AcNorcothunEasttancyAwards2008 Business Echo Sponsored by FOR THE BEST COVERAGEINTHE REGION businessecho.co.uk The NorthernEcho TUESDAY,FEBRUARY 5,2008 NEWS IN BRIEF Ryanairprays forshelterfrom profit‘storm’ £2.5m faceliftfor business park BUDGET airline Ryanairwarned a“perfectstorm” of higheroil ABUSINESSparkistoundergo pricesand weakerconsumerde- a£2.5m facelift.OceanaGroup mand could hitthe firmnext Holdingsisredeveloping and year. refurbishing its 12-acreOceana The company,whichoperates Business Park,in Wallsend, flights out of Newcastle Interna- Newcastle.The site,adjacentto tionaland DurhamTeesValley the SwanHuntershipyard,was airports,said therewasasignifi- oncehometothe Wallsend cantchancethatits profits could ResearchStation and morethan fall in the yeartoMarch2009asa 400 workers.Itnowhouses weakerpound and higherairport officesand units. chargesweighed on the carrier. Chief executiveMichael CONTRACT WINS: Harrogate- O’Leary said:“The Europeanair- based CicadaCommunications line sectorispresentlyfacing one hasclinched workwithYork of thesecyclicaldownturns,with ACM-Pivotal,whichprovides apossibility of a‘perfectstorm’.” laboratory servicestothe The gloom came asRyanair’s pharmaceuticaland biotech profits forthe three monthsto industries,the Academyfor the end of Decemberfell 27 per Sustainable Communities,and centto35million euros(£26.4m) twocompaniesin Leeds.Cicada –described byMrO’Leary asa said itwill berecruiting more “creditable performanceinvery staff tocope withits growth. adversemarketconditions”. Ryanairsaid itwas“essential- MERGER PLAN: Punch lyunhedged” against rising oil Taverns,the UK’sbiggest pub costs–currentlystandingat firm,hasconfirmed amerger about 90US dollars abarrel – proposalforrivalchain whichisexpected toimposesig- Mitchells&Butlers.The all- nificantlyhighercosts asthe air- shareofferwould see Mitchells line lookstoexpand capacity by &Butlers shareholders own50 about 20 percent. percentof the enlarged Last week the Dublin-based op- company,and alsoreceivea erator,whichfliesto26 European sweetenerof £175m. countries,increased its online fee ■ Full story –Page 11 forplacing itemsin the plane’s hold from £5to£6 perbag. NEW EXAM: Areceptionist ata The cost of checking in lug- veterinary practiceinCounty gage atthe airport –double the Durhamhasbecomethe firstin internetfee –increased by£2to the UK toachieveaqualification £12peritem. AIRLINE WARNING: Chief executiveMichael O’Leary said weakening profits would bepart of the downturn in front-deskskills.ErikaMason, from The PrinceBishop Veterinary Hospital,in Leadgate, nearConsett,hasbeen awarded level twoforVeterinary PracticeReceptionists. Criticalskillsshortage costs CATTLE FARMERS

CATTLE farmers havebeen warned theycould face expensivefallen stock chargesnext year.The region majorinvestment NationalBeef Association believesdisposalcharges could beashigh as£150per animalinEngland,£176 in THE North-East hasmissed out EXCLUSIVE mabeing piloted in Middles- billionsof poundsworthofin- speakers from Amecand Sonhoe Scotland and £115 in Wales. on majorinwardinvestmentpro- ByJuliaBreen brough and Hartlepool would vestmentwhichwill pour into –the companybehind the £2bn Itestimatesatotalannual jects becauseofconcernsabout Business Editor provide agood routeintoengi- the region in the next ten years. Teesside crude oil plant–and skillsshortages,anindustry neering. “Although the majority of com- will focus on skillsshortages,fu- collection and disposalbill [email protected] of £31m if the Government leaderhaswarned. The University of Teesside is paniescurrentlyhavemorework turemarketopportunitiesand endsthe presentfree service Malcolm Potter,chief execu- alsolooking toprovide flexible thantheycanshake astickat, support forsmallerbusinesses. forcattle over24monthsold tiveofthe TeesValleyEngineer- planton Teesside,whichwill cre- coursessopeople cangain quali- thereareanumberof smaller Partners4Engineering 2008is atthe end of the year. ing Partnership,said the key ate2,500 jobs,and the rebuilding ficationswhile theywork. companieswho areperhaps being organised byWashington issuefacing the region wasskills of Hartlepool PowerStation, Hesaid:“Wehavethen gotthe working belowcapacity because marketing and eventmanage- RURAL AFFAIRS Page 5 and capabilitiestodeliverpro- whichwill create3,000 jobs, existing workforce,whichisold theyareinaniche areawhich mentcompanyAllanciaLimited, jects. meantmanymoreengineers and and grey,and animported one. hasfaded away. in conjunction withthe North- Speaking toThe Northern skilled workers wereneeded in “Wehaveused workers from “Ifwecanidentifythosecom- East Process IndustryCluster Echo aheadofanengineering the region. EasternEurope alot,but weare paniesand talk tothem,theycan (NEPIC). Inside conferencewhichwill focus on Hesaid if the areawastore- findingitisnotaninexhaustible start diversifying tomeetthe The eventwill bring together skillsshortages,he said:“Iun- main competitiveagainst other supply–intermsof Poland,we needsof the regionsotheycan leaders of morethan100 compa- Business News...... 2 derstand thattherearecontracts regions,the shortage of skilled haveprobablypeaked now. win morework.” niesand organisationstoinves- Small Business...... 3 thatcould havecome intothis workers needed tobetackled. “Lots of moneywill bepoured The TeesValleyEngineering tigatethe issuesand challenges Law...... 4 areabut havegone elsewhere,be- Hesaid:“Wehavegottostart intoEasternEurope sothosepro- Partnership issupporting the surrounding the futuregrowthof RuralAffairs...... 5 causepeople need convincing planning forthatbecausethere jects will requiretheirownpeo- Partners4Engineeringconfer- the region’sengineering and CommercialProp...... 8 and 9 about our ability todeliver arehuge people requirements ple.” ence,whichisbeing held in the process sectors. PersonalFinance...... 10 them.” there,although theyarequite Hesaid some smallercompa- WynyardRooms,Wynyard,near Organisers arehoping many MarketReport...... 11 Hesaid majorprojects,suchas long-termprojects.” niesalsoneeded todiversifyso Billingham,on March12. small engineering companies the £2bncrude oil processing Hesaid anengineering diplo- theycould take advantage of the The conferencewill feature will attend.

AcNocorthEunasttancyAwards2008 Count yourself in... Nominationsare nowopen Enter onlineat www.accountancyawards.co.uk Sponsored by June 5 th 2008 Hilton Newcastle Gateshead 2 BUSINESSECHO businessecho.co.uk TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5,2008 Troubled Bede looks Joanne atall options Fryett TECHNOLOGY firmBede warned last nightitwasreview- ing all options,but could still go out of business. Naturalborn Accountants carrying out an independentreviewof the Durhamplc’sbusiness last year leaders or said doubthadbeencast overthe company’sability tocontinue trading asagoing concern. And yesterdayBede,which just people makesx-raytechnologyforsemi- conductormanufacturers,said it wasstill reviewing all “strategic withpassion? options”toaddress thisconcern. KPMG, in Newcastle,warned last yearthatthe grouphadin- ITH the US primaries curred anetloss of £2.3mduring constantlyin the news,even the nine monthstothe end of though electionsarestill nine September,and said atthe time: monthsaway,wecansee the W “Thisindicatesthe existenceofa valueweplaceupon choosing materialuncertainty whichmay the rightleader.But whatisitthatmakesa cast significantdoubton the greatleaderand isone naturallybornaleader group’sability totrade asagoing orisitpossible todevelop leadership concern.” qualities? The companysaid yesterdayit Inthe North-East,small businessesprovides wasstill in talkswithapotential the backbone of the economyand the need buyerwhichcould leadtoa forcapable,authoritativeleadership iscrucial takeoverbid –talkswhichhave tosustaining our economicgrowth. been continuing formorethan Recognition of thisfactisdemonstrated in sixmonths. One NorthEast’sRegionalEconomicStrategy Orderintake wasbelowits whereleadership isfeatured asakeyfactorin plansat£1.1m and the totalorder the region’ssuccess. book standsat£1.15m. The group However,in ordertogeneratefutureleaders said its netcashposition wors- who will provecapable and proficient,weneed ened byabout £300,000 during the toequip businessesand individualswiththe MEETING DEMAND: Preparing the ground forNetpark’sexpansion are:Stewart Watkins,of County DurhamDevelopment last quarter,and atthe end of last rightskills. Company,IanWilliams,from regionaldevelopmentagencyOne NorthEast,whichishelping CDDC promotethe development, yearnetborrowingsstood at Wehearalotabout greatleadership,but ProfessorJohn Anstee and Catherine Johns,of Netpark,and DurhamCounty Council leaderCouncillorAlbert Nugent about £1.1m. whatreallyisgreatleadership? Istheresucha InJuly,Bede said thatitwasin thing asabornleaderorcanyoudevelop preliminary discussionswithun- leadership approach? Netparkexpansion twoyears aheadofschedule named partieson apossible offer One NorthEast hasbeen sopassionate forthe company. about leadership in the North-East thatthe The company,whichwas grouphasincluded leadership in the Regional ASCIENCEparkis companiesarehaving to DevelopmentCompany CouncillorAlbert Nugent, founded in 1978byProfessor EconomicStrategy. expanding twoyears ahead movestaff intoportable (CDDC),whichisbehind leaderof DurhamCounty BrianTannerand three col- The focus hasbeen on people,placesand of schedule aftermassive buildingstocope withthe Netpark,said ithad Council,said:“Netparkis leaguesfrom DurhamUniversity, business and the leadership required to demand forspace. expansion. received 91 inquiriesabout the jewel in the crownof isbased atBelmontBusiness change culturesand environments thataffect Netpark,nearSedgefield, Forecasts showed thatthe moving intothe Incubator County Durham’seconomic Park,nearDurhamCity. businesses. County Durham,isbuilding initialIncubatorwould be in the past 11 months. landscape and reflects the Last year,itreturned toprofit Ithink thatleadership isabout taking anotherIncubatorfacility 95 percentfull within CDDC aimstoattract strong footingsthatthe forthe first time in morethana responsibility and changing perceptions. fornewbusinesses. three-and-a-half years of another20orsocompanies county council hasput in year,posting earningsof £17,000. Having the trust of others,torepresenttheir Its existing Incubator, opening,but ithashitthat tofill its newincubator placetokeep the region at needsatalocaland regionallevel. The North- whichhasofficeand targetwithin half the time. space,whichwill be the cutting edgeofthe East hasseveralleaders and leadership styles, laboratory space,isfull and County Durham completed byOctober. globaleconomy.” Investment all of whichhavethe same goal,making their part of the North-East abetterplacetoliveand meansgrowth work,withbetterskillsand opportunitiesfor generationstocome. MANUFACTURING firmFJones The North-East hasthe PassionatePeople Cleveland hasdoubled produc- and PassionatePlacesand weknowthe tools Softwarefirmenjoys tion atits growing factory on and opportunity topassionatelychange the Teesside. environmentweliveand workin. The familycompany–alead- Sowhetherornotweleadthe world’sonly ing manufacturerof precision- superpowerorasmall business weneed to cut marble,graniteand Quartz ensurethatwehavethe skills,opportunities ‘good start’tothe year stone surfaces–hasspent£450,000 and leadership tocreateaNorth-East thatwe on cutting equipment. all passionatebelieveisagreatplacetobe. Aspokesmansaid the equip- ■ Joanne Fryett isthe North-East Chamberof mentwould help in its attemptto Commerce’sheadofmemberrelations. BUSINESS softwaregroup ByKateStanley challenges,”headded. charge afterthe departures meet“aggressive” expansion tar- Sage said yesterdayitwas Deputy Business Editor Sage achieved £1bninrev- and Sage isstill looking fora gets,whichinclude pushing well placed tocope withex- enuesforthe first time in the replacementchief executive, [email protected] turnoverthrough the £10mbar- istingeconomicchallenges yeartoSeptember30,coupled although itsaid the search rierand doubling its workforceto and remained confidentfor withunderlying profits of was‘‘progressing well’’. 80by2010.The investmentisin the yearahead. thatwewill meetour organic £251.3m. VinayBedi,fund manager addition tothe £5.2mrecently The Newcastle plc, whichis revenueforecast forthe full Thisyear,itisexpected to atBrewin Dolphin,in New- spenttoexpand the firm’sfacto- aleading globalsupplierof year,”hesaid. bank revenuesof about castle,said:“Gonearethe ry in Riverside ParkRoad,Mid- business managementsoft- Healsosaid thatthe “de- £1.2bnand profits of £272m. days thatinvestors buy Sage dlesbrough. wareand services,said itwas fensivecharacteristics”of The company,whichem- purelyforits exceptional TechnicaldirectorSimon confidentof hitting full-year Sage’sbusiness model would ploysmorethan13,900 staff growthpotential,yetitstill Jonessaid:“Our latest purchase revenuegrowthtargets after help itweatherwidereco- worldwide,including about offers manyattractionstothe will allowustoincreaseoutput agood start tothe financial nomicuncertainties. 1,000 in Newcastle,yesterday long-termpurchaser. significantlywithout compro- year. “While werecognisethe said its troubled US business “Thisinterim statementof- mising quality,asthe newma- Inaninterim management currentuncertaintiesin the hasachieved a“modest im- fers little in the wayof nasty chinesneed little downtime statementforthe three macro-economicsituation, provement”. surprisesoranyexceptional- while in production.” monthstoDecember31,chief the defensivecharacteristics The firmparted company lygood news. executivePaulWalkersaid of our business model,in- withNorthAmericanchief “Reliability isthe byword Boardappointment Sage wastrading in line with cluding strong cashflows and executiveRon Verni and fi- forshareholders seeking a expectationsacross Europe ahigh level of recurring rev- nancedirectorJim Eckstaedt good quality,FTSE 100 com- FORMER Tory party leader and in NorthAmerica. enuesthrough our support last Octoberafterdisappoint- pany,whichiscertainlyno Michael Howardhasjoined the “Our experienceinthe first contracts,meanthatweare ing salesfigures. badthing in currentmarket boardofNorthernRacing. quartergivesusconfidence wellplaced tomeetthese MrWalkertooktemporary conditions.” MrHoward,who led the Con- servativeParty in opposition be- tween 2003 and 2005,hasjoined as ‘Fuel povertytargets will bemissed’ Onthe move anon-executivedirector. NorthernRacing ownsnine ATARGETtoend fuel pover- The Fuel Poverty Adviso- theirincome on fuel by2010. GREEK restaurantLimani,in racecoursesin the UK, including ty in England by2010will be ry Groupsays itbelieves The grouphascriticised SouthShields,SouthTyneside,is sitesin Newcastle and Sedgefield, missed,according tothe thatmorethanamillion vul- the Governmentforfailing on the marketfor£99,950.Owner County Durham. Itwasacquired Government’sadvisors on nerable householdswill totake the “difficultdeci- NickPetrakisand wife Helen are bythe Reuben Brothers in April the topic. spend morethanatenthof sions”needed. relocatingtoNewcastle. last yearin adealworth£90m. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5,2008 businessecho.co.uk SMALL BUSINESS BUSINESSECHO 3

