro Taxis’ attention as Adam and Angeli are the children of one of their taxi drivers, Ashik Ullah.

In preparation for the tournament, each of the five-strong team is dedicating six days a week to training, putting in at least an hour a day.

Mohammed Bashir, founder of Boro Taxis, one of the largest firms of its kind in the North East, said: “It is fantastic that five local youngsters have qualified for the World Kickboxing Championships. It really is a proud moment for Teesside, as well as for M.A-X Training Academy and all its members.

“When we heard from Ashik about his children’s success, and the fact their club needed financial help to pay for the accommodation, flights and other expenses to get them to Portugal, we were only too happy to help.

“These youngsters are a credit to the area, and they are working so hard to achieve their dreams. We wish them well at the World Championships, and are sure they will do Teesside proud.”

Samantha Johnson, M.A-X Training Academy Manager, said: “We have never had so many members qualify for the World Kickboxing Championships at one time, and they are all an inspiration to the whole club.

“We are extremely proud of Adam, Angeli, Holly, Saran and Warren, whose dedication is second to none. Attending the World Championships will be a brilliant experience for them.

“It will cost about £6,000 for the six days that the team will be in Portugal, and we are very grateful to Boro Taxis for getting our fundraising efforts off to such a good start with its generous donation of £1,000.”

During the last few years, the youngsters have all notched up a number of significant victories on their journey to being selected for the World Championships.

At the age of 7, Saran became the youngest kick boxing black belt in the North East, attaining the highest A+ grading. She has achieved Silver and Gold at national level, and won Bronze and Silver medals in the European Championships.

Angeli has won Silver at the Europeans, and Bronze at the FSK Grand Championship. Both she and her brother Adam took Gold in this year’s English National Championships.

Warren has been Gold and Bronze medallist at national, and a Silver medallist at European level.

Holly’s achievements comprise Gold and Silver in the English Championships, and Gold and Silver in the Europeans.

Samantha added that learning martial arts was a great way of helping people to not only get fit, but also to help with their dexterity, including eye and hand co-ordination. It also has emotional and mental wellbeing benefits, such as boosting self-esteem and confidence.

M.A-X Training Academy, based in Bright Street, Middlesbrough, has been in existence 16 years, and has almost 200 members aged from 4 to 60+.

Tees Valley Supply Chain Briefed On Rail Project Contract Opportunities

By on 21st February 2016in Local Biz

Representatives from 200 supply chain companies in Tees Valley have been given the inside track on contract opportunities that will be generated by two of the UK’s most significant rail projects…

They attended an executive briefing, where presentations were given by key executives connected with the high speed rail project, HS2 and Crossrail, the 100 kilometre railway line under construction in London and surrounding areas.

The breakfast event was hosted by Tees Valley Unlimited in partnership with Teesside Engineering Network (TEN).

The keynote speakers comprised:

  • Joanna Sloane, HS2 Supply Chain Manager, who presented a project overview including the contract opportunities, tendering timetables, and how potential suppliers can identify business opportunities.
  • Mark Lomas, HS2 Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) outlined its approach to EDI and what this means for suppliers.
  • Simon Pain, Crossrail Principal Programme Supply Chain Manager, covered the many remaining opportunities that will be generated by the mechanical, electrical and station fit-out elements. Crossrail’s main contractors need to recruit a range of specialists to enable the creation of a functional railway ready for Crossrail’s opening from 2017.

Delegates also were able to speak directly to the speakers during a Q&A session.

Joanna Sloane said: “We want to engage as many businesses as possible from across the UK to put them in the best position possible to compete for the opportunities offered by HS2 as part of a fair, transparent and open procurement process.”

She added: “The high volume of sign-ups to this event shows that businesses are taking the right approach towards the procurement opportunities of HS2.

Simon Pain said: “It has always been important for Crossrail to engage with potential supply chain members, especially SMEs, in order to highlight the opportunities that are available in huge programmes like Crossrail. Working with bodies like Tees Valley Unlimited gives us exactly that opportunity.”

