28th February 2011: Experts Dispense Innovative Solution

A traditional metal bashing plant since the 1960s has completed its latest innovative project building on its reinvention as a high tech developer of clever electro-mechanical products.

North East engineering company Tharsus Group, which employs 90 people at Blyth and Hebburn, has helped industrial consumables specialist Propeller GB to develop its idea for a unique vending machine into a marketable product.

The new Pro-Vyda machine dispenses all sizes of production parts, tools and safety equipment direct on to the shop floor.

The project saw the Peterlee-based Propeller GB approach Tharsus with its early concept for a new industrial vending machine, seeking its help in developing the idea from a prototype into a market-ready product.

Tharsus Group's engineering team worked with Propeller to develop the Pro-Vyda concept, taking it from the design and refinement stage through to detailed costings, prototypes and eventually full production.

The team believe that Pro-Vyda is unique to the market, thanks to a flexible modular design that allows full customisation of its dimensions, drawer sizes and interior layout for each client, and its use of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to link to back office inventory and costing systems.

Tharsus Group's technical director Dave Swan explained the aim behind the development: "Many of our clients come to us with a great idea for a product, but they lack the engineering expertise to take it through the development process, which is where our multi-disciplinary team of experts really add value.

"In Propeller's case, we could see the commercial potential for a vending machine that could sit closer to the actual workspace and quickly dispense parts on the spot.

"We worked with them to develop the idea to a level that would achieve the EC quality conformance mark, then went on to produce proof of concept and full prototypes for Propeller to review. The final stage was to go into full production of what is now a very marketable product that saves time and money.

"The beauty of the Pro-Vyda design is that we can customise it on Propeller's behalf for any type of tool or component, in any type of industry, and at a very late stage in the manufacturing process if necessary. It would be equally at home on a factory floor or in a hospital and it's a prime example of how we are able to bring our expertise to bear in transforming an innovative idea into a product ready for mass production."

Propeller's technology director Jon Elwell added: "Creating a way of bringing inventory to the user, whether it's on a fast-moving production line or at any other work station, saves time and money.

"Although we had the initial concept and the software solution to make it work, we needed a partner like Tharsus with the innovative approach and engineering expertise to turn a concept into a product.

"Thanks to support from a couple of rounds of investment funding we were able to go into production with Tharsus rather than create our own manufacturing facility, and we are now marketing Pro-Vyda right across the UK manufacturing sector, where take up has been very healthy.

"There is a lot of potential out there and we expect to take it to the global market within the next 12 months. We are now working with Tharsus as our manufacturing partner on our new RFID innovations."

28th February 2011: Top Award ForTech Expert

Technology solutions specialist Phil Cambers has won a top industry award in recognition of his expertise in computer virtualisation.

Phil, who is commercial director of Newcastle-based SITS Group, was presented with the coveted ‘Best Individual' award at a ceremony in London. The 2011 Partner Conference was organised by US company Quest Software, a £767million turnover business and market leader in virtualisation software and utilities.

The event brought together top-ranking virtualisation experts from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Twelve awards were presented to companies and individuals judged to be ‘best of breed' in the virtualisation management and solutions arena.

SITS Group is one of only 10 UK companies - and the only one in the North East - to be ranked as a Quest Platinum partner and licensed to sell top tier solutions. Its status is based on its advanced knowledge and experience of the Vizioncore suite of products as well as the revenue generated through product sales.

Accepting his ‘Best Individual' award, Phil said: "I'm very pleased to be accepting this award on behalf of the whole SITS team.

"Building a strategic partnership with Quest gives us a huge competitive advantage, and ultimately benefits our clients.

"Technology moves very quickly and there are new products constantly emerging onto the market. It's vital that we can offer our clients a choice of proven solutions to fit their needs and budget and because Quest invests heavily in research and development of award winning products we are confident that we are recommending market leading products as elements of our tailored solutions."

Paul Roberts, who is Europe, Middle East and Africa director at Quest Server Virtualization Group, added: "This award was presented to Phil in light of his contribution to the SITS -Quest partnership through 2010.

"Phil has been open, proactive and driven, and this attitude has permeated through the entire SITS team, resulting in not only great revenue growth but a strong partnership to drive forward in 2011.

