http://www.darlington-interface.co.uk Darlington-Interface Articles. en More than 300 young people were given an introduction to potential careers by experts from sectors as diverse as engineering and catering to the armed forces and sports. The Foundation for Jobs interactive Careers and Opportunities Fair enabled both school pupils and unemployed youngsters up to the age of 24 the opportunity to try practical activities related to a wide range of industries. Around 190 pupils from Darlington secondary schools and 115 young people aged 16 to 24 attended last week’s event at the town’s Dolphin Centre. Amongst companies and organisations represented at the event were: The Banks Group, the Engineering Development Trust, The Forum Darlington, Sir Robert McAlpine, SEMTA, Rockliffe Hall, Sherwoods car dealership, Saks Hair Academy, Darlington College, the County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, Asda, Martin Gray Football Academy , S&D Training, The Army, The Royal Navy and Durham Police. A number of training providers, offering advice on post-school options, were also represented including Morrisons Trust and the YMCA. Darlington College Principal Tim Grant, who sits on the Foundation for Jobs Steering Group, said: “The Careers and Opportunities Event was a terrific success and brought practical skills and vocational education to life. “Young people got the chance to try their hand at all sorts of skills to give them a flavour of any future courses or careers they may choose. “It shows that the best way of engaging with young people is to give them the opportunity to try things first-hand.” The event was run in partnership with Darlington Borough Council, Darlington College and Jobcentre Plus. The national award winning Foundation for Jobs campaign was launched last year against a rising tide of youth unemployment in Darlington and the wider North-East. It is a joint initiative involving the Darlington Partnership a body of private and public sector organisations and employers in the borough, including The Northern Echo and Darlington Borough Council. The campaign aimed to tackle first hand the reasons employers were not taking on more young people and also why the young people were not finding their way into available jobs. The former Bishop of Durham, now Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Rev Justin Welby is Patron of the campaign, which in the past year has helped more than 1,300 young people from primary school age to 24 be better prepared for work, through industry linked activities, internships, work experience and apprenticeships. For further details contact Foundation for Jobs Coordinator Owen McAteer via email on owen.mcateer@darlington.gov.uk Darlington Council’s Business Engagement team has been working hard to use the High Street Innovation Fund, provided by Government, to help occupy the town centre’s vacant properties. The Fund is being used to provide financial incentives through contributions to business rates and rent, and to pay for cleaning, painting and window vinyls at units most in need. So far, the fund has helped 12 new businesses occupy vacant premises in the town centre; which of course means that 12 previously empty units are now being used, improving the vibrancy and confidence in the town centre, and Darlington as a whole. Many other enquiries and potential applications for funding are in the pipeline, so this number will only increase and provide a greater boost for the town. In terms of examples of the Fund’s interventions, everyone was delighted to see beauty salon ‘Guinot’ open in a unit on High Row that had been vacant for four years and had fallen into a poor condition. Hartlepool-based lighting company ‘A & G Lighting’ has chosen Darlington as their first additional store outside of their home town and will soon be opening in a prominent unit in Tubwell Row. The Fund has also helped two new businesses who are moving into Clark’s Yard - ‘a la memoire’ handcrafted gifts and ‘The Wholesale Watch Shop’. For more information on the High Street Innovation Fund or to request an application form, please contact Richard Baker, Enterprise Officer on 01325 388 821 or email richard.baker@darlington.gov.uk A Darlington gaming firm is making a £10m expansion and creating 50 new jobs, six months after being taken over by an American firm. Last year, Lygo International was acquired by New York headquartered Turtle Beach – the world’s biggest gaming audio business. In recent weeks the American giant’s Chief Executive has been in the region looking for a new site for the business that will be big enough to facilitate its growth plans. However, the decision has been taken to take up a larger space covering 120,000sq ft at its current base at Lingfield Point in Darlington. The Lygo brand will be replaced by Turtle Beach and £10m will be invested in the North East operation’s expansion. The investment will be in extra staff, refurbishing the premises and raising "inventory levels to support the European business". This will see 50 new jobs being created “in the next few years” in the North East. Paul Crooks, Senior Director of Finance and Operations, Turtle Beach Europe, said: “The expansion will create up to 50 jobs and potential for many more. “The move represents an investment of £10m in the future of the company over the next few years – and we are delighted to be staying at Lingfield Point. “The facilities at Lingfield Point are second to none and the fact that Turtle Beach looked around the area and couldn’t find anything to rival them proves the point.” Lygo was formerly a supplier of accessories to the European games market and became Turtle Beach’s exclusive distributor and support centre for its gaming headsets in the UK and Ireland in January 2011. Turtle Beach was backed by US private equity group Stripes Group when it paid an undisclosed sum for the Darlington firm. 82 years ago, Sam Turner started serving the farmers of the Teesside area. From that small business, a mini empire has grown, and it doesn’t show any signs of stopping! In the beginning, Sam and his son Eric would take their wares to the local livestock auctions, and supply the region’s farmers with the products vital to their livelihood. This became a problem during the war years, resulting in the business settling in Northallerton. A few years later, the business needed to move premises and this gave the local farmers a chance to ‘return the favour’. Tractors, trailers and lorries were all supplied, alongside manpower, to help the business move, proving that Sam Turners and the local farmers already had a strong bond. The business is still based in Northallerton, although now they’ve expended to several other sites. The Stokesley store mainly specialises in machinery and you can also find Sam Turners at Leyburn auction market. Their newest venture is in Piercebridge, where they took over Carlbury Garden Centre two years ago, and built a new shop and cafe area. Nick Young, the Piercebridge Store Manager, told us that when they applied for planning permission, they were told they’d have to wait. A two month long archaeological dig had to take place before any building work could take place, due to Piercebridge’s rich Roman heritage. Thankfully (if you want to look at it this way!) nothing of great value was found, so the dig was recorded, covered over, and building work could commence. The completed building was opened in March 2013 and the site now employs 33 local residents, including students and cafe staff. As well as the stores, Sam Turner’s launched their website 4 years ago so now also trade online. Nick told us, “The business started off for farmers and now it’s for everyone, but the farmers are still the life and soul”. Sam Turner’s at Piercebridge sell clothing, plants, machinery, toys, food and much more. They’re open 8:00-17:30 Mon-Fri, 8:00-17:00 Sat, and 10:00-16:00 on Sundays. Call in or visit their website at http://www.sam-turner.co.uk/ Visitors to Darlington’s Covered Market will be transported back in time as traders and shoppers celebrate the building’s 150th anniversary. The Covered Market and Clock Tower were opened in 1863 and it is hoped the town will come together this June to mark this historic occasion. Two days of celebrations will start on Friday 7 June and among the Victorian-themed attractions will be a traditional fairground; Victorian food carts; craft workshops and period entertainment. Children from local schools will be transported in vintage buses to the town centre to look around the market hall and join in the celebrations and games. Traders will be wearing Victorian dress and the Clock Tower and Market Hall will be decked out in celebratory bows and bunting. Shoppers will be able to raise a glass of specially-brewed 1863 beer and try their hand at Victorian bread and butter making, as well as watching cookery and pot throwing demonstrations. Darlington’s Town Crier, Peter Stemmer, will be on hand to ensure visitors do not miss any of the attractions which also include pewter toy casting and furniture making demonstrations; children’s juggling workshops and a treasure hunt. On Saturday 8 June, the first ox to be roasted in the town centre since 1902 will be cooked. Roast ox was historically prepared in the town centre to mark civic occasions, with the last one believed to have taken place to mark the coronation of King Edward Vll. Everyone visiting the Covered Market during the celebrations will be invited to add their names and thoughts to a Memory Book and a time capsule of photographs, press cuttings, market traders’ profiles and film clips of the event will be put together, hung and displayed in the Covered Market. Other attractions include guided tours of the building, Victorian street entertainers and musicians. For further information, please call 01325 388 692 or visit: www.darlington.gov.uk/markets One of the North East’s leading mechanical and electrical engineering firms has returned from Germany after receiving a special invitation from one of Europe’s most reputable valve manufacturers. Parsec Consulting Engineers Ltd, based in Darlington, was invited to visit the Oventrop factory in Olsberg to gain an insight into their products’ application in building services environments. During the visit, leading engineers from the Grange Road based company were given a guided tour of assembly line facilities and product seminars. As one of the few engineering consultancies in the UK to be registered as Low Carbon Consultants and possess all BREEAM licenses, Parsec has an impressive portfolio of clients who use Oventrop valves in their building’s plumbing and heating systems. Shaun Ackerley, Managing Director of Parsec Consulting Engineers, said: "I’m very grateful to Oventrop for inviting us over to Germany to learn more about their manufacturing and application processes “Parsec has used Oventrop products for many years and we’ve always found them reliable and backed up by excellent UK support.” Parsec Consulting Engineers was founded in 2004 and has recently invested in a company rebrand following a period of sustained growth in the building services, oil and gas, energy, sustainability and water sectors. Shaun added: “This trip is a great reflection on our own expansion too. We’ve spent a decade working for some fantastic clients and its very satisfying to see that our reputation is catching some of Europe’s leading manufacturers. “We sincerely hope we can attend similar events in the future to continue to broaden our knowledge and expertise.” For further information about Parsec Consulting Engineers, please visit www.parsegreenenergy.com A Darlington cleaning company has begun a period of rapid expansion thanks to securing a number of new contracts in the North East and beyond. MJF Cleaning Services, in Darlington, has seen demand grow faster than expected for its wide range of commercial cleaning services for business and organisations such as bars, clubs, restaurants, hospitals, doctors and dentists surgeries, schools and building companies. Thanks to securing new contracts with some big names, MJF has started a period of expansion which will not only secure jobs for its team of over 100 staff but also create around 80 new positions in the coming year. In addition, MJF’s headquarters in Darlington are undergoing a major refurbishment and plans are in place to open a new office close to the M62 in 2014. MJF’s new contracts include work for Shepherd Construction at the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaRec) in Blyth where the company carried out a major industrial deep clean; an industrial high-level clean at St George’s Park in Burton-upon-Trent - the home of the new National Football Centre with over 330 acres of training facilities, football pitches and 5 star hotel accommodation; and a three-year contract with Darlington Council to clean windows at council properties across the town, including the Town Hall and the Civic Theatre. Darlington entrepreneur, Martin Ferguson, established MJF Cleaning Services in 2006 whilst working as a domestic window cleaner. Since starting with just two members of staff, MJF has gone on to create around 125 jobs as it secured prestigious contracts with companies such as BAE Systems, Rockliffe Hall, the Esh Group, JD Wetherspoon, Cleveland Cable and Tolent Construction. As well as daily