Chuka Umunna (pictured right), the shadow business secretary and MP for Streatham, has thrown his hat in the ring for the Labour party leadership.

Ed Miliband stepped down as leader on Friday after his party lost several seats to the SNP and Conservative Party in one of the most unpredictable general elections to date.

Despite first being appointed MP in 2010, Umunna was handed the business brief shortly after.

At the weekend, he said: "We cannot have a message that anybody is too rich or too poor to be a part of our party.

"What the Labour Party does well is build a big tent of people of different backgrounds, creeds, colours, races, religions, economic circumstances. And it is when we have an offer that is a big tent and appeals to a lot of people, that’s when we win."

Born and bred in Streatham, Uumnna originally worked as a solicitor in the City before becoming a member of the Management Committee of the Labour-aligned Compass pressure group.

Umunna is the second individual to have put themselves forward for the role. Liz Kendall, the shadow health minister and MP for Leicester West, announced her candidacy in an interview with Andrew Neil on Sunday. She said: "We didn’t get people’s trust on the economy, we didn’t build a broad enough coalition of voters in different parts of the country and we didn’t set out a positive enough alternative for the future.

"It’s not enough to just critique what’s going [on] under this government, but actually you’ve got to set out something people can believe in that’s going to give them hope and confidence in the future ... I’ve argued for quite a long while that we’ve got to set out something positive and not just be the kind of moaning man in the pub."

Sparkle Communications, which specialises in digital media, PR and event management, is going from strength to strength after trebling its turnover during its second year of business. 

The Newcastle-based digital communications agency has witnessed its client portfolio grow exponentially, expanding from just two to over forty in its two years of trading.

The company was founded in 2013 by Nicola Little and Jennifer Robson, through their shared passion of social media and all things digital.

Now the directors intend to launch a training division after helping nearly 500 businesses during the past year.

Nicola Little, who regularly features in the annual North East Twitterati and was also named in the Top 250 North East of Twitter influencers, said: “We live and breathe digital communications and love nothing better than empowering other businesses to do it for themselves.

“We have trained or delivered social media and training to 500 people through partnering with other organisations and it’s been incredibly popular. So we’re introducing our Sparkle Training programme and monthly "drop-in and ask us anything" session.“

The programme starts on Friday 15 May with a launch event in Newcastle that includes a free taster session, the chance to ask questions and networking over brunch.

Jennifer, who is also a board member for a number of other organisations, added: “As a forward thinking agency in an industry that continues to evolve, we have put plans in place to continue our growth into the future.

“The launch of our training programme is a fantastic way to celebrate our two years of success and the results we have achieved so far. This includes winning the North East I Made a Difference Awards Winner in 2014 and building up our social media network that now includes over 15,000 people”.

Shred Direct – North East based confidential data shredding company – is celebrating its two year anniversary with a new vehicle, some impressive contract wins and an expected 20% increase in turnover this year.

The company was established by former Newcastle United professional footballer, Graeme Carter in May 2013 and since then has experienced steady growth. The company marked its first year anniversary by taking on a new member of staff - bringing the team to a total of three - and has most recently, for its second year anniversary, acquired a new vehicle which will allow the company to effectively serve its ever growing client base.

Speaking of the businesses success so far Graeme said “I’m delighted with the success of the business to date and long may it continue. I’ve worked in the industry for over 20 years, setting up my own business back in 2000, which was bought by a major waste company in 2009 and which I then went onto work for. I really enjoyed my time there but nothing compares to having your own business and seeing the results of hard work and dedication, so I formed Shred Direct. “

The business experienced a £100,000 turnover in its first year which has increased by an impressive 20% as it enters into its third year of business. It has also recently signed a contract with Newcastle Building Society to provide a confidential data collection and destruction service to its headquarters and smaller surrounding branches.

“The new contract win means a great deal for the business, added Graeme. Not only has it secured future growth for Shred Direct but working with such an established and recognised company adds a great deal of weight to our credentials.

“Identity fraud is a huge problem and our job is to ensure clients are constantly reassured and risk free by making sure their confidential documents are destroyed compliantly, securely and in the most environmentally friendly way possible.  Word of mouth from satisfied customers has facilitated our growth substantially and, for us, is real recognition of the high standard of service we provide”.

The company has an extensive client base of over 300 businesses and works with a number of accountants, solicitors, law firms and SMEs which require the company’s services on a regular basis.

Janet Place, Practice Manager at Richmond Anderson Goudie Solicitors, a recent client of Shred Direct, commented “This firm has used Shred Direct for a number of years.  They have always provided us with a first class service, the staff are always on time, courteous and extremely helpful. Nothing is too much trouble. Shred Direct provide certificates of destruction to prove our confidential material has been securely destroyed, which is essential to our business.”

Based in Shotton Colliery, Shred Direct provide a confidential data destruction service for clients across the North East region.

Merseyside-based, ‘Pitch to Rich’ shortlisted company Love Me and My Secret was first thought of when founder Morgan Dowler’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Shopping for clothes with her mum, Morgan soon realised that there was no choice on the high street for women who had gone through breast cancer, and come out the other end.

Frustrated by the lack of available products on the high street Morgan pitched the idea to her university for an enterprise module. She submitted her business plan and was highly marked for it.

She won a £1k grant and with that her idea took off.  

Through saving and hard work over the last two years Morgan has invested nearly £15k into her startup and is now due to receive her first batch of product.

