North East Times Magazine - January 2014

C O N T E N T S

January 2014BUSINESS NEWS – 8

SAVE THE DATE – 10Business events – mark them on your calendar

NORTH EAST VIEW POINTS – 12Thoughts from the region’s business community

INTERVIEW – 14Tony Blair

ON THE MOVE – 16New executive appointments

ONE TO WATCH – 18Emily Frankish, Mincoffs

INTERVIEW – 42Barry Speker, Sintons

STATE OF THE ART – 55

COVER STORY – 64Building a brand at Hotel du Vin

BUSINESS LUNCH – 70Malmaison Brasserie

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C R E D I T S

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Editor’s or Printer’s hands. Editorial must be received by the 12th of the month or no responsibilty is accepted for errors. Advertisements: Although every care is taken to ensure accuracy,the Publishers regret that they cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by an error in the printing or damage to, or loss of artwork, transparencies or photos. Complaints:

regarding advertisements will only be considered for up to a week after publication. Advertising must be received by the 15th of the month. No responsibilty is accepted for errors.© 2013 Published by North East Times Ltd.

Directors: Mike Grahamslaw, Mick O’Hare

Commercial director: Martin Stout

Editor: Alison Cowie

Sales: Luccia Graham

Editorial: Jessica Laing

Senior designer: John Haxon

Feature photography: Chris Owens

Office: 11 Causey Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4DJ. | t: (0191) 284 9994 | f: (0191) 284 9995

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Front cover: Rob Tait (Hotel du Vin), by Chris Owen.

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B U S I N E S S N E W S

Businesses back combined authorityNECC members support bold proposition.

Abusiness membershiporganisation has backedproposals to create acombined authority for

Durham, Tyne and Wear andNorthumberland.

In a submission to the Government,the North East Chamber of Commerce(NECC) says such a body would notonly provide a co-ordinated approachto economic development across local

authority boundaries but also a unitedvoice when lobbying the Government.

NECC chief executive, JamesRamsbotham, said: “The North East ishome to dynamic businesses wellplaced to take advantage ofopportunities in new and emergingsectors. The creation of a combinedauthority alongside a strengthened,business-led North East LEP would helpto ensure that the area achieves its

undoubted economic potential.“A combined authority would give

both business and the public sector inthe North East LEP area a greater say onhow we are governed and what ourstrategic priorities must be by setting ourown agenda when it comes toeconomic development, skills, transportand inward investment and it would alsoprovide the area with a stronger voicewhen speaking to external parties.”

NNorthumbria University is launchinga £1.1m project to help start-up 30

new businesses and to provide graduateinterns for more than 50 smallbusinesses.

The European Regional DevelopmentFund (ERDF) has awarded the universityover half a million pounds to support theNorthumbria Graduates into Businessproject, with the grant being matched

by the university and other fundingproviders.

The funding will help NorthumbriaUniversity to extend the support itprovides to SMEs in the North East andwill also enable the university to supportthe creation of 30 new graduate start-upbusinesses. It is hoped that 60permanent jobs will be created as aresult.

University’s £1 million boost

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New signature for Ringtons

The 106-year-old North-East tea andcoffee merchants, Ringtons, has

launched a Signature range as it looks toreach new audiences through its business-to-business clients and consumer-focusedecommerce website. The range has a newpackaging design and encompasses thecompany’s extensive loose tea range; fruitand herbal infusions; and bean andground coffee collections.

Positive growth

Two businesses in Darlington andHartlepool have been acquired as

part of a growth plan to expand PositiveLife Choices throughout the North East.They are Rudy Slippers, a majordomiciliary care provider to the elderlyand children, and Pathways toIndependence, which specialises insupporting people with learningdisabilities.

Set for High-flying careers

Students Antonia Fawcett and RyanWenn, who are both 19, have been

awarded aerospace cadetships fromthe Gus Robinson Foundation.

The £500 bursary recognises theirachievements while they study on theBTEC Level 3 Diploma in AeronauticEngineering at Hartlepool College ofFurther Education.

New enterprise hub for Hexham

Northumberland National ParkAuthority (NNPA) and Adapt North

East have secured two grants totalling£332,000 to deliver a new enterprise hubin Hexham. The hubs will be based in thegarden of the attractive National Parkheadquarters at Eastburn (pictured) andat the Adapt headquarters on Burn Laneto support local businesses and peoplewishing to start up new businesses.Theenterprise hub will pilot a new approachto rent small office and flexible workshopspace to micro-enterprises.

Award winning chauffeurs

Parkers has won a Chauffeur Companyof the Year award, organised by

Professional Driver magazine. The awardswere held at the Copthorne Hotel,Effingham Hall, London, and celebratedchauffeur and private hire operators thatdemonstrate excellent standards of Quality,Service and Innovation (QSI).The Newcastleand Teesside-based executive chauffeurswas recognised for its outstandingcommitment to customer service, winningthe Small Operator Gold Award forcompanies with one to ten vehicles.

Lunch boosts electricians’ fund

The EEIBA held its first Christmas lunchlast month at the Assembly Rooms.

Over 250 North East electricians cametogether to raise £4300 for its industries’benevolent fund, which was created toassist its members from the electrical orelectronics industries who have sufferedhardship or distress, often through work-related accidents. North East EEIBAchairman, Fred Dickinson, said: “All theproceeds raised will go directly towardsour members and their dependents whoneed it the most.”

University hosts funding event

Northumbria University last monthhosted a conference aimed at

helping SMEs and social enterprisesaccess finance. The `Show Me TheMoney Conference’ was delivered jointlyby The Federation of Small Businesses(FSB), the North East Social EnterprisePartnership (NESP) and NorthumbriaUniversity.

Collins wins prestigious awards

ANorth East seafood business, Collins,is celebrating after its two directors

landed prestigious business awards.Managing director Richard Collins wonthe Star Radio Lifetime Award whileRichard’s daughter and operationsdirector Claire Carter won the inauguralOne to Watch accolade at the Womeninto the Network (WIN) Awards.

Museums benefiting from lieu scheme

Museums and art galleries in thenorth of England have benefitted

from more than £3 million worth of art aspart of the Government’s acceptance inlieu scheme, according to PwC. Thescheme allows those who have aninheritance tax bill to offset part of thosetaxes by donating important cultural,scientific or historic objects.

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D I A R Y

Save thedate

Charity balls, business dinnersand seminars.

Email [email protected] with your events

BUSINESS NETWORKING BREAKFAST

Copthorne Hotel, Newcastle QuaysideWeb: www.4networking.biz/events

Price: £12 per person

Local businesses, 4N members and thoselooking for career advice and businessknowledge are invited to this fun and friendlybreakfast, set up by 4Networking, for a morningof networking and socialising. 4N meetingsinclude one-to-one appointments with businessprofessionals, an insight into new ventures andtips on how to get the career opportunities youdeserve.

OVERVIEW FOR TEACHERS

Newcastle University School ofComputing Science

Web: www.eventbrite.co.ukPrice: Free

Designed specifically for teachers and teachingstaff and led by a subject specialist, this helpfulsession will provide an overview of the AQAGCSE in Computer Science, along with otherqualifications. The session is part of a series ofworkshops, hosted by different exam boardsubject specialists, devoted to computing andcomputing science.

CHAIRMAN’S DINNER

Jesmond Dene HouseWeb: www.entrepreneursforum.netEmail: [email protected]

Price: £95+VAT (members)

Members are urged to attend this worldexclusive chairman’s dinner, featuring formerEntrepreneur of the Year and co-founder ofNomad Digital, Graeme Lowdon. During thishugely popular and social event, Graeme –who is also well known for his involvement inFormula 1 – will be talking about the future forF1 and sharing his entrepreneurial and sportingstory with guests.

GROWING YOUR TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS

BIPC, Level 3, Newcastle City LibraryTel: (0191) 277 4100

Web: www.bipcnewcastle.co.ukEmail: [email protected]

Price: Free

Those looking to expand their technologybusiness are invited to attend this hour-longconsultation session with Dave Stevens, anexperienced technology entrepreneur andbusiness support manager at Newcastle ScienceCity. Dave will be offering advice on everythingfrom finance options and business planning toproduct development and franchising.

NECC LOCAL

Revolution bar, NewcastleTel: 0300 303 6322

Web: www.necc.co.uk Email: [email protected]

Price: Free

Join local NECC membership advisor, LynseyFairless, at this relaxed ‘mix and mingle’networking session. Held at one of Newcastle’smost popular bars, Revolution, guests will beable to meet with other local businesses and willhave the chance to talk with Lynsey about theadvantages of belonging to a NECC network.

BURNS NIGHT

Blackfrairs Restaurant, NewcastleTel: (0191) 261 5945

Web: www.blackfrairsrestaurant.co.ukEmail: [email protected]

Price: £45 per person

One of Newcastle’s most acclaimed restaurants,Blackfrairs, invites foodies and historians to an‘earthy’ Burns dinner, complete with traditionalcock-a-leekie soup, haggis, neeps and tattiesand cranachan. Guests will also be treated to adram at each course and an exclusive whiskeytasting at the end of the night with whiskeyevangelist, Eddie Ludow.

LADIES LUNCH –ASK PAM ROYLE

Rockliffe Hall, County DurhamTel: 01325 729999

Web: www.rockliffehall.com/whats-on/Email: [email protected]

Price: £24.50 per person

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Guests are invited to Rockliffe Hall thismonth to participate in an exclusivequestion and answer session with ITVnews presenter, Pam Royle, who hasrecently celebrated 30 years in television.A sparkling wine reception and a two-course lunch in the hotel’s newlyrefurbished Orangery restaurant will alsobe on offer. Attendees are encouraged tobring along their own questions for Pam,who will also be talking about life on thesmall screen, what goes on behind thescenes, being a working mum and lifeoutside television.

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O P I N I O N

Local businessmen and women share

their thoughts …ANDREW MILLER

DIRECTORBARCLAYS WEALTH ANDINVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

At Barclays, we are seeingpositive signs of entrepreneurial

activity and a sense of renewed confidence,perhaps best represented by the significantincrease in the number of high-growthcompanies. Our recent research showed that theproportion of these increased by c.20 per centfrom 2011 to 2012. We also found that there wasa 24 per cent fall in the number of active,growing companies recording share sales in thepast year – possibly because the expectations ofbusiness owners don’t match those of investorsand there is an anticipation of rising demand.

Does 2014look bright for

North Eastbusiness?

ROB TAITGENERAL MANAGERHOTEL DU VIN NEWCASTLE

Very bright! For Hotel duVin, 2013 has been great and I

can only see 2014 getting evenbetter. The city seems to have become aliveagain, there's so much going on. I think thehard work of the NGI in recent years is payingoff and the North East is seen as not only atourism region, but also a business hub too.Long may it continue. You never know, ifNewcastle United gets into Europe, the NorthEast will definitely become the place to be!

KARI OWERSMANAGING DIRECTOR

OPR

Optimism is definitelystarting to rise – we are an

entrepreneurial and tenuousbusiness community in the North East and we

won't be beaten lightly. I have witnessed many ofour clients not just survive the downturn, but

significantly develop, diversify and grow. It is thebusinesses with the passion and commitment to

be innovative that have now started creating newjobs and winning contracts here and abroad. At

OPR, we have noted an extremely active close to2013 and are excited about the year ahead.

PAUL WHITECROSSSENIOR PROJECT

MANAGER INVESTMENT FOR

GROWTH

As the manager of a fund that assistsSMEs access grants for projects that boost

growth and create and safeguard jobs, I can saythat there certainly is a bright future for SMEs in

our region this year. We helped 348 companiesaccess £1,074,501 of funding in 2013 and havesecured additional funding from the ERDF tohelp even more SMEs grow in 2014; making

things brighter for the businesses that we helpwith a knock on effect for the wider economy.

North East view points

MICHAEL FITZPATRICKMANAGING DIRECTOR

ACTIV

I am more interested inopportunities than challenges,

so I am very excited about what2014 will bring. For my business, access to

superfast broadband continues to roll out tohomes and offices around the country, there will

be even more exciting options for our businesscustomers to embrace digital communications,and the rollout of 4G mobile connectivity will

further enhance our access to the internetwhile ‘on the move’.

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JOHN DUNSBUSINESS DEVELOPMENTDIRECTORBREWIN DOLPHIN

I am delighted to hear thatofficial statistics show North East

growth was above average for the UK in 2012,and from the North East Chamber ofCommerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey, thatbusiness performance has accelerated since then.This is encouraging news as we enter 2014. Itwas interesting to hear of success in certainsectors, notably in offshore industries, and morerecently, significant recovery in construction.

E V E N T

The Tony Blair SportsFoundation breakfast

The former Prime Minister visits theCopthorne Hotel Newcastle to meet local

children and sports people who havebenefited from his foundation.

On Friday, November 29, 2013, theCopthorne Hotel Newcastle welcomed a

very special guest through its doors to host acelebratory breakfast meeting for The TonyBlair Sports Foundation. Attended by TonyBlair himself, the breakfast meeting was a greatopportunity for Mr Blair to meet many localchildren and people who are supported by hischarity. The aim of the Foundation is toincrease the opportunities for children andyoung people in the North East to participatein sport, through helping people in theircommunities to become coaches who can thenwork in local sports clubs and schools. KenEllington, general manager of the hotel,commented: “It’s a privilege and a pleasure forus to host such a prestigious event, and towelcome Mr Blair to the hotel. It’s fantastic tosee the positive impact that his visit has had onthose who have been here today, and it willhopefully encourage many more people to getinvolved.” For more information, visitwww.tonyblairsportsfoundation.org

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I N T E R V I E W

Why did you decide to set up The Tony Blair SportsFoundation?

It’s a way to give something back to the North East, whichhas given so much to me. The region is the basis of mywhole political career; it ’s where my constituency was inSedgefield, County Durham, and how I was able tobecome Prime Minister. I chose sport because the singlebiggest challenge we have in grassroots sport is finding thevolunteers, coaches and officials to join clubs and help,particularly young people, gain access to sport, especiallyin the likes of tennis, rowing and basketball. Most kids getthe chance to play football but not other sports. We nowhave more than 3500 volunteers in our network who havegone through our coaching programmes. The Foundation’sbeen fabulously successful and we want to take that further.

What would you say to someone who is thinking ofbecoming a coach?

If you want to become involved in sport, coaching is agreat way to do it. You give a lot of pleasure to other peoplebut you also have a great time yourself as it teaches youabout the sport in a different way. There has been a lot ofcut backs to local authorities and schools, and sportspartnerships have gone. It’s hard for a lot of grassroots clubs– which make up the national infrastructure of sportingopportunities – unless there are people to staff them.

You talk about the importance of children to not justplay, but to commit to sport. Why is this important?

If you commit to sport at a young age then it stays with you.The risk of sport for youngsters is that they play sport for ashort time and then when they leave school, go to collegeor get a job, they don’t play anymore. In our Young Leadersprogramme, which is for 13 and 14 year olds, we’re helpingthem to understand the sport and learn how to become a

volunteer in the sport. It lets them put some roots down atan early age.

The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics were seenas hugely successful and there was a lot of talk at thetime about the Games’ legacy. What do you make ofthe legacy so far?

I was Prime Minster when we won the Olympic bid and oneof the reasons we mounted the bid was to encourage grassroots participation in sport, not just at an elite level. There isevidence of a higher participation in sport since London2012. Cycling has seen a large increase in peopleparticipating as the British team did so well, and so haswomen’s boxing because of Nicola [Adams]. Truthfullythough, we can do more. To get the weight of numbers ofpeople participating in sport, you need to get peopleinvolved at a local community level. What’s lacking isexactly the type of thing that [TBSF] does. If you want to getinvolved in sport it’s very hard to know what, how and whereyou can do it. Having an organisation like ours is like afacilitation process; helping to pass down the Olympic spiritto the grassroots.

You have said that sport is one of the North East’s‘outstanding qualities’. Why do you think that is?

The North East has some great sporting traditions. It hascome a long way in a lot of sports in the last few years: inathletics, rowing, basketball, cricket and, of course, soccerhas always had deep roots in the region. Sport has alwaysbeen an important part of life in the North East but ourchallenge is to make sure that the choices which areavailable to some kids, are available to all.

For further information on TheTony Blair Sports Foundation visitwww.tonyblairsportsfoundation.org

Committedto

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15Photography by Chris Owens.

