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Baxter Scoops Top Award

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +0100

A North East businessman has beaten off competition from across the UK to be named Business Coach of the Year by business advice and coaching specialists, Ology.

Chris Baxter, 41 from Chester-le-Street beat off competition from fifteen
finalists at the awards ceremony in Birmingham last month, showing judges just what it takes to guide businesses on the road to success.

Chris runs one of the Ology franchises, the fastest growing business coaching network in the UK. Ology, which literally means 'the study of', aims to help business owners close the gap between their business aspirations and the current performance of their business. This is achieved through the delivery of practical business advice, coaching programmes and training looking at all aspects of the business.

Chris, who previously worked with North East based manufacturing and retail businesses up to Board level for 20 years only set up his franchise 15 months ago showing just how strong a competitor he was for the award. Commenting on his award Chris said, "I am absolutely delighted to have received this award. I started my business with the aim of making a difference and helping more business owners to achieve their goals, and I think the award is testament to that".

The judging panel included Tony Jones, David Little and Dave Pike all Owner Directors of Ology. Tony said, "We are absolutely delighted for Chris, over the last 12 months he has stood head as shoulders above other Ology members due to his consistency, attitude and application of the Methodology. Chris has excelled and we are very much looking forward to helping him further develop his already flourishing coaching practice over the next 12 months".

Chris works mainly with owner-managed businesses and has been involved on a wide variety of projects across the region over the last year. Clients have ranged from a national motor trader to a small web developer.

One of Chris' satisfied clients, David Miller, Managing Director of The Bend it Shape it Company, is experiencing a number of positive results thanks to Chris. David said, "With Chris's help our business has changed and is more focused on results, productivity is up, sales have increased with less time wasted so I can concentrate on moving the business forward".

The award win isn't clouding Chris's view that he has yet to achieve his full potential; he said "I am really looking forward to growing my business over the next year and I am aiming for 300% growth. Alongside that I want to continue to build Ology into a major regional player in the business development field so I am on the look out for similar minded people to join me".

Amazing coup as TV's Anna Ford joins up

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Former BBC newsreader Anna Ford is joining the board of Tyneside educational software company The Amazing Group, as it gears up for further expansion.

Her new role will see Ms Ford promote The Amazing Group and help develop materials for the Newcastle company's adult learning side. It is her only other formal business post after becoming a director of Sainsbury's last month and is a coup for The Amazing Group.

Ms Ford was an Open University lecturer before entering television and is co-chancellor of Manchester University. She said: "Lifelong learning for everyone is a passion of mine. Having taught many years ago, I've long wanted to get into education again. The Amazing Group is a really exciting prospect, with all sorts of avenues to explore and I'm looking forward to joining their highly qualified and creative team."

Ms Ford joins the likes of Sage co-founder Tom Maxfield and Hugh Morgan Williams, Chair of the CBI's SME Council, on The Amazing Group board. The four-year-old company sees the appointment as key to its push for growth. Chief Executive Paul Campbell said: "We're tremendously excited that Anna is joining us. She has such a breadth of experience and interests, with particular expertise in and commitment to adult learning, which is a major growth area for us. We hope to bring the benefits of Amazing content and software to a much wider audience as a result of her involvement."

The Amazing Group has a portfolio of products for schools, colleges and the home. In January, Amazing Schools, a bundle of three products for schools and colleges, was made available free of charge to every secondary school in the North East under sponsorship from the Aspire campaign.

The company is due to release a range of products, including an extension of its Amazing People parenting strand, to include help for working mothers; Amazing Tunes, allowing musicians to sell their music without a recording contract; and Cancer Club UK, a collaboration with a charity to improve help for cancer sufferers and their families.

The Amazing Group expects turnover to hit £10m this year and has visions of becoming as big as Newcastle FTSE 100 software group Sage.

Serenity on horizon for city dwellers

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +0100

A hotel and leisure group is rolling out its spa brand to Tyneside.

Tom's Companies, owner of Seaham Hall in County Durham, is launching a version of the hotel's award-winning Serenity Spa in the Newcastle suburb of Jesmond.

Serenity in the City, as it will be called, is a scaled-down version of Serenity Spa, named the world's most stylish spa in 2003.

Due to open in September, it will include 7 consulting rooms, including two couples rooms and a male "wet shave" room. The 3,000sq ft spa will also include a "Buddha nail bar", express tan area and an outdoor hot tub.

Serenity in the City has been designed by the company's creative director, Jocelyn Maxfield, who designed the Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall.

Tom's companies chairman Tom Maxfield said: "After conducting extensive research, we believe that Serenity in the City will bring to the heart of Newcastle a convenient location that will satisfy demand for men and women who want to relax and be indulged in style. All the award-winning aspects of The Serenity Spa will be incorporated into a state-of-the-art facility that is just what Newcastle needs."

Sage signs up a big player in Germany

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Software group Sage has got into the World Cup spirit by snapping up a German company.

The Newcastle-based FTSE 100 business is buying business management software seller Bäurer GmbH fir about £16m in cash.

Sage is currently the market leader in Germany in the medium-sized enterprise market and number two in the small business market for business management software.

It sees the acquisition of Bäurer as a way of extending its product range in the country and reaching more companies in the 50 to 500-employee bracket, particularly in the manufacturing sector.

Sage chief executive Paul Walker said: "Acquiring Bäurer strengthens our market position in Germany by providing advanced and industry-specific solutions for mid-market customers. Sage's customer service and marketing expertise will enable us to sell more software and services to Bäurer's customer base."

Bäurer has about 2,000 mid-market customers and achieved revenue of £16m last year with earnings of £1.2m before depreciation and amortisation.

Sage first entered the German market in 1997 with the acquisition of KKR and has been selectively adding more software businesses to build up its stake.

Paul Harrison, finance director at Sage said: "This is one of the larger deals we have done in Germany and will add more choice and more functionality for businesses towards the top end of the market. The German market is very much a regional market with players who are strong in one particular area and the mid-market is highly fragmented because a number of businesses have industry-specific applications. It has got a lot of specialist players and our job is to identify which of those represent compelling products to add to our suite."

Mr Harrison said the timing, as the 2006 world cup kick off in Germany today, was "purely coincidental".

Jane MacAlister, of Wise Speke, a division of Sage joint broker Brewer Dolphin, said: "While this is a relatively small acquisition, we regard it as a positive move, stepping up Sage's market presence in Germany."

The Bäurer deal follows last month's move by Sage into the Asian market when it bought a Malaysian business software seller and a Chinese distributor.

Further acquisitions are likely to follow for the Tyneside group. A Sage spokesman said: "The group always has a pipeline of acquisitions but it is hard to tell when things will come to fruition."

Lottery Win For Zero Plus

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Audio-Visual specialist Zero Plus UK has won the lottery – contract, that is. The Newcastle company has completed the installation at the Big Lottery Fund's new operational centre in the city.

The centre, which becomes the fund's northern headquarters, creating more than 150 jobs, was officially opened by Sports Minister Richard Cabourn last month.

The fund has taken 38,000 sq ft of office space at St. James Gate, which Zero Plus has equipped with audio-visual systems. Video conferencing will allow staff in Newcastle to link up with other UK offices for management meetings. Five suites are fitted with video conferencing, including a linked series of rooms that can open up for a large conference.

Olly Henderson, of Zero Plus UK, said: "Creating an AV specification for a brand new building such as Big Lottery Fund's new operational centre is the type of contract we are now picking up, as word spreads about our expertise in the latest audio-visual communications systems for the corporate market."

Forum Judges Salute Biz Idol Finalists

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +0100

A soup bar, an art retailer and an importer of healthy white tea beat their rivals at the semi-finals of the Biz Idol competition.

The ten hopefuls were picked on Saturday from hundreds of entries to the competition for entrepreneurs from Wearside, County Durham and Tyneside and will go through to the finals which are the climax of Business Week in July.

James Surgeon of Heaton, Newcastle, was successful with 'Hot Bowl', an innovative speciality soup bar, as was Stacy Russell of Fall Pass, Gateshead, who went through with her idea for The Art Concept, a retailer of paintings and prints and Sharon Oliver of Castle Eden in County Durham who plans to sell boxed loose leaf organic white tea to outlets nationwide.

A judges' choice commendation was also given to Joshua March Cowan for his firm, Ethnic Style, which sells homeware.

There was also an impressive show of innovative ideas from teenagers competing in the first Biz Idol U18 competition. Jack Moore, 11, of Newcastle, plans to hold parties across the North East each with different themes and give half the profits away to local charities. Another finalist was cerebral palsy sufferer Jordan Raiye, 13, of Houghton-le-Spring, with plans for a manufacturer of disability aids such as leg braces and automated hands.

Glyn Connolly, 17, of Washington made it through to the finals with his idea for a health food café and juice bar.

To reach the finals the entrants had to present to the judging panel – made up for Forum members including Pete Hunt from Fresh Element, Paul Vaclik from Broadmedia Technology, Nick Bell of ZeroPlus and Angela Brown from Training in Childcare.

Paul Vaclik said: "All of the judges agreed that the standard of entrants was exceptionally high and the level of research put into their business plans proved their dedication and professionalism. We were especially impressed and excited by the Under-18 category. This competition proves the immense entrepreneurial talent that exists in this region and we look forward to seeing the success of all the new businesses develop, not just the winners."

The adult finalists are competing to win a support package including a branded Smart car for three months, office space, cash for equipment, broadband, consultancy and £2,000 cash to help them start their company immediately (plus £500 to two runners-up).

The sponsors include Argent Business & Conference Centre in Sunderland and City of Sunderland Council, as well as the bgroup, Ward Hadaway, O Communications, Statex Colourprint, BT, Mobilx and NECC.

Biz Idol is part of Business Week Tyne and Wear – A North East Chamber of Commerce initiative running June 30 to July 6th backed by public and private sector organisations and funded by the TyneWear Partnership from One NorthEast.

Region's top entrepreneurs are backing the bond

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

The region’s leading entrepreneurs are backing efforts to boost the North-East’s enterprise culture.

The Entrepreneurs forum has thrown its weight behind the North East Enterprise Bond, a £5m scheme which aims to plug into the region’s enterprise gap.

Figures show the North East needs to have 32,000 new businesses starting up in order to keep pace with the rest of the UK.

The Bond is trying to raise £5m worth of loans and use the interest earned on the money to operate Launch Pads – vehicles that will tour the region, take the concept of enterprise to the streets and inspire people to start out on their own.

Many Entrepreneurs Forum members have already invested in the Bond, including Sir Peter Vardy who has pledged £500,00 and Paul Walker of sage which has invested £250,000 and the forum says it will play an active role when Launch Pads start their tour later this year.

Carole Beverley, chief executive of the Entrepreneurs Forum said: “The primary aim of the Entrepreneurs Forum is to support and nurture existing and emerging entrepreneurial talent in the region – and like the North East Enterprise Bond – we believe that this can only be achieved through making people believe they can really do it.

“With the help and drive of our members, who all bring with them a wealth of invaluable experience, we have achieved much in terms of raising aspirations of North East entrepreneurs and helping them to fulfil their ambitions and we’re delighted to be able to extend this support to a wider audience through working with North East Enterprise Bond’s dynamic Launch Pad initiative.”

Nikki Wilkinson, chief executive of the North East Enterprise Bond, said: “The Entrepreneurs Forum represents some of the North East’s most dynamic business role models, so we’re delighted they are prepared to share their knowledge and wisdom, to encourage enterprising individuals to believe in themselves and to realise their potential.”

So far, around £3m has been raised towards the £5m target, but more investment is needed.

Sir Peter Vardy will be talking to potential investors about the North East Enterprise Bond at the Big Ideas Centre in Sunderland on July 6 from 6pm to 7pm.

To register a place or to find out more about the scheme, contact Nikki Wilkinson or Estelle Vasey on (0191) 275-5059 or email nikki.wilkinson@hortheastenterprisebond.org

Leading lights chart the North's e-future

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

A new industry council is being set up to help drive the North-East’s digital economy. The eLeadership Council will advise One NorthEast on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), infrastructure and related areas to try to maximise the economic benefits of new technology.
The council has an appointed chairman and four non-executive directors, supplemented by the likes of DigitalCity and Codeworks, who will look for fresh economic opportunities for the region by promoting investment in technology.
Kevin Hart, strategic relationship manager for government and finance with Sage (UK) Ltd, is the new chairman. He said: “I am delighted to have been appointed. I’m very much looking forward to using my skills and experiences to the full in this new role – and ultimately to making a real difference to the North East.
“The council invites collaboration. We are not here to impose our views, rather to work hand in hand with the people and business community in the North East to drive the digital economy.
“We want our partners, current and future, to generally buy into our vision of a thriving and cutting edge digital technology in the North East - and collectively make that change.”
The councils’ four non-executive directors are Chris Fleetwood, managing partner of io solutions; Paul Campbell, founder and chief of the Amazing Group; Tom Harvey, chief executive of Northern Film and Media; and Phil Hughes, chairman of sustaiNE, the regional sustainable development forum.
As well as advising, the eLeadership Council will promote and improve the take-up of digital technology, identify barriers and enablers to progress, lobby for change, create peer pressure, form regional and national partnerships and keeping abreast of developments in the industry. One NorthEast director of the business and industry David Allison said: “I’m confident that the council can ensure the North East does not miss out.”
The eLeadership Council’s chairman and non-executive directors will also serve as the chairman and board members of Adit North East, the regional broadband aggregation body; and of the North East, the Regional Portal, which includes n-e-life.com

Exwold MBO goes for double

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

A chemical company hopes to double its turnover after a management buyout and simultaneous takeover of a couthern rival.
The team at Hartlepool-based Exwold Technology Limited has bought out the business from venture capitalists who had contributed £500,000 and it has also merged with smaller Surrey firm Crack Processing Limited.
The deal sees Exwold, which has a turnover of around £2.5m, take on the expertise and technology of the Working firm as well as its roster of around 70 customers which were worth around £1.5m in sales last year.
All but four of Crack’s 23-strong workforce are being redundant, while more than 20 jobs are being created at Exwold’s growing headquarters on Brenda Road in Hartlepool. Exwold currently employs 65 staff at two sites in Hartlepool and one in Billingham.
The MBO frees the management to raise money for further expansion, possibly through acquisition, and will see it led by a team headed by Tames Robson, who founded Exwold 13 years ago and is currently business development director.
“I am very excited about the deal. It was a win-win situation for both sides. They had to get out of the Working property, which was a valuable site and were given a reward to do so,” said Robson.
Exwold is one of the World’s leaders in producing granulated chemicals. It specialises in producing agrochemicals, such as garden fertilisers and weedkillers including Weedol, as well as ingredients for personal care products.
We are already probably the leader in its field, there are two others in Europe and three in the States, and this will give us the ability to grow organically and possibly also by acquisition or two.
“I don’t think we can set ourselves targets just yet, but I would be surprised if we can’t double our turnover in the nest three to five years.”
Exwold raised around £250,000 debt for the deal, largely from Evolve Finance, the debt and mezzanine division of NEL Fund Managers, as well as with continuing support from HSBC Bank. Robson said it would have the opportunity to raise further funds if needed for acquisitions.
Mr Robson’s management team includes Kevin Martin and Peter Webb from Exwold and Michael Hamburger and Andrew Brown from Crack.
Clive Owen Corporate Finance, headed by partner Angus Allan, advised on the deal. Legal Advice as provided by the Teesside office of Dickenson Dees and was led by Nigel Williams.
Robson added: “Turning our goals and ambition for the business into a reality has been a fascinating journey which Angus and the Evolve team have helped us through. Our vision of the enlarged business supports Tees Valley’s and the national interests in the chemical sector, and is one we will continue to build and prosper.”

Projects raise area's sights

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Rokeby Developments has announced its acquisition of a prime sight at Bowesfield in Stockton less than three months after selling a £4m development there.
Rokeby has bought the nine-acre site, with a 12,500sq ft office block, from George Wimpey plc. The Property was used by the house builder as its head office before the company moved into new premises on Rokeby’s development at Preston Farm, Stockton, last year.
The developer has ambitious plans to redevelop the old Wimpey site to create 140,00sq ft of the high quality office and B8 accommodation with the self-contained work units.
Bowesfield Rokeby intends to use the building to provide short term accommodation for clients until offices are built. This si aimed at oppcupiers whose lease agreements at their present bases are due to terminate. Rokeby Development’s director Nick Fordy said: “We started on site at Bowesfield earlier this year and now have two office buildings under way, both of which were sold prior to construction.
“This latest acquisition marks our ongoing involvement ni Stockton’s commercial property market. With a value of £20m it is a significant commitment on our behalf in an area of Stockton that is enjoying major redevelopment, which is extremely good news for local people looking for employment opportunities as well as those who wish to own their own office space.
“In the coming months, we will be submitting planning applications, which once given the go-ahead will see the transformation of a rather rundown site to make way for much-needed high-quality office and B8 space.” Rokeby bought another riverside plot at the development last October and sold it last March for £4m before Miller construction had started work.
Rokeby received planning consent for the scheme last year before buying the land from mining company and developer Banks Mining. The two-building development is expected to be completed by November.
Stockton law firm Archers Law has bought what will be a 12.300sq ft office building through a Self-Invested Personal Pension (Sipp) and Winder House Developments the 6.100sq ft second building.
In keeping with earlier Rokeby developments, it’s commercial agents Dodds Brown and Sanderson Weatherall have received inquiries from interested parties.
Rokeby has £12m of developments under way in Stockton and North Yorkshire. In Newcastle and Surrounding areas, schemes with a combined value of £33m are at various stages of development.

Hard working heroes named and famed

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

An alternative funeral director, judo coach, pub landlord and estate agent have been nominated as pillars or the local business community.
They feature alongside high profile executives like Sir Mike Darrington or Greggs and Lorna Moran of NRG in the North-East Name and Fame Challenge.
People across Tyne & Wear are being given their local businesses heroes for the Name and Fame Challenge, set up to help celebrate this years Business Week Tyne & Wear, which ends tomorrow.
Nominations have been flooding in from business figures and the general public, including a local meat farmer nominated by a vegetarian.
Name and Fame organisers are encouraging people to nominate hard-working business individuals that make a difference to their lives or communities.
Gateshead-born Michelle Heaton of pop group Liberty X is among those backing the scheme. She said: “I think it’s an excellent idea to recognise people who go much further than necessary to get the job right.”
Nominations, which include a 50-word description of the person and the reasons they are being put forward, can be made on the Business Week website at www.business-week.org, or via the flyers and drop boxes being distributed around Tyne & Wear and on Metro FM’s Night Owls show.
Several other well-known figures and business people have kick-started the Name and Fame challenge by nominating their own heroes.
Maggie Pavlou, president of the North-East chamber of Commerce (NECC) and HR director of Parkdean Holidays, has Named and Famed Lorna Moran, CEO of NRG plc for “giving her confidence to network and ability to pitch”.
Sir Digby Jones, outgoing director general of the CBI, named and famed Paul Walker, chief executive of Sage and Sir Mike Darrington of Greggs.

Factory wraps up £190,000 grant

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Seventeen jobs are being created at an engineering firm after it was awarded a £190,000 grant.
TDX is adding its 45 staff after the cash injection from regional development agency One NorthEast.
The money is part of a package of almost £1m to be invested in new equipment at the company’s base in Team Valley, Gateshead.
The aim is to enhance the company’s ability to make and supply extruded plastic sheeting to general foods and non-food sectors and the grant will safeguard 11 jobs as well as creating 17 additional posts.
Mark Simpson and Chris Stonehouse, of the chartered accountants corporate finance department at Newcastle financial services firm unw, helped the management team at TDX with their business plan and forecasts which they submitted in their grant application.
Mr Simpson said: “This grant will extend the capability of TDX to provide a new package of just under £1m to install a new extrusion line, dryer, laminator and granulator.
“The grant will enable them to complete their project to move into additional premises to accommodate this new process/machinery.”
TDX was founded in July 1991 by entrepreneur Harry Reed and offers a design and manufacture service supplying moulds for the thermo-packaging industry.
TDX managing director Mr Reed said: “Unw’s expertise was a key factor in acquiring the grant to enable us to expand and move into new premises, thereby safeguarding and creating jobs in the area.”

The Office Co. Launched

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

A new business community is to grow out of a former North East broadcasting landmark.

Lynn Gate, founder of The Storage Company, has launched a new division called The Office Company UK after buying the former Metro Radio building, close to the Metro Centre in Gateshead.

Tenants are already lined up to take office space in the building, which is currently undergoing a major refurbishment and re-branding programme.

The work is due to be completed by September and with the level of interest already high, Lynn expects it will soon develop into a thriving business community.

She said: “There is a shortage of high quality offices to rent on flexible terms in this area and I’m very confident that all the space will be taken up quickly. We have helped many businesses over the years with out easy approach to space and acquiring this building is allowing us to take that one step further.

“We are offering a variety of office space from short-term flexible lets to long term tenancies of up to ten years. My passion has always been to help others in business and this site is a great opportunity for new entrepreneurs who struggle to find premises and get stuck in the nightmare of red tape.

“Anyone starting out in business can have a furnished office with telephone and broadband connection from day one. We will have on-site personnel which means people can start their business the moment they walk in.”

Air-conditioned office space will be bespoke to individual business needs, furnished or unfurnished with the option of being fully serviced with administration support and book-keeping service. A state of the art access control system will allow tenants 24-hour access.

The 18,000sq ft, three-storey building will have a reception, conference facilities and in-house catering. Ground floor offices will be fitted out for wheelchair access.

Lynn added: “I want it to become a community, where people can get to know each other and the businesses, whether they are start-ups or established enterprises, will find like-minded people who they may be able to work with.

“The Metro Centre and Western Bypass are on the doorstep but this is also a peaceful oasis in the heart of Tyneside. We’re right next to the River Derwent and green space with walkways and picnic areas. I knew it would make a fantastic office centre.”

Once complete, the building, that was owned by Emap, will also become the operational base of The Office Company and The Storage Company.

“We are a family business and we believe in working face-to-face with clients. It’s important for tenants that we are on site too so they know any issues will be dealt with promptly,” explained Lynn.

Her mother Hazel Stephenson is company secretary and Kate Beverley has just joined as operations manager.

A graduate of Northumbria University, Kate is managing the launch of The Office Co. and is in charge of business development for both companies, including working towards the ISO9001 quality standard, BS5454 and Investors in People.

As well as a large storage facility at Dunston, The Storage Company has a new centre at Newton Aycliffe, popular with law firms and other businesses who need secure archive and document storage.

Lynn added that the development of The Office Co. was part of wider expansion plans for the group.

She said: “While we provide office space at our existing sites, the former Metro Radio site is our first standalone office building, which is very exciting. But we’re also looking for more strategic sites for flexible storage and warehouse space across the region.”

For more information on storage or office space contact Kate on 07946 604964.

Van hire firm aims to accelerate profits

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Van hire company Northgate is gearing up to accelerate profits by a third over the next year as its expanded UK and Spanish operations get up to full speed.
Darlington’s sole plc has set a course for underlying earnings to rise from £59.9m to around the £80m mark by April next year on the back of revival in the UK market and continued strong growth in Spain, where it owns Fualsa and Record Rent businesses. It is also not ruling out further acquisitions, following the successful purchase of North transport operator Arriva’s vehicle rental division earlier this year.
Northgate made bottom line pre-tax profits of £56.1m on revenue up 10% to £372.6m in the year to April 30.
While that represented just a 2% rise in profits, stripping out exceptional costs associated with the £124.4m if Arriva Vehicle Rental (AVR) meant underlying profits rose 10% to £59.9m.
The AVR buy – the largest acquisition in Northgate’s 25-year history – added 10,500 vehicles to the group’s UK fleet, increasing it to 64,000 at 88 sites across the country. Northgate said that while trading in the first half of its financial year had been hit by increased competition and lower residual values for vehicles it sold on, the picture had improved since January with rental sales increasing by 2%.
The group added that AVR had now been fully integrated and that plans to slim the UK branch structure down from 35 primary sites to 20 would improve the efficiency of the operation.
Phil Moorhouse, managing director of Northgate in the UK, said: “Currently, trading is in line with where we expect it to be and we expect organic growth in both the UK and Spain. We expect to see the benefits of the AVR acquisition come through because we have only had that for about three months. At the moment, the market consensus (for Northgate) is £79m to £80m in pre-tax profits, which is significant increase.”
In Spain, Northgate’s Fualsa van hire business has increased its fleet by 21% to 23,000 vehicles and the group also bought Record Rent outright in May, adding a further 24,000 vehicles and taking its branch network there up to 35 locations.
A boom in the Spanish construction industry fuelled by EU money, combined with the relatively fragmented state of the vehicle hire market there means Northgate expects Spain to grow sales by about 15% over the next three years.

Estate agents get home from home

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

The North-East’s largest independent estate agency is hiring hundreds of home workers in a bid to boost sales by more than a quarter.
Newcastle-based Pattinson, which currently has 225 staff at 29 branches across the region, is recruiting up to 500 self employed agents working from home under its name.
It aims to capitalise on the growing taste for flexible working and the difficulty many people fine negotiating for property in normal working hours to offer an evening sales service over the telephone.
It is understood to be the first estate agent in the North-East to try the system, although travel agencies, such as Sunderland-based Hays Travel, are finding it an effective way to profitably boost sales.
Justin Anim, managing director, said: “fewer people want to go round estate agents these days. They just don’t have as much time as they used to.
“So now they can contact us anytime and out phone and IT technology will automatically put them through to someone who can help. We have sales of £8m a year at the moment. I would hope we can increase that by 25-30% as these new workers arrive over the next three to six months.”
He insisted it was not in response to tougher competition caused by the slump in the housing market over the last 18 months. “We just see it as a way to increase sales and improve service levels,” said Anim.
And he said that the strategy would not affect the number of people employed across the firm’s branch network or at its call centre in Whickham, near Gateshead, where it has 20 staff.
The company made the move after looking at similar schemes in other firms, including Hays Travel. The £250m turnover travel agency has credited the quick-growth of its 150-strong home-based workforce with increasing sales in the last three years.
And even through it has only just begun advertising the posts, Anim said that there had been a huge response to its call for home workers. We have been inundated. There have been hundreds of applications from all over, even some from abroad, although most we are taking on are from the North-East because that is where most of our properties are,” he added.
“Our burgeoning success in this area reflects the popularity of this style of flexible working nationally. Figures show that the number of home workers nationally has risen to 3.1 million from 2.3 million in 1997 and its an excellent opportunity for us to engage potential workers in the North-East who want a career but cannot commit to full-time hours.
“Understandably, much of the interest we’ve seen so far has been from parents seeking a career with flexible hours to fit around childcare, as well as a number of retired men and women who want to stay in a professional role and ear an income.
“Using their own home as a base, home workers are connected to the Pattinson database via an internet connection and an innovative telephone routing system ensures they receive geographically relevant customer queries.”

£1,000 cash Biz Idol win is Sharon's cup of tea

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Two fledgling entrepreneurs toasted a healthy boost to their futures after winning a contest to find the region’s best business ideas at the climax of this year’s Business Week Tyne & Wear.
The Big Day Event, at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, was the setting for Sharon Olver, 36, of Castle Eden in County Durham, to be announced overall winner of 2006 Biz Idol competition.
Head of catering at Sunderland University, Ms Olver’s plan for a tea importation and distribution business was judges by panel of business people as the best business idea out of a total of 145 entries.
Her company, which imports healthy white tea from China, has been trading for three weeks and has wracked up 140 lbs of sales to 40 customers.
The prize package, which includes £1,000 cash, use of a car festooned with Ms Olver’s business logo for three months, office space for a year at Sunderland Argent Business & Conference Centre, as well as free accountancy, legal, marketing and PR advice, is valued at nearly £50,000.
Ms Olver said: “The sales have been direct sales so far mostly and through a gym. I have had a couple of stockists in Newcastle show some interest and hopefully because I have won this and have the finished article ready to supply it will be a real boost.”
She said she was “going on holiday for a couple of weeks to think about her next move.” She said she would initially target high street stockists with her packaged loose-leaf tea before diversifying into iced white tea, sorbets and ice creams.
Glyn Connolly, 17, from Washington, County Durham, picked up the top award for teenagers in the Biz U18 contest, with his concept of a mobile fruit juice and smoothie bar. Glyn, studying for his A-levels at St Robert’s in Newcastle, won £250 cash, a dinner with the Entrepreneurs' Forum, mentoring from Newcastle entrepreneur Steven Bell, and a pocket PC from Bell’s company Mobilx.
After discovering he had beat 38 other young entrepreneurs to win, Glyn said he would now do “market research” and amass the £10,000 of capital he reckoned he would need to start his business.
“Through the competition I got to meet lots of business professionals and people form different business people who know what they are talking about,” he said.
Mr Connolly, who had already completed a Young Enterprise programme as part of his GCSE’s, said he was starting up his business “to take advantage of the government’s move to get people eating more healthily.”
The contests were held on the last day of this year’s Business Week Tyne & Wear, a series of events and activities aimed at promoting employment and business opportunities, including interactive business showcases targeted networking that will see a mix of top North-East business people and visiting experts joining together.
More than 1,500 people had attended the Big Day and a spokeswoman said the week had been an “outstanding” success with a further 500 people expected to attend a music festival last night as a finale to the week.
A highlight included the success of the Name & Fame Challenge which saw people from Tyne & Wear make 1,000 nominations for their local business heroes.
The names will be inscribed on a giant business card which will be entered as an attempt on the Guinness Book of Records record for the world’s biggest business card.

Just the job as insurance broker expands its team

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

A national boom in demand for a new insurance policy has promoted a North-East broker and underwriter to expand its team – and offer jobs to staff made redundant by a company closure.
Darlington-based BiB has recruited three extra underwriters following the success of its re-launched Farmcare motor policy which it supplies wholesale to 750 brokers across the UK.
Farmcare provides cover for farm vehicles such as combine harvesters, tractors and private cars and is administered fully through BiB Underwriters in Darlington.
Earlier this year the company announced a new underwriting partnership with Kent-based Chaucer Insurance to grow its market for the product.
The expansion of the team has provided fresh career opportunities to two women who lost their jobs when RAC insurance closed its Darlington office two months ago.
Judie Wakeham, from Darlington, worker for an insurance broker in Germany. She worked for the RAC for seven years.
Elizabeth Armstrong, from Spennymoor, worked for a high street broker before joining RAC 17 years ago, making her way up to technical underwriting team leader.
Elizabeth said: “It’s great to be able to carry on our careers and stay in the same town, but also be with a well respected company.”
The expansion has also allowed Danielle Davies to begin a fresh challenge with BiB. Danielle worker in personal lines insurance in the company’s Northgate office before moving to underwriting as a trainee.
“I wanted to learn a different part of the business and make the most of the career opportunities the move across offered me,” said Danielle.

Internet firm Onyx speeds up growth

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Internet and It company Onyx Group has doubled estimates of its growth as it looks to become a £20m business within the next three years.
The Middlesbrough company has seen turnover rise to £6m this year and had previously aimed to hit the £10m mark by 2008.
However, Onyx has now radically revised its projections and is now setting its sights on clocking up annual sales of £20m by 2009.
The group says a combination of strong organic growth, moves into new markets and an aggressive acquisition strategy will help it to hit the ambitious target.
Onyx is also confident of successfully floating on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in 2008 to raise funds for its expansion. Neil Stephenson, sales and marketing director at Onyx said: “If you look at what we currently do, in three years’ time we will be turning over about £10m just be organic growth.
“In terms of the underlying business, that’s quite nice, but it is really interesting what else we can do with new products in new areas and new strategic relationships.”
Onyx originally started as an internet service provider for businesses, but it now has three divisions – the original Onyz Internet, disaster recovery and data back-up centre DataBanx and network and internet security business Askaris.
The group was bought out by its management team earlier this year and the new owners are looking to buy up complimentary businesses to grow the business further.
Mr Stephenson said: “We will look to acquire at least one business a year for the next three years.”
Onyx has brought on board the former One NorthEast head of knowledge, information and ICT, Maitland Hyslop, as business development director.
Mr Hyslop’s brief will include focusing on the strategic growth of the group, boosting its presence in the public sector and developing its disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities.
Mr Stephenson said: “We have hired Maitland to help close the gap between the £10m and £20m levels by working in a number of new areas.” Mr Hyslop said: “This role is one I am relishing, as I have joined the company at a very exciting time, especially with the planned flotation in two years. This will be a challenge, but I’m looking forward to playing an integral role in the next step of Onyx’s development.”
Onyx currently employs 42 staff, which will grow with its planned expansion, although no figures have yet been put on the eventual size of the workforce.
The Onyx Group began life as Onyx Internet in Middlesbrough in 1994.
It added Newcastle data security centre DataBanx to its portfolio three years ago, and snapped up Richmond-based Askaris a year ago to provide consultative security advice.

Doors open in Shanghai

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Companies are being urged to use a bureaucracy-busting agreement to tap into the huge potential for business with China.

Bosses of Newcastle’s Peacocks Medical Group will tell a seminar on Thursday how they used contacts cemented by North agencies to reach the verge of signing a deal for medical equipment with a Shanghai hospital.

Personnel from One NorthEast, UK Trade & Investment, the Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences (Cels) and RTC North will reinforce the message of huge opportunities in one of the world’s fastest growing economies.

One NorthEast head of business development and international relations Simon Good said: “North-East England has signed unique agreements with the city of Shanghai and the Jiangsu province – two of China’s economic powerhouses – to give our region prime access to business opportunities.”

The 9am seminar, at Wynyard Centre, Billingam is aimed at process industries, renewable energy, environment, digital, life sciences, design and electronics.

Peacocks is confident of signing a deal with a Shanghai business partner, which could create up to 15 jobs at Benfield Business Park. Director Chris Peacock said: “This is a major step forward for our company into a potentially massive marketplace.”

Fast Move From Nonlinear

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

A hi-tech North-East company has recruited the help of a top industry guru to become up to six times more responsive and stay ahead in one of the toughest and fastest moving markets in the world.

Nonlinear Dynamics, based at Cuthbert House in Newcastle, has made a name for itself as a leading worldwide provider of software for the life sciences industry to clients such as GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZenica since setting up in business in 1989.

Now, with help from Business Link in Tyne and Wear, the company is shifting up a gear to ensure it becomes increasingly successful when competing for business in a league that includes some of the world’s biggest companies such as General Electric.

The firm was put in touch with renowned ‘programming guru’ Kevin Rutherford for advice on agile programming – the IT equivalent of lean manufacturing.

Chief executive office Will Dracup said: “In the past we’ve needed about six months to change direction on big projects but now we can shift approach every month if we need to respond to market developments or activity by our competitors. We need to remain on the leading edge of science and technology to compete in our industry and thanks to this expert advice we are now much more responsive and competitive. By making relatively subtle changes to the way in which we work we have succeeded in making major differences to our working methods and a fundamental difference to the productivity of our company. The quality of consultancy was superb and we couldn’t have achieved this without Business Link.”

Nonlinear Dynamics has worked with Business Link in Tyne and Wear throughout the development of the company and on this occasion was supported with a financial contribution towards the expert advice.

Business Link advisor Harold Gartside said: “The improvements resulting from the implementation of the new techniques has significantly enhanced the relationships Nonlinear Dynamics has with its high profile client base. It has dramatically improved the way in which the company works and the rate of release of new and improved software releases.”

Nonlinear Dynamics, which employs 61 people, specialises in writing software for the study of proteins and DNA for scientists and for pharmaceuticals developing new products.

Its customers include all top 20 pharmaceutical companies as well as many large biotech corporations, a huge range of research institutes and academic bodies throughout the world.

Laybourne Venture Scoops Top Award

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Jesmond Dene House has been named best hotel in Newcastle, less than a year after it opened. The £7m hotel and restaurant, developed by Tyneside restauranteur Terry Laybourne and property developer Peter Candler, received the accolade from the AA hotel guide.

Jesmond Dene House, which dates back to 1822 and was used as a school before its transformation, received a four star rating from the AA, which commended the hotel's grounds and bathrooms in particular. It awarded the 40-bedroom hotel a merit score of 83% and its restaurant with two rosettes.

Eric Kortenback, general manager at Jesmond Dene House said: "I'm delighted that we've been able to achieve such an excellent merit score just nine months from opening. We aim to offer the best possible service and it's reassuring to know we are well on our way to doing that. This success is due to our people as well as the amazing surroundings. Their passion and enthusiasm complement the charachter of the building and enable us to provide the understated, relaxed atmosphere that our guests enjoy."

The hotel is in the process of gearing up for a series of events to mark its first anniversary on September 1st.

Nomad on the right line

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Technology company Nomad has raised £8m of investment to fund the roll out of its revolutionary wireless broadband connection for trains.

