Tag: small business

Hadrian House Care Home Stars In Pioneering Medical Film

By on 11th December 2015in Local Biz

A North East care home, which has taken a pioneering approach to medication, has starred in a film about the subject…

Hadrian House, Wallsend, which belongs to Prestwick Care, part of Newcastle-based Malhotra Group PLC, has been working with pharmacists and GPs to look at ways of reducing the medication being taken by its 50 residents.

And now the newly commissioned care home’s visionary approach has been featured in the first of a series of five films, launched by independent health charity the Health Foundation, looking at ways of tackling the challenges faced by the NHS nationally.

Pills: Reviewing Medication in Care Homes, reveals how the lives of residents were improved when they and their families became more involved in decisions about their medication.

As a result of the review, the amount of medicines prescribed to residents was reduced by 17%, not only saving money but also improving quality of life, by reducing the likes of drowsiness.

“I am delighted that not only were we chosen by Northumbria NHS Trust to be a pilot for this review into medication, but that the results were so impressive,” said Sylvia Dixon, Clinical Governance Manager for Prestwick Care.

“As the film shows, a great deal can be achieved when people work together with a common interest – not least, a better quality of life for the elderly.”

The Power of People films can be viewed on the Health Foundation’s website, and each depicts an innovative project to improve care and show the positive impact good health care can have on people’s lives.                                                                   

Will Warburton, director of improvement at the Health Foundation, said: “These films show what can be achieved when people are given the time and resources to transform and improve patient care.

“There is a lot of excellent work being done in the NHS and beyond, and it’s important to celebrate that. We hope these films will be shared widely and inspire others to recognise the power in themselves to generate change.

“The demands on the NHS are growing. The ideas of the people working in the health service will be essential in meeting this challenge.”

The other four films in the series are Flo: Telecare With a Human Touch, about a project that enables people to better manage their health and wellbeing through the use of text message reminders, and Bottoms Up: Everyone Can Influence Safety, which showcases projects led by health professionals at Ulster Hospital in Belfast.

Recovery College: From Mental Health Patient to Recovery Student shows how the lives of people with serious mental illness can be turned around when they gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to manage their condition.

Gold Line: Bringing Healthcare Home is a moving account of a 24/7 telephone service for people in their last years of life, and highlights the experiences and depth of personal courage shown by people and their families who use the service.

To view Pills: Reviewing Medication in Care Homes, visit http://www.health.org.uk/pills.

Sunderland AFC Offer Sports-Themed Party Package For Fans

By on 10th December 2015in Local Biz

Football fans can now bring the action off the pitch and into their party, thanks to one of the North East’s leading event companies…

1879 Events Management, a subsidiary of Sunderland AFC, has just launched a new sports-themed package for private events at the Stadium of Light, as well as its sister sites, National Glass Centre and the Beach House bistro, Roker.

This package offers a range of benefits, including appearances by former SAFC players and Black Cats mascots, along with signed merchandise from the Barclays Premier League team.

Anyone who books the Personal Celebration package, available until March 31st, can also receive a complimentary arrival drink for all their guests, as well as the opportunity to have professional photographs taken pitch side at the Stadium of Light.

As an added incentive, the package can also include discounts and offers for the new Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, which is due to open adjacent to the Stadium in April 2016.

Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director for SAFC and 1879 Events Management, said:  “We know that people are really passionate about their football, and wanted to offer fans a chance to really get to grips with the game at their next celebration.

“We hope this will prove a popular addition to our wide range of private and corporate packages, and become a regular fixture at birthdays, christenings and even weddings.”

1879 Events Management, which was established in 2012, currently manages catering and events at the Stadium of Light and National Glass Centre, as well as its own stand-alone venue, The Beach House, Roker.

In recent months the company has expanded its off-site operations, assisting at a wide range of gatherings, including leading LGBT festival Newcastle Pride, and its first wedding at a North East garden centre.

The Personal Celebration package, which requires a minimum of between 20 and 100 guests depending on the venue, is one of a number of special offers released by the firm for 2016.

