Image source: Sheffield Tiger

A Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership could contribute €120 billion to the EU economy every year according to the CBI.

The CBI hosted talks in Brussels with European political leaders this week, including the Prime Minister David Cameron, European business groups and international companies on the importance of securing the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

They were joined by Prime Ministers Thorning-Schmidt of Denmark, Stubb of Finland, Renzi of Italy, Straujuma of Latvia, Kopacz of Poland, and Rajoy of Spain.

As the European Council begins, the CBI, the UK’s leading business group, is urging European national governments to deliver an ambitious agreement that could create thousands of jobs across the Continent.

It is doing so in conjunction with its sister business federations in Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Latvia.

John Cridland, CBI director-general, said: “Our message to the seven European leaders who attended our roundtable and to political leaders across the EU is that Europe’s business community is united in its belief that this deal is crucial to the future growth and prosperity of citizens across the EU.

"It could create thousands of new opportunities for our young people at a time when youth unemployment across the Continent remains startlingly high.

“A Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership (TTIP) could be worth up to €120 billion to the EU every year - quite simply, it would be the biggest trade deal ever signed. As European politicians gather to drive through Commission President Juncker’s €315 billion investment package, they cannot ignore the significant contribution to jobs and growth that TTIP could also deliver.

“It would create an integrated market of over 800 million people, bringing more choices for consumers at cheaper prices. And with the UK already trading more and investing more with the US than any other country, there are real advantages to drive home particularly for smaller firms."

Dr Markus Kerber, director-general Federation of German Industries, said: “TTIP is a great opportunity to strengthen the European economy for the years to come. A TTIP that is guided by high standards will provide a sustainable stimulus for jobs and growth, and it will allow us to develop rules for global trade and investment.  We expect political leaders and negotiators to make significant progress in 2015 on the road to an ambitious agreement.“

Juergen Maier, chief executive Siemens plc, said: “TTIP is vital to boost jobs and growth on both sides of the Atlantic. For high-value manufacturers TTIP is an opportunity through greater efficiency, more open competition and lower costs, to make EU member states, including the UK, more attractive locations for factories, close to R&D and to customers.“

Bradford-based transport and logistics recruiter Driver Hire is set for further recruitment after hitting record weekly turnover of £2.2 million turnover.

The final two weeks in November saw the company achieve all-time record weekly turnover of £2.1 million.

This was beaten in December’s first week when turnover climbed to £2.2 million, 22% ahead of the corresponding week last year.

There was a similar story from its Australian business, which two weeks earlier, also reported record weekly trading figures, topping AU$260k and AU$900k for the full month.

Chris Chidley, Driver Hire’s chief executive officer said: “Whilst our current run of excellent trading is partly down to seasonal factors, there’s a definite flight to quality as we’re also gaining market share from our rivals.

“All types of businesses – from publicly quoted companies through to smaller local transport operators – are seeking recruitment partners they can rely on. One which will deliver a compliant service and quality drivers.

“Our longevity – now over 30 years in the recruitment industry – is another key selling point.  And of course we offer a number of added-value services including Driver CPC training as well as online licence checking and online training too.“

Driver Hire, which has a nationwide network of over 100 offices, provides temporary and permanent drivers and other logistics staff to businesses and organisations across the UK. They help when customers need extra staff to deal with holidays, illness or business expansion.

Leanvation, the St Helens-based company that produces types of surgical gloves, has broken into the main NHS market just a year after it was first established.

The company has won a place on two key procurement frameworks, allowing it to supply unlimited amounts of surgical gloves to NHS Trusts throughout the UK.

Under EU rules, NHS Trusts are limited in the value of products they can purchase from any one supplier without going through an official tender procedure.

Securing a place on the NHS Shared Business Service Framework and the Health Trust Europe Framework allows Leanvation to overcome this barrier.

Leanvation was set up in 2013 by former healthcare executives Dr Jonathan Day and Tony Downes, with backing from The North West Fund for Venture Capital, managed by Enterprise Ventures.

It has developed a range of surgical gloves that aims to reduce the risk of allergies and hand fatigue while offering improved fit and comfort.

The company will be launching four new products in early 2015 and is about to start work on a new range of surgical gloves designed to further improve infection prevention, thanks to its success in winning a five-figure research grant.

Leanvation’s Managing Director, Dr Day, said: “This is a major step forward for Leanvation, effectively giving us a licence to supply the NHS in volume and compete alongside the traditional multinational surgical glove brands.

“It proves that Leanvation products can help improve value, efficiency and clinical practice in the NHS.

“In fact our range was awarded a 100% score by the Health Trust Europe Framework – the highest of any supplier.”

Lisa Ward of Enterprise Ventures said: “Breaking into the NHS market is notoriously difficult for small suppliers.

“This is a remarkable achievement for a relatively new business and demonstrates the value of Leanvation’s products.

“The company is clearly bringing innovation into the world of medical gloves and its current range is set to be the first of many.”

Sheffield elearning firm, Training Post, is targeting small businesses with the launch of new online training developed in partnership with local business experts from across the City Region.

Training Post, which hosts a range of online training courses for SMEs, recently embarked on a mission to find the best business professionals in the region and get them in front of the camera to share their expert advice.

Training Post says continuing SME growth has seen firms exploiting new channels to promote themselves to prospective customers, and so look to e-learning to increase their skill sets.

Paul Hilton, managing director of Can Studios, explained: “Small business owners rarely have the time to step back from the day to day chores to develop important business skills.

“Not only do the new Training Post courses provide SMEs with access to affordable, high-quality online training, they also open up a new marketing channel for the experts we’re working with. 

"You’ll often hear it said nowadays that ‘content is king’ and, with Google increasingly valuing answers over keywords, elearning content can provide the key for companies striving to get to the top of the search results.”

