Tag: small business

Darlington Building Society Offer Safety Blanket To Project Linus

By on 14th February 2016in Local Biz

The Stockton branch of Darlington Building Society is helping to bring comfort to the babies of North Tees Hospital’s neonatal unit and their children’s ward…

The High Street branch has made a £250 donation to the local branch of Project Linus, a national volunteer organisation that creates quilts for babies, children and teenagers who are ill or traumatised.

The total was a combination of money raised from a member raffle, and also a further donation from the Society’s community fund. The money will be used to purchase the fabric used by the Stockton-On-Tees arm of the charity to create the bespoke quilts.

The branch decided to support the charity after regular customer and local coordinator for Project Linus, Marjorie Cook, made them aware of its work.

Marjorie Cook, Stockton area coordinator of Project Linus, said: “We’re very grateful to Darlington Building Society and its customers for the very kind donation.

“The money will be used to purchase the fabric that our network of volunteers use to sew quilts destined for North Tees Hospital’s neonatal Unit and Children’s wards.

“The quilts are used to brighten the cots and beds whilst they are in hospital, and are given to the parents to take home once a baby or child is well enough to be discharged.

“We want to provide comfort to as many poorly babies and children as possible, but because each quilt is gifted individually, there is always a demand for us to provide more.

“We say that a quilt is a hug you can keep, and I think the physical reassurance that comes from being snuggled up is something everyone can relate to.

“We’re always looking for more volunteers. You don’t need to be an expert sewer to help. As long as you have your own machine and a little spare time, you can become part of Project Linus.”

Dawn Moore, Branch Manager at Darlington Building Society, said: “We made the decision to support Project Linus after Marjorie and I got talking over the counter. She talked so passionately about Project Linus that it touched all of our hearts.

“Darlington Building Society is committed to making a positive impact in our local communities, and the fact that the quilts go to a local hospital meant we were only too happy to help.

“We hope that we can continue to support Project Linus throughout 2016 as Darlington Building Society celebrates 160 years supporting local people.”

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.

Who’s Coming To Sunderland?

By on 8th February 2016in Entertainment

The world’s most famous time travelling police box has taken time off from cruising the galaxies to land in Sunderland’s shopping centre…

A replica of Dr Who’s TARDIS has currently taken up residency at the Bridges, where it will stay until the end of February.

This means that fans of the hit BBC show will get a rare opportunity to visit and take a selfie with one of the most well-known forms of space and time travel.

The city also has a lesser known connection with the box, as the first ever police box in the UK was put in place at  Sunderland’s Kayll Road in 1923.

The replica was commissioned by Sunderland City Council for an event last summer which highlighted the heritage in the west of the city.

“Dr Who is such a massively popular programme with generations of people enjoying it over the years,” said Andy Bradley, Centre Director of the Bridges.

“We’re sure fans of the show will love the opportunity to come and get their picture taken with it. It’s great for this iconic piece of tv history to be getting a second outing and we hope that lots of people will come and see it.”

Top 10 Doctor Who Facts:

  • The character of Doctor Who was inspired by Sherlock Holmes.
  • The distinctive TARDIS sound effect was originally created by rubbing the bass strings of a piano with a key.
  • Doctor Who is BBC Worldwide’s best-selling show.
  • There have been 12 doctors.
  • The TARDIS has a broken “Chameleon circuit” which is supposed to enable it to disguise itself to blend into any environment. However in the first ever episode An Unearthly Child, viewers discover that the circuit is broken and the TARDIS is stuck in the shape of a police box.
  • Dr Who is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest running sci-fi series in the world.
  • TARDIS stands for Time and Relative Dimension in Space. It is bigger on the inside than on the outside.
  • The original Daleks were controlled from the inside by small operators who had to manipulate their eyestalks, domes and arms, as well as flashing the lights on their heads in sync with the actor’s voices.
  • Doctor Who is from the planet Gallifrey.
  • The first episode was broadcast in 1963 – 40 years after the first police box was installed in Sunderland.

Kevin Keegan Officially Opens Ramside Spa

By on 6th February 2016in Local Biz

One of the North East’s leading venues welcomed Kevin Keegan to mark the official opening of its new state-of-the-art spa…

The former football manager, player and Newcastle United legend unveiled a special plaque at Ramside Hall Hotel’s multi-million pound Spa at Ramside, as part of an official opening ceremony yesterday.