"Phil recognises the benefits of building a strategic relationship and we are delighted in turn to recognise his own efforts and expertise with this award."

24th February 2011: North East Firm Creates Opportunities For New Talent

South Tyneside based training and business improvement Group of Companies HarperCo Ltd have taken a major step forward in recruiting the future generation of talent for the business.

The firm has created six new roles within key areas of its training, sales, data processing and vetting operations, and has recruited six talented Apprentices to fulfil them at its offices on the Monkton Business Park, Hebburn.

‘After the difficulties of the economic downturn over the past couple of years, we're really pleased to be investing in HarperCo's future in this way' said Group Chairman, David Harper. ‘We see this as a really positive step and we're excited to see what our new Apprentices can bring to the company with their enthusiasm and new perspective'.

‘A large part of the training we deliver through our training business, Talent Training UK LLP, is apprenticeship related and we fundamentally believe in the benefits Apprentices can bring to a business - large or small. By recruiting our own team of Apprentices we are showing we stand by this belief'.

Since moving to South Tyneside last year, HarperCo Ltd has steadily grown its operations and expects 2011 to see further growth.

The firm's apprentice recruitment has been welcomed by South Tyneside Council. Cllr Jim Foreman, Lead Member Children and Young People said: ‘The Council is totally committed to tackling unemployment and raising skills, especially among our young people who are the workforce of the future.

‘By taking on local apprentices, HarperCo is ensuring that our young people are given help to get on the first step of the ladder don't have to leave the area to get into training and work.'

Kane Hughes, Liam Armstrong, Sarah Clements, Chloe McHaffie, Max Kirkham and Hannah Potter all join the business on specific Apprenticeship development programmes related to their specific roles. These Apprenticeship programmes will enable them to develop the commercial and personal skills they will need to achieve their potential and develop their future careers.

David Harper adds: ‘2011 is going to be an exciting year for us so Kane, Liam, Sarah, Chloe, Max and Hannah are joining the organisation at a brilliant time in terms of what we can offer them in personal development and career opportunities'.

Sarah, 18 from South Shields said: ‘We're all really excited to be starting our Apprenticeships with HarperCo' said: ‘The roles which have been mapped out for us are really interesting and will help the company to grow'.

‘It's great to start a new job with five other people - you don't feel like you're the only new person and you've got other people to share the experience with!' added Max, 17, from Jarrow.

David Harper commented: ‘HarperCo Ltd intends to make this Apprentice recruitment an annual event within the business. ‘I'm very keen to make sure we do this each year to ensure we always have new ideas and new talent coming through the business - so this year's intake will lead the way for future generations of Apprentices - no pressure!'.

HarperCo Ltd's group companies include Talent Training UK LLP, HCO Vetting, HCO Digital and Consult. More information on the group companies and their services can be found by visitinghttp://www.hco.uk.com/.

23rd February2011: R&B Group brings science to life

Events, production and communication specialist, R&B Group arrived back home in Newcastle this week, to complete the last in a series of high profile science events.

R&B Group were contracted by client Education Live, to provide AV and production support for the events, aimed at inspiring GCSE students to take up careers in Science.

The nationwide programme, starting back in November of last year in Leicester, has seen R&B Group travel over 5000 miles, battling through some of the worst weather to hit the UK in years, in order to deliver the 13 road show style events throughout the country.

Presentations were delivered to some 20,000 school children by some of the UK's top scientists including Lord Robert Winston.

During each session, scientists each presented their cutting-edge research to the 15-16 year old students, demonstrating how science offers solutions to some of the world's greatest problems.

Barry Fox, R&B Group Director comments "It was fantastic to be awarded the contract for a second year. It's a great series of events. The weather did create an added challenge but we look forward to the autumn programme which begins in November".

Daniel Powell, Director Education Live "The work of R&B Group is essential to these events, which aim to engage young audiences in Science. We ask some of the world's most eminent scientists to speak to GCSE students, which is a good start. But, the great audio and visual set-up provided by R&B Group makes very good lectures into unforgettable ones."

22nd February 2011: Record Start To The Year For Software Company

South Shields-based software firm DEF Software has had a successful start to the year, achieving record sales amounting almost £300,000 in one month.