A P P O I N T M E N T S

On the MoveYour monthly guide to

appointments and promotions.

BILL MACLEOD

Bill MacLeod [right] has been appointed asNewcastle office senior partner at PwC – aninternational network of firms, which deliverassurance, tax and advisory services. Billsucceeds Paul Woolston, who is retiring andleaving PwC after more than 25 years. In hisnew role, Bill – who has been a partner for 18years and who currently leads the assurancepractice in the North East - will lead the 300-strong Newcastle office.

SIMON BODDY

Newcastle-based PR and marketing agency,Karol Marketing, has expanded its team withthe appointment of a new PR executive. In hisnew role, Simon Boddy, from Hartlepool, willbe working on a wide range of high profileaccounts. Simon is a Northumbria Universitygraduate and has experience within PR andcommunications, having worked on business tobusiness and business consumer PR campaignsfor a number of North East agencies.

MONICA SERMENO

Newcastle law firm, Mincoffs, has appointedMonica Sermeno to its commercial team,which deals with a host of contractual issues forclients operating in sectors such as software,digital, media and engineering. Monica, whojoins from Siemens PLC, where she worked forfive years as a contract manager, holds an MAin International Economic Management andhas experience in drafting and negotiatingmulti-million pound contracts and advising onUK and international contractual issues.

DAVID BRADBURY

Gateshead-based IT solutions and serviceexpert, ITPS, has strengthened its sales teamwith the appointment of connectivity,infrastructure and applications specialist DavidBradbury, as senior account manager. In hisnew role, David, who is a business mentor forthe Business Sparks entrepreneurshipprogramme and has a 13-year background inprivate and public IT solutions, will join a 12-strong sales team and will focus on developingopportunities across ITPS’ UK-wide client base.

CHRIS MCBRIDE

Senior health professional Chris McBride hasbeen appointed as theatre manager at SpireWashington Hospital. With 22 years’experience in the NHS, latterly as CumberlandInfirmary’s lead practitioner for the Hospital atNight, Chris is well versed in patient care andstaff efficiency. In his new role, he will lead 27members of staff and oversee patients’transition from entering the operating theatreto leaving for home.

TOMMY MARK

County Durham-based hotel, the Lord CrewArms, has appointed Tommy Mark asmanager. Tommy began his career in thehospitality industry at the age of 17 at hisfather’s pub in Hexham, where he worked hisway up from washing glasses to working asbar manager. He brings a wealth ofexperience to his new role, including workin quality hotels and gastro pubs in theNorth East, the South of England andoverseas.

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E V E N T

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Tyne v WearBoxing Night

A boxing night at the Marriot GosforthPark raises funds for the St. James’s

Place Foundation.

The inaugural Tyne v Wear boxing event washeld on October 25 at the Marriot Gosforth

Park Hotel, attended by the Partners and clientsof St. James’s Place, in aid of the St. James’sPlace Foundation.

The event, organised by Patrick McLaughlinand Mark Beverley – representing the NorthEast committee of the St. James's PlaceFoundation – was a great success, with someexciting bouts and over £4000 raised for goodcauses on the night, which will now bematched by St. James’s Place.

All the boxers were from local North Eastclubs, who brought along a number of theirown followers, which added to an alreadyexciting atmosphere.

The St. James’s Place Foundation has beenin existence for just over 20 years and has raisedover £31 million, donated mainly to children’scharities, the hospice movement and thosesupporting sufferers of cancer.

P R O F I L E

One to watch

Emily FrankishIn a series of interviews with talented

professionals set for major things in theircareers, Alison Cowie talks to a

promising solicitor who has benefitedfrom the invaluable support andguidance of one of the region’s

best-known family lawyers.

When solicitor Emily Frankishreturned to Newcastle – the citywhere she studied – aftercompleting her training contract,

she couldn’t have imagined the impact theman with whom she was about to share anoffice would have on her.

The man was Lyn Rutherford, a formidablefamily lawyer who had been tempted out ofretirement to undertake some consultancywork.

While Lyn now admits to Emily that he wasreluctant to share an office with anyone, it wasto prove an inspired and highly productivepartnership.

Lyn quickly became a mentor to Emily, andwhen he moved to Mincoffs Solicitors to headup its family department, Emily followed.

“I’m so lucky that I’ve found myself workingalongside him,” Emily says of Lyn. “He hassuch a fantastic reputation, a real wealth ofexperience and an amazing client base.

“I’m constantly learning from Lyn and thesupport and guidance that I get from him isinvaluable.

She continues: “After all the years that hehas been practicing law, his passion andenthusiasm really inspires me. He’s like thatabout every case and every client. I hope I’mthe same in years to come.”

Born in Hull, Emily, now 26, can’tremember a time when she didn’t want to be alawyer.

“I knew I wanted a challenging career and Ifelt that law would offer that, while alsoproviding huge job satisfaction.”

It was the law course offered atNorthumbria University that was to attract theaspiring lawyer and bring her to the city she’snow proud to call home.

“At the time, Northumbria was the onlyplace offering a four-year course thatincorporated the LPC (Legal PracticeCourse),” explains Emily.

“I also liked its Student Law Office whichwas the only university then that had such athing. It allowed students to work on realclient files and I thought that was a fantasticopportunity.”

Emily excelled at university and shegraduated with first class honours.

She was initially drawn to commercial lawbut, while completing her training contract inHull, she found her calling in family law.

“It’s the client contact you get with familylaw,” Emily reflects. “You’re helping peopleresolve family matters, which is hugelyrewarding.

She continues: “There’s a commonmisconception that family law is just aboutdivorce, but it covers so many things and Ilove how varied my job is.

Emily sees “empathy and understanding” asessential to succeeding in family law, as well asthe ability to manage clients’ expectations:

“You’re dealing with very emotional

subjects and it’s often important to helpclients see the bigger picture – not just anindividual matter that’s happening at thattime.”

While Emily admits that her legal career isdemanding at times: “With moderntechnology, you’re never really away from theoffice.” She has also been surprised at thelevel of job satisfaction.

“I never thought the reward would be asgreat as it has been,” says Emily. “I canhonestly say that I thoroughly enjoy my job. Ilook forward to coming into work each dayand wouldn’t do anything differently.”

Emily has also inspired her brother who iscurrently studying the same law degree as shedid at Northumbria University.

“He’s seen the route I’ve got down and I’vetried to point him in the right direction,” shesays. “I certainly haven’t put him off!”

At present, Emily is busy arranging herforthcoming wedding to fiancé DarrenCannell, owner of The Cosmetic DentalClinic, in February. Professionally, Emily’splan is to continue to work hard with the hopeof becoming a partner at Mincoffs one day.

Her ultimate dream is to emulate the careerof her mentor.

“I would love to be recognised as a leadingfamily lawyer and achieve the same reputationthat Lyn has over the years,” Emily reflects.

“If I can follow in his footstep, I definitelythink I’ll have done alright.”

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19

Depending on when you are readingthis, you might still be keeping toyour New Year Resolutions. Or youmight have forgotten that you ever

made one or what it was! Most resolutionsrelate to health. But have you ever made a NewYear’s Resolution for your business? New Year isalways a good time to think about newbeginnings and perhaps considering a new startor a quiet revolution for your company mightbe worthwhile?

The need for a strategic review?

If your business was starting up or needed aninjection of funding then you would need todevelop a strategy to convince investors. Lots ofcompanies continue to develop their strategiesbut far too many live in the ‘now’ and do notstop to think whether or not the new challengesrequire a different approach. The answer mightbe that they do not but I would certainlyrecommend an annual review of the strategyand a regular rewriting of it. That way you canbe sure that you are headed in the rightdirection.

I would challenge the leaders of any businessto spend a day thinking about their strategy andnot to come up with some beneficial changes –some might be bigger than others. It is alsoimportant to think of the strategies that situnderneath the overall strategy as they toomight need revisiting. Your marketing,financial, HR or other appropriate strategiesshould all be consistent with each other and

the overall strategy and should also reflect thechanges in the operating environment.

Consider the market and yourplace In It?

I know I have sat in many strategy reviews andthere has been little analysis of what the marketplace is like. There might have been lots ofdiscussion about what the business can offer orwhat competitors are doing but littleunderstanding of what current and potentialcustomers might require. That demand willchange over time and lots of businesses need toswitch their thinking from being supply led todemand led.

Have you commissioned any research intothe current market trends? For example, dopeople want to meet their solicitor to draft awill or do it online? Or do they want to draft itwhen they buy a house? Customers vary butyou need to understand what the differentsegments want. This will not come from a fewbusiness leaders sitting in a committee roomdebating what they think might be done.

Even once a business has considered whatthe market is, they also need to consider theexternal environment and in particular whatcompetitors might be doing.

What does your operating modelneed to look like?

If you are able to conclude that the marketopportunity matches your offering and that

your strategy is perfectly suited to make themost of this then you are well placed. However,most businesses, as I’ve suggested, will find thata review of the market and their strategyproduces some areas to develop.

It might be that your staff need developing oryou might need to add to the skill set. Perhapsyou may need to add to your technology or itcould be that your location needs to change.

How do you get there?

Once a company has identified the marketneeds and adapted its operational model, therehas to be a road map to take the company fromits current point to where it intends or needs tobe. This should be a statement of the changesthat need to be made; the priority of the variouschanges; and the timelines involved inestablishing this. The changes also need to bebudgeted.

There then needs to be some ownership ofthe project plan to ensure that the proposedanswers to the problems are delivered. Acompany’s senior management team will beresponsible for the proposals but one individualshould drive it forward.

In conclusion, every company needs to reviewits activities and the New Year seems as good atime as any to do that. The first step is toanalyse the market and consider what steps thecompany needs to develop to deliver to thatmarket. Once its operating model has beenestablished then there has to be an action planto get the business there.

B U S I N E S S

Time to review your businessMake some resolutions for your business this New Year, says

Rod Findlay, consultant at Your Sport Consulting.

EXPERT VIEWRod FindlayConsultant

You Sport Consulting Email:

[email protected]:@rodfindlay

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Naturally confident, entrepreneurs willbegin 2014 feeling upbeat andpositive about the year ahead. TheChristmas break will have allowed

them to reflect on the previous year and resettheir levels of optimism as they begin what theyhope will be another fabulous year of businessgrowth and opportunity.

This is not just based on entrepreneurs’natural instinct to be positive. There is realproof, both anecdotal and statistical, thatbusiness owners in the North East are justifiedin being confident that 2014 will be a year ofnot just further consolidation, but actual,tangible growth.

The Entrepreneurs’ Forum Business TrackerSurvey for the second quarter of 2013 (endingin September) showed that entrepreneurialbusinesses in the North East consistentlyoutperformed national benchmarks. More thanhalf – 56 per cent, compared with 45 per centin the first quarter of 2013 – of the respondentsindicated seeing growth in revenues.

Results for the latest survey covering Q3from October-December will be out soon, butfor Q2, other key findings included:

• 61 per cent reported feeling more confidentin both their own business and the economy.

• 50 per cent said they had experienced agrowth in export revenues.

• 53 per cent of entrepreneurs forecast a rise insales in Q3.

• 39 per cent reported an increase in profits,with 44 per cent expecting profits to grow inthe third quarter.

• 37 per cent of entrepreneurs had seenemployee numbers increase, with a thirdexpecting this to continue into Q3.

The Entrepreneurs’ Forum, over the past tenyears, has brought together a cross-sector peergroup of like-minded individuals who shareideas, knowledge and connections. Workingtogether we help each other to make businesses

and the North East stronger, because if wedon’t help ourselves no one else will.

These findings show that entrepreneurialbusinesses remain at the heart of growth in theNorth East.

The expectations of our members are thatthe increasingly positive indicators of economichealth within their businesses and the widereconomy are here to stay, for the medium termat least.

While figures show the North East as stillhaving the highest levels of unemployment inthe country, the entrepreneurial community iscertainly playing its part in working to reducethe jobless figures, with more than a thirdhaving increased staffing during the secondquarter.

Key challenges, or barriers to growth,reported by entrepreneurs included findingquality staff and accessing finance.

We are seeing entrepreneurs continuing toinvest in their businesses, with almost half ofthose accessing finance doing so to purchaseassets and 44 per cent for working capital. It isinteresting to note that this finance is alsocoming from a range of sources, from banksand retained profits to private equity and crowdfunding.

The challenges remain in the economy, butoverall we are seeing positivity through ourmembers. These attitudes and perceptions willhelp to drive businesses forward.

Mentoring is a key support measure offeredby the Forum, with many of the region’sestablished entrepreneurs giving their time andexpertise for free to help emerging talent in amutually beneficial partnership.

This is increasingly important because 66per cent of all employment in the UK issupported by SMEs; and market research hasshown that businesses that are mentoreddouble their chances of survival and growth,compared with those without a mentor.

The Forum was established to provide amechanism for the knowledge and experiencethat exists within the region’s businesscommunity to be shared and connections to bemade. As well as mentoring, it is achievedlargely via the Forum’s impressive programmeof events that give entrepreneurs access tosuccessful figures in business who share theirstories, warn of their mistakes and describe thejourney to their achievements.

There is a variety of format, from openevents to on-site visits, from dinners to the lessformal supper clubs and two major regionalconferences.

In the next three months alone, memberscan enjoy a VIP visit to Ringtons; an insightinto trend forecasting; a focus dinner withNorth East celebrity chef Terry Laybourne; alesson in how to become a successful ‘angel’; amaster-class in PR, social media and blogging;and get the a chance to hear how Stephen Bellhas led the phenomenal growth of ChangingLives (formerly The Cyrenians).

The year also gets off to a flying start with anexclusive opportunity to hear from FormulaOne racing team chief Graeme Lowdon, teampresident and sporting director of Marussia F1,who will be speaking at the Chairman’sDinner at Jesmond Dene House Hotel onJanuary 23.

B U S I N E S S

Reasons to beoptimistic

Nigel Mills, chairman of TheEntrepreneurs’ Forum, looks forward

to a year of business growth andopportunity.

EXPERT VIEWNigel MillsChairman

Entrepreneurs’ ForumTel: (0191) 500 7780

Web: www.entrepreneursforum.netTwitter: @entforum

22

L A W & F I N A N C E

Building a head of steamUNW assits with Head of Steam purchase by Camerons Brewery.

Ateam of Newcastle advisers has helpedensure customers of a string of iconicNorth pubs continue to enjoytraditional cask ales, craft beers and

world lager after they were acquired by fast-expanding brewer and pub operator, CameronsBrewery.

Dealmakers at business advisers and charteredaccountants UNW advised Hartlepool-basedCamerons Brewery on its recent acquisition of theHead of Steam pub group.

The deal included well known Newcastle pubsThe Cluny in Ouseburn, Tilley’s on WestgateRoad and the Head of Steam opposite CentralStation, and forms an important part of CameronsBrewery’s five year growth strategy.

The deal will see the company add seven newoutlets to its operations and take Camerons’ estateto over 75 sites throughout the North of England.

UNW partner and licensed trade expert DavidWard advised the ambitious pub group on all of itstaxation, due diligence and structuring affairs.

Duncan Reid led both the corporate and realestate teams at Watson Burton on all legal aspectsof the acquisition, which will develop Cameronsofferings and help it expand geographically.

Camerons finance director John Foots said:“We have worked well on this assignment with ouradvisers UNW and Watson Burton.

“The team’s advice has been invaluable and wehave experienced a seamless integration process asa result. 2015 will be our 150th anniversary and we

look forward to celebrating our continued growth.’’UNW tax partner David Ward said: “It was

great to act for Camerons in respect of their highprofile acquisition of these well known pubs.”

Sintons, led by partner Matt Collen, advisedHead of Steam on the disposal.

UNW and Watson Burton will continue toadvise Camerons Brewery on its future expansionas it looks to grow to an estate of 200 pubs in theNorth within the next five years.

The transaction also included the Head ofSteam in Durham and Huddersfield, as well asCentral in Half Moon Lane, Gateshead.

For further information on UNW visitwww.unw.co.uk

Left to right:Matt Collen (Sintons),Duncan Reid (Watson

Burton), John Foots(Camerons)and David Ward (UNW).

24

Did your relationship survive Christmas?Katharine Lowthian, head of Family Law at Newcastle lawfirm Sintons, has some words of advice if your relationship

has ended, along with the festive spirit.

