Tag: small business

Seaham Solicitor Calls For Care Fees Cap In Budget

By on 30th March 2016in Lifestyle

A Seaham solicitor is calling on the Chancellor to end the worry about the unlimited cost of old age care by finally introducing his long promised and much delayed cap on personal care fees in the Budget…

Andrew Simpson, Lead Panel Solicitor with Seaham-based legal and financial planning specialist Ensure Inheritance, says that introducing a cap on costs for personal care would allow people to make plans for their long term care and reduce the widely held fear of being forced to sell the family home to pay for it.

He says: “A cap of £72,000 for personal care costs was to have been introduced this April (2016), but has been delayed until at least 2020. I would like to see the Chancellor stick to his earlier promise and bring in the care fees cap next month.

“With current legislation demanding that anyone owning assets valued in excess of £23,250 is required to make a 100% contribution towards the cost of their care, it’s no wonder that this a major concern for older people.

“Although this legislation also prevents people from deliberately moving their assets in order to avoid paying care fees, it is possible to protect the family home by using a Wealth Preservation Trust, provided the owner is in relatively good health and not presently intending going into long term care, and has genuine concerns about who will benefit from their assets.

“Unfortunately the lack of a care fees cap has meant that there has been little provision or take-up of insurance products for care, so establishing a trust for estate planning purposes is being increasingly used by people keen to avoid sacrificing the family home to pay for their care.”

Ensure Inheritance has produced a booklet which provides further information on Wealth Preservation Trusts. For a free copy, please contact Ensure Inheritance on tel. 0191 338 5143, via email at info@ensureinheritance.co.uk or via its website www.ensureinheritance.co.uk.

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 long term care planning and wealth preservation trusts, services include Wills and Estate planning, funeral planning, inheritance tax planning, powers of attorney, court of protection deputyships, and probate.

Independent Distillery Finds Magic Number Of Botanicals

By on 26th March 2016in Local Biz

A new independent small batch distillery, based in the North East, has found the magic number for crafting award-winning gin…

Poetic License, which launched at the Roker Hotel, Sunderland late last year, uses 13 botanicals for its Northern Dry Gin and its Old Tom Gin – both of which won accolades in the Gin of the Year competition at the Craft Distilling Expo 2015.

The majority of the Northern Dry Gin’s botanical bill is made up of juniper berries, imported from Italy, as well as coriander seeds and cardamom pods, which are hand-crushed on site to create a greater surface area for oil extraction.

These are combined with 10 additional botanicals, including rose petals, cubeb pepper, Persian dried limes and Angelica root, to give Poetic License’s Northern Dry Gin (43.2%Vol.) a punchier flavour than many others on the market.

Similarly the brand’s Old Tom Gin (41.6%Vol.), which took first prize in its category at the Gin of the Year awards, combines majority juniper and coriander with 11 other botanicals, including hibiscus and black pepper, cassia bark, liquorice root, lime leaves and rose petals.

This gives the finished product a natural sweetness, without the need for added sugar.  After distillation the gin is rested in oak, to produce a rose gold colouring.

Luke Smith, Distiller for Poetic License, said: “While Northern Dry and Old Tom are both true to their gin style we’ve also worked hard to make them unique.

“Putting our own spin on the original idea has given the spirits far more character and we hope they will appeal to those free-thinkers, who don’t necessarily conform to the norm.”

Poetic License, so-named for its wild spirits designed to appeal to discerning drinkers, was first launched by North East entrepreneur, Mark Hird, in September 2015.

The micro-distillery, one of only a handful in the region, currently produces three core products – Northern Dry Gin, Old Tom Gin and Graceful Vodka – all of which are distilled on site and bottled by hand.

“From the very beginning I wanted Poetic License to produce something completely different to the gins and vodkas already on the market,” said Mark.

“Not only are our processes very artisanal, but we have also experimented widely with various botanicals to ensure our flavours really pack a punch.”

Poetic License products are currently being stocked in bars, hotels, restaurants and retailers across the North East, with plans to expand throughout the UK and internationally in the near future.

For more information visit www.poeticlicensedistillery.co.uk or contact Luke Smith on 0191 5103564 or luke@poeticlicensedistillery.co.uk for all trade sales enquiries.