Showthe world Forumoffers support forsmall shopsBill youmean business ABILL toprovide support forsmall re- ByKateStanley business,”said the FPB’spolicyrepre- couraging moresmall retailers toopen tail businessesisbeing backed bythe Deputy Business Editor sentative,MatthewGoodman. shops. 0845 600 9006 ForumofPrivateBusiness (FPB). “Moreimportantly,thisisafantastic “Itwill involveabusiness ratesre- [email protected] www.businesslinknortheast.co.uk The Retail DevelopmentBill,which opportunity forthe Governmentto viewin ordertocomparesmall shops’ requireslocalauthoritiestoestablish lessen the impactthatbusiness rates costs,whicharefrequentlyunfairly support schemes,wasrecentlyintro- annualturnover.The reviewwould haveonsmall shops,bothfinancially high,against thoseincurred bylarge duced in the HouseofLordsbyLiber- take intoconsideration howratesaf- and administratively.” supermarkets and big businesses,”he alDemocratpeerLordCotter. fectthe profitability of abusiness,its The Governmentwould alsoestab- said. Ifitbecomeslaw,itwill ensurethat ability tosupport its owners and em- lishanOfficeforRetail Planning “The Bill will introducearetail de- support ismade available forstrug- ployees,and the costs and benefits of (ORP),whichwould beresponsible for velopmentplanforeachareaof the gling small shopsthatmightotherwise reducing the rates. maintaining the availability of differ- country tosafeguardagainst the over- beforced toclose. “Localauthoritieshaveavested in- entclassesof retail premises,aswell expansion of the supermarkets.There Underthe Bill,the Government terest in promoting the growthoflocal asarange of high-quality retail ser- will beanumberof provisionstomain- would alsoreviewthe retail business retailers and should look on thisre- vices,across the UK. tain the characterand diversity of high ratesapplied tosmall shops,focusing viewasachancetomake theircom- LordCottersaid he hoped the Bill streets,involving the localcommuni- Small on the level of ratesasapercentage of munitiesbetterplacesin whichtodo would revitalisehigh streets byen- ty sothattheyhaveapowerfulvoice.” Business

ByRACHEL MOSS Whygoing Rachel’sone L green canbea smart move of arole model

ANEW year,anewwaytolook atrunning your company.Being eco-awaredoesnot ASTAY-AT-HOME motherse- ByJuliaBreen wasted. Thisisone jobI’ll be just meandoing your bittosavethe planet,it cretlystudied tobecomeadri- Business Editor able tocarry on doing because ving instructorwhile her myskillsaretotallyportable.’ canalsoconvert intorealbusiness benefits. [email protected] Farfrom being apassingfad,corporate Armyhusband wasserving in Rachel switched tobecome and socialresponsibility (CSR)ismaking a Afghanistan. adriving instructorafter realconnection withcustomers who are NowRachel Darbyisrun- busywomen juggling child- working asagraduatetrainee increasinglylooking tofind the greenest ning asuccessfuldriving carearrangements. restaurantmanagerin the products available on the market. school franchisefrom Catter- “It’saperfectjobformums catering industry. The most common demandsarefor ick,NorthYorkshire. like me,”she said. She said:“The shiftworkdid ethically-traded orlocally-sourced goods The 29-year-old surprised “Yetit’snotacareermost notsuitme,even when Ihad withminimalpackaging,but therearemany herhusband,Dave,withher women withkidswould think no children. otherways todemonstratethatyour newventurewhen he returned about entering. “Being anArmywifewhen companyistaking environmentalissues from hisseven-monthtour of “Whatelsecould Ido to Daveisawayislike being asin- seriously. duty. beincontrol of when Iwork, gle mum. Business Link haslaunched adedicated Mrs Darby,who hastwochil- aswell asearning agood “Ineed setworking hours online resourcetohelp businesses,whatever dren,Oliver,three,and one- salary?” whichIcontrol tofitround the size,gain bottom line benefits bygoing year-old Owen,said:“I’m over Mrs Darbysigned upwith childcareand the kids. green. The Environmentand Efficiency the moon tohaveDaveback the Bill Plantdriving instruc- “I’vealways liked meeting section of www.businesslinknortheast.co.uk and he wasdelighted Ihad torfranchiseand said she was people and passing on new containsadviceonreducing waste, passed. alreadyhavingtoturnpoten- skills. marketing green credentialsand understanding your legalobligations. “It’shardbringing uptwo tiallearners awaybecauseshe “The feeling Igetwhen one Thislast pointisvitallyimportant. children alonewithDave hadsomanystudents. of mypupilspassestheirdri- Environmentallegislation covers issuessuch away,but Iwanted him tobe She said:“Atanypointmy ving test isfantastic.’ asairemissions,wasteresponsibility, proudofmeforgetting on husband could beposted else- SergeantDarby,who isa managementof harmfulsubstancesand withitand starting myown whereinthe UK.Thankfully, memberof 5RegimentRoyal pollution prevention. Ifanyof thesesound franchise.” doing thismeansall myefforts Artillery,said:“Rachel’sanin- BUSINESSEXPANDS: From left,Melanie Crow,David French, like business concernsforyou,failureto She said being adriving in- tobuild upabusiness asa spiration toothermums–I’m from Business Link,and JanMassey complycould haveserious consequences. structorwasanidealjobfor good instructorwon’tfeel reallyproudofher.” Business Link offers anemail alert serviceto keep youone step aheadand fullyinformed on environmentalrequirements. From tinybeginnings ACSR policycanalsobeaused asa motivating factorforemployees.The sense AMOTHER and daughter-run rangeofbabyand christening of inclusion initiatives,suchasrecycling photographybusiness isex- gifts. plansand volunteerdays forlocalcharities panding intowedding pho- Theyarenowhoping tofind canberealmorale boosters foryour team, tography. similarsuccess in the wed- and agood waytoretain personnel overthe Inonlythree years,Jan ding photographymarket years. Massey,54,and herdaughter, withPhotographyforWed- Formost small and medium-sized Melanie Crow,32,havedou- dingsUK. businessesof course,the most important bled theirturnoverand won PhotographyforLittle Peo- factorishowaneffectiveCSR policycan twoconsecutiveawardsfor ple begantrading from abar- affectyour bottom line. Intermsof marketing HOME ON WomanEntrepreneur of the rowin the MetroCentre,in your business,going green canbean Yearin Retail. February 2005,selling im- excellentprofile-raising exerciseand could LEAVE: Left,the Withsupport from Business pressionsof children’shands createpositivePR.However,asthisbecomes Darbyfamily. amoremainstreambusiness practice,the Link,theycreated Gateshead- and feet.When demand Above,Rachel has based PhotographyforLittle soared,theyopened ashop in Advertising StandardsAuthority (ASA)has qualified asa recentlywarned thatcaremust betaken People,building itintoa the upperyellowmall of the when marketing green credentials. driving instructor business thatprovidesalarge MetroCentre,in March2006. Intangible month-on-monthfinancial rewards,creatingyour ownCSR policy draws attention towhereresourcesarebeing used,and often wasted,in your business.It Deadline loomsforArtsCouncil cashopportunity isestimated thatitispossible formost businessestosavebetween ten and 20 per centon theirenergybillsatlittle orno cost. CREATIVE businesseshave newcreativebusinesses.The industriesdevelopmentofficer Small and MediumSizeEnter- Upto75percentof the total onlyafewdays tobid forcash scheme isduetofinishnext forArts Council England prisesless than12monthsold, projectcosts areavailable. BUSINESSLink’steamofexpert brokers from afund whichhasprovid- month,but withfunding still North-East said:“Weknow working within arange of in- Anyone wanting toapply operateacross the region in localaccess ed morethan£5m of support available. The Arts Council is thereisarichand diverse dustries,including fashion, will need toprovide abusiness points and on amobile basis.Forfurther in the past nine years. hoping thatentrepreneurs range of creativetalentin the crafts,publishing,art,antiq- planand athree-yearcashflow information about Business Link visit The CulturalBusiness Ven- from across the region will North-East and wewould like ues,softwareand computer forecast,including details businesslinknortheast.co.ukorcall 0845-600- ture,whichissupported by make anapplication before asmanypeople aspossible to services,crafts,architecture, about the developmenttobe 9006. Arts Council England,provides the deadline on Friday. take thisopportunity.” film and video,aswell asde- funded. Toapply,call 0845-300- grants from £1,000 to£6,000 to JonathanMartin,creative Grants areavailable for sign and music. 6200 orgo toartscouncil.org.uk Showthe worldyou mean business 0845 600 9006 www.businesslinknortheast.co.uk 4 BUSINESSECHO ECHO LAW businessecho.co.uk TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5,2008

