Business Echo FOR THE BEST COVERAGEINTHE REGION businessecho.co.uk The NorthernEcho TUESDAY,FEBRUARY 12,2002 NEWS IN BRIEF Profits boost for building society

DARLINGTON Building Society hasseen profits jump by19 per centin the past year,itemerged today.The mutualwasboosted byanincreaseinsavers in the last four monthsof the year, followingthe NorthernRock crisis. ■ Full story –Page 2 UNION ROW: Employers are starting tohire‘‘union-busting’’ consultants topersuade workers nottojoin trade unions,anewreport claimed last night.The TUC said scare tacticswerebeing used in abid tokeep workplacesunion-free, similartomethodsused in the US.The unionorganisation joined forceswithits US equivalenttohighlightthe “threat”tothe rights of British workers.TUC generalsecretary BrendanBarbersaid:“The underhand tacticsemployed in the shadowy world of the union-busting consultantare proving increasinglyattractive toahandfulofemployers in the UK.Good employers realisethe safety,communication and training benefits of having a union atwork,and many activelyencourage theirstaff to join aunion. But thereisa small minority of bosseswho fearthe voiceaunion would givetheiremployeesand willdo almost anything tokeepthe union out.” BID REJECTED: Internet searchengine Yahoo! last night COMPANIES havebeen warned about tacticsused byterrorists,extremists and industrialspies.Pictured above rebuffed a$44.6bn(£22.9bn) GUNNING FOR INDUSTRYSPIES... isDaniel Craig assecretserviceagentJamesBond ■ Full story –Page 3 takeoverapproachfrom softwaregiantMicrosoft.The online groupsaid the offer “substantiallyundervalues”the business.Itisbelieved Yahoo! is holding out foratleast $56bn (£28.8bn).Amergerbetweenthe twowould createarivalto Support firm’sjobsboost searchengine Google. AWARD DEADLINE: Entries intothe Manufacturing ExcellenceAwardsmust be submitted bythe end of the month. The BERR after£500mBBC contract Manufacturing Advisory Serviceand the Institution of MechanicalEngineers are encouraging companiesacross SUPPORT servicesfirmEagawill ByJuliaBreen and Capita, whichcarried out the tisewehavedeveloped asamar- in England,part of anaim toelim- the North-East totake part.To create350jobsafterbeing named Business Editor pilothelp scheme in Copeland, ketleaderin delivering tovulner- inatefuel poverty byinstalling en- aspreferred supplieron a£500m Cumbria. able customers.” ergyefficiencymeasuresin vul- downloadanentry form,visit [email protected] mxawards.org contractwiththe BBC. Eagachief executiveJohn Thoseeligible forhelp –tocon- nerable homesby2010. The North-East companyisthe Clough said:“Thisistransforma- vert one television settodigital Last month,Eagasaid its pre- preferred supplieron afive-year elderlypeople getand install tionalforEagain the sensethat during the switchoverbetween taxprofits hadrisen to£14.5m Inside scheme toprovide help forvul- equipmenttoconvert from ana- itmakesthosewho trackour per- nowand 2013–includesanyone from £9m in the past sixmonths, nerable people togettogripswith loguetodigitalduring the formancerealisethatwehave over75years of age,subjecttocer- thankstoacquisitionsand organ- Business News...... 2,3and 5 the digitalswitchover. switchoverperiod,taking place transferrable skillsand thatwe tain disability benefits,blind or icgrowth. Law...... 4 The BBC hasringfenced £603m between nowand 2013. areable todeliverquitecomplex partially-sighted. The company,whichemploys Technology...... 6 forthe DigitalSwitchoverHelp Newcastle-based Eagasaid it outsourcing propositionsacross Eaga,aFTSE250-listed compa- morethan1,000 people in the re- Environment...... 7 Scheme,but Eagasaid the exact would create350jobs,most of the board. Itwill beabitterblow nyand the UK’sleading provider gion,said full-yearresults were Licensing...... 10-13 termsof its contractwin were whichwill beinthe North-East, tothe likesof Capita. of residentialenergyefficiency expected tobeinline withexpec- PersonalFinance...... 14 commerciallysensitive. tohelp carry out the project. “The scheme goestothe heart solutions,alreadyholdsthe con- tations. MarketReport...... 15 Underthe contract,itwill help The companywasshortlisted of our workasaforceforsocialin- tracttodeliverthe Government’s Eagafloated on the stockmar- uptoseven milliondisabledand forthe contractalongside Vertex clusion,and the skillsand exper- £1.5bnWarmFrontprogramme ketlast June,valued at£453m. 2 BUSINESSECHO businessecho.co.uk TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12,2002 Mainline Chief executive’sjoy operator Chris moving to Roberts at19% profits climb newhome

TRAIN companyNationalEx- Nosetpathto press East Coast istonewhead- Building society boosted byNorthernRockcrisis quarters. NationalExpress,whichsuc- ceeded GNER when itbeganrun- followwhen ByJuliaBreen ning trainson the East Coast Business Editor Main Line in December,isto [email protected] leaveits baseinStationRoad, reviewing York. The companyoccupiesabout a DARLINGTON Building Society’sprofits thirdofthe building,afterNorth- careerchoices roseby19 percentlast year,boosted by ernRail and NetworkRail both the crisissurrounding beleaguered bank vacated the premises,whichare NorthernRock. expected tobeconverted intoa NE sizedoesnotfitall in many The mutual,whichreleasesits results hotel. aspects of life,and thisisalso today,said newlending wasten percent The newheadquarters willbe the casewhen itcomestothe higherthan2006 –at£158m –and totalas- a22,300sqft,five-storeyoffice O pathpeople need totake toa sets hadincreased by14 percent,to blockatAlbionWharf,on the fulfilling career. £689m. riverfront,nearSkeldergate. The academicroute,while perfectfor Italsosawathree-foldincreaseinthe Staff areexpected tomake the some,isnotsuitable foreveryone. opening of savingsaccounts in the last movetotheirnewhome in June. Therearethosewho prefervocational four monthsof the year,asaninflux of Salesand marketing functions, training,wherethe emphasisismore formerNorthernRockcustomers looked commercial,finance,operations, practicaland hands-on,suchasthatoffered forasafe haven tobank theirdeposits. engineering,procurement,infor- byapprenticeships. Pre-taxprofitwasupby19 percentto mation technology,compliance, Years ago,apprenticeshipswere £2.2mand totalmortgage balancesin- customerservice,safety and en- traditionallyabout jobsin heavy industries, creased by11 percentto£538m. vironment,humanresources suchasthe shipyards.While engineering Astatementfrom the society said:“At and communicationsteamswill and welding arestill choices,today’s atime when the financialmarkets are all behoused atAlbion Wharf. apprenticeshipshaveamuchwiderscope. still dealing withthe effects of last year’s The company’snationalcon- Theynowtake in hairdressing,catering, ‘creditcrunch’ and amajorregionalem- trol centrewill stayin purpose- and beauty therapy.Infact,therearenearly ployer’sfutureisin doubt,the region’s builtpremisesnearYorkrailway aquarterof amillion apprenticesworking in onlylocalbuilding society,Darlington station. The building isshared morethan130,000 organisationsin Building Society,hasprovided some withNetworkRail,Northern England,across 80differentsectors. much-needed good news in announcing Rail and First TransPennine. The Governmentrecentlyunveiled plans strong results forthe yearended Decem- Videoonline NationalExpress said the for500,000 newapprenticeship placesby ber31.” movereaffirmed its commitment 2020 –greatnews foremployers looking to PeterRowley,chief executiveofthe so- Foravideo report, tothe city. fill skillsgapsand forpeople keen tomeet ciety,said:“Theseexcellentresults show log on tonorthern David Franks,managing di- theirfull potential. thatbuilding societiesarenotthe same rectorof NationalExpress East Apprenticeshipshavecertainlybeen asbanks. echo.co.uk,clickon Coast,said:“Our newHQ will making theirmarkinthe North-East,with “Whereasthe latterhaveencountered Audio &Video and provide spacious,open-plan, nearly10,000 people starting an severedifficultiesraising funds,retain- modernaccommodation and an apprenticeship in 2006-7. then Business ing quality assets and writing off huge improved working environment The region alsoachieved notable success sums,wehaveshownthat,byfocusing forour team. in last year’sLSC NationalApprenticeship “During the franchisecompe- Awards. upon coremarkets,sticking towhatwe knowand do well,wecanthrivewhere OPTIMISTIC: PeterRowley,chief executiveofDarlington Building Society tition last yearwesaid that,if Abbigail Kewin,16,from WhitleyBay, successful,wewould bebased in NorthTyneside,wasnamedyoung others falter.” Hesaid the society’sgross lending last borrowing members canbenefitfrom the thanthe comparable stage twelve York. Wearedelighted tohonour apprenticeofthe year,while GarethMoor, thatpromise,reaffirming our 23,from Morpeth,Northumberland,won an yearwasmorethantwicethe increasein advantagesthatweofferasastrong and monthspreviously,”hesaid. mortgage lending nationally,and was highlyliquid mutualfinancialfirmded- “Wearelooking forwardtomaintain- commitmenttothisgreatrail- advanced apprenticeaward. MrMoorworks waycity.” foraNewcastle firmofelectrical funded predominantlybyexisting and icated tolooking afterlocalinterests of ing our progress and producing another contractors. newmembers. the individualsand communitiesthatwe strong performanceduring the coming The searchisnowon forthisyear’s Asaresultof the NorthernRockcrisis, serve.” year.” Oil and food contenders.Moreinformation isavailable during the finalfour monthsof the year, Despitethe warning of uncertain Darlington Building Society was bycalling 0800 954 8896orvisiting Darlington Building Society,whichem- timestocome,he said the society’sgood named one of the UK’stop ten most com- billssend apprenticeships.org.uk/awards.The ploys 150people,received morethan performancelast yearhadcontinued into petitivelenders last yearbyresearch deadlineforentriesisFebruary 29. three timesits usualintake of deposits thisyear,and thisyearwasalready from online mortgage company from savers. strongerthanlast. mform.co.uk priceshigher ChrisRoberts isregionaldirectorof the MrRowleyadded:“Theseresults “Our inflowof members’deposits,the Itcame in fifthplacenationally,fol- ■ SURGING oil and food costs Learning and SkillsCouncil North-East demonstratethatwhile the outlook for completion of newmortgagesand the lowed byYorkshireBuilding Society in thisyearisuncertain,our savingsand pipeline of applicationsareall higher sixth. pushed upfactory gatepricesat theirfastest rateformorethan16 years in January,figuresshow. The 0.7percentrisebringspro- ducerpriceinflation to5.7per Entrepreneur aimstoexpand themebarbrand centin the yeartoJanuary –the sharpest increasesinceAugust 1991,according tothe Officefor FORMER Pubmasterdirector ByKateStanley NationalStatistics. Harry Costiganhassetupalei- Deputy Business Editor The figuresadd weighttothe surecompanyin the region toex- [email protected] Bank of England’swarningsover pand abar-nightclubbrand inflation risksdespiteits quar- across the UK and intoEurope. ter-pointinterest ratecut to5.25 Newcastle-based Home Grown £1.2bnin2003,came upwiththe percentlast week. Leisurehasbeen formed byli- Buffalo Joesbrand ideaatthe HowardArcher,GlobalIn- cenced retail entrepreneur Harry turnofthe Millennium. sight’schief UK and European Costigan,who last monthac- The formerDJ helped setup economist,said:‘‘The January quired the Buffalo Joesbrand Buffalo Joes,and the company figuresarereallyhorrible and and its twovenuesforanundis- opened its first barin Newcastle, will likelysend blood pressures closed sum. withabucking broncoand higheratthe Bank of England. MrCostigan,who wasone of dancers,and asecond venuein ‘‘The datareinforcesconcerns the originalpartners tosetup Glasgow,in November2005. about inflation risksand further Buffalo Joeswestern-themed bar MrCostigansaid:“About 18 limits the scope of the Bank of on GatesheadQuayside in 2001, monthsago,the boardofdirec- England tocut interest rates.” planstotriple the sizeofthe tors of Buffalo JoesCoLtdde- QUAYSIDE BASE: Western-themed barBuffalo Joesislocated on Gateshead’sQuayside Manufacturers’input costs £5.5m business overthe next two cided itwanted tolook intothe alsosoared 18.9 percentoverthe tothree years. developmentof otherbusiness MrCostiganisalreadylooking and Scotland forsuitable new Tognarelli atAllied IrishBank, yeartoJanuary –the biggest an- Heintendstohavesixsimilar ideastheyhadand soIthought atapotentialsiteinBirmingham sitesand wedon’tsee ourselves in Newcastle. nualincreasesincerecords bars operating in selected cities itwasthe idealopportunity to and planstoflyout toSpain next confined byUK geography,”he MrMcGarry said:“The unique beganin1986. across the UK bythe end of 2010 roll out the brand myself. week toconsidersitesin Beni- said. party model hasproved extreme- Oil pricesrosebymorethan70 and isalsoconsidering opening a “Icreated Home Grown dormand Denia. “We’reconfidentthe concept lyrobust during very difficult percentoverthe year,the high- venueinSpain. Leisureand made the boardan Hewould alsolike toopen a canworkinthoselocationsthat timesformuchofthe UK li- est annualincreasesince2000, MrCostigan,who wasopera- offerforBuffalo Joes.Both Buffalo Joesin eitherDublin or attractpartygoers,whetherit’s censed trade industry. while wheatcosts haveled toa tionsdirectorof Hartlepool- venuesenjoyed theirbest year Belfast. in thiscountry orEurope.” “Webelievethereisgreatpo- 36 percentriseinfood pricesin based Pubmasterbeforeitwas everlast year,soweknowwe “The dealhasenabled us to The dealforBuffalo Joeswas tentialinrolling out the brand to the past 12months,the biggest acquired byPunchTavernsfor haveasuccessfulformula.” look outside of the North-East led byPatMcGarry and Paul othersuitable sites.” jump formorethan20 years. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12,2002 businessecho.co.uk BUSINESSECHO 3 Businessesurged Terrorthreatflagged up totake part in nationalchallenge

