The Sharp Project,  Manchester’s digital content production complex, has won the Government’s  Enterprising Britain Award in the ‘Improving the Business Environment’ category and is one of only two UK entries chosen to go forward to the European Enterprise Promotion Awards (EEPA) for 2014 held in Naples in September. 

One of only four projects in the UK, and the only one in the North West, to be selected by Department for Business Innovation and Skills, The Sharp Project won the Enterprising Britain Award for its success in helping to create the business environment needed for small digital businesses to start and grow.  

Sue Woodward OBE, Project Director for The Sharp Project said: “It is very exciting to be recognised nationally, and a huge pat on the back for the team who have worked so hard to create the right environment to help digital and tech start-ups flourish. 

“We have developed a fantastic eco-system here, which we’re very proud of.  We have so much talent under one roof and tenants collaborate and share skills and expertise which is very satisfying to see.“ 

Minister for Skills and Enterprise, Matthew Hancock said: “All these winners have helped to promote enterprise and entrepreneurs across the UK. This year we have seen efforts to engage everyone from young children to digital start-ups, which all helps with our long-term economic plan.

“Entrepreneurs and small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and deserve all the help available to them to start-up and thrive.“

The other three category winners were Gower College’s Primary to Professional in Swansea (Building enterprise skills), the e-factor in Grimsby (Promoting entrepreneurial spirit) and the South Devon Export Network in Torbay (Support for exporting).  Gower College is the other project to go through to the European Enterprise Promotion Awards with The Sharp Project.

Neville Reyner CBE DL Hon DLitt, Chairman Young Chamber:  "The 2014 EBA competition produced a very strong field of entries with a high number from across the country being submitted.

“This year’s award winners should be very proud of their success. The EBA celebrate the enterprising endeavours of initiatives from across the UK and the support shown to these Awards by the Government emphasises the importance it places on developing enterprise throughout the UK.“The awards celebrate the wide range of activity across the country that stimulates and supports enterprise. This year’s awards produced a strong field of entries giving the judges a challenging task in deciding the winners.

Non-executive director of Lancashire-based online estate agency, tem-po.co.uk and former BBC Apprentice finalist, Neil Clough, will be sharing his knowledge at one of the region’s leading small business and networking events of the year – Expo North West 2014.

Neil will be leading one of many seminars at the exhibition on Wednesday 9 July, which is organised by Exposure Events.

Neil Clough said: “I’m delighted that Exposure Events is bringing an expo to the North West. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge and experiences with other business owners determined to grow within the region.

“It’s also great to have one of the businesses I am heavily involved with, online estate agency tem-po.co.uk, exhibiting at the event where a number of representatives will be on hand to talk all things property and explain how the face of estate agency is changing.“

tem-po.co.uk can be found at stand 37 where managing director, Annette Jones will be representing the company.

She said: “Expo 14 is one of the best places for business networking, sharing best practice and meeting other SME owners in the North West”.

“We are very much looking forward to speaking to people about running an online company and the benefits of selling your home online.“

Neil Clough’s presentation, ‘Apprenticed to the future,’ will take place at 9:30am in the seminar area, and will focus on his experience in smashing sales targets and finding a silver lining in even the most difficult situations.

Other speakers include The Gadget Show’s Jon Bentley and psychologist Doctor Simon Raybould.

A Pontefract woman has turned her dream of owning a florist and gift shop into reality with the support of the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency.

Kay Brenton was made redundant from her desk job with the NHS in 2013 and was placed onto the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) to help her set up in business for the first time.

Kay said: “It really wasn’t easy setting up my own business and it was a very steep learning curve - and I’m still learning. But I was given good, solid advice and the weekly payments really softened the blow of not having a wage to rely on.”

She took a floristry course to give her the basics of the industry and then decided to open a shop, named Kitty & Rose after her late grandmothers, on Gillygate in the town centre selling hand-tied bouquets for all occasions, as well as doing wedding and funeral flowt for what-ifs.”

“If it is something you are passionate about, and you aren’t afraid of a little hard work, then you have to go for it. Life is too short for what-ifs.”

Andrew Choi, head of Operations at the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency said: “Making the decision to start your own business can be difficult and lonely so the support offered by the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency can be crucial.

"Kay had always dreamed of running her own florist and gift shop and the support given by the New Enterprise Allowance, and the time and effort of her mentor, have given her the start she needs to make Kitty & Rose a success.”

A video of Kay talking about her experiences can be see on the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency YouTube channel atwww.youtube.com/user/wyenterprise.

More information about the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency can be found on their website at www.wyea.co.uk.

The Mayor of Liverpool has warmly welcomed the news that the International Festival for Business is to return to the city in two years’ time following its exceptional inaugural year.

The announcement was made by the Rt. Hon. George Osborne MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, during a keynote speech at one of the festival’s key events, the Santander SME summit at the Cunard Building on the city’s historic waterfront.

In his announcement the Chancellor said: “When I travel round the world meeting foreign governments and investors I am selling Britain as a brand and events like this International Festival for Business make that job easier. It’s a shop window for global markets and a reminder that we can be proud of the stamp that reads ‘Made in Britain’.

