Following on from David Cameron’s high profile visit, Leeds City Region is heading to China on an investment mission to promote the UK’s second largest economy and population centre. 

The mission’s objective is to bring new Chinese investment to the region and raise the profile of the economic opportunities Leeds provides, which employs over 1.3 million people and accounts for 4% of national GDP. 

Led by Leeds and Partners and sponsored by British Airways, the delegation of businesses and universities will be supported by the Northern Ballet, UKTI, China Britain Business Council, Leeds City Region LEP, and the Lord Mayor of Leeds.  

Lurene Joseph, Chief Executive of Leeds and Partners said: “This mission is the start of a long-term relationship building programme to form enduring, profitable and mutually beneficial economic relationships between Leeds City Region and Chinese investors.

“There is a strong fit between the capabilities and opportunities offered by the region and the investments and trade partnerships that Chinese investors are looking for, particularly in the fields of financial and professional services and health and innovation.“

The mission will increase awareness throughout China of Leeds’ unrivalled and world-class skills in financial and professional services, and its status as a hub of expertise in these sectors.

Ms Joseph added: “Financial and professional services account for one in ten jobs in the region and add over £7bn to the UK’s annual income.

"With forecasted growth of more than 50% in these sectors by 2022, the mission will enable the region to benefit from near-shoring opportunities in China’s ever opening economy.“

Chris Cummings, Chief Executive of the CityUK said: “This mission will make any potential Chinese investor look seriously at locating their business in the Leeds City Region.“

The strength of Leeds’ financial and professional services underpins the city’s wider priority sectors. Leeds City Region enjoys thriving industries in health and innovation, digital and information, manufacturing and tourism and boasts nine outstanding higher education institutions.

Simon Lea, British Airways Airport Manager at Leeds Bradford, said:  “This mission will put Leeds’ robust economy, rich talent pool and excellent transport connectivity in the international spotlight, making it the destination of choice for Chinese organisations looking to do business in the UK.“

The intensive programme will include investor events in Hong Kong, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing that will run alongside a series of performances from the Northern Ballet.

Northern Ballet’s Chief Executive, Mark Skipper said: “Northern Ballet is a passionate cultural ambassador for the city of Leeds and the UK. We are pleased to be working with Leeds and Partners to give the financial and professional services sector in the Leeds City Region an opportunity to cultivate business relationships in China.“

One of the long-term strategic goals of the mission will be realised through the creation of a China Business Club, to be launched at the International Festival for Business in June 2014.

The Club will be instrumental in sustaining the relationships forged and securing the long-term economic competitiveness of the Leeds City Region.

Image source: bobaliciouslondon

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury is due to talk today about the Government’s employee ownership ideas, at an event in London.

Danny Alexander MP will address an audience co-hosted by Cass Business School and the Employee Ownership Association.

He is expected to say: “Working for an employee owned organisation has a particular appeal for many people and produces a number of personal, social and economic benefits, including higher levels of engagement and productivity.

"The government is fully committed to the sector and has recently made £75 million available to it in the form of tax incentives.“

Iain Hasdell, CEO of the Employee Ownership Association, will say: “The Employee Ownership Association has been calling for additional measures in support of employee owners for some time now.

"The recent confirmation of new tax incentives for employee ownership, and the announcement of £75m each year from April, mark another key step towards our widely endorsed target of 10% of GDP being delivered by employee owned businesses by 2020.

"These measures will help to create more of the higher productivity and long term investments that employee ownership delivers in every sector of the economy.“

To coincide with the talk, Cass Business School will publish a paper on employee ownership and long-term resilience. 

The research indicates that employee owned business outperform other business, except in times of crisis, when they tend to falter.

A young Newcastle entrepreneur has opened her first ‘Lash Lounge’ in Byker following her involvement in youth enterprise programme for West End youngsters.

22 year-old Ashley Lawlor joined the Business Sparks scheme in 2012 to develop her mobile beauty therapy business, specialising in semi permanent lashes and celeb beauty treatments.

Ashley moved into her first premises in Benton last year and soon wanted to expand, leading her to find the shop in Byker with car parking and space for extension.

She said: At the time, I had already set up my business as a beauty therapist, however I needed to learn how to take it to the next level. I joined Business Sparks who gave me great advice. There were interactive seminars on tax and vat; they even helped me complete my fist tax return.“

Business Sparks is a youth enterprise run by charity and development trust – reviving the heart of the West End (RHWE). She was one of the first people to be supported by RHWE, which gives young people in Newcastle’s West End the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills as well as provide them with start up funding for their business ideas.

Hannah Morrow, RHWE development officer, said: “Ashley impressed staff at Business Sparks from the start with dedication and motivation for business and has won awards in doing so. Her salon is a great example of how hard work and commitment can pay off.

"We are currently helping a number of young people set up their own business and it’s lovely to see when one becomes a great success.“

Ashley always had a passion for beauty and when starting her first beauty course in 2011 realised this was the career path to follow. She started her training at Gateshead College and put all her money and effort into gaining more qualifications and experience which has enabled her business to grow to what it is today. 

As well as having an NVQ Level 3 in beauty and business she has the highest qualification in eyelash extensions and is the only ‘Master Elite Lash Technician’ in the area.

Ashley is the only therapist at the salon as well as a receptionist, a self employed botox nurse and teeth whitening technician and will take on more staff in the coming months to cope with demand.  With her new premises and more staff she would like to develop the salon adding 3 more treatment rooms and hopes to double her turnover and client base in 2014.

Ashley added: “I would like to thank all at RHWE for their continuous support over the years. I would advise any young person who is looking to start their own business to take part in the Business Sparks programme.“

A launch party was held at The Lash Lounge on January 11, with many new clients, family and friends. It gave customers the chance to pre book their favourite treatments, watch treatment demonstrations and gain new information about new products as well as receiving a Lash Lounge goody bag.