BUSINESSES across the regionarebeing en- couraged totake part in anationwide chal- tocompaniesatseminar lenge,withthe chancetowin afunding pack- ageworthupto£5m. The Bank of Scotland Corporate£35m En- trepreneur Challengeaimstostimulateand COMPANIES in the chemicaland phar- ByKateStanley son,aspokeswomanforthe Security ty servicehasgotpeople who will go support entrepreneurialspiritamong business maceuticalsectors werewarned about Deputy Business Editor Service(MI5),who looked atthe threat through every detail of thatinforma- owners across seven regionsin the UK. tacticsused byterrorists,extremists of espionage and warned businesses tion just togetafewnuggets of useful [email protected] The winners from eachregion will receivean and industrialspiesataneventin nottobenaiveorcomplacentabout the intelligence,”she said. investmentpackage of upto£5m,free of in- Durham. useofspiesbygovernments,compa- The event,hosted in partnership terest and arrangementfeesforthree years. Espionage,chemicaland biological kitchen cleanercanbecome lethal nies,terrorists and criminalsworld- withCleveland,Durhamand PeterCummings,chief executiveofBank of warfare,explosivesand terrorismwere when mixed withothersubstancesto wide. Northumbriapoliceforces,alsoheard Scotland Corporate,said:“Entrepreneurs are on the agendaatthe Security Aware- createexplosives,withthe potencyto She touched on industrialespionage from the Centreforthe Protection of the lifeblood of our economyand areresponsi- ness Seminar,hosted bythe NorthEast kill on alarge scale. –the theftof trade secrets,forexam- the NationalInfrastructureand the ble forsome of the most spectacularbusiness Process IndustriesCluster(Nepic)last Nactsoisapoliceunitthatprovides ple –and warned thatChinaposesthe NationalExtremismTacticaland Co- successesthiscountry hasseen. I’m apas- week. adviceregarding the security of explo- biggest threattocompaniesin the UK. ordination Unit. sionatebelieverthattheyaregiven all the sup- Delegates,manyof whom workin sivesand pre-cursorchemicals,suchas She said the country adopts a“white StanHiggins,chief executiveof port theyneed in ordertoflourish,and the en- the region’spharmaceutical,bio-tech- fertilisers,pathogensand toxins,radi- glovespolicy”and usesnon-profes- Nepic, said:“The main reason forthe trepreneur challenge wascreated specifically nologyand petrochemicalindustries, ologicalsourcesand othertoxicchem- sionalspies,suchasbusinessmen and seminarwastoenable businessesto toencourage entrepreneurs tofollowtheir dreams,and transformtheirvisionsintoreal- whicharepotentialterrorist targets, icals. selected delegates,toattend business keep uptodatewiththe tacticsbeing ity.” heardhowsubstancesthatcanbe MrCollyergavedelegatesthe clear visits in the Britain specificallytocol- used byterrorists,extremists and Eachofthe seven regionswill haveits own weaponised could havedevastating ef- message thatbusinessesand specialist lectasmuchinformation aspossible thoseseeking business intelligence. judging panel,made upofsuccessfulbusiness- fects around the globe. agenciesmust worktogethertohelp from the organisationsorcompanies “Businessescanthen make plansto peopleand seniorrepresentativesfrom Bank Expert Guy Collyer,of the National tackle terrorismand improvesecurity, theyvisit. protectthemselvesagainst thesedif- of Scotland Corporate,The SundayTimesand CounterTerrorismSecurity Office orrisktougherlegislation imposed by “Theyhooverupeverything possi- ferentthreats.Thismightbebymak- Deloitte. (Nactso),told howeverydaychemicals Government. ble,struggle backtoChinawiththeir ing changestotheirinfrastructure,or LornaMoran,chief executiveofNewcastle- suchasnail varnishremoveror Delegatesalsoheardfrom JoDavid- suitcasesbulging and China’ssecuri- the waytheytransmitinformation.” based NorthernRecruitment,wason last year’spanel and will returnagain thisyear. She said:“The entrepreneur challenge isa trulyuniqueopportunity.I’d encourage entre- Norwegian preneurs toenter,asitoffers the chanceto Designson asuccessfulpartnership change the faceoftheirbusiness.” delegates Formoreinformation and todownloadan entry form,visittheboschallenge.co.uk The closingdateforentriesisMay19 and the toattend North-East finalwill take placeinNovember. conference Marketing institute

COMPANIES keentomake in- welcomespresident roadsintothe lucrativeNorwe- THE appointmentof the Chartered Institute gianoil and gasmarketcanat- of Marketing’snewpresidenthasbeen wel- tend aconferenceinApril. comed in the region. Norwegiancompanieswill be SirPaulJudge,who hasextensiveexperi- in Newcastle forthe Rediscover enceofbusiness leadership in the privateand North-East England event,which publicsectors,hastaken overaspresident isaimed atshowcasing the re- from LordHeseltine,who held the position for gion’sstrengthsand opening up three years. business opportunities. Philip Knowles,chairmanofthe institute’s IanWilliams,directorof busi- DurhamTeesValleybranch,said:“Wesee Sir ness and industry atregionalde- Paulasthe epitome of greatmarketing, velopmentagencyOne NorthEast demonstrating business acumen,leadership (One),said:“Thisisanopportu- and strong communication skills. nity todemonstratethe region’s “Heunderstandsthe pivotalrole thatre- capacity tosupport athriving off- sponsible marketing plays in driving the econ- shoreindustry omy.” “Wehavethe engineering skills SirPaulworked forCadbury Schweppesfor forthesecompaniestoexploitand 13years,beforeinitiatingand leading the buy- the businessestohelp support a out of its food companiestoformPremier lucrativeoffshoremanufacturing BrandsLtd. Helaterheld the post of chairman supplychain. of Food From Britain and became adirectorof “The Norwegiansareproven WPP Groupplcand of Boddington Groupplc. experts in making the most of the Morerecently,he hasbeen Masterof the oil and gasopportunitiesin Eu- WorshipfulCompanyof Marketors and is rope. chairmanofTeachers TV and the Marketing The conferencehasbeen or- QUALITY DESIGN: Darren Blake,left,and JamesHopkinson,havesetuptheirownbusiness,Blake Hopkinson StandardsBoard. ganised byOne and globalmedia companyOilinfo,in partnership TWO of the North-East theirowncompany,Blake quality in design and to based on the FishQuay,in withNOF Energyand NaREC. designers behind the Hopkinson Architecture re-ignitethe success we NorthShields. WANTED Oilinfo,whichprovidesnews and striking headofficesfor LLP. shared during our previous Blake Hopkinson has information forthe oil and gas Sage Grouphavelefttheir The duodecided the time working relationship.” wasted little time in Fornews updated Transport /Warehouse on the hour,visit sector,hasrecentlysetupits UK high-profile practicesto wasrighttobranchout on Blake Hopkinson will building upastrong client Business in The NorthernEcho baseinNewcastle. createtheirownbusiness. theirown. specialisein base,having already NorthEast England news websiteat Marketing directorOistein Darren Blake,formerlya MrHopkinson,who masterplanning, undertaken workona northernecho.co.uk PO Box1499 Tomtesaid:“Thisisahuge com- partneratID Partnership designed the interiorof the architecture,and interior seriesof majorprojects, and RyderHKS’senior vibrantTh_nk officesin the design,working in the including workforsix Priestgate,Darlington mercialopportunity.” CoDurhamDL11NF The conferencewill take place designer,James centreofNewcastle,said: residentialand commercial majorregionalhouse atthe Newcastle Gateshead Hopkinson,bothin “Thisideawasbornfrom a sectors. builders and commercial Hilton Hotel,on April 2. Newcastle,haveformed shared desiretoproduce The newcompanyis clients. Toattend,call GillianRobinson FORSALE on 0191-229-6891. NewPizza/Kebab Shop Darlington TownCentre Workunderwayon £6.8m business centre Inthe middle of Pubsand Clubs Tel. 01325464748 CONSTRUCTION workhasstarted on opmentagencyOne NorthEast. thisregion being aleading business lo- alDevelopmentFund. Councillor abusiness centrethatcould createup EdRowley,the agency’sacting di- cation,wehavetoensurethe potential David Llewelyn,the council’sportfolio WEAycliffe Industrial to200 jobsin County Durham. rectorof regeneration,said:“Thisisan business stars of the futurearegiven holderforeconomy,said:“Thisisa Park The Tanfield LeaBusiness Centreis exciting development,whichhasthe all the assistancetheyneed. majorprojectin the economicregen- TAModeLKrn being developed on the Tanfield LeaIn- potentialtocreateabout 200 jobsand “There’sno doubtthissitehasthe eration of Derwentside. Itrepresents Office dustrialEstate,nearStanley,and will provide aboost tothe localeconomy. potentialtobecome athriving business one of the largest and most ambitious SHOP house36 units. “The factthe business units will complex.” projects tobefunded bythe council •OTffioce Rent The workisbeing led bybuilding caterforyoung entrepreneurs iseven The projectalsosecured £2mfund- and externalagencies.” •IndustrFromial £50 companyRok,and the scheme secured better. ing from Derwentside DistrictCouncil Workisduetobecompleted in •Lpearwndeek inclusive £3mfunding through regionaldevel- “Ifwearetoachieveour ambition of and £1.8m from the EuropeanRegion- Marchnext year. •Val(pluaustion VAT) 4 BUSINESSECHO ECHO LAW businessecho.co.uk TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12,2002

IN ASSOCIATION WITH Blackett Hart &Pratt Recordannualresults see in partnership with business

If youare looking foralawfirm that talks your language, whereyou arethe centreofattention,thenlook no further. lawfirmdouble in stature

