Tag: north east

Ensure Inheritance Launches Online Will-Making Service

By on 11th March 2016in Local Biz

North East legal and financial planning specialist Ensure Inheritance has launched an On-line Will Making Service to allow people to make decisions about their bequests in their own time and in the comfort of their own home…

Information provided on-line is reviewed and checked by one of Seaham-based Ensure Inheritance’s panel of experienced solicitors who will then speak by telephone to the person making the Will to ensure that they have taken into account their family circumstances and everything they own, so that the Will is right for them.

“Thinking about our death is an uncomfortable experience for most people, and as a result, more than half of adults in the UK die without making a Will. We hope that by allowing people to fill out the details of their bequests at home, this will mean that more people feel comfortable and confident to do so,” says Andrew Simpson, the Lead Panel Solicitor with Ensure Inheritance.

“Only by making a valid Will can you ensure that your loved ones will be provided for after your death and that the people and charities you want will benefit from your hard earned efforts.

“If you die without making a Will, the law takes over and your assets will be distributed according to strict rules based upon legal and blood relationships. For example, unmarried partners will not receive any part of the estate, so it is vital to take the plunge and make a Will.”

Ensure Inheritance’s On-line Will Making Service can be accessed at http://www.ensureinheritance.co.uk/make-a-will-online.

Based in Seaham in County Durham, Ensure Inheritance provides a range of legal and financial planning services which help protect financial assets to provide their clients and their loved ones with peace of mind. In addition to Wills and Estate planning, services include: long term care planning, wealth preservation trusts, funeral planning, inheritance tax planning, powers of attorney, court of protection deputyships, and probate.

Ensure Inheritance can be contacted on tel. 0191 338 5143, via email at info@ensureinheritance.co.uk or via its website www.ensureinheritance.co.uk.

Biochemica Goes For Growth With Senior Team Expansion

By on 10th March 2016in Local Biz

Water management company, Biochemica UK Ltd has made a succession of senior appointments as it targets national and global expansion…

As part of its ambitious growth strategy, Biochemica has appointed Managing Director of Focus on Success, Gary Lumby MBE, to its Board as the company’s first Non Executive Director (NED).

The announcement follows a company restructure made at the start of the year, which saw the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer to oversee the day-to-day management of the business. A Leadership Team, comprising of Biochemica’s senior managers and directors was also established to drive performance and departmental alignment.

After enjoying consistent annual growth since its conception in 2007, the water and wastewater treatment specialist is stepping up its ongoing expansion across the UK and internationally. These plans will see the Teesside headquartered company increase its geographical presence by opening two new locations in the South East and South West, as well as targeting Asian and European markets.

In pursuit of these moves, Biochemica enlisted the expertise of Mr Lumby, who holds several NED positions at other northern businesses that have experienced similar rapid growth. The well-known businessman and influential finance figure joins joint owners and founders, Dr Tim Robinson and Dave Ruddy, alongside Compliance Director, Dave Stratford.

Managing Director at Biochemica, Dave Ruddy said: “Gary impressed us with his extensive and proven track record in helping companies like ours to realise their potential. We are delighted to have him on board at this critical time as we embark on taking Biochemica to the next level.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Lumby – who recently added six associate directors to his Focus on Success team – said: “Biochemica is an ambitious company with the foundations for great success. I am looking forward to sharing my experience and knowledge in finance, marketing and strategic business planning to add strength to the Board and support the execution of our growth plans at an accelerated pace.”

As a result of increased demand for its specialist technical services and chemical products, Biochemica’s nationwide team has already doubled over the past year. The next stage of expansion promises employment figures to escalate again, with the creation of new jobs and apprenticeship opportunities.

New roles will be required to bolster the company’s Billingham operation, establish its southern premises and enhance its wider regional teams spread throughout the UK.

Mr Ruddy added: “As one of just a handful of UK-based companies to provide expert solutions across the areas of both water and wastewater treatment, plus the ability to apply our technical knowledge to a huge range of industries in the public and private sector, opportunities for growth are unlimited for Biochemica.

“With the expansion of our senior team and access to Gary’s professional guidance and network, we have all the key components in place to take Biochemica forward at a quicker rate than ever before.”