Despite the current economic climate DEF Software achieved a record month in January in sales of expert software to newly acquired public sector clients across the UK.

The new contracts include wins with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Norfolk County Council, Gloucester City Council and Eastbourne Borough Council.

The software contracts include DEF software systems for local authority planning, which helps improve efficiency of the planning application process; highways response, developed for highways development officers controlling work flow from initial request to final response; and building control, aiding building inspections

The young business has seen great success from the outset and quickly set up sister company DEF Apps servicing the private sector, meaning DEF is now working lucratively in both sectors.

DEF Software founder David Frame said: "We are very proud to have had such a successful start to 2011 as we move into our third year of trading.

"The business we have had in January alone has put us well ahead of our target turnover for 2011 / 2012 of £1m.

"We have continued to expand our reach across the UK with our highly beneficial software in the public sector which is how we have managed to clock up such strong sales in our first month. We are now starting our financial year with an order book just shy of £900,000.

"It is pleasing to see this achievement is from all-new clients, which demonstrates our strength of reputation is growing within local authority circles.

"DEF Apps has also taken off alongside very productively within the private sector and I believe we are well within reach of meeting the two businesses' combined target of £6m by 2015."

22nd February: Orange Bus Takes New Sage Accountancy Website Live

Creative digital agency Orange Bus has successfully completed the design and build of a website for an online subscription-based service for accounting software giant Sage.

Sage One is aimed at sole-traders and start-ups with a hosted software package sold on a monthly subscription as a secure, simple and low-cost way to manage finances. Business owners can work on invoices and VAT returns, and assess their business performance in the office or at home remotely.

Orange Bus won the competitive tender to carry out the design and build of the site, which provides a high volume of help and advice articles across all of its products. It was essential to make the site athttp://www.sageone.com/ as accessible and easy to navigate as possible to allow users to find answers online rather than via the call centre.

Julian Leighton, director at Orange Bus, says one of the keys to success with the project has been the huge emphasis on user experience: "We're delighted with the finished product but what is most exciting is to see business owners are already using it easily and effectively - and in the ways we expected they would.

"It was imperative to the success of Sage One that we effectively structure the content of the online help centre and this is a perfect example of where our user experience knowledge comes into its own."

Orange Bus continues to win prestigious contracts off the back of its specialism in both user experience and interface design, and on the strength of its creative input, strategic insights and delivery.

The firm, which recently expanded into bigger premises on Newcastle's Quayside, has an enviable client list including global names such as Barclays, Tommee Tippee, Family Lives (formerly Parentline) and most recently, international media, publishing and education company Pearson.

Simon Black, managing director of Sage Online, said: "The launch of Sage One is a significant addition to Sage's online software and services. What's most exciting about it is the feedback from our beta customers - we're providing a real boost to their business and enabling them to manage their accounts in a way that suits them.

"That's why we believe Sage One will meet and exceed the expectations of a new generation of sole traders, small businesses and entrepreneurs that see the web as a natural way to work."

Sage One marketing manager, Michael Barber, said: The guys at Orange Bus really know their stuff. We set out to deliver a great customer experience with Sage One and the work Orange Bus contributed helps us do that."

16th February 2011: NEA2F Publish Second Access To Finance Guide

Over 200 key figures from across the region gathered at the Centre for Life in Newcastle, for the launch of the second Access to Finance Guide produced by North East Access to Finance (NEA2F).

The 2011 Guide was introduced by Chairman, Hugh Morgan Williams OBE and guest speakers at the event were Sir Ian Wrigglesworth, Deputy Chairman of the Government's Regional Growth Fund and Rory Earley, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Capital for Enterprise Ltd.

Reflecting on what many have seen as a challenging year for business, Hugh Morgan Williams said "I cannot believe that it is almost a year since our first Access to Finance Guide was published in 2010. Since then, it has become an indispensable tool for fund managers, accountants and corporate finance lawyers as they seek to guide their clients through the complex web of finance initiatives both within the North East and beyond."

