21st July 2011: Activity Holiday Specialist Launches Northern Lights Experience

Morpeth based activity holiday specialist Activities Abroad are set for expansion after launching The Aurora Zone, ten holidays based around experiencing the wonder of the Northern Lights at a time when NASA are forecasting the best Auroras for 50 years.

Director Alistair McLean, Marketing Manager Steph Eddy and the company's Product Development Managers spent time in Norway, Finland and Sweden earlier this year. They researched accommodation, transportation and other optional activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, tours of the IceHotel, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and more. Aurora experts have been brought in to explain the phenomenon and to help travelers photograph the lights.

The resulting Northern Lights holiday packages provide unique opportunities to ‘Chase the Northern Lights' in the company of an expert local guide. The latest technology is employed to predict the latest weather and Auroral forecasts as well as locate the best viewpoints.

Activities Abroad managing director Alistair McLean says:

"We have been taking parties on activity holidays to Norway, Finland and Sweden for eight years so we know first hand that to see the Northern Lights is a stunning experience. Many of our holiday makers tell us they are among their most treasured memories, so it made sense to organise dedicated Northern Lights holidays. One of the most impressive aspects of the experience is the fact that the lights are never the same twice since they change depending on the ferocity of the sun's activity, solar winds and the altitude at which they collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere. We are the only company in the UK to offer this type of comprehensive Northern Lights holiday. Our website only went live earlier this month but we are already taking bookings, many from people who have been on our activity holidays and want to spend time chasing the Northern Lights".

Activities Abroad Ltd was founded in 2002 and is based in Stannington, Northumberland. The company arranges activity holidays in 18 countries and employs 10 staff from its base. Activities Abroad is currently short listed for four awards in the British Travel Awards in the following categories: Best Specialist Special Interest/Adventure Tour Operator, Best Specialist Ski & Winter Sports Tour Operator, Best Specialist Adult-only Tour Operator, Small Tour Operator of the Year.

Activities Abroad anticipates that the launch of The Aurora Zone will create two new jobs at its Stannington head office and three more in Scandinavia.

8th June 2011: North East Lettings Agency Best in UK

A North East lettings agency has been recognised as the best in the whole of the UK for the way it manages properties on behalf of both landlords and tenants.

Paul Airey Chartered Surveyors and Estates Agency is UK Letting Agent of the Year in the annual awards sponsored by the prestigious Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

The judges contacted more than 100 of the landlords and tenants who are managed by Paul Airey - which has offices in Sunderland and North Shields. It was their endorsements which won the top prize presented by Phil Spencer of Channel 4s "Location, Location, Location" programme at a ceremony at the Hilton Park Lane Hotel in London.

Nationwide more than 26,000 landlords and tenants were contacted by the judges making the competition the biggest consumer survey of its kind in the property industry.

Paul Airey says: "We were up against competition from every corner of the country, including high proifle London agents.

"To to come out on top was excellent and we feel really proud to have been flying the flag for the North East."

The company began the lettings side of the well known estate agents business only five years ago and credits the success on client care.

"We have two clients for each property on our books - the owner of the property and the tenants " says director Sean Heaney. "From the start we have endeavoured to provide superb client service to them both and it is really gratifying that when contacted by the RICS they have all recognised our level of service.

"Tenants appreciate the service we provide if they have any issues with the property, while landlords appreciate that we manage any issues and don't hit them with any extra bills above our agreed fees."

The Agency is continuing to grow its lettings portfolio with Paul Airey saying: "Because of the current state of the housing market more and more owners are preferring to let their properties instead of selling them.

"At the same time it is very hard for young people to get a mortgage, with the average age of a new buyer now being 32, so more and more people are renting."

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."