21st October 2010 - Tech Experts Boost Claims Specialist's Growth Plans

Durham-based injury claims services provider Insurance Medical Group (IMG) is on track with plans to push through the £12m turnover point, after calling in technology experts ITPS to put a virtual ring of steel around the way it manages and stores millions of pieces of highly sensitive medical data on people pursuing compensation claims.

The project will see IMG save around £75,000 over the next five years, through a combination of reduced running costs and the ability to increase the capacity of its technology framework 20-fold, without the need for big investment.

The company handles 110,000 medical reports and therapy bookings a year on behalf of its legal and insurance clients. Based at Belmont Business Park, last year saw IMG launch two new service arms in addition to its core business, and it aims to create additional jobs over the next two years.

Gateshead company ITPS beat competition from several rivals to land the contract to help IMG boost its IT resilience and disaster recovery arrangements.

The new solution is based on IBM System Storage DS3300 virtualised servers using VMware software and supported by a storage area network (SAN). IMG now has eight virtual servers shared across two physical machines, either of which can manage the entire load if necessary. The new infrastructure gives IMG the tools to expand capacity by another 36 disks, giving a storage capacity of up to 25 Terabytes – 20 times more capacity than its original system.

The backup system has been moved from tape to a direct disk-to-disk system and is done in a fraction of the previous time. An extra level of security is provided through DataDomain technology, which replicates the main storage backup system offsite, at ITPS’s secure data centre.

ITPS consultant John Birch said: “We are pleased to have been able to create a solution that meets IMG’s need for a secure, easily scalable IT infrastructure that can be expanded in line with anticipated growth, and at very nominal cost.

“Server virtualisation was the obvious choice for a multi-faceted business with ambitious expansion plans. By reducing the number of physical servers into a virtual bank, we’ve been able to help IMG dramatically cut the cost of purchasing, maintenance and support of their previous server estate.

“Because it’s such a data-heavy business, we incorporated de-duplication technology to cut costs even further. Traditional methods of backup and storage can easily eat away at a company’s IT budget, particularly in the face of ever-increasing amounts of data.

“De-duplication is like squeezing a quart into a pint pot. It works by only backing up new and changed data rather than taking a system-wide backup. It allows us to compress 6.6 Terabytes of data into just 389 Gigabytes.

“This saves IMG money at every level. The system requires fewer storage devices, it takes less time to carry out the backup, and once de-duplication has condensed the storage requirement, it cuts the cost of transferring and storing the data off-site.

“If disaster should strike, the virtual servers can easily be activated and the data seamlessly retrieved without any discernable downtime.”

Tony Maxwell, IMG’s IT manager, said: “We’re very happy with the results of the project. We take data security very seriously and we chose ITPS because of its technical capabilities and track record in this area. Its experts have helped us to create a highly resilient, future proof foundation on which to take the business forward.

“Our growth plans require IT that is flexible enough to constantly adapt alongside the business, and without the need for us to continually make large investments. Because we now have that in place our in-house team will have more time to spend on activities such as software development to help us continually improve business efficiency and customer service.”

21st October 2010 - The Customer Journey From Glasgow to Liverpool

Supplying power to 4 million domestic customers and businesses across Scotland and the North West of England is a massive responsibility and Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) place huge emphasis on managing the customer journey.

Contact with them can come in several ways; loss of supply, planned interruptions, connections, complaints or a general enquiry but however mad, SPEN maps the journey the enquiry takes. They use customer journey mapping (CJM) to outline and identify interaction with the customer or ‘touch points’ as they are known. CJM visualises the process from the customer’s perspective with the ultimate objective being to meet or exceed their expectation, leaving them delighted. It is important to manage this expectation within a ‘realistic outcome’ since clearly the delay in restoring power varies according to the problem, the location and the weather. For example a winter storm in a rural area may lead to a several hour delay before supply is restored, whereas a junction box failure in an urban area in June, may be restored in less than an hour; it’s the difference between ‘the dream’ and reality and this is known as ‘the gap’.

Newcastle-based customer insight company Explain has worked with SPEN since 2006, providing customer insight and measuring ‘the gap’ is a major part of the research programme for the next two years. The programme uses Explain teams from both the qualitative and quantitative departments and the resources of the CATI centre. SPEN supplies the databases from which Explain selects customers for participation in focus groups or telephone interviews using a specially designed questionnaire.

SPEN is leading the way in monitoring the quality of service given to SME and large contract customers when they seek a quotation to provide a connection. Many organisations do not realise that this market is now open to competitive tender but taking nothing for granted, a sample of enquiries for both successful and unsuccessful tenders is regularly carried out.

The most challenging aspect of customer research is the insight process on complaints. Although small in volume, the outcomes can highlight where the service given went wrong. Managed carefully, a one to one discussion with a customer can be the most rewarding if it leads to a change in process or communication. Customers can and often do contribute in a constructive way and well handled, research can redress some of the negativity that may have formed from the initial complaint.