office, commercial and specialist industrial cleaning services, MJF carries out large and small scale cleaning projects such as carpet and upholstery cleaning, window and high-level cleaning and clean-downs on construction sites ahead of handovers to clients. Speaking about the growth and success of the business, Martin said: “I attribute much of our success to the exceptional service standards that our committed team provides. We know that our staff make us what we are and we’re a very employee-focussed business. Winning new work with these great organisations means we’ll not only secure jobs for our team - very important in the current uncertain climate - but also create a variety of new positions. “We’re very proud of the reputation that we have gained in a relatively short space of time - during a recession. But I firmly believe it’s down to our staff and we’ll be re-investing in our resources as we work on a range of really exciting, new projects - large and small - which are in the pipeline.” There are going to be real challenges for all of us ahead. Reductions in Government grant, and other incomes coupled with growth in demand for services mean that by 2016 Darlington Council will not have the money to provide anything like the services it does at the moment. Every single service the Council currently provides will be affected in some way - whether it is reduced to minimum levels or simply cut altogether. Before the Council decides which services will be cut and which will be reduced, the people of Darlington are being asked which services they value the most. Please go to www.darlington.gov.uk/budget and rank which services you feel are the most important. You can also e-mail your rankings to feedback@darlington.gov.uk, cut out the coupon in the June edition of Darlington Together or call 01325 388 665. In June and July, the Council will start to look at what people have said at a series of Darlington Money Talks events. Here you can find out more about the services the Council currently provides and say what you value. To find out the dates and times of the events log onto www.darlington.gov.uk/budget or see the June edition of Darlington Together. Later in the year, the Council’s Cabinet will set out proposals about the future of services and will work closely with those affected to identify the impact of the proposals. The Council will then meet in January 2014 and taking all views and information into account will make their final decision on which services they will continue to provide in the future. For more information log onto www.darlington.gov.uk/budget where there is a video explaining the financial challenges the Council is facing or see the June edition of the Darlington Together magazine. Darlington-based chartered accountants and business advisers, Clive Owen & Co LLP, are keen ensure that local businesses benefit from the next round of the regional Let’s Grow grant scheme. The Let’s Grow scheme is a £30m fund to provide grant assistance to North East manufacturing and service sector businesses which offer more than a local service. Supportable projects will typically involve expenditure of more than £200,000, with job creation and/or safeguarding. The application process is competitive, so the successful businesses need to demonstrate good value for money and economic impact. Businesses of all size can apply, but larger companies employing more than 250 staff must be located within an Assisted Area. The level of support available will typically be within 10% to 25% of project expenditure. Clive Owen & Co LLP is recognised as one of the leading advisers in the North of England in relation to grant assistance and state aid matters. In recent years they have been heavily involved with Regional Growth Fund projects, assisting clients to obtain offers of over £50m of funding. Whilst the Regional Growth Fund is aimed at larger companies and requires a minimum of £4m spend on a project, the “Let’s Grow” scheme is much more accessible for the region’s SME businesses. Neville Baldry, Partner with Clive Owen & Co LLP and the firm’s grants expert said, “We are very excited about the “Let’s Grow” grant scheme. Already we have had £1.7m of applications approved by their investment panel, and we are positive about the outcome for others still in the process. It is very rewarding to see the small l to medium sized businesses being able to access government funding for their projects. This is good news for these business owners and the region.” The current round of the Let’s Grow scheme closes on 7 June. The scheme is managed by the BE Group, and details of the application process can be found at www.nebusiness.co.uk or www.gazettelive.co.uk. The BE Group Customer Services team can be contacted on 0191 426 6408, and Neville Baldry of Clive Owen & Co LLP on 01325 349 700. Enterprise agency TEDCO has added to its start-up team in Darlington with the appointment of James Craft as Business Advisor for its innovative Ready for Business start-up programme. James will be working with start-up businesses in Darlington to provide intensive one-on-one support on all aspects of establishing a new venture with a focus upon securing finance - one of the biggest hurdles for any small business to overcome. James will be focusing upon County Durham and Darlington and has previously worked as a local business manger with Santander as well as business advisory positions with Business Link and Barclays Bank. His background makes him ideally suited to working with those on the Ready for Business programme where would-be business owners will receive guidance on a wide range of start-up matters including an assessment of their business idea, preparing a business plan, implementing a sales and marketing strategy, raising the necessary finance and managing cash flow. Ready for Business was launched in July last year with the aim of creating 900 new jobs in the North East. The scheme followed investment from the Regional Growth Fund and a partnership with Barclays Bank to deliver intensive start-up support for businesses across the UK, with a particular focus upon providing help to businesses looking at securing finance. James said, “Ready for Business is a very intensive programme which takes individuals through the often challenging start-up journey to provide targeted advice on every key stage, from business planning to securing finance to sales and marketing. This unique programme focuses in on the commitment and dedication needed by individuals to get a workable business idea off the ground and build the commercial relationships required to sustain growth.” Ready for Business is supported by a series of informative free business seminars delivered in partnership with Barclays Bank which are taking place across the region. For more information about Ready for Business support, seminars and events in the North East, please contact James Craft on 07885 801 376 or email jcraft@tedco.org. Please visit the national programme website www.startupedge.co.uk for further information on the Ready for Business programme. Leading car manufacturer Nissan has launched a recruitment drive to take on 50 new employees to join its Sunderland plant. The firm is looking to hire engineering and maintenance staff to support record production levels at the plant, which in 2012 became the first plant in the history of the UK car industry to make more than 500,000 cars in one year. The new recruits will join the team preparing to launch new models including the new Nissan Note and next generation Nissan Qashqai, as well as introducing Infiniti production to Europe in 2015. A similar campaign last year saw 150 new engineers and maintenance technicians join the Wearside team, as staff numbers rose above 6,000 for the first time to meet demand for the Qashqai and Juke crossovers. Among the new posts are opportunities for electrical and mechanical maintenance technicians, maintenance engineer, facility engineers and product and process development engineers. Kevin Fitzpatrick, Nissan’s Vice President for Manufacturing in the UK, said: “Nissan has set a new production record in each of the last three years and we have launched some truly innovative products in that time from Sunderland, like the Juke Nismo and the 100% electric Nissan LEAF. We are now looking to fill 50 specialist roles which will help us build on this success and launch the next new models. “This is a very exciting period to join Nissan for anyone looking to further their career with a global automotive brand.” Anyone interested in applying for a job at Nissan Sunderland Plant can register their interest at www.careersatnissan.co.uk. The website also includes information and interviews about working in the engineering and maintenance departments. The Spotted Dog is a family run pub and restaurant in the picturesque village of High Coniscliffe. New managers, Marino and Lisa, extend a warm welcome to customers old and new. Marino and Lisa took over the management of the establishment in April 2012. They pride themselves in good fresh home cooked food, good friendly service and a warm welcome. Food is served from 12 noon until 2:00pm, then from 5:00pm until 9:00pm Monday to Saturday. Sunday is 12 noon till 3:00pm. They have regular nights already in place including a Spanish night which happens the last Thursday of the month. However, places are limited so please ring in advance to confirm your attendance. Here you can enjoy lots of different flavours including food and drink and also enjoy Spanish music and atmosphere! There is also a Quiz Night every Wednesday evening from 9:00pm. Cash prizes and food and drinks vouchers are up for grabs for the lucky winners! The Spotted Dog also has the facilities to hold all types of parties or meetings, whether this is for fun, birthdays, anniversaries or even business meetings. They can cater for all of your needs. Just give them a call on 01325 374 351 or use the online contact form on their website http://www.spotteddogdarlington.co.uk Readers may be aware of the recent landslip that occurred on the A67 at Low Carlbury between High Coniscliffe and Piercebridge and the ongoing road closure to the east of High Coniscliffe. A number of the businesses situated in the vicinity of this landslip are keen to remind people that it is ‘business as usual’. When travelling from Darlington – unless you are in a HGV – road access to the Spotted Dog should be unhindered; whilst travelling from direction of Piercebridge, will require a revised route following the yellow diversion signs at the Piercebridge/Carlbury crossroads. Warm up North is a regional programme led by Newcastle City Council with five other local authority partners being Northumberland, Durham, South Tyneside, Sunderland, and Darlington. It aims to deliver energy efficiency and carbon saving improvements to domestic properties and non-domestic public buildings in each of the local authority geographic areas. The Warm up North programme is a regional response to the "Green Deal" and Newcastle City Council are in the final stages of appointing a preferred delivery partner to manage and install the improvement measures commencing in July 2013. The contract will be let for a period of five years with an option for a further three-year extension subject to funding and the market demand for services. The contract is expected to deliver in the region of £80M to £200M worth of investment across the region over the term of the contract. One of the core aims of the programme is to stimulate economic activity and provide training and employment opportunities for local people and local businesses. This includes both opportunities for local people seeking work, sustaining existing employment in key trades, and, providing manufacturing, supply chain, and installation opportunities with the preferred delivery partner when they are appointed in June 2013. Interest from the following local businesses in the manufacturing, supply chain and installer market is being sought: •Scaffolders; •Plumbers; •Electricians; •Boarders; •Spreaders / Renderers; •Roofers; •Decorators; •Joiners; •Cleaners; •Demolition; •Dry liners; •Plasterers; •Floor layers, and •Tilers. For all interested businesses who wish to register an interest in this opportunity, please complete a registration form at www.warmupnorth.com. Registration details will be shared with the successful preferred delivery partner for them to make direct enquiries with you and to share opportunities that will arise out of the contract being awarded. The preferred delivery partner is due to be appointed in June 2013 following the submission of final tenders on 17 May 2013 and they have been invited and encouraged to consider supply chain, sub-contracting delivery arrangements now. As any manufacturing, supply chain and installer opportunities will be subject to Green Deal accreditation for appropriate trades, further information about PAS2030 accreditation can be obtained by purchasing a PAS2030 guide from BSI costing £75 and / or training / advise offered by lee.daymond@grouphorizon.co.uk who are a company working closely with Gateshead College to deliver accredited training for Green Deal installers and manufacturers. The Hall Garth Hotel is a 15th Century Manor House located on the outskirts of Darlington set within 70 acres of stunning parkland. They hold a civil ceremony