north east england’s only magazine for enterprise, self development and change February - March 2007 YOUR FREE COPY

for the INSIDE YOUR ISSUE... enterprising FREE FOR ALL: THE BRAND NEW North East INFORMNORTH WALLPLANNER...

PARTNERSHIP IN PRACTICE - How strategic partnerships are making a lasting difference within East Durham...

ENTERPRISE AND INSPIRATION - Find out why the North East is THE BEST PLACE for YOUR business idea...

INSPIRATION FOR ALL - How raising aspirations can pay off through essential skills...

31 WAYS TO KILL YOUR BUSINESS - Discover why it’s what you DON’T know that catches you out in business...

JOBS, CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, SELF DEVELOPMENT AND MUCH, MUCH MORE INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

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Editor Miles Crofton 0191 5866 010 [email protected] Executive editor Juliet Chennery-Robson [email protected] Staff writers Mark Burton, Sarah Lee, C O V E R S T O R Y Helen Miles, Paul Seales, 6 Advertising & accounts THE APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE - a wealth of business and career options are being opened up through continued regional investment in the sciences. From Call 0191 5866 040 CELS and CENAMPS through to Newcastle’s Science City and the work taking [email protected] or place regionally through our award winning Universtities, we uncover a topic [email protected] that’s playing a much larger role in moving the North East forward. Senior researcher Michelle Ho F E A T U R E S [email protected] 29 FOCUS ON EAST DURHAM - Once an area with very little good news Proofing services to celebrate, informnorth finds out how working in partnership at all levels Sue Wrightson has led to the tide turning for East Durham - leading to a wave of investment coupled with new opportunities for both business and community alike. Inserts & subscriptions Heather Hardy 50 THIRTY ONE WAYS TO KILL YOUR BUSINESS - Are you contemplating [email protected] combining your hard earned cash and business acumen to work for yourself? Perhaps you already have? Well don’t rush things and do NOTHING ELSE - Design & production at least that is, not until you’ve taken the time to read informnorth’s essential David Gregg & Eric Lee business survival guide! [email protected] S P E C I A L

24 FIND THE RIGHT PEOPLE AND WIN - If you want to establish and grow your Informnorth magazine is published bi-monthly by mike storey own business it’s all about recruiting the best people for the job, as we discover... and informnorth creative services which is a community interest company. All content is © informnorth. While the publisher has taken all reasonable care to ensure that all material is accurate at the time of going to press, they can not accept responsibility “There are only three types of people in this world: those who make things for errors or omissions and no liability is accepted for omission happen, those who watch things happen and those who wonder what happened” or failure from any cause. The publisher welcomes contributions but opinions expressed informnorth are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of informnorth. Additional professional advice should be sought before making any commitment to business transactions detailed within informnorth magazine. All advertisements are accepted only on the grounds that they comply with the terms of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and all other relevant legislation. Inclusion of an advertisement cannot be construed as an endorsement of an advertiser or a product by the publisher, their employees or their agents. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for any transactions between readers and advertisers. No material in this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from the publisher. Printed by Potts Printers Ltd. Last Site Released at Boldon Business Park Premium office accommodation on the popular Boldon Business Park in South Tyneside is soon to be released to the business community for So, what’s nex occupation.The Bulrushes, which is the last key site on this well-established business park, is being ight now I feel very hopeful for the in the sector that at least three other jobs developed by North East based firm,Whelan way things are going, because I were dependent. The same held true of Construction and is due for completion in Spring Rbelieve there’s a real urgency and a every new job that was created, as it led to 2007.The site, opposite the Quadrus Centre on sense of direction being give to the North exponetial growth - and this was one of Witney Way, will provide eight high specification East that hasn’t been around for quite the reasons why it was so important to us. offices, boasting an excellent location on the A19. some time, if at all, before. And for once it Many such things seem to become almost Units are available to rent or to purchase from isn’t just in Newcastle or on Tyneside at all, 2,760sq ft up to 10,000 sq ft. the flavour of the month when you cast nor is it because of something happening For further information please contact the joint your mind back - with vast sums of public in isolation in Northumberland, Teesside, agents, Sanderson Weatherall on 0191 261 2681 money being poured in and that’s not to the Tees Valley or even County Durham. or Chris Dixon Commercial on 0191 261 8855. mention the enthusiasm, skills and talent It’s because of the way the whole region required to get the backing of such a is interacting and starting to work together scheme off the ground regionally, or for Students Kick Start to move forward in hundreds of different that matter, at a national level. Motorbike Business ways, with one thing joining up and linking Rick Chapman, 33, with another to make the sum of the two “investment shouldn’t and Kev Brown, much bigger, far better. 47 are former I can recall not so very long ago, maybe come at any price and Gateshead six or seven years ago, having a series of College students meetings and conversations with northern although we may be who have business leaders and those who were kick-started their responsible for ‘The Manufacturing moving in the right careers by setting Challenge’ where we discussed the impact up a motorcycle repair shop after successfully such initiatives can have in transforming a direction, there’s often completing their course. region such as our own. The pair met each other studying for a VRQ Level a narrow path to tread 2 qualification in Motor Vehicle and Motor Cycle I saw an old sticker the other day for the Maintenance at the Automotive and Manufacturing manufacturing Challenge and it reminded between continued Centre of Excellence, based at Team Valley. me of people like Karl Watkins, now MBE The £5.5m facility is the most up to date in the and chairman of D1 Oils, who used to success and failure.” region, and has been awarded Centre of Vocational appear in The Journal and such on an Excellence (CoVE) status by the Learning and Skills almost daily basis, doing his bit for his And my point? Well actually it isn’t having Council. own profile and banging on about how a pop at whether or not you can even They completed their course in the summer important everything he said actually was. remember the Manufacturing Challenge. and set-up the business, Kick & Rev Motorcycles, I said at the outset that I feel very happy with a grant from Gateshead Council.Their new And on Teesside in The Gazette, they had that we are moving in, broadly, the right venture, servicing, repairing and selling motorcycles Mike McCullagh from Marske Machine direction. A considerate amount of and scooters, is based at Felling Industrial Estate, Company saying many of the same things. forethought, effort and hard work seems and is something both students wanted to do Now I’m not one to belittle what they and to be coming to fruition here in the region when they completed their course. the actual initiative (and many many more as our Centres of Excellence and the so Rick said:“We both joined the course because we were looking for a career change. I worked in sales that have fell by the wayside over the called ‘knowledge economy” gel and and marketing whilst Kevin comes from the heavy years) was all about. People like Karl and move forward and key agencies such as haulage industry.We were both avid bikers, who Mike are far, far brighter than myself. Business Link - through our Regional got fed-up with the daily grind and decided to do These are the people who are the actual Development Agency One North East - something we enjoy. It is a great feeling waking up ‘movers’ and the ‘shakers’ we hear so continue to evolve and look after their in the morning and looking forward to going to much about when we hear people talking own respective sector areas, whilst sharing work.” about ‘movers’ and of course, ‘shakers’. best practice as widely as possible. David Cleary,Automotive and Manufacturing When they stay in the region long enough And so it should be of course, as we Centre of Excellence Manager said,“This really is a to do some good that is, rather than just should constantly remind ourselves that great achievement for Rick and Kev and highlights parachuting in then quickly moving on these organisations are directly responsible how our courses link into the skills needs of the after seemingly coming to see what they for absorbing hundreds of millions of industry and can prepare students for immediate can get out of the region in the first place. pounds, actually no - that ‘s actually a employment.” figure worth billions of pounds - of public Gateshead College currently is investing £47m in The Manufacturing Challenge was all funding, in order to get the job done. new campuses to put them at the forefront of about raising awareness and support to education in the North East. the plight of the North East’s ever waning All too often it is not the position, but the For further information call: 0191 490 2246 or manufacturing sector. I remember at the disposition that makes the difference and visit www.gatesheadcollege.ac.uk. time being told that for every job created this should be born in mind. It’s a bit like 4 February 2007 informnorth xt for the North East? education and health, we know the money with people of all ages and backgrounds. is being paid in, we know that each Take what is happening with the electoral of these sectors employ lots and lots of register as an example. Everybody knows people on good salaries and with excellent that the register lists the name and remuneration and career prospects. address of everyone who has registered So it’s good to see something positive to vote. By law, your local authority has being done for our money and in this to make the electoral register available issue you can find out more about that for anyone to look at. investment as we look at the importance Until now, any company, organisation or that the sciences play to the North East. person could buy a copy of the register. Perhaps we will look back and see that But the Government has changed the the last decade or so - a period when we law so that now you have some choice have had more Members of Parliament about who can buy details of your name from the North East than at any time and address and this could be a good thing or a bad thing depending upon before, including a Prime Minister from could be used for different purposes such your view point and only really matters if our very own Sedgefield constituancy - as checking your identity and commercial you’re actually aware of the changes and hasn’t gone by without receiving our fair activities such as direct marketing. informed about how it could effect you. share of capital investment. So if you do happen to tick the box on the Under the changes there are now two That in itself is a worry of course, as we voter registration form, then your name versions of the register: the full version need continued investment for longer term and address will only appear on the full and the edited version. When you fill in stability and security and we wouldn’t want register, which will only be used for certain your electoral registration form, you will lawful purposes, such as elections, law to see a downturn at such a critical time be able to choose whether you want your enforcement and checking applications as somebody new hovers at the door of details included in the edited register. number ten. Which brings me nicely on to for credit. The full register has the names and my next point - that investment shouldn’t Like so much in life it’s actually very easy addresses of everyone registered to vote come at any price and although we may when or if, it’s explained. If you do not tick and is updated every month. Anyone can be moving in the right direction, there’s the box on the voter form, your name will look at it, but copies can only be supplied often a narrow path to tread between also appear on the edited version of the for certain purposes, such as elections and continued success and failure. register, which anyone can buy. This law enforcement. It comes as no surprise means anyone can use your details for any This has never been more evident than in that credit reference agencies are also purpose. The person who fills in and signs the recent goings on with the £6million allowed to use the full register, but only to the registration form must ask each person publicly funded ASPIRE campaign that is check your name and address if you are named on the form if they want their owned by the CBi and North East applying for credit, and to help stop details to be included and available for Chamber of Commerce, which has had money laundering. Anyone who has a anyone to buy. to be steered through a drastic change in copy of the register will be committing a direction to get back on course after criminal offence if they unlawfully pass on Given the current pace of change, the concerns about the high profile ‘NERD’ information from it and you do not have a powers that be should double their efforts campaign with previous Common Purpose choice about your name and address to inform all of us to such changes, or Regional Director Mary Coyle being being on this register. they are almost pointless. So, it’s simple brought in to head things up. The edited register will be available for then, do the same as I will - tick the box if And it’s not just success and failure at general sale and can be used for any you do not want your details to appear on this level that is important to us. It’s about purpose. You can choose not to be on it the edited register, open to abuse from all. what is happening with the enterprise and it will be kept separate from the full agenda, the social sector and the role register and updated every month. The If you have something to share, please all of this plays with better engaging a edited register can be bought by any forward any comments direct to: wider cross section of the community and person, company or organisation and [email protected]

Informnorth Mission Statement: Informnorth is unique, not just to North East England but to any region in the United Kingdom.We exist as a partnership of private and public sector organisations working together with the third sector, including voluntary, charitable and community organisations as a community interest company. Informnorth bridges the gap between business and community and helps to raise aspirations and empower individuals to greater levels of self-development, enterprise and entrepreneurship, publishing this freely available regional magazine in order to promote and help achieve our collective goals and objectives.

informnorth February 2007 5 informnorth special feature: science in the north east

Informnorth’s VERY OWN Juliet Chenery - Robson LOOKS AT THE IMPACT THAT CONTINUED INVESTMENT IN THE FIELDS OF Science and technology IS HAVING ON the North EasT.

At A Time when Our OWN research and development spending is the fourth highest in the world, after the USA, Japan and Germany IT SEEMS THAT opportunities for rewarding careers and start up businesses ARE IN ABUNDANCE.

READ ON TO DISCOVER WHY The government believes cutting-edge science is at the heart of a successful economy AND WHAT OPPORTUNITIES THAT ARE PRESENTED TO OUR REGION AS A WHOLE... 6 February 2007 informnorth nnually, the government science said SCI chief executive Andrew Ladds. “The threat budget is almost £3 billion, while spending on posed by inaction on these and many other warnings Aresearch and development reaches more than will not be confined simply to chemistry but will touch £8.5 billion. Big numbers indeed, but It’s not just the almost all parts of our everyday life: food, healthcare, government that invests in science: there’s also a lot electronics, energy, transport and construction to of UK industry-supported investment in research too. name but a few.” British research and development is dominated by This sentiment was also recently echoed in a speech pharmaceuticals, whilst other significant areas of to mark Science Week 2006 by Lord Martin Rees, research include aerospace, automotive and food, as president of the Royal Society, who said that the well as oil, gas and of course, telecommunications. neglected sculpture of Sir Isaac Newton was a However, according to the Society of Chemical potential symbol of Britain’s future decline if science Industry (SCI), despite all this investment the UK’s continued to be undervalued and overlooked. future economic strength could be weakened unless “If we don’t inspire future generations to follow in the more pupils and students study sciences. The SCI says footsteps of the giants from our scientific past then young people should have better careers advice and Britain could quickly find itself overtaken by those more chance to see what goes on in contemporary countries that prize science more highly than us, and industrial science and wants the government, industry we would become an also-ran rather than a leader in and teachers to do more to encourage and attract world science,” said Lord Rees. “Leading scientists pupils into science, right across the board. would never be able to aspire to the transient “It is essential that government, industry and ultra-celebrity of soap stars and footballers, but they academia work together to assure the longer term should have the sort of profile enjoyed by leading future of science education in all parts of the UK,” architects such as Lord Foster.”

www.chemsoc.org/learnnet www.rsc.org/studentzone e: [email protected] science and chemistry: more than just white coats informnorth February 2007 7 informnorth special feature: science in the north east

ver recent years the North East has • Ageing and Health (the Institute for Ageing and transformed its economy by successfully Health, already the largest in Europe); Oembracing new industries such as automotive, • Molecular Engineering (Chemical Engineering, microelectronics, biotechnology, and new and Chemistry, Physics, Engineering and renewable energy. Today the region is home to Nanotechnology, including the DTI-funded Europe’s most productive car manufacturing plant University Innovation Centre); operated by Nissan in Sunderland. Durham based Bede plc won the ‘Best Technology’ award at the • Energy and Environment (developing multi- 2005 London-based PLC Awards. A quarter of the disciplinary strengths by working with other key UK’s chemical industry is on Teesside and the UK’s first industrial partners). Genetics Knowledge Park is in Newcastle upon Tyne. WHY Life Sciences MATTER North East scientists are already leading the way in the With the challenge of an ageing population facing fields of stem cells, aging, energy, health and most countries, coupled with the development of new molecular engineering research and it is hoped technology in the sector, the Life Sciences that at least 100 new technology-based sector globally is growing - and growing companies could be set up or attracted at a spectacular rate. It is also playing to the region by 2010. Newcastle has “This is a unique a major role in rapidly building the also been designated as a Science knowledge-based economy of the North City - one of only six in the country opportunity for East. Bioscience companies are well earmarked for extra support to build Newcastle and on existing strengths in pioneering represented in Tyne and Wear benefiting research - with the centrepiece of this the wider region to from the region’s research activities and multi-million pound project being the key strengths in functional genomics, 100,000 sq metres of new buildings capitalise on the cognitive neuroscience, bio-informatics, called Science Central in the heart of biosensors, proteomics, oncology, Newcastle. significant research ageing, stem-cell biology and also in Paul Walker, chairman of Newcastle expertise and the field of bio remediation. Science City Partnership, said: “This is However, the focus for Life Sciences a unique opportunity for Newcastle and knowledge-based in the region is the International Centre the wider region to capitalise on the for Life in Newcastle. This £55m purpose significant research expertise and business that built facility includes a commercial knowledge-based business that already already exists here” Bioscience Centre, the Human Genetics exists here. The teaching of science in Institute housing 150 geneticists from the all Newcastle schools will also receive Paul Walker, chairman, University of Newcastle’s five star rated a boost and the additional resources Newcastle Science City department, the Bioethics Forum and an will enhance opportunities for young interactive visitor attraction. Partnership people to experience the excitement So with the pioneering research in stem of science and raise their aspirations cell science taking place in some of the and achievement in science subjects.” region’s top universities the future is certainly looking One vital component of the Newcastle Science bright for the region’s healthcare industry. City programme will be developing and reinforcing world-class strengths in science research: specifically ON THE VERGE OF A Techno TAKE-OVER those which can be applied commercially. Working in The North East is now at the forefront of technological conjunction with North East universities, the aim is for growth in the UK and a world-class player in the IT industry in the region to maximise its participation and area. Over 150 IT and software development related success in growing global markets by exploiting the companies and 400 new digital media firms have competitive advantages afforded by the application made their base in the region, including leading of cutting-edge technologies in the following areas: names such as Sage and Orange, and games • Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine developers such as Reflections, Eutechnyx and Mere (Centre for Life, Newcastle and Durham Universities); Mortals. This cluster of companies is con’d 15 8 February 2007 informnorth TWENTY FIRST CENTURY Catalyst for Success

The landmark Life Building is proving to be a

a sustainable catalyst for the whole region

Healthcare currently industrial base. Together, these three elements are healthcare and life science researchers in the region. represents a large slice helping to build a global reputation for North East CELS also acts as the regional hub for a number of UK England as the place to do healthcare business. networks and trade associations and is currently of the region’s economy Having agreed ambitious growth plans, much is already developing trading links with governments, business with over 5,000 organisations, being done to secure the region’s position in the thriving parks and healthcare clusters around the world. £4 billion of annual turnover global healthcare economy. Business incubators for The third area is technology management and CELS is and 140,000 jobs involved, start-up healthcare companies have been opened, involved in a wide range of relevant activities. These regional institutes such as the North East Stem Cell as informnorth discovers... range from acting as the commercial agent for the North Institute and the Biosystems Informatics Institute are East Stem Cell Institute to assisting individual companies n the future, healthcare will be even more important to expanding and plans for a major new Campus for Ageing with commercialisation and business plans. CELS also the region. With the shift towards a knowledge-based and Vitality, as well as for developing the huge, new created and co-manages InStep, a regional design Ieconomy, healthcare enjoys a prominent position in the Science Central site in the heart of Newcastle, are well initiative for the development of innovative healthcare region’s strategic growth plans and it’s Regional Economic underway. technology. Strategy, with three of the four key themes of the Science By maximising the region’s potential CELS, the Centre of The region has the International Centre for Life, the UK’s City initiative involving healthcare. North East England Excellence for Life Sciences, founded by One NorthEast to first bio-science village and widely recognised as a is also a national field leader, helping to steer the steer this sector, plans to grow the healthcare dynamic initiative that promotes research and nurtures healthcare activities of other regions through a economy by more than £1 billion per year by 2015. small companies in this field, which hosts global central Inter-Regional Development Agency network. This will be done in three main ways, by building and companies such as sanofi-aventis and Avecia, as well With five universities, the region has pioneered some managing first-class business and research infrastructure, as home-grown talent such as Helena Biosciences groundbreaking scientific research over recent years. One by placing the region on the world stage through Europe, Angel Biotechnology, ImmunoDiagnostic example is the stem cell work undertaken by scientists at internationally recognised networks and thirdly, by Systems and The Specials Laboratory. Newcastle and Durham universities, which formed the managing emerging technology and stimulating the With so much on offer, it’s no surprise that healthcare basis of the new North East Stem Cell Institute, which formation of new business ventures. will become the North East’s next industrial revolution. has plans to create 200 high-level new jobs over coming With regard to infrastructure, CELS recently opened new, years. high-specification incubator facilities for healthcare businesses in Newcastle University’s medical school As well as this, the region also has outstanding and is currently developing additional space at the For more information about capability in subjects such as ageing, cancer and International Centre for Life in Newcastle. There are plans healthcare & life science activities immunotherapy. The Institute for Ageing and Health for healthcare-based business park developments ranging in North East England, visit: carries out research on ageing and age-related illnesses from Northumberland in the north of the region to CELS - www.celsatlife.com and has the UK’s biggest interdisciplinary research group County Durham in the south. CELS is also involved in CELS Healthcare Network - in this field. This ranges from fundamental research on plans for a regional protein analytical facility, an www.hcnetnee.com molecular mechanisms of ageing through to practical assistive technology laboratory, an advanced centre for BioNEt - www.bionetatcels.com lifestyle issues, such as housing, assistive technology and the production of stem cells to GMP standards and new, transportation. high-grade imaging facilities. In essence, the healthcare sector is made up of three Regarding networks, CELS manages the Healthcare main parts; research expertise in our universities; clinical Network, a support service for the region’s many excellence in our hospitals and a rapidly expanding healthcare companies, and Bionet, a network of 1,200 informnorth February 2007 9 informnorth special feature: science in the north east

AWARD WINNING FUTURE

talented Newcastle University them form their own virtual construction student was the youngest trainee firms and design a ‘building’ with all Aarchitect in the UK to win a coveted hurdles one would expect in a real life industry award at a recent ceremony in situation. She has also gained recognition London. 24-year-old Carinna Perkin was for her role as Science and Engineering one of only four winners to pick up a G4C Ambassador for the North East, promoting Umbrella Group Award for her passion the region’s career opportunities in about the built environment and also her construction to young people. commitment to social architecture. Waring and Netts managing director, Carinna is in the second phase of her Rob Charlton said: “Carinna’s extremely architectural training at university, having pro-active attitude and self-motivation in already completed her degree and two supporting many community architectural year placement with her industry sponsor, projects, as well as her passion to attract North East architectural practice Waring more young people into the industry in her and Netts - a company that is committed role as Science and Engineering to fostering the best up-and-coming talent Ambassador, saw her nominated by the studying in the Region. CITB for this award. Carinna is a perfect It was during this time she impressed her brilliant example of a future architect with bosses by becoming a CITB Construction vision and integrity, combined with a Ambassador, working with young people strong social conscience.” to ignite an interest in architecture and in The G4C Umbrella Group Awards shaping the world around them. Carinna celebrate the achievements of outstanding Carinna with local school children involved was instrumental in launching the CITB young people in the built environment, Enterprise in Construction Challenge with and are considered a barometer of the in the Enterprise in Construction Challenge school children in Gateshead, helping ‘ones to watch’ for the future. SCIENCE BUG REACHES KIDS

fter being bitten by the science bug, three 16-year-old students Afrom St Cuthbert’s High School in Newcastle are through to the national finals of a top science award thanks to mentoring from Procter & Gamble. The boys, winners of best overall project in the North East, go through to the national finals of the British Association for the Advancement of Science (BA) CREativity in Science and Technology (CREST) Awards, to be held in February in London as part of the BA CREST Science Fair. Ant Meczes, joint head of science at St Cuthberts, said: “The CREST Awards have been a huge inspiration for these boys and St Cuthbert’s students get the science bug with help from Proctor & Gamble they all achieved excellent A grades for their science GCSEs, with all of them now enzymes in washing powder with the help One of the boys, sixteen year old Sam taking science subjects now at A Level. It of a Procter & Gamble expert, Angela Pearson, said: “We’re really looking shows real commitment on their part to Oakes, who mentored the boys through have taken part in this project, as it often forward to going down to London - the the project: “This project is a fantastic way involved giving up their spare time, and science fair will be a great experience of getting students excited about science. we would also like to thank Procter & and hopefully we’ll do our school and And also, by making links with business the whole region proud!” Gamble for its help in getting the boys through mentoring, it helps the students switched on to science.” appreciate the real benefits that science for more information about Proctor The three students did experiments into can bring outside the classroom.” & Gamble please visit www.uk.pg.com 10 February 2007 informnorth Codeworks, the Centre for Digital Excellence, which is investing over £200 million in the development of knowledge based industries over the next five years. The region is also seen as one of Europe’s growing nanotechnology hotspots. This has recently been fuelled by Cenamps - a national Centre of Excellence for emerging technologies based in Newcastle upon Tyne - who recently announced that it has successfully won its bid to manage a £10m project that will put the North East at the forefront of revolutionary plastic electronics technology. The Plastic Electronics Technology Centre (PETeC) will develop ‘flexible’ technology - previously confined to the realms of science fiction - forming the basis of a new generation of thin flexible display monitors and televisions, the development of low energy organic lighting, large-area electronic displays, low cost flexible solar ITUDE cells and even disposable small-scale ND APT T SKILLS A technology for children’s toys. THE RIGH NOLOGY... U POSSESS CE & TECH Mike Pitkethly, Cenamps Chief Executive, IF YO H SCIEN l THROUG said: “Identifying and supporting the can exce development and adoption of new WOMEN emerging technologies is one of the core activities of Cenamps, and plastic electronics is a technology that will “Cenamps are extremely pleased that the North East will now host the revolutionize many aspects of peoples’ lives. International interest in plastic UK Centre for the prototyping and scale-up of the technology and electronics is growing rapidly and have the opportunity to compete on the world stage” Cenamps are extremely pleased that the MIKE PITKETHLY, chief executive, cENAMPS North East will now host the UK Centre for the prototyping and scale-up of the technology and have the opportunity to in the North East and since 2003 there the region. compete on the world stage.” has been over £1 billion of investment, in excess of 40 projects, by multinational REGIONAL Five Star R&D The first phase of the project will involve companies in the process industry sectors The North East hosts global research the construction of a 3,000sqm facility alone. The number of Biotechnology centres for leading companies such as at NETPark, Sedgefield, which will be companies has also grown substantially, Uniqema, DuPont, Rhodia Parma managed by Cenamps and its key partners with a further 20 companies establishing Solutions, Sanofi-Synthelabo and Procter the Centre of Excellence CPI (Centre for units here over the last three years. They & Gamble, plus it supports a number of Process Industries), the Universities of have recruited over 1000 bio scientists in niche R&D and innovation companies Durham and Newcastle and Thorn this period and intend to add a further such as Davy Process Technology and Lighting. 1000 in the next three years. In fact about Johnston Matthey. 20,000 skilled process workers will be Process Industry Cluster needed in the North-East alone to help In addition to private sector activities, the The North East Process Industry Cluster fuel the industry’s growth. Region also has a number of public R&D (NEPIC) is an organisation formed by the and innovation initiatives and centres Companies based here say that the 200 Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, including: intimacy of service they receive from Speciality, Commodity and Petrochemical supply chain companies in this region is • The Science & Industry Council which companies based in the region. a major factor in their success. Similarly promotes the North East internationally In addition, there are at least another 150 the quality of the training, research, as a premier location to conduct companies in the supply chain of these graduates and PhD’s from the 5 star scientific research and enterprise. industries making up this major economic engineering and science departments • Five Centres of Excellence Cluster. The combined economic power of within our 5 local universities is of great • Process Industries (CPI) NEPIC companies and their importance to importance. the North East cannot be over emphasised. • Nanotechnology, Photonics and The North East boasts sufficient industrial They make up 25% of the whole region’s Microsystems (CENAMPS) and academic intensity in science based economy generating £8 billion of GDP, • Life Sciences (CELS) industries to make it one of the premier employing 34,000 highly skilled workers locations in the world for Process Industry • New & Renewable Energy (NaREC) and supporting a further 280,000 Manufacturing and Research and • Digital Technology & Media indirectly. Development. What is more a third of the (Codeworks) NEPIC companies have continued to thrive UK’s Pharmaceutical GDP is produced in • NStar, which creates a new con’d 15 informnorth February 2007 11 More Than a Contact Centre It’s a Fact But Did You Know? More Than in Sunderland is the toast of the North East contact centre industry after being named Contact Centre of the Year 2006.The The cosmos contains approximately centre, which employs 600 people at A cockroach can live Sunderland’s Doxford International Business 50,000,000,000 Galaxies Park, walked off with the top prize at this year’s for several weeks North East Contact Centre Awards, held at By raising your legs slowly without its head. Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. Organised by Tyne and Wear Development Company with and laying on your back, Sunderland City Council, the annual awards you can’t sink celebrate the achievements of one of the region’s biggest and most successful industries. in quicksand. The blue whale can The award for Contact Centre of the year Below 100 Seats went to AccuRead in Most gemstones produce sounds up to Newcastle. Other team category winners were Churchill Insurance, Lloyds TSB and T-Mobile. contain several 188 decibels. This is the Individual awards were presented to employees loudest sound produced from Northern Rock, Royal Mail, Churchill elements. The Insurance, Lloyds TSB and CE Electric. exception? The by a living animal and has URGH! In your lifetime, Eurika!been detected as far diamond. It’s all you’ll shed over 40 away as 530 miles. carbon. pounds of skin.