ANORTH-EAST lawfirmthathasdou- ByKateStanley centon the previous year.Partner sale of The ChurchCommissioners’ bled in sizeoverthe past four years is Deputy Business Editor ChristopherWelch,jointheadofSin- headofficeinLondon tothe Houseof celebrating afterachieving recordan- [email protected] tons’companyand commercialde- Lords,and become involved in anoffice nualresults. partment,said:“Wehaveacted on scheme atthe HaymarketMetrosta- SintonsLLP, based in Newcastle,has transactionswithatotalvalueinex- tion,in Newcastle. Echo announced a23 percentincreasein clients,bothinthe North-East and be- cess of £500mthisyear. Otherclients include wastemanage- gross feeincometo£8.2mforthe fi- yond. “Wehaveacted in manysalesand ac- mentfirmSITA,NorthumbrianWater Law nancialyeartoJanuary 31. “Thisgrowthhasbeen driven by quisitionsforclients in the North-East and HJ Banks. ChairmanJim Diassaid the firmhad bothnewclientwinsand doing more particularly.Wecontinuetoprovide a The lawfirm,based in BarrackRoad, BySteveBarker won anumberof clients overthe year workforexisting clients,whichisa partner-led,valueformoneyand very alsosaid ithadbeen “highlyactive” in and isnowwell placed tocontinueto very healthyand encouraging position personalservice,whichseemstoin- boththe leisureand environmental growthisyear. forthe future.” creasinglydifferentiateus from many sectors throughout the year. Hesaid:“Thisisavery pleasing re- The companysaid its largest areaof otherfirms.” Sintonsemploys 160 staff,including Planning Bill is sultforthe whole firm. Itreflects the growthwasin commercialwork, Inthe past year,Sintons’commercial 20 partners.Overthe past 12months, notall doom extensive,quality workwedoforour whererevenuewasupbynearly40per departmenthascompleted the £65m the firmhastaken on 30 recruits. Solicitors and gloom Adviceonofferforwould-beDragons HE last setof nationalchanges excited about tothe planning system brought the conceptof the Local officemove T DevelopmentFrameworkto replacethe LocalPlan. ALAW FirminNorthYorkshire NowanotherPlanning Bill isproposing a isrelocating topurpose-built furtherraftof changes. premiseslaterthisyearaftera One of the headline changesisthe period of expansion. setting upofanationalInfrastructure ColesSolicitors Limited,which Planning Commission (IPC)todetermine employs 11 staff,ismoving from nationallysignificantproposalsfornew East Road,in Northallerton,to roads,airports,powerstationsand the like. anofficedevelopmentin the The ideaof anIPC mayseem apositive town’sThurston Road. wayforward,oratleast worthyof testing. In Managing directorand princi- reality,itwill applyonlytoavery small palsolicitorPeterGibson said: numberof proposals,perhapsasfewas45 “Aftermanymonthsof searching ayear. out anewhome toaccommodate However,the Planning Bill doesmore our expanding teamoflawyers thanjust laythe foundationsforthe IPC and and support staff,wehavenow containssome challenging ideas,whichwill signed upforamovetowhatwill havewide-ranging implications. bethe newest officedevelopment Perhapsthe most radicalconceptisto in Northallerton.” removethe automaticrightof appealtothe Hesaid the newpremiseswill Secretary of Statewhen decisionsare bemore“flexible”tothe compa- refused locallybyplanning officers. ny’sneeds. Instead,newlocalmemberreviewboards Hesaid:“The premiseswill could provide scrutiny. havemorefree onsiteparking, Withabout 90percentof all decisions dedicated meeting roomsforthe made byofficers asopposed tomembers, comfort of clients,and wewillre- thisisseen bymanyasastep too far. INVENTOR ADVICE: JamesCaan,DuncanBannatyne,Theo Paphitis,DeborahMeaden and PeterJones,stars of the main the onlylawfirmin Thosewho havelodged appealsoverthe Northallerton withfull disabled past 12monthswill knowthatthe Planning BBCshowDragons’Den access.Isee thesepremisesasa Inspectoratewheelsgrind exceedingly BUDDING inventors are hosting regularclinics,in intellectualproperty law. clinicsbycallingthe Patent springboardtotake the firmto slowlyattimes,particularlyif youare being urged tolearnabout Newcastle and York,giving Inventors and AdviceCentre,atthe the next level. Weareall excited seeking aninformalhearing toexplain your intellectualproperty before free advicetoinnovators at entrepreneurs should seek University of Northumbria, about the future.” case. The proposed moveisseen asone wayin whichtoreduceits workload. facing Dragons’Den-style the earlystage of advicebeforepunting their in Newcastle,on 0191-260- Withmanydelegated decisions investors. developing anidea. ideastopotentialinvestors, 3250,orthe Yorkand North Accreditations undoubtedlyinfluenced bylocalconcerns, Advisors from the The attorneys are suchasthoseinthe BBC YorkshireChamberof criticsareconcerned thatthismoveisa Chartered Instituteof experienced in drafting seriesDragons’Den. Commerce,on 01904- significanterosion of the impartiality of the PatentAttorneys are patents,aswell asin Placescanbebooked at 629513. forlegalteam appealssystem. ANEWCASTLE lawfirmhas All appealsarefree,apart from the been awarded twoaccreditations. appellants’owncosts.Anewclauseis Samuel Phillips,based in West- being introduced thatwill imposeacharge, in addition tothe application fee. gateRoad,hasachieved the Lexel The newCommunity Infrastructure ‘First of its kind’repairscheme launched PracticeManagementStandard Charge (CIC)isalsointroduced and will and the Investors in People representaformoftaxon new award. developments.Carefulattention tothe ANORTH-EASTaccidentclaimsfirmis aswell asproviding legaladvice. Every repaired caralsoreceivesa Robert Macleod,managing di- financialplanning of aprojectwill be tointroduceaninternetvehicle repair Winn Assist nationalsalesmanager three-year,36,000-mile,anti-corrosion rectorof AssessmentNorth-East, necessary toensurethe CIC doesnotwipe scheme,whichwill bethe first of its PeterDixon said:“Wearegiving people warranty foranypaintwork,free of who reviewed the firm,said: awayhard-earned profit. type in the UK. analternativetothe servicesthatthey charge. “Samuel Phillipshasshownitself The Bill isnotall doom and gloom, Winn Assist,asubsidiary of Byker- maybeoffered bytheirinsurancecom- Logging on tothegoodaccident tobecommitted toachieving an however.Aclauseisproposed whichwill based roadaccidentand personalinjury paniesfollowing anaccident. repairscheme.co.ukallows accidentvic- environmentof continuous im- allowlocalauthoritiestoapproveminor specialists Winn Solicitors,will launch “Some insurancecompaniesdon’tal- timstoentertheirpostcode,bringing up provementand ahigh standardof variationsin previouslyapproved plans. its pioneering good accidentrepair ways protectclients’best interests,by anumberof optionsforthe nearest re- excellence. However,anyone withissuesoverthe scheme nationwide on March1. using non-manufacturerpartsand ata paircentre. “Samuel Phillipshasshowna scope of theirpermission will still need to Chaired byWinn Assist,the scheme is repaircentremilesfrom theirhomes.” Clients will alsoreceivecomprehen- realcommitmentits clients.” discuss matters withtheirplanning advisor. advised and assisted byarangeofin- The good accidentrepairscheme of- siveinformation on howtoproceed, Robert Gibson,managing part- dustry experts,who areintenton rais- fers benefits toroadaccidentvictims whattodoifareplacementvehicle is neratthe lawfirm,said:“Weare ■ SteveBarkerisheadofthe planning team ing standardsin the bodyshop sector. and localrepaircentres,byensuring needed,information on specialist vehi- delighted toreceivetheseaward, atBlackett,Hart and Pratt in the TeesValley. The innovativescheme will offervic- workiscarried out atacentrechosen by cles,including automatictransmis- whichrecognizesour commit- Hecanbecontacted on 01325-376440. timsof roadtrafficaccidents achoice the client,withguaranteed manufac- sions,dualcontrolsand estatecars,plus menttotraining and the quality of localrepaircentresfortheirvehicle, turers’parts. expert adviceonanyinjury claims. of our servicetoclients.”

business & employment& Acting withflexibility &commercialforesight,wecanassist you companylaw business disputes Blackett Hart &Pratt LLP Solicitors whetheryouarelooking toinvest,protectyour assets,setupa BHP Commercial newventure,sell orgrowyour business,develop propertyand land,enforceyour rights orif youareengagedinadispute. commercialproperty planning &design Foradvice&guidanceand tofind out moreabout our commercialservicescall us on 01325466794 orvisitour websiteatwww.b-h-p.com. WestgateHouse,Faverdale,Darlington,DL30PZ.Officesin Newcastle,Durham,Darlington &Newton Aycliffe. Regulated bythe LawSociety.Authorised and regulated bythe FinancialServicesAuthority. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12,2008 The NorthernEcho northernecho.co.uk FEATURES 25 Poems Games & gizmos ByNigel Burton email: [email protected]

MY VALENTINE Through tunnelsand overbridges Plenty of loveformyValentine, Cutting through valleys and overridges. And millionsof kisses, Past asignalcabin the whistle screams Gamesreview Idon’tcare Upasteep hill the engine steams. Ifshe’ssomeone else’smissus Clickerty,clickerty,clickerty,clack K h a d i m H u s s a i n , M i d d l e s b r o u g h The train speedson,waydownthe track. Some morecoalthrownonthe fire ART OF PASSAGE OF TIME The stokersweats but cannottire. FIGHTING IhaveasecretIcannevertell Asthe train approachesits destination ANTHOLOGY Nevertoimpart howIfeel Itdraws toahaltatthe waiting station. Format:PS2 Stirringsof lovehaveinvaded mymind Some morecoalgoesontothe fire Publisher: Making mysensesreel The pressurebuildsupalittle higher. Crave Downthe trackagain itspeeds Entertainment HowcanIeverturnbackthe clock The weary stokertakesthe rest he needs Price:£12.99 Timeisjustnoton myside Afteralong,hardshiftof sweatand grime Family Youthdid leavememanymoonsago The train returnstothe baseontime. friendly?16+ Anything worthwhile ebbed withthe tide T o n y M a y h e w , B i s h o p A u c k l a n d ITH a Ihavefallen in love,Ican’tdeny THE POACHER title like W Art of Fighting youcanbein But forbidden fruitImust refuse Withmanypockets in hiscoat Hedoesn’tknowand Iwon’ttell Eachone sovery deep no doubtwhatthisPS2compilation And myheart tohim Imust lose Equippedwithnets happenstobe. and snares Ifyouwereagamerduring the Iwasborntoo soon,that’sa Hesets out on his early90s then the Neo Geo was fact nightlyploy. some kind of ultimateconsole Ifonlymyyears could While others in ICE NOT INCLUDED: Choosefrom eightCocktailsin aBox experience. Itcost morethanaSony disappear slumbersleep PS3doesnowadays,and the Maybeinanothertime, Twoferrets stuffed softwarewaslegendary forits perhapsanotherplace inside hisshirt playability. Wemaymeetagain Ofthesehehasno The Art of Fighting wasthe Neo in time’sfutureyear fear Theycall it Geo’sanswertoStreetfighteron the Onlyawatchfuleyehe MegaDrive. Itshared SF’s Ihearyousay: keeps unexpected depthsand boasted “Whydon’tyougo Forhisadversary,the smootherplaywithsharpergraphics. forit gamekeeper, Sadly,fewgamers beyond avery Ifhemake Incasehe small wealthyeliteeverhadthe youfeel alive.” mightappear. gadgetlove chancetoexperiencewhatthe series Well,my Withdimmed hadtooffer.Until now. friend,it’sonly torchhemakes The Art of Fighting Anthologyoffers becauseheis hisway three gamesfrom the Neo Geo eraall 28 Through the lovinglyrecreated on PS2,packaged And Iam75! thicket Ifyour betterhalf isagadgetfan,there’sno easierway on toone DVDand sold forabargain M r s J N a s e b y , R e d c a r Findsaset price. Nets upeachhole tofulfill theirpassion thanwithsome Valentine’sgizmos The first game isprobablythe LOVE LIES BLEEDING Sendsdownhisfaithfulferrets. worst.It’scertainlythe most Ifloving you Nowjust tosetand wait, derivative;anyone familiarwith Still makesme blue, Withstampingfeet ALENTINE’SDAY isalmost can’tfail toimpress –ifonlytheycould Streetfighterwill feel immediatelyat Ifthe sunwon’tshine Eachbobtail bolts hereand if youleaveituntil the find awayof including the ice. home. Nowyou’renotmine Eachone tomeettheirfate. last momentyou’llend upwith Bythe time asequel came along Ifour yesteryears could come again G o r d o n M c C a l l u m , B o w b u r n , C o D u r h a m V awilting bunchofgarage fore- USBMix (the imaginativelynamed Art of I’d take the sunshine and the rain. court flowers.The objectof your affec- Tape Fighting 2)the serieswasfinding its Ifthe rosesall should havenothorns THE REPORT tionsmaynotappreciatesucha“ro- £19.95 feet.The combatwassplitinto We’dmeetagain in brightnewdawns. Ithink Ineed todoareport mantic”gesture. www.fire normaland specialattacksand the Ifmoonlightnights would still bedear Toreport thatIhavecompleted myreport But whattobuy toexpress your undy- box.com range of characters wasmore IknowI’d always find younear. I’ll report when Ihavecompleted myreport ing loveifyour otherhalf happensto Itwasan extensive. Ifwisheswerehorses,beggars mightride Tothe person who will then report myreport. like gadgets?Orhowcanyousatisfy admirable One innovation atthe time wasthe Upon love’shighway,side byside, your gizmo-loving naturewhile also pursuit “rage gauge” —apowermeterfor Ifall mydreamswould just come true The reporterreports thatI’vedone myreport keeping your partnerhappy? spending specialmovesthatslowlyrefilled. EachdayI’d come backhome toyou. Tothe person who needstosee the report hours Players havetomanuallyrecharge Theyreport tothosethattothem theyreport Youdoo Doll recording the gauge,whichleavesthem But Ienterahouse And theyalsowill then produceareport. £14.99 tracksto dangerouslyvulnerable toattackas Thatissadand lonely www.firebox.com tape,yetonly theydo. And saytomyself It’scertainlyessentialtodoareport Printadigitalpictureofyourself on youreallyknewhowmanyhours it Thisfeatureaddsanextrastrategic Ifonly,if only. I’ll report thattothosewho need myreport the enclosed transfersheetand iron actuallytook and neverfeltfully elementtofights thatwasmissing I d a M c a n i n l y , T o w L a w , B i s h o p A u c k l a n d Notime forworkwhile Ido myreport the image on tothe doll. Whatgift appreciated. from beat’em upsof asimilarage on SoI’ll report the report toproduceareport. could bemorepersonalyetslightly Thisupdated version includesaUSB otherconsoles. FOR LINDA, MY LINDA D a v i d S h a w , C o n s e t t creepyatthe same time? Your own stickwithspaceforanhour’sworthof Forthe thirdgame (The Pathofthe ForLindawho gavemeitall, personalChuckie doll forless than15 tunes.Just adragand drop afavourite All Ihadeverhope for MATCH KICKED MET Warrior)the gauge recharges quid. selection of MP3s. automatically,albeitmuchmore Tobelooked at,the wayyoulooked atme, Amatchkicked met, Even worse,youcould go alittle when youthoughtIwasbusy. Adversariesglare,sharethe turf,the pitch, slowly. furtherand add aT-shirt witha Omni ball Anotherfeaturemissing from Icaughtyouafewtimes,looking atme,and I bruisespit.Contemptforthe otherside,as message across itordress itupwith £9.95 sawthe love. theytry towrestle the ball free of boots.Skin gamesof the same erawasthe use inappropriate www.iwantoneofthose.com of weapons. Itwasthereineverthing youdid. glistens,players spit,kick,flying boots, clothing. The ladieslovetheirshoulders rubbed. The waywelaughed,no one would everthe grazed flesh,Voicesraised,soundshurt Played todayall three feel abitold Fact.Men aregenerallyquiterubbish –they’refrom the 16-bitera, afterall – waywelaughed. ears,asvoices,soundscry,Asthe Geordies Toast Stamp atit.Fact. The happiness wefelt.Sitting there. screamwithdispleasure,300 milesthey’ve but retrofanswill no doubtgetakick £2.99 Solvethe age-oldproblemwiththis Inour house,on our sofa, in our garden. come totouchthe leather,all thatdistance, out of Art of Fighting Anthology. www.iwantone mutuallybeneficialcontraption that Holidng hands,walking,kissing,shopping. the black’nwhitebirdhasflown,Aswhistles ofthose.com takesthe strain from the wristsand Every minuteajoy. and recklessness hadsounded through the Beforeplacing willleadtoadramaticreductionin Worrying about our kids,would thatever night,All right?Perhaps?Players and your breadinto complaints bybothparties. stop?Probablynot. conductput tothe test,in the match,Hope Top ten games the toaster But becauseofyour,itwaseasier,itwas asthe Magpies’wings,lift,asbeaks,as Carveyour owncard better. voicescry,aswings,figures,and hope sags gentlypress this £7.95 Youmade thingsbetter,youalways A l i s o n C a r r , B i s h o p A u c k l a n d stamp on one side and when www.firebox.com 1 Imagine Babies–DS understood. 2 WWE SmackDownVsRAW2008– Forthatand all the otherthings(too the browning Ashade undereightquid mayseem a Wii numerous tosay) THE maximumlengthforpoems process is little lofty forapostcard-sized pieceof Ithank you ✍ forThe TuesdayPoem is200 completeyou’ll haveamessage of love wood,but it’sinfinitelybetterthan 3 World of Warcraft–PCR Forthat,Iloveyou words.Shorterones,thosefrom new whereone would least expecttosee it. thoseboxed numbers oronesthat 4 DrKawashimasBrain Training:How And Ialways will. correspondents and thosewhichare Ridiculouslysimpleyethighly stand waist-high. All you Old IsYour Brain? –DS typed orclearlyprinted aremorelikely effective. Just don’tgiveittoapartner M r J o s e p h S m i t h , D a r l i n g t o n need isakeyto 5 Mario &Sonicatthe OlympicGames tobepublished. All poems(including who isstarving hungry oryour gesture make e-mails)must include the writer’s maygo unnoticed. your –Wii ASHIFT ON ATRAIN 6 NiGHTS: Journeyof Dreams–Wii Anothershifton the railwayline name,address and phone numberand mark Atrain sets off toarriveontime maybeedited. Wecannotacknowledge Cocktail in abox and you 7 Chicken Little –GameCube The firemanhasstoked the firetoaglow poemsorguarantee thatall poemswill from £29.99 gettopen 8 Ben 10–PS2 And downthe trackthe train doesgo. bepublished. Weretain the righttouse www.cocktail-in-a-box.co.uk your own 9 Call of Duty 4:ModernWarfare– The boiler’spressurevalveblows ahiss the poemsin anypublished format, Selectfrom eightcocktailson offerand poetry – XBOX 360 including the Internet. in eachart decoboxyou’ll find there’s well “roses And the pistonspounding,nevermiss. 10 Cooking Mama–DS Round and round the axlesturn Writeto:The TuesdayPoem,The everything youneed tocreatetwoof arered” Building upspeed the iron horsedoeschurn NorthernEcho,POBox14,Priestgate, your chosen tipples. rhymesat Darlington DL11NF. Thisisone of thosegifts thatsimply least. Supplied bywww.chipsworld.co.uk 6 BUSINESSECHO TECHNOLOGY businessecho.co.uk TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12,2002

