Latest News
North Tyneside Business Forum brings you the latest news and information from businesses throughout North Tyneside. Up to date, informative and accurate, you can trust our latest news to keep you informed of the latest North Tyneside business developments.
Whether it's good advice from a local company, the latest business successes or information about up-coming events, you'll find it here.
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The September Edition of the Business Forum newsletter is now available.
Please note that hard copies of the Newsletter are only sent to companies for which we have no email contact addresses. This service will cease for the next edition - if you would like to be on the mailing list to receive an electronic copy please ensure you are registered as a Business Forum Registered Member.
Please click here to download. -
Could you use an extra pair of hands during the summer holidays?
Posted on: 21/02/12
With growing numbers of enterprising women setting up in business and trying to juggle work and family, two local lasses have paired up to offer a summer au pair scheme to give practical support and an extra pair of hands during the school holidays.
Fiona Stöber, originally from Newcastle, now lives in Germany with her husband and children. She's an English teacher and professional translator and has published a range of educational books for pre-school children.
Christine Goodwin from Whitley Bay also qualified as a teacher, teaching English as a foreign language overseas and Modern Foreign languages in the UK before establishing her own school for international students. Christine also writes fiction for children.
Fiona and Christine have worked together for 3 years, bringing groups of German teenagers to study at the Northumbria School of English in Whitley Bay, which Christine runs. The new au pair scheme aims to give school leavers the opportunity to visit the UK and learn language and social skills before taking up university places. The programme offers a win-win situation for both the German au pair girls and the British families they will support.
The girls will come to the North East for a 5-week period between July – August. During that time they will learn English and experience English family life. The family will benefit from the help given with childcare, ironing, shopping, cooking and light housework. In return for 35 hours of work, the family provides a room with full-board for their student and pay £50 pocket money per week. The students will attend an induction and first aid training weekend before taking up their jobs. They will also attend evening classes at the Northumbria School of English.
‘We are really excited about this project as we think it will be of tremendous benefit to all participants. The girls are all known to Fiona and come with impeccable references.’
Anyone interested in hosting one of the girls and benefitting from the help they can give over the Summer months should contact Christine on 0191 2525265 or email english.school@btconnect.com
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North East England in a Global Europe: Ambitions for Growthâ€
Posted on: 07/02/12
Wednesday 22nd February, Marriott Hotel, Gosforth Newcastle
(8.30am registration for a 9.00am start. Ends 3pm)
North Tyneside businesses are invited to attend this free conference which will explore how NE businesses can increase contact and trade with Europe. It will bring together local businesses with support agencies and key European consuls with their economic attaches to provide direct links to European business opportunities.
Key speakers include:
Guest Speaker: His Excellency Georg Boomgaarden, German Ambassador to the Court of St James’s
Key Note speeches from:
Paul Woolston – Chair of the NE Local Enterprise Partnership
James Ramsbotham – CEO – NE Chamber of Commerce
David Coppock- Regional Director UKTI
The conference will be supported by the Honorary Consuls of Germany, France and Sweden and commercial attaches of European partners alongside officers from UKTI. The key themes of the conference will be:
· Inward investment into the region
· Business support for growth
· European exports and trade
· Business to business relationships with European partners
To register please contact Michael Parker on 0191 6436429 or email michael.parker@northtyneside.gov.uk
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Fund 101 Reopens Offering New Small Business Grants
Posted on: 02/02/12
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.
Read moreAdministered 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 for 2012 and bids may be submitted at any time.
Click here for further details (opens in new window).
Source: enterprisenation.com, 01/02/12
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See What Local Networking Events can do for your Business
Posted on: 30/01/12
See What Local Networking Events Can Do For Your Business
The North Tyneside Business Forum can help to promote your business through its networking events schedule. See what other local companies are saying….
Keeping business local has always been important to me but after attending a few North Tyneside Business Forum events I have been able to network with like minded businesses who share the same client base. There are now six of us working closely together and we have all increased sales by promoting and supporting what we do. Business can be a lonely place but the Forum is there for business to support each other and to me that’s worth so much. North Tyneside really is the place to start and grow a business: Nicky Gray, Fidgets
Following our last meeting I now have two fair-sized companies to visit with very good prospects of them using our computer and electrical re-use and recycling services. We all know as businesses how hard it is to reach the right person to talk to inside of a company. That’s where the Forum excels as it puts you face to face with the right people in a relaxed atmosphere. Also through the Forum, we may now be looking to work with a whole industrial estate: Ernie Nolan, Acorn Computers
Joining NTBF has without doubt put my business in a far better place and on the tracks for success. I’ve been to other events and done the usual marketing and networking, but to be honest, it was only when I contacted you and your colleagues at the Business Forum that things really began to gel for my business: Albert Watson Associates
Why not become a Business Forum member and you’ll automatically receive news about our other local business events:
Don’t Panic, It’s Only Flipping Networking
Opportunities for sub-contractors and suppliers of services to the construction industry
Go to www.northtynesidebusinessforum.co.uk and sign up as a new member.
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Opportunities for sub-contractors and suppliers of services to the construction industry
Posted on: 17/01/12
North Tyneside Business Forum is teaming up with Robertson Construction (Northern England) to promote forthcoming opportunities arising from their planned construction operations across the North of England.
Robertson currently has a number of ongoing projects in the area for both the public and private sectors. These include new build, extensions and refurbishments over a wide range of sectors and contract values. They’ve also secured a further workload which will provide sub-contracting opportunities across the entire construction supply-chain range (see below).
If you would like to hear how you can work with Robertson on these projects, come along to the breakfast meeting on Thurs 23 February 2012. The venue is Backworth Club (Station Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne And Wear NE27 0AG and ample parking is available.
7.30am Registration and breakfast (bacon sandwiches)
8.00am Start. Welcome & housekeeping
8.05am Robertson presentation (intro, forthcoming works, local supply chain requirements)
8.30am Questions & Answers
8.45am ‘One-2-One’s with Robertson reps & also with ‘B to B’ (free procurement training & support)
9.30am EndPlease email business.forum@northtyneside.gov.uk if you would like to attend this meeting, or
alternatively ring Sandra Wilson on 0191 6436000.
Read morePROJECTS
DETAILS
Secured Work
Whitley Bay Joint Service Centre
£5.5m - new build library, NHS facility & assoc. community services.