IN ASSOCIATION WITH Firmsteers Blackett Hart &Pratt in partnership with business Nexus in

If youare looking foralawfirm that the right talks your language, whereyou arethe centreofattention,thenlook no further. direction

LAW firmWardHadawayhasad- vised transport operatorNexus on its multi-million refurbish- mentof acity centremetrosta- tion. The £22mscheme willsee Hay- Echo marketstation,in Newcastle, transformed bythe construction Law of afour-storeymixed-usedevel- opmentwithshops,abank and ByDavid Wilson barand restaurantfacilities. The programme involvesthe co-operation of Newcastle City Council and will include major Guaranteesand highwayupgrading and associ- ated regenerationworkinthe Haymarketarea. indemnities– Developer42nd Street(Hay- marketHub),whichcomprisesa spotthe jointventurebetween construc- tion groupTolent,leisuregroup 42nd StreetRealty and develop- difference NEW ARRIVALS: AlistairScott-Somers,left,and Steven Berry join Dickinson DeesgrowingYorkoffice ers Closegate,will carry out the main work. Newcastle-based WardHad- GUARANTEES and indemnitiesarebothlong es- awayadvised Metrooperator tablished formsof whatthe lawtermssuretyship. Nexus on the numerous agree- Thereareimportantlegaldistinctionsbetween Seniorlawyers join ments between the parties. them. David Douglass,partnerin the Aguarantee isapromisetosomeone thata property departmentatWard thirdparty will meetits obligationstothem –“if Hadaway,said:“Thisisin akey theydon’tpayyou,Iwill”. city centresiteand the develop- Anindemnity isapromisetoberesponsible mentwill see much-improved fa- foranother’sloss,and tocompensatethem for cilitiesforall passengers,aswell thatloss on anagreed basis–“if itcosts you Dickinson Dees ascreating jobs–bothinthe con- morethan£250tofixthat,Iwill reimburseyou struction phaseand oncethe the difference”. mixed-usedevelopmentiscom- Section4ofthe venerable StatuteofFrauds pleted and occupied. 1677 requiresguaranteestobeinwriting if they LAW firmDickinson Deeshas ByKateStanley fivepartners operating out of 37 Desiroclass 350electric “The teamatWardHadaway aretobeenforceable;thereisno suchrequire- recruited twoseniorlawyers Deputy Business Editor the Yorkshireoffice,twospe- trainsand 27 Turbostarclass worked extremelyhardtogetthe atits growing officeinNorth cialising in corporatework, 172 diesel trains,will come on mentin the caseofanindemnity,although of [email protected] dealcompleted. The transaction course,written agreementisalways best asa Yorkshire. one in tax,one in planning streamduring 2009-10. wascomplexand crossed anum- matterof practiceand forproof. Steven Berry and Alistair and one in property,who are David Rewcastle,apartner berof differentlegaldisciplines. Itisnotalways obvious whetheraclauseor Scott-Somers havejoined the “Myaim in mynewjobisto backed upbya32-strong atDickinson Dees,said: “The teamincluded develop- agreementisaguarantee oranindemnity. commercialproperty and cor- developthe retail sectorwork team. “SinceGovia’sappointment ment,planning,construction Some of the differenceswerehighlighted re- poratedepartments respec- within the firmthroughout “Wearecontinuing tore- torunthe newLondon Mid- and banking lawyers.Itis centlybythe Court of Appealinthe 2007 case tivelyatDickinson Dees’ Yorkshire.” cruitacross all legalsectors, land rail franchise,wehave through the combined efforts of Pitts &Ors vJones. premisesin the Chocolate MrScott-Somers hasjoined aswecontinuetoestablish been working closelytogeth- all concerned thatthe transac- The appellants bringing the claim weremi- Works,Bishopthorpe Road, Dickinson Deesasanassoci- ourselvesasamajorlegal ertoensurethe franchisegets tion hasreached asuccessful nority shareholders in acompanyof whichthe York. ateinthe Yorkcorporate playerin Yorkshire.” the best start possible. conclusion.” otherparty wasmanaging directorand majority MrBerry,aretail property team. Hehasworked forEver- “The introduction of the shareholder. specialist,qualified asasolic- sheds,in Leeds,specialising ■ DICKINSON Deeshasad- newrolling stockmeansthat The majority shareholderhadnegotiated the itorin 1984,and hassince in privateequity work,more vised rail companyGoviadur- passengers willbeable tosee Preparing for sale of the companytoapurchaserwho had worked forlawfirmsBooth recentlyasin-housecounsel ing investmentin its newly- the huge investmentand com- agreed tobuy the sharesof the minority atthe and Co,in Leeds,Hill Dickin- forPremierFarnell. acquired London Midland mitmentGoviaismaking an newhealth same price. son,in Liverpool,and Andrew Dickinson Dees,whichhas franchise. ordertoprovide best-in-class The appellants weresummoned tothe sale MJackson in Hull. its headofficeinNewcastle, The Newcastle lawfirmhas travel linksforthe West Mid- and safety law completion meeting and weretold thataspart Hesaid:“Ihavedealtwith opened its YorkofficeinFeb- worked withGoviaon all lands.” Dickinson Deesin the past ruary last year.Itrecently legalmatters concerning the The London Midland rail of the termsagreed,theirshareswould bepur- SMALL businessesarebeing ad- chased afteradelayof sixmonths. and feltthatthe firmhasthe moved from The Mounttothe franchise,including its suc- franchisecombinesthe Sil- sizeand the resources,par- formerTerry’sheadquarters cessfulbid last summerand verlink County and part of vised toreviewtheirhealthand Onbeing made awareofthe riskofthe pur- safety proceduresin preparation chaserbecoming insolventwithin thisperiod, ticularlyin termsof special- following aperiod of growth. completing orders fornearly the CentralTrainsfranchises ist staff,toenable me tobet- SeniorpartnerRobin £250mofrolling stock. and will rununtil September forthe CorporateManslaughter theydeclined tosign the documents,but re- Actbecoming law. lented when the majority shareholderundertook terserviceclients. Bloom said:“Wenowhave The newtrains,including 2015. The ForumofPrivateBusiness verballytopayif the purchaserfailed todoso. (FPB)said companiesshould ex- The purchasersubsequentlybecame insol- amine theirhealthand safety ventand could notpayforthe minority share- holders’shares,sotheysued the majority share- BHP commended for‘cultureand style’ guidelinesin ordertobetterpro- holderon hisundertaking topaythem. tectemployees,customers and The Court of Appealfound that,while all the contractors. othernecessary elements of alegallybinding LAW firmBlackett Hart and proactivelawfirmthathas townand countryplanning “The book will becirculat- From April 6,business owners contractwerepresent(offer,acceptance,con- Pratt (BHP)hasbeen rated embraced the earlysignsof division,sports agencyled by ed around the country’suni- and companydirectors willbeli- sideration and the intention tocreatelegalrela- the best legalemployerin the Clementi,anationalreviewof formerLiverpool playerand versitiesaswell asamong the able forthe newoffenceofcor- tions),the undertaking given tothe minority region and praised forthe the legalsector. Darlington managerDavid legalprofession,sowehope it poratemanslaughterif their shareholders wasunenforceable sinceitwasa support of its staff’swork-life The book,published by Hodgson,estateagencybusi- will help toattracttalentto managementpracticescausea guarantee and wasnotin writing. balanceinanewlegalbook. Thomson Sweetand Maxwell ness and commercialand the North-East. person’sdeath,oramounttoa The minority shareholders lost the valueof Darlington-based BHP is following areviewof legal agriculturalproperty team. “Wedid notpayforthe gross breachofthe duty of care theirsharesand wereleftwithnorecourse. recognised forits company firmsacross the UK, rates AndrewSellers,BHP’schief entry,whichaddstoits credi- owed tothe deceased. The caseillustrateshowdifficultquestionscan cultureand style,innovation BHP asthe best legalemploy- operating officer,said:“While bility.” The FPB’sseniormemberser- ariseinanalysing indemnitiesand guarantees and promotion and develop- erin the North-East and one accepting thatalegalbusi- The book assessesregional vicesrepresentative,Philip and underlinesthe need toseek properlegalad- mentin the Top LegalEm- of the best in the UK. ness will always beapres- firmsalongside some of the Moody,said companieswould vice. ployers 2007-8 publication. ItdescribesBHP asapro- surised environmenttowork biggest in London on arange need toreviewtheirinsurance The firm,whichalsohasof- gressivefirmand states: in,it’spleasingthatwehave of factors,including payand policies. ■ David Wilson isapartnerin Blackett Hart & ficesin Durham,Newcastle “BHP ischaracterised byen- been recognised forour cul- benefits,promotion and de- Formoreonhealthand safety Pratt LLP and aspecialist in companylaw.For and Teesside,isdescribed in trepreneurialstyle and rapid ture,whichisfocused on help- velopment,training,diversity and the implicationsof the Cor- moreinformation,contacthim on 0191-221- the book asamodel example decision-making.” ing our staff achievethe best and corporatesocialrespon- porateManslaughterActvisit 0898. of asuccessful,mid-sized, Ithighlights the firm’s work-life balance. sibility. fpb.org

business & employment& Acting withflexibility &commercialforesight,wecanassist you companylaw business disputes Blackett Hart &Pratt LLP Solicitors whetheryouarelooking toinvest,protectyour assets,setupa BHP Commercial newventure,sell orgrowyour business,develop propertyand land,enforceyour rights orif youareengagedinadispute. commercialproperty planning &design Foradvice&guidanceand tofind out moreabout our commercialservicescall us on 01325466794 orvisitour websiteatwww.b-h-p.com. WestgateHouse,Faverdale,Darlington,DL30PZ.Officesin Newcastle,Durham,Darlington &Newton Aycliffe. Regulated bythe LawSociety.Authorised and regulated bythe FinancialServicesAuthority. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5,2008 businessecho.co.uk RURAL AFFAIRS BUSINESSECHO 5 NEWS IN BRIEF Green expert joinsNorthwoods