Others include a day delegate rate of £20.16 per person for corporate bookings at the Stadium of Light up to March 31st, and a 10% discount for all off-site events until the end of July.

For more information, or to book, visit www.1879events.com, call 0871 911 1269, email info@1879events.com, or follow @1879Events on Twitter.

Additional specifications for each of 1879’s venues can also be found by visiting www.thestadiumoflight.com and www.nationalglasscentre.com/hire/

Darlington Couple Take Handmade Beard Care Products International

By on 8th December 2015in Local Biz

Bearded men across the region are swapping their traditional grooming tools for oils and balms, thanks to one young Darlington couple…

Heavy Metal Gentleman (HMG) is the brainchild of Thom and Laura Langlands, who produce homemade, luxury beard care products, having identified a gap in the local market for men’s grooming products.

The creative husband and wife team has rapidly seen their innovative idea grow into a business over the last year, with their high quality products reaching as far as Poland.

Talking about the snowballing of the business, Laura, 25, said: “It is a very exciting time for us. Not only to be recognised throughout the UK, but also Europe, because we’ve only been trading for a few months.

“Thom is an avid beardsman and with my understanding of hair and skin care, creating products quickly became a passion of ours, which we believe shows through our products.”

HMG was born from a shared love and interest in heavy metal and homemade skin care. Thom, 30, and Laura, decided to start working from their home in Darlington and believe this is one of the main reasons behind their business’ success.

“By brewing the oils and creating the balms ourselves, then hand-sticking a label on to every single product in our kitchen, we are able to pay a great amount of care and attention to what we produce and then go on to sell,” said Laura.

“There’s no doubt a lot of blood, sweat and tears goes into everything we make, but at least we know it’s 100% homemade.

“We use purely natural ingredients, including six of the best carrier oils, to make the base of our bespoke, handmade oils, and wouldn’t work any other way.”

Thom and Laura believe HMG products are suitable for everyone, and see this as another reason for why the business has taken off so well.

Thom said: “The great thing about our products is they’re for anyone, from the career beadsman to Mr Clean-Shaven.

“By using carrier oils, we can ensure our products contain the necessary vitamins and antioxidants for hydrating and revitalising the skin and hair, and they are also great for anyone to use who has sensitive and problematic skin.

“We see the Heavy Metal Gentleman brand as sophisticated, and our products are made with quality in mind. This is why we believe everybody who wishes to take care of their skin and hair should be using our oils.”

With 20 years of experience in retail and sales between them, the couple are continually developing new ideas and recently sealed two important deals with Darlington’s Maison Royale and Mr. Hutton’s barbers and bar, who will now stock the HMG range.

Future plans have also been put into place to develop a wider range of beard care and accessories – but the couple are not content with just supplying to Europe.

Laura said: “We both love what we do and we have had lots of fun with the products, from their concept to their creation, which drives us to keep creating new ideas.

“With our ever growing passion and excitement keeping our company interesting, innovative and continuously expanding, I definitely believe we can go global.”

In the hope of attaining this worldwide recognition, Heavy Metal Gentlemen has launched a Kickstarter campaign which aims to help the company find financial support to aid in its development and growth.

To show your support for Heavy Metal Gentlemen, visit the Kickstarter page.

For more information about Heavy Metal Gentlemen, visit their website, follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Wynyard Hall Farm Shop To Host Christmas Shopping Evenings

By on 6th December 2015in Local Biz

Shoppers can snap up some last minute Christmas gifts and festive fare at two special events being held by the North East’s newest attraction this month…

Following the success of its annual Christmas fayre, Wynyard Hall Hotel, Tees valley, is hosting festive shopping evenings, on Thursday 10th and 17th December, at its recently opened Walled Garden farm shop.

And, along with the chance to purchase some of the finest locally sourced gifts and ingredients, visitors will be given special price discounts at each event.

A glass of Prosecco will be served to each visitor on arrival and they will also be able to sample some of the food lines on sale at the farm shop, overlooking the multi-million pound rose garden.