BIG DEVELOPMENT: Mike Waterston says businessesneed toembraceadvancesin technology.Pictured isthe newassemblyline at the Magnetfactory,atLingfieldPoint,Darlington KeepingPicture:ANDYLAMB upwithdevelopments

Technologyisdeveloping atastaggering paceand companiesmust keep upinordertosurvive,according toexpert Mike Waterston. Deputy Business Editor Kate Stanley reports

EEPING upwith companieswho justscratchthe the Jones’once surfaceand don’trealisethe meantholding huge benefits thatcanbe ‘ K frequentdinner obtained byinvesting in The newgeneration parties,buying a technology,but itisagrowing luxury carand displaying iton and healthytrend.” of managers ismuch the driveway,orsending the Aswell asgaining a morecomputer- children toboarding school. competitiveedge and improving But the oldadage hastakena productivity,Mike believes literatethanthe older moderntwist and people are investing in technologycanalso morekeen nowthanevertobe help businessestosavemoney generation. Thereisa seen tohavethe latest gadgetry, and cut downontheircarbon shiftin the beitastate-of-the-art computer footprints. console,atop-of-the-range “Green IT”isbecoming a understanding of how plasmatelevisionora morecommon phraseand Mike IT canhelp a revolutionary newmobile says huge improvements in phone. audio and visual business togrow Inthe business world,the communicationtechnologywill pictureisno differentand help companiesdo theirbit– Mike Waterston investing in the latest howeversmall –inhelping to technologyisnowseen asvital tackle globalwarming. in keeping upwithcompetitors Changesin the meansof and ensuringlong termsuccess. communication areoccurring Useoflaptops,hand-held While manyso-called rapidly,and developments in computers,smart phonesand “technophobes”inthe twilight technologynowallowbusiness virtualprivatenetworkswill years of theirworking livesstill people around the globetostay allowemployeestoworkboth marvel atthe conceptof email in touchatthe clickofabutton. from home and on the move. and the internet,anew “Traditionalvideo These“smarter”working generation of computerliterate, conferencing wasvery experimentalworkers ismaking expensive,becauseyouhadto practicesarealreadybeing its wayupthe ladder. haveadedicated room withall encouraged across theregion by Mike Waterston,managing the equipmentand cameras. WorkWiseNorth-East,a directorof IT solutionsfirm The technologyisnowbeing campaign launched topromote Waterstons,in Durham,believes developed rapidly,”explains flexible working,mobile companiesshould exploittheir Mike. working,remoteworking and workers’abilitiesbyharnessing “Youcancommunicatewith working from home. newtechnologies. severalpeople,anywhereinthe The initiativeisbacked bybig Hesays anewgeneration of world,atanytime. Youdon’t namesincluding regional “knowledge workers”–who havetogeton boardaplane and developmentagencyOne workmoreefficientlyand travel thousandsof miles,you NorthEast,the North-East competitivelythrough the useof cansimplybring upavideo Chamberof Commerce, technology–isquickly image and haveavideo Business Link NorthEast and emerging,but morecanbedone exchange. GovernmentOfficeNorth-East. toreapthe benefits of their “Itisgrowing in importance Encouraging smaller expertise. all the time. Itallows people to companiestoinvest in new “The newgenerationof cut downonthe amountof time technologyand realisethe huge managers ismuchmore and moneytheyspend potentialbenefits ismore computer-literatethanthe older travelling,and alsohelpstocut challenging,says Mike,notleast generationand sothereisa downontheircarbon footprint.” becauseofthe associated costs. clearshiftin the understanding Communication technologyis But he believessitting back of howinformation technology developing atsuchaspeed and and letting technologysteamon canhelp abusiness togrow, withsuchpotential,thatMike ahead,and out of sight,is develop and createa believesthe standardtelephone simplynotanoption. Instead, competitiveadvantage,”says handsetwillsoonbecome he advisescompaniestolook Mike. redundantin the office. hardatwheretechnologycan “Inthe past,ITsystemswere Instead,people willuse playabiggerrole,beiton the used torunaccounts orsend mobile devicesand computers frontline orin the backoffice. emails,nowthereisanew tocommunicatedesktop-to- While the pricetagonanew generation of people who want desktop,asopposed toface-to- voiceoverinternetprotocol toutilisetechnologytotheir face. system,forexample,mayseem advantage and who think about Mike believesthatharnessing pretty steep,the effects the howtechnologycanbenefit newtechnologywill createa technologycould haveona them. completechange in the way company’sprofits would make it ‘RAPID DEVELOPMENTS’: MikeWaterston,managing directorof WaterstonsIT Solutions “Therearestill alotof people workonadailybasis. worthits weightin gold.

business & employment& Acting withflexibility &commercialforesight,wecanassist you companylaw business disputes Talk to ourBlackelocaltt Hartbusiness&Pratt LLPexSolipertscitors whetheryouarelooking toinvest,protectyour assets,setupa BHP Commercial newventure,sell orgrowyour business,develop propertyand Whether youare opening abusiness or arealready up and running, talk tolaBarndcla,enfoys raboutceyourhorighwwtsecoranif yohelpuareemakngeyageourdinbusinessadispute.asuccess. Formoreinformation, talk to aLocal Business Manager in the New Customer Team on 0800 515462. www.barclays.co.uk/localbusiness commercialproperty planning &design Foradvice&guidanceand tofind out moreabout our commercialservicescall us on 01325466794 orvisitour websiteatwww.b-h-p.com. Barclays Bank PLCisauthorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.Registered in England. Registered No: 1026167.Registered Office: 1Churchill Place, London E145HP. WestgateHouse,Faverdale,Darlington,DL30PZ.Officesin Newcastle,Durham,Darlington &Newton Aycliffe. Regulated bythe LawSociety.Authorised and regulated bythe FinancialServicesAuthority. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12,2002 businessecho.co.uk ENVIRONMENT MATTERS BUSINESSECHO 7 Oil company’stree plan

www.premierwaste.com tocut carbon footprint

ByJohn Dean [email protected]

Eco ANORTH-EAST companyhasan- nounced planstooffsetits carbon footprintthrough atree-planting Echo scheme. BayfordOil,of Houghton-le- ByMarkStouph Spring,Wearside,haslaunched the programme byplanting 100 of its owntrees. Q: Whattodo Nowitisinviting its customers to make donationstohelp the compa- nymeetits targetof planting 5,000 withyour old treeseachyear. Treeswill beplanted atthree sites in Yorkshire,Cumbriaand North mobile phone? Walesand a£10donation ensures one tree isplanted. A: Donotbin it The family-runbusiness,which employs 191 people,says the moveis the latest in its efforts towardsen- ITH 50million mobile phone vironmentally-friendlypractices. subscribers in the UK, eachon Otherinitiativeshaveincluded average replacing theirhandset using canalbargestoship 80million W every 18 months,wheredoall litresof fuel from refineriesin Hull thoseold mobile phonesgo? toits Leedsdepot,whichsaves5,000 Canyourecycle orreusethem? roadtankerjourneys ayear. Withonly20percentof phonesbeingrecy- Bayfordhasalsointroduced a cled,itisestimated thatthereare90million mo- greenerformofkerosene –Bayford bileslanguishing in drawers and cupboards. CBK –whichproducesless CO2 That’salotof the world’snon-renewable re- thanstandardkerosene. sourcesjust waiting tobeput togood use. Bayford’senvironmentalman- So,when youupgrade tothe latest model agementgroupmember,Phillip whatdo youdo withyour old one? Forbes-Bell,said:“Weareproudof The importantthing isnottobin it. our role in working with–and Aswell asbeing made upofre-useable re- putting something backinto–the sourcesincluding metal,plasticand even silver, communitiesweservetoaddress GREEN TEAM: From left,RobStaines,Phillip Forbes-Bell,Mike Latham,JoTuohy,Tom McEntee,KeithHemingwayand mobilesalsohold hazardous chemicals.Lead, the impactof our industry and en- Debbie Hobson cadmium,berylliumand flame retardants areall surethe long-termsustainability of in thatinnocuous-looking device,and no one our much-needed woodlands. wastepaperand printcartridgesand ways todrivetoreducethe usage of champion” ateachofficetomonitorand wants thatsitting around in landfill. “Weareworking hardtolimitthe timers on lightingequipment.Anon- petrol. improveenvironmentalpractices. The newWasteElectricaland Electronic impactour activitieshaveonthe en- line ordering system encouragescus- Otherschemesplanned include the Otherplansinclude the introduction Equipment(youguessed it,itiscalled Weee) di- vironment,and weaim toleavea tomers tobuy when atruckisin their introductionofcarbon calculators on of acarsharescheme. rectivehasoutlined thatitisthe user’sdutyof positivelegacyforfuturegenera- area, cutting downonroadmiles. customers’invoices,telling them how Founded in 1922,Bayfordisthe UK’s caretodisposeofthe mobile responsibly. tions.” The company’svehiclesuseautomat- muchcarbon theywill produce,the largest independentfuel distribution Sowhatcanyoudo withyour old mobile? You Othergreen initiativesinclude icgearchanges,reducing fuel con- launchofCleanerBurning Gasoil,and company,witha£392mturnover,200 could take ittoyour localcivicamenity site,but using recycled stationery,recycling sumption,and staff receivetraining in the appointmentof an“environmental employeesand eightUK offices. foragreeneroption,whynottry one of the fol- lowing instead? The greenest option would betopass iton to someone else. Whynotgiveittoamemberof Bid tocut gas your family,orafriend who needg anewormore Agencyissues Efficiencycanhelp firms high-techphone. emissions Youcould always giveitbacktothe shop you boughtitfrom in the first place. Among others, green advice through the hardtimes the Carphone Warehousewill notonlyrecycle criticised your old phone,but donate£10tocharity. ENVIRONMENTAL advicehasbeen issued PLANS tourge UK businessesto Giveyour phone toacharity.Manyhavemo- COMPANIES havebeen advised that toreducerawmaterialusage on prod- forthe motortrade and education and re- help cut Europe’sgreenhouse bile recycling services,forexample Oxfam’s searchsectors. resourceefficiencycould help them ucts and packaging; gasemissionsby20percentby Bring Bring servicehasraised morethan The advice,published aspart of the Envi- weatheruncertain economictimes. ● Theyshould aim toworkonthe sus- 2020 havebeen criticised. £530,000 byrecycling,and hasdiverted elec- ronmentAgency’sonline NetRegsservice, EnvironmentaladviceagencyEnvi- tainability message tosuppliers,and The draftlaws produced bythe tronicwastefrom landfill. includestipson reducing pollution and sav- rowisesays that,asthe manufacturing workwiththem tominimisewaste EuropeanCommission have Whynotgetyour localschool involved in re- ing energy. and servicesectors faceeven greater throughout the supplychain; cycling old mobile phones.Recycool offers adif- According tothe agencysome of the po- pressure,North-East companies ● Manufacturers should keep commu- been criticised byenvironmental ferentapproach,bydonating moneytothe tentiallyharmfulactivitiescarried out by should beseeking ways of cutting nicating withtheirstaff toensurethey campaigners. school and planting trees. garagesinclude: costs. arefullybehind the actions; PressuregroupWWF believes Ifyouwanttomake some moneyaswell as ● airemissionsfrom vehicle exhausts; Guy Bashford,Envirowise’sregion- ● Theyshould go for“quickwins”,in- thatthe targetshould bea30 per help the planet,youcould always sell your ● re-spraying vehicles; almanagerforthe North-East,said: cluding encouraging employeesto centreduction. phone. Serviceslike TalkGreenerbuy your ● land contamination from accidentalspills “Our region’scompanieswill beacute- onlyprintwhen absolutelynecessary, KeithAllott,headofclimate phone,recycle itand donatemoneytocharity. of acids,solvents and oils; lyawareofthe recentbusiness head- reusestationery ratherthanordering change atWWF-UK, said:“Asa And youmaywonderwhereyour mobile ends ● waterdischargesfrom vehicle cleaning linesthatappeartosignaladifficult newstock,and fixing simple water globalleaderon climatechange, up? Ifit’sstill working,itwill end upinthe de- orforecourts. yearahead. leaks. the EuropeanUnion should be veloping world,helping toimprovecommunica- ThereisalsoadviceonNetRegsforthe 130 “Bybanishing wastefulpractices MrBashfordsaid:“Itisall about planning forsuccess,notfailure, tions.Anymobile phone thatno longerworksis institutionsin the highereducation and re- now,companiescanput themselvesin localfirmsmeeting the currenteco- in the internationalnegotiations stripped of anything thatcanberecycled and the searchcommunitiesin the UK. astrong position –one thatcould po- nomicchallengeshead-on and,asthe tocut climatepollution. rest isdisposed of in awaythatdoesnotcon- The agencysays thattheyareresponsible tentiallymeannothaving topass on Presidentof the EuropeanCommis- “The EuropeanCommission tributetopollution. for: pricerisestosuppliers. sion called forthismonth,seeing the presented aweakproposal. Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorcomments about ● using 5.2billion kWhofenergyeachyear “Inturn,thiscould havethe added environmentasarealbusiness oppor- “The proposed 20 percentre- recycling,email [email protected] atacost of morethan£200m; benefitof safeguarding valuable busi- tunity –ratherthananunwelcome di- duction by2020 isameagreeffort ● consuming morethan16million cubicme- ness relationships.” version.” –especiallysetagainst athreat ■ MarkStouph isPremierWasteManage- tresof waterevery year. Envirowise’srecommendationsin- Formoreinformation,call the Envi- thatmightleadtoArcticmelting ment’sdirectorof regulatory affairs Formoreinformation,visitenvironment- clude: rowiseadviceline on 0800-585-794,or and displacementof millionsof agency.gov.uk/business ● Manufacturers should look athow visitenvirowise.gov.uk/northeast people in developing countries.”