Her range consists of four lines of lingerie made for women who have suffered from breast cancer, in September 2015.

At 23 years old, Morgan admits she had no experience in the world of business, but says that the support from friends, family and strangers has been ‘overwhelming.’

Morgan spoke to Bdaily, she said: “I really want to make people’s experience with breast cancer a lot better.

“It’s taken a while to get where we are, I have never run my own company before so it has been a massive learning curve.

“There have been quite a few hurdles to overcome.

“Originally I had seven products made up, but down to costs it wasn’t viable to have so many different options, so I had to shrink the line down to four.

“I did want to have the manufacturing in the UK, but unfortunately I was pricing myself out of the market.

“I want people to be able to afford the products, wear them and love them, I would have loved to keep the process British but it just wasn’t possible.”

Morgan has now moved her manufacturing to China, where she encountered problems with the minimum orders required by many factories, finally she found one she could work with, on the scale she needed and now her first set of stock will be delivered in September.

When she saw the ‘Pitch to Rich’ competition, she thought, “what have I got to lose?” and so applied and watched as her pitch gathered momentum and votes on the competition website.  Now a shortlisted competitor, Morgan will find out in the next few weeks if she has made it to the final 10 in her category.

To view her pitch on the site click here.

Image source: uk_heritage

Employment in the South East is at 77.2% -  a record high for the region, according to the latest report from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

The South East follows the South West (77.8%) with the highest employment in Great Britain, as the region saw a 0.7% increase in Q1 compared to 2014.

There was an increase of 40,000 of workforce jobs in the South East - the largest increase across the country.

London has the lowest number of jobs in the production sector, at 2.9%, and the highest number of positions in the service sector, at 91.8%.

The South East has the least job seekers claimants, at just 1.3%.

The newly-appointed Work and Pensions Minister, Priti Patel, told the BBC: "This is a testament to our long-term economic plan, the work the government has been doing with our focus on job creation, creating the right economic conditions for businesses to expand and grow so they can employ people again, so this is very welcome news today,"

Image source: Policy Exchange

Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, Diane Abbott has formerly thrown her hat in the ring to be the party’s selected candidate for the 2016 mayoral election.

The left-wing former frontbencher maintained her stronghold on the Hackney North and Stoke Newington seat, with a huge majority of 25,000 last week.

Abbott’s campaign will focus on tackling growing inequality in the capital, the shortage of affordable housing and the spiralling cost of living as well as the importance of working alongside businesses to improve London.

Ms Abbott told the Standard: “Hard times call for a campaigning Mayor. Now more than ever our city needs a Mayor who will stand up for the interests of those increasingly left behind.

"But, as the MP for Hackney, I have always worked to bring all our communities together. And that is the kind of Mayor that I will be.

"Above all I will be the genuinely independently minded Mayor that London needs.“

Ms Abbott is running against frontrunner and former MP of Dulwich and West Norwood, Tottenham MP David Lammy, alongside with transport expert Christian Wolmar.

Nominations open today, with the expected candidate being announced at the end of July.

AudioScratch is the brainchild of Stephen Robinson, it has taken him two years of work to build the website from the bottom up and now he is ready to go, delaying the launch of his company until after the ‘Pitch to Rich’ competition with the hope that he makes it into the top 10 shortlisted companies.

Lancashire-based AudioScratch is a social media site for artists and music lovers, incorporating all of the things we know and love about social media and letting music makers have followers and a place to shine.

Stephen said he wanted there to be a go to place where up and coming artists could exhibit their music and where users could find fresh new sounds.

The support from friends and family has been invaluable with lots of encouragement from everyone he has told about the project.

A lot of the details of how he has made his network are still under wraps but all will be revealed when Stephen finally launches AudioScratch this Summer.

Stephen spoke to Bdaily, he said: “I have been that busy for the past two years, I have been constantly working on the project by myself.

“I’m ready to launch the project to the public soon.

“I only had 13 days of public voting as I was a late entry into the competition

“I have a music background, I started Dj-ing and did it on and off for 17 years of my life

“I have met a lot of talented people over the years and noticed how they were networking online, and I didn’t think it was the right way to do it.

“I decided to look into it, started digging and two years later I’m here, having created something brand new.

“I can’t divulge too much, with it not being in the public domain yet, it’s hard to say whether people will flock to it, it will be trial and error but I have a lot of interest from a lot of artists.”

Stephen has always been into computers but had to teach himself how to code for this project, he says he has done a lot of research and taught himself a lot over the last few years as he has got stuck into the project.

Building the site himself over the last two years means that stephen hasn’t needed a lot of financial investment. Greater server space however will be needed as the project gets bigger and he hopes the inbuilt revenue streams will fund future growth.

Winning ‘Pitch to Rich’ overall would mean Stephen would gain expert advice and guidance and a cash injection that would allow him to launch the website with advanced server configurations from the outset as well as gaining a lot of exposure.

A noise and vibration control specialist in Rossendale has purchased new premises, enabling it to bring all its operations under one roof for the first time, with the support of a six-figure loan from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

Total Vibration Solutions has moved to a new 15,500 sq ft site on the Carrs Industrial Estate in Haslingden, roughly half a mile from its three old sites.

Currently employing six members of staff, the business is looking to take on two more in the next few months, as well as increasing its current turnover of £4.2 million to £5.5 million in the coming year.

The company was established in 2009 and provides noise and vibration control products for use in construction, as well as specialist flooring for sports facilities such as gymnasiums.