AN expert on sustainable come.” In2006,Northwoods technologieshasbeenap- secured a£1.2mcontract pointed toakeyNorth-East from developmentagency forestry post. One North-East toassess the David Clubb, 34,hasbe- suitability of 300 businesses come directorof North- forwoodfuel systems. woods,just asthe region’s MrClubb’sconversion to NEW role in expanding the market green living took placein ARRIVAL: forwood fuel istaking off. Europe’sonlydesert –in Richard The North-East isalready Almeria, in south-east Martin England’sbiggest timber Spain. growing region,producing Heworked foracharity ex- about 750,000 tonnesannual- ploring the useofgreen tech- Familiarface ly.Anincreasing proportion nologiestosupplywaterand DOUGH, ADEER: Mirandaand Nigel Sampson withtheirdeer isused bywoodfuel genera- energyand make the desert joinsFarmway tion plants. morefertile. The UK’slargest biomass Northwoodswasestab- AFAMILIAR facetomanyof powerstation opened last EXPERT: David Clubb lished in 1998 and isbacked the region’sfarmers hasjoined Farmway,the farmer-controlled yearatWilton on Teesside bythe Forestry commission business.RichardMartin,who Farmers and about 20 othersignifi- ergygeneration,but now and otherpartners. worked forICIand thenTerra cantwoodfuel projects are thingsarereallyon the move. Itsupports forest business- Nitrogen for33years,hasbeen underwayin the region. “Thisyear,forthe first eswithtraining and advice, appointed fertilisertechnical MrClubb said:“It’sbeen a time,demand from the sector from marketing products to manager.Afarmer’sson from gradualprocess alerting the will havearealimpacton the securing grants,providing Devon,he graduated in industry and the publictothe region’sforestry industry. skillsand encouraging in- agriculturefrom Nottingham urged totry benefits of using wood in en- That’sasign of thingsto wardinvestment. University beforejoining ICI as afarmadvisorin Yorkshire. He held manypositionswithin the companyand wasmost recently business developmentmanager responsible forthe company’s venison technicaloffering and salesto largerfarmerclients.At Farmway,he will workwith TonySimpson,the fertiliser commercialmanager.Mr UNPRECEDENTED demand forveni- ByMike Bridgen Martin canbecontacted on son hasled toacall formorefarmers RuralAffairs Editor tobegin breeding deer. 01325-504600or07710-087306. [email protected] Nigel Sampson,who managesaherd PIG IDEA: A£200,000 fund has of 2,000 deeron hisownand associat- been setaside bythe BritishPig ed farms,isstruggling tomeetde- Hesaid:“Itissomething thatcon- Executive(BPEX)tohelp mand. sumers arelooking tobuy on aweekly producers and processors Salesof hisvenison products have basisforgood reason. develop ideas.The Innovation risen by30percentthisyear,with “It’shealthy,easy and quicktocook, Fund providesmoneytoallow someseeinga60 percentriseover and isgaining popularity withthe rise ideastobetested and developed Christmas.MrSampson,who of the celebrity chef culture.” tobenefitthe whole industry. launched Holme FarmVenison,near MrSampson said venison wasnatu- OutdoorproducerSteveHart York,in 1990,hasurged grassland rallyrichinOmega3and wasattract- received one of the first grants farmers toconsiderdeerfarming. ing buyers looking forahealthyalter- todevelop ahandling and Hesaid consumerdemand forveni- nativetobeef. weighingsystem foreasier son shows no sign of decreasing. Hesaid:“Wedoubled our salesin selection of slaughterweight “Westruggle tokeep upwithcon- AsdaoverChristmas,whichisproof pigsin outdoorsystems.Mark sumerdemand and we’vebeen seeing thatvenison isfinding amainstream Wilson,BPEX directorof pig significantyear-on-yeargrowthforfive market.” industry development,said years,”hesaid. Meatproducers haveseen feed costs producers should discusstheir “Deerfarming canbevery profitable riseby75percent,but MrSampson ideawithaknowledge transfer and rewarding. Formanyfarmers,it said he hashadagood dealfrom the su- manager.Fordetails,go to canrepresentabrightfuture.” permarkets. www.bpex.org.ukore-mail MrSampson returned toYorkshire Hesaid:“Theyarepaying ten per [email protected]. MrWilson in 1990aftertwoyears deerfarming on centmoreforrawmaterial,whichis said:“The ideasdo nothaveto the island of Jura, off the West Coast helping us clawbackabetterreturnfor bewhollyoriginal. Ifsomebody of Scotland. our farmers.” hasseen something thatworks Helaunched hiscompanywith400 Thatbenefitand others havehelped abroad,thenitcould beadapted deerand hadatinyheadquarters be- meetthe growing demand,while main- toworkherewithabitof hind abutchers shop in Boston Spa. taining anattractivepriceforcon- development.” The business did sowell thattwo sumers. years ago,he invested £750,000 in a MrSampson said:“The benefits are THREE EVENTS: Three farm 10,000sqftEU-approved plantatSher- being passed backdirectlytothe diversification events arebeing burn-in-Elmet.Todayhe employs 30 farmer,who isseeing priceincreasesof held forfarmers in Weardale staff. 30pto40pakilogram,whichisequiv- next month. All take placeat AsdabuyerJim Viggars said venison alentto£15 to£20 ahead.” BradleyBurnFarmShop,near wasthe fastest-growing meatproduct Interested farmers cancontacthim Wolsingham,County Durham, on retail display. on 01977-686440. from 4.15pm to8pm. The topics areenvironmentalstewardship on March4;food on March11; and tourism,access and Top Texel flock Set-aside land: education on March18. They will include presentationsfrom raiseshigh Achieving the farmers who havesuccessfully diversified,from organisations thatcansupport farmers,and priceatauction rightbalance ruralregenerationinitiativesin WearValley.Fordetailscontact THE sale of sheep from the UK’sbest FARMERS in England arestriking a Jill Essam,on 01388-528599 or performing registered Texel flocksaw balancebetween protection and pro- Giveyourbusinessanunfairadvantage email jill@harehopequarry. atop priceof2,600gnspaid forathree duction according toareport on set org.uk crop ewe. aside land. Seventeen others made four-figure The FarmBusiness Surveybythe It’sacompetitiveworldout there, and the onlyway to stay ahead in businessistobreak new FARM VISIT: Farmers and sumsand the 208headaveraged£428. DepartmentforEnvironment,Food ground. But youdon’t havetodoitalone. With the help of the newBusinessLink serviceyou landowners planning tohost a The dispersalsale of the adultpor- and RuralAffairs suggests the areaof nowhaveinstant access to all the information, support and assistanceyou need foryour staff farmvisitduring the Yearof tion of RichardOates’Lumbylaw uncropped land willfall byonly50per Food and Farming have to learn essential newskills, improve businessefficiency and raise your competitiveness. Flock,atCarlisle auction mart,was centfollowingthe EuropeanUnionre- We’reinvesting time, moneyand expertise to help youonline or face-to-face. received unexpected help. The conducted byGeorge FWhiteand Har- ducing compulsory setaside tozero Country Land and Business rison and Hetherington. thisyear. Association’sCLA Insurance Buyers attended from across the PeterKendall,presidentof the Na- CALL US TODAYAND WE’LL HIT THE GROUND RUNNING Servicesisoffering free public UK, Ireland and Europe. tionalFarmers’Union (NFU),said it liability covertopolicyholders The 2,600gnsthree crop ewewas waswrongtosetasidehundredsof who organiseapubliceventon sired byCallerton Gleneaglesand sold thousandsof acresof productivefarm- theirfarm. 0845 600 9006 tothe CrawfordBrothers of Rathkee- land when world food supplieswere OWN LABEL: Farmwayhas land,NorthernIreland,who werethe underpressureand feed priceswere or visit www.businesslinknortheast.co.uk introduced its own-label range majorpurchasers atthe sale,paying rising. of horsefeeds.The fivediets are 1,300gnsforagimmerand 1,200gns Hesaid:“Ibelievethe figuresdemon- available through its ten eachforanothergimmerand atwo- stratethatfarmers arebehaving re- SHOWTHE WORLD YOU MEAN BUSINESS country storesin the region. crop eweinlamb. sponsibly.” 6 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5,2008 businessecho.co.uk BUSINESSECHO businessecho.co.uk TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5,2008 7

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Aconstruction ‘ companythat ManyGovernment initiativesseem nowto avoidsthe lureof choosenational PFI, the latest contractors aheadof regionalonesforwork Success 08 thatregionalcontractors featurediscovers arevery competenttodo. Itisvery disturbing. aNorth-East Regionalfirmsspend companythatis large sumstraining people uptohigh levels striding ahead of competence,manyof afterspinning out whom arethen lost to of afamous nationalcompanies North-East group IanWalker FIRM FOUNDATIONS: Left,IanWalker,the manwho leadsthe success atSurgo Construction. Above,its officeson Newcastle Business Park Pictures:DAVID WOOD Success 2008 Inassociationwith Surgo building on its success “This region needs your