"SMEs (small and medium enterprises) have also benefited by having all the important information and contact details in a handy sized booklet that is duplicated on our website www.nea2f.co.uk

"Accessing finance has not got easier for SMEs during 2010. Whilst the Finance for Business funds are beginning to get to grips with financing growth businesses with equity solutions, there remains a problem for companies accessing traditional debt finance; both on demand overdraft and term loans from the high street banks."

"During the year, some of the main lenders assembled a £1.5 billion pound fund to help businesses with sales of more than £10 million pounds, but there remains a significant issue for the majority of companies beneath that threshold. Often the businesses are new, without a track record, or significant tangible assets to pledge against lending propositions from the banks that have become increasingly difficult to access for this sector."

"Nationally, the Enterprise Finance Guarantee has helped, but most businesses appear to find the security requirements onerous and the costs high. There remains a need for loan funds that target companies that the banks deem do not meet their credit criteria."

"Since the General election in May 2010 there have been a number of significant changes in the sources of money to help our stock of SMEs. Badly hit have been grant schemes that have practically disappeared from the Access to Finance guide. The main newcomer, of course, is the Regional Growth Fund which aims to help meet this Government's ambition to rebalance the economy. In addition this year, we have included a section on business support listing the main providers of help and assistance to SMEs."

Morgan Williams went on to say, "Here at NEA2F we are working on a number of schemes that we think will help business in the North East, and we will be announcing details of these throughout 2011. Of course, any changes will be reflected on our dynamic web site www.nea2f.co.uk, and we will be emailing our data base of regional contacts with regular updates."

Sir Ian Wrigglesworth, Deputy Chair of the Regional Growth fund, outlined the issues around access to finance for the region through the RGF and Rory Earley, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Capital for Enterprise set the regional scene in the context of the national picture in terms and funding for business.

*The Regional Growth Fund, which only applies to England, will operate for over 3 years from 2011 to 2014. The RGF is a £1.4bn challenge Fund, which has two objectives:

(1) To encourage private sector enterprise by providing support for projects with significant potential for economic growth and create additional sustainable private sector employment; and

(2) To support in particular those areas and communities that are currently dependent on the public sector make the transition to sustainable private sector led growth and prosperity.

**Capital for Enterprise Limited (‘CfEL') is the Government's principal centre of knowledge, expertise and information on the design, implementation and management of finance measures to support Small and Medium Size enterprises (‘SMEs') across the UK.

· North East Access to Finance.pdf [4.8MB]

4th February 2011: Explain Appoint Non Executive Director

Explain, the Newcastle based insight and research company, has appointed Stephen Slater as a non-executive Director.

Stephen, a partner in RMT chartered accountants and business advisors, is well known throughout the region, working with a variety of business and specialising in technology and digital high growth businesses. He is engaged with many of the regions Universities and high growth initiatives such as Newcastle Science City, Digital City, Codeworks and The Difference Engine.

His new role at Explain will see him work with the current directors to maximise the potential from their exciting new social media and research platform Better Communities, developed in partnership with Better Brand Agency, launched last month. The product has already attracted national clients and is expected to add over £1m in revenues in its first year.

Commenting on the appointment, Explain Managing Director David Shiel said;
"I have worked with Stephen over the last two years on projects and we have formed a strong bond based on shared beliefs. Explain faces many challenges with its new product in the high growth innovative social media market and Stephen's experience and love of working with talented young people will benefit us enormously. Like me he shares a passion for the region and his qualifications and down-to-earth approach will provide the right chemistry for what I hope will be a long and very successful relationship"

New non executive director Stephen Slater said; "I am delighted to be joining the team at Explain in a non-executive capacity. Explain is a well established and successful company, which has a really exciting future. Our aim is to capitalise on the business opportunity that social media brings".

3rd February 2011: New Recruits Mould New Future For Tharsus

Engineering and manufacturing company Tharsus is leading its innovation by employing two new members of staff who will be tasked with moulding its future success.

The two new recruits will be scrutinising all manufacturing and business processes to see where the company can improve its efficiency and quality as it moves from its metal working history into its new focus on high-tech design and manufacture of complex electro-mechanical products.

Anthony Lister, 45 and originally from Wallsend, previously worked on restoring classic Aston Martin models. He has now joined Tharsus as development and manufacturing engineer tasked with improving manufacturing processes.

