Barnsley’s Acorn brewery is set to crack the Spanish market after successfully selling its real ale in Italy.

Acorn Brewery will attend the UKTI’s Great British Speciality Beer and Food Exhibition on Thursday (February 5th) in Barcelona.

Brewery owner Dave Hughes and commercial director David Broadhead will take a selection of Acorn’s most popular bottled beers to the trade event which is expected to attract more than 60 Spanish buyers – including wholesalers, supermarkets and bar chain owners.

Acorn’s first Italian order, delivered in October last year, was worth £10,000 and repeat orders have followed from the same wholesale buyer, who supplies bars and restaurants in the north of Italy.

The brewery, which has a turnover of £1.2 million, has also seen growth in sales in the UK market.

Dave Hughes said: “The Barcelona trade fair is a fantastic opportunity to get ourselves in front of big buyers in Spain.

“We made a start shipping beers to Italy four months ago and are keen to gain more export sales as a key part of our growth strategy.

“We’ve rebranded and re-labelled our range of bottled beers for the international market and are very pleased to be taking part in this UKTI trade initiative.“

Dave said: “Our aim is to invest in further expansion in 2015 and seek new buyers at home and abroad. We currently brew about 30,000 pints of real ale per week but have the capacity to ramp that up to 45,000 and beyond.“

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) is a government organisation which supports businesses to export and import. According to UKTI figures Spain is the UK’s eighth largest export market and Spaniards drink more beer than wine - beer making up 50 per cent of the total consumption of alcohol there. 

Acorn independent brewery was established in 2003. It is based on Aldham industrial estate in Wombwell and employs 12 people.

Image source: Sten Dueland

Rotherham-based metal manufacturers MTL Group Ltd have gone into administration after cash flow problems caused by a large overseas defence contract.

John Sumpton and Hunter Kelly of EY’s Restructuring team were appointed joint administrators of MTL Group Limited on 2 February 2015.

On appointment of the Administrators, a total of 157 employees were made redundant across the Company’s head office and manufacturing facility in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

146 employees have been retained to assist with ongoing operations whilst a purchaser is sought.

Employees affected by redundancy are being offered appropriate advice and support in making claims from the Redundancy Payments Office for outstanding wages, as well as redundancy and notice pay.

John Sumpton, joint administrator of MTL Group Limited, commented: “Although the Company was historically profitable, it has encountered difficulties on a large overseas defence contract which resulted in losses and cash flow problems. 

"Despite best efforts to secure new investment or a sale of the Company, the immediate cash flow pressures left MTL Group unable to meet its creditor obligations and the directors took steps to appoint Administrators.“

“We are assessing our options to keep the facility operating in the short term whilst seeking a buyer for the business and are continuing to provide product to certain customers. We would encourage any interested parties to come forward.“

“It is with regret that 157 people have been made redundant. We will work with those affected to help them claim outstanding wages and other payments from the Redundancy Payments Office.“

Any parties interested in acquiring assets of MTL Group Limited should contact the Joint Administrators.

Technical recruitment company, CDI AndersElite has expanded within Evans Property Group’s Minerva office building in Leeds City Centre.

The firm has signed a new lease for 1,900 sq ft on the 1st floor to realise its ambitions of growing its 25 strong team to 40 within the next 2-3 years.

CBRE and JLL are agents on Minerva and CDI AndersElite was unrepresented.

CDI AndersElite, which has seven UK offices, first moved its Leeds base to Minerva in 2002 to provide permanent, temporary and contract recruitment solutions for clients across a variety of industries but with a strong focus on the regional construction sector.

Throughout 2014, a surge in the construction market saw the company gather increased momentum and outgrow its existing office space on the 5th floor at Minerva.

Evans Property Group invested extensively in the refurbishment of Minerva and neighbouring Capitol office buildings last year as part of an overall, ongoing £20 million investment into the Bond Court area of the city.

John Hobbs, Leeds divisional manager at CDI AndersElite, commented; "Minerva occupies one of the most prominent and strategic addresses in the city centre, within the business district yet close to all the city’s amenities and public transport hubs.

"Having worked successfully from this base for 13 years, we are delighted to be able to grow our business here and will be recruiting for positions as soon as we take occupation in the next few weeks.

"We anticipate exciting times ahead with further company growth planned in the next three years."

Alan Syers, portfolio director at Evans Property Group, said; “As such a long-standing and valued tenant, we are pleased that CDI AndersElite has committed to Minerva and that we have been able to accommodate their growth requirements.

"We have received such a positive reaction to the newly refurbished space at both Minerva and Capitol and we are now able to offer a range of suite sizes to meet the requirements of new and existing occupiers.”

The North East director of The Christmas Decorators has changed the skyline of Newcastle thanks to an ambitious project.

Entrepreneur Laura Perry, who launched the Newcastle office of the international brand in September last year, bagged a contract which had previously seen competitors unable to fulfil the brief.

The contract worth over £11k was to light up the dome of Monument Mall which is now home to newly opened bar and restaurant The Botanist.

Over 12,000 LED lights were strategically placed in and around the 500 metre squared dome structure to create the star-filled night sky effect which took weeks of preparation and three nights to install.

The Christmas Decorators in Newcastle covers one of the largest geographical areas of all of its offices in the UK providing lighting and decorations to both commercial and residential properties between the borders of Scotland and North Yorkshire all year round.