“I’ve been a frequent visitor to Ramside Hall over the years, and it just gets better and better,” said Kevin.

“The spa is absolutely amazing, as good as any I’ve seen anywhere in the world.”

The Spa at Ramside, near Durham, includes a hydrotherapy pool, an outdoor vitality pool, five heat experiences and a 25m swimming pool, along with a balcony infinity pool, which overlooks the hotel grounds.

“We’re absolutely delighted and honoured that Kevin Keegan agreed to officially open our new Spa,” said John Adamson, owner of Ramside Hall Hotel.

“The facilities that our spa offers really are among the best in the region, so it’s great to be able to mark the hotel’s newest addition with the help of such a regional icon.”

The £8m spa is part of Ramside Hall Hotel’s recent £16m extension, which also included a second golf course and a new wing of bedrooms.

Darlington Food Service Wins Major Contract With Grade 1 Listed Acklam Hall

By on 5th February 2016in Local Biz

A Darlington-based foodservice consumables company is celebrating a major contract win with the newly refurbished Acklam Hall…

MAC International Food Service has signed a deal to supply the only Grade 1 listed building in Middlesbrough with its new crockery, glassware and cutlery.

The company – which works with many well-known independent hotels, restaurants and caterers throughout the North of England – will also be supplying Foodservice consumables, disposables and hygiene cleaning systems on a weekly basis to the 17th century building.

MAC Foodservice Director, Paul Thompson, is thrilled with this latest contract and is looking forward to seeing the partnership with Acklam Hall develop.

He said: “Acklam Hall will soon become a well-known venue, recognised for its high class events and fabulous restaurant, making it a perfect fit as a MAC partner customer.

“The businesses complement each other well, as both have high standards and expectations of how a dining experience should be for any customers visiting an establishment.

“We both understand the importance of presentation, from the food being eaten – and what it is being served on – to the overall look.”

Acklam Hall has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment over the last 18 months and is set to open on 18th February, much to the delight of Adam Anderson, head chef at the majestic venue.

He said: “It has been a pleasure to work with MAC International, because not only are they very professional, but they are also reliable and thorough, and their advice has been invaluable throughout the project.

“Their knowledge proved integral when we began the process of equipping the building, and we were grateful to be guided on style and quality, to ensure the items were befitting for a building of this kind.”

MAC International is also looking to support Acklam Hall in as many ways as it can, and hopes the partnership will continue to blossom.

Paul added: “We pride ourselves on remaining completely professional, and becoming a trusting supply partner to all of our key customers. We become a business supply partner, not just another supplier.”

To find out more about the bespoke foodservice firm, visit macinternationalfoodservice.co.uk or follow on Twitter @MAC_FoodService.

For information on Acklam Hall, visit acklamhall.co.uk.

Ramside Spa: Could You Propose To Your Man?

By on 3rd February 2016in Lifestyle

A leading North East spa is helping women take advantage of a leap year tradition in hope of making their love last forever…

February 29th is the day when women can turn the tables and propose to their partners, and comes round just once every four years.

And to ensure that the answer is “I do”, the Spa at Ramside, at Ramside Hall Hotel near Durham, is suggesting that would-be brides make their visit extra special by taking advantage of its private infinity pool, which can be added to the venue’s range of spa packages.

“The new infinity pool is a great way to spend some quality time together,” said Jill Russell, Spa Director at the Spa at Ramside.

“Private use of the facility can be added on to any of our packages. It’s the perfect setting for a surprise proposal, and couples can celebrate their engagement with a bottle of bubbly too.”

Along with their signature spa days and packages, the Spa at Ramside also offers a range of men’s treatments, which will help women to “soften up” their man before they pop the question.

Among the treatments available are the Men’s Reviver, which includes a double cleanse exfoliation, a face, neck and shoulder massage, a lifting and smoothing cooling mask, and a scalp massage.

Other packages include a Stress Buster package, which offers a back massage, and a facial and scalp massage, the Golfer’s Tonic package, which includes a foot soak and exfoliation, a foot and leg massage, a back exfoliation and a back massage with hot stones, the Made for Men package and the Heaven on Earth package.