“I have personally selected – and sampled – every food item on sale in the farm shop,” said Wynyard Hall’s Managing Director Allison Antonopoulos.

“And, as it is of the utmost importance to me to showcase local suppliers, we have some fabulous lines, from the likes of Norton-based Blackwells Butchers, the Acorn Dairy, near Darlington and Proof of the Pudding, Northumberland.

“There are also dressings and condiments from Great Taste award-winners Wildon Grange, County Durham, real ales from the Black Paw Brewery, at Bishop Auckland and vintage sweets, courtesy of Hartlepool-based Carnaby’s Treats.”

Shoppers can also choose from a wide range of gardening items, Christmas decorations, handmade cards and gifts and seasonal homeware, including cushions, throws and scarves by Yorkshire-based Bronte by Moon, one of the UK’s few remaining woollen mills. 

The festive shopping evenings will take place between 6pm and 8pm. Attendance is free, but those who pre-register at www.wynyardhall.co.uk/events will receive a voucher entitling them to a 10 per cent discount on purchases of £40 or over.

Top Festive Tips For Looking After Your Teeth This Christmas

By on 5th December 2015in Lifestyle

A top North East dentist is giving out timely advice for the festive season to ensure that the New Year doesn’t herald problems with teeth…

The inevitable celebrations at this time of year also bring in their wake late nights, too much alcohol and too many caffeine-rich fizzy drinks to help stay awake the following day – which can be hugely detrimental to teeth, according to one of the UK’s leading cosmetic dentists.

Dr Ken Harris, who runs Riveredge Cosmetic Dentistry in Sunderland and Newcastle, believes the round-the-clock party lifestyle that many people indulge in at this time of year can really take its toll on teeth.

And now he is highlighting some useful advice to help people in the run-up to Christmas.

“It’s that time of year when people are constantly out celebrating, with late nights and more alcohol that usual,” said Dr Harris, who has almost 35 years’ experience working in general dental practice.

“This can lead to dehydration and reduce the flow of saliva, which helps protect teeth, putting people at real risk of acid damage.

“Many people then compound the problem by drinking energy drinks to stay awake.  Carbonated drinks like these, even sugar-free versions, contain significant acid in the fizz which soften the enamel on your teeth, and if you then brush softened teeth, they wear down really fast.”

Dr Harris has the following tips for anyone who is planning to party in the next few weeks:-

  • Don’t brush your teeth straight after having carbonated drinks or fruit juice. This could actually damage teeth because tooth enamel would be softened by the acid.
  • Wait four hours after having fizzy drinks before brushing your teeth – giving the enamel time to harden up again.
  • Drink plenty of water, especially if you exercise a lot.
  • If you vomit, do not brush your teeth immediately, but rinse your mouth with water.

“It’s really important not to forget to look after your teeth at this time of year,” said Dr Harris.

“And also if you have any problems with your teeth, ensure you get them looked at before the festive season rather than wait until a time of year when there may only be emergency treatment available.

“Nobody wants Christmas and New Year spoiled by toothache or any other issues which could be avoided.”

For further information visit www.riveredge.co.uk.

Dr Harris is one of the UK’s foremost cosmetic dentists and a multi-award winner. With almost 35 years of experience, he has an MSc in Restorative & Aesthetic Dentistry, and is a Fellow of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

He is a member of the AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) and acts as UK clinical director for California Center for Advanced Dental Studies in San Francisco along with lecturing around the globe.

Sunderland Urged To Shop Locally For Small Business Saturday

By on 4th December 2015in Local Biz

Shoppers in Sunderland are being urged to back local businesses and search for seasonal bargains closer to home…

Small Business Saturday, which runs nationwide on December 5th, is designed to raise awareness of small companies, including retailers, and help boost their footfall by encouraging more people to shop locally.

Sunderland’s Business Improvement District, Experience It Here, is backing the Government initiative, and urging the city’s residents and visitors to show their support on the day and beyond.

Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, said: “There are a whole host of small and independent businesses in Sunderland, offering a wide range of amazing products, as well as outstanding levels of customer service.

“We hope that Small Business Saturday will help these retailers to step out of the shadows left by larger stores and household names, as well as encouraging more people to utilise them for their Christmas shopping.”

Small Business Saturday, which was first developed in the US, has been running in the UK for the past three years, with more than five million businesses expected to be involved in 2015.

It is being supported by Sunderland BID as part of a series of events designed to attract visitors to the city during the busy Christmas period.  This also includes the creation of a magical Frost Village around Keel Square, featuring an ice rink, market and fun fair.

For more information visit www.sunderlandchristmas.co.uk.

North East Says Yes! Campaign Supported By Business Leaders

By on 4th December 2015in Local Biz, What's New?

More than 50 leading figures from the worlds of business, charity and academia have offered their support to North East Says Yes! campaign in the two weeks since its launch…

North East Says Yes!, a campaign to generate ideas for the Northern Powerhouse initiative and the North East Devolution Deal, has been warmly received by leading figures in the region’s business community, third sector and academic institutions.

The group recognises that North East Devolution, together with the Northern Powerhouse, represent a major turning point in the affairs of the region and a major new opportunity which we should seek to exploit to the maximum.

Supporters of North East Says Yes!, including former North East MEP Mo O’Toole, Centre for Life Trust Chairman and former Senior Economic Advisor to the treasury Alastair Balls, Dr Joanna Berry of Durham University’s Business School, and Entrepreneurs’ Forum Chairman Nigel Mills, have lent their public support to the Devolution Deal and have been invited to contribute articles to northeastsaysyes.org, an online platform specially built for the campaign.

The campaign’s co-founder Jeremy Middleton said: “It’s great to see the support North Easy Says Yes! has already attracted, and the diverse range of backgrounds its supporters come from. When the North East gets devolved powers, they can’t just be handed from Westminster politicians to local politicians. Power has to be shared with the people in a way that has the backing of our whole community.”

Co-founder Alastair Balls said: “Devolution is a real opportunity for the North East to reach its full potential. To get the most from the Northern Powerhouse and devolved powers, we need people from every background, every political persuasion, and every sector to contribute good, positive ideas.”

Ramside Hall Unveil Final Stages Of Spa Development

By on 3rd December 2015in Local Biz

The North East’s newest and most luxurious spa has now unveiled the final stages of the development…

 

The £8m Spa at Ramside Hall Hotel near Durham opened in August, but has this week launched two further features.

An outdoor Spa Garden and vitality pool, along with a first floor infinity pool, are now being used by guests, extending the wide range of facilities already available at the spa.

The vitality pool can be enjoyed by guests on spa day and spa stay experiences and by members, with the infinity pool available at an additional cost for special occasions or for small groups.

The new additions complement the existing spa facilities, which include a 25m long swimming pool, one of the country’s largest hydrotherapy pools, a thermal suite, sleep sanctuary, 14 treatment rooms, state-of-the-art gym, hairdressers and Asian Fusion restaurant.

The opening of the new pools comes shortly after the spa was awarded a five bubble rating by the Good Spa Guide, winning the top accolade despite only being open for a short period of time.

Since its launch, the spa has become a major attraction and has exceeded its initial expectations for membership, with the hope that the festive season and the additional attractions will see a further boost.

 

“We’re very excited that we are now able to offer our visitors and members even more facilities,” said Jill Russell, Spa Director.

“We’ve also devised some very special packages for the festive season and into the New Year which we hope will appeal to both men and women of all ages.”

Further information about membership, special spa days or general bookings can be found by calling 0191 375 3088, by emailing enquiries@ramsidespa.co.uk, or by visiting www.ramsidespa.co.uk

Gift vouchers are available directly from the spa or through Spafinders.