“So today I am backing this initiative, committing the funding requested by the Mayor [of Liverpool] Joe Anderson and Liverpool city council for another festival here in Liverpool in 2016.“

He added: “I will work with you all of you here to put on event that is even bigger and even better in two years’ time, so we can continue to put Britain, this great city of Liverpool and our inspirational small businesses out in the front.“

Mayor Joe Anderson said: “As we reach the half way stage of what has already been an inspiring and diverse programme of superb business events, I am delighted that its impact has been seen by government and that they have chosen Liverpool to reprise the international festival for business in 2016.

“A country like the UK that is looking to increase its exports should be holding an event like this on a regular basis.

“I am proud that Liverpool has been able to provide a wonderful platform for the UK to showcase the best of business and industry. It is truly a reflection of how far the city has come, the extent of our ambition and the fact that Liverpool is open for business.

“We have demonstrated our business credentials, developed an extensive worldwide address book of key contacts and the feedback we have received from businesses and organisations has been hugely positive.

“This year’s festival has been no mean feat and my team at Liverpool Vision have risen to the challenge and I know we have the expertise to do it again.“

The International Festival for Business 2014 is half way through a 50-day programme which is being hosted in Liverpool and throughout the city region on behalf of the UK.

It is the first festival of its kind in the UK and is the largest global showcase for great British industry across multiple sectors for more than 60 years.

Comprising more than 300 high value business events, the festival is a key part of the government’s ambition to promote economic growth, rebalance the economy and double UK exports by 2020.

Backed by UK government, IFB 2014 is casting a light on the spheres of commercial endeavour that are transforming the new economies and business landscapes of Britain and beyond.

Max Steinberg, chair of IFB 2014, said: “I believe the festival is achieving our objectives of shining a light on the spheres of commercial endeavour that are transforming the new economies and business landscapes of Britain and beyond.

“Deals are being done, relationships are being made, visitors have thoroughly enjoyed their experience of the city and organisations are wanting to come back. International participation in this year’s festival has indicated that there will be further interest in coming to the city in 2016 and being part of the continuing worldwide economic recovery.“rne 

A Pontefract woman has turned her dream of owning a florist and gift shop into reality with the support of the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency.

Kay Brenton was made redundant from her desk job with the NHS in 2013 and was placed onto the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) to help her set up in business for the first time.

Kay said: “It really wasn’t easy setting up my own business and it was a very steep learning curve - and I’m still learning. But I was given good, solid advice and the weekly payments really softened the blow of not having a wage to rely on.“

She took a floristry course to give her the basics of the industry and then decided to open a shop, named Kitty & Rose after her late grandmothers, on Gillygate in the town centre selling hand-tied bouquets for all occasions, as well as doing wedding and funeral flowt for what-ifs.“

“If it is something you are passionate about, and you aren’t afraid of a little hard work, then you have to go for it. Life is too short for what-ifs.“

Andrew Choi, head of Operations at the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency said: “Making the decision to start your own business can be difficult and lonely so the support offered by the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency can be crucial.

"Kay had always dreamed of running her own florist and gift shop and the support given by the New Enterprise Allowance, and the time and effort of her mentor, have given her the start she needs to make Kitty & Rose a success.“

A video of Kay talking about her experiences can be see on the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency YouTube channel atwww.youtube.com/user/wyenterprise.

More information about the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency can be found on their website at www.wyea.co.uk.

A new investment scheme to support business growth across the Tees Valley has been launched.

Tees Valley Business Compass, has secured £2.4m to deliver the Business Growth Investment Scheme, which offers between £25,000 and £1,000,000 of grant support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to invest in their business to achieve sustainable growth.

The Business Growth Investment Scheme can be used to improve or expand premises, invest in research and development or to invest in new plant, equipment and machinery.  Alternatively the grant could help cover the cost of new staff whose jobs have been created as a result of a capital funded project.  Whilst safeguarding existing jobs will be taken into account, companies must be creating new permanent jobs in order to qualify for a grant. 

Businesses across the five Tees Valley local authority areas, Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton-on-Tees, are eligible to apply.

Stephen Catchpole, Managing Director of Tees Valley Unlimited, said: “The Business Growth Investment Scheme will help a wide range of businesses, offering significant assistance to companies and enterprises that are keen to grow in the Tees Valley. The scheme provides long-term growth capital which can help businesses to unlock their full potential and expand the size and scope of their activities.”

“The scheme is designed to encourage and enable growing enterprises in key sectors such as engineering, advanced manufacturing, digital and creative industries, chemicals and process technology to invest sooner than they had planned, or it may allow them to commit to a larger project than they may have been able to, without the funding. We’d encourage businesses to get in touch to find out more.”

The funding was secured from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund through Lancaster University, who are leading the creation of 15 new growth hubs across the UK. The funds support eligible projects and programmes that are also raising private sector investment to create economic growth and sustainable employment.

For further information and to find out if your business is eligible please visit www.teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk

MHW, Paula Stei

North East PR consultancy MHW has appointed a new member to the team.

