24th September 2010 - Entrepreneurs Ready To Rock And Roll For TCT

A charity ball will be the pick of the pops next month as generous North East entrepreneurs and guests dig deep for Teenage Cancer Trust.

Members of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum will be celebrating the very best in rock and pop history at the “Teenage Kicks all Through the Night” gala ball, hosted by legendary music maestro Mike Read.

Over the last seven years the Forum has raised a total of £415,000 at its annual charity balls.

The latest – at the Gateshead Hilton Hotel on October 9 – is in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity devoted to improving the lives of young people with cancer.

Every day in the UK, six young people are told they have cancer. This is a rising figure and there are already more young people than children with the disease. Teenage Cancer Trust understands that teenage cancer requires specialist care, provided in an environment suited to their specific needs. So they fund specialist teenage cancer units in NHS hospitals that are designed to give teenagers the very best chance of a positive outcome. There are currently 17 of these specialist units across the country, including a ten-bed unit at the Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle.

The ball will raise funds for a new eight-bed unit at The Freeman Hospital, Newcastle, which will care for young cancer patients, aged 18-24, from across the North East and surrounding areas.

Guests will enjoy a rock star experience at the ball, with VIP service, a champagne supernova reception and a Pop Pickers auction.

Many rock and pop rarities will up for grabs including a signed Roger Daltrey Freshman acoustic guitar and a signed mic used by the singer on his last tour with The Who, wine from Cliff Richard’s personal vineyard signed by the legend himself , meet and greet with Paul Weller, a day in a recording studio and the ultimate rock and roll Access All Areas weekend, staying in the Sanctum Soho Rock Hotel.

And guaranteed to create a bidding war, the photographic image that best defines rock and roll, John Lennon's famous doorway pose emphatically brought to life by Beatles photographer and friend Jürgen Vollmer, signed by the artist.

The amazing line-up of entertainment will be provided by the Acoustic Beatles and tribute band The Whodlums

And performing as special guests on the evening - breaking from their tour of the UK and Europe for one night only - we are thrilled to welcome the synth-pop group Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark to bang out an array of their hits from a back catalogue spanning 30 years including “if you leave” and “maid of orleans”.

If all this wasn’t enough, as the national patron of this fantastic charity devoted to improving the lives of teenagers and young adults with cancer, we are hopeful that the rock and pop theme of the evening will be brought alive by one of the charity’s most famous patrons – Roger Daltrey, front man of The Who, trying his very best to be there if his diary allows. Now that’s entertainment!

Speaking about the charity ball, Roger said: "The Teenage Cancer Trust Unit at the RVI Newcastle will ensure that young people in this area have the proper support they need to help fight this terrible disease. Be involved in the health of your area. This is your hospital, these are your teenagers, support them."

Former Radio One veteran Mike Read, known for his encyclopaedic knowledge of popular music, will MC the evening and test guests’ knowledge of old rock and pop favourites from the 70s and 80s.

He is Radio One’s longest-serving breakfast show host and has won ten Broadcaster of the Year Awards. He is also a poet and a performer and composer of stage musicals, famously playing the title role in Cliff: The Musical! which he also wrote.

His broadcasting career began on a local radio station in Reading, where he co-hosted with Steve Wright, before going on to Radio Luxembourg then Radio One, where he hosted the breakfast show for five years.

He later moved to Capital Gold and was subsequently heard on Jazz FM and Classic FM.

Mike’s television work includes hosting the long-running Saturday Superstore, Top of the Pops and Pop Quiz.

A prolific songwriter himself, his work has been recorded by Cliff Richard, Justin Hayward, Chris Rea and Steve Harley. He has written several volumes of poetry, a biography of Rupert Brooke, two crime novels and numerous books about the charts.

Chief Executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum Carole Beverley said: “Teenage Cancer Trust is a fantastic charity striving to make life better for young people in our region, believing that teenagers shouldn’t stop being teenagers because they have cancer.

“Usually placed on a children’s ward or with elderly patients, young people often feel very isolated when facing a cancer diagnosis. Teenage Cancer Trust units allow young people to be treated with others their own age, in an environment suited to their needs.”

Carole added: “Our charity ball always brings out the very best in our members and sponsors who never fail to amaze me with their exceptional altruism.

“We are delighted to be able to support Teenage Cancer Trust and hope to raise another huge sum this year to help fund their incredible work.”

