Businesses throughout Yorkshire are being urged to sign up to a nationwide programme overseen by Prince Charles to help young people gain the right skills to enter the job market.

Business Class, run by the charity Business in the Community (BITC), has been designed to bring together companies and schools in some of the UK’s most deprived areas.

The aim of the initiative is for businesses to support schools in both the classroom and at management level by providing their corporate expertise, mentoring pupils, supplying volunteers and creating inspirational experiences for students.

To date, KPMG, PwC UK, Squire Sanders (UK) LLP, Irwin Mitchell, DLA Piper, Miller Construction, Wates, International Personal Finance, Carillion, Sheffield Insulation Group and Marshalls plc, have signed up to partner with schools and academies in Leeds, Doncaster, Sheffield, Wakefield, Bradford, Hull and Huddersfield.

Liz Needleman, area director of BITC England East, said: “Research highlights that 30% of UK employers attribute lack of skills in the workforce to difficulties when filling entry-level vacancies.

“The programme enables young people to acquire the skills employers need and provides a framework for powerful strategic collaborations between schools and local businesses.“

Mary-Jo Daly, assistant head teacher of curriculum at Almondbury High School, Huddersfield, which has partnered with landscape specialists Marshalls plc, said: “It is vitally important that we prepare students for the real world of work.

"To do this, we need businesses to actively engage in schools, raise aspirations and help students understand and focus on what is needed to get a job and keep it. Business class provides that focus.“

Chris Harrop, Group Marketing Director of Marshalls plc, added: “I am delighted that we are now partnered with Almondbury High School – the first Business Class partnership in Huddersfield.

“We’re already working with business studies students on a module about our company.“

Business Class is a government-endorsed programme, created and run by BITC which provides a systematic framework for businesses to support young people facing social disadvantage by forming long-term partnerships with schools.

There are currently 340 Business Class partnerships across the UK and the aim is to build 500 partnerships by 2015 which will positively impact on the lives of over 75,000 young people.

To find out how to become involved in Business Class please contact Julie Cullen at Julie.cullen@bitc.org.uk or call 0113 2058200.

Businessman and diner entrepreneur Abdul Ghafoor is opening a third takeaway and diner in Sheffield after a £200,000 investment.

The branch will employ 10 staff, on top of staff in Abdul’s establishments in Pontefract and Wakefield.  

Abdul opened his first diner after selling a chain of takeaways he had set up in Rotherham, Doncaster, Askam and Armthorpe.

He said: “It was at this point that I decided I would put my efforts into a takeaway and diner. I didn’t want a restaurant but somewhere in between the traditional takeaway and something offering more of an experience.

"I couldn’t find anyone else catering for the ethnic and Indian market doing it, so launched Abdul’s in Wakefield.”

Celebrity followers, including the late Bernard Manning, even showed their support for the new start up business.

In 2005, after a decade of growth, Abdul invested in a second site opening a further takeaway and diner in Pontefract.

Since that time Abdul has seen consistent growth and despite the economic downturn is maintaining turnover with a stream of regular customers.

“This is where I want to be, offering tasty food to people who appreciate the time and effort that goes into it. We aren’t a traditional take-away, we use our own special recipes to create authentic dishes.

"I am constantly coming up with new ideas and flavour combinations, which will give our customers something new to try.

“It’s sometimes surprising to look back, knowing that I left school and spoke very little English! We arrived here with nothing.

"My mum was a single parent living in a strange and unfamiliar community trying to do her best. Needless to say times were tough.

“Over the years Abdul’s has developed and we are very proud of the position we are in today. We have worked hard to build the business and to offer our customers a real taste of India.

"I would like to thank everyone who has supported me over the past 15 years, without them none of this would be possible.

“We are now embarking on ambitious growth plans. Times may be hard but a good curry seems to give people something to look forward to and I’m pleased that many of those people are choosing Abdul’s.”

Image source: Bruce Guenter

Current apprentices and employers across Yorkshire and The Humber are being encouraged to enter the 2014 National Apprenticeship Awards.

The Awards, which are run by the National Apprenticeship Service, are now open for entries to compete to be named ‘the best of the best’ on a regional and national level.

Nick Wilson, Yorkshire and Humberside Deputy Director for The Skills Funding Agency, said: “The National Apprenticeship Awards recognise the success of employers in growing their own talent and developing a motivated, skilled and qualifies workforce. 

“Entering is a real opportunity for employers and individuals to gain the recognition they richly deserve for building the national skills base.”

Now in their eleventh year, the 2013 winners have seen significant benefits from taking part. Last year, regional Yorkshire and Humberside winners Gordons LLP won Newcomer Employer of the Year award.

Commenting on this award, Robert Cowling, spokesperson for Gordons LLP, said: “We’re absolutely delighted with our award!

"We employ apprentices across a range of legal disciplines and were the first law firm to unveil an annual Apprenticeship programme - offering legal careers to school leavers from underprivileged areas whose entry into the profession would be otherwise impossible.

“The contribution of our apprentices has been outstanding – generating over £300k of fee income and providing us with a vital supply of future talent.”