For further information about Biochemica UK Ltd, visit www.biochemica.co.uk, call 08455 045440 or email info@biochemica.co.uk. You can also find Biochemica on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Google+ by searching Biochemica UK Ltd.

Brand New Heavies To Headline Sunniside Live

By on 10th March 2016in Entertainment

A SUCCESSFUL North East music festival is to return for the second time, headed up by a leading international jazz funk band…

Sunniside Live, Sunderland’s only city centre live music festival, is to take place on July 16 with headliners The Brand New Heavies, who will be journeying to Wearside ahead of a USA tour.

The band will be joined by a host of other acts, including North East groups Smoove & Turrell and Dennis, along with special guests Alison Limerick and Shola Ama.

The event is organised by Helen Davies and Sean Maddison who run both Bar Justice and newly opened Gin & Bear it Bar at West Sunniside and is being supported by Sunderland BID.

“We were over the moon with the response to last year’s event,” said Sean.

“And it’s that response that’s made us stage it again. We believe, as a business, that it helped to raise the profile of the area and we want to put the focus on Sunderland city centre and use it to showcase what we have here.”

The event, which will run from 12pm until 10pm, will include a number of food stalls, a pop-up café by The Place Café. There will also be a licenced bar run by Bar Justice and Gin & Bear It bar, a retro Pimm’s van and a bottle and spirits stall.

Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID said he was delighted to see Sunniside Live return.

“This was an extremely successful event last year that attracted thousands of people to the city centre,” he said.

“And that success lasts beyond the event itself as it turns a spotlight on this area of the city and shows what fantastic bars and restaurants are situated there.”

During the run up to the festival, Bar Justice will also be holding a Battle of the Bands competition, with the winner opening Sunniside Live and performing alongside some of the music festival’s big names.

The plan for this year is to increase the event capacity from 2500 to 4000, with wristbands to attend on sale now at £10 from www.sunnisidelive.co.uk or by visiting Bar Justice or Gin & Bear It bar.

For more information about the event visit www.sunnisidelive.co.uk or contact us at info@sunnisidelive.co.uk.

Abbey Leisure Centre Celebrates 25 Years

By on 9th March 2016in Lifestyle

It’s 25 not out for one County Durham sports facility, as Abbey Leisure Centre in Durham marked a quarter of a century…

The centre, built by the former City of Durham Council, transferred to Durham County Council in 2009 and is used by around 3,500 people each month.

Stephen Verde, the longest standing member of the centre’s gym, was invited along to help staff mark the special occasion, on Monday 22 February.

Stephen, a 60 year old retired social worker from Waldridge near Chester-le-Street, joined with his wife Penny 20 years ago.

Stephen tries to go every day, often with his daughter Sarah Taylor who is also a member.

He said: “I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since I became a member, I went to a birthday party at the centre with my wife and we both joined.

“The equipment has certainly improved over those years! I continue to go most days so I have a good rapport with the staff who all know me.”

Nigel Dodds, the county council’s strategic manager for culture and sport, said: “It’s fantastic that Stephen has stayed with us and been such a loyal member.

“Well done to all of the staff at Abbey who work really hard to make it such a much-loved and well-used facility.”

The site is one of ten leisure centres run by the county council.

Whether it’s fitness, sport, or family fun that inspires your visit, Abbey Leisure Centre has a great range of activities on offer including a gym, exercise classes and loads of activities for children to enjoy.

The centre’s sports hall and courts are also available to hire for badminton, basketball, football, squash or table tennis.

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.”

SOL Announce Series Of Spring Offers

By on 8th March 2016in Local Biz

One of the North East’s leading venues is springing into action with a seasonal offer for corporate events…

SOL, the brand behind conferences and celebrations at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, has announced a limited availability day delegate rate for bookings made before the end of March.

The offer, valid for events involving more than 40 people, includes full day hire of any of the stadium’s purpose built function rooms, including the signature Montgomery Suite, capable of seating up to 1000 people.

It also incorporates food for a working lunch, use of a flipchart, LCD projector, conference stationery, welcome signage and three servings of tea and coffee throughout the day.