Speaking recently about the charity, Regional patron and X-Factor winner Joe McElderry, who recently visited young cancer paients in the region, said: “I am truly honoured to be an ambassador for the Teenage Cancer Trust. The charity has achieved so much in Newcastle and across the UK with its fundraising appeals and I hope to help raise awareness and support for such a great cause.”

Tickets for the ball, which start from £1,000 +VAT for a table of ten or £100 +VAT per person, can be booked by calling 0870 8502233 or emailing info@entrepreneursforum.net

21st September 2010 - Supermarket Sweep For Trend Bible

A Newcastle firm has bagged all of the ‘big four’ supermarket chains following its latest win to provide its trend forecasting services to ASDA Home and Leisure.

In the last three years, consumer forecasting experts Trend Bible has beaten off national rivals to work with the UK’s largest home and leisure departments including Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s, predicting home furnishing trends.

As well as working with global brands and retailers across several markets, forecasting guru and founder of Trend Bible Joanna Feeley believes that despite challenging trading and economic conditions, home and leisure departments have proven profitable for supermarkets who are carving out a bigger share in the homewares market.

Ms Feeley said: “Since the recession people are staying in more and refreshing the look of their homes with up to date and affordable furnishings instead of moving, so the big supermarkets are seeing a steady growth of homeware items.

“Our trend consultancy service begins with looking at our clients brand and evaluating their shoppers’ behaviour – how they might feel, think and shop in the future. We research socio-economic conditions, from which we tailor a bespoke trend forecast for that retailer to ensure sales growth.”

Sainsbury’s has recently reported that its non-food offer is growing at three times the rate of food with a pre-tax operating profit of £19m for the year to March 20, 2010, and ASDA has unveiled its five year strategy to become the market leader in general merchandise.

Story courtesy of www.bdaily.info

21st September 2010 - Chemical firm looks to double sales

A North East chemical firm expects to double sales over the next three years and increase turnover from £5m to £10m.

Exwold Technology, which operates from three sites in Hartlepool and Billingham has secured a £250,000 investment from UK Steel Enterprise, the Corus-subsidiary that supports businesses in steel areas to support its plans.

The good news for Teesside comes on the heels of a recent gloomy survey that declared parts of the area were the “least resilient” in the UK to economic shocks.

Exwold is investing in new roll compaction technology and a new stock control system and hopes to quadruple its profitability.

“We doubled our profits through 2009 which was a tough year economically and are still growing,” said founder James Robson.

“We now have a high level of expertise in a niche speciality market with 70% of our revenues generated abroad.

“We believe that SMEs like Exwold are key to the North East’s future as a manufacturing base.”

Set up in 1992, Exwold began processing chemicals into granular form for the agricultural sector.

It has since moved into other sectors including flame retardants, surface coatings, biocides and metal treatments.

The organisation, which currently has a workforce of 60, merged with a London-based company in 2006, extending its range of processing methods and it now processes more than 100 chemical products.

Story courtesy of www.bdaily.info

20th September 2010 - Local Agency Achieves Gang Master Status

Local Recruitment Agency “Recruitment Now” is celebrating having been awarded their Gang Master Licence in August 2010.

The Gang masters Licensing Authority (GLA) regulates those who supply labour or use workers to provide services in agriculture, forestry, horticulture, shellfish gathering and food processing and packaging.

In order to achieve the gang master status the agency has been taken through a thorough and stringent audit and assessment process to ensure its suitability to provide such staff.

Managing Director Sarah Nixon says, “Recruitment Now has been established for 7 years, 4 of which we have supplied temporary staff services across a number of disciplines. I had always had my eye on trying to get the gang master license and decided that 2010 was the year to go for it. Our Industrial and Catering Temps Divisions have been so successful that it seems like the natural progression to move into food production and processing, it is a legal requirement that the high quality and standards required for us to pass the assessment are maintained so our clients can rest assured that our services levels will be consistently high. We are delighted to have become a gang master – it’s a big achievement for us!”

20th September 2010 - Walk This Way...Exclusive Footwear Right up your Street

Exclusive Footwear owner Frances Chalmers is settling into her new premises on Newcastle City Centre’s Shakespeare Street following her recent acquisition of Breeze Shoes.

Newcastle born Frances is delighted to be bringing her exclusive range of designer footwear, much of which isn’t available anywhere else in the region, to her home town.

Speaking of the move, Frances said,

"Our plan for Exclusive Footwear was always to open five stores in addition to our e-commerce website. Shakespeare Street is our third store in five years, and it just so happens that we have the great fortune of being able to blend our business with one of the most historic and well respected footwear retailers in the UK - Breeze.