Energy Generation Centres (5no)
£3.0m - new build civil infrastructure works across the North East
Ward refurb (St Georges’ Park)
£.6m - refurbishment and extension to the existing Hospital
Ward refurb (Monkwearmouth)
£.5m - ward refurbishment to the existing hospital
Brunton Nursery
£.6m - new build Nursery facility and associated external works
Fire damage repairs
£.5m - refurbishment to fire damaged apartments in M/brough area
Cockermouth Hospital
£9.0m - new build Community Hospital in Cumbria
Cleatormoor Darzi Clinic
£4.0 - new build Medical Centre in Cumbria
Blakelaw Medical Centre
£1.4 - new build Medical Centre
Spanish City Development
£23.0m - mixed use redevelopment project
Current Opportunities
Newburn JSC
£2.0m - new build Joint Service Centre
Northumbria UNI - Nursery
£1.2 - new build Nursery facility and associated external works
Police Head Quarters
£10.0m - new Build Police Headquarters
Hotel Development
£9.0m - Hotel Development in Newcastle City Centre
Quorum Retail Development
£1.1m - new build mixed use retail units
Cramlington ECC
£80.0m - new Build Hospital facility
NTC Sheltered Housing PFI
£80.0m - new build & refurbishment of 26 sheltered housing schemes
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Business Factory to continue its support
Posted on: 20/12/11
North Tyneside's Business Factory will continue helping hundreds of disadvantaged people in North Tyneside thanks to further European funding.
The European Regional Development Fund Competitiveness Programme 2007-2013, managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government, is investing £900,000 in the project with match funding being provided by North Tyneside Council.
European Regional Development Fund investment of nearly £750,000 was originally awarded to Raising Enterprise North Tyneside two years ago, helping around 1,400 people receive enterprise support in the borough between August 2009 and March 2011.
The aim is to help a further 1,400 people become enterprise ready by November 2014, half of which will come from North Tyneside's deprived wards. The project will also help create 350 new Small and Medium Enterprises of which 45 will be based in disadvantaged areas and create 350 jobs of which 60 will be from disadvantaged areas.
Communities Minister Baroness Hanham CBE, said: "Further investment will ensure that the successful work carried out to date will continue to be built upon in a bid to continue tackling unemployment in North Tyneside. The project already has the advantage of having robust management systems in place. Further European Regional Development Fund investment will deliver real results in term of the numbers of businesses created and supporting these businesses to ensure their survival.
"European investment will help maintain the momentum of the existing programme and offer further and intensive support to people in North Tyneside, continuing to break down barriers while also contributing to closing the gap between the self-employment rate in the borough compared to the national rate."
Further investment will ensure the project continues to meet the increasing demand for pre-start up support with the extended project also focusing on start-up support, ensuring increased business starts and helping newly established Small and Medium Enterprises improve their performance, guaranteeing longer term viability.
The overall aim is to continue stimulating enterprise to the following priority target groups:
People currently in employment, especially those with skills and resources to start a business and/or those who may be at threat of future job losses
Those made unemployed through redundancy
Under-represented groups, in particular budding women entrepreneurs including 'enterprising mums'
People who live in North Tyneside's disadvantaged areas.
A package of support will target individuals to consider self-employment as a viable option and help those at pre-start up stage to progress further along the enterprise pipeline.Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, Mrs Linda Arkley said: "As a council we take very seriously the need to grow our own future by encouraging entrepreneurship and generating employment and growth in North Tyneside.
"By supporting our residents through the Business Factory we have been able to introduce more than 300 new businesses into our borough over the last three years.
"They are businesses built on brilliant ideas and a drive and commitment to make a difference. Importantly, as they establish and grow they have the potential to support innovation, drive our economy and create jobs for our residents. That's great news for them, but also for North Tyneside.
"Therefore, I am delighted that we can continue this programme over the next two years to develop the Business Factory success story even further."
The European Regional Development Fund 2007-13 programme is bringing over £300m into North East England to support innovation, enterprise and business support. It will help create and safeguard 28,000 new jobs, start 3,000 new businesses and increase the region's productivity by £1.1bn per annum.
For more information on the Business Factory visit their website
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Forthcoming Events
Posted on: 19/12/11
We’re continuing to develop a range of events to help you extend your business networks and hopefully gain some lucrative leads. Look out for more details of the following events planned for early in 2012. We’ll be emailing Forum Members with details in due course.
• 9 February 2012. Flipchart Networking for NT businesses.
• 23 February 2012. Opportunities for local SMEs arising from the regeneration of the Spanish City site and the proposed Joint Service Centre in Whitley Bay.
• 22 March 2012 - ‘Open Forum’ meeting for all Business Forum Members
• April 2012 - ‘Meet the Buyer’. Come and meet the buyers of large public and private sector organisations
Venues for each event are to be confirmed, but any suggestions would be great as we’re always looking for new places. Any ideas for venues in the north west corner of the Borough would be particularly welcome (ie Forest Hall, Killingworth, Backworth etc). Email us on businessforum@northtyneside.gov.uk
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Honouring the Best in Business
Posted on: 19/12/11
The leading lights of local business have been recognised at this year's North Tyneside Business Awards.
The annual accolades recognise and reward the best of the borough's businesses, as well as celebrate the huge contribution that local businesses make to the local economy.
The competition is open to any North Tyneside-based business which has been trading for at least six months and has less than 100 employees
This year's winners represented a diverse range of sectors, from precision engineering to creative pottery.
They were:
Business Start-Up Award - Opus Green
Retail Business Award - Pots and Pancakes
Manufacturing Business Award - Chirton Engineering Ltd
Service Sector Business Award - Weigh Ahead
Young Entrepreneur Award - Custom PlanetThe overall North Tyneside Business of the Year Award was presented to Chirton Engineering Ltd.
Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, Mrs Linda Arkley said: "These awards really focus our attention on the value of local businesses and the role they play in North Tyneside. Successful businesses are fundamental to a healthy economic future, providing vital services and benefits to our residents and much-needed employment opportunities.
"These five winning businesses represent the very best of the creativity, endeavour and entrepreneurship that exists in the North Tyneside business community. North Tyneside Council remains absolutely committed to encouraging and supporting the development of all North Tyneside businesses, whatever their size, and I wish all five winners every success for the future."
The North Tyneside Business Awards Ceremony was held on Tuesday 6 December at the Village Hotel, North Tyneside.
The winners were selected by a judging panel which included representatives from business and commerce. The panel were looking for examples of innovation, perseverance, managerial and financial performance and potential for growth.
And for the first time ever, attendees at the award ceremony voted electronically for the winner of the Young Entrepreneur Award, during the event.
The winner of Business of the Year - Chirton Engineering Ltd, is a North Shields-based subcontractor of precision engineering components. In the last eight years, the company has grown from five to forty employees, and now operates out of a 12,000 square foot facility. This huge expansion has seen an investment of more than £1.5 million to make it one of the leading suppliers to the UK and beyond. They also recently secured Regional Growth Funding to develop the businesses further.
The judging panel were particularly impressed with the company's track record in staff development. Staff retention is exceptionally high, young apprentices are given autonomy and responsibility and new staff are placed 'on the shoulders' of an experienced engineer. They also demonstrate a very strong commitment to the area. Chirton Engineering Ltd also scooped the Manufacturing Business Award.
David Vallely, Chirton Engineering's Procurement Manager, said: "We've been nominated for this award for two years running, and we're over the moon to be nominated again, and to have won in two categories. Our success is down to the hard work, determination and efforts of all of our staff, and it's really nice to be recognised by the business forum for our efforts."