Topics covered will range from search engine optimisation to public speaking, with the first course, ‘An Introduction to Social Media for Small Business,’ due to launch on 15th December 2014.

An Introduction to Social Media for Small Business has been developed alongside Rotherham-based digital marketing expert, Rebecca Coupe.

Rebecca is the owner of Infinity Digital, an award-winning digital marketing company that works with SMEs across the region to help them harness the power of digital media.

Training Post is offering the course free of charge for one week only (15th December – 21st December).  From 22nd December, the course will be available to enrol upon for a cost.

Training Post is an online elearning marketplace set up by Sheffield-based software development company, Can Studios.

Can Studios clients include the United Nations, Sheffield Hallam University, Oxford University Press and the Environment Agency.

Gordons, Jay Radley and Rebecca Whitehouse

Yorkshire law firm Gordons has strengthened its team with the appointments of solicitors Jay Radley and Rebecca Whitehouse.

Miss Radley has joined the banking and finance team, while Ms Whitehouse joins the corporate department.  

James Fawcett, partner and head of the corporate department, said their recruitment came at a time of growth for Gordons.

He said: “Jay and Rebecca are ambitious individuals who will be great assets to Gordons. Their experience will enhance our team and we look forward to working with both of them.”

Harrogate Water Brands, Rob Pickering

Harrogate Water Brands has appointed former regional director of Diageo Wines Europe as sales & marketing director to spearhead its sales and marketing strategy.

Rob Pickering, who has 24 years of experience within the drinks sector, was previously responsible for the development and management of the Diageo Wines portfolio in Europe and Canada.

Sophie Councell also joins the organisation as national account manager, having worked at soft drinks company Britvic for eight years.

James Cain, managing director at Harrogate Water Brands, said: “Rob knows the drinks industry inside out and his experience will help us expand into new markets both in the UK and abroad.

“It’s a fantastic time to be joining the bottled water market and Harrogate Water Brands is in a really healthy position with the opening of our state-of-the-art £8 million bottling facility, significantly increasing both our capacity and production capability."

Britcon, Paul Clarkson

Building, Civil engineering and structural steelwork contractor Britcon has appointed Paul Clarkson as managing director of the business.

Clarkson, who was previously operations director, takes over from Shaun Hunt who will retain the vice chairman role but focus on a number of new development ventures under the Hunt Group parent company.

He said, “After a challenging period through the economic crisis we are emerging with very healthy forward order books and business trading is returning to pre-recession levels.

"I am delighted to step into the role of Managing Director at Britcon and look forward to leading the business into an exciting future.”

Britcon has offices in Scunthorpe and Wakefield and directly employs 80 people on its project sites across the UK.

In 2013 Britcon announced that it had significantly increased business turnover to £26 million and it is expecting to announce a further significant increase in 2014 trading next month.

Gent Visick, Kathryn Hodgson (pictured) and Gidon Amar

Gent Visick, have made two further senior promotions.

Gidon Amar has been promoted to director whilst Kathryn Hodgson has been promoted to Associate Director.

Gidon joined the firm in September 2010 having graduated from Nottingham Trent University and Kathryn, formally of Friends Provident, joined in January 2011.

Commenting on the promotions, Managing Director, Rupert Visick, said “I am delighted to be able to announce the promotions of these two key members of staff. Gidon and Kathryn are pivotal to the development of our business going forwards and they have consistently exceeded both our and our client’s expectations.” 

Treske, Greg Murray

Yorkshire furniture and kitchen manufacturer Treske has strengthened its kitchen design team with the key appointment of Greg Murray.

Greg, who joins Thirsk-based Treske from the Secret Drawer furniture company in Skipton, will head up Treske’s kitchens team. Justin Bartlett, owner and managing director of Treske, said: "This is a very significant appointment for us. Greg is a very talented and experienced kitchen furniture designer, maker and fitter with an excellent track record.

"He is a superb addition to our staff and will be leading our dedicated kitchen design team"

Logic Fire & Security, Lesley Jakeman, Jonathan Mannion and Stephen Badley

Knaresborough-based Logic Fire & Security has taken on three sales consultants as part of an expansion strategy to further increase its portfolio of clients across the UK and Ireland.

Lesley Jakeman, Jonathan Mannion and Stephen Badley have more than 50-years’ sales experience between them.

Logic Fire & Security managing director Sean McPartland, said: "We are all very excited at Logic and welcome all the new additions to our team.

"The future for all our staff and customers look very bright."

Xeros, Tony Kerr

Rotherham washing machine manufacturer Xeros has appointed Tony Kerr as European sales and marketing director as the company strives to build its customer base in the UK and Europe.

Welcoming Mr Kerr, Xeros chief executive officer, Bill Westwater said: “Tony has extensive experience in sales, including within our own sector.

"He has a clear passion for driving businesses forward and his skills will be beneficial to the whole team.

"Indeed, part of his remit is to create a more sales-focused attitude amongst everyone at Xeros to enable us to grow.”

Joseph Askham and Jen Bramley, of Brinsworth Training

Brinsworth Training

Brinsworth Training has supplied 12 engineering apprentices to Alcoa at its two former Firth Rixson sites in Sheffield. Alcoa, the US metals giant, took over Firth Rixson, the global leader in aerospace components, last month in a deal worth £1.7bn.

Nine of the apprentices are based at the forging division at Meadowhall, and the other three at the metals division site at Ecclesfield.

Jo Banks, of Alcoa, said: “What we look for in apprentice is someone with the aptitude and enthusiasm to do the job. Then we need to work closely with them to gain the skills and knowledge, which is why it is so good to have Brinsworth Training as a partner.”

NG Bailey, Nick Phillips

NG Bailey has appointed a new subject matter expert to develop its growing critical environment offering.

