A six-strong team of experienced business coaches have been recruited to help Northumberland entrepreneurs succeed.

John Logan, Jon Storr, Nick Devitt and Fiona Setch join Oxford Innovation’s Business Northumberland High Growth Programme, which is responsible for the delivery of £1.35 million investment. 

With various backgrounds in business development and mentoring, the new recruits have a wealth of expertise in providing high-quality, tailor-made coaching to assist local entrepreneurs and support Northumberland-based businesses with high growth potential.

New associate coach John Logan from Corbridge in the Tyne Valley has years of experience working as a trainer with multi-million pound blue chip companies. Former clients include Associated British Foods, Wilkinson Sword and grocery giants ASDA, Morrisons and Tesco.

He also has plenty of ‘hands-on’ experience after launching his own business and growing it into a regional market leader and also runs his own training consultancy business.

Finance expert Jon Storr joins the Oxford Innovation team from Rio Tinto’s Lynemouth Smelter. Jon is a chartered accountant with an impressive track record both in the UK and overseas in senior financial positions with companies including Blue Circle, Boots the Chemist and latterly Rio Tinto Alcan as financial director of UK operations. He has also led a number of management buyout teams in several business sectors.

Associate coach Nick Devitt’s areas of expertise lie in product and service design and development. He was part of the team that established the Centre for Industrial Design at Northumbria University and is the founder of a successful digital media company and a long-time adviser to SMEs.

All his work is geared toward enabling innovation and developing valuable opportunities for a range of companies with many involved in healthcare, automotive and training.

Newcastle-born Fiona Setch has worked in Italy, Saudi Arabia and London before returning to her North East roots and making a contribution to business growth across the region.

A former nurse working in the AIDS Hospice ‘London Lighthouse’ in the early 1990’s, she realised the real passion in her working life was to help people to achieve their potential and enjoy their working lives.

Fiona is an experienced, highly-qualified coach and facilitator specialising in leadership coaching, motivating and inspiring individuals and teams, personal effectiveness, interview skills and career coaching. For the past twelve years she has been providing these services through her own North East-based training and coaching business.

Oxford Innovation’s coaching methods have proved successful elsewhere in the UK, where the organisation has worked with over 2,500 high growth businesses.  

And despite the challenging economic circumstances of the last three years, the company has helped its clients across the UK access over £100 million of funding, creating or safeguarding more than 1,600 jobs.

Mike Jobson from Newcastle is the Business Northumberland High Growth programme manager at Oxford Innovation. He said: “Since we launched last year the demand for our service has been steadily increasing as more local companies hear about the positive impact we have on our clients’ businesses.

“It’s a real pleasure to welcome our new associate coaches to the team. Increasing the team extends our range and allows us to work with even more ambitious businesses in Northumberland to support their growth.“

The Business Northumberland High Growth Programme has been funded by Arch, The Northumberland Development Company, Northumberland County Council and the North East European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).  Anyone wishing to find out more about the Programme and how Oxford Innovation can potentially support their business should call 01670 528403 or emailnorthumberland@oxin.co.uk.

Image source: Secretary of Defense

The third annual Leeds Apprenticeship Awards take place on March 4, and will welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of York KG to Leeds Civic Hall.

His Royal Highness will attend a special reception ahead of the main ceremony, where he will meet with a number of the apprentice nominees.

The reception is part of the Duke’s visit to the Leeds City Region, which has been organised to encourage more small businesses to recruit apprentices.

The ceremony, which takes place in the Civic Hall’s banqueting suite, is being held during National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from March 3-7.

The awards will be given out in six categories across two areas and are aimed at recognising the outstanding contribution of the winning apprentices as well as the investment made by employers to improve the skills of their workforce.

Apprentice of the Year will be awarded to nominees in the intermediate, advanced and higher categories and will celebrate the exceptional achievements of individuals during their apprenticeships.

Employer of the Year will also be awarded to small, medium and large employers and is aimed at recognising their investment in skills as well as showcasing the many benefits apprentices bring to local businesses.

Speakers at the ceremony will include Councillor Judith Blake deputy leader of Leeds City Council, and Cllr Lucinda Yeadon, executive member for leisure and skills.

Cllr Yeadon said: “The Leeds Apprenticeship Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contribution apprentices make to consistently helping our city and its economy thrive.

“The build-up to this year’s awards has been even more exciting knowing we will welcome such a prestigious visitor and I’m sure the evening will be a huge success.“

As well as the awards, a number of events will take place across Leeds during National Apprenticeship Week.

They will include a marketing stand to inform people about apprenticeships and current vacancies, which will be in place at the Trinity Leeds shopping centre, Monday-Friday, 3pm-8pm.

A mini market place event will see careers teachers at Corpus Christi school getting information about apprenticeships to pass on to their pupils on Wednesday, March 5 from 3.30pm until 5.30pm.

Leeds-based Union Industries are are becoming one of the increasing number of privately owned companies who sell their business to employees under a Government backed initiative.

Paul and Isobel Schofield, the owners of  Union Industries,  have taken the decision to sell the business to its employees, despite having received a number of "excellent offers" for the purchase of the company. 

Paul Schofield said: “Our principle objective was to ensure the growth and continued success of the Company, and of equal importance to ensure the future wellbeing and prosperity of our people, many of whom have been with us for a considerable number of years.“

In preparation for Union’s transition to Employee Ownership, Andrew Lane has been appointed Managing Director following a rigorous selection process, whittled down from over 100 worthy applicants. 

Andrew will succeed Isobel Schofield who assumes the role of Chair of the Company’s Board of Directors.  Union Industries’ founder and current Chairman, Paul Schofield will become a Chairman of the Employee Benefit Trust Board.

Andrew Lane joins the company from Sutcliffe Play, the leading playground equipment designer and manufacturer.  As Operations Director, Andrew increased factory efficiency by 50% and introduced an employee development and recognition programme. 

