Tag: north east

County Durham Invited To Sign Up For Garden Waste Collection

By on 25th November 2015in In & Around

Residents in County Durham are invited to sign up for next year’s garden waste collection service…

 

Durham County Council will resume the fortnightly collections for more than 190,000 eligible properties in March 2016.

Householders can subscribe to the service, which offers 17 collections between spring and autumn, for an annual fee of £20.

Following feedback from residents who used the service last year, an additional collection has been added for the 2016 scheme.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships at Durham County Council, said: “The garden waste collection service is a convenient way for residents to dispose of and recycle their garden waste.

“Nearly 65,000 people subscribed to the service in 2015, and we are very pleased to be able to offer 17 collections for 2016, with no increase in the annual fee of £20, and would encourage people to sign up to take advantage of the service.”

Residents wishing to receive all 17 collections must sign up before 14th February 2016.

Those who do subscribe will receive a pink bin sticker and a collection calendar, which will be issued from January 2016.

Anyone who has already subscribed to the service for three years will automatically receive their sticker and collection calendar in January.

For more information about garden waste collections, or to subscribe, you can go to www.durham.gov.uk/gardenwaste or call 03000 261 000.

In Teesdale, garden waste collections are provided by Rotters Composting, and residents in this area should contact Rotters direct to arrange collections at www.rotters.org or by calling 01833 690 022.

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Sunderland Tech Startup Take Their Software Global

By on 24th November 2015in Local Biz, What's New?

A North East marketing agency has been appointed to help one of the region’s newest businesses launch its video recruitment software globally…

Sunderland-based McDonough Marketing Communications is working with software start-up business Shine to help promote its product, which uses cloud-based video to interview prospective job candidates.

Shine, based at the eVolve Centre in Rainton Bridge, is now engaging with large blue chip multinationals, all keen to harness the power of video in their recruitment campaigns.

“I wanted Shine to think and act like a multi-million pound software giant from the start”, said Natasha McDonough, MD of McDonough Marketing Communications.

“Software for recruiters is a vast market, but I could easily see how Shine could be different.  For a start, it’s cloud based, fully responsive and candidates can send interview answers straight from their smart phones.

“Having worked with many recruiters, I know how powerful a tool like this could be in their hands – they can literally sift, score and organise shortlists from wherever they are.”

She added, “I believe Shine has an incredible opportunity, not least through tapping into the North East’s recruitment market but on a global basis, too; so I was able to identify quite quickly how we could get a full inbound marketing campaign up and running.”

Mobile video consumption has increased by 35% in the last year, and mobile recruitment is also steadily growing.

Shine was initially launched out of frustration following years of CV sifting in previous roles by its founder and CEO, David Copple.

David has been involved with start-ups for a number of years and was previously the Chief Technology Officer of Test Factory. He also held roles at Communicator while it was part of the Leighton Group, and 2Touch.

The software created by Shine can be applied to various sectors, including the contact centre market, where there is a high level of recruitment required.

“Natasha lives and breathes marketing, she’s well connected and has introduced me to many potential clients already,” he said.

“Through working with Natasha and her associate team, I feel confident that I have a solid marketing plan in place along with a powerful brand image and highly optimised website. I’m thrilled to say we’re on track to building our customer base.”

For more information about McDonough Marketing Communications, please contact Natasha McDonough by emailing natasha@mmc.agency, or calling 0191 548 3448 or 07956 165978.

Further information about Shine is also available at www.shineinterview.com.

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Drop And Wrap Service Running For Sunderland Christmas Shoppers

By on 24th November 2015in In & Around

Shoppers in Sunderland can get Christmas all wrapped up thanks to a new initiative…

From November 26th, Sunderland’s Business Improvement District company, Experience It Here! will be running a special Drop and Wrap service in partnership with National Skills Shop for Retail.

Shoppers will be able to unload their gifts at the new Elephant Tea Room, High Street West, and leave them there to be wrapped while they enjoy the packed programme of seasonal events running in the city.

This includes an ice rink, Christmas market and funfair.