Nick Phillips joins NG Bailey with over 20 years’ experience in the engineering services industry, including previous roles at BAA, Capgemini, Ernst & Young and British Airways.

Sean Wickens, the group’s business development director, said: “We have ambitious plans for expansion in this growth market, but understand that we must invest in order to scale without sacrificing quality of service.

"Nick’s a big part of that plan and we heartily welcome him to the team.”

Vital Online Studio, Adam Martin

Knaresborough digital agency Vital Online Studio has taken on an apprentice web developer who has spent time in the Moray Firth as part of a dolphin conservation project.

Adam Martin is 19-years-old and from Pocklington, and joins Knaresborough-based Vital after studying software development at York College.

Esme Founders & Alan Dickinson, Press Ahead

North East marketing communications firm Press Ahead has appointed Esme Flounders as marketing and communications director and Alan Dickinson as non-executive director.

Flounders joins from social landlord Coast & Country Housing bringing marketing and communications knowledge with her.  

Working first with Toyota, she then went to work for Endeavour Housing Association and stayed within the social housing sector for a decade, subsequently working with North Star Housing prior to Coast & Country Housing.

Dickinson has a background in media publishing houses and was regional advertising director with Trinity Mirror and magazine director with the Business Magazine Group.  

Kieron Goldsborough, managing director of Press Ahead said:“I am delighted that Esme and Alan have joined the team.  Both bring specialised knowledge to the business and complement the business strategy of investing in talented people.  As a business, we are continually investing in our people skills and strengthening our offering.

“Esme brings a wealth of marketing communication knowledge having worked on numerous re-brands, marketing and content strategies. Alan has vast knowledge of print, digital and event platforms, which will allow him to contribute significantly to the shaping of Press Ahead’s client campaigns.

“We have an exceptionally skilled team of creatives, marketers, PR and media specialists and the new appointments will only add to our credentials.  Our client portfolio has grown following recent account wins and we are working on substantial brands such as Berghaus, Coast & Country Housing, Huntsman, SSI, Changing Lives, Owen Pugh and the University of Cumbria.“

Matthew Williamson, Land Factor

Matthew Williamson has been appointed to the position of associate at Bywell-based Land Factor.

The married 31-year-old, from Ponteland, who qualified four years ago, holds an MSc in Rural Enterprise and Land Management, is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers.

Land Factor manages estates throughout the north of England and southern Scotland and Matthew will be principally involved with overseeing agricultural and commercial activities at privately owned Blagdon and Belsay.

Matthew, who is RICS registered, spent six years as assistant land agent and, latterly, Associate, at a national firm of land agents where he gained a breadth of experience.

He said: “I wanted to specialise in estate management and I was interested in a new role where I could manage large estates and Land Factor was the best in this field

“I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK,“

“and from quite a young age I was keen to do whatever I could to help preserve rural communities for future generations.

“I love everything about rural life and, when I’m not at work, I’m either playing cricket, fishing on the River Tyne or shooting in Northumberland.“

Paul Gough, Andrea Johnson, Barbara Wilson & Tom Aust; Gateshead College

Gateshead College has strengthened its commercial training operation with the creation of a dedicated new sector-based business-to-business team.

Headed up by Paul Gough (left), director of business development, the team will be promoting tailor-made training solutions.

Joining Paul Gough will be business development managers Andrea Johnson, Barbara Wilson and Tom Aust, who will be supported by advisors Jenny Lang, Lianne Marston and Rachel Van Zyl, and telesales specialist Sarah Hussan.

The business-to-business team will be specifically targeting employers in construction engineering, manufacturing, transport and logistics as well those operating in service sector industries such as hospitality and catering, retail and contact centres with a range of training solutions.

Paul Gough said: “We’ll be targeting employers with dedicated and bespoke solutions to their training requirements. “We’ll be focusing on showing how employers can benefit from adult apprentices as a route to improving the existing workforce and securing the skills they’ll need for future growth and success.“

Gloria Sanchez, Ringtons

The catering division of North East tea and coffee company Ringtons has appointed Gloria Sanchez as business development manager to the Ringtons Beverages team.

Based in Cumberland Gloria Sanchez joins the business-to-business division of the 108 year old company and is responsible for securing new business for the renowned family business across the Lakes and North West of England.

With over 12 years’ experience  within the coffee industry, Gloria is already making an impact, having secured high profile accounts including the newly refurbished Haig Pit Mining and Colliery Museum and Maryport Golf Club just a few weeks into the role.

Gloria said:  “It is fantastic to be part of a family-orientated business with real northern values.  This alongside a great product range which includes commercial coffee machines and a fantastic selection of teas, infusions and coffee which are all packed, blended and roasted in Ringtons’ own UK facility to ensure quality and freshness, is a dream to sell for a business development manager.  

"The position allows me to combine my existing experience with the opportunity to grow the business-to-business division in an area of the country and industry sector I know incredibly well.“

A range of preserves made in the Lake District is proving to be a global hit this December, with a Christmas condiment selection from Hawkshead Relish.

The Cocktail Gift Box, containing items inspired by four different cocktails, is flying off the shelves from Australia to Estonia.

The gift contains Bloody Mary Chutney, Strawberry Daiquiri Jam, Margarita Jelly and Mojito Marmalade, and is ensuring that households across Europe and America will have a sweet Christmas this year.

Production takes place just south of Hawkshead in a beautifully restored 16th century barn on the edge of Esthwaite Water, before being shipped to shops and distributors in the UK and overseas.

Director of Hawkshead Relish, Maria Whitehead, MBE is one UKTI North West’s newest Export Champions, and will be working with UKTI to encourage companies to make the most of their overseas potential, inspiring and motivating those new to international trade, both by promoting the benefits of export her own companies’ successes and by sharing knowledge and experience.