Prior to joining Sutcliffe Play, Andrew worked with major US companies including Caterpillar and Astro Air.

Andrew has gained invaluable experience of working in an employee-owned business after Sutcliffe Play underwent this process in 2010.

With its factory based in Hunslet, Leeds, Union manufactures a range of industrial products, including their market-leading range of Industrial Rapid Roller Doors.

Clients have included blue-chip companies across the UK and Europe including Tesco, Cummins, ASDA, TRW, Lidl, the Co-op and 3663.  

From its origins as a Tarpaulin maker and repairer, Union has evolved to become a specialised bespoke manufacturer of advanced heavy duty textile products for both Civil and Military applications. 

Andrew Lane said “Union Industries is a company which has been consistently successful and that’s because of the way the business has been run.  Paul and Isobel Schofield are leaving pretty big boots to fill.“ 

“It has a unique culture and sense of identity, which its entire workforce helps to generate. From my experience it is the perfect business to embrace employee-ownership. 

“The company delivers an excellent product, a rich heritage of quality British engineering prowess and total focus on customer service, which are values close to my heart.“

Isobel Schofield said: “In Andrew Lane we have definitely found the total package. His background in engineering is at the heart of what we do and his previous experience in employee ownership will be invaluable to us.

"He is full of energy and enthusiasm and his passion for our business shines through.

“He understands the spirit and ethos that motivates Union and makes it tick. Paul and I have no qualms whatsoever in handing over the reins to him and am confident that he will drive the company forward to greater success.“ 

A North East entrepreneur who connects home-based business with ‘colleagues’ at offices across the region says she wants to expand further.

Business coach and former Business Link County Durham chief executive Jayne Graham is expanding the number of venues her Colleagues on Tap scheme operates across.

Jayne’s ‘Coworking Days’ allow people to go and working in an office alongside other small business owners. 

Almost 200 business owners regularly attend the days, at locations in Durham, Newcastle, Stockton, Redcar, Consett, Benton and Alnmouth.

Jayne is now looking to expand the days into Darlington, Northumberland and North Yorkshire, and has had enquiries from even further afield.

She said: “Many people who work from home do so to enjoy the benefits of low overheads and the flexibility of being their own boss, but it can also be quite isolating.

“The beauty of Colleagues on Tap is that we’re not a traditional networking group. It’s about being connected with other people and having the support of colleagues while increasing business confidence.

“We help those who work for themselves recognise that they’re doing a great job and for them to feel like they’re not on their own.“

The Coworking Days are hosted by licensed associates of Colleagues on Tap, including Jayne herself who continues to host the Newcastle city centre events. 

Kathryn Clarke, of Spennymoor, who runs Kathryn Clarke Image Consultancy and hosts the Coworking Days held at the North East Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters at Aykley Heads, in Durham, said the days allowed her the time to step out of the day-to-day running of her business.

She said: “I worked in an office for a couple of years and I liked the colleagues and the social side of it. With the Coworking Days you get all that - the support of colleagues and the chat – but you don’t get wrapped up in any office politics.

“It also gives me the chance to really focus on the business away from clients and the home.“

A clothing manufacturer is coming back to East Durham, bringing with it over 100 jobs.

Newly created company The AMA Group Ltd is opening a state-of-the-art facility on Whitehouse Business Park in Peterlee which signals the revival of the industry - an industry which was once regarded as the bedrock of the area.

The company is being launched by former Claremont Garments directors Julie and David Price and Paul Watts along with two other directors. Production is expected to begin in early April.

A recruitment drive, which will be phased throughout 2014 and 2015, is underway now with the company keen to employ a mix of young people, who will be trained in house and with the support of East Durham College, and experienced machinists who have worked in the clothing manufacturing sector.

Julie Price, who ran her own lingerie business Essensual Lingerie after the closure of Claremont Garments UK Manufacturing, has been working on plans for the facility with her fellow directors for a number of months after seeing a change in retailers’ and shoppers’ attitudes towards overseas textile manufacturing operations, the expected increase in costs to buy products from abroad and the lack of flexibility from countries in the Far East.

She said: "The clothing manufacturing sector was at the heart of North East industry for many years and was particularly prominent in the East Durham area. But when retailers started looking overseas for the manufacture of their products in a bid to reduce costs, sadly the sector declined and eventually became virtually none existent.

"However, in recent times we have become much more conscious of where our clothing comes from, both socially and environmentally, and that, coupled with the inflexibility of sourcing products from overseas, prompted retailers to look at their suppliers.

 "It was these factors which were the driving force behind us thinking seriously about bringing manufacturing back to the area.

"We’ve developed a very ambitious and exciting business plan which over the coming months will become a reality and I genuinely believe that we can lead the revival of the industry, not just in East Durham but the North East as a whole."

The AMA Group Ltd will occupy Whitehouse Three on Whitehouse Business Park, a 45,000 sq ft unit which was specifically chosen to reflect the modern, hi-tech approach to clothing manufacturing.

The space will be gradually occupied as production is scaled up, beginning initially on the ground floor.

The company will have three divisions of business: contract manufacturing of garments for high street retailers, supermarkets and designer brands; commercial training aimed at companies within and suppliers to the retail sector; and a consultancy service for retailers focussing on the design and development of garments and how to purchase the best quality goods at the most competitive prices.

Business Durham, part of Durham County Council, has supported the directors during the development of  their ambitious plans and assisted with the search for suitable premises.

Joanne Urquhart-Arnold, Business Development Area Manager for the east of the county, said: "This is a massive boost for the East Durham area, not just because it will see the creation of over 100 jobs and support young people into secure employment but it will also see the revival of an industry which was once one of the area’s most important employers."

