Daily Bulletin feed

LEPs: The national picture

Bdaily — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

It’s well over a year since George Osbourne originally announced that 24 Local Enterprise Partnerships would be established across the country.

Developed as a remedy to the over-centralisation of power, and the perceived expense, and bureaucracy of regional development agencies, the LEPs are now beginning to take shape.

A total of 38 have now been approved; some still in an embryonic stage, while others have already made positive gains for their regions.

Speaking to Bdaily, Alex Ehmann, head of parliamentary and regulatory affairs at the Institute of Directors, acknowledged that it would take time for the LEPs to find their feet.

He said: “Our thoughts when the LEPs first came to fruition were that roughly a third would be outstanding, and make really good progress, a third would be poor, and the rest would be OK.

“The jury is still out, although I think we need to see some really succeed and achieve progress, and some to fall by the wayside.

HMRC welcomes self-disclosure to avoid criminal prosecution

Short Richardson and Forth LLP — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has introduced new procedures for civil fraud investigations.

Developer/Programmer

Ground Six — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Are you a talented digital developer with a great sense of fun and a passion for coding?

Team Tomorrow introduce Olympic Business and Legacy opportunities

NewcastleGateshead Initiative — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Team Tomorrow has a busy month ahead with events providing North East businesses with information about Olympic and Paralympic Business and Legacy opportunities.

Get Mentoring- an introduction to business mentoring

Deal Group — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:00:00 GMT

Wed 22nd February 2012 (9.30 - 1.00 & 1.30 - 5.00) - Centre for Enterprise, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BA

On a road to nowhere

Bdaily — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Durham County Council have come under fire, after spending £5000 on a bus shelter, which isn’t even on a bus route.

The Metro reports that the Council knocked down the old brick bus stop to replace it with a new one - despite the fact that no buses have served the route for over two years.

The Council even went on to install a blank timetable, not even noticing their mistake until disgruntled residents pointed it out to them.

The mistake was apparently due to a miscommunication between the Council and bus provider Aviva.

Government in surplus shocker

Bdaily — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

In January the Government was left with its highest monthly surplus in four years following a fall in local government an a rise in tax reliefs.

This meant that a net repayment of £7.75 billion, excluding financial interventions, was made last month - indicating that the Government could be on track to meet its £127 billion borrowing targets for this year.

So does this mean that austerity measures are really working? Finances in January are often in surplus due to a spike in tax reliefs, but this enormous excess amount could be indicative of the potential savings which could be made over the course of 2012. With the Budget looming in the next few weeks, this news could also provide the Chancellor with the opportunity to implement measures to support growth.

So is now finally the time for us to start feeling optimistic about the economy? Tell us your thoughts.

ipnconnect Sales Conference

ipn connect — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:00:00 GMT

Come to our business to business exhibition

Sponsorship Opportunities for Charity Golf Day

The Me Group — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Josie’s Dragonfly Trust was set up by the inspirational teenager Josie Grove who died of cancer in 2007, this Hexham based charity supports 1000’s of children & young people with cancer.

Account Director

North East Business and Innovation Centre — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Unique Prospects Intl is one of the country’s largest and fastest growing data providers and direct marketing agency.

Behind the business with DiscountVouchers

Bdaily — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Gerard Doyle, CEO of DiscountVouchers, takes Bdaily behind the business.

Smith Electric confirmed for electric van subsidy

Bdaily — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Government has confirmed that all-electric light commercial vehicles from Smith Electric vehicles are eligible for a new Plug-in Van subsidy.

The Smith Edison has been named as part of the department for Transport scheme, and now any business who purchases the 3.5t all-electric vehicle will benefit from £8,000 off the list price.

This is positive news for Smith Vehicles Europe, who manufacture the vans at their plant in Washington, Tyne & Wear.

Geoff Allison, Managing Director of Smith Electric Vehicles Europe Ltd, said: “We are delighted that the Smith Edison has been accepted into the Plug-In Van Grant scheme.

“This grant will help our fleet customers to achieve a faster return on investment, making the economic case for electric vans as compelling as the environmental case.”