“Christmas shopping can be hectic,” said Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, Ken Dunbar.  “We’re hoping that the Drop and Wrap service will help reduce stress and give visitors a chance to enjoy our events, without having to lug their gifts around.”

The Drop and Wrap service will be run by staff and apprentices from National Skills Shop for Retail, as well as several volunteers.

“There’s so much going on in Sunderland this Christmas, so it’s great to be able to provide a service that will make it easier for people to take advantage of that,” said Chris Hall, Sales and Marketing Director at National Skills Shop for Retail.

“We expect the service to be very popular and are appealing for volunteers to get into the festive spirit and give us a hand.”

Shoppers can have their presents wrapped from £2 per item, with 50% of proceeds going to charities run by Sunderland Minster.

“Not only will this service help Sunderland’s visitors to enjoy the festive season, but it will also raise money for some really great causes,” said Sheila Bamber, Canon Provost at Sunderland Minster.

“We’re very grateful to Sunderland BID and National Skills Shop for Retail for choosing our charities to be the recipients of the money that’s raised.”

For more information about the Drop and Wrap service, or to volunteer, please call 0191 649 8686.

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North East Youngsters Name Winter Characters

By on 23rd November 2015in In & Around

A magical duo, designed to spread seasonal sparkle across Sunderland, are being brought to life with help from two North East youngsters…

The Frostlings, who are spearheading a programme of festive entertainment in the city’s Frost Village, had, until now, been without first names.

But following an appeal by their creators, Sunderland Business Improvement District, the brother and sister duo have been officially crowned Frostina and Spike.

Both names were among suggestions submitted by youngsters from across the North East, with Mia McCormick and Rebecca McKitterick finally chosen as the winning entrants.

Mia, 10, from Plains Farm, Sunderland, was inspired by a fellow Barnes School student for Frostina, while six year old Rebecca, from Newbottle, plumped for Spike thanks to the male character’s spikey hair.

The pair will now each receive a free family pass to the Frost Village, where visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including an outdoor ice rink offering daily skating sessions and classes for everyone from children to adults.

Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, said: “This year’s seasonal schedule is one of the busiest and most exciting Sunderland has ever seen. Frostina and Spike Frostling will play a key part in that and we’re delighted that they have now finally been named.

“I would like to congratulate Mia and Rebecca on their winning entries and thank everyone who took part, we received some amazing suggestions.”

The Frostlings are part of a number of illustrated characters which have been created by the BID to add some unique magic to Christmas in Sunderland.

The duo will appear in and around the Frost Village, which is at the centre of the city’s seasonal activities programme, with a traditional Christmas market and fun fair also running nearby.

Christmas in Sunderland city centre officially gets underway on November 26th, with a Gala Ice Extravaganza featuring stars from TV show, Dancing On Ice.

The Frost Village will then be open Sundays to Wednesdays from 10am to 8pm and Thursdays to Saturdays from 10am until 10pm, with a Christmas fun fair on the former Vaux site opening daily from noon.

The real open air ice rink at Keel Square will offer a range of activities for all abilities including skating lessons, ice discos and skating with princesses and super heroes.

The Frost Village will close at 4pm on Christmas Eve and skating sessions for that date must be booked in advance.

For further information about the Frost Village or group bookings visit www.sunderlandchristmas.co.uk.  You can also keep up with Frostina and Spike on Facebook and Twitter.

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Darlington Retailers Enticing Black Friday Shoppers

By on 23rd November 2015in Local Biz

Retailers in a North East town centre are tempting Black Friday bargain hunters with in-store, as well as on-line, offers…

Originally an American tradition, Black Friday, held on the first Friday following Thanksgiving, has become an international event, kick-starting present buying with huge savings and discounts.

And as businesses across the globe prepare for this year’s event, on Friday 27th November, one town hopes to boost business even further.

Retailers in Darlington town centre are hoping to persuade shoppers to turn up to the stores in person – rather than shop solely on line – and have lined up plenty of bargains to persuade them to do just that.