The UK company, which has already partnered T-Mobile to provide broadband to train operator Southern on its London to Brighton line, is now poised to exploit global markets.

It will use its cash injection to open UK offices in Newcastle and London, supplement its technical team and take on sales and marketing staff to support its accelerated drive for growth.

The company is working to expand the availability of broadband internet access for passengers on Southern's network and is introducing the system into the US and European markets.

It is also exploring further deals in China, India and the Middle East.

The potential market is huge, with 141,000 trains worldwide, transporting 25.6 billion people over 10.5 billion kilometres annually.

Nomad's system works by connecting the train to wireless base stations along the track. This means the train runs along a corridor of wireless coverage, allowing information to be sent and received at speeds 25 times faster than domestic broadband internet access.

The system is unique in that it provides continuous high speed coverage, even through tunnels and on underground sections of track. The high bandwidth allows innovative applications such as real time CCTV to be implemented.

Passengers can surf the net, send and receive e-mails, and transfer large files quickly, while operators can monitor the performance of their trains, install real time security CCTV and locate all their fleet at any one time.

Under the terms of the funding deal, Amadeus Capital Partners Limited and T-Mobile Venture Fund have invested in Nomad Holdings, the new parent company of service arm Nomad Digital and hardware arm Nomad Spectrum.

Co-founders of Nomad Graeme Lowdon (Group Chief Executive) and Nigel Wallbridge (Group Executive Chairman) retain the senior executive positions in the group.

Graeme Lowdon said: ``This investment marks a major watershed for Nomad. For the past three years we have been developing and refining the system, and we have proved it commercially on Southern's network. We now have installations in the UK, Holland and North America. `

`With this investment we can now exploit the huge, worldwide opportunities that exist for this system. Its potential applications include an enhanced travelling experience for passengers, a revolution in railway signalling and traffic control, and as a powerful security tool on rail transport networks.''

The company's business model is to acquire broadband franchise concessions from train operating companies and to sell rights to use the network to service providers for particular applications.

"The railway industry worldwide offers huge potential for the kind of specialty mobility networks that Nomad has developed" said Nigel Wallbridge, co-founder and Chairman of Nomad Digital, "Both railway passengers and rail companies want to have broadband connected services to their trains, and that is what Nomad gives them".

Amadeus director Roy Merritt also joins the Nomad board. He said: `` Passenger travel is a big, global business and, as internet connectivity becomes prevalent everywhere, Nomad's technology for providing reliable connectivity on board trains addresses a potentially huge market. The company is currently working on opportunities in three continents and we have every confidence it will develop into a very successful international business.''

``Nomad's solution offers a compelling extension of T-Mobile's Wi-Fi Hotspot network as well as a complement to T-Mobile's GPRS and 3G services,'' said Lars Michaelsen, investment manager T-Mobile Venture Fund. ``Demand from business users for secure e-mail access on the move is growing. T-Mobile is able to offer this by maintaining a constant data session for the entire journey.

`”We invest in Nomad as we believe in the potential of WiFi on trains for business users as well as for consumer applications.''

Siobhan sets out to create entrepreneurs

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

A North-East businesswoman has been picked to represent the UK on an international forum aimed at lifting rates of entrepreneurship within Europe.

Siobhan Bales, who founded Newcastle marketing agency The bgroup, will sit on the EU Commissions forum on entrepreneurship.

The post, which runs until next Christmas, will see her attending meetings of the forum in Brussels which will devise ways of lifting entrepreneurship in Europe up to US levels. Ms Bales will join 22 others from the EU’s other member states on the panel. She is believed to be the only young business owner on the panel which consists mainly of media executives and policy makers.

She said: “It is a huge honour to represent the UK in shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Europe. My main role is to bring knowledge of the mass media and its impact on young people to make Europe-wide plans to communicate the merits of starting and growing your won business. Ms Bales said the forum’s aim was to present a career as an entrepreneur as “a viable options for all ages – and a suitable career choice as well as well as encouraging a more entrepreneurial mindset that will facilitate a growing socio-economic environment across all member states.”

She said the proportion of Europeans who could be classified as “potential” entrepreneurs is 41% compared to 61% in the US. Ms Bales is already a board member of Young Enterprise North-East. She was recently appointed onto the CodeWorks Connect board to contribute to the continued success of the digital industries in the North East.

NTE plans further growth

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

An award-winning County Durham telecommunications company is moving into new markets with a growth plan that will create 15 jobs in the next five years.

Peterlee-based NTE, which supplies business communication products, has already built its business to a £2.8m turnover and 30 staff outfit.

But now it plans to grow business further by expanding its installation business – which currently covers the North and supplies “re-seller customers” – and deal direct with companies right across the UK.

NTE specialises in a range of business communication products from phone and public address systems to conference equipment and also in converged voice and data business systems.

Marketing manager Pauline Herring said: “We have seen strong and sustained growth over the last few years and this new direct market offers a great deal of potential to us. Our new five-year growth plan will take us on to the next stage of our development and includes the creation of 15 new jobs. Business Link has been a key point of our business planning process and a sounding board for our ideas. Working with then has enabled us to fund and carry out a number of key business improvement projects in the areas of customer relations, systems integration and workforce development. We have also re-developed the company website to include innovative features such as technical support forums and product downloads.”

NTE customers in the UK include call centres, local authorities, travel agencies and include blue-chip companies such as Balfour Beatty Constructions and Hayes Accountancy and Finance.

The company won a small business and export award in 2004, when it increased turnover by 38% and secured contracts in the Middle East, Africa and the Far East.

With help from Business Link’s workforce development team, NTE director Glen Pickering has enrolled on an executive masters in business enterprise at Durham Business School and Pauline Herring is soon to complete the Durham MBA.
She said: “The help with workforce development is invaluable as it is not always easy for a smaller company to fund training and allow employees time off for study. We are very committed to workforce development and currently have three people undertaking the professional development programme (PDP) as Durham Business School as well as a strong apprenticeship scheme.”

Managing director Ron Elliot said: “Our people are the key to our future success and Business Link support has been fundamental in allowing us to secure a professional development programme for key managers. The skills they develop are central to the long-term growth strategies of the business.”

Sage strengthens its grip in France

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Software group Sage has strengthened its grip in France after buying a controlling stake in a French software seller.

The Newcastle-based FTSE 100 business has bought 51% of distribution industry software company Elit Group for about £10.8m in cash. It will now make an offer to Elit shareholders about buying the remaining 49% of the company. Elit sells business management software for the transport and food distribution sectors in France.

Sage is already market leader in France and paid almost £80m for French business management software maker Adonix in November.

Sage chief executive Paul Walker said: The acquisition of a controlling interest in Elit represents a further extension of our range of industry-specific business management software. Elit’s advanced mid-market solutions for the French transport and food distribution sector complement our existing C2G business, acquired in 2005.”

Elit has about 3,000 medium-sized business customers and reported a £500,000 loss on a £18.4m turnover for the year ending June 30, 2005. Sage paid 7 euros – or almost £5 – per share.

Andrew Miller, regional centre head of Gerrard Investment Management in Newcastle said: “Let’s face it, £10m is a drop in the ocean for Sage these days so it sounds very much like a bolt-on acquisition – something they can use to add to their existing Sage suite. It might be that it [Elit] has got something specific that they can use in other products of their own, they are clearly going to want to incorporate it with other operations in France.”

The news comes after Sage got into the world cup spirit last month by snapping up a German company.

It bought business management software seller Bäurer GmbH for about £16m in cash. It is currently the market leader in Germany in the medium-sized enterprise market and number two in the small business market for business management software. In April Sage failed to capture its largest prey after Norwegian firm Visma dropped its support a £334m takeover and then backed a higher offer from private equity firm Hg-Capital instead.

Esh in deal for MMP's offices

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Rapidly-expanding builder the Esh Group is taking over the offices of collapsed County Durham construction company MMP Group.

Bowburn-based Esh, which has a turnover in excess of £100m and plans to create 270 jobs over the next year, is also in talks with MMP’s former clients to see if it can take over outstanding contracts.

The deal, which includes furniture and fittings at the Newburn Industrial Estate factory, brings to a close weeks of speculation about who would take over the remaining assets.

It is believed many – up to 250 – of MMP’s staff remain out of work and the trail of debt left behind has not yet been confirmed.

This is the second time in as many months that the growing Esh Group has bought the assets of a collapsed construction company in the region, following the acquisition of Stephen Easten in May.

A spokeswoman for Esh Group said: “We are trying to help out on some of the contracts but we are still talking to people so can’t be more specific at the moment. We are taking space at the offices because, quite simply, we need more space to house our expansion plans.”

Esh will share the premises with the founder of MMP Group, who bought the assets of the off-site division – and re-employed 15 of his former staff. Michael O’Connell who founded the company 20 years ago, and managing director Steve Thompson bought the contracts of Metek Building Systems and renamed it Engineered Offsite Systems.

Meanwhile, 41 jobs were saved in the plastering and dry lining division the previous week, after it was acquired by its manager and renamed Plaslines.

Mark Firmin, of administrator KPMG Restructuring, said: “The sale of MMP Group’s assets represents the final stage in our negotiations with interested parties following our appointment by MMP’s directors. The administrators will continue to pursue payments for work previously undertaken by MMP Group in order to maximise the return to creditors.”

Around 250 workers were made redundant when the firm collapsed, just weeks after MMP’s boss spoke of increasing its sales from around £30m to £50m over the next 12 months. It is believed t have collapsed with debts of between £3m and £5m.

World First For Nomad

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 00:00:00 +0100

North technology company Nomad is on track to clinch a multi-million pound deal in the US after trialling its world-first broadband wireless internet service on a moving train in Silicon Valley.

Corbridge-based Nomad and the world’s biggest chip manufacturer Intel have successfully performed the first US high speed broadband communication with a moving train in Silicon Valley, home to much of the world’s IT industry.

Working with Caltrain, which operates trains between San Francisco and San Jose, the two companies demonstrated the technology along a 16 mile section of track. It allows several people to simultaneously surf the internet, watch streaming video and complete large file downloads, whilst maintaining continuous connectivity at broadband speeds.

Now Caltrain is seeking further funding, believed to be several million US dollars, to buy the system and install it along the full 50 miles of track to provide its 35,000 daily passengers – commuting to world famous hi-tech and bio-tech companies – with broadband connectivity.

Nomad chief executive Graeme Lowdon said: “We have successfully operated the system in the UK for more than a year now, but US standards differ from European ones so some adjustment was required. It is great that a UK company can take its technology right to the heart of Silicon Valley and be the first with that technology.”

“It represents a breakthrough in the North US market and when we were asked to do this with Intel, the largest chip manufacturer in the world, we considered that another key milestone. Just the fact that it is Silicon Valley is amazing because this thing runs straight past the front door of Microsoft and the world’s biggest technology companies, it’s a very tech savvy customer base.”

“If you’ve got products you want to test then you should always choose to test them in the best markets in the world to put them through their paces.”

The news comes a week after Nomad, which was founded by Graeme Lowdon and Nigel Walbridge in 2002 and went into profit in 2005, raised £8m in a deal with Amadeus Capital Partners and T-Mobile Venture Funds to fund it’s expansion.

It is currently on the look-out for premises in Newcastle to build up a technical team. Nomad’s chief technical officer arrived in the North East from Canada yesterday to begin assembly of that team. Mr Lowdon said: “We are seeing increasing interest in our system worldwide. Not only have we established it on Southern’s route and proved it in California, we are also exploring deals in China, India and the Middle East. The system has enormous potential applications beyond providing passengers with an enhanced travelling experience.”

Nomad Digital’s system is unique because it provides continuous high speed coverage, even through tunnels and on underground sections of track.

Caltrain director of information technology and telecommunications Randy Rudolph said: “With Nomad’s cutting edge WiMAX-based technology and the successful trial completion, we can now move forward with plans to implement a wireless network along the entire rail mainline.”

Miller Takes Chairman Role

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 00:00:00 +0100

One of the North East’s most successful manufacturing companies is restructuring in preparation for global expansion over the next decade.
Miller UK is already a world leader in the design and manufacture of attachments for earth moving equipment with factories at Cramlington in Northumberland, and China.
With the launch this year of a range of new products and growth into new markets in the Pacific Rim, Australasia and Europe, managing director Keith Miller is moving to the role of company chairman and a new managing director has been appointed.
John Lines has joined from Volvo Construction Equipment where he was sales and marketing director at the UK dealership.
Keith said: “We have come a very long way in the last 28 years but in reality we have only scratched the surface of what is going to be possible in the global construction market over the next five-ten years.
“Last year we manufactured more than 23,000 units with a team that has grown to 400 in China and 250 in Northumberland.
“For the company to be a true world player it needs someone to be able to step back and examine where we are going in the medium-long term, especially in emerging markets as well as in the established markets like Japan that are still not major users of coupler technology. There is truly massive market potential which we can only maximise by stepping back and looking at the big picture.”
New MD John brings experience of the construction equipment industry and considerable knowledge of running a successful major capital sales organisation.
He added: “During my time at Volvo I gained first hand knowledge of Miller products as one of their customers. I am proud to have been given the opportunity to become the first non-family managing director of Miller UK and I am looking forward immensely to this new challenge and to becoming part of the team.”
Since being established in Newcastle by former welder Keith and his brother Gary and sister Jacqui, who are directors in the business, Miller UK has built a worldwide reputation for buckets and couplers for large earthmoving machines.
Its customers include global companies like CAT, Volvo, Hitachi, JCB, Case and Komatsu.
The Mini range, launched earlier this year, has allowed the company to break into the mini excavator market which offers considerable opportunities for future growth.

Sage healthcare deal ups the temperature

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Sage has sent city pulses racing by snapping up a £300m US healthcare software maker in it's largest ever acquisition.

The Newcastle software group is buying Florida-based Emdeon Practice Services from parent company Emdeon Corporation in a £297m deal which will form the bedrock of a new division.

EPS supplies software and services for 20,000 doctors' practices and clinics in the US and while it plans to initially concentrate on the market in the States, Sage could also expand it's new business to the UK.

The acquisition is the single largest purchase in Sage's history and follows the FTSE 100-listed group's pattern of branching out into providing specialist software for a range of industries, from manufacturing to construction. It hopes that increasing use of software and electronic processesin the US healthcare sector, allied with opportunities to cross-sell its existing business management software, will rapidly grow sales.

Sage chief executive Paul Walker said: "Acquiring Emedon Practice Services enables Sage to market its products and services to a substantial new community of small and medium-sized businesses in the US. This market is showing clear demand for automation of business processes. This acquisition continues our strategy of providing industry-specific solutions by bringing dedicated Sage solutions to this business sector for the first time."

EPS has experienced rapid profit growth in recent years. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation rose from £3.7m in 2004 to £11.4m last year on sales up from £155.8m to £160.3m. EPS had gross assets of about £37m at the end of last year.

The company's software is used in practice management and maintaining patient data, covering elements such as prescriptions and managing electronic health records. The US health insurance system means doctors have to act as the middle man between patients and insurers, making the need to process financial transactions greater than in the UK.

Sage says there are more than 200,000 doctor's parctices in the US, with many looking to automate their businesses and it expects to expand it's doctor's practice division by organic growth and acquisitions.

Phil Branston, the group's director of investor relations, said that while the UK's different health system meant British doctors' demands were different, there was scope to expand the division domestically.

Mr. Branston said: "Doctors' practices in the UK are run less as a business than the US, with different flows of information, but I would not rule out the UK, although it's not something we could readily do with just this acquisition."

The acquisition of EPS is expected to be completed next month when it will surpass the £286.4m Sage paid for Best Software in 2000, previously its largest single purchase.

Workwear Win For Push Creative

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Push Creative, Design & Marketing Communications have secured a contract from Workwear Express to help them expand their corporate imagewear business.

From adhoc work Push Creative had already undertaken, Workwear Express had enjoyed a substantial increase in sales. Working closely with the management team, a new suite of direct mail and catalogues to create a corporate style has been introduced.

The introduction of seasonal mini-mailers means customers are increasing orders and are reportedly delighted with the new offering of the catalogue and bespoke managed workwear solutions.

Liz Bassnett from Push Creative brings a wealth of experience to the account from her days working with Janet Frazer and Empire. She helped to implement the original supermodel campaigns and superbrands, encouraging a younger market to buy from the catalogues - a campaign that also saw an upturn in sales.

Liz comments “We are thrilled to build on the work already executed, it is satisfying to see our work having a positive effect for Workwear Express and look forward to creating more campaigns for the company in the future.”
Push Creative have seen their client base expand rapidly since their arrival at The ‘Landmark’ Quadrus Centre in Boldon, Tyne & Wear. Their creative impact is coupled with excellent customer service and from this 90% of their customers come from referrals.

The company was formed in January 2004 and is fast becoming a key player in the North East. Last year saw Liz receive an accolade at The North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and she also assisted South Tyneside as a private sector representative to secure £16.2M LEGI (Local Enterprise Growth Initiative) funding.

For more information about Push Creative, contact Liz Bassnett on 0191 519 7266 or email: liz@push-creative.co.uk

North Sea Turbines Boost Engineering Business

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 00:00:00 +0100

A hugely ambitious project to install the world's biggest wind turbines in the North Sea is helping to take a Northumberland engineering company to new heights.

The Engineering Business has quadrupled in size inside two years, with turnover moving from £4m in 2004 to an expected £16m this year. And managing director Tony Trapp says further growth is likely, such is the global demand for high quality engineering work at the moment.

The Riding Mill-based company's profile is rising as the two 120m high turbines are floated out on barges to the Beatrice oilfield off the east coast of Scotland this week.

The Engineering Business has designed a system for lifting the turbines onto undersea pylons, known as jackets, which are fixed to the seabed 12miles off the Cromarty Firth, around 20 miles north of Inverness. It has commissioned 530 tonnes of equipment to be used in putting the 1,000-tonne turbines in place.

The turbines will generate five megawatts of electricity each, compared to the two megawatts generated by turbines such as those found on the harbour walls in Blyth.

The Beatrice turbines are being erected as a "demonstrator project" to help assess the effectiveness of offshore wind farms. They are being funded by US company Talisman Energy , along with Southern and Scottish Energy, with assistance from the DTI, the Scottish Executive and the European Union.

Mr. Trapp said he was confident more work would follow the Beatrice project, with The Engineering Business already heavily involved in producing equipment for pipelaying vessels and for a submarine rescuse system. The company has been in existence for less than 10 years, and two years ago employed just 35 people, with a turnover of £4m - now it employs 100 permanent staff with a turnover of £16m expected for 2006.

Mr Trapp said: "We are expanding, basically. There's quite a lot going on and we are certainly looking for substantial growth next year. It's another variation of the knowledge economy - with clever people and an entrepreneurial spirit. We have a reputation for delivering things that work first time, on time and on budget".

The Engineering Business pursues three main markets - off-shore oil and gas; offshorerenewables; and marine defence. As well as the high profile Beatrice project, it is working with Swiss firm Allseasto deliver equipment for the deck of it's pipeline laying vessell Audacia, which will be carried out at the Hadrian yard on the Tyne, formerly occupied by Amec.

And The Engineering Business is also working on an extremely valuable project to produce a full "deck spread" of equipment for a new vessel to lay power cables, which is currently being built in Spain.

Mr Trapp said: "The message is that the off-shore industry is alive and kicking and doing very well. There is huge potential. There is a huge amount going on in Holland and Norway, and there is no reason why a lot more should not be done here in the North East - but we have not got ourselves organised to do it. There is a lot of potential in proper, straightforward engineering - offshore oil and gas are subject to a continuing boom at the moment. There are a lot of people who want jobs, but they go off to Holland or Norway at the moment. We are very short of people - mainly design engineers."

Hays Beats The Scares To Keep Recruiting

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Holiday company Hays Travel is beating terrorist scares and a static market to keep recruiting on the back of soaring business.

The Sunderland-based company is expecting sales to rise 20% this year to £300m, has just taken on 70 staff and plans to sign up another 50 this year. Founder and chief executive John Hays said yesterday staff numbers had now risen to 700 at its call centres, travel shops and growing network of homeworkers.

Hays, founded in 1980 took 21 years to breach the £100m sales barrier, then just four more to progress from £100m to £200m - and then hit £250m in January of this year.

"We are seeing a steady growth in sales and staff numbers. We are getting close the £300m of sales and we might get there before the end of this year. We are at £280m at the moment," said Mr Hays.

And he believes the company distinguishes itself from its rivals in having a choice of holidays from the big tour operators as well as a choice of ways to book them, as opposed to being tied to one company or one media.

This has helped it beat a largely static market, with ABTA members selling around £27bn of holidays in each of the last three years. Mr Hays said that the terrorist alert of two weeks ago had seen Hays' sales fall dramatically, but they had since recovered.

"The potential terrorist threat and increased security had an immediate and dramatic effect," he said. "We went from trading at 25% ahead of last year to being down 30% or 40% during the two days of the alert - quite a substantial drop. Trading was awful, but last week it started picking up again - up to +10%. We are going to have a good year."

The chief executive said he was very pleased with the company's success in hiring home workers. He said: "We were hoping to have 200 by the end of the year, but now we are looking at 250. We are looking for experienced travel staff - they have to be the right quality of person. There is a real growing trend towards home working as people are looking at quality of life issues - to work the hours that suit them. There's a whole lifestyle trend towards less of the nine to five - both in consumer behaviour and in the workplace."

Hays is also busy working on it's home working concept, to bring people in on a self-employed basis, but working from a conventional call centre desk.

Mr Hays said: "We've not got huge numbers, between 15 and 20, but it seems to be working OK. They come and go from one of our call centres during normal opening hours between 8am and 11pm."

Hays plans to keep recruiting throughout the winter months, and the company has recently taken on some more space at its Sunderland headquarters to accomodate more staff.

North East Business Link

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 00:00:00 +0100

The new merged Business Link is seeking applications for non-executive board members.

NRG plc, who are handling the appointments are keen to talk to successful entrepreneurs who want to make a real difference to the business support agenda for the region.

Interested parties should contact Mike Dixon of NRG Plc at mike.dixon@nrgplc.com.

TH_NK Aims For £4m Barrier

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 00:00:00 +0100

North technology company TH_NK is looking to break the £4m turnover barrier as it joins forces with some of the world's biggest hi-tech players shaping the future of the internet.

The Newcastle-based business has become the first new media company in the North East to be accepted as a member of the W3C - The World Wide Web Consortium.

TH_NK will now be working alongside the likes of Google, Microsoft and IBM in defining new internet standards and guidelines after passing the rigourous application process.

The brand technology company, set up by 25-year-old Tarek Nseir in 2002 while he was still a Newcastle University student, sees the appointment as an important step in its next growth phase. TH_NK has already grown from employing three people in 2004 to 42 today, with turnover rising from £400,000 to £2.4m thanks to web development work for companies including Northern Rock, ITV and NOrthumbrian Water.

The company is looking to take on six more staff on Tyneside and plans to open up a London office early next year as it looks to grow turnover to £4m.

Managing director Tarek Nseir said: "More and more buyers, especially in large corporates, are getting far more switched on to developing websites to W3C standards so to not only work to those standards but to play a part in creating them gives us a level of credibility which we would be hard pushed to beat. W3C is the most talked-about and most respected prganisation for the world wide web that exists, so to be part of shaping that is a huge credibility booster, especially for such a young company as ours."

"We are looking to win further national business and without a doubt, W3C membership will help us with that drive."

TH_NK also aims to open a staellite office in London in February, initially staffed by a team of three but with scope to expand as more work comes in.

Mr. Nseir said: "We are having talks with a number of Southern clients and are hoping to go down there having first won an account there. If it is successful, we will start to build a service pool in London."

The company is also on the move in Tyneside. TH_NK is in talks about relocating from it's current offices on Leazes Park road near St. James Park to larger premises elsewhere in the city. Expansion abroad is a possibility in the long-term, although the company is concentrating on the UK market for the forseeable future.

Mr Nseir said: "I would love to expand abroad, but at the moment we are focusing on two years ahead and the opportunity in the UK market is significant at this moment in time and we have to keep our eye on the quality of our delivery."

Business School Announces New David Goldman Visiting Professor

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Newcastle University Business School has announced that successful technology and communications entrepreneur and university alumnus, Paul Callaghan, will be joining the School as the new David Goldman visiting professor of business innovation this November.

Paul is passionate about helping North East England grow and prosper through the development of a talented and well educated population and by nurturing and encouraging entrepreneurs and business. The appointment will enable him to share his considerable business experience with students - a role which he welcomes with enthusiasm.

Paul runs the European HQ of his company, the Leighton Group, based in his hometown of Sunderland. Leighton operates throughout the world at the cutting-edge of technology in a broad range of sectors and with clients including British Airways, Microsoft, Lloyds TSB, Sir Robert McAlpine and Tesco. Paul has a first degree in Economics from the London School of Economics, a Master's degree in Management and Education from Newcastle University and a further Master's degree in Finance and Economics from the University of Salford.

The David Goldman visiting professorship in business innovation, which is an annual appointment, is named in memory of the founder of Sage plc, an entrepreneur who was also commited to the educational development of young people. The funds allow for an annual lecture, a permanent chair, visiting professorships and a research studentship. Paul Callaghan is the fourth holder of the post, and follows Chris Thompson, chief executive of the Express Group and chairman of the TyneWear Partnership.

R&B Poised For National Expansion

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:00:00 +0100

An events company is poised for national expansion after winning business including corporate videos, backing up the Royal Shakespeare Company and turning the Baltic pink.

Newcastle-based R&B Group started life in 1991, following on from a management buyout of the city's branch of national audio-visual hire company Viewplan.

It initially focused on conference and video production, but with an acquisition in 1998 it began to growseriously by focusing on conference services, equipment hire, set designand build and video production.

And after a few years of winning big name clients including RIBA, Sage plc and the Royal College of Nursing, it is now stepping up its expansion plans with other regional offices.

The company saw turnover reach £1m in 2003, which has since grown to £1.5m and the company now expects to reach £2m by 2007 and £4m by 2010. This is largely due, it believes, on the strength of it offering a 'one stop shop' for its services.

R&B employs 25 staff, has just added a new unit to its base in Walker Road in Newcastle and opened a Harrogate office.

Managing director Antony Crerar said: "We were originally expecting to expand outwards from the North-East, but now we are looking at going into other areas where they are under-served. We are looking at the South of Wales and the North-West of England for our next branch offices. We originally intended to open in Harrogate early next year, but because of reasons including the amount of business we are getting in from Harrogate International Conference Centre we were able to move in there earlier than intended."

"So we are now looking at opening the next branch early next year. There does seem to be a very strong demand for our services. The conference market is very strong as a whole. The number of corporate awards seems to be growing constantly and I think companiesrealise that they can deliver a broad range of services which cover all their needs for these events."

Mr. Crerar added: "We haven't investigated acquisitions. There are one or two opportunities around and we have a few open book discussions on-going, but not outside the region."

Although the vast majority of the work is for conferences abd award ceremonies, they do have some more unusual work too. Mr. Crerar's theatrical background - he was technical manager and then deputy manager of the Newcastle Playhouse before joining R&B 8 years ago - mean he still enjoys involvement in matters artistic.

The company still provides lighting and production services for the RSC when it visits the North East, works with Dance City and gets hired for large scale outdoor promotional work such as lighting up the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in pink for a corporate celebration.

Somers Set For New Book Launch

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Matt Somers, managing director of Sunderland-based Peak is launching a new book - Coaching At Work - in hardback on October 6th.

Happily it’s already causing a bit of a stir and has got business people talking about coaching once more, as recently endorsement by Storey Carpets chief executive, Simon Heptinstall:

"How much of your team's full potential do you see at work? 90%? 30%? 60%? Many of us simply don't know. In a world of relentless change is it any wonder that so much can interfere with how well we perform at work. In a practical approach Matt Somers explores how coaching can be used to release that potential."

"Matt recognises that the reaction in the work place to coaching can range from mild apathy to downright hostility. It is this firm grip on reality that considerably increases the reader's chances of becoming a successful coach. In today's business environment ignore the principles and ideas embodied in this book at your peril!"

Guerilla Productions Makes It In Newcastle

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 00:00:00 +0100

This month, Guerilla Productions, the TV production arm of Guerilla Communications will create the largest number of TV commercials ever produced within the North East region at one time, involving a project spend that is estimated to be in excess of £6 million.

The three day TV Shoot undertaken for national retailer Holland & Barrett will involve the creation of over 36 x 30” commercials and 100 x 10” commercials that will be aired over the next year across the UK and Ireland. The creative platform features an exciting combination of motion graphics to create a natural feel relevant to each season. All actors and crew have been selected from a talented pool across the region.

Rodger Bonnici, MD (Guerrilla Productions) commented, “The fact that we can film and produce such a large number of commercials in the North East shows how the region is progressing in terms of the talent now available. In past years we have gone to London to complete a project of this complexity, but moving forward we must keep as much work as possible within this region.”

The decision to make the commercial in Newcastle was also based largely upon the excellent studio facilities now available at Newcastle College where the live shoot is taking place.

Stuart Langford (Manager Of Performance Academy) Newcastle College said “When we showed the Director and Producer around our facilities they seemed very impressed. The decision to shoot this high profile TV campaign here at our College has given the place a real buzz”.

The advanced animation skills available at Imagine post-production were also a factor why Guerilla Productions decided to complete the project within the North East and not head off to London.

Garry Cosgrove, MD of Imagine explained “We have a great working relationship with Guerilla, when they said that they wanted us to post produce all the commercials we were frankly delighted’.

The first campaign is due to break in mid-October and will end in November 07.

For more information call James Allen 0191 2619799.

Are You The Winning Ticketholder?

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 00:00:00 +0100

The Entrepreneurs' Forum's 3rd annual charity bash raised over £50,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support on Saturday evening. Guests raised the huge sum through an auction, a dance game, a safecracking game and a silent auction.

There was also "No Ordinary Auction", where lucky prizewinners have already claimed flights to New York (ticket 56), a Bentley for the weekend (ticket 135) and vouchers for Serenity in the City (ticket 88).

However, the main prize of £1,000 of vouchers for Berrys has yet to be claimed - so if you're the lucky holder of raffle ticket 12 then you can claim your fantastic prize by contacting the Forum office on 0870 850 2233.

New Sector Launch For Dipsticks

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Northumberland based Dipsticks Research Limited (DRL) has launched a new division to provide market research to the public sector.

Dipsticks, which has a turnover of £2.5m and works for clients including Sony, the BBC and Yell, has launched the specialist division - Public Knowledge - after building up a team and experience for seven years.

Development director John Raglan said: "As DRL we've carried out dozens of research projects in the public sector over a seven year period, including one for regional development agency One NorthEast. We have assembled a team of people with direct experience of working in public sector organisations at senior level and it was a logical step to launch Public Knowledge to reflect that level of expertise. Through Public Knowledge we provide high quality market research and analysis based on first hand experience of the public sector."

John and wife Fiona Raglan, who is MD, founded DRL in 1997 as freelance market researchers. Since then, the company has grown rapidly.

The employ more that 40 staff at their Allendale headquarters, 160 at a computer-aided telephone interviewing centre in Hexham and more than 600 field interviewers in the UK.

One NorthEast chief executive Alan Clarke said: "One NorthEast is happy to give its support to a specialist business developed by two local entrepreneurs and now staffed by a regional team."

Internet TV Channel Launches For North Business Scene

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 00:00:00 +0100

A new joint venture company set up between Tyneside creative marketing agency The bgroup and corporate communications specialists twenty first century media, has signed up ITV news reporter Kim Inglis and radio personality Ingrid Hagemann as lead news anchors for the launch of the region’s first business-based internet TV service.

The deal will see the new company, bdaily Ltd. broadcast daily news bulletins and special reports covering hard-hitting business issues, together with a weekly synopsis aimed at giving instant access to regional and national business events and news. The new channel will also include business profiling and interview slots, designed to spotlight the region’s organisations and business personalities.

Simon King, head of Digital Media Technology at North East Centre of Digital Excellence Codeworks, is the first non executive director to be appointed to lead the company, which was launched to an audience of business people at the Codeworks Connect Digital Media 360 event at the Sage Gateshead recently.

ITV news reporter Kim Inglis said: "I'm thrilled to be involved with this project. Privately I'm a bit of a technophobe but not to the extent that I can't look to the future and see the different ways in which our news will be delivered. It's really exciting to be part of the launch and it's just fantastic to see innovative moves like this happening in our corner, the North East of England. I look forward to getting some feedback once people start receiving their business news from us."

Siobhan Bales, managing director of The bgroup, is equally excited about the new venture: “Delivering broadcast quality, on demand business news to thousands of organisations across the North East will take a team of top professionals, and we are delighted to have signed up two of the region’s established presenters to front this pioneering service, which we believe has massive potential to transform the way that people access news content.

“Internet TV is revolutionising the face of information and entertainment delivery, giving people more freedom to dictate how and where they access content. We have the expertise and the capability right here in the region, and the time is right for us to lead the way in the use of new and emerging communications technologies.

Nick Imrie, marketing director of partner company twenty first century media, said: “Today’s viewers have increasingly sophisticated expectations in terms of quality, consistency, and objectivity, which will be crucial elements in the success of the new service. Our technical and film for business use expertise allows us to maintain the same high standards that viewers expect from national TV, and combined with the bgroup’s specialist knowledge of the creative use of emerging technologies, we now have all the ingredients in place to create a massive shift in targeted business news delivery.

“bdaily Ltd is a natural extension of the very popular bdaily news service, which has more than 4000 subscribers, showing the demand for a truly regional, multimedia news channel. Taking this service a step further by using the best available audio visual media will allow us to cover a wider range of features in greater depth, and give the region’s viewers exactly what they want, when they want it.”

Estimated to become a market worth £977 billion by 2010, Internet TV and Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) is multi-channel, on demand television, available via computer screens, mobile devices or standard TV sets. Some experts predict that Internet TV could see the end of linear or scheduled TV, over the coming decade.

Seaham Hall Joins Elite as AA Awards 5 �Red Stars'

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Seaham Hall Hotel has been awarded the highest rating possible by the AA. Five red stars confirms Seaham Hall’s position within the elite of UK hotels who offer the highest standard of hospitality.

The only 5 star hotel in the North East, Seaham Hall was a derelict building when Tom Maxfield acquired it in 1997. Following a multi-million pound transformation, the hotel opened its doors to guests in 2001 and has become internationally renowned as much for its luxurious accommodation as its ground-breaking Serenity Spa.

Tom Maxfield said; ‘This is a fantastic achievement for the whole of the North East. Everyone was sceptical at the beginning when we set out to create a world class hotel in Seaham but now everyone can share our pride in this achievement. Seaham Hall has become an icon of the very best that North East England can offer.’

Debrah Dhugga, chief executive of Tom’s Companies said; ‘The Seaham Hall story represents an outstanding example of the rapid change that has taken place in North East England over the past decade. What has been achieved here provides a great parallel with the ambition that is now being demonstrated across the whole of the region.

“The five red star status is a tremendous accolade for everyone at the hotel and is a symbol of the North East's renaissance - it is something of which the whole region can be proud.”

She continued; “Fantastic design, beautiful furnishings and a wonderful location can only do so much. Our staff always go the extra mile and that’s what makes the difference. It’s a wonderful achievement and I’m immensely proud of everyone who has contributed to this.”

John Holmes, Director of Regeneration and Tourism for One Northeast said;
“The award of five red stars for Seaham Hall is richly deserved and is testament to the major investment and hard work put in by everyone at the Hotel. It is great news not only for Seaham Hall, but also for the whole of North East England’s tourism industry.

“As well as restoring a wonderful historic building with a fascinating story to tell, Tom’s Companies have provided an outstanding hotel and leisure facility that is being recognised nationally and internationally and we wish the team continued success.

“It is a hugely important milestone and demonstrates how far the tourism industry in the North East has come, offering real quality and demonstrating that this region can now compete with the best in the world as a visitor destination.

“As well as this fantastic news for Seaham, this year has seen North East England win a record five awards at the Enjoy England Excellence Awards, which reflects the increasing quality of the tourism offer across the region.”

World Spa Leader Expands

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Tom’s Companies, the group behind the multi-award winning Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa, has announced the launch of a new urban day spa, Serenity in the City.

Located in the heart of Jesmond, Serenity in the City is a midi version of Serenity Spa incorporating the same attention to detail and an innovative range of treatments with a unique style in a convenient city location.

Due to open in October 2006, Serenity in the City will include seven consulting rooms, including two couple’s rooms and a male ‘wet shave’ room. The 3,000 square foot spa also includes a ‘Buddha nail bar’, express tan area and an outdoor hot tub.