He added: “We want as many competent suppliers as possible to know about Crossrail contracts and have the opportunity to go for them. It’s good for Crossrail and good for UK Plc to have a healthy mix of companies of various sizes and from different regions. This is part of our work towards promoting greater economic sustainability.”

The briefing was told that Crossrail’s contractors still have mechanical and electrical equipment to procure.

Cllr Bill Dixon, Leader of Darlington Council and Leadership Board member at Tees Valley Unlimited, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Tees Valley, said: “The well-attended executive briefing provided the ideal platform for Tees Valley businesses to learn directly about the substantial contract opportunities associated with two of the UK’s biggest transport infrastructure investments.

“There are companies in Tees Valley that have the skills and ability to contribute to the delivery of HS2 and Crossrail, and it is important for them to be made aware of the business potential and how they can bid for contracts.”

Rob Johnson, Director of Axiom Engineering Associates Ltd, one of the TEN founders, said: “The briefing was a fantastic forum for delegates to learn directly from and engage with executives associated with two major rail projects.

“One of TEN’s aims is to provide an arena where larger companies can showcase their vision and present their supply chain needs to let Tees Valley firms know how they can win work from large scale regeneration and infrastructure development schemes.”

SSI Task Force Assists Ex-Steelworker Launch New Business

By on 19th February 2016in In & Around

A former Steelworker who was made redundant following the collapse of SSI UK has set up his own sport coaching business, having secured funding through the SSI Task Force…

Andy Baker, 42, from Middlesbrough, was left devastated when SSI UK was liquidated in October last year, ending what he thought was a job for life.

Hearing of the various Task Force Funds available in the media, Andy contacted his local Job Centre Plus to find out more information. He very quickly saw the closure as an opportunity to fulfil a dream of setting up Velocity Sports Coaching.

Over the last eight years, he has volunteered as a football coach at Nunthorpe Athletic, and has always had a passionate for coaching.

Andy said: “I thought it would be great to make a career out of a hobby. I will be working in local schools to deliver coaching for children aged between 5-11, and my wife Claire is planning to get involved to help grow the business.

“Applying for the SSI Task Force Business Advice Start Up Fund was brilliant. It was very easy, and I felt very supported by my mentor who helped me to develop my business plan. From submitting the plan to receiving the grant, it only took a week. I was amazed at how quickly it all worked. I’d certainly recommend the scheme to anyone. It was first class.”

Amanda Skelton, Chair of the SSI Task Force, added: “It’s not unusual for someone to decide that they want a complete change of career after being made redundant, and I am pleased that Task Force funding has been able to support Andy to do something that he is passionate about. The funds are there to support both individuals and businesses, and I would encourage people to get in touch to see how we can help.”

Jonathan Armitage, Andy’s Business Adviser, added: “This fund has been amazing in its flexibility. It has been great to be able to work with and offer former SSI workers advice on starting their own business. The grant scheme, which could provide a start-up grant of up to £10,000 to help make a business a real opportunity, has been invaluable in helping lots of people affected by the SSI closure work towards and actually start their own business.”

The Business Advice Start Up Fund administered by NEEAL has already proven extremely popular, with more than 200 people receiving advice and guidance, and nearly £300,000 of funding awarded to 46 people starting their own businesses.

Anyone interested in the scheme and looking for further information should contact NEEAL on 0191 516 6093, or visit www.teesbusinesscompass.co.uk.

Care Village Teams Up With Teesside College To Tackle Skills Shortage

By on 18th February 2016in Local Biz

A Teesside college is helping a North Yorkshire care provider to tackle a chronic skills shortage in the industry…

Sixteen apprentices from Redcar & Cleveland College are currently employed at the Abbey Care Village in Scorton near Richmond. Eight of the students are working towards a Level 2 qualification in Health & Social Care, seven are studying for a Level 3 Diploma in the same subject, and another student is nearing completion of a Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality.

Now the college has announced it is supplying another tranche of apprentices to the care village, which had previously struggled to find workers with the requisite skills. Fifteen students will work towards a Level 2 qualification in social care while gaining valuable work experience at the company, which provides residential care, nursing care, a mental health support service, a respite service for carers, and support for people with learning disabilities.