Craft supplies business Crafter’s Companion has reported a huge boost in its retail presence after recruiting a high-profile trade team last year to better support independent stores.

The North-East based company has unveiled that over 200 new outlets across the UK are now carrying its products after it created a dedicated distribution division headed by respected industry executive Simon Duncan in March.

Retail sales at Crafter’s Companion have rocketed by 260% with twice the number of orders shipped versus last year and it is on track to reach 1000 stockists in just one year since the arrival of the new trade team.

Much of the success has been attributed to a surge in support to independent retailers such as in-store workshops, dedicated newsletters for demo days, point of sale material, product images and aid from the firm’s sales managers and trade support team.

Crafter’s Companion is run by Sara Davies, who recently hit the headlines after scooping a Shell Women of the Future Award for Entrepreneur of the Year and an international Stevie® Award for Women in Business in the same week.

Since founding the company in 2005 whilst at university, she has become a familiar face in the craft sector. Sara regularly features on TV channels Ideal World and Create & Craft and is the current board chair at the Craft Hobby Association UK (CHA-UK).

Sara said: “Our strategy to genuinely invest in supporting our retail customers and improve the overall support package to our distribution network is really paying off so far as it is benefiting our customers’ businesses as well as our own.

“It was a really big decision to bring in a dedicated team experts to develop the distribution side of the business but we are delighted with the team’s performance to date as they have really focused on building partnerships with retailers.

“The model we introduced involves our Area Managers being based on the road to visit customers at their stores to give them one-to-one support, tailored packages and offers to suit their individual store needs to help them increase sales. I’m a firm believer that the success to date is down to the personal touch and rapport our team have built with customers,“ added Sara.

One of the new retail customers include Colemans Craft Warehouse in Rushden, Northamptonshire. Store manager Jo York said: “We enjoy regular visits from our representative at Crafter’s Companion that ensures we maintain our stock levels accurately and fulfill our customers’ needs every time.

“Furthermore, we are kept informed of all new products and promotions, which enables us to compete with other retailers by selecting new ranges, pricing effectively and having the products our customers want ready when launched.

Simon Duncan, who was appointed European Commercial Manager at Crafter’s Companion, brought years of experience in the craft, FMCG and beauty sector. As part of his team’s retail push to date, the brand has also achieved increased distribution in Holland, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Malta and Romania, with more in the pipeline for 2014.

In order to cope with growing retail demand, the company invested £100,000 to increase the size of its packing and distribution warehouse from 12k sq ft to 26k sq ft last year and employed a dedicated trade order dispatch team.

Along with retail sales, Crafter’s Companion’s products are sold online via its website and through TV shopping channels across the world. It now employs over 60 people across its County Durham headquarters and its US operation in California.

The main focus of the business is on the crafting tools it manufactures along with its own brand products such as Spectrum Noir and Embosalicious. The company also distributes an array of third party brands and develops products with licensing partners.

Picture caption: TRADE BOOST: Sara Davies at Crafter’s Companion

For further information, images and interview opportunities, please contact Raman Sehgal at ramarketing | raman@ramarketingpr.com | 07808796300 | www.ramarketingpr.com | www.twitter.com/ramarketingpr  

New research provides detailed evidence on the current and future skills needs of Greater Manchester’s nine priority economic sectors.

A series of reports across economically vital sectors – defined in terms of projected employment and economic output – for the first time gives detailed insights into employers’ skills needs and the extent to which the skills supply system is equipping people for labour market success. The reports seek to offer employers and learning providers the basis for agreeing future skills provision for Greater Manchester residents.

The research shows rising skills requirements across all sectors – including those that have traditionally not required high skills, such as logistics and construction. Half of jobs to 2022 will require the equivalent of NVQ Level 3 skills (broadly equivalent to ‘A’ levels) and a quarter will require NVQ Level 4 (broadly equivalent to a first degree).

Although training provision across the conurbation appears to be moving towards delivery at higher skill levels, very significant proportions of it remain concentrated at lower levels.

For example, in courses related to the financial and professional services sector – the sector which will create the majority of new jobs to 2022 - 30% are at Level 2 and 51% are at Level 3. However, the majority of jobs will require Level 4 skills and just 2% of learners funded by the Skills Funded Agency in Greater Manchester are currently learning at this level.

Cllr Jim McMahon, chairman of the Greater Manchester Skills and Employment Partnership, a voluntary collaboration of employers, colleges, training providers and local authorities aiming to improve labour market performance, said: “We want Greater Manchester residents to have the skills and abilities that employers seek both now and in the future.

“It is really important that when people take a course to give them skills, what they learn must give them the best possible chances in life. That means colleges, private training providers and learners themselves all need top grade information about what is happening in the local economy and labour market, so that courses are relevant and up-to-date with what employers need.“

James Farr, Director of Skills and Employment at New Economy said: “Greater Manchester has the best labour market intelligence of any city in the UK. We now need to use it.

In an age of decreasing public expenditure, every penny invested in learning has to deliver maximum gains to the individual learner, to their employer, to the city, and ultimately to society at large.“

The nine key sectors identified for economic growth in Greater Manchester over the next decade are:

Advanced ManufacturingConstructionDigital and CreativeEducationFinancial & ProfessionalHealth and Social CareHospitality and TourismLogisticsRetail

The research found that ‘mandatory qualifications’ – learning that needs to be undertaken before learners can work in a sector – remain a fundamentally important driver of learning. Where sectors have light-touch ‘license to practice’ requirements they tend to do relatively little training.