Is it really over?

Divorce really should be the last resort. Canthe relationship be helped or saved by specialistmarriage or relationship guidance or therapy?Plenty of organisations exist to help yourrelationship stay on track. Your GP or a familylawyer can refer you to a tried and trustedorganisation.

Talk to each other!

Divorce lawyers find communication problemsbetween spouses account for a high proportionof difficulties in a relationship. If therelationship is definitely over mediation is anexcellent idea if you have problems gettingyour partner to listen to your point of view. Agood mediator will not try to patch up yourrelationship, but will attempt to help you cometo your own agreement.

Use the experts

Use mediation for children issues, and a good

divorce lawyer for financial issues. Should youdo it yourself? Beware of doing so. The assets ofyour marriage, including your house andpension, can be substantial and need to beprotected. In divorce, you will get ‘one bite ofthe cherry’ so it has to be right first time. Evenexperienced divorce lawyers hire other divorcelawyers to represent them.

Ask questions

You need to know the answers to thesequestions at your first appointment with yourlawyer.

How much experience does your lawyerhave in family law? How long will it take? Whatis the best, likely and worst case scenario? Howmuch will it cost?

Keep an eye on the costs

Ask your lawyer to provide you with a fixed feeestimate for each part of your case.

Finally, keep your cool

Tempting though it may be, do not losecontrol, damage your partner’s property or sendabusive messages. This will only end in tearsand may come back to haunt you.

Contact Katharine Lowthianon (0191) 226 7911 [email protected]

Have you and your partner talked aboutyour financial arrangements shouldone of you pass away? According torecent research by Prudential more

than half of us haven’t done so. This is one of those subjects that can be

difficult to broach but can be all so crucialshould the worst happen and arrangements arenot in place. And it can happen to us at anyage.

Prudential’s survey of close to 2000 UKadults over 40 years of age currently living withtheir spouse or partner found that fewer than46 per cent of couples have madearrangements to ensure that one partner willcontinue to receive a retirement income afterthe other dies. The research further showedthat more than a quarter (28 per cent) ofcouples have yet to discuss the impact onpension arrangements of one partner’s death,while 19 per cent have at least made a will butno other financial plans.

The retirement risks faced by many couplesare further highlighted by the fact that 41 percent admit they have never discussed how theywill turn their pension savings into an incomein retirement – perhaps one of the mostimportant decisions of a person’s life.

There is also significant confusion amongcouples about the sources of their retirementincome. One in seven don’t know what theirmain source of income will be when they stopworking – however, the survey showed thatmen are more certain as only 9 per cent said “Idon’t know” compared with 18 per cent ofwomen.

Clearly, communication between couples,whether married or in a civil relationship, is

essential to ensure both feel their income issecure should either one pass away.

To start, both spouses need to know how tomanage money. Most couples won't pass awayon the same day, so both partners need to be ontop of their finances. That includes knowingthe basics – the location of bank/buildingsociety accounts and the most up-to-datebalances, investment portfolios, insurancepolicies and wills – and for each to be familiarwith the processes and requirements needed tomanage a bank account or investmentportfolio, or to encash an insurance policy.

For those looking to buy a retirementincome product, typically an annuity, choosingthe right product can make all the difference tothe income of a surviving partner. Single Lifeannuities pay an income for the life of theindividual. Once the person dies the incomestops. Couples who have been unaware of thishave found that the surviving partner has beenleft with a large income gap, in some cases noincome at all. This can be even more markedgiven that single life annuities tend to pay ahigher level of income.

Alternatives, such as Joint Life annuities, paythe income to the named holder and, shouldthey pass away, the surviving spouse receivesthe income or a proportion of it instead.

The Prudential survey found that while athird of couples had reached a decision on thebest retirement income option, only 10 percent of them planned to purchase a ‘joint life’annuity. Clearly, this is an area that needscareful consideration; not least because oncean annuity is bought it cannot be changed.

But what about if you have a portfolio ofinvestments or your choice of retirementincome is what is known as drawdown, whereinvestments are maintained in a pensionswrapper allowing income to be ‘drawn down’on a regular basis?

To ensure the proper management of theportfolio, whether pre or post retirement, eachpartner should know how to researchinvestments, balance a portfolio, minimise fees,and create a steady stream of income.

A balanced portfolio will include a range ofinvestments, including cash, diversified acrossvarious sectors.

Managing a retirement portfolio isn't a one-time event, it means setting aside regular timeand resources for research, planning, andeducation.

There can be a lot to learn if one spouse hastaken sole responsibility for the finances, so thesooner couples start working together thebetter. Alternatively, talk to your localChartered Independent Financial Adviser whocan give you experienced advice both onensuring your finances are in the right placenow and to help manage things should apartner pass away.


Time for that difficultconversation

The importance of financialplanning should the worst happen,

by Ian Lowes of Lowes FinancialManagement.

EXPERT VIEWIan Lowes

Managing directorLowes Financial Management

Tel: (0191) 281 8811Email: [email protected]

Web: www.lowes.co.uk

26


New Year:new you

Joanne Major of Major Family Law reflects on theincrease in divorce rates in January.

January: the traditional month for re-ordering your life, joining a gym,vowing never to drink again, andcontemplating a fresh start, sadly it is

also the month in which divorce ratestraditionally soar, with the month sometimesseeing twice the average number of couplesbeginning divorce proceedings than any otherof time of the year.

Whether it’s the stress of the festive period,unrealistic expectations of a ‘perfect’Christmas, spending time with extendedfamily, or even office party indiscretions, itseems that for many couples, Christmas is thefinal straw in their relationship, and is certainlynot a merry time.

The idea of starting afresh in the new yearand reinventing yourself may be an attractiveone, but the reality often doesn’t match up.

On the one hand, the word divorce is heardso frequently, that it has become a banality – amere process, while talk of the financialimplications of divorce focuses primarily onstereotypes of grasping women and devioushusbands, not to mention the ‘outrageous’ feesallegedly charged by lawyers.

Most of this is far from the reality of mostdivorcing couples’ experiences. While theprocess of divorce is in itself a proceduralexercise, it is the practical and emotional

implications of ending a marriage that weighmost heavily. After the decorations are packedaway, and the decision to separate becomes areality, coping with the fallout can bedevastating. This is true even if there is littlehostility in the separation.

In purely practical terms, the logistics andfinancial consequences of separating oftenmean all parties suffer a change in theirstandard of living for the worse. There are veryfew couples who are sufficiently wealthy thatthey can adapt to two households at a level onpar with their joint married status.

Research shows that the change isparticularly hard on women with children,which in turn has an impact on the children,not just practically, but emotionally too.

No one is immune to the emotional falloutfrom the end of a marriage. It’s not unusual toexperience anything from fear to relief,betrayal to blame, resentment to guilt.Insecurity and loss of self-esteem are common,and these can be the hidden costs of divorce.

Help and understanding can seem scarce,especially if most of your friends remainmarried. This can lead to loneliness and asense of isolation in a cycle that requiresgargantuan effort to break from. So when it’sall over bar the crying, how do you pickyourself up and move on?

At Major Family Law, we’ve taken theunique step of offering our clients andpotential clients the services of an independentfamily consultant. We acknowledge that it’s notjust a good solicitor many people need toguide them through the divorce procedure;they also need emotional and therapeuticsupport to deal with unresolved feelingsassociated with the ending of their marriage.

Our consultant is entirely independent andconfidential and can offer appointments bothon and off site. With 25 years’ experience ofworking with families dealing with separationand divorce issues, he can assist you toarticulate your feelings and thoughts, deal withyour fears or concerns, or advise on the sorts ofarrangements that are best for children atdifferent ages and in different circumstances,which will allow you to develop theconfidence and emotional strength to dealwith the legal aspects of the end of yourrelationship.

His services can be accessed whether or notyou have reached the stage when you feel youneed to instruct a solicitor, and a number ofour clients have already acknowledged thebenefits they have felt in using the service.

So if you find yourself starting the new yearwith a new start, make sure you start as youmean to go on!

EXPERT VIEWJoanne Major

Principal and a trained CollaborativeLawyer

Major Family LawTel: (01661) 824582

Web: www.majorfamilylaw.co.ukTwitter: @majorfamilylaw

28

Each quarter, Bibby Financial Servicesproduces the Business Factors Index(BFI) – a report based upon theperformance of more than 4000 small

and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in theUK.

In the third quarter of 2013, the reportshowed increasing confidence among SMEs asmore businesses said they had seen signs ofwider economic recovery than in previousquarters of the year. Furthermore, inDecember’s autumn statement GeorgeOsborne announced that the UK economy wasgrowing faster than any developed economy inthe world.

But despite increasing positivity across thebusiness environment, small and medium sizedbusinesses still face a number of challenges,none more so than financing their businessesand ensuring that they have a funding solutionin place to provide sustainable working capital.

Additionally, late payment continues to be amajor problem for many businesses across thecountry. In fact, late payment from customerswas twice the problem for firms in 2013 than it

was in 2009 and as debtors are taking longer topay invoices, the number of firms with cashavailable to invest slumped from 20 per cent, tojust two per cent.

From speaking with our clients, it’s evidentthat wider business performance is picking-upfor those using funding solutions such asinvoice finance. Funding based on the value ofa business’ current sales ledger is helpingthousands of SMEs in the North East to securetheir cash flow and this support is vital inunderpinning a sustainable recovery both inthis region and throughout the rest of the UK.

The BFI for Q3 2013 shows that more than athird (36 per cent) of SMEs in the North Eastare looking to achieve growth of up to ten percent in 2014. It’s encouraging that so manySMEs feel positive about the year ahead;however one of the more concerning findingsin the report is that 75 per cent, of firms in theregion have not applied for business funding inthe past 12 months.

As the UK continues to edge its way towardseconomic recovery in 2014, it’s vital that SMEsare supported with funding which is both

sustainable and flexible. Invoice Financefacilitates both, which is perhaps why this typeof funding is becoming more popular amongthe UK’s growing enterprises.

In November 2013 the Asset Based FinanceAssociation announced that total sales frombusinesses supported by asset-based financebroke £71 billion for the third quarter – thestrongest ever quarterly performance.

In the UK Bibby Financial Services processesin excess of 15,000 invoices, advancing over £18million to businesses every day and taking on anew client every 90 minutes. Our clients remainat the heart of everything we do. We’redelighted that our client satisfaction rate –currently standing at 93 per cent - continues todemonstrate our promise to provide excellentservice to these businesses.

In the North East Bibby Financial Services isproviding more than £13 million in funding tofirms looking to grow. We are planning toincrease this funding support further in 2014 aspart of our commitment to businesses and ourcontribution to both the local and nationaleconomy.


Driving businessperformance

How invoice financing can helpyour business, by Peter Cromarty,head of Sales at Bibby Financial

Services North East.

EXPERT VIEWPeter CromartyHead of Sales

Bibby Financial ServicesTel: (0191) 516 5925

Email:[email protected]

29

E V E N T

Left to right: Geoff Moir (Wallers), Tim McAdam(St James’s Place) and Fred Eisner

Rodney Jones (Hay & Kilner) and Simon Lundy (Northpoint)

Nicola Tiffen (Hay & Kilner) and DavidDowning (Sanderson Weatherall)

Kirstin Cook (Hay & Kilner) andCharles Raine (Youngs RPS)

Left to right: Toby Scott, David Hall (RHK), Maria Wardrobe (BarrieWardrobe & Co) and Denise Howell (Barrie Wardrobe & Co)

Left to right: Christian Butler (Hay & Kilner),Martin Vinsome (Urquhart-Dykes & Lord LLP)and Nicola Matthews (Hay & Kilner)

Richard Marshall (Hay & Kilner)and Geoff Cavanagh (Tait Walker)

Left to right: Philippa Walker (Wallers),Nichola Thompson (Wallers) andMalcolm Davies (Elliott Davies)

Left to right: Chris Johnson (NRAM), HazelCapstaff (Wallers), Kevin Boardman

(NRAM) and David McCarthy (NRAM)

Hay & KilnerChristmasreception

The law firm holdsa festive drinks party for staff,

clients and contacts.

Hay & Kilner recently held a drinksreception at Jalou in Newcastle to thank

many of its valued clients and professionalcontacts for their support during 2013. Hay &Kilner continues to forge strong relationshipswithin the North East business community andwill be participating in a number of localcharitable events during 2014.

30

Left to right: Stuart McLeod (Rickards), Howard Greig,Tony Lister (Thomas Potter), John Clark (Todd & Cue)and Roger Versteeg (Versteeg Lister & Co Ltd)

David Arthur (Tait Walker) andMartin Soloman (Hay & Kilner)

Left to right: Kevan Stronach,Lucy Gray and Jan Rzedzian(all Hay & Kilner)

John Craig (Sanderson Weatherall) andChris Pearson (Gavin Black & Partners)

Left to right: Granville Kelly (Handelsbanken), Andrew Little(Rowlands Accountants), Neil Harrold (Hay & Kilner) andNeil Matthews (Leathers Matthews Restructuring LLP)

Left to right: MarkAdams (Hay &

Kilner), AliceClewes (Hay &

Kilner) andRichard Ward

(Handelsbanken)

Left to right:Louise Heavisides(Handelsbanken),Chris Huntington(Bibby FinancialServices), PaulMoat (RutherfordWilkinson) andJonathan Waters(Hay & Kilner)

Iain Shearer(Handelsbanken)

and JonnyMarston (KPMG)

Lee Andrews(SolutionsRecruitment)and Sarah Hall(Hay & Kilner)

31

RMT’s specialist medical andhealthcare division has helped bringtwo Tyneside GP practices together.Oxford Terrace Medical Group and

Rawling Road Medical Centre in Gatesheadhas joined forces to become Oxford Terraceand Rawling Road Medical Group with helpfrom the industry specialists at Newcastle-based RMT Accountants & BusinessAdvisors.

The merger was undertaken to givepatients of both former practices wider accessto more specialist advice and further improvethe quality of service offered.

It is already showing results in the way bothsites operate, in terms of patients’ access toGPs, the breadth of services provided acrossboth surgeries and the business’s overallfuture financial performance.

The new combined Group nowencompasses 12 GPs, along with around 30other clinical and support staff, and servesover 15,200 patients from across Gateshead.

Dr Peter Young, partner at Oxford Terraceand Rawling Road Medical Group, says: “Themerger focused on improving patient accessand quality as well as the range and variety ofservices provided.

“Being able to pool our premises, budgets

and resources also gives us a stronger startingposition from which to manage the clinical,logistical and financial challenges ofdelivering primary care within the evolvingNHS framework.

“We undertook extensive consultationswith our respective patients before we movedthings forward, and there was a goodappreciation across the board of the benefitsthat this merger would bring, benefits whichare already being felt just a short time after weofficially came together.

“RMT were involved from the outset of themerger process, and were central to what wewanted to achieve. Their detailedunderstanding of the financial situation and aclear view of what the impact would be onevery aspect of our work.

“The importance of having medicalspecialists working on the project whounderstand both where the primary caresector is now and where it’s likely to go in thefuture cannot be underestimated, and theaction plan that we developed together earlyin the process set out a roadmap that we’vefollowed to a successful conclusion.”

RMT is nationally acknowledged as one ofthe UK’s leading independent specialistmedical and healthcare accountancy

practices, and works with many medicalprofessionals both across the regions andthroughout the UK, including over a third ofall the GP practices in the North East.

RMT director Maxine Pott, who leads thefirm’s Medical & Healthcare team, adds:“The changing face of primary care sectorcommissioning is potentially going to makethis type of practice merger ever morecommon in the coming years, and the OxfordTerrace and Rawling Road teams have taken avery proactive approach to both improvingservices for their patients and enhancing thecombined practice’s income streams.

“The way in which medical sector financeshave developed in recent years, especiallywithin primary care, has put an even greateremphasis on strategic financial advice andbusiness support, and the positive impact thiscan have across all aspects of a practice’soperations is clear to see from the results ofthis merger process.”

RMT provides the full range of financialand business advisory services through itsSpecialist Tax, Recovery & Insolvency,Corporate Finance and Medical &Healthcare divisions. For more information,please visit www.r-m-t.co.uk


The right prescriptionRMT Accountants helps in

Tyneside GP practice merger.