licence and can accommodate weddings from 2 to 200 guests and with lots of outdoor space can hold outdoor ceremonies. They are delighted to announce the launch of the ‘Ultimate’ all inclusive wedding package in partnership with four excellent local suppliers which embraces the collaboration of local businesses. Being in partnership with First Class Wedding Company; Camera A Photography; Flowers by Nattrass and Ian Gee Roadshow, enables the hotel to offer a ‘one-stop’ service directly which will support couples when planning their very special day. A Civil ceremony can be included for an additional surcharge. The ‘Ultimate’ package includes 40 day and 80 evening guests (supplements would apply for additional guests). Prices start from £4,500 variable upon dates and subject to availability. The ‘Ultimate’ package includes venue hire, wedding breakfast and drinks package, photographer on the day and an A4 photobook, floral decorations, chair covers, DJ and lots more. A stress free way to coordinate your requirements with wedding specialists! For full details of the ‘Ultimate’ package please call the Events Team at Hall Garth Hotel on 01325 300 400 or email events@hallgarthdarlington.co.uk The Darlington office of Chartered Surveyors, Smiths Gore is celebrating 150 years of business in the North East this year. To mark this anniversary the staff in the Darlington office will be getting ready for a summer of fundraising activities to help boost the funds for two local charities. The two charities that will benefit are the Upper Teesdale Agriculture Support Services (UTASS) and Brain Tumour Research & Support across Yorkshire (BTRS, which was previously known as Andrea’s Gift Charity). UTASS works with the local farming communities in the Upper Teesdale area specialising in the handling of agricultural matters; the charity’s work provides a support network for local people to manage issues before they reach crisis point. BTRS provides a support across Yorkshire for brain tumour patients and their families. In 2011 BTRS opened Yorkshire’s first brain tumour research laboratory where a specialist team work on long term paediatric and adult brain tumour research projects. Partner Philip Coles comments: “We are proud of our long association with the North East and our work over 150 years in the rural community. To celebrate 150 years of working in Darlington the team has decided to give something back to the local community through a programme of fundraising activities over the summer. “We have chosen these two deserving charities as they both have a strong reputation in the area and provide an incredible service to the local community. We are delighted to be partnering with them over the summer to help raise as much money as we can.” “The staff’s fundraising target is £20,000 which will be split between the two charities at the end of the year. This is an ambitious target but one which we feel confident can be achieved.” “The Darlington staff have already committed to walking the Teesdale Way over 5 days and we will be holding a charity auction at Rushcliffe Hall on 4 September.” Smiths Gore first opened its doors in Darlington in 1863 – the same year that the Darlington covered market was built and Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Darlington Rugby Club were also established. Having weathered two world wars, the Depression and several economic crises, the office has retained its original clients and the client base has expanded and the firm’s services diversified to meet the changing needs of the rural economy. “Our celebrations will begin this bank holiday weekend when we will be the proud sponsors of the Darlington Rugby Club Mini & Junior Festival. A total of 83 teams, with an incredible 1,700 children involved, will play over the weekend at the grounds at Blackwell Meadows on Grange Road. We are delighted to be involved with this event as Darlington Rugby Club is also celebrating it’s 150th anniversary this year.” Darlington Council have drafted a new planning document known as Making and Growing Places - it sets out proposals for where new housing, businesses, shops, schools, sports facilities, doctors surgeries, roads and open space will go in the Borough in the future up to 2026. Business and Jobs Making and Growing Places identifies proposals for how a continuous supply of employment land will be provided within the Borough to meet the needs of existing businesses and future economic development. This includes safeguarding existing employment sites that are needed, and identifying proposals for new employment land. New sites are proposed for employment use at Faverdale, Lingfield Point, Yarm Road and Morton Palms. Proposals for new offices will be provided in the Town Centre, the Town Centre Fringe and Central Park. Retail In line with the Core Strategy, Making and Growing Places sets out proposals for safeguarding and enhancing the vitality and viability of the town, district and local centres, and identifying sites for new development. New retail development will be focussed in the existing town, district and local centres. The plan recognises the need to support the creation of sustainable communities and makes provision for the extension of the West Park Local Centre to provide additional small shops, community facilities, and other local services for local residents in an area of strategic housing growth. Making and Growing Places will be available for public consultation for a 6-week period, from Friday 21 June to Friday 2 August 2013. This provides you with an opportunity to tell the Council what you think about proposals that may be important to you or your business. Once finalised, this plan will be used with the Darlington Core Strategy to assess all future planning applications. Due to the success of the previous 11 race for life events that have been hosted in Darlington’s South Park, it is expected once again that around 4,000 females will enter the Race for Life again this year in aid of Cancer Research. The race will take place on Sunday 9 June 2013 in South Park, Darlington. Entry fee for 16 and overs into the race is £14.99 and £10.00 for children aged 6-15. Entry to the race is free with no registration for children aged 5 and under. For more information about the race or to enter the race yourself, please visit http://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/index.html ‘Delicious & Local to Darlington’ is the name of a new Local Food Enterprise based around the Market Town of Darlington, aimed at showcasing the abundance of first class local produce available from the surrounding area, within approximately 30 miles of the town. The project, led by Tees Valley Rural Community Council is part of the Tees Valley Food Farming & Rural Affairs Network activity to support the rural community and the economy and is funded by the Plunkett Foundation through the Big Lottery. There are three distinctive strands: 1.A Meet the Buyer event to be held at Walworth Castle This will be held on 18 June between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm featuring local producers providing the food for a ‘Taster Menu’ buffet lunch prepared by Walworth Castle chefs; 2.A Local Food Directory and Website Listing and promoting local food produce, grown or reared sustainably from within 30miles of Darlington. It will feature local food producers, retailers, caterers, hospitality providers, consumer and trade buyers. 3.A ‘Local Food’ hub outlet in Darlington’s Victorian Covered Market This will be held on a regular basis with food from the same 30mile radius. For further information and to register your interest in being part of ‘Delicious Darlington’, please contact, Nick White on 01642 213 853 or email nwhite@teesvalleyrcc.org.uk. You can also visit the weblink as follows: http://www.teesvalleyrcc.org.uk/our_work/rural_influencing-strategic_development/food_farming_and_rural_affairs/delicious_darlington_application_pack.pdf A new direct flight between Durham Tees Valley Airport and Ibiza is hoped to boost its 2014 summer season. The route, operated by holiday company Thomson, is designed to fit in with its existing flights to Majorca and will run one day a week from 3 May until October 2014. Destinations from the airport include the three-times-a-day KLM service to Amsterdam Schiphol, providing links to destinations worldwide, together with flights to Aberdeen, Palma, Majorca, Jersey, as well as some departures to Italy. Airport Director Steve Gill: “We are very pleased Thomson has decided to offer this additional service to Ibiza which is a popular destination for North East holiday-makers. “Bookings can be made now which gives people plenty of time to plan ahead for next summer. “We are in constant discussions with airlines and operators about developing new routes and services. It remains a tough market but it is good to have positive news today. What’s important now is that local people show their support for both the new service and the Majorca service.” Durham Tees Valley Airport has struggled to maintain the number of people travelling via the airport in recent years. A funding application for £4.65m has recently been submitted for Round Four of the Government’s Regional Growth Fund to help build a road linking the north side of the site with land south of the passenger terminal. Over the past 30 years, the community carnival was chaired by Councillor Jackie Maddison and following her death last year, a new committee has been set up and is now currently chaired by Steve Rose. This year’s Community Carnival will be celebrating its 31st year and promises to be bigger and better than ever before! There will be music, entertainment and charity stalls in Stanhope Park from 11am – 5pm. The parade will follow a circular route around the town centre, this will starting at 12 noon from Vane Terrace and arriving back at Stanhope Park. There will be lots of family activities, as well as the New Blood Live Stage which is supported by the Forum Music Centre. The Post Office are delighted to tell you that they’ve decided - with the sub postmaster’s agreement - to change Mowden Park Post Office to one of their new main style branches. The change to this branch is a part of three-year investment and support programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office, which will see around 6,000 branches (about half the Post Office network) converting to new main style branches. Their aim is to create a more modern and convenient retail experience for customers that will include longer opening hours What this will mean for customers? •A newly refurbished branch providing a modern environment for customers; •The same products and services; •Longer opening hours, and •Selected Post Office services will also be available at the retail counter during shop opening hours. Your new-look post office is scheduled to open at the current location on Monday 10 June 2013 at 09:00 – it will need to close for refurbishment on Thursday 30 May 2013 at 14:00. Other post office branches in the area will be available to use, please see below for this information: Cockerton Post Office 21 West Auckland Road Darlington DL3 9EL Blackwell Post Office 98-100 Carmel Road South Darlington DL3 8QN Posters will be displayed in branch so customers are aware of the change and leaflets will also be available containing more information. If you would like more information about these changes or having any questions, then please contact the customer helpline on 08457 22 33 44 or alternatively email comments@postoffice.co.uk The online hub was set up in October 2012 by Anthony Davison and Nicola Burt-Skinner and aims to promote Darlington businesses across Facebook and Twitter. Since it was set up, they have gained over 800 followers on Twitter and nearly 200 on Facebook. By using the hashtag #DarloBiz, they are able to pick up promotional tweets from Darlington businesses and retweet them to all of their followers increasing the online profile of these businesses and opening up opportunities for businesses and collaboration to take place. They also host #DarloBizHour on Twitter every Monday night at 7pm. This is a focused retweeting and following session for all Darlington businesses. The account already has some big players involved like Sherwoods, although they would love to get other Darlington businesses on board. All you need to do is follow @DarloBiz on Twitter and retweet any tweets that contain the #DarloBiz or #DarloBizhour tag. Like and shares of their Facebook page would be greatly appreciated too. They also have a website which businesses can have a page on, this is darlo.biz.wordpress.com The aim is a simple one; promotion of Darlington as a town and an incubator for brilliant businesses. In raising the awareness of the DarloBiz profile and aims, you will in turn be raising awareness of all Darlington based businesses. The Creative Employment Programme can fund job roles in enterprise and freelancing, and it can fund roles that are not strictly ‘creative’ e.g. business and administration; Box Office - as long as the employers fall within the identified footprint. You can also make an application to the programme on behalf of a consortium (as lead applicant) as long as all of the employers you are working with fall within the identified footprint. The Creative Employment Programme is for any