ONSTRUCTION has sowegetthe support weneed.” business to expand” matured in the past two The orderbook isnotfull forthe decades.Twenty years year,but will certainlytake the firm, “ If you Taking creditformanyregionalachievements Simon Hamilton C ago,deadlineswere often aleadpartner,into2009,with Regional Fund Manager overrunand costs were prospects alsolooking good for2010. prolific.But even bytoday’s Ifthereistobeageneralrecession, SURGO canclaim creditforthe award-win- CentreNorth-East in Framwellgate,Durham, children in Easington Lane,Sunderland,it Housing Group,Nomad(including asprin- ning conversion and refurbishmentof grade helped win anaccolade from the City of built,in less thanayear,a£3.1mprimary cipalcontractorforits newheadquarters), standards,completing amajor aspessimisticanalysts suggest, II-listed buildingsthatnowcompriseSeven DurhamTrust. school replacingone of Wearside’soldest GraingerHomesand CheviotHousing As- start me up building ten weeksaheadofschedule Surgo iswell prepared. Stories,the regionalcentreforchildren’s Furtherschool workincludesTrinity schools,whoseexpected life of 20 years sociation. Privatesectorclients include UK isworthyof note. Repeatclients,always cherished in booksin Newcastle. Academy,DurhamHigh School forGirls, wasstretched tonearly100. Land and Ferguson’sWarehousing. IanWalkerand Surgo the industry,accountforabout two- Ithasalsoworked on the International the Unity Academy,in Middlesbrough, Localauthority clients include Sunder- But the biggest challenge wasthe main Construction haveofficeson thirdsof Surgo’sconstruction and CentreforLife in the city. King’sSchool,Tynemouth,and –inNew- land,Newcastle,Northumberland and Gates- hall wherethree billion tablets ayearwill be Newcastle Business Park,asymbol design and build. Surgo’seducationalbuildsinclude the castle –the RoyalGrammarSchool,All head. Forthe latter,itwasrecentlyprincipal packed and despatched aspart of a£12m I'll never stop of the city’scommercialrebirth MrWalkerconfirmsthatincreased £20mKing’sAcademyin CoulbyNewham, Saints Community College,StCuthbert’s contractorforanofficedevelopmenton re- expansionofSanofi Aventisplantin New- ” overlooking the Tyne. stateinvestmentin the publicsector, Middlesbrough,and the £24m Doncaster High and the ExcelsiorAcademy. claimed land. castle –nowakeyEuropeancentreforthe The earlycompletion wasof the especiallyeducation,hasplayed a Academy.Its input forScienceLearning And,tothe obvious benefitof 252young Insocialhousing,itservesTeesValley Frenchpharmaceuticalfirm. three-storeyBishop Auckland large part in the nearfour-fold leap College –at£17m,south-west of revenuesin sixyears,afactorhe The presentfive-yearplanisfor All arehugelycommitted.” demand within ittodecreasethe smiling facesothateven if youare Durham’sbiggest building projectfor expects tocontinueforsome time yet. annualturnoverof £60m,but the MrWalkerand the boardofsix quality of building –pressurefor having abaddayyouwill feel better sometime. MrWalkercallsthe fast- While the marketsharegrows also, firmisdetermined toconcentrateits would nowlike tohaveabigger maximumyields.Ihope we,in our about it.” finisha“tremendous team thatisnotwithout atinge of sadness. workinthe region. presenceinanotherburgeoning ownway,aredoing thingsright.We Surgo’sproudest achievementso We’ll be with you from the beginning of your business achievement”asSurgo movesontoa “Some very old construction firmsin “Wedon’twantasituation where publicsector,health,whereSurgo certainlylisten towhatpeople want.” far,he feels,isthe successfulbuilding second phaseofthe centrefor10,000 the region aregoing out of business, welosecontrol. The teamhasafirm hasworked in the past and is And on the question of aflotation, of its team. “Theyareaheadof and until you decide to stop. students. and thatisnotagood thing forthe grip and importantclients,and itis completing aclinicand pharmacyin he says:“Itconcernsme thatso everything bymilesand very bright.” Hesaid:“Wesetourselvesa industry,”hesays. vitaltous thatwekeepthem. hishome village of ShotleyBridge, manycompetitivefirmsarebeing Capable too of tackling anyjob– challenge tocompleteearlyand did, Ithighlights amajorconcernof “Surgo didbuild in Doncaster,but nearConsett,in County Durham. boughtupbynationwide businesses. from anewacademytoextending a For all aspects of companylaw,from starting up, and nowweshall do wellout of it.” his:the influx of majornational foraNorth-East client–the Vardy Ifrecession comes,Surgo plansto Wedonoteven havetocontemplate grade I-listed building,suchas contracts, premises, acquisitions, flotations, disposals Surgo’sprogress sincethe firm’s contractors intoregionalbidding. Foundation. IfotherNorth-East self-generate. “Wehaveacouple of itbecausewearecashrich. Our SwinburnHouse,in Northumberland, demergerand buyout in 2002,has “ManyGovernmentinitiativesseem clients wanted something built sites,but will onlydevelop if wefeel accounts aregood and havebeen for and three phasesof refurbishment Talk to me about investment funding up to £400,000 for and exit planning, call Mincoffs. been impressive. nowtochoosenationalcontractors outsidethe region,wewould do the thereisaneed,possiblyin private manyyears.” forthe listed CustomsHouseTheatre, Therearebiggercompaniesin the aheadofregionalonesforworkthat same.” housing,wherewehavealready One senseshome life isrichtoo. Mr in SouthShields,SouthTyneside. developing businesses. areabut,says MrWalker:“Theyare regionalcontractors arevery Surgo’soriginsgo back101years, completed acouple of projects.” Walkerand hiswife,Marilyn–they MrWalkercame tothe industry by multi-disciplined,whereasour line is competenttodo. Itisvery disturbing. foritwasBoweyConstructionwhen MrWalkerispleased thatthe days havebeenmarried37 years. chance. Hisgrandfatherfarmed near majorconstruction.” “Regionalfirmsspend large sums itdemergedamicablyfrom Bowey wheneverything revolved around DaughterJill,27,teachesin Alston and hisfatherwasin If you’ve got planstogrow your business and need help to expand, then I’m the person you should be talking to. As Regional Fund Manager at UK Steel Enterprise, it’s my job to assist growing businesses like yours to realise their full potential. Turnoverhasrisen from £18m in training people uptohigh levelsof Group,retaining the same contentionhavegone. Ouston,nearChester-le-Street.Son engineering. 2002 toanexpected £67mthisyear. competence,manyof whom arethen managementteamand withMr “Thathasneverreallybeen away James,justturned30,iscommercial “Atone time Iwould ratherhave We can provide funding for developing businesses in manufacturing and the service related sector.Our aim is to help Heisfull of praiseforthe team, lost tonationalcompanies. regenerate local economies, create jobs and restore prosperity to the Teesside, Hartlepool, Darlington, Derwentside and Walkeraschairmanand managing forward. Itmerelymeanttaking directorof Surgo and heirapparent. been in agriculture. Why?Idon’t West Cumbria areas. whichconsists of 200 full-timers,of “Wefeel the Governmenthasto know.Icame from Throckley,which director. rewardsatsomeone else’sexpense “Hehasbeen heresincehewas14 If you are expanding in one of these areas, and your plans are sound, you could benefit from our financial support. whom 160 aretradesmen and look again atprocurementmethods. “Wefeltwecould moveintothe and wasnevergoing toworkinthe and workingthrough hissummer isn’truralbut perhapswasalittle We provide unsecured loans up to £50,000 and development funding up to £400,000. operatives.But the teamiscloserto Our firmhaswritten about this,but majorand morecomplexprojects, long term.” holidays,”MrWalkersays.“He moresothen.Iwaseven earmarked So, if you have awell thought out business plan contact me right now. 1,000 people,sinceMrWalkerincludes todatehasheardnothing.The especiallyasweshared atremendous Oddly,given the firm’sprofile in graduated asaquantity surveyor forKirkleyHall.” asupplychain “second tonone” and North-East Chamberof Commerce enthusiasmforconstruction of all the publicsector,Surgo doesnotdo and isnowamemberof the board.” HeneverwenttoKirkleyHall,an Call Simon Hamilton on 01642 777 888 “fantastic”sub-contractors. hasbeen very supportivein kinds.Itenabled us alsotogetthe PrivateFinanceInitiative. “Wedon’t Change isnotimminent,however, agriculturalcollege in or email me at [email protected] Please callPaul Hughes on 0191 212 7720 “Theyall tendtohaveasmall attempting toairour concernsand best out of our entireteam. wanttogetinvolved,”MrWalker asMrWalker,at58,continuesto Northumberland. “Inmysecond or John Nicholson on 0191 212 7721 clientbase,whichishelpfultous,” wearehopingthatthisapproachwill “The prestigious projects started says firmly. enjoywork. “Ilovebricksand mortar interviewIwasoffered ajobasa he says.“Weinturndon’tdo make progress.Wearenotthe only withKingsAcademy,in “Frankly,itneverseemsthe right and Ienjoyconstruction.Ihavehuge trainee quantity surveyorand contractualclaims.Youdo ajobfor onesvexed. The NationalFederation Middlesbrough,again forthe Vardy moveforme. Itputs building on admiration forthe projectmanagers accepted.” The Innovation Centre, Vienna Court, Kirkleatham Business Park, Redcar TS10 5SH Tel: 01642 777 888 Source: "Start Me Up" by The Rolling Stones featured on the 1981 album Tattoo You. www.uksteelenterprise.co.uk Aregeneration initiative from us and yougetpaid on time. They of Builders isalsoconcerned and has Foundation. Sincethen,the teamhas extended creditand Iamnotagreat working on siteand,indeed,forall And,astheysooften sayin success Asubsidiary of CORUS GROUP PLC CORUS GROUP PLC knowwearegoing topaypromptly, made representations.” shownrepeatedlytheyarefirst-class. fanofthat.Therealsoseemsa the team. Weall try toadopta stories,he neverlooked back. 8 BUSINESSECHO COMMERCIAL PROPERTY businessecho.co.uk TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5,2008 AWPrelocates tonewhome

NTHONY Walker+ outside the region in the nearfu- Partners (AWP),one of ture. the country’slongest- Thislatest win,alongside ap- A establishedlandscape pointments toleisuredevelop- practices,hasmoved to ments and regenerationprojects, largerpremisesin Newcastle. will underpin on-going expansion AWP hasrelocated from anoffice thatislikelytoincreaseturnover in NorthTyneside,whereithas byasmuchas30percentyearon been based fornine years,tonew year. three-storeyofficeaccommodation SteveLaws said:“Withasteady providing 2,700 sqftof spaceon increaseinstaff numbers and Summerhill Terraceinthe west workloadfrom newand repeat end of the city. business across adiverserange of Recognised bothregionallyand clients,weweredesperatelyshort nationallyasaleading environ- of spaceand needed accommoda- mentaldesign practice,withmany tion thatwould allowustogrow. awardstoits credit,AWP wastaken “Our newoffices,in amorecen- overin 2005bySteveLaws and has experienced steadygrowth. trallocation,notonlybetterreflect Currentlyemploying 14 staff, AWP asacreativeinnovatorbut plansforexpansion could see this will alsohelp us withthe furtherre- numberrisetoaround 20 in the cruitmentand retention of high- next three tofour years. calibrestaff. Withanexcellenttrackrecordin “Aswecontinuetoexport our the education sector–AWP has North-East based skillstoagrow- worked on morethan100 school ing numberof projects throughout projects in the past fiveyears –the the UK, itismyintention tomain- practiceiscurrentlyworking on 16 tain investmentin technology schoolsunderthe Newcastle Build- whichwill ensurewestayatthe ing Schoolsforthe Future(BSF) forefrontof urbandesign serving clients across adiversesector programme and isexpected toan- SETTLING IN: SteveLaws (centreforeground) withAWP staff attheirnewSummerhill Terracelocation nounceafurtherBSF contractwin base.”

