While many of their counterparts may be enjoying the traditional student life, one group of 22-year-olds has launched a successful holiday business with help and support from Northumbria University, Newcastle.

Summer Takeover, which launched in 2013, was created by Northumbria University students Ben Trattles, Warren Pearson and Harley Gibb from Yarm, Teesside.

Ben chose to complete an Enterprise placement as part of his degree and along with Warren and Harley, has become the University’s most successful placement to date, achieving a turnover in the region of £100k in its first year alone.

The business caters to the unique market of young travellers who wish to work abroad by offering working holiday packages to party destinations.

Via the Summer Takeover webpage, travellers can book everything in one place, securing a job, accommodation, the help of experienced representatives and an itinerary of activities in the first week which introduce them to the lifestyle.

Ben approached Northumbria University’s Enterprise Manager, Graham Baty, in his second year of study, to discuss his upcoming placement year with an idea to start his own business rather than opt for a more traditional industrial placement.

The Enterprise placement is a unique course aspect which allows participants to grow and test their own business idea in a supportive environment.

Students have access to specialised business mentors, free office accommodation and support from the Student and Graduate Enterprise team, one of whom acts as their placement supervisor.

With over 10 years’ experience in helping to create a range of start-up businesses, drawing on an established mentoring network of industry experts, Northumbria University Student and Graduate Enterprise was named the fourth best university for start-up businesses in the Witty Review 2013.

Business with Marketing student, Ben Trattles, realised a gap in the market when planning to work abroad with his business partners Warren and Harley.

Summer Takeover working holiday packages sold out for the Easter and summer vacation period in 2014 and looks set to continue this success.

They are now looking to the future with a focus on increasing market share and consolidating their position in their five current resorts; Ibiza, Magaluf, Ayia Napa, Malia and Zante with plans to expand to more destinations in the future.

The placement has successfully created three jobs for founder Ben, and partners Warren and Harley, which will continue full time when they graduate in 2015.

Ben said “Although thousands of young people work abroad each year, we experienced first-hand the difficulty of securing and organising all elements of a working holiday from home.

“We booked our flights, securing jobs and accommodation once we arrived, but not everyone has the confidence to do this.

“We realised the need for a company offering working holidays packages which provide the security of booking each component with a reputable UK company.“

“The main reason businesses and other student start-ups struggle to launch is a lack of resources, but Northumbria University’s Enterprise placement year enables its students to test and grow their business in a supportive environment.

“We received invaluable advice and services such as free marketing and legal mentoring, which meant we were able to create a professional and well thought out business model and I can honestly say that we wouldn’t be where we are today without the help of the University, both from the skills gained from our courses and the support they have given us to get Summer Takeover off the ground.“

Liverpool’s Dipstix, an MOT, servicing and vehicle repair comparison website has reached its investment target of £300k, enabling the business to grow into a national brand.

Founded by the former UK sales director of Just-Eat, David Cederholm, Dipstix was launched in 2013 to introduce transparency and fairness to the motor servicing industry.

Promoted in part by Dipstix’s social media channels, investments to the campaign – hosted by crowdfunding website ‘Seedrs’ – were pledged by U.K. supporters and overseas investors.

Investors from across the country backed the campaign with much support being traced back to the North-West and London, while international contributions came from as far afield as Scandinavia and Germany.

This news follows the launch of two new products, ‘Dipstix Rescue’, and independent roadside recovery service, in-line to rival national competitors, and ‘Dipstix SurePass’, a new way to protect a customer’s vehicle against any MOT repairs.

Dipstix will also be launching two new products in the New Year, ‘Dipstix Total Care’  and Dipstix Dealers.

Managing director of Dipstix, David Cederholm, said “We’re delighted with the success of our crowdfunding campaign and thankful to everyone who supported our vision. 

“Dipstix is changing the face of vehicle maintenance for motorists across the country and this investment will enable us to expand nationally.

“Dipstix is saving motorists time and money by connecting them with the UK’s most trusted, independent garages – as well as reminding drivers when important maintenance is due. 

“It’s going to be a very exciting journey for us and we’re thrilled to be moving up a gear!“

The boss of Chester-based care company SureCare has acquired the business from Housing & Care 21.

Gary Farrer, who has been SureCare’s managing director for two years, has completed a deal to buy the franchise company.

Since Farrer came on board, he has developed the range of services offered by the company’s 27 franchises and three branches to include personal care and support, home services including DIY, gardening, cooking and cleaning, respite and holiday care, childcare and mobile crèches.

The company recently opened its latest franchise in Merseyside.

He was also responsible earlier this summer for the introduction of the UK’s first micro franchises in the care sector, called SureCare Local, allowing people to become franchisees of smaller territories for just £8,995.

Farrer and his wife Stephanie have a proven track record in the care industry having previously built the Lancashire-based Safehands Group into a £5.5million turnover business before selling in November 2011.

Stephanie Farrer will form part of the new team at SureCare acting as a consultant with specific responsibility for rolling out SureCare Local across the UK.

SureCare’s head office is in Chester.

Gary Farrer said: “I am looking forward to building the SureCare brand.

“We have put in place a strong, passionate management team and created a comprehensive range of services totally relevant to the needs of people of all ages today.

“The introduction of our SureCare Local micro franchises is set to transform the care sector in this country meeting demands of clients at a very local level.

"No other care company is innovating and rising to the challenge like SureCare.

“The care sector has changed dramatically over recent years and will continue to do so.

“Companies like SureCare have a responsibility to continually adapt and evolve to ensure we are providing the right services for today’s society.”