The Business Start-Up Award went to Opus Green - a building services company delivering renewable energy solutions. Opus Green have made tremendous progress in a very short period of time; competing in a very difficult sector they have secured a number of high-value contracts, and the panel could see the company enjoying accelerated growth in the next year.
Managing Director, Chris Cassells said: "We are honoured to have won this award as it highlights how far we've come in a short space of time. We think this award will provide us with a platform to increase our profile and provide individuals and businesses with somewhere to turn to when they are looking to reduce their carbon footprint."
The Retail Business Award was presented to Pots and Pancakes, of North Shields. Owned and run by local entrepreneur Hayley Smith, Pots and Pancakes is a café which also offers a relaxed and informal environment for ceramic painting and pottery. As a retailer they offer a niche product and service which benefits the community in which they operate, and they recently featured on BBC Two's Dragons' Den. Their passion and enthusiasm saw them selected as winners.
Hayley said: "We were shortlisted last year, so it was fantastic to win this time round. We're just really pleased that the time and effort we put into our business has been recognised, and we've had loads of messages of congratulations since word spread that we won. It's been great!"
The Service Sector Business Award went to Weigh-ahead - the original innovators of the pre-check-in luggage weighing system. They first launched in 2009 at Newcastle International Airport and now operate in 11 UK airports. The company has an amazing ability to innovate their products and take calculated risks, and they continue to open up new markets and find new opportunities.
Carole Ann Stewart, Commercial Development Director for Weigh-ahead, said: "Weigh-ahead are thrilled and extremely proud to be selected as 'Best Service Sector Business 2011'. As a company we are truly committed to our region. To gain support and recognition for the achievements we have secured to date is greatly appreciated. It also demonstrates our region's confidence in Weigh-ahead, delivering a strong message to all our associates."
And Custom Planet walked away with the Young Entrepreneur Award. The company provide customised promotional goods and work wear for trade and industry, and owners John Armstrong, 26 and Andy Dark, 28 are highly motivated and constantly looking to drive their business forward.
They started the business three years ago and now employ seven full time members of staff and are looking to take on another two. They have quickly grasped how to build a successful business and put staff training and development at the core of their business.
Young entrepreneur John Armstrong, said: "We are delighted to have won such a prestigious award, which is great credit to all the hard work put in by everyone at Custom Planet. We hope this award will propel us forward onto bigger and better things and allow us to continue to grow and develop as a business."
The North Tyneside Business Awards are supported by the North Tyneside Business Forum. The Forum brings together businesses in a vibrant and supportive environment to share ideas and experiences. It is managed by a group of local business people from across all sectors, who have the needs of the local business community at heart.
For more information about the North Tyneside Business Forum, visit www.northtynesidebusinessforum.co.uk or call (0191) 643 6000.
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Learning Advocates
Posted on: 28/11/11
Learning Advocates are employees in non-unionised companies who’ve been trained in information and advice skills in order to encourage and support colleagues into learning.
These are the basics of the Learning Advocate’s role
• Identifying colleagues learning needs.
• Providing information and advice about learning opportunities and different ways of learning.
• Helping to remove barriers to learning.
• Developing an awareness of local learning opportunities and other sources of advice and guidance.
• Gathering and organising learning information.
• Promoting a learning culture within the workplace by:
o Displaying information about learning opportunities.
o Displaying information about learning campaigns eg Adult Learners Week, Learning at Work Day.
o Working with employers to plan and organise learning and skills programmes.Need more info?
Read more
Contact Graham Johnston 07791 639 196, graham@learningadvocates.co.uk or Liz Johnston 07791 639 146, liz@learningadvocates.co.uk -
Working Together to Save Live's
Posted on: 24/11/11
Businesses are now safer from fire, thanks to the support and advice they received from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service at a recent workshop organised by the North Shields Chamber of Trade and Commerce.
Representatives from over 30 businesses based in the town listened to Watch Manager Richard Hill who outlined the steps they could take to protect their employees and customers from fire and discussed the legal requirements of the Fire Safety Order.
Commenting after the event Richard said: “It has been fantastic to work in partnership with the North Shields Chamber of Trade and Commerce to deliver fire safety advice in the town. Statistically, eight out of ten businesses which suffer a major incident, such as fire, never re-open or close within 18 months of the incident. When the Fire Safety Order was introduced, it replaced over 70 different pieces of legislation to make it clearer and simpler for businesses to stay safer from fire. Today is all about advising businesses how they can help to protect their employees and customers from fire. We would much rather work with them to educate them about the changes in legislation and to let them know we are here to advise and support them as much as we can. I would like to thank the many businesses who came along to the workshop and many of them are keen to introduce a number of safety measures to make their premises as safe from fire as possible.”
North Shield’s Chamber of Trade and Commerce Chair David Bavaird stated ‘ The presentation from the Fire and Rescue Service was both interesting and informative and will help improve fire safety in the town for businesses, residents and visitors and we look forward to working with the Service in the future. “
If you would like more information on how to make your business safer from fire, go to www.twfire.gov.uk.
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Vince Cable and Mark Prisk unveil plans for "Make it in Great Britain" campaign and exhibition
Posted on: 17/11/11
Business Secretary Vince Cable and Business Minister Mark Prisk have today formally launched the Make it in Great Britain campaign, which aims to transform outdated views of UK manufacturing and dispel the myth that Britain ‘doesn’t make anything anymore’.
Senior traders such as Joe Greenwell from Ford of Britain, William Butler-Adams from Brompton Bicycles and Michael Ryan from Bombardier Aerospace are behind the campaign. They will act as the first ‘industry champions’ taking formal roles as part of the campaign and supporting its work.
The exhibition will take place at the Science Museum and will run from 24 July to 9 September 2012. The campaign builds on the already successful See Inside Manufacturing initiative and will celebrate the successes of the manufacturing sector and encourage young people to consider a career in the industry. There will also be a specific element, the Make it in Great Britain Challenge, focusing on new innovations yet to be brought to the market.
Business Secretary Vince Cable said:
“Manufacturing is our most exportable sector and is at the heart of our long term economic vision. We have outstanding manufacturing companies, both large and small and today I want to call on them to join us in being part of the Make it in Great Britain campaign.
“The Science Museum is home to some of the greatest technological advances in history, so what better place for us to exhibit the very best of British manufacturing as it stands today.”
Mark Prisk also announced that the campaign will be looking to recruit 30 rising stars of manufacturing under the age of 30, ‘30 under 30’, to inspire young people with their own experiences and support the campaign.
Manufacturing Minister Mark Prisk said:
”I’m very pleased that Joe Greenwell, William Butler-Adams and Michael Ryan, to name a few, have volunteered to be our first industry champions, I know they and their colleagues will bring great enthusiasm and drive to the campaign.
”Historic British innovations such as Stephenson’s Rocket have been inspiring young people to be engineers for generations. But we, along with industry want to show off the best, most innovative examples of British manufacturing as it is today. The modern reality is much more exciting than people may believe and the feedback from our existing See Inside Manufacturing initiative bears that out. I want that reality to inspire our young people to be our inventors, engineers and technicians of the future.”