“The footwear we’re bringing to Newcastle is very hard to find elsewhere, and we’re establishing Exclusive Footwear as the place to come for exceptional high level service and quality. If there’s a shoe you want and can’t find, we’ll make it our mission to bring it into the store.

“We’re the only stockist in the region for the Love from Australia (LFA) Premium Collection and we’re always on the lookout for new and exclusive brands – soon we’ll be taking delivery of the American cult collection Chinese Laundry and Stuart Weitzman - and of course we’re stocking old favourites such as the FitFlop and Hunter wellies, and for the guys – Oliver Sweeney, Jeffrey West and Timberland.

The company has also won a number of awards, including a finalist's place in this Drapers Footwear Awards - Independent E-Retailer - in 2007 and 2008, Fashion Entrepreneur of the North in the Grazia O2 X awards for 2008 and a further finalist's place this year at the Drapers E-retailer of the Year awards.

Frances and her team have given the former Breeze store a facelift and plans are afoot to fully rebrand into Exclusive Footwear – Newcastle.

17th September 2010 - Agency gains a cool 19 nominations

PUBLIC relations company Cool Blue Brand Communications is topping off a year of expansion and growth with a record-breaking 19 shortlistings in the annual industry awards!

Earlier this year the firm which has its HQ in the Tees Valley opened a second office in Newcastle to service its growing client base and has recruited three new staff already, with more expected to join the team shortly.

Organised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, the PRide awards showcase and celebrate the best work in the industry during the past year.

This year Cool Blue’s expertise across the range of PR, digital media, web development, design and marketing has led to the agency being shortlisted 19 times across 12 categories.

The firm’s owner and managing director, Tanya Garland, said: “It is fantastic to be shortlisted for so many awards showing that we offer a completely integrated set of skills and are sector leading in all of them.

“We are great believers in the North East and our investment in and commitment to the area proves that. This year we have expanded to open an office in Newcastle and have been appointed by some really exciting new clients.

“Cool Blue also continues its long relationships with some the area’s most agile and forward-thinking companies and organisations whose attitudes and willingness to accept fast-moving change helps us stay ahead of the game in areas like web development and social media - while never losing sight of the more traditional aspects of PR and marketing.”

Cool Blue has been shortlisted 19 times across 12 categories (meaning two or three campaigns succeeded in some). The categories are best use of digital communications, best public sector, best website, corporate communications, consumer relations, best use of media relations, best use of photography, best publication, best integrated campaign, best use of community relations, best event and outstanding PR consultancy.

Campaigns recognised include the launch of Temenos for Tees Valley Unlimited; Redcar & Cleveland Council’s ‘Odin’s Glow’ event at Roseberry Topping; the Darlington Partnership’s ‘Darlington Experiment’ project; Barker and Stonehouse’s social media campaign; the design of a new interactive social media-based website for Lingfield Point at Darlington; Newcastle University Medical School’s 175th anniversary; Traidcraft’s’ Fairtrade Christmas.’

Jay O’Connor, CIPR President said: “The CIPR PRide Awards are a celebration of PR achievement and a showcase of campaigns implemented by the best of the best from across the UK.

“Now more than ever, demonstrating the value of what we do, and the positive impact we have, is tremendously important.

“Being short listed is a tremendous achievement – it means Cool Blue’s work has been judged to be amongst the best in your area by leading PR experts.”

The judging process is rigorous with a national panel of industry experts assessing the shortlisted entries and choosing the winners. The results of the awards will be announced in December.

15th September 2010 - Uniquethinking holds the quay to success for Newcastle bar

One of the quayside’s leading bars is set to be transformed into a contemporary gastro pub with the help of Newcastle agency, Uniquethinking.

The bar, which is undergoing a £150,000 refurbishment has been taken over by sisters Alex Marshall, Georgia Powell and Andrea Marshall who have been in the catering business for 15 years, owning Café in the Garden in Eldon Gardens, and Charley’s Bar and Bistro on Shakespeare Street, before taking over The Waterline.

Refurbishment plans began last month, with the external terrace area being completely renovated, providing a modern space for al fresco drinkers and diners to relax.

Renovations will then move indoors with new flooring, lighting, painting and furniture, modernising the building into a relaxing, contemporary place to eat and drink.

Uniquethinking, which works with some of the region’s top leisure companies, is currently rebranding the bar with a new corporate identity, website, print material, online marketing campaign and PR to reflect the changes taking place.