Paula Stei joins the business to business consultancy as a PR and marketing assistant.

Paula recently graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Public Relations at the University of Sunderland. The newest addition to MHW’s team will be contributing to the business in a dual role, split between office administration and client handling.

Paula said: “I am delighted to join MHW as it is such a great place to work. I initially joined the Newcastle consultancy for a part time role in March and got the full time contract soon after I finished my university course.

“I was over the moon, when I was offered the full time role, as I really enjoyed working for MHW as a part timer. It’s an amazing feeling to get a graduate job that you really love even before your actual graduation.“

Synergi, Peter Rising

North East business technology company has strengthened its team with the appointment of an experienced IT professional, South Shields-born Peter Rising.

Peter, who now lives in Norton, Teesside, said: “Increasingly businesses large and small are exploring the possibilities of cloud. Technologies such as Office 365 can significantly reduce your IT support costs and capital outlay on hardware and software. They also allow you to work smarter and faster from anywhere in the world.“

Peter Joynson, managing director of Synergi, said: “Increasingly smaller companies are adopting the cloud as they become more aware of the benefits it can bring to their business. At Synergi we’re helping our customers to embark on a journey that enables them to reduce their IT costs and improve their business efficiency.“

Karol Marketing Group, John Traynor

Karol Marketing Group (KMG) is delighted to announce that outdoor industry veteran John Traynor is to work within the team at its Newcastle office.

Karol founder and MD Stefan Lepkowski said: “John’s vast knowledge and experience gained over forty years in the industry will be invaluable in helping us take the business forward.

"We are actively seeking new business opportunities and would be delighted to explore opportunities and discuss strategies in detail.“

John said: “After over twenty years working on trade and consumer titles as a freelance with GreenShires Publishing, it was time for a change!

"These are exciting times for those willing to embrace and develop new opportunities as they unfold. Working with the talented, dynamic team at KMG will be challenging and rewarding in many ways. It certainly won’t be slow or dull!“

Four Housing, Lee Carman

Not for profit housing provider, Four Housing, has appointed Lee Carman as Development and Regeneration Manager to oversee and manage the development of new affordable housing in the south of the region.

Lee said: “It is an exciting time to be Development and Regeneration Manager as Four Housing is currently working on a number of worthwhile housing projects. This includes schemes in Millway and Cromwell Street in Gateshead, which together represent a £3.1 million investment in the area.

“There is a real need for more affordable housing in the region. I am looking forward to achieving the successful delivery of our existing housing programme and to getting started with our proposed housing plans for the future.“

Bond Dickinson (Newcastle) 

National law firm Bond Dickinson is delighted to announce the appointment of four new Partners effective from 1 July.  This brings the total number of partners to 152.

 The promotions range from across the firm’s Real Estate, Charities and Information Technology practices and four of its UK offices, including Emma Moody, Charities, in Newcastle.

Bond Dickinson’s Managing Partner Jonathan Blair commented:  “We are delighted to announce this year’s promotions, which recognise each of the individuals’ talents and legal expertise, as well as their outstanding contribution and commitment to the firm’s ambitions.

We recognise that our people are at the heart of our successes and this year’s promotions reflect our commitment to nurturing and rewarding the talent we hold within the firm; each of them has shown a great capacity for growing our business and ensuring excellent service for our clients."

Mitchell Charlesworth, Rob Hall

North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth has appointed a new chairman.

Partner Rob Hall will take on the role covering offices in Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, Warrington and Widnes. Mr Hall succeeds long-serving colleague Clive Plummer who held the post for more than two decades.

Mitchell Charlesworth managing partner Paul Wainwright said Mr Hall will be tasked with ensuring the firm retains its democratic approach and strong reputation.

“We have selected one of our most respected partners Rob Hall as our new chairman,“ he said. “Rob is a real asset to Mitchell Charlesworth with a strong track record of delivering excellent results.

"He is a popular figure with all of the required qualities for the position. His drive and dynamism will help to steer Mitchell Charlesworth forward with purpose. Together we will ensure the continued delivery of quality services to our clients and will strive to achieve a long-term, sustainable business strategy.

PM+M, Antony Keen

PM+M, a leading chartered accountancy, business advisory and wealth management group – has promoted Antony Keen todirector in its Wealth Management division.

Antony said of his promotion; “I have worked at PM+M for many many years so becoming a director in the Wealth Management team is a real milestone in my career.

I am proud to be part of the firm’s history and this promotion really cements my future here.

"I will now be working alongside my colleagues to develop our wealth management offering, both in the North West and beyond.“Tony Brierley, partner & managing director of PM+M Wealth Management, added; “Antony has been part of the fabric of PM+M for a long time and his promotion is much deserved.

"He does a fantastic job for our clients so it was important for us to recognise his efforts. We also wanted to strengthen his position as the team continues to grow.“ 

Ludlow Weath Management, Colin Dickie

Colin Dickie, a former managing director of Barclays Investment Bank has joined Ludlow Wealth Management as a non-executive director.