32


Achieving the bestoutcome

Businesses should consider the broadest range of solutions bringingabout the best outcome, says Andrew Cawkwell of Muckle LLP.

At Muckle LLP we like to thinklaterally and take a holistic approachto problems, taking a strategic view ofwhat the issue is and how it might be

solved. We apply not just our legal expertise,but also weigh up the commercial constraintsto consider the best possible solution in thebroadest context.

This is particularly relevant in theengineering sector, where projects with largeand complex contracts can be put in jeopardy ifsomeone in the supply chain is failing todeliver.

If a supplier goes bust, it can havedevastating consequences for a business. It’s notjust the obvious issue of being owed money andpotentially losing out financially, for some it’scritical that their suppliers continue to trade forthe sake of their customers and reputation.

In these circumstances companies need fastsolutions. Communication breaks down andlitigation can seem the only way out. However,

there are other ways to keep businesses alive, soexplore every option, including financialrestructuring or identifying relevant fundingsources.

We think it’s critical to encourage dialoguebetween all parties, as early as possible, so wecan look at how to solve issues together.Finding ways for subcontractors to deliver cansometimes mean taking necessary control ofthe contract, but this safeguards the project, aswell as the customer, so everyone gets paid.

At Muckle LLP we are extremelyexperienced in this area and have acted fornumerous clients contractually engaged withsuppliers in financial difficulties – often withsignificant risks attached.

Whatever the risks, it’s critical thatbusinesses look at the bigger picture andconsider all options. Acting earlier in theprocess could also mean different goals can beachieved for all parties involved, resulting in abetter overall outcome.

EXPERT VIEWAndrew Cawkwell

Partner, Banking and Restructuring Team Muckle LLP

Email: [email protected]: @companyrescue

33

The spirit of entrepreneurialism has beenfirmly grasped across the North East ofEngland, as the proportion of high-growth companies in the region have

increased by nearly 20 per cent between 2011and 2012.

New research into entrepreneurial activityacross the UK has shown that the proportion ofthe North East’s high-growth companies – mid-sized SMEs recording a 33 per cent increase inturnover in the past three years, as well as 10per cent year on year growth for a minimum oftwo of these years – has shown an impressiverise of 19.4 per cent from 2011 to 2012.

As a result, nearly one in five mid-sizedSMEs in the North East can be defined as highgrowth. The success of these companies canreally be felt at a local level, not just from theobvious boost to the regional economy but alsoby creating jobs and attracting more businessinvestment and opportunities to the North East.

These types of businesses are an integral partof the wellbeing of the economy. As such, inOctober 2012, Barclays Wealth and InvestmentManagement launched the EntrepreneursIndex series in order to better understand thelandscape in which these businesses operate.

Now in its third edition, the latestEntrepreneurs Index, released in partnershipwith Business Growth Fund (BGF), gives usan indication of UK entrepreneurial activityacross its different stages: from starting andfunding, to growing, and finally connectingwith other businesses and individuals through

share sales. Taking a closer look at the regional findings

of this study, figures for the North East are veryencouraging, showing that despite achallenging and unpredictable economy, thenumber of enterprises has been maintained atthe same level as the previous year.

In particular, Newcastle was highlighted bythe Centre for Cities in the report for itshealthy ratio between expanding andcontracting SMEs with 10 or more employeesbetween 2008 and 2011. We know thatNewcastle is also a city in transition, with asignificant rise in the number of graduatesliving in the city, changing its skills profile.

The UK Business Angels Association wasanother organisation to contribute to our study,describing the North East as very active in thebusiness angel space due to the number ofpatents and the emergence of IT companies.The London Stock Exchange mentionsUtilitywise and Kromek as success stories of

North East companies that have recently listedon AIM.

However, the report also shows that thenumber of active and growing companiesrecording share sales has fallen in the last yearby 24 per cent to 110. This could reflect amore cautious approach by potential investorsas well as a willingness by business owners towait for more favourable conditions to sell.The expert panellists we spoke to predict thatthe current hesitancy could open up to astrong pipeline of share-selling activity in thecoming months.

At a UK level our research findings alsosuggest that entrepreneurs are becoming moreadaptable and innovative in their approach tobusiness: almost half (49 per cent) ofentrepreneurs were found to have set up theirbusiness with less than £2000, and one in 10(eight per cent) had needed no start-upfunding whatsoever.

This ability to adapt quickly allowsentrepreneurs to be more ready to seize marketopportunities when they arise, meaning thatentrepreneurial activity is often viewed as astrong indication of the wider economy. Forthis reason, we are hopeful that the positivemomentum shown by our local entrepreneurswill play an important role in helpingaccelerate us toward stronger growth in theNew Year.

Read the full report at www.barclays.com/wealth/entrpreneursindex


Entrepreneurs boostNorth East

Richard Clark of Barclays Wealth and Investment Managementreflects on the news that the proportion of high growth companies

in the North East has increased by almost 20 per cent.

Barclays Wealth Management is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.Share prices and the income from them can go down as well as up. Readers are advised to seek professional investment opinion before entering intodealings in securities mentioned in this article, which may be unsuitable in their personal financial circumstances.

EXPERT VIEWRichard ClarkPrivate Banker

Barclays Wealth and InvestmentManagement

Web: www.barclays.com/wealth

34

Probate and administration of estates –why use a solicitor? This is a questionthat is often asked, and understandablyso when in this day and age everyone is

looking to save money. But there are a number of reasons why you

should always consider taking legal advice andusing the services of an experienced probatepractitioner if you have been appointed as anexecutor under the terms of a will, or else if arelative has died without leaving a will.

The executor is responsible for administeringthe estate in accordance with the terms of thewill, so would need to correctly interpret theterms of the will, which are often complicatedfor a lay person to understand.

It is the duty of an executor to gather in allthe assets and have these correctly valued andascertain the debts and ensure that these are allpaid before distributing the estate correctlyunder the terms of the will. Failure to do thiswould mean the executor could be personallyliable.

If inheritance tax is payable it is theresponsibility of the executor to correctly

complete the Inland Revenue accounts and paythe tax which can be a daunting task incompiling the assets and liabilities in the estateand calculating the correct tax payable.

The executor is also obliged to make fullenquiries about any gifts made by the deceasedperson as any gifts made in the last seven yearsmust be taken into account for inheritance taxpurposes and the executor would need toconsider the annual exemptions any small giftsallowance and if any gifts were made out of theincome of the deceased person.

If the person died without leaving a will,then that person is said to have died intestateand his estate will be administered inaccordance with the intestacy rules andrelatives would need to take advice as to whocan be appointed as the administrator to dealwith the administration of the estate on muchthe same lines as the above.

Given these factors, seeking legal advice inthis field is always advisable – and to havepeace of mind that these duties are beingcarried out correctly, it is always best to consultan expert.


Using a probate practitioner Sinton’s Debra Devine explains why you should use a solicitor

with probate and the administration of estates.

EXPERT VIEWDebra Devine

Chartered legal executive Sintons

Tel: (0191) 2267846Email: [email protected]

36

E V E N T

Constructionclaims seminarSintons and CENE partner up forconstruction industry seminar.

Sintons hosted around 50 professionals fromthe construction industry for a breakfast

seminar entitled ‘Construction Claims underthe JCT suite of contracts – an overview’.

The seminar was held in conjunction withConstructing Excellence in the North East(CENE), a regional partner of ConstructingExcellence.

Alex Rayner, a solicitor in Sintons’Construction and Engineering team, gave anintroduction to the typical claims that arise onconstruction projects, with particular focus onthe JCT suite of contracts. He also discussedpotential ways in which construction claimscan be avoided and, if avoidance is notpossible, how to resolve subsequent disputes.

For any advice relating to construction andengineering law issues, [email protected] or call (0191) 2267908.

37

The decisions that you make aboutfinancing your retirement are among themost important financial choices youwill make in your life – get them wrong

and it can be very difficult to recover from.There are a number of factors to consider

when deciding how to use your retirementsavings – when to purchase an annuity, whetherto take a tax-free lump sum, whether to leavethe monies invested and strip out an incomefrom the pension, and how your retirementfund fits in with other savings and sources ofincome.

Given the complexity and importance ofthese issues the first step to getting the rightstrategy in place should be sitting down with afinancial planning expert to discuss youroptions. They will be able to take yourindividual circumstances, objectives andattitude to risk into account and devise aretirement plan that works for you.

Purchasing an annuity remains the bedrockof financial planning in retirement for mostpeople. Their key advantage is that they are theonly way of using a pension to provide aguaranteed level of income for the rest of yourlife - annuities should be viewed as insuranceagainst outliving your pension savings. Anotheradvantage is that you are not restricted tobuying an annuity from the company which isinvesting your pension savings – this means it ispossible to shop around to get the best rate.

However, annuities have a number ofdrawbacks. Annuity rates have fallen to historiclows in recent years due to factors such asincreased life expectancy. Furthermore, buyingan annuity is a very ‘final’ act.

Once this decision is taken there is no goingback and this does not always sit comfortablywith people looking for flexibility in theirretirement. On the other hand, annuities havebecome more flexible than they were in thepast, as you no longer have to use all of yourpension pot to buy one.

You can, depending on the size of your pot,‘annuitise’ certain chunks, while changes tolegislation also mean that you no longer have totake an annuity by the age of 75.

There is also the possibility of purchasing atemporary annuity which combines some of theadvantages of security of income allied with thepotential to revisit your options at a knownpoint in the future.

Legislative changes have also opened upother options for using pension savings toprovide an income.

One option is income drawdown, whichallows the withdrawal of funds from yourpension pot while the remainder is leftinvested. Using phased drawdown, where each

segment of money drawn from the pension ispartly from the tax-free cash element, and theresidual partly subject to income tax, allowsretirement income to be structured taxefficiently and to take into account changingcircumstances.

Drawdown is not without risk, however, ashas been seen with the considerable marketvolatility of recent years. Whilst it certainlyoffers a lot of flexibility, getting expert advice iskey, as this is a complex area and needs carefulconsideration.

An important advantage of pension savings isthat, under current legislation, you can take upto 25 per cent of your pension benefits as a tax-free lump sum on retirement - but how muchto take needs to be weighed up carefully.

Another option for wealthier individuals is toconsider delaying taking your pension andusing other savings to finance some of yourretirement years. For those who have adequatepension assets, as well as considerable amountsin an ISA or share portfolio, it could bebenificial to use the income from those ratherthan triggering your pension – at least until age75, when the pension becomes a great deal lesstax efficient on death.

However, if you were to die before age 75,and before you crystallised your benefits, itwould pass to your nominated beneficiaries freeof all taxes.

In summary, there is much to consider whenthinking about ways to finance your retirementand it is vitally important to make sure you getexpert guidance when weighing up youroptions so you can put in place a plan that isright for you.


Getting yourretirement right

Gareth Davies, financial planner atBrewin Dolphin, reveals why getting the

right guidance is crucial to puttingtogether a suitable retirement strategy.

EXPERT VIEWGareth Davies

Financial planner Brewin Dolphin

Tel: (0191) 230 7290Email: [email protected]

Web: brewin.co.uk/newcastle

38

Gordon Brown Law Firm, which hasoffices in Newcastle and Chester-le-Street, has scooped the title 360Legal Group Member of the Year

at a prestigious legal conference and awardsdinner.

The law firm was announced as the winnerof the award category, by the 360 Legal Group,at its annual dinner on October 3rd which tookplace at The Belfry, near Birmingham.

It is the fourth year that Bristol-based 360Legal Group, which helps law firms across theUK manage and market their practices moresuccessfully as businesses, has held the awardsto find and recognise practices of all sizes,which are not only adapting but alsoresponding to the fast changing conditionsfacing the legal profession and the difficulteconomic climate they are facing.

Gordon Brown Law Firm was nominated byconsultants working with 360 member firmsfor the way in which the firm has pursued a

very clear strategy during the course of theyear.

The firm recently appointed the youngestfemale partner as its new managing partnerand has undergone massive changes in the past12 months, starting afresh with a completelynew marketing and sales training programmeand linking remuneration to performance andaccountability.

The firm has shown significant growth inthese difficult economic times and has grownits conveyancing volumes by 500 per centsince 2006 since investing in and training itsstaff to use its Intelliworks case managementsystem. It has also separated out its volumeresidential conveyancing department andprobate office into a new Chester-Le-Streetoffice while retaining its Newcastle office as itscommercial and private client base.

Presenting the award, Viv Williams, chiefexecutive of 360 Legal Group said: “Inchoosing our award winner we were looking

for a law firm that is facing the future withimagination and initiative and in reviewingGordon Brown Law Firm for the award, we feltthat they clearly stood out in the way they havebeen driving their business forward”.

Kathryn Taylor, managing partner atGordon Brown Law Firm, added: “I was bothsurprised and delighted to have beennominated for and to receive this award. Myguiding principle over the last year has beenthat law firms, like most other businesses,cannot afford to stand still in the hope thatwork will flow towards them. I have constantlysought new ways of obtaining instructions andgrowing our firm in spite of the challengingand turbulent times that we face. I am veryflattered, therefore, that 360 Legal Group hasseen what we are trying to do and has chosento recognise it in this way.”

For further information on Gordon BrownLaw Firm visit www.gblf.co.uk


Top awardfor Gordon Brown

The law firm iscelebrating being named360 Legal Group Member

of the Year.

Left to right: Kathryn Taylor (managing partner,Gordon Brown Law Firm), Viv Williams (chief executive,360 Legal Group) and Geoff Hall (head of residential

conveyancing, Gordon Brown Law Firm).

40

I N T E R V I E W

Past achievements

Having decided to leave Samuel Phillips LawFirm after 42-and-a-half years, there is muchupon which to reflect. I qualified in 1971and joined Samuel Phillips & Co, as it wasthen known in the hallowed corridors of 86Pilgrim Street.

I developed various specialisms in anumber of legal areas: medical law,employment law family law, and someforays into the criminal courts. I was also afounder member of both the Law Society’sClinical Negligence Panel and ChildrenPanel.

I was an interviewer and assessor on behalfof the Law Society of applicants foraccreditation and an adjudicator on LegalAid Appeals, for the Legal ServicesCommission, and am still active in these onoccasions.

For many years, I have been (and Iremain) a Trust Solicitor to The Newcastleupon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trustdealing with a wide variety of complexmedico-legal issues.

I have become expert in medical law andethics as well as in relation to Inquests andfrequently lecture on these areas as well aswriting articles and the occasional chapter inmedical literature. I have been Legal Adviserto two Adoption and Fostering Agencies andstill enjoy speaking at many nationalconferences on medico-legal subjects.

I sat as District Judge for ten years andhave been an Employment Judge since 1991sitting in Tribunals in Newcastle,Middlesbrough and London.

Apart from legal practice, I have alwaysbeen passionate about supporting the widercommunity.

Helping to secure funding of over £240min both private investment and publicfunding as a director of the Grainger TownProject is one of many highlights. Theachievements of the internationallyrecognised Project are still much inevidence.

I also sit on the boards of a number ofcharities and community projects includingAge UK and NECA (North East Council onAddictions) of which I am the president.

I also have a long association with theChinese Community in the North East andwas pleased to be able to spearhead and raisethe funding for the Imperial Chinese Arch inStowell Street. I am still planning a secondarch.

I was President of Newcastle Law Societyin 2000 and was appointed a Deputy LordLieutenant of Tyne and Wear in 2002.

I was also honoured to receive my OBEfrom the Queen in June 2008 ‘For services tobusiness and the community in Newcastleupon Tyne’.

Looking to the future

After many years with Samuel Phillips, ofwhich I have been senior partner for morethan 25 years, and then as a consultantsince January 2012, I decided the timewas right to leave.

Samuel Phillips has developedsignificantly in my time with the firm and Iwish my former colleagues success in the

years ahead.An enthusiastic and attractive approach

from Sintons persuaded me to take up anew challenge, which has surprised manypeople.

I will be practising mainly in thehealthcare sector. It is very important that Iwill be continuing my role as Trust Solicitorof Newcastle Hospitals Trust, dealing withInquests, Judicial review and the manycomplex areas of law and medical ethicsarising with our excellent hospitals. This is adeveloping area of law with high profileissues relating to capacity, consent,confidentiality and lawfulness of treatment.