15 million blood cells are Proving it’s not what you say -Cats produced and destroyed in have over one hundred vocal sounds, the human body every second. while dogs only have about ten. Chimps are the only Five Get Arty in b100 years ago: The VERY animals that can recognise the Tees Valley first virusang! was found in themselves in a mirror. Tees Valley Arts have welcomed 5 new apprentices recruited to Teesside from over both plants and animals. 140 applications from as far a field as New York It takes 70% less energy to City. Jill Heslop (Glasgow), Ruth Cleeves (Tyne and Wear), Scott Illingworth (Newcastle), Kit The Skylab astronauts grew produce a ton of paper from Turner (Essex) and Claire English (Glasgow) have a pretty impressive CV between them and 1.5 - 2.25 inches (3.8 - 5.7 recycled paper than from all have aspirations to become strategic cultural leaders. centimetres) due to trees. The HAAM team is now based at Tees Valley spinal lengthening Arts at a time when the North East is suffering If you could throw a a dearth of appropriately experienced cultural and straightening as managers. It is with this in mind that the HAAM snowball fast enough, it scheme was originally conceived and funded a result of zero gravity. through the Tees Valley Investment Fund. TVA is delivering this scheme on behalf of the 5 would totally vaporize Tees Valley Strategic Arts Officers in Darlington, There is enough fuel in a full when it hit a brick wall. Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton. tank of a Jumbo Jet to drive The Higher Apprenticeship in Arts Management an average car four times The poison arrow frogs of South (HAAM) is a higher level learning, skills based graduate trainee scheme and the initiative is around the world. and Central America are tailored around a programme of work the most experience and an underpinning lecture and Elephants have been seminar programme delivered by established poisonous animals practitioners in the field of Arts Management known to remain and Cultural Policy development. in the world. For further information please contact standing after they die. Matthew Burgeon 01642 264651. 12 February 2007 informnorth Science is the Future groundbreaking, region-wide initiative is at the centre of a Amajor drive to establish North East England as one of the world’s premier locations for the integration of science, business and economic development, creating new and exciting opportunities for decades to come. Newcastle Science City is providing a focal point for the current and future activities of a wide range of individuals, teams, institutions and organisations within the region’s scientific sector, and related commercial opportunities. Newcastle upon Tyne was one of six cities in the UK designated as a Science The City by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown in December 2004. Led by three core partners - Newcastle FUTURE University, Newcastle City Council and Regional Development Agency, One NorthEast - and chaired by Paul Walker, CEO of The Sage Group plc, the is HERE initiative involves, and will benefit, not just the city itself, but the whole of North East England. Newcastle Science City will target The ultimate target is for the region to be The core partnership is also working commercialisation of research in four recognised in each strand as within the top with other key partners and stakeholders key areas - Stem Cell Biology and ten locations internationally by 2010, and including Durham University, the Regenerative Medicine; Ageing and in the top five by 2015. International Centre for Life and the Health; Molecular Engineering; and “One of the project’s physical locations Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Energy and the Environment - where Foundation Trust to develop and deliver the region already excels and where will be built on the 14-acre site of the detailed plans. potential exists to develop to an former brewery in central Newcastle The project aims to capitalise on the international level. and is currently being planned by EDAW, many cutting-edge scientific projects and the consultancy that prepared the landmark achievements that are already masterplans to support the 2012 happening in the north east, London Olympic and Paralympic Games.” and to encourage even more in the It will incorporate research and business future by attracting new facilities, facilities alongside a range of residential, funding and expert personnel. retail and leisure amenities. Sarah Stewart, the recently-appointed director of Newcastle Science City, says: Sarah Stewart continues: “Attracting “This is an incredibly important and “The challenge is obviously investment into our areas of scientific exciting project that will bring long-term strength, bringing world leaders in their commercial and social benefits to the great, but the rewards for fields to the region, ensuring maximum whole region in the future, but it is commercial use is made of the scientific equally important for us to focus on and North East England of developments coming out of the area, support the scientific achievements and enhancing the teaching of science in innovations that are happening here rising to this challenge the region’s schools and developing right now. internationally-competitive facilities “Our region already has huge strengths and creating an even more in the science and technology sectors, are all tasks which fall within our remit. as well as massive potential for future vibrant, entrepreneurial, “The challenge is obviously great, but development, and Newcastle Science the rewards for North East England of City aims to help make maximum use competitive and sustainable rising to this challenge and creating an of both. even more vibrant, entrepreneurial, “We aim to break down barriers between scientific community are competitive and sustainable scientific science and the wider community in ways far greater” community are far greater.” that everyone in the city and across the For more information about Newcastle whole of North East England can Sarah STEWART, DIRECTOR, Science City please visit: contribute to and benefit from.” Newcastle Science City www.newcastlesciencecity.com informnorth February 2007 13 TOP WIN FOR TOP Chemistry STUDENT

Durham University Doctoral Fellowship, the only one awarded to a chemist. Left to Right - ‘Prof Judith A K Howard, Chairman of Chemistry at Durham “Lisa is an asset to the department and University, Lisa Murphy with her award, Lisa’s project supervisor Dr Ritu Kataky.’ we are delighted that she has chosen to stay with us for a few more years,” said Professor Judith Howard, Chairman of isa Murphy is the 23-year-old chemistry department and she was thrilled Chemistry at Durham University.“We Durham University student who is to receive the award:“Winning such a are all extremely proud of her and having Lcelebrating the fact that she has prestigious award is a great honour and already achieved so much at such a young scooped the 2006 ICI Award for the Best I am extremely proud to be able to age, Lisa’s future seems very bright and we Chemistry student of the year. Lisa was represent the North East in such a positive wish her every success.” awarded her trophy on the merit of her light. Studying at Durham, in a world-class The Science, Engineering and Technology academic achievements throughout her chemistry department with such supportive Student of the Year (SET) awards occur degree as well as producing an outstanding and dedicated staff, has been invaluable to each year to recognise outstanding work final project that focused on a new way of me and I couldn’t have achieved this award produced by undergraduates from British detecting and separating ineffective or without their help.” universities and are judged by leading harmful versions of molecules from In fact Lisa enjoyed her time at Durham specialist institutions. drug samples. so much she has decided to remain at the For further information on studying Lisa was nominated for her award by university to study for a PhD, for which chemistry at Durham University visit: the teaching staff at Durham University’s she has been awarded a prestigious www.dur.ac.uk/chemistry/ APPLIED ssooccial SScciieennccee

esearcher, Chris Jones, is a PhD student based at The adoptive parents who take part in the interviews will be Durham University’s School of Applied Social Science, who invited to attend a discussion group to discuss the findings of the Ris calling for adoptive parents to volunteer to help with her interviews, so get in touch if you are an adoptive parent who had research into the ways in which adoptive families cope with the a child placed with you between 1976 and 200. unique parenting challenges they face. If you can help and would like to be involved in this project She wants to hear their views and experiences of family life and please contact Chris Jones on 0191 334 1230. to learn about the resources that adopters draw upon when they and their children need practical and emotional support. Chris is seeking adoptive parents who had children placed with them by DFW Adoption, formerly known as Durham Family Welfare Association, between 1976 and 2001 to take part in an interview. Chris is working on the research in partnership with DFW Adoption, a leading voluntary adoption agency in the North East and the project is planned to culminate in September 2008. “Adoption is a unique way of creating or extending a family and offers many challenges as well as rewards for adoptive parents”, said Chris. “Adoption has been the subject of much research, yet little is known about the ways that adoptive families cope with parenting challenges. This study aims to fill this gap in our knowledge and it will give adopters an opportunity to have their views heard.” About 40 interviews are planned in total with adoptive mothers and fathers at many different stages of family life - some will be the parents of young children while others will have teenagers or Chris Jones with her project supervisor Simon Hackett. adult children in their family. 14 February 2007 informnorth science matters

investment climate for early stage science and North East technology companies. • The 5-star rated RAE University of Newcastle Chemical Engineering and Electrical and Electronic departments. • The 5-star rated RAE University of Durham Chemistry and Applied • Mathematics departments and 5-star rated RAE Biological Science, General Engineering and Physics departments. • The University of Teesside Chemical Engineering department. WHY ARE Science Learning Centres so IMPORTANT? Science Learning Centres are a £51 million, national network of Centres dedicated to revitalising science teaching in schools. Their aim is to improve science education, raise morale in the teaching profession and to inspire pupils by providing them with a more exciting, intellectually stimulating and relevant science education, so that they can become our much-needed scientists of the future. career in science is not just for eccentric professors and it’s There are nine regional Centres in Acertainly not confined to solitary Sound travels about 4 England and one National Centre (the lab-based study. The variety of science Welcome Trust National Science Learning careers that are out there are anything times faster in water Centre in York) which was opened by times faster in water but dull: the human genome project, Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2006. “This rapid evolution of drug discovery and Centre shows a great vision of how than in air. recent mergers between pharmaceutical science can be taught,” said the Prime fact: Minister. “At school we all knew that the companies are but a few of the new one thing that made a difference was if the exciting developments in the world of they tend to fall into four main sectors: teacher felt personal enthusiasm for their science and the opportunities are more Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology subject, then it was communicated to their varied than ever before. Opportunities in pharmaceuticals and students.” He added that science was vital You could be anything through science - biotechnology focus on research and to provide future skills for the nation to a clinical scientist working in the NHS, a development. Some companies do have compete in the global economy. research scientist in the pharmaceutical research laboratories which employ Clare Matterson, Director of Welcome industry, or even a forensic scientist. Not scientists to make new, exciting Trust’s Medicine, Society & History Division only that, the skills of scientists, engineers discoveries, but this mainly takes place in commented: “These Centres are about the and technicians are increasingly in sought universities and often forms the basis of future of science. They will help the UK to after and in demand in the UK. technological advances. The majority of nurture promising young minds and inspire We are surrounded by constantly evolving R&D scientists however, work in applied them to become scientists. But they will technology which is fuelled by continual science - feet firmly on the ground, also improve science teaching for all innovation. Whether it’s the latest also presents the opportunity to search young people who will grow up consumer electronics to hit the high and find practical solutions to problems. surrounded by science and technology. street, a high-tech weather satellite system Positions include drug discovery and The initiative is designed to inspire their or the most advanced smart polymer, development, clinical trials, manufacture, teachers to teach them the most scientists play a vital role from conception interesting, relevant and thought-provoking marketing and regulation, as well as and development of a product or process science that will stay with them for the rest support such as IT and HR. Some areas of their lives.” through to final marketing and support. are dedicated to environmental science, Whilst many of these roles may involve looking at ways to mitigate the effect on The brand-new Science Learning Centre specific vocational training, generalist the environment. You can enter the North East is based in Durham and science graduates can also enter this operates in partnership with Durham industry from a wide range of degree sector, as can those from less scientific University, Framwellgate School, Durham subjects, including all the sciences as backgrounds, choosing avenues such as County Council, Newcastle University, Life well as engineering and IT. Certain roles technical sales or IT. For many science Knowledge Park, Sunderland University, require scientific expertise and some need Teesside University, Northumbrian Water graduates, further study is a common postgraduate qualification, but others plc and Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) way forward to secure a career path to Ltd. It has fantastic facilities - from the café the very top. For a career in research, accept any degree. Many organisations area where you can sit and muse to the whether academic or in the commercial also have comprehensive graduate science lab and training rooms which have arena, a postgraduate degree can often development programmes, while others interactive white boards and open up better opportunities, as well as offer the new ‘graduate apprenticeship’ video-conferencing capabilities. letting you enjoy another three years at with vocational training during a To find out more about the North East university! sandwich year or after graduation. Centre tel: 0191 3706200 or email: The world of science holds a host of golden Find out more at: [email protected] careers just waiting to be discovered, but www.abpi-careers.org.uk informnorth February 2007 15 North East Sees Chemical industries sciences, clinical engineering and physical sciences. Many jobs entail a period of Employment Increase Chemical industries manufacture products further study, which may lead to for a range of fields, including food and According to the latest official statistics, there registration and a postgraduate agriculture, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, has been a considerable increase in the amount qualification. With a good degree, you environmental science and safety. It’s one of people in work in the North East over the could train to be a clinical scientist, of the UK’s largest industries, with an last few years.An additional 95,000 people are working at the forefront of research. in jobs in the region than there were in 1998 annual turnover of more than £50 billion, Pay packets for top clinical specialists can and the total number of people employed in and it provides direct employment to the region now stands at 1,160,000, up 33,000 214,000 people. The industry is mainly reach £66,000, though starting salaries year-on-year and a 5% improvement on the focused on research, requiring graduates are more modest: around £17,000 for 1998 figure of 1,065,000. Unemployment has biomedical scientists and £22,000 for risen by 4,000 year-on-year and now stands at with chemistry or chemical degrees, but clinical scientists. However, salaries are set 83,000. there are also a wide range of other to rise for most NHS researchers with the The latest data from the Office for National positions available for development Statistics showed the number of people scientists and engineers. Increased implementation of the government’s claiming benefits for more than 12 months had emphasis on energy efficiency and shake-up of pay and conditions, the not decreased during 2006 and now stands at environmental responsibility means that Agenda for Change. 7,900.The long-term benefit claimant number there are positions for environmental Find out more:www.nhscareers.nhs.uk has risen 1,900 year-on-year and by 2,600 since scientists. If variety is what you’re after then a career November 2004. Find out more at: www.cia.org.uk or rsc.org/chemsoc or rsc.org/studentzone in science can certainly provide - it’s just a matter of choosing between your many Artificial Intelligence options. The mad-scientist image of Aerospace and defence bygone times is completely unfounded in Offers DYNAMIC The UK has the world’s second largest the diverse science careers of today. In Engineering Solutions aerospace and defence industry. true scientist spirit, research is the name Employing over 12,000 people and A local businessman is spreading the word of the game - so use the Internet, your about how Artificial Intelligence can help generates revenue of more than £4 billion. careers service and your naturally The Defence sector within the North-East companies grow and develop by opening up investigative abilities to figure out where remains a significant contributor to the new markets and reducing costs. you want to work. And, who knows, regional economy, with around 6000 jobs Dale Addison, maybe you could be the next Sir Isaac Director of Adaptive within the region directly connected to Technology Solutions, defence activity. The sector is closely Newton or Marie Curie. based in Sunderland, supported by Northern Defence Industries offers a specialised (NDI) a not-for-profit organisation consultancy service representing the industry across the North to the engineering sector explaining East and Yorkshire. There are many how today’s science positions available in research and Did You Know? and technology can development and in air transport, be used to improve aerospace defence and space The tentacles of businesses. development. Dr Addison has spent several years applying To find out more contact, Ray the giant Arctic artificial intelligence techniques to a range of Thompson, Senior Automotive, scientific and engineering problems. His work Aerospace & Defence Specialist on: jellyfish can has covered projects as diverse as corrosion 0191 229 6375 or visit www.ndi.org.uk prediction in water pipes to energy yield www.bnsc.gov.uk (British National reach 120 feet estimation from wind turbines, as well as condition monitoring of elevators and moving Space Centre) www.semta.org.uk or (36.6 meters) walkways, to fault detection and diagnosis on www.raes.org.uk (Royal Aeronautical gas turbines. Society). in TOTAL length. Dr Addison said,“Increasingly companies are realising the benefits of artificial intelligence techniques. Not just to build models using data IMPORTANCE OF THE there are 206 bones in the to provide answers to ‘what happens if I do this?’ type questions, but also their ability to Healthcare SECTOR adult human body and there discover relationships between data items An ever-increasing amount of new which businesses may not have known, or only technology is being used in the health are 300 in children (as WE suspected existed.This potentially means new service and the need for scientists is product lines and therefore new customers.” rapidly growing at all levels, from assistant grow some of OUR bones As a complement to this research Dr Addison scientist through to researcher level. fuse together). is due to publish a book with Springer-Verlag Healthcare scientists are, in fact, the publishing company in the spring of 2007. unsung heroes of the NHS, which employs Entitled “Intelligent Techniques:A review.” The nearly 50,000 specialists to work in the The microwave was invented book provides an in depth study of how artificial prevention, diagnosis and treatment of intelligence can and is applied to prediction and after a researcher walked classification problems. illness, which require a wide range of Dr.Addison added,“It’s great to know that the scientific knowledge and skills. And the by a radar tube and a book will be published in the new year. It contains jobs are not just for graduates in many case studies taken from engineering projects biomedical sciences: engineers and chocolate bar melted in which I have worked on.” physicists are in demand too. Positions are For further information call: 0191 567 6056 or also available in areas such as pharmacy, his pocket. visit www.adaptive-technology-solutions.co.uk pathology and life sciences, physiological 16 February 2007 informnorth science matters

omen working in science, engineering of the recommendations is to develop a platform for workplace 50 years ago, they are now starting to receive and technology (SET) face major personal and female scientists through the Science City initiative, in the recognition they deserve. In fact the future looks Wprofessional barriers to success, despite efforts which the University is playing a leading part. This would good for women in SET with more and more barriers to by Government and other bodies to reverse this trend. enable them to act as role models and mentors for the top jobs being removed. The opportunities for career Some women interviewed by Prof Pooran Wynarczyk and schoolgirls and women considering scientific careers. progression are many and varied, while the trend to her team from Newcastle University’s Small Enterprise Prof Wynarczyk commented: “Our study shows that there move towards flexible working practices is great news for Research Unit had even chosen not to have children is a need to find solutions for barriers that prevent women considering a family. Couple all this with the great because they believed it hindered their career progression women from entering the scientific labour market, or we benefits’ packages on offer and the fact that the SET in the male-dominated science, engineering and technology will soon find an even greater shortage of highly-skilled professions are at the cutting edge of environmental and (SET) field. SET employees. technological advances and you’ll see that women have a great future ahead of them. Those with families said they were often prevented from The Opportunities taking part in career-developing activities such as SCIENCE Support FOR WOMEN So what can a woman bring to the SET workplace that travelling abroad and attending conferences because There are a number of organisations that have sprung up a man cannot? Well, nothing really - different people will childcare was often a problem. Many claimed they had to help women in SET professions to get the most out have different skills and these are not determined purely been ‘weeded out’ of the career structure before they had of their careers and to offer support and advice. The by gender. However, it is widely recognised that there are reached their potential or acceded to the higher-level Women’s Engineering Society (WES) is one example of some differences between the genders which can determine positions that their qualifications and experience merited. a support network that claims to be the ‘voice of the where your strengths are likely to lie. Men, for example, The report surveyed sixty small and medium sized SET woman engineer’. Many employers will also offer their own are famed for their rational, results-driven approach while businesses based in the North East and 30 female internal social networks to encourage women to make women are famed for their communication and employees via questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. contacts and may also offer mentoring and ‘buddy’ The findings show that, in the UK, the number of female multitasking skills. schemes. SET graduates ran at just over 80,000 compared with Debra Covey, managing director of wholesale operations around 400,000 men. Women account for 25 per cent or at BT explains: “Women bring a different perspective to KEY Support organisations: less of the workforce in some SET-related industry sectors the workplace. We have a different viewpoint that once Women’s Engineering Society (WES) - www.wes.org.uk compared to 80 per cent in health and social work. accepted, can really liven up participation and productivity. Women into Science, Engineering and Construction However, many ideas on how the UK could change for We are also usually good at multitasking and the ability (WISE) - www.wisecampaign.org.uk the better and encourage more women into science and to manage competing priorities aligns very neatly with Balance - www.balance.ac.uk technology careers are also made by the authors of the SET careers.” Science, engineering and technology for women - report, Gender Gap in the Scientific Labour Market. One So, if women’s skills were thought to be redundant in the www.set4women.gov.uk Train to Gain

Train Your Workforce In Work? No NVQ Level 2 Qualifications? You could be eligible for free NVQ Level 2 Training. Stockton Riverside College has secured Train to Gain funding to support employers in the cost of training their workforce. Places are limited so don’t hang about. Contact: Wendy Collins Call Now! Telephone: 01642 732 375 Tel: 01642 732375 email:[email protected]

informnorth February 2007 17 Leading Life Science

What do you believe is the best invention to date? Why? The wheel. It makes most things go “My international around! What would we be surprised to know background has Mike Asher, CEO about you? given me perspective Centre for Life I kept a Buthus Occitanus (Spanish yellow scorpion) as a pet for two years and fed on the world’s it crickets What training or skills has helped you different markets Name: Michael Asher get to where you are now? Age: 44 My international background has given and has helped me Company: CELS Ltd me perspective on the world’s different Based: Jesmond markets and has helped me learn to learn to question Business sector: Healthcare question everything and take nothing for everything and take Main objective of your business: granted. To grow the NE healthcare economy What advice do you wish you’d been nothing for by £1 billion by 2015 given when you were starting your Who has inspired you most in your career? granted.” life? Why? Be more creative and take more risks. MIKE ASHER, CEO, CELS My father. He was a highly successful What’s next for you? international businessman and a great Build CELS into a leadership position in dad. the NE healthcare economy.

Science is the future.

The future is here. www.newcastlesciencecity.com

A partnership between

18 February 2007 informnorth Name: Amanda McMurray Based or lives: Northumberland Organisation/company: Cenamps Type of organisation/company: Cenamps is an entrepreneurial innovation company. Job title: Commercialisation Manager

