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HRXchange, a networking and training forum focussed on employment law and related HR issues, has announced the addition of Leeds to its ten UK "knowledge hubs."

According to the statement: "HR can be a lonely business and sometimes it is hard to find like-minded professionals to bounce ideas off.

"Aimed at HR professionals and those with a people management role within the Leeds business community, these events are delivered by specialist employment lawyers and HR consultants and offer delegates an interactive forum to discuss practical, real business issues with trainers and peers."

Developed by top 50 law firm, Gateley, and Penna, a global HR services group, HRXchange events have been running since 2006.

The first Leeds event is on Thursday 13 March with an Employment Law Update, exploring current Government proposals in the employment field together with developments in employment case law and how they will impact upon organisations.

A further three events will then be hosted there in June, September and November to discuss other key topics.

2014 will see HRXchange host 47 separate events across 11 locations. There will also be three mock tribunals taking place in Manchester, Birmingham and London.

Victoria Garrad, Chair of HRXchange and Employment partner at Gateley, commented: "Now in its ninth year, HRXchange has given advice and guidance to a range of businesses large and small about topical HR issues.

"Our experts provide insights that, whilst being grounded in legal theory, are presented in an engaging way and can be applied to practical situations within the workplace.

"Membership is free and open to anybody working within HR. The events are a must for all HR professionals wanting to stay up-to-date with industry issues."

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James Newman, Sheffield City Region LEP (continued)

James Newman has accepted a request from the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Board (LEP) to remain as the LEP Board Chairman until September 2015.

The Board’s request follows the recommendations of a cross sector review panel convened as James’  three year term as Chairman came to an end. The panel included representatives of key private sector stakeholders – the Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, LEP Board members and sector group chairs, as well as local and central Government partners.

LEP Chairman James Newman said: “I am delighted to have been asked to continue my leadership of the LEP, and will maintain my focus on helping the public and private sectors work together to drive economic growth in the City Region.“

LEP Board Member and Barnsley Council Leader, Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton CBE, said: “The LEP Board has recognised the strong contribution and leadership of James Newman over the last three years and felt it right that he stays on to lead the LEP through the significant challenges of delivering the SCR Growth Plan deal and the LEP’s partnership with the new Sheffield City Region Authority.“

Christian Hunt, Langleys Solicitors

The Corporate Commercial team at Langleys Solicitors in York has further strengthened its corporate offering with the appointment of partner Christian Hunt, who joins the firm from Leeds based Clarion, where he was a partner for six years.

Highly experienced in the full range of corporate finance matters, Christian’s expertise includes mergers and acquisitions, management buy outs and buy ins, reorganisations, refinancing and disposals.

Christian’s appointment caps a particularly successful period for Langleys, which has offices in York and Lincoln; a healthy 10% increase in revenue is predicted for this financial year and the firm has recently announced further strategic appointments in risk and compliance, learning and development, and finance.

Commenting on his appointment, Christian Hunt said: “It’s a great time to be joining Langleys, and I’m looking forward to developing the team, further enhancing our corporate offering and delivering a high quality service to our client base.“

Langleys’ managing partner David Thompson said: “We are delighted to welcome a partner of Christian’s calibre to the firm. He brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and contacts, and he will undoubtedly prove key in further developing our Corporate Commercial team, and ultimately in realising our overall strategic aims as a business.“

Simon Holian, Bibby Financial Services

Graduate, Holian, appointed as Business Development Manager to support local SMEs

Specialist funder, Bibby Financial Services, has strengthened its Yorkshire and Humberside business finance team with the appointment of Simon Holian as Business Development Manager on 3rd February.

Holian joined as Business Development Executive in 2011 as part of the Bibby Financial Services’ graduate scheme, following completion of a degree in business studies from The University of Liverpool.

In 2013, Holian structured in excess of 30 deals, providing much needed funding to the regions’ small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

In his new role Simon is responsible for increasing the level of funding available to businesses in Hull, Doncaster, Grimsby and Scunthorpe – all of which are seen as growth areas for the funder.

Commenting on the appointment, Simon said: “I have enjoyed my time at Bibby Financial Services and it’s been great to develop a network of professional contacts, which has helped me contribute to the local area by increasing funding support.

“There are great opportunities for businesses across all sectors in Yorkshire and Humberside and my new role will enable me to help these businesses with vital cashflow needed to grow.“

Bibby Financial Services is the UK’s largest independent invoice finance provider, with a network of 16 local offices, including teams in Leeds and Bradford.

Mike Day, Head of Sales for Bibby Financial Services Yorkshire and Humberside said: “In the past 12 months alone, we have increased funding to businesses in Yorkshire and Humberside by over 40 per cent. We have been extremely impressed with Simon’s performance since he joined the business and we’re confident he will help us to further increase funding to businesses in the area.

“The area Simon is responsible for offers significant opportunities for Bibby Financial Services. It’s likely that we will see much inward investment in the area over the next 12 months - particularly with Hull being awarded City of Culture.

“Simon’s innovation, commitment and determination to succeed are a perfect fit with our core values as a business and I’m sure he will become a real asset to us and the SMEs we support.“

Jonathan Saddington, Steve Hesmondhalgh & Associates

Harrogate-based planning consultancy Steve Hesmondhalgh & Associates has expanded its team with the appointment of chartered town planner Jonathan Saddington as an associate.

Saddington joins the firm with 15 years’ experience in local government. Working at both Stockton Council and as principal planner at Hambleton District Councils, he has dealt with several high profile projects including the Sowerby Gateway scheme to build a new village on the outskirts of Thirsk, and a controversial five-turbine wind farm at Seamer, near Yarm.