Managing director, Paul Lafone said: “When this property came onto the market we knew that it was perfect for us, as its will enable us to store considerably larger volumes of materials as well as providing room to add additional machinery in the future.

“Our products have a huge range of applications in construction and we’re looking to continue our rapid growth by targeting both domestic and overseas markets in the coming year.“

In order to finance the purchase of the premises, the company approached Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, which provided the loan under the Government-backed Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS).

Paul added: “This is the first time we’ve owned our own premises and having the whole team in the same building will make us far more efficient, and the support from Lloyds Bank was key to the smooth transition to our new home.“

Relationship manager for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, June Ainscough, said: “Purchasing its own premises is a real milestone for Total Vibration Solutions, and will provide a solid foundation for it to build on in the future.

“It’s rewarding to be able to support a business’ growth ambitions, and we have increased our net lending to small and medium sized businesses by five per cent year on year.“

County Durham is putting fellow North East towns to shame, as four of its businesses are set to make a prestigious British Export list published this weekend.

The Sunday Times BT Business SME Export Track 100 league table ranks for the first time Britain’s private SMEs with the fastest-growing international sales over the last two years.

The four County Durham headquartered companies, which have made a significant contribution to the regional economy, are the only companies from the North East to be included.

The region’s highest-ranked company is mobile phone accessories business PJA Distribution, which is placed at No 6. The County Durham firm has grown sales through online selling forums, and exports hit £4.7m last year. It plans to roll out websites in multiple languages and open offices in Germany and France.

The other entrants include Darlington-based subsea construction firm Modus (No.7), which provides a range of seabed services for clients in the oil and gas sector, and specialist shoe retailer inov-8 (No.18), based in Crook.

Popular craft products retailer Crafter’s Companion, which is based in Bishop’s Auckland and has an office in California, completes the North East’s representation at No.26. .

Together their international sales have grown by an average of 137% a year over the last two years to a total of £24m and they now employ a total of 225 people.  

The businesses in the North East feature on the league table alongside companies from around the UK, including emerging brands such as hair products supplier Tangle Teezer, goat milk producer Delamere Dairy and smart materials developer D3O.

The majority of the companies on the league table are headquartered in London (28), the southeast (21), the northwest (10) and Yorkshire (8). Of the remainder, the West Midlands, the southwest and Scotland are home to six league table companies each, followed by the East Midlands (4), northeast (4), Wales (3) and the East (3). One company is based in Northern Ireland.

Danny Longbottom, Managing Director UK SME at BT Business, said: “I would like to congratulate the businesses recognised in the inaugural Export Track 100, who are proving that it’s not necessarily size that determines international success.

“These businesses have used a combination of self-starting ambition, smart use of technology, and sheer hard work to punch well above their weight in the global market. The fruits of their labour are contributing to a strong and diverse UK economy, which we can all be thankful for.”

The SME Export Track 100 is sponsored by BT Business and is supported by the Business is GREAT Britain campaign. It is compiled by Fast Track, the Oxford-based research and networking events company.

Following Igoo Regeneration’s investment, Holbeck Urban Village continues to attract some of the region’s fastest growing businesses.

The two newest tenants see Igloo’s Round Foundry estate in Leeds including Marshall’s Mill and Saw Mill Yard, nearing full capacity.

Igoo Regeneration has transformed Holbeck Urban Village into a viable hub for pioneering companies, which are attracted to historic mill spaces, flexible, contemporary interiors and a digital infrastructure that offers the fastest on-demand broadband service in any multi-occupancy building in Leeds.

Redsky Learning, a learning and development company, has moved from Harrogate to  Saw Mill Yard in HUV. The company provides bespoke professional development programmes for an array of clients including Savills, Pets at Home and Neal’s Yard.

Creative Space Management secured a deal which saw the company move into 1,200 sq ft of office space in the historic Round Foundry development. The relocation is part of the company’s expansion plans after reaching the £1m turnover milestone last year.

The site will also benefit from greater connectivity to the city centre and have easier access to national transport routes when the new southern entrance to Leeds train station opens later this year. Redsky Learning will benefit from accessible transport links to service its growing portfolio of London-based clients.

The second newest tenant to Marshall’s Mill, which is now operating at a 97% occupancy rate, is part of the Arts Council’s North Area Team that covers Yorkshire and employs 21 members of staff.

Arts Council England promotes, develops and invests in artistic and cultural experiences, supporting a several activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to digital art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections. Previously based in Dewsbury, the organisation has now settled into new 2,200 sq ft office space in Marshall’s Mill in a deal also secured by Creative Space Management.

Honor Massarella, development director at Igloo, said: “We are delighted to welcome these two businesses to the neighbourhood in Holbeck Urban Village. It’s now home to more than 150 businesses and around 2,500 people and in recent years, HUV has developed into a neighbourhood that benefits companies from all business sectors that are fast growth and looking to work together creating affiliations.

“We are thrilled that The Arts Council have chosen HUV, which is also home to Welcome to Yorkshire – as a location for its northern headquarter. Many of our tenants choose to locate here because it offers them the opportunity to operate alongside other pioneering companies in their sector, which serves to both inspire and motivate their teams.”

An office furniture supply firm, based in Hull, has landed several high profile contract wins in its first year in business.

Located on Hawthorne Avenue, west Hull, Officio Furniture was established by Russ Dale in 2014, and despite only trading for one year, the firm has already secured contracts with big name companies - the John Good Group and J Marr (Seafoods) Ltd.