organisation, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and sole traders, working across the Arts Council’s footprint that wants to provide Creative Employment Programme opportunities. Commercial organisations are eligible for the Creative Employment Programme funding, as it is part – funding work opportunities, not an organisation’s core business. Applications are welcomed from organisations of all sizes. However, if it is difficult to make an application due to your limited capacity, businesses are encouraged to work in partnership with larger organisations. Museums and libraries can apply for funding where job roles and skill sets are common to arts organisations. For example, front of house, education and outreach, marketing and digital media. Apprenticeship Pathways The creative employment programme will fund any pathway that is relevant to the arts and cultural workforce, including (but not exclusively): •Live events and promotions; •Music Business; •Technical Theatre; •Costume & Wardrobe; •Cultural and Heritage Venue Operations; •Community Arts; •Design; •Set Crafts; •Creative & Digital Media; •Enterprise; •Accounting; •Business Administration; •Marketing,and •Customer Service. Find out more about taking on a Creative Apprentice by visiting http://creative-employment.co.uk//take-on-an-apprentice To find out more about the Creative Employment Programme, please visit http://creative-employment.co.uk/ Sparta Street Safe set the ball rolling in 2009 when they formed a private security company which patrols households and businesses around the streets of Darlington. It was one of England's first security services and benefitted Darlington residents by giving a private security service to householders. Sparta Security has now undergone Control & Restraint certification which allows security officers to handcuff potential trespassers on households and businesses that they secure. “This is just changing with the times” Francis Jones, Director, tweeted last week. Sparta are leading the way throughout the UK with private security and with a number of television companies travelling up to Darlington to film Sparta shows how private security is growing rapidly. The new initiative sends a message out loud and clear to potential thieves, opportunists' if you are breaking the law, creating a disturbance be it anti social behaviour, trespassing or any other form of criminal behaviour Sparta officers work as a team and can detain and handcuff if you are on a Sparta household or business. This new initiative coincides with Sparta's latest venture of offering free security to households and businesses for one month. Officers will patrol your house every night and offer alarm response for different behaviour types. If, after the 4 weeks you believe their team has created a safer environment and increased your confidence while sleeping, then packages start from £3.50 per week. If you do not want Sparta officers patrolling after the month has finished there are no contracts or fees. The security presence will cease. Simon Dixon, CEO of the crowdfunding platform BankToTheFuture.com, and founding member of the UK Crowdfunding Association, is excited by the fact that Crowdcube has raised over £1 million through its own website. He believes that this is yet more evidence that crowdfunding is effective and sustainable. Commenting on the achievement, Dixon said, “As a founding member of the UK Crowdfunding Association alongside Crowdcube, we think its success in raising finance on its own platform is a great example of where finance is heading. We raised the funding for BankToTheFuture.com on our own platform and feel that Crowdcube doing the same is a signal that we can genuinely democratise investing.” With crowdfunding, anyone can invest, and through BankToTheFuture.com that can be as little as £10. The aim is to put finance into the hands of businesses that have the potential to be successful, yet struggle to raise the finance they need from high street banks. Dixon believes that, following Crowdcube’s success, the sector can educate people worldwide and spread the message that investors do not need to be rich to get started. BankToFuture.com is witnessing the de-institutionalisation of funding, with more people investing in crowdfunding. Crowds, rather than banks and venture capitalists, determine who gets funded. People are voting with their wallets. They want crowdfunding to be a sustainable type of banking. Dixon is convinced that crowdfunding is here to stay.“The sector has been funding its own progress,” he said. “In the past banks and venture capitalists had to be persuaded before a sector could grow. Now the people are deciding. Crowdfunding cannot be held back.” BankToTheFuture.com funded itself, using crowdfunding, in 2012, showing that this method of financing businesses is sustainable and has a bright future. By giving the public the power to invest in great ideas, new, crowdfunded businesses will reflect the values of society and encourage established businesses to look beyond high street banks for finance. For more information, please visit www.BankToTheFuture.com Reiki is an ancient form of therapy, originally from Japan, and now used throughout the world; hospitals in the UK, US, Canada, Spain, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, to name just a few. Reiki is now beginning to be used in cancer treatment centres too. Independent therapists are beginning to use it more frequently these days too, like Reiki Ken. If you would like to know more information on Reiki or the services that Ken delivers then please look at his website, www.reikiken.com. Ken also has a YouTube channel, Reiki Ken Channel. What can Reiki do for you? The aim of Reiki is to try and relax you, reduce stress and make you feel good about yourself overall. Secondly, it accelerates your body’s natural healing process. So, what can Reiki do for you? Contact Ken now on 01325 469 654 or 0780 390 5881. Your first one hour session with Ken is free! Step into a narrow alleyway in Darlington and you will find a hidden gem. Blackwell Antiques, well known to several experts on the BBC Antiques Road Trip series in which it has featured, is choc full of quirky stuff that as the good burghers of Darlington know will not be long in situ. Participating in the Darlington for Culture initiative throughout May, this venue plays host to 'Boudoir', an installation of ceramic sculpture by Carolyn Corfield who is noted for her compelling figurative pieces, some of which were recently displayed within Bowes Museum and also featured in the Santorini Biennale, summer 2012. Wall hanging Basques and torso pieces in glazed porcelain or stoneware are embellished with leather thongs and ribbons. The femininity of the sculpture is eye catching and appealing. Do visit for a visual feast of temptation! For further information, please email ccsculptor@btinternet.com The news follows months of negotiations between Darlington Borough Council, MP for Darlington Jenny Chapman, Tees Valley Unlimited, developer partners and the DfE. The Council worked with the DfE to assess what their requirements were and put together the “Case for Darlington” a working document detailing why Darlington remains the best place for the location of its jobs including: A range of good-quality and suitable office sites in either the town centre or business park settings capable of delivering Better value for money and lower set up costs of any other NE location An existing skilled workforce Less disruption for DfE’s business than if staff had to commute to another town or city Good transport and road links which deliver faster journey times to all other DfE offices elsewhere in England than from Any other North-East location Potential to secure a new local and central government ‘hub’ within the Feethams area of Darlington town centre; and, A good standard of living available in the town and surrounding countryside. The agreement will see the Council build the office and then lease it to the DfE for up to 15 years. The office will form part of the Town Centre Regeneration of the Feethams area. This part of the town has already been identified through public consultation as an ideal area for office development. Having 400 more people working in the town centre will bring trade for town centre businesses and the markets. In addition, the new leisure complex, featuring a multi screen cinema, restaurants and bars, will further develop this area for leisure and business use. The announcement reinforces the message that Darlington, within the Tees Valley, is an excellent location for office development and professional services jobs. It is hoped that the new offices will be completed by the end of 2014. Plans are underway to minimise disruption whilst the work is underway. Cllr Bill Dixon, Leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “This is brilliant news - around four hundred jobs will remain in Darlington. We have worked hard to set out the case for Darlington and to meet the criteria put forward by the DfE. Darlington is a brilliant place to live and work and do business in and this news is testament to this. The news is huge boost to the local economy especially as the move will see up to four hundred more people working close to the town centre and shopping and eating there meaning more trade for local businesses. “When we first heard that the DfE was considering relocating out of Darlington, we could not just sit back and let it happen. I am delighted that the DfE has worked with us to develop this new way of working together and look forward to what promises to be an innovative and fruitful partnership with them.” Jenny Chapman, MP for Darlington, praised the staff at Mowden who had been through an intensely unsettling time, and also the diligence of the Town Hall team who continued to press the case for Darlington over many months. “This news secures the future for 400 workers and their families and is testament to the sheer hard work of Darlington people making the case for their town. These jobs are vital to the town’s economy and will give the town centre hope and confidence in the future,” she said. Cllr Heather Scott, Leader of the opposition group at Darlington Borough Council, said: “This is excellent news. We have pulled together and worked across all parties and with our partners across the Tees Valley to put the case for Darlington forward. I am delighted that the DfE has listened and has chosen the best option for them, their staff and for Darlington.” Chris Wormald, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Education, said: “We are very grateful to Darlington Borough Council for the work they’ve done and I look forward to working with them to finalise these arrangements - with the intention of signing a contract in July. It was clear that the advantages to the Department for Education of remaining in Darlington outweigh any benefits which could be realised by moving elsewhere. The Department is very interested in the possibilities for collaboration which will exist through the co-location of our two organisations. There are opportunities to cut costs through sharing services, and for a really exciting and innovative partnership between central and local government.” Sandy Anderson, chair of Local Enterprise Partnership, Tees Valley Unlimited said: “This is a perfect example of how, when given the opportunity to put our case forward, Darlington and the wider Tees Valley can show itself to be an unbeatable location of choice. “There are few areas that can so well accommodate different sector needs and TVU was delighted to support Darlington Council in compiling a compelling business case for a public sector hub. “Given the existing government agencies already in Darlington and the wealth of resource available for professional services we have no doubt the DfE will continue to feel at home here.” Readers may be aware of the recent landslip that occurred on the A67 at Low Carlbury between High Coniscliffe and Piercebridge. Initial observations identified a 1m deep crack which ran along the edge of the road, resulting in the verge and embankment starting to slip down a steep slope. The Council immediately sought advice from a geotechnical expert who advised that traffic should be diverted away from the edge of the road and traffic lights put in place to allow traffic to pass safely. The Council were also advised to monitor the movement of the slip. In mid-March the slip started to move significantly. The main concern being the potential impact on significant Northumbrian Water (NWL) mains located underneath the road. The road closure is in place both because of the risk of the road failing and the risk of one or both of these water mains rupturing. This could have the impact of the road becoming unsafe immediately. A road closure was considered necessary in the interests of public safety. Darlington Borough Council is very much aware of the impact the road closure is having on the local communities and businesses and is working to identify how it can help to provide support whilst the road closure is in place (which could be for a number of months). At the same time the Council is working to identify how the road can be safely repaired and re-opened. Both of these work areas are urgent and important to the Council. Over the last couple of weeks Northumbrian