Managing director of the practice, Steve Hesmondhalgh, said: “Jon’s in-depth experience of large-scale housing, retail, commercial and renewable energy planning applications gives him a unique insight into the project management skills that are vital for the success of large development proposals. His local government expertise is second to none and he will be a valuable addition to our team.“

Saddington, who will be based at the firm’s Harrogate and Darlington offices, said: “I’m really excited to be joining Steve Hesmondhalgh & Associates. It’s an opportunity to bring the skills I have honed over many years in the public sector with me to a growing private sector firm, which has developed a reputation for offering  planning advice that results in successful, commercially viable schemes.“

He added: “My experience in local government means that I know what elements planners want to see in a project. I’m looking forward to being able to influence development in the right places, and to help see clients’ proposals become a reality.“

Steve Hesmondhalgh & Associates works for clients in Yorkshire and the North East as well as across the UK.  With a background in both local authority planning and private practice, Hesmondhalgh ran one of the North’s largest independent planning teams, within law firm BHP in Newcastle.

Elevation Recruitment,  Engineering & Manufacturing Division

Yorkshire recruitment firm Elevation has announced a number of new hires in its Engineering and Manufacturing team.

Expert recruiters Mark Reed, Vanessa Scott and trainee Natalie Davis bring with them expertise in specialist recruitment within the manufacturing and processing industries.

The trio have more than 17 years’ experience between them and are the result of an extensive search and selection campaign across Yorkshire.

Director John Bohan, who heads up the now seven-strong team in the Engineering and Manufacturing Division, said: “To respond to this demand, we are always looking to ensure we hire the best consultants to work side by side with those organisations looking to grow, and so we are delighted to welcome Vanessa, Mark and Natalie to Elevation – bringing with them a myriad of expertise that will help meet the needs of our clients.“

Rob Divall, AdviserPlus

Outsource HR specialist and provider of advisory services, AdviserPlus, has announced the appointment of Rob Divall to its Board as Director of Strategic and Service Development with effect from 3rd February 2014.

AdviserPlus supports large organisations across the UK, and beyond, by providing HR and other professional services on their behalf. 

Divall joins AdviserPlus from Lloyds Banking Group where he held a variety of senior positions, most recently as HR Director for the Lloyds, Halifax & Bank of Scotland Branch Network (the UK’s largest Retail branch network).  

Commenting on his new appointment Rob Divall said: "To have the opportunity to be part of, and to shape, suchambitious growth is a rare and exciting challenge, and I’m looking forward to getting started."

 CEO of AdviserPlus, Chris Clarke, said: " Rob will be an asset to us and to our customers given his customer-oriented HR experience in large businesses. 

"He is a perfect fit for the culture within AdviserPlus and we’re looking forward to working with him."

The Premier League of the North East business community will celebrate regional business achievement at a gala dinner at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

This year’s North East Chamber of Commerce Durham and Wearside Annual Dinner will feature a stirring keynote address from SAFC hero and current senior professional development coach, Kevin Ball.

The black tie event, which will be held on March 27, is being sponsored by Sunderland construction firm and social housing providers, Gentoo.

Kevin Ball is one of the most loved and respected figures in Sunderland AFC’s recent history, giving nine years of exemplary playing service, most of which were spent as the club captain, before turning to coaching.

Kevin was voted the club’s Player of the Year in his first season which he played mainly at centre half before transforming into the tough tackling central midfielder winning two First Division titles and one FA Cup Final appearance that ensures his place in SAFC folklore.

The annual NECC dinner attracts around 250 guests from across the regional business spectrum and acknowledges the excellent work of companies who are spearheading the regional economic upturn.

NECC Sunderland Committee chairman, Gary Hutchinson, said: “The Durham and Wearside Dinner is an event that has for years attracted the cream of the regional business community and provides an opportunity to celebrate everything that is great about our businesses and organisations.

“The city, the area and the region has achieved so much in the face of some pretty challenging economic conditions and this dinner is a way of showcasing our fantastic businesses and organisations and highlighting the significant progress made by the NECC over the last 12 months. There is much to celebrate and I’m sure everyone attending will have a marvelous evening in some excellent company.“

Peter Walls, Gentoo Group chief executive said: “We’re very proud to be supporting Durham and Wearside business by sponsoring one of the key events in the North East.

“This event is going to be a great opportunity to celebrate the hard work of people in our area. These are the people who work hard every day and are making the North East a serious place to do business. It’s going to be an exciting event.“

Individual bookings can be made via card payments on this website, for full table bookings, invoicing and President’s Club registrations, please email events@necc.co.uk This email address is being protected from spambots. 

You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 0300 030 33662. Details are available by visiting this page.

The Bradford Chamber and the Leeds, York & North Yorkshire Chamber have held extraordinary general meetings today at which members agreed to join forces.

The two organisations both voted overwhelmingly to create the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, that will build on its existing membership base and business support to become the fifth largest Chamber in the country. 

The change will be effective from this week. Gordons LLP who have offices in Leeds and Bradford. are the solicitors advising on the merger.

Sandy Needham, who moves from being Chief Executive of Bradford Chamber to that of the new body, said of the move: “We’ve taken a bold step today, but one that we’re very confident and excited about. 

"The great cities of Bradford, Leeds and York and the North Yorkshire area will have top-class representation and lobbying.

"The three Presidents and committees will ensure the local business voice is heard and working together they will have a greater impact for companies when dealing with government ministers, senior civil servants and, increasingly, the Leeds City Region and in North Yorkshire. 