Image source: Images_of_Money

Britain’s businesses are looking forward to a positive future as optimism about job prospects continues to grow.

According to a series of recent research, workers from various industries are anticipating employment growth over coming months with the continued economic recovery behind most of the positive sentiment.

More pay, more jobs

In a press release published by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), the UK’s companies were found to be increasing the wages that they offered to staff as well as increasing the number of job opportunities which are available.

Overall, data confirmed that more than half of the firms questioned (54%) expected to increase their workforce in the next 12 months. For 59% of companies, employee wage packets had increased in accordance with last year’s rate of inflation or even surpassed it in some instances.

This helped to push the number of firms offering their employees the Living Wage to 57% with catering and accommodation sectors the most likely to only offer this rate of pay to some of their staff rather than rolling it out as a company-wide policy.

Self employed optimism

It isn’t just big businesses that are looking forward to 2015 though, Britain’s self-employed workers are also optimistic about the year to come.

Procorre consultants reported that 57% of self-employed contractors are optimistic about their work prospects for the new 12 months with the pick-up of the national economy fuelling this positivity.

Their research found that despite contractors struggling in recent months – with just over one third (34%) claiming they found it “easy” to find employment in the last year – many were now looking forward to a positive year of growth and development. In fact, just under half (47%) had already experienced renewed economic growth and activity in their sector when questioned by Procorre oil & gas consultants.

Renewed spending

All this positivity means that spending is likely to be renewed throughout many firms and self-employed outfits; supporting further growth in the UK economy.

In order to maintain this level of activity and growth, businesses, employers and individuals will need to take careful stock of current regulations and ensure they’re providing the right opportunities and incentives to attract more employees.

This would include things like paying the Living Wage, offering flexible remote working and zero contract hours but according to key findings reported by the BCC, not all businesses are up to speed with these schemes.

Around 57% of businesses pay their staff the Living Wage and 68% offer flexible working but only 38% support remote working and a mere 13% offer childcare provisions.

Zero contract hours are supported by an even smaller 11% of companies while paternity leave and pay regulations remain a concern for 60% who are worried these factors could negatively influence their business activity. 

Warrington-based Jon Wilkin and Manchester-based Mark Flanagan are both professional rugby league players who decided to make their second love of coffee into a business.

Their new venture, Pot Kettle Black, has seen them combine a full rugby training schedule for St Helens with 50 - 60 hour weeks in their shop.

Aiming for a turnover of £250 - £300k in their first year they are ambitious and want to grow year on year.

Their plan is to have 2 to 4 sites within years 4 - 6 of the business.

Jon became interested in coffee when he visited a roasting house and realised that the ‘coffee’ he’d been drinking hadn’t been good coffee.

He decided that he wanted to educate others on the merits of good coffee and realised that as a popular beverage there was a great business opportunity to be had.

The idea brewed for two years, with a pop up shop in Spinningfields.

His business now offers speciality coffee from ethical sources specially dried and roasted.

Pot Kettle Black cost £80-£100k to set up, the budget is still ongoing as they have only been open now for five weeks.  

Despite such a short time, business is going well with turnovers better than expected and a constant stream of customers.

They are very fortunate to be located in the Barton Arcade in Deansgate, not only is the building itself full of personality but it is right next to the two largest footfall areas in Manchester.  

Their free wifi and 40 plug sockets are meant to encourage people to work from their shop or conduct meetings while enjoying coffee that they feel is superior to high street chains.

Jon said, “Manchester coffee scene is over run by chains, for a city this size you’d expect there to be more coffee shops.“

He added that he really admired the work that their direct, competitors, other independent coffee shops do.  

Jon and Mark both see Pot Kettle Black as “everything we wanted in a coffee shop in Manchester, a comfortable place with real warmth and superior flavour coffee.“

When asked about whether visitors came because of who they were, Jon said he was conscious not to leverage his sporting side, he felt it was uncool to talk yourself up too much.

While rugby fans have travelled to visit the shop and they are grateful for their support their main clientele is people who work in Manchester.

Mark said it was his passion for coffee and hospitality that combined to make a good business decision.  

He saw a gap in the market in a heavy footfall area and saw the chance to bring something different.

He went on to say “I believe we are serving the best coffee around, we wanted a place with character away from the coffee chain feel that saturate the market.  

"We want the Barista to remember your order and be after more than the money in your pocket”

A Manchester graduate has created a brand new type of rucksack and raised the money via crowdfunding to go into production.

A campaign on Kickstarter to raise £29.7k has resulted in £52.5k being raised in just a few short weeks.

The company will create its first batch of bags in February and launch a website where people can purchase exclusively online in the summer of 2015.

While Sarah Giblin isn’t planning on taking on any employees any time soon, she has worked with a prototype company, D2M innovation based in Cheltenham and a patent attorney.  

Her plan is to continue to work with other businesses whenever she has a need.

The original goal would have allowed for the creation of 1000 Riut bags, plus shipping, the extra money raised is going towards making extra bags.

Sarah has had many jobs and lived in quite a few places.  

The one constant theme was that she used a backpack and she was fed up with people behind her on crowded trains having better access to her things than she did.

This problem led to the creation of the Riut bag.

A bag with all the zips facing towards the user instead of the general public.

The plan is to make bags "cooler and more techy", eventually incorporating 4D programmable materials into the designs.

Sarah said that “there are two things I’m obsessed with, urban problems and the way that people interact with them.

“I just want people to be relaxed in an urban environment instead of constantly checking their bags to see that all their important things are safe.”