For the woman who wants to go all out, there is The Man Up and Spa package, which includes a two course spa lunch in the venue’s Fusion restaurant, and a choice of a 60 minute, 90 minute or two hour men’s treatment.

It also offers full use of the spa’s state-of-the-art facilities, which include a hydrotherapy pool, five heat experiences, an outdoor vitality pool, and a 25m swimming pool.

The Spa at Ramside also offers a range of packages which are suitable for couples.

Prices for the men’s spa treatments start from £65. For full details of the packages and treatments available, visit www.ramsidespa.co.uk or contact the spa on 0191 375 3088.

Couple Recreate Wedding For 40th Anniversary

By on 2nd February 2016in Lifestyle

A North East couple have marked their 40th wedding anniversary at the same ‘plaice’ they celebrated tying the knot…

Alan and Anne Hodgson, who run Hartlepool-based seafood supplier Hodgson Fish, held their wedding reception at the Best Western Plus Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield in 1975.

And they recently returned to the four star venue to mark their ruby anniversary – and were even attended to by the same member of staff.

Hardwick Hall Hotel’s current Restaurant Manager, Jeronimo Martin (known as Martin), was among the team who catered for Alan and Anne’s original wedding, and was delighted to see the duo return.

“I have worked at Hardwick Hall Hotel for 44 years,” he said, “and I always love to see familiar faces coming back time after time. I remember Alan and Anne’s wedding quite clearly, and it was fantastic to be a part of their anniversary celebrations too.”

Alan and Anne, who met as teenagers, were married at St Luke’s Church in Hartlepool before travelling to nearby Hardwick Hall Hotel to celebrate with around 40 guests.

The hotel, part of leading leisure organisation Ramside Estates, was one of Hodgson Fish’s first wholesale customers, so the couple fittingly opted for a shellfish buffet as part of their wedding breakfast.

Fish was also on the menu for the couple’s recent anniversary return, where they were once again joined by close family and friends.

“It was just like old times, being back at Hardwick Hall” said Anne. “While we have worked closely with the venue as fish suppliers for around 50 years, being able to return for such an amazing occasion was an extra special treat, and brought back a lot of great memories.

“I can clearly remember posing for pictures on the lawn on our wedding day, and it was fantastic to be able to recreate that 40 years on.

“I was also amazed to see that our original waiter Martin was still working there, but being able to catch up with him was really the icing on the cake.”

The award-winning Best Western Plus Hardwick Hall Hotel specialises in weddings and private celebrations, with a variety of suites available to cater for anywhere up to 1500 guests.

More information about the venue, including its wide range of packages, can be found by visiting www.hardwickhall.co.uk or calling 01740 620253.

Durham PCC Calls For Local Opinion Over Crime Prevention

By on 2nd February 2016in Have Your Say

The Institute of Directors in the North East is bringing together all three of the region’s Police and Crime Commissioners, to allow the region’s business community to actively participate in the debate on crime prevention and enforcement…

The event, which is open to all business people, will be held in the Durham Centre at Belmont Business Park between 4pm and 7pm on Thursday 25th February. It will include talks by the region’s three PCCs; Vera Baird QC, Ron Hogg, and Barry Coppinger, alongside experts on cyber security, human trafficking, and slavery. The three PCCs will also lead seminars to hear the views of business people from their respective areas.

David Cliff, Vice-Chairman of the IoD in the North East, who is completing a four year study into Police and Crime Commissioners, said: “Businesses in the North East are rightly concerned about crime. On average, one in three are affected by economic crime each year. On top of age old concerns about the security of their premises and employees, there are modern issues like cyber-crime, which costs the UK £27 billion a year, and workplace bullying.

“Good policing provides a stable environment for our businesses to operate in, and is at the heard of cohesive communities, so getting our PCCs and business leaders together is a positive thing for the North East as it can boost both our security and prosperity.

“Ron Hogg, Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, said: “It is really important that businesses tell us what their priorities are for reducing and preventing crime. The nature of crime is changing, and this will be an excellent opportunity to plan together how to address it. I hope as many business people as possible are able to attend.”

To book tickets for the event, which cost £10 plus VAT and are free to IoD members and their guests, email Sukie Ranken on iod.northeast@iod.com.

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