Brothers Seek Planning Permission For County Durham Wind Farm

By on 3rd December 2015in In & Around

A North East community is hoping permission will be granted for a small-scale wind farm to be built in their area, which would see them benefit from in excess of £1million it will generate…

Church parishes, Scout groups and the Girl Guides will be among those to profit from a share of the proceeds which could be generated by the County Durham based Ponder Gill wind turbine project.

Brothers, Andrew and Mark Thompson have applied to Durham County Council for planning permission to build two discreet turbines on their family farm, located next to the A66 near Barnard Castle.

Scout and Guide groups and communities from Bowes and Boldron have been identified as initial beneficiaries, but it is intended to roll-out the project into surrounding communities once planning permission has been granted, and as soon as new opportunities to expand the project are brought forward.

The brothers – who inherited the land at Ponder Gill following the death of their father – estimate the wind farm could be worth up to £2m to the local community over the next 20 years, so are urging people and groups to step forward to suggest how best to spend the proceeds.

Andrew said: “My brother and I were born and raised in this area, so being able to support our community is something we feel strongly about.

“The wind farm will be our full responsibility, not that of a venture capitalist, therefore we can guarantee the entire proceeds generated from the 3rd turbine will be donated through a community benefit scheme to local organisations, including the parishes of Bowes and Boldron.

“We appreciate wind farms can be a contentious issue but we can assure people in the surrounding area, our turbines will be well designed and amongst the quietest turbines on the market, as well as playing a hugely significant role in providing funds for the important work of local organisations.”

Although planning has initially been sought for three wind turbines to be constructed at Ponder Gill, Andrew is keen for the local community to be made aware that the scheme will still work, even if the third turbine is located elsewhere.

A decision on the planning application at Ponder Gill is expected to be reached in early December.

For more information about Ponder Gill Wind Turbine Project, or to voice your support for the community benefit scheme, visit www.pondergill.co.uk.

Sunderland Catering Company Serve A Sneak Peek Of 2016

By on 3rd December 2015in Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?

A North East catering and events company has been serving up a sneak peek of 2016…

1879 Events Management, which manages functions and food at the Stadium of Light and National Glass Centre, Sunderland, hosted a special showcase evening to preview its plans for the coming year.

Guests at the event, including members of SAFC’s first team and business leaders from across the region, were given the chance to meet with many of the company’s top suppliers, including Bidvest Foodservice and Molson Coors, while also sampling dishes from its new set menus.

This included canapes, curries, shin of beef and spicy chicken wings, which will all be available for private and corporate events at the Stadium of Light and National Glass Centre, as well as via 1879’s external catering operations.

The showcase evening, held in a marquee at SAFC’s Academy of Light, also offered guests an early opportunity to learn more about the new Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, opening adjacent to the Stadium of Light in April 2016.

The site, which is currently under construction, will boast 141 bedrooms, a destination grill restaurant, private dining areas, meeting rooms and a 24-hour business centre.

It is expected to offer a number of packages for businesses delegates, as well as football fans and those attending events at the Stadium of Light, including a performance by music superstar, Rihanna, who returns to the venue as part of her Anti World Tour in June.

Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director for 1879 Events Management, said: “2016 looks set to be an amazing year for 1879 Events Management, particularly with the launch of the new Hilton Garden Inn Hotel and high profile events like the return of Rihanna.

“The VIP showcase evening was an ideal opportunity for us to give new and existing clients an opportunity to learn more about these exciting developments and to see how working with companies such as Bidvest and Molson Coors has contributed to our ongoing success.”

Since launching in 2012, 1879 Events Management has been awarded several major contracts, including taking over the catering and event operations at National Glass Centre and the Stadium of Light.

The company, a specialist subsidiary of SAFC, has also launched its own beachside bistro, The Beach House at Roker, and worked on a number of high profile events across the North East, including multiple business awards and festivals such as Newcastle Pride.

For more information about 1879 Events Management visit www.1879events.com, call 0871 911 1269, email info@1879events.com or follow @1879Events on Twitter.

Additional details can also be found by visiting www.thestadiumoflight.com and www.nationalglasscentre.com/hire/.

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