For your chance to receive a free ticket to the relaunch party post your details at www.thewaterlinebar.co.uk

14th September 2010 - hedgehog lab books itself into luxury hotel

Software developer hedgehog lab has finished creating its first high-tech booking system for the North East’s newest five star hotel, golf and spa resort.

The Newcastle software company, which was set up by Sarat Pediredla and Mark Forster three years ago, has just launched the new booking engine and website for Rockliffe Hall, Darlington.

Rockliffe Hall says the software will help revolutionise the way its business functions by allowing multiple bookings across hotel rooms, spa treatments and golf tee times.

During the three month project, Hoults Yard based hedgehog lab worked closely with the resort’s development team to ensure a robust and intuitive booking system was produced.

The e-commerce solution saw the creation of a system which was compatible with the current property management software and linked to a third party secure payment partner.

hedgehog lab co founder Mark Forster said: “Working with a premium hotel like Rockliffe Hall is another great addition to our portfolio of work.

“Other than being the first booking system we have created, the real challenge was ensuring the booking system was intelligent and had a great user experience that matched the excellent service provided by Rockliffe Hall.

“What we have created is a bespoke web-based booking engine that can hook into any leisure management system used by hotels.

“This type of innovative software systems is what hedgehog lab was set up to do; it’s what we do best.”

The new booking system allows customers to search for hotel rooms, look for golf tee times and view available spa treatments. All bookings, or even bundle packages across all three facilities, can now be made online reducing administration time.

Rockliffe Hall chairman Warwick Brindle said: “Even during the competitive tender process for this project we were very impressed with hedgehog lab’s approach to the task and grasp of the brief.

“What hedgehog lab created completely met the brief, with a cost effective engine that works in real time, interfacing with the resort’s property management system, within budget.

“We are very pleased with the results; we now have an integrated website and booking engine solution in line with the style standards of Rockliffe Hall’s development team.”

Rockliffe Hall opened its doors in 2009 following a £50 million development to the site which included work on the 19th century hall.

Rockliffe Hall is one of the region’s most luxurious hotels set in Hurworth on Tees, County Durham. It boasts 61 guest bedrooms, 375 acre golf course and a 50,000 sq ft spa area.

14th September 2010 - Cornerstone Sets Sights On £3.5m In Two Years

A Stockton-based business solutions company which has more than doubled in size and won scores of industry awards in its first two years has now set its sights on hitting a £3.5m turnover by 2012.

Cornerstone Business Solutions - which was founded by Chris Petty in June 2008 - is predicting a 50pc increase on last year’s £500,000 turnover to £1m. The firm is developing an ambitious growth strategy that will see it create up to eight jobs and become one of the leading suppliers of business critical systems across the UK.

The current workforce of 10 will be reinforced with more engineers and administrative support staff.

Through a number of strategic partnerships and sub-contracting deals – details of which cannot be disclosed at this stage – Cornerstone’s turnover is set to grow to a staggering £3.5m in the next two and a half years and will see the company’s client spread go UK wide.

Mr Petty, who was crowned the 2011 Face of Entrepreneurship for Middlesbrough in the Entrepreneurs' Forum's 'If We Can You Can' campaign was determined to create a company which specialises in helping other businesses work smarter.

He says he has always put customer service and support at the forefront of Cornerstone’s offering – something he thinks is setting the business apart from the competition: “We are delighted with how Cornerstone has evolved in the last two years – it’s been something of a whirlwind with the reception we’ve received from the marketplace and of course all the award nominations and wins.

“However, we know good businesses are built on providing sustainable and consistent service and we are delighted our model works so well – so much so that our client base has grown to more than 100 companies now.

“We are in the final stages of talks with two major players which will see Cornerstone achieve even more aggressive growth over the next two years – we’ve got an excellent team on board and we just can’t wait to move on to the next stage.”

Cornerstone – which has recently moved from small, shared office premises to the prestigious MAP House at Preston Farm Industrial Estate, now employs 10 staff and boasts an enviable client list including Virgin Vie, The Map Group UK, Coors and Middlesbrough Football Club.

The company partners with global technology brands such as IBM, Lenovo, Microsoft, Cisco, Mitel and BT - to provide robust and reliable support for business critical systems.

For more information about CBS and the benefit it can provide to businesses please visit www.cornerstonebs.co.uk¹ or call 0845 2232400.