Throughout the course of the day, high street giants, such as BHS, along with smaller independent stores such as Chestnut Clothing at Grange Road, and Footprints at Skinnergate, will be slashing prices on everything from homeware to clothing and electrical goods.

Alex Hirst, manager of Distinct Darlington, which was set up to promote business in the town centre, said: “Nationally it is expected that Black Friday sales could hit the £1billion figure and Darlington’s shops are naturally keen to attract a slice of that.

“Many have been increasing their stock considerably in order to meet projected demand and a great deal of thought has gone into the offers and discounts they will be offering.

“They are also keen to attract people into the stores and have come up with some great bargains which won’t be available on-line.

Last year Black Friday resulted in a national online spend of £810m with discounts averaging 37 per cent.

To help shoppers identify bargains and track down discounts, Distinct Darlington will be highlighting special offers on its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DistinctDarlington.

For further information about Distinct Darlington visit www.distinctdarlington.co.uk.

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Wynyward Hall Offer Exclusive Spa Experience For Christmas Shoppers

By on 23rd November 2015in Local Biz

Christmas shoppers looking for pampering present ideas are invited to a special event at a top hotel and spa…

 

The lakeside Spa, at Wynyard Hall Hotel, Tees Valley, is holding a shopping evening on Tuesday 1st December.

Not only will visitors be able to snap up an extensive selection of products from the exclusive Temple Spa range, but they will be given a voucher for a free file and polish by the Spa’s trained team of manicurists.

They will also be able to find out more about the treatments and products available at the Spa and view its wide range of facilities, which include a salt inhalation room, outdoor vitality spa, ice fountain and herbal sauna.

Complimentary mulled wine and canapés will be served throughout the evening, which is by appointment only and free to attend. Places can be reserved by calling 01740 644811.

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Lumiere Festival Volunteers To Be Honoured For Their Efforts

By on 22nd November 2015in In & Around

Around 170 Festival Makers who helped some 200,000 people enjoy the UK’s largest light festival earlier this month are to be honoured for their efforts…

 

A formal thank you to the volunteers who supported Lumiere will take place this week at Durham Town Hall, and all invited have been contacted. The special event will be attended by Cllr Jan Blakey, Chairman of Durham County Council, as well as representatives from Lumiere producers, Artichoke, and the sponsors of this year’s Festival Makers, Northumbrian Water.

Lumiere, which ran November 12th to 15th, is an Artichoke production and was commissioned by the county council for the fourth time in 2015. Its 29 fabulous artworks attracted record crowds and were spread across the city. They included a colossal whale in the Wear, a ghostly fog below the Cathedral and a fantastic tale of myth and fable combined with local history, projected onto the Castle.

Ensuring a better experience for visitors was one of the main tasks of the army of Festival Makers, supported by Northumbrian Water, who provided a welcoming face and great knowledge of the city for the audience.

Chairman of the council, Cllr Jan Blakey, said: “Lumiere is spectacular but it was all the better for the wonderful work of the volunteer Festival Makers, who maintained their enthusiasm despite some pretty inclement weather.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank them publicly and I look forward to meeting them all in person at our special event.”

Louise Hunter, Director of Corporate Affairs at Northumbrian Water, said: “The Lumiere festival has gone from strength to strength and with the help of the Festival Makers, 2015 has been a record-breaking, best year ever.

“We’re proud to have played a part by supporting the Festival Makers, who braved the elements to help with the smooth running of the event.”

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County Durham Campaign Drives Out Litter From Motorists

By on 22nd November 2015in In & Around

Thousands of people have been educated about throwing rubbish from vehicles, and dozens were caught in the act as part of a campaign to drive out litter in County Durham…

 

Durham County Council joined forces with a number of organisations throughout October in an attempt to tackle the issue of litter being discarded from cars, vans and other vehicles.