ell us about your organisation: is working to develop a novel hand-held Who has helped you or inspired Cenamps’ strategic technology point of care device to improve early you most? Tfootprint embraces emerging assessment of patients suspected of having Many people have helped me in many small-scale technologies for: a deep vein thrombosis. different ways and the list includes friends • Flexible functional materials, including What route have you taken to get to and family and colleagues. The most polymer electronics and printed your present job? inspirational people I have ever worked structures I have taken a “curiosity driven” route, and with were Dr John Sulston for his vision have worked as a Development Scientist, and inspiring leadership and Dr Mary • Ambient intelligence for smart work, Development Manager and as a Berks for supporting my attempts to build home and public environments Consultant, both independent and for a career whilst bringing up four small • Smart consumer objects that enhance a global Consultancy Firm. I’ve also children. the quality of our every day lives established, run and wound up two I worked with them at the (then) Sanger successful businesses. • Preventative healthcare, diagnosis and Centre where I was Development Team treatment, including nano-medicine What training or education has Manager, working on the Human Genome helped you? The Cenamps’ team is skilled in project and developing new DNA My scientific background helps, I think. securing early-stage public and private sequencing technologies: And I love hearing about others’ work so R&D investment, better connecting I tend to get drawn back to it although I How many hours do you work? technological advancements with don’t ever want to work as a scientist At Cenamps we tend to work as flexibly as identified societal needs and trends and again. I have to understand, quickly, needed to get the work done. But that effectively managing challenging R&D a broad range of disciplines and doesn’t mean that we work less hours activities and infrastructure development technologies. It’s not necessary to become though - quite the opposite in fact, but it projects. Established as an entrepreneurial, an expert in every field, but I need to be does mean that we can work in the most not-for-profit venture in 2003, Cenamps is able to understand enough to identify my efficient way possible. It’s an essential funded by One NorthEast, the Regional clients’ commercial drivers, opportunities working style in order to work effectively Development Agency for the North East of and needs. on a number of projects at once and it England as a vital component of the What qualifications do you have? works well for me. region’s economic development strategy. PhD in Chemistry: I studied the mechanism What is your role and what are your of the active part of some simple enzymes. What is the most enjoyable thing duties? about your work? MBA: completed part time and I work with a fantastic team of people at As Commercialisation Manager, I lead and specialising in Biotechnology. manage commercialisation on a number Cenamps. That is, to me, the most of Projects, including a Framework What inspired you to work in this enjoyable aspect of my work. My work Programme 6 funded Project, called sector? also gives me the opportunity to hear DVT-IMP, led by Teesside University. Under Joining Cenamps was completely about people’s ideas and projects and to this Project, a consortium of 10 partners opportunistic, as have all my career moves learn from others’ experience. That is a from across Europe, including Cenamps, have tended to have been. great privilege and a lot of fun. informnorth February 2007 19 Social Enterprises Are Going To Double There are more than 50,000 social enterprises in Britain - that's over 5% of all businesses with employees - and the Government is setting out how it aims to help open the door to the next THE DUKE OF 50,000 on the back of Social Enterprise Day which took place in November. Currently social enterprises generate more than £27bn turnover per year and are contributing £8.4bn to GDP - but surprisingly research shows that only one in four people actually knows what a social enterprise is. Social enterprises represent a different way of doing business - firms founded for a social purpose, reinvesting their profits in the company or the community.Well known examples in the North East include informnorth magazine and nationally,The Big Issue,The Eden Project and Jamie Oliver's Fifteen. Young Leaders Gain New Skills A group of 15 volunteers who all work for successful regional businesses are undergoing a unique five day management programme backed by the Aspire Campaign, which will see them inspiring other young people to achieve their 006 marked the 50th Anniversary all, voluntary, flexible, balanced, career goals here in the North East. of The Duke of Edinburgh’s progressive, achievement focused, The ‘Young Leaders’ programme is geared 2Award, which is a tried and tested demands commitment, enhances to tackle the general lack of aspiration in young development programme for young personal development and most people and gives young business professionals people aged 14 to 25. Established in important of all, it’s really enjoyable. who are in tune with school age students, the 1956 by its Founder and Patron, HRH opportunity to inspire them through their own The Award has become far more personal experience and story. The Duke of Edinburgh, it is a voluntary, non-competitive programme available and attainable in recent years. of practical cultural and adventurous It now certificates individual activities activities. It offers an individual as well as offering the traditional 4 or 5 challenge and encourages young people part Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. to undertake exciting, constructive, The Award is providing an excellent challenging and enjoyable activities in vehicle for the personal development their free time.The Award is of young people irrespective of more relevant today than it their level of ability or disability. ever was in that it offers accreditation for the The organisation’s roster of activities that engage famous alumni boasts an young people and gives impressive number recognition to their of world-famous names Pamela Hargreaves, young people manager at achievements. the Aspire Campaign said:“Regional employers including Dame Kelly are finding it more and more difficult to recruit The Duke of Edinburgh’s Holmes, Ben Fogle, David the appropriately skilled and motivated Award maps directly onto Hempleman-Adams, Katherine employees they need and simultaneously young the Government’s proposals for Jenkins, Steve Blacknell, Kevin Keegan people in the region have a negative view of the education and training and for youth and radion and TV celebrity, Zoe Ball. employment opportunities available to them. work: The fact is, businesses are missing out on the skills and young people are missing out on the • The Service Section provides opportunities, maybe if more young business opportunities for volunteering. For further details please contact people become young leaders or active role • The Physical Recreation Section the North East Regional Office: models it can help to encourage higher aims in involves young people in sports activity. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award life and bridge this skills gap.We want to give Maritime Chambers, our young leaders the opportunity to learn • The Skills Section enables youngsters more about their own potential and be able to to undertake arts, cultural and informal 1 Howard Street, North Shields, communicate their vision more effectively to learning activities. Tyne and Wear. NE30 1LZ others." • The Expedition Section develops Over 1600 companies have already signed up Tel: 0191 270 3000 teamwork, leadership and challenge in Fax: 0191 270 3007 to support Aspire’s objectives and 250 of those the outdoors. have identified an appropriate member of their organisation to become an Aspire young leader The key principles of the Award are e-mail: [email protected] as a role model for young people. that it is non competitive, available to web: www.theaward.org For further information or to sign up visit: www.aspiretoday.co.uk 20 February 2007 informnorth Informnorth’s Mark Burton takes years and literally thousands of pea plants. a look at Gregor Mendel - Priest, Laying Down the Laws Abbot and renowned GENETISIST From this statistical pea soup, Mendel derived In the last eighteen months, geneticists have two “laws of heredity.” His law of segregation announced that they have finally completed says that each parent contributes its traits to the chimpanzee genome - and started to offspring separately, and that these traits pair compare it to our own, identified specific up, in what we now call gene pairs. The genes linked to human heart disease, and different varieties of each gene, what we now made huge strides forward in understanding call alleles, explain variation in inherited traits. how genes are activated and controlled. If the parental alleles differ - green seeds or yellow? - then only the dominant allele We may well live in the golden age of genetics manifests in the offspring. but take a moment to think that it all sprouted from a small vegetable garden, and from tiny But surprisingly the recessive allele still exists shoots grown there by a monk named Gregor and segregates out into some of the offspring’s Mendel whose work we should really all know. sex cells. So even if all the peas in the first generation are yellow, the trait for greenness Gregor Mendel The “Father” of Genetics remains and can emerge in future generations. Gregor Mendel was an obscure monk, Mendel’s law of independent assortment goes working in a minor city in an out of the way one step further, saying that each pair of genes province. But the fruit of his genetic research does not affect the expression of others. totally changed the world in which we live. Yellowness and greenness have nothing to do Monkish Business with smoothness and wrinkliness. The two Johann Mendel, born in 1822, took the genetic traits sort out independently. Bolstered name Gregor at age 21, when he entered by his years of experimental data, Mendel’s a monastery at Brünn in Moravia (now Brno, two laws remain the taproot of all genetic in the Czech Republic). He was ordained a theory even now when genetics is so topical. priest and taught school here and there, but Mendel’s Inheritors failed the exam to become a full-time teacher Mendel presented his work in 1865, and it - botching biology, of all things. So his Abbot was published the next year by the Brünn sent him to the University of Vienna to brush Natural History Society and it was forgotten up. He returned in 1854 and began mining almost immediately. One of the 115 copies of the excellent library at the monastery and, the journal may even have found its way to perhaps, discussing husbandry with the local Charles Darwin, as the urban myth actually farmers. In 1856, he began to experiment on claims, but there’s no real evidence for that. the plants in the monastery garden, trying to Mendel’s later work with hawkweed turned out find the underlying laws of plant hybridisation. to be a dead end (hawkweed is self-fertilising), Mind Your Peas and Choose and by the time of his death in 1884, Abbot In the garden, Mendel laboriously crossed and Mendel was concerned more with his recrossed different varieties of pea plants, monastery’s tax status than with heredity. Only classifying their offspring by seven different in 1900 did other botanists independently characteristics, such as seed colour and shape. repeat his research, and discover that Mendel He kept detailed records and used a large had beaten them to it 35 years before. enough sample for statistically valid patterns to Mushy Math? emerge. A few scientists have claimed that Mendel’s Specifically, he noticed that although crossing research was actually too good. Much like a reliably yellow pea plants with reliably green bad biology student in high school, Mendel pea plants made for yellow peas, in the may have trimmed data that didn’t fit his second generation a quarter of the peas would theory from his final report. Sir Ronald Fisher, turn out green, even though they had only the British biologist and statistician who helped yellow parents. Somehow, their green grandparents had passed along the quality put Mendel’s and Darwin’s theories together, of greenness unchanged. first called attention to Mendel’s “Too goodness When he crossed strains with two differences - of fit” in 1936. One thing’s for sure - without smooth yellow and wrinkly green - those Mendel’s study of the function and behaviour differences also followed a statistical pattern: of genes - the modern science of genetics and nine smooth and yellow, three wrinkly and how it influences so many aspects of daily life, yellow, three smooth and green, one wrinkly from the food we eat to how we identify criminals and green. And so on and so on, for several or treat diseases wouldn’t even be known. informnorth February 2007 21 informnorth special feature: science in the north east

Think small Teach Graduates often flock to the doors of big-name companies when With a fast-track scheme for potential they leave the university gates, attracted by high-profile training high-flyers and ‘golden hellos’ of £4000 schemes. But what about working for an SME (small to to lure maths and science teachers into the medium-sized enterprise)? The promotion prospects and job classroom, it’s no surprise that nearly 42,000 satisfaction can be greater than when you are a small fish in a people started teacher-training courses last big pond and many companies in cutting-edge sectors like IT and year, the highest number since 1975. biotech are too new and fast-moving to have turned into corporate giants just yet. Save the planet Solve crimes Forget tree-hugging - reducing pollution and Working as a forensic scientist may not be as glamorous as the understanding Earth’s ecosystems requires a TV programme CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, but forensic surprisingly wide expertise, including IT and science is a growing field, especially with the expansion of the engineering. The UK’s environmental National DNA Database. Watch out for new specialities such consultancy sector is growing every year and is as digital evidence and pollen analysis and you can get a job now worth nearly £1 billion. For more info without a forensic science qualification. Employers are looking find out more and check out New Scientist’s for a strong background in science, and will provide training. special report on environmental careers at Eat your research www.newscientistjobs.com/insider. If words like molecular gastronomy attract your attention, why not Compute become a food scientist? It’s a highly technical field that requires If your IT skills are honed they could open many doors in science. sound science. In companies and universities around the country, Bioinformatics experts, for example, are in high demand, as there engineers are improving the flow of chocolate ingredients, whilst are few people who know how to deal with the reams of data chemists invent new types of ice cream. generated by the elaborate machines found in most labs today.

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22 February 2007 informnorth Drive To Keep Graduates In Region A new programme aimed at halting the 'brain drain' of digital media and technology graduates out of the region has been announced. Codeworks, the North East's centre of excellence for digital media and technology, Providing quality, impartial information, has received £390,000 of funding from regional development agency One NorthEast (ONE) to put 51 recent graduates to work in digital advice and guidance on learning and work companies within the North East on paid placements lasting either three or nine months. The new scheme is designed to give graduates a more in-depth experience and a better chance of securing a permanent position, as well as enabling host companies to get the most out of their employee.The first batch of 23 graduates is being recruited now to begin their place- ments immediately, with a second group of 28 graduates scheduled to start next summer. Student retention is a massively important issue for the North East, particularly in the technology sector. Herb Kim, CEO of Codeworks, said: "With regard to the regional skills agenda, ONE are not just talking but taking action.Their strategic support of the Codeworks placement programmes has already made a significant impact on the fortunes of digital companies in the North East and their he nextstep information and • Providing information relating to renewed support means that we can continue advice service can help you get financial support available; working to improve the links between industry and universities." Ton the road to improving your • Giving you basic advice about the career prospects by learning new skills, services available to you during retraining or gaining new qualifications. redundancy, including how to access The organisation offers free information them and where to go; on learning and work to anyone aged 20 • Assisting you and providing advice and over and importantly, can also offer relating to job search and applying for you free face-to-face advice if you have jobs, such as writing a CV and inter less than 5 GCSEs grades A-C or have view skills; not yet achieved an NVQ level 2 • Giving you advice on ways to progress qualification. in a career; Whether you want to improve your • Or advising you on what is and is not career prospects, get a qualification or available, and discuss alternatives. just make the most of your job, nextstep If you think nextstep could set you in Angelfysh Nets services are available through out the the right direction towards `developing North East of England and beyond. your skills and pursuing your ideal String Of New Clients career then contact your local office. A new company specialising in search engine The services offered are always optimisation is reeling in a string of new clients tailored to your particular needs and since its launch at the end of last year. include: Newcastle based Angelfysh Marketing was set up by Lisa Forster in conjunction with design • Giving you personalised information, Contact Information: company, onebestway, to give businesses the possibly referring you to other key County Durham: opportunity to improve their positioning on major search engines such as google or yahoo. services; Telephone: 01388 776 911 In partnership with onebestway,Angelfysh has www.nextstepcountydurham.org.uk • Helping you to use decision-making already been working for two of the North Email: [email protected] East’s biggest engineering supply companies, tools; Liftright and Mechright to improve their online Tees Valley: • Assisting you in choosing a career presence, competitor analysis, visible page Telephone: 01642 358 099 content, metatags, navigation and build, back path that is linked to your personal www.nextstepteesvalley.org.uk/ links and ongoing support. Lisa, 36, who lives in interests and skills; St Peter’s Basin, has worked in the industry for Tyne and Wear: several years as a freelance specialist where • Identifying the skills you may need to Telephone: 0800 073 0708 she was paid on the traffic she generated and pursue a certain career and referring www.nextsteptyneandwear.org.uk/ the results she achieved. She said “Our aim is you to other sources of help if you Email: [email protected] to be the best seo company in the North East need to improve your reading, writing – there are actually very few companies in the Northumberland: region providing this service to the standard and maths; Telephone: 0800 389 0639 and level that we do and the service is proving • Helping you understand information www.learningnorthumberland.co.uk/ really popular. It’s a really exciting time for the business and working hand in hand with about the job market; onebestway is helping us to work with existing and potential clients.” informnorth February 2007 23 Find thethe rightright people,people, hire themTHem and you win Depending on what day it is, and with whom you’re talking, the economy is either bouncing back or it’s entering a slump. However it is not just the state of the economy that is up for discussion, the experts say that today’s statistics do not reveal the entire picture for the employment market. Informnorth’s Mark Burton looks at the important role that people power plays in growing your business in North East England...

or every sector with above average unemployment, every step in the employee lifecycle. This includes how there exists a sector of the economy with a shortage employees are recruited and hired, trained, engaged and Fof skilled workers ready to perform those jobs. evaluated. And, taking it one step further, an employer The job market is currently experiencing a shift from an must also provide a program that will enable employees to employer’s market to a job seeker’s market. As our special grow professionally within the company, instead of having science feature in this issue shows, it is - or has, already to look elsewhere. happened in some economic sectors, such as life sciences, The key is to put in place and maintain an appropriately nursing or medical imaging, but it will only increase and it resourced workforce that is loyal and running on all will become a far more general trend in the next 18 cylinders at all times. This takes a lot of planning and real months and far longer throughout many other key sectors, perseverance with a keen eye on the end result and prize especially here in the North East. of a workforce of people who are challenged, engaged and But that’s not the only trend employers may have to fear. passionate about what they do, rather than just a set of Companies are really starting to suffer from a real lack of “warm bodies” who are biding their time in a job, waiting employee engagement and the fact is, employees who are for the next move. The companies that do this will be the not fully engaged in their jobs are unlikely to remain very ones that will truly realise long-term success - the ones that long when opportunities come around that may pay a little go from being purely good to simply great. more, or appear even slightly better than they may currently Define the need for what you actually want have, in one way or another. The hiring manager must know exactly what they want There are plenty of people out there and employed who and make sure that the recruiter knows what it is. Of are just biding their time...surfing those job sites...just course, it’s hard to fully describe the nature of a position. watching and waiting for what may So often, a manager tends to think of who they would like be the next big thing. in the chair as opposed to what the job is and what kind of skills it takes to get it done. But it’s critical to focus on job So to win - what has an description, not people descriptions. employer got to do? Even though technology allows recruiters to search The true return on any candidates via cloning searches, this doesn’t really address investment for what can the challenge of appropriately communicating to a be called “Strategic prospective candidate the specifics of the actual job or role. Talent Management,” Once you have created appropriate job descriptions, don’t is to make sure that a let all your hard work go to waste. Set up a database to company properly selects store descriptions, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel when a position has to be filled. Additionally, by using the and engages its own same criteria across the board, it will be easier to create workforce from the start. a community of like-minded people who appreciate the To gain a really competitive culture of the company which is essential in smaller firms. advantage over the Find the right people - and hire them competition by attracting the To be effective, a company needs a targeted recruitment strategy. These days one job listing on a website can lead best talent to an inundation of resumes. Subsequently, recruiters spend and by a lot of time going through the “piles of people” that have seeking applied, and not nearly enough time talking to the top five to retain candidates. It’s imperative that procedures are put into already place so that recruiters spend their time making “smart” trained, decisions - more interviewing and hiring, less paper pushing. valuable Consider effective ‘onboarding’ and loyal me,me, employees, Some companies think that the hiring job is done once a HireHire an employer person has taken the position, the proper forms have been win must look at filled out and the introductions are complete. If people are 24 YouYou winFebruary 2007 informnorth set up with the proper orientation and tools that they will need, then they are set up to succeed. And if a person is fully equipped to succeed from the first day on the job, they are more likely to thrive and feel valued and are less likely to want to jump for something new straight away. Additionally, any individual that is new to a role needs to be provided with a set of expectations - which, of course, should have been clearly communicated in the job description - so that regular performance reviews are reasonable and that they are also anticipated. Recruit, recruit, recruit - and if possible, try to bear in mind that it is always better to recruit from within Of course it is vital for companies of any shape and size to continue to recruit and engage their own workforce on an ongoing basis. Northern business managers must recognise that employees are increasingly looking to manage their own careers. And, as an employer, you should be as proactive as possible in helping them manage their own careers within the organisation, so they don’t have to leave to grow or develop. The bottom line is that if you allow a valued employee to grow within your organisation by providing them with self-assessment and self-awareness tools and opportunities with the company, you make it easier for people to grow their careers inside, rather than outside. When you find you are consistently hiring quality candidates MaybeMaybe who are performing at their best because they care and staying with your company for the long-term because the work not?not? is challenging and offering growth potential, you know you’ve hit the mark. Mark Burton is currently standing as a prospective Labour Councillor for Darlington in the forthcoming local elections. We wish Mark the very best of luck and we hope to follow his progress in a future issue of informnorth.

Do you need cost effective website expertise to suit your business needs? Informnorth are also marketing specialists, we Can your business, company provide complete, bespoke marketing & website packages to suit businesses and organisations. or organisation even be found The team here at informnorth will: • Help select and register your domain name design, then construct and build your on the World Wide Web? web or e-commerce site • Update content as required and maintain If anyone wanted to search for your business your site on the internet with a search engine such as • Host your web or e-commerce site Google just to learn something about your Informnorth can also offer a complete email company, what would they find? Could facility and provide individual email addresses for each business department and all of your they even find your contact details? And if employees, so what ever you and your business so, would the results really do you justice? require get in touch with us without delay.

Ensure your internet presence is a valued asset - one that provides detailed and up to date information about your organisation or business Call us today on: 0191 586 6010 or visit: informnorth.com

informnorth February 2007 25 NORTH EAST CAREERS ADVICE: Blyth Community College - Macmillan College - Aim Higher - Tel: 0800 587 8500 Tel: 01670 798 100 www.bcc.uk.com Tel: 01642 244 144 www.macmillan-ctc.org.uk www.aimhighernortheast.ac.uk King Edward VI School - Tel: 01670 515 415 Middlesbrough College - Connexions County Durham - www.kevi.info/site/ CoVE Catering and Hospitality Tel: 0191 384 9766 Kirkley Hall College - Tel: 01661 860 808 Tel: 01642 333 333 www.middlesbro.ac.uk www.connexions-durham.org.uk www.northland.ac.uk Prior Pursglove College - Connexions Northumberland - Northumberland College - Tel: 01287 280 800 www.pursglove.ac.uk Tel: 01670 798 180 Tel: 01670 841 200 www.northland.ac.uk Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College - www.connexions-northumberland.org.uk CoVE Services for Inbound and Domestic Tel: 01325 461 315 www.qeliz.ac.uk Tourism Tel: 01670 841 294 Redcar and Cleveland College - Connexions Tees Valley - Tel: 01642 601 600 CoVE Construction Crafts www.connexionsteesvalley.co.uk CoVE Specialised Engineering for the COLLEGES - TYNE & WEAR: Connexions Tyne & Wear - Tel: 0191 490 1717 Process & Manufacturing Industries City of Sunderland College - www.connexions-tw.co.uk Tel: 01642 473 132 www.cleveland.ac.uk Tel: 0191 511 6060 www.citysun.ac.uk nextstep - www.nextstep.org.uk Sedgefield Community College CoVE Building Services Tel: 0191 511 6717 Tel: 01740 621 097 Durham Tel: 01388 776 911 CoVE ICT Networking Tel: 0191 511 6873 Sheila Bruce Community Arts - Northumberland Tel: 0800 389 0639 CoVE North East Contact Centre Tees Valley Tel: 01642 358 099 Tel: 01429 264 976 Tel: 0191 511 6800 Stockton Riverside College - Tyne & Wear Tel: 0800 073 0708 Gateshead College - Tel: 01642 865 400 www.stockton.ac.uk/ University and college admissions Tel: 0191 490 0300 www.gateshead.ac.uk CoVE Childcare service - www.ucas.com CoVE Automotive Technology CoVE Performing Arts Tel: 01642 865500 University of Durham Careers Advisory Tel: 0191 490 2430 www.performingarts.org.uk/ CoVE logistics excellence Tel: 0191 373 4847 Service - Tel: 0191 334 1430 Stockton Sixth Form College - www.dur.ac.uk/careers-advice Gateshead Talmudical College - Tel: 01642 612 611 www.stocktonsfc.ac.uk Tel: 0191 477 2616 COLLEGES - COUNTY DURHAM: St Mary's RC Sixth Form College Bishop Auckland College - Newcastle College - Tel: 01642 814 680 www.stmarys-sfc.ac.uk Tel: 0800 092 6506 www.bacoll.ac.uk Tel: 0191 200 4000 www.ncl-coll.ac.uk Teesside Tertiary College - CoVE Childcare and CoVE Adultcare CoVE Culinary Excellence, CoVE Aerospace Tel: 01642 275 000 www.ttc.ac.uk and Allied Engineering Technologies and CoVE Derwentside College - Construction and Built Environment NORTH EAST UNIVERSITIES: Tel: 01207 585 900 www.derwentside.ac.uk Tyne Metropolitan College - University of Durham - East Durham & Houghall Community Tel: 0191 229 5000 www.tynemet.ac.uk Tel: 0191 374 2000 www.dur.ac.uk College, Peterlee - Tel: 0191 518 2000 CoVE Childcare Tel: 0191 200 5472 University of Newcastle upon Tyne - www.edhcc.ac.uk CoVE Mechatronics Tel: 0191 280 5173 Tel: 0191 222 6000 www.ncl.ac.uk East Durham & Houghall Community Oakfield College Tel: 0191 273 5558 University of Northumbria at Newcastle - College, Durham Tel: 0191 375 4700 South Tyneside College - Tel: 0191 232 6002 www.northumbria.ac.uk King James I Community College - Tel: 0191 427 3500 www.stc.ac.uk Open University - Tel: 0191 284 1611 Tel: 01388 603 388 CoVE Marine Engineering and Nautical Science www.open.ac.uk New College Durham - Tel: 0191 427 3772 University of Sunderland - Tel: 0191 515 2000 Tel: 0191 375 4000 www.newdur.ac.uk COLLEGE - TEES VALLEY AREA: www.sunderland.ac.uk CoVE Travel & Tourism Services Askham Bryan College - University of Teesside - Tel: 01642 218 121 Tel: 0191 375 4999 Tel: 01287 633 870 www.askham-bryan.ac.uk www.tees.ac.uk www.newdur.ac.uk/new_cove/index.htm Bede College -Tees Valley TRAINING ORGANISATIONS: CoVE Construction Services and Tel: 01642 808 285 www.bede.ac.uk Access Training Gateshead - Profession Studies Tel: 0191 375 0443 Cleveland College of Art and Design - Tel: 0191 487 4454 www.accesstraining.org CoVE Multi Skilled Systems Maintenance Tel: 01642 288 000 www.ccad.ac.uk CoVE Business and Management Engineering Tel: 0191 375 4500 Darlington College - Access Training Sunderland - www.newdur.ac.uk/cove/engindex.htm Tel: 01325 503 050 www.darlington.ac.uk Tel: 0191 565 3153 www.accesstraining.org Durham Logistics College - CoVE Media-Digital Production and Design Assa Training and learning - Tel: 0191 373 4847 Hartlepool Sixth Form College - Tel: 0191 417 7030 www.assaltd.co.uk www.durhamlogisticscollege.com Tel: 01429 294 444 www.hpoolsfc.ac.uk Auckland Training Organisation - CoVE Logistics & transport Hartlepool College of F.E. - Tel: 01388 450 285 COLLEGES - NORTHUMBERLAND: Tel: 01429 295 000 www.hartlepoolfe.ac.uk Bells Training - Tel: 01642 756 510 Ashington Community High School - CoVE Technical and Design Engineering, www.bellstraining.co.uk Sports College - Tel: 01670 812 166 CoVE Construction Building Services and BL Hairdressing Training - www.ashingtonhigh.northumberland.sch.uk CoVE Healthcare Tel: 0191 261 9636 www.blhairdressing.co.uk

informnorth spotlight on: Regional career opportunities within a modern N

he NHS is the largest employer in the People are working in new and more flexible ways country, with over one million staff to provide services based on the needs of individual T(five per cent of the working population). patients. New jobs and roles are being developed, The NHS offers: such as assistant practitioners in surgery, • Over 300 different careers, from radiography, anaesthetics and radiotherapy. ambulance staff to therapists Many NHS organisations in England provide a • The opportunity for flexible working range of schemes (sometimes called cadet and family friendly policies schemes or traineeships), which are designed to • A guaranteed pension scheme widen access to different careers within the NHS. • The chance for free training and development Traditionally schemes have been linked with • Support for childcare nursing but over the last few years, many schemes • Return to practice courses have broadened to enable individuals to gain • Health care apprenticeship schemes experience and potential access to a number of Some roles in the NHS are quickly changing. professional and/or support level careers.These 26 February 2007 informnorth CITB North East & Cumbria - Teamwearside - Tel: 0191 514 2799 GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES: Tel: 0191 516 3900 www.citb.co.uk www.teamwearside.co.uk www.doctorjob.com City Centre Training (Northern) Ltd - Van Hee Training - Tel: 0191 438 2512 www.gapyear.com Tel: 01642 651 100 www.citycentretraining.com www.vanhee.co.uk Gleam - Tel: 0191 334 5725 www.gleam.org.uk Carillion Construction Training - Trinity Mirror Editorial Training - Tel: 0191 296 1788 www.carillionplc.com Tel: 0191 201 6043 www.trinintymirror.co.uk Graduates for business - Tel: 0191 244 4000 www.graduates for business.co.uk Disc Ltd - Tel: 01388 424 450 TTE Management & Technical Training - www.disc-vol.org.uk Tel: 01642 462 266 www.tte.co.uk Graduates for growth - www.graduates for growth.org.uk Equality North East - Tel: 0191 492 1333 CoVE Process and Manufacturing Industry www.equality-ne.co.uk VT Plus Training plc - www.graduates.northeast.ac.uk First 4 Fitness - Tel: 0191 487 0088 Tel: 01642 245 522 www.vtplc.com www.group.co.uk www.first4fitness.co.uk Zodiac Training North East - www.prospects.ac.uk Fundraising Skills Ltd - Tel: 0191 276 3283 Tel: 0845 330 8184 www.zodiactraining.co.uk Q graduates - Tel: 01914971922 www.qgroup.co.uk www.fundraising-skills.com ENTERPRISE AND BUSINESS START UP: Shell Technology Enterprise Hotel and Catering Training Company - Business Link - Tel: 0845 6009 006 Programme(STEP) - Tel: 0191 256 7722 www.hctc.co.uk www.businesslink.gov.uk Tel: 0870 036 5450 www.step.org.uk ITEC North East Ltd - www.itecne.co.uk Business Support Services North East www.targetGRAD.com Newton Aycliffe Tel: 01325 320 052 Tel: 0191 3779888 www.a4e.co.uk www.thegraduate.co.uk Gateshead Tel: 0191 491 3316 East Durham Business Service - Year in industry - Tel: 0191 416 5656 Middlesbrough Tel: 01642 232 550 Tel: 0191 586 3366 www.edbs.co.uk www.yini.org.uk JHP Training - Tel: 01429 860 211 Enterprise Academy, Middlesbrough YOUTH SUPPORT: www.jhp-group.com Football Club - Fairbridge, Newcastle - Tel: 0191 245 5422 JTL Training - Tel: 0800 085 2308 Tel: 01642 873 803 www.mfc-ea.co.uk www.fairbridge.org.uk www.jtlimited.co.uk Entrust - Tel: 0191 244 4000 www.entrust.co.uk Duke of Edinburgh’s Award - MCQ Limited - Tel: 0191 265 3003 Inbiz - Tel: 08000 321 001 www.inbizonline.co.uk Tel: 0191 270 3000 www.theaward.org/northeast www.mcq.co.uk Informnorth - the regions leading magazine for Tel: 0191 232 1322 Milltech Sunderland - Tel: 0191 510 0414 enterprise and change.Tel: 0191 586 6010 Weston Spirit - www.westonspirit.org.uk www.milltech.co.uk North East Chamber of Commerce Youth Organisation Council - Neta Stockton - (NECC) - Tel: 0191 386 1133 Tel: 0191 490 1900 www.yinet.org.uk Tel: 01642 616 936 www.neta.co.uk www.ne-chamber.co.uk CoVE Engineering Construction Sedgefield Borough Business Service VOLUNTARY WORK: North East Charmber of Commerce Tel: 01325 307 270 www.sbbs.org.uk CSV Action Durham Millennium Tel: 0191 389 2947 Training - Tel: 0191 386 1133 Shell LiveWIRE - Tel: 0191 261 5584 Volunteers - www.ne-cc.com/trainingnew www.northeast.shell-livewire.org 3D Young People Community Support Project - Tel: 0191 383 4402 North East Employment Training Start Talking ideas campaign Agency Ltd - Tel: 0191 497 5128 www.starttalkingideas.org Hartlepool Volunteer Development Agency Tel: 01429 262 641 www.do-it.org.uk Northumberland,Tyne & Wear Strategic Tedco - Tel: 0191 428 3300 www.tedco.org Health Authority - CoVE Healthcare South Tyneside Youth Action Volunteers - Teesdale Enterprise Agency - Tel: 0191 454 8704 www.yav-st.org.uk Tel: 0191 210 6400 www.ntwha.nhs.uk Tel: 01833 696 600 www.teesdaleenterprise.co.uk Protocol Skills - Tel: 01642 240 687 Stride youth team - Tel: 0191 455 6680 Teesside University, Graduate Business Unit www.stridenetwork.co.uk www.protocol-skills.co.uk Tel: 01642 384 2200 www.creativesattees.co.uk BANKS: Seafood Training Centre - Tel: 0191 296 1925 The Prince's Trust - Tel: 0191 478 8488 www.fishfillitingschool.co.uk www.princes-trust.org.uk Alliance and Leicester - Tel: 0800 587 0800 SEMTA - Tel: 01642 560 013 www.semta.org.uk North East Business and Innovation Centre Barclays Business Start-up Specialists - S W Durham Training Ltd - Tel: 0191 516 6200 www.ne.bic.co.uk Tel: 0845 602 4747 Tel: 0800 328 6942 CoVE Advanced to General Engineering University of Sunderland Hatchery - HSBC - Tel: 01325 313 194 www.swdurhamtraining.co.uk Tel: 0191 515 3165 Lloyds TSB - Tel: 0800 056 0056 Springboard Hartlepool - Tel: 01429 287 075 www.thehatchery.sunderland.ac.uk Nat West - Tel: 0800 028 2677 TDR Training Ltd - Tel: 0191 491 1505 Young Enterprise North East - Royal Bank Scotland Business Start up - www.tdrtraining.co.uk Tel: 0191 495 9500 www.young-enterprise.org.uk Tel: 0800 783 9777