Synonymous with advances in technology and home to examples of some of the greatest manufacturing feats in the world, the Science Museum has been selected as the perfect venue at which to display British manufacturing excellence next summer.
Director of the Science Museum Ian Blatchford commented:
“We’re incredibly excited to be hosting next year’s Make it in Great Britain Exhibition. The Science Museum and its world leading collections demonstrate some of the greatest engineering achievements of the last 200 years. We hope that as many people as possible visit the Exhibition, and see at first-hand how innovation in British manufacturing is still thriving today”
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Tynemouth Business Forum Christmas Festival
Posted on: 17/11/11
The Tynemouth Business Forum are holding a fab fun-packed Christmas event on 3 Dec – reindeers, mulled wine, carols, hog roast, the lot. We can’t wait!
See the flyer here
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Help us celebrate business success
Posted on: 17/11/11
The best of North Tyneside business will be showcased next month.
The 'North Tyneside Business of the Year Awards' and Christmas networking event takes place on Tuesday 6 December at the Village Hotel, North Tyneside.
It offers a great opportunity for local businesses, large and small, to come together to make new contacts, and to celebrate the huge contribution that local businesses make to regeneration and the local economy.
The North Tyneside Business of the Year Awards will showcase shortlisted candidates in the categories of; Best Manufacturer, Service Sector, Retailer, Business Start-Up and Young Entrepreneur.
There'll also be one overall winner who'll be named as 'North Tyneside Business of the Year 2011'.
This year's event will also break new ground by allowing the business community to choose, on the night, the winner of the Young Entrepreneur category via smart phone.
There'll also be ample opportunity to network with the borough's business movers and shakers. A tapas style buffet will be served and guests will be entertained by local swing singer Jason Isaacs.
The event takes place on Tuesday 6 December, from 7pm at the Village Hotel, Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside, NE27 0BY. It is open to all members of the North Tyneside Business Forum and is free to attend.
You must be registered as a member of the North Tyneside Business Forum to book your place. If you're not already a member, you can sign up for free at www.northtynesidebusinessforum.co.uk.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
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Improve your business and protect the planet
Posted on: 17/11/11
North East businesses can find out how to improve their environmental credentials at a special breakfast session next month.
The event, delivered by the Carbon Trust in partnership with the North Tyneside Business Forum and North Tyneside Council, will show organisations how they can make a big difference to their balance sheets and environmental credentials, by taking just a few simple steps.
Delegates can find out how to achieve rapid cost savings whilst taking steps to protect the planet, learn how to reduce their carbon footprint and become more energy efficient, discover how buying local can reduce time delays and fuel usage, and ultimately reduce their costs and increase profit margins.
A locally-sourced breakfast buffet will be served from 7.30 until 8 am and attendees can also chat to other like-minded companies and share energy-saving tips.
Delegates will also be able to take away an individual action plan and other materials to help them train staff and begin their journey towards a cleaner world and a healthier balance sheet.
The event takes place on Thursday 8 December, between 7.30 and 9 am at Swan Hunter (NE) Ltd, Station Road, Wallsend, North Tyneside, NE28 6EQ.
It is open to members and non-members of the North Tyneside Business Forum. Business Forum members can register online at www.northtynesidebusinessforum.co.uk.
Non-members can book by contacting Tony Turnbull, Environmental Sustainability Adviser, on (0191) 643 6477 or email tony.turnbull@northtyneside.gov.uk
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Business Mentors Required
Posted on: 14/11/11
10 enterprise Agencies across the North East of England are currently delivering a flagship project called The NEW ENTERPRISE ALLOWANCE.
The NEA is managed by Job Centre + and gives individuals who have been out of work for 6 months and over the opportunity to work on a business idea and plan with the goal of starting up their own business.
As part of the programme they need a pool of mentors. Business people just like you!
People who have started, run and managed their businesses successfully and can provide some light motivation and support to people just setting out on the same journey.
True mentoring has amazing business and personal benefits. Not to be confused with an adviser or a counsellor the right mentor will not tell people how things should be done but will inspire, share wisdom and reinforce self-belief.Another powerful benefit that emerges from the mentor/mentee relationship is access to the mentor’s personal networks, which can be invaluable - in businesses the ‘know who’ can be as important as the ‘know how’.
We need representation from a range of industries and backgrounds so we are putting out the call!
Could you• Motivate and guide someone starting out in business
• Support them with your experience and knowledge
• Provide a bit of encouragement when the process gets hardThe mentoring work is voluntary so you would be giving something back to your communities and we can find and provide ways for you to talk to your contacts.
If you would like to get involved as a Business Mentor for NEA contact:
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The Business Factory on: 0191 263 6092
Pop In: 86 High Street West, Wallsend, NE28 8HY
E-mail: info@businessfactorynt.co.uk
Web: www.businessfactorynt.co.uk -
Global Entrepreneurship Week Events - 14th - 18th November 2011
Posted on: 10/11/11
Global Entrepreneurship Week is a worldwide movement of entrepreneurial people, with millions unleashing their enterprising talents and turning their ideas into reality. Global Entrepreneurship Week does just that by making more people develop their enterprise skills, and confidence. Global Entrepreneurship Week has now spread to 115 countries, with nearly 24,000 organisations involved.
Read more
Making the first steps toward becoming your own boss can be daunting and it’s often difficult to know where to start. Come along to one of our events and find out more.
An evening with our local start-ups
Wednesday November 16, 5.30pm -7pm
North Tyneside Council Offices, Quadrant, Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside
Two newly established business owners will take to the sofa to talk candidly to chat show host and business opportunities adviser Gordon Hanna about setting up on their own.
Time to Party Workshop
Thursday November 17, 5.30pm- 7.30pm
The Riverside Centre, North Shields
Slimming World franchisee and expert business adviser Dianne Morris will provide help and advice on how to set up as a party plan consultant and how to make it work for you. Free £10 shopping voucher for first 15 booked on.
Starting Your Own Business Advice Day
Friday November 18, 10am-4pm
The Village Hotel Conference Centre, North Tyneside.
A drop in event designed to provide one to one advice to anyone thinking of setting up in business on North Tyneside, Free passes for the Village Hotel facilities for all who attend.
Free Business Start Up Workshops
Monday November 14, Tuesday November 15 and Thursday November 17th
Linskill Centre, North Shields
How to set up your own business (Monday 14th)
How to manage business finances (Tuesday 15th)
Marketing and sales (Thursday 17th)
To book your FREE places at any of the GEW events or for further information about Global Entrepreneurship Week contact The Business Factory on (0191) 263 6092 or email info@businessfactorynt.co.uk. -
North Shields Chamber of Trade - Fire Safety Breakfast Event
Posted on: 07/11/11
The North Shields Chamber of Trade is pleased to announce that it will be running a series of workshops in the town to help support members and businesses in their development.