The education, engagement and enforcement campaign, which targeted six hotspots throughout the county:

  • raised awareness of the problems caused by rubbish from vehicles
  • encouraged people to dispose of litter from vehicles responsibly
  • reduced the amount of litter from vehicles in hotspots
  • saw more than 2,500 children in 10 primary schools educated about responsible rubbish disposal
  • saw a further 320 young people in four sixth forms and further education colleges visited, targeting potential new drivers
  • identified people throwing litter from their vehicles, resulting in 31 fixed penalty notices, 29 advisory letters and a further 13 ongoing investigations
  • visited 20 fast food restaurants asking them to report anyone seen littering from vehicles
  • saw 400 education packs handed out to new drivers at test centres and through 172 driving instructors
  • informed drivers at MOT test centres, car dealerships, petrol stations and through driving instructors.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, Durham County Council, said: “Litter from vehicles is a major issue, not only because it is a blight on our surroundings, but it also has a big impact on wildlife and the staff who have to clean it up, as they are exposed to the risks.

“Cleaning it up and keeping our roadsides and remote areas clear of rubbish is also costly, and these resources could be put to use in other ways.

“Campaigns like ‘Driving Out Car litter In County Durham’ are a great means of educating people of all ages about the importance of proper waste disposal from vehicles and keeping our surroundings clean.”

Vehicle littering offences can be reported online at www.durham.gov.uk/litter or by calling 03000 261 000.

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Extensive A690 Roadworks Begin Monday 23rd

By on 21st November 2015in In & Around

Drivers are advised to allow extra time for journeys while essential road maintenance takes place on one of County Durham’s main routes…

 

Durham County Council will be carrying out resurfacing work on the south-bound section of the A690 dual carriageway, between the county border with Sunderland and Rainton Gate.

The work will start on Monday 23rd and is expected to take six days.

During the work a contraflow system will operate on the north-bound carriageway of that section of the road and five central reservation crossover points will be closed.

Diversion routes for residents in West Rainton and Rainton Gate will be in place.

John Reed, head of technical services at Durham County Council, said: “This work is part of our essential maintenance programme which is aimed at keeping the county’s roads in good condition.

“We appreciate that this is a busy commuter route in and out of Durham and we would ask road users to be patient and allow extra time for their journeys while we carry out this work.”

Gordon Brown Staff Undergo Further Extensive Training

By on 20th November 2015in Local Biz, What's New?

A North East law firm has proven commitment to its staff development plan by providing 24 members of the team with extensive training across disciplines…

Gordon Brown Law Firm has harnessed the potential within its management team by providing official training to its solicitors, in addition to traditional legal training requirements.

Thirteen employees have succeeded in the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Level 3 qualification already this year, with nine employees going on to complete a SFEDI Award in Social Media for Business Use. Benefits of the course include fast-tracking progression and targeting training to the precise needs of the future leaders of the firm.

In addition to this, Gordon Brown will also look to offer advanced opportunities to Level 5 ILM Diplomas for individuals interested in developing their knowledge of the business arena in the near future.

Three younger employees have completed a first year of study with Damar Training. Receiving one of the highest marks in the country, Sophie Gray passed both exams with distinction and all three will go on to undertake undergraduate study in the legal realm over the coming years.

Deb Tweedy, HR Manager and head of Gordon Brown’s human resources consultancy, Hadrian HR, is currently undertaking a three year programme with Northumbria University to complete her Masters in Employment Law.

Following the successful completion of BSL Level I Sign Language, legal secretary Christine Pearson has gone on to study BSL Level II Sign Language with Newcastle College. Internal training will be rolled out across the business over the coming months to those interested in learning the skill, making significant progress towards Gordon Brown’s fully accessible service pledge.

Other recent qualifications gained within the firm include the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Level 4 Professional Distinction, Cilex Certification at Levels 3 & 6 in Family Law, Conveyancing and Commercial Property.

Gordon Brown Law Firm managing partner Kathryn Taylor said: “We’re taking the next step in reaching our goal to offer a fully accessible service. Investing in people is at the heart of our unique business model, and as they continue to grow their skills portfolio, we continue to invest in them.

“Gordon Brown has always taken an employee-centric approach, and we believe the more resources and knowledge our staff have, the more we can help our clients find clarity on their legal issues. It also empowers them to fee earn in their own right.”

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