"Members will benefit from across-the-patch networking and a wider range of services.  We’ll ensure the transition is as seamless as possible and keep our focus on helping businesses of all sizes and sectors to be competitive and to grow. 

"I’d like to thank members for backing the proposal in overwhelming numbers and the two Boards of Directors for their vision and hard work in creating the West and North Yorkshire Chamber.“

The three areas will retain their Presidents and policy-making structures will be reviewed to increase the engagement of members at both local and combined area levels. 

An advisory stakeholder panel is to be established to link with public sector partners such as the local authorities, universities and colleges and the Local Enterprise Partnerships.  Chamber offices and staff will be retained in Bradford, Leeds and York.

As part of the merger, the extremely well-regarded Chief Executive of LYNY, Len Cruddas, is retiring. Andrew Lindsay, the incoming chairman of the merged Chamber said "I would like to thank Len Cruddas for his enormous contribution as Chief Executive of LYNY Chamber.  He retires with the good wishes of all LYNY directors and members". 

Mr Lindsay went on to say "I am looking forward to working with Sandy Needham who has an excellent reputation as a Chamber Chief Executive and I know she is as excited about the opportunities for Chamber members that this merger brings, as I am."

Image source: Friar’s Balsam

Five student entrepreneurs from Teesside have flown to India to get to the heart of social enterprise after winning a national competition.

The students - Matthew Griffiths, 16, Chris Storey, 19, Michaela Farrar, 18, Matthew Pegden, 19, and Megan Kirk, 20 - who attend Middlesbrough College, won the UK-wide enterprise initiative PantrepreneurShip, organised by the charity Pants to Poverty and Gazelle Colleges.

The winning team, FairWear, overcame a total of 560 students from 17 further education colleges to win the trip to India.

They were tasked with marketing, promoting and selling ethically-sourced, designer pants. Over the four weeks of the competition the team had sold out their entire stock and turned over £4,458.

Their time in India will take them all over the country, where they will put into practice the entrepreneurial skills they have nurtured during their time with Gazelle Colleges Group.

The group of further education colleges dedicated to instilling an entrepreneurial mindset in its students.

During their trip, students will put their skills to the test by making Indian factory workers the stars of the fashion industry. Each student will be tasked with creating their own garment – picking cotton, making fabric and sewing a piece of clothing that the local community can wear.

A Northumberland couple have landed a deal to supply Britain’s biggest supermarket chain with their tea, promoted by football legend Jack Charlton.

Bill and Helen Logan’s Northumberland Tea is to be stocked in 66 Tesco stories stores across the North East.

Initially Tesco indicated it would only be going into 28 stores, but buyers were so impressed with the triple blend of Assam, Kenyan and Sri Lankan (Ceylonese) teas, that another 38 outlets were quickly added to the portfolio.

The couple’s tea will be fronted by Ashington-born Jack Charlton with the slogan "the best cup since 1966" - alluding to the part Charlton played in England’s famous World Cup win.

Bill Logan said: “It is phenomenal that Tesco has recognised the excellence and appeal of the brand. We are taking a leap into the unknown but we are confident Northumberland Tea will sell.

“We feel there is room out there in the world of tea for a company like ours and we are particularly proud of its high quality.

“It would be fantastic if the brand could become as well-known as Yorkshire Tea.”

Bill and Helen hope the Tesco deal will help secure sales of the drink beyond the North East.

Orders are now coming in from as far afield as Germany, New Zealand and Canada as well as other parts of the UK as holidaymakers who have developed a taste for it on their travels North stock-up on supplies.

Jack Charlton, 78, is a fan of the cuppa and says his family and friends now all drink it.

He is particularly pleased that Northumberland Tea is keeping fellow footballer and friend Sir Bobby Robson’s memory and legacy alive.

He said: “When Bill and Helen asked if I would help out with the tea that was going to help raise money for Bob’s charity, I was more than happy to do so.

“I liked Bob; he was a good lad, a good friend of mine. We first met as footballers while we were both at school and were friends for over 50 years.

“Bob coped so well while he was ill. I never heard him complain once – he just got on with it.”

The Logans were prompted to support the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation after Helen’s parents both died from cancer. Her father, Michael, who passed away at the age of 70 in July 2011, took part in the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation cancer research trials.

With the Tesco deal under their belt, Bill and Helen are looking to launch their own blend of Earl Grey – the great British reformer’s ancestral seat was at Howick Hall near Alnwick, Northumberland – and perhaps even a special blend coffee.

Image source: EdMiliband

The Labour leader’s proposals for a new culture in public services in England have been welcomed by the CBI, who say public service reform is more important than ever.

Ed Miliband set out his intention to introduce powers for public services users in a speech last night; including powers to allow parents to intervene in schools they think are failing.

He touched on the failings of private sector involvement in public services.

A copy of Mr Miliband speech, published ahead of his lecture in London last night, read: "Replacing one large public sector bureaucracy with a large private sector bureaucracy doesn’t necessarily make the system less frustrating.

"Once a government contract for the Work Programme is signed or a train franchise is confirmed, people themselves have no choice over which provider to use because the choice has already been made by the government.

"And it turns out that the Serco/G4S state can be as flawed as the centralized state."

Katja Hall, CBI chief policy director said: “The State is often unwieldy and hard to deal with, which is why we need to break down barriers to better information sharing between providers.

“Someone who is out of work because they are unwell should be able to go to one point of contact with the Government joining up the dots to the other providers required to deliver a 360 degree service.

“To empower people to hold the services they use to account, all providers need to publish more performance information, more often, in an accessible format.