As with all SOL events at the Stadium of Light, those booking the special spring conference package will also benefit from a dedicated duty manager, housekeeping staff, ample free parking and complimentary WiFi access.

Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director for SAFC, said: “The Stadium of Light has played host to a wide range of events over the past 20 years, including product launches, exhibitions and conferences for large multi-nationals.

“This spring offer is designed to reward our loyal customers and open our doors to companies who may not have used our facilities before.”

SOL’s spring conference offer at the Stadium of Light is priced at £20.16 per person and subject to availability.

It is one of a number of tailored packages being introduced by SOL to cater for specific sectors, including charity events and personal celebrations.

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

Further details about SoL, which also incorporates catering and events at the National Glass Centre, Sunderland and specialist subsidiary 1879 Events Management, can also be found by visiting www.1879events, calling 0871 911 1269, emailing info@1879events.com or following @1879Events on Twitter.

Further Acts Announced For North East LGBT Festival

By on 8th March 2016in Entertainment

One of the UK’s leading LGBT events now has even more reasons to be ‘Proud’ after announcing the first acts in its new extended line-up…

Newcastle Pride, one of the largest free festivals of its kind in the country, is returning with its longest ever programme of live entertainment for summer 2016.

Among the many highlights will be three days of live music at Newcastle Town Moor, starting Friday July 15, including a headline performance by singing superstar, Heather Small.

Heather, who is best known as frontwoman for 90s favourites M People, has lent her vocal talents to a string of hits, including Moving On Up, One Night In Heaven and Search For The Hero.

Her signature solo tune, Proud, which was used as the theme song for a host of key events, including London’s successful 2012 Olympic BID, is in-keeping with Newcastle Pride 2016’s theme, be yourself, change the world, #be proud.

Heather, who also appeared on BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, will be joined during the festival’s main music weekend by a host of top talent, including fellow reality TV star Jake Quickenden and actress and singer Heather Peace, who wowed the crowd in 2015.

Also set to appear are 80s chart success and club favourite Hazell Dean, former Brother Beyond star, Nathan Moore, boyband The Ambition and South Shields singing sensation, Cortney Dixon, with more big names still to be announced.

Mark Nichols, Chair of Northern Pride which organises the popular event, said: “The line-up for Newcastle Pride 2016 looks set to be one of our strongest ever and these are only half of the acts that are taking part.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that Heather has agreed to be one of our headliners, especially as her anthem Proud fits in so well with this year’s theme and we’re sure that people will be just as pleased with our second headliner, which we hope to announce in the next few weeks.”

Newcastle Pride, which is now in its 9th year, attracted a record 71,000 visitors in 2015, with an additional 480,000 listening live around the world on Pride Radio.

This year, to cope with increased demand, Northern Pride are extending the festival to include more satellite events at venues around Newcastle.

The full schedule for these functions will be announced in the coming months, but they are expected to span from the start of June until the end of July.

“Newcastle Pride 2015 was more popular than anyone expected,” said Mark, “contributing more than £9m to the North East economy.

“This year we’re working hard to make it bigger and better than ever before and have extended our line up to cover two full months in an effort to give more visitors the chance to enjoy themselves and get involved.”

Newcastle Pride’s Main Stage weekend is free to attend, however a number of Gold Circle and VIP tickets are available for those who want to guarantee prime viewing spots.  These are priced from £12 per person and are on sale now at www.northern-pride.com/shop/tickets. Some of the satellite events may also incur a charge and these will be detailed where appropriate.

For information about the event, including a full line up, visit www.northern-pride.com or by searching northernprideuk on Facebook and Twitter.

Conservative Mayoral Candidate Hits Back At Anti-Mayor Group

By on 7th March 2016in Have Your Say

Self-made businessman and North East Mayoral Candidate Jeremy Middleton says the “Campaign Against an Elected Mayor” group, demonstrates a lack of coherence within the Labour Party about the direction they want to take the North…

Mr Middleton will address a rally of his own supporters on Saturday about the need for devolved powers and the benefit of an elected mayor, and will formally ask them to support his bid to be the Conservative candidate in the North East mayoral election.