Sid Ludlow, CEO at Ludlow, commented on the high profile appointment. He said; “Colin is a welcome addition to our business – he has a wealth of expertise to bring to Ludlow and he’ll help us to continue to innovate while maintaining our drive to implement the business’ purpose and vision which is to deliver outstanding financial advice.

“Colin is well known to Ludlow as we have worked in partnership with him for some time and his knowledge and expertise will not only be of great benefit to the business but more importantly in our dealings with clients and professional contacts.“

Colin Dickie added, “Ludlow is a first class adviser firm. It is an organisation where everyone is working as a team and pulling in the same direction, while putting the client at the centre of everything it does.

“I’ve known the team for a long time and liked the way they do business. This is a great opportunity to work with a growing and well respected adviser business and to help the management team achieve their purpose and vision.“

Ludlow is one of the North West’s largest independently owned financial planning businesses and is entrusted with managing over £550 million of client assets. The wealth management business also employs 46 people across its five locations in the North West.

Approach PR, Rebekha White

Ilkley based Approach PR is welcoming a new member to the team and celebrating more awards success.

The multi-award winning public relations consultancy Approach PR is continuing its commitment to practitioner development with the appointment of PR student Rebekha White as Junior Account Executive.

In addition to the team growth, graphic designer Danny Greenwood (22) has been shortlisted at the digital Big Chip Awards for the ‘Little Chip Placement/Apprentice Award’ for his creative contributions to a number of Approach’s regional and national clients.

Managing director of Approach PR and recent Bradford Means Business ‘Woman in Business’ winner Suzanne Johns said: “We’re very excited to welcome Rebekha to the team as part of her degree progression.

"We have a strong commitment to developing future PR and creative stars and have had great experiences with past Leeds Met placement students.“

KPMG, Chris Hearld

KPMG has announced that Chris Hearld is to be appointed Regional Chairman for the North of England from 1st October 2014.

As Northern Chairman, Hearld will lead KPMG’s largest operation outside of London, including its Manchester, Liverpool, Preston, Leeds and Newcastle offices. The region contributes annual fee income of £205m and employs over 1,700 staff and 60 partners.

Commenting on the announcement, Chris Hearld said: “Jonathan successfully steered KPMG’s Northern operations through the economic crisis to create a business that is in great shape and growing. They are certainly big shoes to fill.

“Our major new office developments on both sides of the Pennines embody the confidence we have in our proposition and KPMG’s unwavering commitment to the North. With the region’s economy getting back on track I look forward to leading the business forward into its next stage of growth and supporting our clients through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.“

George F White Group, Simon Britton

Rural land agents, the George F White Group, will be broadening its already extensive rural consultancy offer with the help of new partner Simon Britton.

Simon said: “Joining George F White as an equity partner is a very exciting step in my career and it’s equally exciting to be heading the Bedale office. It will be a privilege to lead the team who are all good, hardworking people already doing a fantastic job.

"I hope to continue this by directing the team onwards and upwards into the future and in turn increasing George F White’s presence within the region.

“I’m confident my previous experience will also prove valuable in shaping the Farm Business Consultancy side of the business. It offers an excellent opportunity to develop and deliver a new service to our clients that will further boost the already wide-ranging services available through George F White.“

Horner Brothers Paragon, Alan Hunter and Kelly Roberts

Horner Brothers Paragon, the Rotherham based print manufacturer and supplier of branded products and marketing services, has expanded its team with the appointment of a Sales Director and business development manager.

As part of the company’s strategy for future growth and sustainability, Horner Brothers Paragon has recruited Alan Hunter as sales director, while Kelly Roberts joins as business development manager.

Judith Fox, managing director of Horner Brothers comments: “Over the past year we have invested heavily in our team, signalling our commitment to the future. 

“We are thrilled to welcome a new Sales Director and Business Development Manager who will support us in ensuring that we continue to meet with our customers’ expectations.  Both Kelly and Alan bring with them a wealth of experience, which we can use to support the business with our future plans for progression and growth.“

WRM, Mark Richmond

Yorkshire specialist waste and resource management consultancy, WRM, has made a raft of new appointments including Mark Richmond, the former waste team leader at global environmental consultant WSP, as technical director.

Anthony Walker, founder of the WRM Group said: “We have appointed some of the industry’s top people and are pleased to expand our offer in terms of the breadth of advice and practical support we can give to clients.

"Andy, Mark and Briony are leading the field in their specialist areas and have delivered some fantastic results for private businesses and public sector organisations alike.

“Our expanded proposition brings together new strategic skills and sustainability knowledge, with our practical experience of delivering environmental projects. We can now provide the full range of services that organisations need to succeed in the low carbon future.

Surging optimism across North East business is creating a wealth of new jobs across all sectors, according to the region’s largest quarterly business survey.

Today’s results are the highest overall scores recorded by any QES since the survey began in 1995.

The QES, produced by the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), recorded rises in investment plans (plant investment the highest since 1997) and significant gains in both current workforce and future recruitment in the latest study out today.

Optimism across the region continues to rise as firms delivered another boost for the regional economy following strong results in the last two quarters. Businesses reported an upsurge in trade with domestic and foreign markets, a trend established in Q1 of 2014 has continued into Q2.