It also revealed that Greater Manchester faces a number of specific skills shortages. These include: chefs, fork lift truck drivers, mechanics, biomass engineers, joiners, dry-lining specialists, sales and marketing specialists, nurses and dementia specialists, dental practitioners, pharmacists, insurance specialists, education staff at levels 2 and 3, alongside qualified, senior teachers.

A Northumberland ex-merchant navy engineer says he wants to make his chimney sweeping business the "Kwik Fit of the stove market," after a successful first year.

Nik Atkinson is rapidly growing his customer base after setting up the business to provide chimney sweeping, chimney and stove maintenance and installation services to customers across Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and parts of County Durham.

Nik is now working on an updated business plan after achieving growth in the first year that he had expected to take three years.

Business Northumberland advisors have helped to develop the business as Nik spent almost a year planning the business, getting the right licenses, accreditations and equipment. 

To cope with current demand Nik has taken on a virtual PA, on the suggestion of Business Northumberland advisor Paul Brown.

Explaining he reasons for going into chimney sweeping, Nik said: “My neighbour had set up and successfully grown his business.

"So we had lots of conversations in the pub about exactly what I could do. There is a huge surge in popularity in open fires and stoves at the moment, and I spotted a market niche. 

"Although there are many operators installing them, there seemed a real lack of properly qualified and professional aftersales and maintenance. It is obviously essential to keep stoves and chimneys properly maintained so that is what I decided to do.“

Business Northumberland offers established and start-up businesses in the county free support in reaching their full growth potential. It is a free service that provides business advice and support to anyone thinking about starting a business and also offers business coaching to existing businesses with growth ambitions.

The programme is jointly funded by Arch, The Northumberland Development Company, Northumberland County Council and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Further information on the support available can be found at www.businessnorthumberland.co.uk

The CEO of the Wilton-based Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), Nigel Perry, will join the Leadership Board of Tees Valley Unlimited.

Mr Perry comes with 30 years’ experience in the global process industry across engineering, operations, technology management and business management.

He was appointed director and CEO of the CPI in 2003 and has lead the organisation to employ over 200 scientists and engineers.

Stephen Catchpole, Managing Director of TVU, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Tees Valley, said: “Nigel Perry is one of the area’s leading business figures whose significant expertise and experience of innovation will further support TVU’s ambitions to help drive the economic diversification of Tees Valley.

“His addition to the leadership board will ensure that Tees Valley reaches its full potential in terms of jobs and economic growth.“

Mr Perry added: “I am passionate about Tees Valley and its future economic prosperity. I look forward to drawing on my experience to make a meaningful contribution helping TVU, its stakeholders and partners bring together the ingredients needed for a strong and competitive economy.“ 

Zombies attacking party guests is the service provided by 33 year-old Dan Hatton, who has secured funding from Gateshead-based Transmit Start-Ups for his novel business.

The Zombieexperience event company already has a growing order book after starting up just three months ago.

Now a £6,000 loan and business mentoring will now be used to take Gloucestershire-based Dan and his team of zombies into new areas.

Dan’s team of 60 zombies are available to hire for parties and events, where guests can shoot them with airsoft weapons.

Dan explained: "Right from day one the interest in my business has been quite extraordinary, offthe scale really. There seems to be a huge thirst for my events and hundreds of people who want to be scared for fun! I am really grateful for the help from Transmit Start-Ups.

"The demand has been so great they have helped me massively on my steep self-employment learning curve and the loan has enabled me to buy some vital kit for the scenarios I produce."

Rich Myers, director, Transmit Start-Ups said: "Dan’s business is definitely a case of right place, right time, as the interest in zombies through films like Dawn of the Dead and the series The Waking Dead is huge at present. He has a clear idea of where he wants his business to go and the right team of support workers, or zombies, if you like, to take him to the next level of success."

Business, individuals and voluntary and community organisations are being encouraged have have their say on the North East Strategic Economic Plan (SEP), which aims to bring billions to the region.

The North East LEP-drafted plan will form the core of a bid to the Government’s £2 billion per annum Local Growth Fund, and programmes funded for other local, national and European sources.

The SEP aims to halve the gap between the North East and the national average (excluding London) on five key indicators: gross value added (GVA) per full time equivalent (FTE): private sector employment density: business density: employment rate and unemployment rate.

Lord Andrew Adonis, who chaired the North East Independent Economic Review, welcomes the progress of the North East SEP.

He said: “The North East Strategic Economic Plan provides a fantastic opportunity for the North East economy to truly realise its potential.

"The first task for the North East is to agree this draft plan, and once approved, implement it. There is huge capacity for the region’s future success, with will, leadership and a clear plan for action. The plan will help the North East LEP area raise its performance and drive growth."

Among the proposed initiatives within the SEP is an ‘Entrepreneurs First’ £30 million competition and two £25 million catalytic innovation competitions. 

The SEP also promises a 25% increase in finance for SMEs, including an expanded JEREMIE programme.

Subject to backing from the Department of Education, a North East Schools Challenge would be launched and a £160 million investment in high level skills development over the next six years. 

A £160 million ‘Inclusive North East’ project by the LEP and government will aim to eliminate gender, race, age and cultural gaps in employment.

In infrastructure, an international advanced manufacturing park, built around the Nissan campus at Washington is planned, and investment programmes totalling £650 million over the next ten years to the A1 and A19 trunk roads, the Ashington-Blyth-Tyne rail line and to the East Coast Main Line (Leamside Line).

Paul Woolston, chair of the North East LEP said: “This long-term economic plan is vital for continued growth and productivity in the North East LEP area. We are looking to strike a new relationship with Government, working together with it and our local business, higher and further education, voluntary and public sector partners to deliver real growth for the North East, and contribute to UK economic prosperity.

“The Adonis Review and our European Structural and Investment Funds strategy underline the importance of shifting the emphasis from the national to the local, and how all of our partners are committed to making this happen.