“As Ed Miliband suggests, councils can be best-placed to be local champions for competitive, accountable, and transparent public services but we need to determine the practical steps to deliver this agenda, including whether they have the skills and autonomy to carry out this role.”   

Salix Homes residents in Salford are being given a life-changing opportunity thanks to a pioneering sustainable employment scheme developed by North West procurement consortium, Procure Plus.

The scheme, which is the first of its kind in the area, has been created to give local residents who have been struggling to get back into work access to new training and employment. The opportunities have been geared towards tenants from three different backgrounds - ex-offenders, long-term unemployed and young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).

The residents will work within the housing association’s existing teams for a minimum of 12 months, completing recognised vocational qualifications as well as being coached and mentored by their peers.

To date, three Salix Homes tenants have been employed by the housing provider using Procure Plus’ ‘Brokerage Model’ and a further six will be appointed by March 2014.

Kate Parker, community investment and training manager at Procure Plus, explained: “As part of any contract, we work with our members and contractors to create two training and employment opportunities for every £1 million spent through our regeneration frameworks.

“These are provided by the contractors on our frameworks and are funded by a transparent levy placed on all goods and services procured through us.

“Yet wanting to take this a step further, we created the Brokerage Model which accumulates all levy monies generated above and beyond those needed to fund these regular activities. We then work with members who have generated this extra cash to create ways for it to be reinvested in their communities for maximum effect.“

As part of the Brokerage Model approach, Procure Plus works with Salix Homes to give best practice advice on funding its scheme and helps the housing provider access further funding streams to support the project.

“Procure Plus also supports Salix Homes in recruitment, mentoring and coaching of each candidate throughout the initial training scheme, and in finding their next roles. 

To ensure the scheme has the best possible long term impact, the organisations are also beginning to develop robust relationships with local employers to create a pool of opportunities for those graduating from the scheme.

 Sue Sutton, director of customer and neighbourhood services, Salix Homes, said: “This new scheme extends the reach of the regeneration activity we can support through Procure Plus and helps us to develop local talent.

“It’s already proven its success as the first three apprentices have now independently applied for their next roles - a huge step which has been made possible by the help and support they’ve received throughout their apprenticeships.“

 Kate Parker concluded: “By looking at the funding and models we have at our disposal in a different way, we have worked with Salix Homes to create a scheme that truly helps tenants both now and in the longer term.

“We hope that our success to date and proven community impact will offer an example of best practice that will encourage other social housing providers to develop new ways of supporting their local communities.“

Business coach and hypnotherapist Matt Hudson has joined the ranks of Bdaily columnists to bring us his insight into personal and professional development.

The former Airman, who once painted a tank pink whilst serving in the Falklands, has picked up a thing or two in his varied life - and is gearing up to share snippets of wisdom on Bdaily.

By way of introduction, Matt has given us a top five run-down of the rules (or lack of rules) he lives by…

1. I make it a rule to never obey the rules. Coming from a humanistic model of the world, I believe that this is a universe that I can only view myself, alone. Others may have similar viewpoints but we are all very unique.

2. I can never join any club that would let me join (Groucho Marx said it first). I seek to encourage others to find their own path and not to conform, to feel safe.

3. Freedom to say what’s on my mind and what I am feeling instead of conforming.

4. It just is. There are no right or wrong answers, the mid way point between right and wrong is to seek justice and I believe that living in just is.

5. Find the learning, find the fun. Life is a set of learnings; some people get stuck on certain pieces and that can cause them great disharmony, the fun heals and puts a distance between the pain, whilst connecting new learning.

Stay tuned on Bdaily for Matt’s upcoming column where he will share tips on getting the most out of your professional life. 

Expect tips from Matt’s extensive knowledge of neuro linguistic programming and his best-selling book - ‘The Saboteur Within.’

A South Tyneside nursery chain is expanding into a new South Shields site, creating 25 jobs.

The Early Partnership, which employs over 60 staff and cares for over 440 children, has secured six-figure funding from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking for the move.

Founder Eamonn Gribben has grown the business with branches across the area and will now open up shop in the Old Council Library in South Shields.

Eamonn said: “My personal struggles with education made me realise the importance of early years schooling and the effect it has on children’s lives. When the site for the first nursery became available I saw the opportunity to give something back to the community and share the knowledge I have gained throughout my education and career.  

“The nurseries are situated in areas which previously had limited affordable childcare facilities, and are conveniently located near workplaces and local colleges for parents returning to work or continuing with their education.“

The new nursery, housed in an eco-friendly building will provide extensive indoor and outdoor play areas and a cafeteria for parents to stay whilst children settle into their new environment.

The finance deal was secured under the government-back Funding for Lending Scheme, allowing the nursery to receive a 1% discount on interest payments for the life of the business loan.

Eamonn added: “The new nursery in South Shields will provide much needed childcare places for parents in the local area, and now the funding is secured we are looking forward to starting the development. All our staff are passionate about providing the children with the best care possible, which was recently reflected in the nursery’s latest Ofsted results.

“The support that Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking have provided over the past fourteen years has been exceptional. Our relationship manager Joanne Clough completely understands our business and what we are trying to achieve, providing us with the expert support and guidance needed to make the business a success.“

Joanne Clough, healthcare relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Eamonn has used his personal experiences to develop an extremely successful business which benefits a lot of parents and children in the South Tyneside area.

“Small businesses like The Early Partnership play a vital role in driving the local economy, and as part of our commitment to supporting SMEs we have pledge to lend over £6.3 billion to businesses through the Funding for Lending Scheme.“

A business that combines cocktails and cakes as part of a party food concept is set to take flight after receiving start-up funding.