Maria says: “A number of items in our catalogue have proved popular at this time of year, but the cocktail inspired range is definitely getting people in the Christmas spirit.

“The four preserves seem to have a universal appeal and are selling in a wide range of countries, though they seem to be particularly popular in Estonia and Sweden.

“Export orders are generally received at the beginning of November for European or air freight, with consignments bound for the United States and Australia leaving Hawkshead in October owing to sea freight taking much longer.

“Production has been increasingly re-scheduled year on year especially with seasonal products to meet the overseas demand.

“The summer months with Wimbledon in full swing are accompanied by the fragrant waft of warming winter spices over Hawkshead.

“Export sales for 2015 are expected to exceed 2014 by 20%, partially due to securing further foreign distributors as well as an ever expanding customer, sustained by a marketing strategy which supports the efforts of our overseas partners.”

A young North East woman whose career started in a call centre, has taken communication to a whole new level, by starting her own PR company.

English graduate Amy Armstrong, from Newcastle, joined energy efficiency company Eaga in 2009 – but was forced to re-think her career plans after being made redundant.

With help from the eaga Trust, Amy went back to university and has now launched her own business, helping raise the profile of a variety of young companies in the region.

The eaga Trust was set up to promote employment, employee ownership and engagement in the workplace and now offers support to some 5,600 registered members who worked for eaga from January 11th 2000 until April 21st 2011, when it was sold to Carillion plc.

The Trust offers its members a range of benefits, including self-development courses, Business start-up loans and guidance for those planning to start their own employee-owned businesses.

Through its Skill-builder fund, which offers registered members a £1000 grantfor work-related training, Amy was able to study for a Masters degree in PR at the University of Sunderland.

While there, she met fellow student Marie Donnelly, 25 and, after graduating, the pair launched Sunderland-based M.A.D Communications.

Amy said: “The Trust’s help has been invaluable because, along with the £1000 Skill-builder, they gave me a Business funding loan towards computers and office equipment to help me set up my new office

“Without that financial support it would have taken Marie and I a lot longer to get the equipment we needed.

“Having just celebrated our first year in business, we have a strong and varied client base and we are going from strength to strength."

Chief Operating Officer at the eaga Trust, Richard Marr, said: “It has been a genuine pleasure to help Amy.

“Not only has she shown a clear sense of direction but she has put our support to excellent use and now has an embryo business of which she can be very proud.“

1,000 Barnsley jobs have been created in 2014 as part European-funded business support programme.

Enterprising Barnsley, which is run by Barnsley Council, provides free business coaching to Barnsley-based businesses with growth potential, in areas such as marketing, finance, leadership, IT and branding.

In 2014 the programme helped create 1,030 jobs in the borough.

Councillor Roy Miller, Barnsley Council’s cabinet spokesperson for development, environment and culture, said: “The latest figures prove that with the right support from the right people businesses can go from strength to strength.

"This is down to the innovative and hard-working attitude of business people across the borough and the continuous support of Enterprising Barnsley.”

One firm to receive input from the programme this year is Experia, which is one of the top three suppliers of multi-sensory equipment in the UK.

Managing director Gareth Jones has seen his company buy its own premises in Grimethorpe, invest in infrastructure and create five new jobs bringing Experia’s workforce to 19.

Gareth said: “Experia moved to Barnsley from West Yorkshire in 2011 and the company has expanded rapidly since then. Enterprising Barnsley has always been a great support and at the end of the phone line with practical advice and possible business contacts when we need them.”

Other firms that have created jobs include Aldi with 42, DHL with 30 and Active Response Security with 27.

Work opportunities for the future are also being created by firms moving into the borough. With Enterprising Barnsley’s support, Euroscan, a specialist company offering X-ray inspection services to food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies, has opened for business at Shortwood Business Park near Hoyland.

Enterprising Barnsley is supported financially by the European Union and has attracted £2,259,511 investment from the European Regional Development Fund as part of Europe’s support for the region’s economic development, through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme.

2014 has been an eventful year in Northern business, as almost 15 million people eagerly await the announcement of Cameron’s ‘Northern Powerhouse’ with the inclusion of a multibillion pound high-speed rail project.

Meanwhile, The Guardian labelled the North East of England as Britain’s Detroit, and a report by the RSA City Growth Commission stated that chronic underinvestment in the infrastructure of northern cities in the in UK is hampering growth. It’s been a year of ups and downs for the North, with the real excitement coming with next year’s General Election (watch this space).

In the meantime, check out Bdaily’s most significant events affecting the Northern SME business world in 2014:

January - March

North East: The year started with a bang for the North East, as Newcastle’s restaurant week defied the January drought and found itself being extended due to increasing demand, with the take up of dinner offers skyrocketing 68% on the previous year.

Also in the North East, region-wide taxi firm Blueline launched its ‘cabbie academy’ with the aim of creating 200 new jobs during 2014, following a £450k investment.

Yorkshire:

Yorkshire’s SME industry enjoyed a positive start to the year, as Wetherby IT services firm Deans Computer Services finalised its MBO, enabling its continued expansion. 

Meanwhile in Ikley, former Marco Pierre White chef, Simon Miller, teamed up with Ben Riley and Oliver Renton opened a new Spanish tapas restaurant in Victorian Arcade. La Casita occupies the mezzanine floor of the arcade, bringing mediterranean cuisine to West Yorkshire. 

North West:

In Liverpool, city leaders began considering the formal framework application for a £260 million Anfield expansion plan. In addition, planning permission was granted to relocate Liverpool’s Great Homer Street market to a new facility on Dryden Street. The market moved as part of the large-scale Project Jennifer regeneration scheme, with aimed to revitalise Great Homer Street and bring in much-needed major investment.