business & employment& Acting withflexibility &commercialforesight,wecanassist you companylaw business disputes Blackett Hart &Pratt LLP Solicitors whetheryouarelooking toinvest,protectyour assets,setupa SeetheBHP alComtemernrciaatl ive to incnewvineenturera,sell ortiogrowyournabusinetwss,developwwproperty.pand arc.uk.com land,enforceyour rights orif youareengagedinadispute. commercialproperty planning &design Foradvice&guidanceand tofind out moreaboutTeourl:comme0191rcial38servi44cesca00ll us on0 0ww13254w.667pre94mieorvrwaisitosteur w.coebsim teatwww.b-h-p.com. WestgateHouse,Faverdale,Darlington,DL30PZ.Officesin Newcastle,Durham,Darlington &Newton Aycliffe. Regulated bythe LawSociety.Authorised and regulated bythe FinancialServicesAuthority. 8 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12,2002 businessecho.co.uk BUSINESSECHO businessecho.co.uk TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12,2002 9 ***"$%&(1/+'(/$0#+$."-%")2 Region’sbiggest architect ***"$%&(1/+'(/$0#+$."-%")2 aimsto_shiftexpectations +,%)(

It’sacompanywherethe directors drivesuperminisinsteadofBentleys,and profits areshared out among the workforce. Business Editor JuliaBreen looksbehind the scenesatthe North-East’s largest architecturepractice

LIENTS orvisitors look atmoresites.Wehavebeen topeople about ownership,but about 15 percenteachyearin marketistighteningupitispri- comingtoarchitec- knownasanarchitecturalprac- trueownership comesfrom having turnover. vatehousing. However,social turepractice_space’s tice,but wewanttobeknownas apieceofpaperin your hand that The five-yeargoalistohaveof- housing isagrowthareaand wedo C newheadquarters morethanthat.Ithink people have says youareashareholder. ficesin the Manchesterarea, then enjoythatmore.” should beprepared to been very accepting of the name “Every pound the business the Midlands,then London. MrCharlton worked atWaring see something theyweren’tquite change. Itjust seemstohavehap- makesisreinvested. Some compa- “Alotof our clients arenational &Netts asastudent,then returned expecting. pened,and we’vecarried on asnor- nies’purposeisabout sharehold- clients soweneed toalign with in 2000 asanarchitect,becoming Behind the glass-roofed,airy re- mal. ervalue,but ours istomake life them,”MrCharlton says. managing directorin 2004. Hebe- ception areaof the formerSage “Wehavehad50years asWaring better. “Wedon’twanttotake overthe came chief executiveaftertwo headofficeinLongbenton,New- &Netts,and itisexactlythe same “Wedidn’tactuallyhitour tar- world,but werecognisethat,if we managing directors wereappoint- castle,theymightsee some of the business,same values,but just a gets last year,sowedidn’thavea wanttosurvive,wehavetogrow. ed toeachside of the business. architects,projectmanagers and differentname.” profitshare,but people accepted “Wedon’tsee the architecture Hisrole istoplanthe futureof surveyors rebalancing their _spacemoved intosoftwarefirm that.Iampretty surewewill hit side of the business getting much the business,whereasthe two chakraswithabitof Pilates. Sage’sformerheadquarters about our targets thisyearand everyone biggerin the North-East,sothatis managing directors dealdirectly ‘ Thisslightlyunusualapproach four monthsago. will shareinthat.” whyweexpanding geographically, withtheircustomers and teams. tobusiness ispart of the cultureat The spacious,glass-roofed atri- MrCharlton’slatest scheme isto but wearelooking togrowthe Although he admits the title of Ithink people respectthe fact _space,whichhasjust undergone umofthe building wasamini- encourage directors todrivethe managementside of the business chief executive“sendsshivers thatthe directors don’tdrive arenaming topushitself asana- malist featureforSage,but Mr “green” ToyotaAygo. across the board. downmyspine”,MrCharlton is tionalbrand. Charlton wanted tomake itafunc- “Weneversaythatwehaveboss- “The ideain the next fiveyears clearlyrelishing hisrole. Bentleys and Jaguars.Plus,I _spacewasformerlyknownas tionalareafor_space,soithasbe- esin thisbusiness and wedon’tsay istohaveanationalbrand. How- Iaskifhegivestipstofellow don’tlike driving. Howcould I Waring &Netts,awell-knownand come the hubof the offices. wehavestaff;wehavepeople. ever,wearekeen thatanygrowth chief executivesabout,ortriesto respected name whichhasbeenes- Behind the atriumisaglass- “Yes,Iamadirector,but that ordevelopmentissustainable.” encourage them todrivemoreen- saytoeveryone here,‘sorry,we tablished in the North-East for walled leisureroom,complete onlymeansImake some of the dif- _spacehasdone well out of the vironmentally-friendlycars. morethan50years. withpool table and table football. ficultdecisions,notthatmyrole is Government’sBuilding Schools “No,”hesaid.“Iwouldn’twant haven’thitour targets thisyear’, Soabraveor,some mightsay, Thisisalsothe placewherePilates moreimportantthananyone forthe Futureprogramme,but tobepatronising orcondescend- and then driveupinaBentley? crazy movetorebrand? Notatall, sessionsareheld. else’s. muchofthe workisalreadyunder ing,soIwould nevertry tolecture says chief executiveRobCharlton. “We’vebeen doing the Pilatesfor “Ithink the people in the busi- wayin the North-East.Inthe edu- people about the waywedothings. “Itisall about diversifying and about sixmonths,”says MrCharl- ness reallyrespectthe factthatthe cation sector,the companyiscur- Itisuptothem,and thereare having asustainable business,”he ton. “Wealsoinstalled apool table, directors don’tdriveBentleys and rentlyworking on Hummersknott manyrightways of doingbusi- RobCharlton,_spacechief executive said. “Wearethe largest architec- whichisamassivechange in the Jaguars. School and Eastbourne Academy, ness.Our approachwouldn’tsuit turepracticeinthe North-East, working culture. Tohaveput a “Plus,Idon’tlike driving,and I bothinDarlington,among others every business.” DOWN TIME: Staff at_spacecanenjoyPilatessessionsin theirlunchbreak but wearelooking atotherskills. pool table in the middle of the of- onlylivefiveminutesaway.When across the region. “Weneed todiversifyand be fice,going back15or20years, Ihavetotravel,whichIdo alot,I MrCharlton says:“Wetry to moreofanationalbusiness tosur- would havebeen unthinkable. take the train. make surethereisnevermore viveinthe long-term. “Afterworkitgets used alot. “Anyway,howcould Isayto than40percentof our business “Weopened anofficeinLeeds Thereisabig tournamentgoing everyone here,‘sorry,wehaven’t coming from one sector,suchas last yearsowecangrowthe ar- on,actually.Some people even hitour targets thisyear’,and then education. OPENING NIGHT: _spaceheadquarters litupforthe renaming party chitecturalpracticeand wewill bring in theirownpool cues. driveupinaBentley?” “However,schoolsatthe mo- “Ifsomeone wants aten-minute Asafatherof athree-year-old mentaccountforabout 35percent break,itgets used. Idon’tmind,be- girl,MrCharlton ismoreunder- of our market.Itdoesn’tmean causeweareanoutput-driven standing thanmanybossesabout we’ll cut backthere,itjust means business.” flexible working. wehavetoworkharderon our MrCharlton’sphilosophyisto Manyworking parents at_space othersectors.” make everyone,from directorlevel canchoosetostart earlyorfinish MrCharlton acknowledgesthat tocleaner,feel like anintegralpart early,depending on theirchildcare theremaybesome challenges of the business,and toenjoytheir needs. aheadinthe commercialsector. working life. Hesaid:“Ialways saytopeople, “Our commercialportfolio is “Itispart of the cultureherebut don’ttake your phone on holiday strong atthe moment,”hesays. itisalsonecessary,becausewe withyou.Inevertake myphone or _space’sotherstrong sectors in- haveaskillsshortage and wedo checkmyemail on holiday.Ifyour clude healthcare. Inthe past few need tocreateagood working at- business can’trunwithout you, years,ithasworked on projects in mosphere. Wehavepretty good re- youaredoing something wrong. large hospitals,but the Govern- tention rates.” “Ithink itismoreofanego mentisnowputting moremoney _space’slawyers arealsolooking thing,amacho thing,ratherthan intoprimary care,soits focus has intoemployee ownership of the anecessity.” changed. business,ratherthanjust profit MrCharlton’sapproachseems Hesays residentialregeneration sharingforthe company’s160- tobeworking._spaceexpects to isapotentialgrowtharea. strong workforce. turnover£8m thisyear,and is Hesaid:“Wehavebeen doing a MrCharlton says:“Youcantalk looking atasteadygrowthof lotof privatehousing,but if any

GREEN WHEELS: Above,directors at_spaceareencouragedtodriveToyotaAygos.Middle,_spacemanaging directorRobCharlton.Right,spaceisworking on Eastbourne Academy,in Darlington.Anartist’simpression 10 BUSINESSECHO LICENSING businessecho.co.uk TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12,2008

EXPERT Mincoffsexperts ADVICE: Matthew Foster(right) and Richard Arnotof in licensing law Mincoffs Solicitors

INCOFFS’spe- opments providesits clients censable activitiestoimprove cialist licens- withexpert guidance its clients’offering. ing and gam- through the legislativemaze. Headoflicensing,Richard M ing expertise Members of the specialist Arnot,isaregionaldirector datesbackto teamregularlyappearbefore of the BII. the 1960s. courts and committees The Newcastle-based com- Inthattime,the licensing throughout the country,rep- panyemploys approximately teamhasacted fornational resenting clients in all as- 100 staff atits officesin Jes- chains,regionalestates,indi- pects of liquorlicensing, vidualoperators,trade asso- gaming and planning,and mond,withotherservicesin- ciations,policeforcesand theirin-depthknowledge cluding commercialproper- localauthorities. spansfrom handling legisla- ty,corporateservices, Fashionscome and go in 40 tivechangessuchasextend- litigation,personalinjury, years,but Mincoffs’ability to ed drinking hoursorthe employment,conveyancing, keep upwiththe latest devel- smoking ban,tothe latest li- wills,trusts and probate.”

LAKEY &CO Viewmorebusinesses@ BUSINESSAGENTS www.lakeyco.com

LICENSED RESTAURANT SANDWICK PRODUCER /SUPPLIER £149,950 -Freehold Ref:143NE £39,950 -Leasehold Ref:W128NE Alcohol-related GreatAyton. High quality business boasting two Gatesheadbased,supplying outlets from Seahamto AA rosettes.Currentlytaking £4,000 perweek. Ashington. Lowoverheads&huge scope for Perfectopportunity forchef patron. expansion ordiversification. Taking £1,000 perweek.

SANDWICH BAR COFFEE SHOP £49,950 -Leasehold Ref:SA110NE £495,000 -Freehold Ref:CF117NE Bishop Auckland. Prime Location -TownCentre. Prime Location -Co. DurhamTownCentre. Currentlystaff run,suitowneroperator.Takes Currentlylargelystaff run,suitowneroperator. crime ‘no worse £2,000 perweek. Huge scope forowneroperator. Takes£5,500 perweek. Huge scope.