Cllr Neil Foster, cabinet member for economic regeneration at Durham County Council, added: “Textiles coming back to Peterlee and bringing so many jobs is fantastic news and once again shows that County Durham is the place for business. We wish the company every success.”

The AMA Group Ltd will initially manufacture ladieswear and aims to supply to key high street retailers and well known brands.

Wherever possible products and materials will be sourced from the UK.

The recruitment drive will see around 50 people employed during 2014 with the remaining jobs - which will take the total workforce to well in excess of 100 - recruited next year.

Paul Watts will oversee recruitment on behalf of The AMA Group Ltd. He said: "The jobs we’re creating are skilled and we are keen to employ a mix of young people in the 16-24 age bracket who want to learn and share our long term vision for the company and experienced workers who were employed in the sector in years gone by and would be interested in coming back."

Two former employees of a North-East football club have won a second contract to work on a sequel book after the success of the first one which celebrated the region’s last cup success.

Dave Allan, who set up award-winning Teesside PR firm Dave Allan Communications three years ago, worked with his former Middlesbrough FC colleague Martin Walker, of Newton Aycliffe-based Mantis Media, to produce One Giant Leap, a book to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Boro’s Carling Cup triumph in 2004.

With the anniversary this weekend, as Sunderland prepare to take on Manchester City in the final of the same competition at Wembley on Sunday, the pair have won a new contract to work on a follow-up publication, chronicling the Teesside club’s memorable UEFA Cup campaigns which culminated in Boro reaching a European final in 2006.

Boro supporter Dave led the club’s in-house PR team for 17 years before setting up his own business in 2011, while fellow fan Martin, who is designing the books, was part of his team for five years before spending four years in Sunderland’s PR department.

One Giant Leap was the first book produced by Dave Allan Communications, a Middlesbrough-based company which provides a public relations, media and communications service to businesses across Teesside and was a winner in last week’s Tees Valley Best New Business awards.

The 200-page hardback includes interviews with chairman Steve Gibson and then chief executive Keith Lamb and manager Steve McClaren as well as players including Juninho, Gareth Southgate, Ugo Ehiogu, Gaizka Mendieta, Bolo Zenden, George Boateng, Franck Queudrue and Mark Schwarzer.

Dave said: "Working on One Giant Leap was a labour of love and, having being involved in that memorable era, it was great to take a trip down Memory Lane.

"Media and PR is the core element of our service, but working on projects like this enables us to enjoy a bit of football nostalgia and what was a special time for Middlesbrough."

Martin set up Mantis Media in 2009, and is the only specialist provider of PR services on Aycliffe Business Park, the North-East’s second largest business park.

He said: "I couldn’t resist the opportunity to work on some memorable Boro moments that will always live long in the memory.

"Reminiscing over the Carling Cup win was a great experience, and I’m sure as we look back on memorable wins over Lazio and Roma - as well as the dramatic knockout wins against Basel andSteaua Bucharest - it will bring it all back to us.

"It’s disappointing that it has taken the North-East’s three big clubs 10 years to reach a major final, so let’s hope Sunderland can celebrate Boro’s anniversary with a Wembley win this weekend."

One Giant Leap is available from MFC stores, priced £15. Small Town In Europe, another 200-page hardback, will be available later in the year.

Image source: woodleywonderworks

RM English, the York-based based property firm, has expanded its residential department with two senior appointments in the wake of a record-breaking year.

JontyLightowler, one of North Yorkshire’s most experienced residential property agents, has joined the company as the principal valuer, while Julie Butters has been appointed as the senior sales negotiator.

Jonty joins from Dacre Son and Hartley, while Julie comes from Stephensons.

John Burley, managing director of RM English, commented: “We are delighted to have recruited two such experienced and talented people. Jonty has worked in and around York for many years and he has a first class understanding of the local property market.

"A countryman at heart, he is equally at ease in the city, dealing with the interesting period homes with which RM English are becoming synonymous.

“Meanwhile Julie is a determined negotiator and will use her experience in the York market to great effect, advising vendors and providing purchasers with lots of local insights.

"We now have one of the most experienced residential agency teams in York,“ he said.

Mr Burley added: “The last few months have been a busy time for the York office of RM English. In addition to selling a record number of houses, we have launched a new web site and undertaken a major rebranding, which puts a more modern slant on our traditional image.

“This is a very exciting time in the property market and we are now perfectly positioned to take advantage of the opportunities which lie ahead. 

"Our new appointments will complement the existing multi-disciplinary approach we adopt.“

A new not-for-profit business club – Trinity Club Leeds – has been opened by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Thomas Murray. 

The club, in Boar Lane, occupies premises owned by Holy Trinity Church next door and its Rector, Reverend Tony Bundock, will be club President. 

The club has capacity for approximately 100 members.   Two small meetings rooms will be available and a larger room accommodating up to 30, to be called The Jaguar Room, which is sponsored by H A Fox Jaguar, Leeds. 

The adjacent church building can be hired for conferences.  Nurture Cafe which is situated beneath the new Club will be available for the purchase of refreshments and light lunches. 

Nurture is a social enterprise initiative started at St George’s Crypt.  Three of the four cafe employees are volunteers and are former clients of the homeless charity, St George’s Crypt.

Club members will enjoy discounts at local restaurants and hotels.  Membership costs from £25/month and group discounts are available.

Club founder Canon Keith Madeley, MBE, said: “The club offers a city centre meeting and networking place for Leeds business people.  We are delighted by the support we have already received from businesses including Land Securities, H A Fox Jaguar and Yorkshire Bank.“   

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu commented: “I welcome the opening of Trinity Club Leeds and applaud the support that the business community is giving to the work of local churches and charities. 

"This active partnership between church and business in a local community is a great example that I hope others will follow.“    

A prestige car servicing company is celebrating its tenth anniversary by targeting growth in the new racecar season.