For the fourth year running the very best employer category entries will also have the additional bonus of featuring in the annual Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, which is produced by the National Apprenticeship Service in partnership with City & Guilds. 

The 2014 list will be announced at the prestigious National Apprenticeship Awards ceremony in November.

Image source: theogeo

A delegation of some of China’s biggest retailers met with luxury and heritage brands from Yorkshire who are looking to enter the growing Chinese luxury market.

Over 25 companies, including ASOS (China), Moda Mia, Net-A-Porter (China) and Wahaha, China’s largest beverage company; held one-to-one meetings with some of the region’s biggest brands at the Queens Hotel in Leeds on Wednesday 19 February.

The visit, organised by UKTI and supported by the University of Leeds Confucius Institute, Leeds and Partners and China Britain Business Council, builds on a successful trade and investment mission, led by Leeds and Partners in January.

The trade and investment mission visited the major trade centres of Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing as well as targeting the strategically important medium-sized cities of Xiamen, Guangzhou and Hangzhou.

It identified 23 Chinese businesses with an active interest in expanding internationally and 17 partnership opportunities with major international investment and trade organisations.

Lurene Joseph, Chief Executive of Leeds and Partners, said: “China is an economy which is rapidly reshaping, with an increasingly global outlook.

"The Renminbi is now a top 10 internationally traded currency and with the creation of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone and other free trade zones soon to follow, it offers significant opportunities for businesses in the city region.

“The Chinese recognise that there is mutual benefit in building long relationships with cities where they will benefit from innovation, skills and partnering; particularly with academia.

"I believe the Leeds City Region is well placed to grasp the opportunity and we are seeking to build long-term and mutually beneficial partnerships with key cities that focus on our core competencies.

"This reciprocal visit is focused on luxury and heritage brands and is a clear sign of the growing importance of Leeds as a retail centre.”

Matt Lowe, Commercial Director at Ginetta Cars, who is meeting the retail delegation said; “Ginetta thoroughly understand the exciting opportunities a presence within China brings, given its significance within the global economic market.

"The opportunity for all of us is in the UK is to work hard to build those relationships now that will allow us to foster mutual opportunities in the future.”

The International Festival for Business (IFB) has revealed the first round of events dedicated to the UK’s knowledge, professional and financial service business communities.

Held over one-week during the 50-day business festival, the events will bring together leading representatives and key speakers from a range of sectors including accountancy, law, security and investment, health and property.

More events for the themed week are expected to be confirmed between now and June, when the global festival launches.

It has received positive interest from a number of leading industry bodies and organisations.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales (ICAEW), UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA), Chartered Institute of Security and Investment (CISI) and the National Law Society have all announced they will be hosting events as part of the themed week, and in some cases as part of a series of events throughout the festival.

The first round of events and their partners include: 

Business Ethics, Human Rights and Rule of Law – National Law Society, 19 June 2014          

Business Futures Conference – ICAEW, 1 July 2014          

The Chartered Institute of Security and Investment (CISI) Annual Conference – 3 July 2014          

Health is Wealth Conference ­– Liverpool Health Partners, 26 June – 3 July 2014          

UK Property Forum – British Property Federation (BPF) and others, 1-2 July 2014          

The Federation of Small Business’ National Council – FSB, 1-3 July 2014          

The National Investment Summit and Awards Dinner – UK Business Angels Association, 1-2 July 2014          

International Business and Diplomatic Exchange (IBDE) 5th International Banking and Finance Forum – 2-3 July 2014    

Leading Across Cultures – 3 July 2014

Additional themed events taking part throughout the Liverpool-based global festival will include the Chartered Institute of Marketing NW Conference, the IBDE Global Economic Forum and the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) Expo.

They will be held at various venues across the city, including Liverpool Town Hall and the Anglican Cathedral.

A large number of events will also be held at the IFB Hub, located at Mann Island and overlooking the world famous UNESCO waterfront, which will have a dedicated Professional Services Centre throughout the festival.

Max Steinberg CBE, chairman of IFB 2014, commented: “Showcasing the strength of the UK’s financial and professional services industries has always been a priority in our plans for IFB. We’re delighted to be recognising it with its own dedicated week of events.

“The events offer a rare opportunity to gain some valuable insight from some key personalities and industry thought-leaders. We’ve enlisted the support of some high-profile organisations and the diversity of the line-up really offers something for everybody.

“It’s crucial that industry professionals and business owners recognise which event will suit them best and act now to ensure they achieve the full benefits available later this summer.”

The announcement follows the launch of the International Festival for Business’s Business Club initiative, which aims 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 launched earlier this month (February), 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.

BT is the lead official festival partner for IFB.  It provides communications services to around one million small- and medium-sized enterprises in the UK and to more than 7,000 corporate and public sector organisations in over 170 countries across the world.  CNN International and the Financial Times are the official media partners. 

For more information about the International Festival for Business and to join the Business Club, please visit www.ifb2014.com

A month-long public consultation on the proposed merger of Newcastle College Group (NCG) with Kidderminster College has started.