LICENSED RESTAURANT FISH AND CHIP SHOP £399,950 -Freehold Ref:R87NE £189,950 -Freehold Ref:FC116NE BarnardCastle. Fantasticfullyequipped licensed Bishop Auckland. Busy main roadlocation in restaurant,coffeeshop,tearoomintremendous mixed residentialcommercialarea.Currently uniquepremiseson main towncarpark. taking over£1,000 perweek. Twobed accommodation. thanin2005’ CALL TODAYIFYOU ARE NO FEES TO PAYIFWE THINKING OF SELLING! DON’TSELL YOUR BUSINESS! ANY claimed thatthe “Itconfirmswhateverybodyin ciallyheld responsible foraddition- SANDWICH SHOP LICENSED RESTAURANT £54,950 -Leasehold Ref:SA86NE £99,950 -Leasehold Ref:R93NE Licensing Act2003 the trade knewalready,thatthe sit- alpolicing hasbeen re-thought. Guisborough. Turnover£2,500 perweek. Perfect SouthShields.Fullylicensed restaurantin unique paved the wayfor24- uation isno worse. Newguidancehasbeen issued and first business.Well equipped,lowoverheadsand premises.Suitable foranycuisine-covers forup hour drinking and an “Twenty-four-hour drinking isa isdueforGovernmentdebateinlate to160 on ground and first floor. M easy torun. Latest closing 3pm. increaseincrime. A myth. Our experiencehasbeen that February,forimplementation at COFFEE SHOP recentstudybyhealthand socialsci- while manypubshaveapplied for some pointin the spring. GUEST HOUSE enceresearchers atMiddlesexUni- longeropening hours,thishasonly £440,000 -Freehold Ref:H108NE £299,950 -Freehold Ref:CF72NE “Again,itseemsthatthe Govern- SouthShields.Stunning GeorgianTownHouse. 9 Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.Stunning property with2 versity contradicts thisview. been done toprovide trading flexi- mentisimplementing changesin li- bed accommodation and fabulous seaviews. beds(7en-suite). Recentlyrefurbished. Jacuzzi The study,leadbyDrJohnFoster, bility. censing whichlackdetail and Room. Awardwinning business. Business takes£1,500 perweek on short hours. quashesassumptionsmade in the “Wehaveonlyapplied on behalf of thought,”said MatthewFoster. leaduptothe actand shows thatal- clients fortwo24-hour licencesout RESTAURANT withDAYCAFÉ LICENSED COFFEE SHOP “Nodoubtlocalauthoritieswill be £350,000 -Freehold Ref:R104NE £69,950 -Leasehold Ref:CF62NE cohol-related violenceand under- of hundredsof applications.Many lefttointerpretADZs,leavingroom DurhamCity Centre. Attractivelocationadjacentto age drinking haveremained fairly operators haveallowable opening Middlesbrough. Well knownbusiness withscope forinconsistencyacross the country. formanydifferentcuisines.Substantialpremises the riverwithoutside decked area.Easy torun unchanged. hours farin excess of the hours business currentlytaking over£2,000 perweek. Nothoughtseemstohavebeen given withground floorcafé and first floorfunction room. During the study,whichreceived underwhichtheyactuallyopen. apositiveresponsefrom thoseques- “Operators arestill constrained by tothe negativeimpactof suchzones LICENSED COFFEE SHOP /BISTRO NEWSAGENTS /OFF LICENSE on aregionaleconomyrelying so £145,000 -Leasehold Ref:R31NE £29,950 -Leasehold Ref:CTN127NE tioned,chairs of licensing commit- normalcommercialpressures.A Richmond. Prime Location in towncentre- Newcastle City Centre. Situated closetoStJames’ teesand licensing officers in local premisescannotopen longerthan heavilyon attracting tourists and in- characterpremises.Currentlytaking £2,500 per Park. Compacteasy torunbusiness currently vestment. taking £3,500 perweek. Lowoverheads. authoritiesagreed thatchangeshad trade will allow,and without de- week withhuge potentialforevening openings. notincreased alcohol-related prob- mand overheadsdictatewhen itis “Aslicensing solicitors wesee lems. commerciallyviable toopen.” manyapplicationswhichattractun- NO UPFRONT FEES “While some see thisasanegative Muchhypedand poorlyreceived, deserved criticismfortheirpotential JonathanWard result,asthe actwasaimed atre- Alcohol DisorderZones(ADZs)have toincreasecrime and disorder. NO SALE, NO FEE ducing suchproblems,itcertainly notbeen implemented asplanned in “Weworkvery closelywiththe po- contradicts the mediaportrayalof January. liceand responsible authoritiesto NO SEVERANCE FEES 0845 299 0158 the situation,”said MatthewFoster, Planstocreatezonesin which helpmaintain asafe and vibrant of licensing solicitors Mincoffs. premisesselling alcohol arefinan- night-time economy.” “ All night long! (all night)”

If you need expert advice on licensingand gaming issues,including extended licensing hours, call Mincoffs. We’ve been doing it for 40 years. Source: “All night long” by Lionel Ritchie featured on the 1984 album Can't Slow Down. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12,2008 businessecho.co.uk LICENSING BUSINESSECHO 11 Ways tokeep the noisedown

TMAY onlybeFebruary but areaaround the premisesshould be spring ison the way!Inan monitored atthe boundariesof the effort toimproverevenues complainant(if known) bythe man- and maximiseprofits,more ager I ■ Seek guidanceand suggestions pubs,hotels,restaurants and cafesareconsidering utilis- from your localauthority environ- ing theiroutside spaces. mentalhealthorenvironmentalser- However,unwanted sound or vicessection nuisancenoisefrom theseoutside Asanaside tothe problem of areascancausecomplaints.And noiseemanatingfrom outside itshould beremembered thatall areas,MincoffsSolicitors recent- businesseshaveastatutory duty lycarried out some localresearch tocontrol excessivenoise. Failing and found thatover25percentof tocomplycanleadtoprosecution! licensed premisesoperating out- Asregardsthe useofoutside side activitiesfailed topossess the spaceswhetheritbeabeergar- correctlicences. den,playarea, carpark,pave- Areyouin the process of buy- mentorterracing,the sourceof ing orleasing licensed property? noiseisusuallyshouting orloud Haveyoucarried out proper voices.Thiswill bemoreobvious duediligence? atnight,whennoiselevelsin the Ifthe property alreadyhasout- surrounding areaarerelatively side areashaveyouchecked that low. theyhavethe relevantauthorisa- Simple measurescanbetaken tions? tocontrol suchnoiseand include: Ifalandlord’sconsentisre- ■ Post noticesnearexits tothe out- quired,haveyougotit? side areasand in thoseareasthem- Isplanning permission re- selves,advising customers that quired,e.g. fordecking? thereare(perhaps)residentialareas Isthe utilised areaactuallyon nearbyand requesting respect your land? Theseareall neces- being showntoneighbours sary issuestocover. ■ Screening outside areasbyerect- Similarly,haveyoucarried on ing walling,fencing orhedging can anystructuralalterationstothe help control noise property toallowoutside activi- Occasionallypremisesreceive ties? complaints about noiseand asa Did youobtain alandlord’scon- resultpubvaluescould behitby sentorappropriateplanning per- extraconditionsbeing placed on mission? licences. Ifyouoperateanyoutside area The BritishBeer&PubAssoci- and areunsureastowhetheryou ation hasissued guidelineson arecomplying withyour complex howtorespond toacomplaint legalrequirements,then itwould and theseinclude: bewisetoconsultyour solicitor ■ Log anycomplaint/report tothe or,if he orshe doesnotspecialise manager in thisarea, consultMincoffsSo- ■ Onreceiptof acomplaint,the licitors. HAVING FUN: Alivelypubisagreatplacetobebut problemscanoccur if the noisy celebrationsspill out on tothe streets “ It's a crazy situation But all Ineed are cigarettes and alcohol!”

If you need advice on licensing and gaming,call Mincoffs. We’ve been doing it for 40 years.

Please call RichardArnot on 0191 212 7703 or Matthew Foster on 0191 212 7702

Source: "Cigarettes &Alcohol" by Oasis featured on the 1994 album Definitely Maybe. 12 BUSINESSECHO LICENSING businessecho.co.uk TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12,2008 Dream Making a time for mealofthe clients REAMSTIME has D launched its new EditorialLicense. Thisexciting newimage laws when option allows photographers tocover world,nationalorlocal events of animportant, newsworthynature without being concerned about getting model eating out releases. Imagesused toillustrate truthfularticlesdo not ANY parents, law,forexample in the caseof requiremodel releases,as having grownup TimmisvMillman,whereasub- do imagesused for underthe old li- stantialsandwichaccompanied promotionalor censing regime, bybeetroots and pickleswasa advertising purposes. M Dreamstime cannow rememberthatit table meal. Ofcoursethisisjust waslegalforchildren todrink al- anexample but clearlythe food presentamuchwider cohol withameal. must besomething substantial range of imagesgeared to The newLicensing Act2003 and apacketof crispswould not publicationsand web haschanged the situation,but suffice. pagesof aneditorial for16and 17-year-oldsitisstill Operators must usetheirown nature. Imagesof current permitted,subjecttoconditions. judgementastowhatwould con- politicalscenes,social, Normally,under-18swould not stituteatable meal. And it sport and culturalevents, bepermitted todrink alcohol in would bewisetoeitherhavea orothermediaevents,will pubsorrestaurants.Under-age policyortohavetrained staff ac- beaccepted and available almost on the spot. ‘diners’,aged 16or17,areper- cordingly. WINE AND DINE: Itislegalfor16and 17-year-oldstodrink alcohol withamealbut Although in its early mitted todrink alcohol. Awordofcaution must be restrictionsapply stages,the section is Thiscanbedone inside the given here. Boththe adultand rapidlygrowing and pub, in arestaurantoroutside, the premisesareindangerof Adults should alsobeaware theirpremises.Thisisnotanau- mayalsobewisetocheckthat adding newimageson a but itmust accompanyatable prosecution if the alcohol ispur- thatitisanoffencetopurchase tomaticrightforcustomers and individualpremiseswill allow dailybasis.Theycanbe mealand suchpersonsmust be chased foraperson underthe alcohol forpersonsunderthe theirfamilies,itisalways atthe thisbeforebuying the alcohol or found on accompanied byaperson aged age of 16. age of 18,subjecttoabovemen- discretion of the management. making abooking. www.dreamstime. 18 orover. Premiseslicenceholders,des- tioned exception. Soadults pur- Customers canmake opera- Adults supervising 16and 17- com/editorial-images_pg1 The alcohol in question must ignated premisessupervisors chasing alcohol forunder-16s tors’jobseasierbymaking sure year-oldsshould purchasealco- Formoreinformation beordered and purchased byan and barpersonswould bewiseto who aredining arethemselvesli- their16and 17-year-oldshave hol responsiblyand beaware about editorialtermsand adultand must bewine,beeror make sureofthe age of those able toprosecution. credible identification confirm- thatitisalsoanoffencetopur- conditions,pleaseaccess cider. personsdrinking alcohol since Itisalways uptothe individ- ing theirage. Apassport ora chasealcohol foraperson who is www.dreamstime.com/ter Atable mealisdefined bycase all could beliable toprosecution. ualoperatorastohowtheyrun birthcertificatewill suffice. It drunk. ms#editorial NOW YOU CAN ATTRACT Superbrestaurants forsale

EVEN MORE BUSINESS... EADING North-East busi- toconcentrateonhisnew terest.The business isbeing of- L ness broker,Lakey&Co,is Stokesleyventure. fered forsale becausethe vendoris currentlyoffering forsale The well-fitted and unique leaving the area. twolicensed restaurants in North premisesofferspacefor46diners JonathanWard,of Lakey&Co, Forfurtherinformation contact: Yorkshire,bothofwhichwould and include afully-equipped cor- said:“Bothoftheselicensed busi- provide agreatopportunity fora nerbar. nessesaregreatopportunitiesfor Darlington &TeesValley chef proprietorlooking forafirst The CourtyardBistro,in Rich- anexisting chef lookingforafirst BeckySowerby solo venture. mond,occupiesfantasticpremises business. 01325505043 The CooksRoom,in Great withgreatcharmand character “Theyarebothinwalk-in con- [email protected]. Ayton,whichboasts twoAA and again offers agreatopportu- dition and arelocated in beautiful Durham&Tyne &Wear rosettesand iswell knownacross nity,asitcurrentlyopensonlydur- partsof NorthYorkshire.” Rachel Cook the North-East,isforsale on a ing the day–asacoffee shop –and Lakey&Cooperateson astrict- 01325505233 leasehold basisat£149,950and acouple of eveningsaweek asa lyno-riskbasis,no sale –nofee [email protected] providesagreatchanceforanew bistro. and no up-frontfees. chef tocontinuethe workstarted Anasking priceof£99,950is Jonathancanbecontacted on NorthYorkshire byNealBullock,who nowwishes being soughtforthe leasehold in- 0845 2990158. Simon Noddings 01325505161 WeworkonYOUR BEHALF!! [email protected] k Amortgage solution N The award-winning Business Echo is All thisplus our regularcolumnists, R committed toproviding its readers including NECC chief executiveJames tosuityour needs withthe very latest business news Ramsbothamand our monthlySuccess Neil Rennard Mortgage Solutions Ltd and information from across the campaign,whichcelebratesbusinesses EIL RennardMortgage So- havelackedthe capitaltoexpand. North-East and NorthYorkshire. thataremaking theirmarkinthe region. IndependentCommercialFinanceBrokers N lutionsLimited,based in “Asanexperienced,profession- Soifyouhaven't alreadypicked upa Darlington,wasfounded almortgage intermediary,wecan Weareindependentand cansearchthe byNeil Rennardand Kim Hind- giveyouadviceand help you The newlook weeklysupplementwill be Business Echo,whynotmake ityour marketplacetofind the rightcommercial march. arrangethe capitalyouneed to packed witheven morenews stories, NewYear's resolution togiveitatry and mortgage foryour circumstances Neil hasworkedinthe financial purchaseyour commercialbusi- featuresand business platforms,from learnmoreabout whatthe businesses Mortgagesand Loanscanbearranged fora servicesindustrysince1992,in- ness,whetheryouareastart-up ecoand farming tolaw,technologyand on your doorstep areachieving. host of projects.Forexample: cluding asafinancialadviserfor business orexperienced. personalfinance. •Newbusiness venturesincluding buying anoffshorebank in Gibraltar. “Weareindependentand can established businesses “The majority of our clients re- searchthe marketplacetofind •Buying,moving orexpanding premises side throughout the North-East the rightcommercialmortgage to •Refinancing and reducing repayment while some arefrom further suityour circumstances. The NorthernEcho costs on existing loansbyre-mortgaging afield,”said Neil. “Wehaveagencieswiththe •Buying toLet(Commercial&Residential) “Wecanprovide consultations majorhigh-streetbanksand also atour officeoryour placeofwork withspecialist commercial Business Echo •Bridging /Developmentfinance and wecanprovide services lenders.” Registered Office: throughout the UK. Examplesof businessesNeil Call Kevin Busbyon 01325505169 1WestparkDrive,Darlington DL30TB “Inthe past,traditionalsmall RennardMortgage Solutionscan oremail:[email protected] Tel: 01325252434 Mobile: 07966 046055 businessesand self-employed help include:hotels,B&B and www.commercialmortgagesengland.com partnershipshaddifficulty rais- guest houses; publichouses; www.commercialloansengland.com ing long-termcapitaltoexpand shops&retail;offices; warehouse theirbusiness. &wholesale;industrialunits; Find us on www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/industry The FSAdo notregulate “Without the access toacom- restaurants; farms&land;devel- some formsof CommercialMortgages mercialmortgage manybusiness opmentfinance. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12,2008 businessecho.co.uk COMMERCIAL PROPERTY BUSINESSECHO 13