National Health Service

careers might include midwife, radiographer, professional pre-registration training. speech and language therapist, dietitian, Working in this variety of settings, all trainees To find out more about the huge occupational therapist, porter, healthcare work with a range of healthcare professionals range of training and career scientist, or medical record officer. and support staff. Gaining experience of various opportunities in the NHS contact them Content and structure work areas and interacting with qualified and for free on 0845 60 60 655, experienced healthcare staff helps trainees to Schemes are planned and delivered locally in or visit www.nhscareers.nhs.uk or decide which career route they may wish to order to attract people who represent the e-mail: [email protected] follow after their scheme finishes. local community.They are usually up to 2 years in length, consisting of an induction period, Entry Criteria followed by periods of experience and Entry requirements for starting on a scheme work-based assessment - leading to NVQ level will vary from one Trust to another. Some Trusts 3 qualifications or equivalent - that can lead on will not require formal qualifications but if that’s to permanent employment and/or entry into true, they will look for evidence of other skills. informnorth February 2007 27 “I found the right job”

“With help from Aimhigh I was able to fill in complicated application forms”

“I found the confidence to learn new skills”

“I learned the skills I needed to be able to improve my job prospects”

If we can, you can. Telephone: 0191 527 9181 informnorth magazine special feature East Durham turning the tide

The North-East has never been afraid to embrace change - after all, we were at the forefront of the first industrial revolution - but it has also managed to retain strong core values such as hard work, a willingness to cooperate and pride in the region and its achievements and nowhere more so than in East Durham as informnorth discovers...

LSP - A Partnership for Change

ast Durham Local Strategic Partnership is an organisation comprising of community stakeholders Efrom the public, voluntary, community and private sectors. Its role is to work out what the community wants and needs, where it is needed most and to develop a Local Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy and Community Plan to achieve these aims. The Partnership’s overall vision is that by 2010 everyone will have worked together to create a sustainable future for East Durham resulting in a thriving The opportunity ahead is one that economy, an improved environment, a strong learning represents a positive bright future culture and safe, healthy communities. for East Durham. A lot of work has Formed in March 2001, East Durham LSP is committed “ to finding better ways of working to benefit all those who already been done and much of the live, learn, work in and visit the District by bringing together partnership work has been put in different initiatives and services that support rather than place that will really enable the area contradict each other. Just like all the other LSPs throughout the country, East Durham LSP is expected to to move forward at a pace set targets for how things will change over time in its most Alan Napier, LSP Chair disadvantaged neighbourhoods, especially in terms of reducing unemployment and crime and improving skills, health, housing and the physical environment. informnorth ” February 2007 29 informnorth magazine special feature New Path Groundwork in East Durham The Youth Workers Training Programme provided by service providers. The Set for Groundwork East Durham has been a resounding success capacity for these to date. Supported by Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, organisations to deliver the Future European Social Fund and the Northern Rock Foundation it youth services is enhanced was created in response to the need for more qualified whilst providing work youth workers in the District of Easington. experience and a he successful Neighbourhood Ten participants have already achieved the Level 2 supportive environment Management Pathfinder Scheme qualification, with eight submitted and awaiting for participants to progress (NMP), launched in Horden and T confirmation, and ongoing evaluations show that their youth work Easington Colliery five years ago, is now qualifications. their lives have certainly been changed for the better. about to hit North Peterlee. Participants receive the Not only have participants gained valuable experience and In April last year approval was given by minimum wage for an nationally recognised qualifications, they have also attained Government Office North East (GONE) to average 30hrs per week a host of other certificates including: minimum standards in develop the Neighbourhood Management and are subject to the youth work; four-day appointed person first aid; conflict initiative in the target areas of Acre Rigg, normal terms and management; food hygiene and risk assessments. Eden Hill, and parts of the Passfield and conditions, policies Opportunities for different levels of qualification are also Dene House areas of the town. and procedures of all Groundwork East Durham staff. They provided to reflect participant ability and the different The recently formed Neighbourhood also follow an application, interview, enrolment, and demands presented by employers. Programmes Team (NPT), formerly the induction process, followed by regular reviews. Barriers to Clifford Remmer, a Level 3 Trainee, has recently secured gaining further employment are actively addressed with the Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder intention that all participants will leave the programme with Team, aims to improve the quality of life further employment with his placement provider, Seaham the qualifications, experience, and most importantly, the for residents in the target areas. School of Technology, as a Learning Support Officer. “The experience I have gained from the placement and the confidence to gain further sustainable employment. The expansion comes after the project training courses has given me the confidence to make The Key Objectives: brought huge positive changes in Horden something more of my life,” remarked Clifford. • To deliver a unique bespoke youth workers training and Easington Colliery. The scheme and employment programme To date, the service has provided 31 local people with helped launch the district’s first street • To recruit participants onto the programme who are wardens, brought in police community a six month, fixed term contract of employment and the opportunity of achieving a level 2 or level 3 NVQ long term unemployed and face multiple barriers to support officers to patrol the streets, and equivalent qualification in Youth & Community Work. engaging with the labour market launched a scheme that has wiped out 95 Groundwork East Durham employs the participants and per cent of graffiti in the two villages. • To enhance the qualifications of participants, helps place these individuals with local partnering youth The NMP in Horden and Easington particularly concentrating on achieving a Level 3 Colliery continues to be a thriving and qualification innovative partnership that invites the local • To raise awareness locally and nationally regarding community to play a key role in its delivery. the need for suitably qualified and experienced people The local community work closely with when working with young people. many service providers such as the Police, PCT and Fire Brigade to bring about To find out more about Groundwork East Durham and the improved service delivery. work we undertake and support please visit www.groundworks-eastdurham.org.uk or call 0191 527 3333. It is hoped that the continued success gained by the Horden and Easington Colliery Pathfinder will be repeated in the which pre-empted the growing trend for environmental target areas of North Peterlee. Partnership issues and collects and recycles both household and office items. These are then refurbished to meet exacting quality Anyone interested in finding out more pays off for standards before being made available to local residents information can contact either Rob and businesses, who can access the service to purchase low Chapman or Michael Wilkes on East Durham cost office furniture and equipment. (0191) 5870752. From this site Crate also plays host to a new Enterprise and Training Centre where they offer any residents who may be ast Durham Partnership was established in 1989 unemployed within the Easington area access to free, to help support family learning, community enterprise, accredited training and work experience placements in job creation, work placements and a wide range of E Enterprise, Retail, Customer Care, Computers, Literacy and educational and health related programmes. Numeracy. Eligible participants may also receive a weekly The Partnership is a registered charity and umbrella training allowance, call 0191 5183 691 for details. organisation that encompasses the local voluntary sector helping to improve the quality of life of local residents which For further information on East had been affected by the downturn in manufacturing and Durham Partnership please call: the collapse of the mining industry. 0191 586 8493 or CRATE then Most recently, the Partnership started a social enterprise please telephone: 0191 518 4394. called CRATE on the Seaview Industrial Estate, Horden, 30 February 2007 informnorth east durham local strategic partnership East Durham Community Transport

East Durham Community Transport Prices (EDCT) was formed as a charity in Prices for both vehicle hire and training 1989 to meet the growing needs are very competitive, and subsidies are of local groups, who were finding available to sporting and not for profit it difficult to secure affordable and groups. accessible travel on a local level. Advertising Space Through capital & revenue funding The EDCT fleet travels on local roads secured from various grant-making throughout County Durham, 365 days trusts and statutory agencies, the per year. In 2007, the fleet will cover organisation has proven to be highly 100,000 miles. adaptable and a continued success. Private companies can take advantage EDCT provides low-cost, accessible of this exposure and advertise on the livery of vehicles within the EDCT fleet, transport and training services for the providing inexpensive advertising and benefit of local groups, projects and aids local community giving. communities within East Durham. Success and the future Hire Services The 32,332 passengers carried in 2006 Vehicles from their 6-strong fleet of was an increase of 35% from 21,016 16-seater minibuses can be hired passengers in 2005 using the same with a driver or on a self-drive basis. number of vehicles. Both electric and manually operated This is due in no small way to an NRF wheelchairs and similar mobility aids (Neighbourhood Renewal Fund) award can be safely carried on 3 of the buses. enabling EDCT to engage the services All vehicles undergo 6 weekly safety of a Fleet Administrator and 2 full-time Liam Weatherill, EDC T manager inspections (MOT’s) as well as daily drivers. maintenance checks by trained EDCT 2007 promises to be even more successful staff. for EDCT with a move to larger premises “We provide minibuses, If a driver is hired as part of the service, and a change of legal status from a driver training and can provide clients can be confident in knowing that charity to a Limited Company. PCV drivers for your vehicles” all EDCT drivers are CRB (Criminal EDCT provide driver services for Record) checked and hold current Easington District Council for the Blitz MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Bus, Mobile Skateboard Park, Sports Scheme) certificates. Development and also operate a number Training Provision long term contracts with other agencies. MiDAS and Passenger Assistant training EDCT will be searching for new business is delivered in-house or on-site. Both and new contracts to ensure continued qualifications are nationally recognised. and lasting success. For more help or information “Our aim is to provide affordable, high quality regarding EDCT please call: and easily accessible transport services for the 0191 5184 321 www.eastdurhamcommunitytransport.co.uk benefit of our partners and the continually Fax: 0191 5182 633 expanding membership.” [email protected] [email protected] Liam Weatherill, Manager informnorth February 2007 31 east durham local strategic partnership

FOUR THEMES FOR SUCCESS hether it’s tackling existing barriers to Membership includes East Durham and Houghall As a social enterprise the project is collaborating with development, building better links between Community College, Primary Care Trust, Jobcentre Plus, other private sector partners to generate income from Wbusinesses or creating increased awareness, the East Durham Partnership, Community Empowerment the sale of reusable furniture, clothing and bric-a-brac. LSP’s role is to seek a tailor-made solution and improve Network, East Durham Business Service, Business Link The income is used to create further employment and the quality of life for everyone in East Durham. County Durham, District of Easington Council, expand the business. The project is not for profit and A commissioning approach to ensure funding is Groundwork East Durham and the Acumen operates as a charity for the benefit of the residents channelled to those with the highest priority. Members Development Trust. of the District of Easington. of the LSP decided on four broad themes based on the Within this theme three priorities were identified, Building Businesses: Advice & Support views of local people gathered through consultations namely: tackling barriers to employment; building Within this LSP priority East Durham Business Service undertaken over a two-year period, namely: economy, businesses; and a quality learning and business (EDBS) provides tailored support for a variety of environment, communities and learning culture. environment. So far projects have been developed, businesses, from new starts to helping develop skills Economic Infrastructure approved and are currently being implemented to within the workforce and includes: The Economy Group is responsible for delivering one of meet these priorities including: • Business Advice to Retailers the main themes within the Community Strategy by Tackling Barriers to Employment: Positive Pathways • Support for New Start Businesses increasing Employment and Enterprise. The Group meets This project provides support for people not currently • Support for Businesses to Survive and Grow at least every quarter to monitor Neighbourhood Renewal engaged in active work to enter the labour market and •Support for Workforce Development Fund (NRF) projects, and to discuss general initiatives it has helped establish a social enterprise, Greenworks The funding available covers all sectors of business at all and issues affecting East Durham’s economy. East Durham, part of the CRATE initiative. stages of their life, from a start up grant of £500 to a

Open Invitation to Join the Local Strategic Partnership

s have been established right across England, also being encouraged to get involved in LSPs, they offer the LSPespecially within the 88 most deprived local authority ideal forum for businesses to have direct contact with other areas, including Easington, and they receive additional funding major groups and organisations, shaping the future of their resources through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. local area. They were created to help tackle deep-seated, multi-faceted Make A Difference Through Becoming More Involved problems which require a range of responses from different Membership of the LSP is open to any group who are from a public, private, voluntary or community sector organisation. It bodies and are central to the delivery of the New Commitment is important to join, as through membership you can influence to Neighbourhood Renewal - National Strategy Action Plan, the LSP and the Community Strategy. which was established by the Government to narrow the gap The Community Strategy brings local and regional priorities between deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of the country. together in one document, and outlines the main actions needed Businesses are urged to get involved in LSPs because they are to turn the challenges the district faces into opportunities, and the key consumers and contributors to local activities and services improve the quality of life for everyone in East Durham. and play a vital part in the health of local neighbourhoods. The For further information contact John Murphy or Jane Bellis at Facing the Future: John Murphy and local knowledge and expertise of local businesses is vital for East Durham LSP on 0191 527 0501 ext 4756 or 4571. effective economic, social and environmental improvements. E-mail: [email protected] or Jane Bellis, Local Strategic Partnership With public sector bodies and community and voluntary groups [email protected] 32 February 2007 informnorth informnorth magazine special feature shop improvement grant of up to East Durham Business Infrastructure - • Protection of the natural environment. £10,000. Existing companies within the The lead partners involved in this • Street cleaning, litter abatement, district will benefit from this service service improvement are East Durham abandoned vehicles and arson improvement, as well as new businesses, Business Service, District of Easington and initiatives making the district cleaner. the local population and the local Durham County Council. The aim is to The Learning Culture economy. For more information about help improve and develop the business Improving the learning culture within the the Business Service and the grants and infrastructure of the district to benefit district is key to the LSP through the support on offer to businesses in East existing businesses, attract new Learning and Skills Group. Durham visit: www.edbs.co.uk or email businesses and to enhance the overall Key improvements made so far include: [email protected] or telephone environmental quality of business areas • Support for parents and 0-12 year 0191 586 3366. Alan Napier, LSP Chair, for employers and employees through olds through Sure Start and On Track A Quality Learning and Business producing an Industrial Re-use Strategy. programmes. Environment The Local Environment • Engaging people in learning through Novus Business Centre is a prestigious, Improving the environment is a key issue sport and leisure. new, £2.5m development for the district for the LSP and the main groups taking established as part of the Government’s • Providing learning opportunities in the that provides new, high quality office this forward are the Environment Neighbourhood Renewal Initiative, which workplace and supporting businesses. space to assist new start businesses and Implementation Group and the Action for aims to improve the quality of life in the existing businesses in the district. Housing and Communities Implementation • Aim High Centres - to enable local area by improving services in 6 key areas The Centre has recently welcomed Group. people to access information, advice of Health, Housing, Environment, Lifelong and guidance about education, skills, Training Assessment & Consultancy Key Environment Improvements include: Learning, Community Safety and training and career opportunities. Services (TACS) as its first tenant through • The award winning £10million Economic Development. the doors. Sarah Slaven, EDBS Manager millennium project ‘Turning the Tide’ • The six secondary schools attainment The Network works quite simply because said, “Novus Business Centre was built to which has cleaned up the East Durham at GCSE level has been twice the rate people from community groups, faith provide businesses like TACS with high coast. of the national average since 1997. groups, voluntary organisations and quality office accommodation in the heart • The remodelled promenade at Seaham • Free internet access and informal charities want to work together to build of the Peterlee business community. Harbour. learning programmes at all libraries. a better future for East Durham. Novus Business Centre provides a much • Six former colliery sites landscaped The Community Some of the improvements made so far needed resource of small office units and brought back into use. Part of the work of the LSP via the include: ideally suited for start up and small Community Strategy is to improve issues • Making the community safer through • The attraction of housing investment businesses located in the District of relating to the community. The main LSP Street Wardens in the district. into communities at Castle Eden, Vane Easington.” The offices range in size from Implementation Groups that look at this • Making homes safe, secure and warm. Tempest, Parkside, Thornley, Easington 85-961 sq ft and are offered on an "easy area are the Community Safety Village and Colliery. • Improving the health of residents in-easy out" basis. As well as offices, the Partnership and the Health through health improvement schemes, • Support for failing housing markets in Centre has conference and meeting Improvement Group. including smoking cessation, healthy areas suffering from lack of demand. facilities that are equipped with the latest The involvement of the Community eating and the proposed establishment multi media facilities available for hire. • A new sewage treatment works in Empowerment Network is also crucial as of a Healthy Living Centre in Easington Marketing and Promotion of the Dawdon and Horden to improve sea local people are involved in decision Colliery. water quality. District - This projects aims to market making via the Community Network. The Each of these key themes is crucial to the and promote East Durham as an • Improved local community shop fronts. East Durham Community Network exists continuing success and development of East excellent inward investment location and • Redevelopment of Peterlee town to enable the community and voluntary Durham and as such they are constantly promote the business services available in centre. sectors to be fully involved in the evaluated and updated. If you would like to find out more then please contact us direct on order to support and develop the local • Smoke control areas covering 88% of decision-making processes, which affect 0191 5270501 or E-mail: economy. the district to improve air quality. local communities. The Network was [email protected] directly with funding ensure that the LSPs priorities are Community Spirit backed by sound plausible interventions and that the NRF allocated is spent in accordance with the aims within the area is upon which it is given. This is done through a variety Bloomin’ Marvellous of monitoring and reporting process but is mainly Horden Parish Council, in partnership with local businesses, undertaken by regular contact with those delivering services to communities in East Durham. The team voluntary organisations and residents are celebrating after receiving feel that building strong relationships within the a Bronze Award alongside Awards of Merit for Cotsford Infants partnership is key to better service delivery. School and Bloomin’ Marvellous - where everybody came together for a full day of community activity - in Northumbria in Bloom NRF Team Proves The team has many years experience of dealing with 2006. Real Success external funding programmes from many different sources which is critical in supporting and Samantha Shippen, Clerk to the Parish Council says, “Lots of activity administering the LSPs Strategic Funding Group. that take’s place throughout the year within the local community he Funding and Programmes team at the District This group appraises interventions commissioned by and Bloomin’ Marvellous acts as a real catalyst and focal point for of Easington oversee the LSP’s Neighbourhood the LSP and report to the LSP and other bodies on a the whole village to become more involved. Anybody who would TRenewal Fund allocation as well as a variety of regular basis and fulfil the District Council’s obligation like to get involved from the area or from further afield is really funding from other sources. The team of five dealing to account for the spend to government. welcome and can contact me on 0191 518 0823.” informnorth February 2007 33 informnorth magazine special feature Planning for the Future East Durham and Houghall Community College has exciting plans that will make a major contribution to local regeneration as well as create a brand new, £31m campus in Peterlee.

his state-of-the-art development to open September will mean a move to a single site 2008, will provide “the T campus, having previously operated best education facilities out of two centres for decades. Plans in the area”, and see include the disposal of the existing the new development building in the Town Centre, which is likely as having huge to see new development in its place and potential forbuilding on the creation of a complete new building recent success, which on the Howletch site adjacent to Burnhope includes Ofsted figures Way. When building work is complete the showing the institution in the top ten current Howletch Centre, which has been percent of UK colleges. criticised for its unsightly appearance “I am delighted with the progress we and poor disabled access, would also are making with the new build, and the be demolished. support we are receiving from the LSC”, Early in 2006, college chiefs were in said College Principal Ian Prescott. discussions with the Learning and Skills “Seeing the actual drawings brought this Council (LSC) to spend £24m on the long-awaited dream one step closer to project, but after the LSC’s local capital reality. We are working hard on designs committee met in October, and the to provide the best education facilities in national capital committee discussed the area, while taking into account the the plans, college chiefs have been given needs of the local community and the approval to spend £3lm. The cash boost comments we have received during public will pay for rising construction costs and also the size of the new campus will be consultations. We have engaged the slightly increased to provide a spacious public in the process of creating this major and modern three-storey centre, with open landmark in the history of our district as areas containing trees and bushes.The it’s an exciting opportunity and the new current entrance and exits will remain in building will play a major role in the use and the centre will have its own destiny of future generations.” Artist impression of the on-site parking. For further information please contact impressive new facilities College officials reckon the campus, due Sasha O’Neill: 0191 518 8276. Planning for Greater Success

e may not realise it at first but planning affects spaces that are vital resources for everyone and a good of Seaham and Peterlee, to capitalise on their assets and all our lives. From the homes and areas that we quality of life. opportunities for regeneration within a framework that Wlive in, through to the facilities and services we Dolly Hannon, who is the Council’s Principle Planning respects the environment. use and the jobs we do, all are affected by planning Services Officer says, “It’s not all about boundary walls “We want to create thriving communities in Easington, decisions. and conservatories, important as these are. Planning attractive to residents seeking a good quality of life, work Government national planning policy and the Regional issues within the modern environment dictate that we and decent homes. We need to make sure that future Spatial Strategy for the North East set the scene for much take in to consideration a broader range of needs and development contributes to the creation of sustainable of the District’s Development Framework, so options for do so with whilst working with other key partners and communities. Put simply, the idea is to ensure a better development are often limited by policy at that higher stakeholders. We also need to take a longer viewpoint quality of life for everyone, now and in the future.” Dolly level. and look at future trends and anticipated demands.” continues. National planning policy is set out in a whole series of The regional strategy considers how the wider economy The Easington Development Framework identifies a vision documents, but an underlying principle does exist to of the North East can grow to its full potential, but also of how the District should develop in the future, explored create more sustainable communities with homes, jobs defines how much employment land the District should through four themes relating to the social, economic, and and better opportunities for all. This is done whilst make provision for too, and sets a limit on the number of environmental needs of the district and defines what protecting and enhancing the natural and historic new houses that the District can plan for. It requires the needs to be achieved though development control environment and conserving the countryside and open majority of new development to focus on the main towns policies. 34 February 2007 informnorth informnorth magazine special feature MakingMaking aa DIFFERENCE

Neighbourhood Ability & Initiative he Neighbourhood Initiatives Unit is support for victims of domestic violence and well as international performers. Running every people in the a people based service that seeks to improving services to tackle substance misuse. autumn, this years festival featured brass, rock, district, whilst improve the quality of life of local folk and dance events amongst the 49 the Youth T Autumn 2006 saw the launch of a new Pride residents. Providing support to some of the performances which took place at venues Forum provides in Easington initiative which will deliver over most disadvantaged people in the district of across the district. The team also co-ordinate an opportunity £1.5m of activity to address the strong links for young Easington, the Unit delivers a wide range of a ‘Defining the Future’ programme which has between poor environmental standards i.e. people to get initiatives and services that aim to make opened up new opportunities for young people levels of litter and graffiti, etc and public to experience taster sessions in music, art and directly involved communities safer, open up new leisure and in the work. perceptions relating to fear of crime. drama workshops. learning opportunities and address the Over the last underlying causes of social exclusion. The Sports Development Team delivers The Social Inclusion Team was formed in two years Steve Arkley, Based within the Community Services organised sessions to people of all ages 2005 to tackle the causes of social exclusion Forum members Head of service across the district. Working closely with and to help drive forward initiatives that have been Directorate, the unit is made up of five teams; involved in Community Safety, Sports Development, Arts, schools and community groups the team run reduce exclusion in the district. Since its formation the team has supported the exchange visits to Lithuania, developed a Peer Social Inclusion and Youth Strategy. after-school clubs, co-ordinate extensive Diaries DVD to share work based training holiday programmes offering hundreds of free development of the Easington Positive The Community Safety Team co-ordinates the experiences, worked to improve healthy option places for young people to engage in sport Inclusion Partnership (EDPIP) which addresses council’s involvement in the Easington Crime menus in schools and organised campaigns to and leisure activities and provide support to the needs of disabled young people. It has address bullying and mobile phone theft. and Disorder Partnership. Based at Lee House also established a Baby Mondays group to the development of many local sporting clubs. in Peterlee, the team is part of one of the support teenage parents and organised Steve Arkley, Head of Neighbourhood The team also monitor the councils biggest multi-agency partnerships in the ‘Learning’s Not For Me’ workshops to Initiatives said: “The work of the Unit is region, working alongside Police, Fire Service, partnership arrangements with Leisure encourage and enable people to re-enter very diverse and challenging. In an average day the teams could be County Council and Primary Care Trust officers. Connection Ltd, the company runs the education and training provision in the involved in strategic operations to reduce The partnership has been highly successful district’s two leisure centres. district. crime, facilitating sports sessions and arts and since its establishment in 1999, house The Arts Team aim to increase the range and The Youth Strategy Team was first established workshops, organising the activities of the burglary in the district has more than halved. number of opportunities for people to engage in 2003 and only a year later a Youth Forum youth forum or delivering support services Significant progress has also been made in in cultural activity. The district’s annual music was formed. Youth Strategy sets out aims and to some of the most disadvantaged people tackling anti-social behaviour, increasing festival attracts artist from all over the UK as objectives to improve services for young in the district.”