JMH Automotive was founded with just two staff by Jason Hughes and specialises in servicing and repairs of prestige marques such as Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini.

Holmes Chapel-based JMH Automotive has been working with North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth on its growth plans as it targets new contracts for the forthcoming race season.

Mr Hughes, who has more than two decades of experience in the motor trade, said the company was now a family affair after his wife Julie recently joined the business and it had also taken on an apprentice, bringing total staff to nine.

"We are poised to sign new race deals for the 2014 season and are growing the team with our new apprentice so it is a busy time for the business," Mr Hughes said.

"We work with sports car owners to run cars in in both Ferrari and Porsche Championships throughout the UK and were Championship winners in the 2011 GT Cup, running a Porsche 997 as well as winning the 2006 Ferrari Classic championship running a Ferrari 328.

"We’re already looking ahead to 2014 and feel there are great opportunities to grow following the launch of our new garage, HC MOT & Service, next door to our specialist JMH premises in Holmes Chapel.

"We believe that our experience and expertise is a strong selling point which will support this expansion into the middle market. We want to offer a great service at a competitive price and have a loyal customer base who recognise our attention to detail."

Mitchell Charlesworth’s Warrington-based Associate Amanda Turpin said she is delighted to see JMH move from strength to strength.

"Mitchell Charlesworth has worked with JMH from its initial start up 10 years ago and seen it grow into the well-established, reputable company it is today. Bringing Jason’s wife Julie into the business really cements its reputation as a stable, family-owned venture.

"We recently advised the company on a range of suitable products, including cloud-based technology, when they wanted to switch to a new accounts system. We also provided start up advice and do their end of year accounts, tax returns and tax planning."

Mitchell Charlesworth was formed over 125 years ago and has grown into one of the largest independent practices in the North West. Operating with over 150 staff from five offices in Manchester, Liverpool, Widnes, Warrington and Chester the firm of chartered accountants and business advisors provides a comprehensive range of services in the areas of financial and taxation advice.

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson and the chief executive of Manchester City Council, Sir Howard Bernstein are to promote together the investment potential of the two cities at a special breakfast meeting.

The two city leaders will discuss the economic impact of SUPERPORT and the Atlantic Gateway at the event at MIPIM (Marché International des Professionels d’Immobilier), the world’s largest property event held annually in Cannes, France, taking place 11-14 March, 2014.

The event on Tuesday, March 11 will also feature a discussion chaired by Baroness Susan Williams, executive director of the Atlantic Gateway Partnership, on the potential of the two cities as centres of excellence for the logistics sector. The discussion will cover the North West region’s big infrastructure issues, including HS2 and the North West Rail Hub.

It is the latest evidence of collaboration between the two cities with the most recent a high-profile IFB briefing to Manchester Business featuring the leadership of both cities and former Tesco CEO, Sir Terry Leahy.

Liverpool will also be a participating city at the UK Investment Showcase at MIPIM hosted by Manchester and London on the same evening.

Liverpool is returning to MIPIM for the first time since 2011 and will also be promoting the International Festival for Business 2014 (IFB 2014), which is being held in Liverpool and the city region for 50 days in June and July and set to be the biggest business event in the UK for 60 years.  A key event at IFB 2014 will be the UK Property Forum, July 1- 2.

Liz Peace, Chief Executive of the British Property Federation will be a guest speaker at the IFB 2014 dinner at Radisson Blu, on Tuesday, March 11 and will outline the value and importance of IFB to the property sector. The dinner will also feature a speech from Mayor Anderson on the importance of IFB to international trade.

On Wednesday, March 12, SUPERPORT will be hosting a brunch meeting for the launch of Peel Logistics. 

On Thursday, March 13, the SUPERPORT freight and logistics hub will be jointly hosting a lunch with NAI Global, the single largest, most powerful global network of owner-operated commercial real estate brokerage firms, to look at the logistics growth potential within the City Region and the opportunity for investors and occupiers alike.

 Liverpool is being represented at MIPIM through strong private sector support which includes:

·         Brabners

·         Bruntwood

·         Castlewood Property Management Ltd

·         Countryside Properties

·         Deloitte

·         Grosvenor

·         Harcourt Developments

·         ISG

·         Liverpool Business Improvement District

·         Liverpool John Lennon Airport

·         SUPERPORT freight and logistics hub

In addition to Mayor Anderson, the delegation includes Ged Fitzgerald, chief executive, Liverpool City Council; Max Steinberg, chief executive, Liverpool Vision; and Chris Brown, director of Marketing Liverpool.

Max Steinberg, who is also Chair of IFB 2014, said: “During the course of the last year, we have established a closer working relationship with Manchester particularly through the promotion of the International Festival for Business, the first in a series of important projects that can bring economic benefit to both cities.

“Our joint event at MIPIM reflects the desire for the two cities to work together and both cities’ leaders are firm in their commitment to presenting the investment opportunities in the wider geographical area which is represented here in the nationally significant Atlantic Gateway initiative.“

 Mr Steinberg added: “The rest of our programme, including the nationally important SUPERPORT project, and our stand have been designed to reflect Liverpool’s dynamic creativity, our burgeoning commercial offer and our excellent connectivity which describes our position as a superb business and visitor destination.“

Liverpool’s stand at MIPIM will be situated in the Riviera Hall (R33.14) showcasing the city’s offer.

Visit: www.liverpoolvision.co.uk/mipim - and follow Liverpool at MIPIM on Twitter @LiverpoolMIPIM

Two North East enterprise champions are urging more women to consider going into business with a free event designed to offer them business support and showcase female entrepreneurs.

Meryl Dodd and Jane Shaw, of County Durham enterprise development organisation, Blue Sky Think, have helped dozens of women set up their own businesses via the two-year project they are delivering, Durham Creatives, which offers a series of supportive workshops, one-to-one business coaching and mentoring. 