Director Laura Perry said: “We are absolutely delighted that this challenging project has received such great feedback and transforms the night skyline of Newcastle from how we have always known it.

“This project has to be one of the most challenging both physically and logistically that we have undertaken but we’re very happy with the outcome.

“Being the only specialist decorator in the area to offer lighting and decorations for any property means we can create both interior and exterior designs which are bespoke to each person’s budget or theme.“

With enquiries having doubled every month in the last few months of last year, The Christmas Decorators is set to employ a permanent team of people and to grow the North East division sooner than expected.

Laura continued: “With more and more exciting projects like the dome coming around we need to expand the team earlier than we thought. It’s a very exciting time for us to really show what we can do, focusing on exceeding clients’ expectations and making the impossible a reality, we are keen to attract like-minded ambitious and creative people.“

Andrew Shiel-Redfern, manager at The Botanist said: “We had a vision to light up the dome and when several contractors said it wouldn’t be possible or too dangerous to install and maintain, we were looking for a solution. Laura came along and said yes and, however she did it, she pulled out all of the stops, turning it around within a very tight timescale.

“The Monument Mall is a fabulous building and hopefully now its permanently-lit dome will become an iconic vision for the city.“

The Christmas Decorators has a wide array of clients across the UK and abroad from celebrity homes to international airports and such locations as The Shard in London and Gusto on the Quayside.

An entrepreneur who visited the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) for help starting his business has taken an Open Space membership as his company grows.

Michael White started his company, Posture Team, after visiting the start up team at the BIC.

The business specialises in tailor-made furniture to help those with ongoing back issues as well as preventative issues, these include state of the art height adjustable desks and innovative chairs and stools.

Michael was so impressed with the BIC’s Open Space facility, 2,400 sq ft facility, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programme 2007-13, that he took a membership after seeing the space just once.

Michael said: “The Open Space is a fantastic co-working hub and I have already made connections with other members who use the facility.

“Prior to this I worked from home but having a professional setting as well as a business address is priceless, not to mention the access to experienced advisers.

“My goal is to take an office full time here at the BIC, the business is doing well and I already have had contracts with the NHS, call centres and government funded offices so it really is just a matter of time.

“I started getting involved more with the physiotherapists and accompanied them on visits. I really loved this niche area.

“It is much more than just selling a chair, or a desk you start to ask more questions about the person that you are supplying to.

“I visit a client do a full assessment and upon that recommend items they need which will improve their work style.

“Ultimately I see the business as making people move more in the workplace, becoming healthy and business owners more aware of how to prevent these issues occurring.”

Senior space adviser, Donna Surtees adds: “It is a great pleasure to  welcome Michael to the Open Space. With access to meeting rooms, quiet spaces and high speed wifi I am confident that the facility will provide an environment for successful growth.

“The BIC are opening up a new state of the art business centre in Darlington this spring and Business Central will also include an Open Space where current members can benefit from, all aided to help increase clients and for our tenants to experience growth.”

Image source: amsfrank

The average salary in Yorkshire and The Humber grew 12.3% in the past year according to research from job search engine Adzuna. 

An average wage in the region hit £30,691, however this was was the 6th lowest out of 8 regions.

Salaries are rising more quickly in the North than in the South according to the firm.

By region, the North East leads annual salary improvement, with a 13.7% average increase compared to December last year, closely followed by Yorkshire and The Humber (12.3%), while the North West (10.3%) manages to keep up with the rest of the pack, remaining comfortably ahead of the UK average (6.9%).

Salaries in the South East lag behind at 7.7%, while London salary growth falls below the UK average with a year-on-year increase of just 6.6%.

At £34,548, the average UK advertised salary in December was actually £1 lower than November’s £34,549.

In better nationwide news, competition for jobs halved over 2014 to hit a new record low of 0.85 jobseekers for every advertised vacancy in December, according to the latest UK Job Market Report from Adzuna.co.uk.

The number of jobseekers going after each advertised role has nearly halved by comparison to December 2013, when there were 1.61 jobseekers per position.

Andrew Hunter, co-founder of Adzuna, comments: “Individual cities can’t be taken blindly as representatives for entire regions – but they are useful indicators. An advertised salary increase can often mean that employers are struggling to fill positions from their local talent pool.

"By raising advertised salaries, they hope to attract better qualified candidates from other regions.

“Combined with the high competition for jobs we’re seeing in the North, a logical explanation is that employers are struggling to fill positions due to a lack of skills applicable to the sectors thriving there.

"David Cameron has made funding for apprenticeships a core part of his re-election campaign, and the figures bear this out as a sensible tonic for employment – especially in the North.

"Hopefully this proactive response to a clear mismatch in the UK employment market manages to transcend party lines in time for the general election.”

Sheffield-based UK Steel Enterprise,  the Tata Steel business-support subsidiary, has provided a £25k funding package for a creative entrepreneur in the North East.

Design X-Press Ltd, started by Juliette Middlebrough in 1995, now has its sights set on a £1 million turnover within the next four years, and UK Steel Enterprise, has backed the company’s latest £130k investment package with its unsecured loan.  

Design X-Press is a large format printer producing posters, leaflets, banners, signs, exhibition stands, canvas photos and digital wallpapers for customers in the UK, Europe, USA and the Far East.