Having charted slow but steady growth across most indicators throughout 2013, the last Quarter of that year returned the best set of results since 2003. Today’s figures demonstrate a continuing positive trend and thatconfidence levels remain high.

The QES is a trends survey that shows the health and direction of the North East economy. Measured across 11 separate indicators, any score above zero indicates trading conditions are improving.

Published today, the QES shows confidence remains strong in the manufacturing sector with most measures positive. In particular sales, investment plans and current and future workforce projections all looking positive.

Across all indicators, year-on-year scores are positive, with the only exceptions being cashflow and export orders.

NECC policy and research manager, Mark Stephenson, said: “We are starting to see a real trend developing across both manufacturing and service sectors. The slow but steady growth throughout 2013 has provided the momentum for an excellent first half of 2014, which is seeing rising optimism across the region reflected in future plans for recruitment and business investment.

“In particular, this quarter has seen respondents send an incredibly positive message on future recruitment. Over 60% of firms had attempted to recruit full time staff, which is comfortably higher than last quarter (53.8%) and considerably above last year’s figure (45.7%) which is a clear statement of confidence and highly encouraging.

“Taken against last year’s figures, expectations are markedly stronger. Businesses are looking to hire and the region is very much open for business.“

NECC president, David Laws, said: “The strong positivity that fed through from the manufacturing sector in the first quarter of this year was very noticeable and has continued this quarter, albeit it has been more than matched by feedback from the service sector which is hugely welcome.

“The North East labour market continues to grow, albeit with our unemployment rate remaining the highest in the UK. However, the rate of increase in the North East employment figure is the highest in the UK in sectors as varied as biologics, pharmaceuticals, automotive, oil and gas – to name but a few.“

Gary Vaynerchuk, recently voted Forbes magazine’s number one global authority on social media, is the keynote speaker at Inbound Marketing UK 2014 (IMUK14) in Liverpool this year.

Forming part of the International Festival for Business, IMUK14 has an exclusive preview video of the New York Times bestselling author, in which Vaynerchuck details what he hopes to achieve with his headline address.

Looking at leveraging the opportunities inherent in social media for businesses in 2014 is one of the key themes that Vaynerchuck highlights in this exclusive preview.

A natural entrepreneur, Vaynerchuck discovered the importance of e-commerce when, in 1997, he took his family business Shoppers Discount Liquors, rebranded it as WineLibrary.com, launching the retail site and growing the business from  $4 million in revenue to $60 million in revenue.

Now a social media thought leader, Vaynerchuk speaks around the world educating businesses on how to find their voice online and tell the story of their brand using the ever-increasing power of social media.

The video is available to view on the IMUK14 website.

In addition, this year’s IMUK14 offers a host of world-class speakers including Vice President of Marketing for wearable technology innovators Muse, Tracy Chong, Agency Relationship Manager for Google in the North of England, Andy Barke, Social Media Manager at Microsoft, Steven Woodgate, Asda’s Head of Social, Dominic Burch and Marketing Director for Adobe Marketing Cloud in Europe, John Watton.

Now in its second year, the day-long event which is run in association with integrated marketing agency Ph.Creative, will comprise of a series of presentations, workshops and exhibitions covering every aspect of inbound marketing.

From social media to content marketing, SEO to wearable tech, the conference will provide delegates with powerful tactics and practical examples that will transform their inbound marketing strategy and help to deliver real results.

IMUK14 takes place at The Rum Warehouse in Stanley Dock in Liverpool on Tuesday 8th July 2014. To find out more about the event and the line-up of guest speakers, visit www.inbounduk.org.

Brighouse metalworking firm Arkoni is set to expand into the Irish construction market after linking up with Dublin-basedLinham Construction

The agreement has led to the formation of Arkoni Ireland with the remit of providing fully certified fire-rated, security and steel glazing systems for a growing number of public and private building projects across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Founded in 1991, Arkoni supplies a wide range of fire-rated and steel glazing systems as well as architectural and bespoke metalwork solutions for commercial, residential and public sector construction projects across Great Britain.

Linham Construction was established in 1995 and provides construction-related services across Ireland.

Arkoni Ireland MD Frank Flynn commented: “This is a great opportunity for Arkoni and Linham to introduce the highest spec fire glazing solutions into the Irish market. Arkoni’s manufacturing skills are a highly attractive proposition on this side of theIrish Sea and we are already seeing significant orders coming in.“

Arkoni MD and founder Mark Prentice commented: “We foresee only growth across Ireland in the short to medium term with our profile set to expand in partnership with Linham. We are very much on the same wavelength!“ 

For more details visit www.arkoni.co.uk

St Helens-based recruitment and health service provider, CRG (Castlerock Recruitment Group), has opened a new branch in Bicester after securing a tier one staffing contract with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust (Oxford Health).

CRG will become a preferred partner for Oxford Health and work closely with the community-focused organisation to manage its staffing needs.