The first of these workshops will be a breakfast meeting held at the Saville Exchange on Wednesday the 23rd of November starting at 8:30am and finishing by 10:00am. The first workshop will cover the factors which all businesses need to consider with regards to fire safety with this section of the workshop provided by a representative from Tyne & Wear Fire Service and following this, the Chamber will update all businesses on developments in the town.The event is free to attend, is open to non Chamber members and all businesses are urged to send a representative to hear important advice to help their business and as an excellent networking opportunity with other businesses in the town. To assist with catering please complete the attached invitation and return to the Chamber or book your spaces by e mail at info@northshieldschamber.co.uk.
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Learning Advocates
Posted on: 27/10/11
The Learning Advocates initiative is designed to help employers up skill their workforce and is completely free to non unionised companies.
In brief, this initiative will enable your company to have a member of staff trained as a Learning Advocate who is able to :• Interview colleagues and advise on their individual learning needs.
• Identify free and subsidised training opportunities for your company.
• Promote a learning culture within the workplace - at all levels.In effect, your company would be developing its own "mini training expert/careers adviser". If you have a member of staff who would like to develop the skills of a Learning Advocate they would complete a 2 day course leading to a recognized qualification. The initiative is fully funded including all tuition, course materials and enrolment fees.
Contact – Liz Johnston T: 07791 639 146, E: liz@learningadvocates.co.uk or visit the website www.learningadvocates.co.uk
(Funded by the Skills Funding Agency/Adult & Community Learning Fund.)
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Research into SME experience in North East
Posted on: 17/10/11
Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University has been commissioned by NEA2F to undertake a major piece of independent research in the North East region and we urgently need to hear the views and experiences of our SME community. The scale and scope of this piece of work is unique in that there is no such research taking place in Europe currently. We are collating the views of the SME community, Banks and the Business Angel Community. We know that growth businesses are facing unprecedented challenges raising seed and expansion finance and yet the SME community is absolutely vital to the success of this region. NEA2F meet with many SME bodies who report these challenges anecdotally. With this research we have the ear of government and policy makers in Whitehall and Brussels and this is the opportunity for the SMEs across our region to be heard, to have their say. We would therefore urge you to take some time to ‘have your say’ and participate in a short survey that should take10-15 minutes of your time.
The survey can be found on the following website
The closing date for completion of the survey is the 31st October 2011. After that date, we will randomly select 10 SME’s and offer a 1:1 Executive Coaching session to a senior figure in each company, as recognition of your time and contribution. Executive Coaching enables leaders to step back from the day to day pace of their business and use the coach as an objective and confidential sounding board to enable clarity of thinking and action; working ‘on the business’ not in it.
All information is collected in accordance with Northumbria University’s Code of Research Ethics and in compliance with the UK Data Protection Act.
We are most grateful for your assistance. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the research leader Professor Jackie Harvey at Newcastle Business School
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The Business of Parliament
Posted on: 14/10/11
The Houses of Parliament Outreach Service is running a free event for North East businesses. This event is being held in Hartlepool on the 4th of November.
The event is called ‘The Business of Parliament’, and the aim is to provide useful practical advice on engaging with MPs, Lords and parliamentary processes. The event will take place at Hartlepool College from 10am to 3.30pm.
The event will include a panel discussion session with local MPs James Wharton, Ian Swales and Iain Wright, chaired by ITV Tyne Tees Political Editor Gerry Foley.
There will also be presentations from Parliament’s Outreach Service, the European Parliament Information Office (on engaging with MEPs) and Hartlepool Borough Council.
I hope this event will be of interest to businesses in North Tyneside, and would be most grateful if you could circulate details of this amongst your contacts.
To book a place or for further information email parliamentaryoutreach@parliament.uk or call 020 7219 1650
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Vince Cable speech: Innovate 2011
Posted on: 13/10/11
It's encouraging to see Great British innovation on display and the focus of serious discussion. This event provides a clear demonstration of the talent and the creativity we have in this country.
Economists disagree on many things. But there is clear consensus that, in mature economies, all long-term economic growth processes depend on innovation: that is, applying new technologies in an economically productive way. There is science. There is invention. Combining and applying them is what innovation is about.
There are obvious examples – in pharmaceuticals with GSK, in aviation with Rolls Royce, or in offshore engineering – where British-based firms in the oil and gas industry lead the way in innovation. Yet innovation also involves the ongoing development of products and processes in what might be seen as humdrum industries. My favourite example is Brompton Bikes in Brentford – a world-beating bicycle maker which stays ahead of its low-cost competitors through creative innovation. I encountered another last Friday – a fast-growing firm, Tech 21, that's based on Eel Pie Island in my Twickenham constituency. It has patented a series of products based on a new material with the texture of Plasticine but the power to withstand shocks; it is now used for the casing of handheld computers.
Innovation isn't always an easy concept to grasp, but when we learn about practical examples of knowledge transfer, we can appreciate what it means in the real world. So congratulations to this year's Knowledge Transfer Partnership winners, Queen’s University Belfast, Cherry Pipes of Dungannon, and their associates, Paul Beaney and Justyna Grabowska. Through working with the Polymer Processing Research Centre at Queen's on recycling materials for use in its drainage systems, Cherry Pipes has become one of the UK's largest plastics recycling companies.
Innovation often centres on engineering skill. But it also involves design. There are lots of crossovers between creative industries and manufacturing, Dyson’s vacuum cleaners being a good example. The alumni of the Royal College of Art are an eclectic collection of artists and engineers whose combined skills lie behind a remarkable amount of successful British Innovation.
The main policy question is what governments should do to promote innovation. There is a recognised role for government in supporting basic scientific research, as we are doing. Similarly, there's a role in the establishment of core standards, as with measurement. Our job is also to make sure that there is a supportive intellectual property rights regime – which is why we have accepted and are implementing the Hargreaves recommendations – and decent infrastructure, hence the recent decision to invest £145m in high performance computing.
But governments are rightly nervous about picking winners. When revolutionary new products emerge with bewildering speed, like the iPad or the Kindle, the market is the place to sort out which innovations will succeed, not ministers.
Nevertheless, there is a space between pure science and commercial application, where markets will not deliver. There are big, breakthrough technologies, which are either too risky or have such wide ramifications that individual companies are unlikely to develop them.
In the field of renewable energy, we simply do not know whether, in the long run, the most cost-effective low-carbon technologies will be in wind or wave power, in tidal or solar, in nuclear fission or fusion, in hydrocarbons or biomass. So, we have to support innovation across a portfolio of options.
In making these choices, it is crucial that decisions are not made on the basis of political whims or prejudiced by commercial vested interests. That is why we are reliant on the expertise of the Technology Strategy Board, an arms-length public organisation working alongside business. I decided last year, when we were working through the Spending Review, to set up a series of Technology and Innovation Centres chosen by the TSB – not me – to act as a focal point of public support for breakthrough technologies.
Technology and Innovation Centres will provide leading-edge facilities, where ideas generated by academic-commercial partnerships can be developed and prepared for market.
Today, I am pleased to confirm that the first of the TICs – with a focus on high-value manufacturing – is now open for business, with public investment of more than £140 million over six years.