Through contracts with design agencies and print management companies it prints for  household names including The Co-operative, Thorntons, The London Eye, Aviva, Nandos, Alton Towers, Madame Tussauds and BP as well as various government accounts and local authorities.  

The expansion into a new unit on Consett’s Number One Industrial Estate included the purchase of a second flat-bed printer and flat-bed automated cutting system.  It is not long since the company invested in its first flat-bed printer and installed new technology. 

Now the nine members of the Design X-Press team, praised by Juliette as “exceptionally strong” are ready for a busy 2015 and the expected growth should lead to six new jobs. 

Juliette said: “Acquiring our first flat-bed printer allowed us to be much more competitive on price, to bid for bigger contracts and move into new areas such as cut-outs, signage and display boxes.

“We soon realised we needed another printer and a cutter to meet the growing demand.   

“We now have more space, a very efficient work-flow area and ideal access for deliveries and despatch. The two new contracts are for thousands of roll-top exhibition banners and both came just as we moved.

"We have also just secured a further two-year contract with our local authority for large format products and a new two-year contract for signage.  

“The support from UK Steel Enterprise has been fantastic and the unsecured loan was crucial to our expansion plans. The whole process was very thorough but also speedy,” she added. 

Support also came from the Regional Growth Fund, through Lombard Asset Finance, and the government-funded Growth Accelerator programme. 

Sarah Thorpe of UK Steel Enterprise, said:  “Design X-Press has an excellent customer base and reputation as well as a strong niche position with food retailers.

"Expansion was vital to meet the demand from existing customers and to move into new markets and we were happy to provide support.”

Image source: Biggunben

Crewe-based Conviviality Retail Plc, the off-licence and convenience store brand trading primarily under the Bargain Booze fascia,has announced that it will acquire Chesterfield-based GT News (Holdings) Ltd for £6 million.

GTN has 37 stores largely in the East Midlands and Yorkshire. Conviviality also recently acquired the Rhythm and Booze to add to its portfolio.

For the year ended 30 June 2014, GTN generated revenues of £57 million1, EBITDA of £0.9 million and profit after tax of £0.4 million.

Diana Hunter, Conviviality Retail Plc CEO said: "The acquisition of 37 stores from GT News is in line with our stated aim to grow our business into areas which are underserved by our brands.  

"Yorkshire and the East Midlands are two such areas and will provide a significant growth opportunity.

"Customers will get even better value for money across all the brands and ranges that they currently buy as well as the additional benefit of a much stronger range of beers wines and spirits."

Technical and engineering recruitment consultancy, Advanced Resource Managers (ARM), has kickstarted the year with a recruitment drive to support expansion under the direction of new leadership.

Under the new leadership of John Dunaway and Leon Howgill, the Havant-based firm underwent a ‘culture change’ which has aided the firm’s ongoing expansion.

Advanced Resource Managers (ARM) Ltd (part of The Serocor Group of companies), is a specialist engineering and technology recruitment firm structured across five business lines"

Technology, Infrastructure & Built Environment, Information Security & Communications, Vehicle, Technologies and Oil & Gas, supported by its Corporate Services function.

The Serocor Group now has 175 employees over five sites (London, Havant, Bournemouth, Bristol and Aberdeen).

Employees are encouraged to be open to new ways of thinking, which has lead to new habits and a very different approach to daily work.

The company said: “The results have been astounding, creating a productive, relaxed, flexible and collaborative environment – there’s a definite buzz about the place and a renewed pride to work for ARM.

“We are looking for determined individuals who will have a passion to succeed no matter what challenges they face within recruitment. It’s an exciting time to be joining the business under new leadership, with an emphasis around training to ensure our consultants are the best within the country”

Image source: Nguyen Vu Hung (vuhung)

Liverpool-based Downing has signed the deal on its 100th flexi-office letting – welcoming Servoca Nursing & Care Ltd to Graeme House.

The healthcare recruitment agency is moving out of Downing’s Victoria House building and taking on two Flexi-Offices at Graeme House in the city centre, following sustained growth.

The company has now let in excess of 50,000 sq ft of flexi-office space across its portfolio of landmark city buildings including No.1 Old Hall Street, Federation House, Graeme House, and the Grade II Listed Port of Liverpool Building on Liverpool’s World Heritage waterfront site.

Senior Agency Surveyor at Downing, Robin Ellis, said: “Since Downing launched the flexi-office concept on the market in 2012, the market response has been excellent.

“We’ve seen a real appetite for this offering from businesses of all types, ranging from one man start-ups that want to be in well-located, prestigious buildings, to larger more established business that need an inclusive deal ASAP on straightforward flexible terms.

“Servoca has been a flexi-office tenant of Downing’s since September 2012 and it’s great to see the company growing and expanding – and like so many of our clients, they have been a real pleasure to deal with.“

Lancashire-based planning consultancy PWA Planning is targeting further growth after completing more than 100 projects in its first full year in business.

The consultancy, founded by Paul Walton in 2013, recently hired two new consultants, taking staff numbers to six at its Ribble Saw Mill headquarters in Preston.

It plans to recruit further staff in 2015 as changes to national planning policy fuel demand for specialist planning advice.

PWA Planning works primarily with architects, developers, landowners and other property professionals on projects in the housing, commercial, healthcare, leisure and sport sectors.