Lucy Anderson’s Tipsy Pud business provides a range of "drunken desserts" aimed at weddings, birthday and hen parties, bars, restaurants and corporate events.

Lucy, whose background is in business development for the professional industries, said: “Although I enjoyed my work, I knew it wasn’t something I wanted to do as a long-term career choice. I wanted that to be something I love – and I love cocktails and cakes and wondered if I could combine the two. 

“You get a lot of sweet cocktails so I wondered if I could spin it on its head and make an alcoholic cocktail cake.“

Ouseburn-based Tipsy Pud is the only cocktail-cake maker in the UK, bringing a fresh twist on the two indulgent treats. Lucy spent last summer testing her recipes on family and friends – most of whom she says are now on a diet as a result – and has finalised a range of five Tipsy Puds including Berry Mud Pie, Mojito Cheescake and Whisky Sour. She’s also planning to introduce seasonal and bespoke recipes later this year, all handmade locally.

Tipsy Pud made its debut at February’s Boilershop Steam event, a mini monthly food, drink, arts and music festival. 

From now on, customers will be able to taste the Tipsy Pud range via the company’s mobile Indulgence Bar, which will serve the products at events across the North East. 

Lucy turned to Newcastle-based Entrust for start-up support and has secured loans totalling £5,500 to cover the cost of equipment, product development and marketing.

She said: “I was advised to get in touch with Entrust after I went to the JobCentre to discuss my idea with a business consultant. The JobCentre said if it’s a good idea, Entrust will help you out.

“The process was a lot simpler than I thought - everyone was very friendly and helpful and it was a reasonably short timeframe from application to receipt of the money.“

Tipsy Pud received £4,000 from the Start Up Loan Fund and £1,500 from the Finance for Business North East Microloan Fund, which Entrust administers.

Ashley Cutter, advisor at Entrust said: “Tipsy Pud is a fantastic idea and Lucy had thoroughly researched her market before applying to us. She has already made contact with a number of potential corporate customers in the North East and has secured her first summer wedding booking. 

“New and small businesses are still finding it hard to secure finance from the high street banks, and this is where Entrust can help. If you have a good idea for a new enterprise or need money to grow your business, please get in touch to see if we can provide the support you need.“

The Government-backed Start Up Loan Fund provides both financial help and mentoring support, with loans starting from £250 for young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30. 

The Microloan Fund is able to provide loans from £1,000 to £25,000 to help launch or support established SMEs as they grow.

The fund has £2 million to allocate this year and is able to help many viable businesses that are still finding it difficult to secure finance from the banks. 

To learn more about Entrust, visit www.entrust.co.uk. 

Yorkshire-born retail entrepreneur Kate Hardcastle has teamed up with Welcome to Yorkshire to encourage improved customer service.

Kate will visit Leeds, York, Bridlington and Rotherham to run the events dubbed ‘Creating a Sizzling Sales Success’ for businesses to help them move onto the next level.

Kate will cover key retail topics such as how to create an excellent experience for the customer and understand their needs to increase sales – something especially important during tough economic times.

Kate, a retail and commercial expert, is founding partner of Insight With Passion,  she is a regular contributor and industry commentator on BBC, ITV and Sky News.

Kate said: "This is about drawing on experience to help our Yorkshire businesses go on to the next level and raise the bar nationally – going from good to great when it comes to retail and customer service.

"It may be that this helps a business change a few of their ways of working or just do one thing different, all with the aim of building an even better business.”

Liz Tattersley, Head of Membership for Welcome to Yorkshire, said: "Kate brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge that will help our already fantastic businesses move up a notch.

"Yorkshire is now known not just for setting the bar, but raising it which ultimately makes for an improved customer experience."

Kate was the first woman to speak at the Arabian Business Conference as a headliner alongside Google and McDonalds and in 2013 she was a keynote speaker in Australia, America, UAE and the UK – accompanying esteemed names such as Bill Clinton, Michael Jordan, Michael Owen and Joanna Lumley.

The events, starting in March and finishing in November, are free for Welcome to Yorkshire members who can register for tickets here at www.yorkshire.com/memberevents

Event details:

• The Tetley, Leeds on Tuesday 4 March
• Park Inn by Radisson, York on Wednesday 30 April
• Sewerby Hall and Gardens, Bridlington on Tuesday 16 September
• Carlton Park Hotel, Rotherham on Tuesday 18 November

A group of parents in Elswick and Benwell are appealing to local companies and tradespeople to help build their nursery on the former Benwell Boxing Club site.

Registered charity Footsteps Children’s Nursery provides for 24 children from across Newcastle and employs 17 women who together speak seven different languages.

The charity is now working with Newcastle City Council to secure a lease on the premises that was previously the home of Benwell Boxing Club.

The large porta-cabin style building has been vacant for a number of months and needs work to make it fit for Ofsted registration.

Staff and parents are calling for plasterers, electricians, builders, floorers and other tradespeople to help out on the project.

Some financial support has been secured, but more is needed to provide replacement floor coverings, installation of child-sized toilers, electrical works and updating of the kitchen, among other things.

Claire Taylor, director of Childcare Services at Footsteps, said: "It has been an absolute privilege to care for children and work with local families for the past ten years, I am very excited about our future plans.

"I am confident that we can continue to deliver high quality, family focused services from our new premises on Dolphin Street."

Those who would like to help out should contact Footsteps founding director, Beck Polito on 0191 226 7955.

Young entrepreneurs at a North East college have gained valuable advice and inspiration about starting their own business from a fast-rising national business owner and ministerial advisor.