Ian Munro, CEO of CRG, said: “Our new office in Oxfordshire is an important part of our company’s continuing growth strategy. We are delighted to be chosen to work with Oxford Health to address their recruitment needs.”

The company has seen demand for its services increase significantly across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Wiltshire over the last 12 months. CRG’s new branch will concentrate on placing agency nursing and social care workers, medical locums and GP locums, as well as allied health professionals to the NHS and healthcare providers throughout the region.

Senior recruitment consultant, Lisa Boughen, said: “CRG’s partnership with Oxford Health represents a significant commitment to the health and wellbeing of the local community.

“Our new office is well-positioned to support our clients throughout Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Wiltshire and, as we expand, we plan to take on several new recruitment consultants to help match candidates with the needs of regional employers.”

With an extensive portfolio of clients, covering both the public and private sectors, CRG is the preferred supplier to major public sector organisations, including the NHS and MoD.

Stuart Watson has been appointed EY’s Yorkshire and Humberside senior partner as the business advisory firm continues to grow in the region. 

Stuart is an assurance Partner and the UK Leader for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards programme. He spent 10 years commuting weekly from his home in Yorkshire to EY’s London office, which included a spell heading Audit for the Mid-Market practice, before returning to the region permanently in 2008 to take up a role in the firm’s Leeds office. 

A specialist in advising private equity-backed and listed mid-market companies in the region – including on IPOs, Watson will lead EY’s team serving Yorkshire and Humberside from the firm’s Leeds and Hull offices. 

David Buckley, who previously headed the practice, has stepped down after over five years at the helm to concentrate on his roles advising a number of the firm’s largest national clients and leading EY’s Transaction Support team in the region.

Stuart Watson said: “David’s outstanding leadership of the firm in Yorkshire is made all the more impressive having coincided with such a challenging period for businesses in our region. 

“In the improving economy, we are planning for continued growth after a strong performance to our June 2014 year-end, which was helped by the IPOs we completed and other transaction work for clients in Yorkshire and Humberside. 

“Our clients are targeting opportunities around the world as their markets improve and we are geared up to help them make the most of these. 

“We are also investing in our fast-growing Financial Services practice, and building our Local Government and Healthcare Advisory teams in response to fresh challenges and opportunities facing client organisations in these sectors. 

“The Yorkshire and Humberside region is a strategically important market for us as a firm and the UK economy as a whole. Through investing in our business and people to support our clients’ ambitions – as well as supporting local communities – we are committed to helping the region prosper.“ 

David Buckley commented: “It has been an honour to lead our Yorkshire practice and such a talented team of professionals. Stuart is an excellent leader and the ideal choice to spearhead the practice’s expansion over the coming years.“

A dats shredding company which was launched by a former professional footballer, who was once on the books at Newcastle United, is planning for further expansion as it enters its second year.

Shred Direct was created by businessman Graeme Carter in May 2013 to shred and recycle confidential and sensitive documents on behalf of businesses and public sector organisations and has built up a client portfolio of over 400 businesses.

The business, which works in partnership with Graeme’s former employer Premier Waste Recycling, recorded a turnover in excess of £100,000 in its first year and plans are now in place to grow that by around 25 per cent in year two.

Graeme, 44, said: "I had a shredding company which I started in 2000 but in 2009 it was bought by Premier Waste Recycling, who I then became employed by. And while I did enjoy my time with them, I missed the buzz of self employment and the sense of achievement you get from working yourself.

"So last year I started Shred Direct and I’ve been so pleased with how well my first year has gone. My portfolio has grown consistently and I now work with over 400 businesses and organisations across the region. The turnover for the end of year one was in excess of £100,000 so the challenge now is to attract more clients and add to the workforce so turnover increases by around £25,000 in year two."

Shred Direct is based in Shotton Colliery, Co.Durham and currently has two vehicles and two drivers. The drivers travel from Northallerton in the south to Ashington in the north to collect documents which businesses want destroying. They are then deposited at Premier Waste Recycling, who oversee the shredding of the documents.

Graeme’s portfolio of clients includes one of the region’s largest building societies, a travel operator, solicitors, medical centres and financial institutions.

As well as increasing turnover by 25 per cent, Graeme wants to add at east one more van and driver to his portfolio to enable him to service even more businesses.

The married dad-of-three, who as a central defender spent four years with Newcastle United in the early 1990s until a shoulder injury forced him to retire, added: "The growth of the business in the first 12 months has been far greater than I thought it would be. I know from my experience of self employment 14 years ago that the first couple of years are the hardest so really things couldn’t have gone any better. If I can get close to that sort of growth in year two I’ll be very happy."

Graeme has recently been successful in applying for support through the North East Rural Growth Network, which is managed by East Durham Business Service.

Sarah Marshall, Rural Enterprise Development Officer, said: "This programme is designed to help new and growing SMEs like Graeme’s to take their business to the next level. Up to 12 hours of support can be accessed in a variety of areas depending on what your priorities are so provided you fall within the rural boundaries, which include several areas of East Durham, you could be eligible."

For more information about Shred Direct visit shreddirectltd.co.uk. To find out more about the North East Rural Growth Network email sarah.marshall@edbs.co.uk or call her on (0191) 5863366.