PWA Planning has won projects including the public consultation, Environmental Impact Assessment and planning application on behalf of Scunthorpe United Football Club for a mixed use sport and leisure development which includes a new 12,000 capacity stadium at Lincolnshire Lakes.

Director of PWA Planning, Paul Walton,  said: “We’ve had a really strong start as a business, getting work from existing and new clients alike throughout 2014.

“We’ve completed over 100 projects so far and have a healthy pipeline of new work, so we expect to be able to create more new positions in the near future.“

“This is a really interesting time in construction and development as local authorities start to get their housing strategies in place and planning law continues to evolve to empower local communities”.

“As such, developers are going to encounter more significant challenges, so the demand for specialist planning advice is huge. We are expecting 2015 to be another year of solid and steady growth.“

Manchester-based security specialists, Professional Witnesses Group (PWG) are preparing for major growth and moving into global expansion thanks to new working capital from Barclays.

In 2013/14, the business increased its turnover by 35%, and following expansion in the UK and Europe the company have now set its sights on significant opportunities in the form of security provision in the Caribbean.

Owner Steve Walsh said: “At PWG we lead the future of specialist security provision.

“We invest in our people, technologies and in our proactive services. In particular, the arrival of three new directors who bring a wealth of security and commercial experience, coupled with new ideas and a passionate focus on the business has proven highly successful for us and our clients.  

“With new funding in place we are taking the business to the next level.

“Barclays has provided working capital which will be used to exploit new opportunities both within the UK and worldwide and we are very grateful for that support.“

Liverpool-born entrepreneur Mark Pearson launched MyVoucherCodes in 2006 after moving to London to pursue his dream of becoming a chef; eight years on, MVC was acquired by Monitise in deal worth £55 million.

Mark, who left Liverpool in search of a culinary career at age 18, continues to lead the MyVoucherCodes team and has high hopes for 2015 as the popularity of voucher codes continues to increase.

Mark started his career as a commis chef at Claridges, he told Bdaily: "When I left school at 16 I decided to take an NVQ in catering.

"I grew up in a council flat and no one in my family had ever been to university so it wasn’t on my radar. I just knew I wanted to make something of myself.

"I was never a good student when I was a kid but I worked hard and came top of my class for my NVQ as catering was the first thing I had ever chosen for myself.  

"I got hired as a commis chef at Claridges under Gordon Ramsey when I was 18 and left after a year to run my own gastropubs.

"Four years later I realised I needed to leave the food industry to pursue a business that could scale."

Mark launched MyVoucherCodes after noticing the financial potential of online advertising, he said: "My next business venture sent customised messages on flower petals, but I quickly realised the revenue that came in from Interflora advertising on my site far exceeded my sales!

"And so to maximise on this idea MyVoucherCodes was born in May 2006. I outsourced the website to an Indian web developer for £300.

"The company grew rapidly year over year and expanded internationally before I sold it as part of a larger acquisition in 2014. "

In June 2014, Mark sold Markco Media, MyVoucherCodes’ parent company, to global online banking firm Monitise, which currently employs around 1,000 people in its London, California and Istanbul offices.

Mark said his own determination is the key to his entrepreneurial success, he said: "I have always been motivated to do better.

"I have never had a mentor; I’ve just got an inner drive to succeed.

"My goal was to be able to buy my mum a house and I achieved that goal a few years ago. She raised my sister and me on her own and I will always be grateful to her."

A recent study showed a massive 41% now feels voucher codes are socially acceptable and four-out-of-five UK adults have used a voucher code in the last year.

A recent comScore report found that 35% of users actually discovered a product they otherwise would not have been aware of because of a voucher code.

Mark said: "Loyalty is key so in addition to keeping vouchers fresh, we are constantly working to stay on top of tech trends.

"The voucher space is now looking to mobile and relevancy for the best ways to add value for our customers. "

Mark has several plans for 2015, both commercially and personally. He said: "I’m focused on getting more exclusive money-and-time-saving offers to UK consumers via the brands Monitise works with, and MyVoucherCodes.

"There is so much innovation in the mobile commerce space and we’re really excited be in the heart of it, using digital channels in new and engaging ways.

"In terms of my personal aspirations, it really is so important to give back to the community as and where you can. I’m working on several projects with homeless and disenfranchised youth. Alongside and beyond that, I’m always thinking of new business ideas and finding ways to address problems through innovation. "

Image source: CentreforCities

The Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has secured £17.5 million funding from the government’s Employer Ownership of Skills Pilot (EOP).

The funding will be awarded to small and medium-sized businesses in the Leeds City Region to invest in the skills of their workforces, enabling them to develop and grow their business.

This is supported by more than £20 million in employer contributions.

The programme aims to address skills shortages in key sectors in the Leeds City Region that offer the greatest opportunities for economic and employment growth, such as manufacturing, construction, digital, hospitality and medical technology.

Grants and support of £500 to £50,000 will be available to businesses in the region.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "From medicine to manufacturing, the Leeds City Region boasts a diverse business community across high value sectors so it’s essential they get the support they need to grow.

"That’s why the government is providingSME’s across the region with funds to support bespoke training programmes and the means to take on Apprentices so they can develop their workforce with their business needs in mind.

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said: "Supporting small businesses and the jobs they create is part of building the northern powerhouse. The new Leeds City Region skills fund is good news for small businesses. By investing in the skills of local people we will create new jobs in the City Region and help small firms thrive.