13th September 2010 - Desert Fox Janice Gets Sahara Charity Boost

AS 30-year old Janice Harvey steps up her training for a tough 100km trek across the Sahara to raise funds for the Great North Air Ambulance Service, her bosses at technology experts ITPS have stepped in by donating the £1500 raised at a recent golf day towards her sponsorship target.

Marketing executive Janice, who lives in Dunston and has worked at ITPS for six years, will join 20 other fund raisers in a nine-day trek across the Sahara, where daytime temperatures are expected to be in the 90s.

The group will be walking for around six hours each day over terrain including huge sand dunes and rocky plains, and camping out in freezing temperatures at night. They will be led by Berber tribesmen and accompanied by a small troop of camels to carry the supplies and medical kit.

“This will be a real personal challenge for me,” said Janice.

“I’m taking my fitness very seriously and have been visiting the gym at least eight times a week to do cardio and weights. I’m also doing huge walks at the weekends to build up my stamina.

“I’m doing some hill and beach walks on soft sand to get me used to walking on different types of terrain, which is hard on my legs but I’m determined to complete the walk and raise as much money as I can. I’ll be walking with my friend Lynsey McPherson, who is raising money for St Oswald’s Hospice, so hopefully we will keep each other motivated if the going gets tough.

“We’re taking everything from thermals and waterproofs to sunscreen and de-hydration tablets as the weather and temperatures can be very variable, so that’s another factor to contend with.

“I still have a lot of training to do to make sure I’m fit enough to complete the challenge and raise at least £2000, so the £1500 from my employers is a really welcome boost.

“The Air Ambulance Service does a fantastic job and receives no public funding. It’s a cause very dear to my heart as I know several people who have needed its services.

“I’m slightly nervous but incredibly excited too, it will be a fantastic experience and something to tell my future children and grandchildren about.”

George Galloway, sales director at ITPS said: “We’re calling Janice our very own Dunston Desert Fox, but on a serious note we’re very happy to be able to help her fundraising efforts for such a good cause. We wish her the very best of luck and look forward to hearing her stories about the trip when she gets back.”

Janice’s fund-raising efforts have included organising charity quiz nights, domino cards, and individual pledges from friends and family. Anyone who wants to sponsor Janice can visit her JustGiving page at: http://www.justgiving.com/JanTreksTheSahara

13th September 2010 - Analox announce a new distribution agreement

Analox Sensor Technology has announced a new distribution agreement with Amron International, a leading manufacturer and supplier of equipment for the commercial and military diving industry worldwide.

The new agreement enables Analox to offer its equipment and services to Amron’s clients. Analox will offer its complete selection of portable and fixed diving analysers, designed to ensure comprehensive life support for divers in diving bells and chambers.

Simon Lunt, Sales Manager for Analox Sensor Technology said: “Amron has become a one-stop-shop for supplies in the Commercial Diving industry, and Analox will benefit greatly from this.

“We have enjoyed a good relationship with Amron for many years and are delighted to have signed this new agreement. Each company prioritises excellence in customer service, which has helped us become leaders in our respective fields. We are confident this association will lead to a successful working relationship in the coming years.”

Mike Malone, Sales and Marketing Director for Amron International, added: “Professional divers around the world depend on high-quality products, and world-class customer service. Both Amron and Analox are committed to delivering these, and we are confident this will be a long and profitable partnership to the benefit of our clients around the world.”

Analox will benefit from Amron’s California-based customer service network from where it serves the global commercial diving industry. Analox will also have presence on Amron International’s website. Analox will continue to supply technical support and servicing from its Stokesley base to support Amron’s worldwide sales.

For more information about the Analox’s selection of products and services for the commercial diving industry, contact Simon Lunt on +44 (0)1642 711 400 or contact Mike Malone at Amron International on 1-877-462-6700.

10th September 2010 - Restaurant design company is cooking on gas with new appointment

A North East design company is about to cater for new markets after appointing a sales director to expand the business.

Nick Wain, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is returning to work in the North East to join Hebburn-based Restaurant Design Associates (RDA) after working in Costa Coffee Corporate Sales as a Channel Manager and National Account Manager for over five years. Nick has significant experience in the Foodservice market, and a major part of his career developed during his 18 years with the Mars Group where he was involved with snacks and main meal product groups.

The directors at RDA, who had worked with Nick on various projects over the past year, invited him to apply for the newly created position in order to develop the company’s customer base, pinpoint new target markets, and raise RDA’s profile locally and nationally.

Nick brings many years of experience in the contract catering sector to his new position at RDA, where he will develop the sales strategy and focus of the business.