With more than 20 years experience in the furniture industry, Mr Dale has been able to build an extensive book of contacts, therefore he is able to provide a selection of top brands normally unavailable to a company so young.

Due to these connections, as well as the interior design concepts and fit out services Officio Furniture supplies, Mr Dale has been able to land two lucrative contracts so early on.

Officio Interiors won its first big contract with the John Good Group, when the company relocated to Bridgehead, in Hessle.

Mr Dale said: “I started Officio Furniture last year and it has just grown and grown. A lot of people know me because I have worked in the industry for so long, at different companies, and as a result they have followed me wherever I have gone.

“But even I am surprised to be celebrating my first year in business with the contract wins I’ve had. I have worked with some really well-known local names among them, companies you may have expected to go to bigger and more established suppliers. However I have a lot of industry contacts that I have built up over my career and that means I can supply a range of brands other companies are not able to do, so I know I can get just the right pieces of furniture to suit the client.”

Alan Platt, managing director of the John Good Group, added: “After investing heavily in a professional environment it was important that the office furniture matched the exterior and interior design of the building. Officio provided us with just that which enabled us to tailor our office look and feel to the exact match we were looking for.

“The quality of the furniture is of a very high standard and Russ helped us to match our corporate colours with the three different businesses in the new building.  That was important because it enabled each company to keep their identity while maintaining a recurring theme throughout the new building.”

Officio Interiors also supplied new furniture to the renovated headquarters of J Marr (Seafoods) Ltd, part of Andrew Marr International Limited, on Livingstone Road, Hessle. 

Michael Moore, managing director of J Marr (Seafoods) Ltd, commented: “The professionalism and ‘can do’ attitude from Officio Furniture has made it a pleasure to work with them. Their ability to keep to schedule and the willingness to make changes as we have gone along has been much appreciated and we look forward to continuing this working relationship during the next phases of the refurbishment, to completion of works.” 

North West entrepreneurs Gareth Abbott and Nicholas Walmsley have this month launched Esprit Tour Services delivering personal battlefield tour packages to World War One and World War Two sites across Western Europe and helping former military personnel into work after receiving a loan from BFS Start Up Now.

The BFS Start Up Now is the North West arm of the government’s national £150m Start Up Loans programme that is delivered by Business Finance Solutions (BFS).

The Manchester and Knowsley based company is employing a growing number of ex-military personnel as their battlefield tour guides in an attempt to help reduce the number of unemployed ex-military personnel.

Nicholas, age 22 from Greater Manchester and Gareth, age 22 from Liverpool already employ five people and have plans to increase that figure as the business develops.

Esprit is currently working with the Royal British Legion in Manchester and Liverpool to provide the company with potential guides.

Esprit Tour Services cover many of the most poignant battlefields of the 20th century from the Somme and Ypres to sites in Normandy and Berlin.   

Gareth said: “During the remaining three years of the centenary of the First World War, it has never been more important to ensure that the sacrifice given by so many is never forgotten, and people continue to remember these historical events.

“The Start Up Now loan has enabled us to develop the business much faster and to employ more ex  - military personnel to run the tour packages.

“We have also been able to develop other services such as Esprit in the Community CIC and develop our work with underprivileged groups.

“We will be continuing to use our tour packages as a real force for good as the business grows.“

Director of Business Finance Solutions, Paul Breen,  said: “In Esprit Tour Services, Gareth and Nicholas have developed a business that offers a hugely valuable service – to the clients they are working with, to the ex-military personnel who are securing jobs and to the community groups which are able to benefit so much from the battlefield tour experience.

“Start Up Now is working with many innovative, hard-working and community minded new businesses just like Esprit Tour Services, with loans and on-going business development support that will ensure that they have a great future ahead of them.“

A business that provides short term space to retailers has secured an £18k loan from the Merseyside Special Investment Fund (MSIF).

Revolver Retail developed following the popularity of pop-up stores, and provides space for retailers to rent for a short time, avoiding expensive long term leases.

The company was set up in 2013 by managing director Matt Bell and he was later joined by Gary Carney in 2014 who works as the business development director.

Tenants currently based in the Revolver Retail’s Rex store include a range of  stockists in fashion, jewellery and art.

Director Gary Carney said to the Liverpool Echo: “There is a lot of talent locally, particularly in the creative industries, however, it can be difficult for these businesses to showcase their products to the public because it is expensive and risky to take on a shop.

“Rex offers the chance for retailers to sell their products in Liverpool city centre which attracts around 60 million visitors per year.“

Image source: mrgarethm

With chancellor George Osborne’s first post election speech, businesses in the North West have been keen to comment on what the suggested devolution of Northern cities means to them.

The plans  will see English cities get powers over housing, transport, planning and policing with a particular focus on cities in the North of England. 

George Osborne said that a new job was created in the North every three and a half minutes, meaning the North is growing faster per person than London.

Employment in the North is up by 151,000 in just a year, with unemployment falling by over 20%.  

Read below to hear from some of our North West businesses:

BDO LLP, Emma Suchland

Tax Partner at accountants and business advisors BDO LLP in the North West, Emma Suchland, said:  “Devolution of taxing powers to big cities will not be as broad ranging as Scottish devolution and the taxes likely to be devolved are stamp duty land tax and council tax rather than income tax, corporation tax or VAT.  