Now the pair are organising the Putting Women on the Map event to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8, which will feature a craft market, with beautiful jewellery, accessories and upcycled furniture, alongside free enterprise workshops for budding business owners.

Putting Women on the Map, which will take place at Durham Town Hall, has been designed to help and support women in County Durham as they look to turn their enterprising ideas into money making ventures or simply showcase their fantastic businesses.

The event is being run in conjunction with Durham Women Rising, the Durham BID team and Durham County Council’s business development arm, Business Durham.

Meryl said: “This is a great opportunity for people to come along and buy beautiful products created by women across the North East; to hear their stories and find out more about setting up their own businesses in a relaxed and approachable setting.

“We’ll be running workshops which will make owning their own business go from a dream to reality and they’ll also be able to find out about the untapped funding resources which might be available.”

As well as the market and workshops, women will be encouraged to visit female traders in the city and hear their stories via a Durham BID Women on the Map App which will highlight go-to shops and restaurants in the city. Jane said their stories would be inspiring to others.

Jane said: “What’s nice is that the retailers are really keen to share their stories and inspire other women."

“People sometimes think to run your own business you need to be working full time; have staff or huge amounts of start up money and be working outside the home, which is not the case.

“We know from experience, as mothers who have run our own businesses, that it is possible to have a successful business and a family.”

Jewellery designer Kate Gorman, of Durham City, a mum-of-two who set up her business six months ago with the help of Durham Creatives, is already selling her work at a boutique in St Pancras Station, London, and in Sorella, in Durham City.

Kate, who will be showcasing her work at the craft event, said: “It was quite scary launching my own business but the support from Jane has really helped me.

“I’m now trying to build my sales and I’m enjoying chatting to customers and finding out which are their favourite pieces. People who wear my jewellery tend to get into it. They say it gives them a lift, makes them feel happy, and what can be a better reason for starting your own business than that?”

The hugely successful Durham Creatives project has already helped dozens of businesses start up in the North East since it was launched in September 2012. The programme is being funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) money, the County Durham Economic Partnership and Business Durham.

Putting Women on the Map will run at the town hall in Durham City on March 8 from 10am – 3pm. To book onto a workshop contact jane@blueskythink.co.uk

Former Manchester United footballer, Gary Neville, is to deliver a keynote speech on behalf of Greater Manchester’s property professionals at this year’s MIPIM 2014.

His speech will centre on Hotel Football, which is due to open in autumn 2014 opposite Old Trafford, and takes place on the Manchester Stand at MIPIM on Thursday, 13 March 2014.  It will be streamed live via www.manchesteratmipim.com.

Hotel Football is the latest venture from Neville’s hospitality company, GG Hospitality, which he set up with former team-mate, Ryan Giggs, and leading hotelier, Stuart Procter. The 139 bedroom hotel, which features a football pitch on the roof, will serve match day fans, as well as families, tourists and business users.

Neville’s presentation will be one of six Manchester stand events taking place at MIPIM this year.        

2014 also sees Manchester take part in the fifth European Cities partnership event in which Bruce Katz, vice president of the Brookings Institution will speak of the importance of cooperation between global trading cities.

Entitled ‘The Metropolitan Revolution’ after the bestseller published by Katz in 2013, the event is set to further build on the work of the European Cities partnership which includes Amsterdam, Barcelona and Hamburg, and has been joined by Stockholm for 2014. The event will take place on Tuesday 11 March at 11am in the Croisette Room at the Majestic Hotel.

During three themed days, a ‘wall of influence’ will be on the Manchester stand which will focus on the power of connections and how one initiative or development acts as a catalyst for another, drawing out those that are evolving as well as those recognised locally, nationwide and internationally.

The influence and spirit of collaboration theme will run throughout the Manchester at MIPIM Partnership 2014 and sessions will highlight major developments and projects across the city-region, confirmed sessions include;

Day 1 (11 March): Looking at the importance of cities to the global economy, the frameworks required for innovative investment strategies and the need to build partnerships locally, nationally and internationally.

Day 2 (12 March): Exploring some of the major developments that will impact on the economic growth of both Manchester and the UK, from Airport City to HS2.

Day 3 (13 March): Highlighting the need to consider people when making places that work, whether that’s within smart transport infrastructure, the right residential offering or the visitor attractions that bring cities alive.

Andrew Stokes, chief executive of Marketing Manchester, the agency that leads on the city’s presence at MIPIM, said: “Gary Neville is a fantastic ambassador for Manchester and a welcome addition to the series of Manchester at MIPIM Partnership events. 

“Gary’s involvement with our activity this year exemplifies the city’s spirit of collaboration and connectivity.  With the support of 59 partners and a lively and engaging week of activity planned, Manchester will once again be a significant focal point for the international property community this March.“        

The Manchester stand sessions take place at 10.30 and 15.45 CET (09.30 and 14.45 GMT) each day during MIPIM.  

The main sponsors at MIPIM 2014 are: Addleshaw Goddard, ATOS, Airport City Manchester, Manchester City Council, MediaCo, MIDAS, NOMA, RE:SYSTEMS

The full list of partners for Manchester at MIPIM 2014 is: AECOM, Argent Property Development Services LLP, Arup, Beijing Construction Engineering Group, BDP, Bluemantle Ltd, Bruntwood, Ian Simpson Architects, Laing O’Rourke, Nikal Ltd, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Siemens, Zerum

Sunderland-based law firm Sweeney Miller has appointed Amanda McNabola to its wills and probate team.

Amanda joins Sweeney Miller from Newcastle law firm Pearson Caulfield, where she worked for six years prior to spells with BHP Law and Harvey and Marron Solicitors.

She said: “Sweeney Miller is a well established and expanding law firm with exciting plans for the future.  My role will primarily be in wills and probate to boost the evergrowing demand for expertise in this area and due to a more aware ageing population”.