19th October 2010 - Time To Change In The Workplace

According to the Department of Health (DOH), 40 per cent of people who claim incapacity benefit have a mental health problem [1]. Most of them want to work - but unfortunately one DOH survey shows that only around 37 per cent of employers are willing to take on someone with a mental health problem [2].

In contrast, more than 60 per cent of employers are willing to take on someone with a physical disability.

A report from the Social Exclusion Unit paints a similarly grim picture [3]. The report suggests that 75 per cent of employers would not consider employing anyone who had a diagnosis of schizophrenia and that 55 per cent of people with a mental health problem found that stigma was a barrier to employment.

Now a new national campaign called Time to Change is trying to challenge stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health problems and encourage people to talk more about mental health in the workplace in a bid to help end mental health prejudice.

Thanks to the Time to Change programme, people like Stephen Wedderburn, from North Shields, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1984, is now speaking out about his experiences of stigma at work.

According to Stephen, family and friends that have known him from childhood don’t treat him any differently. Sadly, this is not true of other people and Stephen has found it virtually impossible to get a job due to the stigma around his mental illness.

Having studied for three years gaining a degree in environmental management, Stephen knows he has the ability to work but says he gets very few job interviews and is tired of being knocked back.

“I am often discriminated against by potential employers because of my illness. I am completely honest in declaring my mental health problem on application forms as I want people to be aware of my condition – why should I hide it? It makes me who I am,” he said.

“I understand that some employers could be nervous because they fear people with mental illness as being violent. I, however, would not hurt a fly. I am the gentlest person you could wish to meet and avoid trouble at all costs.”

Although the Government says it wants to help people with mental health problems back to work, a recent DOH survey into attitudes to mental illness found that respondents were far less likely to be comfortable talking to an employer about their mental health than a friend or family member (39 per cent versus 69 per cent) [4].

Sue Baker, Director of Time to Change, said: “For many of the 1 in 4 people that experience mental health problems, it is discrimination rather than the illness than becomes the biggest obstacle to overcome. Stigma can even prevent people with mental health problems from starting a career or being promoted.

“Mental health problems are a common part of life in the 21st century, and we all know someone who has a mental health problem, whether we realise it or not. The stigma surrounding mental illness can make it hard for people to speak out - this is one of our last great taboos in the workplace.”

Time to Change is a nationwide campaign led by leading mental health charities Mind and Rethink and funded by £16m from the Big Lottery Fund and £4m from Comic Relief. The campaign in the north east is being supported by NHS North East through the New Leaf New Life programme.

Time to Get Moving events, which bring people together to get active and challenge stigma, will be happening across the region all week. To find out more go to http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/what-were-doing/get-moving

Employment and mental health – Facts and Figures
• It is estimated that stress related illness is costing the NHS between £300 and £400 million every year [5].
• According to the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, the total cost of mental health problems is around £77 billion per year.
• Around 6.8 million people of working age in the UK are disabled [6]. This is around 20 per cent of the working age population.
• More than 2.5 million individuals receive incapacity benefit and/or severe disability allowance [7].
• Close to one million people are claiming incapacity benefit due to mental health problems [8].
• People who are disabled because of mental health problems have lower employment rates than all other disabled groups.
• Only around 20 per cent of people with mental health problems are in employment [9].

19th October 2010 - Callstream joins Bluebell Telecom as part of newly formed Bluebell Telecom Group

Callstream has joined the newly formed Bluebell Telecom Group to provide inbound call services as part of Bluebell’s strategic drive into the unified communications market. Callstream becomes the first company to join the group whilst retaining its own brand and operations, as part of a wider ‘buy and build’ strategy operated by Bluebell.

Bluebell has built a reputation for market-leading managed services in the retail, hospitality and care markets, in particular helping organisations rationalise costs and consolidate services. It operates direct and indirect sales channels and has developed innovative partnerships with organisations ranging from retail franchise owners to systems integrators.

The move will see Callstream retaining its operations, customers and staff, whilst also forming part of a wider unified communications offer from Bluebell. Callstream founder, Mark Drury, will continue to manage the business, supported by the existing team in Warwickshire, and will also join Bluebell's board.

The completion of the Callstream deal not only brings the Bluebell Telecom Group a strong blue-chip customer base, but also marks another significant milestone in the company’s ‘buy and build’ drive into the unified communications space.
In five years, Bluebell has grown its turnover from £1m to £11m. The acquisition is the first to be funded from this significant warchest, secured from YFM Private Equity, Octopus Ventures and Natwest. The deal brings Callstream’s fully-managed inbound telecommunications service and powerful cloud-based platform to the group.

“Callstream has a reputation for providing high-quality cloud-based inbound call solutions into contact centre environments, which fits perfectly with our wider strategy of becoming the UK’s number one provider of unified communications in our key verticals,” says Michael Smith, Bluebell Director. “Large and medium-sized businesses increasingly want to appoint a single communications provider with the experience, capability and a track record of delivering all their voice and data requirements.”