I will also continue as an EmploymentJudge and in my role as non-executivedirector of Careline Lifestyles, a fast growinglocal company providing specialist care foradults with acquired brain injury, withmodern service units throughout the NorthEast.

My involvement with charities willcontinue. This includes being a patron ofCharlie Bear for Cancer Care, a trustee ofTyne Theatre and North of England CivicTrust and a governor of Heaton Manor.

Sintons has agreed there will be enoughtime for golf with them at Close House andMatfen Hall as well as at Northumberland –and the parking is convenient for St JamesPark! And, of course, there will be time forregular weekends at the flat in London to seethe children and grandchildren.

Contact Barry Spekeron [email protected] (0191) 226 7920.

Playing thelong game

After more than 42 years atSamuel Philips Law Firm, eminent

lawyer Barry Speker OBE DL,isjoining the team at Sintons Law.Here, he reflects on his glittering

legal career and shares histhoughts on his new role.

42

43

Tell us a little bit about theFoundation…

The Foundation was formed in 1992 as a grantmaking charity. The idea behind it was to 'givesomething back' to people who need it most byraising and donating funds to good causes. TheFoundation is no different today; representativesand employees of St. James’s Place givegenerously and raise funds for the Foundationwith the Company matching all donationspound for pound. We have themes that help toguide our grant making.

Why did you decide to get involvedin the Foundation?

I joined St James’s Place nearly four and a halfyears ago. When I heard about the Foundation,how it works and how it is an integral part of thebusiness, I thought it was a great thing to be apart of. It’s an opportunity to be involved insomething in which you’re giving back.

How does the Foundation decidewhich ‘themes’ of charities receivehelp?

A key element of the Foundation is that thethemes which guide our grant making arechosen by our community and a survey is sentout every three to four years to the entireorganisation. It’s all done very democratically:our current themes aren’t set in stone, but theyare the areas in which there is a definite needand, if the grants that we give are appliedappropriately, there can be an immediate positivebenefit.

How does the Foundation decidewhich charities receive its grants?

We offer grants to UK Registered charitiesoperating both in the UK and abroad and we dothis through different grant-making programmes.The Foundation makes grants to small andmedium sized charities, those who we believe canmake a positive difference and who we can havethe most impact on. We make grants of differentsizes, from as little as a £1000 to grants of over£1 million, for larger capital projects.

Are you able to find out how thegrants are being spent andbenefiting your chosen charities?

Yes. We have a number of ambassadors – orpeople who act in an ambassadorial role – who goout and visit the charities to see, first-hand, what isbeing done and where else our help is needed.The Foundation team carry-out detailed duediligence before making any decision to donatefunds. We also have a reporting mechanism inplace, so that we can get feedback about how ourprogramme is working and how our grants arebenefiting people.

What was the main fundraisingactivity in the region in 2013?

Over 80 per cent of the St. James's Placecommunity, representatives and employees makea regular monthly contribution to theFoundation – in our office it’s over 90 per cent!In addition to that, they also organise fundraisingactivities, including balls, golf days, boxingnights,walks and climbing events. The pound for

pound matching offered by the company offers abig incentive to our community doubling allfundraising.

How does the North East benefit fromthe Foundation?

The Foundation supports charities from theacross the UK including a number of localorganisations. Alongside our main grantsprogrammes, we also have a local officeallowance, which allows us to give smaller sumsof money - from £1000 up to £2000 – to smallerorganisations that don’t necessarily fit within ourcore themes, but are in real need for somesupport. Examples include the Durham Singers,the Sunderland Volunteer Life Brigade, StCuthbert’s Hospice and Children North East.Over the course of the year, I reckon we willsupport anywhere between 20 and 30 charities inthis way.

What does the Foundation haveplanned for 2014 and what do doesit hope to achieve?

We are planning four local fundraising events in2014: our own Foundation ball in January, a golfday at Close House in July, a summer solstice ballin June and another boxing event in November.The continued success of the Foundation will bereliant on the support we can continue to receivefrom our community, clients and suppliers.

St James’s Place Wealth Management Group islocated at One Trinity Gardens, Broad Chare,Newcastle. Tel: (0191) 260 5373. Email:[email protected], web: www.sjp.co.uk

A D V E R T I S I N G F E A T U R E

Built on astrong Foundation

Mark Beverley, a representative of St. James’s Place Wealth Management,talks to Jessica Laing about the St James’s Place Foundation – the

charitable arm of the company which has, over the last 21 years, raisedand donated over £30 million to hundreds of charities.

44


Corporate finance briefing... with Mark Irving, director at

Irving Ramsay Limited

And so begins another year! I am surethere will be many twists and turnsas 2014 unravels but I wonder whatobjectives the business owners of the

North East have set themselves for this year? Ifanyone’s objectives include selling theirbusiness, raising finance to grow their businessor possibly buying another business then thereis no time to waste.

The credit crunch has had a deep, severeimpact on the UK (and global) economiclandscape but, in my world of corporatefinance in the North East, it is abundantlyclear that one of its consequences is that itnow takes much longer to do deals than oncewas the case. Of course as I reported in myfinal column of 2013, I do get theincreasingly strong feeling that the economyhas turned the corner and that there are moreand more deals to be done – but they stilltake time.

From a finance raising perspective (whichcomprises about half of our current portfolio),the timescales are not as extended as if you arelooking to buy or sell a business. Nevertheless

it is still quite an undertaking. We have toidentify and engage with relevant funders,invest time writing the business plan,undertake presentations to funders andpossibly provide further information, obtaincredit/investment committee approval,negotiate term sheets and project manage the

due diligence and legal processes.On the disposal side of things (being the

balance of our current portfolio) timescalescan be longer, especially if work needs to bedone before the formal sale process can beginto groom the business and position it for saleto create the best chance of generatingpremium bids.

Inevitably I would argue that having acorporate finance adviser in your corner willhelp you to complete either of the aboveprocesses in the most expedient mannerpossible and with a greater chance ofachieving a successful conclusion. So, if youare thinking about raising finance to kick startgrowth in 2014 or starting the process ofselling your business, why not get in touchsooner rather than later? You will get a candidview from a team of experienced professionals.

Contact Mark [email protected] or call07730 437 617. Alternatively, visitwww.irvingramsay.com or followTwitter: @IrvingRamsay.

45

B U S I N E S S

Business coaching specialist Oxford Innovation helpsFirst 4 Websites with its business strategy.

ABerwick-based online marketing firmhas won new contracts and added toits workforce after taking part in theBusiness Northumberland High

Growth Programme.First 4 Websites was established by husband

and wife team David and Sarah Williams inJanuary 2012, providing clients with the fullrange of design, internet and social mediamarketing services.

The business now employs nine peopleincluding two new recruits – graphic designerLaura Turnbull and 17-year-old apprenticeReece Vail.

Sarah Williams said: “In our first 18 monthsof trading we experienced steady growthworking closely with clients from a wide rangeof sectors.

“However we felt that to enable First 4Websites to reach its full growth potential, wewould need to enlist some expert support.”

Sarah turned to Oxford Innovation, thebusiness coaching specialists tasked with thedelivery of the £1.35m BusinessNorthumberland High Growth Programme.

Mike Jobson, programme manager at OxfordInnovation, worked with Sarah, David and theirentire team, advising on marketing strategiesand growth plans.

Mike says: “What initially struck me aboutFirst 4 Websites was the fantastic team spiritand the passion they all share for what they do.

“I wanted to make sure that enthusiasm andcommitment to deliver the highest possiblestandards of customer service were woven into

the firm’s growth strategy.”With input from the whole team, Mike led a

review of First 4 Websites’ own marketing andbusiness development activities.

Sarah explained: “We knew our existingclients were very happy with our work and aftersales service because they have all stayed withus at annual renewal. One has even recorded a750 per cent increase in their website trafficsince we started working together.

“However, we needed to refocus on our ownidentity in order to reach out for new businessopportunities.

“Mike took us through a very thoroughreview of our brand which was a fascinatingexperience and great team-building exercise.”

With his own background in seniormarketing roles with global brands such asGuinness, Diageo and Colgate Palmolive,Mike also advised the First 4 Websites team onthe different demands of pitching to largerorganisations for new business.

Having now completed the BusinessNorthumberland High Growth Programme,Sarah is more optimistic than ever about thefuture of her business: “Mike has been sohelpful and we’ve all really enjoyed workingwith him. Since taking part in the Programme,we’ve recorded our most successful month oftrading and we’ve added Laura and Reece tothe team to help ensure we’re resourced forfuture growth.”

Reflecting on his work with First 4 Websites,Mike says the only barrier the team faced was afamiliar one: “Prior to it participating in the

Programme, the company’s success had beenbased on the quality of its product and therelationships the team enjoy with clients.

“That’s fundamental to any successfulorganisation so we had to preserve that but ifFirst 4 Websites is going to reach its full growthpotential the team have to work on theirbusiness as well as in it. I’m convinced they’renow equipped to do so and I look forward tofollowing their progress.”

The Business Northumberland High GrowthProgramme is funded by the EuropeanRegional Development Fund (ERDF) anddelivered on behalf of Arch, TheNorthumberland Development Company andthe county council. The Programme providesfree coaching and business support to existingbusinesses and start-ups acrossNorthumberland.

Oxford Innovation’s methods have provedsuccessful elsewhere in the UK, where theorganisation has worked with more than 2500high growth businesses and start-ups. Anddespite the challenging economiccircumstances of the last three years, OxfordInnovation has helped its clients across the UKaccess over £100 million of funding, creating orsafeguarding more than 400 jobs.

To find out about the BusinessNorthumberland High Growth Programmeand how Oxford Innovation can support yourbusiness, call (01670) 528403, [email protected] or visitwww.oxin-northumberland.com

Growth weaved into webfirm’s future

Left to right: Reece Vail, Sarah Williams Sheila Nicholson (all First 4Websites), Mike Jobson (Oxford Innovation), Jenna Shields, David

Williams, Liam Laverty and Laura Turnbull (all First 4 Websites).

46

ANew Year signals a new start and formany people and top of the agenda forchange is a new job. January is the idealtime to think about options for

changing careers and putting in the groundworkto research what is available.

Pitman Training Newcastle, now part of thewider Entrust family that provides businesssupport and funding for enterprises across theregion, is a one-stop shop for specialist secretarial,book-keeping and IT training.

It’s ideally placed to help equip people with theskills they need to improve their employmentprospects.

Jill Lambert from Pitman Training Newcastlesaid: “January is always a busy time for us becauselearning new skills is a really popular New Year’sresolution – and one that can make a hugedifference to your life.

“Unlike many of the resolutions to ‘stop’ doingsomething, like eating chocolate, smoking orbiting your nails, resolving to learn new skills andstudy for a qualification is something you arelikely to stick to, and something that will showtangible results very quickly.

“Upgrading your skills is the key to a better job,with better wages and better levels of satisfaction.And because we spend so much of our time atwork, feeling more fulfilled by our job is a reallyimportant part of what makes us happy.”

Equipping yourself with the skills you need tocompete successfully for a new job is the first stepon the ladder to changing your career. Whether

you are looking to improve your earning potentialby moving up a level in a similar area to the oneyou work in at the moment, or are looking forsomething new, if you’re seeking training in keyoffice, IT and financial skills, Pitman TrainingNewcastle can help.

A course at Pitman Training, named after theinventor of shorthand, was just the ticket for KimLax who was made redundant during therecession when her employer shifted much of itsNorth East work to Poland.

Kim, who worked as a personal assistant (PA),was offered training with Pitman to improve herskills as part of her redundancy package, and wasable to land her dream job.

Kim says: “I was offered the executive PAdiploma, which took 18 months to complete. Iabsolutely loved it. For anyone looking for a PA

course, this is a fantastic way to enhance yourskills. It is just so extensive. It covers typingletters and memos to preparing a full-blownpower point presentation. There are alsodifferent skills to manage your time andpersonality building aspects.”

On completing her diploma, Kim startedworking at Greggs’ headquarters in Newcastle,initially as PA to the company secretary andmarketing director, before progressing toexecutive PA to the finance director.

However, it was not long before Kim securedher dream job as executive PA to the CEO atImmunodiagnostic Systems Plc (IDS Plc), whereshe also supports the company’s executive team.

Kim added: “This is most definitely my dreamjob and I firmly believe that completing myexecutive PA Diploma at Pitman Training provedinvaluable and helped me to achieve this fantasticrole, in a very competitive job market. It is goodto finally have the qualification to support mymany years of PA experience.”

Pitman’s Jill Lambert says: “The executive PArole is a challenging one and our course has beendeveloped to ensure our trainees are well versedin all the skills they need. We hope this willencourage others to follow Kim’s examplebecause she demonstrates perfectly how the rightqualifications can lead to further career success.”

For more information about the courses onoffer through Pitman Training Newcastle, visitwww.pitman-training.com.

B U S I N E S S

New Year, new career? How Pitman Training Newcastle can help you bag your ideal job.

48

Kim Lax

The return of confidence in the North Eastbusiness community is the strongest signof economic recovery we've seen for along time.

Green shoots of growth have been evident ina host of surveys and polls recently and, whilethere's still a long way to go, recruitment isfirmly back on the agenda.

In the second half of 2013 we saw a big upliftin the number of jobs registered, backing upKPMG and the REC’s national figures whichsuggest overall vacancies are increasing at theirfastest pace since July 1998.

On the flip side, the availability of candidatesfell in November, with the rate of decline at itssharpest since July 2007.

In tough economic times consolidation is thefirst thought for many businesses, often longbefore planning for growth. It’s thereforeunsurprising that 2013 has been described asthe year of the counter offer; and we’ve certainlyseen a significant increase in the number beingmade, along with the amount of peopleaccepting improved deals to stay put.

This may be part of the reason permanentsalary growth is at a six-year high, but whetheror not that’s the case, what this does mean isthat recruiters need to adapt to the newcandidate driven status quo and change theirways if they want to be successful.

So, how do you attract the best candidatesand convince them to join you? It depends onhow well you know the market and howspecialised the role is.

Short term, increased salary and benefits areobvious ways to attract talent, but successfulrecruitment needs a long-term view and findingsomeone with the right skills, personality,ambition and motivation to match yourorganisation is surely the genuine goal.

Social media provides a cost-effectiveopportunity to be more proactive, with somevery positive results at the ‘volume end’ of themarket. But when it comes to more specialistand senior roles, the idea that agency recruiterscan be replaced by Twitter and LinkedIncampaigns is one that very muchunderestimates the impact a quality recruiterhas within the placement process.

Attracting and recruiting the right people hasalways been a challenge, but now more thanever the relationship between business andagency recruiter is crucial.

In an industry that often gets a bad press,being able to find the right recruitment partnerallows you to capitalise on their marketknowledge and expertise. A good recruiter willshow you a constant duty of care, keeping youup-to-date and providing realistic guidance onthe market and how you can attract top talent.

From your side, you need to be able to trustthe advice you receive, as you may need to beflexible on the skills and solutions you’relooking for. Which is not always as bad as itsounds - the best personality fit is surely betterwith some training than someone with the rightskills but wrong attitude?

The truth is that the best people aren’t always

looking, so by building a partnership yourrecruiter will be able to help you find the rightpeople all year round, ensuring you’re the firstto know about them.

While there’s little you can do to influence acounter offer, what you can do is move throughthe recruitment process with speed and withoutdelaying decision making.

Great people always have options and there’snothing worse than sending out a negativemessage when competitors are doing theopposite. If you like someone, don’t delay ininviting them for interview or making an offer.

In fact, there’s nothing worse than silenceafter an interview. You’ve worked hard to attractthe best talent and then you go quiet. It doesn’ttake long for someone to feel disengaged andlook at other opportunities. It often leavescandidates feeling like they weren’t the rightperson for the job, even when that’s notnecessarily the case.

Once you engage in a candidate drivenmarket you need to be prepared to find timeand make some quick decisions. Everyone isbusy and recruitment is often an addition to theday job, but the more time and importance youplace on the process, the better results you willsee. After all, your company is only as good asthe people it employs.

Contact Bryony Gibson for help finding theright tax & accountancy recruits on (0191) 3759983. Alternatively, visit www.bryonygibson.comor follow Twitter: @bryonygibson

B U S I N E S S

The need for speedBryony Gibson, managing director of Bryony Gibson Consulting, discusses why speed

is of the essence in today’s changing recruitment market.