“We have a strong track record in designing and taking forward innovative initiatives such as the Skills Incentives Pilot, our £38m allocation for the North East Investment Fund and the success of the North East Enterprise Zone. There is a real desire across the LEP area’s businesses, education and public sectors to be innovative, ambitious and integrated in our work. Through the Local Growth Fund we will be able to deliver on the SEP’s aims effectively and as quickly as possible.”

The draft North East Strategic Economic Plan is online and consultation is available from http://www.nelep.co.uk/agenda-for-growth/

A business which licenses and distributes Lego and Star Wars merchandise globally from its base in the North East has expanded into premises more than three times the size of its previous home.

ClicTime is the exclusive global licensee for Lego watches and clocks, and also has a dual LEGO license with Warner Bros and Lucas Film, which allows the manufacture and distribution of LEGO Star Wars and LEGO DC Superhero clocks and watches worldwide.

The business has now expanded into 3,369sq ft premises in Blaydon, South Tyneside – more than treble the floor space of its previous base in Ponteland – to give its 11-strong design team three storeys of modern open-plan office and design space, plus a large stockroom and marketing department.

ClicTime, which distributes its Lego merchandise throughout the UK, as well as in 8,000 retail outlets across North America and in more than 20 countries on four continents, has also taken on two new people at its new North East office.

The company have made significant investment into its new base, converting it into a three-floor creative space for its design teams to devise future ranges of iconic products for global sale.

Along with ClicTime, owner and managing director Jim Richardson also owns several other brands which are designed and managed from the premises, including Skewjack among others.

And with the impending launch of a new Lego movie and range of watches for adults among the many developments planned for 2014, the year ahead holds significant potential for the business.

The new Blaydon site is the UK headquarters of ClicTime, a global company which also has offices in New Jersey in the United States, and Hong Kong. It was established in the North East in 1999 by Jim Richardson, and has been a Lego licensee for over 12 years.

Robert Palmer, Group finance manager at ClicTime, said: “We have always held a strong relationship with LEGO and in recent years we have seen a rapid increase in turnover globally. The new space in Blaydon is perfect for our business and we envisage being here for many years. We are excited for our new product launches for 2014 and expect the business to continue to grow into the future.“

ClicTime has been supported in its office move by Newcastle law firm Sintons, with Helen Warren, an Associate in the firm’s Commercial Property team, carrying out all of the property work. Donna Hunwick, a solicitor in Sintons’ employment team, also works with ClicTime, supporting the business with its employment work.

ClicTime has also donated hundreds of its watches and clocks to Sintons’ charity of the year for 2013, Down’s Syndrome North East, as well as for the law firm to give to local children in a local hospital.

Donna Hunwick, employment solicitor at Sintons, said: “While a relatively small and locally-based operation, ClicTime works with huge brands on a global scale, establishing a strong reputation in the process. From their very discreet new premises, they design iconic products which are sold and loved around the world.

“The team at ClicTime is hugely creative and so passionate about their designs, and their enthusiasm is infectious. We are very pleased to work with them and to help support them as they continue to grow and develop in the region and beyond.

“Furthermore, we are sincerely grateful to Jim and the team for their generous donations to our charity of the year. These watches and clocks have been raffled to raise money, others gifted to children who are helped by Down’s Syndrome North East, and have also made lots of children smile at the Great North Children’s Hospital at Newcastle’s RVI.“

For more information about ClicTime, visit www.clictime.com.

A business which licenses and distributes Lego and Star Wars merchandise globally from its base in the North East has expanded into premises more than three times the size of its previous home.

ClicTime is the exclusive global licensee for Lego watches and clocks, and also has a dual LEGO license with Warner Bros and Lucas Film, which allows the manufacture and distribution of LEGO Star Wars and LEGO DC Superhero clocks and watches worldwide.

The business has now expanded into 3,369sq ft premises in Blaydon, South Tyneside – more than treble the floor space of its previous base in Ponteland – to give its 11-strong design team three storeys of modern open-plan office and design space, plus a large stockroom and marketing department.

ClicTime, which distributes its Lego merchandise throughout the UK, as well as in 8,000 retail outlets across North America and in more than 20 countries on four continents, has also taken on two new people at its new North East office.

The company have made significant investment into its new base, converting it into a three-floor creative space for its design teams to devise future ranges of iconic products for global sale.

Along with ClicTime, owner and managing director Jim Richardson also owns several other brands which are designed and managed from the premises, including Skewjack among others.

And with the impending launch of a new Lego movie and range of watches for adults among the many developments planned for 2014, the year ahead holds significant potential for the business.

The new Blaydon site is the UK headquarters of ClicTime, a global company which also has offices in New Jersey in the United States, and Hong Kong. It was established in the North East in 1999 by Jim Richardson, and has been a Lego licensee for over 12 years.

Robert Palmer, Group finance manager at ClicTime, said: “We have always held a strong relationship with LEGO and in recent years we have seen a rapid increase in turnover globally. The new space in Blaydon is perfect for our business and we envisage being here for many years. We are excited for our new product launches for 2014 and expect the business to continue to grow into the future.”

ClicTime has been supported in its office move by Newcastle law firm Sintons, with Helen Warren, an Associate in the firm’s Commercial Property team, carrying out all of the property work. Donna Hunwick, a solicitor in Sintons’ employment team, also works with ClicTime, supporting the business with its employment work.

ClicTime has also donated hundreds of its watches and clocks to Sintons’ charity of the year for 2013, Down’s Syndrome North East, as well as for the law firm to give to local children in a local hospital.

Donna Hunwick, employment solicitor at Sintons, said: “While a relatively small and locally-based operation, ClicTime works with huge brands on a global scale, establishing a strong reputation in the process. From their very discreet new premises, they design iconic products which are sold and loved around the world.

