Tag: must read

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.”

Week Long Roadworks Begin On A688 Over Weekend

By on 12th February 2016in In & Around

Drivers will be diverted as a week of resurfacing takes place on the A688 Spennymoor Bypass…

 

Resurfacing of the carriageway will begin on Saturday 13th February 2016, with lanes closed as Rainton Construction carries out work on behalf of Durham County Council.

John Reed, the council’s head of technical services, said: “These vital works are part of our continuing highway capital maintenance programme to maintain the condition of the highway network.”

The resurfacing is expected to be completed by Sunday 21st February.

During the works westbound traffic will still be able to use the A688, however eastbound traffic will be directed to use a signed diversion.

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.

Aycliffe Recruitment Agency Celebrates Successful First Year

By on 11th February 2016in Local Biz

A North East recruitment agency, which was established from square one, is celebrating a successful first year in business…

Fleet Recruitment – based in Newton Aycliffe – was set up by Neil O’Connor after he became disheartened with the industry during his time as a sales director.

Having been made redundant, and with barely a penny to his name, Neil took the plunge and decided to start up his own business. Within the first 12 months, Fleet Recruitment has already expanded into a larger office and strengthened its team.

Neil said: “It really has been amazing to see what we’ve already achieved, and so quickly as well.

“To start a company from scratch, and to have to expand into a larger office and add staff members after a few months of trade is something I’m really proud of, and it just goes to show the need for our very different service.”

Fleet Recruitment specialises in recruiting candidates for jobs in sales and marketing, engineering, automotive, commercial and the legal sector, currently employing five highly experienced consultants.

The company prides itself on understanding its clients and the impact new employees need to have, both operationally and financially. This is achieved by carrying out robust fact finding with its clients, and by thorough screening and in-depth interviews with candidates, where they drill into competencies and any claims made on a candidate’s CV. This helps to manage expectations on both a candidate’s and client’s side.

Neil believes this vigorous process and its straightforward approach has resulted in the agency’s successful first year.

He said: “Fleet Recruitment was founded from nothing, and has quickly become a trusted, highly regarded business built around core values of honesty, transparency, fairness and great communication. We make no promises other than our four values.

“This simple and honest approach has been very well received, and we have secured contracts with some outstanding UK national brand names, as well as many local businesses.”

Fleet Recruitment expanded into its current office after just six months of trade, and plans to use the space to continue to grow.

“The new office is ideal, as it gives us the option to expand within the building – something we definitely envisage in the future,” said Neil.

“Our aim is to be regarded as a business that is honest, transparent, fair and easy to do business with, with a team of people who love what they do and who all share the wealth and success.”

To find out more about Fleet Recruitment, visit www.fleetrecruitment.co.uk or follow them on Twitter.

Applications For Metrocentre’s Next ‘Head Of Fun’ Now Open

By on 10th February 2016in Local Biz

The boy with the best job in Britain is preparing to hand over his keys to the board (game) room – and now the hunt is on for a new Head of Fun…

Nine-year-old Mac Toal, from Prudhoe, was the envy of youngsters across the North East when he landed the ‘top’ job at Gateshead’s intu Metrocentre.

In a first for the North East shopping mall, Mac and Deputy Head of Fun, seven-year-old Myah Rose Wilson, from Sunderland, were appointed 12 months ago. The pair were tasked with making sure the centre provided lots of free fun for all the children in the region and to continue to ensure that it is child friendly.

But now their year-long ‘contract’ is coming to an end, and the search has begun to find their replacements.

Mac said: “It’s been the best year ever. We’ve played a really big part in leading intu Metrocentre Kids’ Club and become best friends with the Metrognomes!

“We’ve opened and reviewed new restaurants, and even given our verdicts on fashion and Christmas toys.

“We’ll both be very sad to hand over our jobs, but we know that whoever gets them next will have a brilliant time.”