informnorth February 2007 35 easington district council neighbourhood initiatives unit EASINGTON LOCALS TO GET IN THE SWIM

pioneering project to get more people into swimming pools Swim is about getting more people active through aquatic activity and across Easington and improve the health of the district is set to get breaking down the barriers that prevent people from visiting their local Aunderway in 2007. pools,” he explained. “Swimming is the most popular participation sport in ‘Everyday Swim in Easington’ is part of a national pilot to break down the the country and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and at a variety of barriers to swimming and get more people into their local pools as part of levels, which provides the flexibility needed for a project like this to work.” a healthier lifestyle. The project is jointly funded by Sport England and the District of Easington and is one of eight ‘Everyday Swim’ initiatives that are “In Easington we’ll be looking at new and innovative ways of getting people taking place right across the county. Joining up with existing projects and of all ages into their local pool and it won’t be just about swimming. We’ll working with partners to develop new initiatives, ‘Everyday Swim in be taking the time to find out exactly what kind of pool-based activities that Easington’ will focus on tackling obesity in young people but just as people in the region really want to do and will be looking at how we can importantly, aims to increase the level of activity in the district as a whole. make sure they get access to those sessions.” Paul Irwin - Senior Cultural Duane Newton, Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) ‘Everyday Swim’ Everyday Swim is set to launch in early 2007, so keep an eye out for special Development Officer Coordinator for Easington, is very excited about this new project: “Everyday sessions at your local pool. POSITIVE FUTURE FOR DISTRICT

‘Positive Futures’ is a national, sports-based programme designed to reach disengaged schools in the district. We currently offer outdoor education, young people living in areas of high deprivation. The programme targets young people aged ten swimming coaching, multi sports, as well as peer education to nineteen with a specific emphasis on those ten to sixteen. in drug and alcohol awareness, sexual health and teen talk ‘Positive Futures’ uses sport as a catalyst to encourage participants to make decisions for issues. To date we have had twenty-five young people pass themselves which improve their lifestyles. The programme aims to strike a balance between swimming certificates, seven gain outdoor awards in canoe educational workshops, focusing specifically upon drug and alcohol education, smoking cessation star level one, while over fifty have attended drug and and anger management with practical sports sessions. alcohol workshops and a further thirty benefited from sexual health education. The programme is really there to help Organisations the project works closely with, and who can refer onto the program every six young people get their lives back on track. The activities are months, include schools, youth offending teams, social services, community safety, police and designed to be fun and enjoyable, but underneath we are Maxine Glew, Positive council departments. trying to help each young person address serious risk factors Maxine Glew, Positive Futures Co-ordinator, said: “‘Positive Futures’ supports four comprehensive to improve their quality of life.” Future Co-ordinator

YOUTH STRATEGY PAYS OFF asington Youth Forum has been bringing together doctor’s surgery in East Durham. young people aged 11-16 years from throughout the • Production of 500 DVD’s made by, and for, local young EDistrict over the last three years. The Forum is unique people around the area of Modern Apprenticeships. in that the young people not only debate and present issues, • Commissioning of a professional feasibility study into an but they also have fund-raising and commissioning powers. ice rink. During the last three years the Youth Forum has surveyed over • A £1OOk plan to improve facilities for young people. 6,000 local, young people on issues covering Education & Training, Crime & Community Safety, Health and • A three-month Galaxy Radio campaign encouraging youth Leisure/Environment. participation, followed up by a Galaxy Radio micro-site young Working in these thematic groups the young people, supported people’s survey. Youth Forum members by partner agencies, have delivered activities around many • Developed a citizenship toolkit for the EU in partnership with topical issues affecting the lives of young people in the District young people from Sunderland & seven other European cities. including: • Exchange visits with Lithuania & a visit to the Houses of • Healthy cooking courses, set in schools, with a professional Parliament. cook and dietician. • Production of youth Forum guide and a website. Steve Clarke • An anti-binge drinking television advert, screened in every • Established mobile skate park and cinema facilities 36 February 2007 informnorth informnorth magazine special feature

ast Durham Positive Inclusion Partnership’s (EDPIP) aim is to advance the ‘positive inclusion’ District Positive About Inclusion Eof all disabled children, young people and their families within all mainstream services and facilities in the Easington Local Authority area. EDPIP provides health, education and training support for disabled young people in the district while working to improve the services provided by statutory and voluntary agencies. A group of disabled, young people, called the ‘Out of Shadows Group’, has been created to act as a ‘watchdog’ for EDPIP and their role is to influence existing provision and to work with all leisure and out of school play providers. In April 2006 the group held their Fun and Promotion Day at Shotton Hall Conference Centre. The day was a huge success with 193 young people and 90 adults attending. 20 organisations supported the day with information stands and interactive workshops.

To find out more about EDPIP and its services contact Alison Development days provide excellent Donahue direct on 0191 586 5708 or email: [email protected] feedback for EDPIP users and members

The Neighbourhood Initiatives Unit is based within the Community Services Directorate and is made up of five teams; Community Safety, Sports Development, Arts, Social Inclusion and Youth Strategy. Involving, engaging and working with as many people as possible right across the district is at the heart of everything that we do.

District of Easington Youth Arts Programme

“Defining the Future” works with young people aged 8 - 25 a taste of many different art forms. The arts can provide a very to provide opportunities for participation in a wide range of art effective means of addressing important issues such as forms. The programme, which has been commissioned through diversity. A recent example is the work we have done with the the Local Strategic Partnership, has already enabled many artist Jack Drum where we worked with 30 children for a full young people from the district to get involved in art workshops week to create a very lively and colourful production of the that they would otherwise not have had the opportunity to epic Hindu story of Gods and Monkey’s, “The Ramayana”. enjoy. These workshops and activities have included DJ skills, The young people who took part had the chance to participate drama groups, sculpture, photography and video design. Arts in drama, music, dancing, mask making and body art as part Officer, Dave Clarke said “ Defining the Future is all about of a great learning experience which gave a real insight into the opening up opportunities for young people and giving them Hindu culture” informnorth February 2007 37 easington district council neighbourhood initiatives unit PPRRIIDDEE iinn EEAASSIINNGGTTOONN

behaviour. Much of the litter and dog fouling problems in the Supporting district are caused by the careless attitude of a minority of Young people, whilst many of those who commit crimes such as graffiti and criminal damage are unaware of the knock-on People effects their actions cause to other members of the community. Programme The second theme is Community Involvement. Pride in Easington will be led by the needs of local communities and ith 25% of all recorded crime attributable to 4% of there will be many opportunities for local people to get involved persistent offenders the need to address the causes through grant schemes, community champions and consultation Wof persistent offending is explicit. In 2005 the groups. The programme will also recognise the efforts of local Community Safety Partnership piloted an innovative ‘Supporting people with the introduction of a Community Award scheme. Young People Programme’ to work with 200 young people Pride in Easington Officers: Clare Hubbard, The final two themes involve the way the District Council and its identified as being at risk of being drawn into persistent partner agencies deliver services. Zonal working was introduced Michelle Morton and Helen Douglas by the Council last year to improve its street cleansing and criminality. environmental operations while Neighbourhood Policing will The idea of the Programme is to bring services together to ensure that the Council and Police are working together to ride in Easington is a major, new, four-year ensure that each young person is offered a package tailored to programme that seeks to improve the environment and improve the environment. Lastly comes enforcement. Pride is Pcelebrate the many positive aspects about life in the District. all about making a difference and improving the district for their individual needs. For example, if a young person has an everyone. interest in sport, ‘Positive Futures’ and ‘Youth Inclusion’ can The programme, co-ordinated by District of Easington Council For those people who continue to commit environmental crime offer structured involvement in various activities, or if they have in partnership with the Police and Groundwork Trust, recognises the message is simple: In Easington, the District Council and the strong links between low-level environmental crime, such as the Police will pursue a rigorous enforcement policy utilising all a drug problem then ‘Out There’ provides an education and graffiti and litter, and a high level of fear of crime. The crime rate in the district is below the regional and national average, of the new powers under the Neighbourhood and Environment support service, while ‘EmpowerU’ offers a mentoring service to yet surveys show that people’s perceptions of crime Act 2005. help young people break bad peer relationships and the cycle of do not reflect this. By tackling vandalism, fly tipping and Cllr George Patterson, Executive Member for Livability, behaviour that leads to criminality. Since the Programme started anti-social behaviour the aim is to improve neighbourhood commented: “This is an exciting initiative that will really make arrest rates have dropped by up to 60% and the majority of environments and make people feel better about their a difference to our local communities. The Council and our communities. partners are committed to delivering cleaner, safer communities young people on the Programme feel that the risk factors that Pride in Easington has four themes. The first is Educational and Pride in Easington will form a major part of our work over have led them into criminality have reduced as a result of their Work to make people more aware of the impact of their the coming years.” involvement.

CCTV Add To Security The Community Safety Partnership installed two new CCTV systems in January 2006 to add to security and help reduce the ‘fear’ of crime. A fixed camera system has been installed covering the main street area of Easington Colliery and a re-deployable system of 10 cameras is also now available to support enforcement work that tackles anti social behaviour. All of the cameras are monitored from Peterlee Police Station by officers Community Safety Team: Caroline Gardener from the Police and Council’s joint anti-social Kathryn Devine, and Kay Woodhall behaviour unit.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY FEATURED ARTICLES PLEASE CONTACT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

Steve Arkley Sports Development Tel: 0191 5270501 [email protected] [email protected] Arts [email protected] Community Safety Social Inclusion [email protected] [email protected] Pride in Easington Youth Strategy [email protected] [email protected]

38 February 2007 informnorth issue 24:issue 24 24/1/07 09:43 Page 39

informnorth magazine special feature

Acumen Development Trust enjoy great success in

helping enterprising individuals into business

Regenerating Communities Through Enterprise, Employment and Learning 2006 PROVED TO BE YET ANOTHER WINNING YEAR FOR ACUMEN DEVELOPMENT TRUST - AN EAST DURHAM BASED ORGANISATION THAT HAS GONE FROM BEING A START UP BUSINESS - TO ONE RECOGNISED AS BOTH INNOVATIVE AND A LEADER IN ITS FIELD, WINNING THE ENTERPRISING NORTH EAST ENGLAND TITLE IN THE PROCESS...

cumen Development Trust is an East Easington across the North East and Bloomin’ Marvellous Landscapes and Durham based organisation with a are working with partners to ensure that Nursery which helped Horden gain a Areputation for outstanding work in people in Easington receive the best Bronze medal in the Northumbria in the field of employability and enterprise. possible support to find work, start Bloom competition in 2006. We use a model of community businesses or enjoy learning skills. engagement through fun activities and Acumen was the winner of the Learning learning backed up by one to one support and Skills Council Regional Award for from Skills for Life tutors, employment working in the community and was advisers and business coaches working awarded the Enterprising North East closely with other partners in each area England title for their work in Horden to support people in setting and achieving and Easington Colliery. Chief Executive For further information please their goals. Kate Welch was named as runner up in contact us direct: In 2006 we supported over 1000 people the woman social entrepreneur of the into work, 250 into self-employment and year award. Telephone: 0191 518 8810 engaged over 700 people into learning in Acumen runs three social enterprises, Email: [email protected] East Durham. We are spreading the good Wheels 4 Work, a transport training and Web: www.acumentrust.org.uk practice that has been developed in leasing company, the Greenleaf Café and informnorth February 2007 39 east durham local strategic partnership Routeback to Work he Aim High Routeback pilot was introduced in 10,000 people on Incapacity Benefit (IB) and many of November 2005 in Easington - an area with one of them are prevented from returning to work as they have Tthe highest concentrations of Incapacity Benefit lost their confidence and don’t feel able to cope in a work claimants in the region. The project tackles worklessness environment. This pilot is looking at ways to address by helping residents of the East Durham area who are in these issues and provide a health-based service which receipt of Incapacity Benefit to manage their health so helps people to manage these fears,” says Cynthia. that they are able to cope with the strains of work; and People can either refer themselves or be referred to the subsequently find suitable employment. Through a service by their GP, nurse, counsellor or community programme of condition management, employment and adviser and are encouraged to become involved in practical advice, the service aims to engage with people activities such as further education, training and currently claiming incapacity benefit in Easington and volunteering to help them regain their confidence help them back into work. This has the additional benefit and return to work. of aiding local employers who have job opportunities to The project has attracted a full range of people on IB fill their vacancies. from both the young and old, male and female. To Managed by County Durham Primary Care Trust and date the service has enrolled 170 people onto the supported by Regional Development Agency One programme, with their length of time claiming benefits Cynthia Bartley,Aim High Routeback project NorthEast as part of the Northern Way Initiative along ranging from two months to 27 years. Of those joining manager, with Les Howard and Stephen James with other key partners, the project is running for an 60 have started work, 29 have undertaken training initial period of two years, up until November 2007, and two have started up in business. Two clients are with a budget of £1.6m. in supported work with a further eight about to start. The project is community based with premises in Dawdon In October 2006 the Aim High Routeback pilot was and Wheatley Hill Community Centre’s plus ten outreach showcased as a European example at a conference centres. Cynthia Bartley manages the scheme, with the organised by Health ClusterNET in Helsinki, Finland. help of a multi-disciplinary team comprised of health The event brought together senior finnish government care professionals on the front line, as well as ministers and 13 European countries that work together of topics including unemployment and incapacity to work. employment advisors. This enables the team to quickly to improve the contribution that the health care sector It was a major achievement for the Easington project to identify specific health related obstacles that are holding makes to regional development. Delegates learnt about be invited to the event where so many policy leaders people back and help to break down these barriers by the objectives and progress of the service from project from across Europe were sharing experience and making offering practical health guidance, advice and support manager Cynthia Bartley as part of a series of debates recommendations on best practice. We have been whilst encouraging people to take up activities such as and master classes on employability. recognised as innovative and contributed by discussing further education, training or volunteering. Cynthia said: “A panel of key experts from the region our experience with others in the hope of tackling the “In the district of Easington alone there are more than engaged in discussion with European partners on a range issue on a wider level.”

Sick of Being on The Sick? Primary Care Trust Serves Community Needs Routeback Support Provides: • Employment advice, guidance and support; • One to One Support; main sites located in each of the former • Clinical Support & Pain Advice; Primary Care Trusts areas, supported by • TENS Machines; headquarters based at John Snow House • Pillows / Mattresses; in Durham City. • Complementary Therapy; • Get Active Courses; Lady Ann Calman is the chair of the PCT • Referral to Expert Patient and Yasmin Chaudhry was appointed as Programme; the Chief Executive. • Route Back to Work Course. • Driving Lessons; The PCT’s role will be to: Lady Ann Calman, chair of PCT • Business Start-Up; • engage with local people to improve • Job Search; and Yasmin Chaudhry health and well-being, and reduce health • Better Off Calculation. inequalities The programme gives practical help as well as guidance and support for ounty Durham Primary Care Trust • ensure that patients have access to and the health related issues of people (PCT) was launched on 1 October choice of a range of high quality health claiming Incapacity benefit but wishing to return to work. C2006 to serve a population services by commissioning services, within of just under 500,000 people. The allocated resources To find out more about how Aimhigh Routeback can help organisation replaces the five previous • directly provide high quality responsive you, contact Cynthia Bartley Primary Care Trusts that existed in Durham and efficient services where this gives best today on: 01429 821 564 and staff are currently based across five value. 40 February 2007 informnorth informnorth magazine special feature

• Personal safety • Sources of finance • Stress busting • Study Skills Did you know that: in a survey of young people who had used Connexions, more than 95% were happy with the help they received? Connexions operates a small grants fund for groups of young people? One group planned a residential event with their youth club. Connexions has organised summer activities for some Year 11 school leavers including going abseiling and surfing. A group of young people have formed “Connecting Making Great Connexions Young Voices”? This group has a direct say in what goes on in Connexions. Some of them took part in onnexions County Durham is a service for Personal Advisers based in local schools work closely recruiting and selecting Personal Advisers every 13-19 year old in County Durham. Their with young people to help with their choices with Connexions Personal Advisers work in all secondary Personal Advisers are experts in helping young school subjects, and going into further education, C employment or training. They also offer one to one schools, East Durham and Houghall Community people by giving personal support when needed and advice, guidance and personal support for example a wide range of information on choices such as College and Byron College and are also available at with health or family problems. In the past they employment, education and training opportunities. Murton Family Centre, Horden Youth Club, Haswell have provided one to one support with: Community Centre and the Robin Todd Centre. The organisation also offers extra support for those • Confidence building Connexions is at Ridgemount House in Peterlee aged 13-24 who have additional needs. One of the • Leaving care main aims of Connexions in the District of Easington • Housing issues between 8:30 am and 5.00pm, Mondays to is to help young people get into or remain in • Health issues Thursdays and 8:30- 4:30 on Fridays, There is also education, employment or training. • Alcohol and drug problems a part time centre in Caroline House, Seaham.

Sandra Lovett and Tracy Ward - The Customer Jobcentreplus provide Engagement Team could be in contact with you soon, and as Sandra says, “ Think before you turn down your invitation to find out more about Pathways to new Pathways to Work Work, this could be your chance to feel more positive about yourself and will give you access to huge range athways to Work is a Jobcentreplus programme A Customer Engagement team has been developed , of support and advice, you may not have realised aimed at supporting people with health working in partnership with the Local Authority and existed through Jobcentreplus. Pconditions and disabilities claiming Incapacity Jobcentreplus and have been tasked with contacting related benefits, and has already helped over 800 Incapacity Benefit claimants in various ways to offer people make a smooth and confident return to work, them the chance to join the programme. This will with a further 1000 customers undertaking training include a direct invite to a specially designed ‘Choices Sandra Lovett and Tracy Ward or using the Condition Management Programme Open Day’ which offers people the chance to meet Specially trained advisers are available in Jobcentres and talk to Pathways to Work Advisers, Condition across County Durham , Sunderland District and South Management Programme NHS Practitioners, and to Tyneside to give help and support and in particular, also find out more about the local support available give advice on the ‘Choices ‘ package. to help them improve their lifestyle. ‘Choices’ is a package of incentives and support, ‘Choices Open Days’ have been successfully delivered including a £40 a week Return to Work credit and access to the NHS Condition Management Programme. throughout other parts of the region with over 350 customers having already received advice and support, Jobcentreplus are delivering the programme in some of which have also moved onto the programme. partnership with the NHS and are also working very closely with County and District council led projects to Customers who have attended these events have ensure that all Incapacity Benefit customers are aware commented on the positive and pleasant experience of the Pathways to Work programme and how to gain they have had and how informative and helpful the access to it. advisers have been. informnorth February 2007 41 informnorth magazine special feature New Community Development Trust Pledges to be ‘Worthy’

Commission and Companies House the potential benefits of establishing and its evolution involves the merger this Trust and we owe it to them and of two community institutions - East the Community at large to ensure that Durham Community Network and we make an impact worthy of their Easington CVS. investment.” However, as newly-appointed Chief The new Trust will support individuals Executive, Malcolm Fallow, pointed and Community Groups in ways out, “The new institution will be so established by the Network and CVS much more than the sum of the as well as gearing up for the previous two!” Government agenda which seeks to He was also quick to applaud the engage Third Sector organisations in far-sightedness of Easington LSP who the delivery of public services.` ground-breaking new conceived the approach to supporting the initiative: AVoluntary and Community “The LSP wingate childcare Sector has been established in East and the Durham, with the formation of a Neighbourhood amilies in Wingate and surrounding brand new community based Trust. Renewal Unit villages have come to expect East Durham Community deserve huge Fexcellence when meeting the needs Development Trust has already credit for of their babies and young children. been registered with the Charities recognising Anyone entering the recently completed Wingate Children’s Centre cannot help but be inspired by an environment that has been created to cherish children’s early experiences and foster aspirations. Architects, Burns and Co., worked closely with staff in the Nursery School and Family Centre to design a space that is inspirational and practical. From the layout of the floor space to the design Shotton Hall of individual logos, the attention to detail BSusihneoss t&t Coonnfer eHnce aCelntlre has made this Centre unique and special. Here children can construct knowledge of Shotton Hall Banqueting • Smaller, fully equipped their world through encounters with natural and Conference Centre is syndicate rooms are also owned and managed by available for hire - ideal objects, light, shadows and even technology. Parents can examine their vision of Peterlee Town Council. for meetings, interviews, childhood and their role in supporting their children’s creative thinking and all round Conveniently situated just assessments/training days development. off the A19, with ample and secure car parking, • Fully licensed bars and an The Centre has a democratically devolved culture that enables children to connect we also provide: in-house catering service with their community through involvement of the whole family in management of as well as modem • Two elegantly appointed developments within the project. Although each partner within the building has a distinct points and portable audio suites are available. The role to contribute there exists an over-arching philosophy inspired by the Reggio Burdon and Brandling visual equipment including loop and PA systems pre-schools in Northern Italy and the forest schools in Denmark. Staff from all areas of Suites, can accommodate the Centre have travelled widely, gaining knowledge and experiences that influence ideas up to 350 people and practice. Sharing this vision is an important thread that connects each area of the • A perfect setting for all Centre, ensuring consistency, quality and unity throughout. kinds of functions - from business seminars to Resident partners within the Centre are Wingate Nursery School, Wingate Community wedding receptions and Childcare, Wingate & Station Town Family Centre, Wingate Research and Training Base social events and Surestart County Durham. Additional services within the Centre are provided by the local Health Visitor team and Job Centre Plus. Shotton Hall, Old Shotton, Peterlee, County Durham, SR8 2PH. Funding for the new build project was provided by East Durham LSP - Neighbourhood Tel: 0191 586 2491 Fax: 0191 586 0370 Email: [email protected] Renewal Fund, Gatsby Foundation, Surestart County Durham, County Durham Community Project Development Fund and Nursery Support Grant. 42 February 2007 informnorth MakingMaking aa DifferenceDifference inin EastEast DurhamDurham If you are living in East Durham and thinking about starting up a new business then call 0191 518 8810

Kevin Mangles - Music Promoter Michell Armstrong - Florist

Age: 40 Age: 24 Based: Blackhall Based: Coxhoe Name of Business: BLEND Name of Business: Type of Business: Music Flowers by Michell Promotion Type of Business: Florist Number of years trading: Number of years trading: In First Year! In First Year! Contact: 07984 336 329 Contact: 0191 3770 278 Email: www.bangntrax.co.uk

I was struggling with the financial side After a worrying few weeks trying to and cash flow when I sought help from secure the premises and the funding I Acumen, I now have solid plan to take me was glad to have the support of Acumen forward and I have learnt to seek out usiness Coach. She really helped me believe support and not try and do everything it was possible, and now I have learnt to myself”. trust my instincts”

Ben Douthwaite - Plasterer

Age: Ben Douthwaite Based: Blackhall Type of Business: Plastering Number of years trading: In First Year Contact: 07984 862 177

It's not as easy as you think starting your own business, there is a lot more to it, however after 10 years working on building sites for others it is definitely worth it. informnorth February 2007 43 “East Durham 2010 - a great place for everyone”

For information on the east durham Local Strategic Partnership contact: John Murphy on 0191 527 0501 ext 4756. e-mail: [email protected] or contact: Jane Bellis on 0191 527 0501 ext 4571. e-mail: [email protected] CAN INSOLVENCY PRACTITIONERS REALLY HELP YOUR business survive? Every single year thousands of businesses in the UK go into insolvency but often the situation could be avoided through forward planning so informnorth looks at what factors can help prevent the failure of your business when the going gets tough....

ith over 50 businesses per day having to on how good your own debt collection is and have close their doors, make their staff redundant a clear plan for getting your debtors to pay on time Wand go through the emotional and financial and in full whenever possible - non payment by turmoil of putting a company into administration or customers is a key reason why companies fail. receivership insolvency is a real problem for UK small Efficient debt collection will not only help your cash businesses. flow planning, but by regularly calling your customers There is a myriad of reasons why businesses and chasing payment, you will soon learn if one or fail - both internal and external. While you cannot do more of your customers are having problems paying much to control the national economy, with a little bit their bills. of prior planning Raising extra capital and preparation Another reason why businesses fail is that they do not you can control react quickly when they realise they do have financial many of the difficulties. It is important to act as soon as you have, internal factors, or even think you might have, a problem with your which may help cashflow. Again, with a little bit of prior planning you prevent your may be able to pre-empt a situation and prevent it company going becoming a problem. For example, your bank will out of business. normally respond more positively if you can give A little planning them some warning of a potential cash flow problem can go along - they will see that you are in control of the situation way and dealing with it. Furthermore, if you do need Over 60% of some extra cash, even the simplest financing companies that package can take several weeks to put in place, go into insolvency which could be too late for your business. Be aware do so because at all times, of your financial situation and plan they experience for contingencies. real cash flow Seeking professional help problems. It is a common misconception that insolvency Maintaining cash practitioners are only interested in closing down flow can be a business, but they are in fact more interested in struggle for any business, but in the case of an saving, not destroying, your business. It is unlikely extraordinary situation - a large unforeseen expense, that you will have either the financial or legal loss of a key contract or a customer going out of knowledge to solve your own business problems, business owing you money - it could bring down your but a professional will be aware of all the options company. and will have the experience to quickly work out Work out a simple cashflow forecast for at least which solution is most likely to save your business. three months in advance and try to be as accurate Remember what may appear to be a terminal as possible when estimating expected outgoings and problem to you is an everyday occurrence with a incomings. possible solution to a professional. For outgoings, be very clear which payments have In summary, if you are running a business, it is to be made and when - do not forget to include tempting to put all your energy into winning and payments to the Inland Revenue and HM Customs retaining client business. However, rigorous financial & Excise as this can make a considerable difference. planning is an essential part of running a business - Where possible try to keep some cash in reserve in if you do not keep a close eye on your financial case of an unforeseen situation and don’t be tempted situation, there is every chance your finances could to just pay the small debts or the large debts. If get out of control and before you know it you will possible work out a schedule for upcoming payments be facing an irreversible situation. Understanding and and try to stick to it. managing your finances is key, this will allow you to Your planning must also account for when incoming efficiently plan ahead and will hopefully prevent you payments are due. Many firms’ cash flow problems running into any unexpected financial difficulties that stem from inefficient debt collection. As well as could, in a worst case scenario, put you out of paying your creditors, you should keep a close eye business. informnorth February 2007 45 Gateshead Creative expertEASE expertEASE Cluster Seeks Views expertEASE An important new creative and cultural sector cluster is aiming to garner the feedback and views EASEEASE of possible members and partners from within expexperert t Gateshead and further afield.The event is being experInftEASEormnorth discovers that when it comes to surviving in expertEASE hosted by Gateshead Council with funding from businessexper tit’EASEs a wholeexper lot easiert EASEwhen you know... Business Link on 31st January between 3 and 6pm. Anybody considering developing a new or growing an existing creative sector businesss is urged to attend to have their say. For further information and details contact Leon Howe, Economic REASONABLEREFUSALS Development Officer on: 0191 433 2843

aying the rent on commercial Tees Valley Set premises can be one of the Pbiggest expenses a business has For Biofuels Boom to incur, so when a tenant takes a Within two to three years the Tees Valley could lease of business premises, he needs be producing almost as much of the green fuel to be certain that those premises bioethanol as the current output of the entire meet his needs and that they will European Union. Since mid-September four continue to meet his needs in the companies have announced plans to invest a total future. Business expansion, new of around £400million in bioethanol plants in the equipment or simply the need to give Libbie Henderson, property Tees Valley and according to Doctor Dermot an older building a facelift are just a Roddy, Chief Executive of Renew Tees Valley they lawyer at Dickinson Dees LLP are currently in discussions with three other few of the things that could motivate potential investors. Recently Tees Valley Biofuels a tenant to alter or improve his secured planning permission to build the UK's first existing premises. large scale oilseed crushing plant for more than a Many longer leases permit a tenant to premises would be likely to compete generation at Seal Sands.The £47m plant will be carry out non-structural alterations with his own business. capable of processing more than 500,000 tonnes a year of locally grown oilseed rape. without the landlord’s consent. This If a landlord unreasonably withholds Doctor Roddy said:“Whilst we have been working would usually cover alterations not consent to alterations which amount on many of those projects for a considerable time, affecting the fabric of the building, to improvements then the tenant will it is in the last few months where we have seen such as the installation of temporary in theory be entitled to make the many starting to come to fruition – and the partitioning to create individual office improvements without consent. coming year also promises further developments spaces. Structural alterations will which will further strengthen Tees Valley’s position This is not a course of action that generally require the landlord’s should be taken without legal advice. as the UK’s key centre for renewable energy consent and the wording of the lease technology and production.” Alternatively, the tenant may seek a should ideally specify that this is not declaration from the court that the to be unreasonably withheld or landlord has acted unreasonably delayed. in withholding his consent to the Champions For Where an alteration amounts to an proposed alterations or Northern Engineering improvement, the law dictates that improvements. The onus is usually The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East the landlord’s consent cannot be on the tenant to prove that a has appointed ‘champions’ to work with educators, unreasonably withheld. Whether or landlord has acted unreasonably in employers and young people to bridge the gap not an alteration is an improvement withholding consent, although if the between industry and learning.As part of the ICE’s is a question which must be answered landlord withholds consent without aims to increase entry into civil engineering, from the tenant’s point of view. giving any reasons for doing so, then regional committee members Mike Gardiner and he must explain why his refusal is Kate Palmer have been tasked with leading the The reason for preventing a tenant efforts. Mike, as regional education coordinator, from making structural alterations or reasonable. and Kate, student representative on the ICE’s improvements without the landlord’s Litigation should always be a last North East regional committee, will work to help consent is to protect the landlord’s resort and the tenant can help to young people in the region see their potential and property from potentially damaging avoid it by ensuring that the landlord promote the benefits of engineering as a career. works. A refusal of consent on has all of the information he needs Mike said,“One of the key aims of the ICE in the North East is to encourage more young people to non-property related grounds is to make a reasonable and informed enter civil engineering, but it is vital that industry therefore likely to be unreasonable. decision. This means detailed plans and the education sector are aware of one A refusal on purely monetary grounds and a full explanation of the tenant’s another’s needs. By liaising with both parties we is also likely to be unreasonable. intentions. can help to make this easier and improve the If a court is asked to decide whether The landlord can avoid unnecessary chances that those who want a career in civil engineering are sufficiently prepared when they or not a landlord has been argument by giving a full and prompt leave education.” reasonable in withholding consent it response to the tenant’s request. If Kate said,“Many people have totally the wrong will look at what is reasonable in all the landlord feels that he can impression about what civil engineering involves the circumstances. It has been held reasonably refuse the tenant’s and it doesn’t always come across as an exciting to be reasonable, for example, for request then his refusal should be career prospect, so I want to spread the message a landlord to withhold consent to accompanied by an explanation of that civil engineering shapes our environment and alterations where the resulting the reasons behind it. affects everything in our lives, and is extremely important in the way we see our future.” 46 February 2007 informnorth Don’t you love it when it’s easy?