“I am pleased to be joining at a time when the property market is picking up and the economy in general is looking more positive.”

Stagecoach North East’s Stockton depot has welcomed a new operations manager, Abbey Pettigrew.

Glaswegian Abbey has completed Stagecoach’s graduate scheme, which has included stints at depots across the country such as Manchester and Oxfordshire.

Abbey’s role will include the day to day running of the depot, which includes 78 vehicles and over 200 members of staff so it can continue to provide a vital service to the Stockton community.

Matt Cranwell, operations director, Stagecoach North East said: “We’re delighted to have Abbey onboard at the Stockton depot. She brings with her a steely determination and approach which is sure to take the depot to the next level and help provide an even better service for the local community.

"We have welcomed her to the team with open arms and look forward to seeing what she does in the foreseeable future.”

Commercial property expert David Jackson been appointed co-agent for at Darlington’s mixed-use development Lingfield Point.

Mr Jackson, started his own firm Jackson & Partners after working for North East company Sanderson Weatherall for many years.

He said: “Some people may think that all commercial property is pretty much the same but that could not be further from the truth when it comes to Lingfield Point.

“There is a surprise around every corner whether it’s a quirky piece of art work, a yarn-bombed tree or a keep fit boot camp going on.

“Of course, the office space itself, is the biggest surprise. Each area has its own identity, themed on the site’s previous life as a wool factory. Design and end use clearly inform every stage of development."

A deals expert, who ran, restructured and sold an £11million turnover London-based learning company under the age of 30, has joined the corporate finance team at business advisers UNW.

John Healey, 31, has joined the Newcastle-based professional services firm as a corporate finance senior manager after spending the last 12 years in London advising on a range of transactions for companies ranging from FTSE-100s to smaller owner-managed businesses.

UNW corporate finance partner Paul Kaiser said: “We are delighted to welcome someone of John’s experience and look forward to working with him on a range of transactions across a wide range of sectors.

“His experience is unique in that he has sat on both sides of the table, as an adviser and then as the CEO of an SME business. John joins us at a time when UNW continues to grow year-on-year and work on some of the region’s largest and most notable deals.“

Image source: Waponi

Over half of businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber plan to take on apprentices in the next five years.

 54% of businesses will hire an apprentice according to new research released today to mark the start of National Apprenticeship Week.

This compares to 36% employers nationally, when asked the same question this time last year.

The study of 600 businesses, by the National Apprenticeship Service, also reveals that 31% of businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber plan to take on one or more apprentices in the next 12 months alone.

42% of employers say they are more likely to offer an Apprenticeship now than they were two years ago because 41% believe apprentices stay in the business longer than other recruits.

It would also appear Apprenticeships are now filtering into supply chain selection criteria.

• 31% of organisations in Yorkshire and The Humber say they have been questioned by clients or prospects about their apprentice recruitment policies.
• 23% of youngsters questioned say like would like to work for a small business and 21% for an entrepreneur or a start-up.
• Across the UK, 32% of those that plan to take on apprentices say this is because they are a core part of their growth strategy.

Ahead of a visit to BT, who recently announced that they would take on 730 more apprentices over the next year, and 30 in Yorkshire, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable, said: "As we kick off National Apprenticeship Week it’s good to see that employers are increasingly recognising the value apprentices can bring to their businesses. 

“Given the grants available to help small businesses take on apprentices, it’s especially good that so many SMEs are embracing apprenticeships in the coming years and that apprentice recruitment now forms a key part of a businesses’ plans for sustainable growth.“

Vince Cable (centre) Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills (photo courtesy of Financial Times)

Gavin Patterson, Chief Executive of BT, said: “BT’s creating more than 700 new apprenticeships in the coming year, including a new digital media technology training scheme.

"I’m delighted we can play an extremely positive role by hiring these new apprentices and advancing their skills through mentoring and training."

The study also shows how Apprenticeships are growing in popularity nationally.  In fact, 43% of employers agree they would be more likely to offer an Apprenticeship than they were two years ago. 

Overall, 41% of employers agreed that apprentices stay in the business longer than other recruits.

Now in its seventh year, National Apprenticeship Week is designed to celebrate Apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy. 

As part of the Week, the National Apprenticeship Service, in conjunction with Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI), has launched a new initiative to help small business owners on their Apprenticeship journey.

Apprenticemakers is an online peer to peer mentoring community providing easy access to other businesses who have already taken on apprentices

Image source: Incase.

Emsleys Solicitors, Angela Macready

Angela, a specialist in commercial property including working with small owner managed businesses, charitable organisations and large national retailers, joins Emsleys from Ison Harrison Solicitors to become head of commerical property

Alistair McKinlay, Partner at Emsleys said: “Angela is highly regarded for her down-to-earth approach and straight-forward commercial advice.  We believe Angela is the perfect person to lead our successful commercial property department.“

Angela Macready added: “Having worked in the legal sector in Yorkshire for almost ten years, Emsleys has always stood out to me as a firm that really does put client service at the centre of everything. 

"It’s great to work with a firm that is so innovative in its approach and I look forward to using my skills and experience to further grow and develop the commercial property department.“

Winterhill Largo, Jayne Martin

Asset valuation and recovery group Winterhill Largo, has expanded its Yorkshire team with the appointment of Jayne Martin as head of operations.

Based in Wakefield, she joins Winterhill Largo with 15 years’ experience in the insolvency industry at Grant Thornton, RSM Tenon and more recently at Moorfields Corporate Recovery in London. 

Commenting on her appointment, Martin said: “As a fast growing group, providing a wide range of specialist services that includes debt verification and collection, Winterhill Largo is rapidly becoming the ‘go-to’ resource for insolvency practitioners and the wider finance industry, as well as any organisation that is owed money."