“The team at ClicTime is hugely creative and so passionate about their designs, and their enthusiasm is infectious. We are very pleased to work with them and to help support them as they continue to grow and develop in the region and beyond.

“Furthermore, we are sincerely grateful to Jim and the team for their generous donations to our charity of the year. These watches and clocks have been raffled to raise money, others gifted to children who are helped by Down’s Syndrome North East, and have also made lots of children smile at the Great North Children’s Hospital at Newcastle’s RVI.”

For more information about ClicTime, visit www.clictime.com.

A leading lettings agent has welcomed government plans to give councils cash to tackle rogue landlords – despite the fact that the North East won’t see a penny.

Housing Minister Kris Hopkins MP recently unveiled a £4m cash boost for 23 local authorities – including Leeds, Sheffield and Nottingham – to take on landlords who ruin tenants lives by renting them dangerous, dirty and overcrowded properties.

No councils in the North East were offered the money.

The housing minister also announced

• New legislation enabling courts to take landlords’ assets into account when levying fines for housing offences.
• That all letting agents will have to join a redress schemes for lettings and property management – giving tenants somewhere to turn if they don’t get the service they deserve
• The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors will help develop a voluntary code of property management practice.

Ajay Jagota of North East property business KIS Lettings, who manage more than 700 properties from branches in Sunderland, South Shields, North Shields and Welwyn Garden City, believes the proposals give rented housing the opportunity to prove that new regulations are not necessary.

KIS Lettings were recently named Letting Agent of the Year at the National Landlord and Letting Awards.

Ajay said:

“More than enough rules and regulations exist to protect renters and landlords alike – more than 50 Acts of Parliament alone - the real problem is so often there is no-one to enforce them, so new laws would be unlikely to help – and as bodies like ARLA have proven in the past, regulators aren’t necessarily a silver bullet either.

“If you’re determined to rent out a filthy, unsafe property then paperwork won’t stop you. If you’re a landlord who wouldn’t dream of it, unnecessary red tape and being tarred with the same brush as the corrupt and criminal won’t help either. Giving the authorities the resources to implement the rules we have seems a sensible and workable way forward.

“Much as I would like to see it as a vote of confidence in the North East’s landlords – and it would be completely deserved in all but a handful of cases if it was - it is very disappointing to see every single council in the region ignored and overlooked.

“We deserve the same opportunities as everyone else and responsible agents like KIS, who are committed to clear, up-front fees and providing tenants with a world class service, would welcome any effective measure to takes the rental rogues who shame our industry and make tenants’ lives a misery off our streets”.

Image source: Dell’s Official Flickr Page

A Formula One team boss from the Corbridge is set to speak at the Entrepreneur’s Forum’s annual dinner in Newcastle next week. 

Graeme Lowdon, CEO of the Marussia F1 team and co-founder of Newcastle-based Nomad Digital, will give an exclusive look into the world of Formular One at the Forum’s Chairman’s Dinner at Jesmond Dene House Hotel.

Lowdon has worked all over the world in power industry, digital communications and motorspot. 

The appearance is just one of this year’s Entrepreneur’s Forum events which include conferences, dinners and open days open to non-members.

Other events will feature speakers such as charity boss Stephen Bell of Changing Lives (formerly The Cyrenians); Stephen Waddington, incoming president of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and global marketers Ketchum; sustainability entrepreneur Mark Shorrock; Rivers Capital investment expert Jonathan Gold; and North East firms Trend Bible and Explain Market Research.

Restaurateur Terry Laybourne will host a focus dinner at his own Café 21 in Newcastle, in March, followed in May by Meenu Malhotra, of the Malhotra Group and runner up for the title of North East Entrepreneur of the Year 2013.

The spring rounds off with the Forum’s annual Together We Can Take on the World conference with a host of high profile speakers on May 11, due to be held for the first time this year at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead.

Executive director of the Forum Nicola Short said: "Our members are starting 2014 full of hope and ambition for the year ahead. We are delighted to be feeding their optimism with events that will support them in both their personal development and provide inspiration and ideas to help them take their businesses forward.

"North East entrepreneurs are seeing some real signs of growth, in jobs, turnover and exports, all of which are contributing to forward movement in the regional economy.The private sector will drive the economy and entrepreneurial businesses will be at the forefront; it’s the Forum’s job to support them in every way we can."

The Forum’s annual Chairman’s Dinner, with Graeme Lowdon, takes place on Thursday January 23rd at Jesmond Dene House Hotel.

For more information on Forum events, visit www.entrepreneursforum.net

An former HR manager at a top North East supplier to Nissan has realised her dream to start a business after her own redundancy.

Louise Kennedy from Sunderland is putting her 12 years HR experience to use in a new venture - Oculus HR.

The new business will provide HR support and advice across recruitment, line management and people development, to North East SMEs.

Louise, who has also worked for print company BLP, approached the Ready for Business programme, and it’s advisor Paul Cairns, for guidance in starting up.

Oculus will target a market of organisations with between 2-40 employees - having recognised that smaller businesses cannot necessarily justify a full time member of staff, but need regular access to HR expertise and advice.

Louise said: “Too many people view HR as a function designed to sort out problems or to deal with difficult situations such as disciplinaries and redundancy and whilst this is an important aspect of our work, the principle of Oculus HR – whose name derives from the hole in the roof of the Pantheon designed to let light in – is to work with businesses to help them realise the potential of their staff and how they can maximise the potential of these individuals to further their own business.”

Paul Cairn, Ready for Business adviser based at The North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) in Sunderland said; “Louise demonstrated the passion, drive and experience needed to move forward with a strong and commercially viable business idea; she has confidently tackled all the necessary aspects and has the right elements in place to not only successfully launch Oculus HR but to strive for further sustainable growth in the future.”