Serenity in the City has been designed by the company’s creative director, Jocelyn Maxfield, who designed The Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall and more recently, the Hooker and Young Hair Spa. Jocelyn explains; ‘I incorporated a contemporary Asian feel with subtle lighting, tactile materials and an emphasis on supreme comfort. Serenity in the City will be a haven of luxury and tranquillity in the city centre and an easy and convenient way to relax and feel good.’

Company chairman, Tom Maxfield, said of the new expansion; ‘After conducting extensive research we believe that Serenity in the City will bring to the heart of Newcastle a convenient location that will satisfy a demand for men and women who want to relax and be indulged in style. All the award winning aspects of The Serenity Spa will be incorporated into a state of the art facility that is just what Newcastle needs.’

Chief Executive Debrah Dhugga, will be heading up the new venture and is excited for its opening; “After the success of Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall, I think this will be a welcome haven to city workers. Having an urban retreat in the city is very exciting both for our Serenity brand and to our customers.”

New Range Of Stupid Bags Launched

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Marie Difolco, founder of Stupid Bags, has launched her latest range at the Brand Licensing Show at Olympia in London.

Stupid Bags, who produce a range of quirky alternatives to the traditional bottle bag and gift bag have already been a huge hit with Fenwick’s, where the new lines are now available in the card department and wine shop. Marie has also secured her first first major multiple retail customer in the form of one of the UK's leading supermarket chains. She has also recently signed up Australian distributor Cellar Plus, who have a superb warehousing and distribution network and with Marie's products have a new sales category to exploit, having previously concentrated on wine-making equipment and accessories.

Although Stupid Bags are rolling out a number of ranges which include well known brands they have acquired licenses to manufacture; it’s their own character creation ‘Squiffy’ that is proving to be really popular. Squiffy attracted international interest at Olympia, so much so it has prompted the Pelaw based business woman to appoint a licensing agent to roll out the brand globally.

‘Squiffy’ aims to develop creative and commercial partnerships with the intention of producing fun products based on the character.

£50,000 Boost For Young Enterprise

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Business leader Sir Peter Vardy has marked national Enterprise Week by donating £50,000 to support entrepreneurship among young people in the North East.

The donation to Young Enterprise North East will be used to inspire students to become entrepreneurs and to help enterprising students turn their business ideas into reality.

Sir Peter recently said the region was suffering from “poverty of ambition” and called for a raising of expectation and aspiration. He urged teachers to open their minds to the possibility of world-class entrepreneurs being in their classroom.

He said: “My dream is to see young people leave school not only with a first class education but also to have entrepreneurship as a serious career option. Our schools must realise the critical role they have in developing the entrepreneurial culture we all seek for the region.”

Sir Peter sponsors three schools with a business and enterprise specialism in the North of England and is a founder director of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum.

Announcing the £50,000 sponsorship, he added: “Young Enterprise North East does a fantastic job in the region working with schools to promote entrepreneurship education and to help young people realise that starting their own business is a realistic possibility.

“If we are serious about building a sustainable economy in the region, creating wealth and retaining our best people then the onus is on all of us in business and education to do what we can to help.

“I know the business community is keen to be involved – just last week the Entrepreneurs’ Forum hosted nearly 300 university students at a conference with many members on hand to offer advice and opportunities within entrepreneurial businesses. We need more of this kind of activity if we are to make a difference.”

Sir Peter’s donation to YENE will be used to develop its Entrepreneurship Masterclass programme, which this year will bring together 3,000 young people with local entrepreneurs.

Chief executive of YENE, Catherine Marchant, said: “Bringing business and young people together in exciting ways is core to the work of Young Enterprise North East.
Sir Peter’s donation will allow us to put more local entrepreneurs in front of our young people, to inspire them to seriously consider self-employment as a viable career option.

“We are delighted with Sir Peter’s support and his endorsement of our work, and we hope more business leaders follow his example to help build a vibrant regional economy.”

Sir Peter’s recent speech to the North East Regional Information Partnership followed a report which said the region had fewer businesses per 10,000 population than any other area of the UK.

The NERIP report stated that 32,000 new VAT registered businesses are needed to bring the North East up to only the national average, and 18,000 new businesses just to meet the level of the next lowest region, Scotland.
Enterprise Week is an annual UK-wide week of activities inspiring people in their teens and 20s to be enterprising.

Training in Childcare Awarded National License

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0000

A childcare training academy has been awarded a prestigious national licence which recognises the quality of its professional development work.

Training in Childcare Ltd, based in Boldon, writes and delivers training in playwork and childcare, leading to nationally accredited qualifications and giving many of its students a second chance to start a career or to go on to higher education.

Its professional development courses are taken by people already working in the sector at level three who want to add further skills, for example in child protection, managing children’s behaviour, special educational needs and writing policies and practices.

The company has now been granted a quality licence by the Newcastle-based NCFE national awarding body after under going and passing a rigorous inspection.

Angela Brown, founder and managing director of Training in Childcare, explained: “NCFE inspectors looked at all our systems and rated us as high quality and as adding value. It’s an endorsement of the work we are doing as a training academy and means our courses are recognised within the national framework.”
Ann Gilmour, partnership advisor for the Learning and Skills Council in South Tyneside, said achieving the licence was an important step forward from Training in Childcare as it expands.

In granting the licence, professional development courses written and run by Training in Childcare now lead to certificates incorporating the NCFE award.

Anne Railton, accreditation leader for NCFE, said: “We were very impressed by the high quality of Training in Childcare, from its systems and standards to the professionalism of its tutors, support for learners and the excellent curriculum offered.
“NCFE is one of the top ten awarding bodies in the country. We are licensed by the government adult learning body QCA and have to meet its standards, and the licences we then award reflect this.”

The NCFE licence comes after Training in Childcare received a National Training Award for its pioneering Esteem programme which was designed to help parents in some of the most deprived areas of the North East gain qualifications and move on to further training.

BiB's Puts Faith In Market Towns

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0000

The North East’s biggest independent insurance broker is celebrating 25 years in business with an acquisition that has taken it back to the town where it began.

BiB Group’s acquisition of Scanlan Insurance Services of Bedale, in North Yorkshire, will return the BiB name to the market place it left in 1988 to establish a new head office and underwriting division in Darlington.
The move could be the start of a revival of the market town branch office to meet increasing customer demand for more personal service and local contact.

Originally called Bedale Insurance Brokers, the company says it is considering opening branches in other thriving towns across the region that are well supported by local people and where its commercial, agricultural and personal lines insurance services are in demand.

Managing director and one of the original founders of BiB, Martin Littleton, said: “We operated very successfully in Bedale in the 1980s serving the full range of rural businesses, not just farms but also pubs, hotels, builders, garages and shops, as well as private clients.

“We moved to Darlington for its bigger employment market so we could grow the business and establish our underwriting division. But we’ve never forgotten our roots or the importance of our rural communities.
“Consolidation in many sectors has seen businesses disappear from the market places. But the continued success and market penetration of Scanlan Insurance in Bedale proves that the desire for personal, local service where customers can talk face to face remains. It is a model we could replicate across the region.”
Scanlan Insurance Services was owned by husband and wife team Mike and Gay Scanlan and their son David and has been based in Bedale since being formed more than 13 years ago.

All three will remain with the business, which for the time being will keep the Scanlan trading name.
Branch manager Mike said: “The benefits of our acquisition by BiB to our 1,000 plus clients include having access to more insurers and a wider range of services, and the back office support we receive that allows us to focus even more on customers.

“BiB is particularly strong on the commercial and agricultural side and we are now able to draw on that expertise to meet the needs of businesses in and around Bedale.”
Meanwhile, BiB clients in the area can use the Scanlan office to arrange policies, pay premiums and find out information.

The acquisition is BiB’s eighth since it moved to Darlington where it now employs just under 100 people at its broking headquarters in Northgate and underwriting division in Valley Street.

For more information about BiB please visit www.bibinsurance.co.uk

Maguire Joins Vardy Property Group

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 +0000

A North East property investment company is expanding into Yorkshire with the appointment of a new development director.

Brian Maguire has joined Vardy Property Group to concentrate on identifying commercial investment and development opportunities around Leeds and Sheffield as well as East and North Yorkshire.
The Durham-based group was launched by Richard Vardy in May with a substantial capital fund to invest in a mixed portfolio of land and industrial, retail, office and leisure use properties acquired in joint venture agreements, or by providing finance for partners.

Brian, 35, has joined from Sanderson Weatherall in Leeds where he was director of corporate real estate and acted for a variety of corporate and private clients including Royal Mail, Barclays and Magnet.
Originally from Scunthorpe, he has previously worked in private practice, for a local authority and the Valuation Office in Grimsby.

Brian said: “I will be focusing on the Yorkshire area where I have the most experience, looking for opportunities such as roadside commercial, industrial and office sites of up to ten acres. The investment market is under going a period of yield compression and there are no signs yet of that wearing off, so in the short term I will be concentrating on development opportunities.”

He added: “The market in and around Leeds is mature but it remains a very vibrant city. There are still opportunities out there and we are in a position to move quickly as they arise. One of our key strengths for potential vendors is the fact that we have the funds available and can make fast decisions.”

Richard added: “It has been our intention from the start to operate primarily in the North East, Yorkshire and Scotland and Brian’s appointment is key to moving that forward. He has excellent local knowledge, immense experience of the Yorkshire market and great contacts in the area.

“There remain plenty of opportunities in the market place and are building on the contacts and experience we have to make the most of them. We will move forward on a project by project basis and each investment obviously must have the required rate of return, but I am confident the speed at which we can act when an attractive proposition comes along will appeal to risk averse developers.”

Richard, who was formerly head of property at Reg Vardy plc, had worked with Brian for four years in identifying new sites for motor retailing.

Brian, a rally car owner-driver, added: “It’s great to be working with a fantastic team at the beginning of a new venture and within an organisation with such a strong reputation and internal culture.”
In the summer the group acquired Preston Farm Business Park at Stockton on Tees which boasts 105,000 sq ft of office and industrial space and parking for nearly 350 vehicles.

Hardy Aims To Double In Five

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Alnwick-based Hardy & Greys has set it's sights on doubling turnover over the next five years.

The famous fishing tackle manufacturer has completed a significant restructuring programme over the past eighteen months, including making 16 redundancies and moving some production abroad and production of it's reels to Peterlee.

It has also increased exports and moved into other products aside from it's staple market of fly-fishing gear, including coarse-angling equipment and even manufacturing aerials for miliatary vehicles.

As the changes began to take effect, 2006 saw the 128-year-old company generate £9.1m of sales, up 10% on the previous year and £4.6m higher than 2003. In three years Hardy’s has reduced costs by moving 80% of its production to the Far East and by looking beyond its traditional fly-fishing market into sea, carp and coarse fishing .

As part of this strategy, Hardy & Greys took over European distribution for US company Fishpond in 2006 and in 2005 bought Chub, and Essex-based carp fishing firm.

It now employs 87 people, most of whom are located in its headquarters, with seven employed at a new 50,000sq ft warehouse in Cramlington.

Hardy’s managing director Richard Sanderson said: “Three years ago, 66% of our staff were employed in manufacturing our products. Now that figure is less than 20%, with a far greater emphasis placed on sales and marketing and R&D.”

Now after driving through the changes and seeing the business double in size since his arrival in 2003, Mr Sanderson is bullish about the future. He said: “We are confident of achieving our objectives by continuing to incorporate three main thrusts to our strategy.
“The first is that our products are now largely manufactured in the Far East and, as a result, they have become price competitive in foreign markets like the US (because the pound is much stronger that the dollar).
“Secondly, during the course of 2007 we anticipate producing around 350 new products with in excess of 500 anticipated for 2008, which will give us a tremendous sales boost.
“Thirdly, we are aiming to expand in all markets where we are currently underperforming. Despite enjoying a significant share of the fly-fishing market, we have now entered the carp and coarse fishing business and they are the biggest parts of the UK market.”

Another small but significant division is Hardy’s Advanced Composites, which generated £1m worth of sales in 2006, 10% up on 2005 and an increase of £300,000 on 2003. It produces lightweight graphite tank aerials and communication poles for the MoD.

Benfield Drives Ahead With New Franchise

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Motor dealer Benfield has secured its first new franchise for three years after being awarded the Tyneside franchise for Korean car manufacturer Kia.

The franchise, set to be operated out of the group’s former Skoda and Nissan dealership on Portland Road, east of Newcastle City centre. Is the group’s first since it added the Toyota and Lexus marques in Leeds.

The company expects to sell 600 new and used Kia vehicles from the six-car showroom, which will be jointly shared with the existing Skoda franchise, at an average of £8,000 each in its first 12 months.

The franchise will receive a boost in March with Kia’s launch of the new Ford Focus-sized Cee’d hatchback. It will be the first car to be sold with a manufacturer’s seven-month parts and labour warranty. It is the first franchise of new managing director Nigel McMinn’s reign. Mr McMinn managed Reg Vardy’s east Scotland dealerships until last October when he joined Benfield Motor Group.

He said: “Kia are the fifth or sixth biggest car manufacturer in the world but until now have concentrated on markets closer to home in Asia and North America. They have 120 dealerships in the UK but until now have not really established themselves to the same degree in Europe or the UK. Since Kia’s launch in the UK only 10 years ago, it has sold more than 160,000 vehicles to a wide range of buyers and we are keen to playa part in the company’s growing success.”

Mr McMinn added: “Benfield is on the march. We will look at more [franchises] on a careful and selective basis and it is useful for us to establish a track record with an attractive marque like Kia.”

Mc McMinn estimated the Tyneside franchise would add up to £5m a year to Benfield’s £290m turnover. The family owned company, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary, was ranked 29th, and top in the North East, of a list of privately-owned companies outside the top 100 in the UK.

According to the list, compiled by the Sunday Times and HSBC, Benfield’s turnover had dipped from £301m in 2005.

The firm, which has 26 dealerships and is still wholly-owned by the Squires family, sold 20,000 cars in 2005 and opened the largest Toyota dealership in the UK n Wakefield, South Yorkshire, in 2004.

Northgate Accelerates With EasyVan Deal

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Van hire group Northgate has teamed up with the car rental arm of budget airline operator EasyJet in an exclusive five-year agreement.

The Darlington-based plc – Europe’s largest commercial van hire group – teamed up with tycoon Stelios Haji-Ioannou’s EasyCar brand last year in an attempt to break into the consumer end of the van hire market.

Around 2% to 3% of Northgate’s van hire business is through the consumer market with the rest at the business-to-business end.

The tie-up with EasyCar has proved so successful – it is understood to have rented 400 vans in the UK last month through the EasyCar.com website – that it is rolling out a new van hire dedicated website under the auspices of the existing five-year agreement.

Northgate UK rental managing director Phil Moorhouse said: “We have gone into this partnership because it’s an opportunity for us to develop our private consumer business. EasyVan will provide the marketing, brand building and booking through the EasyVan.com website. We will supply the vans.”

Mr Moorhouse, who said Northgate would participate in “revenue-sharing” with EasyVan as part of the tie-up, would make vans available from 90 of its UK sites.

Vans would be provided from a dozen or so “third party” sites where Northgate does not have a presence. Northgate, which increased it’s Spanish fleet by 21% to 23,000 vehicles in the 12 months to the end of April last year, would also contemplate expanding the agreement to include its 35 sites there.

Mr Moorhouse said: “EasyCar operates from 150 sites or more worldwide. It is an option that we have but at the moment we have not taken it any further than recognising it as an option for later.” At the moment the consumer part of our business is about 2% or 3%. We would like to increase that percentage and this is another route to market for doing that.”

Northgate, which suffered a 2% fall in fleet utilisation rates in the 12 months to the end of last April after being targeted by Glasgow-based new entrant LeaseWay, has seen its share price recover from 921p last June to 1219p on January 2nd.

Analysts put the share price recovery down to interest rate rises in August and November, making life tougher for LeaseWay, whose last reported debts were 990% of assets compared to Northgate’s 250%.

Profit taking has seen Northgate’s share price slip to 1095p earlier this week although was up 1.75% at yesterday’s close.

Mr. Moorhouse said: “At any one time we have 6,000 vehicles in our UK fleet standing vacant. This is another rate to get our utilisation rates up.”

Beijing Bench Project For North Firm

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

A landscape architect from the North East is sitting pretty after clinching a contract to design the world's longest bench.

Newcastle-based Colour: Urban Design Limited has been appointed to design a 1.5km Bench of Love destined for Beijing. The Dean Street business clinched the deal after employee Cherry Tian spotted the tender advert in a Beijing newspaper.

The Bench of Love was originally destined for the International Sculpture Park (Yu Quan Park) but, as it is a commercial venture - with backing coming from tile manufacturer Oceano, the local authority would not allow it to be located there.

Now they are on the lookout for a new home for the bench, which would take the title for the world's largest from the 120m bench at The Promenade de la Treille in Geneva.

Colour: UDL managing director Peter Owens said: The concept behind the bench is to respond the Beijing's image of being an unromantic city and to explain the concept of love and romance over 1.5km. It's very exciting and all we have to do now is find a home for it. This is a unique opportunity for someone to host an exceptional feature. It could become a thrilling place to visit and perhaps a modern wonder of the world. The installation will have merit from both a landscape and cultural perspective, in the latter case, reflecting a new understanding of love in both traditional and modern Chinese culture."

Dialogue On The Move

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Due to continued growth and expansion Dialogue Event Solutions has moved into new offices at Brougham Enterprise Centre, Hartlepool and has created a new post for an Events Assistant.

The move coincides with the Company’s first anniversary and Tracy Skinner, Managing Director said, “During the past year we have organised a number of events, including a launch event for South Tyneside’s Spirit of Enterprise Strategy and the inaugural North East Food and Drink Show”

The Company is continuing to grow after winning contracts to stage the North East Contact Centre Conference and to organise the event logistics for International Business Month. Dialogue Event Solutions will also be staging the North East Food and Drink Show again in September 2007.

For more information about Dialogue Event Solutions call 01429 233903 or visit www.dialogue-es.com.

Birthday Agency Goes From Strength To Strength

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Tyneside-based design and communications agency Push Creative has launched 2007 off to a flying start as it turns three years old.

Following an expansion programme in 2006, the business has now doubled in size from its beginnings 3 years ago. The team started out offering purely graphic design services in 2004 but now provides full marketing support, including PR and internet services. Recent high profile clients have included TEDCO (The Tyneside Economic Development Company), Mons2 International Property Specialists and Durham Business School.

Push was the first business to secure a place at the unique Quadrus Centre in Boldon when it opened in May 2005, and true to the vision of the Centre they have grown quickly, also becoming a high profile member of the business community.

This is all the more interesting as Push Creative almost didn’t bring its business to the region at all. Business partners Liz Bassnett and Paul Robinson had spent the previous ten years working with award winning design agencies in Manchester developing brands such as Sony, adidas and Janet Frazer. The pair’s impressive track record as a team meant that they were often head-hunted by agencies in the North West, which helped give them the confidence to go it alone. They then decided to relocate to South Tyneside, heralding the birth of Push Creative - their own design agency.

Liz Bassnett explains: “Our decision to set up the business here was inspired by seeing all of the exciting changes whenever we came to visit (Paul Robinson, Managing Partner is from the North East). So much was happening here and the area was also becoming known for some great creative businesses, so we thought we’d join in!”

Liz (who was awarded a runner-up award for “Best Cultural & Creative Business” at the 2005 Women into the Network (WIN) Awards) has since become a keen enthusiast for enterprise in South Tyneside.

She was invited as a private sector representative, to assist with creative input to develop the bid for LEGI (Local Enterprise Growth Initiative) in South Tyneside, which culminated in the award of £16.2M in 2006 to support and stimulate enterprise.

More recently the agency has been helping to drive forward ‘Spectrum’ a newly launched body to support the creative sector in the Borough, “run by creatives for creatives”. They pulled out all the stops to help raise the profile of Spectrum with a creative campaign both on and offline; its purpose is to provide a launch pad for creative businesses - an area close to their heart.

“As a new business we have been able to grow and develop in the North East with some incredible support and we want to be able to help others do the same. Think how much more successful we can all be if we get together and help each other do business” Says Liz.

Plans for 2007 include expanding into new markets, and Push Creative have already enrolled on the “Powerhouse Business Growth Programme” run by Durham Business School to help them achieve this.

Push Creative can be found at www.push-creative.co.uk or on (0191) 519 7266. For more information about Spectrum, see www.spectrumproject.org

Year Of Hope For Forum Board

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

For some of the North East’s most successful entrepreneurs, 2006 was a year of challenges while for others it brought both awards and rewards in terms of phenomenal growth. One thing they share at the beginning of 2007 is optimism. But they also recognise that as the tough times continue, business in the year ahead will be more than ever about the survival of the fittest.

A panel of Entrepreneurs' Forum board members shared their thoughts at an event at Seaham Hall in January.....

Tom Maxfield, owner of Tom’s Companies, including Seaham Hall Hotel and Serenity Spa
Your business in 2006…
Becoming the only hotel in the North East to receive an AA rating of five stars was a stunning achievement. We actually got five red stars which is the highest award possible and recognises excellence of service. You can have a very nice hotel that looks great but this award is for the staff we employ and that’s hugely satisfying for us. What you remember about a hotel is not how comfortable the bed was but if you were treated really well. We haven’t compromised on anything. We had an objective in mind and we’ve not settled for second best.
In 2007…
Seaham Hall has been open six years in March. It’s pretty much what we envisaged. We could have spent a lot less money and, if you look at it as a strict return on investment, we should have spent less but then we would have had an ordinary hotel without the style or profile of Seaham Hall. We have created something special out of nothing. People in the region take pride in it by association while people from outside are astounded that a pace like this exists in this part of the country. The hotel and Serenity Spa have been very successful as a destination resort and last year we took the spa concept and put it into an urban setting. It’s a slightly different concept. People who come to Serenity Spa have time on their side. Serenity in the City is an express service. We have a very good opportunity to get the model right, shrink-wrap it as a concept and drop it into all the major cities. We are considering whether it’s a franchise model; if we do that we would set up our own training academy.
Your wish for 2007…
People come from all parts of the country and are surprised to find a facility of this quality in the North East. That’s great for us, but it’s a sad reflection on this region. The days of people thinking of us as a place of mines, flat caps and whippets are long gone, but we need to do more to make it a sexy place to alter people’s perceptions. Instead of hearing, “Newcastle, isn’t that a long way?”, it would be great to hear them say, “The North East, isn’t that a fantastic place.” If we do that, retaining graduates here will be a reality. Everyone who lives here loves it but we don’t communicate that. Passionate People, Passionate Places has proved you have to throw money at it; it’s been a great start, but we need more of it.

Simon Heptinstall, chief executive of Storey Carpets
Your business in 2006…
We have more than doubled the business over the last three years and last year grew to 54 outlets in 30 separate locations to become the UK’s biggest independent carpet retailer. By putting more than one brand into the same building – Storey Carpets, Walter Wall and Woodland Floors – we also became unique in the carpet trade. Our biggest stores are 18,000sq ft which has a pretty powerful effect. Competitors have to ask themselves which of the formats they are going to compete against. Customers love choice and if we have three of those choices compared with someone else who has only one we stand a good chance of getting the business. Our fourth brand is www.ukcarpetsdirect.com
Nonetheless, 2006 was nowhere near as comfortable as the last two or three years. We opened new stores and still increased sales by ten per cent but it was a tough year. The troubles of retailers are much publicised; consumer spending is limited, personal taxation is the highest it’s been, people have less money in their pockets and big items like carpets can easily be deferred. And we’ve had the growing pains of expansion, of opening new stores and increasing turnover.
And 2007…
This year we will be spending a lot of time focusing on our infrastructure and management development. People are key and getting our management team right is essential. A good manager in a store can make all the difference. Generally people don’t know a lot about carpets so they have to be able to trust the person is who selling to them. As we have more outlets separated over larger distances we have to good managers.
We have a lot of store refurbishments to do this year that didn’t get done because of the new stores, we will be looking at our logistics operation and we will spend a lot of time building on the quality of the organisation.
Nationally, we have had very stable conditions but I don’t think that’s going to be the case going forward. We have to focus very hard on our business decisions and getting efficiency right will be so important.
Your wish for 2007…
Almost everywhere you go in the North East you see things getting better, it’s a very noticeable trend. We need to keep that momentum going. We have great places here and a relatively low cost base for people to come and work in the region.

Lorna Moran, chief executive of NRG Plc
Your business in 2006…
When there is full employment, the challenge is to get good candidates – they drive the market. If you have good candidates, you can find the clients and the business for them. In Scotland candidates have been at an absolute premium because everyone has vacancies. There are big shortages in law, accountancy and the other professional services.
NRG is very unusual in that we operate 50/50 in the private and public sectors and that can create business tensions. It’s very, very diverse, for example, from identifying specialists for the board of Business Link to filling hundreds of posts in a public sector centre call centre.
And in 2007…
I’m very optimistic. The first half of our year has been good, a bit better than the same period last year. 2007 will be a better year but there are always challenges. In this region NRG punches well above its weight and one challenge is to replicate that elsewhere. It helps that we are doing a lot of work in Scotland, for Scottish Water and Edinburgh University, and with Central Government.
One of the big issues for us is to get sufficient critical mass to cross barriers in terms of turnover, and recruiting enough good people for ourselves; right now, that’s one of the biggest challenges we face.
In the North East there are still shortages of good candidates and definite skill gaps. A lot growth among law firms in the region is fuelling a shortage of lawyers and there are gaps in engineering and science. We are also seeing a big change in the demographic of the region because of immigration, particularly of Eastern European workers in our factories. There are factories in the North East that print their health and safety regulations only in Polish and we have a number of people working for us now just to cover all the bases on immigration.
Your wish for 2007…
We have to keep confidence levels high so we don’t lose momentum. As the level of entrepreneurship grows people start aspiring higher. I want this region to create more businesses and invest in more businesses. The core of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum’s work is to share ideas and if we can extend that we will do a great job for the region. It doesn’t happen naturally; we have to harness it and make a focused effort to make the region more attractive to ourselves and to people outside.

Martin Jones, managing director of Freedom Direct
Your business in 2006…
We’ve evolved a lot in ten years, going from a city centre, high profile office with call centres to reducing staff last year by 30 per cent and concentrating more on home workers, developing a franchise business and buying a new office at Gosforth.
As well as the travel business we have a transfers business – if you go on holiday at peak time there is only so much ground transport available once you arrive at your destination. Through us, people can book their taxi before they go. We have grown that business from nothing to 25,000 bookings and carried 50,000 passengers in the last 12 months.
Low cost flights have really taken off and now charter operators have a low cost offering. There is so much choice. We scan them all and give customers the best option on the day.
Our system drives everything we do now and last year was a hellish year with technology issues and staff having to work longer hours. Now the thank you letters are coming in from customers for the service they received, which the staff really enjoy.
2007
We anticipate turnover increasing by 30-40 per cent this year to around £60m. It sounds a lot but to achieve critical mass turnover needs to be £100m plus.
Customers are demanding cheaper products and we need to get cheaper; £100m gives us much greater buying power to keep prices low.
Your wish for 2007…
We have just got a daily flight from Newcastle to Dubai with a great airline, Emirates, which is a massive step for the region. It opens up more of the world and will take so much time off people’s journeys. The low cost airlines – which actually are often more expensive – have also opened up so many more routes. We will soon be seeing proper long-haul routes from the North East. If Dubai is a success, which it will be, there will be so much more to come.

Paul Callaghan, chairman of Leighton Group
Your business in 2006…
By December last year we had enjoyed the fastest growth ever year on year, up 69 per cent. 4Projects became the UK’s leading provider of on-line project management software and Communicator Corp had an incredible year. In 2004/05 we sent 3.2 million emails for our customers; from April-December last year we sent 280 million emails. We were sending 3.2m in an afternoon and we’re stepping that up now to send 2m per hour, which gives a flavour of the scale and scope of the internet.
And in 2007…
It’s the year the internet will come of age. More than 50 per cent of households now have broadband. It will get faster and will be able to deliver audio and TV, not just emails and SMS. It’s really just the start.
We were part of Team McAlpine that built the new Arsenal FC stadium on time and on budget, and now we’re in final negotiations for the Olympic stadium. The Olympics will create a big demand on resources but there will be a lot of business opportunities and money to be made and I’m delighted we are going to be part of it. 2007 will be even more exciting for us than 2006.
Your wish for 2007…
I hope it’s not going to be too rocky a road over the next couple of years; we’ve had a stable economy thanks to technology and China which have driven down prices and that can’t continue. The challenge for us all in business is that when things get tough we have to get smarter and run our businesses better, become more efficient, more cost conscious and make our products more appealing. I hope that we can build an industry here in the North East and keep here the bright young people who come out of our universities. We have set ourselves a target to hire more graduates and stop the brain drain. I would like to encourage everybody else to do the same, to hire the brightest and best and keep them here in the North East.

New Fenwicks Site For Cafe 21

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The latest Cafe 21 venture by renowned chef Terry Laybourne will be launched in upmarket department store Fenwicks.

The North East's first Michelin starred chef is opening his fifth restaurant on 5th March, creating 20 jobs in the 78 seat venue.

He said:" We are aiming to establish a stylish and cool environment with high quality, cosmopolitan food at affordable prices."

Fenwick managing director David Quinn said: "Cafe 21 is a natural extension of our own high quality offering. It blends two powerful North East brands and is the latest in a series of exciitng new developments for the store."

This is the latest development in a period of growth for the Cafe 21 chain, which has seen Mr Laybourne announce the relocation of his flagship eatery in Queen Street to a significantly larger venue that will seat 130 people at the £55m Trinity Gardens development nearby on the Quayside.

Also on the Quayside, he is opening Caffe Vivo in the Live Theatre complex in June. It will replace the Cafe Live restaurant which has been closed for eight months as part of the £4.5m transformation of the site. It is estimated that the expansion to both the flagship restaurant and the opening of Caffe Vivo will create a further 50 jobs.

Mr Laybourne's other interests include Bistro 21 in Durham and the Jesmond Dene Hotel in Newcastle, which he runs in partnership with property developer Peter Candler of Rivergreen Developments.

Cafe 21's Nick Shottel said: "Terry took a chance in 2000 when he relinquished his Michelin Star and changed the direction of the business. He moved away from the slower fine dining we had been involved in and changed the approach more toward a faster paced high quality Bistro style."

Mr Shottel explained that from serving 300 people a week at the Queen Street venue the business increased to 600 people a week following the change.

"It was definitely a risk to alter the direction of the business like he did, but we bit the bullet and it has been tremendously well received ever since. People not only come to expect our food to be of the every highest standard but the service throughout all of the restaurants is also of the very highest quality."

The business has continued to grow since then with Mr Laybourne, who has been a prominent North East business figure for the last 20 years, now at the helm of one of Newcastle's most recognisable restaurant chains.

Mr Laybourne was awarded the MBE in 1998 for services to the restaurant and tourism industries.

First Acquisition For Northern Bear

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The North East’s newest plc has bought up its first business since its stock market flotation two months ago.

Northern Bear, which owns a group of North East building businesses and raised £2.4m when it floated on AIM in December, has snapped up 36.5m Newcastle property refurbishment company MGM for an undisclosed sum.

The plc, led by executive chairman John Pither and which has Tanfield boss Roy Stanley on its board, has bought the Walker-based company as part of its strategy to take over mature owner-managed building companies across the North East. It expects to complete its next purchase in the next three months. Mr Pither said: “Our acquisition strategy is based on purchasing mature, profitable, owner-managed companies in the building services sector with strong management teams that are willing to carry on doing what they’ve previously done to make the business successful and MGM fits this profile perfectly. We are actively looking at a number of further regional acquisitions and expect to bring more companies into the group in the near future.

“We are not in a contractual position with anybody so all I can say is that I would be very disappointed if we didn’t have another sizeable acquisition in the bag by the end of May. Northern Bear has enjoyed a solid start to life as a quoted company and we fully expect all our businesses to contribute strongly to the group’s future growth.”

Northern Bear now consists of Washington-based building fire safety and acoustics company Isoler, roof truss designer and manufacturer The Roof Truss Company (Northern), Chester-le-Street roofing companies Springs Roofing and Wensley Roofing and new addition MGM.

Founded 20 years ago, MGM employs around 80 people and has doubled its annual turnover in the last three years to around £6.5m. It is one of the region’s leading specialist property refurbishment companies and will continue to trade under the MGM name. All the members of the company’s present management team – managing director Steve Gray, and directors Brian Young and Lance Rainey – will continue in their roles after the takeover.

Mr Gray said: “Our growth in recent years has been based on providing high quality specialist services to a range of clients in a very healthy regional market, and becoming part of the Northern Bear group gives us a stronger platform from which to build on this growth in future. There are significant commercial opportunities for us in the region across a number of sectors, and the management team here is committed to continuing to drive the business forward in its new guise.”

MGM’s work around the region has covered properties of all sizes and descriptions, from small private homes to large commercial, local authority and historic buildings including Belsay Hall, Saltwell Towers, Durham Cathedral and Tynemouth Priory.

Partial Sale Funds Pagebet Growth Push

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Leading independent bookmaker Pagebet has announced it has sold two thirds of its shops as part of a plan to race forward with expansion in retail, telephone and on-line betting.

The sale of 44 betting shops to Gala Coral releases significant funds which the North East-based group is aiming to reinvest in an ambitious growth plan.

Owners David Archer and Austin Carney say the partial sale, together with the reorganisation of the company’s existing businesses, puts it in a stronger position to take advantage of fresh opportunities in the market place.

They expect to double the 15 Pagebet shops they have retained under the deal by the end of this year and to be back up to 50 in three years’ time, with a medium-term plan to be the sixth biggest bookmaker in the UK.

David said: “It took us six years to grow from ten shops to 59 because we had limited resources to draw on and could only fund growth from within. This time around we are looking to be much more aggressive and to grow bigger more quickly.

“The industry is going through a lot of changes. With the introduction of all-year-round evening opening and a tighter regulatory framework we expect many smaller bookmakers to be looking to leave the industry. We are now in a great position to take advantage quickly of any opportunities that arise.”

Eleven shops in the North East and four in Yorkshire and the rights to the Pagebet brand have been retained and brought together in a newly formed business, Pagebet Bookmakers Ltd.

The new company’s first acquisition – in Belmont, Durham – is imminent and a further six licences in key locations from Cramlington in Northumberland to Doncaster have been secured.

The successful telephone betting operation and Pagebet.com website, due to be launched later this month, have also been retained under a second new business, Pagebet Ltd. The company will also continue to be a leading supplier of odds to independent betting shops across Europe.

Austin explained: “Selling shops when you’re aiming to grow may seem like a step backwards. But without the significant resources this sale has released we would not be able to move forward and take Pagebet to where believe it should be.

“We have a great team of people behind us and by retaining a group of shops with huge potential we have a solid foundation on which to build. It also allows us to expand our tele-betting and to put in the right level of investment that a high quality internet betting service needs.

“We have learned a lot over the years and have now got the business in a position where it’s lean, efficient and revitalised. David and I still really enjoy the business and this partial sale allows us to develop it further. We are very much up for the exciting challenge ahead.”

The companies will continue to operate from Pagebet’s £1.5m headquarters at Belmont.

Austin added: “We would very much like to thank all our staff who will move across to Gala Coral under the acquisition for their hard work and commitment in helping us to grow the business. By choosing Gala Coral, the UK’s third biggest bookmaker, we are confident that their jobs will be safe and secure for many years to come.”

Among the shops retained are two of the original businesses the partners bought in the late 1980s – at Delves Lane in Consett and Blackhill – while Scunthorpe and Ingleby Barwick are brand new shops and Langley Park, Durham, has recently undergone a £100,000 refurbishment.

The original parent company name, Reuben Page Ltd, is part of the 44-shop acquisition by Gala Coral, which will continue to rent four of the premises whose leaseholds are owned by David and Austin’s property company.

The sale has been handled on Pagebet’s behalf by accountants Baker Tilly of Newcastle and McKenzie Bell Solicitors in Sunderland.

Global Organisation Turns To Guerilla

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The Direct Writing Association, has appointed Newcastle-based agency Guerilla to promote their International Conference 07. This will be the first time the conference has been held in the North East and it represents a major coup for the region. The DWA is an association of member organisations whose joint aim is to facilitate the development of cost effective Direct Writing Technologies across the globe.

Guerilla Interactive has just completed the design and build of the website, which will attract delegates from all over the world to hear about the latest writing technologies available. Soon Guerilla will produce further marketing collateral to create awareness of the event, which is due to take place at Ramside Hall on April 16th and 17th.

Roddy Lang, Senior Web Designer at GI, said;

“This is a really interesting project, the members of the Direct Writing Association are really pushing the technological boundaries and the results are outstanding. We felt that the design for this conference should reflect this innovation and for that reason we have chosen to create a really modern theme for their website”.

