Tag: small business

Lumley Castle Host Murder Mystery Afternoon Tea

By on 16th January 2016in Entertainment

Can you guess whodunit and why?

 

Amateur sleuths and budding Miss Marples are invited to an afternoon of cake and crime at an historic North East hotel.

On Sunday 7th February, 600-year-old Lumley Castle, Chester-le-Street, will provide the setting for a Murder Afternoon Tea.

Following the discovery of a body, guests will be invited to turn detective and unmask the murderer, before settling down to a traditional afternoon tea of hand cut sandwiches and freshly baked cakes and pastries.

As the story goes…

“In the early 1970′s, a murder took place at Lumley Castle. Lord Marcus Lumley, the aristocratic but impoverished owner of Lumley Castle has been found dead. He appears to have had a heart attack, despite the fact that a recent check up found him to be in excellent health. Lord Lumley spent his last evening in the company of his wife, a family friend and a clairvoyant that he had invited to the castle. Was his death due to natural causes, or did one of his companions have a motive for murder?”

Tickets for the Murder Afternoon Tea, which begins promptly at 2.30pm, cost £20 and can be booked by calling 0191 389 1111, emailing info@lumleycastle.com or visiting www.lumleycastle.com.

Entrepreneurial Couple Invest £100,000 Into North East Food Scene

By on 13th January 2016in Local Biz

A North Tyneside entrepreneurial couple have served up significant expansion plans for 2016 after investing in excess of £100,000 in the North East’s food scene over the past 12 months…

Chris and Katie Stuart, from Holyfield, have launched their second business venture within a year, after initially taking over the West Monkseaton fish and chip shop, Monk Fisheries. Following the success of their new venture and backed by a £25,000 investment, Chris and Katie have added a second business to their foodie empire as they re-launched Deli 13 recently.

The re-opening of the deli, which is located next door to Monk Fisheries, secured three jobs, and with expansion on the cards has the potential to create more job opportunities for the region.

Already known for its fresh food made with locally sourced ingredients, over the next 12 months the couple aims to add a larger dine-in area at the deli, creating a hub for the local community, and will launch an outside catering arm and food delivery service.

Chris Stuart, co-owner of Monk Fisheries and Deli 13, said: “Both businesses have a really great reputation with the local community, and we want to continue to build on this. Our main values are based heavily on esteemed customer service and attention to detail – something so often sacrificed in a quick-service environment.

“With Monk Fisheries’ success booming, when Deli 13 came up for sale next door we grabbed the chance to purchase it as well. We have a really exciting 12 months ahead of us as we move forward with plans to continue developing our businesses.”

After taking over Monk Fisheries in autumn 2014 for £75,000, Chris and Katie invested a further £6,000 in refurbishing the shop and securing the franchise licence to become the region’s first Stone Willy’s pizzeria.

In addition to offering the unrivalled traditional fish and chips, which Monk Fisheries is renowned for, the popular takeaway has added Stone Willy’s gourmet hot wraps and stone-baked pizzas to its extensive menu, a move which has seen the business go from strength-to-strength.

Further to the couple’s passion for supplying high quality, fresh food-on-the-go, Chris and Katie are very family orientated and have instilled their strong family values across both ventures, with three generations heavily involved in the everyday running of the businesses.

Chris said: “We are extremely proud to be a family-run business. Katie’s father, Keith has a wealth of 35 years business experience, which helped massively in the initial start-up phases, and our two sons, Cameron and Tom, can often be found working alongside us when they aren’t at university.”

Monk Fisheries is located on 9 Seatonville Road in West Monkseaton. For further information call 0191 251 7268. Deli 13 is situated next door, at 13 Seatonville Road and can be contacted on 07725 910610.

Middlesbrough Film Company Expands Team

By on 9th January 2016in Local Biz

A North East film production company has turned to local talent as it expands its team, looking to build on a successful 2015…

Ithica Films has appointed Connor Chambers and Jack Holmes as filmmakers, due to a growing client base and ever increasing workload.

The Middlesbrough based company – which takes a modern approach to business filmmaking – employed its latest members after they both impressed while on internships.

Connor, from Bedford, graduated from Teesside University last year, having gained a 2:1 in Performance for Live & Recorded Media.

He said: “Working at a company like Ithica Films is a fantastic opportunity and a dream come true.

“It’s very rare for graduates to leave university and within two months have started working in their chosen industry. I learn something new every day, and although a lot of pressure comes with the role, it only makes me strive to achieve more and impress myself and the people around me.

“I strongly believe that to be a success, you need to surround yourself with people who are just as passionate and able to test you every day. I have turned from an acting student to a professional film maker in 10 months due to the help of Matt and the team.”