“We represent an alternative option to vendors that might be considering an exit to the likes of Spiritel or Daisy. We are dedicated to investing in solid companies and working closely with them on an ongoing basis, rather than merely acquiring and absorbing customer bases. This approach is clearly illustrated in the deal with Callstream,” said Mick Crosthwaite, Bluebell Director.

Callstream Director Mark Drury added: “Joining the Bluebell Telecom Group gives us the opportunity to continue our strategy of growth whilst delivering the same high quality of service to our current clients. We feel this is a new and sustainable approach to a fast-moving and rapidly changing market.”

More information on Bluebell Telecoms can be found at www.bluebelltelecom.com and Callstream at www.callstream.com

18th October 2010 - Newcastle Students Design Own Future

Students from Newcastle and Northumbria Universities have helped shape how enterprise education will be delivered nationally in a new programme to help bridge the ever widening gap between university and a crucial first job.

As part of a national review of its programmes the Young Enterprise ‘Start-up’ Programme has launched this month after students, their business mentors and lecturers from local universities were chosen to help make the former Graduate Programme fit more closely with the reality of starting a business.

The students have been chosen to pilot the new programme, which is supported by global bank Santander, and will see them working more closely with business owners in the region.

Through working together to set up and run their own companies and with mentoring from Young Enterprise North East business volunteers, students taking part in the programme will gain vital first-hand experience of business.

Young Enterprise North East chief executive Catherine Marchant said: “With the job market remaining an increasingly competitive place for graduates, Young Enterprise has launched the Start-up Programme to universities in the North East this month.

“Research shows that nearly two-thirds of UK businesses have found employees joining from University are lacking in business acumen and commercial awareness.

“As the coalition Government beds down and economic uncertainty continues, it is essential we ensure our future workforce is prepared to help the North East compete globally.

“We are in danger of failing our young people by not providing them with the necessary business skills and experience they need to succeed. A workforce lacking in business acumen simply cannot drive an economic recovery.

“But it seems the recession has spawned a new entrepreneurial spirit. These young people aren’t waiting for a job to land in their lap but creating their own opportunities. Recessions, as many top business people will know, can lead to people exploiting niches, creating new business models or going it alone- and this is what the new Start-up Programme aims to inspire graduates to do.”

Newcastle University lecturer Katie Wray, who was involved in consultation process of the new Start-up programme said: “At university, students are used to living on very little, so it’s not much of a sacrifice for them to go on doing that while they build up their own company. It’s sink or swim for thousands of gradates, the new Young Enterprise Start-up programme means it’s graduates will be more equipped to enter the real world and see the recession as an opportunity.

“Students and graduates should seek support, have a go at starting their own business or learn to be more entrepreneurial within one.

“Unfortunately a university degree in itself is no longer a passport to a great career, these days you need more than that and participating in the entrepreneurial activities whilst at university is one piece of advice I would give to people going to university this year.

“There has never been a better time to think imaginatively and create your own future."

The survey, carried out by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, found that employers would like to see their employees more equipped with leadership skills, customer services skills, communication and interpersonal skills and work ethic.

With graduates fearing more than ever that they won’t be able to bag the job they want, Young Enterprise North East is calling on universities and businesses across the region to work together and ensure that graduates are equipped with the confidence, ability and ambition to be the driving force behind the North East’s economic recovery.

For more information about how universities can get involved with Start-up Programme visit www.young-enterprise.org.uk.

One person who has gone through the Start up programme and has set up their own business as a result is Pip Lawrence: Case Study Below:

CASE STUDY

Part of the Northumbria University student team that set up vintage clothing company Mango Moon, young entrepreneur Phillip Lawrence has used the experience he gained to go on to set up the successful Naughty Knitwear Company.

As part of the Young Enterprise North East Start Up programme (formerly known as Graduate Programme), Phillip worked alongside his third year team mates to get to grips with business planning, raising finance, marketing and a range of other issues involved in running a business.

The Mango Moon team was supported by business mentor Sheila Walker, who owns Gosforth-based vintage clothing agency the Dressing Room, and whose years of experience in the fast-moving clothing sector made her input invaluable.

By the end of the year-long project Mango Moon was firmly established as a thriving name in the North East vintage and retro clothing market, with a band of devoted clients.

Graduating in summer 2010 with a 2:1 in Business Management, Phillip said: “I learnt such a lot by setting up Mango Moon. Not just in terms of how to go about raising finance for example, but also about assessing what I wanted to do, and about taking calculated risks to get there.

“I’d always wanted to be my own boss, but before the YENE programme I had no real idea how to go about it. Setting up a business is portrayed as scary, mainly because it’s an unknown quantity. But the biggest thing I learnt was that it’s all do-able, if you have the right advice and support.