Rekha Mehr, advisor to business secretary Vince Cable as well as being named as one of the entrepreneurs in residence at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, was at Gateshead College to offer advice on how to create successful start-ups and speak to students about their business ideas.

Ms Mehr, who launched her own business Pistachio Rose in 2012 after discovering a gap in the market for Indian desserts, provides advice to the government on how they can aid businesses. She is also a strong champion and advocate of start-ups and small businesses, and aims to use this role to encourage positive change in the current market.

Rekha saw the college’s student enterprise market stalls, where students sold items they had made in order to display their creative entrepreneurial skills.

This was followed by a workshop where she provided her thoughts to students on their business ideas, answering questions and offering advice.

Rekha said: “The students at Gateshead College have some really impressive enterprise ideas and it’s fantastic to see their drive to create a competitive edge.

“It is clear that Gateshead College is carrying out some exceptional work in preparing students to have the correct skills, knowledge and attitude to help them to be successful in business.

“During my career the power of networking and building contacts has been incredibly important. It’s brilliant to see that the students are already coordinating networking events with the local business community and networking with them.“

The visit highlights Gateshead College’s commitment to inspire students and provide expert advice on start-up business ideas, ensuring they are in the best possible position to launch a successful business.

Gateshead College is part of the Gazelle Colleges Group, which was designed to lead pioneering change in Further Education by committing to encouraging and supporting entrepreneurialism within the sector.

Adam Tomas, 23, lives in the Scottish Borders and travels to Gateshead College to study welding. He has recently started his own enterprise, Blackthorne Metalworks, transforming scrap steel into decorative household items.

He said: “I chose Gateshead College because it was the best place for me to study welding and now I’m using my skills to start my own business with support from lecturers.

“It was so helpful to be able talk to Rekha about starting up a business. She provided lots of tips about how to analyse your own product before you take it to market and the importance of getting your USP clear before speaking to potential customers.“

Rekha fought off competition from 200 other applicants for her role at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, which includes acting as a voice for small and new businesses based on her own experience and comment from the start up community. She also aims to raise awareness of the available help the government has to offer for budding entrepreneurs.

Following the visit to Gateshead College an evening networking event was held by FIRST, a student networking group, and jointly coordinated by Gateshead College Northern Stars and Northumbria University students.

The Northern Stars is an enterprise society launched by the college to give local students a platform to showcase their entrepreneurial talents.

Plans for the UK’s first International Festival for Business (IFB 2014), the 50-day expo of world-class events hosted in the Liverpool city region, have been unveiled today by Dr Vince Cable MP, the UK’s Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills at a UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) event hosted by the British ambassador to Belgium, Jonathan Brenton.

At the British Residence in Brussels, the Business Secretary told the high-profile audience that businesses in Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg) should take advantage of the multitude of opportunities offered by this huge UK business and trade event.

IFB 2014 will be a global showcase of great British industry, bringing the world of business to Liverpool in June and July 2014 and is a key part of the government’s ambition to promote economic growth and double UK exports by 2020.

The Festival, comprising up to 200 events and a complementary cultural programme, will offer considerable opportunities for small, medium and large businesses to make international connections, exchange new ideas, promote their products, create new partnerships and seek new sources of finance.

As part of the Festival, UKTI will present a Benelux Day on Thursday June 19 which will showcase priority investment sectors in the UK for Benelux companies and business opportunities for British companies in the Benelux region.

Dr Cable said: “In the UK we are seeing encouraging signs of recovery in the economy but to ensure that it’s built on the right foundations, we need to boost exports. The International Festival for Business will be a catalyst for businesses large and small to accelerate their expansion plans and fulfil their trade ambitions.

“It is rare that an event of this magnitude is staged anywhere so I hope that businesses across the whole of the EU will seize this opportunity and use it to showcase their products and services to the rest of the world."

 British ambassador to Belgium, Jonathan Brenton, said: “The International Business Festival will showcase impressive opportunities to the world.  I’m looking forward to the UK Trade & Investment Benelux Day on 19 June.

British companies will get to see the great business opportunities available to grow their exports in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.  And we’ll be promoting the UK as the investment destination of choice for Benelux companies.  To win in the global race, our neighbours offer us great opportunities close to home.”

 Ian McCarthy, director of IFB 2014, said:  “This is another significant milestone for IFB having already been launched in India, Russia, the USA, the Middle East and China as well as across the UK.

 “Europe though remains the UK’s key export market and it is vital that the whole of the continent and the Benelux countries take part. As the name suggests it is an international festival and every single one of the events would be useful to EU businesses.

“We live in a truly international economy. At its core IFB 2014 provides an unprecedented international business networking opportunity.”

To help and encourage businesses to showcase their business and access new markets, the festival is operating an Investment Trade Hub through which companies can enjoy free access to a wide range of fantastic facilities and high value services.

Companies will have the unique opportunity to gain valuable business advice via one-to-one appointments and business brokerage sessions with specialists in particular sectors and markets.

Advisors will come from a range of key bodies, including UKTI; CBI; British Chambers of Commerce; the manufacturers’ organisation EEF; the Federation of Small Businesses; as well as International Promotion Agencies, Financial, Legal and Professional Services and IFB partner organisations. Individual brokerage sessions will cover all aspects of international trade and export, focusing on supporting SMEs in particular to expand their business into international markets. 

Dr Cable added: “Companies and individuals should register now for the IFB Business Club providing access to this range of high value services and opportunities.”

Two residents of York Science Park have outgrown their current office space and are moving on to bigger premises in York.

Creative digital agency, The Distance, started life in 2012 at York Science Park’s purpose-built incubation space, Springboard. 