Phil Hunter, 37 and originally from Washington, has joined Tharsus in an office-based role as manufacturing manager. Hunter has also previously worked in the automotive industry, as well as spending time in Norway working in the renewable energy industry with wind turbines.

Tharsus managing director Brian Palmer said: "It's great to have both Phil and Anthony join the team here at our Blyth site. They both share our vision to grow our reputation in high tech engineering and manufacturing solutions, which is even more possible with their ability to think outside the box.

"Having both gained experience in the automotive industries, they are familiar with a structured processes in manufacturing. I saw they had their own ideas on how things should be done here at Tharsus as our offering has changed and developed in recent years, so have invited them to break the mould and start afresh with our plant processes.

"Tharsus is unlike any other engineering and manufacturing company as we offer a complete solution including design, engineering, integration, manufacture, delivery and maintenance. Normally a client would have to seek a different company for each of these offerings.

"As a result, we need to have the latest thinking on processes that suit our needs to run from idea through to finished product."

Lister's role as development and manufacturing engineer involves developing prototypes and seeing products right through to the manufacturing stages. At Tharsus he works to refine these processes so that the development and assembly is carried out as efficiently as possible and to the highest quality.

Anthony said: "I have always really enjoyed my career but I saw a move to Tharsus as an opportunity to get involved in shaping the production processes at a level not available to me before.

"Aside from my new responsibilities it is a really positive environment to work in, being surrounded by people who all share the same vision for a longstanding company entering a new era, and take great pride in their jobs.

"It gives me pride to see a concept through from when it was just a drawing to the finished article and know that I have contributed to creating it."

As Phil Hunter is part of the senior management team his role oversees all manufacturing, ensuring that planning is executed to schedule and improving specific teams within the company.

Phil said: "As soon as I met with Brian Palmer I could see his attitude toward the future manufacturing industry was centred around Tharsus being highly innovative in the way products are created.

"Tharsus is very different to anywhere I have worked before and it is great to be a part of a company that feels as though it is leading the way in the future of manufacturing.

"I was brought in to join the new senior management team which has been put in place to help the company expand healthily.

"My favourite part of my job is the diversity it brings. Tharsus has the ability to work with clients from a wide variety of fields from clean tech to automotive and many other exciting sectors."

3rd February 2011: Better Investment In Local Talent

Award-winning brand agency, Better, has appointed Ryan Crawford as a Junior Designer.

Ryan, 22 of Trimdon Grange, recently graduated from Teesside University with a first class honours degree in Graphic Design. After leaving University Ryan enrolled on 10 week Graduate Internship Programme before joining the team full time.

Ryan will work alongside the agency's Creative Director, Peter Jones, on brand, creative and print design projects and has already worked with the team on a number of recent projects. Ryan joins a team that has grown from the original 3 founders in 2008 to a powerful mix of 8 individuals specialising in digital and creative.

Mark Easby, Managing Director of Better said ‘Ryan joining our team is indicative of our growth over the last 24 months. He joins us to become part of Better's studio team capable of delivering highly creative results for our clients, whilst positioning Better for further growth. As former students of the University, the directors at Better are always keen to encourage and support the retention of skills within the North East. Over the last two years we have also seen an increase in the demand for our creative and design services, and on the back of a number of client wins there was a need to expand our team. We were thrilled to be able to create a position for such a bright young talent as Ryan at the end of his placement."

Ryan said "This is a brilliant opportunity to join a growing agency and it is incredibly exciting to be working in such an innovative team straight from University. I look forward to working on some of the exciting projects that are coming up."

Within the first 24 months Better have expanded to 8 staff and is proud to have established a client base which includes NDI, Freshfayre, Philippa Gregory, Codeworks, TADEA, Teesside University, The Enterprise Team, MPI Offshore, and Northumbria University.

The company has recently been recognised in the Internet/ICT category at the 2009 nebusiness awards after scooping the Best Social Media Marketing Campaign at the 2008 North East Digital Awards, and more recently have been announced as finalists in the Best New Business Awards 2010. In addition to the core brand agency services the business has also launched Better Communities, a powerful online private brand engagement and co-creation platform that has already attracted national clients such as Scottish Power and Northumbrian Water.