“YENE gave me the toolkit – and the confidence - to go ahead and set up a business on my own, which I couldn’t have done before. I was busy setting up the Naughty Knitwear Company before I graduated, and six months down the line I’m busy selling at vintage and craft markets around the region, as well as building up an online presence through Facebook and Twitter.

“Now that the business is taking off I’ve also got plans to launch another idea, which is something I could never have seen myself doing if I hadn’t been part of the Start Up programme.”

http://naughtyknitwearcompany.blogspot.com

18th October 2010 - Time To Change In The Workplace

According to the Department of Health (DOH), 40 per cent of people who claim incapacity benefit have a mental health problem [1]. Most of them want to work - but unfortunately one DOH survey shows that only around 37 per cent of employers are willing to take on someone with a mental health problem [2].

In contrast, more than 60 per cent of employers are willing to take on someone with a physical disability.

A report from the Social Exclusion Unit paints a similarly grim picture [3]. The report suggests that 75 per cent of employers would not consider employing anyone who had a diagnosis of schizophrenia and that 55 per cent of people with a mental health problem found that stigma was a barrier to employment.

Now a new national campaign called Time to Change is trying to challenge stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health problems and encourage people to talk more about mental health in the workplace in a bid to help end mental health prejudice.

Thanks to the Time to Change programme, people like Stephen Wedderburn, from North Shields, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1984, is now speaking out about his experiences of stigma at work.

According to Stephen, family and friends that have known him from childhood don’t treat him any differently. Sadly, this is not true of other people and Stephen has found it virtually impossible to get a job due to the stigma around his mental illness.

Having studied for three years gaining a degree in environmental management, Stephen knows he has the ability to work but says he gets very few job interviews and is tired of being knocked back.

“I am often discriminated against by potential employers because of my illness. I am completely honest in declaring my mental health problem on application forms as I want people to be aware of my condition – why should I hide it? It makes me who I am,” he said.

“I understand that some employers could be nervous because they fear people with mental illness as being violent. I, however, would not hurt a fly. I am the gentlest person you could wish to meet and avoid trouble at all costs.”

Although the Government says it wants to help people with mental health problems back to work, a recent DOH survey into attitudes to mental illness found that respondents were far less likely to be comfortable talking to an employer about their mental health than a friend or family member (39 per cent versus 69 per cent) [4].

Sue Baker, Director of Time to Change, said: “For many of the 1 in 4 people that experience mental health problems, it is discrimination rather than the illness than becomes the biggest obstacle to overcome. Stigma can even prevent people with mental health problems from starting a career or being promoted.

“Mental health problems are a common part of life in the 21st century, and we all know someone who has a mental health problem, whether we realise it or not. The stigma surrounding mental illness can make it hard for people to speak out - this is one of our last great taboos in the workplace.”

Time to Change is a nationwide campaign led by leading mental health charities Mind and Rethink and funded by £16m from the Big Lottery Fund and £4m from Comic Relief. The campaign in the north east is being supported by NHS North East through the New Leaf New Life programme.

Time to Get Moving events, which bring people together to get active and challenge stigma, will be happening across the region all week. To find out more go to http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/what-were-doing/get-moving¹

Employment and mental health – Facts and Figures

• It is estimated that stress related illness is costing the NHS between £300 and £400 million every year [5].

• According to the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, the total cost of mental health problems is around £77 billion per year.

• Around 6.8 million people of working age in the UK are disabled [6]. This is around 20 per cent of the working age population.

• More than 2.5 million individuals receive incapacity benefit and/or severe disability allowance [7].

• Close to one million people are claiming incapacity benefit due to mental health problems [8].

• People who are disabled because of mental health problems have lower employment rates than all other disabled groups.

• Only around 20 per cent of people with mental health problems are in employment [9].

18th October 2010 - Entrepreneurs Rock Up £35k Charity Donation

Charitable entrepreneurs were pick of the pops this month as they donated an impressive £35,000 in one evening to boost the health of teenagers suffering from cancer across the North East. The fundraising has now swelled the amount raised by the Forum over the last seven years to an incredible £500,000.

The impressive total, in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust - a charity devoted to improving the lives of young people with cancer - was raised by members of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum at their latest annual charity ball. This year’s ball celebrated the very best in rock and pop history at the event, entitled “Teenage Kicks all Through the Night”, which was hosted by legendary music maestro and former Radio One veteran Mike Read.

Around 300 of the region’s business people and their guests gathered for the popular event, which was held for the seventh time at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead. Guests were greeted with a Supernova champagne reception and a rock and pop themed menu to rival the culinary alchemist himself Heston Blumenthal!

And the generosity of guests throughout the evening – bidding for auction prizes and taking part in a series of themed games – led to the fantastic sum, which was added to the £50,000 raised by a group of the Forum members and associates who trekked to Everest Base Camp in May.

Guests were treated to a top notch bill of entertainment which spanned the many musical eras, with special guests OMD, who had fans old and new packed onto the dance-floor as they played out an array of their hits from a back catalogue spanning 30 years, including the hugely popular Enola Gay.