Water has been managing their water supply to reduce the pressure in the main closest to the slip to reduce the impact if the main ruptures. This decommissioning work has taken time to minimise any disruption of water supply to residents and businesses. Work has been undertaken around the 2 mains to ascertain their exact location, depth and condition. A geotechnical specialist is now planning a detailed ground investigation to provide options to resolve this complicated problem. At this moment in time it cannot be confirmed how long the road maybe closed but this decision is under constant review. More will be known in the next few weeks but it cannot be ruled out that the road could be closed for a significant period of time. The Council used emergency procedures when the road was initially closed. This allows a road to be closed for a maximum period of 21 days, whilst alternative road closure procedures are followed. A Traffic Regulation Order was processed which allows the road to be closed for a maximum of 18 months. At this stage we do not know whether the road will be closed for this length of time until further ground investigation works have been completed. The Council have employed Geotechnical consultants who are undertaking a detailed ground investigation and looking at options to solve this problem. Their physical investigation work on the road is scheduled to be completed in June, which will allow the Council to review the road closure position. However, their final report on options to resolve the problem is not expected until August. We would like to reinforce that it is ‘business as usual’ for those businesses (which include farm shops; public houses and a garden centre) that are situated within this rural locality. It may take slightly longer to get to your intended destination, but clearly marked signs detailing a diversion route are in place, both at the Piercebridge/Carlbury crossroads when approaching the site of the landslip from the direction of Barnard Castle and also at the ‘Elm Ridge’ roundabout where Coniscliffe Road and Carmel Road meet, when driving out from Darlington towards Barnard Castle. We would strongly encourage you to continue to support those businesses within the affected area. Updates on the landslip and road closure will be in the press, Twitter and Facebook feeds. A Council e-mail address has been set up for businesses and residents wanting to raise issues specific to the landslip and road closure at feedback@darlington.gov.uk We will endeavour to keep you informed of developments. Darlington Borough Council and Jobcentre Plus, under the Foundation for Jobs campaign, are organising a careers and opportunities fair on Thursday 16 May at the Sports Hall, Dolphin Centre from 10am-4pm. The event will give young people the chance to get information and advice on a wide range of careers and find out about education, training and employment opportunities from schools, colleges, universities, employers and apprenticeship providers. They will also be able to talk to prospective employers about their job opportunities and the vacancies they have. Local and regional businesses, some with national and international connections will be at the event. Main employment areas represented will include engineering, the care sector, and hospitality trade, who will all be on hand to offer information and advice. Business start-up information and advice will also be available for those who are considering self-employment. Alongside these, there will be a training providers’ area with information on local training providers, apprenticeships information and how and when to sign up for courses. If you are a business or organisation that would like to be involved in the Fair, please contact Suzanne Clark on suzanne.clark@darlington.gov.uk or on 01325 388 686. Offshore specialist DeepOcean UK Ltd has cemented its position as a leading subsea contractor after winning a new deal for its trenching services. Darlington-based DeepOcean – part of the DeepOcean Group Holding BV which has more than 1,000 staff – has sealed a deal for an undisclosed sum with global group Technip to work on the Stella field development, overseen by Ithaca Energy. Operating out of County Durham as well as Norway, the Netherlands, Singapore, Mexico and Brazil, DeepOcean provides a range of subsea services including survey and seabed-mapping, subsea installation, trenching, inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR), and decommissioning. The latest contract, to be carried out this summer, will see DeepOcean provide project management, engineering and trenching and backfilling works, as well as post-lay trenching and backfilling services to the pipelines. Tony Inglis, DeepOcean UK Managing Director said: “This project strengthens our global leadership in the subsea intervention market, where our teams have been breaking new ground since the 1990s.’ “We are proud to be supporting another North Sea project with our trenching expertise.” The announcement comes a month after the firm was awarded a contract by Statoil to carry out work in the Norwegian Sea, a vital step forward in the development of activity in the area as the first deep water development. The Norwegian contract sees the company carrying out the supply and installation of 140km of fibre optic cable in water as deep as 1300m, connecting the Aasta Hansteen field to the existing infrastructure near Norne. Meanwhile, the company has entered into a long term charter of the Havila Phoenix – a vessel equipped with a 250 tonne crane. DeepOcean UK’s Managing Director Tony Inglis added: “The trenching systems on board will offer unparalleled performance to our customers in the oil and gas and renewable markets.“ The Encouraging Engineering Scheme is now in its 3rd year of operation. Funded by the BAT Legacy, it is aimed at undergraduate students studying a 4-year Mechanical Engineering degree at university. The number of students isn’t massive - first year's intake was 4 students; the 2nd year was 3 students, but it seeks to address the issues of an ageing engineering workforce and graduate retention issues locally. Each student receives a £1,000 bursary per term (3x a year over the 4-year term) paid directly from the BAT Legacy. Each student has a mentoring / coaching relationship with a nominated company each year (this rotates each year), and then the companies host the student for a typical 10-week paid work placement over the summer period - the companies pick up the tab for this. Participating companies have agreed to pay the students the same amount of £14,000 pro rata (which equates to a maximum of c. £2,700 for a 10-week work placement). The benefits to the companies are such that they can have graduate calibre individuals working on specific summer projects, plus if they do come across a 'gem' there is always the scope to offer employment to them at the end of their 4-year degree course - thus helping to address the issue of graduate retention in Darlington and the wider North East. Current host companies are: DeepOcean (formerly CTC Marine); Cummins; Henry Williams Limited and MTE (formerly Mech-Tool Engineering) supporting the scheme. There are now 10 students participating in the scheme. For this summer, we are ideally looking to secure another 3 host companies to be able to offer placements. Could your business help? Businesses do not need to be based within Darlington, but it would be advantageous if they were within reasonable travelling distance for the students involved. The main requirements are that you have a mechanical engineering focus, and have particular projects that you feel your company could benefit from an undergraduate student working on. Interested in joining the scheme and would like more details? Please contact Helen Taylor, Business Engagement Support Officer on: 01325 388 943 or Helen.taylor@darlington.gov.uk Here’s what our students said “While on placement I learnt a lot about how a real engineering firm works, the kind of thing you aren't taught in lectures or told by anyone. It's a good scheme I would thoroughly recommend to anyone” Tom Chappel, placement at Cummins “I really enjoyed working in a real life environment as it gives you a different prospective on engineering than what I am used to. When on my summer placement I learnt that engineering is not all about the studies but thought for budgeting and time management has to be considered. This played a big part in many of the decision makings made in industry. I really recommend the scheme to anyone as it takes the pressure of living costs off and allows you to concentrate on your studies. The great thing about the scheme is that it builds up your work experience during the summer breaks which can be added to your CV, whilst gaining valuable skills.” Andy Dockray, placement at Cummins “The experiences I had working at the two companies were fantastic. Starting work at both was a daunting task as both were very different work environments. However, once you settle in and get to know the people you work with better, you become very relaxed and begin to really enjoy your time working there. It had a great benefit on some of my studies, especially on the CAD side as I gained a lot of practice with and 3D modelling. I'd definitely recommend the scheme to anyone interested in doing mechanical engineering as a degree because it offers an easy solution to gaining invaluable experience.” Ben Appleby, placements at MTE Ltd and Henry Williams “I found that my placement at MTE Ltd was extremely useful both for my academic studies and for the experience of a real workplace environment. During my time at the company I was faced with a number of tasks, including creating spreadsheets for checking the strength of welds, performing weight checks and updating a blast wall program. I enjoyed the scheme and would definitely recommend it to anyone doing an engineering degree as it is a fantastic opportunity.” Sam Jones, placement at MTE Ltd “The extra experience has been fantastic in translating theoretical work into real life projects. In both of my placements I've been given a high level of independence, working on detailed projects. The companies are very interested in developing and guiding interns and if you deliver something well it can lead to further offers as it did at Cummins for me. Also, the projects are often multidisciplinary, for example: programming while in a manufacturing support role.” Fraser Edwards, placements at DeepOcean and Cummins If you are interested in considering being a host company, contact details can be provided for the existing participating companies in order that you can hear first-hand why they believe the scheme is of benefit to their businesses. Thank you! A fast-growing Darlington recycling company has announced a £1.5m expansion to create new jobs and services. Total Recycling Services Ltd has added a new recycling centre, hazardous waste transfer station and testing laboratory to their facilities. The ambitious expansion went ahead following backing from Yorkshire Bank’s Tees Valley Business & Private Banking Centre in Stockton. Total Recycling Services contributed £700,000 investment from its own funds into the new facilities, with the remaining £800,000 from Yorkshire Bank. The company, based on the Yarm Road Business Park, provides recycling services across the North East, and also specialises in hazardous waste disposal and tanker cleaning throughout the UK. The new Hazardous Waste Transfer Station will operate under a bespoke license from the Environment Agency. Total Recycling Services, saw its turnover grow to £6.4m in 2012, and expects to reach a turnover of £8m in 2013 It has doubled staff to 40 since its launch in 2009 and created 16 new jobs last year. Alex Foreman, Total Recycling Services Ltd founder and Managing Director, said: “Our specialist and comprehensive services enable our customers to enhance their own eco-credentials and this is driving growth and the provision of new services. “Our position in the market is unusual in that we can handle every type of waste treatment and recycling without the need to subcontract, whereas most businesses specialise in managing either hazardous or non-hazardous materials. “The Recycling Distribution Centre will enhance our zero-to-landfill policy. “The Hazardous Waste Transfer Station will enable us to bulk-up, treat and neutralise hazardous waste to make it non-hazardous; cutting our disposal costs by 25 per cent. “We are also launching a new purpose-built laboratory which will enable us to test ‘unknown’ waste so it can be disposed of in the most appropriate way. “Among our future plans is a hazardous drum cleaning service for clients to aid re-use. “We have been with Yorkshire Bank since our launch in 2009, and it has been fantastic in its understanding of our business and commitment to support our growth. “I’ve had numerous approaches from other banks but would never consider switching.” Yorkshire Bank’s Growing Business campaign, launched last autumn, is a package of initiatives including fee-free loans and overdrafts, a £1 billion Business Expansion Fund and 24 months free banking for start-up. David Allenson, Commercial Banking Relationship Manager at Yorkshire Bank’s Tees Valley Business & Private Banking Centre, said: “Waste management is a significant commercial growth area as we all become more conscious about the environment. “Total Recycling Services is at the forefront of the industry, and Yorkshire Bank is pleased to be supporting its growth. “We are very much open for business and looking to support growing businesses in the region with the right investment proposition.” In November 2012, UKTI hosted an export week that was very successful, and included lots of activities and was part of an ongoing initiative that the Prime Minister and the Minister of State for UKTI launched in 2011, entitled ‘The National Export Challenge.’ Last year, UKTI alone hosted more than 100 events, reaching some 4,000 businesses. In 2011, exports grew by 10.5 percent and exports to 19 of their top 20 markets also grew. Exports to the major emerging markets of Russia, India and China all showed double digit increases and as a result of this, we need to maintain this momentum. UKTI want to make an extra push to encourage more businesses to export and for existing exporters to take on the challenge of exporting to more markets. So this year, they plan to hold two export weeks. UKTI will hold one in May (13th-17th), focusing on doing business in High Growth Markets. UKTI is particularly focusing on markets where there are strong opportunities for UK companies. Those markets include Brazil, China, India, Turkey, Columbia, Egypt, Hong Kong and lots more. They aim to have at least one event per day in every region of the country, including Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. UKTI teams will be organising a wide range of events, from master classes to seminars on specific business opportunities and a general focus on doing business in High Growth Markets. UKTI are urging companies to become involved, whether it be promoting the events to your own clients and contacts, or even by hosting your own activities. There is a real need for businesses to realise the many benefits of exporting. There are also plans to hold a second Export Week in November, likely to be the 11th-15th. Further information on these plans will be released later in the year. Darlington businesses may be particularly interested in the MSB Support for High Growth Markets event which is being on the 15 May 2013 at Rockliffe Hall Hotel. This is a free event which will help to outline how companies should tackle complex routes to market, international property rights and cyber security issues as well as providing training modules, on-going client account management and support. For more information on this particular event, please contact Jonathan Gamblin by emailing jonathan.gamblin@uktinortheast.org.uk If you would like any more information on either Export Weeks, please contact the Regional International Trade Hotline on enquiries@uktinortheast.org.uk or via 08450 50 50 54. Darlington-based Hobson & Holmes has been awarded the Hair Salon of the Year North East title at the prestigious English Hair and Beauty Awards 2013. The awards are based on public nominations and cover 21 specialist categories celebrating the most talented hair and beauty professionals in the country. Hobson & Holmes' Director Andrew Hobson said: “It’s amazing to be recognised by the English Hair and Beauty Awards, and even more so in our fifth year of trading. “It's great to feel that we haven't just been a flash in the pan and that our ethos of affordable luxury with an emphasis on customer service is standing the test of time.” Nicholas Holmes, Hobson and Holmes' Director, said: “The success is down to our location and ambience of the salon, great staff and the training they receive. All my staff are friendly and approachable whilst maintaining their professionalism at all times. “I am now the national colour trainer for the colour supplier Goldwell and through that work I get access to unlimited teaching resources and ideas which I can pass onto my staff as soon as new techniques and collections are released. This keeps my staff at the forefront of fashion and trend.” Hobson & Holmes, which was launched five years ago, at a time when the country was in the depths of recession, has since thrived and grown its workforce to 14 and plans to generate even more jobs, despite the tough economic climate. To find out more about Hobson & Holmes visit www.hobsonandholmes.co.uk Fund101 targets UK-based entrepreneurs looking to turn an idea into a new business and existing small companies wishing to purchase equipment to help take their enterprise to the next level. Administered by Enterprise Nation, the programme is designed to assist those who are looking for relatively small amounts of capital support. The initial funding pool is £50,000 and this will be topped up each month with an additional £5,000. Individual grants ranging from £50 to £500 can be requested. The grants can be used to fund miscellaneous capital costs associated with starting up a new venture and for existing small businesses to purchase equipment, promotional flyers, hardware etc, in order to boost their operations. UK-based start-ups looking to commence trading and those who are already in business and need funding to further their enterprise may be eligible for assistance through Fund101. To apply, entrants must complete an online application, explaining how much money they require and for what purpose. They must then raise an equivalent number of votes to the grant they are seeking - if they need £100, they must engage 100 people to vote for them online. When the target is met, the funds will be deposited into the successful candidates' PayPal accounts. Grant recipients must agree to be profiled on the Fund101 webpage to explain how the grant has benefited their business. The application process has re-opened and bids may be submitted at any time. For further information please visit: http://www.enterprisenation.com/fund-101-open-again-soon/ Can you imagine how great it could feel to offer an hour a week to support a young person to find and maintain employment that could be life-changing? Can you spare the time for a Young Person? Young people leaving care are in a very unique circumstance; having to make the transition to adulthood more quickly, at a younger age and with less support than the majority of their peers. Studies of care leavers find that they move to independent living at just 16 or 17 and have to cope with major changes in their lives at that time, often with variable support. Just coping with the day to day challenge of starting a new job can be difficult when you go home to an empty flat without anyone to speak to about day to day situations you’re encountering – positive and negative. The ‘Prepare 2 Progress’ programme has been design to offer work experience places and mentoring support to young care leavers to give them support, advice, work experience and a positive view for the future. Are you able to offer a Care Leaver a work experience place? Would you or a member of your staff like to act as a mentor to a Care Leaver? If the answer is yes, or if you would like more information please contact Suzanne Clark on 01325 388 686 or suzanne.clark@darlington.gov.uk We provide training and support to both the Mentor and the Mentee. The relationship will also be supported by a workbook to support and focus conversations and evening networking events that could also benefit your business or career. Our induction training will ensure you feel connected to, and part of, the young person’s support network. Studies have shown that young people who have received mentoring support are more likely to achieve their goals and male future plans. A mentoring relationship can be enormously beneficial for both mentors and mentees. It is a two-way relationship which enables both parties to develop. Mentors can find the role challenging, rewarding and exhilarating, offering personal satisfaction. As a mentor, it can be a way for you to further develop as a person, both professionally and personally. It can help you recognise and consolidate the skills you have, develop new ones and increase your feelings of self-worth. It can also lead to new and different career opportunities. Mentees often find a mentoring relationship offers them structure and direction. The feeling of being listened to and valued can have a wonderful affect on one’s self-esteem and confidence – which many young care leavers lack. For many marginalised young people, working with a mentor is an opportunity to form an attachment, based on trust, to an adult, which creates a space in which the young person can grow and develop. For some young care leavers such attachments will have been few and far between, or non-existent. But it is these attachments that are so important in empowering a young person to take control of their life, fostering a sense of self-worth and moving forwards in a positive way. Two sporting groups and their planning advisors are celebrating after their ambitious proposals to transform an empty warehouse into a permanent new activities centre for young people, was approved. Darlington Gymnastics Club and 4Motion extreme wheeled sports club say they will now start fund-raising to fit out the former Amdega warehouse on Faverdale Industrial Estate into a gymnasium and indoor BMX and skate park. The two groups, who will lease the building, joined forces last year to find new premises which would allow the gym club to expand and its members to progress, and finally provide a base for riders and skate boarders. It was feared the scheme would not get permission because it meant the loss of an employment building, and the groups brought in expertise in the form of Darlington-based planning consultants Prism Planning. The planning case was backed by local support and was approved by Darlington Borough Council. Principal Planning Consultant at Prism Rod Hepplewhite explained: “The application centered on whether or not the council would allow some flexibility and not follow the strict planning policy line on the warehouse having an industrial use. “Both clubs need a base with large open spaces and high roofs, which is only found in an industrial type building. In the Faverdale warehouse they found the right building at the right price. “The council was persuaded that changing the industrial use would have wider benefits for the community at large, especially in terms of promoting physical activity among young people." Speaking on behalf of both clubs, Nigel Potter said: "Getting planning permission is great news. Both clubs can now realise their dreams with a new home for Darlington Gymnastics Club that will help the club grow and be a real asset for Darlington, and 4Motion will be able to make the dream of many young people come true with an indoor skatepark that we hope will be one of the best in the North East." Prism conducted a comprehensive planning evaluation and the clubs put on an open day and public consultation event, which attracted 244 people who broadly welcomed the plans. Councillors Cyndi Hughes and Bill Dixon, and Darlington MP Jenny Chapman, backed it, the neighbouring business wrote in support and no local residents objected. The development is expected to create five-eight new junior coaches jobs and increase the hours of the senior coaches, clerk and cleaner at the Gym Club, as well as creating seven jobs at 4Motion. Darlington Gymnastics Club was set up in 1970 and has 540 members from the age of four who currently meet at a building in Weir Street, which the club has outgrown. 