The proposed merger, which Bdaily reported on late last year, would see Kidderminister added to NCG’s portfolio of five divisions.

It is envisaged the deal will close in time for the start of the 2014-15 college year.

The £186 million turnover group have published details of the proposals, which are available here and in person from its West End College head office.

NCG chief executive Joe Docherty explained: “Kidderminster College and NCG propose to merge to form a single institution. We have published documents which explain how the merger will take place, and how it will improve the future range and quality of training and education in Kidderminster and the Wyre Forest.

“Proposals to merge two college Corporations require an open and transparent process. Public consultation is an essential part of the approval process so it is important that everyone has the opportunity to put forward their views and take part.

“The proposals will ensure the Kidderminster College brand remains and is strengthened. The college will retain its local identity and a high degree of autonomy, whilst benefiting from the support, expertise, investment and resources of the NCG.

“We would like to hear everyone’s views about the proposed merger. It is quick and easy to do, it will only take a few minutes to fill in the questions.“

Views can also be submitted in writing to Chris Payne, Director, NCG, West End College, Muscott Grove, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 6TT or via email: consultation@ncgrp.co.uk.

Responses to the consultation should be submitted by 5pm on Friday March 21.

Image source: Wonderlane

Irwin Mitchell, James Foster

The Sheffield office of national law firm has again boosted its Corporate team with the appointment of associate, James Foster.

James, who moves from Pinsent Masons in Leeds, specialises in advising public and large private companies on a range of corporate matters, including acquisitions and disposals, private equity investments, joint ventures, reorganisations, fundraising and general company law issues.

Commenting on his reasons for deciding to join Irwin Mitchell, James said: “Irwin Mitchell is a progressive and innovative law firm and clearly in a very strong position to take advantage of what is a fast-changing legal sector.

"I’ve been impressed with its growth in recent years and the investment it has made in its commercial practice and I look forward to working with the team and its wide range of clients as it looks to build on this.“ 

Andrea Cropley, partner and Head of Irwin Mitchell’s Corporate team in the North, said: “Our deal pipeline in Yorkshire is very healthy and it is important for Irwin Mitchell to continue recruiting high quality lawyers so that we can continue to provide our corporate clients with first class advice”.

CBRE, Scott Morrison

The Leeds office of CBRE has appointed Scott Morrison as Surveyor within its National Valuation & Advisory Services team. Previously at Eddisons, Scott be working with the firm’s extensive client base across the North of England.

Dacre Son & Hartley, Steven Potts and Tim Usherwood

Steven and Tim have been promoted to directors at Dacre Son & Hartley.

Steven has been with the firm for almost 20 years and has managed the company’s Bingley office for seven years. Tim also joined the firm over 20 years ago and has successfully run the Skipton office for 13 years.

Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential sales at Dacre, Son & Hartley, which has 20 offices across North and West Yorkshire, says: “Both Steven and Tim are incredibly valuable members of the team here at Dacres and have unrivalled levels of knowledge and experience.

“Both the Bingley and Skipton branches have thrived under their stewardship and what Steven and Tim don’t know about the property market isn’t worth knowing!“

Steven is a Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents, he also attained a Diploma in Residential Estate Agency, studying at The University of Reading College of Estates Management. Steven says: “I manage both sales and lettings from the Bingley office and have sold millions of pounds worth of homes since I started here at Dacres.

"I have also worked at the Keighley and Saltaire branches during my time at the firm and currently manage a fantastic team marketing almost 200 homes in and around the thriving market town of Bingley.“

Tim oversees residential sales and lettings surrounding the Craven area and the Yorkshire Dales, handling all manner of property from traditional Dales cottages to smallholdings, farms and estates.

Tim says: “Dacres has operated in Skipton for more than 50 years and the town is incredibly vibrant and has vast appeal. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Dales’ the market town’s character, range of services and idyllic location combine to drive demand for property here and our office, which is based in the heart of the town centre, has sold more than £37 million worth of property in the area over the last twelve months alone.“

The chief executive of the Byker Community Trust (BCT), which owns and manages the iconic Byker Wall Estate, has been named as the new Chair of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) North East.

Jill Haley will now take charge of the regional board of the flagship organisation for the next three years.

CIH is the professional body for people who work in housing - the independent voice for housing and the home of professional standards. 

The not-for-profit organisation, which has more than 22,000 members around the world, provides housing professionals with advice, support, knowledge, training and qualifications.

Jill, who lives in Sunderland, said: “I’ve been a member of the CIH for over 20 years and being elected to the role of North East Chair is a huge honour.

“I’m hoping to use my three years in the role to maximise the profile of CIH in the North East, as well as promoting the important work done by the organisation nationally.“

A North East tax expert who works alongside Newcastle-based BW Medical Accountants has been appointed to the Head of Tax Technical Team at the Chartered Institute of Tax (CIOT).

38-year-old Stephen Relf has worked in the industry for over 15 years, and will now lead the Tax Technical Team as it puts forward its view on tax legislation and administration to the Government and other bodies including the European Commission.