And through the strong music industry links Teenage Cancer Trust have, via their patron Roger Daltrey, brought tribute bands The Whodlums and The Acoustic Beatles, who also welcomed ex-Coronation Street actress Angie Lonsdale on stage to sing the Beatles classic ‘Something’.

Carole Beverley, CEO of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum said:

“Our charity ball always brings out the very best in our members and sponsors and I never cease to be amazed by the generosity which flows through the Forum. Given the tough economic times many in business are facing right now, I am overwhelmed by the exceptional giving of many of our members and their guests this year in helping us to raise this substantial amount for a very worthy charity. The charity has achieved so much in the North East and across the UK with its appeals and the monies raised from this event will go a long way towards funding the refurbishment of a new eight-bed unit at The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

“I am delighted we have been able to support this amazing charity and I’d like to thank all those who came to help us this year. The grand total raised is superb and we know it will have a positive impact on the lives of so many teenagers here in the North East. We wish them much success with their continued fundraising.”

Angie Jenkison, Teenage Cancer Trust’s Regional Appeals Manager said

“We were thrilled the Entrepreneurs’ Forum chose Teenage Cancer Trust as their beneficiaries this year.

“Thanks to the generous donation from the Forum, we are well on our way to the £200,000 needed to fund our new eight-bed unit at The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

I would like to say a huge thank you to all the people who donated auction prizes, all the guests who dug deep into their pockets and all the volunteers and staff of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum who helped pull the event together. This money will really make a huge difference to the lives of local young cancer patients.”

18th October 2010 - Local Firm Appoints New Director

Local Recruitment Agency Recruitment Now is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Director. Working along side the business owner Sarah Nixon, Richard Froggatt (firp) has almost twenty years experience in the recruitment sector.

Richard brings a wealth of knowledge and management experience having held Board positions with both national and SME recruitment businesses. Holding Fellowship status of the Institute of Recruitment Professionals, Richard is passionate about ethical and efficient recruitment practice, supported by outstanding customer and candidate service.

Owner Sarah Nixon’s says, “After steady growth for 7 years since the firm was established in 2003, we have now reached a whole new level of trading. With over 200 full time agency workers and 10 consultants in the office, I have certainly reached my personal capacity to manage the business alone. Many a successful business owner has attributed their success to recruiting managers and people who are smarter and cleverer than them in order top grow their business with them. I felt that it was about time to call in an expert here at Recruitment Now! I am pleased to see that my business has retained its personality and my personal ethics over the 7 years; it is now my intention, with Richards support to grow the business to new heights in terms of turnover and capability.

15th October 2010 - Trio of Awards For Forum Members

It was an evening of celebration for several members of the Entrepreneurs' Forum at the Sunderland Echo Portfolio Awards last night.

Thompson Building Centres - run by members Anne and Brent Ganley - scooped the Business of the Year award. It capped a year of achievement for managing director Anne, who has already completed a charity trek to Everest Base Camp and scooped the prestigious Entrepreneurs' Forum Entrepreneur of the Year Award in May.

Also taking away an award was Darren Williams from Seaham-based Hair X-Tensions Limited. Darren won the Entrepreneur of the Year category and this again followed earlier success, coming a few months after he triumphed in the Sunderland Echo region 'Face of Entrepreneurship' through the Forum's If We Can You Can Challenge.

Maureen Lindberg from PPM also won the New Business award, capping a night of success for Forum members.

13th October 2010 - Gok Wan enjoys a unique visit to Tyneside

There was Gok fever in Gateshead last month as the How to Look Good Naked star helped uniquethinking to launch Vodafone’s World of Difference Campaign.

The team at uniquethinking had been kept busy over the few months organising the launch but all that hard work paid off as Gok met local north east charities and press without a rain cloud in sight. Uniquethinking worked closely with Gateshead council and the local media to ensure that the launch went smoothly and that the campaign received all the media attention it deserved.

Gok Wan on his UK Vodafone city tour stopped in Gateshead to meet local charities and participants from the 2010 campaign. Last year’s winners from North East charities such as Coco, St. Oswald’s Hospice, National Trust and BookAid for Africa were keen to tell Gok how worthwhile the experience was, generating great media coverage and encouraging others to get involved.

Sam Hook, managing director of uniquethinking, said: “Gok was really down to earth and a pleasure to work with. He was quick to make everyone present feel comfortable, which really helped generate great interviews with last year’s winners and local charities to promote the campaign”.

Vodafone’s exclusive campaign offers 500 UK entrants the chance to be paid to work for the charity of their choice for two months to make a difference in their local communities. The placement runs from March 2011 and is open to anyone over the age of 18 in the UK until the November 23.

Applications are now open at www.Vodafone.co.uk/worldofdifference

12th October 2010 - Eliesha Launch Equality Act Awareness Sessions

October saw the single biggest piece of discrimination law to be introduced in the UK in the form of The Equality Act 2010. It is a significant piece of legislation which brings together current discrimination legislation and strengthens equality protections for employees.