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*Site visitors as indicated represent unique visitors - actual page impressions were 18,659 •Excludes downloads from informnorth archive The magazine for change Telephone: 0191 5866 010 or 5866 040 or visit www.informnorth.co.uk DEVELOPMENT TRUST: DISC - Connect Workers’ Educational Association Acumen Community Enterprise Tel: 0191 384 2785 www.disc-vol.org.uk Tel: 0191 461 8100 www.wea.org.uk Development Trust - Tel: 0191 518 8810 Expedient Training Services Ltd TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT FOR www.acumentrust.org.uk Tel: 0191 489 0212 PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Amble Development Trust - 01665 712 929 Gateshead City Learning Centre Deaf PLUS North, Gateshead - www.ambledevelopmenttrust.org.uk Tel: 0191 421 2244 Tel: 0191 478 920 Berwick Community Development Trust - GM Training & Development Employment Opportunities Newcastle Tel: 01289 303 366 Tel: 01434 606 300 Tel: 0191 2321994 www.opportunities.org.uk Greater Morpeth Development Trust - Kenton College for Continuing Education, Finchale Training College - Tel: 0191 386 2634 Tel: 0845 094 2493 www.gmdt.org Newcastle - Tel: 0191 214 6677 www.finchalecollege.co.uk Community Regeneration Trust North East Learning & Skills Council County Durham Jobbroker N.E. - Tel: 0800 389 7036 Tel: 0191 424 5462 www.crtne.org.uk Tel: 0845 019 4174 www.lsc.gov.uk LEAP Adult Education Centre Community Ventures Ltd - Learning Skills Council Tees Valley, (specialised training for people with dyslexia) Tel: 01642 230 314 www.cvl.org.uk/ Middlesbrough Tel: 0845 019 4166 Tel: 01833 690 281 Headland Development Trust www.lsc.gov.uk Mencap Tel: 0191 487 9849 www.mencap.org.uk Tel: 01429 420 302 Learning & Skills Council Northumberland New Deal for Disabled People www.headlanddevelopmenttrust.org.uk Tel: 0845 019 4185 www.lsc.gov.uk Tel: 0845 606 2626 www.newdeal.gov.uk Sedgefield Development Trust - Learning & Skills Council Tyne & Wear Northern Pinetree Trust - Tel: 0191 492 8200 Tel: 01740 629 011 www.sedgefieldweb.co.uk Tel: 0845 019 4181 www.lsc.gov.uk Pioneering Care Centre - Tel: 01325 321 234 St Aidans Community Trust - Lomax Associates - Tel: 0191 516 6398 www.pcp.uk.net Tel: 01388 517 215 www.rookhope.com www.lomaxtrainingservices.com RBLI - Tel: 0191 440 3922 www.rbli.co.uk JOBCENTRE PLUS: Michael Heppell Ltd - Tel: 01434 688 555 Remploy - Tel: 0800 138 7656 www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk www.michaelheppell.com www.remploy.co.uk - Tel: 01225 716 300 County Durham District Offices Newcastle Basic Skills Service Shaw Trust H.Q. Tel: 0191 382 4093 Tel: 0191 265 5725 www.shaw-trust.org.uk Gateshead and South Tyneside Northumberland Training Agency NEW BUSINESS START UP AND Tel: 0191 451 4100 Tel: 01670 534 530 www.northumberland.gov.uk SUPPORT Newcastle and North Tyneside Portman College of Management Bizfizz - Tel: 020 7820 6300 www.bizfizz.org.uk Tel: 0191 220 8800 Newcastle - Tel: 0191 255 4400 The Bridge Club - Tel: 0191 230 5742 Northumberland - Tel: 01670 395 300 www.portmancollege.co.uk www.bridgeclubnorth.com Sunderland District - Tel: 0191 554 6300 Newton Aycliffe Learning Shop Building Up Business - Tel: 0191 200 6094 Tel: 01325 311 177 www.buildingupbusiness.com Tees Valley District - Tel: 01642 398 800 N.A.C.R.O Cleveland - Tel: 01642 223 551 Business Link - Tel: 0845 600 9 006 TRAINING ORGANISATIONS: www.nacro.org.uk www.businesslink.gov.uk Action 4 Employment (A4E) N.A.C.R.O Hartlepool - Tel: 01429 863 335 County Durham Development Tel: 01207 588 500 www.a4e.co.uk Company(CDDC) Archon 2000 Tel: 01642 603 554 N.A.C.R.O Stockton-on-Tees Cleveland Tel: 0191 383 2000 www.durham4business.com www.archon2000.co.uk Tel: 01642 615 554 Chester-le-Street Enterprise Agency Northern Safety Ltd - Tel: 01642 594 369 Arena Learning Limited Tel: 0191 389 2648 www.cdcbp.org.uk Tel: 0191 417 1000 www.arena-learning.com www.northernsafetyltd.co.uk Shildon and Darlington Training Ltd Community Enterprise Direct (Northern) Bridges to Learning Consett - Tel: 01207 500 053 Tel: 0191 245 2240 Tel: 01388 777 648 www.sdtraining.free-online.co.uk www.commentdirect.org.uk Bells Training - Tel: 01642 756 510 Darlington and District Business Club www.bellstraining.co.uk Shotton IT Resource Centre Tel: 0191 520 8110 www.shottonitcentre.co.uk Tel: 0191 374 4065 Bridge Enterprise Centre Ltd www.darlingtonbusinessclub.co.uk Tel: 01207 283 474 Spennymoor Learning Shop Tel: 01388 816 888 Darlington Business Venture www.communigate.co.uk/ne/branw Tel: 01325 289 610 www.dbv-northeast.co.uk Springboard - Tel: 01429 287 075 B.T.C.V Ltd - Tel: 0191 477 8844 Derwentside Business Club www.btcv.co.uk www.trainudirect.com Tel: 0845 009 3038 Tel: 01207 581 333 CIA Training - Tel: 0191 549 5002 The Wise Group Middlesbrough DHP Enterprise Ltd, Redcar www.ciatraining.co.uk Tel: 01642 355 560 www.thewisegroup.co.uk Tel: 01642 491 542 [email protected]. Cleveland Fire Brigade Trinity Mirror Editorial Training DHP Enterprise Ltd, Hartlepool Tel: 01429 872 311 www.clevelandfire.gov.uk Tel: 0191 201 6043 www.trinintymirror.co.uk Tel: 01429 232 348 www.dhp-enterprise.co.uk.

The informnorth spotlight on: Special Constabulary

uite simply, the Special Constabulary is same powers as a regular officer and even within the Qa force of trained volunteers who work get to wear a similar uniform. Specials unit so to support their local police force. The Special Constabulary’s main role is to volunteers can be Specials come from all walks of life.They all conduct local, intelligence-based patrols and promoted within volunteer a minimum of four hours a week to take part in crime prevention initiatives, the ranks. to their local police forces, forming a vital often targeted at specific problem areas. People join the link between the regular (full-time) police However, in many forces, constables are also Special Constabulary for various reasons. and the local community. involved in policing major incidents and in Some want to give something back to the Upon joining the Special Constabulary you providing operational support to regular community whilst others are interested in are trained in police service, self defence, officers. joining the regular police force. powers of arrest, common crimes, and Once they have the right training and Specials have the opportunity to develop preparing evidence for court. practical experience, Specials can take on many key transferable skills such as problem- Once training is completed, you have the more responsibility. Some forces have grades solving, negotiating, decision-making, coping 48 February 2007 informnorth DHP Enterprise Ltd, Gateshead Walker Hall Associates Tel: 0191 384 3500 Durham City Council - Tel: 0191 301 8241 Tel: 0191 490 1667 www.walkerhall.co.uk www.durhamcity.gov.uk Durham Business Club - Tel: 0191 388 4488 BUSINESS FUNDING: Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council www.durhambusinessclub.co.uk Falchion Fund, Darlington Tel: 01325 362 953 Tel: 0191 433 3000 www.gateshead.gov.uk East Durham Business Club Tel: 0191 586 8493 Coalfield Enterprise Fund - Hartlepool Borough Council Economic Enterprise Ventures Ltd - East Durham Business Service Development Team - Tel: 01429 523 501 Tel: 01772 270 570 Tel: 0191 586 3366 www.edbs.co.uk www.investinhartlepool.com www.coalfields-enterprise-fund.co.uk Fin Ltd, Enterprise Support Centre, www.enterprise-ventures.co.uk Middlesbrough Council - Tel: 01642 729 007 Newcastle Tel: 0191 272 5794 www.middlesborough.gov.uk Hetton and Houghton Business Club Community Loan Fund for the North East Newcastle City Council, Economic Tel: 0191 512 1144 Tel: 0191 487 7799 www.lif.org.uk Development Division - Tel: 0191 211 5670 Inbiz Head Office Tel: 01642 610610 Crafts Council - Tel: 0207 278 7700 www.newcastle.gov.uk/compnewc.nsf www.inbizonline.co.uk www.craftscouncil.org.uk Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Newcastle and Gateshead Business Club Cultural Business Venture Tel: 0191 4103355 Arts Council Tel: 0845 300 6200 Development Department - North East Chamber Of Commerce Tel: 01287 612 500 Evolve Finance Limited Gateshead Tel: 0191 386 1133 www.ne-chamber.co.uk www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/industrial Tel: 0191 44 24 304 www.evolve-finance.co.uk NorthEast Euro Information Centre Sedgefield Borough Council Northern Enterprise Limited Tel: 0191 490 9200 www.northeasteic.com Tel: 01388 816 166 www.sedgefield.gov.uk People into Enterprise - Tel: 0845 245 0212 Tel: 0191 442 4300 www.nel.co.uk South Tyneside Council www.peopleintoenterprise.com Royal British Legion - Tel: 0191 273 3619 Tel: 0191 424 7644 www.southtyneside.info Productivity North East - Small Firms Loan Guarantee Section, Tel: 0191 334 4662 Department of Trade and Industry Stockton on Tees Borough Council www.productivitynortheast.co.uk Tel: 0114 2597 308 www.dti.gov.uk/sflg Regeneration and Economic Development Project North East Tel: 01642 393 939 Tel: 0191 261 6009 www.projectne.co.uk UK Steel Enterprise Ltd - Tel: 01642 777 888 www.uksteelenterprise.co.uk City of Sunderland Prime - Tel: 0800 783 1904 City Business and Investment Team www.primeinitiative.org.uk BUSINESS PREMISES/ Tel: 0191 553 1171 www.investinsunderland.co.uk RTC North Ltd INCUBATOR UNITS: Tel: 0191 516 4400 www.rtcnorth.co.uk Centre North East Agent: Tees Valley Regeneration - Tel: 01642 632 000 SASDA,The Development Agency of Ian Battle, Storey Sons and Parker www.teesvalleyregeneration.co.uk Sedgefield Borough Tel: 01642 230 800 Wear Valley District Council - Tel: 01325 328 833 www.sasda.org.uk Designworks - Tel: 0191 423 6200 Tel: 01388 761 575 South Tyneside Business Club www.design-works.co.uk Tel: 0191 456 2425 LEARN DIRECT CENTRES: Innovation Centre, Redcar - Bridges to Learning, Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland Business Network Tel: 01642 777 777 www.uksteelenterprise.co.uk Tel: 0191 565 1028 Tel: 0191 225 2240 [email protected] Teesdale Enterprise Agency - Netpark - Tel: 0191 383 2000 www.uknetpark.net CEP Associates, Ashington - Tel: 01833 696600 www.teesdaleenterprise.co.uk Tel: 01670 521 805 Tees Valley Business Club - North East Business and Innovation Centre Tel: 01642 583 900 (BIC) Tel: 0191 516 6200 www.ne-bic.co.uk Lynemouth Resource Centre, Northumberland Tel: 01670 863 000 Tyne and Wear Development Company North East Workspace, Project North East Tel: 0191 516 9099 www.tyne-wear.co.uk Tel: 0191 261 6009 www.pne.org/workspace PP Training Ltd, Jarrow - Tel: 0191 428 5559 Washington Business Forum - Shildon Business Centre - Q Group, Gateshead - Tel: 0191 497 1920 Tel: 0191 416 3040 www.washington.co.uk/forum/forum_index.htm Tel: 01388 777 597 Taitec Newcastle - Tel: 0191 271 6160 Wear Valley Development Agency Tedco Tel: 0191 428 3300 www.tedco.org www.taitec.co.uk Tel: 01388 776 688 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Learning Resource Centre, Darlington Women into the Network (WIN) DEPARTMENTS: Tel: 01325 503 274 www.darlington.ac.uk Tel: 0191 334 5502 Blyth Valley Borough Council Van Hee Training, Gateshead www.womenintothenetwork.co.uk Tel: 01670 542 000 www.blythvalley.gov.uk Tel: 0191 438 2512 www.vanhee.co.uk

with pressure, compensated for travelling expenses. communications If you’re thinking of volunteering Basic Requirements for the Special Constabulary, or and inter- To be eligible to join the Specials you must be want to know more about terms, personal skills. over the age of 18.All members of the Special conditions and eligibility criteria, Specials Constabulary must work or reside within the you can: become force area.You are not required to have committed, specific qualifications but you will need to pass • Ring the free-call hotline on: quick-thinking team players, that can cope with an assessment of your written and spoken 0845 608 3000 for a the unexpected and stay calm in a crisis as English and Numeracy skills. Most forces also recruitment pack well as communicating clearly and resolving require you to undertake the Police Initial • Check out and click online: disputes with tact. Special constables are now Recruitment test.This will test your ability to www.policecouldyou.co.uk paid an annual allowance of £1500 (before tax) check information, observe scenes and recall Alternatively you can contact your for completion of the required hours and details.You will also be asked to do the same local police constabulary office. other specific criteria.You will also be full-scale physical test as regular officers. informnorth February 2007 49 new>

There will always be an element of trial and error in starting up and running any new business venture - and a look at the figures for business survival in the North East shows success is not always guaranteed - but with hard work and a real awareness of the issues you face, your business could be a great success. This issue, informnorth’s essential guide looks at more than thirty of the most common mistakes that could prove to be the death of your business and more importantly, how you can avoid them.

etting up and running a business that it will have to be tailored for the type well as rent or mortgage repayments you is a time consuming task that involves of finance you are seeking, either debt or need to allow for general rates, water Sa number of important steps if you equity) and on-going development of the rates, service charges and of course, the want to get things right first time around. business, it is extremely important to take cost of insuring the actual building. external advice when formulating it. Unfortunately, it’s a sad reality that very A good business address can be your key few start up businesses make it beyond Select the first place you see for to success. The decision on where you are their third year and failure is usually premises and DON’T look around based needs to be carefully considered, down to a number of clearly identifiable With the right premises, your business will taking into account costs, competition and mistakes, which if small business owners be easier to run - and more profitable. access - so look before you leap! are aware of, can dramatically increase But unless you approach the search in DON’T promote your business or their chances of long term survival. a logical and organised way, and take shout about what make’s you You know best - so DON’T put advice where necessary, you risk different or better than the rest any effort into your business overlooking some problems, which Waiting for business to come to you or plan may turn out to be vital later. relying on word of mouth is not a very According to Edd Smith at Business Link, Jeff Fitzpatrick, managing director of poor planning is one of the key factors Walker Hall Associates says, “First decide constructive marketing plan. “You must behind business failure. A company’s on your business location because if you have an informed strategy,” advises Jan business plan is a critical document, get this wrong the only way to correct your Harris, of Teesside University’s Department outlining how you will achieve its goals. mistake is to move again. of Academic Enterprise. “You must decide It is also the document that will enable “Next, consider your business strategy, the on who to contact and try to get to the (or not as the case may be) a business number of people you will be employing, decision maker in the company. Research to raise the support and finance it needs. the processes used in the business and the is a vital tool that will help you do this. Your business plan has to be viable and plant or machinery required. Consider if “Also, do not try to just undercut your as detailed as possible, with measurable there space to expand or if you need to competitors as you will only be perceived goals, expectations, financial requirements move to larger premises at a later date.” as cheap. Although pricing is important, if and forecasts, with provision of a good You should prepare any specification by you do gain business by this method then spread between the best and worst case sketching a plan on graph paper detailing you will be expected to retain the price in business scenarios. your requirements and work out how much order to get further business. A lot of start Given the importance of the business plan you can afford to pay in outgoings on the up companies make this mistake and learn both in terms of raising finance (remember premises - whether you buy or lease. As their lesson the hard way.” 50 February 2007 informnorth DON’T set a MARKETING BUDGET and DON’T take opposition to really help you reveal and the time to advertise yourself effectively discover where your strengths lie.” Of all the ways to waste money on marketing, advertising seems There’s NO NEED to protect your trade names to be everyone’s favourite - so always be on the look out for ways or products to get better results from your advertising. Or is there? You may want to consider staking a claim to your The most important element of an advert is the wording of the business or product name because others might try to copy you headline which needs to grab peoples’ attention. One simple when you are successful. This whole area is called ‘intellectual change to the headline can actually produce a 50 -100% property’ and is a potential legal minefield unless you are guided increase in response. If the headline of your current advert is just by an expert. Here is a guideline: the name of your company, you can almost certainly increase the Trade marks - ‘TM’ - anyone can put the ‘TM’ symbol next to response rate just by changing it and asking a question of any their product name or logo. It means is that the owner considers reader such as “Are you looking for new windows?” etc. it to be a trade mark and wishes to make people aware of the fact. The headline should be followed by the sub heading, this should follow on, or add weight to the headline. The actual words or ‘body copy’ of your advert needs to be a personal communication to the individual reading it - and it needs to be about them. It needs to address their needs, desires and fears and it needs to constantly communicate the benefits of what you are offering. At the end of the advert you need a call to action. Tell people exactly what they need to do to next and make it easy for them to do so. Believe that the product you’re producing is ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING and all else is just details In a region with strong manufacturing traditions like the North East, do not focus on the product alone. Instead, try to build upon the relationship or service being offered. In a crowded market of quality products the only focus will be on price and the prove-it factor. Therefore your emphasis has to be placed on point of sale, delivery and any after-sales service. Jon Wigley is a business coach at Shirlaws (www.shirlaws.biz) and says, “Genuinely caring for each of your customers is a major key to success. You need to work harder than your competitors on defining the value you are providing customers at all points of interaction with them in order to build, and sustain the relationship. Your brand or company will be remembered a long time after the sale and benefit from positive word of mouth.” SLAVISHLY follow the market - DON’T be bold enough to stride out in your own direction The importance of conducting consistent research into your own industry, market, competitors and consumer trends cannot be under-estimated. However, knowing what everybody else is doing, and what everybody is buying, does not mean blind pursuit with the rest of the herd. According to Wigley: “Whichever way the industry or market is going - consider going in the opposite direction because this can be where the unexploited niche is. Part of this lies in defining your business’s true position against any informnorth February 2007 51 DON’T bother to research your potential market place Too many business peo Failure to research the marketplace you are going into effectively means you are regard seeking profess going in to it blind. advice a hindrance Despite this, many start-ups do not invest the necessary time in this key step but any David Streather, Senior Business real entrepreneur needs to find out all Development Manager, there is to know about their prospective Lloyds TSB marketplace, focusing on three key elements: competitors, the size of the Registered marks - ® - trade mark market and the demand. agents can help you register a brand Recent developments in technology names and logos. You can then sue in the form of the Internet and those who choose to copy you. The ‘®’ communication tools, have exploded local says this. limits. A global platform now exists in Copyright - © - the ‘©’ mark means the which products and services can be piece of work thus marked is the property offered worldwide. The challenge is to find of the author and cannot be reproduced your niche and reach out to interested without permission. consumers, wherever they may be. lead to a constant, corrosive cycle of Patent - patent agents can work with You MUST cut your prices to get negotiation. In a (western) world where you to protect that part of your product or business in through the door... most people have far more than the basics process that is unique and specific to you. In a mature market everyone always seems to live, financial incentive wears thin The registration process is lengthy and to undercut the price - but you do have quickly. Try - appreciation, sharing, can be expensive. However, if you are other choices and these include: involvement and feedback. developing something new that you a) Get in and out early; Ignore PROFESSIONAL ADVICE want to protect and possibly sell later, b) Keep re-inventing; and any support there for you... you must patent it. c) Scale up to deal with volume in a The majority of financial failures can be The only thing that matters cost-efficient manner; attributed to a lack of basic financial skills. is the ‘BOTTOM-LINE’ - isn’t it? d) Establish a strong position which Bookkeeping, accounting and managing If the sale is everything then that is how encourages customers to buy from you profit & loss accounts can be confusing to the customer will position you. Cost an at a premium price. In order to make the business novice. Owners need to benefit becomes the only criteria and it these choices you must know why you ensure that both they and, where need be, would be foolish to expect any form of are in business, where your real skills their staff, are fully trained with basic loyalty. In a market where commercial lie, and resources needed. financial skills to ensure success. acumen is a badge of honour, emphasise ONLY have financial incentives Alternatively, if number-crunching is not the cultural strengths of your business. to get commitment from staff your strong point, remember there is more You need to deepen relationships, If the only incentive created to get help available. Your bank and accountant demonstrate a real commitment to serve, commitment from staff is financial, usually are there to help develop understanding and show genuine loyalty to your customers. in the form of overtime or bonus, it will and provide guidance on financial control. David Streather, Senior Business Development manager for Lloyds TSB The key is not to says, “Too many business people regard seeking professional advice as a cost or give up too early. hindrance rather than as an investment. The majority of people go into business Persistence is a vital because they are good at their chosen quality of any enterprise, not because they have wide ranging business management expertise. entrepreneur. If they don’t use their accountant, solicitor or banker properly then they are leaving themselves open to getting their business off on the wrong foot - including the legal entity of their business, taxation pitfalls or even book keeping advice - but they also miss out on a valuable source of practical ongoing business advice!” Cash in hand? Then DON’T worry about your bank balance A much quoted saying within the Finance arena is ‘Cash is king’. Ensure you have appropriate forecasts and monitor against expectations and manage your cash well. You may not need a full-time finance director, but do not think a book keeper will suffice. You need both skills from the start. If you don’t manage the cash in your business you run the risk of running out 52 February 2007 informnorth ople sional

Shell LiveWIRE has over twenty one years experience encouraging young people from a wide range of backgrounds to start and develop their own business...