Some examples of what Guerilla are promoting include ‘Printing’ three-dimensional bone-like structures to surgically replace damaged or missing bone. These structures can be infused with living cells so that they will begin to grow when implanted in the body and can be made of materials which slowly and harmlessly dissolve as the new bone grows to take its place.

Dr Richard Bateman of DWA, Commented;

“This is a very important conference for us and with the marketing support we have received from Guerilla we hope to attract a large interest for this event. We have secured some great speakers from all over the world; the technology should really impress those who attend. The new website which they have just launched, well we just love it! They have captured what we are about”.

Training In Childcare Launch Free Programme

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Fresh government money to boost the quality of private childcare in the North East is being invested in free training for childminders and nursery staff

The funding will pay for professional development training and high level courses to help childminders and staff in private nurseries become better qualified.

In Newcastle, award-winning academy Training in Childcare has won the contract from the City Council to offer and deliver the training to childcare professionals across the city in partnership with Northumbria University.

The programme is known as Prestige.

Angela Brown, director of Boldon-based Training in Childcare, said: “In the past the balance of government funding for childcare has been in favour of public sector nurseries. This is, therefore, a rare opportunity for people working in the private sector to benefit from the same kind of investment.

“Our Prestige training is totally free for independent nurseries and playgroups, their staff and childminders and we urge those professionals who are not yet qualified to level three or above to take advantage of it. In practice, many people already have the skills. This investment allows them to formalise it in a qualification as part of their professional career progression.”

Angela added: “We are delighted to have won the contract in Newcastle. Ultimately the Prestige programme is about raising standards across the board so parents in the city can be assured that the care they choose for their children, whether in a private nursery or with a childminder, is being provided by highly qualified, professional staff.”

Training in Childcare has started a promotional campaign in Newcastle to raise awareness about the free courses and to encourage more than 200 registered childminders and staff in the city’s 30 private nurseries to take up the training.

The money, from the government’s Transformation Fund, will also provide bursaries to pay for cover while staff do the training.

Training in Childcare will run CACHE accredited level three courses (the equivalent of two A levels) in early years education and childminding for carers currently qualified to level two.

The next level of training, to level 4 and foundation degree, will be run as work-based learning in conjunction with Northumbria University, with which Training in Childcare recently formed a link.

Training in Childcare, which holds a National Training Award, will also run its own professional development courses which have been licensed by the NCFE national awarding body following a rigorous inspection.

Focus groups are being organised to identify training needs, but it is expected that the courses will include managing children’s behaviour, childhood illnesses, carrying out risk assessment, play for all seasons and working with parents.

Events are being held in the Alnwick Suite at St James’s Park on March 1 from 10-1pm and 2pm-5pm and on March 6 from 6.30pm-9pm when candidates can find out more and register for courses, which will begin later next month. There will also be the option to take part in a taster workshop, Play for Spring.

Further details are available from Training in Childcare on 0191-519 7316.

Award Winning Young Gun To Head Up Growing Business

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

At just twenty-two years old Sophie Newton has been appointed as Director of Guerilla Interactive, the new media division of Guerilla Communications.

Sophie, who currently lives in Gosforth has worked within the marketing industry both in the UK and in New Zealand has already won a national award for ‘Best Sales And Marketing Campaign’ for her Graduate Enterprise Company.

James Allen, Managing Director, Guerilla Commented; “Our new media division and Guerilla have rapidly grown over the past year and I have been finding it very difficult to find a person with the right skills and personality to take the interactive division to the next level. When I met Sophie I was really impressed with her drive and ambition, the fact that we are retaining someone with this level of talent in the North East is a massive plus”.

Sophie will manage a rapidly growing team, which has just taken on two new web developers since the start of the year. GI provides new media solutions including websites and has won several national contacts since it’s launch in June 06. Wins include leading independent pharmacy chain Numark, global player Direct Write Association, and international business CSD amongst others.

Sophie said “I was looking at the Guerilla website and the opportunity just jumped out at me. The timing was great as I had returned from New Zealand and was looking for a fresh new challenge, I thought I might have to leave the North East, so now I am really delighted to be staying in Newcastle. Guerilla has been around for almost five years and the team is very experienced, but I see my role to really take the business to the next level – it’s my baby now!”

Guerilla works with clients across the UK including Holland & Barrett and Rowlands Phramacy.

Sir Peter Cuts The Ribbon At Office Co.

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

A former North East broadcasting landmark has been given a new lease of life as offices for start-up and growing businesses.

Based in a rural haven near the River Derwent in Gateshead, the former home of Metro Radio has been transformed into space where businesses can grow.
The brainchild of Lynn Gate, The Office Company aims to support new enterprises by providing fully serviced accommodation on flexible terms.

Lynn, who also owns The Storage Company, said: “Times can be tough when you’re starting a new business or trying to grow, with all the red tape and the practical hoops you have to jump through.
“I know from experience what it’s like and it’s my passion to be able to help young, entrepreneurial businesses. We need in this region to give them all the support we can.”

A three-month refurbishment programme by M Gate Contracts has transformed the 18,000sq ft, three-storey building into Metropolitan House. It is already half full and developing fast into a thriving business community.

Performing the official opening, North East business leader Sir Peter Vardy said: “Lynn is a lady of vision, determination, passion and compassion. She has had great hopes for the building since buying it last June and has not only transformed the building but has also come up with a great concept.
“Helping young enterprises to get started is such a need in this region; we need 33,000 new businesses just to catch up to the national average.
“When I was starting a new company I couldn’t believe how difficult it was just to get telephones and computers connected. Here, all that is already done. Businesses can come in, sit at desk, pick up the phone and get started. They are supported, encouraged and will grow.”
Mark Illes was running his building services and engineering consultancy from home before moving into Metropolitan House.
“For me, it’s a good location at a good price and gives me the social side of being in an office environment,” he said.

The first tenant to move in was Anchor Staying Put, a charity that helps older people to remain at home by carrying out repairs and improvements.
Alan Wigham, of Anchor Staying Put, said: “We have 18 staff and they really like the semi-rural environment. There is plenty of parking and in terms of access and quality of accommodation it’s great.”

Liz Reay, of Equality North East, added: “We had grown out of our old offices and this gives us space to grow further. I felt excited as soon as I came here, it was like stepping into a new house. Lynn is not a distant landlord and is always on hand to help.”

Tenants can choose the size and layout of their air-conditioned office space on easy-in easy-out monthly agreements or long term leases, serviced or unserviced, furnished or unfurnished. The building has a conference room, disabled access, a secure entry system and the latest broadband and telecoms connections. On-site personnel provide administration and catering services.

Lynn added that the development of The Office Company was part of wider expansion plans for the group.
She explained: “Metropolitan House is already becoming a community where people get to know each other and business owners, whether they are start-ups or established enterprises, find like-minded people.
“While we’ve provided office space at our other properties, this is our first standalone office building, which is very exciting. We’re now looking for more strategic sites for flexible office and storage space across the region.”

For more information on The Office Company, contact Kate Beverley on 0191-495 6161.

Fusebox Launch E-commerce Gateway For MLA North East

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The Museums, Libraries and Archives North East (MLA North East) E-Commerce Gateway is a central portal that brings together North East Museums Libraries and Archives to help promote their online E-Commerce and mail order stores.

MLA North East in partnership with the regional development agency One NorthEast identified the need for a local museums, libraries and archives to have an online selling resource - a unique central shop for the general public to purchase items at any time. Local new media design agency FUSEBOXDESIGN was commissioned by both parties to design and develop this E-Commerce Gateway within a very aggressive timeline. Working closely with MLA North East, FUSEBOXDESIGN delivered a user friendly e-commerce portal and a bespoke CMS with advanced user management allowing members of different MLA North East locations to manage their own products easily.

Products ranging from books to ceramics, maps, posters and education packs can all be located by potential customers using an aesthetically pleasing yet simple interface. The user can also choose where they would like to search for products – whether it is Beamish Open Air Museum, Laing Art Gallery or even Gateshead Council, they will have access to see exactly which products are available and where.

June Parker of MLA North East said “This is a groundbreaking regional service for Museums, Libraries and Archives not only has it given us the opportunity to sell our products and services online, we also have the platform to promote and sell our events such as the Classic Car day at Beamish or the Heritage open days provided by Gateshead Council – these are very important in helping us all to promote the region”.

For more details please visit - www.thenortheast.com

Perfect Chemistry Nets Pharmacy Deal For Guerilla

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Newcastle-based Guerilla Interactive – the new media division of award-winning marketing agency Guerilla Communications – has sealed a major deal to design and build new Internet and Extranet sites for the UK’s leading independent chain of Pharmacists.

The Numark group, which has more than 1,700 member pharmacies throughout the UK, appointed the Tyneside firm following an intensive five-month pitch process, which saw Guerilla beat ten national competitors. Numark becomes the agency’s third client in the pharmaceutical industry – it already manages major accounts for Rowlands Pharmacy and RX Systems.

Andy Charlesworth, commercial IT manager at Numark, said: “This project is at the heart of some really ambitious plans for Numark and that’s why we thoroughly examined all the potential partners and their proposals over a lengthy period. We chose to appoint Guerilla Interactive because their proposal comprehensively met our technical, design and marketing requirements.”

The win signifies a significant milestone for Guerilla’s digital division, which, shortly after launching last June, announced ambitious plans to become one of the UK’s top 10 digital companies within three years.

James Allen, said: “This win is good news for the interactive side of our business, we are really looking forward to designing and building sites that are state of the art. You will see some innovative developments that are a first within this sector”.

The first part of the extensive multi-stage project will take around six months to complete, and includes the creation of a leading-edge content management system. Guerilla will also design and build an extranet giving Numark’s member pharmacies quicker and easier access to the range of services and support they need.

The Extranet will require a number of advanced technical features such as a members web wizard site creator to enable members to create their own personalised website showing information specific to their pharmacy and Java applications to carry out tasks such as generating online flow charts.

Further developments to the sites are also planned under the deal, once the first stage is complete. These include: e-commerce allowing the facility for secure, online transactions for items things as marketing materials, an events calendar which will allow Numark and its members to post key dates and events online, forums and E-learning allowing them to distribute and administer a variety of materials from questionnaires to teaching videos.

BNS Swoops For 3G Comms

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Leading telecoms service provider BNS Telecoms Group plc has announced it's acquisition of 3g Comms Ltd and its sister company 3g Landline Ltd in a deal worth £4.65m.

3g, a Birmingham based company, was established in 2000 and has a turnover of more than £10m. The company is a Vodafone UK service provider specialising in the provision of mobile voice and data solutions to SMEs, as well as selling a small number of fixed line calls. Its customer base and service provision fits well with BNS Telecom's existing position as one of the leading telecoms service providers in the UK SME and corporate market and it will provide BNS with a further platform for growth within the regional SME market.

The acquisition will provide BNS with a significant market position in the Birmingham and West Midlands area, enabling cross selling of other BNS fixed line products to the existing 3g customer base, as well as allowing further new customer growth. This is the latest in a series of new developments for BNS, which has grown both its mobile and fixed line capabilities during the past few months, including being awarded its own Vodafone service provider contract earlier this month.

Garry Moat, chief executive of BNS Telecom Group plc, said: "Following our Vodafone UK service provider contract win earlier in the month, the acquisition of 3g is another significant step in our strategy to deliver a converged fixed and mobile solution. The 3g management team will stay with the enlarged Group, and their expertise together with together with their customer base, provides BNS with significant scale with Vodafone UK.

"We expect the acquisition of 3g to be earnings enhancing in its own right but 3g's strong reputation in the Birmingham area will provide BNS with cross-selling opportunities for the BNS fixed line business. This is another important step for BNS as we are consolidating and growing our current service provision to enable us to offer a completely integrated telecoms solution to all of our customers."

Baggett Scoops Entrepreneur Of The Year Award

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 21 May 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Two businessmen whose companies have enjoyed immense success in the last 12 months have been honoured by members of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum.

Ian Baggett, managing director of property consultants Adderstone Group, and Matthew James, chairman and managing director of UK Biometrics, won the Entrepreneur and Young Entrepreneur of the Year accolades.

The awards, which recognise the people Entrepreneurs’ Forum members considered to have been the most inspirational and successful in the region in the last year, were presented at the Forum’s annual conference in Gateshead.

Ian’s Newcastle-based company is one of the fastest growing in the North East, recording growth of 160 per cent in the last year.

Handing over the award, a specially commissioned piece by Durham sculptor Brian Brown, Mark Hatton, of sponsor Ernst & Young, said: “Ian started the company with a small financial windfall and built it up into something much, much bigger. He has seemingly limitless levels of energy, determination and passion.”

Ian said the award was an “absolute surprise”. He added: “This award has been earned by the people who work around me and it’s the first business award I have ever received from my peers.”

Matthew started his business in 2000 with a small office, minimal capital, a telephone and a laptop. By 2004, he had funded growth from profit, begun to recruit his management team and formed UK Biometrics Ltd. Their plans are for a business which will turnover in excess of £100 million by 2010.

Mark Hatton said: “Matthew has impressed everyone who has met him over the past year. He is someone with a great business idea and a winning combination of technical, commercial and managerial skills. His products have huge potential to touch all our lives.”

On receiving his award, Matthew said: “The North East has got a fantastic entrepreneurial spirit. I feel I am still so young and green in business and the other members of the Forum inspire me and make me more determined than ever going forward.”

Previous winners of the prestigious accolades, who are voted for by their fellow Forum members, are John Hays, founder of Sunderland-based Hays Travel; Steven Bell, hotelier, retailer and the owner of a top end shop-fitting company; and Mike Browne of SCS furniture retail chain. The inaugural Young Entrepreneur of the Year award was won last year by Tarek Nseir of TH_NK.

Photograph: Dirk van der Werff / www.AQphotos.com

Atomic Expands Into South Tyneside

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 21 May 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Following a £50k refurbishment, a former hardware shop in Boldon has been transformed from nails and washers to a high tech website design and new media headquarters.

Entrepreneurs Claire and Dave Glynn, of Atomic Web Solutions said:

‘We have been looking to expand for sometime, but needed to find the right location for our clients. Being next to the A19 is a great advantage and there are many exciting developments in South Tyneside including the Quadrus building.’

Atomic Web Solutions were given support, advice and a LEGI (Local Enterprise Growth Initiative) grant to help them re-locate. ‘We would personally like to thank Rick O’Farrell and Mark Gibson from South Tyneside Council for all their help as well as Jonathan Dowden from Business Link North East, and DP Construction who refurbished the building.’

Councillor Eddie McAtominey, Lead Member Jobs, Enterprise and Regeneration, said: “This is a great example of how South Tyneside Means Business funding can help us to attract high quality businesses to the Borough. Thanks to a development grant, we have been able to assist Atomic Web Solutions with its move.

“I’d like to welcome Atomic Web Solutions to the Borough, and look forward to a relationship that will bring the best out of the company, and enable it to grow and realise its potential here in South Tyneside. Success can only bring benefits, such as job creation and an enhanced reputation for the Borough.”

Atomic Web Solutions specialise in web and brand development and search engine optimisation. The business already has a client base of over 100 small to corporate sized companies including engineering firms, model agencies and retail businesses.

The high quality of their work has not gone unnoticed as they are twice winners and three times finalists of the North East Business Awards.

Claire added, ‘We are delighted with what has been achieved in the last 9 months. We now have a main office, a meeting room with LCD screen and internet access. For warmer days we have also built a private decking area for outdoor meetings.’

The pair combine their knowledge and expertise to offer businesses a full web service. Whilst Dave manages the design of the technical elements of the website, Claire has a flair for creativity and photography and leads the design of the site from the start.

‘Our new offices mean that we are now able to recruit a web programmer and a designer to help us grow the business even further.’

Event Extra Pilot Launched.....Recruiting Excellence

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Following the Recruiting Excellence event with Jeff Grout on 12th June, the Entrepreneurs' Forum are piloting a new on-line service called Event Extra. The idea behind the new service is that for certain events we will make video downloads, summaries and other resources available afterwards.

You can watch video highlights from Recruiting Excellence and we also have a summary of Jeff's answers to some of the main questions below, as well as an article about the employer brand.

We have further benefits under development for Event Extra, such as the introduction of webchats following some events - so if you didn't get the chance to ask your question, or something else occured to you afterwards, you'll get a second chance!

Q&A with Jeff Grout

1. What interview questions test attitude?

A: Ask for examples and adopt the curiosity of a 3 year old – i.e. why?

Use the core competences identified for the role as an agenda, select 4 relevant events from the candidate’s CV (matched against those core competences) and probe. Ask deep questions and always ask what they did, NOT what they would do.

Theoretical questions yield theoretical answers.

2. How do you apply the Recruiting Excellence principles (employer branding, etc.) at all levels?

A: The employer brand remains important at all levels but the expectations of the potential employee may be at a different level.

Their requirements may be at a far more simple level but people like to feel valued - please / thank you / well done can be very important to them. As can something as straightforward as getting paid on time?

3. In a tight labour market, are probationary periods a constraint to recruitment?

A: It’s always worth seeing people in situ if possible – in fact, if it is possible to employ on a short term contract (1 month) it’s worth doing. Although legally it is relatively straightforward to terminate employment within the first 3 months.

4. What if you ask people within the business for ideas on how to recruit / retain staff and get too many suggestions or suggestions that you can’t implement?

A: The key is to provide a frame of reference for the suggestions – they must fall within the needs of the business and the customers (i.e. telephone cover between certain hours, etc.)

This will lead to mature rather than wacky suggestions and, in fact, the suggestions may not push as far as you are prepared to go.

Any questions?

Jeff has kindly agreed to answer further questions from members about recruitment, so if you couldn't make the event, or didn't get the to ask something on the evening please email us at info@entrepreneursforum.net and we will pass them on to Jeff.

Develop Industry Excellence Awards

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0100

A North East videogames company has beaten off Europe-wide competition to land a nomination for a prestigious industry award recognising the best creative, technical and business minds in UK and European game development.

Eutechnyx, based in Gateshead, has received a Develop Industry Excellence Award nomination in the 'Best Use of a Licence' category for its smash-hit racing game The Fast and the Furious, a Sony PlayStation 2 and PSP title based upon the high-octane Hollywood franchise.

The game has already been a huge commercial success for Eutechnyx, with sales still going strong at over 1 million copies shipped worldwide – something only 3% of all games released ever achieve – and the title riding high in the UK, US and Australian sales charts. They’re now hoping this financial success can translate to critical success at the Develop Awards.

Darren Jobling, director of business development and chairman of Codeworks GameHorizon, said: "It's a tremendous honour to be nominated for a Develop award. The Fast and the Furious has already proven a big favourite with game players around the world, so to be recognised by our peers from within the games industry is doubly satisfying.

The dedication displayed by our team during the game’s development was exemplary, so we have our fingers crossed that we'll be taking the award home to the North East on the 25th, as it would serve as a great testament to all of their hard work.”

Stuart Dinsey, publisher of Develop, commented: "In a period which has seen the launch of two home consoles, the continued improvement of Xbox 360 and PC software, and the mobile games market emerge as a genuine creative and commercial alternative to the more traditional games platforms, only the most excellent titles have any chance of standing out from the crowd.

To be nominated for an award during this exceptional period is a real honour – and we congratulate all those teams involved."

The awards are voted for by a panel of almost 100 experts from within the game development community. In addition to the 16 prizes judged by industry cognoscenti, two additional awards are to be presented on the night – one to a Development Legend, and an overall Grand Prix, both decided by the magazine’s editorial team.

The annual event - which this year is sponsored by Codemasters, NCsoft and Nvidia - has sold-out every year since its launch in 2003.

Eutechnyx – who face tough competition from the likes of Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Pirates of the Caribbean – will discover whether they have secured the prize at a glittering ceremony on Wednesday July 25th 2007 at the Hilton Metropole, Brighton.

Best-known for working with IP – both licensed and original – Eutechnyx create exciting and dynamic driving games. They’re currently working on a two undisclosed next-generation console projects whilst also developing a number of new and original IP concepts.

Carri Cunliffe, head of sector development at Codeworks, added: "With this award nomination, Eutechnyx has added to its reputation as one of the most respected and successful studios in this hugely competitive industry.

Their continued success is a great credit to the thriving games community in North East England."

Entrepreneurs Don't Follow....They Lead!

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Nike have appointed award-winning North East Agency Guerilla to develop creative communication materials for their Spring 08 UK and Ireland Sales Conference. Taking the theme ‘Don’t follow LEAD’, Guerilla has produced a range of inspirational communication materials to help motivate their Sales delegates.

Claire Hodgson from Nike commented: “The brief was challenging as Guerilla had to come up with innovative communication materials that would have a real value and add to the conference theme of being a leader in your field. We are all very pleased with the end result and how smoothly the process went.”

Items designed and produced included a high value perfect-bound book, which featured leading sports stars including Ronaldo, Paula Radcliffe and Serena Williams.

Geoff Foots, Creative Director at Guerilla said: “We wanted to think outside of the box with the solution to this brief. We came up with idea of a high value book because we wanted to capitalise on the leaders of sport who wear Nike products and this was an excellent way to showcase them.”

Guerilla also works with other leading brands throughout the UK, including Holland & Barrett and Rowlands Pharmacy.

Erland Flies North For Management Role

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Creative specialist in the built environment Waring and Netts has recruited an award-winning quantity surveyor specialising in project delivery to head up its developing management division.

Thirty-six year old Erland Rendall is relocating to the North East to join the visionary company – that focuses on architecture, management, property, environment and interiors - after working on key projects such as the TAG McLaren Technology Centre and John Lewis Partnership New Stores Programme with his previous London and Edinburgh based firm Davis Langdon LLP.

Waring and Netts managing director Rob Charlton said: “Erland’s recruitment marks a key time for Waring and Netts as we embark upon a new management division within the firm and continue to develop our holistic approach to creating space for learning, caring, working and living.”

“He will head up the project management team to ensure information is effectively co-ordinated and work with consultants, contractors and subcontractors to deliver projects on time and to budget.’

Born in Aberdeen, Erland’s career began at Mobil North Sea Ltd, which allowed him to fund a private pilot’s licence course and begin to fulfil his ambition of flying fast jets for the RAF.

Erland said: “After discovering the insurmountable hurdle of my legs being too long for flying, I decided to study for a degree in Quantity Surveying – bit of a contrast to the RAF but an area that fascinates me just as much.”

After graduating second in his year with a distinction and prize on completion of a BSc Quantity Surveying course at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Erland joined the Davis Langdon and Everest graduate training programme, where he was mentored by the MD.

Erland said: “I am looking forward particularly to the prospect of developing my own passion for successful project delivery – through effective preparation, design, construction and management - and the multi-disciplinary approach at Waring and Netts will enable me to do that.
“As a relative newcomer to the North East, I am really excited not only about contributing to the local area but also being close at hand to raise our newborn child here in the region.”

1,000 women in business help other become their own boss

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Women looking to start their own businesses now have a network of 1,000 established female entrepreneurs to show them how it's done.

The women entrepreneurs in the network will be role models, offering inspiration to women, who face unique challenges in setting up their own businesses.

The inaugural meeting of the Women's Enterprise Ambassadors Network took place on Monday 25th June, hosted by journalist Polly Toynbee and Industry Minister Margaret Hodge, who launched the search for members just four months ago.

Margaret Hodge said: "We believed there was a demand for female role models in business. But even we are overwhelmed by the response; we've met our target of 1,000 women ambassadors in just two months.

"These ambassadors can encourage and support new female entrepreneurs, boosting the number of women in business - if we had the same rate of entrepreneurship among women in the UK as they have in the USA, we would have 700,000 more businesses in Britain today."

Margaret Hodge had the idea to establish the network when research showed that women, more than men, need a strong, successful role model to give them the confidence they need to start up their own business.

She added: "Encouraging greater levels of entrepreneurship amongst women is a priority. Men are twice as likely as women to set up their own business; we know it is particularly important for women to have somebody in whom the can confide and with whom they can discuss their problems."

Ambassadors are volunteers, and will receive no payment for their work within the network. However, their involvement will afford them opportunities to: promote their businesses; influence women's enterprise policy at local, regional and national level.

Activities undertaken by ambassadors are likely to include speaking to a wide range groups, such as schools, colleges and universities.

To assist ambassadors, an induction and training package is being developed. This will be supplemented by online facilities that will allow ambassadors to access information and exchange views.

Many ambassadors have been recruited to the network through the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and key partners, such as the Make Your Mark campaign and the Small Business Forum.

The establishment of the Women's Enterprise Ambassadors Network has the support and endorsement of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Ministers. It will be delivered on behalf of the DTI's Small Business Service by the nine RDAs and the Make Your Mark campaign.

Entrepreneurs' Forum Chief Executive Carole Beverley, one of the ambassadors, was due to attend the event, along with a delegation of representatives from the North East. However they, along with other delegates travelling from some other parts of the country, were caught in the chaos which enveloped the rail network due to the adverse weather conditions.

New HQ For Hi Tech Firm

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Newcastle-based Jade Integration are celebrating success after a move to new prestigious headquarters on Newcastle Business Park. The company, who started life just five years ago in a small office in a business incubation centre provided by Newcastle City Council, have set up brand new state-of-the-art headquarters in preparation for further expansion. Jade Integration currently employ 8 highly-specialised staff and this figure is set to double over the coming 12 months. Managing Director, Andy MacLellan, comments "Our growth has been hampered recently by physical lack of space but we were determined not to settle for second-best when it came to finding our long-term headquarters. It was a long search but the wait has been worth it - our new offices allow for around 20 local staff with additional field engineers and remote offices. The riverside location is fantastic and we're surrounded by some great businesses. Our staff are really made up about it and so are our customers! We now have facilities whereby visitors can work from our offices using state of the art terminals - this is especially handy since a lot of our clients travel quite a distance to see us."

Jade Integration provide cutting edge IT infrastructure solutions to organisations throughout the UK and have been winning awards for their technology-focused approach since inception. In 2005 they were presented with the 'Most Promising New Business' award by the North East Chamber of Commerce and in 2006 won the 'Technology Award' as part of the Tyneside & Northumberland North East Business Awards. The company, who have already attained Investor in People status, is currently working towards ISO9001:2000 accreditation. As one of the highest certified companies of it's kind in the UK it's a constant learning curve to keep ahead of the competition.

Andy continues, "Ultimately it's our job to make sure businesses use the most appropriate technology for their needs so we constantly have to keep up to date with what hot and what's not. Our reputation for providing some of the most advanced IT infrastructure solutions in the marketplace means we can't be complacent. Technology changes so rapidly these days it's a daily task to keep staff up to date with the latest developments. As an example, next generation e-mail systems now fully integrate with your telephone system and have in-built speech recognition functionality, so you can schedule meetings, check e-mails and re-schedule appointments over the phone, by simply talking to your computer. The benefits of this to mobile workers are huge. This, in turn, can integrate with a remote access solution that gives you your work 'desktop' from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. VoIP phone systems, which we've recently added to our portfolio, also bring about some business-changing benefits. No longer is your phone system bound by the physical boundaries of your office - providing you've got an internet connection you can make and receive 'internal' office calls for free, anywhere in the world. Businesses are starting to realise that progressive technology solutions like this can give them the competitive edge in a UK market where efficiency and quality of service is so important.". If you'd like to see some of the latest technology in action call Jade Integration on 0191 273 4444 or visit www.jadeintegration.com.

Entrepreneurs encouraged to reveal what got them started

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Entrepreneurs from across the region are being asked to take part in a survey commissioned by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum to find out what inspired them to start their business.

The research will inform the development of a campaign to promote an entrepreneurial culture in North East England to inspire and encourage business start up and growth.

Everyone who takes the 5 minutes required to complete the short online questionnaire will automatically be entered into a draw to win 1 of 5 bottles of champagne.

The survey is being carried out by independent research agency Marketwise Strategies Limited, who will treat all responses in the strictest confidence.

All of the information gathered before the closing date of Tuesday 26th July will be used to help potential entrepreneurs and, ultimately, the North East region. If you haven’t already, please visit:

http://www.surveyshop.com/entrepreneurssurvey/

Thanks to all those who have completed the survey.

Straight from the Neck to the Gift Mobile

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

A County Durham gift shop has been selected for national launch of Ingrid Sylvestre’s latest range of giraffe greeting cards.

Michelle Harris, proprietor of The Gift Mobile at Shotley Bridge, is delighted to be the first UK stockist of the new range of Giraffe World greeting cards ‘Straight from the Neck’. Published by Ingrid Sylvestre, well-known for her giraffe-themed cards and gifts, the new range features the popular Giraffe World characters, including little rebel Necky Becky, who dyes herself pink, and sings with giraffe band The Stiffnex! The cards were launched on the 30th June, with a fitting window display featuring Necky Becky.

"We already sell Ingrid Sylvestre’s ‘Lots of Neck’ and ‘Giraffitude!’ cards’, says Michelle. ‘So we’re really pleased to have the latest character range, which are designed for specific events, as well as sentiments."

From its early beginnings at fairs, then selling into retail, Giraffe World has twice exhibited at Earls’ Court’s Brand Licensing event in London, and has this June been represented at the New York Licensing Show by US agent Lawless Entertainment. As well as visual artwork, Giraffe World has grown to include stories, music and animation, and is expanding to license the brand globally to select giftware and toy manufacturers.

"I wanted to launch the new ‘Straight from the Neck’ cards in County Durham, where I’d been originally inspired", says Ingrid.

"Michelle Harris is a great example of the ‘Giraffitude Attitude!’ She’s someone who has stuck her neck out to achieve her dreams, so I offered her the opportunity to be the first UK retailer to stock the range."

As well as selling the cards from the shop, Michelle will be taking them to her Gift Mobile parties, and even organizing special Giraffe World parties.

"As well as supplying retail outlets throughout the UK and overseas, my aims are to build a Giraffe World party-plan network – or should it be ‘neckwork!'" explains Ingrid.

Look out for the new Giraffe World website which is being launched soon: www.giraffeworld.com

Calm Appoint New Chairman

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Calm Asylum have announced that David Bowles has agreed to chair the board of the company. David is well known as a champion of business in the North of England and is an established member of the regions business community.

Commenting on the appointment Managing Director and founder Simon Brown, said: “David's understanding and wealth of experience of the marketing industry is supporting our growth as a business, helping Calm to deliver strategic communication and marketing services to our clients across the UK.”

Mr Bowles who is also Chairman of Northern Defence Industries Ltd, Tyne and Wear Enterprise Trust Ltd, and Argonautics Ltd says his role is to provide leadership and advice to an ambitious board and the creative team who are the reason he has accepted the position.

He commented: “We have one of the most creative teams working in the digital environment in the North today and I am excited at the prospect of working with them. We are in command of the technology and creativity that enables us to challenge the best and provide our clients with brand management and customer engagement programmes that successfully build their businesses.”

The appointment of Mr Bowles continues Calm’s strong links with the regions universities, as he has a MBA from the University of Teesside and is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Mark Easby, Operations Director added: "David's background in both the public and private sector will ensure Calm continues to evolve project delivery and quality processes to build on the established foundation allowing us to compete more aggressively at a regional and national level."

Calm Asylum is currently going through exciting times, with a recruitment drive underway to find the right ‘Calm’ people to take the business forward in line with its Growth Strategy. This is being underpinned by investment and a number of new key client accounts.

Extra Help For New Entrepreneurs

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

More aspiring entrepreneurs are to have help from industry experts in getting their business ideas off the ground – thanks to extra funding from regional development agency One NorthEast.

The agency has approved an additional £1.9m grant over three years to expand work by the region’s Entrepreneurs' Forum, some of which will be used to build on its successful mentoring programme to link people starting their own businesses with support and advice from experienced entrepreneurs.

The cash will also fund practical workshops and seminars for people thinking about starting their own business and those who’ve recently established an enterprise, and for providing support and advice from successful entrepreneurs via interactive websites, podcasting and instant messaging.

The Forum – established by the region’s leading entrepreneurs in 2002 – works to create an enterprising culture in the region, support new and developing businesses and help those in difficulty. In all, this 3 year project will directly support more than 1,700 businesses and work with more than 2,000 people.

One NorthEast’s Director for Business and Industry, Ian Williams, said: “Encouraging more people in the North East to consider enterprise as an option is a key part of the region’s drive to create up to 22,000 new businesses and 70,000 jobs by 2016.

“We need a real step change to make that happen. We have many successful entrepreneurs in the North East who are extremely well-placed to inspire others, and willing to give their time and energy to offer coaching and guidance to those who are just starting out. We have to make the most of that valuable resource, which is the equivalent of significant private sector investment for the region.

“This grant will help the Entrepreneurs' Forum to expand and build on the strong work it is already doing with new technologies and tailored mentoring, to get the expertise of existing entrepreneurs across to those who are considering their own start up.”

Carole Beverley, chief executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, said, ‘Peer-to-peer support is the foundation of our work at the Entrepreneurs’ Forum. It’s about bringing together like-minded individuals, all practitioners and experts in their own field, to share practical experience and wisdom.

“The Forum a not-for-profit organisation and provides a genuinely non-trading environment where our members give their valuable time altruistically, but in the knowledge that they can learn as much as they can impart.

“Our mentoring programme is only 6 months old and already over half our members are actively engaged. This additional funding will enable us to build on this successful model and our unique programme of events, extending the significant benefits to inspire and support a far wider entrepreneurial community across the region.

“There is no better way to learn than from those who have been there and done it. After all, success as they say breeds success.”

The expanded project is part of the agency’s work under the Regional Economic Strategy to stimulate the significant number of new enterprises that will be needed if the region is to increase its number of VAT registered businesses to reach the national average of 90% gross value added (GVA) per head of population by 2016.

That work includes:

- Promoting enterprise as a concept
- Supporting individuals and teams to develop their enterprise ideas, skills and tools
- Providing businesses with high quality, targeted advice, solutions and support

The expanded programme will be delivered and managed by the Entrepreneurs' Forum, working very closely with Business Link North East and other providers such as the Universities’ Graduate Enterprise Programmes.

The three year project will be completed in 2010.

Event Extra: Make Your Business Sizzle This Summer

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Delivered by Andy Hanselman, Make Your Business Sizzle This Summer was the final Entreperneurs' Forum event for July. Our programme kicks off again at the beginning of September, with more events than ever planned to inform, entertain and inspire.

Event Extra is one of the latest Forum initiatives under development. It's a post-event resource where we make video downloads, summaries and other resources available.

You can watch a video summary of Make Your Business Sizzle This Summer and we'd also recommend you visit Andy's website: www.andyhanselman.com for a treasure-trove of great tips and tools from one of the Forum's most popular guest-speakers. You can also download Andy's slides from the event from his website.

If you don't already receive e-invites to our events you can sign up here.

Summer in Business

For some in business the summer means swapping daily challenges for a well-earned fortnight break; for others, especially those running small organisations, it’s a case of “holiday, what holiday?”
The British are renowned for working longer hours than the rest of Europe with entrepreneurs finding it harder than most to switch off when they are away from their business.

One survey showed that 39 per cent of owner managers take fewer than 15 days off a year. When they are on holiday, 40 per cent stay in touch with staff back home with half checking their emails every day.
Those who do take time off say it provides them with the space to reflect on their business, to generate new ideas and to remind themselves of why they are an entrepreneur.

But the statistics show that many more feel unable to walk away. Of those owner managers in a survey who said they could not leave, 80 per cent said they simply needed to be in the office, 68 per cent said they had to be there to take important decisions while 60 per cent feared missing new opportunities if they were not around.

Speaking to members of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, business coach Andy Hanselman said: “It’s important to recognise that for a lot of owner managers their business is their passion and it’s OK for them to do work on holiday if that’s what they want to do. The challenge comes if it takes over their holiday or upsets their family. A lot of entrepreneurs have to manage that balance.”

For some, the annual summer holiday is a chance to recharge batteries; for those who choose to work throughout the summer, the quieter weeks can be an ideal time to recharge their business.

Andy said: “If your business is one which is quieter in the summer it’s a great opportunity to challenge the norm, to get other people thinking about how to improve the business, to encourage innovation and to reenergise people.

“However, it’s not good enough just to invite ideas, you must have a mechanism in place by which people can do it and a process for exploiting those ideas. What’s the reward in your business for coming up with a new idea? In my experience, it’s usually for that person to end up with more work. Owner managers need to have a way to recognise innovation, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be money.”