"Our investment will help deliver training to 17,000 people and enable thousands more employers to hire new apprentices. By backing small business and creating new jobs, we can ensure Britain stays on track for prosperity."

The bid was led by Mark Ridgway OBE, LEP Board Member and managing director of Joseph Rhodes Ltd, an advanced manufacturing company, based in Wakefield on behalf of employers in the Leeds City Region.

Roger Marsh, chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership said: "I am delighted that the LEP has succeeded once again in securing vital funding for our region. This is a step change in addressing the skills needs in the City Region and will help improve business competitiveness across our diverse growth sectors.

"This funding commitment confirms the trust government places in our City Region; recognising our achievements of creating more and better jobs for our residents and acknowledging our ambition to work collaboratively with employers to drive the skills agenda."

The project will offer business support and grants of £500 to £50,000 to companies in the Leeds City Region. As a result of this funding, the LEPalong with its delivery partners will support 3,000 businesses with a skills service, 2,500 businesses with skills assessments and advice, 1,000 businesses to take on apprentices and 17,100 individuals into training.

Some of the biggest names in North East business are lining up to share their stories with the region’s entrepreneurs this spring.

Reading like a roll call of business icons, a full calendar of inspiring events, including site visits, dinners, panel discussions and a major conference, has been put together by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum.

The season has already kicked off with Sir John Hall, the winner of the Forum’s 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award, who opened the year as guest speaker at the Chairman’s Dinner.

Wayne Hemingway MBE, Sir Peter Vardy, Mike Matthews MBE and Paul Walker, former CEO of Sage plc, are among the names to come.

Forum members were at the official opening of the Staiths café bar, the final piece in the jigsaw of Hemingway’s visionary housing development in Dunston that has paved the way for alternative thought in estate design.

A visit to the UK headquarters of Facebook, in London, later this month is set to be a hugely popular opportunity to see inside one of the media phenomena of recent times and to learn about how the company has developed its culture to stay ahead of competitors.

Perhaps less well known but equally fascinating will be events with former BBC foreign correspondent Alex Brodie, who now runs Hawkshead Brewery in the Lake District, and Dr Sam Whitehouse, of QuantuMDx, whose products have the potential to revolutionise healthcare in developing countries.

Of particular local interest, former fighter pilot Dan Robinson will talk about how he has taken on and is building the family construction business, Gus Robinson Developments, following the tragic death of his father.

Other events will be more issue-based and will explore business challenges such as sales, recruitment and retention.

On Budget day on March 18, members are invited to join an event at PwC in Newacstle to watch the Chancellor’s speech live with experts and follow it up with discussion and comment.

May 14 sees the Forum move to The Sage Gateshead for the first time for its annual business conference.

In a combination of brain, body, brawn and blocked drains, the conference will focus on leadership in business, lifting the lid on what makes a successful leader whatever the business.

The speaker line-up includes:

Floyd Woodrow, a decorated former Parachute Regiment and SAS soldier and ex-head of the Counter Terrorist Unit who went on to be a director in the oil and gas and technology sectors before establishing security organisation Britam Defence Ltd and Chrysalis Worldwide.

Former Microsoft executive Richard Tait, the co-developer of the worldwide success story Cranium, which he sold to Hasbro in 2008 for $77 million. He has since gone on to create a new business based on Golazo sports drink.

Jamie Combs, founder of Natural Balance Foods, whose Nakd range of cereal bars and snacks is sold in supermarkets across the UK and across the world. A leader of conviction, Jamie previously worked in marketing for Baskin Robbins ice cream and as a business turnaround consultant.

Charlie Mullins started Pimlico Plumbers in the basement of an estate agent in 1979 with just a second hand van and a bag of tools. Determined to remove the stigma associated with the industry, 34 years later Pimlico is London’s largest independent plumbing and service company with a workforce of around 200, 160 vehicles and turnover in excess of £18 million.

Forum chief executive Gillian Marshall said: “We are all incredibly excited about our calendar for the next six months. We’ve got events of real strength and depth - inspiring speakers to hear from, amazing companies to visit and some fascinating issues to explore as we seek to support entrepreneurs in growing both their businesses and themselves as leaders.

“We hope the work that’s gone into bringing these opportunities to our members will help them at a critical time in the economic development of the region as, post-recession, we look ahead to renewed prospects for growth.“

For more information, visit www.entrepreneursforum.net

Image source: MiiiSH

Businesses across West Sussex have benefitted to the tune of nearly half a million pounds thanks to grants from West Sussex County Council.

Twenty three organisations have received grants totalling £478,198 from the County Council’s ‘Be the Business’ grant fund.

‘Be the Business’ is now in its second year and as a direct result of the funding at least 88 new jobs have been created in West Sussex, and 170 existing jobs have been safeguarded.

Six new apprenticeship positions have been set up allowing young people to earn whilst they learn.

Grants have been given to a wide range of businesses including a vineyard, a care home and a village shop.

The aim is to help new start-ups and support existing businesses to grow whilst boosting the local economy and creating or safeguarding jobs.

One recipient of last year’s funding was Monteum Limited, a fishing business based in Shoreham, which received £25k.

The company catches fish and shellfish off the West Sussex coast and sells their catch, both wholesale and to the public, through their retail business “La Poissonnerie”.