Neil Duckworth, chief executive of Winterhill Largo, said: "I’m confident that Jayne’s appointment, with her extensive experience in insolvency, will help us cement our reputation as the leading one-stop shop for clients across the finance and corporate recovery industries.“

Winterhill Largo made multiple acquisitions in 2013 and launched new divisions of the business. Since September 2011, it has grown its workforce by 60%, from five offices in the UK employing 60 staff, to a total of eight offices in the UK and overseas, with a workforce of almost 100. 

Women in Property, Jennifer Winyard

The Yorkshire and North East branch of Women in Property (WiP) has announced its new branch Chairman.  Jennifer Winyard of Linden Homes takes up the role from 1st March for one year.

Jennifer who has been a member of WiP for seven years, is the Strategic Land & Planning Manager for Linden Homes.

Part of the Galliford Try Group, Linden Homes is an award-winning housebuilder and the sixth largest residential developer in the UK, specialising in high quality, individually designed schemes across the country.

She is responsible for securing new opportunities and promoting the existing strategic land portfolio for the Linden North business based in Hessle.

She said, “Women in Property is a networking and professional development organisation, now in its 27th year supporting women working in the property and construction disciplines. 

"This starts with school visits when our members encourage girls to consider a career in the industry, includes our links with universities and our highly acclaimed National Student Award programme and continues to work for women at every level in their working life. 

“Members have the benefit of professional and social networking events, WiP’s successful mentoring programme, nominations for awards and, as they become more senior, guidance in securing boardroom roles.“

Hundreds of apprenticeships for jobless young people across Liverpool City Region are being offered via a new scheme.

To mark National Apprenticeship Week, an ‘Apprenticeship Bus’ is touring the area from Monday to Friday to raise awareness of the opportunities available.

It is being organised by Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Hub, a partnership between local authorities and other agencies to promote apprenticeships.

Apprenticeship and careers advice staff will be on board to offer guidance and help young people apply for live job vacancies.

Monday 3rd March 2014 9am – Midday: Kirkby Town Centre (outside Post Office) 1pm – 4pm: Huyton town centre (Outside Knowsley Works Centre).

Tuesday 4th March 2014 9am – 4pm: outside The Strand, Bootle (facing McDonalds)

Wednesday 5th March 2014 9am – 4pm: Williamson Square, Liverpool city centre

Thursday 6th March 2014 9am – 4pm: The Viking Centre, 109 Thorsway, Birkenhead

Friday 7th March 2014 9am – 4pm: Church Square, St Helens

Wednesday 12th March 2014 5- 7pm: Riverside College in Widnes (as part of their open day)

The city council funds a number of different initiatives giving young people the opportunity to get a foot on the employment ladder, in partnership with private and public sector organisations.

Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet member for employment, enterprise and skills, said: “There is nothing more dispiriting than not having a job. That’s why giving our young people an opportunity to learn, develop skills and shine with an employer is so important.

“We have had tremendous success since 2010 in giving young people the chance to prove themselves and become the star employees of the future.

“Whenever we are awarding contracts now, whether it is for major developments, partnerships or building new schools, we stipulate that companies need to employ local labour as far as they can, and offer apprenticeships.

“There’s no denying these are tough times and competition is tough, but we are absolutely committed to doing what we can to support young people into work.“

Each young person who is not in education, employment or training (NEET) from 16-18 years old is estimated to cost the public purse around £56,000.

Figures show that between September 2012 and September 2013 it helped cut the number of young people aged 16-19 classed as NEET in Liverpool fell from 1,290 to 978, meaning there is an overall rate of just 8 percent.

Employers wanting to find out how to get involved in apprenticeships should call 0151 233 5346, or email liverpool.apprenticeship@liverpool.gov.uk. More information about apprenticeships can be found at www.apprenticeshipswork.org.uk

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, is inviting employers in Liverpool to a special breakfast event at the Holiday Inn on Lime Street on Wednesday 26 March to talk about funding opportunities to help them create job opportunities for young people. To book a free place, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for ‘Mayoral Youth Contract Employer Business Event

Two North East health experts who bravely put themselves in the line of fire on BBC Two’s Dragons’ Den on Sunday are rising to new heights with their online business.

Dr. Ganesh Rao and Tim Harwood, founders of Newcastle-based TreatmentSaver.com, were unable to secure investment for their company when they appeared on Sunday’s episode of the programme, but the experience spurred the pair on to succeed and grow without the dragons’ backing.

The pair pitched Treatment Saver, a comparison website for laser eye surgery, cosmetic surgery and beauty clinics, to business stalwarts Duncan Bannatyne, Kelly Hoppen, Deborah Meaden, Piers Linney and Peter Jones.

Ganesh, a medical doctor from Jesmond and Tim, a laser eye surgery trained optometrist from Heaton, set up the site three years ago 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.

They were chosen as one of the 100 companies to appear on the latest series of the show, out of more than 5000 applicants, and filming took place in May last year.

After delivering a polished pitch to the dragons, and requesting £100,000 for a 20 per cent stake in their business, the pair answered questions in the den for a gruelling hour and a half, which was edited down to a 10 minute slot for the programme.

Despite hearing “I’m out” from each dragon, Ganesh and Tim were determined to use their nail-biting TV experience to prove the business moguls wrong.

Ganesh said: “We held a Dragons’ Den party on Sunday while we watched the episode, and it really brought back all the nerve wracking emotions of coming face to face with the dragons!

“Duncan Bannatyne said price was not important. Maybe if you are a millionaire you can look up the most expensive doctor on Harley Street and head on down there, but whilst we agree price is not the only factor to consider if you can get the same treatment cheaper on a website such as ours why wouldn’t you?