The manufacturing TIC comprises a network of seven facilities, ready to help advance concepts in the fields of photovoltaics, biochemicals and composite materials, among others. They will allow businesses and research groups to build prototypes, use large-scale clean rooms or develop virtual environments to assist product design.
There is a clear rationale for backing innovation in manufacturing. The sector contributes disproportionately to UK productivity and exports.
My second announcement today also encompasses the work of the Technology Strategy Board, this time in concert with the Office for Low Emission Vehicles.
Throughout the economic crisis, the motor vehicle industry has been a success story in adversity, whether it's Jaguar Land Rover investing £355 million in a new engine plant in Wolverhampton, BMW investing £500 million in UK production and building the new MINI here, or Nissan choosing to design, develop and make the next-generation Qashqai in this country.
The UK car industry can, and should be, at the forefront of innovation, which is why – in the New Year – we're making an additional investment of up to £15 million in projects to accelerate the commercialisation of low-carbon vehicles.
Already, the low-carbon vehicles programme is achieving encouraging results. Axeon, for example, a company based in Dundee, has developed a battery which gives a 35 per cent improvement in range compared to existing technologies, while the programme's very existence played a significant role in Nissan’s decision to base production of the entirely electric LEAF model and other batteries in Sunderland.
My third and final announcement is to launch a new TSB-led competition to support enabling technologies that often underpin meaningful innovations. The investment – worth up to £18 million – is designed to stimulate collaborative work in areas such as advanced materials and nanoscale technologies, with some funding for ideas yet to find a potential application in any recognised market or business sector. These might include new techniques for gathering and interpreting biological data, or novel materials that can withstand aggressive environmental conditions, such as extreme heat or corrosion.
But there's more to innovation – Government actions consistent with economic growth more broadly. A coherent approach must also involve macroeconomic stability and open, competitive markets. It must provide optimal conditions for R&D conducted predominantly by the private sector – by improving regulatory frameworks and making best use of the state's purchasing power. Which is why the Government is preparing an innovation and research strategy.
We're asking a number of questions. How can the public sector become a more significant driver of innovation? How we can improve the mobility of smart people between business and the research base? What challenges – and indeed opportunities for international collaboration – arise from the rise of the BRIC countries and others?
The expertise of many people in this room will inform the final document, but you already do much more than that. As we build on existing technical strengths which are not being fully realised and help to develop others; as we get more inventions out of the lab and on to the shelves, the products and ideas generated by exhibitors here are some of the best ammunition we have to convince people of Britain's genuine potential.
So I thank you for your efforts to date, and I reaffirm the Government's commitment to making your innovation and entrepreneurialism the basis of this country's long-term success.
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North East ranked top to drive small business
Posted on: 12/10/11
NORTH East small businesses have been ranked top of the table when it comes to driving the economy forward thanks to their “strong entrepreneurial spirit”.
A new index drawn up by Barclays Bank on which regions benefited the most from small companies placed the North East ahead of London and the South West.
The report said that smaller firms had “battened down the hatches” this year and remained cautious about their prospects in 2012.
The North East has moved up three places since last year, taking the top spot from London, while the South East sees the biggest fall, moving from fourth to the bottom of the table.
And last night business bosses said it was incredible that the region’s entrepreneurs were recognised as a great driving force of the economy.
North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) Chief Executive James Ramsbotham said: “The North East has a proud tradition for producing and nurturing great entrepreneurs so it is incredibly good news to see that the spirit of innovation remains a driving force behind the regional economy.
“Our SME business base remains strong despite the impact of the recession and as Champions of regional business NECC will be doing all it can to help these small, innovative firms become the industry leaders of the future.”
Original Source - Journal
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2011 North Tyneside Business Awards Launched
Posted on: 06/10/11
The 2011 North Tyneside Business Awards competition is now open to local businesses. Now in their 13th year, the awards recognise and celebrate the achievements local businesses have made. An events ceremony will be held in December, hosted by the North Tyneside Business Forum, at which prizes will be presented.
Applicants can enter one of 5 categories;
· Manufacturing Business Award
· Service Sector Business Award
· Retail Business Award
· Business Start-up Award
· Young Entrepreneur Award (under 30 years)
Winners from each category are automatically entered for the overall award.
The competition is open to any business based in North Tyneside which has been trading for at least six months and has less than 100 employees.
For an editable version of the form click here
Further information can be obtained from Mizan Rouf - Tel: 0191 643 6401
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Setting up in Business is Child's Play for Suzanne
Posted on: 06/10/11
Redundancy provided the perfect palette for a new business venture.
Former children’s centre worker, Suzanne Thomson has launched her own messy and creative play centre- Squiggles n Giggles CIC, thanks to an initiative supported by North Tyneside Council.
Designed to provide families with a place to enjoy messy and creative play, the business, which has been set up as a Community Interest Company (CIC), will also support community groups through outreach activity.
Operating from the White Swan Centre in Killingworth, Squiggles N Giggles provides indoor and outdoor space where children up to the age of eight can develop their imagination and creativity through messy play.
Having worked in children’s centres for years, Suzanne knew the importance of this type of play in a child’s development, but also recognised the business potential in providing a dedicated permanent venue.
Faced with redundancy in autumn 2010, she shared her initial ideas with The Business Factory - part of The Raising Enterprise North Tyneside project , funded by North Tyneside Council and ERDF.
They helped her realise her dream and guided her through the challenges.
Suzanne said: “I could picture what I wanted to create and what the children would experience from their visits, but knowing how to take it from the vision inside my head into reality was different all together. The Business Factory was able to help me to shape a comprehensive business plan and advise me on issues such as the Community Interest Company status.
“Whilst I need to make a living from the business, I was also keen to provide a service to the community, particularly families who do not normally have access to such activities.
“Mark Oakley and David Ireland at The Business Factory advised me on how to set up business as a CIC and helped me to successfully apply for funding from The Big Lottery. This funding has allowed me to access a van so that I can take my messy play activities out in to the community and provide free outreach sessions.
“I hope that this will give even more reason for families to visit the venue, knowing that their children can enjoy fun yet beneficial play at the same time as knowing that their money will be also be used to help others less fortunate to enjoy messy play too.”
David Ireland, Business Advisor at The Business Factory added: “Suzanne came to us with an idea she was passionate about. We helped her to turn this passion in to a workable business model and are quite amazed by the results. Squiggles N Giggles is a business that she ought to be very proud of and which will be a valuable asset to families in North Tyneside.
“Setting up a Community Interest Company is no easy task, but for people like Suzanne who want to give back to the local community they are a great option. And with funding available to support CICs we expect to see more new businesses considering this option as knowledge and understanding of them grows.”
North Tyneside’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Judith Wallace said: “ As a Council we are keen to encourage an entrepreneurial culture in North Tyneside that enables people to develop their ideas into real business opportunities.
“As well as having business ideas people need to be able to deal with the regulations associated with setting up a business.
Staff at the Business Factory have the expertise to explain to people what is involved and guide them through the procedure so they can establish a solid foundation on which to grow.