Andy’s tips for generating ideas during the summer months include:
• MD for day – given the position for a day, what would they change?;
• Experience days – try a job swap with staff suggesting ways to improve other roles;
• Picnic and problems – send staff off and task them to come back with new ideas for business improvement;
• Post-It note problem busting – ask for one problem-solving idea per note and stick them on a wall grouped into categories (this is a good method for involving quieter staff and will focus on particular problem areas);
• Think Carlsberg – how could, for example, the delivery team be made ‘probably the best delivery team in the world’;
• Frontline fix – give an individual team the power to spend some budget on improvements;
• Read this and reap – stimulate discussion around press cuttings or a TV programme which has relevance to your business.

Andy told the entrepreneurs: “These are all useful methods to try this summer to encourage ideas but you must follow through to make them happen. First, prioritise those ideas you want to act on, establish a project team and assign responsibility. Then agree targets and deadlines, establish a programme of work, agree budgets and allocate and actually make time to allow the ideas to be implemented.”

He adds that feedback, monitoring and celebrating any success are vital too.
As well as reenergising the business, summer can be a good time for the leader of a business to create some space for themselves.
“Try to use this summer to try something new, to break the pattern,” said Andy.
“Go to an exhibition or conference, visit another business that’s nothing like yours or invite other entrepreneurs into your business. Get back to the shopfloor, spend time talking to staff you don’t often speak to, visit a customer, carry out an employee or customer survey or work from home for a day.”

For those owner managers who do take a break it is an opportunity for some rest and relaxation with family. However, the fear of something going wrong in their absence is often enough to put off entrepreneurs from leaving their business.

Andy explained: “There are a number of barriers to owner managers enjoying themselves on holiday. Usually it’s an inability to switch off, not trusting the people in whose hands they’re leaving the business or the staff themselves being worried that they can’t cope on their own.”

The key, he says, is planning. Other tips for taking a successful break include:
• Telling key customers and contacts that you will be away in advance so they have time to request any work they need you to do for them;
• Giving customers the contact details of the staff who will look after them in your absence and introduce them if necessary;
• Giving ultimate responsibility to one person in the business;
• Giving them the power to make important decisions and set parameters;
• Ensuring everyone in the company knows who will be in charge, again early enough so people have time to get used to the idea;
• Writing handover notes and establishing CNN – if they are thinking of contacting you, is it Critical, do you Need to know or would it just be Nice to know;
• Agreeing targets with key people;
• Agreeing reporting/feedback mechanisms for when you get back;
• Agreeing timings with your family as to when you will need to contact the office and with staff for when you will contact them.

“When you do contact the office from your holiday do not start by asking ‘any problems?” because it immediately undermines them. Try ‘how are things?’ instead,” recommended Andy.
Thank everyone on your return, he said. “Spot things that have gone well and in the process identify those areas what you can let go from now on. Going on holiday can be a useful way to create a delegation process.”

Finally, he added: “I know that for some owner managers the worst thing that can happen is that they come back from holiday to find their business is still there, it’s survived without them and, even worse, it’s even doing better than when they left!”

Poolside pageturners
Andy Hanselman and members of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum recommend the following business books for holidays:

Tom Peters: Re-imagine! Business excellence in a disruptive world
Marty Neumeier: The Brand Gap
Seth Godin: Purple Cow
Gary Hamel: Leading the Revolution
Frederick Reicheld: Loyalty Rules!
Julian Richer: The Richer Way
Michael Gerber: The E Myth
Guy Kawasaki: Rules for Revolutionaries
Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner: Freakonomics
Charan Gill: Tikka Look at Me Now
Duncan Bannatyne: Anyone Can Do It

Investment In Youth Essential Says Insurance Expert

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

An impending skills shortage within the general insurance industry is becoming a problem according to one leading broker in the field, who is urging insurance companies to embrace a new apprenticeship scheme before it’s too late.

Karen Weir, deputy president and education secretary of the Insurance Institute of Newcastle upon Tyne, is director of Weir Insurance in Blyth, one of the North East’s biggest independent insurance brokers.

She is urging her industry to take advantage of a new Apprenticeship scheme and solve the industry’s succession problems.

Speaking at an Insurance Institute of Newcastle upon Tyne gathering this week, Karen spoke of adopting the framework of the ‘Apprenticeship in Insurance’ which has just been agreed by the CII, and which has financial support from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and the support of the CII President nationally.

Speaking to representatives from Norwich Union, NIG and Zurich insurance at the event in Newcastle, Karen said:

“The main focus for the Insurance Institute of Newcastle upon Tyne and indeed the entire industry is to raise the awareness of the professional qualifications to young people already working within our industry locally, and to try and attract young, talented and keen individuals to join this profession.

“We are developing a long term strategy to tackle the issue, the first part of which is to start up the Apprenticeship programme within the North East, as a similar scheme has been a success in Yorkshire and the North West.

“The framework for the Apprenticeship in Insurance including the Certificate in Insurance has finally been agreed, and is available to all of us, and the best news is that there is government funding to support it and also to support recruitment of young people. The scheme takes young individuals into the general insurance route or retail banking and combines the NVQ with the professional CII exams.

“However, we need the support of local insurance companies and brokers to help deliver this in the North East to help entice a younger workforce to join the insurance profession. My aim is to encourage employers to begin engaging with young people whilst they are still at school and considering their career options, and urge them to consider taking on young apprentices whilst also encourage existing staff to up-skill and gain new qualifications.

“The insurance industry is booming, and we are creating many jobs – therefore encouraging new blood into the industry is a subject that will remain at the top of our agenda, and it is most important that we do everything we can to get this scheme up and running to ensure the future growth of the sector.”

Currently the Apprenticeships scheme is being delivered very successfully in the North West and Yorkshire by a company called Skills Solutions www.skills-solutions.org.uk who are the only provider in the north to offer Insurance Apprenticeships. Training consultant, Nigel James, said: “The Apprenticeship offers a much more structured approach to CII qualifications, with work based visits from qualified assessors and it provides the first step on the ladder to the professional insurance exams ensuring a long term career in the industry for young people.”

Karen previously worked for Norwich Union and in 1998, she joined the team at Weir Insurance and began working for the family business. Now as co-director of the company she handles staff development and training in her 18 strong workforce.

If your organisation is ready for some new, quality staff, or your current staff need some motivation to start the CII qualifications, get in touch with Karen Weir on 07793 247 319 or nigel.james@skills-solutions.org.uk

Tender Document Now Online

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Over the next couple of months The Entrepreneurs' Forum will be looking for partners to work on the delivery of the Campaign to promote an entrepreneurial culture in North East England.

As the Campaign will be funded by One NorthEast we have published a contract notice through the Official Journal of the European Union. Anyone wishing to be considered for inclusion in the tender process should click here for more details.

Pre-qualification questionnaires must be submitted by 12noon on 21st August 2007 and the final date for requesting the PQQ is 12noon on 20th August.

More New Jobs For UK Biometrics

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

A North East ‘fingerprint entry’ specialist has announced plans to create twenty new jobs in Newcastle upon Tyne and twenty five more throughout the UK following a deal with Korea’s leading manufacturer of security terminals and the American producer of biometric imaging technology.

UK Biometrics Ltd has entered into a three way partnership with long term Korean partner Keico Hightech Inc, manufacturers of high quality security terminals and Lumidigm Inc, the Albuquerque, New Mexico based worldwide patent holder of multispectral imaging for use in biometrics.

The deal will allow for the development and distribution of ‘Second Generation’ robust biometric readers with extremely low error rates. Lumidigm's multispectral imaging technology simultaneously reads the surface and subsurface of fingerprints to capture clear, clean images every time, even when surface features are absent or hard to distinguish.

UK Biometrics Managing Director Matthew James said “The combination of Keico terminals, Lumidigm imaging technology, our systems and software development capability mean we have a truly world beating product to further fuel our expansion. Lumidigm readers are in use at major American tourist attractions and have proven their ability to deal with millions of individual fingerprints; they are impervious to bad weather and can recognise a fingerprint through latex gloves or dirt. This partnership will open up new markets in hostile industrial environments, hospitals and extremely high volume locations.”

Lumidigm biometric readers reduce error rates to less than one percent making them suitable for high security applications. The readers are so robust they will operate in any weather conditions, can be power-hosed and even operate underwater.

Matthew concludes “We are a fast expanding business and increasingly coming to be noticed on the global stage. Our role models are Northern Rock and Sage, North East grown companies committed to remaining in the North East. Creating twenty jobs in the region is good news but we plan more than the creation of jobs. We want to start careers in this exciting, embryonic industry. Our plan is to make the North East a global hotspot in the biometric industry and this partnership will help us achieve that goal”.

Onyx Opens Workplace Continuity Centre

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The Onyx Group, the North East’s leading technology solutions company has officially opened the region’s largest Workplace Continuity Centre at Team Valley, Gateshead, at an event attended by over 80 representatives of the region’s business community.

Outlining his company’s reasons for establishing this new facility, Onyx Group CEO Neil Stephenson said: “According to statistics produced by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, 80% of businesses affected by a major incident close within 18 months.

“The other alarming statistic is that currently, 73% of organisations do not have a business continuity plan.

“Onyx already has a significant Disaster and Workplace Recovery infrastructure with our data centres and workplace recovery facilities located in Newcastle and on Teesside,” added Neil.

“This £2m investment in Team Valley is a major move for the company, as well as the region, as it will strengthen its infrastructure and ability to provide resilience to businesses across the North East and beyond.

“This new centre will provide managed workspace for over 200 people at any one time and will create a total of 10 new jobs,” added Neil.

“We have also configured the building to accommodate the capacity, security and confidentiality requirements of our customers, providing both open plan and enclosed work areas that can accommodate widely varying numbers of personnel.

“This new facility follows on from our previous acquisition of DataBanx, our multi-million pound data centre on Tyneside, and will enable us to provide workplace recovery facilities to many more organisations from both the private and public sectors across the region.”

Reflecting on his own company’s experiences, Alan Dixon, CEO of Peters Bakery emphasised the value of having a recovery plan in place. “Our first fire in December 2003, which caused over £750k’s worth of damage, encouraged us to address the need to plan effectively for such an event.

“Once we had fully recovered from this first fire, we developed a business-wide recovery plan based upon the lessons that we had so painfully learned. However, before we had the opportunity to test it, a second fire in April 2004, which completely destroyed our Durham bakery meant that we had to put our plan into action.

“It is only because we had a plan and a team of people who were totally committed to putting it into action that we were able to survive a disaster that would have destroyed many other businesses.”

Also speaking at the opening was Crispian Strachan, former Chief Constable of Northumbria Police and currently a non-executive director of business consultancy OSL.

“Following the passing of the UK Civil Contingencies Act in 2004, it is now a mandatory requirement for many public sector organisations to have a formal business continuity plan,” said Crispian.

Amongst those attending the event was Ian Williams, Director of Business and Industry at One NorthEast, who said“This Onyx Recovery Centre is both impressive, innovative and will provide an invaluable addition to the growing business service proposition in the Region.”

“Facilities like this are so important to the future development of the region. If we are to stand any chance of meeting the ambitious targets outlined in the Regional Economic Strategy, we need our business communities to think more about self-development and that is exactly what Onyx has done”

“The world of technology is becoming increasingly important to businesses of all types and sizes, with data access and voice communication being a particularly crucial area,” said David Mattu of accountants and business advisers Ernst & Young.

“This new Business Continuity Centre is a fantastic facility in terms of layout and location and clearly a lot of thought has gone into its creation and operation.”

This latest development builds on the Onyx Group’s acquisition of the Business Continuity Centres business in late 2006, strengthening further the Group’s strategic aim of offering true resilience to its core business areas of ICT managed connectivity, hosting and disaster recovery and enterprise network security.

“This acquisition is a significant step in our previously disclosed strategy of building Group revenues over the next three years prior to floatation,” added Neil.

Onyx has also launched a website which will feature an online database and a Business Continuity Planning Tool providing a step-by-step guide to the creation of an effective Business Continuity Plan which organisations can store securely via an on-line portal. This website, which will provide advice and support suitable for a large number of businesses, will go live from the 1st of August.

For those businesses with a more complex business recovery planning need, Onyx has assembled a team of Business Continuity Institute accredited consultants who are on hand to provide the specific advice required.

The end product of this investment is that, regardless of the nature or size of a business or organisation, Onyx now has all of the resources, expertise and infrastructure required to be able to provide a data compliance solution tailored to its specific needs.

Jardine Fulfils Lifelong Ambition

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Internationally renowned angling instructor and fly fisherman Charles Jardine has fulfilled a lifelong ambition to join Hardy & Greys Ltd.

The accomplished artist, writer and creative fly tier grew up reading Hardy catalogues and salmon fishing with his father, using Hardy tackle.

Now, he has been appointed consultant and Academy Instructor with the Northumberland-based company and says he couldn’t be more delighted.

“I have worked for other well-received companies but Hardy is something else,” said Charles. “As a child, I used to devour Hardy catalogues like other boys did comics. Their tackle has always been part of my life and to work for them is a dream come true – the pinnacle of my career to date!”

Hardy and Greys Managing Director, Richard Sanderson, has brought Charles on board to give the company a greater presence at events in the UK and to raise its international profile, particularly in North America.

“We couldn’t think of anyone better to represent our company in these markets and are thrilled that he has agreed to help us – especially with such enthusiasm,” explained Richard.

The company’s newest recruit is in no doubt about the enormity of his latest challenge but is confident he can increase the Fly Fisherman’s knowledge and appreciation of Hardy and Greys.

Said Charles: “Hardy & Greys products almost sell themselves because they are truly exciting and anglers all over the world who are aware of them are very enthusiastic. But it’s a huge global market and there are countries where the name isn’t as well known. I am determined to expand the anglers awareness of their products and brands.”

Charles now lives in Shropshire but grew up in Kent where he began fly-fishing at the age of three and caught his first trout when he was six. Following in the footsteps of his father Alexander, he is as interested in river management and the husbandry of fish and as he is in catching them. And he has passed on his love of the sport to his own son Alex who, at 17, is a member of the England youth team.

Opus has designs on contemporary art

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

With an already formidable reputation for selling art on-line, Opus Art¹s ground breaking new gallery opens in Newcastle upon Tyne in August, heralding a new era for commercial art and designer furniture in the North East.

The gallery will offer art and design lovers a more personal experience, where they can appreciate the work at close quarters, and chat to experienced consultants.

Opus Gallery guarantees to deliver a constantly changing programme of exhibitions featuring both internationally established and emerging artists, photographers and designers.

Rising like Phoenix from the ashes of a renovated church hall in the suburb of Gosforth, a substantial financial investment has been made turning the existing 5,000 sq. ft space into a state of the art exhibition space, editioned prints room, conservation framers and Art Cafe.

The gallery showcases original works of art and exclusive limited edition prints by the world¹s premier contemporary artists, including Damien Hirst, Sir Peter Blake and Andy Warhol, along with urban street and graffiti art by Banksy and Faile. A prolific collection of contemporary photography features rare vintage prints by masters of photography Helmut Newton and Jeanloup Sieff.

Alongside an extensive catalogue of art and photography is a range of contemporary lighting and furniture and timeless iconic pieces by leading designers including Norman Foster, Phillipe Starck, Tom Dixon and Eames.

Experienced art and design consultants can advise established and new collectors, and source iconic pieces for the home or office. Artwork is framed in-house to the highest conservation standards.

A cosmopolitan Art Café offers a range of light bites and refreshments throughout the day, surrounded by the best in art, photography and design.

Opus Sales Director Emma Poole says:
"We are thrilled to be bringing this new concept to the North East - the very best of commercial art coupled with cutting edge design. We¹ve made a commitment to establish a service offering advice to the discerning buyer wishing to make an investment or those on the first rung of the collecting ladder. We hope that the monthly previews at Opus Gallery will become social events not to be missed."

The gallery opens its doors on 24th August, following a high profile invitation only launch the evening before, when exhibiting artists from across the globe will be in attendance.

Corporates Go Mad With Local Tribes

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 +0100

As part of Madventurer’s 10th anniversary year, the North East based company founded by John Lawler, has decided what better way to celebrate than by giving something back to the place that made him an honorary African Chief.

John’s first experience of Africa was as a teacher in Ghana during his gap year. In recognition of his contribution to the village in which he taught, John was enstooled as a chief. Johns experience led him to form a company in Newcastle called Madventurer, offering community development projects, placements and adventures worldwide.

To celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Madventurer John wants to pair up 10 schools or community groups from the North East of England with 10 schools or community groups in Ghana in order for 10 projects to be successfully carried out in Ghana. John is looking to the business community to think about their Corporate Social Responsibility and to help support this local educational initiative.

John said: ‘This is a great opportunity for schools and communities in the North East to learn about African culture and assist directly with real life development which will really make a difference overseas. It will mean that Ghanaian schools and communities will benefit greatly from the generosity of these partnering schools and communities, and the UK groups can have a chance to actively learn from their counterparts about issues affecting each other such as education and climate change. It will be win win.’

It can make a real difference to the learning and experience of the North East participants and ultimately provides a better quality of life for Ghanaian communities. The idea is that these schools will sponsor a project in Ghana, whether it be the materials needed to build a school building or a toilet block. Corporate partners and other organisations in the region who want to take part in this international educational project and support a particular school or group should contact Madventurer.

Already signed up are Tyneside Cyrenians who are looking to send a group to visit Ghana this October and have received support from a number of organisations including Onyx, but are still short of their target to help fund the building of an entire school building in a village called Avime. 12 young people and 4 youth workers from Deckham Community Centre are also aiming to visit Shia, where John is the Development Chief, where they hope to work on a tourism income generation project and with the village school.

With 8 more places for groups available, and a range of sponsorship opportunities available for local businesses and support organisations, it is hoped that the North East community will rally round to make this year one to remember where strong sustainable ties can be initiated in the Volta Region of Ghana.

She's Gott It! Has Got It

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals (EWF), the management group behind Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, has named She’s Gott it! as the new producer of Edinburgh’s Christmas.

Based in County Durham, She’s Gott It! were selected from a short-list of four companies to take on the challenge of making Scotland’s capital ‘sparkle’ at Christmas.

She’s Gott It! emerged as the winning bidder from a competitive tender and they will shortly be formally appointed, with the contract due to begin on August 20. The contract is up to a maximum of four years subject to annual review.

Cllr Steve Cardownie, Festival and Events Champion and Deputy Leader for the City of Edinburgh Council said: "Edinburgh's Christmas has attracted very strong bidders for chance to produce Edinburgh's Christmas and I am delighted that She’s Gott It! has got the contract.

"The competition to run these festivals is fierce, which is a reflection of the standing in which they are held. However we are not going to sit back and be complacent. We aim to go from strength to strength each year and I'm sure this company will take us there with Edinburgh's Christmas."

David Jackson, Edinburgh Winter Festivals Manager said: “We chose She’s Gott It! for their track record and scope of events they have organised, the experience of their team, and their understanding and enthusiasm for Edinburgh’s Christmas

“What they will achieve, in partnership with the EWF management team, is the continued development of Edinburgh’s Christmas, creating a quality customer experience and making Edinburgh sparkle at Christmas."

Nickie Gott, Managing Director for She’s Gott It! said: "I am absolutely delighted that we have been awarded this contract. It’s a huge boost for the company to be recognised by the Council for its professionalism and creativity in event delivery. I have visited Edinburgh's Winter Festivals on many occasions and found it a great visitor experience. As a team we are looking forward to working with the CEC and the Winter Festivals team. They have achieved huge success with their Festivals programme and we are really excited to be given the opportunity to build on this over the coming years.“

Stella Hall, creative director of the Culture10 programme in the North-East, said "This bears testament to the expertise, ambition and professionalism of the She's Gott It team and it's great that a North-East company can compete and succeed against the best in the country to win such a coveted contract".

Franchise Success Prompts GreyRidge Move

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Growing North East IT Company GreyRidge are set to move offices for the second time in twelve months, thanks to an unprecedented response to their specialist franchise software systems.

GreyRidge have doubled the number of staff they started with and as such, the time has come to move out of the council-run i6 incubator in Newcastle where they have been situated since they started. The team had already moved from a small office to a bigger one within the incubator, but now they are moving into their own city centre premises with plenty of room for their expected future expansion.

The company was set up in 2005 with the initial aim to develop and supply business systems to professional service companies and bespoke software to small and medium sized businesses, but the directors noted that there was a huge gap in the market for software developed specifically for franchised companies.

After doing some further research, they found that franchisees were, in general, using many different operating systems to run their businesses and franchisors were unable to see the flow of money within their business. GreyRidge spent time developing a global system which combines all of the tasks a franchise network needs.

GreyRidge Director Andy Thomas said “We couldn’t believe that there wasn’t a product on the market at the time to cater for this multi billion pound industry, we saw the opportunity and went for it. We have so far developed fifteen networks and have many more in negotiation.”

The company are thrilled with the huge demand which has met their systems, and the increased workload has led to the need to expand the business, which has meant taking on new developers and marketing staff.

Fresh Deli Launch Recruitment Drive

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The North East's best new female entrepreneur is on the look-out for equally ambitious people to join her business.

Danielle Dunn, founder of North East-based bath and bodycare company Fresh Deli, is launching a search for area managers to run teams of agents across the country. Earlier this year Danielle and her brother Shaun, with whom she runs Fresh Deli, received investment funding from regional business leader and board member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum Sir Peter Vardy.

As well as investing in new premises and equipment to increase production, the Dunns are pushing ahead with a plan to set up networks of agent nationwide to sell their products at parties and among friends and colleagues. They are hosting a recruitment event at Ramside Hall, Durham, on September 7 from 10am until late.

Danielle, who won the best newcomer category in the North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2006 awards, said: “We are aiming to recruit a team of area managers who will be crucial in helping us to grow the business. They will then recruit and run their own teams of agents operating across the country.
“The area manager posts will be part-time and we are also on the look out for new party agents. It’s an ideal job for mums or people with other commitments because it offers flexible working. The recruitment event is open to anyone who is interested in finding out more.”

As well as selling via the party plan network and on-line, Fresh Deli products are available in ten Debenhams stores, including Oxford Street in London and the Metro Centre, and through other stockists. There are also two Fresh Deli shops in the region, in Hexham and New Green Market in Newcastle.

For more information, tel: 0191-258 4455 or visit www.freshsoapdeli.com

Pharmaceutical Company Gets The Specialists In

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

A North East communications agency has designed two revolutionary websites for a national pharmaceutical company.

Guerilla Interactive, the new media division at Guerilla, designed and built the Numark consumer website along with the company’s members secure site which will serve 1,700 independent pharmacies spread across the UK.

Andy Charlesworth, Commercial IT Manager, said: “These websites will give consumers and pharmacists a wide range of benefits that will enhance the service offered by Numark member pharmacies.

“With online advice, special offers on products as well as the members secure website, Guerilla Interactive has designed two sites that are simple yet massively effective.”

The secure website has been designed to provide members with a range of services and tools such as being able to view rebate information on their stores and deliver e-learning materials.

Guerilla Interactive will be involved with the ongoing development of the websites once they have been launched, constantly upgrading it so it is fresh and current, providing members with new benefits and features on a regular basis.

Roddy Lang, Guerilla Interactive’s Head of New Media, said: “With this project we have created some innovative developments that are a first within this sector including a pioneering content management system.

“We believe we have created two cutting-edge websites for Numark and are looking forward to developing them even further.”

For further information about Guerilla Interactive and its services visit www.guerillainteractive.com. Also, if you would like to check out the new Numark websites, please visit www.numarkpharmacists.com.

Finalists Announced At Pilot Pitch Event

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The UK’s leading regional universities business planning competition, Blueprint, has announced the latest finalists in the Science and Technology and the Creativity and Design categories to battle it out for a share of £100,000 cash and in-kind support.

The latest entrants are in addition to those finalists who made it through to the main Business Awards category earlier in the year. The Grand Final on October 17th, will see entrants from academic staff teams, graduates, undergraduates and alumni students make a final presentation. In preparation for the big day, entrants attended a ‘Pilot your Pitch’ event at the Hilton recently, to gain some last minute valuable advice from established business owners from the Entrepreneurs' Forum, and this year’s Grand Final sponsors.

Unique business concepts revealed in the latest set of finalists include a waterproof rucksack designed for swimming, an edutainment ‘video game’ x ray simulator, and a business that designs and develops equipment for disability football.

At the Pilot your Pitch day the finalists were given the opportunity to present their business idea to members to this year’s sponsors, who gave constructive criticism and advice, so they can fine tune their pitch before the grand final.

Members of the panel included Sir Peter Vardy, one of the founders of The Entrepreneurs' Forum, who said:

“It was great to be at the Pilot your Pitch day and to give some friendly advice to people with such great business ideas. There was a very broad range of business concepts, some were very well thought out and some needed further development but they all had great potential.

“It’s great to see so many entrepreneurial businesses being born in the North East and to see how many young people now are stepping straight out of university into running their own businesses.

“I would strongly advise these people to get involved in the Entrepreneurs’ Forum as we can introduce them to others that talk their language. We can help to give them a vision of just how far there business can go. Together we can reduce the distance between creation and reality, avoid the mistakes we’ve all made and ensure their businesses thrive.”

Peter Hayes is one of the finalists in both the Science and Technology and Creativity and Design award categories. Speaking at the Pilot your Pitch day he said: “The members on the panel gave me great advice and allowed me to see the areas of my business plan that needs further attention, I will take a more business minded approach to the finance side of my business plan and to look more closely at marketing my product at different audiences.”

The Entrepreneurs' Forum' chief executive Carol Beverley was also at the Pilot your Pitch day, she said: “The finalists are clearly passionate about their business ideas and it’s incredibly positive to see so much emerging talent from this region. We have a nurturing pool at the Forum which is ideal for young entrepreneurs like these as we aim to match them with a mentor who can guide them through the challenges of starting and growing a business.

“The panel at the Pilot your Pitch event weren’t there to judge but to give advice, help and support. Our members are all eager to pass on wisdom, sharing personal experiences having ‘been there, done that’ when they set up their own businesses. Hopefully these enthusiastic young business minds can learn from others and succeed without making the same mistakes.”

The Grand Final of Blueprint 2007 to be held at the Hilton on October 17th will see 10 student-based business finalists, as well as additional staff and alumni entries from across Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside Universities, chasing the big cash reward and in-kind support prizes to help get their business off the ground.

Now in its fourth year, Blueprint has three award categories; the main Business Awards, Science and Technology Awards and new for 2007, the Creativity and Design awards.

Last year's competition generated 172 new business plans, 38 new businesses and saw a total of 19 finalists in both categories walk away with more than £50,000 in cash and the same amount of in-kind support.

Key sponsors for this year include ONE Northeast, NStar, Government Office for the North East, Cenamps, Dickinson Dees, Musa Fine Art, Entrust, the Bgroup, and Entrepreneurs' Forum, Baker Tilly, Marks & Clerk and Ward Hadaway.

A headline sponsor opportunity is still available for this year’s Grand Final of the Blueprint Competition. If you are interested in finding out more about the sponsorship opportunities available or to book a table at this prestigious event contact Jill Flowers on 0191 332 3210/07 or email (scientific.enterprise@dur.ac.uk)

Clark Urges Region To Seize New Opportunity

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The North East’s trade and tourism communities have been urged to seize the opportunities being offered by Emirates’ arrival in Newcastle.

The airline’s president, Tim Clark, told entrepreneurs from the region that Emirates’ new daily service to Dubai would put the North East of England on the radar of millions of people based in or passing through the Middle East.

Mr Clark said: “Our record whenever we open a new operation is that we create a market not just in the region we’re serving and not just in Dubai, but beyond. So suddenly Newcastle becomes part of the network mantra; it is marketed as a destination by us. It’s then a question of how your stakeholders, NGOs, tour operators and so on go out to markets, do the roadshows and get people to come here.”

Mr Clark together with other senior figures from the airline met members of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum at a special breakfast meeting in Newcastle.

Vic Sheppard, Emirates’ vice president UK and Ireland, said there was no reason why Newcastle could not become a Heathrow-style gateway, which visitors would use to reach not just northern England and Scotland but Europe and beyond.

He said: “My job is to fill aircraft leaving the UK, but there are other people all around our network who have the same task. They’ll come to the party and put some effort and money behind filling seats to satisfy your needs. Your tourism offices have to go out and find the Emirates team and say ‘this is what we’ve got to offer’ and make a partnership.”

The region’s reputation as a centre for education and learning should also be highlighted to appeal to young people overseas.

Keith Longstaff, Emirates’ senior vice president commercial operations Europe, said: “You have wonderful universities and a town that young people want to play in. It’s an easy sell and another aspect of how you can bring wealth into the area.”

Mr Clark told the story of how Emirates was built from nothing initially by a team of ten – some of whom had previously created Gulf Air – into one of the world’s most respected airlines.

It now serves 86 different passenger destinations and employs 27,000 people worldwide.

The Newcastle-Dubai route is the first scheduled long-haul service from the region and means passengers can reach the Far East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand direct from the North East.

Mr Clark also offered advice to business people in the region who are contemplating trading in Dubai.

He said: “The government makes it very easy to do business within Dubai and the UAE. Barriers to entry are non-existent in terms of red tape. Providing you don’t break any rules, you are free to do what you want. You have to go through the economic controls department to get your trading licence, but there is no taxation so what you get, you keep.

“If you go with a focus on the light industries like hospitality and IT there is plenty of room there. It’s becoming more expensive, but at the same time as the dollar has weakened it’s still a very affordable place to do business.”

Sir Peter Vardy, a board member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, said the Emirates’ team had offered invaluable advice which the Forum would share with local businesses.

He added: “We were delighted that Tim Clark and the rest of the Emirates’ senior team chose to give some of their time to the Forum during their short visit to the region. At the Forum we are fascinated to hear of success stories, of how to make business work and it was tremendous to hear about the growth of Emirates from its inception to the position that they hold today.

“Their arrival in Newcastle is an enormous opportunity for this region and their help in promoting the North East to a global audience will be greatly appreciated by many organisations here.”

Carole Beverley, the Forum’s chief executive, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the North East and now it’s up to all of us to galvanise and maximise what is on offer. One NorthEast has an office in Dubai and is doing sterling work in these new markets, and I am confident our tourism offices and educationalists are identifying fresh opportunities. It’s a very exciting prospect and one in which the Forum is delighted to be involved.”

After the event Forum member Lynn Gate, chief executive of The Office Company, said: “How fantastic that Newcastle is well and truly on the worldwide map proving that we are only limited by our own imagination. I can't wait to welcome new business with open arms.”

John Cartmell, of The Whyman Group, added: “It was a pleasure to learn how a major business was formed and has evolved into what is arguably the most successful airline in the world. Emirates’ customer focus was evident as was their willingness to be frank and open in their dealings. We certainly came away from the session with a number of ideas that will help enhance the Whyman brand.”

Vardy Group Appoint New FD

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The Vardy Group of Companies has announced that Gerard Murray will join as Finance Director on 2 January 2008.

Gerard Murray is currently Finance Director of Northgate plc, the UK and Spain’s leading commercial vehicle rental company, and previously served as Finance Director of Reg Vardy plc.

Sir Peter Vardy, Chairman of the Vardy Group of Companies, said: “I am delighted that Ged is joining us in our new group of companies. He and I worked together at Reg Vardy for about 14 years and built what became arguably the premier motor group in Europe and one of the North East’s largest employers.

“The opportunity to work together again is exciting for me and my two sons as we set out, almost from scratch again, to build some great companies.

“Since selling Reg Vardy plc we have established offices in Durham and are building a team of people to work in a range of commercial and charity sectors. Ged’s experience, drive and outstanding ability will be tremendously valuable in our future plans.”

Event Extra...Why Use KPIs?

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The first panel event of the Entrepreneurs' Forum's new Autumn calendar brought together some pure business throughbreds to discuss the use of KPIs. We posed the question: How do we measure success financially and non financially and what are the growth indicators?

Facilitated by renowned speaker Jeff Grout, the panel comprised Sir Peter Vardy (Founder of The Vardy Group of Companies, Dave Charlton (CEO of The Officers Club), David Stonehouse (CEO of TSG) , Dianne Sharpe (MD of Mechetronics) and Mark Hatton (Office Managing Partner, Ernst & Young).

Event Extra is a post-event resource providing video and other content for those who couldn't make the event. It's no substite for being there, but you can watch a short video from this event featuring each of the panellists.

If you don't already receive invites to Entrepreneurs' Forum events you can sign up here.

Event Extra: From Newcastle to Dubai

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline recently told entrepreneurs from the region that the airline's new daily service to Dubai would put the North East of England on the radar of millions of people based in or passing through the Middle East.

Event Extra is the Entrepreneurs' Forum's post-event resource for those unable to make it along to a particular event. Whilst it's no substitute for being there, it's an opportunity to tap into some of what was said on the day.

Click here for a video from the event.

So what did Tim have to say?

Event Extra: What Do Leaders Really Do?

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

What makes a great leader tick?

Renowned author and speaker Jeff Grout drew upon his vast experience of working with the some of the world's renowned leaders when he spoke at the most recent Entrepreneurs' Forum event.

Jeff interviewed seventeen leaders for his book What Do Leaders Really Do, including the likes of Dame Stella Rimmington, Sir Clive Woodward and Sir Alan Sugar and recounted many of the lessons they have implemented in their own arenas.

Event Extra is a post-event resource for those who couldn't make it along on the evening. It's no substitute for being there, but if you were unable to make it you can watch a short video from the event here.

Mills Appointed to Advise New Power Station Development

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Stokesley–based marketing communications and PR consultancy Mills Advertising and Publicity (MAP) has been appointed to provide regional PR support to the Eston Grange power project, the proposal to develop a revolutionary clean coal and carbon capture power generation plant planned for Teesside.

Eston Grange is a joint venture between Centrica plc, parent company of British Gas, and Progressive Energy Ltd., the clean energy project development company based in Stonesfield, Gloucestershire. If fully developed, the power station would be built and operated by Centrica, and would be the cleanest fossil fuelled plant in the UK, capturing over 85% of its CO2 emissions. It is expected to cost over £1 billion.

“MAP, with its extensive local knowledge and connections, will be providing advice and practical support to ensure that we communicate effectively with all those across the Tees Valley who will have an interest in our plans,” said Trevor Croft, Project Director for Eston Grange.

“We are absolutely delighted to win this extremely prestigious contract,” said MAP’s Managing Director, Eric Mills. “As well as handling all regional media relations activities on behalf of Eston Grange, we have been briefed to produce a range of communications materials, including a DVD, website and various information leaflets.

“We will also be organising a number of Stakeholder Briefing Events as the project progresses towards a full planning submission which is scheduled for

early 2008.”

Further information can be obtained by calling 01642 713156 or by visiting www.millsadvertising.co.uk.

North East Agency Boosts Staff By 33%

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0100

An award-winning communications agency has increased its staff numbers by 33% by appointing nine new recruits due its recent new business boost.

Guerilla, based in Newcastle, has recruited Tom Harrison, Julie Burrell, Cathy Tuffnell, Kaja Amundsen, John Miller, Leanne Whittingham, Alex Lockey and Kimberley Workman due to the rapid growth of the company.

Formed in 2002 by Managing Director James Allen, Guerilla has built up an outstanding portfolio of local and national clients, including Nike and Holland & Barrett.

Newly appointed Account Manager Tom Harrison said: “The new arrivals, including myself, are eager to continue the success that the team has already created. Our roles are challenging but we are all really excited about growing the company and achieving the results that Guerilla is used to.”

The recruits' responsibilities include public relations, new media, account management, marketing, graphic design and studio production, creating a one-stop-shop for existing and potential clients.

James said: “As a business Guerilla is thriving, so I took the decision to search for more talent to join the already energetic and creative team. I am very happy with my decision and the new recruits have fitted perfectly into their challenging roles.”

The new recruits have joined different specialist areas of Guerilla including Guerilla Interactive, the new media division, Guerilla Propaganda, which handles public relations and Guerilla Productions- focusing on bespoke television and film production.

Kaja Amundsen, Agency Producer for Guerilla Productions, said: “The new divisions create an array of services that clients can choose from, not only expanding the business but also giving clients a multitude of innovative options for their projects. I’m glad to be a part of it and looking forward to developing the divisions with the rest of the team.”

To find out more about Guerilla and its divisions’ services please visit www.guerilla.co.uk

Cool Cats Groove For Grace

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0100

This weekend, the Hilton Hotel was awash with psychedelia as the coolest cats in town grooved the night away, in aid of the Grace House North East Hospice Appeal.

The Entrepreneurs’ Forum held their fourth annual charity ball on 13th October and with tickets sold out in less than 48-hours the focus turned to who would wear the wildest outfits. From hippies to Hendrix and The Avengers to The Beatles there was a 60s style to suit everyone. A couple of Andy Warhol’s even put in an appearance.

Guests had the opportunity to be “papped” with the sleek Lamborghini parked outside The Hilton, before walking the red carpet to the awaiting champagne reception, sponsored by Miller UK.