4Motion was established last year out of demand for coached extreme cycling. The new centre will have refreshment facilities and 54 parking spaces. Darlington-based restoration, high level and general maintenance experts, Stone Technical Services, have invested thousands of pounds as the company prepares to grow and enter new markets. Stone started 2013 by investing around £20,000 in its marketing and, in addition to taking on a new member of staff, has now launched a new website- www.stonetechnicalgroup.co.uk to improve its presence on search engines as it continues to grow around the UK. The new site has been designed to showcase Stone’s increasing range of services and consolidate the brand as it expands its team and client-base around the UK. It was launched at the recently held EcoBuild event, which sees hundreds of worldwide companies from the building and construction industries gather in London for three days, and has already resulted in a number of new pieces of business and dozens of new enquiries. The investment comes as Stone recently strengthened its sales and marketing team by recruiting an in-house marketing specialist for the first time in its 15-year history. Chris Hunter manages aspects such as Stone’s website, new business, events and general marketing activities to enable the company enter new markets and grow. Twenty-five year old Chris, a Teesside University graduate, previously worked for Tees Valley Unlimited and BT in various marketing roles having graduated with a BA (Hons) in marketing and business management. Stone Technical Services, a UK leader in high level and general maintenance and historic restoration and renovation, surpassed managers’ growth expectations throughout 2012, opening a new Edinburgh office to add to its sites in Middlesex and Cheshire and its HQ on Kellaw Road in Darlington. Web design experts, Design 365 in Newton Aycliffe, re-designed and re-developed Stone’s new website to make it more user-friendly and improve its online presence. Managing Director of Stone, Dave Stone, added: “The start of 2013 has seen us make heavy investment in our marketing because this is essential if we want to continue to grow - especially in new markets. The website needed to be more functional and we needed to be easier to locate on the web because our client base is nationwide and we offer so many different services- so many companies in this industry get left behind by not investing in their websites and we don’t want to be one of them. “Design 365 helped us to do that and it’s great to be able to work with another local company on such an important aspect of our business. The feedback from EcoBuild was so important to us and we’re very encouraged by the results so far.” Stone hopes to create around five more new jobs this year, adding to its 35-strong workforce based at it HQ on Kellaw Road in Darlington. Experts at Stone work all over the UK with high profile organisations such as INEOS Plant Utilities at Seal Sands, Teesside Power Station, English Heritage, the National Trust, the NHS, British Waterways and Network Rail to carry out a range of maintenance, safety and conservation projects. In addition, Stone is the approved contractor managing lightning protection on St Paul’s Cathedral and works with housing associations, historic structures, churches, war memorials, schools, offices, car parks and councils. Please visit http://www.stonetechnicalgroup.co.uk/ Independents' Day is a national campaign which aims to give a voice to the UK's independent retailers. Organised by the National Skills Academy for Retail and now in its third year, the campaign was launched on 4 April (three months from 4 July), the date that has been declared a nationwide day for the public to shop at independent retailers and celebrate diversity on the high street. Independents' Day is a great opportunity to show the value of independent shops to the local community. In the run up to 4 July, retailers are encouraged to download the campaign posters and other supporting materials available at www.retailindieday.com, start planning campaign activities/celebratory events in your location and join forces with local retailers and skills shops for town-wide celebrations. The campaign also aims to raise awareness about the package of training and business support that is now available to independent retailers in England at low cost, depending on their location. The package is available to independent retailers and their staff to help them acquire and improve essential skills to grow their businesses and assist them to survive and thrive in the current climate. The support available includes: •World Host customer service training; •The Guide to Successful Retailing Programmes, inspired by Mary Portas and covering Business Planning, Finance, Sales and Marketing and Buying and Visual Merchandising, and •Mentoring services. Some numbers from last year Last year's campaign was extremely successful, with over 100 locations running events across the four nations and generating lots of interest from the press with 300 articles between May-July 2012 and over 20 interviews/mentions on Channel 4, BBC1 West Midlands and BBC Radio Coventry and Warwickshire. Furthermore, over 1000 registered hits were reported on the Independents' Day (ID) page on 4 July and over 5000 visitors between 15 June and 4 July. There are also over 3000 followers on Twitter and over 1000 likes on Facebook. Campaign support for 2013 Independents' Day has joined forces with Independent Retailer Month and gained the support of thirteen trade associations, including: Association of Cycle Traders, Act Smart, Bira, Booksellers Association, Entertainment Retailers Association, Independent Retailers Confederation, National Association of Goldsmiths, National Federation of Meat and Food Traders, National Federation of Retail Newsagents, Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association, National Market Traders Federation and Retail Trust. Why get involved? Independents' Day is a great opportunity for you to support your local independent sector and help promote the independent businesses in your area. Furthermore, the campaign is an excellent way to drive shoppers to buy locally. You can be supplied with: •Campaign posters; •Campaign logo; •Web button and banners, and •Press releases. How you can get involved 1. Distribute the campaign posters to your independents; 2. Download Independents' Day marketing collateral from our website; 3. Display the Independents' Day poster in your shop; 4. Spread the campaign messages and encourage more independent retailers in your area to get involved; 5. Organise an event: help get the public interested by running a special event in your area. 6. Send press releases to your local media about the importance of supporting local shops, your involvement and any activity that will take place on the day; 7. Use your social media platforms to raise awareness of the campaign; 8. Include features of the campaign in your newsletters and on your website; 9. Upload the web button or banner to website homepages with a link to the web page: www.retailindieday.com; 10. Re-tweet tweets and share Facebook posts to spread the word; 11. Take photos showing local activities and windows displaying the poster and share it with on Facebook and Twitter; 12. Add the campaign logo to the bottom of your email signature, and 13. Email your contacts about the campaign. Whatever you do, don't forget to email indieday@nsaforretail.com about your plans and they will post them on their website and social networks! A cleaning firm is looking to add £1m to its annual turnover every year for the next five years as it branches out across the North East and Yorkshire. MJF Cleaning, based in Darlington, is undergoing a period of rapid expansion as demand soars for its specialist commercial, industrial and construction cleaning services. The firm, which employs more than 100 people and aims to raise £2m in revenues this year, has turned to regional fund management firm NEL Fund Managers for a £250,000 investment from the Finance For Business North East Growth Fund to support its plan. Part of the investment is supporting the recruitment of business development personnel in its two main target markets to help identify and secure new contract opportunities. MJF was set up in 2006 as a domestic window cleaning business by Managing Director Martin Ferguson, but widened its service offering as new opportunities arose. As well as providing daily cleaning services for a growing number of North East firms, it also offers a range of specialist industrial and commercial services, including working with major construction firms to prepare their completed projects for handover to their clients. Among the company’s clients is Bowmer and Kirkland Construction, which awarded MJF the specialist high level structural steel cleaning package, at the Football Association’s new sports facility, St George’s Park, in the Midlands. MJF completed a three-month cleaning package for BAE Systems at their new production facility in Washington, Tyne and Wear, as well as a stint at the five-star Rockliffe Hall, near Darlington. Other clients include Shepherd Construction, Tolent Construction, Esh Group and Morgan Sindall. Ferguson said: “We’ve established strong foundations in and around our home area, and have everything in place to widen a successful business model right across the region and beyond. “Unlike many of our national competitors, our reputation has been built on fully delivering the quality services that we promise to our customers, with an additional guarantee of local accountability to back up everything we offer. “We know that adding £1m a year to our annual turnover, and creating new jobs in the process, is an ambitious target, but the opportunities are out there in what we know is an expanding market and we have the resources and expertise in place to make it happen.” David Thomas, Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers, added: “The MJF management team has a clear vision of how it is going to translate a strong locally-built reputation into wider commercial success.” While most of us were still wearing our thickest socks, two solicitors from the Darlington law firm, Close Thornton, joined around seventy others for a barefoot walk across hot coals in aid of charity at the Baltic Quays in Newcastle. David Hogg and Malcolm Woolfe, both commercial lawyers at the Darlington-based firm, took on the Firewalk Challenge to walk 25 feet across hot embers to raise funds for the Stroke Association. After the event, Malcolm said: “My feet feel surprisingly good, despite the fact that the embers are said to be at a temperature of 600 degrees. The only after-effect so far seems to be a very strong smell of smoke!’ They hope to have raised in excess of £350, but are still taking donations. If you would like to support their chosen charity, please contact Malcolm or David on 01325 466 461 or email them: malcolm.woolfe@close-thornton.co.uk or david.hogg@close-thornton.co.uk. Both solicitors, now fully clad in socks and shoes, are safely back at their desks in the firm’s Duke Street offices and can advise on a variety of commercial legal matters. Experts at Teesside University are spearheading a £2million project to help over 150 regional businesses improve their resource efficiencies. The project, supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), will see the implementation of an innovative new awards scheme. Resource Efficiency Pathways to Sustainable Growth, or REPS for short, will draw on the considerable expertise within Teesside University’s School of Science & Engineering and will provide a wide range of specialist consultancy and support to regional SMEs. It aims to provide support to 156 companies over three years and will lead to improvements in efficiency, sustainability, cost savings and a reduction in carbon production. The REPS project offers a programme of activities, including a bronze, silver and gold awards scheme to encourage businesses to review their operational and environmental position. It will also include Industrial Symbiosis opportunities which will bring together knowledge and best practice in support of SMEs wishing to take advantage of Teesside University’s considerable expertise in this area. The environmental activities are designed to act as a catalyst for businesses to implement change and improve their sustainability and growth going forward. Garry Evans, REPS Project Manager, said: “Teesside University has a dedicated approach to its environmental and resource efficiency responsibilities so we are delighted that this project has been approved. It will draw on the considerable experience of the CLEMANCE and Teesside Manufacturing Centre teams. “There is a wealth of experience at the University and we plan to use all the knowledge and expertise in a positive way to deliver a tangible impact to regional SMEs.” The REPS project represents over £2million of investment, £1million of which is through the European Regional Development Fund with match funding from the University. Councillor Neil Foster, Deputy Chair of the North East England Local Management Committee (LMC) which engages partners in the overseeing of the strategic delivery of the ERDF Programme in the North East, said: "Resource Efficiency Pathway to Sustainable Growth will offer a distinct and varied service that will help businesses implement changes to improve and enhance their sustainability and growth. “It is fantastic news that ERDF investment in this project will provide support to SMEs which will help them improve their environmental performance and grow, contributing to a stronger local economy." The Hoskins in Darlington, which is owned and operated by The Bramwell Pub Company, will be introducing its new and improved menu on Tuesday 23 April. The menu sees an emphasis on snacking and sharing options; the introduction of new, value for money offers across food and drink; additional dishes on the ‘Big Eat’ section and a focus on the best selling dishes, improving them even more. Also new to the menu is a ‘Lighter Dishes’ section which has been introduced for those who are looking for healthier options when dining out. This includes a new and delicious Super Feta salad and Hot Thai noodles, just two of the dishes on the menu that are less than 500 calories. Speaking about the new menu, Paul & Kate, Duty Managers of The Hoskins said: “We are really excited about the launch of the new menu and it looks fantastic “ “A number of our best-selling dishes have been enhanced including the Fish & Chips which are now made using a new beer-batter recipe which makes the batter lighter and crispier, encasing the fish to ensure it’s served perfectly. The Hunters Chicken is now basted in BBQ sauce whilst it’s char-grilled, making it succulent and mouth-watering and all of our sandwiches and jacket potatoes will be served with our handmade coleslaw. All burgers will now be served in a buttery brioche bun with a new special burger sauce, and we’ve added a new burger to the range, the Ultimate Messy burger - a double beef burger topped with Monterey Jack cheese, bacon, chilli, jalapeños, fried egg and onion ring.