April - June

North East:  April was a remarkable month for Washington entrepreneurs Elliot Perry and Mark Stephenson after their event communications startup EventSneaker was acquired by London firm evvnt. EventSneaker, which began life in the lads’ bedrooms, took up residency in a new London headquarters and the development process is still overseen by Elliot and Mark.

Yorkshire:

June’s big Yorkshire news was the planned development of Doncaster’s Thorne Park into a new 35,000 sq ft Tesco supermarket, and a Marston’s family pub. The development, which is being lead by Henry Boot, came thanks to a grants from the European Regional Development Fund.

North West:

In April, the Anfield regeneration project took another step forward as Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Football Club and Your Housing Group sign the Heads of Terms, paving the way for the proposed £260m scheme which could lead to the creation of an estimated 770 jobs. Meanwhile in Manchester, the former Manchester United footballers dubbed as ‘Class of ‘92’ invest in a £23 million, 133-room hotel project, located close to Old Trafford. Hotel Football, which opened in November, features a five-a-side pitch on the rooftop of the 11-storey building, doubling up as an event space for dinners for up to 120 guests and barbecues on match-days.

July - September

North East: Newcastle restaurant week was only the tip of the iceberg for the North East’s food and drink industry, with dozens of new bars and restaurants popping up across the region throughout 2014. A notable candidate is Ladhar Leisure’s Hop and Cleaver, a smokehouse restaurant which opened on the Quayside back in July. Following a £750k investment, Ladhar transformed the 17th century Grade II listed building into a modern, relaxed bar and eatery.

Yorkshire:

Leeds’ food and drink industry also experienced a renaissance, with the likes of Red’s True Barbeque and cocktail bar group Mojo both experiencing significant expansion during the summer months. Red’s celebrated the opening of its fourth restaurant in Leeds, while Mojo secured £700k investment to expand in London.

North West:

In July, construction group Carillion was appointed as preferred bidder for Liverpool Football Club’s £75 million Anfield stadium revamp and in December, the contract was finally stamped and signed. 

In August, Liverpool played host to the International Festival for Business, taking place in 139 difference venues across the city with 75,000 business delegates attending the events. Everton boss Roberto Martinez hosted an event at the IFB Hub, attracting large crowds. 

October - December

North East: At the start of Autumn, entrepreneur Mike Ashley had Newcastle fans quaking in their boots (or jumping for joy) as he speculated on selling Newcastle United in favour of Rangers. Ashley eventually denied rumours, but as of December, he is continuing to increase resource in the Scottish club with the appointment of former Newcastle boss Derek Llambias to the Rangers board. Ashley continued to stir up trouble with his retail company Sports Direct, as it is reported that a £34 million scheme will affect just 10% of the firm’s workforce. No doubt Ashley will continue to surprise (and disappoint) us all in the new year.

Yorkshire:

In November, Yorkshire based nursing, social and homecare agency Local Care Force celebrated its 10th birthday in style by hitting the £10 million turnover mark. The firm has achieved year on year growth since its inception in 2004, after being founded by a Yorkshire entrepreneur and her business partner, Zimbabwean Samuel Rutsito. 

North West:

Just this week, Abu Dhabi-based investment and development company, Mubadala Development Company, run by Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, has announced an investment of £175 million to develop the Owens Park site on the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus Masdar is partially funding the development of the Manchester Graphene Engineering & Innovation Centre, and is establishing joint graphene application research and fellowship programmes with the University.

As for 2015, keep on eye on Bdaily to see the editorial teams’ predictions. But for now, we’d like to thank you for all of your support and interest in 2014 and we wish you a very merry Christmas and happy new year!

Cheadle-Hulme based The Translation People is on track for revenues of £4 million for its financial year to December 31, an increase of £500k million for the same period last year.

The company is used by both local and international businesses with Maxgear, a Bolton-based online retailer of cycling equipment, to translate product descriptions into French and Italian.

Maxgear director Ciaran Dunne said the translations have helped the firm’s sales on Amazon marketplaces to soar by 46% in the final quarter of this year.

Managing director of The Translation People, Steve Wilde said: “We’re delighted that our expert linguists and our advanced technology have enabled these retailers to achieve success with their overseas customers.

“The internet makes retail exports much easier, yet to truly capitalise on this opportunity, translating product descriptions, marketing and social media material is essential.

“Our ability to work in a variety of different content formats, and to respond quickly to customer requirements, is especially beneficial in the dynamic retail sector.

“We see retail as a key market for The Translation People in the coming years as e-commerce increasingly breaks down international trade barriers.“

Image source: p_a_h

• ­­­­­­­2014 house prices in town rise by region’s fastest rate of 6.8%
• Newcastle, South Shields, Whitburn and Tynemouth see North East’s biggest annual increases – slowest rises in Easington, Blyth, Darlington and Peterlee, and prices fall in Seaham.
• Property prices in the region rose by 2.6% this year – but would have risen by 5.3% if they year had ended in September.
• North East house prices fell 2.2% in December – the fastest fall this year –and are down 2.7% over the past three months.

North Shields has been named the North East property hotspot of 2014.

Analysis from sales and lettings business KIS shows that house prices in the town rose by the fastest rate in the region over the course of 2014, up 6.8%.

A typical house in the town now costs £170,709, up from £159,247 at the start of the year - rise of £11,462.

2014’s Top Five North East House Price Hotspots are as follows:

North Shields – 6.8%Newcastle upon Tyne – 5.7%South Shields – 4.7%Whitburn – 4.6%Tynemouth – 4.3%

The Bottom Five are as follows:

Seaham - -4.9%Easington – 0.4%Blyth - 0.5%Darlington – 0.6%Peterlee – 1.1%

North East house prices rose 2.6% in 2014 – but this rise would have been 5.3% had the year ended in September.  house prices across the region fell by 2.2% in December, the fastest fall this year.