She continues, “I’m just a rucksack user who saw a problem with it.

“It’s a very normal rucksack, just the ‘Riut’ way round.

One of Yorkshire’s most established removal businesses has enjoyed a huge surge in profits just three months after being selected to join the country’s largest independent network of movers.

Britannia Turnbulls Leeds has reported a 120% increase in profits, compared to the same period last year, since the company - formerly Turnbulls Removals Leeds - joined forces with Britannia Movers International to provide services across the region and beyond.

The Meanwood-based company has gone from strength to strength since joining the network, with an increase of 90% in the total number of its service contracts, with the growth also leading to the appointment of five new members of staff.

Established in Leeds in 1867, Turnbulls has spent almost a century-and-a-half providing removal services to the people of Yorkshire and also further afield - including famously shipping vital supplies and equipment to Nepal as part of Sir Edmund Hillary’s historic climb of Mount Everest in 1953.

Steve Barker, general manager of Britannia Turnbulls Leeds, said: "When joining the Britannia network we wanted to bring our years of experience and our reputation for friendly and trustworthy services to even more clients across the country. We knew we could build on our existing strength and values which have always stood us in great stead and develop our offering further, particularly to corporate clients, and the last three months have delivered on that goal and then some.

"Our aim in teaming with Britannia was to ensure that the Turnbulls name continues to be associated with the very highest levels of customer service and satisfaction in the country. In the wake of this latest enormously successful period, we have taken steps to ensure we continue to deliver on this promise and have taken on a new sales person and office manager, two new drivers and another packer. This is all part of our plan to continue to develop our offering both locally and nationally, and we are delighted that this growth shows no sign of abating."

The UK’s largest independent moving group, Britannia, has over 45 local moving offices across the country, from Aberdeen to Brighton. The network enables individual movers to combine local knowledge with national and international expertise and resources to tailor moves for each client.

Mr Barker continued: "This new association has already helped Britannia Turnbulls Leeds to grow our business significantly, and we are now looking to proceed with the next phase of our continuous process of growth and development. We are delighted to have joined Britannia and look forward to developing the Leeds removal centre into one of the most successful in the country."

Image source: Ingy The Wingy

Research by Cebr for Johnston Press reveals hotspots in research, technology, networking, and creativity to rival the capital.

The first-ever nationwide UK Local Innovation Index, compiled by the Centre for Economics & Business Research for Johnston Press, reveals the extraordinary dynamism and creativity of the nation’s local businesses.

The study brings together 11 discrete data sources under four over-arching pillars – Innovative People, R&D and Technology, Innovative Outputs, and Ideas & Inventions – to give the broadest possible perspective on innovation across the UK, and to illustrate the extent to which towns and cities outside London are shaping the thriving “innovation economy”.

Separately, the study identifies the strongest emerging ‘innovation ecosystems’ based on 7 key innovation ingredients: Connectivity, talent density, living costs, culture & community, universities, government investment and transport mobility.

After London, Greater Manchester tops the UK with the best combination of ingredients for a thriving innovation ecosystem, followed by Merseyside.

Blackpool has the highest concentration of start-ups in the North West.

Cheshire top in the country for business R&D expenditure, a reflection of the location of major science and technology firms.

Merseyside is best in North West for university R&D expenditure, supported by the presence of several leading UK universities.

Senior economist at Cebr, Colm Sheehy,  said, “This is the first time that a study of local innovation has been undertaken in the UK.

“Our aim has been to capture innovative activity across the UK in a more holistic way than has been the case for national level indices of innovation.

“Our UK Local Innovation Index encompasses the marketing, networking and organisational innovations that occur across all industries.

“The research has revealed innovation that’s not limited by geography.“

Image source: altogetherfool

Six Chambers of Commerce, including the NECC, have written to George Osborne, backing proposals included in the One North plan.

The letter was signed by the chief executives of the North East Chamber of Commerce, Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry, West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

One North was launched in July and proposes significant investment in transport and connectivity infrastructure over the next 16 years.

It received a positive welcome from the Chancellor, who indicated he would respond to the proposals in his Autumn Statement, due on December 3.

NECC Chief Executive, James Ramsbotham, said: “Our members are very much behind the principle of improved connectivity across the North of England, which will unlock the huge assets within the northern economy.

"A united northern chambers network stands ready to work with our local authorities and the Government to ensure this initiative delivers benefits across the North and meets businesses’ expectations.

“The local authorities that have pushed the project to this point must be congratulated. Infrastructure in the North has been under-developed for decades and addressing this is essential to achieve economic rebalancing and create the ‘northern powerhouse’ that Government has spoken of.

“While transport is by no means our members’ sole concern, it is consistently a high priority across all of our organisations. We therefore urge progress to ensure the opportunity to deliver these investments is not missed.“

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A North East DJ has launched a new North East music shop venture after noting an upward trend in vinyl sales and a noticeable gap in the market for a specialist store.

Antony Daly, originally from Peterlee, has recently opened 586 Records in Commercial Union House in Newcastle upon Tyne after witnessing the rise of a new breed of vinyl enthusiasts who were largely using the internet to make purchases.

586 Records sources both new and second-hand vinyl, predominantly across the dance and alternative music genres. 

Antony said "In the words of  the great Louis Armstrong, “There is two kinds of music the good and bad”. I’ll sell the good kind". 

The store is housed in B&D Studios, a creative hub in the building on Pilgrim Street and Antony estimates he already has around 5,000 records in stock, which he is adding to all the time. 