“ “The Big Eat section, which has been designed for those who like a little more on their plate, now includes pub classics such as Scampi & Chips and after 3pm, comes with a free drink from a selected range.” “It’s also a lot easier to find your favourite dishes as the menu has been designed in clear sections. If you’re watching your waistline, you can easily pick out the dishes that are less than 500 calories. Or, if you’re looking for our great new deals, which include a classic burger and a drink for £5.99; nachos and a bottle of wine for £10 after 5pm everyday and two meals for £6.49. The offers can be found on the back of the menu.” “The menu has been created in consultation with our customers so we’re delivering the dishes that they want to see on a pub menu. Our research has shown our customers like a good range of sharing and snack options which they can enjoy over a drink or two when they visit us, so we’ve introduced new platters to cater for that occasion as well as complementing our existing range. “ “We’re really looking forward to showcasing our new menu to our customers and hearing their feedback. It’s a great menu that caters for a range of tastes, occasions and will suit everyone’s budget.” Webdesign-99.com is a new company based in Darlington, set up by David West. After being made redundant after ten years of working in IT for a global bank, David decided to use the opportunity to set up his own business to showcase his talents and knowledge. The company specialises in creating websites for small businesses, sole traders and new start ups and offers sites on a pay as you go basis from as little as £9 a month. David had the following to say on the offering: "I believe there's a gap in the market for smaller businesses who can't afford the set up costs for a web site. The usual web design studios typically charge hundreds of pounds up front for their services. I'm offering a comprehensive package that is affordable for even the smallest advertising budget". If you'd like to discuss a web site with David then please get in touch on 07773 024 688 or by email david@webdesign-99.com Teesside University has launched a unique project to support up to 10 internet start-ups with investment and intensive mentoring during a 12 week ‘boot camp’. The successful companies invited to take part in Search camp will live and work at the University’s Middlesbrough campus between June and August while they participate in the immersive accelerator programme. Each company will also receive up to £15,000 of seed capital in return for Search camp getting a small stake of between 6% to 10% in the business. At the end of the 12-week period, the companies will be invited to take part in ‘investor days’ where they can pitch their product or service to venture capitalists and angel investors who will consider investing in their start-up opportunity. On completion of the programme, successful businesses will also be offered the opportunity of follow-on funding of up to £150,000 and a place within Search camp’s incubator in Middlesbrough’s Boho zone. As well as receiving mentoring from academics at Teesside University, throughout the 12 weeks, there will also be weekly master classes delivered by internationally renowned speakers, including authors, start-up founders and experts from the USA, Europe and Asia. The accelerator programme will use ‘Lean Start-up’ principles to develop a product which is market-ready. The scheme is open to early-stage internet, software and technology businesses from across the North East as well as both nationally and internationally. Search camp Ltd is a partnership between Teesside University and North-East entrepreneurs Alastair Waite, Andy Preston and Bobby Paterson. Professor Cliff Hardcastle, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Business Engagement) said: “We are very excited to be a part of this unique project. “Teesside University already has a rich history of working with business and helping budding entrepreneurs to start businesses and Search camp will strengthen those links even further. “Additionally we hope that this will further establish Teesside and the North East as a hub of innovation.” Bobby, an entrepreneur who has founded four previous start-up businesses, will also act as Programme Director, alongside Programme Manager Justin Souter. Bobby said: “It’s fantastic to be able to bring this programme to this region and work with an organisation like Teesside University. “It has never been easier to build an internet start-up, but equally it is also now much harder to make them successful and more than 75% of start-ups fail. “This is a brilliant opportunity for 10 start-ups to de-risk the whole process.” Andy Preston added: “I’ve been involved in many projects and all kinds of businesses but this is the best. “Creating an intensive, fast and furious boot camp for entrepreneurs in Middlesbrough is a winner because there are talented teams of start-up entrepreneurs here – ready for that first helping hand.” Further information and applications for Search camp can be made online at www.searchcamp.co The deadline for entries is midnight on Sunday 5 May. A senior manager at a North East retirement village has been recognised for her pioneering way of working with residents. Debby Lamont has achieved a first class honours degree in dementia studies from Bradford University while working as Head of Care and Quality at Middleton Hall Retirement Village, near Darlington. The trained nurse has also gone on to win a highly commended BUPA Award for Innovation in Person Centred Care for the project she included as part of her final dissertation. Debby, of Richmond, North Yorkshire, was spurred onto studying for her degree after watching the film The Bucket List – where two terminally ill men go on a road trip with a wish list of ‘to dos’ before they die. She says she found her niche with the dementia course. Debby, a mum-of-two, said: “I wanted a new challenge and I was passionate about this course. Although it was tough at times, Middleton Hall supported me all the way. “I really enjoyed it and over two years it gave me a deep understanding of what people with dementia are going through and meant I was able to critically analyse the workplace and incorporate what I was learning.” Debby was instrumental in setting up the retirement village’s Family Living service whereby a small group of residents, who generally have dementia, live together and actively participate in daily household tasks, such as helping to prepare meals. As part of her final dissertation, Debby also instigated a project entitled ‘A Recipe for Success’, where Family Living residents undertake baking sessions to improve their well being and engagement. Residents were asked what they used to bake and their recipes and memories were brought to the baking sessions. Families also helped by jotting down memories about their loved ones baking on post it notes. “Our residents with dementia live in a family environment and they do the things that they would have done at home. Recipe for Success is about ensuring that residents are at the centre of the activity,” said Debby. “It was really rewarding to see them join in. We watched their confidence grow when we gently prompted them and it enabled them to remain in control which is important. “We had the opportunity to learn from the experts because we found out what was meaningful to people in the past and they ended up showing us how to do things.” Jeremy Walford, Managing Director of Middleton Hall Retirement Village, said: "We’ve separated our residential care into two different services as a result of Debby’s hard work. “Family Living is very different from a traditional care home environment and we’ve seen significant physical and mental health improvements of residents as a result.” Now in its tenth year, the search is on again to find England’s top Apprenticeship employers and apprentices. The National Apprenticeship Awards 2013 are open for entries to compete to be named ‘the best of the best’ on a regional and national level. Employer Categories •Small Employer of the Year (1 – 24 employees); •Medium Employer of the Year (25 – 249 employees); •Large Employer of the Year (250 – 4,999 employees), and •Macro Employer of the Year (5,000+ employees). New for 2013, Apprenticeship Newcomer Employer of the Year Award (all sizes). For the third year running the very best employer category entries will also have the additional bonus of featuring in the prestigious annual Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, which will be published later this year in partnership with City & Guilds. Apprentice Categories •Intermediate Apprentice of the Year; •Advanced Apprentice of the Year; •Higher Apprentice of the Year, and •Apprenticeship Champion of the Year. The City & Guilds Champion of the Year is open to former apprentices who have made exceptional achievements since their completion and continue to champion Apprenticeships. Why should I apply? •A top accolade for all the hard work put into excelling and playing a leading part in Apprenticeships; •The honour of being recognised as ‘the best of the best’ and an Apprenticeships exemplar, and •Public recognition for your commitment through national, regional and sector media channels, likely to include radio and television coverage. Become known as an Ambassador of Apprenticeships, helping to inform the government’s future policy When can I enter? The Apprenticeship Awards 2013, close for entries on Friday 26 April 2013. The Regional stage finalists will be announced in September 2013 and the National winners will be announced at The Skills Show at the NEC, Birmingham 14–16 November 2013. How do I enter? Apply online at apprenticeships.org.uk/awards Only entries submitted through the online system will be accepted. Darlington-based DeepOcean UK, a subsidiary of DeepOcean Group has acquired a 50% interest in 3D sonar visualisation company ADUS to form ADUS DeepOcean. ADUS, originally a spin out from the University of St Andrews and Dundee University, has acquired a global reputation in the marine salvage market for its subsea 3D visualisations. It is known for such high profile work as the survey of the wreck of the oil rig Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico, and more recently, the stricken cruise ship Costa Concordia in Italy and the cargo ship Rena which sunk off the coast of New Zealand. Building on its success, ADUS has recently begun to successfully deploy its know-how and technologies in the offshore wind and oil and gas markets, where it can be used to provide 3D images of subsea structures such as offshore facilities, wind turbine foundations and seabed architecture. DeepOcean Group is an integrated provider of services and technologies for the subsea industry including survey and seabed-mapping, subsea installation, seabed intervention, inspection, maintenance and repair and decommissioning. It has offices in Norway, UK, the Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico and Singapore. DeepOcean UK was formerly known as CTC Marine and has been established in Darlington for more than 18 years where it employs about 100 people. Bart Heijermans, DeepOcean Group Chief Executive said: “This acquisition enhances the quality of the services we offer to our customers in the oil and gas and renewables industries. As part of this acquisition ADUS will commit to a R&D programme to further develop the visualisation software used by ADUS. "The major R & D investment programme is with Dundee University, led by ADUS co-founder Dr. Chris Rowland who remains Director of the University's 3D Visualisation Research Lab. ADUS co-founder, Mark Lawrence said: “The acquisition of ADUS by DeepOcean is an excellent opportunity for all concerned; ADUS’ data acquisition and visualisation technologies will add value to DeepOcean’s core services, whilst providing ADUS with global access and resources it needs to grow in the energy market.” ADUS Chairman Aubrey Thompson will remain on the board as a non-executive director while ADUS co-founder Martin Dean will become Special Projects Director and continue to oversee the company’s marine salvage and archaeological business. Charly is a fully qualified hairdresser with over 8 year’s salon experience. Charly is a very passionate and friendly person and listens fully to the needs and expectations of what her customers would like. Charly covers all aspects over hairdressing which includes weddings and party packages. Please see Charly’s Facebook page, ‘Charly’s Mobile Hairdressing’ to see some of the work that she has done. She is also aware of the high cost of living and does her best to make sure that the prices are affordable. Monthly discounts can also be found on Charly’s Facebook page which is updated regularly. New customers will receive 10% off. All services are offered in the comfort of your own home at whichever time is suited to you. Saturday and Sunday appointments are also available. In the upcoming months, beauty services will also be available to customers. These include spray tanning, nails, waxing, pamper parties and princess parties for little girls in need of a fun sleep over or birthday party. Beauty services will be offered at discounted rate of 10% for the first month once qualified. If you are interested in any of Charly’s services, she can be contacted via: Mobile – 07794 206 510 Email – charlys.hairdressing@yahoo.com