A Warrington-based business services group has been recognised for its fast-growing apprenticeship scheme – just days after one of its trainees won a prestigious award.

Optionis is celebrating being named as a North West regional finalist in the National Apprenticeship Awards (newcomer SME employer category).

The success comes after Tom Mellor, a 22-year-old accounts assistant at Optionis company ClearSky Contractor Accounting, was named apprentice of the year at Warrington Collegiate’s annual award ceremony.

Optionis group managing director Derek Kelly said: “As a group we’re committed to hiring and nurturing young talent, so it’s great to receive formal recognition of our apprenticeship scheme.

“To have two pieces of good news in the space of a few days is absolutely fantastic. In fact, we were all still busy congratulating Tom on his achievement when we heard about the employer awards!

“We have apprentices working right across the group, in various companies and departments, and I personally have been extremely impressed with their hard work and creativity.

“A key pillar of our apprenticeship scheme is to ensure that all trainees are treated exactly the same as other, more senior employees from day one. They are all given genuine responsibilities and opportunities to gain new skills.

“Optionis apprentices also have the chance to secure permanent roles with us upon completion of their training. I think it’s these features that persuaded the judges to put us on the shortlist for the regional awards.

“Now we’re all looking forward to the event in September. To make it through to the national finals would be out of this world!“

As well as ClearSky Contractor Accounting, the Optionis group is home to outsourced employment specialist Parasol and SME support provider ClearSky Business.

In addition to its Warrington headquarters on Centre Park, Optionis has bases in Middleton in Greater Manchester, Dorset and London.

There are 34 apprentices working across the group, 28 of which are based in Warrington. As its apprenticeship scheme continues to flourish, Optionis is now hiring an additional 19 Warrington-based trainees.

The latest recruitment drive will take the total number of Optionis apprentices to 53.

Two Durham-based social entrepreneurs have been scooped "Fast Growth" awards in the Santander Social Enterprise Development Awards (SEDA).

Bethany Ainsley, founder of Nouveau Dance & Fitness and William Marley of The Employability Trust.

Ten Fast Growth awards are made each year to the social entrepreneurs in the UK who show the greatest potential to grow their organisation. 

SEDA offers social enterprises funding and business support, with the aim of helping them increase their impact in the local community.  

The ten award winners each receive a £20k cash award and a year-long programme of support to help them grow their ventures.

Nouveau Dance & Fitness provides affordable fitness programmes to people in areas of high deprivation.

The programmes help tackle health inequalities by encouraging people to improve their physical and mental health. Founder Bethany Ainsley set up her venture after seeing the impact that sedentary lifestyles and obesity has on communities.

The Employability Trust helps disadvantaged young people to become job-ready by providing training in manufacturing related work. William Marley has a background in manufacturing and set up the venture after noticing a gap between the skills employers desired and the training options available to young people.

John Williams, head of Santander Breakthrough, said: “The SEDA Fast Growth Award winners are entrepreneurs who have identified a social problem and have a scalable solution for it.

"By providing both monetary and business support we hope to give both Bethany and William the best chance to realise their ambitions and grow their ventures.” 

The Fast Growth Awards are part of Santander’s £2 million SEDA fund which helps social enterprises to grow. The bank also provides funding for UnLtd’s ‘Spark’ scheme, which enables social entrepreneurs to share their knowledge and inspire others to set up a venture; and Social Enterprise UK’s SE Places programme, which is promoting areas of the UK where social businesses are thriving.

Albert Chong, Fast Growth lead at UnLtd, said: “We are looking forward to helping The Employability Trust and Nouveau Dance & Fitness to develop over the coming year through the Fast Growth programme which will support Bethany and William in increasing the benefits they bring to their local communities.”

A team of specialists devoted to helping North East firms benefit from lucrative healthcare opportunities has almost doubled in size.

The NHS Innovations North team has taken on seven new staff to boost their number to 15 professionals following £520k worth of European Regional Development Fund support to help small and medium-sized companies develop innovative new products for the NHS.

The team based at RTC North in Sunderland will now be able to offer even more specialist advice through its team of advisors specialising in the healthcare market, intellectual property protection and the commercialisation process as well as the extensive NHS reforms.

They are the first point of contact for businesses working on new ideas, devices and technology to improve healthcare for patients and are working with the Academic Health Science Network North East and Cumbria to stimulate new ideas and innovation amongst staff within the NHS.

Two days of free specialist support is available from the team, focussing on harvesting new ideas, protecting intellectual property and spreading innovation across the region’s NHS Trusts. 

Since it was created 13 years ago, NHS Innovations North has assessed more than 4,000 ideas, commercialised 80 medical technologies and helped create multiple new businesses.

The new additions to the team comprise:

• Ailsa Anderson, programme manager
• Wayne Bryant, health innovation officer
• Nick Harrison, health information officer
• Carolyn Horrocks, project manager
• Steph Oxley, science graduate trainee
• Jonathon Coates, science graduate trainee
• Tony Antoni, IP specialist

The NHS is looking to new products and processes both from business and its own staff to help it meet growing demands on its services, such as an ageing population and increased strain on accident and emergency departments.