Jack, from Middlesbrough, who has been taken on as an apprentice filmmaker, added: “I haven’t had much experience within this industry, but I’ve always known it’s what I’ve wanted to do, so it feels great working with Ithica films.

“It’s a fantastic team and I get along with everyone, plus I get treated with a large amount of trust and respect, just like a normal employee would, so I really don’t feel like an apprentice filmmaker.”

Ithica Films enjoyed a successful 12 months last year, which included a move into a new office in June, choosing the chic Boho One area of the town as its base.

This was the first step towards the company’s expansion plans, as director, Matt McGough, knew having more space provided him with the potential to grow his team.

With this in mind, Matt was keen to offer any future opportunities within Ithica Films to local students, and build on the company’s close links with Teesside University – something he regards as extremely important for the future of both his business and the North East.

Matt said: “It’s important to be able to offer these kinds of opportunities to young people on Teesside, whether they come from here or have spent time here at the university.

“As the company’s director, it’s brilliant seeing the team expand, as it’s what we set out to do, and we also want to use the graduates and apprentices around us.

“It’s very satisfying to be able to do this, and as we are hoping to create an industry around the region, it’s important we also create the opportunities for the people around us to get involved.”

Since its conception, Ithica Films has worked on projects covering a range of sectors including the NHS, Dental, Education, Kickstarter films, Engineering, Construction, Manufacturing and Training.

To find out more about Ithica Films, visit www.ithicafilms.com or follow them on Twitter.

Darlington Building Society Supports Belmont Park Playground Project

By on 8th January 2016in Local Biz

The Guisborough branch of Darlington Building Society has made a donation from its community fund to help build a new playground…

The £500 donation was made to Friends of Belmont Park Community Group, a local group of residents who are trying to raise enough money to provide a new playground and update the ageing sports facilities in Belmont Park.

In 2015, the group undertook a public consultation and online survey which found that 100% of the respondents were in favour of the construction of a new play area.

Darlington Building Society is the first local business to make a donation towards the £68,000 needed to realise the group’s ambition of removing the old structure and replacing it with modern playing equipment surrounded by soft surfacing and secure fencing. It made the donation from its community fund, which makes monetary donations to causes nominated by members of the Society.

Janine Richardson of Belmont Park Community Group, said: “We’re exceptionally grateful to Darlington Building Society for its generous donation.

“Having completed the necessary tender process and submitted design plans, we are now in the final process of raising the £68,000 that we need to build a playground that can be used by children of all ages and abilities.

“We have a great deal of support from the local community and council. Now we need businesses to follow Darlington Building Society’s lead and help us to make this dream a reality.

“Donations are key to our project’s success. No matter how large or small, all donations are welcome.”

Colin Fyfe, Chief Executive at Darlington Building Society, said: “Darlington Building Society likes to help all of our communities in every way possible. When we heard about the Friends of Belmont Park project we knew this was an initiative worthy of supporting.

“After meeting with the group and discussing with them their aims, we were only too happy to make a donation from our community fund. We hope our donation can help to contribute to restoring this park for the children of Guisborough and for future generations.

“We hope that our donation will be the catalyst that inspires other businesses to make a contribution, no matter how large or small.”

Award Winning Accountancy Firm Expands Into Newcastle

By on 8th January 2016in Local Biz

Ambitious North East accountancy practice, Evolution LLP, has opened a second office in Newcastle…

Head-quartered in Wynyard, the revolutionary firm – which officially moved to the city on January 4th – sees the opening of its Newcastle office as a demonstration of its commitment to bring its growing brand to the wider North East.

Evolution has flourished in the Tees Valley, and over recent years has developed its footprint into Tyneside and Wearside, growing its client base in the area.

Priding itself on being approachable, with outstanding client relationships, the business believes it has a unique proposition with its development as a full-service hybrid consultancy.

Martin Barber, managing partner of Evolution LLP, said: “The expansion is driven by the fact that clients like what we do and the way that we do it.

“That leads to recommendations to work with others, often in new and exciting areas.

“Our clients tell us they like the way in which we help them to grow their businesses, and we want to bring our open and engaging approach to a wider audience. Newcastle is a new and exciting venture for us.”

Associate member and head of taxation services, Tim Mallon, has been appointed to head up the Newcastle office.

Having spent the majority of his working life on Tyneside, and retaining a significant client base in the area, Tim – who joined Evolution in November 2013 – is the perfect choice to be responsible for the office, and will also continue to lead the tax team for the firm.

Speaking about the expansion, he said: “This is a great way to start a new year, and what’s great to know is that Newcastle is only the start of our expansion plans.