Aycliffe Industrial Hair/Beauty Salon Park Pubsrole fornewrecruit LOModeOKrn Office ARK Wor- sition of pubsand North-East. within the proper- Nofurtherfor M leyhas bars throughout Hisprevious ex- ty industry,sojoin- ForSale commToeRrcienal t joined the North-East. perienceincludes ing Christie +Co propeFrrtyoma£d5v0 ice Christie +Co,the Markhas18 fiveyears with seemed the logical perweek inclusive internationalbusi- years experienceof BlackHorseand step,”said Mark. Tel. Chrison 07725908762 (plus VAT) ness surveyors,val- the property mar- fiveyears with “Although resi- uers and agents,as ketand forthe past Bradfordand Bing- dentialand com- publichousesne- three years worked leyon Tyneside. mercialare90per gotiatorin its New- forSanderson “Iwanted to centthe same in castle office,with Young in Newcas- change from resi- termsof the struc- ARRIVAL: MarkWorley responsibility for tle asareamanag- dentialestate tureand theories the sale and acqui- ercovering the agencybut remain within the twodis- ciplines,Iamjust WANTED becoming awareof CARVER howvast the pub Transport /Warehouse trade isand how COMMERCIAL Business in manypub-related NorthEast England industriesthere CHARTERED SURVEYORS & areand amlooking PROPERTY CONSULTANTS PO Box1499 forwardtoexciting Priestgate,Darlington CoDurhamDL11NF timesahead.”

TO LET WorkshopUnits

Colburn,NorthYo rkshire All enquiries contact Tim Carter 01642870870 RobertHouse West Point Road Teesside TS17 6BA sandersonweatherall.com Sanderson Weatherall

L ET B Y W AY OF A SSIGNMENT AuctionSALE (ormaysub-let) Thursday 21 February 2008 at Leeds United F. C. Unit1,Park2000,MilleniumWay 13 4LOTS including On the instructions of the LPAReceivers Aycliffe IndustrialPark Former Lumley Travel Depot Newton Aycliffe Front Street North, QuarringtonHill Coxhoe, Co. Durham, DH6 4QG Guide Price £125,000 Plus Variousvacant Currentlyunderre-construction and readyforoccupation May industrial buildings extending to approximately 2008. 2836 sq.m. (30,515 sq.ft.) production unitincorporating 4,749 sq. ft. in total within asite area of 185.8 sq.m. (2000 sq.ft.) offices. approximately 0.5 acres For acatalogue or to view contact Eddisons All enquiriescontactJulie Wallin MRICS Auction LINE DIRECT 0113 2091099 Telephone 01325466945 Pennine House Russell Street Leeds LS1 5RN Eddisons www.carvercommercial.co.uk eddisons.com TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5,2008 businessecho.co.uk COMMERCIAL PROPERTY BUSINESSECHO 9 Industry ‘facing up Gullwing’s£2mdeal forRiversidePark tothe challenges’ ANDERSON Weatherall hassoldone of Middlesbrough’spri- S mary industriallocationsforover£2m. Consisting of almost 60,000 sqftof industrialaccommodation setover4.9 acres, Riverside ParkIndustrialEstatewassold toGullwing Fund LLP on HE property industry pation will playasignificantrole buildings,reducing the behalf of DundasProperty Fund. isfacing uptothe part in the industry reducing its car- riskofobsolescence. The nine-unitparkissituated on Mickleton Road,closetothe town ithastoplayin re- bon footprint. “Additionally,effi- centre,withimmediateaccess tothe A66 and onlyonemilenorthof T sponding tothe chal- “Atits simplest level the re- cientassetmanage- the A19. lengesof sustainabili- sponsetotheseissuesisbased mentcanreducebuild- Existingtenants in- ty and globalwarming, around education. The netgain ing life costs and offer clude AndrewPage according toRichardBullen, from designing newbuildings the prospectof en- Ltd,Rathbonesand DTZ landlordand tenantdirec- withfeaturessuchaslandscape hanced customer(ten- OrbisProperty Pro- tor. irrigation,rainwaterharvesting, ant)relationsresulting tection Ltd,produc- “Todate,muchofthe focus automatictapsensors,move- in greatertenantreten- ing arentalvalueof hasbeen upon the supplyside of mentsensors on lighting sys- tion and reduced voids. £190,000 perannum. the market,”hesaid. temsand energyefficientlight “Responding tothe Gullwing plansto “Developers and the construc- bulbsiseasilylost if the majori- challenge canenhance carry out aseriesof tion industry’sBREEAM certifi- ty of occupiers leavelighting, afirm’sbrand through refurbishments and cation sits alongside Part Lof PCsand printers running 24/7. aclearstatementof cor- will bemarketing the Building Regulations.The “Atamoresophisticated level, poratesocialresponsi- onevacantunitof governmentplansforthesemea- the industry’sresponserequires bility (CSR). 23,500 sqft. surestobejoined byEnergyPer- apartnership of common values Likewise,itoffers oc- AndrewWilkinson, formanceCertification of com- and goalsshared between devel- cupiers the same state- directorof invest- mentof CSR and op- mentatSanderson mercialpremises,itself a opers,owners and occupiers. NEW CHALLENGES: RichardBullen consequenceofthe European “Thiscancovermatters such portunity to Weatherall said: “Riverside Parkcon- Union’sEnergyPerformanceof asthe resourcing of energy,joint differentiatefrom the occupiers’behaviour but also tinuestoflourishas BuildingsDirective. commitmenttovarious industry competition,in addition tothe guaranteeing the currentand fu- “Alongside thisthereisin- and environmentalstandards, ability toreduceoverheadsand aprosperous busi- turelandlords’observanceof ness community and creasing recognition of the fact agreementastoperformance building running costs. certain standards. thesemeasurescountforlittle standardsand management “Itcanalsoimpactupon hasbeen successful ModernOfficesToLetwithparking in a “Furthermore,itoffers anop- notonlyin attract- unless theyarematched bythe planswhichcanall feed intoand staffing issues,prospectivelyre- portunity of greaterco-opera- ing occupiers,but prominentposition on YarmHigh Street mannerin whichbuildingsare influencearobust planoffacili- ducing absenteeismand en- tion and closertiesbetween land- alsoinvestmentin- used and occupied. tiesmanagement. hancing staff retention. lordand tenantatatime when “The industry,particularly terest.Providing a “Thereisgrowing recognition “Theseshared valuescanform the industry isembracing amore stable,long-termin- thatchangesneed bemade,not anintegralpart of the contract from the owner’sviewpoint,will service-orientated approachto benervous of anything which come,the invest- just in howabuilding hasbeen foroccupation and combined to- the landlordand tenantrela- menttakesadvan- could beseen asplacing con- designed but alsoinhowitisoc- gethermake upwhatisbeing la- tionship,based upon the recog- tageofthis cupied. belled the ‘green’ lease. straints on occupiers forfear nition of the tenantasacon- ever-popularloca- “Considerthe amountof new “Atthe same time,weneed to thatthiscould beseen asundu- sumerof aparticulartype of tion and represents building stockinanyone yearas recognisethisnotjust asasolu- lyrestrictive,onerous and there- product. extremelygood aproportion of the overall mar- tion toaparticularchallenge but foresomething thatmightim- “The ‘green’ leaseisanidea valueforthe pur- ketand itwill soon become clear thatthe issuealsoposesrealop- pactupon rentaland yetin its infancy,but Icansee chaser.” thatattention need beequally,if portunitiesforbothownerand consequentlycapitalvalue. thisassomething whichclients, Sanderson Weather- CommercialUnit(6,426 sq.ft.) ToLeton a notmore,focused upon the ex- occupier. “However,the ‘greening’ of bothlandlordand tenant,will be all advised the ven- prominentcornersiteinStockton Centre isting stockofsecond-hand “Forthe ownerand developer, leasesisanopportunity forboth seeking adviceupon from their dor,storeys:ssp buildings. higherenvironmentaland build partiestosharemutualvalues.It professionalteaminthe coming acted on behalf of Tel:01642607607 “Improved efficiencyof occu- standardsofferfutureproof isn’tjust aquestion of directing months.” the purchaser.

Prestigious New OfficestoLet/ ForSale 2,250sqft-6,100 sqft

All enquiries

Inclusiverentalsavailable on the newG1Kunits from 1,035sqft AdevelopmentbyGladman 10 BUSINESSECHO PERSONAL FINANCE businessecho.co.uk TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5,2008 Ignorethe hysteria–the credit crunchisn’tasbadasitseems