17 of the 20 areas surveyed by KIS’ monthly Housing Now report saw prices fall over the past four months, with only Tynemouth (1.5%) and Durham City and Blyth (1%) seeing prices go up.

Cramlington saw the region’s biggest fall, with prices down 4.5% month-on-month. Significant slumps were also recorded in Jarrow (-3.5%) Easington (-3.1%) and Whitley Bay and Peterlee (-2.8%).

Property expert Ajay Jagota, founder and Chief Executive Officer of the North East’s most innovative sales and lettings business KIS  responded to the figures.

The firm is famous for being the first letting agent in the UK to abolish deposits, replacing them with a one-of-a-kind landlord insurance policy offering guaranteed rent, deposit replacement, legal assistance and round the clock third party emergency home repairs.

Ajay said:

“2014 was the year the North East property market at last came out of the doldrums, with prices finally returning to 2008 levels – and nowhere was the picture more positive than on the north and south sides of the Tyne.

“What is less positive is how sharply things have slipped back over the past three months. If the year had ended in September, the North East’s average annual house price growth would have been double what it is now.

“The government’s Help to Buy scheme was undoubtedly a huge factor in getting things moving again, but I warned at the time that reforms making it harder for people to secure mortgages – reforms completely unnecessary in the North East – risked slamming the brakes back on.

“The big question at the start of 2015 is whether the current slowdown is just the result of property’s traditional quiet December, or whether those warnings are coming true.

“Recent schemes launched by the chancellor like discounts on new homes and cuts to stamp duty will hopefully pave the way for more growth particularly with new developments and contribute towards a more positive outlook for the housing market in 2015.“ 

KIS is famous for being the first letting agent in the UK to abolish deposits, replacing them with a one-of-a-kind landlord insurance policy offering guaranteed rent, deposit replacement, legal assistance and round the clock third party emergency home repairs.

All traders with a regular licence to trade at Leeds Kirkgate Open Market will be granted the significant reduction in their base rent by Leeds City Council from January 1 2015 until 31 December 2015.

This follows a move by the council to approve in September 2014, a 20% decrease in rent to indoor tenants in order to compensate for trading conditions during a substantial £12.3 million refurbishment programme at the market which is set to begin early next year.

This assistance will mean that all outdoor traders with a regular licence, and all indoor tenants are now being given extra support with their rents by the council and help ensure that Kirkgate Market continues to be the home for a wide range of independent businesses and services.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council executive board member with responsibility for transport and the economy said:

"We realise that during our substantial £12.3m refurbishment programme of Leeds Kirkgate Market there may be some disruption to both businesses and customers, which is why we have now taken the decision to offer outside traders a 20% reduction in their base rents.

"This will mean that regular traders at Kirkgate indoor and outdoor markets can now benefit from a cut in their rent from the council, which is a signal of our continued commitment to support businesses at Kirkgate Market during this exciting time of change."

Image source: Gresham College

We’d like to thank our subscribers for their continued support and interest throughout 2014. Our email bulletin will return Monday 5th January. In the meantime, we hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year - we’ll see you next year!

Image source: mariaeklind

UK businesses are jingling all the way after a season of export success.

Christmas trees grown in the UK are sold nearly exclusively in the UK, but growers are increasingly bucking the trend.

Taking on their European rivals, during the festive season last year they saw an increase in sales overseas of 111% for October to December 2013 compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile children across the world continue to write to Father Christmas asking for British toys, with UK toy manufacturers reporting a 25 per cent increase in exports for October to December 2013

This is an increase of over £25 million compared to the same period in 2012 and, with a 17 per cent increase in unit toy sales for 2014 so far, is set to grow further still this year.

In 2013/14 UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy, assisted businesses generate £49.1 billion to the UK economy in additional overseas sales, which created or safeguarded 220,440 jobs.

According to retail sales data from market researchers The NPD Group, revenue from sales of toys since January has increased by 6% compared to the same time period last year - the best sales result since 2010.

British company WOW Toys has seen a 26 per cent rise in their exporting activity since January this year and are helping to fuel a boom in the UK industry.  

WOW, who specialise in innovative and high quality toys for toddlers, now export to as diverse places as Japan, Angola, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, and are expanding further still with the help of UKTI.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “From toys to trees to all the Christmas trimmings, the UK has proved time and again that we produce the items of choice for people celebrating the festive season across the globe.

“It’s particularly good to see British firms branching out into new markets, selling Christmas trees in Russia, chestnuts to Spain and toys to Angola.

“Looking ahead to 2015, we want to help British businesses not just sell abroad, but thrive there. UK Trade & Investment stands ready to help and this year supported almost 48,000 companies do just that. Any company wanting to know more should get in touch.”

Wigan-based Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls have been shipped, along with other Uncle Joe’s favourites, to a new export customer in Nigeria in readiness for Christmas.

This is the latest in a range of overseas markets for the confectionery, which is popular from Europe to Japan.

One of ‘Uncle Joe’s’ oldest export customers, Chelsea Market Baskets, based in New York is also busy selling lots of Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls for Christmas in its retail outlet, as well as online to both public and other businesses.

They are also including the Mint Balls in their luxury gift hampers alongside more traditional Christmas fayre.

Almost half of turnover for William Santus & Co. Ltd comes from sales during the fourth quarter of the year as this is a very popular time for premium, yet affordable gifts.

John Winnard, MBE, Joint Director of manufacturers William Santus & Co. Ltd which makes the sweets, is one UKTI North West’s Export Champions, and works with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI)I to encourage companies to make the most of their overseas potential, inspiring and motivating those new to international trade, both by promoting the benefits of export her own companies’ successes and by sharing knowledge and experience.