49

T E C H N O L O G Y N E W S

Laing goes online

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Newcastle’s Laing Art Gallery hasjoined the White House, thePalace of Versaille and othermuseums and galleries from

around the world as part of Google’sCultural Institute.

The project hosts the world’s culturaltreasures online, meaning that people fromall over the world can virtually visit the LaingArt Gallery and see the artworks on show.

Julie Milne, chief curator at Laing ArtGallery, said: “We were thrilled to beapproached by Google to be a part of thisproject, and the Laing now appearsalongside some of the most exceptionalcultural venues in the world.”

Google used Street View technology tofilm inside the Laing Art Gallery, and evenphotographed one of the Gallery’s keypaintings, Laus Veneris by Sir Edward ColeyBurne-Jones (pictured), in ‘gigapixel’ format,allowing people to zoom in to brushstrokelevel and explore the painting in incredibledetail.

Newcastle’s Laing Art Gallery joins Google Cultural Institute.

Contract Winn for TSG

Technology services company TSG hasbeen recruited by Winn Solicitors,

specialists in accident claims andaccident compensation.

TSG’s Mark Joynson said: “To be chosenas Winn’s technology experts is a hugeaccolade given the critical nature of IT tothe daily operation and continuing successof their business.”

Managing director of Winn Solicitors. JeffWinn, added: “We selected TSG as the idealpartner to work with on the basis of theirunderstanding of our business and the factthat they can offer a full suite of capabilitiesto ensure that everything works seamlesslywithout interruption.”

ITPS backs apprenticeshipscampaign

ITPS is to continue its in-house schemethat has already helped more than 20

apprentices kick-start a career in IT.The Gateshead-based firm has taken at

least four young people a year for the lasteight years, mainly into its technicalservices and field engineer teams. Each ofthe apprentices embarks on a two-yearcourse delivered in partnership withtraining partners ITEC North East andZodiac Training. The programme sees theyoung people working alongsideexperienced engineers and achieve NVQsqualifications.

Winning slogan takes primeposition

ACramlington girl has officially openedthe doors to a new store after winning

a competition with a tech-perfectcatchphrase aimed at welcomingcustomers to the launch of Manor Walks’newest retailer Currys and PC World.

Chloe Baker (12) saw her slogan ‘ManorWalks into a PC World of Technology @Currys PC World Cramlington’ displayed onthe new shop front and has taken home aHP Tablet for winning the competition.

The competition was organised inpartnership with youth project DigitalCommunity Youth.

50

This year will definitely see more and moreorganisations take a long hard look at theirICT systems as they plan for expansion andgo for growth in the face of brighter

economic times knowing that smart investment intechnology can give them the edge.

The fact is that a robust ICT infrastructureunderpins the success of all departments in acompany and has a proactive role to play inbusiness growth - so you need to get it right andensure the best IT partner is chosen who iscommitted to meeting your business requirementsand delivering value for money.

The first thing to do is plan for success: Makesure that you align your ICT aims with theorganisation business priorities, identify what yourobjectives are and how you want to improvecustomer service, business efficiency andcommunicate with customers and supplierssecurely and more effectively.

Work out, with the help of an ICT specialist ifnecessary, how your systems support and add valueand consider immediate challenges and long-termgoals. Get a clear picture of the threats andopportunities you face and weigh up these andother challenges alongside the long-term demandson your ICT infrastructure. What are the pressureson the organisation now and how is that likely tochange?

As large IT investments usually involve a five toten-year spend cycle, companies must make suresolutions are future-proof, ensuring that a solutionwill scale up and grow with a company. That’s whyit’s critical to choose the right partner – it’ll helpyou to avoid spending time and money on thesame solution year after year.

What are your competitors doing? How are theyusing technology to improve their business be it

websites or the use of mobile technology forcustomer service or marketing. The growth of theinternet and other networking opportunities meanthat businesses can move quickly to exploit newopportunities or adopt new ways of working. Areyou leading the way or lagging behind?

Think about how will you minimise disruptionwhen implementing new ICT? Disruption to yoursystems can have disastrous consequences acrossthe board. Will you need external support? If so,forhow long? Will you need to recruit in-houseexpertise? Don’t forget to factor in any stafftraining needed to use the new systems effectively.

Consider your ICT capability - where are younow and where do you need to be in three or fiveyears time? One of the hardest questions toanswer as parameters change in a constantlymoving world but you can stay ahead by definingthe gap between what you have and the systemsyou need. Create a programme ofimplementation to close that gap producing costestimates so that you know how much you willneed to spend and when.

And then ask yourself: How will I measure thesuccess of my ICT investment? Again, anotherhard question but business initiatives areimplemented to achieve tangible results, so this iscritical if you are to get a return on yourinvestment.

“It can be hard for customers to answer thesequestions and make informed decisions about aproject that costs hundreds of thousands ofpounds,” says Calibre’s Steve Nelson. “So it’simportant they seek advice from a reputablesupplier who has proven expertise and candemonstrate a track record of success that can beindependently verified.

“Talk also to ICT vendors and ask them what

they think about possible suppliers and if they canrecommend someone able to provide impartial,independent expertise and supply cost effective,high quality systems solutions. Getting the answersto these questions will help you go along way toachieving a successful harmonious and ultimatelybeneficial relationship with your supplier.”

Steve advises that companies should getquotations for large investments independentlyreviewed to ensure that a proposed solution isdesigned to meet with exact requirements (it willdo what they want it to do) and that it representsvalue for money. Calibre has helped companiessave thousands of pounds by reviewing kit lists,network designs and costs on professional services,which often gives clients ammunition to go backto their incumbent suppliers to question theircosts.

“An ICT partner should be workingcollaboratively with customers on this – not justchalking up profits and moving on to the nextproject”, he concludes.

Calibre provides ICT solutions for public andprivate sector organisations, working across the UKand Europe with clients building long-termstrategic relationships to deliver added valuesolutions, which provide lasting user benefits. Thisincludes services and solutions, which enableschools, local government organisations andcompanies to maximise their return on investmentthrough the deployment of technology to meettheir business challenges.

Find out more at www.calibre-secured.net.Alternatively, contact Karen Nelson, managingdirector, Calibre Secured Networks Ltd, 6-8Charlotte Square, Newcastle. Tel: 0845 5576355or email [email protected]

T E C H N O L O G Y

Get IT rightNewcastle-based Calibre Secured Networks Ltd, offers some practical

advice on getting a quality ICT infrastructure.

Steve Nelson

52

The rise in popularity of ‘bring your owndevice’ (BYOD), which describes anenvironment where staff use their ownmobile devices such as laptops, tablets

and smartphones to access company data andapplications, presents a big challenge forbusinesses as they seek to balance potential costsavings with availability and security.

BYOD is the most radical shift in the ITworld since PCs landed on our desks. Itillustrates the gradual consumerisation of IT,giving people what they want and need in orderto work smarter and benefit the organisation.

Most of us are now blurring the boundariesbetween work and home, being ‘alwaysconnected’ to email and social media, andBYOD is the next logical step. It can lead to arise in productivity as people have a quickcheck of their email and deal with thingsimmediately rather than waiting until they areback at their desks. It may also result in loweredhardware costs and a boost in morale, as staffare given more choice over how and when theywork.

Industry experts predict 60 per cent oforganisations are looking to introduce BYODin 2014, and evidence from our customer basesupports that, which puts pressure on ITmanagers to work alongside HR, operations andother teams to address the issues and embracethe change.

So how can your organisation take advantageof the benefits?

The most important factor in successfulimplementation is that the company andindividual users clearly understand the risks,responsibilities and obligations. Ideally theprocess should start with a wide ranging reviewlooking at the benefits, the risks, and howBYOD would be implemented and used.

Security of applications and data is thebiggest issue for most businesses. Data must beaccessible but secure, and there must be aconsideration of balance between personal andwork data on the device. Typically, sensitivecompany data is stored in a secure or encryptedcontainer on the device, allowing the companyaccess to the information without the legal anddata protection implications of having visibilityof all personal data on the device.

Access to network resources is a criticalconsideration. Permission levels need to beagreed, along with procedures for how deviceswill be added to the network and arrangementsfor restriction of any less secure devices.

Network security and provisioningconsiderations will drive the adoption of aMobile Device Management System (MDM).This will allow the business to analyse, audit,log and control access for any device joiningthe network.

Policies should also be put in place to defineresponsibility for any illegal or offensivematerial stored on the device, and whether thecompany would be liable if it is used on thecompany network.

There is also the scenario where the deviceis lost or stolen, or the employee suddenlyleaves the business. For optimal security, thecompany should have the capability to erase orremote wipe the device. This is essential from adata security perspective but is it acceptable tousers too? We allow BYOD as part of our termsand conditions, and as an ISO27001-certifiedbusiness we have remote erase enabled as partof our security policy.

Where a user is receiving company emailand data on their own device you could beeffectively extending the work day, creatingissues around working hours and overtimeliability.

Many of the businesses we work with havefound switching to virtualised IT infrastructureshas put them ahead of the race by giving thema ready-made platform for BYOD, with a securecommon environment for PCs, tablets andsmartphones, and policies in place forcontrolling data access and storage. That is notto say non-virtualised environments cannotequally successfully implement BYOD, butthere is no doubt that the two approaches bringcombined and immediate bottom line benefits.

BYOD is a big step for any enterprise. Ouradvice is to tread carefully and choose an ITpartner experienced in working alongsideorganisations of all sizes, helping them todecide how they can encourage anywhere,anytime access for staff, without compromisingthe business.

T E C H N O L O G Y

Technically speaking ...

EXPERT VIEWAlex MacDonald

Principal technical consultant ITPS

Tel: (0191) 442 8300Web: www.it-ps.com

What’s holding you back from BYOD?Asks Alex MacDonald, principal technical

consultant at ITPS.

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T E C H N O L O G Y

State of the ArtWhat’s new in

the world of technologyand gadgets ...

Nokia’s first Windows tablet offers a 10.1-inch HD display and combines both4G LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity with a6.7MP camera featuring ZEISS optics

for taking quality photos in low light. The tabletalso runs on Windows RT 8.1 and has fast-charging capability providing up to a 80 per centcharge in just one hour. The Nokia Lumia 2520comes in Gloss Red or Silk Black and is availablefrom John Lewis for £399.

www.nokia.com

NOKIA LUMIA2520

55

E V E N T

Lionra Christmasdrinks

Seasonal networking event for Irelandand North East business links takes

place in Newcastle.

Blackswan CEO Maurice Duffy and PaulCallaghan, chairman of the Leighton

Group, hosted Líonra’s Christmas NetworkingDrinks on December 11 at The Living Room.The event followed on from the success of thesummer Networking Drinks.

Líonra’s goal is in driving conversation forbusiness growth and networking across Irelandand the North East.

The next big Líonra event will be theShamrock Ball on March 15, 2014, with NiallQuinn and Viscount Crichton attending.Please email [email protected] to book a table.

56

M E D I A N E W S

Creative agency expands consumer expertiseOPR launches a specialist team.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH ITPS

Newcastle integratedcommunications agency OPRhas set up a specialistconsumer PR team as it

continues to see new account wins in theB2C field.

The agency has recruited accountdirector Emma Campbell, who will head upthe OPR consumer team working acrossthe agency's food, FMCG, retail, housing,telecommunications, consumer finance,leisure and utility clients.

An expert in the use of social media,Emma will be providing the agency withfurther expertise on the ever-changingdigital landscape and has previouslyspoken on digital PR at events andconferences nationwide.

Emma joins from leading PR agenciesacross Yorkshire, Manchester and London,and in 2014, will be celebrating her firstdecade in PR.

Previously Emma spent four years as aBBC radio producer working at stations

Exciting times for Horizonworks

Horizonworks Marketing hasstrengthened its portfolio with a series

of recent client wins. New clients for the agency include Gaia

Heat, a biomass energy specialist, and TheYou Company, an innovative health andwellbeing technology provider. Horizonworkshas also secured a place on NewcastleScience City’s Business Support MarketingPanel which led to the company beingappointed by Hyperdrive Innovation andmHealthful to develop marketing strategiesand plans to drive their business forward. TheScience City framework supports innovationand both are great examples of forwardthinking companies who are striving to be atthe forefront of their respective industries.

Hyperdrive Innovation is an electronicscompany providing technical solutions for

systems integration, enhancedperformance, fuel efficiency and carbonreduction in electric, electric hybrid andconventionally powered vehicles. WhilemHealthful, specialise in medical apps forpatients and healthcare professional, therefirst product Uni-Wikis is a free collaborativerevision website for medical students.

Samantha Davidson, managing directorat Horizonworks Marketing commented:“These new accounts are dynamic andwelcome additions to our client portfolioand are the icing on the cake after asuccessful year. We really enjoy working withforward-thinking businesses across theregion and look to build lastingrelationships.”

across the North of England and at thededicated BBC 2002 CommonwealthGames Radio Station. She has also workedon BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 1, BBC TV localnews and written for the Daily Star Sunday.

Account manager Alex Donaldson hasalso joined the O consumer team aftersupporting the agency on maternity cover

across the last 12 months. Alex brings oversix years’ experience at integratedcommunications agencies and specialisesin community engagement PR acrossevents, press and social media for clientssuch as Miller Homes and Free Rangerseggs.

Amy Jackson also recently joined theagency after previously working at twoother regional PR firms on several clientsincluding Ross’s Pickles and the Festival ofthe North East event. Previously Amygraduated from Northumbria University witha 2:1 in English literature and journalism.

OPR managing director, Kari Owers, said:“B2C brand wins have been our fastestgrowing area of the agency in the last sixmonths, with many new clients looking toreach media-savvy consumers in a newand exciting way.

“I’m delighted to create a dedicatedteam of experts within the agency to bringa very clever and creative approach toconsumer communications in the region.”

Samantha Davidson (second from right) with her team.

Left to right: Alex Donaldson, Amy Jackson and Emma Campbell.

58

For Headley McEwan, 2013 endingpretty much how it started with a stringof high profile new account wins andadditional team recruitment.

The Newcastle creative business won the‘blue chip’ Flymo account against nationalcompetition and will be handling the launchof Flymo’s biggest new product for severalyears, which will include national television,press, online and experiential activity.

This most recent major acquisition comeshot on the heels of the company winning theprestigious intu Eldon Square account inOctober, and many more new account winsin the last 12 months, including; Delcor(sofas), Activ (telecoms and IT systems),Fergusons Transport, GMS (manufacturingcomponents), The Lakes Distillery &Trout Hotels, Waterfalls (mineral water),and both of Nottingham’s main city centreshopping destinations, intu Victoria

Centre and intu Broadmarsh.In addition to this string of new business

wins, further bolstering Hedley McEwan’salready impressive client list, the companyhas recruited a further four staff to providethe additional service required.

Joint MD Tom Hedley reflects: “It reallyhas been something of an amazing year for us.

“In anticipation of some growth in thebusiness we expanded our office space lastyear at the Toffee Factory here in the heart ofNewcastle’s creative and cultural hub inOuseburn, but even in our most optimisticforecasts, we couldn’t have possibly hoped fora better year.

Our client list was already hugelyimpressive for a company which only startedthree years ago, including some very highprofile names like; intu Metrocentre, intuUxbridge, The Centre for Life, Mill Volvo,Square One Law, The Entrepreneurs’ Forum

and The National Bed Federation, and theselatest additions give us a client list which isthe envy of any company in our sector.”

Tom’s business partner and joint MD,Duncan McEwan, adds: “It was always ourambition to work with a very select group ofgreat clients who recognise what realcreativity can do for their business and how itcan change their fortunes for the better – wecall it quite simply ‘CreativeCommunication’, and we now do just that.All of our clients share this ambition and arebrave enough to attack their markets withtruly creative strategies.”

Hedley McEwan is now looking forward to2014 with some equally ambitious plans fortheir business.

For more information, call Tom Hedley orDuncan McEwan on (0191) 375 9070 orvisit www.hedleymcewan.co.uk

M E D I A

A winning year Major wins top off

an amazing year forHedley McEwan.

Duncan McEwan and Tom Hedley.

60

So, hello 2014, and hello again to allthose New Year’s Resolutions that wemake with the best intentions but all toosoon forget about. But why take chances

with your marketing? So, even if by the end ofJanuary, you’ve ditched the diet and forgottenthe gym, here are five marketing resolutions for2014 to make sure that at least your businesscan get to the end of the year in good shape.