"My 2nd hand stock are records I’ve discovered on travels to other towns and cities,  and from buying personal collections, collections of former DJ’s and shop clearances".

And it is a labour of love for Antony, who has himself collected vinyl for over 25 years and is a long-time DJ and promoter on the Newcastle dance music circuit.

The stock is expanding all of the time with equipment and listening posts set up for customers to listen to potential purchases. Once Antony has secured funding, he has plans to expand the store and offer a more personal alternative to buying online. 

Deloitte, Tony Reeves

The former chief executive of Bradford City Council, Tony Reeves, has joined business advisory firm Deloitte.

Reeves, who was also deputy chief executive of Wakefield Council, joins the senior team at Deloitte as a partner.  This investment in the local government team demonstrates a clear commitment to the public sector practice by the firm, which is a major supplier to the sector in the UK. 

Based in Leeds, but operating nationally for Deloitte, Reeves will focus on supporting councils to reposition and transform services in light of continuing austerity and increasing demands on social care from an ageing society.

Tony Reeves, partner at Deloitte, said: “I have been directly involved in all aspects of strategy and policy development in local government for the past 20 years, and I’m looking forward to bringing that experience to bear for Deloitte’s local government clients across the UK.“

Pinsent Masons, Emma O’Gorman and Jan Bessell

International law firm Pinsent Masons has boosted its team of Nationally Significant Infrastructure consenting and property specialists by hiring a further four leading legal and planning practitioners, with two in Leeds.

Associate Emma O’Gorman, from Squire Patton Boggs, where she specialised in energy and infrastructure planning and also has commercial and residential experience.

The new hires are led by Jan Bessell, formerly a lead Examining Inspector at the Planning Inspectorate, having been a Partner and Head of Planning at law firm Dickinson Dees (now Bond Dickinson). Jan will be based in Leeds.

Robbie Owen, head of infrastructure planning and government affairs at Pinsent Masons, said: "Government and private sector sponsored major infrastructure schemes are core to our practice, now including commercial and business projects proceeding down the national infrastructure consenting route.

"Investing in 4 further experienced team members underlines our commitment to this area, including DCOs, Hybrid Bills, Transport & Works Act Order schemes and other major consenting routes.

"We are focused on being the best at delivering what our clients need and the hire of these specialists will reinforce our strong service delivery and expertise."

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, Paul Jagger

Paul Jagger MBE has been appointed as President for a 2 year term of office, with Lisa Pogson of Airmaster Air Conditioning appointed as a new vice-president.

Also at the meeting it was confirmed that Helen Jaggar of Berneslai Homes and Matthew Stephens of Gateway Plaza Ltd were elected as new board members of the Chamber.

Chamber chief executive Andrew Denniff said, “I am delighted with all the new appointments and look forward to working with them and the rest of the Board in continuing our recent progress and looking forward with enthusiasm to the future.

“I would also wish to place on record my own personal thanks to former president Chris MacCormac, who after many years of service, is standing down from his position as a director and board member”.

Lancaster Samms Ltd, James Nicholson

Estate agent James Nicholson has joined Lancaster Samms Ltd, York – after selling a house to director, Neil Samms.

He is the second property professional to join estate agents Lancaster Samms Ltd in the last eight months, doubling the size of the team which has the highest ratio of staff to properties-for-sale in York.

James Nicholson, whose appointment follows that of Elkie Buckland in the spring, will be involved with all aspects of the valuation and sales process. 

Lancaster Samms, which was founded in 2012, has expertise in selling a wide range of properties, from apartments to exclusive detached family homes and historic buildings, throughout York and its surrounding villages.

Approach PR, Liam Southwell

Public relations consultancy Approach PR is continuing to offer young Bradford graduates working opportunities as a result of a scheme introduced by Bradford Council’s Employment and Enterprise Team.

Graduate Liam Southwell, 22, has joined the Ilkley-based PR team following the completion of his BA (hons) Journalism degree in 2013.

The scheme aims to place Bradford’s unemployed or underemployed graduates in roles where they can develop their skills whilst gaining experience in a workplace that offers a high level of mentoring and expertise.

Suzanne Johns, founder and managing director of Approach PR, said: “Liam is our third intern through Bradford Council’s Employability and Enterprise scheme and we have been delighted by the calibre of candidates put forward.

“We’re huge believers in giving opportunities and experience to the next generation of PR practitioners, and Liam has already brought additional enthusiasm, ideas and creativity into our team.“

SuperBreak, Darren Neylon

SuperBreak, the short break holiday company based in York, has today announced the appointment of Darren Neylon as Managing Director, as the business prepares to drive future growth.

Darren, who joined the short break specialists as Marketing, E-Commerce and Commercial Director in September 2010, was appointed Assistant Managing Director in April 2013 before assuming the Managing Director position in October this year.

Darren said: “We are committed to pushing SuperBreak ever forward towards its goal of being a truly flexible, global short break package specialist.

"Our priority is to grow our brand awareness in consumer markets and deliver the outstanding customer experience which has come to be synonymous with our brand.

Yorkshire Building Society, John Heaps

Yorkshire Building Society is pleased to announce the appointment of John Heaps as chairman designate with immediate effect. John will succeed Ed Anderson as chairman at the conclusion of the Society’s AGM in April 2015 when Ed retires from the Board. 

Ed joined the Society’s Board as a non-executive director in 2003 and became chairman on 1 January 2007. 

John, who is a lawyer by training, is the former chairman of corporate law firm Eversheds, having served on its board since 2008 and before that its senior management team since 1999. 