The Ready for Business programme aims to create 6,000 businesses with 10,000 jobs and is supported by the Regional Growth Fund and Barclays.

It is delivered in the North East by Sunderland-based TEDCO which merged with The North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) in June this year to create a powerhouse for enterprise support in the North East.

To find out more about th eprogramme or series of free Barclays Get Ready for Business seminars running across the region visit www.startupedge.co.uk

Business leaders gave an upbeat assessment of the fortunes of the Tees Valley economy at a special event this week.

Business leaders from North East Finance, Tees Valley Unlimited, process cluster group NEPIC and business law specialists Endeavour Partnership attended the event, which included a Question Time-style Q&A session hosted by well-known BBC business reporter Steph McGovern from Middlesbrough.

Several key issues emerged from a lively debate, including the ability of the current financial landscape to support business growth. While the general opinion was that Tees Valley had made a strong recovery from the financial crash, business leaders said more needed to be done to ensure companies had better access to affordable finance.

Panellist Jason Hobbs of North East Finance – which manages the £125 million Finance for Business North East programme – said: “The economic outlook for Tees Valley certainly looks more optimistic than it was four years ago, when the country was gripped by a vice-like recession.

“However, some SMEs say they are still struggling to get hold of affordable finance which is putting the brakes on their growth. This has provided an opportunity for private equity and debt finance specialists to fill this funding gap and show businesses that there are many options available to them.“

The Finance for Business North East programme is one of these options. Since it was launched in 2010 it has provided £87 million of debt and equity funding to almost 600 North East SMEs, creating or safeguarding nearly 3,000 jobs.

Locally, Tees Valley firms have received more than £13 million of direct investment from FFBNE, which has secured an additional £19 million-plus of private sector cash to support deals from venture capital firms, business angels and other investors. 

Beneficiaries include Middlesbrough lighting technology specialist Ambx, Preston Farm recruitment firm MC2 Technical and Middlesbrough digital media specialist Amplience, which collectively have received more than £1 million from the funds. Datum360, a Middlesbrough-based engineering data services provider, benefited to the tune of more than £1.2 million. 

The funding dilemma was not the only discussion point at the event, which was hosted by North East Finance and Tees Valley Business Club. Bosses debated the skills agenda, the importance of exports to the local economy and the ability of the local infrastructure to support business growth.

Panellists included Tees Valley Unlimited MD Stephen Catchpole, Paul Bury of Endeavour Partnership and NEPIC CEO Stan Higgins.

Stephen Catchpole said: “The local economy is showing signs of robustness after a difficult few years. Companies are showing more confidence and the general trend is towards job creation and growth rather than cutbacks and job losses.“

Stan Higgins said: “This debate has been a useful barometer of the state of the local economy. It has highlighted Tees Valley’s core strengths in its process, petrochemical and renewable energy industries – three sectors which are driving growth and bringing the region out of the economic doldrums.

Paul Bury said: “The mood among the business community is relatively upbeat, although growth remains steady rather than spectacular. Access to finance, skills gaps in the engineering and manufacturing sectors and improvements to our transport infrastructure are key issues that need to be addressed if the economic recovery is to gather pace.“

Sports fanatic Gavin Jobe is ‘swinging’ his way to success as he becomes director of The Golf Bunker store in Royal Quays Outlet Centre, North Shields.

35-year-old Gavin from Killingworth, Newcastle, has a great affinity for the sport and comes with a wealth of sales and business experience to help build on the success of the store.

Gavin, said: “My interest in golf came through my father and I have enjoyed the sport as a hobby from a very young age. So much so, that I still play at an amateur level as Captain of Parklands Golf Club, Gosforth.

“I have 12 years worth of sales and management experience in sports retail under my belt. For me, the next level was to take this experience and move forward as owner of my own store.

“Having settled in well over the last couple of weeks, I am expecting a busy summer as we look forward to introducing a range of new products. My aim is to make The Golf Bunker a top class store for people who are looking for the very best products at the right price.

“Royal Quays is a great venue, it is accessible and convenient for customers and I am looking forward to driving the store forward in the months ahead.“

The Golf Bunker specialises in a wide range of golf equipment including golf clubs, clothing, shoes, bags, balls and at a minimum of 30% off the RRP.

Royal Quays Centre Manager, Judith Ramshaw, said: “Gavin has settled in well to life at the centre and has a real get-up-and-go attitude that will help to ensure the store will go from success to success. It is great to see his passion and determination shining through.“

Royal Quays has 50 stores which employ around 300 staff, making it an important employment hub for the North Tyneside area.

It is home to a number of top brands offering up to 60% off RRP such as Marks & Spencer Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Gap Outlet, Clarks, Next and Mountain Warehouse, along with a vast range of local, independent retailers specialising in areas such as sport, fashion, jewellery, music and electrical items.

As well as attracting famous brands, since it was opened in 1996, Royal Quays has achieved great success in assisting local retailers looking to get to the next stage of their development.

Packages include competitive and flexible rent agreements that can be linked to store performance as well as expert advice from the on-site management team on marketing, shop design, presentation and sales.

For more information, please visit www.royalquaysoutlet.co.uk

Ends

North East-based hyrdraulic equipment suppliers HTL have appointed Paul Storey as global commercial director.

Paul joins HTL from MRB Schumag where he was managing director.

Paul said: “Having demonstrated loyalty to MRB for so many years, it was absolutely vital to make the right career move and HTL represents everything I look for in my working life.

"The customer centric culture is exceptional and I am extremely excited about being part of this very dynamic team."

Chartered surveyor Erin Forrest has joined property investment firm, The Hanro Group, as property asset manager.