“Giving big cities more power over local property based taxes would allow them to react to local economic conditions and, in the case of stamp duty land tax, local property prices. In Manchester for example property prices differ considerably to London where the stamp duty land tax rates and bandings have historically been set.  

“As more cities obtain these taxing and spending powers it will be interesting to see whether cities begin to compete with each other on setting tax rates and whether they will direct the funds they raise to attract businesses and encourage start-ups or focus on local residents - who will of course vote for the next mayor!“

IoD, Mike Perls

North West Chairman of the IoD, Mike Perls,  said: “The political momentum behind devolution has been incredible, and these new plans could be one of the most radical shake-ups to local government in living memory.

“This is an exciting opportunity for businesses in the North West to lead the ‘devolution revolution’, and blaze a trail for other cities to follow.

“Businesses across the country back the plans to give local authorities more power on issues including skills, housing, transport and taxes.

“In the North West, the appetite for devolution is particularly strong.

“Politicians of all parties and businesses from all sectors have recognised the need to make sure every corner of the UK benefits as the economy continues to grow.

“Giving businesses in the region a greater say in addressing skills shortages, infrastructure requirements and on local planning decisions is one of the best ways this can be achieved.

“The eyes of England’s cities will now turn to the North West. The IoD will be working with local and national politicians, civil servants and businesses in the region to make sure we make the most of this unique opportunity.“

Do you have an opinion on the latest speech by George Osborne? Comment below or email sophia.taha@bdaily.co.uk

Durham-based GMP Marine, a software firm which uses satellite technology to combat worldwide piracy, is urging the next generation of North East entrepreneurs to attend an event next week about two of Europe’s leading space business competitions.

The event, on May 20, will give advice on entering the European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC) and the Copernicus Masters, two space business competitions with prize money totalling £235k.

GMP Marine, part of Global Management Platform Ltd, based at NETPark in Sedgefield, helps private maritime security companies tackle piracy by planning and managing their resources to protect their clients’ vessels.

The company’s maritime security software uses GPS tracking inside its applications to detect ships’ whereabouts and help provide vital planning around the large-scale security operations.

GMP, which builds software for clients in the UK, America and Europe, is developing its software to meet the system requirements for United Nations security initiatives being discussed to address global concerns. It has recently begun working with SAMI, the Security Association for the Maritime Industry, with a view to further developing its software with them over the next few months.

GMP is one of many firms across the country using satellite applications, such as Earth observation, satellite radar, positioning, navigation and timing and satellite communications.

The North East Satellite Applications Catapult Centre of Excellence based at NETPark, run by Business Durham the economic development company for County Durham, is one of only three such centres in the UK. It was set up to encourage businesses to tap into the multi-billion pound space sector through events, world class academic expertise and business development tools and support.

Kevin Maddison, GMP’s managing director, said: “It’s a very complex industry which is very difficult to police. One of the biggest logistical issues is planning. Some of these guys are handling 80-100 teams made up of four guys, each with weapons, and they can go through so many countries’ jurisdictions and rules and regulations just travelling to where they start working.

“Our software can help manage their clients’ communications, patrol boat activities, track the activities of their armed and unarmed transits and control their jobs and personnel.“

Dr Simon Goon, managing director of Business Durham, said: “As fantastic companies such as GMP are showing, there are a myriad of uses for satellite applications and we’re looking for the next generation of entrepreneurs who need help developing a new product.

“We’re looking for ideas, not fully formed business plans at this stage, so we’d encourage anyone with an innovative satellite application to attend.“

Kevin Maddison added: “It’s great that we have the Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence based at NETPark and I would urge any would-be entrepreneurs to take up what support they can to access this market.“

In the North East this week, we were pleased to reveal four County Durham businesses have been listed in The Sunday Times BT Business SME Export Track 100 league table.

The four County Durham headquartered companies, which have made a significant contribution to the regional economy, are the only companies from the North East to be included.

Meanwhile in Yorkshire, The Space People, a Leeds-based multi-channel branding agency, has completed the launch of Leeds United’s 2015-16 season tickets.

Focused on the strapline “Real history. Real future. Real choice”, the season ticket launch campaign included a powerful visual created by the agency, which has been developed from an iconic 1970s image.

It was a big week for Manchester, as the Chancellor unveiled plans for his proposed Northern Powerhouse. In a speech on Thursday, George Osborne said he was keen to press ahead with the devolution of powers in the North West and Yorkshire, with plans to expand to the North East in due course.

Friday saw the acquisition hipster-favourite Meantime Brewing Co by global beer giant SABMiller. The Peroni producer will work with the Greenwich brewer to increase its presence in the craft beer market.

Sign up for our region bulletin for your choice of North East, North West, Yorkshire and South East news directly to your inbox every week day.  

Hull businesswoman Pam Featherstone was recently named the best performing coach in the world after reaching the top spot in the global rankings by ActionCOACH.

Throughout the past three years, Pam has successfully helped hundreds of businesses reach their targets and goals, which has highlighted with several business award wins.

From the get-go Pam saw outstandingly positive results as she won Best Clients Results for Yorkshire and Lincolnshire 2013 during her first year as an ActionCOACH.

Last year she was named North UK Coach of the Year 2014 as well as EMEA Rookie Coach of the Year, after fighting off competition from the rest of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) before becoming the UK’s top ActionCOACH in October 2014.