To help organisations prepare for the changes and how it will affest their businesses, Elisha Training are running two sessions on 10th November.

The sessions aim to address the three key questions everybody wants to know about the new Equality Act:

1. What is the Act about

2. What does it really mean to my organisation

3. What will happen if we don't implement it?

The sessions are designed for senior managers and HR professionals. The three hour interactive session will be delivered by an expert in Equality and Diversity and will answer any questions in a clear and concise manner which will assist in the making of important changes back in the workplace.

The sessions will take place at Eliesha Training's Newcastle Business Park HQ from 9am - 12pm and 1.30pm - 4.30pm on 10th November.

The cost to attend a session is £35 + VAT, which includes breakfast/lunch and refreshments.

Places are limited so Elisha advise to book quickly on 0191 282 2800 or by emailing business@eliesha.com

You can also find out more about Eliesha by visiting their website www.eliesha.com

12th October 2010 - New Surveying Firm Aims To Be Top Class

A new building surveying consultancy is aiming to take the North East’s property sector by storm with a design-led focus that will differentiate its services from established industry players.

Harrow Consulting LLP has been formed by Graeme Harker and Nick Rowling, who were both looking for new challenges after several years with a well-known building surveying consultancy in Newcastle. With 20 years’ experience between them, the pair decided that it time to branch out on their own and Harrow is already going from strength to strength.

“Right from the beginning, we set out to build a unique niche for Harrow, with a focus on high quality design and client-led working,” said Graeme, whose CV includes development projects worth up to £150 million. “We aim to offer tailored services that will suit all potential clients from small building projects to major infrastructure programmes.”

Harrow – an acronym of Harker and Rowling – has moved into new offices at Hoults Yard, Newcastle, and the duo already have plans to make additions to the team as their client portfolio continues to expand.

“We want to offer a service that combines mainstream building surveying with architectural elements and 3D imagery, ensuring that the design and construction processes run together like clockwork,” said Nick. “We’re very focused on value and delivery, with all clients receiving the same levels of service regardless of their budget and requirements.”

One of the first projects Harrow has taken on is very close to home as the company has been appointed to work on a £1m development of part of the Hoults Yard site, which is being transformed into a new European corporate headquarters for a creative firm. This brief includes helping to plan and oversee all aspects of the work from re-roofing to internal fit-out.

“We decided to approach the Harrow team soon after they moved in as we like to work with our clients and support them wherever possible,” said Charlie Hoult, Managing Director of Hoults Yard. “I’ve been very impressed by their professional approach and the support they have given in helping us to deliver this major project on time and within budget.

“Harrow’s vision chimes with our ambitions for Hoults Yard. They are already working collaboratively with a number of our other clients – further reinforcing the creative and commercial hub. It’s great to see that a ‘village vibe’ can generate more business for all concerned!”

More information on Harrow LLP can be found at www.harrowllp.com or by calling the team on (0191) 265 5583.

7th October 2010 - Regional partnerhsip to boost growth for collaborators

Two North East companies have entered into a partnership worth £2m over the next four years.

Contact centre and fulfilment specialist, Spark Response has secured a contract to provide support to EthicalSuperstore.com, the UK’s leading online retailer of ethical, fair trade and eco-friendly lifestyle products.

The new contract is valued at around £2m over 4 years and will support the ethical retailer from Spark’s Gateshead base at Follingsby Park, transferring the campaign from its current in-house-managed operation at Team Valley, also in Gateshead.

Spark was awarded the contract following a competitive pitch and as a result of its recent expansion and growing reputation as one of the UK’s leading and most respected outsourced service providers to the e-commerce industry. Spark has been managing inbound customer service and order calls for the retailer since March, with fulfilment of its e-commerce and catalogue home shopping orders following in September.

EthicalSuperstore.com stocks ethically-sourced, fair trade and eco-friendly products from leading brands including People Tree, Burt’s Bees, ECover and TraidCraft among others, as well as partner brands Natural Collection, Suma Co-operative, Divine Chocolate and Guardian Eco Store

The company’s current portfolio includes over 5,000 products covering fashion, health and beauty, electrical appliances, food and drink, sport and outdoor equipment, electrical appliances, books, music and DVD’s, children’s toys, home and garden accessories and stationery and office supplies.

Peter Slee, managing director, Spark Response said: “Ethical Superstore is the leading online retailer in a growing market sector and we are delighted at securing the contract to service the company’s contact centre and e-commerce fulfilment requirements. As we continue to operate in a challenging and unpredictable economic climate, to add another market leader to our existing portfolio of high profile brands and organisations is strategically crucial for our business.”

Story courtesy of www.bdaily.info

5th October 2010 - Spot the ECO-TRAIN as Carbon Abatement Technology is introduced to the Rail Industry

The search is on for a train operator to undertake a free trial of the latest fuel and emissions reduction technology for diesel locomotives in the UK and Europe.