Lynne Charlesworth, vice chairman of Yorkshire Building Society, said: “I am delighted that John has accepted the role of Chairman.

"He has the experience and skills required to chair the Board of a large organisation operating in a highly regulated industry.

"This combined with his proven track record for innovation and successful strategic leadership, makes him the ideal candidate to take the Society forward.“

Anne McKee & Carol Reilly, Praetura Asset Finance  

Blackburn-based Praetura Asset Finance has appointed Anne McKee and Carol Reilly to its team.  

Anne joins the firm as operations supervisor from a competitor and has 13 years’ experience in the financial sector.  

A major part of her remit will be to develop the company’s processes and structures to prepare it for further growth.

Carol Reilly has also been appointed to a key role on the operations team as operations administrator. 

Having joined the company in August, Carol was promoted just four months later to enhance the firm’s resources in pre-underwriting finance proposals before they are processed for credit appraisals.  

Carol brings 14 years’ experience to Praetura, on both the finance house and brokerage side of the sector, having previously worked in similar roles.   

Anne said: “Praetura has been in business for just a year and has already become a major player, so this is a very exciting opportunity for me to join a dynamic company and play a significant role in implementing best practice systems.  

“The company’s rapid success in the marketplace is thanks to the expertise of its team and it’s great to be part of a team that is driven, pragmatic and service-oriented.”  

Mike Hartley, managing director at Praetura Asset Finance: “We believe in offering flexibility at every stage, as well as adopting a more holistic approach to valuing our clients than most lenders."

Tim Kirby, Quintessential Finance Group

Macclesfield-based Quintessential Finance Group has appointed Tim Kirby, former managing director of Caudwell Communications, to the new role of group sales director.  

Tim Kirby brings over 12 years’ experience within the financial sector, covering lending as MD of TML Financial Solutions, and credit repair as MD of Blair Endersby. 

In his new role, Tim will broaden the group’s technology/product offering and help make in-roads into new and emerging markets, looking to build on the company’s £25 million revenue through 2015.

Tim Kirby said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining Quintessential, as we explore, develop and establish our technology in new markets.  

Together with the leadership team, we can make a huge impact on sales revenue across all channels over the next year, establishing ourselves as ’best in class’ across our chosen markets.”  

Greg Cox, co-founder and chief executive at Quintessential, said: “Tim’s wealth of knowledge and impressive track record of delivering fast growth, whilst maintaining operational control, made him the ideal candidate to lead us through a time of major growth across emerging markets in four countries.

Jonathan Cook, CBRE

CBRE’s Manchester office has appointed Jonathan Cook as surveyor within its Office Agency team.  Jonathan joins from the Co-operative Group where his role included the asset management of the non-trading portfolio in the regions.

In his new position at CBRE, Jonathan will be assisting the leading Manchester team with the disposal and acquisition of offices, working with retained clients such as Bruntwood, Orbit, Carlton House Group and F&C REIT.

John Ogden, Head of CBRE’s North West business and its Office Agency division, said: “Jonathan joins our busy office agency team as we approach the end of another successful year of significant deals and major instructions. 

"The North West business has expanded across multiple service lines this year with 12 new members of staff joining our Manchester and Liverpool offices since January as we further strengthen our leading position within the region.” 

Julia Livsey, Certas Energy

Certas Energy has appointed Julia Livsey as head of talent & development to its HR team.  

Julia brings nearly 25 years’ Learning and Development experience to Certas, which includes an impressive bank of skills, knowledge and experience, undertaking L&D roles at all levels with market leaders across a wide variety of industries including Talk Talk, BT, British Gas and Astra Zeneca.  

Most recently, Julia was Head of Academy for the Integrated Dental Holdings Group where she was responsible for implementing an L&D strategy, vocational learning and capability development for 9,000 staff.  

Emma Wordsworth, HR director, said: “Julia brings another set of key skills to our HR team.  We will be able to draw on her extensive personal experience to bring out the best in our employees and to ensure that Certas Energy becomes well-established as ‘employer of choice’ to both existing and potential employees.  

"This is one of the core aspirations of the business, which we have been working towards over the past year and is a goal which Julia will help us to achieve.”

James Currie, Encirc

Cheshire-based market-leading glass manufacturing, filling and logistics company, Encirc, has appointed James Currie as HR director to oversee its 12-strong HR team.

James will direct all aspects of the company’s HR provision across its sites in Elton, Cheshire – where James is based – and Derrylin, Northern Ireland.

With more than 20 years’ HR experience, James started his career on a graduate programme with GEC Alsthom and has progressed through a series of HR roles in high profile, industry leading organisations across the UK. 

His experience includes working for Michelin as HR manager at Ballymena, assuming EMEAI HR responsibility for Cooper Bussmann, and administering Network Rail’s leadership and professional development function.

James said: “Encirc is a highly successful business, with huge growth potential. HR is the engine behind that potential, so it’s imperative we enable each of our employees to get the most out of their roles and support them along the way. 

"I look forward to working collaboratively with the team and wider business to ensure we deliver industry-leading HR practices.”

Lynsdey Johnson & Hayley Forster, Elm EV

Elm EV, the region’s leading electric charge point installer, has appointed Lyndsey Johnson and Hayley Forster to its team.

Lyndsey Johnson, former marketing executive at local Mercedes-Benz Commercial Dealership, will be responsible for marketing, PR and SEO development.

Public Relations graduate, Lyndsey completed her BA(Hons) degree at Sunderland University in 2012 and is currently studying towards her Professional Certificate in Marketing with the North East Sales and Marketing Academy (NESMA).