The centre is looking for a new Head and Deputy Head of Fun, aged between 6 and 10 to provide specialist advice on all its children’s activities. In exchange, they will be paid in gift vouchers, toys, and fun experiences.

The roles will not clash with school, as the pair, who will be first in line to meet any stars and special guests visiting the centre, will only be asked to help out during holidays and half term breaks.

“Our Heads of Fun have been amazing,” said Helen Atkinson, marketing manager at intu Metrocentre.

“They’ve opened Santa’s grotto, turned on the Christmas lights, and our Head of Fun even had his own magazine column.

“Now, we’re calling on the region’s youngsters to get in touch and see if they have what it takes to land one of the best jobs in the country.”

To apply, children must explain in up to 200 words why they think they should be Head of Fun.

Applications can be in the form of a letter, song or even a video – the more creative the better – and must be accompanied by a recent photograph. They can then be posted in the post box at Exhibition Square during the centre’s half term activities to celebrate the release of Kung Fu Panda 3.

Children can learn the skills of a true Kung Fu master at Kung Fu school, as well as creating headwear, panda masks and Chinese New Year lanterns between Monday 15th and Friday 19th February.

Alternatively, children can email their applications to headoffun@intu.co.uk or post them to intu Metrocentre, Centre Management, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE11 9YG.

All applications must be received by Sunday 6th March, and interviews will take place on the lead up to the Easter half term break.

For more information, visit www.intu.co.uk/metrocentre/fun or visit the online job application.

Alex Nelson’s Places To Go: Bishop Auckland

By on 10th February 2016in Have Your Say

Stationmaster Alex Nelson has been suggesting places to go by train every month for ten years. This month, he’s headed to Bishop Auckland…

Great things are afoot in Bishop Auckland!

Last year I spent an hour with Jonathan Ruffer, the visionary wealth manager and barrister who bought the 13 paintings of Jacob and his Twelve Sons in Auckland Castle from the Church Commissioners, and then bought the Castle to keep them in. The Castle and tearooms have been closed for winter maintenance during January, but are now back open. Throughout the year, they are open every day except Tuesdays, and the admission is £6 for adults, free for under 16s.

Auckland Castle offers guided tours at 11.30 and 14.30 every day (no extra charge), excluding Tuesdays, where you can see the splendid rooms and vistas, as well as the paintings by Francisco de Zurburan (1598-1664). There are other events throughout the year (details on the website), including the popular Bishop Auckland Food Festival, which this year is on 23rd/24th April. A walk in the park costs nothing, although you might get your shoes rather muddy, so take boots. The Deer Shelter is in the care of English Heritage, but there is no charge to walk round it.

Ten trains a day run to Bishop Auckland, which is a branch from the main line at Darlington. So to get there, head for Darlington first. A visit to Bishop Auckland can easily be combined with a free visit to Locomotion, the branch of the National Railway Museum. On arrival at Bishop Auckland, walk up Newgate Street, which is the straight shopping street heading north to the Market Place, and turn right for Auckland Castle where the Bishop of Durham still has an office (although he lives elsewhere in the town).

It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the Castle, which is the focal point of a one-man effort to regenerate a whole town. Even the mediocre old Postchaise and Queen’s Head hotels are being remodelled to create one single mid-market boutique hotel. Already there are 30,000 visitors a year now, compared to 800 when the Bishops were in residence.

Jonathan Ruffer said to me: “I don’t want it to be interesting. I want it to be astonishing.”

This summer, there’s something really astonishing: an epic production on the land to the north of the Castle called KYNREN, the epic story of England, covering 2,000 years on a 7.5 acre stage including a large lake, and 1,000 performers and crew. The scale is truly breathtaking. I saw progress on the site even during my hour with Mr. Ruffer. KYNREN will be performed on 14 occasions over the summer of 2016, starting from Saturday 2nd July until Saturday 17th September. It’s on various Fridays, Saturdays and one Sunday (28th August), and tickets are available now. This is a live action night show that starts as late as 21.30 and finishes 90 minutes later. If you think ‘2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony’, you’ll be thinking along the right lines.