of working capital which is the single most common reason for business failure. Quite often, this is more than preventable And in addition an unrivalled interactive learning section, which - the fundamental mistake is that many reputation here in the North helps people develop business ideas businesses simply do not manage their East as well as much further and test their commitment and a cashflow in a sufficiently active manner. afield, Shell LiveWIRE also business model before they actually “Too many business people merely look provides individuals with… take things any further. at the profit involved in a deal and not • Information, advice and practical Be Your Own Boss - an online at the implications on their cashflow”, support for 16-30 year olds starting library with customised information David Streather points out, “You may need to ask yourself if you can actually finance up their own business based on five core business areas. a transaction where you need to out lay a • A FREE Essential Business Kit to The five interactive learning modules significant amount of cash up front, but every caller, tailored to their specific are General Management, Sales and then don’t get paid for 90 days? Make business idea. Marketing, Finance and Funding, sure you do maintain a cashflow forecast • One-to-one advice through a Business Planning and Personnel. on a quarterly basis and that you use this national network of local business There are lots of different articles to as a working aid for your business!” advisers and young business help achieve success in these areas. mentors Active management of money flowing Win £10K - Enter the Young in and out of the business is the most • An interactive web service and idea Entrepreneur of The Year Awards and important factor in its survival. Remember, exchange you could win over £10,000 and the turnover is vanity, profit is sanity, but cash Their ‘Essential Business Kit’ title Shell LiveWIRE Young is reality. contains… Entrepreneur Of The Year DON’T get proper funding or put • 2 booklets: ‘Market Research for Discussion Forum the right FINANCES in place... - Which the First Time’ and ‘Writing Your Businesses often spend too much time and enables young entrepreneurs to First Business Plan’ money chasing the wrong form of funding share business experiences, includ- • A detailed Business Opportunity from the wrong people with inappropriate ing asking for, or giving, advice to terms and then raise too little. Sales always Profile on your business idea others in the same situation. • Contact details for a LiveWIRE take longer to close and working capital Mentor System - Providing online coordinator in your own local area requirements can fluctuate far more than enquirers in England with a secure you might expect, so don’t go overboard, Shell LiveWIRE website: route to ask for specialist advice from but do get enough cash. Otherwise you’ll Creating a free account on their past regional finalists. spend all your time raising money and not website also allows you to get free: Finance Action Planner growing the business, and no-one will - A • Help and support to develop your thank you for that. financial modelling tool which helps own business idea users to develop their financial skills Who needs to pay others - do • Access to 100’s of pages of useful and produce a range of financial EVERYTHING YOURSELF instead business information forecasts and reports. “One of the things I have noticed is that • Use of a personal briefcase tool to many small business owners find it really store information difficult to delegate even the most simple Contact Details: The main elements of the tasks on the basis that ‘No one will do it Shell LiveWIRE, Design Works, website are… like me!“ says Julie Waites, Partner at The Unit 15 William Street, Felling, Gateshead,Tyne & Wear. NE10 0JP Franchise Company, the Darlington based The Big Trip - which helps people to map out their very own career path, Telephone: 0845 757 3252 specialist franchising consultancy firm. or call 0191 423 6229 “The reality is that there simply aren’t and discover if they have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. email: [email protected] enough hours in the day to do everything web: www.shell-livewire.org.uk yourself - so if you don’t practise and learn Unlock Your Potential - this is an the art of delegation then you will become informnorth February 2007 53 the blockage that stops your business from achieving it’s real potential. My staff will testify to that fact that I don’t have a uk steel problem with delegation at all. If I can get someone else to do some of my work then enterprise I am very happy about it. My experience is that if you give someone an opportunity to show what they can really do along with K Steel Enterprise Ltd, formerly Steel can some initial help and support, then you British Steel (Industry) Ltd, was financially assist may find that they are actually better at it Uoriginally established in 1975 by small businesses ranging from share than you are!” the then British Steel Corporation and is capital to unsecured and secured loans. FLIT from one thing to another a subsidiary of Corus Group plc, the What About Business Premises? company formed from the merger of Light industrial units and offices are instead of being FOCUSSED British Steel and Koninklijke Hoogovens available on flexible terms. In other Formulating a focused business vision is in 1999. words they do not force you to commit a key step for anyone wishing to get their Their objective is to help in the to lease payments for years in advance. idea off the ground, yet too many start-ups economic regeneration and Rent is charged monthly and if you need fail to take the time to do so. development of those areas of the UK to move on because your business is that have been affected by changes in expanding then you can do so at no It is crucial that you know what you want the steel industry, by helping small notice without penalty. On the other your business to achieve, where you want businesses - new and existing - to grow hand, if you would like to enter into a it to go and how it is going to get there. and create job opportunities. They also lease for your own security and peace of The key is to set yourself clearly definable support other mind then they will objectives and use your sounding board to organisations with allow you to do that provide an alternative perspective to check similar aims. too. you are on the right track. Businesses that are Located in the engaged in most Kirkleatham Business Do it for MONEY - not because manufacturing and Park between you have a deeper PASSION industrial activities Middlesbrough and Things don’t happen overnight, so do are eligible for Redcar, the something you feel passionate about. support, as are those Innovation Centre Do not start something with an exit and a that are engaged in offers a range of fortune in mind. You’ll probably fail. This providing a service to modern nursery and industry. They do not industrial units along was commonplace during the dot-com have to have any with offices designed era when people came up with ludicrous connection with specifically for business ideas to be delivered by Corus or the steel technology based inexperienced teams. industry, other than businesses seeking a Go in to a line of BUSINESS being based in a modern high quality steel area. environment. you know NOTHING about There are two main programmes for Facilities include CAT 5 structured Philip Green, the retail entrepreneur is well small businesses, finance and premises cabling system, well designed and air documented in saying that he will only and operate in 21 present and former conditioned offices with meeting rooms invest in retail businesses, because that’s steel areas. Within the North East of and conferencing facilities, free private what they understand best. “If you go England these areas are Darlington, gym & sauna, 24 hour access supported into something you know little or nothing with comprehensive security and free car Teesside, Hartlepool, Derwentside and about, you have made things much West Cumbria. Finance is available in parking. harder from the start,” he says. all areas and at the Innovation Centre in When UK Steel announced their new Kirkleatham Business Park, Redcar where multi-million pound business centre for “Too many people make the error of they are based, they offer some Hartlepool at Queens Meadow it was rushing into business with an idea, of the most modern business seen as a much needed shot in the arm believing that because they are excited accommodation in the region. A new for small businesses and entrepreneurs about it and because they have faith in it, Innovation Centre has also been built who felt that premises of the right size in Hartlepool, which opened at the and backed with adequate support it will be a success anyway no matter what. beginning of the year. systems were in short supply. “Our Too many fail as a result, the key is to What Finance Options Are Offered? Innovation Centre at Redcar has been a examine whether your idea, whether a UK Steel Enterprise can provide finance real success and now houses more than hobby or your passion, will really appeal in amounts between £15,000 and 40 tenants," said UKSE Area Manager to consumers and will form a viable £400,000 and have the flexibility to Simon Hamilton. "Queens Meadow has encouraged new business in Hartlepool commercial proposition. More importantly, provide finance in more than one form do you have the necessary skills and drive depending on the circumstances. but importantly, also helps existing local Finance tends to be invested in companies to expand further.” to turn it into a thriving business?” manufacturing and related service Numbers and statistics are the Contact Information: businesses. They will consider other ONLY ‘REAL’ measure of success types of business but will not usually Simon Hamilton, The Innovation Centre Statistics are an essential framework for invest in retail, construction or Vienna Court, Kirkleatham Business Park measuring success and projecting/ professional services. Help may be Redcar. TS10 5SH modelling the future. However, they do not requested for business start-ups, t: 01642 777 888 tell the whole story. Setting targets sets expansions and management buy-outs f: 01642 777 999 or buy-ins but not pre-start-up finance, a narrow focus, which creates a limit to e: [email protected] e.g. for product development. maximising potential. You need to look www.uksteelenterprise.co.uk There are a number of different ways UK at setting other criteria for success - satisfaction, loyalty, balance, enjoyment - 54 February 2007 informnorth Roger Coathup, Founder of 21 Thoughts says, “It is always enlightening to see the novel ideas that flow from taking just a half day session out and to think about the future of their The only aspects of your business. A business team will often leave with a host of new product or service concepts, and surprisingly insightful business plan which should perspectives on themselves and their environment.” Always LISTEN to and act upon totally naff and remain intact are your values poor bad advice When cash is tight, you don’t want to get locked in with the Jayne Graham, managing director, wrong suppliers or start taking bad advice. Asking a friend can 20:20 Consulting Limited be fatal at times - everybody else always knows best. Do your homework before paying for advice, get references from their previous clients, for example. Look for pointers from someone who’s been involved in your kind of business before. Be just as these require words to be expressed, not numbers collected. careful who you ask advise of, because all too often, rather than If at first you DON’T SUCCEED, lie dawn quietly say they don’t know people will be tempted to say anything that’s and give up plausible. With only a quarter of small businesses failing as a result of DON’T explore new opportunities that may come financial problems, there are obviously a number of factors along your way affecting the managers’ decision to shut down their firm. “Create new pathways, and seize any opportunities to diversify. Although setting up your own business is exciting and fulfilling, The only aspects of your business plan which should remain once the business is up and running successfully, some sacred are your values,” Jayne Graham, Managing Director of entrepreneurs feel the challenge has gone and the boredom 20:20 Consulting Limited says with confidence, “We work with sets in. Equally some entrepreneurs find the cash constraints a public and private sector Boards and organisational leaders to problem - if they draw more money for an increase in their salary enable change by providing a range of services including it can affect the profits of the business. mentoring, strategy development and implementation planning. It is at times like this that the nine-to-five salaried job becomes “Exploring new opportunities, and sometimes changing direction more attractive. Successful businesses are usually very different altogether, can be daunting for any organisation, but it’s from those described in their original business plan. Try something fundamental to the long-term sustainability of any business. and if it isn’t working, try it a different way. The key is not to give Strategic planning should not only focus on how to take today’s up too early. Persistence is a vital quality of any entrepreneur. business or idea to the customer; it should equally be about DON’T bother looking for help -DON’T have tomorrow’s customers and being capable of responding to what a business mentor The hard work is up to you and your team but having a mentor can be a huge support and can help you see the wood from the trees. First-time entrepreneurs often fail because they don’t have a more experienced mentor from whom they can learn and turn WHO NEEDS THE to for ad hoc advice. Entrepreneurs are often (in)famously strong-willed, and although this can be a valuable trait and DRAGONS' DEN? failure to simply listen can be all too costly. Enlist somebody to act as an independent sounding board: they If you have a great business idea but lack can bring much-needed perspective right from the initial concept and business planning, to ongoing development and beyond. the expertise and funding to get it off the Everyone needs a good sounding board. ground, then we'd like to hear from you. Don’t try to BUILD UP SALES when you start If you have the drive and passion to succeed of trading in the North East but are unsure about A lot of people spend too much time getting things such as nice taking the next step then we'd like to hear logo design and their website sorted, instead of getting out and about and closing those sales. You can always adapt designs but from you. you need a real reference client to build sales from - even if you If you need help and advice or if you're initially offer them a reduced rate, a free product or service. Get seeking business equity or investment then out there and sell from day one. we'd like to hear from you. DON’T take the TIME to take control of your own destiny Call or email informnorth today - we could It’s important to ‘do what you do well’ and this will bring success help - and you could feature in a future issue in the here and now, but it’s equally vital to be prepared for the opportunities and challenges of the future. Will my product still be of the magazine, so don’t hang around. relevant in two years from now? Where are my markets going to be? What are my competitors likely to be doing? How will I drive growth and sustainability? Which trends and driving forces are TELEPHONE: 0191 5866 010 today going to shape the world in which I operate? These are the or email: [email protected] questions you should always ask yourself. Take time for creative and innovative thinking about the future. Involve your executive team and strategic thinkers, and place them in an environment away from the day to day distractions. Understand your distinctive competencies, and discover the opportunities they could let you seize. informnorth February 2007 55 they might need.” Jayne believes that as long as you hold onto your core personal and organisational values no matter what, First thing’s first, if you’ve done the you can afford to take seize opportunities which may take you on a different road to thing you should do is invoice for the one you had originally planned. “Trying to create capacity to explore new never be backward in coming fo avenues is often difficult, particularly when resources are tight. Keeping an open mind to opportunities which may arise, however (even though at first sight they may not Turn a BLIND EYE to the legal Poor credit management won’t appear to fit snugly with your business INTRICACIES of your business effect your BUSINESS - will it? plan), can re-energise your business and The reality is that going into business does At the heart of any healthy business is open more new doors than you ever mean thinking about and completing good credit management practice in order believed possible.” lots of legal paperwork. However, many to keep the cash flowing. Remember there’s no need to entrepreneurs either ignore vital areas or Getting this right begins with your own offer your customer exactly what make important decisions without full terms and conditions. Every business they want or be flexible knowledge of their future implications. should know the level of credit it can In this respect ignorance isn’t bliss either, In the early stages, particularly when you afford to give, how much it is willing to it’s just plain and simple ignorance. are a small business, you don’t want to sustain in the way of debtors and under There are numerous business structures get locked into anything you can’t get what circumstances it can and will trade available to you such as becoming a sole out of easily. Don’t be afraid to use a with customers. trader, limited company or a partnership, probationary period for staff. Be wary of and the pros and cons of these need to be According to Clive Lewis, Chairman of the recruitment fees but similarly know when given due thought and consideration. Better Payment Practice Group said, “You need to establish precisely the nature of to pay a bit more for quality staff. In addition, there are many other ‘minor’ Your model will change so the more considerations such as contracts of the legal entity of the customer - there is a flexibility you build in, the more you will employment and employment law that world of difference in legal terms between be able to change and adapt. Fixed costs need to be considered too. a sole trader and a limited company. may bring higher margins in the long Finding a good lawyer to help guide you “Quite simply, the sole trader is liable up term, so it’s all about knowing when to through what is a potential minefield is to the full extent of his or her personal convert to a fixed model. a good investment. wealth for all debts incurred, but a limited . T/INF/766P code oduct Pr 2002. October yright cop wn o Cr

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What will it take to stop you drink driving ?

Drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and you could also face 6 months in prison and a £5000 fine.

56 February 2007 informnorth PASSION is e work the very next r it. It is your money, so Our Currency orward to ask for it. Bizfizz aims to uncover real passion and then remove any of the barriers achieving lasting business success... liability means just that - the liability of the director/shareholder is limited to the extent of his/her shareholding in the company.” So it is essential to ascertain the full name BizFizz is designed to stimulate economic community-based approach that not only enhances networking within the and the full and correct address of any development from the bottom up by aiding the transformation of good community, but also reduces barriers firm that wishes to trade with you. Make to use these services. sure that all relevant addresses are business ideas into viable enterprises obtained (e.g. for delivery, invoice, and helping viable enterprises to survive BizFizz works through: statement) and in the case of sole and grow. 1. Coaching traders and partnerships, the private This approach encourages individuals BizFizz supports start-ups and existing addresses of the proprietor(s). to realise their business dreams in a businesses by offering intense, flexible It’s also a good idea to ask for bank and supported environment at the heart of and customised coaching to passionate trade references, but make sure you follow their community.This in turn develops a individuals. It focuses on the individual, them up and undertake a credit check sense of self-reliance and ‘can do’ in the building on their strengths and tries to community, building local confidence and with a reputable agency if required. complement their weaknesses. self-esteem. It brings together a number DON’T invoice promptly - it BizFizz means can ALWAYS WAIT until later of enterprise support single-point access Debt collection is one of the biggest measures in a way that B i z F i z z i s a c t i ve problems facing smaler businesses. is new to the UK and for all kinds of i n c o m m u n i t i e s But just exactly what is the best way to has the potential to problems an manage it? Well, if a complete stranger make a real difference w i t h i n t h e N o r t h E a s t entrepreneur might wandered up to you in the street asking for in neighbourhoods i n cl u d i n g H o r d e n & experience. If the an unsecured loan of £500, the response experiencing economic E a s i n g t o n , B i s h o p Coach cannot find a would probably be quite negative. just disadvantage. Au ck l a n d , A l n w i ck solution together who is this person? Do you know him? Key Characteristics a n d S t a n l e y G r e e n with the client, s/he What assurances would you have that he BizFizz targets C o r r i d o r. will relate with the would pay you back and exactly when? people in relatively Contact Information: Local Panel or refer The first and foremost consideration is small and defined Alnwick, contact: the client to a person always to produce the invoice promptly. communities where Tel: 01665 605 977 within a relevant The invoice is in effect the first request there is some level of [email protected] business support for payment and should be sent out economic disadvantage. agency. immediately the goods are supplied or the It enables local people Stanley Green Corridor: work is done. Send it by First Class post to to take increased Peter Waistell 2. Community Tel: 07791 898 271 the correct address. Remember too that control of their own Networking the sooner the customer receives the economic BizFizz Horden & Easington: A key feature invoice, the sooner it gets into his or development and Acumen Community of successful her payment process. realise their ambitions. Development Trust entrepreneurs is The invoice should be as accurate as Tel: 0191 518 3052 building up networks possible and should be clear. You should BizFizz provides free, National Team of support. BizFizz contain all of the information required for confidential and professional advice/ New Economics Foundation, will facilitate and the customer to pass it on for payment, counselling to local Elizabeth Cox Tel: 0207 820 6300 accelerate the process including the customer’s purchase order entrepreneurs. [email protected] of networking, and number, if applicable. It should also say make sure that the precisely when and where you expect to BizFizz employs a Civic Trust: Paul Squires Tel: 0207 539 7910 contacts be paid - ‘Net 30 days’ is not good local Coach who is entrepreneurs develop highly visible and enough - it is open to interpretation and are highly useful. argument. accessible to local people. BizFizz is Always ensure that you state your intention community-based enterprise support, to apply your statutory right to interest BizFizz fosters sustainable development responding to local needs. on the invoice as this will send a clear not only by building economic and social capital within a community, but also The backing of a Local Panel ensures message that late payment will not be supporting environmentally sound ideas. extensive networking, guidance, tolerated. BizFizz aims to complement existing know-how, and local knowledge can be DON’T chase your invoices - it’s services such as Business Links and drawn upon to support the Coach’s as good as CASH in the bank Enterprise Agencies by offering a clients. First thing’s first, if you’ve done the work the very next thing you should do is informnorth February 2007 57 invoice for it. It is your money, so never be backward in coming forward to ask for it. This may be a telephone call, reminder letter or even a visit. A statement, often the second request for payment, produced at the end of the month and again issued promptly, neatly ties up that month’s transaction(s) and can assist the buyer in reconciling his/her purchase ledger. The reminder letter, firm but courteous, is timed according to your that they are leaving the sector, but are actually investing more agreed terms as is the telephone ‘chaser’, but always remember: time and money in establishing many different businesses. the sooner the better. In addition, some entrepreneurs will inevitably reach an age when If there is a query, resolve it speedily - as all impediments to they would like to put up their feet and enjoy retirement and this payment should be removed the very instant they appear. presents even more options. Do you close your business down, Getting paid is about knowing your customer, establishing the sell it on or employ someone, perhaps a family member, to run terms and exercising your rights. the business on your behalf? Remember, if you deliver the right goods at the right price to the In the majority of cases, most small businesses have a clear idea right place with the right paperwork, you have the right to be of what will happen to their business when they retire. Just over a paid. third expect to sell their business, 14% think that they will pass it REACHED the end of the road? on to a family member and 13% of small business owners expect Some business owners are so happy with the success of their that, in the end, they will close their business down. However, you business that they diversify and open other small businesses and should ensure that you plan ahead to ensure that your idea may eventually close down the initial venture. This does not mean becomes a reality. Find out who’s who and what’s what in DERWENTSIDE...

The new Derwentside Business and Business Database online and add, Community Directory has quickly proven amend or update your own company itself a great success. details for FREE. What’s more, we will It’s an invaluable business resource ensure you don’t miss out on being with the most comprehensive list of local included in future issues. businesses, suppliers and decision And for a limited period if you act now makers and key service providers. then you can have your very own copy The best source of information for at the subsidised rate of just £10.00* Derwentside, the Directory is the most The Directory provides an invaluable popular sources of contacts when communication tool for your business searching for help, advice or information and bridges the gap between business within the area or further afield. and community. And whenever you’re in a hurry you can Visit www.derwentsidedirectory.co.uk - also search the complete Derwentside it couldn’t be easier, so don’t miss out

To discuss advertising and sponsorship opportunities or including your business or organisation in the next issue of the Derwentside Business Directory, call us TODAY on: 0191 5866 010 or email us with the nature of your enquiry: [email protected]

58 February 2007 informnorth In association with:

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Holy island (Lindsfarne)

Coldstream Farne Islands Belford Cornhill-upon-Tweed Bamburgh Seahouses Wooler Distribution area and guide to the North East Beadnell The North East: No or % Degree level/higher: 15 Alnwick Population: 2,509,504 No qualifications: 34.7 Craster Males: 1,218,579 Employed socio-economic Dunstanburgh Northumberland Females: 1,296,863 groups (%) Almouth Employed: 1,059,995 Higher managerial Warkworth Unemployed: 48,924 or professional: 5.6 Rothbury Amble Aged 0 - 15: 497,321 Lower managerial Otterburn Cragside Aged 16 - 74: 1,831,354 or professional: 15.5 Kielder Aged 75+: 186,767 Intermediate or Ashington Area: 859,200ha small employers: 13.6 Bellingham Cambo Morpeth Households: 1,070,424 Lower supervisory or Blyth With residents: 1,066,292 technical workers: 7.9 Ponteland Qualifications all 16-74 % Routine occupation: 24

Newcastle Whitley Bay Hexham Tynemouth Income & Work Related South Shields Haltwhistle Gateshead Employed: 998,351 Corbridge Tyne Washington Travel to work by car: 64% Sunderland Allendale & Wear Travel to work by public transport: 14% Alston Seaham Unemployed: 82987 Chester-le-Street Blanchland % Long-term: 29,321 Wolsingham Durham City Student economically County Durham active: 41,584 Stanhope Retired: 274,985 Hamsterley Hartlepool Sedgefield Bishop Auckland Student economically Redcar inactive: 86,736 Romaldkirk Raby Castle Tees Valley Saltburn-by-the-Sea Looking after home/family: Stockton-on-Tees Middleton-in-Teesdale Middlesbrough 120,428 Darlington Permanently sick or Barnard Castle Guisborough disabled: 164,313 *Information taken from Yarm last census ©informnorth Other inactive: 61,970

Tyne & Wear Northumberland Population: 1,070,000 Population: 307,190 Households: 462,824 Households: 130,000 Area: 54,014 hectares Area: 502,600 hectares Socio-economic group of those employed (%) Socio-economic group of those employed (%) Higher managerial/professional: 5.63 Higher managerial/professional: 6.68 Lower managerial/professional: 14.73 Lower managerial/professional: 17.12 Intermediate/small employers: 13.71 Intermediate/small employers: 16.12 Lower supervisory/technical workers: 7.35 Lower supervisory/technical workers: 7.97 Routine occupations: 23.44 Routine occupations: 22.7 People in employment: 419,930 People in employment: 132,645 Unemployment: 23,016 Unemployment: 4,424

Durham Tees Valley Population: 493,470 Population: 638,844 Households: 200,000 Households: 277,700 Area: 223,000 hectares Area: 79,420 hectares Socio-economic group of those employed (%) Socio-economic group of those employed (%) Higher managerial/professional: 5.29 Higher managerial/professional: 5.21 Lower managerial/professional: 14.69 Lower managerial/professional: 15.22 Intermediate/small employers: 13.22 Intermediate/small employers: 12.67 Lower supervisory/technical workers: 8.15 Lower supervisory/technical workers: 8.61 Routine occupations: 24.91 Routine occupations: 24.46 People in employment: 256,120 People in employment: 251,300 Unemployment: 6,759 Unemployment: 14,725

informnorth February 2007 59 WIN! a new iPod shuffle Send your letters via email to: lindsey@ ell the New Year is here at last and informnorth.com I hope all of you are in for a very happy, and the letter we print Whealthy and prosperous 2007. I hear a lot of people complain and grumble in wins you a brand-new these dark winter months.The days are shorter and iPod shuffle. it’s a bit colder and more miserable and the apart from the fact that each of us now weighs on average 5 pounds heavier than last year. Dear Lindsey, spirit of enterprise will continue to grow It can seem a pretty depressing picture, but all is I picked up a copy of the October/November within our region and setting up your own not lost.You can choose to wallow in self-pity and issue of informnorth at my dentist and was business will not seem like such a hurdle but attempt to convince yourself your suffering from really impressed by the amount of information a natural step of progression. I am a firm S.A.D, or you can use your time wisely. and direction available in one magazine. It believer that there’s a lot of untapped talent in the North East.With the help of Just now is a great time to reflect on the past and was great to read real life accounts of local informnorth magazine I’d like to think more plan for the future.What do you actually want from people and see how they have achieved and more people can realise what is 2007? Do you want to be your own boss this time success within our region. achievable and that setting up alone needn’t next month or next year? Do you want to go for a It’s reassuring to see that people from the be a pipe dream. promotion or change your career path altogether North East seem to be finally catching on to and learn a new skill? Perhaps you’ve been out of the idea of setting up their own business. It Your magazine does a great job of setting the work for a while and wondering how you are going was especially good to read that young wheels in motion by providing excellent to get back into employment. people are also joining in the enterprising information and signposting that otherwise would be hard to find. Whatever your circumstances, there’s lots of spirit. For a long time heavy industry and sources of help and advice.Through informnorth manufacturing supplied a lot of the Mary Neil, Benwell, Newcastle magazine and our partners we aim to help you employment in the area.Youngsters leaving move your life forward and each issue is packed full school were practically guaranteed a job at of information and signposting to key sources of a local factory, ship yard or coal mine.Today Dear Lindsey, support for you, your business idea or an existing things aren’t quite the same. Until recently I had been employed for over busines.We showcase the people from our area A lot of work offered is only on temporary seven years by one of the major telephone who have achieved their own goals and prove that basis with little security or longevity and network providers.Towards the end of last you can actually accomplish your dreams - with the many of the original big employers of the year all of the staff at my work place were right support and guidance. region have moved production over seas to informed that the call centre would be cut costs. As usual I’ve had lots of positive feedback moving all employment to one site thirty relating to the last issue. Many people were The future of our regions economy is reliant miles away.Those who didn’t wish to be impressed with the work taking place promoting the people making their own employment relocated were offered voluntary redundancy. enterprise and also careers in the care sector. and chances. Further South of England the Although thirty miles isn’t really too far to Please keep your letters and emails coming in - idea of setting up your own business is travel, I knew it would be a real struggle for [email protected] as they provide already commonplace.When holidaying in me as I have two children of school age, so inspiration and insight that we are hitting the many different areas it is easy to see that making extra child care arrangements could right note. the people there are already familiar and have been a potential nightmare. Much to my comfortable with setting up a business from own dismay I opted for redundancy. home, whether it is to make a living from or Jobcentre plus visited our workplace on simply to earn extra pin money. Cottage numerous occasions to help with our job industries are well established and many search and offer support and guidance. One homes display signs inviting customers to buy of the main alternative employment all manner of goods from honey to hand suggestions was to move to one of the painted ornaments. neighbouring call centre’s on the business Lets hope in the years that follow the park.Although I have enjoyed my time 60 February 2007 informnorth L I V E S