Make sure you have a marketingstrategy in place.

Running a business without a marketingstrategy is a bit like setting off on a long journeywithout directions: planning is the key tosuccess. A clear and focussed marketingstrategy is vital for any business and will providea framework to plan for the future. A goodstrategy will help you understand where thereare opportunities to develop your position inthe market, and help you get more from thetime and money spent on your marketingactivity.

Regularly review your marketingstrategy to assess what’s workingwell and what needs to be refined.

Sometimes it can be tempting to think ‘jobdone’ once your marketing strategy is in placeand then move on to the next thing on your to-do list. However, if you don’t invest time toreview it on a regular basis, your marketingstrategy can quickly become out of date as yourbusiness and the market develops.

But don’t forget to keep lookingoutwards, too.

Look at what your competitors are doing and

look at their strengths and weaknesses incomparison to your own. What is it that they’redoing that you’re not? Could your marketingcampaigns be improved to compete withthem?

Consider developments in your market andlook at what is likely to come up over the nextyear, two years, three years that could impactyour company, your products, your customersand start to plan for this. If you don’t plan forchange in the market, your competitors will.

Know your customers.

When was the last time you reviewed theinformation you have about them, whetheryour product or service meets their needs, andwhether you’re using the right channels in theright way to reach them?

Consider carrying out a communicationsaudit to understand what the currentperceptions are of your business and measurehow effective your communications are with asample of your customers, suppliers, employeesand partners. The feedback from this isessential in the development of your marketingstrategy and tactical communications activity.

Look at what trends are driving customerdemand and consider whether your products or

services meet their needs. Think about thetypical customer experience – are there anyopportunities being missed for repeat business,or to incentivise your customers to refer newcustomers to you?

Keep your online presence up todate.

One of the first thing potential customers willdo is to look at your website or connect withyou on social media, so your marketing strategyshould include ensuring that your onlinepresence is reviewed and updated regularly.

Look at ways to provide content that peoplecan engage with and share with their ownnetworks. For example, think about creating –and keeping up to date – a blog: it showspeople what your business is all about, gives thebusiness a personality and demonstrates yourcredibility and authority in whatever sector youoperate in. It can help with SEO and gives yousomething that you can share through otheronline channels such as Twitter, LinkedIn, andGoogle+.

Producing unique, engaging content will notonly drive interaction with your target audiencebut will have the added benefit of improvingyour SEO results, too.

At Horizonworks, the MarketingHealthcheck we offer includes a review of yourmarketing strategy and feedback on whatimprovements to consider in order to help youachieve your business objectives. Whether youwant to increase your profile, improvecommunication with your customers or gain abetter understanding of your competitors,combining a strategic approach with creativethinking we will provide recommendations andideas that will make your business stand out. It’sa great way to kick start your marketing for ahealthy 2014.

M E D I A

Marketingneedn’t add to your hangover

Samantha Davidson, managing director of HorizonworksMarketing, explains why there are some New Year’s

Resolutions definitely worth keeping.

EXPERT VIEWSamantha DavidsonManaging director

HorizonworksTel: 08450 755955

Email: [email protected]: www.horizonworks.co.uk

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S T Y L E

Mini Winged Handheld bag,£29, Accessorize

Navy Cuff Points shoes,£28, Next

Ottilie Chunky Cable Knit Longline jumper,£16.99, www.missguided.co.uk

Navy Suede dress,£240, Todd Lyn (Debenhams)

Billy Front Zip shoes, £85, Office

Suzy Lace dress,£89, Phase Eight

Get the lookFashion and accessories for women.

By Jessica Laing.

It’s official: navy is the new black this season.Made famous by the British Royal Navy, darkblue has since translated into the world offashion as a staple shade and appears as this

winter’s chief colour. Like black, classic navycomplements a range of prints – from tartan tofloral (as pictured) – making it easy to work theshade into your wardrobe throughout winterinto early spring. During the colder months,you can’t go wrong with wearing navy head-to-toe: we love navy knitwear and a pair of darkblue boots, paired with a pair of skinny denimjeans and a bold, handheld bag. For evenings,pale-skinned and blonde-haired ladies areespecially encouraged to embrace the Januaryblues by sporting navy-coloured lace or suededresses – the shade’s cool tones will make yourskin tone pop and your colour appear vibrant.

MODEL ATTIREAutograph top, £79

Autograph trousers, £79Earrings, £7.50

Necklaces, £15/£29.50Shoes, £35

All from Marks & Spencer

63

C O V E R S T O R Y

BUILDINGABRAND

64

Rob Tait has found his first year as general manager of Hotel du Vin(HDV) Newcastle, “exciting, challenging and rewarding.” He hasmade a number of key appointments and now believes he has theright team in place who share his vision: “The pieces of the jigsaware in place,” says Rob, “and everyone has the same ethos ofoffering phenomenal food and beverage and excellent rapport and

customer service.”HDV Newcastle is located within the former home of the Tyne Tees Steam

Shipping Company and offers 42 individually-styled bedrooms, a bistro openfor breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, the fantastic Laroche winetasting room, two private dining rooms, bubble bar, courtyard and wine cellar.

While part of a national brand, the hotel is encouraged to develop its ownpersonality and flare, which Rob has been working on since his appointment.

One of the hotel’s biggest successes in 2013 has been the launch of LeBrunch, a lavish four-course brunch served every Sunday, from noon to 4pm.Priced just £22.95 per person (£9.95 for children under 12), diners can enjoya market table full of luxury seafood, artisan breads, meats, cheeses andsalads.

“The brunch has really taken off and it genuinely is the talk of the town,”Rob enthuses. “It’s incredible value for money and a great way for HDV toshowcase its food and beverage.”

Rob and his team have also seen a rise in private dining bookings – inparticular wine tasting events in the Laroche room, managed by the hotel’snew sommelier, Radek.

Wine tasting is something that Rob is keen to develop in 2014.“The brand, Hotel du Vin, literally means ‘hotel of wine’, so it’s always

encouraging its hotels to promote wine,” he says. I love wine myself and Iwant this hotel to be renowned locally for its wine offerings.

Whilst other hotels choose to hold large-scale events, Newcastle is optingfor a more intimate, informal programme for 2014.

As well as the Laroche wine room being available for private hire, the hotelis to hold monthly wine dinners from March onwards.

Wine suppliers will host the dinners with wine makers flown in from aroundthe world to share their expertise.

“Making these events accessible to all is paramount,” says Rob. “There hasbeen a nice cultural shift with wine recently where more and more people aregetting into wine. The snobbery has gone. We’re embracing that and makingour wine tasting for everyone.”

HDV Newcastle is also running a number of promotions in 2014,combining the excellent food and wine with the luxurious accommodation.

Settle in Sundays allows two people to dine in the bistro and as long asthey spend £75 or more on food and wine, they can stay overnight at thehotel for just £25.

“It’s a really nice way to relax and then go to work the next morning,” saysRob.

From January to March, the hotel is also offering rooms from £119 pernight, which includes a room for two, breakfast and a £20 food voucher forthe bistro; or for £194, a couple can enjoy overnight accommodation,breakfast and a £100 wine voucher.

The Hotel du Vin Group will celebrate 20 years since it opened its firstproperty in Winchester this year and Rob and his team are looking forwardto helping celebrate the milestone.

The Group will be holding a number of birthday events across its propertiesand will be investing in many of its hotel’s bars and facilities.

HDV Newcastle is to have its outdoor decking area replaced ahead of theal fresco season with new furniture and surroundings.

Rob adds: “The outdoor area is such a fantastic place to eat and drink inthe summer and we’ll be promoting this – along with the cigar shack – forprivate gatherings, be they with friends, families or for business.”

With all this to look forward to, it seems that 2014 will be another exciting,challenging, rewarding – and busy ¬– year for Rob and his team.

For further information and bookings visit www.hotelduvin.com/newcastle

ROB TAIT REFLECTS ON HIS FIRST YEAR AS

GENERAL MANAGER OF HOTEL DU VIN & BISTRO

NEWCASTLE AND THE PLANS FOR 2014 – WHICH

SEES THE GROUP CELEBRATE ITS 20TH

ANNIVERSARY SINCE THE FIRST PROPERTY IN

WINCHESTER OPENED ITS DOORS.

ROB TAIT (BACK ROW,

SECOND FROM LEFT)

WITH HIS TEAM

65

Rockliffe Hall is the North’s only AA 5red star rated property and its delightsare right on your doorstep whetheryou’re looking to do business, enjoy a

meal, relax in the spa for a day, take to the golfcourse or stay a little longer.

Leisure for pleasure

Tucked away amid 375 acres of woodland,resting on the banks of the River Tees, RockliffeHall is a haven for rest and relaxation-especially if you can stay a little longer.

Choose from an array of luxury breaks fromgourmet to golf, from spa to business, the teamwill help you build the perfect stay.

As you meander down the drive, conciergewill tend to your needs and show you to yourplush room where you can enjoy views acrossthe estate, watch television in your bath (yes,really) or just take some time out before youwine, dine, golf or spa.

Wining and dining

Guests travel from all over the UK to samplethe foodie delights at Rockliffe Hall. There isliterally something for all tastes and budgets,from The Clubhouse fish and chips orchargrilled steak burger with Chef’s famoushand cut chips, through to sharing platters andgrills in The Brasserie or something a littlemore special in The Orangery, ensconcedwithin the Gothic walls of Rockliffe Hall’s OldHall.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner,private parties and dedicated wine and ‘meet-the-chef’ dinners, The Orangery severs upculinary delights such as slow-cooked porkbelly with boudin noir, pan-roasted red mulletwith razor clams and 12-hour braised beefcheek.

As well as a la carte menus, enjoy the TastingMenus that The Orangery has become famousfor – a foodie adventure through the North ofEngland.

A little known fact about Rockliffe Hall is itsextensive and varied wine list- named as an ‘AANotable Wine List’ for 2014. Very fewrestaurants carry this accolade, which has beenawarded thanks to Rockliffe Hall’s sommelierteam for its commitment to constantly updatingand reviewing the wines on offer to include amix of familiar names and perhaps some thatmight surprise you. Whether you’re a wine buffor not, all of the wines have been specially-selected to complement the menus and to suitall budgets.

Wishing on a spa

From individual treatments, spa days andresidential stays to corporate getaways andfitness packages to suit your needs, the spa atRockliffe Hall is the place to visit to feelrefreshed and rejuvenated- long after you leave.

Rockliffe Hall’s 50,000 square feet spa is thelargest in the North so you’ll always find thespace to kick back surrounded by luxury,bathed in 5* service provided by spa butlers tocater to your every whim whether you desire afruit platter, smoothie or glass of Champagne.

Just some of the highlights include a 20metre leisure pool and the thermal bathingsuite with a tepidarium, caldarium, roman andheat saunas, tropicarium, hydropool and icefountain, as well as sound wave therapy beds.Add to that, an extensive range of signaturetreatments using some of the most exclusiveproducts available from names such as Murad,Comfort Zone and Orly.

And, for a limited time, a number ofexclusive membership packages have beenmade available entitling you to a range of

benefits from discounts throughout the resort,use of all the spa and Technogym facilities tofitness consultations and a packed timetable ofclasses and events.

Tee or tea

In its short four-year history, as well as notchingup a host of accolades and awards, RockliffeHall has put itself (and the North East) back onthe map for golf and become famed for itssumptuous afternoon tea. So you can literallytea or tee.

In 2013, the Championship golf courseplayed host to some of the game’s biggestnames as it became the home of the EuropeanSenior Tour English Senior Open.

Golfers including Carl Mason, former RyderCup captain Mark James and Senior Tourfavourites such as Barry Lane, Des Smyth, PeterFowler praised Rockliffe Hall for its outstandingfacilities and world-class course – so much so thatthey and other famous names will be returningfor the Tour in 2014, from August 22-24.

If you’re in need of something a little morerefined- and a little less energetic- takeafternoon tea in the grand surroundings of TheOrangery, Morning Room, the Old Hall Archesor the Drawing Room. But this isn’t just any oldafternoon tea. Dainty sandwiches (crust-less ofcourse!) nudge home-made scones, cakes andpastries washed down with specially-selectedand highly-acclaimed ‘Jing’ teas which come ina wide range of varieties whether you prefer atraditional tea or something a little moreadventurous. Or treat yourself to a Champagneafternoon tea- or even Rockliffe Hall’sHendrick’s ‘G + T’- a must for gin lovers!

For more information on any of these eventsand offers, visit www.rockliffehall.com or call(01325) 729999.

L E I S U R E & H O S P I T A L I T Y

Have a Rockliffe New YearThe Christmas tree’s down, the tinsel’s packed away for another year and you’ll be

trampling on pine needles until about March. Now’s the time to think about treatingyourself to a pick-me-up, whether it’s in the next few weeks or later in the year.

66

AntonyMichaelides

68

A newgolden age


The golden age of Newcastle’s historic Assembly Rooms isto be brought back to life in an ambitious £1m leisure andhospitality venture.

The project, which could create up to 50 new jobs, willsee the 237-year-old Grade 2 listed building’s LowerBallroom, Sovereign Suite and cobbled exterior entrancecourtyard transformed into a restaurant, entertainmentlounge, VIP club and alfresco dining area offeringunrestricted day-to-night admission to the public.

Until now, entry to the Assembly Rooms on Fenkle Streethas been limited to private parties and conference users.

But the new plans will see the leisure facility, which openedin 1776, stepping back to the future to once again becomea flagship community destination for Newcastle.

Called Bonbar, the new venue within a venue is thebrainchild of the Assembly Rooms’ owner AntonyMichaelides.

Set to open in mid-March, work on Bonbar will beginshortly and will involve enhancing the Assembly Rooms’ground floor, including the unveiling of original periodfeatures hidden from public view for decades.

When completed, Bonbar will have a capacity of 700and offer a mix of food and entertainment.

Antony said the move away from the Assembly Roomsbeing just an elegant conference and banqueting locationhad been prompted by changing public tastes and theneed for a more sophisticated and aspirational venue inNewcastle catering to the 25 year old plus age group.

While the conference and banqueting facilities willremain, Antony added that the time had come to recreatethe magic of the Assembly Rooms’ early days, albeit broughtup to date and sympathetically refurbished.

He said: “As the Assembly Rooms heads towards its 240thbirthday, what better way to celebrate this historic andbeautiful venue than to look to its’ past by commemoratingboth its history and its future.”

“When the Assembly Rooms opened it was a communityspace where the public of Newcastle could come and readthe newspapers of the day, play cards, relax in a readingroom, drink coffee, gossip and dine and dance.

“That had all been lost and now we want to return to thoseheady days in the 18th and early 19th centuries where theAssembly Rooms was this wonderful space open to all andthe place to go and be seen.

“My dream is to once again turn the Assembly Rooms into

a flagship leisure destination for Newcastle and beyond.”The Assembly Rooms was a crumbling, derelict shadow

of its former self ear-marked for demolition when theMichaelides family bought it in 1974.

Over the years it has been home to a members’ onlycasino as well as the banqueting and conference facilities.

Bonbar will operate seven days a week from mid-morninguntil 4am on selected nights and offer lunch and afternoonteas as well as evening dining with a late lounge andmusical entertainment.

Running alongside will be the 467 club inspired by a fancydress ball and supper organised in 1823 by 47 gentlemenbachelors of Newcastle for 467 ladies and gentlemen. It wasdescribed at the time as the most splendid entertainmentever seen in the city.

The refurbishment work will involve removing the falseceiling in the Lower Ballroom to reveal the original wroughtiron trellis work as well as the original ornate cornicing andcolumns.

A new wood and zinc faced bar area will be installed aswell as a state-of-the-art multi-media system.

Antony – who is working with Newcastle-based marketingconsultants DDCA on the rebranding – said the intention wasto create a cool and contemporary space that brought theAssembly Rooms into the 21st century while paying homageto its past.

Antony said: “We are delivering something on a scale thathasn’t been seen in Newcastle for some time andsomething the city desperately needs. Hopefully this will bea venue that will be strong enough to keep people in thetown day and night.

“We are retaining the original features, and indeedreinstating many to public view.