In other news…

Keep the date: Sunday 13th March!

I’m organising a mass visit by train to Teesside Airport station, to ensure it is not the least used station on the National Rail network in 2015/16. The only train of the week leaves Darlington station at 11.05, and you can spend just over an hour at the airport before joining the only train back at 12.35. For one of the weirdest excursions of the year, suitable for children, led by an experienced team… full details soon!

Alex Nelson
Stationmaster

Swedish Magic Stars Join Tyneside Magic Festival Lineup

By on 9th February 2016in Entertainment

Sleight of hand, stand-up and spectacular furniture juggling will all play a part in one of the North East’s most magical events…

The South Tyneside International Magic Festival, organised by South Tyneside Council, returns in March with three public shows at the Customs House, South Shields.

Among the many highlights is an International Gala Performance on Friday March 11th, featuring seven stars from across the UK, Europe and the USA.

This includes unique double act Men in Coats, who have already performed around the world and clocked up more than 20 million hits on YouTube, as well as multi award-winning Malin Nilsson, who was the first woman to be named both Swedish Champion of Magic and Scandinavian Champion of Magic.

They will be joined by American entertainer Chad Long, North East favourite John Archer, mind reader Kennedy and show-stopper Steve Rawlings, whose unusual routines involve juggling Ping-Pong balls with his mouth, furniture juggling and balancing bottles and glasses while simultaneously juggling blazing fire torches.

The show, which is open to all ages, will be compered by comedy magician Danny Buckler, who has toured with Victoria Wood and hosted primetime BBC 1 show, The Secrets of Magic.

Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “The Friday night Gala Show has always been one of the South Tyneside International Magic Festival’s most popular events, and this year looks set to be no exception.

“With the aid of John Archer, we have conjured up an amazing line-up, packed full of comedy, tricks and all-round entertainment to amuse and excite audience members of all ages.”

Tickets for the South Tyneside International Magic Festival’s Friday night Gala Show are priced from £13 each and on sale from the Customs House Box Office on www.customshouse.co.uk or 0191 4541234.

Other highlights in the 13th annual festival include a second International Gala Show on Saturday March 12th, a Family Magic Extravaganza, sponsored and programmed by MagicBox on Wednesday March 9th, and a three-day convention exclusively for professional magicians.

More information about the event, supported by the Customs House and BBC Newcastle, can be found at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival.

Task Force Funding Secures Further Jobs For SSI Apprentices

By on 8th February 2016in Local Biz

SSI Task Force Funding has helped more former Tees Valley steel apprentices back into employment…

Cameron Owen and Lewis Mitchell were about to start the first year of their apprenticeships with SSI when the company closed. With help from the SSI Task Force and Middlesbrough-based technical training provider TTE, they have now found new placements where they will go on to complete their training.

A £1.7m Task Force Fund has been created to encourage employers to take on one or more of the 51 ex-SSI apprentices. TTE is coordinating securing placements for the ex-SSI apprentices. The employers are given financial support throughout the period of the young people’s training.

Lewis, 16, of Redcar, is now employed by Chemoxy International Ltd, one of Europe’s largest independent chemical manufacturers, as a Science Industry Maintenance Technician.

Cameron, 17, who lives in Ormesby, has been taken on by Lotte Chemical UK, a subsidiary of KP Chemical Corporation, as a Science Manufacturing Technician.

Both Lewis and Cameron were supported by the Task Force throughout the application process. It also will cover their salaries during their training.

As part of their three-year apprenticeships, Cameron and Lewis will gain practical and theoretical knowledge at TTE, as well as receiving on-the-job training with their sponsor companies.

Lewis said: “When the steelworks closed I was very worried about my future. I am extremely grateful for the amount of support I have received from TTE and the Task Force, and I can’t thank Chemoxy enough for taking me on.

“I now feel positive about my future, and hope to build a successful career at Chemoxy.”