Erin spent five years as an estates surveyor at Virgin Money  where she managed a wide portfolio of its property assets.

The Hanro Group managing director, Adam Serfontein, said: “I’m delighted to have Erin join our team, and her experience in adding value to a varied national portfolio will be highly relevant."

Jacksons Law Firm has strengthened its construction and engineering team in Stockton and Newcastle with the recruitment of their new head of Construction & Engineering, Victoria Pounder.

Victoria joins Jacksons Law Firm from PD Ports Group where she was in-house Counsel specialising in construction and engineering projects.

Victoria said: “I’m excited by the opportunities in theconstruction and engineering sectors which are developing in the North East.

"I’m looking forward to working to strengthen and grow the construction and engineering team in Jacksons continuing the firm’s reputation for offering the highest levels of quality specialist legal advice whilst being close by clients major projects and offices.”

Image source: Keoni Cabral

Chrissie Slater, Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has taken over the running of the Hillrich business conferences in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield, with Chrissie Slater joining the organisation to take the popular events forward.

Chrissie has worked on the Yorkshire Business Conferences previously and brings with her a wealth of sales and project management experience.

Executive Director of the Chamber, Andrew Choi said “This is an exciting opportunity for the Chamber, with the help and expertise from Chrissie, to build on the great success of the annual business conferences in Mid Yorkshire. 

The events, branded ‘MY Conferences’ provide a fantastic platform for local companies to get in front of decision-makers and do business together.  They offer outstanding connections right on our doorstep, which is what the Chamber is all about.“

Chrissie added, “I am excited to begin the new venture with the Chamber and bring some fresh, new ideas. I’m keen to make sure that each of the business weeks showcase that Mid Yorkshire businesses have a lot to offer.“

Jon Anderson, Richard Prior, LSH

National property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has made two new appointments to its Building Consultancy team. Jon Anderson joins as a Director and Richard Prior joins as Senior Surveyor. Both will be responsible for clients across Yorkshire and the North East.

Jon joins the firm with over 20 years of commercial building consultancy and property experience. Before joining LSH, Jon worked for AA Projects in Leeds and has held previous positions with GVA, Weatherall Green and Bucknall Austin. Richard joins from Bradley Mason where he was also senior surveyor.

Matthew Scrimshaw, regional head of Yorkshire, said: “We are very pleased to have Jon and Richard join us. We are committed to working with the most talented individuals in the sector and our two new hires are testament to that. Utilising their combined years of experience, I am sure that they will be assets to the team.“

Jon said: “I am very pleased to be joining the ambitious team at LSH. I’ve worked with Richard in the past and am confident that we can contribute to the success of the business, growing the client base and delivering an exceptional service.“

Tony Appleyeard, Precision Drilling

Specialist construction contractor Precision Drilling has appointed a finance manager as part of its expansion plans.

Tony Appleyard joins the Hull-based company that specialises in drilling for all sectors of business and industry, including building, construction and civil engineering.

Mr Appleyard’s appointment will assist the company with new work in the renewables, nuclear, oil, gas, coastal defence and military defence sectors, said managing director, Ian Wilkinson.

“Tony is very analytical and hard working and brings a wealth of finance skills, which will become increasingly important as we continue to invest, expand and grow the company.

“This is a newly created position and his guidance is already proving to be invaluable while allowing myself to focus on other aspects of our day-to-day operations.“

Mr Appleyard, 52, has more than 30 years business and finance experience, with Humberside Tech, the Learning and Skills Council and the Skills Funding Agency, and most recently at North Lindsey College, Scunthorpe, as a compliance officer focused on auditing.

“I have spent the vast majority of my career in management and accounting-based roles in the training, skills and education sector.While there are many areas of cross-over between that and what we do here at Precision Drilling I am looking forward to meeting the fresh challenges of private sector construction.“

Patrick Cantrill, partner, Bond Dickinson

Leading intellectual property solicitor Patrick Cantrill is to join national law firm Bond Dickinson as a partner. 

Patrick will join Bond Dickinson from Walker Morris, where he built the firm’s IP offering from scratch and went on to head their highly regarded Intellectual Property Department. 

He has nearly 30 years of expertise gained from working both in UK and overseas practices and of managing IP portfolios for blue chip and international organisations.

He has extensive experience in both contentious and non-contentious IP and media law matters with a strong reputation for handling major and cross-border IP litigation. 

He has been involved successfully in a number of high profile patent, design and trade mark cases. 

Patrick is active in various IP organisations such as the Licensing Executives Society and the International Trademark Association, the major brand owners forum where he has served on various committees. 

He has authored several articles on intellectual property and most recently was a contributor to The Innovation Handbook, which was recently published by the UK Intellectual Property Office.   

 He has substantial experience of overseas jurisdictions, in particular East Asia and served at Walker Morris as the co-chair of the China Trade Practice Group.

Nick Page, Chairman of Bond Dickinson, commented: “We are extremely pleased to announce Patrick’s appointment as a partner in our IP Department.

"He is one of the most accomplished lawyers in his field and he will be a first rate addition to our intellectual property and media practice.  We look forward to working with him as we develop our presence in London and internationally.“

Patrick Cantrill commented: "I am delighted to be joining Bond Dickinson.  It is an exciting time for the merged firm which already boasts an impressive client roster as it expands to fulfil its national and international ambitions."

This appointment is the latest of senior level hires by the firm since it launched on 1 May 2013.

Ben Subbady, Michelle Fergusson, Elevation Recruitment

Newly appointed Associate Director Ben Suddaby, from Haworth, brings 14 years of financial recruitment experience gained within a national recruitment plc – including roles based in London, West Yorkshire and a 16 month secondment in Australia - to the firm’s Accountancy and Finance team. He will focus solely on qualified and senior-level finance appointments across the region.