The event is being held at the same time as the ‘Campaign Against an Elected Mayor’ launch. Both follow Newcastle City Council’s announcement that they will back the North East Devolution Deal, signed by Chancellor George Osborne and all seven North East Combined Authority leaders in late 2015.

Jeremy Middleton said: “A directly-elected mayor is the key to making devolution work for the North East. We need someone to unite the region, someone can speak up for us in Westminster, and make our voice heard among the other Northern Powerhouse leaders.

“The organisers of this event, whose list of speakers almost entirely consists of figures from the left-wing of the Labour party, have chosen to hold this event in the same week Newcastle’s Labour-led City Council have given the green light to the devo-deal, this is perhaps more about infighting within their party than about whether or not we have a mayor.”

North East Housebuilder Collects Easter Eggs For Charity

By on 7th March 2016in In & Around

MILLER Homes North East is looking to bring smiles to the faces of disadvantaged and poorly children across the region with the launch of the Miller Homes Easter Egg Drop this March…

The leading housebuilder is collecting chocolate Easter eggs to donate to local children’s charities which will help to provide a special surprise to youngsters who may not otherwise receive a treat this Easter.

Easter egg donations from members of the public, as well as a donation from Miller Homes, will be shared between the Sunshine Fund in Newcastle, Action for Children in Bedlington and Home Start in Teesside, to be distributed to children who benefit from the services of these charities.

Donations of chocolate Easter eggs can be dropped off at any of Miller Homes’ sales centres in the North East until 5:30pm on Monday 21 March 2016.

Andrew Somerville, regional sales manager at Miller Homes North East, said: “We are committed to supporting the local communities which surround our developments and we’re excited to be launching the Miller Homes Easter Egg Drop in support of the Sunshine Fund, Action for Children and Home Start.

“To help our campaign, we’d very much appreciate if local members of the community would be so kind as to buy just one extra Easter egg which we will donate to these great causes, who do fantastic work in the North East.”

Easter egg donations can be dropped off at the sales centres at any of Miller Homes’ North East developments. Sales centres are open Mondays from 12:30pm to 5:30pm and Thursdays to Sundays from 10:30am to 5:30pm. All donations must be made by 5:30pm on Monday 21 March 2016.

With prices starting from £95,960, Miller Homes’ North East developments include Park View in Gateshead, Heritage Green in Backworth, The Acres in Bedlington, Wheatfields in Seaton Delaval, Portland Wynd in Blyth, The Meadows in Framwellgate Moor, Wheatlands Chase in Redcar, Acklam Woods in Acklam and Clairville Grange in Middlesbrough, and also coming soon, Scholars Gate, in Sunderland, in spring 2016.

For more information on Miller Homes and its North East developments call 0808 250 6426 or visit www.millerhomes.co.uk.

Major Roadworks To Begin On A690 This Weekend

By on 3rd March 2016in In & Around

Essential resurfacing work is to take place in Willington…

Work to resurface the A690 West Road between The Burn Inn mini roundabout and Helmington Row will begin on Saturday 5th March, and will be carried out over three consecutive weekends.

The work from 7am to 7pm on Saturdays and Sundays will require temporary road closures, with a signposted diversion route in place. On the first weekends, 5th and 6th and 12th and 13th March, the A690 will be closed between the B6299 North Lane and Helmington Row.

On 19th and 20th March, it will be closed between The Burn Inn mini-roundabout and Helmington Row. The diversion route will take motorists between Crook and Willington via the A689 and B6286, through Howden-le-Wear and Hunwick.

Changes will be made to local bus routes while the work is carried out.

On the first two weekends, services will divert from Willington via the B6299 Watling Terrace, travel up North Lane then back into Crook past the golf course, picking up the usual route from High Jobs Hill.

On the third weekend, services will divert from Willington to Hunswick via the B6286, pass along Holy Well Lane, picking up the normal route from High Jobs Hill. The work is being carried out on behalf of Durham County Council and forms part of its highway capital maintenance programme.

John Reed, the council’s head of technical services, said: “This work is part our essential resurfacing programme to maintain the highway network for everyone who uses the roads across the county. We would like to thank road users for their patience.”

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