INFORMNORTH STAR LETTER

Dear Lindsey, Secondly what is the likely out come of this proposal? Will those claiming long I’ve watched with interest some of the term unemployed simply switch to Government’s latest policies and incapacity benefit or possibly turn to proposals unfold. Not to mention least crime to top up their income. the recent proposal that more long term unemployed people could have their I certainly agree that we need to do benefits cut. Initially I was pleased with something to cut the number of people the seemingly tough new stance the who are fit and able to work and claiming Government appeared to be adopting. benefits unnecessarily, but cutting their Why should some members of society benefit has to be one small piece of the have the benefit of being looked after jigsaw. Good support, sound advice and by a nanny state whilst others sacrifice guidance also have to form a major part of the strategy. working in a call centre environment, I am valuable time they could be spending looking for a new challenge and change of looking after their children to work Barry Keele, Hartlepool surroundings, and wanted to use this hard to make ends meet? Not to opportunity to consider other options rather mention the huge tax bills than continuing down the same route. employed people face When visiting the local library with my young ranging from council tax daughters I came across a copy of informnorth to PAYE, we are stung magazine. It was a relief to find such an excellent source of information and found it a from all angles. useful point of reference in my pursuit for a But, after further new career. Normally you would expect to have consideration I began to In conjunction with the to ferret for hours for information wonder if this is the right exclusive La Riviera regarding possible sources of help and advice, approach.The first step has Italian Restaurant, but informnorth provided me with lists of situated on the Gateshead sources of support and guidance, all in the to be to identify why these banks of the River Tyne, cover of one magazine. people aren’t working. Is it informnorth are pleased to award the writer and a guest of I have since told lots of my ex colleagues about through lack of basic skills? the chosen star letter a mouth-watering all expenses paid your great magazine and many have gone out Is it through poor career three-course meal including wine. to get their own copy. I have managed to secure advice or low self esteem? a new job for the short term, and I hope to Or is it that they are simply La Riviera, one of the most cosmopolitan restaurants on start a part time access course in September the Quayside offers its diners an eating experience that is lazy and living in a culture second to none with one of the largest selections of with the aim of going on to university to study where it is acceptable (if social sciences. My dream is to become a social continental and Italian cuisine available in the North East. not commendable) to milk worker though I know it’s going to take a few Topped with the warm welcome that everyone receives in years of study and dedication. the system. I can’t count the number of times I have this unique restaurant and the vast array of palatable wines Thank you for providing me with such great heard people saying “I am that they have available, La Riviera really is one of the information at a time when I had hit a cross entitled to this benefit or most glamourous and relaxing environments to enjoy your roads in my life.The assistance provided was culinary experience. invaluable and has really helped me to turn a that grant”, but how can negative glitch into a positive turning point in anyone be entitled to For further information on La Riviera Restaurant my career. money from a pot that they telephone 0191 477 7070 or log onto their website Maria Wilson, Shotton Colliery haven’t put anything into. www.lariviera.co.uk

Thank you for the many letters of support and the kind wishes that you continue to send us. Whatever your views or comments we want to hear from you - so so please send all of your letters to Lindsey’s Letters, 3 Windsor Corner, Cotsford Lane, Peterlee, County Durham, SR8 4HR. If you would like us to return any pictures or images please include a stamped, self addressed envelope with all correspondence, alternatively you can call us direct on 0191 5866 010 or 0191 5866 040 or visit our website at www.informnorth.co.uk

informnorth February 2007 61 Essential Community & Business Contacts:

Local Authorities including County, Northumberland County Council Tel: 01946 839 300 www.westcumbcoll.ac.uk Morpeth, NE61 2EF City, Borough and District councils Whitby Community College Tel: 01670 533 000 www.northumberland.gov.uk and Unitary Authorities Whitby,YO21 1LA DURHAM Tynedale Council Tel: 01947 821 169 www.whitbycc.co.uk Hexham, NE46 3NH Workington Sixth Form Centre Chester le Street District Council Tel: 01434 652 200 www.tynedale.gov.uk Chester-le-Street, DH3 3UT Workington, CA14 3SE Tel: 01900 325 265 Tel: 0191 387 1919 www.chester-le-street.gov.uk Wansbeck District Council Yorkshire Coast College of Further & Ashington NE63 8RX Higher Education Derwentside District Council Tel: 01670 532 200 www.wansbeck.gov.uk Consett, DH8 5JA Whitby, YO22 4ET Tel: 0194 7821 405 Tel: 01207 218 000 www.derwentside.gov.uk TYNE AND WEAR ARMY CAREERS Durham City Council Gateshead Council Armed Forces Careers Informtion Durham, DH1 3NZ Gateshead, NE8 1HH www.mod.uk Tel: 0191 386 6111 www. durhamcity.gov.uk Tel: 0191 433 3000 www.gateshead.gov.uk Army Careers Office Durham County Council Newcastle City Council Newcastle NE1 8JW Tel: 0191 232 7048 Durham, DH1 5UB Newcastle upon Tyne, NE99 1RD Darlington DL1 1QT Tel: 01325 461 850 Tel: 0191 383 3000 www.durham.gov.uk Tel: 0191 232 8520 www.newcastle.gov.uk Middlesbrough TS1 3AE Tel: 01642 211 749 District of Easington North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Army Recruitment Office Easington, SR8 3TN Council Wallsend NE28 7RR Bishop Auckland DL14 7EJ Tel: 01388 604 110 Tel: 0191 527 0501 www.easington.gov.uk Tel: 0191 200 5000 www.northtyneside.gov.uk Durham DH1 1QT Tel: 0191 384 7682 Middlesbrough TS1 3AE Tel: 01642 243 413 Sedgefield Borough Council South Tyneside Metropolitan Borough South Shields NE33 1PD Tel: 0191 455 5043 Spennymoor, DL16 6JQ Council South Shields NE33 2RL Sunderland SR1 5NA Tel: 0191 565 0542 Tel: 01388 816 166 www.sedgefield.gov.uk Tel: 0191 427 1717 www.southtyneside.info LEARN DIRECT CENTRE’S Teesdale District Council City of Sunderland Sunderland, SR2 7DN www.Learndirect.co.uk Barnard Castle, DL12 8EL Tel: 0191 553 1000 www.sunderland.gov.uk Tel:01833 690 000 www.teesdale.gov.uk COLLEGES and UNIVERSITIES OUT Access IT Hartlepool TS26 9HU Tel: 01429 267 681 Wear Valley District Council OF THE REGION Crook DL15 9ES Barnsley College S70 2YW CEP Associates Ashington NE63 9XQ Tel: 01388 765 555 www.wearvalley.gov.uk Tel: 01226 216 216 www.barnsley.ac.uk Tel: 01670 521 805 Tees Valley Cumbria Institute of Arts Carlisle, Chinese ICT Centre Newcastle upon Tyne, CA3 9AY NE1 4DE Tel: 0191 230 3158 www.c-ict.co.uk Darlington Borough Council Darlington DL1 5QT Tel: 01228 400 300 www.cumbria.ac.uk Communicators Training Tel: 01325 380 651 www.darlington.gov.uk Huddersfield Technical College Associates Ltd HD1 5NN Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6DL Hartlepool Borough Council Tel: 01484 536 521 www.huddcoll.ac.uk Tel: 01325 308 840 www.communicatorsltd.com Hartlepool,TS24 8AY Tel: 01429 266 522 www.hartlepool.gov.uk Leeds Metropolitan University LS1 3HE Durham Logistics College (CoVE) Tel: 0113 283 2600 www.lmu.ac.uk Durham, DH7 9XE Tel: 0870 752 4848 Middlesbrough Council www.durhamlogisticscollege.com Middlesbrough,TS1 2QQ Sheffield Hallam University Tel: 01642 245 432 www.middlesbrough.gov.uk Sheffield, S11 WB FTC Portman College Gateshead, NE10 0JP Tel: 0114 225 5555 www.shu.ac.uk Tel: 0191 4236200 www.portmancollege.co.uk Redcar and Cleveland Council South Bank,TS6 9AR Ullswater Community College Get IT Information and Learning Centre Tel: 0845 612 6126 www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk Penrith, CA11 8NG Middlesbrough,TS3 0HB Tel: 01768 242 160 www.ullswater.cumbria.sch.uk Tel: 01642 304 217 Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Stockton-on-Tees,TS18 1LD University of Bradford BD7 1DP Learning Concepts Ltd Sunderland, SR1 1NW Tel: 01642 393 939 www.stockton.gov.uk Tel: 01274 232 323 www.brad.ac.uk Tel: 0191 566 0978 Northumberland University of Central Lancashire Learning Links Newcastle, NE4 6UL Carlisle, CA3 8TB Alnwick District Council Tel: 01228 592 666 www.uclan.ac.uk Tel: 0191 273 4281 Alnwick, NE66 1YY Learning Links University of Huddersfield HD1 3DH Tel: 01665 510 505 www.alnwick.gov.uk Tees Valley, Stockton,TS18 1EG Tel: 01484 422 288 www.hud.ac.uk Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council Tel: 01642 634 587 The University of Hull HU6 7RX Berwick-upon-Tweed,TD15 1ED Lynemouth Resource Centre Tel: 01482 346 311 www.hull.ac.uk Tel: 01289 330 800 www.berwick-upon-tweed Northumberland, NE61 5YJ University of Leeds Leeds, LS2 9JT Blyth Valley Borough Council Tel: 01670 863 000 www.lynemouth.org.uk Tel: 0113 243 1751 www.leeds.ac.uk Blyth, NE24 2BX Northern Pine Tree Trust Tel: 01670 542 000 www.blythvalley.gov.uk University of York York,YO10 5DD Birtley, DH3 2TD Tel: 01904 430 000 www.york.ac.uk Tel: 0191 492 3666 www.pinetree-centre.co.uk Castle Morpeth Borough Council Morpeth, NE611NL West Cumbria College PP Training Ltd Tel: 01670 535 000 www.castlemorpeth.gov.uk Workington, CA14 4PQ Jarrow, NE32 3QS Tel: 0191 428 5559

62 February 2007 informnorth Prior Pursglove College North Northumberland Redcar & Cleveland Voluntary Guisborough,TS14 6BU Voluntary Action Development Agency Tel: 01287 280 8000 www.pursglove.ac.uk Alnwick NE66 1HW Tel: 01665 605 772 TS10 1DJ Tel: 01642 440 571 www.rcvda.org.uk Q Group,Team Valley, NE11 0EF Tynedale Volunteering Hexham, NE46 3NP Stockton Voluntary Tel: 0800 169 2649 www.qgs-synergy.co.uk Tel: 01434 601 201 www.tva.org.uk Development Agency Seaham Aim High Centre Voluntary Sector TS18 3NJ Tel: 01642 355 292 www.sbvda.net Seaham, SR7 7HQ Tel: 0191 581 0555 ORGANISATIONS - TYNE & WEAR Tees Valley Rural Community Council Shotton IT Resource Centre Gateshead Volunteering NE8 4DY Middlesbrough TS2 1AA Tel: 01642 213 852 Shotton Colliery,Tel: 0191 520 8110 Tel: 0191 478 4103 www.gvoc.org.uk INFORMATION,ADVICE AND www.shottonitcentre.co.uk RBLI Tel: 0191440 3922 SUPPORT Skill Training Annfield Plain, Durham, DH9 0JE North Tyneside Voluntary Organisation Basic Skills Development Agency Tel: 01207 234 824 www.skilltraining.uk.com Development Agency Shiremoor, NE27 0HJ www.basic-skills.co.uk Stockton Online Tel: 0191 200 8555 www.voda.org.uk Broker North East Felling, DH10 9QQ Ragworth, Stockton TS19 0FB South Tyneside Resource for Initiating Tel: 0800 389 7036 or 0191 451 6864 Tel: 01642 391264 www.stockton-online.ac.uk Development of the Economy The Learning Resource Centre South Shields, NE33 4UR Knowledge House Darlington, DL3 7BB Tel: 0191 455668 www.stridenetwork.co.uk (Higher Education Support for Industry in the North) Sunderland, SR5 3HD Tel: 0191 516 4408 Tel: 01325 5030274 www.darlington.ac.uk South Tyneside CVS www.knowledgehouse.ac.uk Training Solutions (NE) Ltd South Shields, NE33 2QA Tel: 0191 456 9551 www.southtyneside.info/cvc/ Alnwick, NE66 2HH Department for Education and Skills Tel: 01665 606429 www.tsne.co.uk Sunderland Volunteer Bureau www.dfes.gov.uk SR12QF Tel: 0191 567 8902 Tynemet@Swans Wallsend, NE28 6HQ Entrepreneurs Forum Tel: 0191 240 2574 www.tynemet.ac.uk Volunteer Centre Newcastle Sunderland,Tyne & Wear, SR3 3XR NE1 8XS Tel: 0191 232 6616 Tel: 0870 850 2233 www.entreprenursforum.net University for Industry Ltd www.volunteercentrenewcastle.org.uk Newcastle, NE1 1DE Education Business Connections Voluntary Sector Tel: 0191 230 8043 www.ufi.com Sunderland,Tyne & Wear SR5 2TH ORGANISATIONS - COUNTY DURHAM Tel: 0191 516 6411 EDUCATION ESTABLISHMENTS Teesdale & Wear Valley 2D First Step-multi cultural learning and Newcastle Business School Crook, DL15 8QE Tel: 01388 762 220 www.2d.org.uk support for Women Newcastle, NE4 8RN Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST Tel: 0191 226 1213 www.firststepne.org.uk Tel: 0191 232 6002 Chester-le-Street & Learning & Skills Development Agency St Cloud State University Centre For District & Volunteer Bureau DH3 3DQ Tel: 0191 389 2947 Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4EP British Studies www.chesterlestreetcvsvb.org.uk Tel: 0191 261 6305 www.lsda.org.uk Alnwick, NE66 1NQ Tel: 01665 604 293 Derwentside Volunteer Bureau National Institute of Adult and St Johns College Stanley, DH9 0TE Tel: 01207 218 855 Continuing Education Durham, DH1 3RJ Tel: 0191 374 3579 Durham City District Volunteer Bureau NIACE for North East Region, Leicester Teikyo University of Japan in Durham Durham, DH1 1WA Tel: 0191 383 1944 LE1 7PE. Tel: 0116 204 7058 www.niace.org.uk Durham, DH1 3YD Tel: 0191 374 1269 Durham Rural Community Council New pathways Newcastle, NE4 7YA The Open University Lanchester, DH7 0EX Tel: 01207 529 621 Tel: 0800 073 0708 www.new-pathways.org.uk Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 3PW www.drcc.derwentside.org.uk New Pathways Tel: 0191 284 1611 www.open.ac.uk Sedgefield Development Partnership Sunderland, SR1 1RH Tel: 0800 073 0708 University Durham Stockton Campus TS21 3AJ Tel: 01740 629 445 Stockton-on-Tees,TS17 6BH Tel: 01642 618 020 www.sedgefieldweb.co.uk nextstep County Durham, DH14 6XB Sedgefield Borough Volunteer Bureau Tel: 01388 776 911 University Police Office DL16 6AB Tel: 01325 313 930 www.nextstepcountydurham.org.uk Durham, DH1 3RL Tel: 0191 374 2090 www.cavos.org.uk North East Course Finder www.tap.co.uk Voluntary Sector Easington & District CVS Volunteer NorthEast Euro Information Centre ORGANISATIONS Bureau SR8 1AX Tel: 0191 586 5427 NORTHUMBERLAND Tel: 0191 490 9200 www.northeasteic.com VOLUNTARY SECTOR -TEES VALLEY Blyth Valley CVS NE24 2DP North East Open College Network Tel: 01670 353 623 www.blythvalleycvs.org.uk Darlington Volunteer Bureau (NEOCN) Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE6 1SA DL1 5QD Tel: 01325 266 888 Tel: 0191 224 3434 www.neocn.co.uk Community Council National Database of Volunteering of Northumberland NTI Tees Valley & County Durham TS1 3BA www.do-it.org.uk NE61 1PY Tel: 01670 517 178 Tel: 01642 384 619 www.ccn-morpeth.freeserve.co.uk Hartlepool Volunteer Bureau Hartlepool, www.northeastnti.co.uk TS26 8DD Tel: 01429 262 641 www.hvda.org.uk Castle Morpeth & Wansbeck Volunteer one North East Bureau Ashington, NE63 8RS Middlesbrough Volunteer Centre Newcastle, NE15 8NY Tel: 0191 229 6200 Tel: 01670 858 688 www.wansbeckccvs.org.uk TS1 2RW Tel: 01642 803 613 www.onenortheast.co.uk informnorth February 2007 63 Business Services Self Development

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68 February 2007 informnorth Anne Wright Training Reivers Development Gateshead Education and Business Stockton,TS17 6BJ Tel: 01642 868 712 Hexham, NE48 1RU Tel: 01434 240 245 Partnership www.awt-uk.co.uk www.reivers-dev.com Gateshead, NE9 5UR. Tel: 0191 433 8655 Branta Training Management Sherburn Road Community Action www.ebpnortheast.org.uk Middlesbrough,TS9 5QT Tel: 01642 718 700 Partnership Sherburn Road Estate, Learn2work www.branta-training.co.uk DH1 2EH Tel: 0191 384 572 Stockton-on-Tees,TS18 1SW Bridge Enterprise Centre Ltd Silver Circle Training Tel: 01642 662 600 www.learn2work.net Tel: 01207 283 474 Houghton Le Spring, DH4 4JW Newcastle Education Business Partnership Centaur Training Durham, DH1 2HJ Tel: 0191 584 3666 www.silvercircle.com Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 3HU Tel: 0191 375 3750 www.centaur-training.co.uk TTE Management & Technical Training Tel: 0191 277 4444 www.newcastle-ebp.org.uk Cleveland Accredited Training Centre South Bank, Middlesbrough,TS6 6TZ North Tyneside Education Business (CATC) Middlesbrough,TS3 0HB Tel: 01642 462 266 www.tte.co.uk Partnership Wallsend, NE28 0HG Tel: 01642 313 211 www.catc-ltd.co.uk Tyneside Training Services Ltd Tel: 0191 200 1551 www.cs.ncl.ac.uk/ntebp Derwentside Training Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 2ER Northumberland Education Business Consett DH8 6BP Tel: 01207 218 409 Tel: 0191 286 2919 Partnership Blyth, NE24 1LZ Develop Northumberland, NE61 3LL www.tynesidetrainingservices.co.uk Tel: 01670 541 534 www.ebpnortheast.org.uk Tel: 01670 794 400 www.develop-solutions.co.uk CAREERS ADVICE SERVICES: South Tyneside Education Business Partnership South Shields, NE34 9UG Derwentside Industrial Development Charity Employment - Tel: 0191 519 1909 www.ebpnortheast.org.uk Agency Consett DH8 5XP www. jobsincharities.co.uk Sunderland Education Business Tel: 01207 580 011 www.did.co.uk Child Care - www.dfes.gov.uk Partnership Sunderland, SR1 1RE Future Strategies North Shields, NE29 6den Complementary Therapies Tel: 0191 4901 717 Tel: 0191 257 8002 www.futurestrategies.co.uk www.icmedicine.co.uk OLDER AGE GROUP CONTACTS: General Physics (UK) Ltd Construction careers www.bpec.org.uk Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 6PA Age Concern Tel: 0191 261 2626 www.gpworldwide.com Counselling www.bacp.co.uk Tel: 0800 009 966 www.ace.org.uk County Durham and Darlington Acute Helm Care Services Ltd Age Positive www.agepositive.gov.uk Hospitals NHS Trust Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12 7BH Durham, DH1 5TW Tel: 0191 333 2297 Experience Corps Newcastle NE1 2TE Tel: 0191 268 7111 www.helmcare.com Fire Service County Durham and Tel: 0191 230 2652 www.experiencecorps.co.uk Imass Ltd Darlington Fire and Rescue Service FiftyOn Tel: 020 7451 0231 www.fiftyon.co.uk Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 3PX www.ddfra.co.uk Tel: 0191 213 5555 www.imass.co.uk Hartlepool & East Durham Alzheimers Leisure Industry Trust Hartlepool,TS24 8QZ Keith Bassendine ITC www.leisureopportunities.co.uk Tel: 01429 862 255 Middlesbrough,TS7 9NU Tel: 01642 458 230 www.keithbassendine-itc.co.uk National Childminding Association Maturity Works Tel: 01665 510 137 www.ncma.org.uk Learn East Tel: 020 8667 0175 www.maturityworks.co.uk Peterlee, SR8 1AL Tel: 0191 586 2402 nextstep County Durham DH14 6XB Prime Tel: 01388 776 911 Tel: 0800 783 1904 www.primeinitiative.org.uk Learning Network Project www.nextstepcountydurham.org.uk Catchgate, DH9 8EZ Tel: 01207 234 241 Third Age Employment Network NHSU, North East Region, Corporate Tel: 020 7843 1590 www.taen.org.uk Learning North East University for NHS Sunderland, SR3 3XW. Tel: 0800 262 639 www.learning.org.uk Tel: 0191 501 8001 www.nhsu.org.uk University of the Third Age Tel: 020 7837 8838 www.u3a.org.uk MCQ Limited Nursing and Health www.nhscareers.nhs.uk Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 2YP Wise Owls Plumbing www.plumbers.org.uk Tel: 0191 265 3003 www.mcq.co.uk Tel: 020 7923 7771 www.wiseowls.co.uk Police www.policecouldyou.co.uk Minster Safety Training Services EDUCATION IN THE COMMUNITY: Wallsend, NE28 6UY Tel: 0191 263 4111 Prison Service www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk County Office, Durham www.minstersafetytraining.co.uk Public Sector Employment Opportunities DH1 5UJ Tel: 0191 383 4400 Newcastle Literacy Trust www.sector1.net.co.uk NE2 1DJ Tel: 0191 260 5200 Social Work Durham Area, Durham DH1 5TS Tel: 0191 383 9176 North East New Technology Institute www.socialcarecareers.co.uk www.gscc.org.uk Tyne & Wear and Northumberland. Teaching www.useyourheadteach.gov.uk East Durham Area, Peterlee Tel: 0191 227 3902 www.northeastnti.co.uk SR8 2DP Tel: 0191 587 1098 Tourism www.tourismtraining.biz North East New Technology Institute North Durham Area, Stanley EDUCATION & BUSINESS DH9 0HQ Tel: 01207 232 565 Tees Valley and Durham.Tel: 01642 384 619 PARTNERSHIPS: www.northeastnti.co.uk Dales Area, Bishop Auckland County Durham Business & Learning DL14 7JN Tel: 01388 662 577 Northern Counties Safety Group Ltd Partnership Chester-le-Street, DH3 3SY Tel: 0191 387 4488 Ferryhill, DL17 8AN. Tel: 01740 652 681 Sedgefield Area, Rushyford www.ncsg.co.uk www.businesslearningpartnership.org.uk DL17 0PT Tel: 01388 720 911 informnorth February 2007 69 kay so you all know that "thirty actually pretty good - only 11 minutes days hath September, April, As we enter 2007 many off each year. To thank him, in 44 BC OJune, and November." But why? the Roman Senate named the seventh How'd we wind up with a calendar that of us will have already month of the new calendar July, after has four months of 30 days, seven their exalted and time-sensitive leader. months of 31 days, and one of 28 (not left our resolutions behind It was his successor, Caesar Augustus, to mention a leap year every four)? It's so it's time to break open who actually laid claim to August in 8 a long story - of lunar months, solar BC. years, a caesar, and a pope. a brand new calendar The Pope's Command Lunar Months, Solar Years But wait a second: what about those 11 Time may be relative, but ancient and ask some age-old minutes? By the 16th century, the Julian farmers liked to know when to plant, time-keeping questions, calendar had fallen behind the solar one when to reap and when to celebrate by 10 days. The Catholic Church, which all that planting and reaping. So they as Mark Burton discovers had used the Julian calendar for looked up. Back then, the night sky centuries despite its known faults, was provided the most convenient calendar. for informnorth. getting anxious about how far the vernal Even the dimmest of observers could equinox was creeping away from the see that the moon took 29 to 30 days - who were supposed to regulate when "correct" date for Easter. actually, 29.53 - to turn from a thin Mercedonius started and stopped Early 4th-century Christians had crescent to a bloated orb and back gleefully abused the extra month, often decided that Easter should be again. That cycle told one lunar month. using it for personal and political ends. celebrated on the first Sunday after Need to keep a friend in office? Want More astute timekeepers noticed that the first full moon following the vernal to postpone a project? Just manipulate roughly twice every 12 lunar cycles, equinox. But every 130 years, the Mercedonius! there was a day with equal hours of Julian calendar moved one whole day light and dark. These days, the vernal It was great fun, but lousy timekeeping. further off solar time. By the year 1500, and autumnal equinoxes, marked time Even without the rampant calendrical the vernal equinox fell on the 10th or for the seasons. The time between one abuse, the Roman calendar gained a 11th of March (instead of nearer the vernal equinox and the next told one day every year. A year with Mercedonius 21st of that month). solar year - or 365.24 days. ran 377 or 378 days, while a normal So, in 1582, Pope Gregory XIII ordered Roman year lasted 355 days. Since The trick was to make a calendar that everyone to go to bed on Thursday, that averaged out to 366.25 days, had lunar months and a solar year. Not October 4, and wake up on Friday, Roman time gradually pulled ahead of so easy, as lunar months don't fit evenly October 15. This 10-day adjustment the solar year. into solar years. The best compromise worked well, so Gregory added another was to fit 12 lunar cycles (a little more Reckon Unto Caesar change. Century years such as 1700 than 354 days) into one solar cycle. Julius Caesar put a stop to all the or 1800 would no longer be counted as But that left 11 solar days outside time. madness in 46 BC. With the help of a leap years unless they were divisible by After just three years on a lunar Greek astronomer, Caesar devised a 400 (like 1600 or 2000). The Gregorian calendar, which the western world still calendar, the months were off by 33 strategy to standardise the Roman uses today, departs from the solar year days. Gradually, June froze over and calendar. First, he added three months November got downright sultry. And by only 26 seconds. That's one day to the then-current Roman year, 707, no one even knew when Mother's Day every 3,323 years. to get things back into whack. Then, was, let alone National Enterprise Although times were literally changing, Week. he made the Roman year 365 days long, with an extra day in February not all of Europe was quick to adopt the The Merry Month of every fourth year. Gregorian calendar. Differences with Mercedonius Rome kept many countries from signing He abolished Mercedonius. To make The only way to fit the solar and lunar on and England and America held out 12 lunar months fit into a solar year, until 1752, when an act of parliament calendars together was to intercalate, Caesar simply added days to the or to add extra days or months. The required his majesty's subjects to skip non-February months until he had doled 11 days in September, going straight Romans, who were the best at many out 365 days across the year. That from Wednesday, September 2, to things, were the worst at this. They just created the idea of having months that Thursday, September 14 and Russia tacked on a "leap month" after February track the moon, but something had to required a revolution to change its every other year, called Mercedonius. give. For Caesar, it was time for the dated ways - the Gregorian calendar Everyone liked Mercedonius. People moon to bow to the sun. wasn't used there until 1918. When they got another pay packet and could wait It took a few decades to work out the say "time is relative" take a moment to to pay off their debts. But the officials kinks, but Caesar's calendar was consider just how relative and to whom.