IS itlikelythatMarks&Spencer ByJeremyGates most twicethe 2006 totaland vestors should resist the tempta- will neversell anotherpairof [email protected] smashing the previous recordof tion tomake rashdecisions.If socksorunderwearagain –even £13.6bnsetin 1988,realisesome youdon’tneed access tothe if JeremyPaxmanisn’tamong providers areslashing rates moneyin the short term,leaveit the buyers? guarantee forexisting borrowers fasterthanbank baserate(BBR) alone and look aheadtothe peri- It’shardlythe big philosophi- rolling off existing deals,avail- cuts from the Bank of England? od when marketssettle down.” calquestion of our time. But able “atleast until the end of Most earnfarless thanbank Withstockmarkets falling when itwasposed thisweek by April”. baserate(5.5 percent)ontheir worldwide,therearebig attrac- MikeLenhoff,chief strategist at Onpaymentof afee,whichin money,whichmaybewhyIce- tionsin regularmonthlysavings City brokers Brewin Dolphin,I most caseswillbeless than£500, land’slargest bank,Kaupthing, schemesthat“drip feed”savers’ feltitjust about sumsupthe borrowers will beable torefix and its UK subsidiary,Kaupthing moneyintomanaged funds– gloom in financialmarkets asthe overtwo,three orfiveyears atex- Singerand Friedlander,is withpriceslow,amonthly£100 or creditcrunchtightensits grip. actlythe same rate. launching aninstantaccess on- £200 investmentbuys moreunits, Iscapitalismabout tocollapse? WhereHSBC hasdared to line savingsaccountpaying 6.5 and offers greaterupliftwhen MrLenhoff’spointisthatthe 40 tread,rivalschasingmortgage percenton minimum£1,000 bal- markets turnagain. percentplunge in M&S shares, business in asaggingproperty ances. Bolderinvestors mightlook and similarfallsin otherblue marketwill doubtless follow. Kaupthing Edgeguaranteesits closeratemerging markets,such chipssuchasLand Securities Non-HSBC customers ending ratewill stay0.3percentabove asIndia, whichhaveavoided the and the high streetbanks,sug- fixesmightgetone of the bank’s BBR until February 1,2012.The worst of the slump sofar.Iam gest thatmighty companiescar- fixed ordiscountloans,including accountpromisesno tie-insor constantlyimpressed bythe rying the pension hopesof mil- atwo-yearfixat5.46percentor chargesand lets savers maximise steadyperformanceofJP Mor- lionsof privatesectorworkers a4.99 percenttwo-yeardiscount returnsbylocking all orpart of gan’sIndianInvestmentTrust, arefighting fortheirfutures. mortgage (fee £1,999). theirsavingsintoafixed-period tipped again thisweek byMick Behind the hysteria, of course, Sothe FSA’snightmaremight depositaccount,paying upto6.86 Gilligan,atbrokers Killik,at M&S could still report annual notbeonquitethe scale thatit PANIC: Queuesoutside the NorthernRockbranchinHigh Row, percent(AER). 413p. profits of about £1bn. hassuggested. Darlington,when the creditcrunchbroughtthe lendertoits knees Moneyfacts.co.ukalsotipsthe HSBC Investments thinks Take anotherbig anxiety –a That’sthe problem withthe newInstantAccess accountfrom sharesin bothRussiaand Brazil thirdofthe 5.7million people creditcrunch;fewcantell the dif- Isthatsensible? “When retail morecarefulwithcash. West BromwichBS.Paying 6.55 aretrading atlevelssignificant- who took out mortgagesbetween ferencebetween fears and facts. investors giveup”,one seasoned Says Martin Bamford,atGuild- percentayear,itguaranteesto lybelowthe worldwide average – April 2005and Septemberlast Privateinvestors aresospooked, observernoted the otherday,“it ford-based financialplannerIn- payatleast BBR plus 0.50per Indiaand China, athighervalu- yearcould beatrisk,said the Fi- says the InvestmentManage- isoften time tobuy”. formed Choice:“Thisissome- centuntil February 1next year. ation levelsthanthe average, nancialServicesAuthority (FSA) mentAssociation (IMA),that Managing householdfinances thing of awake-upcall to Investments areanequally could bemoreprone tosharpcor- thisweek,asmanystruggle to theywithdrew£377.4m from effectivelythisyear,formanyof householdswhichhaveenjoyed challenging area, asweapproach rections. renewtwo-yearfixed-ratemort- managed fundsin December,the us,will demand abalancing of cheapand easy creditthrough the end of the 2007-8 ISA season, Some unluckypeople will find gagesathigherratesin the next highest totalrecorded. Muchofit doom-laden reports withmore creditcards,loansand mort- in whichsavers cansaltawayup thattheyhavestretched them- 18 months. presumablywentintobuilding cheerfulpointers granted scant gagesfortoo long.” to£7,000 in atax-free investment selvestoo far.But theirproblems Actually,there’sgroundsfor societiesand low-risksavings mediaattention. Howmanysavers,who byApril 5. should notpersuade the rest of hope on thatproblem too –HSBC suchasNationalSavings,oreven However,wearestill entering dumped arecord£16.1bnintothe Says MrBamford:“When us totalk ourselvesintoreces- hasannounced aRateMatcher PremiumBonds. anerawhen weneed tobemuch building societieslast year,al- sharpfallshaveoccurred,in- sion.

MONEYFACTS MORTGAGE &CARDS SELECTION MONEYFACTS SAVERS SELECTION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5,2008 northernecho.co.uk SHARES BUSINESSECHO 11 Punchunveilsproposal formergerwithM&B Probablythe