The Smith Edison is available as a panel van and as a chassis cab, suitable for a diverse range including drop side, tipper, box and refrigerated box. The vehicle has a range of up to 100 miles on a single charge of its lithium-ion batteries, which can be fully recharged in as little as four hours.

Smith is one of seven manufacturers to have its all-electric light commercial vehicles approved for the Plug-In Van Grant.

The company last week announced it had signed a letter of intent for a $25 million investment and a $75m joint venture with Wanxiang Group, China’s largest auto-parts maker.

It’s Not All Grim up North

Solutions Recruitment — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Becky Mortimer of Solrecruit looks at recruitment in the North East.

Investors in People - Preparing for your Assessment

idg — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:00:00 GMT

With practical exercises that will help you to plan your assessor’s visit, the Investors in People – Preparing for your Assessment workshop will be beneficial whether you are new to working with the framework or looking to refresh your memory.

Be prepared for RGF say experts

Bdaily — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The third round of Regional Growth Funding is set to open soon, and Deloitte are encouraging businesses who are considering applying to consider their bids very carefully to ensure success.

In the first two rounds North East businesses have so far been very successful, attracting more than £93 million of investment. However, as RGF awareness rises, it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure funding.

John Spurr, Director at Deloitte in the North East said: “The two previous rounds of RGF have been heavily oversubscribed, but with significant funding available to business in North East, taking the time to prepare and submit a quality bid is worthwhile.”

Mr Spurr is now encouraging businesses to take active steps to help ensure their bid is successful. Firms looking to apply should ensure they have a credible business plan with a strong investment case. They should also look to professionals for advice on the proposals to ensure they are robust enough to withstand analysis.

Businesses should also ensure they understand RGF bidding criteria. While the minimum bidding threshold of £1 million may dissuade smaller businesses from applying, it is possible for firms to collaborate and submit a package of projects to meet the minimum amount.

How to manage safely- IOSH

Agile Performance Consultancy — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Engaging and managing all your people to work in a safe environment and in a safe manner is not only a legal requirement, but more importantly is the foundations on which you deliver business results and continuous improvement.

Northern businesses set to benefit from partnerships

idg — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Organisational development specialists idg have joined forces with a number of key strategic partners to encourage enterprise, create jobs and support business growth across the North of England.

Skills providers set for Government overhaul

Bdaily — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Training providers from across the region have joined forces to discuss ways to improve further education and training across the North East.

At a conference hosted by the Tyne, Wear and Northumberland Association of Learning Providers (TWNALP), the director of the Skills Funding Agency Gillian Miller explained hoe the Governments reform strategy could impact on training providers.

‘New Changes, New Chances’ and the Skills Investment Statement for 2012/13 considers giving businesses increased control over their training by giving them funding directly, rather than to training providers.

The plans also offered employers incentives to take on 16-24 year old apprentices, and prioritises support for the unemployed. Training companies were encouraged to export their services globally to emerging economies.

Speakers at the event went on to consider growth areas within the sector, including community-based training for offenders and skills development for job seekers.

Chairman of TWNALP, Malcolm Armstrong, said: “This conference was extremely important because it allowed training providers to hear directly from central government how reforms will affect them.

“Our Association brings members together to support each other and ensure they prosper by working collaboratively and seizing new opportunities.”

Speakers at the conference, which was open to both members and non-members, were Gillian Miller, Skills Funding Agency, Barrie Irving, National Apprenticeship Service, Steven Martin, Job Centre Plus and John Taylor, Young People’s Learning Agency.

Behind the business with Dulas Ltd

Bdaily — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Mike Clay, marketing manager for renewable energy firm Dulas Ltd, takes Bdaily behind the business.

Get Mentoring- an introduction to business mentoring

Deal Group — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:00:00 GMT

Wed 29th February 2012 (9.30 - 1.00 & 1.30 - 5.00) - The Beacon, Newcastle, NE4 6RJ

NE Economy- Where’s the growth coming from?

Institute of Economic Development — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:00:00 GMT

Institute of Economic Development is hosting an interactive audience debate with a panel of expert regeneration practitioners (Paul Woolston - NELEP, Katie Schmuecker - IPPR, Prof. John Tomaney - CURDS, Vince Taylor – Sunderland CC & Clive Gray – Blyth Tall Ship). The audience will have the opportunity to pose questions on the future of the North East economy & the issues the region faces in stimulating and sustaining long-term growth.