He said: “I was very keen to join the RDA team because I have always been impressed by the style, quality and innovation of their work, plus the friendliness of the staff! I enjoyed working with them on past projects and I am delighted to take up a full time position here.

“I’m very much looking forward to taking the innovation and creativity of RDA to a wider audience, and this is also a great opportunity for me to learn more about the construction side of the company.

“I have worked in the North East in the past, when I began selling Ambrosia products at 18 years old, in villages such as Ashington and Blyth, and it’s great to be back here.”

The family firm was set up in 2007 by directors Roy and Judith Addyman, who live in South Tyneside.

Judith said: “We’re delighted to welcome Nick to the team. He impressed us with his level of experience in working with nationally renowned brands and we have grown to know his work very well over the past year.

“We have no doubt that Nick is the ideal candidate to broaden the scope of the organisation, and to further establish our reputation as being one of the leading design companies in the UK.”

RDA has a wealth of experience in the design and installation of catering and retail facilities for multi-national blue chip companies, education and NHS Trusts, contract caterers and private businesses throughout the UK.

The company recently completed the installation of a coffee bar in the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Whitehall, two cafes in London for Villani Group, and a restaurant at Scottish Power’s headquarters in Glasgow. The team has been busy working on projects at Bangor University and Coventry City FC’s ground at the Ricoh Arena.

RDA is also now working with Carillion and Robertson Construction on a number of school kitchens throughout the North East.

The firm has secured several orders for 2011 onwards, including a number of foodcourts, coffee outlets, workplace restaurants and commercial kitchens at sites such as Birmingham Hospital, Peterborough Hospital and Coventry University.

For further information about RDA, visit www.rdalimited.co.uk¹ or tel: 0844 873 4993

7th September 2010 - Explain welcome three top performers

Explain, the Newcastle based insights agency, has just added 3 new staff to its team of researchers.

Jill Pate, having just completed her MA in Human Geography at Newcastle University with a background in research, planning and finance will work in the quantitative department. She previously worked at Dickinson Dees in the planning department and her special interests are in social research. Jill will work at Explain on several accounts including CE Electric and Home.

Rachael Henderson and Chris Sutherland have joined Explain as placements for the next 12 months and each will spend time working in the qualitative and quantitative departments respectively. Rachael, from Morpeth, is currently studying business and marketing at Northumbria University whilst Chris, from Wallsend, Newcastle is studying marketing.

Rachael will work as an assistant researcher on focus groups and ‘face to face in depths’ attending the groups and interviews, writing and editing the transcripts for senior insight analysis. Chris will concentrate on large sample research and work occasionally in the Explain ‘CATI’ call centre at South Gosforth.

Lucy Swan, Head of qualitative research commented ‘We have a fantastic partnership with Northumbria and Newcastle Universities and take an obvious interest is seeing academic excellence work hand in hand with sound practical experience. Our policy of taking placements is now in its tenth year and the role they perform is as essential as ever. After a short period of induction, it’s down to work and we get a huge contribution from them and take pride in nurturing outstanding local talent’

7th September 2010 - Sadie Sets Fashion Show Date

A North East icon is celebrating her 40 years in business by organising a charity fashion show supporting breast cancer research.

Over the past four decades Sadie the Bra Lady has been fulfilling the region’s underwear needs at her North East stores, as well as helping hundreds of cancer sufferers get the support they need from their bras with her specialist mastectomy bra fittings service.

Now the award-winning businesswoman is offering a new kind of support, with a fundraising fashion show at the Rainton Meadows Arena, Houghton-Le-Spring in aid of Breast Cancer research.

All the models for the show, which is being held on October 21, 2010, are being recruited from cancer groups across the region and will include female sufferers and survivors of the disease.

They will be strutting their stuff in fashions provided by retailers from across the North East, with Sadie herself providing the underwear.

As a regular supporter of breast cancer research, Sadie donates a portion of the fees she receives from public speaking to various charities supporting the cause. She also personally trains her staff to fit women correctly and ensure they buy the right bra for them, whatever their requirements.

“I hope the fashion show will help raise awareness about women facing cancer, and give hope and self confidence to those suffering by mixing with survivors,” said Sadie.

“By using models from cancer support groups across the North East we hope it will give visitors the chance to see the kind of people their money could be helping and what a difference their donations can make.”

Tickets for the show cost £10 each. For anyone wanting to attend, for more information, tickets or enquiries about modelling please contact Sorted PR on 0191 265 6111.

Further information about Sadie is available at www.sadiethebralady.com¹