Speaking about his newest customer, John says, “We first met with our Nigerian customer during the Food and Drink Expo 2014 International Trade Exhibition where our goods were immediately of interest.  

“After following up the lead it was soon agreed that Uncle Joe’s would become part of their 2014 Christmas range.

“It demonstrates the need to exhibit in order to help get established in new markets.

“Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls in larger packs are sold more in the gift market sector, especially in the overseas markets, leading up to Christmas time.”

Image source: EEPaul

Turnover at Heysham-based sweet manufacturer Goody Good Stuff is set to double next year on the back of several large scale deals secured this Christmas with USA retailers.

Company owner Melissa Burton, has confirmed that Goody Good Stuff’s natural vegan and allergen free gummy goodies will be listed in CVS and Walgreens in 2015 – giving them an additional 12000 points of distribution in the USA market and the potential to reach more than half of all American shoppers.

Melissa is one UK Trade & Investment’s (UKTI’s) North West Export Champions, working with them to encourage companies to make the most of their overseas potential, inspiring and motivating those new to international trade, both by promoting the benefits of export her own companies’ successes and by sharing knowledge and experience.

The company has since commissioned an Overseas Market Introduction Service from the UKTI office in San Francisco which helped find other useful contacts in the American market.

Goody Good Stuff exports over 70% of its total productions and turnover and has set 2015 as a huge growth year for North America, China & the Middle East

Melissa says, “As a vegetarian I wanted to produce a natural gummy sweet range free from animal products such as gelatin and also free from allergens such as wheat starch, lactose powder, and nuts. ”

“I have always felt the US market would be a great fit for our range and we have been working very hard over the past 3 years to secure listings and build brand awareness.

“These recent wins are a huge turning point for our business in North America and will further help us in growing our total export turnover by doubling our access to market in one fell swoop!“

“As a native New Yorker, the American market was always my first choice.  By joining “Passport to Export” I was able to secure funding to help me attend the Winter Fancy Food exhibition in New York in 2009.“

Regional Director for UKTI North West Clive Drinkwater adds; “This is great news for Goody Good Stuff, and testament to what can be achieved with thorough research and a strategic approach to exporting.

“Recently I launched a challenge in the North West to encourage existing exporters to reach out to One More Market.  

“If every current exporter in the region achieves this, we could increase the GDP in the North West by an estimated £2 billion, significantly aiding economic recovery and giving a boost to our competitiveness as a region.

“I hope more companies will join us on this journey in 2015.“

2014 has marked a year of significant progress by the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), according to Humber LEP Chair, Lord Haskins.

Lord Haskins said: "Since our inception three years ago, business and the public sector have moved closer together and the strength of this collaboration is enabling resources to be targeted on specific areas for growth and raise the Humber’s national and international profile.

"The core purpose of the LEP’s existence is to drive growth for the Humber economy to benefit our communities, which by the very nature of our geography and traditional economy are diverse with coastal communities, Trentside villages, Scunthorpe steel manufacture, seafood processing in Grimsby, renewable energy off the Estuary, Wolds’ agriculture, deep sea container ports and many, many more.

"To assist all our communities to grow either directly or via a supply chain, the LEP’s main focus is on releasing the potential of the Humber Estuary by supporting current, relocating and new businesses to thrive, investing in an infrastructure which supports growth and developing a skilled and productive workforce."

Humber LEP’s successes in 2014 have included:

• Securing £104 million for projects in the first Growth Deal, which is largest allocation per head nationwide, and it is already negotiating a second Growth Deal.
• Through the LEP, this money is being spent on infrastructure works in Grimsby Town Centre, flood defence work at Lincolnshire Lakes near Scunthorpe to enable new homes and local facilities to be built.
• As well as flood defence projects in Hull and East Riding, offering grants to help job creation in the region, delivering and supporting housing in Hull and Brough, and supporting vocational training projects in Goole and Grimsby.
• Implementing the £10 million Hull and Humber City deal to support business, accelerate development and improve skills.
• Promoting the largest Enterprise Zone in the UK which spans both banks of the Humber and is expected to accrue £822.5 million investment and 5850 jobs.
• This year saw Siemens confirm its investment in Hull, construction work begin on the Able Marine Energy Park which made further progress in planning,and in Grimsby and Brough.
• Developing a strategy for £87.67 million (2014 -2020) European Union Structural and Investment Funding which will support sustainable economic growth.
• Brokering a new deal between the four Humber authorities and other statutory planning and licensing agencies to accelerate delivery of major developments
• Lobbying hard to keep the Cleethorpes to Manchester direct rail link and for the electrification of the Hull-East Coast Main LineInvesting over £25m from the Regional Growth Fund in nearly 200 businesses across the region which is creating 2200 new jobs.
• Sponsoring a floods strategy for the Humber which secured support from the MPs and others to influence the challenge directly to government.

Lord Haskins ended: "Overall, it has been a year of growing momentum whereby we are seeing a number of projects come to fruition and deliver the growth that a Local Enterprise Partnership was set up to deliver.

"Across the Humber we are experiencing an economic, social, cultural and infrastructural renaissance which offers an unprecedented opportunity to drive sustainable growth and lasting prosperity."

John Cridland, CBI Director-General, will spell out in his New Year message how to create a stronger economy, deliver a better future for our young people whilst securing Britain’s place in the world.

Focusing on three areas of action, he will remind politicians of all shades that reducing the deficit and cementing the UK’s reputation as one of the best places to do business must remain top priorities for the next government. 

He will issue a clarion call to radically reform the education system by scrapping GCSEs, and urge political leaders to place facts first amid the increasingly fevered debate on the UK’s membership of the European Union.