Earlier this year she was awarded North UK Coach of the Year 2015 and she’s also just picked up yet another two awards at the annual Business Excellence Awards in Portugal in April  – Most Improved Coach of the Year EMEA 2015 (awarded for growing her business 387% in 12 months) and Coach of the Year EMEA 2015.

After beating out over 1000 coaches operating in 57 countries across the globe, Pam is now ranked as the No.1 ranked ActionCoach in the world, and Bdaily recently spoke with the Hull-based businesswoman to find out what it took to achieve such an impressive feat.

Firstly, congratulations on being named the number one ActionCOACH in the world, but let’s go back to your earlier career days, so how did you first become a business coach?

"I sold out my businesses and retired when I was 46. I then started investing in Property. I had quite a few people ask if I would give them some help with their businesses which i did gladly. I absolutely loved helping them. I then met an ActionCOACH business coach through the property company I was investing with. He invited me along to a conference and I was really impressed with the system and how it gave structure to help business owners grow their business and so went off to Australia to do the training and invested in a franchise."

Do you mainly focus on helping businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber, and what sort of guidance do you provide?

"Yes, most of the businesses are in East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire although I do coach businesses in areas such as North Yorkshire, West Riding, Northants and London plus several other countries.

"The coaching which I provide looks at all areas of the business and is a combination of both the linear challenges and personal development which business owners have. Linear challenges include  time management, team performance, money including cash flow issues, marketing, sales, systems and quality of delivery of their products/services.I combine this with personal development work for the owners an their teams. You can have all the tools in the world but if the mindset and belief is not there, then the tools to run a successful business are not much use. I have done additional training  to help business owners to understand the triggers that drive human behaviour so that they can work on the impact and influence that they have and also to maximise the performance of their teams."

Throughout your experience helping businesses achieve their goals, what are some common themes that businesses always tend to have trouble managing?

"Time, Team and money are the key challenges and issues with consistency. We also do a lot of work on vision, mission and culture of businesses. For some it is also the fact that they have been in business for a long time and although they are successful, the business does not excite them anymore like it used to. I love helping business owners to get the passion back for their business, to maximise their potential and support them in getting a sense of purpose again."

What did you achieve or have to accomplish to be ranked No.1 out of over 1000 coaches operating in 57 countries across the globe?

"The global ranking achievement is a combination and contribution of many people’s efforts and the support of my family. The efforts of myself with the results of my own business and my client retention figures and the dedication of my team and my clients as well as the support of my ActionCOACH community. I provide 1:1 coaching which is typically weekly, fortnightly or monthly and workshops on a host of business topics including sales, time management, sales, marketing, negotiation, finance and team building. There is also a Leadership and Management course and a 6 month rolling business education programme. There is also a quarterly full day 90 day planning workshop.

"In addition to this, I provide a free 3 hour workshop for business owners to come along and find out more about how coaching can support them in making changes and improvements to their business. In the workshop they discover how to increase their profits by 61% with a 10% increase in just 5 key areas of their business.

"In addition to this, I do lots of fun events with my clients like hiring a private box at the Beverley Races. The combination of work hard/ play hard in a community of very successful businesses owners leads to sharing of best practices and a sense of community in which both my clients, their businesses. myself and my own business thrives."

Any advice for Yorkshire SMEs that are struggling to find success/growth?

"The most important advice is to gain education in the areas you have challenges. It maybe that you need to get support from a third party or simply read a book about the areas where you have challenges. Better knowledge/education leads to better decisions which in turn leads to better actions which will give better results. I have several free business health check tools on my website as well as a host of free business education books which will help to grow a business. I also offer a complimentary 90 minute coaching session and the free workshops which all businesses are welcome to come along to and discover new ideas for growth, gain advice and support. There is also a lot of funding to support all different levels of business.

"Also, in the workshops, having that 3rd eye perspective can be invaluable to a business owner.

"You cannot keep doing the same thing in business and expect a different result. Have an open mind - it is your most valuable asset."

A NATIONAL organisation dedicated to the training and development of women in business is being unveiled in the North East for the first time.

And the launch of Forward Ladies in the region means that exceptional business women will now be included in the group’s prestigious Women In Business Awards (WIBA) programme.

Forward Ladies was set up in 1999 as a voice for women in business, along with creating opportunities for career women and entrepreneurs to build their networks and develop new skills.

Although it is has operated around the UK for a number of years, it is only now expanding into the North East, with a launch event taking place at Newcastle’s G Casino on Thursday May 21.

The free event will not only give women the opportunity to find out more about the organisation but to also learn about the awards and how to enter. 

The awards will take place regionally in the North East and across the country, with a grand final in Leeds on November 20.

Managing Director and leading business woman Griselda Tobogo, who said: “The awards are hugely important because they give exceptionally talented women a unique opportunity to acknowledge their successes and become credible and inspirational role models.  

“The awards are not only about winning, but growing networks, making contacts and leveraging knowledge – for mutual benefit. I want to attract all women from organisations which believe in and demonstrate inclusion, diversity and celebrating their achievements.“

Some places still remain for the launch event – which runs from 9.30am until 11am. Anyone interested in attending should register at  http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/power-business-breakfast-club-newcastle-tickets-16655828030

Forward Ladies runs high profile regional events, skills programmes and conferences throughout the UK, and its signature International Women’s Day has attracted world class speakers like Cherie Blair, Germaine Greer and Former minister Lady Warsi.