“I’m delighted that the Business Factory project has helped Suzanne use her skills and experience to set up a really innovative venture that will be an asset to families and children in the borough. We wish her every success.”
Squiggle N Giggles will be open 5days a week and will offer age specific drop in sessions to ensure that the materials and play on offer is suitable for the children in attendance. Session times are available on the website on www.squigglesngiggles.com.
If you are thinking about starting your own business drop into The Business Factory at 86 High Street West, Wallsend NE28 8HY, call (0191) 263 6092 or email info@businessfactorynt.co.uk.
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If you want to be your own boss but don’t have a business idea, there are hundreds listed on The Business Factory website www.businessfactorynt.co.uk. -
New Venture Takes Centre Stage
Posted on: 06/10/11
A performing arts graduate from Cullercoats looks set to take centre stage with the launch of his new business venture Xpress Urself.
The stage school, located at Cullercoats Methodist Church, is the brainchild of 19-year-old Aaron Phillips and will offer dance, drama and singing classes for children aged 5-16.
The former Newcastle College Performing Arts student has launched the new business with support from The Business Factory, funded by North Tyneside Council and delivered by TEDCO.
Aaron said: “I have always loved performing and taking part in musical theatre; from a young age I was involved in stage schools and theatre productions and then later complete courses at Dance City and the prestigious Performing Arts Btec at Newcastle College.
“I knew the industry was hugely competitive and as I wanted to stay here in the north east, my options would be relatively limited. So instead of heading to London like so many of my fellow students, I decided to combine my performing skills with the urge I had to run my own business.
“However I really didn’t know where to start so when I read an article about The Business Factory in the News Guardian I decided to give them a call.
“But never in a million years did I expect to receive the level of support that they have provided. I was really lucky to meet Mark Oakley, a business advisor who is passionate about theatre himself and who has written a number of short screen plays, so he really understood my skills and background and how they could be best used to create a successful business.
“He helped me to turn what was very much a loose business idea in to a solid plan and has provided the right level of help and support to turn it from a plan to a reality.”
Mark Oakley, business advisor at The Business Factory added:
“For somebody so young, Aaron has real vision and a true entrepreneurial spirit. He is a natural on the stage, but definitely has the traits of a successful businessman too. He has ambitious plans for the business and no doubt will become a true ambassador for young people in business across the North Tyneside.”North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Mrs Linda Arkley said: “Having young people like Aaron prepared to take the plunge and set up their own business here in North Tyneside is hugely important for our on-going economic success and as a council we look to support such businesses and help them to grow.
“That’s why we established the Business Factory two years ago to help guide people from the ideas stage, through to being an established business owner that has the confidence and know-how to overcome any challenges for the future. .”
Xpress Urself will initially offer singing, dancing and acting classes every Saturday morning but is looking to increase the number of classes on offer as demand grows.
Classes will be delivered by Aaron and his first employee- a former fellow college student who is now studying dance at university - both qualified and experienced teachers.
For more information about the classes on offer visit www.xpress-urself.co.uk or call 07895 362 603
If you are thinking about starting your own business drop into The Business Factory at 86 High Street West, Wallsend NE28 8HY, call (0191) 263 6092 or email info@businessfactorynt.co.uk. If you want to be your own boss but don’t have a business idea, there are hundreds listed on The Business Factory website www.businessfactorynt.co.uk.
The Business Factory forms part of the Raising Enterprise North Tyneside project, funded by North Tyneside Council and ERDF.
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Business is the Icing on the Cake for Lesley
Posted on: 06/10/11
Young mum Lesley Booth has all the right ingredients to make her new cake and coffee-shop business grow.
When her young son started school, single mum Lesley was determined not to live a life on benefits and looked into turning her cake-making hobby into a business.
Lesley, 32, from New York, North Tyneside, turned for help to The Business Factory, based on High Street West in Wallsend, which is North Tyneside Council’s one-stop-shop for budding entrepreneurs to get all the advice and support they need.
Now she has seen her dream come true with the launch of her cake and coffee shop, Cake-a-Licious, on Farringdon Road in Cullercoats.
Lesley said: “When the shop came up it was too good to be true. It needed some work but the location is perfect with parking in front and lots of passing trade.
“I was determined to go into business and make my son proud of me. He’s only five, but already he tells all his friends about his mam’s cake shop.
“As well as selling tea, coffee and cakes, I also make celebration cakes for all occasions. This is something I have always done for family and friends and it is this core skill that drove me on to launch the business.
“We’ve only been open a few weeks and already I have built up a steady group of loyal customers.”
Lesley is also helping to raise funds for her son’s school Cullercoats Primary through the shop’s innovative book lending scheme.
She said: “Customers can pick up a book while they are relaxing with a drink and if they like it make a £1 donation to loan it.”
Lesley was put in touch with The Business Factory through her local Job Centre. She received help in putting together a business plan and setting up a simple accounting system, as well as tips on marketing her business.
Business adviser George Wafer from the Business Factory said: “Young mums can often struggle to make that return to work once their children start school but Lesley has proved to be both creative and determined in using her skills to bridge this gap and build a new working life for herself.”
The Business Factory, which is delivered by TEDCO on behalf of North Tyneside Council, is aimed at potential entrepreneurs in the North Tyneside area and offers free advice and support.
If you are thinking about starting your own business drop into The Business Factory at 86 High Street West, Wallsend NE28 8HY, call (0191) 263 6092 or email info@businessfactorynt.co.uk.If you want to be your own boss but don’t have a business idea, there are hundreds listed on The Business Factory website www.businessfactorynt.co.uk.
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Bridgeworks at Silverlink
Posted on: 30/08/11
For businesses in the Silverlink and Cobalt areas, we’ve received advance notification of work starting on two bridges at Middle Engine Lane, near the Silverlink Interchange
The works will involve strengthening the supports of two bridges carrying the A19; Middle Lane Railway Bridge and Middle Lane Engine Bridge.The work is due to start towards the end of November 2011 and expected to take 14 weeks. The work will be carried out mostly during day time hours, Monday – Saturday, but there will be some night time working.
During this time it will be necessary to implement lane closures on Middle Engine Lane which will be in place for 24 hours a day when required and traffic will be controlled by temporary traffic lights.
Work on Middle Engine Railway Bridge will affect the bridleway, running below the bridge, but this will remain open to users at all times.
The work on the A19 will be carried out over night, using lane closures with occasional carriageway closures. Fully signed diversion routes will be in place when carriageways are closed.
Every effort is being made to ensure disruption to traffic and residents is kept to a minimum, but there will inevitably be some noise, delay and disruption generated by these works. Traffic management arrangements on the A19 and on Middle Engine Lane will be lifted over the Christmas period.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of the scheme, or would like further information please contact Becca Rigney, Area 14, 01325 341658 or email Rebecca.rigney@aone.uk.com
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Young People Square Off with Local Business
Posted on: 25/08/11
Young people from North Tyneside have been working with local businesses during the summer months to make recommendations for the improvement of Northumberland Square in North Shields.