The search begins today to find a train operator that will test the latest Carbon Abatement Technology to address the problems faced by rail operators to reduce their environmental impacts as a consequence of their business operations. To date there has been nothing like the technology offered by Middlesbrough based Carbon Abatement Technology, which is a trading arm of Re-Freshco Ltd.

The technology has been designed to increase fuel efficiency and lower diesel particulate matter emissions. Using waste energy from the diesel engine the, ECO-CAT as it is known will use proven scientific principals to deliver its benefits during operation on passenger and freight trains across Europe.

Derek Foxcroft, MD of Carbon Abatement Technology said “Disruptive Technology has been called for to help us all save money and reduce our everyday impacts on this planet. ECO-CAT will deliver these savings for almost all petrol and diesel transport applications especially in road, rail and bus transport industries.”

ECO-CAT is a retro-fit technology which allows vehicle operators to “plug and play” with the ECO-CAT specifically designed for their application and gain immediate benefits from the technology. There is, according to Mr. Foxcroft “Nothing like this in the market today, we are the sole European source of the ECO-CAT”. The search will encompass long and short haul rail operators. Additional transport applications are available according to the company for Bus and Commercial Vehicles fleets.

5th October 2010 - Spot the ECO-TRAIN as Carbon Abatement Technology is introduced to the Rail Industry

The search is on for a train operator to undertake a free trial of the latest fuel and emissions reduction technology for diesel locomotives in the UK and Europe.

The search begins today to find a train operator that will test the latest Carbon Abatement Technology to address the problems faced by rail operators to reduce their environmental impacts as a consequence of their business operations. To date there has been nothing like the technology offered by Middlesbrough based Carbon Abatement Technology, which is a trading arm of Re-Freshco Ltd.

The technology has been designed to increase fuel efficiency and lower diesel particulate matter emissions. Using waste energy from the diesel engine the, ECO-CAT as it is known will use proven scientific principals to deliver its benefits during operation on passenger and freight trains across Europe.

Derek Foxcroft, MD of Carbon Abatement Technology said “Disruptive Technology has been called for to help us all save money and reduce our everyday impacts on this planet. ECO-CAT will deliver these savings for almost all petrol and diesel transport applications especially in road, rail and bus transport industries.”

ECO-CAT is a retro-fit technology which allows vehicle operators to “plug and play” with the ECO-CAT specifically designed for their application and gain immediate benefits from the technology. There is, according to Mr. Foxcroft “Nothing like this in the market today, we are the sole European source of the ECO-CAT”. The search will encompass long and short haul rail operators. Additional transport applications are available according to the company for Bus and Commercial Vehicles fleets.

5th October 2010 - 'Schizo' Film Challenges Students In The Art Of Film Making

Budding film makers from Newcastle College are working alongside a top North East film production house and NHS staff in a competition to produce an anti stigma film as part of a region-wide campaign to help end mental health discrimination.

Time to Change - England’s most ambitious programme to end mental health prejudice – is running a competition for advanced TV and media production students from the school of Creative Industries at the college to create a storyboard to tackle the issue of mental health discrimination in a 60-second film.

In their first briefing session, held this week, students watched the Time to Change campaign’s challenging promotional Schizo film – a horror movie style trailer - which was produced to overturn misconceptions that people with schizophrenia are violent.

Students will now work in groups to produce a storyboard of their own interpretation of Schizo - the movie and will be given two weeks to prepare a pitch presentation to a panel of judges including; Alisdair Cameron team leader for mental health service user involvement network Launchpad, Fabienne Riener head of production Superkrush Films and mental health service user Stephen O’Driscoll.

Time to Change director Sue Baker said: “The Schizo movie was designed to attract members of the public who don't realize they are causing stigma and discrimination.

“Evidence shows that provocative films make a big difference to attitudes and I’m sure the winning concept that the Newcastle College students come up with will go a long way to reducing the stigma associated with mental health problems."

The winning group will get to film and edit their video with Superkrush Films in a professional studio setting.

4th October 2010 - Eliesha Extend Bite Size Breakfast Sessions

A Newcastle-based training company is launching another series of it’s free ‘Bitesize’ breakfast seminars following a successful trial.

Eliesha Training, who count HM Treasury, DVLA and the MoD amongst their clients, will run the sessions for key decision-makers to assist them in leading their organisations effectively through business challenges.

The sessions will run from 8.30 – 10.00am at Eliesha’s state-of-the-art training premises on Newcastle Business Park and include breakfast and refreshments.

The key dates are:

5th October 2010 THINK: Projects
Develop your skills and knowledge to manage projects effectively.

19th October 2010 THINK: Stress Management
Taking the stress out of stress management.

9th November 2010 THINK: Health and Safety
Myths and facts – the truth behind health and safety.

30th November 2010 THINK: Performance
Are performance issues affecting your organisation? Inspire great performance from your staff.