Michelle Fergusson, from Leeds, also joins the agency’s expert team as a Business Manager within the HR division having worked in specialist recruitment for the last 8 years.

She is the fourth appointment within Elevation’s dedicated HR Division, a team that has shown continued growth and success as demand for experienced HR professionals continues to rise across the region.

The requirement for further expansion and recruitment within the agency is demonstrable evidence that commercial confidence is growing across the region, with Joint Managing Director Lee Bhandal explaining: “Yorkshire as a whole has seen some very promising growth recently with staffing levels across all sectors increasing.

“At Elevation we are committed to finding the right people for our clients, and the right jobs for our candidates, so it is essential that we have people in our business that really understand the roles they are recruiting for and bring with them a myriad of expertise. 

“Our continued expansion in Leeds is prompted by the demand we are seeing from businesses for ambitious, quality candidates, and the appointment of both Ben and Michelle will increase the operational experience available for our firm and we look forward to welcoming them into the team.“

Speaking about his new role, Ben said: “I’m joining at an exciting time for Elevation as they continue to grow their presence in West Yorkshire through strong working partnerships with their clients.

"Their proactive approach and reputation attracted me to them and I look forward to working with such a highly-experienced team.“

Michelle Fergusson said: “Having a dedicated HR team with specialists is such an advantage and an enviable attribute for any agency. I aim to bring a wealth of expertise and best practice into an already thriving environment.“

North West companies have just days left to sign up for a multi-sector trade mission to Pennsylvania, USA, organised by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) in conjunction with the British-American Business Council (BABC).

The registration deadline for the visit is Friday 24 January, and market visit support (MVS) funding may be available for eligible North West companies.

The mission follows on from an inward visit in September last year, which saw senior business leaders, University Alumni and young professionals from Pittsburgh visit Manchester for a series of events – including one on Making Energy Pay, looking at opportunities in energy markets.

The visit takes place from 2 – 8 March and will provide North West companies with the opportunity to meet Pennsylvanian businesses looking for suppliers and partners, as well British businesses already succeeding in Pennsylvania. 

Delegates can learn about emerging opportunities in their sector and international trade experts will be on hand to help businesses make the most of them.  There will also be site visits and pre-arranged meetings with American companies.

Richard Northcote, UKTI North West Adviser for North America said: “The USA has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world, and is Britain’s largest single export market. 

“Pennsylvania has the 6th biggest population of the 50 states of America, and has a gross domestic product of more than $600 billion.  The economy of Pennsylvania is the twentieth largest in the world – larger than the nations of Saudi Arabia, Sweden and Iran – and offers significant opportunities for North West companies.

“Its diverse economy provides business opportunities in sectors such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, materials, technology, agribusiness, energy and the professional and education sectors. 

“UKTI and BABC have links with many key organisations in both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and will be able to provide introductions for companies attending the visit.“

For further information or to register by Friday 24 January, call Janine Gilbert on 0161 875 2274 or email events@uktinorthwest.co.uk.  Participating companies must be a small or medium enterprise (SME) based in the North West and must have been trading for a minimum

A young Yorkshire entrepreneur, who specialises in uniforms, has received £100k investment to treble the size of his company’s Layburn production unit. 

Aj Swinbank, 24, founded 121workwear 18 months ago to provide workwear and protective clothing for companies across the UK.

121Workware now employs six people and is about use the investment to quadruple its production facility as well as hiring new staff. 

The investment, which includes state-of-the-art screen printing facilities and a brand-new sales offices, should lead to the employment of 10 extra staff during the next 12 months.

Mr Swinbank, who won the North East Local Business Accelerators (LBA) competition when he was only 22, said he was “exceptionally proud of what we have achieved so far” but added that “there is no room for complacency”.

He explained: “Our story began in the fashion industry, starting and running a successful menswear clothing brand, which led to the LBA award.

"This experience opened many doors and we decided to diversify into personal and bespoke clothing solutions for businesses, using our network of manufacturers across Turkey and the Middle East.

“This resulted in the creation of 121Workwear, offering business of all sizes a personal, professional and affordable service and catering for all their clothing needs.

"We now offer a full service from start to finish, with an in-house design team and 15,000 products in stock, supported by our embroidery and print services.

“Our purpose-built, two-storey production department in Leyburn, which is trebling in size, features state-of-the-art embroidery and printing machinery, enabling us to produce up to 2,000 garments a week.

“We also have a large stock holding warehouse, in-house design team and dedicated sales office, all based on site.  In addition we offer, as part of our managed accounts department, bespoke design and a dedicated Account Manager,“ said Mr Swinbank.

121Workwear produces all types of clothing, from T-shirts to fleeces, from footwear to hoodies and blazers, for permanent use or one-off promotions. There is no minimum order limit and companies of all sizes, right across the UK, are catered for.

He now has more than 500 clients including York Racecourse, Wensleydale Creamery and Goal Soccer Centres.

A J Swinbank said: “There is no doubt that winning the LBA award, and being congratulated by Prime Minister David Cameron, gave me a lot of confidence in myself. I always wanted to run my own business and the award gave me a massive boost.

"I have devoted the last 18 months of my life to getting this business off the ground," he explained, “and last year we beat all our targets.  "I would urge any young people to go for it. I firmly believe that if you are prepared to work hard you can do anything.

He added: “I am especially proud of creating secure jobs and opportunities for young people in the Leyburn and Wensleydale area, boosting the local economy. As the UK economy rebalances itself, with a growing emphasis on the private sector, it is up to companies such as mine to invest in people and create jobs.“

England and Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck and horse racing legend Frankie Dettori have supported Mr Swinbank in his business and Dettori is a client.

“Obviously our main focus is on companies, but I do work for personal contacts, of which Frankie is one,“ he explained.