During dinner, guests were thrilled by the multi award winning Shel Macrae, singer of the legendary 60s band The Fortunes.

As the night grooved on guests went into a frenzy on the silent auction, outbidding each other for items such as an LA Galaxy shirt signed by David Beckham and a new Apple iPhone. The main auction was also a fierce battleground as auctioneer John Anderson of Anderson Garland found himself in the middle of a bidding war for the top prize of the evening - use of a private jet for the weekend to any continental destination!

For those with a sweet tooth there was Grace’s Sweetie Shop, where your tombola ticket could win you a range of prizes from a £2,000 Berry’s jewellery voucher to a bag of 60s sweets (the Refreshers were our favourites!).

Continuing the theme was Grace’s Funky Flower, where guests could win an array of prizes from restaurant vouchers to a nice bottle of bubbly.

Back in the ballroom, the night erupted into an impromptu Locomotion when guests played the 60s Dancing Game. After whittling down the 300-plus guests to just one representative from each table they all headed for the stage before doing The Locomotion all the way to collecting their individual prizes – kindly donated Cruise – Hugo Boss cufflinks for the men and Hugo Boss silver compact mirrors for the ladies.

After that excitement subsided the rest of the hippy chicks and groovy guys danced the night away as The Imposters took everyone back in time with the ultimate 60s show. In fact so many people were strutting their stuff to a string of hits from days-gone-by that they couldn’t all fit on the dance floor!

As the night came to an end those hardy souls still in the bar were treated to Breakfast at Tiffanys at 2am.

Guerilla Bares All In New TV Campaign

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Guerilla Productions, the TV division of award-winning communications agency Guerilla, has recently created and produced a bold television campaign for the UK’s leading health food retailer, Holland & Barrett.

The 10 and 30 second campaign, which will be aired across the UK and Ireland, features a range of people so eager to get down to the Holland & Barrett half price event that they arrive at the store wearing their pyjamas.

The commercial ends with one man being so eager that he has forgotten to wear anything and he enters the store completely naked!

Holland & Barrett’s Director of Marketing, Phil Geary, said: “The point of this creative treatment is to get across the scale of the event in terms of the 700 lines that are in the promotion. We feel that the campaign communicates this and captures the feelgood factor that is associated with our natural heath food products.”

The commercial is underpinned by the services of world famous Good Life actor Richard Briers, whose voiceover strengthens the light-hearted, family-orientated mood of the campaign.

Agency Producer Kaja Amundsen said: “The television campaign is very tongue-in-cheek and energetic, it really captures the scale of the event, but in a fun and colourful way.

“For some time we have seen agencies taking the safe option and creating bland TV commercials that are missing a strong idea. We think that this commercial has a real idea behind it and the results and impact speak for themselves.”

Fresh Opportunities With Fresh deli

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The North East’s best new female entrepreneur is looking for equally ambitious women across the UK to join her business.

Recent research has shown that mothers are finding it increasingly difficult to find a job that offers flexible working hours and that allows them to work from home if and when needed.

Fresh deli Party Plan offers a flexible working pattern that can be structured to suit the individual and the opportunity to work from home where needed. With a great commission rate on sales this is a fantastic opportunity and perfect for mothers that still want the chance to build their own career.

Danielle Dunn, founder of North East bath and body company Fresh deli, has been shortlisted for ‘Young Woman Entrepreneur of the Year’ at the North East Women Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2007 and is continuing her search for Sales Agents to spread the Fresh deli philosophy.

Danielle, who won the best newcomer category in the North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2006 awards, said: “This is an ideal job for mums or people with other commitments because it offers flexible working. The options with Fresh deli are endless - you can choose a structure that suits you and earn a great living from selling our exciting, vibrant products!”

Earlier this year Danielle and her brother Shaun, with whom she runs Fresh deli, received investment funding from regional business leader and board member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum Sir Peter Vardy.

As well as investing in new premises and equipment to increase production, the Dunns are pushing ahead with a plan to set up networks of agents nationwide to sell their products at parties and among friends and colleagues.

As well as selling via the party plan network and on-line, Fresh Deli products are available in ten Debenhams stores, including Metro Centre and Oxford Street in London.

There are also two Fresh Deli shops in the North East, in Hexham and New Green Market in Newcastle and various other stockists.

For more information and case studies please call Stephanie Drew on 0191 258 4455, e-mail steph@freshsoapdeli.com or visit www.freshsoapdeli.com

London Premiere for moShine and Nyman collaboration

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Middlesbrough-based animation specialists moShine are offering Entrepreneurs' Forum members a limited number of free tickets to the London premiere of their collaborative work with Michael Nyman.

Held at the Barbican Centre on December 6th, 50,000 Pairs of Feet Can't Be Wrong was inspired by sports science research and explores the mental, physical and spiritual journey of an athlete in the world's largest half-marathon, The Great North Run.

The team at moShine worked with Nyman, the composer of the Oscar winning film The Piano, as well as films such as Ravenous with Damon Albarn and Gattica starring Jude Law, to develop over 30 minutes of original musical and visual composition for The Great North Run Cultural Programme.

The animated visuals were projected at The Sage Gateshead and shall continue to accompany the Michael Nyman Band performances in Thailand and London by the end of 2007 and then on tour throughout 2008.

To check on the availability of the free tickets or for more information contact Satish at events@moshine.co.uk

For more information about moShine visit www.moshine.co.uk

Quotes

"Fantastic! It's brilliant. It was incredible to see it with the music – it synchronises so well it all looked beautiful!"

– Beth Rowson, Great North Run Cultural Programme

"Quite brilliant and I don't mean 'fairly brilliant', but brilliantly brilliant"

– Michael Nyman

Life's A Pitch Hailed A Success

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

In light of independent research commissioned by One NorthEast and Culture North East revealing that the Commercial Creative sector is worth £800m to the region’s economy the Entrepreneurs’ Forum communications and marketing conference Life’s A Pitch went off with a bang.

Several of the region’s 640 advertising, PR, design and digital communications agencies were represented at the Entrepreneurs’ Forum’s first sector specific conference at the Biscuit Factory in Newcastle this month.

Delegates were treated to a world-class line up of speakers including MT Rainey, former chair of top 5 agency Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe, Jim Lusty of innovation specialists ?What If!, the always plain-speaking Wayne Hemingway, and former marketing director of Nike and founder of the BSG, facilitator Rod Connors.

Rod, who has been at the heart of some of the UK’s best known commercials, made a number of insightful observations on the region’s capability. He said: “The talent in the North East is certainly equal to any other region in the UK including London.

“But at the moment it’s a well kept secret and needs to be shared far and wide. It’s essential that agencies in the region focus on their strengths, target the right opportunities and collaborate with those who have complementary skill sets to put together the most powerful and compelling offer.”

Chief executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, Carole Beverley said: “By coming together and learning from each other’s experiences, this industry has a real opportunity to achieve results that are far greater than the sum of their parts and really punch above their weight. Once again we’re delighted to be able to attract some of the world’s most respected speakers to share their wisdom – with the region’s ‘old guard’ benefiting just as much as the fresh new talent from the opportunity to pick their brains.”

Wayne Hemingway added a spark to proceedings sharing his recent experience in setting up the South Coast Design Forum (SCDF). He encouraged the creative sector to combine their talents and efforts to extend their influence across all aspects of business, regeneration and culture in the same way as SCDF.

During the afternoon sessions, speakers from across the region shared their experiences on a range of subjects from ‘thinking big’ and developing a niche to managing risk and creative workspace.

The Entrepreneurs’ Forum now plans to work with the industry to develop a series of workshops and create a showcase of the best work to come out of the North East and is also working to identify the next sector specific conference.

Nickie Gott wins prestigous Susan Dobson Award for Entrepreneurship

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Nickie Gott, MD of event management company She's Gott It! has won the very prestigious Susan Dobson Award for Entrepreneurship at the North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2007 at The Sage Gateshead on Friday 16th November 2007.

Hundreds of female entrepreneurs, their colleagues and other business professionals from across the region gathered at The Sage on Friday 16th November to see Nickie win the Susan Dobson Award for Entrepreneurship and be named ‘North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2007’.

Nickie, who formed the company in 2002, impressed the judges with her professional and inventive approach to events management and communications. With an impressive portfolio of major projects in the public, private and voluntary sector, the latest contract has seen Nickie win a four year deal to deliver the world’s biggest winter festival in Edinburgh.

On winning the award, Nickie said, "I've never felt so proud. Because loads of people have believed in me for a long time, and have put their faith in me – my family and my team. This just affirms that maybe I should do that too. To be up there in front of so many successful women, and to be told that you really are successful, is amazing.”

“We as a company have achieved so much over the last five years, that I have to stop and pinch myself on a number of occasions, about that success. This award will give us the strength and motivation to go on to do even bigger and better things.”

The North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, developed and organised by Women Into the Network (WIN) of Durham Business School, sponsored by One NorthEast & South Tyneside Council and compered by Julia Hankin of BBC Radio Newcastle, saw over 700 people attend the glittering ceremony to hear the results and help to celebrate the achievements of the North East’s women entrepreneurs.

The nine categories on offer were sponsored by a host of organisations across the region – The Journal, South Tyneside Council, Thompson Building Centres, North East Social Enterprise Partnership (NESEP), Arts Council England, Northumberland County Council, University of Teesside, Solutions Recruitment and The Susan Dobson Memorial Fund.

Best Small Consultancy Takes Pride In Year Of Growth

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Newcastle PR firm O Communications is celebrating a year of growth by winning three accolades at the North East new PRide Awards, held by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

Based in the creative regeneration zone of Ouseburn, O Communications has won the ‘Outstanding Small Consultancy’ award, plus a gold award for its campaign for Aspire, and silver for promoting Business Week Tyne and Wear for the NECC.

Already known as the PR agency behind some of the region’s most prolific and emerging entrepreneurs, and the campaigns that encourage more people to start a business, O Communications has recently begun promoting the work of the Forum, and is behind our new series of features in the Journal and Gazette called “The Next Step” and “Head to Head” that are profiling many of our members.

34 year old managing partner, Kari Owers said: “Being named the North East’s Outstanding Small Consultancy just over a year after employing my first member of staff is incredible. We have had a year of growth in 2007, both in staff numbers as we now employ five people, but also in client wins. We now work for a significant snapshot of the North East’s most entrepreneurial businesses, not for profit awareness campaigns and consumer brands, and punch well above our weight in the portfolio we represent.

“As our second year has progressed we have diversified into full brand communications, now offering design as part of our services. As we look ahead to 2008, we intend to grow our team of fresh, young talent and expand our offering as an integrated PR and design firm to our client base.”

CIPR judges commented on O Communications by saying, “This dynamic company has burst onto the North East Scene bringing years of experience into the PR arena. With an eye for hunting young creative talent, this fast growing company already has a strong, diverse client list, a sound track record and an exceedingly bright future.”

Recent client wins for O Communications have included the high profile Prince’s Trust Challenge Trophy celebrity sporting series, which saw sporting stars take part in four fixtures across the North East to raise money for disadvantaged young people, the contract to launch the “Make your Mark” campaign in Tees Valley just ahead of Enterprise Week 2007 and the top north east legal firm, Mincoffs.

For further information contact Kari Owers, O Communications on 0191 232 5690

Glynn Takes Second Spot At Regional Awards Ceremony

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Claire Glynn, Creative Director of Atomic Web Solutions, based in Boldon, South Tyneside was recognised as runner-up in the Woman in Technology or Innovation category of the very prestigious North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2007 at The Sage, Gateshead on Friday 16th November 2007.

Over 700 people, including female entrepreneurs, their colleagues and other business professionals from across the region gathered at The Sage Gateshead to see the winners and runners-up receive their awards and recognition.

Claire should be very proud of her achievement, as competition in all categories was very strong. The award for the Woman in Technology or Innovation category went to a much larger and more established company.

North East builders' merchant wins top award

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The Managing Director of the North East's leading independent builders' merchants has scooped one of the country's most prestigious industry awards.

Anne Ganley, MD of Thompson Building Centres, was named Builders' Merchants Achiever of the Year. The award recognised the fact that Mrs Ganley has taken her company from strength to strength, despite the fact that Thompsons is working within a fiercely competitive marketplace.

"The impressive growth in the business is due to Anne's drive, initiative and vision as well as her ability to tactically overcome obstacles," said the judges.

Thompson's commitment to their local community, the company's employee share scheme and Anne's work within the industry itself were also given as reasons why she had been the clear winner in this particular category.

The Builders' Merchants Awards for Excellence are seen as the industry's benchmark for quality, with more than 500 entries across its 15 categories.

"It's always an honour to win an award and especially when it is one given out by your peers which this is," said Anne. "I know how respected the Builders' Merchants Awards are within the industry and it shines a spotlight on Thompsons as well as showing to our staff that their dedication and hard work has also been recognised."

New Recruits Are The Main Event At The Whyman Group

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Northumbria University graduates Ashleigh Connor and Helen Vickers are celebrating joining the team at strategic events management company The Whyman Group in Newcastle.

Gateshead-born Helen graduated from university earlier this year. Her role as events management assistant will see her assist the company’s operations manager in the day to day running of the company’s range of corporate entertainment, exhibitions and events activities.

A large part of her job will involve her in handling a complex set of delegate tracking, travel and accommodation arrangements via the company’s bespoke delegate management systems, which are tailored to each client’s needs.

Ashleigh Connor takes up the newly created post of sponsorship and exhibition sales executive, and her brief is to use the company’s range of sponsorship packages to promote involvement and the take up of exhibition space across the company’s extensive events programme. Ashleigh’s background includes a spell as a trainee property buyer and sales consultant for two local property agents.

Both Helen and Ashleigh will report to operations manager Will McLean, who said:

“Both Helen and Ashleigh demonstrated exactly the qualities of enthusiasm, drive and initiative we were looking for, and they have already slotted into the team and started making a valuable contribution to the success of the business.

“Building a career in the event management business means having the right attitude. We pride ourselves on a unique approach and on our ability to listen to clients, truly understand what they want to achieve and then get on and do it. While we each have individual responsibilities, it’s important to recruit team members who while they may come to us without years of experience, have the same vision as the rest of the team, backed up by the confidence to take on client-facing roles. We love what we do and we want all our people to feel the same way.

“The newly-created roles that Helen and Ashleigh have stepped in to are designed to strengthen our team to cope with a growing client list, and allow us to expand the company into a number of growth areas over the coming months.”

Event Extra...If taking risks is so damn productive, why are we so risk averse as a species?

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

At this open event, chaired by Simon Heptinstall from Storey Carpets, Caspar Berry explored the themes of risk, posing the question: If taking risks is so damn productive, why are we so risk averse as a species?

He recounted his journey from acting in Byker Grove and his career as a screenwriter, to co-founding Twenty First Century Media and, eventually, his arrival in Las Vegas as a professional poker player.

This though-provoking event was delivered with style and humour, linking in the common themes of risk relating to both business and poker - and it certainly went down well with those who attended, which was borne out in the feedback we received:

"This was my first event and I found it extremly stimulating and thought provoking. Great speakers with excellent content that was well pitched. Also the venue was superb as was the refreshment. I look forward to attending more events of the same calibre in the future."

"Excellent speaker, very entertaining, informative and thought provoking. Also I would compliment you on the venue and food/ drinks."

"Fascinating story and a key message re the need to view failure as a short term and long term thing - really useful message."

"This event was quite different from other events in a good way. Caspar presented very well and not only told an interesting life story, but left everyone with a lot of positive things to think about."

Event Extra is the post-event resource for those who weren't able to attend an event. It's no substitue for actually being there, but if you couldn't make in on the evening you can watch a short video summary from Caspar.

Fascinating story and a key message re the need to view failure as a short term and long term thing - really useful message.

Learn To Love Mondays....and Wednesday afternoons are pretty good too

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Everyone who made the trip to the Artworks Gallery in Ouseburn on Wednesday 7th November for the Graduate Conference and Recruitment Fair will agree on one thing. Bob Geldof is truly inspirational. He’s also an absolute professional and a joy to work with.

As he addressed the audience of over 300 students and 60 entrepreneurs from across the region, he showed that he had clearly done his homework on the North East – an area he considers to be a second home (we helped bring his children up back in the days of the Tube – for those ‘experienced’ enough to remember).

‘It’s fun up here, it always has been. 30 years of coming I suppose I’m an honourary Geordie as a both a Freeman of the City and a graduate of this great university.’ But there was a note of caution in his words.

‘I like being here – it feels like home but it’s sort of an underperforming home.’

Bob went on to talk with great passion about the value of harnessing and developing an entrepreneurial culture in the region.

‘The thing about entrepreneurialism and leadership is that it’s the bedrock of any economy – SMEs are driven by individuals. In fact the key essence of an entrepreneur – and why we like them – is because they have values. Whereas corporations tend to become anonymous entities even when they started off with an individual.’

‘Unless you have a constant supply of new ideas, fresh thinking, exuberance and activity the economy will fall over. And bizarrely and brilliantly Britain is perhaps, in terms of ideas per head of population, far ahead of any other country in the world. What we’re crap at is monetising that. But the regulatory regime that is imposed on people with ideas is stupid. And it prevents many ideas from breathing and gathering the life they require.’

Bob , who runs five incredibly successful businesses including publishing group Ten Alps, clearly finds it hard to settle and like most entrepreneurs is in need of constant stimulation. He urged the audience to surround themselves with the people who will help them to turn their ideas into reality.

‘At a certain point entrepreneurs should have the modesty to stand back having created the spark and let others enable the idea they’ve started – because many entrepreneurs are actually crap managers.’

‘I suppose if you take ‘I don’t like Mondays’ – a thrillingly great piece of music that it undoubtedly is – it would be shit without Fingers playing the piano. And I couldn’t play the piano. I need someone else to help make the idea in my head real.’

He went on to reflect on what it is that makes people entrepreneurial.

‘I believe circumstance forces many people to become an entrepreneur. I don’t know for sure but I bet if you saw figures on chronically dyslexic people that a great many of them would be entrepreneurial – because they don’t have a choice. They have to find ways around and about other systems to find a way forward.’

His advice to entrepreneurs was summed up in 3 simple words.

‘Differentiate, select and amplify. That’s precisely what evolution does and that’s what the entrepreneur needs to understand with regard to their idea.’

For the Forum team, it was an absolute pleasure to work with Bob (and Mark Cowne, Chief Executive of Kruger Cowne, who looks after Bob personally for all his speaking) and we hope that he found his trip to the North East as memorable as those he inspired. Although he’s met all sort of people on his travels, we’re sure he won’t forget fellow tribal chief, John Lawler of Madventurer and his wife Elaine both dressed in full tribal regalia.

He was also introduced to Amy Openshaw of Osiris Biotechnology, a business she set up with fellow graduate Beth-Marie MacDonald and recent winners of the North East universities’ Blueprint Science and Technology award. Amy told Bob about their work in developing a technology to prevent the transmission of HIV, TB and potentially many other disease from mother to baby, making it safe for millions of women in the developing world to breastfeed. If they are successfully in turning their idea into reality it could make a similar impact to Bob’s own work in the developing world.

To finish his speech Bob quoted a couplet from the German poet Goethe:

Whatever you can do, or dream you can begin it,
Boldness has genius, magic and power in it

Kerry Willumsen of Learn to Love Mondays sponsor, energy giant RWE Systems UK, part of the RWE group which employs over 85,000 people, said:

‘I am delighted that RWE has been an integral part of this fantastic event. It’s inspirational to see so many talented young people gathered together. Our requirements to support our customers and deliver excellent products are no different to smaller entrepreneurial businesses and we look for people with a passion for innovative ideas and a positive attitude to get it right and achieve results. Our aim is to create an environment where talented graduates have the freedom to make decisions or come up with new ideas so that they enjoy their job and look forward to every day – including Mondays’

Speaking to delegates on the day, there was a clear consensus that Bob Geldof was by far the best speaker they had ever seen.

‘Truly inspirational, he really is a fantastic enterprise ambassador, where do we go from here?!’

‘I have never attended an event that has made me see things so differently, and can only offer my sincere gratitude for what may be a life changing event.’

Speaking on behalf of Bob, Mark Cowne emailed Form Events Manager Victoria following the event; ‘We really enjoyed working with the Entrepreneurs’ Forum and undertaking your event. The students were great and it was a privilege to meet your colleagues. It was such a pleasure to work with such a professional organisation - many of our clients could do to take a leaf from your book. I really hope that our paths will indeed cross again in the future.’

Entrepreneurs Go Above & Beyond

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Delegates at this years SME Conference, entitled "Above and Beyond", heard from entrepreneurs who suffered setbacks and came back fighting to lead their businesses to bigger and better things.

Leaders from these companies came with the inspiring message that determination and vision bring success and that even setbacks should be grasped for the lessons that can be learned.

As one of the original panellists on TV’s Dragon’s Den, Rachel Elnaugh’s fame came on the back of her success both in building a business and also in its dramatic crash.

After 18 lonely, soul-destroying months and spending her £50,000 savings getting the business off the ground – a time she calls The Pit – her idea to sell experiences, including £20m trips into space, eventually turned Red Letter Days into a company that turned over a total of £100m.

When success came, it was virtually overnight, thanks to rebranding and a leaflet in a national newspaper’s magazine. “You can be struggling for ages but when you get the formula right and turn the corner it’s amazing how quickly it can take off,” she said.

Believing her success was a fluke, her mistake then was to listen to management consultants and agree to appoint a CEO, which only 15 months later resulted in the company suffering a £4.7m loss.

“You are at your most vulnerable when everything is going well. You think you’ve got the Midas touch and become too ambitious,” she warned. “It goes to show how quickly things can go wrong when you take your eye off the ball.”

Unable to access millions held in the bank and facing £2m in bank charges, the company went into insolvency, only to be scooped up the next day by Rachel’s fellow Dragons Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis.

Once painted as a hardnosed conwoman, the true Rachel is touchingly vulnerable, personable and someone still smarting over what happened to her and her beloved business.

She warns against trusting all professional advisors; banks, too, get short shrift: “Banks pulling the plug is the most common cause of failure in established businesses. They have a real responsibility to stand by businesses through the tough times,” she said.

Rachel, a mother of five boys, now runs a business from home which includes developing an entrepreneurship profiling test and inspiring and motivating young entrepreneurs.

She added: “It’s a tremendous gift to impart, if I can, some inspiration and motivation to help others on the entrepreneurship journey and in particular to help people avoid some of the mistakes and cock-ups I made along the way.”

Michelle Mone, whose bra company MJM International has become the biggest designer lingerie brand in the UK, found her entrepreneurial skill at an early age in the east end of Glasgow when her parents were unable to work and she was forced to earn a living as a teenager.

Her first proper job was with Labatt Breweries. By the time she was 22, she was running the company’s Scottish sales and marketing team but two years later when Labatts was taken over by Whitbread she took redundancy.

Her breakthrough came after an uncomfortable night at a dinner dance in Glasgow saw her sitting at her kitchen table until dawn puzzling over what was wrong with her famous brand name underwear.

Her idea to create a cleavage-enhancing yet comfortable bra combined with bold marketing soon saw Ultimo, her gel-filled bra invention, launched in Selfridges.

Soon it was being worn by Julia Roberts and Sandra Bullock and brought requests for stock from luxury New York store Saks Fifth Avenue and eventually a World Entrepreneur of the Year title and a place on the Prince’s Trust Council for Michelle.

Famous names including Penny Lancaster, Rachel Hunter, Helena Christensen and currently Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding have been signed up as the faces and bodies of Ultimo.

Michelle almost lost the business, however, after an American distributor “ran away” with money and stock, a situation that worsened when their Australian distributor also took £100,000 worth of stock.

The banks refused to give the company credit just as Michelle had secured a £15m order from Debenhams and needed to buy stock. “We had seven hours left to get the money and we did it and built the business into something quite extraordinary,” said Michelle.

Once told by the American boss of Warners that she would be finished in five months after refusing to sell the business, MJM actually went on to buy her competitor.

She admits she never takes no for an answer and her business brain, combined with her resilience and innovation, has seen her support the Sultan of Oman in setting up women’s enterprise in the kingdom and speaking to 2,000 people with former presidents Bill Clinton and Mikhail Gorbachev.

The new Michelle for George at Asda range is the fastest growing lingerie brand in the UK and, by Christmas, ten Ultimo shops will open in Debenhams. One hundred more will open next year, followed by a high street roll-out.

“I want us to be the Victoria’s Secret of the UK, then we want to go global,” said Michelle. “I’m not going to stop until we get there. That’s my dream and I’m so focused on it.”

Al Gosling has built his Extreme brand from a sports channel started in a barn into a global collection of companies across a range of sectors from hotels and theme parks, to retail and mobile phones, energy drinks and publishing.

He explained Extreme’s two business models – independent businesses led by people who are passionate about what they do, and partnership deals with companies with whom he entrusts the brand.

“As an entrepreneur, you have to learn to let go and empower your people. It’s hard, but you just have to do it,” he said.

The Extreme Sports Channel – the world’s first 24/7 TV channel dedicated to skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, BMX, Moto-X and other sports – began broadcasting from Amsterdam in May 1999.

It now operates in 55 countries world-wide, in 12 languages and reaches 38m homes, growth Al says would not have possible without sharing the responsibility.

It naturally spawned a retail arm, www.extremepie.com, now Europe’s leading online and mail order surf, skate and snow shop. The company has grown from there.

“In creating Extreme I wanted a brand that could be applied across a range of business opportunities,” explained Al.

However, it hasn’t all been plain sailing. “I've made huge mistakes in bringing the wrong sort of people into the business….It's so important to get the right team who can work together,” he explained.

He has had to overcome boardroom battles, including an attempt to oust him.

“At one point some of the board and their lawyers were on one side of the table and I and my lawyer were on the other. They underestimated my commitment and passion for the business,” he revealed.

Borrowing money from friends and family, he bought their shareholding and secured his position. The experience hasn’t put him off gifting shares to his top people, however.

Paul Stobart, the Managing Director of Sage UK and Eire, said the time came in all growing businesses that entrepreneurs had to change from being managers to leaders.

“It’s a hugely important change in any business. If you can’t make that change you will never grow out of being a small business because your people will always be constrained by you managing them,” he told the 150-strong audience.

Rounded off with a fun and interactive session with Matt Bolton of ?WhatIf!, the conference was sponsored by TSG, one of the fastest growing IT providers in the North East, One NorthEast, NEL Fund Managers and Business Link North East.

Mark Joynson, Regional Managing Sirector of TSG, said: “Small and medium sized businesses are the core of TSG’s IT service strategy. We were very enthusiastic about supporting the SME Conference and we are proud, as a regional business, to be associated with the Entrepreneurs’ Forum and its vision to support business growth in the North East.”

Above and Beyond was sponsored by TSG, Business Link North East, NEL Fund Managers and One NorthEast.

Tyne Tunnels 2 brand launched with a local Push

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Push Creative, a design and marketing agency based in South Tyneside have won the tender to design the brand image for the new Tyne Tunnel.

Working in partnership with the consortium appointed to take over management of the existing Tyne Tunnels and construction of the New Tyne Crossing, they developed TT2 - Tyne Tunnels, to give the project a new and modern identity.

The tender attracted much interest, but Push Creative was successful with their dynamic and positive approach to the design brief.

Liz Bassnett, Director and Head of Creative comments, "We¹re thrilled to have been chosen as a local company to design a new brand image for a local project. We¹ve demonstrated our experience in brand creation and brand management with a company that clearly understands the importance of creating a strong identity from the outset."

Trevor Jackson, Managing Director of TT2 adds, "TT2 is a local firm with a local focus. We are committed to using as many locally-based suppliers as we can throughout the lifetime of the project. When it came to choosing an image for our new organisation we felt it was particularly important to work with a firm based nearby with people who use the tunnel themselves, so that the resulting brand would mean something to our customers.

We have been very impressed with the results from Push Creative. This is a new era for the Tyne Tunnels, and this fresh new image demonstrates that."

A string of recent account wins in the last four months also includes i-spy mortgages and feelgoodfood.

If your brand image needs extra sparkle or your marketing requires a little more magic - why not give Push Creative a call on 0191 519 7266 or Email: info@push-creative.co.uk

Want to know more about Push Creative? Visit www.push-creative.co.uk

Tide Turns On Waterways Research

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The River Tyne may be one of Newcastle Gateshead’s biggest tourist attractions, and a part of many of the city users’ daily lives, but twenty percent of people in the UK say they just don’t have time to enjoy our 2000 miles of canals and rivers.

Newcastle-based Explain Research has just surveyed the attitudes of nearly 2,000 people, on behalf of British Waterways, which aims to double the amount of waterways use by 2012.

British Waterways is the largest navigation authority and it is responsible for the growing UK waterway networks, with a current investment scheme underway it hopes will be used by twice as many people by 2012.

Explain Research is working with British Waterways to help the authority understand why people do or don’t choose to holiday on British canals and rivers, and what areas can be developed in the waterways tourism market in the future as the infrastructure is upgraded to encourage more holidaymakers onto the water.

As expected ‘lack of time’ was cited as an issue for younger respondents, with 10% of other groups saying that dirty water or rubbish in the canal put them off visiting and 9% stating safety and security concerns.

The three year contract win is the latest in a string of business outside its North East heartland for Explain, which has already pushed into Yorkshire and Scotland and sees this Midlands-based client as a further route to nationwide expansion.

Explain research director Kim Davis said: “With the massive investment going into our waterways, it will be regarded as one of the nation’s most important and valued national assets. Visitors will be delighted with the quality of the experience and we expect many more tourists will choose to venture onto our waterways in years to come.

“The survey threw up some very positive results too, showing that 39% of respondents visit a river or canal for its peaceful, quiet and relaxing atmosphere, with 59% of visitors choosing to walk and 11% to cycle along their banks.

“Our results will help British Waterways build an effective marketing programme to ensure it attracts more people to the water’s edge once its investment schedule is complete.”

Explain Research employs 18 people at its offices in Leazes Park Road, Newcastle, and is on target to increase turnover by 50% in this financial year, thanks to a growing client base that includes big names in the utilities, retail and financial services sectors.

When Darth Vader Met David Johnson

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

“The paths we choose can lead to achievement or despair”.

A free workshop for aspirational business owners.

When a young Jedi Knight approached Professor David Johnson he needed to make a choice between the right path or lean towards the dark side.

In this entertaining and interactive performance, you have the opportunity to listen to which path was chosen and discover the psychology of business success for Winning individuals and Winning teams.

Durham School Economics & Business Studies Department is pleased to host Professor David Johnson
“When Darth Vader met David Johnson”

Date: Thursday 31 January 2008
Start: 7pm til circa 9pm
Venue: Durham School Exhibition Room
Refreshments: Food and drinks provided afterwards

“I have been impressed by David’s knowledge of business, his presentation style and his ability to engage an audience”...... Mrs Jocelyn Maxfield, Tom’s Companies.

This unique event will provide business owners, and those thinking about starting a business, with the opportunity to take a look in the mirror and identify 5 ways in which they can add even greater value to their businesses by understanding themselves and managing the influence of the Dark Side!

David is a business owner, a Chartered Psychologist and a Professor of Entrepreneurship who has studied, lived and written about business for almost thirty years. He has developed a method of working with business owners based upon proven and robust psychological principles and business methods. He was also responsible for attracting £1.5m investment into Durham University to establish the Barclays Centre for Entrepreneurship, and has led numerous projects facilitating entrepreneurship for the British Government and European Commission.

David is the founding Director of Venture To Think Ltd, a business that specialises in getting business owners to think about who they are and how they run their businesses, with the aim of enabling them to achieve even greater success and more profit with reduced stress and a greater sense of satisfaction.

Places are limited.

If you are interested in attending the workshop, please email David direct at janette@venturetothink.com indicating number of attendees and names / business names (if appropriate).

EF News Issue 10

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Mone Makes GMTV Debut

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Michelle Mone, founder of MJM International and creator of the Ultimo underwear range takes up her role as business presenter on GMTV this week (w/c 28/01/08).

Michelle appeared at the Entrepreneurs' Forum's SME Conference in November 07, recounting the story of how she built MJM into a global success story from an idea hatched at her kitchen table.

The GMTV shows will focus on encouraging more women into business and Michelle will be on air at some point between 7.20am and 8.25am each day.

More about Michelle....

Michelle Mone is the founder and co-owner of MJM International, a multi-million pound lingerie company. MJM has developed a range of lingerie brands which have attracted the attention of international celebrities and the general public alike.

Due to illness in the family, Michelle left school aged 15 with no qualifications. She spent a number of years successfully modelling in Glasgow and then went on to work for Labatts Brewers in her home town. By the age of 22, Michelle was running Labatt’s Scottish Sales & Marketing team.

Two years on however, just after Michelle had her second child, she was made redundant when the Labatts UK operation was taken over by Whitbread. In October 1996, whilst attending a dinner dance with her husband Michael, Michelle was wearing a very uncomfortable cleavage enhancing bra. This was when she decided that she could invent a bra that was more comfortable, better looking and would create more cleavage. In November 1996, Michelle started MJM International Ltd with her husband.

Following three years of research and development, testing many different methods, the Ultimo bra was created. In August 1999 Ultimo was launched at Selfridges, London. It is still known as the biggest ever bra launch in the UK. Selfridges sold 6 weeks stock of Ultimo within 24 hours of the launch.

The business has gone from strength to strength and in 2005,Michelle presented BBC’s Mind Your Own Business, advising business owners on what they are doing right and where they are going wrong and offering straightforward suggestions on how to improve their business.

Michelle Mone has built a hugely successful career on an incredibly simple concept giving today’s woman what they want. What began with the Ultimo bra now extends to a number of very successful lingerie brands including Ultimo, Young Attitude, Michelle for George and Per Amore.

Pagebet Set To Double Up

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

North East bookmaker Pagebet is set to almost double its number of betting shops after attracting a multi million pound investment from a private equity firm.

Directors Austin Carney and David Archer today signed a deal with Advantage Capital to fund major expansion in both Pagebet Bookmakers, the shops estate arm, and Pagebet Ltd, the telephone and internet betting division.

The deal gives London-based Advantage Capital a 45 per cent stake in both businesses while allowing Pagebet to push on with its plan to have 100 shops by 2011 and be a UK top six player within two years.

The deal comes exactly a year after Durham-based Pagebet sold two thirds of its shops estate, or 44 businesses, to Gala Coral.

David explained: “Last year’s sale released the capital we needed to get us to where we are now. We have grown from the 15 shops we retained to 26 in the North East and Midlands in the last 12 months and invested heavily in our head office, tele-betting and internet systems.

“Today’s investment by Advantage Capital is critical in that it gives us a real war chest on which to draw, to see out our business plan and to reach our target of becoming a top six bookmaker within two years.”

Pagebet Bookmakers already has plans to open five new shops soon in Doncaster, Hartlepool, Newcastle, Selby and Sunderland.

Major acquisitions in the North and Midlands are also ready to complete taking the number of shops toward 50.

Austin added: “The investment from Advantage Capital will allow us to go forward with the acquisitions we have planned and means we can look forward to more growth and further improvement in the quality of our estate over the next few years.

“In addition to acquiring individual shops and groups throughout the UK, we are also ready to launch our internet betting site with its full games package including Bingo, Casino, Poker using leading betting industry software provider Finsoft.”

Martin Bodenham, a director of Advantage Capital, said: “We are delighted to back two proven money-makers in the continued expansion of their business.”

Both Austin and David, who was nominated as North East Business Executive of the Year 2006, have extensive knowledge of the betting industry having first teamed up in the late 1980s to buy the six-shop Reuben Page chain in County Durham.

Their first major group acquisition was the 13-shop Fosters chain in Sunderland. Over the next six years they continued to acquire existing individual businesses and small groups, building the business to 59 shops before selling 44 to Gala Coral.

The directors were advised by Newcastle law firm Sintons, accountants Baker Tilly of Newcastle and McKenzie Bell Solicitors, Sunderland, on the private equity deal.

Advantage Capital was established in 2001 by private equity professionals Martin Bodenham and Trevor Jones, who have more than 40 years combined experience of the UK management buy-out (MBO) market.

Its previous investments have included the MBO of Bennetts insurance brokers in 2002, mortgage broker Charcol in 2004 and last year the buy-out of Butters Group, the UK’s leading supplier of house and garden plants to major retailers.

Its professional advisers on the Pagebet investment were lawyers HBJ Gateley Wareing in Nottingham and East Midlands accountancy firm Duncan & Toplis.

Onyx Makes Scottish Acquisition

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Fast growing technology solutions company Onyx Group has formally announced the acquisition of leading Glasgow-based IT services provider Campbell Lee plc for an undisclosed sum.