If you are a key decision maker and would like to attend the sessions please email Eliesha Training at business@eliesha.com or call their team to confirm your place on 0191 282 2800.

4th October 2010 - blackswan expands with new Newcastle office

blackswan, global leaders in business innovation and transformation, have expanded their homestead. With a presence on Grey Street, arguably the most dominant business street in the North, for the past 4 years the time had come for a new land grab. The latest addition to the blackswan bevy may only be five doors down the street from the previous Newcastle base but is a bravura leap for the firm.

The new slick and expansive open plan office landscape, with pods of team activity creates an innovative and exciting dynamic. Not to mention an excellent space for a launch party.

On the evening of 16th September major local, national and global clients were a part of the strong attendance for the official office launch. While the champagne flowed the attendees were not only spoilt with snippets of gastronomic glory but also by the inspiring words of the company CEO Maurice Duffy.

Maurice walked an engrossed audience through the life of blackswan- from humble beginnings in Clerkenwell to the vast global operation it is today.

Attendees were able to get a full understanding of blackswan’s comprehensive transformation solutions and the range of products and services currently offered, from talent acquisition and development through executive coaching, and innovation and process improvement. In addition there was an opportunity to get stuck into some of the online assessments and tools blackswan have available with the guidance of the teams who designed and built them.

In conjunction with the launch of their user-friendly and glossy new website, www.globalblackswan.com¹ blackswan’s continuing quest is set to shake up the way we do business.

1st October 2010 - Young Enterprise Gives Emily The Green Light For Business Idea

A former secretary has left behind her desk job in favour of her own coaching business after her enterprise spark was lit by enterprise education provider Young Enterprise North East (YENE).

Twenty-three-year-old Emily Keep from Jesmond, Newcastle quit her job as a senior secretary nine weeks ago and has seen her new business coaching company – Green Stag Solutions –go from concept to launch in just six weeks.

Emily, who completed the YENE Company Programme – where pupils set up and run their own trading business in an academic year - whilst at school five years ago, says she wouldn’t have had the confidence to set up the business without the enterprise course.

Green Stag Solutions director Emily Keep said: “I left education and tried to work in the corporate world but it just wasn’t for me. Enterprise and the urge to want to set up my own business got the better of me and so I left my full time job to concentrate on setting up Green Stag Solutions and working for myself.

“Young Enterprise North East certainly lit that enterprise spark for me and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the encouragement and inspiration from the business volunteers.”

Green Stag Solutions is a personal and business coach and motivational speaking service which helps people overcome barriers and achieve goals. It also has an organisational arm, where Emily helps people de-clutter and reorganise their home after specific life events such as bereavement or children leaving home or people who just want to re-organise their wardrobes.

Emily has already built strong client relationships including business professionals and an international athlete. Emily says she wishes to expand her business by doing coaching sessions in schools and recruiting staff so she can outsource her services.

After graduating with a music degree and performing in some of the nation’s top venues, Emily set up the business understanding the pressure that comes from performing at high levels and maintaining a balanced life. Emily completed a life coaching course at Newcastle College and is now studying for her neuro linguistic programming certificate and a coaching and mentoring course from the Institute of Leadership and Management.

Emily said: “Young Enterprise North East opened my eyes to the highs and lows of running a small business as well as developing skills such as teamwork, creating brand identity and working with the public.

“The skills I learned during the Young Enterprise Programme were very influential in my decision to set up my business, hence the reason I now want to take my business coaching skills into schools to help young people succeed. It is crucial for students to interact with members of the business community to understand how the local economy is fuelled.”

Young Enterprise North East chief executive Catherine Marchant said: “With such a great success story, Emily is a role model and a positive result of Young Enterprise’s work throughout the region. Emily plans to give something back to Young Enterprise by promoting enterprise in the North East and delivering programmes within schools.”

The Young Enterprise North East Company Programme aims to teach and inspire young people to develop creative and successful business ideas. North East business people volunteer their time to mentor those participating. The programme creates an important link between young people and successful business leaders so that knowledge, skills and contacts can be passed on.

Emily is also an affiliate of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

1st October 2010 - North East production company stages

Events, production and communication specialists, R&B Group return to London’s Roundhouse this year, for the staging of The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize.

R&B Group were thrilled to be approached by long standing client RIBA and awarded the event production for the seventh consecutive year.

The technical team will provide full production in High Definition for Saturday’s ‘Live’ televised event, which this year moves from Channel Four to BBC2. Seven projection screens will be provided, along with lighting, sound, custom built stage set and all on-screen graphics.

Presented by host Kevin McCloud, the RIBA Stirling Prize, in association with The Architects’ Journal will be awarded to the architect of the building that has made the greatest contribution to British architecture in the past year.

Project Manager, Richard Goodaire said “I’m looking forward to returning to the Roundhouse - it’s a great venue to work in. The timescales are tight with the show installed, operated and removed within 48 hours but working on any ‘live’ television programme gives you a great buzz. It will certainly be a busy yet rewarding weekend”