Prom Princesses To Be Pampered At Ramside

By on 25th March 2016in Lifestyle

Prom princesses can now get pampered and preened on the lead up to their big night at a luxury North East spa…

RamsideProm-Body

The £8m Spa at Ramside, at Ramside Hall Hotel near Durham is opening its doors to school leavers with three special prom packages.

The packages, which are valid from May to July, include the ultimate Prom Princess package, the Dazzling Divas package and the Mii & My Prom make-up package.

Girls opting for the Prom Princess package can expect two indulgent sessions of pampering on the countdown to the big day, with the option to add on a third session with the in-house team at Reef Hair Salon.

The initial session will include a personal consultation with Ramside’s beauty experts, body exfoliation to prepare the skin for any tanning and an express booster facial for added radiance.

On the second visit, just before – or on the day itself – the treats continue with a polish and shine for hands and feet and a brow fix by in-house cosmetics company Mii. Guests can then either opt for a make-up tutorial prior to prom or choose to have their make-up done on the day.

For the girls wanting to pamper with pals, the Dazzling Divas package includes a polish and shine for both hands and feet.

Females wanting to focus on their face can go for The Mii & My Prom package, which includes brows by Mii and either a make-up tutorial prior to prom or make-up on the day.

“With proms being such a huge highlight for school leavers, we wanted to ensure that we provided packages that will add a bit of extra sparkle to prom night,” said Jill Russell, Spa Director.

“Proms are often compared to weddings in terms of preparation, so the Spa at Ramside aims to provide a memorable experience for young girls and really make them feel special for their first ‘big day’.”

Prom packages can be booked by calling 0191 375 3088 or going to www.ramsidespa.co.uk. Book before April 30 to receive a free gift on day of arrival.

Lumley Castle Hosts Wild Food Event

By on 20th March 2016in Entertainment

Foodies keen to find out more about foraging are invited to a special event at one of the North East’s most historic venues…

On Sunday 22 May, Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street, is giving visitors the chance to learn more about ‘wild food,’ with the help of bush craft and survival expert Bruce Ferguson, of Wild North Discovery.

Throughout the morning he will take them on a tour of the 600-year-old castle’s ancient woodland in the search for wild ingredients, such as garlic, herbs, edible roots and berries.

Not only will he teach them to seek out and identify wild ingredients during a one and a half hour walk, but chefs from the hotel’s renowned Black Knight restaurant will then serve lunch, incorporating the foraged food.

Between courses, Bruce, who has been foraging for wild food for more than 30 years and recently took actor and presenter Robson Green seashore foraging for an upcoming episode of hit TV show, Tales from Northumberland, will give a talk about safe, legal and sustainable foraging.

He will also talk about food to look out for later in the year that may not yet be in season and the various types of location at which wild food can be found.

“This is the first time we have held an event of this sort,” said the hotel’s director of sales Tina Lowes “and we are all very excited to see what edible treasures can be found in Lumley Castle’s grounds.

“Not only will visitors enjoy an interesting and informative morning but they will then be served a wonderful lunch, incorporating the fruits of their labours.”

Places for the Foraging at Lumley day cost £29.50, to include lunch and can be booked by calling 0191 3895845 or emailing banquets@lumleycastle.com.

Sunderland Live Appoint New Chief Executive

By on 11th March 2016in Local Biz

Sunderland Live Limited is excited to announce that Alison McDonough has recently been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Sunderland Live…

Andrea Winders, Executive Director of Sunderland City Council, said: “Alison has a great track record of events management, and has experience being involved with some very high profile events. This, combined with her deep industry knowledge and exceptional management skills, makes Alison uniquely qualified to lead Sunderland Live successfully into the future.”

Alison has already had a great impact on the team, which currently delivers the citywide programme of award-winning events that are helping to establish Sunderland regionally, nationally and internationally as a leading destination for events.

Alison said: “I am delighted to be part of a dynamic team of event entrepreneurs, delivering live events like Sunderland International Airshow, Sunderland Illuminations, community engagement programmes and – in 2018 – the launch of the Tall Ships event.

“Having a platform as fantastic as Sunderland is a dream come true. I am very proud to say that Sunderland is live!”

Alison brings with her a wealth of experience, having previously worked for local and international companies specialising in marketing and communications, events management and company development. She has also worked on transformational change programmes in industry, managed high profile accounts in FMCG, and has recently worked within a leisure business, investing in luxury properties for exclusive event hires.