Martin Porton, operations director at RTC North, with responsibility for the NHS Innovations North team and all RTC projects, said: “The NHS is tackling the huge challenge of rising costs with an innovation agenda – if it makes no changes it is estimated it faces a £30bn funding gap by 2020.

“A lot of what we do is about making introductions for North East companies, supporting them, assessing their idea, advising on IP – there is a lot of change and opportunity that comes with innovation and we want to ensure that local companies get a slice of that with all the economic benefits that can bring.“

Ailsa Anderson, NHS Innovations North programme manager, said: “Our team has almost doubled in size because innovation is a growing area for the NHS, it has to change the way it delivers its services.

"The only way it can do that is by prioritising the adoption and spread of innovation and good practice - driving the uptake of high impact medicines, technologies, devices and diagnostics.

“As the NHS innovates it creates new business opportunities for North East firms, particularly in sectors such as life sciences, and our team is here to help companies take advantage of that.“

Gordon Ollivere MBE, CEO of RTC North, added: “It has always been tough for companies to break into the healthcare sector or to understand how to best deal with the NHS.

“The NHS Innovations North ERDF Programme will give companies access to valuable expertise on how to turn their ideas into successful products, while at the same time making a real contribution to improving patient care.“

The NHS Innovations North team is a service delivered by RTC North which for the past 25 years has been working with businesses, universities and NHS Trusts across the North of England with the aim of taking new products and services to market.

More support is needed to boost UK exports, according to a Sheffield business leader.

The call follows the recent British Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) which assessed business confidence in the Sheffield City Region within the manufacturing and services sectors for the second quarter of 2014 (April to June).

It revealed that export sales and orders within services had dropped significantly and that while manufacturing was slightly up on the previous quarter, it remained at very low levels.

For the period between April and June 2014, the services sector in the city region saw UK sales and orders, employment expectations, turnover and profitability remain the same as the first quarter of the year.

There was a slight reduction in investment of machinery and training, but cash flow increased.

Manufacturing performed marginally better with exports the only blot on a set of positive results, which saw an increase in UK sales and orders, employment expectations, and cashflow, with turnover and profitability rising to all-time highs. Investment in machinery and training remained static. 

Richard Wright, executive director of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said: “The export figures for both manufacturing and services continue to be too low if the Sheffield City Region is to play its part in the country’s economic recovery.

“From all the businesses which responded to the survey, more than 60 per cent are exporters. This not only needs to be increased, but those that are exporting must do more internationally.

“The trade deficit has narrowed compared to 2013, but that was due to a fall in imports rather than a growth in exports. Now is the time to build exports, not only to help bring the deficit down even further, but to create sustainable wealth for businesses to grow.

“We received great feedback following the Global Manufacturing Festival in June and organised visits to Sheffield from key Overseas Business Network individuals. We hope this continued activity of support will spark a rise in exports to key markets in the coming months and years.

“However, the business landscape can be supported by the Government keeping a hold of the rise in sterling, which is making UK exports more expensive, as well as clarifying the uncertainty around interest rate increases.“

For more information about the QES results for the Yorkshire region from over the last decade, go to www.economicsurvey.org.uk and for more detail about Sheffield Chamber of Commerce visit www.scci.org.uk.

World Cup fever has meant all eyes are on Brazil this summer, and the NECC Access Programme are hosting a one day event with a special visit from the HM Consul in Recife, to ensure North East businesses are aware of the vast export opportunities this ripe market offers. 

On Thursday July 10, from 10.00am to 1.15pm at Newcastle’s Copthorne Hotel, an interactive workshop will be held to discuss how companies in the initial stages of researching market opportunities can develop a clear and focussed market entry strategy.

Registration opens at 9.30am, following which Gareth Moore, HM Consul in Recife will speak about the considerable opportunities available to NE companies in Brazil.

His talk will highlight regional centres of sector excellence and demonstrate the importance of taking key issues into consideration when forming relationships with potential Brazilian partners, such as business culture, challenges, taxes, along with an overview of current opportunities and market entry strategies.

Nynzi Maung, Access Programme leader, said: “This one stop shop event provides a valuable insight into the Brazilian market and the immense potential it holds.

“Both consumers and companies there have developed high expectations for value for money, but a real demand for technical expertise and knowledge exists.

"North East businesses are sophisticated and well versed in both, and could take their business to the next level by identifying potential partners and growing overseas.“

A short break will follow at 11.30am ahead of one-to-one 30 minute consultations with Gareth Moore, Jeff Sanders of UKTI NE, and Brian Herbert of RTC North. All can be pre-booked ahead of the event.

The vast range of sector and supply chain opportunities for businesses looking to enter the Brazilian market include engineering, consumer goods, creative industries, education, energy, healthcare, sports infrastructure, marine transport, aerospace and automotive.

The event is free to attend but spaces are limited. To register please contact gemma.bainbridge@necc.co.uk or call the Access Team on 08450 076 8330. Please advise which expert you would like to speak to when you register.