Stephen said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed to this prestigious role and to working alongside my fellow peers in the taxation profession. Since I began working alongside BW Medical Accountants last summer, it has been an incredibly exciting time for me."

Peter Waller, head of Tax, BW Medical Accountants, said: “It is fantastic that the leading CIOT role has been appointed to someone from the North East, which is an incredible achievement and proves Stephen is a nationally recognised expert in taxation.

"These positions are, more often than not, given to people in the south of the country and so it is a real coup for Stephen and for us as specialist medical accountants."

Andy McFarlane with father Kevin McFarlane

Kevin McFarlane has become chairman of Whitley Bay-based engineering and construction inspection services outfit Mactechs.

Kevin is the owner and founder of the business, holding over 35 years business management, inspection and recruitment experience in the energy and construction sectors.

His son Andrew McFarlane steps into the role of managing director.

Kevin said: “Following 27 years in the driving seat I am delighted to find myself in the position to confidently pass the reins of MD over to Andrew McFarlane. This position was not offered to Andrew because of our personal relationship, the position had to be earned and the ability proven.

"I am sure we will see Mactech continue to grow at a steady pace without taking our eye off the quality of the service or the ethical principles we have always embraced, I wish him every success for the future.”

Patrick Ferguson

Newcastle Building Society (NBS) has appointed former group risk executive Patrick Ferguson to its board.

Patrick will now fulfil the role of strategy planning and risk director.

He has worked for the Society since 2010 and has significant experience of the building society sector having held posts as a finance director, general manager and as head of strategy and planning.

Phil Moorhouse, NBS’ chairman, said: “Patrick’s reputation and experience of the mutual sector, risk management and his strong financial background makes this appointment a significant one for the Society.

"Having such a role at this level is an important step forward for our Board and will compliment the expertise we already have on it."

 Anthony (right) with (left) fellow director John Richards and managing director Mike Pott (centre).

RMT Accountants & Business Advisors have strengthened their senior management team with the promotion of Anthony Andreasen to a new director of corporate tax role.

Andreasen, who has worked for RMT for the last decade, joins the Gosforth-based firm’s existing five-strong team of directors, and will now take a wider role within the practice’s operation and business development.

Mike Pott, managing director at RMT, said: “Anthony has made a very significant contribution to RMT’s success over the last decade, and to the success of the businesses with which he works so closely. He fully deserves the recognition that comes with his new position.

“Providing opportunities for our staff to develop their knowledge and their careers with us has always been central to RMT’s way of working and Anthony’s progression is a great example of what can be achieved here.“

Law firm Bond Dickinson has strengthened its Casualty Risks team with the recruitment of new director Paul Hughes, who is based in the firm’s Newcastle office.

Paul joins Bond Dickinson from DWF where he was a partner.

He has 24 years’ experience in dealing with injury claims on behalf of insurers, self-insured companies and their representatives. 

Casualty risks partner David Brown said: "We are delighted to welcome Paul to our team. He has a wealth of experience advising insurers and companies on casualty claims and is a great addition to our team. 

"Paul’s focus will be to develop the firm’s work in motor injury and I look forward to working with him on this project."

County Durham brewery firm Sonnet 43 are among the shortlisted candidates for the Best Microbrewing Pub Company category as this year’s The Publican Awards.

The small Coxhoe-based business has only been trading since 2012 and fits into the category for brewing less than 10,000 barrels a year with at least one quality, beer-focused pub.

Their beers have sold in more than 300 outlets across the North East & North Yorkshire and won Great Taste Awards and they have also opened three brewery taps – The Lambton Worm, Chester le Street, The White Lead, Hebburn and The Clarence Villa, Coxhoe.

Sonnet’s 2014 plans include expanding the brewing capacity and launching more tap venues.

The rigorous judging for the awards consisted of 3 stages, first being the paper application and the second, site visits.

These were carried out by renowned beer writer, Pete Brown, who explored the achievements highlighted in their entry.

The brewery’s owner, Mark Hird, being interviewed by a judging panel of industry experts.

Last year’s winner was Ossett Brewery, based in West Yorkshire, which is a far larger, more-established operation with over 20 pubs and producing around 4 times the amount of beer. 

This year, Sonnet 43 is up against well-known, Leeds Brewery, and Brew House & Kitchen.

The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on Tuesday March 25 at London’s prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel. Liverpudlian comedy, John Bishop, will be hosting and Keith Lemon, of Celebrity Juice fame, will be appearing to on behalf of alcopop brand Hooch.

Mark Hird said: “I’m thrilled to be a finalist for a national accolade of this kind; Sonnet 43 still being a relatively new business this in itself is an achievement.

"I also think it demonstrates that our format of great tasting, award winning craft ales with fresh, local food really works and has serious potential.“

The Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has declared its commitment to National Apprenticeship Week. 

The Mid Yorkshire Chamber supports local businesses throughout Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield and has a range of apprenticeship graduates working as successful staff members.

National Apprenticeship Week 2014 will take place from 3– 7 March 2014, now in its seventh successful year.