The young people have taken on the challenge as part of VODA’s Summer of a Lifetime programme, a six week personal development initiative which is part of the Government’s National Citizen Service.
Supported by the North Shields Chamber of Trade and Commerce, the team of 12 young people have been researching the history of the square, considering its key features and canvassing the opinion’s of visitors, to make recommendations for how it might be improved.
The young people delivered a presentation of their findings at YMCA North Tyneside to members of the Chamber of Trade who were so impressed with results from the project that they are going to develop these ideas in discussion with North Tyneside Council.
Sarah-Anne Kirsopp, aged 16, a participant on the Summer of a Lifetime scheme said, “Taking part in this project has given me the chance to build my confidence and develop lots of skills like time-management and leadership. I have been able to learn about local history and understand the contributions made by local business. I hope our work will lead to Northumberland Square becoming a more popular place for visitors.”
Alex Holding, 23 from Wallsend, is a Peer Volunteer on VODA’s Summer of a Lifetime project, he said “During this programme I have witnessed the young people continually growing in confidence and rising to a number of challenges along the way. I have really appreciated the opportunity to project manage this initiative in partnership with the Chamber of Trade. Working alongside local businesses has been an excellent learning opportunity for me.”
Robin Fry, co-ordinator of the VODA Summer of a Lifetime programme said, “The energy and enthusiasm shown by these young people gives a clear message that they are keen to improve their local community and have a passion for learning and personal development. Bringing together the voluntary and private sectors on this project has provided a unique opportunity for us to learn from one another and continue to improve the borough of North Tyneside.”
David Bavaird, Chair of the North Shields Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said “I have been really impressed with the young people involved in this project. They have demonstrated excellent leadership and project management skills. The Chamber of Trade greatly values the contribution that young people can make to the local area and we will continue to build our positive relationship with VODA in the future.”
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New Enterprise Zone for the North East
Posted on: 23/08/11
The recent government announcement confirming a new Enterprise Zone for the North East will drive a new era for the area's manufacturing
The Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, Linda Arkley has been lobbying the government - supported by partners on the Local Enterprise Partnership - since early this year to allow the North Bank of the Tyne to be part of a new round of Enterprise Zones to promote economic growth and private sector investment.
Over the last few years she has also established and led a new Riverside Forum - bringing together all interested parties to work on a 'one river' approach to develop and market the area to potential investors.
Numerous meetings have also been held with government ministers and departments to explore future opportunities for the area to benefit from a national need to grow the country's manufacturing capacity and prepare for the needs of new sustainable energy industries.
Their efforts were rewarded with confirmation from the government that a Low Carbon Enterprise Zone - spread over two sites covering 117 hectares - has been given the go-ahead.
The go-ahead by the government for a new Low Carbon Enterprise Zone in the North East will cover:
- The prime strategic riverside land along the North Bank of the Tyne - including the Swan Hunter site, Neptune Yard and Port of Tyne North Estate
- Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle sites adjacent to the A19 (Sunderland)
And as a further boost to the North East's economy, the zone will allow investors on the sites to be eligible for enhanced capital allowances - providing opportunities to access millions of pounds to support their move to the enterprise zone.
"This is a fantastic day for the whole of the North East - not just North Tyneside," said Mrs Arkley.
"The North Bank of the Tyne has historically been a real driver to the area's economy. This enterprise zone means it will be once again."
Mrs Arkley wrote to Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business and Innovation and Skills in February, pressing the government to repeat the Enterprise Zone initiative that resulted in the creation of Cobalt and Quorum Business Parks and generated 15,000 jobs across the borough.
Calling on the government to take a different approach by turning the focus onto manufacturing, with the North Bank of the Tyne at its centre, she wrote: "The North Bank of the Tyne has a rich heritage of world-class manufacturing and sub-sea design and technology.
"Using this as a strong foundation, the area now has the potential to become not just the national lead, but also one of the top three locations in Europe for advance offshore manufacturing and renewables research and development.
"The wider North East provides the critical mass of technology, support services, skilled labour and supply chain links whilst the North Bank provides the major sites capable of accommodating large inward investment opportunities such as the manufacture of offshore wind turbines, supported by a range of smaller sites along both sides of the river."
The new enterprise zone will be a hub of expertise built around manufacturing, research and innovation in the field of low carbon.
Confirming the borough - and all partners across the North East - are ready to capitalise on the opportunities of having an enterprise zone, Mrs Arkley said:
"As a whole North East team - across the public and private sector - we are ready to take this forward to the benefit of all seven of the Local Enterprise Zone partner authorities.
"We have the land, we have the commitment, we have interest from business, we have a learning village in development to ensure the future workforces have the skills needed and now we have an Enterprise Zone that can make it happen."
The allocation of the sites as eligible for enhanced capital allowances means that investors within the enterprise zone will be able to claim tax relief for any asset they buy - e.g. tools, machinery, equipment and in some instances building related expenditure. Capital expenditure on research and development (including equipment used for research and development, may also qualify for allowances.
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The swathe of land, from Walker in Newcastle through to the Port of Tyne in North Shields, has been the focus of a public-private partnership since the demise of shipbuilding and the closure of the Swan Hunter site. -
Pots & Pancakes brave the Dragons Den
Posted on: 18/08/11
Pots & Pancakes of North Shields brave Theo, Peter, Deborah, Duncan & Hilary with a tasty pitch of their pancake café and pottery-painting business.
Mother and daughter team, Shirley & Hayley, are looking for a £50,000 investment to expand their business to a UK market. Pots and Pancakes combines bespoke pottery craft and delicious pancakes in a friendly café environment, through retail outlets and also by way of colourful events.
Hayley confided 'The show was filmed in May this year but we have been sworn to secrecy until now. As we were on the trailer in last Sunday's show the cat is out of the bag. We've had so many comments already from people who saw us and asking how It went, but we can't say anything until after the episode has screened.'
Do Dragons eat pancakes for breakfast?
Will Shirley and Hayley survive the fiery exchanges?
Find out on BBC2 and BBC iPlayer from Sunday 21st August.
For more information contact Hayley on 0191 272 8333 or 07712 581 163.
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Student Placements
Posted on: 16/08/11
Northumbria School of English has 15 Italian students aged 17 – 18 coming to stay in Whitley Bay from 30th August – 24th September 2011. All are from the Liceo C. Poerio, a high school specialising in Modern Foreign Languages. These enthusiastic young people are looking for a four-week work placement in a local business and are keen and willing to assist you in any way they can. For more details of how you can be involved, gain extra help for your business, possibly make valuable overseas contacts, and benefit from some great PR, please contact Christine Goodwin on 0191 2525265 or email: english.school@btconnect.com
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Firm appointed to university's framework
Posted on: 20/07/11
A WALLSEND company has been appointed to a local university’s minor works framework.
The University of Sunderland has appointed Turney Wylde to the framework, which makes the firm one of only four able to bid for projects worth up to £1.5m at the university.
Project manager at the university Martin Shaw said: “Although there are some excellent contractors in the region, many of whom pitched for the work, we were looking for the successful parties to match very specific criteria.
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