PUNCH Tavernsyesterdayan- ByEcho Staff Tchenguiz.Bankswithdrew nounced planstocreatea£3.7bn [email protected] funding from the property deal best takeover pubcompanybymerging with following the creditcrunchand troubled rivalMitchells&Butlers. interest rateshavesincecome The dealwould cement comprising 8,450sites,said the down,adding toM&B’slosses. Punch’sposition asBritain’s cost-saving logicbehind the deal The stockmarketvalueof in the world ... largest pubcompany,withmore was“compelling”. M&B hasdropped about 50per than10,500 sites. Aspokesmansaid:“Punchbe- centsincethe summer,from a The movecomesafterBirm- lievesthatits proposalisattrac- peakof£3.6bn,and in December ingham-based M&B–ownerof tiveintermsof value,speed and ITH Chinese demolished and production itwasrelegated from the FTSE NewYearjust moved toGateshead. various chains,including All Bar deliverability.” 100 Index. One and Harvester–last week The boss of the company days away,over Scottish&Newcastle looks M&B, whichoperatesabout racked up£274m in lossesfollow- would bePunchchief executive one sixthofthe settojoin the list of manyof 2,000 premisesunderbrands W world’s the greatnamesin British ing acollapsed £5bnproperty GilesThorley,withM&B’schief suchasO’Neills,said itwascon- deallast summer. executive,Tim Clarke,becoming population arepreparing to brewing who havealsocalled welcome in the yearof the rat. time on theiroperations,with The firm’sfinancedirectorre- chairman. sidering Punch’splansalongside InChinesephilosophy,the companiessuchasBass,Allied signed andthe groupconfirmed Thisforcesout M&B’schair- otherpotentialbidders. rathasstrong associations Breweriesand Whitbreadall potentialtakeoverinterest in a man,RogerCarr,whom share- Privateequity groupsBlack- withmaterialsuccess,suchas acquired byotherbrewers over turbulentweek forthe business. holderscalled on toresign last stone,Cinven,TPG and CVC are wealthand otherluxuriesof the years. Underthe merger,Punchand weekinthe wake of the firm’s alsothoughttobeinterested in life. However,given the recent Inthe Teesside areaalone, M&B’sshareholders would each disastrous property venture. the group. volatility throughout global wehaveseen breweriessuchas own50percentof the newcom- The grouplost £274m after AnM&B spokesmansaid:“The equity markets,success and Cameron’s,in Hartlepool,and pany.M&B’sshareholders would hedging against rising interest boardhascommenced its strate- luxurieslook tobeadistant the Castle Eden brewery,in alsoreceiveacashpaymentof rateslast summeraspart of the gicreviewprocess and will give memory. east Durham,bothclosing in £175m. dealwithentrepreneur and 23 carefulconsideration toall pro- CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Giles Inrecentweeks,wehave the past decade. Punch,whichhasapubestate percentshareholderRobert posalsaspart of thisprocess.” Thorley witnessed the FTSE 100 index Scottish&Newcastle fall morethan800 points,or employs about 3,300 staff 13.5 percent,asaresultof across the UK, manyof them ongoing fears of arecession in in the North-East. Market report Share prices the US. Heineken will take overthe Following anumberof UK operationsof S&N and, THE Londonmarketstruggledto NORTH AMERICAN interest ratecuts bythe given thatthe Dutchbrewer DuPont...... £23.16-0.07 Indicators FederalReserveinthe US, we hasno significantoperations make headwayyesterdayasblue AEROSPACE chipsgavebackearliergains Chemring ...... £22¾ havenowseen the market in the area, the jobsatS&N’s afterapooropeningonWall Cobham...... 191½ -1¼ The FTSE 100 ...... 6026.2 begintorecover,although Darlington depotlook,forthe Meggitt...... 293-4 Street. Down...... 3 therearestill manyblue-chip time being atleast,tobe Rolls-Royce...... 490¼+4 companieslooking extremely secure. The FTSE 100 Indexclosed AIM US dollar ...... 1.9777 downthree points at6026.2after Cape...... 235¼ +¼ oversold. Given thatthe takeoveroffer Chapelthorpe...... 30½ Up...... 0.0094 One shining lightamong the isatasignificantpremiumto alacklustresession. Dawson Intl...... 2¾ Gainsseen earlierin the day Inveresk...... 8¾+½ Euro ...... 1.3339 doom and gloom of recent S&N’ssharepriceoverthe past Nichols...... 234½ +10 weeksisthe proposed £7.8bn ten years,the shareholders werereversed afterWall Street ScapaGrp...... 28¾-½ Up...... 0.0079 takeoverof Scottish& could beforgiven forthinking failed tomaintain last week’s Youngs...... £20¾ BIGGEST FALLER: See Marketreport positivemomentum,within- AUTOMOBILES &PARTS Newcastle in ajointbid from the 800p-a-shareofferfrom GKN...... 293¾ +8 Popularshares Carlsbergand Heineken. Heineken and Carlsbergis vestors cashing in theirprofits. Wagon...... 34¼ -½ The DowJonesIndustrialAv- BANKS Cadbry Sch...... 567 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORT Axis-Shield...... 256+3¾ Scottish&Newcastle isthe “Probablythe best takeoverin Alld Irish...... 1019¾-10 erage,whichhadenjoyed its best CarrsMillg ...... 502½+1½ ForthPorts ...... £21¼+¼ Glaxo...... 1178-6 Alliance&L...... 685 +10½ HSBC HLDGS ...... 778+4½ UK’slargest brewerand has the world ...” Alliance&L...... 685 +10½ NthFoods...... 98 -2 TDG...... 218½ +1½ REAL ESTATE Aviva...... 628½ +8 IntlPower...... 412¾ +7½ household brands,suchas weekinfour years last week,slid Barclays ...... 481¼ +9¼ REA Hldgs...... 592½-2½ INVESTMENT BritLand ...... 998½ +10 BAE Systems...... 480¼-1¼ Kelda...... 1089 +4 BkIreland ...... 689½ +3¼ TateLyle ...... 486-5¾ AllianceTrust ...... 351 +5½ DTZ Hldgs...... 232½-9½ Fosters,John Smithsand morethan60 points in earlytrad- HSBC...... 778+4½ BG...... 1122 -18 M&S...... 432 -2½ Unilever...... 1676 -41 BrAssets...... 128½ +¼ GtPortland ...... 502½+5¾ BP ...... 542 NationalGrid...... 788 +3 Newcastle BrownAle,among ing. LloydsTSB ...... 447½+5¾ GENERAL FINANCIAL CandoverInv...... £20¾ -¼ Hamrsn...... 1145 +15 Bradford/Bingley..262½+9¼ Pennon Grp...... 663½-1 anextensivebeverage InLondon,crisis-hit Northern RylScotland ...405½ +16¾ 3iGroup...... 983+22 Dunedin Inv...... 232½-½ Land Secs...... 1614 +25 StanChart...... 1710+7 BritAirways...... 312-6 Sainsbury...... 386-9½ Rock shed eightpercentin a CloseBros...... 843½-1½ Dunedin Sml ...... 107¾ +1 SUPPORT SERVICES portfolio. BEVERAGES ProvidentFin ...... 846+6½ Edin Invst...... 425½ -¾ AMEC ...... 732½+18 BritishEnergy...... 513-6½ Scottish&SthrnEnergy.1560 The “NoNonsense” last-minuteturnaround of for- Barr AG...... 1173 +23 Schroders ...... 1103 -11 Edinburgh USTT.....562 +½ API Grp...... 26 BT Grp...... 262 -2½ Severn...... 1436 -11 Diageo ...... 1030 -2 Schroders NV....987½-17½ Forgn &C...... 295¾+1¾ Bunzl...... 645 -1½ Centrica...... 338¼ +2 TateLyle...... 48-5¾ catchphraseattributed tothe tunesafterone of the three like- ScotNew...... 784 -1½ Avon Rbbr...... 114½ -13½ Hend SmllrCos.228¾+3¾ Capita...... 652-1 GlaxoSmithKline...... 1178-6 Tesco...... 408¾-8 John Smithsbrand wasvery lyrescuers –Olivant–pulled out CHEMICALS REXAM ...... 435+5 ScotAm...... 230½-½ DavisServiceGroup527 +7 HBoS...... 710+9 United Utils...... 712½+2 Croda...... 519½ +17½ SmithDS ...... 170 +½ Witan...... 450¼+4¼ muchthe orderof the dayin of the running totake control of DeLa Rue...... 945 +6 Delta...... 104+2 Tomkins...... 188½ +¼ LIFE INSURANCE the boardroom too,asthe the bank. ElctroCom...... 204¾+7 Elementis98...... 63¼+¼ GENERAL RETAILERS FriendsProv...... 140¾ +4¾ Scottish&Newcastle board Sharesin the FTSE 250firm JohnsnMat...... 1949 -10 AshleyL...... 23¼+¼ Lgl &Gen...... 134¼ +2 Hays...... 105¾-1¼ COMP SERVICES HR Owen...... 151 Old Mutual...... 134¾+2½ Johnson Service....27 +1½ rejected three approachesfrom hadbeen upasmuchasten per McAlpine A...... 530 +8 Northernshares Computacenter...... 175+¾ Inchcape...... 385 +8¾ Prudential...... 659 +3 Carlsbergand Heineken, centearlierasthe deadline for LogicaCMG...... 111¾+¾ Kingfisher...... 153½+2¾ MEDIA MenziesJ...... 556+5½ Prem Farnell...... 150¾ +¼ beforefinallysuccumbingto bidsloomed,but closed 8p down Misys ...... 181¼ +2¾ M&S...... 432 -2½ BSkyB...... 551½ -5 Arriva...... 766¾ +10¼ NorthernRecruit...... 61+2 Next ...... 1522 +47 Chrysalis...... 112¾ +2¾ Rentokil...... 111 -½ an800p-a-shareoffer. at88p afterOlivant’sshockdeci- Travis&P...... 1189 +15 BarratDev...... 433¼-3½ NorthernRock...... 95½ -½ CONSTRUCTION Signet...... 68¼ -2¾ DMail Tst...... 521-7 Bellway...... 830¼+11¼ NorthernVentureTst ...... 62 The companyfirstreceived a sion. Balfour Beatty .454½ +15½ WH Smith...... 343¾ -3¾ Pearson ...... 678½ -15 Wolseley...... 716½-4½ TECHNOLOGY Black&Decker...... £36½-¼ Northgate...... 734½ +19 720p-a-shareofferfrom CRH...... 1819¼ +43 HEALTH CARE Reuters Grp...... 612+½ Chieftain ...... 184½ NorthumbrianW..359¾+4½ Inthe top flight,its bluechip Costain ...... 23¾ +¼ Psion...... 90½+½ SmithNph...... 639-16½ Trinity Mirror.....341¼ +3¼ Garner...... 4½ OpsecSecurity Group.....50½ Carlsbergand Heineken back banking counterparts haden- LowBonar...... 94¾-¼ HOUSEHOLD GOODS MINING SpirentComms...... 55 TELECOM (FIXED LINE) Go-Ahead...... £22¾ +½ Persimmon ...... 791 -1 in Octoberlast year,whichwas joyedabettersession,with Marshalls...... 268½ +3¾ Reckitt Benckiser...... £26 -½ BHP Billiton ...... 1649 +27 ELECTRICAL EQUIP TaylorWimpey..201¼ +8¼ Lonmin...... £30½ C&W...... 166¼+½ Grainger...... 404½+5¾ PremierDirect...... 25½ ColtTelecom...... 155¼ +¼ considered tosignificantly NatWest parent RoyalBank of Chloride ...... 181¼ +4 IND ENGINEERING Rio Tinto...... £55¼ -¾ Greggs...... £45 -¾ Sage Group...... 228¼ +5¼ undervaluethe company,based Scotland putting on morethan Domino Ptg...... 280 600 Group...... 42½+1 TELECOM (MOBILE) Thus Group...... 110-4 Helius Energy...... 45¾ SCS ...... 42½+2½ Invensys ...... 249¾+5¼ Charter...... 745½ +5½ Vodafone Group..177¾ -3¼ TELECOM (MOBILE) Kelda...... 1089½ +4½ Severfield Rowen 272¼+9¼ on the growthpotentialofthe Vodafone Group..177¾ -3¼ four percent,or16.75p,to405.5p. Morgn Cru ...... 201¾-2¾ Fenner...... 235½ +2¼ NONLIFE INSURANCE MetnorGroup...... 135-3½ SouthernCross ....376½-8¼ TOBACCO BalticBeveragesHoldings Itfollowed reportsplayingdown OxInstmts ...... 182½+2½ FKI ...... 66 -1 MarshMcL ...... 1397-15½ Northern2VCT...... 80½ Stadium...... 52½-1 VolexGrp...... 99½ -1 IMI...... 397+3¾ Royal&Sun...... 137½-1½ BrAmTob...... 1802 -12 NorthernInvestors ...... 201 Vp...... 309½ +4¼ (BBH)–the jointRussian fears thatthe bank would be FOOD RETAILERS ManBrnze...... 530 -10 OIL &GAS PRODUCERS ImperialTobacco...... £24¼ venturewithCarlsberg. forced tocut dividend payments. Morrison W...... 305+6 Metalrax...... 27½+½ NorskHdro...... 645 +11¼ TRAVEL &LEISURE Oncompletion of the deal, Barclays wasup9.25p to481.25p, Sainsbury ...... 386-9½ Molins...... 116½ Premier...... 1382+21 Compass Grp...... 326¼-3¼ Tesco...... 408¾-8 Renold ...... 67½+1 RDutchShell A...... 1806 FirstGroup...... 680½+½ Tourist Pound S&N’sbusinessesaretobe LloydsTSB cheered 5.75p to Thorntons...... 143 Senior...... 103 +¾ RDutchShell B.....1765+7 Ladbrokes...... 305½ -1 in association with carved upbetween Heineken 447.5p and HalifaxBank of FOOD PRODUCERS SpiraxSrco...... 937½+16 PHARMACEUTICALS Rank Org...... 90¼-1½ AB Food...... 880½+4 WeirGrp...... 807 +8 Astrazeneca...... £21 Stagecoach...... 260¼+5¼ and Carlsberg,withthe latter Scotland rose9ptohit710p. gaining full control of the Reports of aprivateequity ap- FriendsProvident alsorose Sharesclosed downthree per highlyprofitable BBH. proachfor ITV sawthe broad- four percent,or4.7p,to140.7p cent,or0.10euros(7p),to3.525 Australia...... 2.074dollars NewZealand ..2.369dollars The break-upofScottish& casternearthe top of the risers’ afterCitigroupsetatargetprice (264p) euros,withrivalbudget Canada...... 1.868dollars Norway...... 10.174kroner Newcastle lookssettoend board. The stockwasup2.1p to forthe stockof145p. carrier easyJet downalmost CzechRep .32.490korunas SouthAfrica...13.815 rands morethan250years of Denmark...... 9.440kroner Sweden ...... 11.933 krona Wayne Berry, above 78.6p,ornearlythree percent,fol- Inthe second tier,news of a three percent,or13.75p to453p. Euro...... 1.276 euro Switzerland.....2.046francs tradition forBritain’sbiggest lowing weekend reports of apos- mergerofferby PunchTaverns But Carphone Warehouse Hong Kong...14.657dollars Turkey...... 2.196newlira brewer. ■ Michael Rankin isaninvestmentman- sible deal. forrivalpubsgroup Mitchells& wasthe biggest FTSE 100 faller, Japan...... 200.935yen US ...... 1.894 dollars The company’soriginscan agerin the Teesside officeofWise Miners werealsoamong the Butlers sawthe firmsenjoydif- downseven percent,or24.75p,to betraced backto1749,in Speke,and canbecontacted on 0845- best performers after Anglo 213-1340.Views expressed arethe au- fering fortunesin the market. 314.75p. Edinburgh,and ithashada thor’sownand arenotnecessarilyheld American announced atie-up Sharesin Punchweredown46p The biggest risers wereRoyal HAYS TRAVEL notable presenceinthe North- throughout the Brewin Dolphin Group. Bank of Scotland up16.75p at 0%Commission on foreign currency withthe ChinaDevelopment to667.5p asanalysts warned the Pricesmayfluctuatefrom time of press East of England since1770, WiseSpeke isadivision of Brewin Dol- Bank todevelop naturalre- stockwould bediluted underthe 405.5p, TaylorWimpey ahead Branchesat: withthe foundingofthe John phin,amemberof the London StockEx- BISHOP AUCKLAND Tel:01388 663777 change,authorised and regulated by sourcesin Chinaand Africa. termsof the deal,while M&B 8.25p at201.25p,FriendsProvi- CROOK Tel:01388 766166 Barrasbrewery in Newcastle. Thislifted its shares35p high- stockwas16.75p betteroff,at dentup4.7pat140.7pand Next DARLINGTON Tel:01325486131 Inrecentyears,cost-cutting the FinancialServicesAuthority.Prices, erto2945p,withgainsalsoseen 466.5p. ahead47pat1522p. The big fall- DURHAM Tel:0191 3847690 initiativesand operating valuesorincome mayfall against in- FERRYHILL Tel:01740654003 vestors’interests.Youshould beaware forsectorpeers BHP Billiton and Itwasabaddayforthe airlines ers wereCarphone Warehouse NEWTON AYCLIFFE Tel:01325320611 efficiencyimprovements mean PETERLEE Tel:0191 5184990 thatyoumaygetless backthanyouin- VedantaResources ,which afterIrishcarrier Ryanair re- down24.75p at314.75p, Man SEDGEFIELD Tel:01740622411 thatthe onceiconicNewcastle vested. Investments maynotalways be SHILDON Tel:01388 777000 rose27pto1649p and 59p to2019p ported gloomyprospects forits Group off 20.5p at562.5p, Xstra- SPENNYMOOR Tel:01388 819297 brewery on StJames’ suitable forall individuals.Ifyouhave ta down108p at3895p and Smith Boulevard,home of Newcastle anydoubts,youshould consultapro- respectively. next financialyearamid higher WE OFFER Life and pensionscompany fuel costs and consumersqueeze. &Nephew off 16.5p at639p. BrownAle,hasbeen fessionaladvisor. 12 BUSINESSECHO businessecho.co.uk TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5,2008 Your success is our business

At TheRoyal Bank of Scotland we are committed to providing customerswith all the supportthey need to help their businesses succeed. This starts with having adedicated relationship manager local to their business.They develop adeep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that their customersface and can deliver timely and effectivesolutions.Weaim to make banking as straightforward as possible and bring real value to our customers. To find out howwecan help your business,call Kevin Tokell MarkEastwood Director Commercial Banking DirectorCommercialBanking 0191 269 8700 01642390331 [email protected] [email protected]

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