Jim Partridge from Monteum said: “The constituent parts of the pots are being made at our Shoreham Harbour base. Thanks to ‘Be the Business’ we’ve been able to buy the equipment we need, and we’ve already taken on a new member of staff to help with their manufacture. The grant has also secured two other existing positions, and we hope to take on another member of staff in the near future.

“However, construction of the pots is labour intensive and we’re planning to work with HM Prison Lewes to offer offenders paid employment, and the chance to develop new skills as part of their rehabilitation. The project will provide around 35 jobs at the prison, and prisoners will learn to work with their hands. This will hopefully increase their employability when they are released and potentially reduce re-offending, which is a really positive thing for the local community.“

The Foundation received a ‘Be the Business’ grant of £11,000 to set up a website and prepare marketing materials to encourage people to join one of their courses. It also allowed them to source the specialist consulting services they needed in employment skills and human resources.

Brendan Williams from the Building Heroes Foundation said: “Once we had these areas up and running we were able to negotiate a lease on the former Court Meadow School in Cuckfield.

“We took the sad and unloved buildings and breathed new life into them, for example we transformed the empty swimming pool into a fully-functioning plastering workshop.

“We moved in during July 2014 and hope to see our first trainee in early 2015. There is still plenty to do, but without ‘Be the Business’ who knows where we might still be.“

Two Yorkshire market traders turned online retail entrepreneurs have secured £400k in funding to support their venture, despite being rejected by investors on BBC 2 show Dragons’ Den.

The Dragons all turned down the opportunity to back Dan Cluderay and Andy Needham’s budding online-only discount retail store Approved Food, which went on to receive more than double the investment elsewhere.

Despite positive feedback on the Dragons Den episode, which aired tonight (February 8th) from both Jones and Linney, after a gruelling two hour session in the infamous warehouse all of the Dragons declared they were ‘out’.

The business secured in excess of £400k from investors in and around Yorkshire since the show was filmed in May last year, resulting in impressive growth and expansion.  

The site is now reportedly the UK’s largest online-only discount retailer, in 2014 Approved Foods shipped around 115,000 orders to tens of thousands of people across the country – resulting in a combined saving of more than £8.1million for its customers.

It specialises in short-dated and residual stock food and drinks products sourced directly from manufacturers and wholesalers.

Dan said: “The Den was an interesting experience, and I am glad to have done it, but we went in asking for a £150k investment for a 10% stake in our businesses and it was quickly apparent that the Dragons simply didn’t get what we were about.

“At one point we were criticised for having too low profit margins, but that is exactly what Approved Food is built on – value and convenience for our customers who are our priority. Looking back, talking to multimillionaires about saving a few quid on their weekly shop was perhaps a bit naive.“

“In September we moved in to our new premises.

“We introduced a totally new operating system, recruited more staff, launched two new brands and saw record sales all within a matter of weeks.

“We’re delighted by the investment we have received since filming took place, which has enabled us to expand our offering whilst maintaining our core values.

"I’m particularly pleased that we’ve been recognised as very scalable businesses that has capacity to grow even further - particularly in light of today’s consumer market and its needs.“

Image source: Jaroslav Dvorský

Employees at large North West firms have an "entrepreneurial mindset" according to new research from EY, with  58% of workers in the region aspiring to run their own businesses in future.

Based on a survey conducted by Censuswide of 1,000 people working in organisations with 500 employees or more, 122 of which were based in the North West, the research explored how entrepreneurial skills can be fostered in large companies.

It revealed that workers in the North West are the amongst the most likely in the UK to aspire to set up their own company, behind only London (78%), the East of England (68%) and the South East (61%) of the 10 UK regions covered by the research.

The survey also showed that many large businesses in the North West are creating the right environment for their entrepreneurial talent to flourish. 65% of respondents surveyed said that their organisation has an innovative or entrepreneurial culture. 

Simon Allport, North West senior partner at EY, said: “An entrepreneurial mind-set is often associated with small start-up businesses.

"Whereas in reality, all organisations, regardless of size and scale, need people who can innovate, create and challenge the status quo.

“That’s why the best businesses focus on building diverse teams to ensure they are drawing on the widest spectrum to views, and these results suggest that a lot of companies in the North West are getting it right.“

The findings also show that some North West companies still have work to do. According to the survey, 81% of respondents in the North West have previously had or currently have ideas that could create new opportunities or revenue for their organisation.

"However, less than half of those respondents that had ideas (47%) said they have been able to implement them in the workplace.

Rajeeb Dey, founder and chief executive officer of Enternships.com and co-founder of Startup Britain, partnered with EY to look at the role of entrepreneurship within large organisations.

He commented: “We operate in a knowledge economy and in a competitive economic landscape it is essential for businesses to continue to innovate and stay ahead of their competition. In order to do this they need to embrace an entrepreneurial spirit, and empower and support their employees to drive growth.“ 

Lupton Fawcett Denison Till, Nick Bell

Lupton Fawcett Denison Till, the Leeds, Sheffield and York-based commercial law firm, is delighted to announce the arrival of new Head of Banking and Finance, Director, Nick Bell.

Nick was previously a Partner at Ward Hadaway and prior to that worked at Pinsent Masons. 

Richard Marshall, managing director, comments:  “Having known of Nick for a good many years, it is a pleasure to finally welcome him into the fold. 