The announcement comes as the care industry battles to overcome a crippling skills shortage. Figures from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) show that up to two million more workers will need to be trained and recruited by 2022 to meet demand – more than half the current care workforce.

Shirley Leighton, training manager at Abbey Care Village, said: “It’s no secret that we need new talent coming into the industry. Not just young apprentices, but also older workers with the necessary skills and experience. Our partnership with Redcar & Cleveland College is helping us to tackle the issue head on.”

The partnership also highlights the college’s commitment to adult apprenticeships. All fifteen of the new tranche of apprentices are over the age of 24, as are the seven Level 3 Health & Social Care students from the first batch. This replicates a trend across the Tees Valley; recent data from the Skills Funding Agency showed a 30% rise in the number of adult apprenticeship starts in the area in 2014-15.

Steven Winterburn, apprenticeships manager at Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “The care sector is a major employer in the North East and North Yorkshire, so it’s vital that employers have access to the right skills. Apprenticeships are a fantastic way of helping employers to create jobs and tackle industry skills shortages.

“Our Health & Social Care apprenticeships are proving to be really popular, particularly among people over the age of 24. Many students are getting the necessary qualifications so that they can forge a career in the sector.”

With the Government aiming to create another three million apprenticeships by 2020, Redcar & Cleveland College has focused heavily on promoting its offering in this area and building partnerships with employers across a variety of sectors, including Health & Social Care, IT, engineering, manufacturing, green energy and sport across the North East and Yorkshire. The college also offers apprenticeships and other vocational training courses at its Oil & Gas International Training Academy, which is based at the Corporation Road campus.

For further information, call 01642 473 132 or visit www.cleveland.ac.uk.

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.

Teesside Charity Aims To Raise Awareness Of Dyspraxia

By on 25th January 2016in Lifestyle

A Teesside charity is launching a new support group which aims to help young people affected by dyspraxia…

Roseberry Community Consortium has set up Dyspraxia Support Group, which will offer assistance and a wealth of support for anyone in the region, aged between 13 and 25, suffering from the condition.

Pritthijit Datta, the brains behind this new group, suffers from dyspraxia himself, and has been a trustee of the Stockton-based charity for five years.

He said: “The support group will give members the opportunity to share their experiences with others who are affected by dyspraxia, and also help to build their confidence levels and social skills.

“There will be numerous activities which members can get involved in, ranging from art to one-on-one sessions, workshops and more.

“The charity has gone from strength to strength, and we would like to see this continue by getting as many people involved with the support group as we can.”

Dyspraxia is a life-long condition which specifically affects a person’s co-ordination. It is thought to affect around 3% of adults in the UK, and is more common in men.

Pritthijit – who was diagnosed with dyspraxia at a young age – has played a pivotal role in moving the charity forward, but believes the condition is still misunderstood.

He said: “I hope the support group will help us raise awareness of dyspraxia across the Tees Valley, and also help not only those affected by it, but also the people around them.

“Our aim is to educate people so they get a better understanding of the condition.”

Roseberry Community Consortium was established in 2009, and offers guidance for disadvantaged young people across the Tees Valley through numerous projects, including music tuition, dancing, heritage, education and life skills.

The charity also runs a horticultural project, Plot to Plate, which is transforming a once derelict piece of land between Stockton and Middlesbrough into a vibrant garden and horticulture resource.

“Plot to Plate encourages young people to think about healthy eating and wellbeing, and also aims to help members build their self-confidence,” said Pritthijit.

“It’s a fantastic project, and we’re hoping the area will become a community hub for the region.”

Roseberry Community Consortium wants to develop the Plot to Plate further, and is looking for volunteers to join the project in March.

Dyspraxia Support Group will launch on Saturday 30th January at Arc, Stockton, at 1pm and is currently looking for volunteers and new members.

For more information about the forward thinking charity, or to become a member or volunteer with Dyspraxia Support Group, visit www.roseberrycommunityconsortium.org.

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