RELAX IN STYLE: Hide Bar&Grill outlets arethe epitome of moderndining and drinking,offering asuperbrange of dishesin relaxing surroundings.Hide in Yarm,pictured here, islocated on the High Street,offering awide range of comfort foodstomatchthe peacefulcreamsand chocolates of the decor–perfectforaromanticValentine’sDaymeal

The following coursesareavailable atthe FreemasonsHall atDarlington,the WheatsheafInn in Staindrop and the SurteesArmsin Ferryhill

GreatEscape forHide Bargroup

HE HideBargroup,based isting outlets in Durham,Yarmand asuccessfulconceptoffering high in Durhamand owned by The Gate,Newcastle. end contemporary dining and astyl- North-East entrepreneur Hide hasacquired twonewoutlets ishsocialising environmentin busy Alison Morgan,hascon- foranundisclosed suminSkipton T and upmarketlocations. tinued its expansion with and Ilkleywhichwill beextensively the purchaseofYorkshire-based Es- refurbishedand expanded beforere- “Iamkeen toexpand thisbusiness cape Bars. openingunderthe Hide Barbrand. and the brand beyond the region and Thiswill add toHide Bars’three ex- Alison Morgansaid:“Hide hasbeen Escape Bars wasagood fit.” Enjoythe Hide experiencein... Newcastle DurhamYarm

Situated on the ground floorof The Gate,anexciting,stylishentertainment Hide Barand Grill isthe epitome of contemporary elegancewithits careful The perfectplacetokickback,cosy upand relax,HideBar&Grilliscentrally complexof bars,restaurants,acinemaand casino,all in the heart of the city, mixtureofsoothing creams,delicious brownsand irresistible reds,this located on Yarm’spopularHigh Street-recentlyvoted Best High Streetin thisisperhapsthe most centrallylocated of Hide Bars in termsof nightlife. But restaurant/cafe/barisin aclass of its own. Lying seductivelyin the heart of Britain.The perfectdestinationforthosewithapalateforthe finerthingsin like its counterparts,the emphasisisvery muchonchilling out,asitcontainsits Durham’sbustling city centre,Hide’smodernstylingsand exuberantcharm life.. very ownlounge-likerelaxation area, completewithmultimediaAVequipment attractall mannerof clienteleascustomers areinvited togazeout of the AsYarm’sfirst contemporary styled cafe and grill,thisisone tosavour in a in whichtoenjoythe Hide experience. decadentwindows towatchafast-paced world from the relaxed comfort of townofgems; it’spopularity withbothlocalsand visitors tothe areahas Greatatmosphereand contemporary decoriscombined withanextensive theirtable.The views of the RiverWearand Old ElvetBridge add tothis earned itareputation asthe placetogo. The interiorboasts clean,simple and choiceofbrilliantbistrofood. And when evening arrives,its muted tonesmake establishment’suniquecharacterasguests areindulged in the city’sculturewhile modernfinishing touches; delicatecreamsand luscious darkchocolatebrowns forthe most peacefuldining experienceinwhichtoenjoytheirinternational theysample some of its finest food. createachicand spacious dining area, justperfectforsittingbackand watching restaurantmenuand letthe flavours and chill-out musicwashoveryou. Hide istransformed throughout the dayfrom acafe thatserveshearty orhealthy the world go by. Greatcocktailsand champagne bythe bottle -the Hide Barisadreamand a breakfaststoanelectriclunchvenuewheregrills,pizzasand sandwichesarethe Forthoseinthe mood foraparty,tablesarepushed backand customers are greatplacetomeetupforadrinkafterwork. Plus its lateopeninghourson dishesof choice. But in the eveningthe restaurantexudesarefined atmosphere encouragedtotheirfeetwithlife musicfrom guest DJs.Add tothisafrankly Fridayand Saturday(until 1am) make thisagreatchoiceforanightout. thatcompliments the exquisitevariety of food. But youwould bemistaken in endless list of cocktails,winesand champagnes,and youhaveasliceofthe high assuming eachHideBaristhe same,in factthe menus differtoensureaunique life. Youcaneven indulge yourself withone of theirexcellentSundaylunches experienceishadevery time yougo. on the weekend. Simplyoutstanding! Afine wine and bottle beerselection ison hand toaccompanyyour mealand the cocktailsaresuretotemptanyone keen forthe moreadventurous tipple. With style,substanceand atrulyinviting atmosphere,Hide Barisanabsolutedelight. Hide Bar&Grill Hide Bar&Grill Hide Bar&Grill The Gate,NewgateStreet,Newcastle 39SaddlerStreet,DurhamCity FairfaxCourt,32-34High Street,Yarm Tel:0191 2435558 web: www.hidebar.com Tel:0191 384 1999 web: www.hidebar.com Tel:01642355558 web: www.hidebar.com 14 BUSINESSECHO PERSONAL FINANCE businessecho.co.uk TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12,2002 Whatdo taxchangesmean?

HE newrulesforCap- ByIanLowes would wipe out,in one fell swoop, italGainsTax(CGT), [email protected] the system implemented byGor- announced in Octo- don Browntopromoteentrepre- T ber,will havesignifi- neurship and encourage longer- cantimplicationsfor terminvesting byprivate some and mayresultin individu- But,if theywaituntil after individuals. April 6tosell,and the selling alsbeing put in apositionwhere, Inaprotest lettertothe Chan- priceisthe same,the taxwill be if theydo notsell assets before cellor,Britain’sfour main busi- £5,490–regardless of whether April 6,theirCGTliability on ness groupswarned thatthe pro- theyareahigherrateorbasic thoseassets will increasesignif- posalsrisked “serious damage to ratetaxpayer. icantlyovernight. thiscountry’sentrepreneurial Inthe aboveexample,the Currently,anygainsmade on culture”. changesresultin apotentialin- the sale of investments and/oras- creaseinthe taxdueofmore Asaresultof thiscorporate sets thatwould besubjecttoCGT than170 percent.However,the lobbying,AlistairDarling re- canbereduced byIndexation Re- newCGT rulesmayactually centlyannounced some conces- lief (inflation-proofing) forthe provemorefavourable forsome, sions.Thiswill givean“entre- period of ownership from April particularlyforhigherratetax- peneurs’relief” bycutting the 1982through toApril 5,1998,and payers who havemade gainsin a CGT rateonlifetime profits upto taperrelief,based on the number short period of time. £1m made byanyone selling a of years the investmenthadbeen Take the example of someone business orholding asubstantial held since1998. who,in 2002,purchased aprop- stake in acompany.Itwashoped Anyelementof the netgain in erty for£100,000 and todaysellsit thismovewould repairrelations the valueofthe assets afterthis for£200,000.Underthe old rules, withbusiness. calculation thatexceedsthe in- aftertaking accountof theiran- Thereisageneralconsensus dividual’sCGT allowanceforthe nualCGT allowance,the tax thatthe CGT changeshaveweak- yearof disposalwill becharge- would havebeen £30,320,where- ened anyarguments in favour of able atten percent,20 percentor as,from April,the taxcharge investing in commonlyused in- 40percent,depending on the in- would beless than£16,500. vestmentvehicles–single pre- dividual’stotaltaxable income. Itappeared,initially,thatthe miumlife assurancebonds– The Chancellorof the Exche- from apuretaxperspective. newCGT ruleswould create ENTREPRENEURS’RELIEF: ChancellorAlistairDarling announced some changestoCGT plans querhasnowabolished indexa- some certain losers –specifically Theseinvestments aresubjectto tion relief and taperrelief (the thosepeople sellingbusiness as- income taxand do nottake ad- latterwasintroduced byGordon sets.Thiswasbecausethe taper vantage of anindividualsCGT al- spective,therecould bewinners Brown) and hassetthe rateof relief thatapplied aftertwoyears lowancesand could betaxed at and losers.Forsome,realising taxataflat18 percent. of ownership wassignificantly aneffectiverateof40percent. gainsafterApril 6could meana ■ IanLowesismanaging directorof Newcastle-nased Lowes So,whatdo the CGT changes moregenerous. Comparethistoothersimilar taxliability morethandouble FinancialManagement,one of the UK’stop 100 independent mean? Take someone who made Undercurrentrules,the effec- collectiveinvestments suchas thatwhichwould havearisen financialadvisors and one of onlyahandfuloffirmsaccredited as aninvestmentof £10,000 in 1985, tivechargeable taxon business unittrusts wheregainscanbe hadthe gain been realised before. Chartered FinancialPlanners. and its valuetodayis£50,000. assets wasten percentforhigh- offsetagainst anindividual’s Youmayneed toactquickly, MrLowesisone of the fewindividualsin the UK topossessuffi- Ifthisindividualsellstheirin- erratetaxpayers and fiveper CGTallowance,therebyresult- establishing whetheritisappro- cientfinancialservicesqualificationstoearnthe accreditation vestmenttoday,the taxwill be centforbasicratetaxpayers. ing in apotentialtaxrateofnil priatetosell some investments Fellowof the PersonalFinanceSociety. £2,020 if theyareabasicratetax- But,underthe newrules, and aworsecasescenario post beforethe end of the currenttax Hepresents seminars all overthe UK.Tofind out moreand book payeror£4,040if theyareahigh- everyone would pay18 percent. April of 18 percent year,even if itmeansbuying aplace,visitlowes.co.uk/seminar erratetaxpayer. The newrulesseemed asif they Aswecansee,from aCGT per- them backamonthlater.

MONEYFACTS MORTGAGE &CARDS SELECTION MONEYFACTS SAVERS SELECTION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12,2002 northernecho.co.uk SHARES 2 BUSINESSECHO 15 Banksstill struggling in wake of creditsqueeze Interest ratecut is

ByJuliaBreen Business Editor latest chapterin [email protected]