"I am absolutely confident that he will be a marvellous leader of the Banking and Finance team.  Nick will focus on developing the team and introducing new streams of corporate banking business for the firm”.

Nick Bell, added: “I am excited to be joining Lupton Fawcett Denison Till because of the firm’s clear strategy to become the region’s law firm of choice and demonstrable progress with that strategy.  

BHP, Mark Roberts

BHP has welcomed Mark Roberts to its Consulting team. 

Led by partner David Mitchell, BHP consulting works with ambitious businesses providing advice on strategy, operations, human capital and customer experience.

David Mitchell said “Mark has a history of helping large multi-site businesses to develop and grow and is a perfect fit for our consulting practice. Over the last 15 years he has worked in a private equity backed environment, a family owned business and prior to this for a large multi-national in a senior role.“

Mark’s last full time role was Managing Director at Andrew Page Ltd, where he oversaw the transition of the business from family to private equity ownership. Prior to this he ran a UK business division of Bosch.

Travel Plan Services Ltd, Andy Raleigh

Yorkshire transport planning consultancy Travel Plan Services Ltd has appointed former Super League prop forward Andy Raleigh to tackle its increasing workload.

Raleigh, who retired last season after a rugby league career that spanned 12 years, has been appointed by Wakefield-based Travel Plan Services Ltd (TPS) as a consultant transport planner.

John Hacker, director at TPS, said: “One thing that is clear from looking at Andy’s rugby career is that he has excelled wherever he has played, and I have no doubt that the same commitment will see him now make a big impact in the world of transport planning.”

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Transport Forum, Peter Kennan

Chartered accountant Peter Kennan has been announced as the new chairman of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Transport Forum.

Formerly vice chairman Peter, a partner at Hawsons Chartered Accountants, takes over the role this month (February) from Tim Hale, chair of Champion Hire Ltd.

Sheffield Chamber executive director Richard Wright said: “Peter brings with him both a personal and professional interest in and commitment to transport in the city business region and I have no doubt he will be a strong and persuasive figurehead for our Transport Forum.”

Peter, who lives in Chesterfield with his family, said: “I have a strong lifelong passion for railways - steam, diesel or electric – but am looking forward to getting involved in all of the key sectors from roads to airports and everything in between.

“I am taking on this role at a pivotal time for transport in the city business region – the devolution deal for Sheffield promises a shifting of powers over transport from Whitehall to the city, there is HS2 and HS3 on the horizon, as well as rail electrification plans for the North and consultation proposals for the Northern and TransPennine Express franchises.

“The issue of transport will also play an important part if we are to turn the Northern Powerhouse concept into a reality.”

Humber LEP, Isobel Mills CBE

Former senior civil servant at the Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) Isobel Mills CBE has been appointed to the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership Board.

Lord Haskins, chair of the Humber LEP said: “Isobel is a very welcome addition to the Board. She brings exceptional knowledge of the development and operation of Local Enterprise Partnerships.

"This, combined with her earlier experience with the Manpower Services Commission and with Housing Market Renewal Pathfinders, will be a tremendous asset for the LEP as we strive to deliver our ambitions of having an infrastructure that supports growth, a skilled and productive workforce and thriving successful businesses.“

Withers & Rogers, Dr. Joanna Thurston

Intellectual property firm, Withers & Rogers, is welcoming a partner and life sciences specialist to its Sheffield office as part its ongoing expansion plans.

Dr. Joanna Thurston, partner and patent attorney at Withers & Rogers, is joining the local team from the firm’s Midlands office, bringing a wealth of experience working with innovative chemical and biopharmaceutical firms with her.

Commenting on her arrival in Sheffield, Joanna said: “It’s a really exciting time to be joining the team in Sheffield as the office is expanding really quickly thanks to all the innovation that is happening in the city and across the region.”

707, Matt Murray and Debbie Miller

Matt Murray joins waste management firm 707 as a sales manager and will use his experience to secure new customers and introduce 707’s services and waste management solutions to new market sectors.

Debbie Miller, an Ilkley native, also joins the company as Customer Service Supervisor. With over 25 years of experience working in a customer facing environment, her role will ensure that 707 continue to provide the highest quality customer service to new and existing clients.

David Adams, managing director at 707 said: “We’re delighted to have both Matt and Debbie on board as 707 continues to expand. 2014 was a successful year for us and we’re on track to having an even stronger 2015 providing environmental waste servives.“

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Gavin Boyle

Gavin Boyle, chief executive of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, is the newest addition to the Destination Chesterfield board. 

Leading the town’s single largest employer, with more than 3,500 members of staff, his addition further strengthens the board, which provides strategic direction for the Destination Chesterfield marketing campaign. 

Peter Swallow, chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Gavin to the board. As well as being the area’s largest employer, Chesterfield Royal Hospital is a well-known and respected establishment.

"He will bring great insight into the people of Chesterfield and how they want to see the town develop. We are all looking forward to working with him.“

Yorkshire Building Society, Alison Hutchinson

Yorkshire Building Society has appointed Alison Hutchinson, a former senior executive of IBM UK Ltd, as a non-executive director.

Ed Anderson, Yorkshire Building Society group chairman, said: “We are delighted to have found someone of Alison’s calibre and experience to join our Board.