Maggie Oxley-Bryan, programme administrator for the Chambers subsidiary company The West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency, completed her level 3 in business administration in April 2013.

Maggie said of the experience “I feel that I now take a more positive approach to work and can take on extra responsibility with ease due to the skills I gained throughout my time as an apprentice.”

Hayley Nutt was made redundant in 2008 and found an opportunity through an apprenticeship scheme with the Chamber’s international trade support arm MY Export Hub.

Hayley said: “Fortunately being a mature student helped me in my apprenticeship, in terms of building relationships with the tutors, they were really supportive in fast tracking and supporting me.”

The Chamber’s youngest apprentice Sadie Barkworth began her apprenticeship after completing college; she has now completed her level 2 business administration NVQ.

She said of the experience “I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity at the Chamber through an apprenticeship and I am now in the process of beginning my level 3.”

“Being an apprentice has helped me gain a variety of new skills and has also given me the ability to exceed in the skills I have learnt.

"In addition, becoming an apprentice has boosted my confidence, I now feel I can make and carry out decisions by myself and feel confident that the decision I have made is correct and will impact the team and our work positively.” 

National Apprenticeship Week was formed  to raise the profile of apprenticeships and the Chamber is urging local employers, individuals, teachers, parents and the media to get involved and encourage people to consider an apprenticeship.

Image source: Sudhamshu

According to the British Chamber of Commerce Q4 2013 DHL Quarterly International Trade Outlook has reported that international trade documents issued by the Yorkshire and Humber region fell by 5.9%.

The report sets out the opportunities and risks facing British companies as they trade the world - with a particular focus on timely information on dynamic new markets. The document can be viewed here. 

There was a mixed picture across the UK. The highest increase was recorded in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. 

Yorkshire showed the third biggest decline after London and (-11.6%) and the East Midlands (-13.9%)

John Longworth, director of the British Chamber of Commerce said: "The Government must enhance its focus on assisting businesses to export, but equally business owners have to step up to the plate and be brave enough to explore new markets.

"The rewards can be significant. At the British Chambers of Commerce, we have long recognised the need to better support our exporters.

"As part of our efforts, we are working with UKTI to develop and accredit Overseas British Chambers and business groups in 41 key growth markets.

"This will give UK firms a place to go and get practical support in new markets, and supplement the range of export advice that Chambers in this country can deliver to budding exporters."

A Barnsley-based recruitment agency which places hundreds of supply staff in schools every month has launched an appeal for more teachers to come forward and sign up for work.

The specialist recruitment agency already works with more than 2,200 teachers, teaching assistants, cover supervisors, nursery nurses and other non-teaching staff, but needs more on its books to meet the requirements of its growing client list of more than 500 schools.

Provide Education works with schools across South and West Yorkshire and the East Midlands, including more than 80 per cent of Barnsley schools.

Provide Education’s managing director Katie Jones said: “The spring term is traditionally a busy time for schools preparing for SATS and exams, so demand for supply teachers and other support staff is often high.

"This year we are busier than ever as we are actively working with more and more schools and handling a growing number of requests for help to fill vacancies.“

Provide Education aims to expand its bank of teaching and non-teaching support staff by 30% over the next six months.

The company is keen to recruit both experienced teachers, who have perhaps had a break and are now looking for work, and newly qualified teachers (NQTs) who will soon be completing their teaching practice placements at the end of their teaching qualification courses.

Katie said: “We work fast at Provide Education and can get NQTs into paid work within days of finishing their teaching practices if they want. Schools really appreciate newly qualified teachers’ fresh ideas and enthusiasm and supply teaching can provide excellent experience for them.“

Katie says: “We treat everyone as an individual and not a number. Our mission is to provide an effective two-way service helping schools to fill positions quickly and safely and supporting teaching and non-teaching staff to find jobs that suit them perfectly.“

Provide Education was set up seven years ago by Katie, an experienced recruitment consultant, and her co-director and former teacher Barry Simmons.

The duo has built up its client list every year and quadrupled its turnover in the last four years.

They now employ a team of fifteen people working at its Barnsley headquarters in Barugh Green, plus two regional offices - Brighouse which opened in 2011 and Workshop in 2012.

One new recruit joined the company as an additional consultant in Barnsley this month, bringing their Barnsley-based team to eight.

Winter may not yet be over, but the North Tyneside Business Factory is springing into action to prepare its forthcoming programme of events and seminars for people starting a business and newly trading businesses.

Plans are already in place for events and seminars in March, the first of which is a one hour Health and Safety introductory session at 4pm on Wednesday 5 March.  The session will introduce newly trading businesses to their basic responsibilities in complying with legislation and help them to understand the benefits of attending the next step – a follow-on three hour workshop which will assess business requirements in more detail and identify relevant solutions.  Delivered by Steve and Cheryl of Tutela Training who have many years of experience working in the health and care sector, this is the Business Factory’s first seminar to address health and safety legislation for new businesses and we are delighted that Tutela Training will be working with us on this.