Her rich personality is a clear indicator as to why she is a mentor for small businesses, an active volunteer for Cancer Research UK and a representative for constituents as a Governor of local Hospital Trust.

Sunderland Live formed in April 2013, and the team have been collectively delivering events for over 25 years. With their experience and expertise, they will be working collaboratively with strategic partners to strengthen Sunderland as a Destination City.

The event team has delivered spectacles including the Sunderland International Air Show, which last year attracted more than 1 million people to the city, and the ever-popular Sunderland Illuminations, which welcomed over 285,000 visitors in Roker Park alone.

Sunderland Live also brings military events, including the Freedom of the City and Remembrance Parade, to the city centre. Attracting thousands of spectators, these remain popular and poignant events.

Alison adds: “I’d like to offer my thanks to everyone who has been so supportive to the Sunderland Live team. Our annual events programme is currently being finalised and will be published shortly.

“I’m very excited to be a part of this growing cultural scene, and am very excited about the new opportunities that are ahead.”

For more information, visit www.sunderlandlive.co.uk, or follow Sunderland Live on Facebook.

Canny Beds & Furniture Open New Team Valley Store

By on 11th March 2016in Local Biz

Leading North East furniture supplier Canny Beds are celebrating the opening of a brand new store this month…

We all know how difficult it can be to find good quality furniture and beds at prices you can afford, which is why Canny Beds & Furniture believe they have brought together the best possible furniture at down to earth prices.

Whether it is the bedroom, dining room or living room you’re looking to add beautiful furniture to, you can rest assured that you’ll find it here for the best price online.

CannyBeds

This month (March), Canny Beds’ brand new store will be open in Team Valley, which means you can choose between that or the Chester-le-Street store to pop in and find your new furniture. Want to check availability beforehand? Call 0191 410 9994 to chat to one of their staff in advance.

Testimonials:

“Seamless ordering and delivery. Bed of good quality and assembled easily. Great price.”

“Brilliant communication, bought bed for my 3 year old and it is excellent quality and very easy to assemble. All round excellent product for price.”

“Speedy delivery and the cheapest I found the bed anywhere!”

“Brilliant. Lovely comfy matress. Great price and service.”

Darlington Building Society Helps Local Florist Put Down Roots

By on 11th March 2016in Local Biz

Recent visitors to the Darlington Building Society in Northallerton might have noticed a new addition to the High Street branch in the form of an in-branch florist…

The Wallflower Floral Artist, which is owned and run by 32 year-old Lisa Sopekan, held a special pop-up shop at the branch from which she sold her signature bouquets and single flowers customers.

As part of its 160th anniversary celebrations Darlington Building Society has pledged to use its resources to help local business and organisations. One of the ways it is doing this is by sharing spaces in its 10 branches that can be used for a limited amount of time for businesses and customers to reach new people.

The Wallflower Floral Artist, which specialises in floristry for weddings and other events, is the first local business to take advantage of the opportunity to reach new customers in Northallerton.

Lisa Sopekan, owner of The Wallflower Floral Artist, said: “When I saw that Darlington Building Society was offering space in its branches for local businesses I jumped at the opportunity to reach new customers and spread the word about my business.

“I’m new to the world of business, but I have always loved flowers and floristry. I think my passion comes across when I get to speak to customers face-to-face.

“The company is only a few months old, so it’s really important that I get out there, to allow people to see examples of my work. In this line of work a lot of the customer base comes from word of mouth.”

Kayleigh Turner, Branch Manager at the Northallerton branch of Darlington Building Society, said: “It’s fantastic to have The Wallflower Floral Artist using the free space we have in the branch. A big part of the ethos of the Society is supporting local people so it’s great to be able to help a new business get off the ground in this way.

“Although this is the first time we have had a pop-up shop from a local business at the branch we hope to have many more throughout 2016 as we celebrate the 160th anniversary of the formation of the Society.

“We’re always looking to support local people, businesses and organisations in any way possible, from opening up spaces in our branches, to helping move equipment around and even financial support.”

If any local organisations or businesses would like the opportunity to share some space of one of Darlington Building Society please contact them direct on contact-us@darlington.co.uk or pop into your nearest branch.

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.

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.

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