“We chose the location as we are hoping to grow our business quickly, and therefore flexibility is important.

“We also want to be well placed for both the business community in Newcastle, and good road links to our clients across the North East.”

Evolution enjoyed a successful 2015 – including several new appointments to its already expert team – and Martin believes his team’s ethos and a ‘can do’ attitude is behind everything Evolution has achieved.

He believes the firm has waited for the right time to open a second office, but is excited there is still much more to come.

“We are an entrepreneurial business that believes innovation is the life blood of success, our bright young team deserve the opportunity to stretch their wings and fly,” said Martin.

“I couldn’t be more excited for the future of Evolution. I believe we have a fantastic team with as-yet untapped potential, and we plan to release that entrepreneurial brilliance.”

For more information on Evolution LLP, which provides business accounting, auditing, taxation and corporate finance services, visit www.evolutionllp.com.

Voting Opens For Sunderland Retail And Style Awards

By on 7th January 2016in Local Biz

Sunderland’s booming retail sector and the city’s most stylish individuals and outlets are set to be celebrated, with the combining of two major award ceremonies…

For the first time, Sunderland’s Retail and Style Awards are joining forces to honour businesses, events and people who have helped put the city on the map.

The event is being jointly organised by the Bridges shopping centre and radio station Sun FM, with nominations for the 17 categories open today (January 7th).

Sponsored by Sunderland’s Business Improvement District, the awards will give shops, restaurants, bars, hairdressers and beauty salons the opportunity to be recognised.

Categories in the retail section include awards for large, medium and small retailers, best customer service, employee of the year, manager of the year, up and coming business and the Experience It Here award for the best city centre experience.

In the style section, nominations are being sought for the Most Stylish Mackem, along with sections for top bars, restaurants, salons, and individual awards for top bloggers and the city’s most glamorous mam.

Nominations can be made online at www.sun-fm.com/rsawards2016 and will close at the end of March, with the awards evening taking place at the Bridges on April 23rd.

Attendees at the glitzy ceremony – which will include live music, dinner and a fashion show – will also get the opportunity to come away with an award on the night, with a Red Carpet honour being given out to the best dressed.

“2015 was an excellent year for the retail sector in the city, and we welcomed a number of new businesses with some exciting plans going forward,” said Andy Bradley, Centre Director at the Bridges.

“These awards give retailers of all sizes – from leading high street names to our impressive range of independents – the opportunity to be recognised for the great service they offer.”

Julian Carter, Managing Director of Sun FM, added that the style section of the awards gave both individuals and leisure outlets the opportunity to shine.

“With the current regeneration and positive momentum, there has never been a better time to unite the already successful style awards into an even bigger retail and style event,” said Julian.

“We’ve put together a range of exciting categories which not only gives the city’s leading restaurants, bars and salons a showcase, but also there’s a chance for our most stylish individuals to be publicly acknowledged.”

“This is a great opportunity for us to showcase businesses of all types and sizes, including the city burgeoning restaurant and café scene and to recognise their innovation and hard work,” said Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of main sponsor, Sunderland BID.

A shortlist for each category will be drawn up by a judging panel, which will then be put to a public vote.

A number of sponsorship opportunities are also available for the night, and further information is available by contacting Harry Collinson at harrycollinson@aol.com.

Bannatyne Health Club Invests In New Facilities

By on 7th January 2016in Local Biz

Bannatyne Health Club in Durham has received a boost to its equipment levels and facilities thanks to extra investment…

The club has installed state of the art equipment on the gym floor following refurbishment. This includes upgraded CV and resistance equipment at the club, based on Eden Terrace in Belmont near Durham City. The club also has an expanded free weights section, which contains new plate loaded equipment.

The Bannatyne Group has also invested in a brand new function area at the health club, which includes Technogym Omnia 3. This is a new functional training system that is designed to maximise interaction. The system covers all aspects of training, including strength, endurance, stability, flexibility, coordination and speed. Improvements have also been made to the CV equipment, which now include interactive televisions.

A new Spa recently opened at the Durham health club, further enhancing the facilities, with five treatment rooms, three of which are individual treatment rooms and two dual treatment rooms, which enables users to share their relaxation with friends or family.

Matthew Emery, General Manager at the Durham health club, said: “The new gym floor at Bannatyne Health Club Durham is a great addition to the club. The new equipment is state-of-the-art and will help members achieve their fitness and health goals even more effectively.

“The company has developed and improved the gym floor, and installed fantastic new equipment to further enhance the range of functional training equipment available to members.