Later in the week, on Saturday (8 March), the Business Factory is holding a celebration of International Women’s Day entitled “Women Working for Themselves” where speakers for this event, which runs from 10am to 1.30pm, will include talks from positive psychologist Niyc Pidgeon of Optimal You, marketing expert Janice Ross and eBay consultant Laura Mathieson.  Lunch will be included and Business Factory clients including Caron Foley of Green Frog Developments will share their personal experiences of setting up a business to inspire other women to do the same.

The annual programme of monthly Enterprise Clubs also restarts in March, the first session takes place on Tuesday 11th at 5pm with guest speakers and social media experts Christopher Davidge and Jack Taylor offering participants a step-by-step guide through the process of creating and maintaining an effective and attractive social media presence, in addition to the networking opportunities that the Club provides to newly trading businesses.

The Business Factory service is founded on providing one-to-one advice, but North Tyneside Council and Ixion are working together to extend the support to provide much more, including the programme of events and seminars.  With more than 650 new businesses helped in the last two years, the offer is proving to be a very successful service.  Information about the range of support is available on the Business Factory’s website www.businessfactorynt.co.uk.  Places on seminars and events are limited so early booking is recommended – click on the Seminar and Events link on the website for more information.

Events and seminars take place at the home of the Business Factory, the North Tyneside Business Centre, which provides an accessible high street presence in a popular location; support is also available online via the website, a lively Facebook page and Twitter.

For more information visit www.businessfactorynt.co.uk, email info@businessfactorynt.co.uk, text START to 81400 or phone 0191 605 3110.  Facebook TheBusinessFactory and Twitter BizFactoryNT.  Tutela Training can be contacted via www.tutelatraining.co.uk and tel 01670 336138.  Niyc Pidgeon can be contacted via www.optimalyou.co.uk. Green Frog Developments can be contacted via www.greenfroguk.co.uk, email info@greenfroguk.co.uk or tel 0191 280 9521.

A young entrepreneur who has become the youngest ever supplier to a major supermarket chain with his range of jams, is set to tell businesses on Teesside about his story.

Fraser Doherty, known as ‘Jam Boy’, started his company at the age of 14 using his gran’s recipes to make jam he sold to farmers’ markets and delicatessens. 

Now 23, Fraser’s SuperJam company supplies to more than 2,000 supermarkets including Tesco, Asda Wal-Mart, Morrisons and Waitrose, in countries across the world.

Fraser now invests in SuperJam Tea Parties – a charity he set up to help banish the isolation felt by elderly people who live alone, in care homes or in sheltered housing, and each event attracts up to 600 people.

He has also penned a book – The SuperJam Cookbook - sharing his jam-making secrets with others.

And in 2011 he launched SuperBusiness, a book detailing his journey and everything he has learned.

The Business Exchange with Fraser Doherty, founder of SuperJam, takes place atTeesside University, Vicarage Road, Darlington, on Tuesday, February 25, from 5pm to 6.30pm. To book a place visit www.tees.ac.uk/exchange

Image source: INPIVIC

Major education subcontractor Learning Curve Group (LCG) has partnered with the NCFE to host a masterclass on how organisations which have either a direct Skills Funding Agency contract or who subcontract from a directly funded body can remain competitive.

The County Durham-based firm will also talk about the benefits of flexible provision for learners and employers, methods used by successful training providers and information about how adult skills funding can be used this year.

Part of the conference, aimed at the senior managers of independent training providers, will give an understanding of quality controls and key points to ensure awarding compliance.

During the near four-hour event, on Thursday, February 27, delegates will also gain practical advice about how delivery models can best be implemented.

Jon Cummins, LCG’s commercial director, said the recent release of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills’ funding statement was a timely opportunity to review opportunities in the current funding year and that of 2014/15.

He added: “We aim to show education training providers from across the country how they can maximise their adult skills budget in this year and beyond.

“We will be exploring how the flexibilities and the freedoms within the adult skills budget can be utilised to ensure the best possible provision for learners and employers while also creating efficient delivery models.

“Learning Curve Group has the experience and skills necessary to help organisations make the most of all funding opportunities and to develop and improve the service they offer those seeking flexible education.”

David Grailey, chief executive of NCFE, said: “Our strong relationship with Learning Curve Group enables us to respond quickly to the needs of the sector.  LCG has the knowledge of what employers want and at NCFE we can quickly react to this by developing qualifications that are fit for purpose.

“This conference will help providers to optimise the funding available to them, enabling them to deliver the best learning experience possible.”

LCG, which was founded in 2004 and is based in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, provides a diverse range of education provision which includes the delivery of £20m of Adult Skills Budget to 50,000 learners via 39 college partnerships.

The company works with employers to provide training to staff to gain qualifications, and its programmes include apprenticeships, NVQs, and flexible distance learning.

It has skill centres in Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Bishop Auckland which provide mainly construction-based vocational training, and military skill centres in Wakefield, Leeds and Sheffield which provide training for those wishing to join the armed forces or uniformed services.

In November, it acquired Leeds-based Learning at Work, whose paper and online learning materials are used by 90,000 learners.