More details are available here http://forwardladies.com/

Northumberland-based ‘mumtrepreneur’ Katharine Paterson is asking for the support of fellow North East residents and businesses, by voting for her online, to help develop her baby cot business, Kare Kot, as she aims to secure funding from Richard Branson’s business investment competition, Pitch to Rich.

Katharine, who works as the Higher Education Liaison Manager at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, runs her startup from home on a part time basis. She said, “It’s taken me a long time to now be at final prototyping stage, juggling work and being a mum of a young daughter.“

Katharine’s idea stems from her own experiences as a mum. “I had my daughter nearly six years ago, I experienced horrendous problems with her bumping herself on the solid sides of her traditional barred cot, and in getting her arms and legs stuck in the cot bars.  

“So I bought cot bumpers thinking they would protect her, but on reading the small print it states that there is a hazard of suffocation if used when the baby is mobile. So by eliminating one hazard I was potentially in danger of creating another.  

Entering the ‘New Things category’, Katharine believes the competition could be the perfect way to help develop her idea.

“I’m not a designer, nor particularly creative, but that was enough for me to embark on a journey of cot design, systematically eliminating all the hazards I’d faced with my daughter.

“The competition is based on votes, so I’m seeking as much support as possible. The winner will receive £50,000 as well as a bundle of support from Virgin Media.“

After initial problems with the Virgin website, the Capheaton-based mum is now hoping to capitalise on a second chance at progressing in the competition.

“In the first round I secured 482 votes but as the virgin media website was down the day before the deadline for voting, Virgin Media are opening up the competition again on Monday 18th May at 10am and closing it at 5pm on Wednesday the 20th.  

“This time though, I know what I am aiming for. If I get 550 votes altogether I am definitely through to the next stage so I need at least another 70 to be sure of getting through. I would really appreciate any votes I could get to help support safer sleep for babies.“

To learn more and to help support Katharine’s idea, visit her pitch page by clicking here. 

Yorkshire lawyer Philip Ashworth is joining regional law firm Andrew Jackson as part of the firm’s continued expansion into York.

Mr. Ashworth is a well known and respected figure in the Yorkshire corporate finance market having advised on a wide range of deals including the sale of Energas in Hull to Air Liquide; the acquisition of Uquifa, a pharmaceutical manufacturer in Spain and Mexico for Indian conglomerate, Vivimed; and the sale of the UK and Irish manufacturing assets of Finnish chemicals group, Dynea.

Andrew Jackson has already expanded its team this year with the appointments of commercial property partner, Helen Mellors, who has over 25 years’ commercial property experience in the York market, tax consultant Fiona Phillips and paralegal Grace Howell, all of whom will also be working from the firm’s York office, with further appointments already lined up for later in the year.

Mark Pearson-Kendall, managing partner of Andrew Jackson said: - “Philip is a significant addition to Andrew Jackson. His reputation, experience and commitment to York and the surrounding region is unparalleled and is exactly what we have been looking for.  

"I am delighted that Philip, Helen, Fiona and Grace have all chosen to join Andrew Jackson  and their combined wealth of experience will further supplement our existing corporate and commercial property offering throughout the region."

Mark Rose, Patrick McCourt and Alan Coleman, Projex Building Solutions

Leeds-based project manager and cost consultants, Projex Building Solutions, has announced a trio of new appointments.

Patrick McCourt, a data centre construction specialist, joins as director to establish a new division focusing on the data centre market and with a wider remit to develop and enhance the current Projex project management offering.

Formerly European construction director with Global Switch, one of the largest colocation data centre providers in the Europe and before that as project director with Sentrum (now part of Digital Reality Trust), Patrick brings fifteen years’ experience working in this dynamic and fast growing sector on multi-million pound projects both in this country and across Europe.

He is joined by Alan Coleman and Mark Rose, who join as building surveyor and quantity surveyor respectively.

Alan was formerly with Jones Melling in Warrington and brings nearly ten years’ experience, including nationwide building surveys for organisations such as HMRC.

Mark is a graduate from Leeds Metropolitan University and has spent the last four years with EC Harris, part of Arcadis, and will strengthen the quantity surveying team in Leeds.

Phil Tomalin, Projex director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Pat, Alan and Mark on board.  This is an exciting time in our development as we start on site this year with some of the leading mixed use and retail schemes in the UK.  Pat’s experience is fairly unique and will open up new markets for us in what is a highly specialised construction sector. “

Charlotte Pinfold, Ryden

Property agent Ryden has announced six promotions across its UK offices, with one being Leeds-based Charlotte Pinfold, who has been promoted from surveyor to senior surveyor within the growing Project & Building Consultancy team.

Also promoted in the same team is senior surveyor Rob Pearson (Edinburgh based) to associate.

Industrial specialist Alan Herriot moves up from associate to partner. Alan is a regular winner of the Estates Gazette Most Active Deal Maker in Edinburgh title.

In Aberdeen, two senior planning consultants promoted to associate: Claire Coutts and Michael Lorimer; both are based in the firm’s Consulting team in Aberdeen.

Edinburgh Property Management team member Andrew Trumper was also promoted from surveyor to senior surveyor.

Bill Duguid, managing partner of Ryden, said: “I am proud to reward the hard work and results achieved by these outstanding individuals after an encouraging year for Ryden, where early indications show a strong year despite challenging economic factors.”

“In our most recent client survey, 100% of clients said they were happy or very happy with our service and we are committed to retaining and developing our people so that we can maintain these high standards.”