Announcing this latest deal, which will see Onyx Group’s annual revenue increase to around £12 million, its customer base to over 3000 and its number of employees to around 100, Chief Executive Officer Neil Stephenson said: “This is a very significant move for Onyx as it will enable us to grow the base of our business both in terms of resources, range of capabilities and geographic reach.

“The new organisation, which will continue to trade in Scotland under the Campbell Lee brand, will be able to offer a number of tier 3 and 4 data storage facilities and workplace recovery centres in Scotland and the North of England, all linked by a common network jointly owned and operated by Onyx and Campbell Lee. This highly resilient network will offer cost savings using the internet and private network services provided by both companies.

“This is critical as more and more private and public sector organisations are faced with growing data security compliance regulations and legislation. These require them to ensure that their data networks are suitably robust and resilient and that they are able to maintain operational continuity in the event of disaster or unplanned disruption.

“Campbell Lee will continue to provide a range of consultancy and development services complementary to those currently offered by Onyx,” added Mr. Stephenson.

Campbell Lee’s Managing Director Jim Lee said: “We are delighted to have reached agreement with the Onyx Group and look forward to developing a relationship that offers significant opportunities for both parties,”

“Campbell Lee’s customers will now have access to Onyx’s cutting-edge expertise in connectivity, hosting, network and data security while Onyx customers will be offered Campbell Lee’s ability to provide IBM, SAP, Citrix and Microsoft consultancy, programming and services.” added Mr Lee.

Directors Opt For Eco-Friendly Space Shuttles

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Two of the board members at Newcastle-based architecture and management company _space have swapped their traditional family saloon cars for the latest eco-friendly motors, complete with the company’s new bright pink logo along the sides, in a bid to demonstrate just how seriously they take their green credentials.

Chief executive Rob Charlton has taken delivery of a Toyota Aygo, a small hatchback with low CO2 emissions and an agile one-litre engine designed to be kind to the environment, while managing director Andy Roberts now drives a Toyota Prius, a petrol-electric hybrid that cuts fuel consumption by almost 40% compared to standard petrol cars.

The 50-year old firm is an expert in sustainable, eco-friendly architecture and services, and the directors decided to lead from the front when choosing their latest company cars, as Andy Roberts explains: “As a business working on a wide range of built and natural environment projects we are very aware of climate change and how it affects all our lives.

“Our success as a company is built on thinking differently so when the chance came to personally do something that will have a positive impact on the environment arose, we took it by opting for what we have christened our _space Shuttles. Both cars enjoy low CO2 emissions and are very fuel efficient, which is better for the environment and for the health of our business.

“We believe we are one of the first businesses to encourage eco-friendly cars at a senior level and hope other business leaders will follow suit by opting for cars that don’t cost the earth.”

Sales of hybrid cars doubled last year, with experts predicting that green cars will outsell gas-guzzlers this year, and an increase in road taxes for high-band cars is expected in the next budget.

GI Creates Perfect Vital Statistics For Numark

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Guerilla Interactive has achieved outstanding results with an 1,800% plus increase in website traffic for the UK’s largest independent pharmaceutical chain three months after re-designing and building two innovative websites.

The new media specialist, sister company of communications agency Guerilla, re-designed Numark Ltd’s members and consumer websites to fit in with its remit of providing excellent services and information and since they launched they’ve received over 7000 page hits per week.

The members website, which serves over 1700 independent pharmacies across the UK has been receiving over 3,100 page hits per week. The consumer website averages almost 4,000 page hits per week. Website visits are also supported by a monthly e-Newsletter, designed and distributed through Guerilla Interactive’s e-Marketing software.

The websites also use Guerilla Interactive’s revolutionary content management system, gi.Edit, giving Numark the apparatus to change the content on the websites themselves.

Roddy Lang, Head of New Media, said: “One of the main problems that Numark members faced was finding the right information in as few clicks as possible.

“This was a problem which was highlighted when we actually visited a number of the pharmacists’ in-store. The stores can get incredibly busy at times so making information readily available was vitally important which would allow the pharmacists to get back and serve their customers.”

Search engine rankings for the consumer website have also rocketed, with Numark being positioned at the top of Google results from natural search engine optimisation, above competitors in the pharmaceutical sector.

Brian Chetwynd, Internet Development Executive of Numark, said: “We are very happy with the way Guerilla Interactive approached the project and the end results. We see both the Numark public facing website and member extranet as vital parts of our continuing business development.

“Members have commented on how user friendly the websites are and the improvement on the design and layout. Not only that but the websites are really easy to navigate which is a massive improvement from the old website where visitors couldn’t find information without difficulty.”

Guerilla Interactive has also created a microsite for Numark, which is targeted towards potential members of the pharmacy chain called www.valueyourindependence.com. This site aims to enlist independent pharmacies onto Numark Ltd’s range of services and support, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

Prizes To Get Region's People Trading At Home

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A competition to encourage people to start their own business online and at home in North East of England will be launched on 13 February 2008.

The ‘YouTrade. Online. At Home’ competition is aimed at helping people in the region make changes to their lives, and will reward 25 winners with a cash prize of up to £2,000 to set up a business from home and trade online, initially through eBay.

Entries are encouraged from people who are employed, and wanting to test out the potential of self-employment, and those who are not currently in employment.

Regional development agency One NorthEast and the North East Regional Portal have joined forces to launch the competition after the success of the last years’ pilot YouTrade competition.

Tim Pain, One NorthEast Head of Business, Enterprise and Skills, said: “Enterprise is one of our key priorities in the Regional Economic Strategy, and the web represents a really good opportunity for budding North East entrepreneurs to create new businesses.

“YouTrade is a unique region-wide competition aimed at inspiring people to be enterprising and to turn their ideas into something real. It is a fantastic opportunity for people to develop a business idea and work online from home around existing lifestyle commitments.

“Twenty five lucky winners will receive up to £2,000 to purchase equipment which will enable them to start up an online business from home. This can include personal computer kit, digital camera equipment, furniture and office equipment to transform an area of their home into a suitable work area, as well as marketing materials including a website.”

Regional Portal chief executive Norma Foster said: "We are delighted with the success of last year’s competition; the entrants who are now running online businesses are really demonstrating that with hard work, strong business advice and a quality idea, the opportunities are out there.

“The overall winner of YouTrade 1 will be announced on Friday 7 March and will receive a prize package comprising: an all-expenses paid trip to the eBay headquarters; ‘On the couch’ sessions with some of the North East’s most successful entrepreneurs and leaders; free publicity and PR strategy, and a logo designed specifically for the winner by eBay.”

Melanie Dixon, from Dunston, Gateshead launched her own range of Christmas cards after the success of her eBay business ‘Colourwithme’. She said: “I’ve been making my own Christmas cards for years and the reaction they got from friends and family was the original inspiration to start this business. Now thanks to YouTrade, I launched my own range at last and am seeing my dreams become a reality!”

This year’s competition aims to demonstrate that technology provides a means for virtually anyone to start a business and that people can work at home with limited investment. The competition is open to residents in the region who are over 18.

All entrants in this year’s competition will receive a place on a local eBay trading workshop, free membership to an online service for 12 months, which

will provide information about how to trade online at home, and where to go for help, as well as a free copy of, ‘Spare Room Start Up: How to Start a Business from Home’ by author Emma Jones, founder of home business website enterprisenation.com.

Emma is thrilled to be associated with the project and said: “This competition offers a great chance to turn your business dream into reality. In under a month, you could be up and running and enjoying all the benefits of working from home; benefits like the 60 second commute, earning your own living, and having time left over for friends and family. All you need to do is give it a go and apply with your idea!”

Entrants will be required to describe their business idea, explain how they could change their life or the lives of others if they had the opportunity to set up an online business from home, and how a prize of up to £2,000 could make that happen.

The deadline for entries is Thursday 6 March 2008 and details on how to enter can be found on www.webetopia.com/youtrade. You can also download an application form as well as the Terms & Conditions and a copy of the flier below.

The judges, a panel of industry experts, will announce a winner on 20 March.

From Dinnington To Buckingham Palace

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Phil Renton, Managing Director of Croft Technology, talks to Andrew Mernin at the Newcastle Journal about his career and future plans for Croft.

From school drop-out to managing director, Phil Renton has proved there’s more to a successful corporate career than educational qualifications. Andrew Mernin meets the man at the helm of the region’s royally appointed technology empire.

As far as endorsements for your business go, there can be few more impressive than one from the Queen. But Phil Renton and his Newcastle-based technology empire Croft have landed exactly that.

For the company, which has provided IT services and infrastructure to the royal households for the last five years, has been awarded the royal warrant – a regal stamp of approval from those at the very top of the monarchy.

The warrant puts Croft and its 115-strong workforce among an elite group of firms and makes it the only company in the country listed as providing IT services to Her Majesty. It joins only a handful of North-East businesses to be given the honour, which includes outdoor clothing company Barbour, Procter and Gamble and fishing rod-maker Grays and Hardy, based in Alnwick, Northumberland.

For Mr Renton it is an accolade he is clearly proud of – not surprising for a man who has devoted over 20 years to the company having worked his way up from being a hardware engineer into the seat of power. The 51-year-old pitman’s son started life in Dinnington, Newcastle. He excelled academically at his local village school but soon found himself disillusioned by education when, at age 11, he was sent to the highly regarded Edward VI School in Morpeth, Northumberland. He says he felt “how a budding footballer must feel when he wins a place at a football academy and suddenly seems ordinary when mixing with kids of equal skill.” Not only did he find himself at the bottom end of the academic league at his new school he also saw his promising football career come to an untimely end. “King Edwards was a rugby school. I thought I was a good footballer, but football was banned. “Education played second fiddle to bunking off lessons and picking winners from The Sun at the bookmakers in Morpeth. The chess club and debating society were no-go areas.” At school Mr Renton was certainly among the company of people who were destined for great things. One of his classmates was high-flying entrepreneur Karl Watkin. The multi-millionaire who Renton remarks “went on to do A-levels” now runs various successful businesses including biodiesel company and a huge gold mining enterprise in China.

Mr Renton, who didn’t have the qualifications to take A-levels, eventually found himself at the back of the dole queue. And so his career options seemed limited until “a good Samaritan” in the form of his former school’s deputy head, Dan Tweddle, came to his aid. The teacher arranged for him to have an interview for a post as a trainee TV and audio engineer and so began his career in technology and communications. After six weeks on the dole, Phil spent several years working as a customer services engineer fixing TVs, cash registers and computers. In 1985 the Northeasterner joined Croft which at that time was world’s away from the multi-faceted group it is today. “When we started in 1980 we were called Easy and Best and as you can well imagine, we couldn’t wait to get rid of that name. We were a typical computer company writing software, providing hardware systems cabling buildings – we were a one-stop shop.” And then came the internet and everything changed. “For me I was unbelievably sceptical about the internet and never in my wildest dreams did I think it would have the impact it has had. “It’s been absolutely amazing but it’s still not finished and still has a long time to go. “At the time I couldn’t see the potential it had. I just fixed things and concentrated on my job.”

In 1992 Phil, who by then was a director and shareholder in the firm, was asked by his four fellow directors to carry out a management buy-out as they were looking to exit the company. “I actually say they didn’t like my aftershave because they all wanted to leave the company at the same time. “They said the company had become too big, it had become a services company and it was no longer about sales or software.” Croft had grown to a £3.6m-a-year firm employing over 80 people across four UK offices. After visiting numerous financial institutions, Phil finally completed the buy-out in 1993. At the time Phil “felt like Billy no-mates” and so strived to take the company forward by employing people who he claims were better able than him to run the firm’s various divisions. “There was a major change in the IT industry. The PC was becoming a commodity product, they were being sold with three-year warranties which would affect our business because that’s what we did – we fixed PCs. “What was daunting for me was that the margins in the service market were going to shrink and they have rapidly. In those days we were making 25% net profit – today we are making 5%. “Also, people were becoming accustomed to PCs, so it was no longer a mystery. We couldn’t go forward just as a maintenance company so we had to re-engineer the firm so it wasn’t reliant just on services.”

Today Croft is very much a national company with clients the length and breadth of the country and several revenue streams to rely on. As well as its five-year relationship with the monarchy – providing IT services to the Queen – the company has a £1m-a-year partnership with telecoms giant BT. It also provides services to building supplies company Jewson, which has around 1,000 branches across the country. The company’s annual revenue last year was expected to stand at around £7m, down from £7.9m in 2006. Phil blames the drop in revenue on the dwindling cost of computer hardware. “Computers are constantly going down in price. Four year ago this laptop was £2,500 its now £350.”

For someone who spent most of his early career in a hands-on role as an engineer, Phil seems to have become adept at being a corporate leader. His speech is littered with business jargon straight from the pages of a Jack Welsh or Donald Trump management book. He is also prone to the odd corporate metaphor which wouldn’t seem unusual coming from the mouth of David Brent, the boss from BBC comedy classic The Office. In one instance he likens his business to a bus. “What’s most important is to get the right people on the bus and to get the wrong people off the bus and along with that it is important that the right people are sitting on the right seats on the bus and then you can start to talk about where the bus is going.”

Asked about long-term plans for the business he philosophically says: “No company can grow revenues consistently faster than its ability to get enough of the right people to implement the growth and still remain a great company. “If your growth rate in revenues consistently outpaces your growth rate in people you simply will not build a great company.” One of the most important items on the managing director’s agenda is cutting staff absentee levels. According to Phil, companies with over 5,000 employees have an average of 10 days sick per person a year while British Airways staff have and average of 16 annual sick days. At Croft, however, the company has reduced its average to 3.5 by introducing a league table system to encourage repeat offenders into turning up to the office. He is also keen on his workers having fun and has an evangelical zeal for team-building and ensuring his staff enjoy their jobs. He recalls fundraising mini-golf events with Alan Shearer and even a prank when a member of his team was forfeited to dress up as a penguin and buy fish at the seafood counter at Morrisons. Looking to the future, Phil believes advancements in technology can play a major role in reducing businesses’ carbon footprint. He says technological innovations such as improved video conferencing with 360 degree cameras and other remote applications will ultimately reduce the need for businesspeople to travel. In the meantime, school dropout Mr Renton continues to prove that qualifications aren’t the only catalysts to a high-flying career. If the right people are on the bus you can talk about where the bus is going.

The Questionnaire

What car do you drive?

An Audi A6. I was cajoled into this by Andrew Maidwell, the MD of Audi North-East who are a long standing client, when he said I have to get you out of your "pipe and slippers" car referring to my Mercedes.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

Aphrodite in Cramlington who make a Kleftico to die for. A little known restaurant in Whitley Bay, called Sorrento makes the best peppered fillet steak in the Universe. No chance of me getting a table there now.

Who or what makes you laugh?

The company’s profit and loss account has made me chuckle a few times over the years.

What’s your favourite book?

For several years The Power of One by Bryce Courtney ranked number one but it has just been joined at the top by The Kite Runner written by Khaled Hosseini. I really hope the forthcoming film does the book justice.

What’s your favourite film?

As good as it gets … Jack Nicholson’s facial expressions reduce me to tears.

What was the last album you bought?

Long road out of Eden by The Eagles.

What’s your ideal job, other than your current one?

When Dennis Clark, the NSPCC local events manager retires, I would love to take over his job.

If you had a talking parrot, what’s the first thing you’d teach it to say?

It must be my turn to go to the bar.

What’s your greatest fear?

Not seeing the Toon lift a trophy in my lifetime.

What’s the best piece of business advice you have ever received?

T-CUP. Think clearly under pressure … pinched from Sir Clive Woodward at an Entrepreneur’s Forum function.

Worst business advice?

Management buy-outs are a piece of cake from the same guy who keeps giving me tips to back his horses.

What’s your poison?

Landlord from the Crown Posada.

What newspaper do you read, other than The Journal?

Just the Journal.

How much was your first pay packet and what was it for?

£8. Four pounds for me and four pounds board for my Mam which thankfully was a flexible payment. I was a Trainee TV and audio engineer.

How do you keep fit?

I go to the gym four times a week but the exercise bit is carrying my sports bag in. As soon as I smell the chlorine from the pool and catch sight of the exercise equipment I put my bag down, order a coffee and read The Journal.

What’s your most irritating habit?

I am often accused of "detailing people to death".

What’s your biggest extravagance?

My season ticket at St James’s is taking some justifying at the moment.

Which historical or fictional character do you most identify with/admire?

Lord Collingwood. He was a typical North country man – never duly elated by success or depressed by failure, caring little for public applause.

And which four famous people would you most like to dine with?

John Darwin, the mysterious canoeist, supermodel and jungle celebrity Janice Dickinson, Sir Ian Blair and Sam Allardyce. It would be great to sit and listen to Sir Ian Blair interviewing John Darwin. Big Sam would be there to organise the table setting but he would put Janice on the right when everyone knows she’s a left footer.

How would you like to be remembered?

His wallet was always open.

Research Company Targets Retail Success

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

As retailers continue to unveil disappointing Christmas trading figures and department stores have suffered their worst Christmas for 13 years, Newcastle-based Explain Research is setting its sights firmly on the sector with a contract win for retail chain Bonmarche, which turned to Explain for help in assessing reaction to its brand expansion through a new designer range from royal couturier David Emanuel.

The push comes as Explain continues its geographic expansion into Yorkshire, the Midlands and Scotland, which is set to boost its turnover by 50% over this financial year. In addition to retail giants such as Asda, the company also works with big names in the financial and utility sectors, which turn to it for insights into buyer and customer behaviour.

Explain Chief Executive David Shiel said: “This has been the most difficult Christmas in over a decade for a lot of retailers, particularly with stiff competition from online trading which is showing impressive growth year on year, and that’s before we see the effects of the predicted economic downturn.

“Retailers at the low ticket price end of the market, such as Primark, have posted good results but that’s partly down to understanding exactly what their customer base wants. Smart retailers need accurate customer behaviour and motivation data, and the best way to gather that is to go direct to the customer and ask what they think.

“Our work with Bonmarche customers showed that reaction to the nationwide launch of its new designer collection of stylish, affordable fashion has hit the spot with the younger market it aims to target, and will help the company develop its brand outside its traditional client base.

“Brand expansion like this is a key to retail success, and we recently helped Asda to launch a new financial services arm on the back of research that showed customers saw the supermarket chain as synonymous with low prices, value for money and being family-friendly – all of which reinforced its decision to re-brand appropriately.”

Twenty six of Bonmarche’s 100 branches are in the North East with another one planned for February, along with a spring roadshow that could see designer David Emanuel take in some of the North East stores.

Explain’s research showed that shoppers voted the 25-year old retailer’s new range as high quality, stylish and original, and compared it very favourably with another store’s aspirational brand - the Marks and Spencer Per Una range.

Katherine Scott, marketing manager of Bonmarché said: “The launch of our David Emanuel range was aimed at attracting a new stream of customers who perhaps wouldn’t have considered us as a high fashion brand, and raising perceptions about how our stores can offer a wide range of clothing designed to suit all ages, sizes and budgets.

“One of Explain’s key findings was that our regular clients felt the new range to be fashionable and up to date, but not too fashionable for the average Bonmarché customer, which was an essential factor in our aim to expand into new markets while not alienating our established clientele.

“We are delighted with the results of Explain’s research, which shows we are getting it right and have given us a secure foundation on which to build and further develop this market in line with precise customer feedback.”

Increased Funding From The Grant For Research & Development

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

There have been some changes to the GRD available from the R&D grants team at Regional Development Agency One NorthEast.

The Grant for Research and Development (GRD) provides funding to SMEs to help them to carry out research and development work; assisting North East companies up to prototype production of technologically innovative new products and processes with good commercial potential.

The changes are:

More funding available for projects with research project ceilings rising from £75,000 to £100,000 and development projects rising from £200,000 to £250,000
Extended availability of micro project grants to all sectors*
New rate of 45% introduced for micro projects, to take all R&D grant elements out of de minimis
Normalised aid intensities across the country, removing previous assisted uplift for tier 2 areas.

The number of projects supported and co-funded by One NorthEast has steadily increased, rising by 40% each year, since 2005.

One NorthEast has recently made the 100th R&D Grant offer, bringing the grant offers total to £8 million, and helping to leverage an additional £10 million of private sector funding for research and development.

Access to the scheme is easy – simply submit a short Registration of Interest (ROI), which you can download from the foot of the page, to the GRD team at One NorthEast.

This enables One NorthEast to carry out a first stage filter judging the eligibility of the project and its likeliness to gain support.

The new, updated GRD leaflet can also be downloaded below. Printed copies can be made available from One NorthEast on request.

To find out how the R&D Grants scheme can help your business, please contact Will Adams at will.adams@onenortheast.co.uk

Tel: 0191 229 6882 or 6318
Email: GRD@onenortheast.co.uk

Twenty First Century Media Scoop Award

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Newcastle-based film production company Twenty First Century Media scooped the title of 'Best Moving Image Company' at the RTS awards, held at The Sage Gateshead on Saturday 23rd February.

The firm, led by Managing Director Sam Morton (pictured) boasts an impressive client list, including Nike, Northern Electric and Gas, Nestle and The Princes Trust and have offices in Leeds and Glasgow.

The 'Best Moving Image Company' award, presented by Carol Malia, was aimed at a company which demonstrates business excellence in a creative environment, taking into account a variety of topics such as growth in turnover or headcount, training, use of new technology and other awards.

Harnessing Today's Technology For Tomorrow's World

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

More than 100 delegates recently attended the Forum’s Harness…conference, our second sector specific event and the first aimed exclusively at technology, science and engineering businesses.

The North East boasts world class natural scientists, chemists, physicists and engineers and some of the country’s most exciting bio-technology companies are based here. The region has world leading digital, electronic and gaming companies and IT innovators that are the envy of other parts of the country.

We are rich in ideas and loaded with talent. But as with any sector, we have to ask are we truly maximising our potential? Are we providing the support, the funding and the infrastructure for ideas to be turned into commercial realities and for our new technology businesses to achieve long term, sustainable success?
Harness…was based around the Forum’s successful format: that the best way to develop your business is to talk to those around you and listen to their experiences, and was an opportunity for those in the sector to focus on the non-technical aspects of developing a sustainable business by learning from others who have already achieved success.

Outstanding speakers took the audience on a journey, from the early stages of innovation and invention through financing, marketing and commercialising an idea to forming and building a business around it so that it's sustainable and future proof.

Starting out – “Have an ego the size of a truck”
Like many inventors Trevor Baylis OBE had numerous ideas – he describes his workshop as “a graveyard of 1,000 domestic appliances – before he hit on the one that made him famous. He also had to suffer plenty of humiliating setbacks, hence his advice that inventors need “an ego the size of a truck” if they’re not to be crushed into giving up.

Now 70, he swam for Great Britain as a teenager then learned the art of the circus performer before becoming a physical training instructor in the Army during his National Service. His performances as an underwater escape artist earned him enough to build a house on an island near London where he still lives.
But it was the injuries suffered by his fellow stuntmen that got him inventing. His Orange Aids product range, which included a one-handed cheese grater and bottle opener, was designed to help. “Inventions aren’t necessarily about money, money, money. It’s their social value as well,” he said.

He bemoans the UK’s image of the inventor – “always men with a Viennese accent” – and engineers – “everyone here thinks we’re oily rags” – and highlights historical figures like Charles Babbage, who invented the earliest computer, Sir Christopher Cockerill, who never made any money from the hovercraft, and Sir Frank Whittle, inventor of the jet engine, who all had to fight to have their inventions accepted.

“UK plc should stand behind the lone inventor otherwise this British economy will take a dive. We are the most wonderful creative nation but the worst in the world for helping inventors to bring their ideas to market,” he said.
His own iconic idea – the wind-up radio – was a response to the problem of getting health messages to people in rural Africa where there was no electricity and batteries were too expensive.

Inspired by an old gramophone Trevor went off to his workshop and within 20 minutes had created a working radio. He made a prototype and filed for a patent in November 1991.

From Philips and Marconi to the Design Council and DTi, he was turned away.
Eventually it was the BBC World Service that recognised the radio’s potential and passed him on to Tomorrow’s World. His own nation’s trade bodies may not have supported him but Nelson Mandela did, and now the expanding range of wind-up radio products is all over the world.

Having finally achieved success himself, he created Trevor Baylis Brands to support new inventions and ideas. So far the organisation has worked with 4,100 inventors and has relationships with 350 company partners.
He explained: “When someone comes to us first we form a confidentiality agreement which means none of us can tell people down the pub about it – once it’s in the public domain you can’t claim it to be your idea. The second phase is our gut feeling and asking ‘has it been done before? how many inventions are there out there like this? how much money will it take to catch up to them?’

“If we think there’s a route to market we file for a patent or whatever form of protection is needed. Nobody pays you for a good idea but they might pay you for a little piece of paper that says you own an idea.

“Then we go to the companies we work with to get a licensing agreement or raise some money and form a company around the individual, taking one third once we’ve brought it to market. The main thing is that when the money rolls in, the inventor is not rolled out.”

Marketing your idea – “the best visual is you”
Author, broadcaster and science journalist Judith Hann is best known as one of the presenters of BBC Tomorrow’s World, where she presented 3,000 inventions.

The daughter of North East miner and former Sunderland, Newcastle and Derby County footballer and coach Ralph Hann, Judith went to Durham University and started her journalism career on The Northern Echo.

Only one quarter of the inventions shown during the 20 years that Tomorrow’s World broadcast ever reached market, with many ideas being lost overseas or disappearing completely. On being asked to run the Prince of Wales Award for Innovation scheme Judith focused on supporting businesses to market their ideas as well as working on initiatives for companies to get financial backing from Europe, working with academia and on speeding up the patent process.

She advises:

Work out what is new, novel, special and unique about your idea and focus on that.
Make it come alive by having something physical to show people that they can handle rather than explaining your invention using power point. The best visual is you; if you must use power point, limit it to a few strong images, quotes and a summary.
Put your idea into context – investigate what has gone before and what impact your invention could have on people’s lives. Read the morning newspapers and listen to the news in case there is something which makes your idea especially topical.
Use everyday language, not technical jargon. Be yourself and use your ideas and words; speak with passion to make it memorable.
Get the information level right for each occasion and each different audience. Be fresh and up to date every time you speak about your idea so people think they are being told something that’s especially for them. Do it differently every day.
Never over-estimate people’s knowledge but never under-estimate their intelligence.
If you’re giving a speech at a conference, write it a couple of days before and leave a gap before going back to it. In the meantime, carry a notebook to jot down any ideas.
Make contact with the media and tell them what you’re doing; they want people who can talk with passion and if you do they will ask you back. Aim as high as you can in terms of national television and press but don’t forget regional news which filters down to the nationals.

Growth and globalisation – but there’s nowhere like home
Ex-teacher Roy Stanley was told he’d never be a headmaster because he lacked leadership skills. Now as Chairman of The Tanfield Group Plc he has grown a business from ten people to 1,000 in just a decade.

Passionate about bringing zero emission vehicles to the market, he failed at his first attempt in 1992 to buy Smith Electric Vehicles, the world’s biggest manufacturer of road-going commercial electric vehicles. His perseverance and tenacity paid off, however, and when the owners were ready to sell in 2003, Roy was waiting.

Acquiring US-centric business UpRight Powered Access in 2006 meant the group could provide service and maintenance of electric vehicles in different market areas and therefore expand.

As well as acquisitions, Roy has developed new businesses too. One of his former pupils came up with an idea for copying full colour images onto plastic and in 2000 Chameleon was established as an internet company. Within six months it was turning over £1m a month and was profitable, with major customers including Nokia, Siemens and Philips.

However, the business model suddenly became no longer viable when customers shifted their manufacturing to China and Chameleon ran out of cash. In order to stay afloat, Roy moved his engineering business into the Tanfield Group.

He revisited his original concept, raised some money and acquired Smiths. Turnover has grown from £10m to £40m. Upright’s turnover was £7.5m on acquisition and is forecast to be £45m this year, having grown from producing 15 platforms a week to 200. Last July, Tanfield acquired another raised platform manufacturer Snorkel and, as a group, expects to make £30m profit this year.

It now has facilities in California and Missouri, New Zealand, Australia and Japan but will always be based at Birtley. His answer to the competition from China is to keep assembly, which accounts for seven per cent of costs, design and IP in the UK while taking advantage of regions like the Far East and Eastern Europe for low cost materials.

Roy says: “We use what China is good at and what we are good at. But as long as I live, eat and breathe the centre of this business will be in the North East. We couldn’t have done what we’ve done if we weren’t based here. I’ve always said a Geordie feels more comfortable with a spanner in his hand that with a telephone at a call centre.”

For him, business is as natural as eating and breathing. He admits he doesn’t even have to think about it – “I just do it; I know how to run and grow a business,” he says.

“I haven’t a clue how to invent anything but I know how to commercialise it. You need a business with sustainable revenues long term in a market that’s expanding, with a relatively strong market position, locked-in IP and technology and a good management team.”

His tips are:

Have a strategy for growth. Most acquisitions happen when the timing is right, eg, when Smiths were ready to sell, Tanfield was in a position to take full advantage. But once the acquisition is made, know what you’re going to do with it. Acquisition is only the end of the start and when the hard work begins. They fail because people aren’t prepared for integration.
Look for people who want things for themselves. See that they are well rewarded and enjoy what they do. Have confidence in your team.
Finance – you can’t grow a business that is under-funded or under-capitalised. Floating on AIM was critical for Tanfield. It has £35m in the bank, which is a great comfort.
Accept there will be dark moments. Keep going and never stand for second best in all the things you value in your business.
Read the signs and understand your market. Your service or product has to be distinct and have a value in the market. You need to be seen to be different. Make a bold statement. Put your personal credibility and reputation on the hook.
A business leader should have the right attitude of mind; a propensity for taking risks; the ability to have vision and be able to implement it; have a high level of inter-personal skill and a high level of energy.

Raising finance – “it’s easy”
Marion Bernard is Chief Executive of NorthStar Equity Investors Ltd, a venture capital firm specialising in early stage high growth technology opportunities in the North East.

It currently manages two dedicated funds focused on investments in the region: the £10 million Proof of Concept Fund (POC), which is targeted at the pre-seed stage of investment, supporting entrepreneurs with up to £90,000; and the £23 million Co-Investment Fund (CoIF) which specialises in high growth technology investments of up to £1.5m.

“It’s easy raising finance,” says Marion. “The first thing a venture capitalist will do is take your business plan and look at the CVs of the management team to see if they know them or have come across them before.

“When they meet you they will want to see if you bring your business plan to life. They’ll want to see if you have the commercial expertise in your team as well as a great idea. It will be a great product or service that ideally is IP protected and is a compelling market opportunity.”

VC, which will expect to make ten times their original investment, is not the only option for finance, with customers being the best source. Failing that, there is your team, family and friends, angel investors and banks.

Marion explains: “The role of VC is to make good commercial investments backing North East entrepreneurs to build successful businesses. We work closely with entrepreneurs to identify what their ambitions are and how we can help them to achieve them. We do take risks but they are calculated risks based on our judgement of the people plus due diligence. We are looking for returns that are linked to the level of risk we feel we are taking on the investment.”

Her tips for securing VC are:

Put yourself in our shoes. Find a succinct way of saying how you will build a great business and why it’s a great opportunity.
Make it your plan, your idea, your concept and talk about your belief in where you can take it. It’s passion and drive that will excite us.
Don’t oversell. If we find flaws in your detailed points it will give us cause for concern. Be positive and enthusiastic and be fully committed to the business you want backing.
Do the maths. We don’t mind a change of direction along the way but we do want to feel that you have thought about all the issues before you come to us.
Remember it’s a partnership and a two-way process. Once the money is invested we want to help you build the business using our network of sector contacts.
Agree everything up front.
Manage the process
Get a commercial lawyer.
Celebrate, then take a deep breath because this is where the hard work begins.
Be warned about what can go wrong – losing key personnel; failing to recruit the best; putting your head in the sand instead of building confidence by communicating; missing the bigger picture and letting a deal fall through on a minor detail; moving too slowly in a competitive market.

Customers – “it’s easy to love them”
Will Dracup founded Nonlinear Dynamics in 1989 and has turned it into a global success providing bioinformatics solutions to the life-sciences industries. Its software helps scientists sort and use data and it counts the world’s biggest pharmaceutical and medical companies among their customers.

“It’s easy to love them because they are the ones curing our diseases. We really do want to help them,” says Will.
In Europe and the US it sells direct to customers having learned a lesson from using third parties and being damaged by the distance it created between the company and its customers.

It supplies to distributors and large OEMs who sell Nonlinear products under their own brands. It is also building closer relationships with pharmaceutical companies such as GE, which it is trying to persuade to stop competing by making their own products and start using Nonlinear’s instead.

There are few industries where piracy is more rife and therefore where protecting your product is more crucial than in software. Nonlinear has avoided patenting and instead uses physical methods to stop copying.
It also deposits a CD of everything it does at the National Computing Centre, a costly exercise but a worthwhile insurance policy.

Will says: “The most important things we do to protect our IP is to keep on doing new stuff, new stuff, new stuff on the basis that why would anyone want to bother copying the old version?”

His tips are:

Don’t be afraid to try it on – Will once walked into a bank, filled in a form and got £10,000.
Use VC – you will have spats with them but they do a very important job. Most only act like bad VCs if you have done a bad job. If they want lots of your company you haven’t persuaded them well enough about the level of risk or the strength of your management team.
Learn stuff, like radiating confidence during negotiations.
If you are going to be chief executive, consider joining Vistage or the Academy of Chief Executives; it’s expensive but very valuable. Read books, trade magazines and listen to CDs.
Will’s law – remember it always takes longer than you think; in planning, think of all the nasty things that can happen along the way.
It’s all about the people – don’t ever forget it’s your team that’s great and put far more time than seems sensible into them. If you are doing all the heroic stuff, you’re taking it away from your people.
Never give in – if your market takes a turn for the worse, take it upon yourselves to take a bigger share.
Never lose sight of your goal – keep pictures of it, visualise it and don’t give up on it.
If you’ve got people who won’t do what needs to be done, get rid of them. I was proud of never sacking anyone in our first 13 years, then had to get rid of 17 – if I’d got rid of the seven that deserved it earlier, the others would not have had to go.

Skills and culture – “define what makes you successful”
Fiona Cruickshank is Managing Director and co-founder of The Specials Laboratory, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of unlicensed medicines for retail pharmaceutical and healthcare markets.
Before setting up the business in Prudhoe in 1999, she spent more than ten years in senior positions in community pharmacies, hospitals and industry across the UK

Fiona was awarded North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in 2003 and is currently the Goldman Visiting Professor of Business Innovation at Newcastle University Business School.

The company has grown from three people to 150. Fiona says: “As we grew we wanted to define what made us successful. We had to tell people how we wanted them to do things. It sounds dictatorial, but it worked.”

This is how they did it:

Embrace – ask people to embrace the differences within each other or the different ways people do things and don’t criticise them just because they don’t do everything like you. Try to have a degree of acceptance. Don’t be frightened of change, but don’t change for change’s sake. Embrace people who comes into your business, whether inspectors or customers; always be ready for the Queen walking through the door.
Inspire – understand that the things you do can influence and inspire people. Business doesn’t have to be boring and science can be fun.
Support colleagues in their personal and career development. Be responsible for them, and ask them to support you as well as you supporting them. Coaching and mentoring are preferable to big stick discipline.
Progress – never accept second best when pursuing your goal. We managed our growth and actually slowed it down while we waited for the right people to join us in order to progress in the future. Personal goals should be encouraged and shared with colleagues. Don’t obsess too much about benchmarking against competitors – think about where you want to be.
Communicate through your brand internally and externally. Why have a meeting when a conversation will do? Cut your use of email – relationships break down if people stop talking to each other. Knowledge is power, so share it: it’s not easy but it strangles things if you don’t.
Lead – identify leaders in the company; be aware that they are not necessarily managers or those at the top and that potential leaders may not always be apparent from their CV profile.
Accomplish – creating a viable commercial enterprise is about everybody in the business, creating opportunities and being aware of them. We reward people if they do something that contributes to the commercial enterprise.
Succeed – take it as a given that you are going to be successful and celebrate it but don’t linger on it otherwise you’ll start to believe your own hype. Remember that only the customer decides if they want to trade with you

Future proofing your business – and attracting the next generation
Dr James Bellini is the son of an Easington miner and an expert in technology and the future outlook for business.

“We are not wizards or magicians – futures thinking has been around for a while, Shell were great pioneers of scenario planning for instance. We are historians of the future, using lessons of the past to understand the present and the future,” he says.

The futurist’s tools are what if? scenarios, often borrowed from Hollywood; strong trends; weak signals; and wild cards or so-called black swan events, like 9/11.

Dr Bellini says companies that fail believed they wouldn’t be affected by the future and therefore weren’t future proof, for example Polaroid and Kodak.