“Functional training is the way the industry is progressing, and focuses on training movement patterns rather than isolation individual muscle groups. The new equipment provides fantastic fat burning workouts, and will improve strength, endurance, and boost metabolism.”

He added “Bannatyne Health Club Durham’s new gym floor is just one of the amazing facilities available at the club. Alongside the gym, the club offers a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and a spa pool. With such fantastic new facilities and a brand new Spa, it’s a great time to join our improved club.”

Hardwick Hall Charity Lobster Ball Reveals Star-Studded Lineup

By on 7th January 2016in Entertainment, Events

One of the most anticipated charity balls on the North East calendar will be returning this spring – with a 90s diva heading up the entertainment…

The annual Lobster Charity Ball will be taking place at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, on Friday April 22nd, which will include a performance by Heather Small, the voice of M People.

The singer, whose many hits include One Night In Heaven, Moving On Up and Search For the Hero, will be taking to the stage at the glitzy event in aid of autism charity Daisy Chain.

Also featured on the line-up is party band Shakedown, and North East 20 piece big band Musicians Unlimited, with the evening hosted by comedian Brendan Healy.

The black tie event will give guests the chance to sample a four course gourmet lobster surf and turf meal prepared by the award-winning chefs from The Rib Room Steakhouse and Grill.

This year’s event also includes a cocktails and canapés reception, along with a Taittinger Champagne bar and complimentary wine, lager and beer for guests all evening.

“We are delighted to have been able to book a singer of the calibre of Heather Small for this year’s ball,” said John Adamson, owner of Hardwick Hall Hotel.

“The Lobster Charity Ball has a reputation of putting on brilliant performers, and this year will be no exception.

“It’s such a fantastic evening where everyone likes to dress up and come along and have a great time, while supporting an amazing charity.

“We are also grateful to our sponsors, including LA Taxis, Heineken and Bidvest, along with jobhunter.co.uk who are coming on board as our main sponsor for the first time.”

The evening will also feature a fashion show, with clothes from award-winning menswear store Woven, recently voted the Durham Retailer of the Decade.

Tickets for the evening, which will run from 7pm until 1am, are priced at £140 plus VAT, and can be purchased by contacting the venue’s events team on 01740 620253, or by emailing events@hardwickhallhotel.co.uk.

Over the past 13 years, Hardwick Hall has raised more than £520,000 for local charities by hosting both the Lobster Ball and the North East Oyster Festival.

Durham Council Offers Assistance As Flooding Continues

By on 6th January 2016in In & Around

Durham County Council is continuing to help communities across the county to tackle the impact of the continued rainfall…

 

Many areas are being affected by low-level localised flooding, and teams from Durham County Council have been out and about continuously dealing with various issues.

This includes responding to numerous reports of flooding on highways by clearing blocked gullies, pumping out water and providing sandbags where needed. There have been about 150 requests for sandbags countywide.

The council sent staff to Lanchester, which was one of the worst hit areas of the county.

The pre-planned emergency response saw council officers working with members of the Lanchester Flood Action Group to distribute sandbags and local farmers who pumped water from a beck from Front Street.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “Our staff continue to work hard to respond to some very challenging conditions throughout the county.

“I am aware that the previous work we had done with the community in Lanchester in preparation for flooding was put into practice well, enabling local people to respond effectively themselves.”

A Met Office amber warning of rain remains in force until midnight, so residents are advised to be prepared for further problems with surface water flooding on roads and railways, as well as possible flooding to homes and businesses.

For the latest information on road closures due to severe weather, click here, and for all the latest school closures, click here.

Durham Fashion Shop Wins Retailer Of The Year Award

By on 29th December 2015in Local Biz

A North East designer menswear store is celebrating in style – after being named Retailer of the Decade…

Woven, at The Gates Shopping Centre, Durham, took the accolade at the city’s retail awards along with two other awards on the night –  Independent Retailer of the Year and Retail Person of the Year.

And for owner Chris Hayes, there was an added bonus in the latter award – as it went to his son, Oliver.

This is the latest in a long line of successes for the independent menswear store, which launched in Durham five years ago.

Chris, originally from Teesside, launched Woven after decades in the clothing trade, having launched top designer store Van Mildert in 1995 with two friends.

Struggling initially to get anyone to finance the plan, Chris and his colleagues eventually got a loan from Durham Miners’ Pension Fund for £25,000, and created a business which – at its height – had a £7m turnover.

The company was sold in 2010, and Chris decided to concentrate on opening a dedicated menswear store.

“It’s a fantastic honour to have been given this award,” he said.

“Everyone at Woven is dedicated to providing great levels of service and offering our customers the best in men’s designer wear, and it’s very gratifying to see this recognised in this way.”

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