Hayley Forster, former auxiliary nurse at South Tyneside District Hospital, joins the team as an Apprentice Administrator.

Lyndsey said: “I am looking forward to combining my knowledge and experience gained throughout my studies to the newly created role.

“Elm EV is the North East’s largest installer of electric vehicle charge points. They are partnered with one of the world’s leading specialists in the design and manufacture of indoor and outdoor electrical connection equipment. This is a great reflection of the proven capabilities of the company.”

Elm EV sales director, Dan Martin said: “Due to rapid growth, we are able to increase job opportunities within the region, an important part of our commitment to the North East.”

“Lyndsey and Hayley have joined the company at a very exciting time. We believe their enthusiastic and forward way of thinking will really accent our team. We are confident that they will have successful careers at Elm EV."

Taryn Kelsey and Katy Paxton, DTZ

Taryn Kelsey and Katy Paxton, both graduates from Northumbria University join DTZ’s Newcastle office.

Tony Hordon, senior director and Head of DTZ’s Newcastle office said: “Graduates are essential to future success of our business and I am delighted to welcome Taryn and Katy.

"Our graduate programme offers for those that have the ambition, ability and attitude to succeed a huge amount of opportunities with many of our senior leadership joining the scheme straight from university.”

Laura Cox, Learning and Recruitment Specialist at DTZ said: “DTZ has an industry-leading Graduate Development programme and the consistently high APC pass rate demonstrates that graduates receive the essential professional training that they need.”

Malcolm Humble (left) and Mike Jobson pictured at Opsol UK

Malcolm Humble, Oxford Innovation

Malcolm Humble, founder of Cramlington-based Opsol UK, has joined Oxford Innovation’s team of 15 coaching specialists to deliver the Business Northumberland High Growth programme.

Bedlington-born Malcolm set up Opsol UK in 2002, taking it from a home-based business to one that now employs 40 people in a 14,500 square foot, state of the art manufacturing facility.

Opsol UK designs and manufactures circuit boards for a wide range of blue chip clients in sectors including rail and highway signage, education, security, medical and energy.

The company is set to achieve a turnover of more than £3.5 million this year.

In June 2014 Malcolm sold Opsol UK to one of its clients, Ashington-based A-Belco Group, global specialists in electrical and mechanical engineering.

Malcolm remains managing director of Opsol UK and will combine this role with coaching Oxford Innovation clients.

Malcolm said: "Having established and grown my own business I really want to help other local entrepreneurs do the same,

"I know what it’s like to take a business through difficult economic times and how it feels to be taking a risk on an investment when there is no guarantee of success. Running a business can be a lonely existence so I want to be there to support people going through the same."

Michael Dobson, The Quantum Pharmaceutical Group

Newcastle-based Quantum Pharmaceutical Group, a manufacturer and provider of medicines and services to the healthcare sector, has announced the appointment of Michael Dobson as commercial manager for Licensed Product Development.

Reporting to Brian Fisher, commercial director at the Quantum Pharmaceutical Group, Dobson will be responsible for capitalising on product development in licensed pharmaceuticals to support the Group’s growth strategy.

Brian said: “Michael’s extensive knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry and proven track record of successful product launches make him an asset to the Quantum Pharmaceutical Group, where he will help to drive forward the Group’s product development plans,”

Alex Nesbitt, Turner & Townsend

Following its appointment to lead a major construction project at Newcastle University, the global programme management consultancy Turner & Townsend has appointed graduate Alex Nesbitt.

The company, which is set to project manage the construction of the University’s new Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering building, has appointed Alex to its Building Information Modelling (BIM) specialist team.

After gaining vital experience at the National Building Specification (NBS) during his final two years of degree at Northumbria University, Alex is currently assisting in the further development of Turner & Townsend’s innovative assurance service model.

He will also play a crucial role in supporting rigorous quality, coordination and BIM validation procedures on some of the world’s largest global construction projects.

Alex Nesbitt said: “Aware of Turner & Townsend’s esteemed reputation in the industry, I had no hesitation in accepting a graduate position with the BIM team.

“This is a great way to kick start my career and build a solid knowledge base.”

Image source: andresfranco.net

Salford and Trafford council are following the example of Bolton council to help small businesses get paid faster.

After being written to by the FSB local councils are agreeing to amend their payment policies to ensure small businesses are paid in a timely fashion.

Last month FSB research showed just one council in the region, Bolton, was using contractual arrangements to ensure sub-contractors hired by official local authority suppliers to fulfil a job, are paid within 30 days.

This is how fast all councils are supposed to pay suppliers, but many of these – who often big businesses – fail to then pay their own sub-contractors in such a timely fashion.

The FSB has praised Salford Council after the authority made a business friendly change to its procurement policy.

Trafford Council have also recently stated that they too are looking at changing their policy. Leader of the Council, Cllr Sean Anstee, told the FSB they were looking to introduce ‘contract clauses’ for their suppliers, but said it would require ‘careful consideration’ before being implemented with regards to how the council monitored performance, and also of the consequences for those suppliers who went on to breach the contract.

Salford Council’s City Director Jim Taylor, said: “Salford City Council places a strong emphasis on delivering social and economic gains wherever possible from its procurement activity.

“One of the aspects that we have recently considered is the payment terms for sub-contractors.

“We have now amended the relevant clause in Salford City Council’s standard terms and conditions of contract to ensure that our suppliers are contractually obliged to making payments to sub-contractors within the 30 day timeframe set out by the Government.