Andrew Purvis, training and development manager at Chemoxy, said: “Lewis is showing lots of enthusiasm, and is proving himself to be a hard-working, diligent individual with a great future ahead of him.”

Cameron said: “I am very thankful to Lotte for taking me on as an apprentice; it will allow me to have practical on-site training while also gaining qualifications.

“It was a very worrying time for all those involved following the closure of the steel works. I am very pleased I’ve been able to find something with great career prospects so quickly thanks to the Task Force funding.”

Jackie Petford, HR Manager at Lotte, stated: “We are delighted to have been able to help Cameron continue with his career path. Cameron has great enthusiasm to learn and build new skills, and we are sure he has a bright future ahead of him.”

TTE has so far placed 25 of the 51 former SSI apprentices on their books. All of the remaining first year apprentices are back in full-time training with the technical training group while it works to secure new placements for them.

Amanda Skelton, Task Force Chair and Chief Executive of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “I’m pleased that our local businesses have been so supportive and it’s key that more individuals and companies come forward and take advantage of the funds that the SSI Task Force has to offer.”

Steve Grant, Managing Director at TTE, said: “The skills gained at SSI puts the former apprentices in good stead for future employment. Cameron and Lewis will be a real asset to their new employers and have promising careers ahead of them.

“TTE is still working very closely with the Task Force to help its remaining SSI apprentices complete their training and find new jobs.”

Details about all the SSI Funds available for individuals and businesses can be found on the Tees Valley Unlimited website at www.teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk.

TV’s ‘First Dates’ Host Invites Lonely Valentines Aboard The Love Train

By on 5th February 2016in Lifestyle

Stuck for what to do on Valentine’s day? The Virgin Trains love carriage is set to be a one-of-a-kind speed dating experience…

Virgin Trains is offering passengers a romantic train journey from London King’s Cross to York on the 14th February. This one off event will be hosted by service expert and TV celebrity Fred Sirieix, the charming French General Manager of Galvin at Windows and founder of The Art of Service. Get your love life back on track by booking yourself a ‘single ticket’ and make it a Valentine’s to remember.

This unique experience at 125mph will set your heart racing. Playing cupid, Fred has designed a world-class experience using his service expertise, and will guide passengers on their journey of love up the east coast. Fred is known for his charisma and hospitality, and is the perfect host to get singletons in the mood for love.

As one of the UK’s top rated Maître D’s with plenty of dating experience, Fred will help the lucky singletons find their perfect match on the love carriage. Virgin Trains on-board staff will be given a masterclass in the art of service by Fred to ensure the evening goes off with a bang.

This revolutionary dating experience will see 24 singletons switching seats throughout the journey, meeting potential suiters. The carriages will be decked out with red roses, romantic music and prosecco to set the mood. Sit back, relax and get on board for a chance at finding love.

Tickets will sell out fast, so visit www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/lovecarriage to ensure your love life doesn’t go off the rails. The singles only carriage will leave King’s Cross at 2.52pm, and returns at 7.52pm.

Fred Sirieix commented: “Valentine’s Day should be celebrated by all, and I am over the moon that Virgin Trains has brought me on-board to host the festivities and officiate as the on-board matchmaker. Both happiness and love are within each of us. The thing is we need to go and get it, and we have laid it on especially for you with top service and hospitality in a first class carriage this Valentine’s Day. It’s here for the taking, so come and join us!”

David Horne, Managing Director of Virgin Trains on the east coast route said: “Here at Virgin Trains, we want all our amazing customers to enjoy Valentine’s Day, including our single passengers. The love carriage is the perfect place to meet new people, and who knows, romance could be one train-ride away.”

High speed dating guests are invited to enjoy the excitement of the ‘Love Carriage’ upon one of Virgin’s newly revamped trains. Virgin Trains recently announced a £42m investment for its East Coast route, including money for refurbishing the interior and exterior of the trains, as well as an engine overhaul for the fleet ahead of the arrival of Hitachi Super Express Trains in 2018.

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