NCFE is a national awarding organisation which develops a diverse range of nationally accredited vocational qualifications and works in partnership with LCG to ensure these qualifications are delivered to thousands of learners.

Its qualifications are fundable, relevant to today’s industry and can be delivered flexibly in a variety of learning environments.

The conference takes place at etc.venues in Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate Court, 4-12 Norton Folgate, London E1 6DQ, a short walk from Liverpool Street station.

It is free but there is a £100 charge for any delegate who books a place but does not attend without giving 48-hours’ prior written notice.

Online registration is at www.fe-conference.co.uk/adult-skills-budget-beyond, with more information about the venue at www.etcvenues.co.uk

Image source: graziano88

Yorkshire is celebrating its contribution to UK productivity with a display in the heart of Westminster at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills from February 24 – March 7.

The Business Minister, Michael Fallon MP, will visit the display at 10.30am on 4th March.

The display will showcase that from engineering, to bed-makers and medical equipment, Yorkshire is taking advantage of centuries of skills, expanding into new areas with the latest technological innovations, creating UK manufacturing markets for the future.  

Exhibiters include Harrison Spinks, Surgical Innovations, GSM Group and Ginetta Cars, each demonstrating their innovative products and skills.  

Bdaily reported on the governments assistance of Harrison Spinks here. 

During the visit, the minister will test his surgical skills on Surgical Innovation’s laparoscopy trainer, and meet with Nicole, who is an engineering apprentice keen on promoting the career for females.

Representatives of each exhibiting companies will be in attendance including Graham Bowland, CEO of Surgical Innovations, Barry Dodd, CEO of GSM Group, Rupert Hutton, finance director of Harrison Spinks and Nicole Firth– apprentice at Ginetta Cars

Building, maintenance and refurbishment firm, FT Finley, has appointed Steve Parrington as Managing Director to lead its ambitious strategy to grow the business by 50 per cent before 2019.

The appointment comes as the Stockport-founded business kicks off plans to deliver a five-year sustainable growth plan that will increase turnover from £10m to at least £20m.

Mr Parrington joins the firm from housing and regeneration specialist, Keepmoat, where he was area director and a member of the company’s board for 10 years.

He brings more than 35 years’ experience in the social housing and construction industries to the role and has previously managed multi-million pound projects from leading bids to building strategic partnerships.

He will be focusing on expanding FT Finley’s business by working closely with existing clients whilst increasing its presence across Merseyside, North Wales and Cheshire, as well as diversifying the company’s offer to increase activity in the wider construction industry.

The business’ former managing director, Jason Finley, will now assume the role of senior executive director and will lead on day to day activities across the board.

FT Finley will continue to invest across its team and infrastructure, providing training opportunities and evolving its quality assurance and health and safety standards throughout 2014.

Steve Parrington said: “With strong family values and a focus on the best quality service as its backbone, FT Finley has developed into a very successful and sustainable business, and a key player in the industry.

"With a turnover of £10m and ambitious growth plans, the company is now entering a new phase and I’m very excited about joining the team to achieve this vision to develop the business and manoeuvre into new markets throughout the region and beyond.“

Jason Finley, senior executive director from FT Finley, said: “Steve’s appointment marks a new era for us, and the beginning of significant growth for the business. His experience and skills will help drive the necessary changes to move us forward while delivering the same, dedicated service that has seen FT Finley flourish over the last 40 years.“

Britain’s business leaders are marking the 100-day countdown to the UK’s first International Festival for Business (IFB 2014) with an exclusive showcase hosted by London Stock Exchange (LSE).

 Leading figures from institutions including the Confederation of British Industry, London Stock Exchange and UK Trade and Investment are calling on British businesses to make the most of the opportunities presented by the Festival, urging UK firms to get involved. The event features an all-star panel made up of IFB ambassadors, including CBI Director General John Cridland CBE, Betfair co-founder Ed Wray and angel investor Dale Murray CBE, as well as UKTI chief executive Crispin Simon, London Stock Exchange chief executive Xavier Rolet, Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson and IFB Chairman Max Steinberg CBE. Attendees will be given an update on the plans for this year’s biggest business event, with Festival organisers spelling out what delegates can expect from the expo, a year after it was launched by Prime Minister David Cameron MP. John Cridland CBE, Director General of CBI said: “IFB will be an opportunity for British businesses to see how high they can jump. Its core objective of trying to significantly boost UK exports is also high on the CBI’s agenda. “Not only will IFB help promote Brand Britain around the world, it will help ambitious firms make connections that could take UK industry to the next level.“ Ed Wray, co-founder of Betfair and IFB Ambassador, said: “As a British entrepreneur, I wish there had been an IFB when we started Betfair. I expect deals will be signed and connections made that will be life changing for a whole generation of entrepreneurs.“For young British companies it is a fantastic opportunity for them to identify the strategy and, in particular, the partnerships they need to get where they want to be – it is the perfect platform for them to take their business onto a global stage.“ Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson OBE said: “Liverpool has transformed its reputation on the national and international stage and hosting the IFB 2014 for the nation is the next step in our development.