In its first seven months, The Distance expanded so rapidly that its floor space had to triple to cater for the size of its new team and it moved across the Science Park to new offices in The Catalyst.    

Now employing 18 staff, and with an ever growing client list and turnover forecast to hit £1 million this year, from February 2014 The Distance will be based in a converted Grade Two listed building in Skeldergate, in the heart of the city.

The company specialises in ecommerce, mobile apps and digital marketing and has seen phenomenal growth since its launch.

Founded by Anthony Main and Ryan Atkins, The Distance works with a wide range of clients from large organisations such as the NHS, Moshi Monsters and Astra Zeneca through to local SME’s including York Coffee Emporium. 

Anthony Main, director and co-founderof The Distance said: “Choosing to start our business on York Science Park has played a key role in its rapid growth. 

"We’ve been able to develop many very productive partnerships and collaborations with other residents, which have really helped us move forward. 

"We have also been able to work very closely with a number of Departments at the University including those of Theatre, Film and Television and Computer Science. 

"We are now very excited to be moving to our new offices in York and looking forward to 2014 as the year when we can consolidate our business, continue to expand and enhance our client relationships and fine tune our latest product, which we will be launching in the Summer.”

The second business to be moving on from York Science Park is Rapita Systems Ltd., who started up in 2004 as a spin out from University of York’s Computer Science Department.  The company moved into York Science Park’s IT Centre in 2005 and still has a close relationship with the University through Board membership.  

Rapita Systems, which now has offices on Link Business Park, Osbaldwick, is a technology company which creates tools to test the effectiveness of software in safety-critical real-time areas such as avionic flight.

The company now employs 30 staff and exports to clients around the world, including Europe, China, Brazil, Canada and the USA.

Guillem Bernat, CEO of Rapita Systems commented: “York Science Park has been an excellent location for us and created a superb platform for success.

"Over the years it has helped us maintain our long established links with the University of York and attract high quality staff to meet our expansion plans."

Tracey Smith, York Science Park managing director, said: “Whilst we are sad to see both The Distance and Rapita Systems leave we are delighted that by being based here on York Science Park we have played some part in their success. 

"They are both fantastic organisations with creative and dedicated teams and we wish them both every success in the future.”

Birgitte Andersen, director of the Big Innovation Centre, will appear at this year’s Buy Yorkshire Conference in a bid to place the UK as a "leader in innovation" by 2025 by sharing her entrepreneurial experiences. 

She will appear at the Conference to share her experiences as the managing director of the Big Innovation Centre, and will explain how she has built a platform which can take advantage of emerging technologies and how they can be used to the collective benefit of businesses both large and small.

Birgitte’s appearance will provide delegates with an insight into the open systems that the Centre has put in place to tackle the instinct that companies have when it comes to protecting their innovations and intellectual property. 

Birgitte comments: “The Buy Yorkshire Conference is an ideal platform to share my experiences with likeminded entrepreneurs and business leaders.

"I want to show them that there is a source of knowledge available to provide insights, alongside business oriented research that can support enterprise and encourage future business growth.

“As our organisation is not run by public funding the Conference will allow us to get in front of potential businesses that may be willing to invest money and support, and also test out the innovative technologies which we continue to champion.”

Event founder, Geoff Shepherd said: “The Big Innovation Centre brings together sources of information from research centres, to universities and government.

"Having Birgitte speak at the Buy Yorkshire Conference will by association create a more diverse audience, bringing together innovation experts, researchers and spin out companies. It will certainly make for a very powerful and interesting session.”

The Buy Yorkshire Conference is a free to attend event, and those who would like to register should visit http://buyyorkshire.com/register. With more than 180 exhibitors, 7,500 delegates and a collective wealth of more than £600bn in the room across the two days, it is the largest business to business event in the region.

Merseyside manufacturer Yuken Europe is eyeing further expansion across Europe after doubling its customer base during a successful first year for its new Czech subsidiary company.

The Liverpool-based company, which specialises in the design and manufacture of advanced hydraulic technology, launched Yuken CZ Sro as an official company after a period of sustained growth and interest from customers in the country.

Yuken Europe general manager Mannie Saunders said that, following a successful first year of trading, the company was looking to launch similar ventures across mainland Europe.

Mr Saunders said: "We expect to add to the team in the Czech Republic during 2014 following a great first year which has seen our customer base double. This model is something we are keen to replicate across Europe as we grow the Yuken family and one we see a real future in.

"We expect to roll this out in the future to other territories across Europe and are looking at launching another subsidiary company, most likely in France or Poland, as our next target."

Yuken Europe and Yuken CZ Sro are part of the Japanese-owned Yuken Kogyo group. It is a world leader in hydraulic technology which delivers a broad range of high quality, durable and low energy hydraulic systems, pumps and valves for use across many different sectors and applications.

It manufactures both its own range of products and also bespoke devices for customers on a project-by-project basis.

Mr Saunders said Yuken Europe previously had just a sales manager representing the company in the Czech Republic with customer orders being shipped over from its base in Speke.

The company is now able to distribute its products from a new dedicated warehouse facility in Rakovnik, 25 miles west of the Czech capital.

Milan Došek, general manager of Yuken CZ, said he has been pleased at the customer response since the company moved into the premises in Rakovnik.

"With our dedicated team of staff, we can now offer hydraulic parts directly from our warehouse here which has been beneficial in supplying many smaller businesses centred around Rakovnik and Prague," he said.

Mr Saunders added: "I am delighted at the achievements made by Yuken CZ in continuing to increase its sales. Having the warehouse and stocks of Yuken components in Rakovnik has certainly given great credibility and credence to our presence there and has helped with achieving the goal of developing brand awareness.