“This requirement was already included in some of the terms and conditions for construction services, but we have now ensured that this will be taken forward in all future procurement activity, whatever the category of activity.”

The FSB’s Regional Chairman in the Manchester & North Cheshire region,  Richard Gregg said: “This is great news for those small businesses who at some point in the supply chain, provide goods or services for one of Salford Council’s suppliers.

“Prompt payment is a blessing for small firms, many of who struggle with cash flow, so anything that can help remedy that is very welcome. We strongly urge other local councils to follow suit.

“All public bodies can and should be making this gesture to help small firms.”

A Cheadle based translation and language teaching company are looking to expand and increase their profits with a £40k investment.

Andrea Nicholls co-owns two sister companies with her brother-in-law and sister,  Accutranslate and La Academia and has plans to expand them both.

Accutranslate offers translation services in any language required and La Academia offers language training and lessons.

The companies were started up 11 years ago with a £20k bank loan and now turnover £0.5 million a year between the two companies.

Now Andrea aims to expand both companies in an attempt to move away from relying on the ‘bread and butter’ of her two companies.

All of her workers are self employed including the five directors of the company which results in hundreds of people, employed across the globe where Accutranslate and La Academia take a percentage from the teachers and translators.

A £40k investment will mean a new website and a heavy investment in networking and recruitment of staff to cover the new growth.

Andrea said, “what we really champion is the personal touch, one of the five directors will initially deal with the clients and most of our customers come through recommendations.

“I’m a spanish teacher and translator, I’ve been teaching for 27 years, my brother-in-law and sister are also teachers, together we started the business and it has developed from there.

“Like every business there is uncertainty, it’s very hard to predict what work will come in and getting the best staff is a challenge as we are very picky.“

Following the birth of her son, local mum Jenna Davy was inspired to set up a business to provide parents / carers with an opportunity to spend quality time with their babies through relaxation, movement and play.

‘The Baby Hub’ was born out of Jenna’s experiences whilst on maternity leave and offers Baby Massage, Baby M+Ms (music, movement and sensory) and Mini M+Ms programmes for babies ranging from 6 weeks up to 13 months, from venues in Jesmond and Wallsend.

Jenna says “Seb and I attended a range of baby related activities in the Newcastle area; we made some great friends and over time I realised how powerful spending dedicated time with your little one can be. I felt the benefits for not only me as a parent in terms of ‘getting out the house’, sharing experiences with other parents/carers and increasing the bond with my child but also for Seb in supporting his sociability, development and experiencing new environments.” Jenna wanted to share her passion and provide a service to other parents/carers.

Prior to returning to her ‘day job’, Jenna balanced motherhood with setting up a business and training in Baby Massage and completing the Level 3 Early Years course with a distinction.

Jenna admits it has been a difficult balancing act but has had great direction and support from PNE Enterprises in providing business advice, a great friend in Alex Morris of Plainsight Consultancy with her marketing and website design and a loving and supportive husband and family. Jenna said for her the key to making sure it all worked whilst still spending quality time with her son, was down to organisation – something that she can draw on from her Project Management background.

Still working the ‘day job’ currently as a Learning and Development professional part time, Jenna’s Baby Hub is going from strength to strength. After successfully completing her first set of programmes on 17th November, Jenna has by popular demand increased her offering to parents.

Jenna says ‘as a mum, I know what Seb and I enjoyed from the different sessions we attended and I can relate to other parents/carers about life with a baby. In addition, with the knowledge gained through my studies, I wanted to provide a fun, friendly and interactive environment for families.’

The feedback received so far speaks for itself with Laura and Layla (3 months) saying ‘very relaxed and friendly atmosphere in the class and an ideal location’ and Alan and Betsy (13 months) saying ‘My daughter loves this group – exploring music and movement through sensory play. Great to see other dad’s and grandparent’s too. It has been good to spend quality time just me and my daughter’.

The Baby Hub currently runs classes on a Monday morning from Wallsend and on a Monday afternoon from Jesmond. More information can be found at www.the-baby-hub.co.uk or by emailing info@the-baby-hub.co.uk.

A teenage passion for cutting hair and a dream of running his own business has led 25 year old Steven Ong to open Stevie Cuts, a barbershop that he plans will be the first of a chain across the North East.

Steven, who lives in Prudhoe, Northumberland, has opened Stevie Cuts in premises at the Infinity Fitness Gym in Lead Road, Greenside, Ryton, but has ambitious plans for the future.  

The chain he plans will include a number of American-style barber shops where customers can also play pool, relax and have a drink.  

Stevie Cuts opened just a few weeks ago but is already building up a loyal clientele, not only in the local area but also from as far afield as Newcastle and Morpeth.  Members of the gym and players from Ryton Rugby Football Club have welcomed the new shop.

Customers, aged from just one right up to 87, are asking for everything from the very latest styles, including patterns and cut-outs, to more traditional trims.

“Men today are much more grooming-conscious,“ said Steven. “Some are coming in every week just to make sure that their style stays looking at its sharpest and there is also a demand for eyebrow trims, colours and wet shaves.“

“I am really pleased that we are doing so well. Customers are recommending us which is great.  

“I am opening from 10 am to 8 pm so that it is convenient for after work, for people using the gym and for ‘Lads and Dads’ who are coming in together.“

Steven has invested his savings in refurbishing, equipping the shop and stocking high quality products.

“I am really confident about my business and plans for the future,“ he said. “I have always loved the creative side of cutting hair and I started doing my own, family and friends when I was about 15.