“For us, IFB is not something that has happened in isolation but within a wider strategic vision incorporating culture, retail, biotech, energy, tourism, transport and logistics. We look forward greatly to welcoming visitors from across from the globe to Liverpool in June and July.“ The Festival will offer unique 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. Hosted by the Liverpool City region, IFB will be a global showcase for great British industry across multiple sectors, and will champion UK businesses to new markets, new products and new partners.  Max Steinberg CBE, Chief Executive of Liverpool Vision & IFB Chairman said: “The countdown is well and truly on for IFB and with the festival programme growing each day, this is set to be Britain’s greatest business showcase in more than a generation.“ From established events including as Horasis’s Global India Meeting, the British Business Embassy and Accelerate 2014, through to events such as BT’s Global City Leaders Summit and Africa Rising, the Festival is 50-days worth of world-class events designed to propel UK industry and broadcast the message of Brand Britain.  Sir Michael Rake, Chairman, BT Group plc, said: “BT is part of the fabric of the nation.  We want to celebrate the positive impact of business in society. “Business creates growth, provides jobs, drives innovation and stimulates investment.  We are proud to be supporting the International Festival for Business, which is a great platform to showcase the best of British to the world.“

Image source: Damian Gadal

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is providing international networking opportunities for small businesses starting with a video conference with Californian businessman Kenneth C. Bator.

As part of Ne(x)tworking programme of business events, at 6.00pm on Tuesday 4th March, East Yorkshire businesses will be linking with Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, California, courtesy of KC LightStream.

Ken Bator is President of BTC Small Business, which coaches and develops small business in the immensely competitive Los Angeles marketplace.

He will be providing an international educational / coaching event which will explore how social media can be used to develop exponentially the prospects for maximizing small business potential.

The live West coast-USA link up will also enable Yorkshire’s small businesses to network with members of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce and explore trading and joint-collaborative opportunities.

The event is free for members and non members of the FSB, with light refreshments, and takes place at 6.00 for 6.30pm on Tuesday 4th March at the Freedom Centre, Preston Road, Hull, HU9 3QB.

The FSB’s East Yorkshire Chairman, Mike Bisby, commented: “In a competitive global marketplace it is vital that small businesses develop truly international perspective if they are to fully exploit the opportunities offered by technology.

"It is no coincidence that our partners in this event, KC Lightstream, provides internet “at lightning speed”, and that’s an attribute local businesses have to emulate.

"To quote another famous American business guru, there are two types of 21st century businesses: the quick and the dead.

“The FSB is taking the lead in broadening the horizons of small businesses and raising their awareness of a world of communications outside their daily routine. This event is part-and-parcel to that process.”

Two North East health experts will come face to face with five of the UK’s most formidable business minds in a top TV show this weekend.

Dr. Ganesh Rao and Tim Harwood, founders of Newcastle-based TreatmentSaver.com, a comparison website for laser eye surgery, cosmetic surgery and beauty clinics - will appear on BBC Two’s Dragons’ Den this Sunday evening in a bid to convince the multi-millionaires to invest in their business.

Ganesh, a medical doctor from Jesmond and Tim, a laser eye surgery trained optometrist from Heaton, set up Treatment Saver after spotting a gap in the market for an independent online portal where users could compare health and beauty clinics, book their appointment online and save money on their treatment.

The duo, who are both originally from Halifax and first met at college, saw the website as an opportunity to combine their industry expertise with their in-depth interest in digital technology.

Treatment Saver was the first site in the UK to launch online appointment booking for the health and beauty sector, which has proved to be a huge success. 40 per cent of bookings are now made online out of hours, enabling clinics to fill up quieter periods in their appointment diaries.

Visitors can also save money by booking through Treatment Saver instead of going direct, as they can take advantage of a range of exclusive online offers and discounts from clinics across the UK.

The service is completely free for those seeking a treatment - and clinics are only required to make a payment when they receive a new patient booking through the site.

The founders applied to take part in Dragons’ Den last year and were chosen as one of the 100 companies to appear on the latest series of the show, out of more than 5000 applicants.

Ganesh said: “We’ve nurtured and developed our business for three years and we felt the time was right to take the next step. We knew that being on Dragons’ Den would be an incredible opportunity to raise our profile and potentially secure investment and expertise to grow further.

“We put in endless hours of preparation for the show – it was as if we were studying for medical finals again! We dedicated a lot of time to watching the episodes, perfecting our pitch, testing it out in front of friends, being grilled by ‘dragons’ and preparing detailed answers to every potential question we imagined would be asked.

“Taking part in the programme was a great experience and we’d recommend it to anyone looking to grow their business. Not only does it provide good exposure, but it also pushes you out of your comfort zone, puts you under pressure, and causes you to thoroughly dissect every aspect of your company.  We really enjoyed meeting the dragons and the other contestants on the show and we’ll never forget it.“

To see how Ganesh and Tim fare in front of the dragons, tune in to BBC Two this Sunday, March 2 at 9pm.