BANKS arestill struggling to topsy-turvy tale securecashafterlast summer’s creditcrunch,despiteadrop-off in the rateatwhichtheylend to eachother,anindustry bodyhas Kinterest rates revealed. werereduced last week,forthe second ‘ The main London interbank Isthe world coming lendingrate–knownasthree- U time in twomonths, monthLibor–hasdropped back asworriesgrow toanend? Ihavenot to5.62 percentfrom the 6.9 per overthe stateofthe economy. centhigh seen asthe credit Ratesat5.25percentwerelast seen too many squeezetookholdlast Septem- seen between January and May marketprofessionals ber. of last year. But industry experts warned Intheory,reduced borrowing withsandwich-board thatbanksarecontinuing tofind costs should begood forUK creditconditionstough amid a companiesand hencethe stock signsreading ‘The globalaversion torisksparked market,but markets fell on the End isNigh’ off bythe meltdowninmoney news.Thisisbecausethereisa AnthonyPlatts markets and the collapseofthe thoughtout therethata US’ssub-prime mortgage mar- quarterof apointisnot ket. enough,and perhapsahalf was needed. The comments come asreports out the benefits of cheaper warnofanewphaseofthe cred- The US marketseemedto like the factthatthe US was borrowing. itsqueeze,withgloomyweekend Isthe world coming toan meetingsof the GroupofSeven notthe onlynation tobe reducinginterest rates,and end? Ihavenotseen too many (G7)financeministers adding to marketprofessionalswith the sector’swoes.The G7leaders wasmarked higher.Thisthen fed through toahealthy sandwich-boardsignsreading forecast thatcreditcrunchrelat- RATES CUT: Bank of England governorMervynKing “The End isNigh”. ed lossescould reach$400bn recovery of some sorts in the UK marketthe next day, The nearest toapositive (£205bn) –fargreaterthanorigi- “Whatmarketparticipants are next week byBarclays,Alliance end of last yeartohelp avert a continuing the topsy-turvy statement,though,is nalUS FederalReserveestima- finding isthatthereiscertainly &Leicesterand LloydsTSB. NewYearfreezeincreditmar- natureofthe FTSE atthe “cautiouslyoptimistic”. tionsforlossesof about between movementin creditmarkets,but Banksareexpected toreveal kets asbankshoarded cashto moment. Itcould stillbethe casethat, $100bnand $105bn. the lending doesdepend on the substantialincreasesin provi- balancetheirbooksatthe year- Itisclearthatthereisa if the “creditcrunch” runsout The BritishBankers’Associa- quality of your name.” sionsforbaddebtand lossesfrom end. slowdowningrowthincertain of steam,and runsits course, tion (BBA)said banksarealso Hefty write-downsannounced the creditcrunch,withthe The measuresarethoughtto sectors,although itis thateverythingsmellsof roses being hitbylowervolumesof bymanyof the world’sbiggest crunchhaving hitin the fourth havebeen helpfulinseeing the importanttopointout thatany in the garden of the stock creditbeing made available and bankshasled toconcernsover quarterof last year. interbank lending ratesfall back slowdownisnotacross the market.Therearestrategists asaresultof aglobalre-pricing the healthofthe sector. The lossesareexpected tocon- closertopre-crunchlevels,about board. Adding tothe gloom last out therewho arepredicting of risk. The bank reporting season tinuemounting,withareport in 20 to25basispoints aboveBank week werecomments from the FTSE 100 Indextobehigher John Ewan,BBA director,said: overthe next twoweekswill be The Wall StreetJournalalso baserate. GlaxoSmithKline,the UK’s atthe endofthe year,thanits “There’sliquidity available to crucialforthe industry,when the warning thatanewcrisisisde- The Bank of England’sdeci- largest pharmaceutical starting level. Thatrequiresa everybody. first setof audited accounts since veloping in the low-rated corpo- sion tocut ratestwicesincethe company.The groupprovided certain leapoffaith,but there “The question is,isitavailable the crisisbeganwill berevealed. ratebond market,whichthreat- beginning of the year–to5.25per guidancetoamid-single digit isalways hope,and welivein on the same termsand in the Bradford&Bingleykicksoff enstosparkfurtherwoes. centlast week –hasalsoseen decline in earningsthisyear, interesting times. same volumesasitwasbefore the round of annualresults from The centralbanks,including Liborcome downsincethe wherethe marketwashoping the creditsqueeze? UK bankstomorrow,followed the Bank of England,acted atthe heightof the crunch. foramid-single digitincrease. BT Group,knowninthe past tohavemade telephone Market report Share prices numberprofitfigures,missed revenueconsensus byanot inconsiderable £100minthe LONDON’SFTSE100 Indexfell NORTH AMERICAN Chloride ...... 173 -2¼ FKI...... 70½+5¾ RDutchShell B...... 1686-4 Indicators thirdquarter.Thisled tocash morethanone percentyester- B&Decker...... £35.16-0.07 Domino Ptg...... 285 +4 IMI...... 380¾ +13¾ PHARMACEUTICALS flowbeing £300mless than DuPont...... £23.19 -0.12 Invensys ...... 239¼ -10 ManBrnze...... 535+½ Astrazeneca ...... 1929-18 day,afterinflation concernsand AEROSPACE Morgn Cru ...... 184 -1½ Metalrax...... 28+½ Axis-Shield...... 252+6 consensus. apooropening session in New Chemring...... £23¼+¼ OxInstmts...... 180-2 Molins...... 116 Glaxo...... 1084 +14 The FTSE 100 ...... 5707.7 The least said about the Cobham...... 181½ +¾ VolexGrp...... 98½ +2 Renold ...... 68½ REAL ESTATE Up...... 76.3 banksatthe momentthe Yorkdampened sentiment. Meggitt ...... 257¾ -2¼ FOOD RETAILERS Senior...... 92-5½ BritLand ...... 963 -7 AIM Morrison W...... 291½ +4 SpiraxSrco...... 887-4½ better.Temptation,however, The indexwas76.3downat DTZ Hldgs...... 209-1½ US dollar ...... 1.9484 5707.7atthe close,withbanks Cape...... 217½+¼ Sainsbury ...... 354 -3½ WeirGrp...... 747 GtPortland ...... 460¾ +2¾ gets the betterof me. Audited Chapelthorpe...... 30½ Tesco...... 387½-1½ INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORT Hamrsn...... 1041 -19 Up...... 0.0015 Dawson Intl...... 2¾ Thorntons...... 139-1 ForthPorts...... 1940-5 finalresults aredueout in the and insurancefirmsbearing the Land Secs...... 1543-16 Inveresk...... 9 FOOD PRODUCERS TDG ...... 215 +1 bruntafterofficialfiguresshow- SUPPORT SERVICES Euro ...... 1.3432 next fewweeks,whichmay Nichols...... 245½ +2 AB Food...... 810½-19½ INVESTMENT AMEC ...... 715½ -4½ ing soaring priceinflation set ScapaGrp...... 29¼ Cadbry Sch...... 576 -10½ AllianceTrust ...... 335½ -4 Up...... 0.0004 provide improved transparency backhopesforaggressiverate Youngs...... £20 CarrsMillg ...... 535+5 BrAssets ...... 123½-2 API Grp...... 24½ -1 on anycreditlosses.The UK AUTOMOBILES &PARTS NthFoods...... 90¼-½ CandoverInv...... £21½ Bunzl...... 644 -3½ bankshavestated thattheydo cutting from the Bank of Eng- GKN...... 250-4¾ REA Hldgs...... 585 -5 Dunedin Inv...... 217-4 Capita...... 623½-14½ land. Wagon...... 32½-½ TateLyle ...... 492¾ +3¼ Dunedin Sml ...... 110¾ -½ DavisService...... 519½ -1 nothaveanyblackholeson Insurer Resolution wasworst BANKS Unilever...... 1595 -28 Edin Invst...... 406 -6¾ DeLa Rue...... 938+3 theirbalancesheets.Dopeople Alld Irish...... 964¾-38½ GENERAL FINANCIAL Edinburgh USTT ...... 544 -5 ElctroCom...... 187-2¾ Popularshares off,44p lowerat672p. Royal& Alliance&L...... 580-27 3iGroup...... 920 -3½ Forgn &C...... 286¾ -2 Hays...... 98½ -1½ trust banksthesedays? Johnson Service...25¼ +¼ SunAlliance fell 5.8p to124.6p, Barclays ...... 429¼ -12¾ CloseBros...... 766 -22½ Hend SmllrCos...... 230 Alliance&L...... 580-27 HSBC HLDGS...... 712½-24½ The sectoristrading atabout BkIreland...... 651½ -11 ProvidentFin ...... 847-5 ScotAm...... 219 -4¾ McAlpine A...... 544 -3½ Aviva...... 551 -28½ a40percentdiscounttothe with Legal&General down HSBC...... 712½-24½ Schroders ...... 975-24 Witan...... 432¾ -1¾ MenziesJ...... 545 +15 IntlPower...... 392¼-1¼ BAESystems...... 450¼-6¾ 5.1p to120.1p and Aviva slipping LloydsTSB ...... 404¼ -12¼ Schroders NV....880½-19½ LIFE INSURANCE Prem Farnell...... 144 -1¼ M&S...... 415 -4 market,but areunlikelyto RylScotland ...... 359¼ -7¼ Avon Rbbr...... 101½ -3 FriendsProv...... 131¾+¾ Rentokil ...... 105¼ -1¼ BG...... 1155 -15 NationalGrid...... 769-8 outperformthe marketin the 28.5p to551p. Prudential joined StanChart...... 1520 -47 REXAM ...... 398½ -10½ Lgl &Gen...... 120 -5 Travis&P...... 1068-16 BP...... 547½+½ Pennon Grp...... 664½ +5½ Bradford&Bingley...... 239-4 very short term,asthe the slide,losing 23pto583p. BEVERAGES SmithDS ...... 153-2¾ Old Mutual...... 116½-6¾ Wolseley...... 663½-12½ Sainsbury...... 354 -3½ Barr AG...... 1238-8 Tomkins...... 179-1¼ Prudential...... 583-23 BritAirways...... 288¾-7 uncertainty intensifies.The FriendsProvident wasthe TECHNOLOGY Scottish&Sthrn...... 1523 -8 Diageo ...... 1028+7 GENERAL RETAILERS MEDIA Psion...... 91¾-¼ BritishEnergy...... 485½ -7 level of dividends,withyields exception,up2.7pto133.9p. ScotNew...... 787-½ AshleyL...... 23¼-½ BSkyB...... 549 -3 BT Grp...... 229¼ -1¾ Severn...... 1429+2 SpirentComms...... 50¼-¼ averaging nearlyseven per Downgradesalsoweighed on CHEMICALS HR Owen...... 146 Chrysalis...... 128+3½ TELECOM (FIXED LINE) Centrica...... 322 -3¼ TateLyle...... 492¾ +3¼ Croda...... 497¼-9¼ Inchcape ...... 349 -7 DMail Tst...... 466½-4¼ C&W...... 162¾ -¼ GlaxoSmithKline.....1084 +14 Tesco...... 387½-1½ cent,if maintained –orbetter Delta...... 100 -2 Kingfisher...... 132½-2½ Pearson ...... 635½ -12½ the banking sector,with Al- ColtTelecom ...... 146-6½ HBoS...... 636 -22 United Utils...... 688 -4½ ANTHONY PLATTS, above Elementis98...... 63 -¼ M&S...... 415 -4 Reuters Grp...... 598 -5 increased –implythatbanks liance&Leicester off 27pto Thus Group...... 107¾ -1¼ JohnsnMat...... 1884 -8 Next ...... 1382-15 Trinity Mirror...... 319¼ -4¾ aremassivelyoversold. This ■ AnthonyPlatts isadivisionaldirector TELECOM (MOBILE) 580p,while HSBC wasdown COMP SERVICES Signet...... 63½+1½ MINING meansthatthe valueas in the Teesside officeofWiseSpeke, Computacenter.....162½-½ WH Smith...... 365½ +2 BHP Billiton ...... 1483-18 Vodafone Group.....171-3¼ 11.5p at725.5p. TOBACCO Northernshares indicated bytrading levelsin and canbecontacted on 0845- LogicaCMG...... 99¼ -1¾ HEALTH CARE Lonmin...... £31 2131340.Views expressed arethe au- Pharmaceuticalsgiant Glaxo- Misys ...... 162¾ -4¼ SmithNph...... 665+7½ Rio Tinto...... £52¼-¾ BrAmTob...... 1854 -3 the market,arewell belowfair Imp’ Tobacco...... £23¾ +¼ thor’sownand arenotnecessarilyheld SmithKline enjoyed betterfor- CONSTRUCTION HOUSEHOLD GOODS NONLIFE INSURANCE Arriva...... 682-13½ NorthernRock...... 95½ -2½ Balfour Beatty ...... 436¼-6 Reckitt Benckiser...... £26 + MarshMcL...... 1310¾ TRAVEL &LEISURE value,asmeasured byhistoric throughout the Brewin Dolphin Group. BarratDev...... 380½+2½ NorthernVentureTst ...... 62 tunes,finishing 14p higherat CRH...... 1655¾+26 TaylorWimpey...... 172 -2¾ 34¾Royal&Sun124½ -5¾ Compass Grp...... 330½+4 comparisons. Bellway...... 724¾+5¼ WiseSpekeisadivision of Brewin Dol- 1084p. Costain...... 22½ IND ENGINEERING OIL &GAS PRODUCERS FirstGroup...... 653-6 Northgate...... 692¼-8¼ Chieftain...... 182½-1 Lowerinterest ratesoughtto phin,amemberof the London StockEx- Supermarket Morrisons also LowBonar...... 91 -2½ 600 Group...... 41¼ NorskHdro...... 614 -13 Ladbrokes...... 297½+1¼ NorthumbrianWater...348 +6 Marshalls...... 258½ +3¾ Charter...... 702 +12 Premier...... 1302 +12 Rank Org...... 99½ -1¼ Garner...... 4½ OpsecSecurity Group.....46½ leadtothe mortgage banks change,authorised and regulated by fared well,afterreports itwas ELECTRICAL EQUIP Fenner...... 244 RDutchShell A...... 1717-7 Stagecoach...... 237¾ -2½ Go-Ahead...... £21¾-¼ Persimmon...... 719½ +11½ lowering monthlymortgage the FinancialServicesAuthority.Prices, Grainger...... 349¼ -¾ taking legalaction overbeing PremierDirect...... 24 valuesorincome mayfall against in- Greggs...... £44 5-8 -½ costs,increasingdiscretionary named in adairy price-fixing The FTSE’sbiggest risers were The biggest FTSE fallers were Sage Group...... 215½ -1 spending,giving aboost tothe vestors’interests.Youshould beaware Helius Energy...... 45¾ thatyoumaygetless backthanyouin- probe. Morrisons,up4pto291.5p,Glaxo Resolution,down44p to672p, Old Kelda...... 1089½ SCS ...... 45¾+1¾ sale of goodsand services.On Severfield Rowen 270¼+4½ vested. Investments maynotalways be Sharesrose4pto291.5p SmithKline up14p to1084p,and Mutual ,off 6.9p to116.5p,Aviva MetnorGroup...... 130½ the otherhand,however, Northern2VCT...... 80½ SouthernCross...... 366 -5 suitable forall individuals.Ifyouhave Directoriesfirm Yell rose0.75p Smith&Nephew ,whichgained down28.5p to551p and Shire , NorthernInvestors ...... 201½ Stadium...... 47-2 higheroil,gasand electricity anydoubts,youshould consultapro- to262.75p. 7.5p to665p. whichlost 42.5p to895p. NorthernRecruit...... 56½-1 Vp...... 319½ +2½ pricesgo somewaytowiping fessionaladvisor. 16 BUSINESSECHO XXXXXXXXX XXXXXX businessecho.co.uk TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12,2002

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