"We set up a satellite sales operation five years ago to see if we could grow our presence in the area around Prague and the Czech Republic as a whole. We developed an excellent reputation and customer base for our durable, low energy products.

"It was becoming increasingly clear that we needed something more solid and substantial so we decided to launch a formal company in the shape of Yuken CZ. It has really helped us develop the Yuken brand and take our name and products out to a much wider audience."

Image source: epSos.de

The rivalry between online automotive retailers Motors.co.uk and Autotrader.co.uk has existed for a long time now, and possibly Autotrader’s historical dominance of the used car market is coming to a close. With sales spikes projected for January, who knows who will win the latest battle in the ‘portal wars’. 

Both Motors and AutoTrader have really upped the ante in recent weeks with rebrands for both of their websites. Historically, January has been a huge month for used car searches, so it is easy to understand why the amount of money spent on these rebrands is justified with the predicted increase in searches.  

AutoTrader has adopted a new selling technique in its efforts to retain dominance of the market, detailed here in Marketing Week: http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/news/auto-trader-adopts-stories-to-humanise-brand/4002055.article. AutoTrader are humanising their approach, and it may well prove quite effective. Anthropomorphic devices have worked well in the past! This is the first change they have made, in what is a three-year strategy to improve sales. 

Dan Daly, of AutoTrader, illustrated the importance of the rivalry, and the challenge posed by Motors by stating: “Consumer needs are changing and we’ve got a new vision. We aspire to be the only place that car lovers need”.

Conversely, Motors’ rebrand has been very much concerned with aesthetics. Their new look website, and logo are propelling them into the New Year, and with a modernist touch could give them the boost they need to take the mantle of premier online automotive retailer in the coming years. Their website has a very easy-to-use interface and this could be very important for them, as it allows you to ‘slide’ to dictate what budget you have available, which is a very fun and simple option. 

AutoTrader have also given their logo a fresh touch. This could be considered to be a little riskier than Motors doing so, as the AutoTrader brand and logo is so well known. A lot of people who have bought their magazine may well be resistant to the change. 

Whereas Motors are looking to steal ground from AutoTrader, AutoTrader are looking to preserve their market leadership, which can be a much more difficult task, particularly in these austere times. Motors and AutoTrader have shared the online automotive retailer market for a long time now, and with this rebrand we could really see the effects a good marketing team can have upon sales!

The organisers of the International Festival of Business aim to set up 5,000 meetings for UK businesses with potential new customers, partners and suppliers through a bespoke business brokerage service.

Companies which join the IFB Business Club, which has just been launched, will be able to access a range of facilities and services during the 50-day festival, including the brokerage service.

Members will have the unique opportunity to gain business advice via one-to-one appointments and business brokerage sessions with specialists in particular sectors and markets.

Advisors will come from a range of key bodies, including UKTI, CBI, British Chambers of Commerce, the manufacturers’ organisation EEF, and the Federation of Small Businesses.

Individual brokerage sessions will cover all aspects of international trade and export, focusing on supporting SMEs in particular to expand their businesses into international markets. 

The International Festival for Business is a 50-day business festival being hosted in Liverpool city region during June-July 2014. It will be an ambitious global showcase for great British industry across multiple sectors and will champion UK businesses to new markets, new products and new partners.

Comprising over 100 world-class events, the festival is a key part of the Government’s ambition to promote economic growth, rebalance the economy and double UK exports by 2020.

Organisers are emphasising that companies must join the IFB Business Club to be able to gain access to the business brokerage sessions, which are designed to support the festival’s drive to assist businesses extend their international reach.

IFB Business Club members will also enjoy benefits including IFB programme information, access to transport links, free Wi-Fi, free hot-desk facilities and meeting spaces, use of an IFB trading floor in the IFB Hub and an ongoing programme of free trade, investment and market and sector events.

Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson said: “At the heart of our vision for the festival was how businesses from across Liverpool city region and the UK could benefit from a 50-day festival with a truly international scope.

“It is the IFB Hub that realises this ambition and the IFB Business Club is the essence of the festival, through which all businesses, large and small, can move to the next level.“

Max Steinberg, chair of IFB 2014, added: “By becoming a member your business requirements will be pinpointed very quickly, enabling us to put you in front of the right people, whether for advice on IP from lawyers for example or sitting down with UK or international buyers, investors or suppliers and doing deals.

“We had a small business club at World Expo in Shanghai and since 2010 it has generated millions of pounds’ worth of contracts for members and I am absolutely confident we will surpass that at IFB."

Firms can register now to join the IFB Business Club and take advantage of these unique and free business opportunities.

As a registered IFB Business Club member, firms also gain free access to the IFB App in order to personalise and maximise the festival experience. The IFB App will be available to download from April 2014.

One of IFB 2014’s prime objectives is to foster new business relationships that may lead to direct commercial trade and investment outcomes for UK companies.

The IFB 2014 team has created a number of mechanisms to match up potential customers, suppliers and investors before and during IFB 2014. This service is called IFB Business Brokerage and is free of charge. Opportunities include:

Numerous individual IFB 2014 events with an explicit focus on ‘meet the buyer’ (both UK and international) and on brokering new B2B contacts, e.g. UKTI’s seven target market events focusing on Africa, Benelux/EU, China/Hong Kong, India, Latin America, South East Asia and the US. 

. The opportunity to network with trade delegations and international buyers from around the world at the IFB Hub and        associated introductions to potential international investors and supply partners, 

. B2B meeting slots with senior buyers from more than 20 of the largest corporates in the UK

. UK and international business opportunities ‘bulletin board’