“Ultimately we felt the Dragons just didn’t get it. We delivered a perfect pitch, got our numbers right and are a profitable business in a market worth over £5 billion. Since filming the programme in May 2013 we’ve worked hard on improving the site by revamping the design and making it more user friendly, and we’ve seen traffic to our site double to more than 50,000 visitors per month.

“We’ve been growing steadily since the show and we’re continuing to see more clinics come on board with the service and offering more exclusive offers to our visitors. Since last year we saved our customers more than £1million by booking their treatments through our site, so we know there’s a genuine need for a service like ours.

“We’re really proud that the business is continuing to flourish, and we’re grateful to have been given the opportunity to appear on Dragons’ Den – not only for the exposure, but also for the chance to showcase our business to five of the most formidable business minds in the UK, and to hear their valuable feedback. Of course we were disappointed not to win their backing, but walking out of the den empty handed simply fuelled our determination to prove them wrong!“

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.

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.

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 team are working with some of the UK’s best known chains, and are running a Dragons Den competition with Optical Express to win free laser eye surgery in March.

A Coventry based consultancy firm has been ranked as one of the Sunday Times Top 100 small companies to work for.

KM&T, which celebrates it’s 10 year anniversary this year, received the accolade after an extensive series of employee surveys and interviews carried out by external specialists. The survey, which focuses on Leadership, Management, Personal Growth, Wellbeing and Corporate social responsibility as well the company overall, was entered by over 850 companies and awards announced at a gala London dinner.  

Commenting on the award, KM&T founder and CEO, Steve Boam said “To be recognised as one of the Top 100 Small Companies to work for in the UK is a fantastic achievement for our business and our people. It shows that the hard work we’ve put into making KM&T a great place to work has once again shone through.“  

The award has topped off an excellent 12 months for the business which has seen record demand for its services across it’s booming UK sectors, as well as receiving Investors in People Gold award and a host of other award nominations.

Mark Wootton, managing director of KM&T UK, was keen to praise the spirit of the company, saying; “The owners have invested heavily in their staff and this award is there to be enjoyed by everyone. Regular team days, ongoing training and a hands on approach are really helping the business continue to grow at pace.“  

Leeds Metropolitan University has announced a new pioneering partnership for students with a economic development company in Lancashire.  

The partnership will see the University’s School of Built Environment and Engineering work with Regenerate Pennine Lancashire.  

It will give students within the school access to a range of work experience placements, graduate traineeships and real-life projects to prepare them for their careers.   

The alliance was established at an event at Regenerate’s offices at the Globe Centre, Accrington, where Dr Andrew Platten, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Environment and Technology at Leeds Metropolitan University, and Steven Cochrane, Director at Regenerate and also a Masters graduate of Leeds Met, signed an official memorandum of understanding.

Dr Platten commented: “The new partnership will provide placement opportunities for our students in the School of Built Environment and Engineering to work on the innovative regeneration projects located across Pennine Lancashire and postgraduate research opportunities including work experience opportunities.   

“This partnership provides experience of social, business and construction regeneration activities, underpinned by academic teaching, whilst it improves opportunities for our students during and after their studies, providing an invaluable opportunity to develop their career progression.”   

Steven Cochrane added: “The partnership will provide us with invaluable access to research conducted by Leeds Metropolitan University.

"Our aim is to find out more about the social and economic factors that affect Pennine Lancashire, which will inform and influence future regeneration projects for the benefit of the area.   

“In return, we aim to provide live case studies, work experience and placement opportunities to students from the University to help support these projects. 

"Students are due to begin work on projects through the new partnership, initially looking at options for energy conservation and improvement of Blackburn’s Old Town Hall.”   

Additionally, the partnership will see members of Regenerate assisting Leeds Met academics in delivering planning and housing policy course modules by inputting their first-hand experience of specialist areas.

A new partnership between two Yorkshirebased entrepreneurs is offering SMEs a one-stop-shop for business growth support services.

ABL Business Ltd, launched this month in Moorland Mills, Cleckheaton, is enabling SMEs to combine financial and marketing support in one package.

In just one month since the businesses conception the team have already attracted 15 new clients alongside the many loyal clients who have migrated from the existing businesses.

The collaboration brings together the promotional expertise of Talk Direct Marketing and the financial know-how of ABL Capital, which helps businesses to source and negotiate the right financial packages for their particular needs. 

Talk Direct Marketing owner Alex Beardsley is an MCIM Chartered Marketer and was Duke of York Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2013.

She explained that one of the main benefits of this new integrated approach is that it can be infinitely more time-efficient. Outsourcing both marketing and funding strategies to one central management company allows hard-pressed business people to concentrate on their core functions – and on doing the job they do best.

The innovative relationship began with Talk Direct Marketing taking on the branding and marketing for ABL Capital since the company was created more than two years ago by financial expert Andy Redman who ‘discovered’ Alex on Linkedin.

Alex said: “It soon became apparent that we had synergy businesses and were very often working with the same customers. The services we provide complement each other perfectly in helping SMEs to fund and grow their businesses.

"We realised it would surely be more cost-effective and efficient for our customers if they could access these strategic services as one tailored package and yet we found to our surprise that it was not common practice to combine these functions.

“The idea is that we work with businesses as part of their team on an ongoing basis to implement their marketing activity and develop their funding and working capital plans, improving cash flow and supporting long term growth.”

Andy Redman works with a panel of more than 70 potential funders offering practical and commercial advice which he can use to source the best options for his customers.

He also has access to a panel of business support programmes such as BEF (Business Enterprise Fund) – Growth Accelerator, which gives him direct access to funding for both commercial finance and marketing purposes.

He said: “According to recent ONS (Office of National Statistics) figures, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) together account for 99.9% of all enterprises, 59.8% of private sector employment and 49.0% of private sector turnover. Yet most of the accessible support is aimed at start-up businesses. 

"This led us to realise that there was a gap in the market – the option for SMEs to access practical marketing and commercial finance all in one place.”