He says businesses should ask what key drivers are shaping their market place because they cannot future proof unless they know where they are going.

Looking ahead to 2020, his key concepts are a big shift to the east, a big switch to technology, big information and technology with quantum computing and big baby boomers holding all the finance and clout.
Future consumers will be older and further away from Europe. “The new age of consumers will be demanding, affluent, inspirational and older. There’ll be the rise of affluenza or selfish capitalism. There’ll be a shift from the work ethic to the consumer ethic.

“In Bridget Jones' Britain, the notion of the nuclear family is becoming a minority sport. We’ll have gender specific lifestyles were products aren’t produced with families in mind any more. It will have enormous implications for businesses, how you go to market and what kind of products and services you develop.

“We are moving for a world of experts to the power of large numbers and harnessing collective intelligence with technology allowing us to ask people what products they want.”

Businesses themselves will look different. He predicts: “In 15-20 years we won’t talk about HQs and CEOs; businesses won’t own IT, they’ll lease or outsource it. Business will be shaped by collegiate management and networked business ecosystems. Work will be much more free of fixed places.”

Meanwhile, the speakers had ideas for attracting the next generation of employees – and hopefully the scientists of the future.

Trevor Baylis believes every school should have Meccano sets and that invention should be on the curriculum. “We have Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, why not Bachelor of Invention?”
But the main thing is to give young people the opportunity to invent. “Achievement is more important than qualifications. There is an inventor in all of us. If you can solve a problem you are on your way to becoming an inventor.”

Judith Hann works with The Royal Society where she comes into contact with the country’s outstanding scientists. “I am trying to persuade them to spend more time communicating to the public and telling teenagers how important science is,” she says.

Fiona Cruickshank invites school pupils into her business and has employed two people who were inspired to join her having done work experience and a holiday job.

Harness was sponsored by NorthStar Equity Investors, Newcastle Science City and One NorthEast.

Collaboration of entrepreneurs gives food for thought

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Appearing in The Journal’s ‘7 for 2007’ feature wasn’t just a PR exercise for three local firms, whose like-minded outlook has led to a collaboration of hearts, minds – and stomachs.

PR agency owner Kari Owers introduced up-and-coming chef Alan O’Kane to another of her clients, Rob Charlton of architectural firm, _space and now he has landed the first large corporate contract for his outside catering business.

Alan runs Sidneys restaurant in Tynemouth, but was also nurturing plans to launch an outside catering company for corporate events when Rob Charlton happened to mention he wanted to create an organic cafe for all employees in his new office building, Spaceworks in Gosforth.

After the introduction, plans were soon formed for _spacebar, a trendy cafe in the atrium heart of the Spaceworks building, which Alan provides fresh gourmet snacks and drinks for the 150 _space people on a daily basis.

Kari said: “I introduced Rob and Alan together at the photo shoot for the Journal’s 7 for 2007 feature on up and coming entrepreneurs, as two people who I believed would share a similar outlook. Little did I know that a year down the line I would then introduce them to the idea of actually collaborating and working together.

“My company’s belief is that PR is more about than just news generation. Our specialism is fuelling entrepreneurial growth through positive business role models and supporting businesses to work together with local suppliers for greater regional economic strength.”

_spacebar, forms part of the central atrium area at _space’s headquarters in South Gosforth and is one of the many examples of the company’s commitment to creative working environments that contribute to staff well-being.

Alan O’Kane said: “My passion for great local food along with Rob’s desire to create an inspiring work environment has to be a recipe for business success. I am so pleased that we were introduced as the development of _spacebar is a great coup to the starting success of the outside catering business Sidneys around the Corner.

“When Kari introduced me to Rob we chatted for ages on how we could create something truly inspiring that would be a break away from the traditional staff canteen. As two entrepreneurs who have similar outlooks we both knew that our pairing would work and as a result we have created a great benefit for _space people.”

_space chief executive Rob Charlton said: “I am passionate about supporting up and coming entrepreneurs in the North East as well as promoting ethical working, therefore it made sense for me to work on this venture with Alan, who is, like me, dedicated to using a local supply chain. I could have used a national chain or franchise to open the café, but choosing to support emerging local companies allows us to support the region, not only the supplier, but his suppliers – right down to the small farms that supply the cheese for our sandwiches!”

Bright Ideas Come Naturally To Guerilla Interactive

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Guerilla Interactive, the new media sister company of Guerilla, has recently completed a major overhaul of one of the UK’s leading corporate event organiser’s digital communications with an aim to increase new business in foreign markets.

The Whyman Group appointed Guerilla Interactive to completely re-design its website and supply it with their own custom-built content management system, GI Edit, following a comprehensive re-brand, freshly executed by Guerilla.

This sizeable project also involves managing The Whyman Group’s e-marketing strategy such as search engine optimisation, e-newsletters and viral campaigns.

Emma Cartmell, founder and Managing Director of The Whyman Group, said: “Guerilla Interactive and Guerilla mirror our philosophy, the team has gone to great lengths to understand what we want to achieve. The company has taken overall responsibility for our marketing and we trust their expertise, they really have gone above and beyond.”

The colourful transformation of The Whyman Group’s image has been created and executed to represent the dynamic and vibrant industry the company works in and is present on everything from van livery and stationery to brochures, direct mail and adverts.

The energetic re-brand, including the new strap-line ‘Where Bright Ideas Come Naturally’, has been carried through to its digital communications, providing standout in a competitive market.

Roddy Lang, Head of New Media at Guerilla Interactive, said: “This project will achieve a number of objectives which will help The Whyman Group move forward and assist them in their new business opportunities both within the UK and overseas.

“At Guerilla Interactive we tailor our solutions to create the best possible results for each project and The Whyman Group is no exception to that rule. Working with a local company with aspirations that match our own has been a great experience and we look forward to working with them in the future.”

Guerilla Chip Shop Ideas Are On Fryer

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Full service agency Guerilla bagged this year’s creative for the national Chip Shop Awards, following a sponsorship deal with the Carnyx Group.

The creative team conducted a rigorous auditioning process in December last year in their search for the perfect chip - and in January the two finalists were awarded a modeling contract with national publicist Carnyx Group.

Good Chip - a chunky, perfectly fried potato was chosen for her angelic charm and photogenic qualities whilst her alter ego Bad Chip won based on the ability to withstand several minutes in Guerilla’s toaster, not to mention acting in a saucier role during a staged crucifixion.

Geoff Foots, who headed the operation as Creative Director, said: “The biggest challenge was getting both chips to cooperate with the Chip Shop paper; there were a few scraps along the way but overall we have got fantastic results and I have enjoyed it tremendously.

“The concept is simple, redemption... your good ideas don’t die, they go to a ‘better place’, where creativity and innovation are valued above all else. The chips have demonstrated their versatility - although at one point I was close to battering Bad Chip.”

Guerilla – who worked with Critical Tortoise on achieving crisp photography - will see its stars printed in the call for entry and winners’ booklet, online (both web and viral) and across national press. Katy Thomson, Events Executive from Chip Shop Awards said: “The winners beat off fierce competition but the finalists are total naturals - we had some really greasy candidates but the final two won’t look out of plaice on page three of The Drum - that shows real talent”.

IHC Merwede Acquires The Engineering Business

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

IHC Merwede acquired specialist design, engineering and construction company The Engineering Business (EB) on 7 March 2008. The company is based in Riding Mill, Northumberland, UK, and is dubbed the fastest growing company in the north east of England. The deal is clear recognition of EB’s world class and innovative engineering skills, and will bring significant benefits for IHC Merwede, EB and the north east of England. EB will now trade as IHC The Engineering Business.

EB was founded in April 1997 by a four-man team of engineers led by managing director, Dr Tony Trapp. Today EB is a team of 150 people (predominantly graduate professional engineers) and has a current order book exceeding £60 million to be delivered to the offshore industry over the course of the next three years.

EB specialises in designing, building and supplying, elegant engineering solutions for the offshore oil and gas, submarine telecom, defence and offshore renewables industries.

IHC Merwede is world market leader in the construction of specialist dredging equipment and complex custom-built offshore vessels. The clients of IHC Merwede include major dredging companies, oil and gas exploration groups, offshore contractors and government authorities. The company has a staff of approximately 2200 at locations in Holland, China, Houston, India, the Middle East, Russia and Singapore and like EB focuses on providing innovative, high quality products to its customers.

“This is a great deal on so many fronts,” says Govert Hamers, President IHC Merwede. “EB delivers high quality bespoke vessel equipment. IHC Merwede produces world class specialist vessels. Bringing the two companies together is a perfect match strategically and culturally and means that we can provide fully integrated vessels with state of the art technology from a single supplier. This dramatically widens the market potential for IHC Merwede”.

Tony Trapp adds “EB can continue its rapid growth, providing long term security for the dynamic staff team with significant benefits for the north east of England, home to a highly talented supply chain.

Under the IHC Merwede banner, EB is assured of an exciting, creative and rewarding future. Our team will be strengthened with IHC Merwede board members and we are looking forward to working within the IHC Merwede Group in the coming months and years.

We are delighted that thanks to an internal share option scheme set up some time ago, 70 of our team – the people who have been loyal to EB over a number of years – will also gain financially from this deal, sharing 20% of the proceeds. We could not have achieved what we have done without their input, and it is a real pleasure that they gain substantial benefit from the sale of the company.”

Hutton Backs New Campaign

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

‘If we can, you can’ launched on Monday and the reaction has been incredible.

The campaign has been adopted by the regional press as their own through the ‘If we can, you can’ Challenge. We’ve already had more than 25 entrants.

And we can now include Business Secretary, John Hutton as a campaign supporter, commenting: “To use role models is the best way to inspire young people. I think it is only people who have been there and done it who can explain the challenge of being your own boss, and young people respond to that.

“We want more new and growing businesses in the UK and more companies and people acting on their enterprising ideas. The UK’s long-term prosperity lies in unlocking the talent of enterprise from all sections of society and in our small businesses, helping them to grow.”

The website currently features over 20 stories from the 40 interviews completed so far (thanks to all those who have given their time so generously) including 9 of your entrepreneurial colleagues in glorious technicolour video.

So visit www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk , be inspired and encourage others to do the same. We’ll also be releasing details of developments to the site over the coming weeks and months.

What drives a serial entrepreneur?

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The next generation of entrepreneurs have been given a clear insight into how to achieve success with a blend of bluff, tenacity and dogged determination.

Self-made billionaire Sir Tom Hunter, who founded his fortune on shell-suits and trainers, told hundreds of budding businessmen and women that if he could do it they could do it.

Sir Tom was keynote speaker at the Entrepreneurs Forum’s What Drives a Serial Entrepreneur event, held in association with the SoYouWantToBeAnEntrepreneur Graduate Conference, the fifth event of its kind orgranised by the Forum.

After regaling his own story of rising from nothing to becoming one of the most successful businessmen in the world, the Scottish grocer’s son told the audience made up of Entrepreneurs' Forum members and business owners, along with final year students and graduates from the region's five Universities: “The first thing you need is tenacity.

“Spot the rising market – my luck was falling into sports shoes – overcome your fears and appreciate your associates.

“But there are no shortcuts – I have never met an entrepreneur who doesn’t work very hard.”

Sir Tom was among a host of speakers at the conference designed to stimulate the region’s young minds and business acumen (and you can see a short video from Sir Tom at the foot of the page).

It was facilitated by Caspar Berry, founder of 21st Century Media, author and professional poker advisor to the James Bond film Casino Royale.

He said: “The conference was designed to give people an insight into what it is like to be an entrepreneur; what it means, the good, the bad, the challenges that will have to be overcome and the information to get going.”

Delegates also heard from former Navy radar operator Stephen Bales, and Entrepreneurs' Forum member and co-founder of software developer Platform One which provides solutions for online traders across the UK including Amazon and eBay.

He said: “In the early days of business it felt like carrying around two suitcases full of bricks. But it is exhilarating, a real buzz and I enjoy every single day that I go to work. It is just something I feel compelled to do.”

During the half day event, delegates also had the opportunity to quiz three up and coming entrepreneurs, all of which are members of the Forum: Satish Shewhorak, co-founder of Teesside-based animation and motion graphics company MoShine; Sarah Taylor, of UDigger Media whose online portal Urban Digger provides information on European cities not generally found in tourist booklets; Dr Craig Rose, of growing business SEA Consultants, which specialises in environmental marketing and the environmental and social impacts of human activities on our natural resources Adam Thorpe of luxury apartment letting company SuperiorStay.com.

Satish, who started his business straight from Teesside University, said: “Faced with filling-in countless job applications but with faith in the quality of our work, we thought why do we need to prove anything to anybody else?”

Sarah said: “I trained as an architect for seven years and worked for one, but I wasn’t happy being in an office; it wasn’t what I wanted from life. Then I saw an opportunity.”

Craig added: “I was doing a PhD so I was used to living on nothing and had nothing to lose by launching my consultancy.”

SuperiorStay.com founder Adam Thorpe stressed the importance of cost control. “At one point I had 22 staff which proved too much. They are overheads on two legs.

“I had lots of people running around and wasn’t even sure what they actually did. Having a big staff is suicide. Don’t hire people in for ego – which is what I did.”

Conference host Caspar Berry, summed up the key findings of the conference as:

• Start small – you don’t need a lot of money
• Find a mentor – a business friend
• Be tenacious and learn to deal with failure
• Hold your nerve
• Be prepared to swim upstream
• Have self belief and surround yourself with positive minded people
• Commit to your business
• Have a partner's agreement from the beginning
• Business is complicated and simple at the same time
• Be ready to work long hours for little money at first
• You can’t do it alone – communicate, share and motivate your staff.

There was little doubt after an afternoon of being inspired and learning from those who have been there and done it, be1 wasn’t just about listening; it was the perfect opportunity for delegates to talk to the people who could help them the most.

SoYouWantToBeAnEntrepreneur was organised by The Entrepreneurs' Forum, supported by One NorthEast.

Guerilla Scores A Hat Trick

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Full service agency Guerilla has just secured its third social marketing smoking cessation campaign in six months following a pitch against a London Agency. Guerilla will be working with Newham Primary Care Trust throughout 2008 to reduce smoking prevalence across the Borough, specifically targeting White British, Eastern European and Bangladeshi smokers.

Although the PCT has consistently seen over 3500 people each year sign up to the service over the past 4 years, prevalence amongst these three target groups is not decreasing at the same rate as other groups. There remain some significant areas of concern where prevalence rates remain above both local and national averages.

Liz Hughes, Stop Smoking Programme Manager for the Trust, said: “We chose Guerilla because we feel their proposal fully matched our needs. We are looking forward to working with them and are very excited about the outcomes of the social marketing campaign, and especially looking forward to the campaign being rolled out across the Borough!”

Newham PCT has extremely challenging Department of Health targets for 4 week quitters, which must be achieved. Guerilla will propose a campaign strategy based on evidence from market research conducted over the next two months by Newcastle based market research company Marketwise Strategies.

Sophie Newton, New Business Development Director at Guerilla, said: “This is the third smoking cessation campaign for Guerilla in six months, and we were delighted to have been awarded the contract. Our growing portfolio and recent success for Nottingham PCT and Derbyshire County PCT has given new clients the confidence that a campaign run by Guerilla will work and will yield results quickly. Working with more hard to reach audiences is a new challenge and I am looking forward to developing a strategy in line with the research.”

With the ever increasing emphasis on social marketing campaigns rather than campaigns driven from a purely medical and statistical background that are focused towards ‘shock tactics’, there is certainly more scope for Guerilla to take the strain from communications teams in PCTs and produce consistently successful campaigns that drive long term results.

Sidney's Packs Lunches For Space

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Two North East businessmen who share the same ethical vision have teamed up to develop an inspiring work place eatery.

Rob Charlton, chief executive of the region’s largest architecture and management practice _space has joined forces with Alan O’Kane co-owner of Tynemouth outside catering company, Sidney’s around the Corner, to create _spacebar – an organic café for _space’s employees.

The _spacebar forms part of the central atrium area at the company’s new Spaceworks headquarters in South Gosforth and is one of the many examples of the company’s commitment to creative working environments that contribute to their peoples well-being, such as lunchtime pilates classes and breakout or chill zones.

The café was born from the like-minded business approach of the each of the businessmen; both creators of visionary businesses and whose ethical awareness and innovative style sparked the new venture.

The _spacebar, which has features such as a reception style front counter and pink and lime seating areas in line with the new _space logo, is the first contract for Sidney’s around the Corner. Specialising in fresh, organic and local produce the company delivers home made sandwiches, pastries, and salad boxes to the café daily as well as a selection of seasonal fruit smoothies and juices.

_space chief executive Rob Charlton said: “We initiated the organic café as one of the ways to promote healthy well-being to all _space people and create a relaxed environment for them to take a break from their desks.

“I am a strong believer that work performance is always enhanced when you take an hour for lunch as you come back with a clearer mind set for the rest of the day, hopefully the _spacebar will encourage all employees to take a break and most of all enjoy their work life.”

Co-owner of Sidney’s around the Corner Alan O’Kane said: “My passion for great local food along with Rob’s desire to create an inspiring work environment has to be a recipe for business success.

“The development of _spacebar is a great coup to the starting success of the outside catering business. When I met with Rob we chatted for ages on how we could create something truly inspiring that would be a break away from the traditional staff canteen. As two entrepreneurs who have similar outlooks we both knew that our pairing would work and as a result we have created a great area for staff, I hope they enjoy it.”

Partnership Is Music To Sponsors' Ears

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Market research experts Explain Research and new media firm Fusebox Design are two of the first businesses this year to sign up as corporate partners at The Sage Gateshead, joining an elite band of the region’s businesses.

The partnership allows both of the Newcastle-based companies to take advantage of a range of benefits, including brand association, exclusive entertaining of staff and clients, tours of the building and business networking opportunities.

The Sage Gateshead now sees more than 600,000 visitors come through its doors each year, thanks to a packed programme of over 400 performances and a range of learning and educational opportunities designed to suit people of all ages and from all walks of life.

David Shiel, chief executive of Explain Research said: “We are proud to add our support to The Sage Gateshead, which is now an outstanding cultural landmark and an international home for music.

“As experts in analysing customer behaviour we know that music releases endorphins and makes us feel good, which is why it has been shown to increase productivity and create a beneficial atmosphere. The Sage Gateshead’s aim to get more people to engage with music benefits the whole community and we plan to be active Corporate Partners and encourage our clients and staff to get involved with the excellent range of advantages that our sponsorship will bring.”

Sarah Linley, managing director of Fusebox Design added: “Having our name associated with a world-renowned environment attracting performers and visitors from all over the world is fantastic.

“We feel it’s essential that businesses of all sizes get behind The Sage Gateshead and help it continue to develop its ground-breaking work through world class performance and education facilities that benefit residents and visitors alike.”

The firms’ sponsorship was endorsed by Bradley Creswick, leader of Northern Sinfonia, one of Europe's most exciting chamber orchestras, which is based at The Sage Gateshead.

Ellie Smith, development manager at The Sage Gateshead said: “The Sage Gateshead is delighted to welcome Explain Market Research and Fusebox Design as corporate partners. They join a prestigious list of businesses including UBS, Nexus, Sage UK, Northumbrian Water and many more and we’re sure this will prove to be yet another successful partnership. The Sage Gateshead is proud to be a driving force in the regeneration of NewcastleGateshead, and developing stronger links within the business community is key to the continuing success of our region.”

North East Agency Scoops Presitgious Award

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Middlesbrough-based Cool Blue Brand Communications is celebrating after being crowned North-East Service Business of the Year in the Tees Valley region.

The creative agency fought off stiff competition from companies across a number of different sectors to be named the region’s finest in delivering customer service.

Cool Blue specialises in PR, branding, marketing and design and has picked up many industry gongs during its history. This is the first time the firm has won a prize at the North East’s most illustrious business awards and is a unique achievement given it is a creative outfit competing in a traditionally hard-nosed business awards ceremony.

Delighted managing director Tanya Garland said: “To win such a highly-regarded business accolade is a wonderful honour and a magnificent achievement by the team.

“We have placed huge emphasis on consistently anticipating the communications challenges that our clients will face and developing strategies to deliver first-class customer service, which have no doubt massively benefited our clients. This award-win reflects our client-led focus and I’m sure will help reinforce the growing importance of PR and brand communications to businesses across the region.

“The news has topped off an excellent start to the year and the success is testament to the creativity, hard work and commitment of every member of the team,” added Tanya.

The glittering awards ceremony took place at the University of Teesside and was attended by the leading business people in the Tees Valley. Cool Blue will now attend the regional final against winners from Tyneside, Northumberland, Durham and Wearside.

One of the largest communications agencies in the North-East, Cool Blue is the region’s leading converged traditional and multi-media specialist, with a team comprising of experienced ex-journalists, marketeers, PR professionals, designers and programmers.

Its client portfolio includes Tees Valley Regeneration, Barker and Stonehouse, Bradford Channel, Johnson Matthey, Garlands Call Centres and fair trade organisation, Traidcraft.

Major Coup For IHC's Engineering Business

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A major contract to provide a fully integrated pipelay system for Technip’s newbuild
194m pipelay vessel (NPV) has been awarded to IHC’s Engineering Business (EB).

”This multi-million pound contract is amongst our most extensive ever and is a huge
boost for the EB team and our supply chain in North East England,” explains
managing director, Dr Tony Trapp. “From design, incorporation of Technip
equipment, through build, installation on the NPV, commissioning and sea trials we
are providing an integrated solution. EB will develop the Technip concept to provide
an innovative pipelay system which, married with other vessel characteristics, will
give Technip a competitive advantage. We are looking forward to delivering the
system in 2010.

“In recent years we have built a number of large component pieces of equipment for
pipelay vessels; now, bringing all our expertise together for this integrated solution
marks the next stage in EB development. We are working very closely with the
engineering team from Technip on this bespoke system and this is exactly the sort of
stimulating customer relationship on which we thrive.”

The vessel will be built by STX Heavy Industries (Korea) and will transit to Tyneside,
England to be fitted with the specialist pipelay equipment. The vessel is designed to
carry 5600 tonnes of reeled pipe and to lay it in 3000m water depth, with 450 tonnes
top tension.

“This is an important project for one of the world’s largest offshore contractors,” says
Tony Trapp. “It will mean a further increase in the size of the EB team and will enable
us to show the strength of our OSBIT – on spec, budget and in time – ethos.”

IHC’s Engineering Business has an order book with a value in excess of £60 million
to be delivered over the course of the next three years and in 2007 was recognised
as the fastest growing company in the North East. It currently employs 150 people
(predominantly professional engineers) and this contract will drive continued
expansion.

“This exciting new project fits well with our plans to significantly grow the business
over the next three years, providing turnkey solutions to the major offshore
contractors,” adds Tony Trapp.

Blogging With 'Lots of Neck'

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Ingrid Sylvestre, creator and owner of the Giraffe World art & entertainment brand, is launching a new blog at the beginning of March. Entitled Raph’s Ramblings – A Giraffe World Journal, the blog will be ‘authored’ by eccentric entrepreneurial giraffe, Raph G. Neckmann, and promises to be full of quirky humour.

“The new Giraffe World website is now up and packed full of images and information”, says Ingrid, “I wanted to use other platforms to enable visitors to get to know the characters even better and enjoy their gleeful goings-on. Dave Glynn of Atomic Web Solutions recently gave a brilliant presentation about blogs so I decided it was time to stick my neck out and get one started. Raph was the obvious choice as the writer, as he is an endearingly entertaining character and keeps a diary that his family call ‘Raph’s Ramblings’.”

For info visit www.giraffeworld.com

Guerilla Bares All With New Site

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Guerilla has launched a bold new website where visitors can get up close and personal to every member of the award-winning team.

The contemporary website, which reflects the 16-strong team’s nonconformist approach to the industry, allows visitors to access the team’s quirky profiles, giving them an insight into their creative personalities.

Team members can change everything from likes and dislikes through to RSS feeds and profile pictures on the website, which also introduces the new, bold red branding. Currently John Miller, Senior Web Developer of Guerilla Interactive has Beaker from The Muppet Show as his profile picture.

John said: “The website gives us all a chance to have fun and express our personalities. It breaks down the corporate barrier and lets people get to know us on a personal basis. Guerilla is known as a creative, unconventional agency and we wanted to reflect this in our new website.”

The website, which is powered by Guerilla’s new media division Guerilla Interactive’s custom-developed content management system, gi.Edit, allows the team to add and amend their own profiles keeping visitors up to date on a daily basis.

The new site, which is www.guerilla.co.uk, uses the most advanced technology through gi.Edit, to keep the site current, helping it to move forward and grow alongside Guerilla.

Roddy Lang, Head of New Media, said: “The new website has been created with the end-user in mind. A simple navigation structure and clear layout was used allowing the user to find the information as quickly as possible.”

The website offers existing and potential clients information on Guerilla and its expert divisions; Guerilla Propaganda, public relations and Guerilla Productions, film and television, as well as Guerilla’s new media specialists Guerilla Interactive.

Guerilla’s old website was very popular with visitors due to the quaintness of the features, including cartoon versions of the team. The new website has improved these features so the individuality of the team is still represented.

MHW wins leading decorative coatings' brand account

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Mitchell Halton Watson PR (MHW PR), one of the region’s leading strategic communications firms, has won the Jotun Paints (Europe) Ltd account.

The move will see the agency raising awareness of Jotun’s protective treatments for exterior timber – marketed under the Optimal and Butinox brand names - among trade specifiers and retailers ahead of a consumer launch later this year.

Newcastle-based Jotun Paints (Europe) Ltd is part of the Norway-based Jotun Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of paints, coatings and powder coatings. In the UK, it provides protective coatings for the offshore, cathodic and industrial sectors, marine coatings and decorative paints sectors.

MHW will also be providing strategic advice on overall brand positioning, messaging and marketing collateral including literature and website development.

The initial PR focus will be on the UK but Jotun is planning to extend communications activity to support the brands’ push into new markets in Ireland and France.

Senior MHW consultant Andy Bruce (pictured centre-right) will lead the account drawing on other resources from within the agency as well as external creative partners.

The news follows other recent successes including the launch of the new £2 million Tup Tup Palace, medical devices manufacturer Applied Neurodiagnostics Ltd, the Concept Eye Clinic, Northern Architecture and training provider Springboard Sunderland.

Mark Robinson, Jotun’s marketing manager, said: “This year promises to be very exciting as we look to build our brand presence in the UK, which will require strategic PR support.

“MHW clearly understood our requirements and, with its expertise and experience in business-to-business PR, will deliver a results oriented strategy that will resonate with target audiences.”

MHW director Wayne Halton (pictured centre-left) said: “Our trade experience is second to none and was pivotal in winning the Jotun account.

“This latest success together with other account wins provides a great platform for further growth and expansion this year. We’re really looking forward to working on the account.”

MHW has grown rapidly since it was established in 2000 by directors Alasdair Mitchell, Wayne Halton and Ian Watson.

It is now one of the North East’s top consultancies, providing strategic communications solutions for a diverse range of clients in the consumer, business-to-business, corporate and public sectors.

Clients include EDF Energy, Gateshead College, Komatsu UK, English Heritage, the NHS South of Tyne & Wear, The Game Conservancy Trust, Live Theatre, Silverlink Property Developments plc, Heighley Gate Garden Centre and Cafe 21/Terry Laybourne.

North East Agency Retains Graduates

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Middlesbrough-based Cool Blue Brand Communications is embarking on its latest recruitment drive after two talented graduates joined the company’s rapidly expanding team.

Liz Fenwick and Karen Parker, both from the North, have arrived at the award-winning marketing, design and public relations agency as account executives to reinforce the client management team.

Liz, 21, joins after achieving a degree in Media Communications and Public Relations from the University of Lincoln. Liz, from Barnard Castle in Teesdale, brings with her some impressive broadcast and PR experience, was delighted with the opportunity to relocate back to the region after completing her degree.

She said: “Cool Blue has an incredible list of clients and I feel very fortunate to have landed such an ideal role so close to home. There is a great vibe among the team and I am already learning a great deal, which is what you need as a recent graduate.

“I’ve already played a role in achieving positive media coverage for some clients which gives you a great buzz. I really hope I can make my mark at Cool Blue over the next few years and repay the firm for giving me such a fantastic opportunity.”

Karen, 21, from Yarm, has recently graduated from Teesside University after completing a degree in Marketing. Karen is thrilled to find a role on Teesside to progress her career as opposed to moving elsewhere in the UK.

She said: “Having learnt the theoretical side of marketing during my three years at University, it will be invaluable for me to gain such a high level of practical experience.

“I am very career-focused and have a real passion for business and creativity, so a role like this in the North-East is perfect. I am looking forward to learning new skills, making new contacts and developing within the team at Cool Blue”

Tanya Garland, managing director at Cool Blue, said: “We have always been an advocate for retaining home-grown talent from the North, so these appointments show that we have a compelling-enough proposition to keep gifted people in the region.

“Liz and Karen are ambitious individuals and an excellent addition to the team. Both are already on our in-house graduate training programme to nurture their skills and ensure they are providing our clients with a superb level of account support.”

Liz and Karen will work on a number of accounts, assisting the management team in servicing clients and driving marketing and PR account plans. Their varied roles include copywriting, arranging photo-shoots, producing monthly reports and constantly liaising closely with the media.

Its client portfolio includes Tees Valley Regeneration, Barker and Stonehouse, Bradford Channel, Johnson Matthey, Garlands Call Centres and fair trade organisation, Traidcraft.

MHW PR Wins Boutique Eye Clinic Account

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Mitchell Halton Watson PR (MHW PR), one of the region’s leading creative PR firms, has won the Concept Eye Clinic account.

The move will see the consultancy raising the profile of the boutique eye clinic amongst the fashionably discerning North East ahead of a consumer launch later this year.

Concept Eye Clinic combines state-of-the art eye technology with sophisticated and luxurious eyewear brands – many unique to the North East – within an opulent setting.

Due to be launched on Thursday February 21 in the High Street, Gosforth, Concept Eye Clinic is the vision of Vik Kumar. Representing a £400,000 investment, the clinic is ideally placed to serve the needs to style savvy Northerners.

MHW was selected by Concept because of its experience and creative approach to public relations and communications.

Account manager Virginia Lingstadt will lead the account drawing on other resources within the agency as well as external creative partners.

Virginia, MHW PR account manager said: “MHW has a good track record in opening stylish and sophisticated venues and businesses from Café 21 to Tup Tup Palace. Concept presents an exciting opportunity to work for a clinic that is unique is style and forward-thinking in its offering.”

MHW will also provide strategic advice on media relations, sponsorship opportunities and brand positioning.
Vik Kumar, the young design maestro behind the vision said: “This year is set to be very interesting as we look to increase our profile regionally before we look further afield – possibly towards Scotland, and this requires specialist PR support. In launching Concept, we were careful to select an agency with enough knowledge and experience to get results.”

The eye boutique consists of two floors exclusively designed by Nicola Gartland of Xsite Architecture to create illusions of grandeur and opulence with its vintage leather seating, gilt mirror and Swarovski crystal chandelier. Test rooms add to the medical and healthcare side of the clinic, with refractive eye surgery set to be available later this year.

MHW has grown rapidly since it was established in 2000 by directors Wayne Halton, Alasdair Mitchell and Ian Watson. Virginia Lingstadt joined the team in June 2007, having worked at public relations consultancies in Scotland, Ireland and Turkey.

With a turnover of £1.3m, MHW is now one of the North East’s top consultancies, providing strategic communications solutions for a diverse range of clients in the consumer, business-to-business, corporate and public sectors.

Clients and recent projects include English Heritage, Live Theatre, and Biscuit Factory, Heighley Gate Garden Centre and Cafe 21/Terry Laybourne.

Love Story Continues For Guerilla And Nexus

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Romantic communications agency, Guerilla, has rolled out another pop-art love story for Nexus after the resounding success of the Dick and Jane campaign, which helped drive Metro passenger numbers up to almost 40million.

The new blossoming love story, promoting the Annual, Monthly and Weekly MetroSaver involves George and Martha, two hopeless romantics who fall in love whilst finding out how to save money on Metro travel.

Alex Lockey, Graphic Designer at Guerilla, said: “The pop-art theme creates the standout and vibrancy that Nexus needed. The campaign is adaptable to all media channels and engages the audience through the storyboard creative, helping to communicate the messages simply and directly.

“Known as rebels with a cause rather than romantics, this new campaign shows our softer side. The last campaign proved a success and we wanted to continue the theme, after all, you can’t beat a good love story!”
The amorous campaign is being rolled out across MetroSaver application forms, 4 and 6 sheet posters, 30x20 posters, Nexus Travel Shop posters, animated flash adverts on the Nexus website and throughout the Tyne and Wear Metro stations.

Helen Fox, Metro Marketing Manager at Nexus, said: “Metro provides an excellent service at great value for money. Guerilla’s imaginative campaign gets that message across in a humorous way”

Guerilla’s new media division, Guerilla Interactive, couldn’t resist the love story either, creating an animated flash storyboard that features on the Nexus website giving visitors a chance to see George and Martha’s relationship blossom.

The campaign is going to be implemented for the rest of 2008 giving Metro users plenty of opportunity to check out George and Martha’s romance, and in the meantime, perhaps find that special someone on the Metro themselves…

Agency Creates, And Joins, One Day Campaign

info@theroundhouse.co.uk — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Newcastle creative agency O Communications was the first to sign up to the One Day campaign for charity Young Enterprise – as its creators, it had signed up before it was even launched.

With the help of O Communications, Young Enterprise North East (YENE) has launched a new appeal urging employers across the region to give up One Day of their resources to help inspire young people here in the North East.

The One Day campaign, asks employers the question 'what could you give up in one day?', and outlines 10 simple pledges to pick from, such as giving up one day's profit, one day of an employee's time to volunteer in a school, or one day for a student to visit their workplace. The charity has set the target of aiming to sign up one business every working day throughout the 18 month campaign.

To launch the campaign that is being supported by One North East, children from West Denton Primary School and Westgate Community College took the10ft high letters spelling out 'One Day' to the streets. Representatives from businesses who have already signed up to the campaign were at the high profile press launch to pledge their support including Dickinson Dees, Accenture, Wellstream and architecture firm _space,

Kari Owers, managing director of O Communications, said, “Our objective was to create a simple appeal to businesses that would get heard, understood and adopted. Anyone from a one man band to the region’s biggest employer can sign up in five seconds, and give what time, money or resources they can.

“Our future entrepreneurs are still at school, and by giving up One Day in whichever way a business can, they will help ignite young business minds through the work Young Enterprise does in schools and universities across the region.”

O Communications has signed many of the appeal pledges itself, including devoting some of its resources free of charge to getting the campaign off the ground.

Volunteer, business and student case studies will be used throughout the future promotional campaign to highlight the different ways that local business are inspiring young people to turn their business ideas into a reality one day, and the benefits that employers and staff can gain from their own involvement with the school system.

YENE chief executive Catherine Marchant said: “This campaign is simple and direct, any business small or large can be involved, as they can pick and choose their level of commitment depending on their size. One Day pledges are so flexible they can be implemented into daily business life and can even form a very practical part of your corporate social responsibility strategies or career development plans.”

Regional Development Agency One NorthEast is supporting the campaign. Head of Business, Enterprise and Skills, Tim Pain, said: “There's no better way for young people to develop their enterprise skills than by meeting real-life entrepreneurs, spending time in a business environment and seeing how ideas grow into a new product or service.

“The One Day campaign is one way employers can help to create the entrepreneurs of the future that the regional economy will need.”

One of the business supporters that have already signed up to the One Day campaign is Rob Charlton chief executive of Newcastle's biggest architecture firm _space.

He said: ““I have pledged my support to the One Day campaign and have ticked as many boxes we can in the pledge pack as I believe it is part of our responsibility as employers to develop enterprising skills amongst our future workforce; these people will be part of our future success as a region before we know it.”

Tom McLaughlan, senior director of UK government relations was at the launch, he said: “Today is day one of the One Day campaign. It is important to get as many local companies as possible behind what Young Enterprise North East is trying to achieve.”

Peter Fulford, senior manager at Wellstream was also at the launch, he said: “I'm really pleased to be here today to help support what Young Enterprise North East is doing for young people in the region. This is my first experience of seeing Young Enterprise in action and it is great to see how much enthusiasm everyone has. I am certainly looking forward to working with them in the near future.”

Also speaking at the launch was Graham Wright, partner at Dickinson Dees: “Pledging our support for One Day was a no-brainer for Dickinson Dees. We need talented and entrepreneurial people in the firm and Young Enterprise North East nurtures that kind of talent.”

To sign up to the YENE One Day pledge or for more information visit www.onedaycampaign.org for more details.