Mr Cridland will say: “A year of change and challenge beckons for us all as we hurtle towards the general election.

“It has been a successful year for the UK economy, and we have emerged stronger and more able to tackle the challenges ahead.

"Our economy is among those enjoying the fastest growth among the G7 nations, with 1.2 million jobs created this year and employment set to grow in every region of the UK in 2015.

“But the political and economic risks at home and abroad represent a clear and present danger. As the election countdown accelerates, I urge politicians of all hues not to take their eyes off the economic ball.

“We must sustain the best launch pad for the UK economy and our young people. Cementing Britain’s reputation in the world as one of the best places to do business has to be a top priority for 2015.

On creating the best conditions for future economic growth, Mr Cridland will focus on the importance of deficit reduction to delivering sustainable growth:

"For business leaders, deficit reduction is a must for the next Government.

"The main political parties are in agreement on the need for action but seem reluctant to be upfront on the major structural changes needed to prevent public services suffering decline through a thousand cuts.

"All political parties need to give as much attention to how they will run Government as to what Government should do.

"Post-Autumn Statement, the same approach to public service reform is no longer an option. Much of the low hanging fruit is long since gone and only radical solutions will deliver.

“Let’s see the integration of health and social care, and a significant increase in services available online.“

On creating a better future for our young people, Mr Cridland will say:

“Britain’s young people are streetwise and impressive, but our education system doesn’t always serve them well. 

“While the average is gently improving, we see too many left behind, and others who could be high achievers not fulfilling their potential.

"We need to get the basics right first time in primary school and then provide a personal menu of tailored learning plans for all 14-18 year olds offering high quality academic and vocational ‘A’ levels, and encouraging young people to mix and match, depending on what’s right for them.

“This will involve the eventual abolition of GCSEs at 16, as peak level testing would then take place when students are 18.

“By boosting skills we will see productivity rise – along with earnings. And business will play its part by improving competitiveness, and creating opportunities for young people through apprenticeships, and for older workers through workplace retraining.“

On the future of Britain’s place in the world, Mr Cridland will say that the majority of CBI members want the UK to remain within a reformed EU.

"The fundamental choice here is whether Britain wants to be a global citizen or retreat behind national borders. The needs of the modern world increasingly don’t recognise either the Berlin Walls or the Hadrian’s Walls of the past. 

"Political isolationism would leave us poorer. The majority of CBI member companies of all sizes want to remain in a reformed EU.

"But the EU has to reform and needs to be more competitive, outward looking and open.

“It must sign more trade deals, like the Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership, which could be worth at least 120 billion EUR every year and would create a combined market of more than 800m people, bringing more choices for consumers at cheaper prices.

“And we also need less EU – no more lifestyle regulation on matters like employment, such as the working time directive, which should be left to member states, and no more damaging regulations on UK financial services that are vital to fuelling growth across Europe.“

Britain will continue to progress

“There is much more to do but the signs are positive. UK growth is expected to hit 2.5% in 2015.  

“Restoring wage growth will help more people feel that they are benefitting from the recovery, but the upsurge in productivity required will only follow on from increasing skills across the piece.

“I’m optimistic that we can grow living standards, spread the benefit of growth for the country and move forwards with confidence if we make the right choices. Let’s get on with it.“

Image source: p_a_h

Finance Yorkshire has announced that it has fully invested its £90 million fund into companies in Yorkshire and Humber before its investment period was planned to finish.

The Fund has made 694 investments in businesses across Yorkshire and Humber, creating and safeguarding 8,716 jobs and increasing overall turnover in Yorkshire and Humber by £223 million up to this point in time.

Finance Yorkshire is the first European JEREMIE (Joint European Resources for Micro to Medium Enterprise) initiative to become fully invested in England. The Fund is backed by grants from the UK Government and European Regional Development Fund and finance from the European Investment Bank.

Alex McWhirter, Chief Executive of Finance Yorkshire, said: “I am delighted that we are the first JEREMIE fund to become fully invested in England. Despite operating in a challenging economic climate, we have exceeded our performance targets. It’s a success story of which Yorkshire and Humber can be proud.

“Many SMEs across the region have found it difficult to access finance via the traditional routes over recent years. We have been able to provide investment to fill this finance gap for many businesses, enabling them to expand and create jobs in the region.

“The Fund will now be managed through the next five years during which time it is anticipated that a significant legacy fund can be created for the region for investment back into more businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber.

“Finance Yorkshire is working with stakeholders to secure further funding to ensure there is continuity to business investment in the region during 2015 and we expect to make a further announcement on this very soon.“

James Newman, Chairman of Finance Yorkshire, and Chairman of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) said: “This is a significant milestone for everyone associated with the fund.

"Finance Yorkshire’s investments have given businesses a timely boost that has led to other private sector direct investment and more employment opportunities being created. With growth firmly back on the business agenda, the economic impact of this fund cannot be underestimated.

"It is, therefore, vital that a second JEREMIE fund is created in 2015 so that all the good work done by Finance Yorkshire is not lost and it can continue to support businesses in Yorkshire and Humber. I am hoping that all four of the Yorkshire and Humber LEPs will support this important initiative so we can all build on the excellent performance so far for the benefit of the region’s economy.“

In November 2014, Finance Yorkshire was named Alternative Finance Firm of the Year at the prestigious Yorkshire Dealmakers Awards, organised by Yorkshire Business Insider magazine.

Finance Yorkshire provides seedcorn, loan and equity linked investments, ranging from £15,000 to £2m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to meet their funding requirements for growth and development.

The project is supported financially by the European Union. It has attracted £30million investment from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of Europe’s support for the region’s economic development through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme, £15 million from UK Government and £45 million match funding from the European Investment Bank.