Philip Goldsborough, Irwin Mitchell

Law firm Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office has boosted its Corporate team with the appointment of high profile dealmaker Philip Goldsborough from Pinsent Masons.

Philip joins as a Partner and specialises in domestic and cross-border M&A transactions and corporate finance work. He has many years experience, advising many high profile UK and international public and private companies on a wide range of transactions, including equity capital markets transactions and general corporate matters.

He is the sixth Partner to be recruited by Irwin Mitchell’s fast-growing Business Legal Services (BLS) division since the start of 2015 and joins a Yorkshire-based Corporate team which already consists of five Partners.

Niall Baker, Partner and Chief Executive of Irwin Mitchell’s BLS division said:

“Philip is a first class hire for the Leeds office and his recruitment is another clear signal of our intention to build one of the region’s leading and most respected business legal services team. We are excited about the growth opportunities that are presenting themselves in the market and are confident that we are in a strong position to take advantage.”

Other Partner hires in 2015 are Yorkshire-based Employment specialist, Kirsty Ayre, who like Philip Goldsborough, moved to Irwin Mitchell from Pinsent Masons.

Restructuring Partner, Stephen George, Real Estate Partner Ben Acheson and Commercial Litigation specialist, Simon Ellis, have also arrived at Irwin Mitchell since the turn of the year.

Grant Edmondson, Wykeland Group

Yorkshire commercial property developer Wykeland Group has appointed Grant Edmondson to its board of directors.

In his new role as Property Director, Mr Edmondson will oversee the management of the  company’s  growing £65m commercial property portfolio and manage sales and lettings at the Wykeland’s three Humber-based business parks – Europarc near Grimsby, Bridgehead adjacent to the northern approach roads to the Humber Bridge and Melton West on the A63 ten  miles west of Hull.

Commenting on the appointment, Dominic Gibbons, managing director of Wykeland Group, said: “Grant joins the board at a very exciting time for the business.”

“Wykeland Group currently has a number of fantastic developments ongoing including @thedock in Hull’s Fruit Market which features at its centre C4DI, a building that will have a transformative effect on the city’s digital and tech economy, and Flemingate in Beverley.

“Our Humber-based business parks offer some of the best commercial premises in the north and continue to attract a lot of interest and activity. In his new role Grant will play a hugely important part overseeing and managing them.”

Sarah Ball, Creative Marketing Services

Leeds-based advertising agency group, Creative Marketing Services, has expanded its team of account managers with the appointment of Sarah Ball.

Offering a wealth of experience through previous positions in media sales at Newsquest Media Group and Johnston Press, Sarah has joined the recruitment advertising department to manage several major accounts. She will be planning print and online recruitment advertising, employer branding and candidate attraction for some of the UK’s busiest HR departments.

Commenting on the appointment, Sarah said: "The employer brand has never been more important. When considering prospective employers, candidates are increasingly thinking ‘what would it do for my image if I worked for you?’ Those companies which understand the importance of the employer brand attract and retain better staff."

Now in its 33rd year, Creative Marketing Services is judged to be a UK top-twelve provider in recruitment advertising and employer branding.

Added to its other departments, which work together to provide full-service capability, the group is well established as one of the north’s leading marketing agencies.

Bridget Spence, Angela Sansom and Rachael Doyle, Consumer Credit Compliance

Harrogate’s CCC (Consumer Credit Compliance) – launched just over 12 months ago by compliance expert Ian Beardmore – has appointed Bridget Spence and Angela Sansom as senior client engagement managers, whilst Rachael Doyle joins the firm as a compliance account manager.

CCC clients include credit brokers, retailers, lenders, debt management and debt collection firms as well as many other industry sectors.

Mr Beardmore, who started the business with IT expert David Petty, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Bridget, Angela and Rachael to the team, which has grown like topsy over the last six months.

“In addition to servicing our existing clients, we also need to ensure we can look after the compliance needs of new business as it arrives through the door, hence these three appointments.

“And, in order to accommodate our growing workforce, we have expanded into two offices within Windsor House. This will give us the flexibility we need to comfortably increase the CCC team without the worry of looking for a new base.”

Wayne Walker, Williamsons Solicitors

Wayne Walker, who worked as a paralegal and trainee solicitor, while also running the Ringside bar in Hull, is now fully qualified and recently joined Williamsons Solicitors’ leading clinical negligence team.

After graduating with a law degree from the University of Hull in 2004, Wayne, who grew up, and still lives, in Bransholme, north Hull, gained a Legal Practice Certificate from the University of the West of England in 2013.

Medical negligence cases he has worked on include that of a woman from Hull who died in 2009. He volunteered to give her family support and they then instructed him to act on their behalf, winning the family a six-figure sum in compensation.

A recent high profile case he was involved in, before joining Williamsons Solicitors, is currently being heard at the Royal Courts of Justice in London and involves a claim against an NHS trust.

Tim Slow, head of Williamsons Solicitors clinical negligence department, said: “Wayne has a great track-record in securing compensation for clients with a vast number of awards, ranging from a few thousand pounds to a million plus.

“He has put great effort into achieving the results his clients truly deserve.”

Commenting on the appointment, Wayne added: “At the Ringside I’d come across people there who had suffered from medical negligence. While working there and as paralegal, I was able to help them and in the process built up my medical negligence knowledge.”

“I wanted to do something to help people, but in an area of law that genuinely taxed me mentally.”

Williamsons Solicitors clinical negligence team consistently appears in the leading legal guides, Chambers and Legal 500.