“Her detailed knowledge of financial services technology will be of great value as we continue to grow our business for the benefit of our customers. Her passion for charitable causes also resonates greatly with our own values as a mutual organisation supporting local communities.“

Craig Stobart & George Williams, Sanderson Weatherall

Chartered surveyor and property consultancy Sanderson Weatherall has strengthened its Teesside team with the appointments of Craig Stobbart as associate partner leading the agency department and new graduate surveyor George Williams.

Craig will lead the commercial agency department, and brings over 20 years’ experience in the commercial property market to the role having previously worked as a director at GVA and as regional director of Ashtenne. 

In his new role, Craig will act on behalf of Sanderson Weatherall’s existing clients and new clients alike in the sale, lettings and acquisitions of commercial property, as well as building the commercial agency business across Teesside.

Craig said: “The opportunity to take the lead on Sanderson Weatherall’s commercial agency department in Teesside was one I could not resist.  I am looking forward to continuing to work with Sanderson Weatherall’s current client base and overseeing the expansion of the commercial agency business in the region.”

George joins from Venture Properties where he was employed as a sales negotiator, accompanied viewer and valuer.

George will handle the sale and letting of commercial property across all sectors – offices, industrial, retail and development land.

He said: “Sanderson Weatherall’s reputation as a leading national firm was very attractive to me.  I am keen to progress professionally and become a chartered surveyor, and I know that the company’s emphasis on professional competence and training makes them the ideal fit for what I hope to achieve.”

Neil Harrison, National Wood Heat Association

Northumberland biomass heating expert announced as new board member for the national Wood Heat Association

The co-founder of Northumberland biomass heating specialist re:heat, Neil Harrison, has been announced as the new board member for the industry’s largest trade association.

Neil Harrison launched the Alnwick-based firm with Ben Tansey in 2011. 

Having played an instrumental role in the Wood Heat Association’s (WHA) establishment, Mr Harrison has been voted onto the association’s first democratically elected board of directors.

He was elected to the role after a vote among the 200 plus members who make up the WHA, the UK trade association for the modern wood heating industry.

He said: "It is fantastic to have this opportunity to continue to raise the professional standards and build the reputation of biomass heating as something that is a sound choice for businesses and households up and down the country.

"Having already assisted in the formation of the WHA, particularly the November 2013 establishment survey and the 2014 conference, I am very much looking forward to taking up my seat on the board and working to improve standards in our industry."

Sarah Willshire, Watson Burton

Commercial property and development lawyer, Sarah Willshire, is the latest in a series of appointments at Newcastle-based law firm Watson Burton.  

Sarah has joined as associate in Real Estate after spending 10 years at Bond Dickinson.  

Sarah’s expertise lies in development work, advising clients on the acquisition of sites for development purposes, and for clients acquiring or disposing of ground rent portfolios.  

In particular, she has worked for the Department of Education and Education Funding Agency on development of sites for free schools including the conversion of existing buildings and development of brown and greenfield sites.  

Sarah will primarily service the firm’s key clients Aviva Investors and Bellway Homes Limited, and will also provide support to Watson Burton’s corporate and commercial team on real estate matters.  

Tracy Hall, head of Real Estate at Watson Burton, said: “Sarah’s experience and expertise will bring further depth to our Real Estate team, which has been strengthened with a number of high calibre appointments in recent months.”

Nathan Stanislawski, Stagecoach North East

Bus operator Stagecoach North East has appointed Nathan Stanislawski as operations manager to the team at its Teesside bus depot in Stockton on Tees.

Lincoln-born Nathan was previously operations manager for Stagecoach in Ardrossan in West Scotland, which involved running the depot and managing 115 employees.

As operations manager, Nathan is responsible for a team of 170 drivers and office staff at the depot, which operates 76 buses around the Teesside area, as well as building relationships with the local community and businesses.

His role involves the smooth running of the bus services across the Tees Valley on a daily basis and proactively leading the team to improve the quality of the services in the area. 

Nathan joined the transport company in 2006 as a driver, working through the ranks as a leading driver and then a controller. 

In 2010, Nathan enrolled onto the one year Staff Development course, and was appointed assistant operations manager at the Kilmarnock depot in West Scotland, before joining the Stagecoach team at the London Olympics.

Nathan said: “I saw this role at a bigger depot in the famous north east as an opportunity not to be missed and a chance to build on my experience in the operations and management of a depot. 

"I previously worked as a butcher, and it was here that I developed my skills and enjoyment in customer services, dealing with customers on a daily basis. I am looking forward to my new challenge and working with my new team.  

"I endeavour to make Stockton a great place to work for all employees and provide a fantastic service for our customers.”

Sara Eckert, Leighton

North East technology firm Leighton has announced that Sara Eckert, previously of Jacques Vert Group Limited, has joined the company as its senior management accountant.

Eckert has previously held senior finance roles at St Oswald’s Hospice and Madison Capital Funding, a division of New York Life Investment Management, in Chicago. 

Leighton’s CEO Lyle McCalmont said: “Sara brings a wealth of experience and talent to this role at just the right time. We are proud to have recorded some impressive growth figures in the last 12 months, and with the plans that we have in place for the short and medium term, the board and I are delighted to welcome someone of Sara’s calibre to the company.” 

Working from the firm’s Houghton-le-Spring head office, with financial responsibility across the business, Eckert will offer considerable experience to the company’s senior team. 

She said:“I am delighted to be a part of such a dynamic and growing company and I’m sure the position will be a great fit for both of us."