“This is a new chapter in the Assembly Rooms’ long historyand it’s a new chapter in my life. I am getting the chanceto create something unique in Newcastle and doing it right,which as a family we have always prided ourselves on.

“Without my family the Assembly Rooms wouldn’t be herenow. But we are only the key holders for the future; as a familywe can’t take the Assembly Rooms with us.

“I have long thought it was a crime not to be using thisbuilding for the intention for which it was built, which is to getpeople socialising in person.

“Bonbar will breathe new life into what is a uniquelyimportant venue.”

The past is set tocome dancing back to life

at Assembly Rooms.

69

The Malmaison brand is known for itsopulence and the Newcastle arm of thechain is no different. Inside theprominent Quayside hotel is like

stepping into an Alice in Wonderland set withswathes of sumptuous fabrics, oversizedfurniture and ostentatious floral arrangements.

It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting in thedepths of winter or the height of summer, thedark, almost gothic, ambience remains thesame and something that has helpedMalmaison Newcastle stay a popular haunt foryears

The decadence permeates every corner of

the hotel including the first-floor brassiere withits mix of dark woods, leather seating and richgrey and purple decor.

While the a la carte menu could not bedescribed as fine dining, it does offer a goodselection of refined classics including aselection of steaks and gourmet burgers.

My two colleagues and I enjoyed attentiveservice throughout our lunchtime visit withour friendly waitress always on hand to fill ourglasses and answer any queries we had aboutthe menu.

Highlights of the meal included thebeautifully presented creamed brie with soft

and sweet red wine poached pear and saltedand candied pecans that I chose for my starter,and the succulent rib eye steak that one of mydining companions enjoyed – along with hisaccompanying side of tasty garlic and chillibaked mushrooms (£3.50).

The Malmaison is ideal for a businesslunch. Its fantastical décor is the perfectantidote to an uninspiring office setting, itscentral Quayside location and ample parkingmakes it accessible and its food is upmarketenough to impress without being toochallenging or pretentious to put offunadventurous eaters.


Business lunchMalmaison Brasserie

Alison Cowievisits the Quayside

hotel.

70

Creamed brie, red wine poached pear,salted and candied pecans

Beautifully presented dish. The sweet pear, burstingwith flavour was a highlight.

£6.95

Rump of lamb ‘forestiere’, crushed newpotatoes, mushroom and jus

vinaigrette.

Lovely earthy flavours with well-cooked lamb.

£16.95

Valrhona chocolate fondant,malt ice cream.

Decadent fondant; a must for chocolate lovers.

£5.95

Mal chicken lollipops, satay, Moroccanspiced croquette, Thai bon-bon,

tandoori and barbecue chicken withsweet chilli and aioli dipping sauces.

A celebration of chicken that’s sure to be a hit with eventhe fussiest eater.

£8.50

Smoked haddock fishcake, butteredspinach, warm poached egg and

lemon hollandaise sauce.

Large and flavoursome fishcake with light delicate sauce.

£13.95

Fritto misto, tempura of squid, tigerprawn and courgette, lemon aioli and

sweet chilli sauce.

The tempura batter was a little thick but still apleasant, good-sized dish.

£7.95

Rib eye steak with red wine andshallot sauce.

Succulent, good quality beef with sweet accompanyingsauce. No complains.

£23.95

Mal hot chocolate.

With white chocolate, ice cream, cream, marshmallowand chocolate sauce, this is for someone with a raging

sweet tooth.

£5.95

Créme brûlée.

A well-executed classic.

£5.95

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E D U C A T I O N

Dr John Hind, principle of Dame Allan’s School, reflectson the latest happenings at the schools.

News fromDame Allan’s Schools

Carry on fundraising

The Boys’ School’s Cross Country team havereturned with national honours from the

English Schools Athletics Association CrossCountry Cup.

They came second in the Junior (under 14)Boys national final held at Southend at the endof last term.

They had been undefeated in their qualifyingrounds, which began in October, with nearly1500 teams from over 500 schools throughoutEngland competing for a place in the finals forthe boys and girls’ teams.

The team of six boys, who are in Years 7 and 8,won the county and then the regional final toqualify to compete in the Junior Boys’ Cup Final.

The team comprised James Ritchie (captain),James Anderson, Joe Anderson, Will Dixon, BenDykins and Charles Down.

James Anderson had the fastest time,completing the 3km course in 11 minutes 56seconds.

His fellow team mates all finished closebehind him, giving the Dame Allan’s team anoverall score of 101, to finish just behindNorthampton School for Boys.

Head of Boys’ Games, Bill Hudson, wasthrilled with their performance:

“This is a fantastic achievement by the wholeteam. They are a talented squad who work hardand support and encourage each other. Theythoroughly deserve this success.”

A cracking Christmasproduction

The younger pupils in the Junior Schoolgave their Christmas production an

unusual twist at the end of term. Family andfriends watched children from Years 1 and 2put on their own version of The Nutcracker,showcasing the remarkable talent of the 57youngsters, aged between five and seven.

The performance was the culmination oftheir regular Friday afternoon Creative Artsclass.

Their production was inspired by MatthewBourne’s interpretation of this classicChristmas ballet and choreographed by danceteacher Mrs Rebekah Waters. Deputy HeadDeborah Farren and Kay Ellis wrote thescript, collaborating with Mrs Waters on themusic.

The principal roles were taken by HarryWanless as the Nutcracker, Kate Farren asClara, Amelia Long as the Sugar Plum Fairywith Charlie Mooney as Herr Drosselmeyer.

All the children in Year 2 had speakingparts, which impressed the audiences in thepacked Junior School hall.

Sharing slick science

The pupils heard about the importance of oiland watched a brief video about the

problems of transporting this major naturalresource by sea before being set theirchallenge to work together to design anexperiment that would give them reliableanswers. They learned about designingexperiments, using controls, the need to beable to repeat their experiment and how toreport their results.

Head of Science Jason Downie created animaginative substitute for oil using cocoapowder and vegetable oil, encouraging thepupils to be equally creative in their ideas andexperiments.

At the end of their morning in thelaboratory, the pupils returned to their ownschools, enthused by their introduction toscience and the opportunity to carry out theirown experiements.

As one headteacher wrote: “The childrencame back buzzing. They had really enjoyedthe session and were all keen to tell me aboutall the experiments and the flames, chocolatespillage and balloons on fire.”

The visit was arranged as part of theSchools’ programme to work with their localcommunity.

www.dameallans.co.uk

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E V E N T

Sage Gatesheadcatering launch

Sage Gateshead has appointed LindleyHeritage – the heritage, arts and leisure

venue division of The Lindley Group - tomanage and develop all aspects of its cateringand hospitality services.

Lindley Heritage clinched the five-year,£12.5 million catering contract after joiningforces with award-winning North-East basedchef and restaurateur, Terry Laybourne MBE,who will preside as consultant chef at thelandmark venue.

The partnership was announced at SageGateshead’s AGM at the end of November.

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E V E N T

Launch ofZa Za Bazaar

Za Za Bazaar plates up successat The Gate.

A£3 million, 500-seater restaurant in theheart of Newcastle has been opened by the

Sheriff of Newcastle, Councillor GeorgePattison.

Za Za Bazaar at The Gate sees authenticglobal food cooked to order and has created 75local jobs, including 31 highly skilled chefsfrom around the world and UK.

The dining concept, which combines a fixedprice offer with freshly prepared food in abuzzing oriental ‘night market’ environment,has already proven a huge hit.

The launch night was attended by manyhigh profile gusts including Chi Onwurah MPand Miss Galaxy UK finalist, Kethose Nagiwhile music was provided by The LondonVegetable Orchestra. For further informationvisit www.zazabazaar.com or follow Twitter:@zazabazaar

74

The hype surrounding electric vehicles,cars and renewable energy is growing atan impressive rate. Offering a uniqueservice to its clientele, North East based

Elm Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions(ELM EV) is helping commercial anddomestic customers kick-start 2014 with alowered carbon footprint.

There are currently over 6500 electricvehicles on the roads of the UK, which is afigure that increases day by day. Potentialcustomers plan their trips and days out aroundthe availability of electric charging points andstations on route to, or at their chosendestination.

Public charging points are now beginning tobe installed by local councils and businessesaround the UK, on motorway routes and in citylocations, to keep users running.

The number of available charging points iscontinuously growing. Should you have oneinstalled it shows your customers that yourbusiness is ready for the future, that you’recommitted to the environment and mostimportantly; you’re dedicated to providing anadditional facility for them to take advantage of.

The average price of petrol in the UK hashovered around the £1.30 per litre mark sincemid-October; for around £2 an electric car canbe fully charged and road ready in just sixhours. With the installation of one of ourcommercial charging stations, you will notonly be saving your customers a great deal ofmoney, you will be helping to work towards agreener economy.

Aside from the economical andenvironmental benefits, the installation of anelectric vehicle charging point could help youto gain an advantage over your competitors.Offering the additional electric vehiclecharging point service to your customers willnot only generate extra income and future-proof your company, but will also help towardsgaining business awards and stars.

Managing director of ELM EV AnthonyPiggott says: “We are hopeful that acommercial grant will be issued in 2014 tohelp companies and organisations to havecharging equipment fitted into their places ofwork. “Government funding has already beenput aside to allow us to offer our domesticcustomers a completely free service, whereby a

charging point is fitted to the exterior of theirproperty completely free of charge, which aswell as future proofing the home, adds value.”

ELM EV uses the highest qualityequipment supplied by Rolec, Pod Point,Elektromotive and Chargemaster; the world’sleading specialists in the design, manufactureand installation of electrical connections anddistribution. With support from thegovernments funding programme, whichissued £400,000 in support of the purchasingof full electric and hybrid vehicles, ELM areworking as an implementer of this newgeneration movement, working on allocatingtens of thousands of EV charging pointsthroughout the UK.

To find out more about ELM EV or if youhave an enquiry about installing acommercial charging point at your businessor home then call (01207) 582 100.ELM EV Ltd is located at DerwentsideBusiness Park, Consett. For the full range ofElm’s products and services visitwww.elmev.co.uk. You can also follow@Elm_EV on Twitter.

M O T O R S

Recharging your businessHow ELM EV can help you reduce your carbon footprint.

76

Even with the best intentions to improvefitness or drop some weight, statisticsshow very few New Year’s Resolutionsactually work. I see it every year, people

really do want to keep their resolutions, butthey just don't know how and usually peopleare back to old habits by mid-February. Hereare my top five tips for sticking with your NewYear's Resolution.

Create one, specific goal

Whether it's to lose a certain amount of weight,to walk or run four or five times per week, or tocomplete a 10k or half-marathon, having aspecific goal is a great way to stay focused.Make sure your goals are ambitious, butattainable for you with a bit of hard work andpersistence.

Make small changes and don'toverdo it

The human body is very adaptable, and it'sdesigned to move. The key to starting arunning or walking programme is to makegradual changes to your current situation. Startby walking 15-20 minutes three or four days per

week. Gradually increase the time you walk,and if you want to run, start adding a fewminutes of running at a time, interspersed withtwo or three-minute walk breaks. Over timeincrease the duration of the running segmentsand decrease the time of the recovery walks.Increases should be by roughly 10 per cent aweek.

Seek advice from a personal trainer

No longer only available to the rich andfamous, personal training services are nowmuch more accessible and affordable. Yourown personal trainer will work with you everystep of the way towards your goals, through one-to-one sessions, keeping you motivated andfocused.

Tell others about your goal

When family, friends and co-workers take aninterest in your goal and ask how your weekendlong run went; do you want to tell them youran farther than you've ever gone before, or thatyou finished off a box of Quality Street whilewatching the television? Accountability keepsyou honest.

Make it fun

Training with others, varying your trainingroutes, and rewarding yourself after milestoneworkouts are great ways to make your trainingmore enjoyable. Get your personal trainer tofind creative ways to make your workouts funis the key to sticking to your goal intoFebruary and beyond!

Bodyguards Fitness Service Ltd separatesitself from the others in Newcastle with ourpersonal trainers having levels of knowledgeand experience that are second to none. Thisgives our clients all the tools necessary forthem to achieve their health and fitnessgoals.

Your trainer will develop your bespoketraining plan and guide you through yourentire programme of health and fitnessdevelopment, which includes your traininginside and outside of the gym, your diet, yourlifestyle and all support services to ensurethat you are in full health. We aim to makeyou feel like yourself again, only better!

Contact Tony Douglass [email protected]

W E L L - B E I N G

Tony Douglass of Bodyguards Fitness Service Ltd gives histips for getting fit and beating the bulge in 2014.

Keep yourNew Year’s Resolution

78

Hip and knee replacements are verycommon operations in England andWales, with around 160,000procedures carried out every year.

The number of procedures to fit artificialjoints is expected to double in the nextdecade, due to better diagnostics, fastertreatment and the increasing age of the UKpopulation.

Joint pains that limit your mobility, hurtwhile you’re at rest or wake you in the nightare early signs that you may be a candidatefor knee or hip replacement surgery.

By choosing Spire Washington and itsexpert surgeons to carry out your operation,you’re putting yourself in safe hands, becauseSpire Healthcare has been named as one ofthe best providers of hip and kneereplacements in England by the well-respected Dr Foster Hospital Guide.

Jeff Barwick, 71, from Sunderland recentlyhad his left knee replaced in an operationcarried out by Spire Washington orthopaedicsurgeon Mr Paul Dixon. Retired hairdressingteacher Jeff, who has been practising karatefor around 45 years, had been suffering frompain in his left knee for a few years beforeopting to have it replaced.

He said: “I exercise and train quite a bit

and over the last four to five months beforethe operation the pain became severe.

“Mr Dixon was highly recommended bytwo or three people and I went in to see himand decided he was the man for the job.

“It’s now seven weeks since the operationand I’m going back to karate, although I’mgoing to train very lightly. I have been goingto the gym for three weeks doing weight-bearing exercises that the physiotherapistrecommended.

“My knee feels very good, very stable andvery comfortable, though obviously I’m stillrecovering. I saw Mr Dixon two weeks agoand I will see him again in March to get theall-clear.”

Jeff was impressed by how quickly he wasable to return home after the procedure, andthe excellent care he received both duringand after the operation.

“I went in on the Tuesday evening and Iwas back out on the Thursday morning,” hesaid.

“The surgery team, the anaesthetist andoperation assistants were great. I had aspinal anaesthetic and it was absolutelytremendous, everybody was very good, veryefficient and effective. The post-op care bythe nursing staff was excellent. I was up

and about the next day.“Obviously, it’s uncomfortable but I was

very quickly able to get into an exerciseregime. I’ve always exercised and kept fairlyfit - it’s the arthritis that is most painful.”

The knee replacement wasn’t the first jointreplacement that Jeff has undergone at SpireWashington. A long-time patient at thehospital, who in the past has hadphysiotherapy from Spire Washington’shospital director, Shelagh Alderson, whenshe was still operating as a physio, he also hashad both hips replaced when he was in his50s.

Jeff said: “I had both hips replaced by MrBuchanan at Spire Washington Hospital 20-odd years ago and they continue to serve mewell. I was very young for the operation but ascan showed that it needed doing after Ipushed my GP to take my investigationsfurther.

“I will probably have to restrict myself alittle bit with my knee now. Contact karatemight be out of bounds but I still plan toenjoy regular exercise.”

For further information on SpireWashington Hospital visitwww.spirewashington.com.

H E A L T H

Need a hip or kneereplacement?

Make Spire Washington Hospitalyour first choice.

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E V E N T

Alan ShearerFoundation Ball

Shearer event raises over £200,000for Foundation.

Alan Shearer OBE and chart-topping pop starOlly Murs teamed up for the second annual

Alan Shearer Foundation Ball, held at HiltonNewcastle Gateshead Hotel.

Olly performed some of his latest chart toppinghits to a delighted audience helping to raisethousands of pounds for The Alan Shearer Centrefor disabled people and their families.

The dinner was attended by leading North Eastbusinesses, celebrities and supporters of theFoundation, who helped raise over £200,000 forthe specialist facility for profoundly disabledpeople from across the region.

Alan Shearer OBE said “To raise over£200,000 on the night is quite staggering and Ijust can’t thank enough everyone who attendedthe dinner and who all dug deep into theirpockets to raise such a fantastic amount of money.

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North East Times Magazine - January 2014

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