“Although I started in the building trade when I left school I knew this was what I really wanted to do so I went to the SB Barbering Academy where I was given a fantastic training.“

Steven completed an Enterprise Course with the youth charity The Prince’s Trust to learn about running his own business. Alongside him was his 23 year old girlfriend Annesha Parkinson who has just opened her own dance school in Prudhoe.

“It’s really good that we are both young and running our own businesses,“ he said, “We can talk a lot of things over and we understand about having to work long hours and put the businesses first.  

“Annesha, my family and friends have all been a fantastic support with Stevie Cuts and growing a successful chain of barbershops is one way that I can repay them for their help and faith in me.“

Image source: Melfiire

According to a new UK Innovation Index, West Yorkshire which is currently mid-table on the Index, has "enormous potential" as innovation hubs of tomorrow and also houses the best location in the region for startups.

Leeds is best city in Yorkshire for start-up firms, with close links to Manchester and Sheffield, the ports of Hull and Humber and home to the Leeds Bradford International Airport.

Leeds also has eleven universities on its doorstep resulting in strong collaboration between academics and businesses, as well as an inward investment service for Leeds City Region, which according to the report is set to be a powerful business hub in the future.

Johnston Press has worked with leading independent economics consultancy CEBR to create a nationwide Local Innovation Index measuring innovation in the towns and cities of the UK. 

The study, published today, brings together 11 discrete data sources under the categories Innovative People, R&D and Technology,Innovative Outputs, and Ideas & Inventions – to show the extent to which towns and cities outside London are shaping the thriving “innovation economy.”

West Yorkshire scored well on innovation facilitators relative to its ranking on the innovation index (21st out of 37 areas) and the index found that West Yorkshire was the best in region for "knowledge-intensive employment."

However the report found that the area as a whole currently falls short in terms of transport mobility but an improvement in rail connections between cities within and outside the region would help to attract more investment and facilitate more innovative activity the region. 

North Yorkshire best for R&D personnel employment in Yorkshire.

Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham is the top location for start-ups in South Yorkshire.

Ashley Highfield, CEO of Johnston Press said: “This landmark research by Cebr…identifies thousands of amazing, ground-breaking businesses – from start-ups through to major corporations – in every corner of the UK.”

“Too often, innovation is defined in very narrow terms. What the inaugural UK Local Innovation Index shows is how companies are harnessing the power of technology in new and ever-more productive ways.

"And their dynamism is setting the tone for our national economic recovery, making a huge contribution to the future prosperity of the UK.”

Colm Sheehy, senior economist, Cebr, said: “This is the first time that a study of local innovation has been undertaken in the UK. Our aim has been to capture innovative activity across the UK in a more holistic way than has been the case for national level indices of innovation.

“Our UK Local Innovation Index encompasses the marketing, networking and organisational innovations that occur across all industries. The research has revealed innovation that’s not limited by geography.”

Students startups will be given a new boost after the launch of an enterprise and innovation fund at Northumbria University.

Northumbria University, Newcastle launched the initiative at a fundraising dinner at its city campus, attended by a host of prestigious guests, including one of the institution’s most well-known alumnus Sir Jonathan Ive, Senior Vice President, Design at Apple Inc.

Sir Jonathan was joined at the dinner by more than 150 guests and alumni including Scotland’s decorated rugby international Scott Hastings and fashion designer Scott Henshall. The fundraising programme included a lively auction of lots, each with a special Northumbria connection, such as an original artwork by the last pitman painter Norman Cornish.

Every penny raised at the dinner will go towards a new Enterprise and Innovation Fund to create and support more entrepreneurial students and graduate businesses.

The fund will build on Northumbria’s outstanding status as the UK’s leading university for graduate start-ups based on estimated turnover. In the last five years’ alone, the University has created more than 100 new companies, which employ 800 staff.

Vice-Chancellor of Northumbria University, Professor Andrew Wathey said: “The dinner was a special opportunity for Northumbria University to share its commitment to enterprise and innovation and we were delighted to be joined by our guest of honour and alumnus, Sir Jonathan Ive.

“There is no better demonstration of an entrepreneurial culture in our programmes than the role the University has played over the last few years in supporting the creation of new graduate businesses. Providing support for more students and alumni to engage in this activity is the purpose of our new fund.

“It will give more of our students access to seed-funding to establish and grow their business ideas, undertake enterprise-focused work placements, and access proof-of-concept funding. Northumbria has set itself the challenge of becoming a new kind of excellent university. One way we can do that is to continue investing in Enterprise and Innovation.“

A Manchester university student is successfully running two bars with plans to expand to ten bars in the next five years.

Taps and Epernay on Watson street in Manchester are two very different places owned by a father and son duo.

Co-Owner Chris Payne is still studying at Manchester university for a masters in business and balances his studying with his company.

The company bought out the original owners in June 2014 using a combination of savings and a Natwest bank loan.

The exact six-figure amount cannot be disclosed.

The bars were previously run by a company based in Leeds and so came with a regular customer base.

Chris’s next challenge is to set up a bar from scratch and build up the customer base himself.

He plans on expanding to ten bars around the Manchester area creating jobs in the process over the next five years.

Chris said: “I’ve always wanted to be involved in the bar industry, all my part time jobs were around local pubs and bars so I have always been around it

"The biggest challenge is probably trying to change the culture of a bar that already existed.  

"Things that we don’t think work for where we want to go are hard to change, but it’s always hard to change an existing culture

"The easiest thing about this business is that it came with a customer base so we don’t need to focus on generating income but can focus on improving income instead.“