Sunderland named third worst place to find work

Bdaily — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Sunderland is one of the hardest places in the country to find a job, with an average of 54 applicants per position, according to new research.

The UK’s top 50 cities were ranked by comparing job vacancies to the number of claimants in each location. Job titles and categories were also analysed to determine which positions ar more in demand.

Job seekers were shown to have hugely varied prospects across the country, with large variations in the types of roles in demand in different locations.

Aberdeen was found to be the easiest place to find a job, with more vacancies than it had unemployed, a statistic attributed to the city’s strong oil and gas sector. Southern cities made up the rest of the top 5, indicating the presence of a North-South divide.

Sunderland was the third most difficult place to find work, behind Hull abd Stoke-on-Trent, where there were 80 and 72 applicants per job respectively

Andrew Hunter, Co-Founder of Adzuna, said “Because we list nearly every UK job ad in our search engine, we’re able to see how the employment market is changing on a daily basis.

“Jobseekers can use this information to help them target their job search in the locations in demand and acquire the skills employers are looking for.

“Policymakers should also take note of where the jobs are being created, and make sure that people are being trained in the right skills in the right locations.”

The top jobs in demand across the UK are engineering, IT, sales and marketing, and the need for computer experts and engineers means that salaries for these roles are often over 20% above the national average.

Responding to the statistics, Councillor Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council questions the methodology used to compile evidence, which does not account for a high turnover of staff in certain sectors. He believes that this often results in a singly post being advertised up to three times a year.

He commented: “In Sunderland one of our strengths is the loyalty of our workforce and staff turnover is much lower here therefore making the ratio of claimants to job adverts typically higher in Sunderland.

“The survey also highlights regional imbalances in the UK economy so it shows how important it is that we in the North East fight for our corner when it comes to the very limited funds that Government is making available for regeneration and jobs.”

He went on to restate Sunderlands ongoing commitment to attracting investment to the city and the Council’s active promotion of the areas strengths.

Cllr Watson continued: “We have had record levels of inward investment over the past ten years, thousands of jobs have been created and we’re confident that this can continue.

“The City Council and its partners are continuing to help create new jobs, improve educational achievement, increase investment and work towards further improvements.

“The City Council has just announced more major capital investments that will help lever in more private sector investment and there are further developments and investments in the automotive, software, manufacturing sectors, as well as with service sector posts, that are going to boost job creation.”

Care Home developers set to create 300 jobs

Bdaily — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Two former care home developers have launched their own company, in a move which will create over 300 jobs across the UK.

NorthStar has been set up by Ian Homes and Danny Sharpe, who have established a strong reputation within the care home industry for their innovative approach to developing and project managing care homes.

The pair have already secured contracts with a number of care providers, and are now looking to expand their reach further across the UK. One of their most recent developments, a care home in Newmaket, Kentford Manor has also been chosen as one of three finalists in the Best Larger Home for the Elderly Care category at this year’s national Pinders Healthcare Design Awards.

Commenting on the developments, Ian Homes said: “The NorthStar supply chain of architects, lawyers and other construction professionals have worked hand in hand for many years and offer a comprehensive service comprising of the best consultants in the healthcare sector, all under NorthStar’s lead.

“This is a particularly exciting time for us at NorthStar as we branch out independently.

“To be shortlisted for such a prestigious award as we start our journey is a welcome boost to morale and serves to strengthen our already impressive portfolio of award winning care homes which we have developed.”

The firm have also nominated Alzheimers Research UK as their designated charity, and recently presented them with a cheque at Kentford Manor. Jodie Vaughn, community fundraising officer with the charity was on hand to recieve the money.

She said: “Support from companies like NorthStar plays a key part in helping Alzheimer’s Research UK progress its pioneering dementia research.

“This donation of £500 will pay for hours of research and vital equipment for our scientists, bringing us closer to finding ways to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure dementia.”

NorthStar offer an integrated service of planning care home developments from finding sites to
handing over a fully-furnished and equipped, CQC-compliant building to the care home operator.

Ian added: “As our aging population continues to grow, it is increasingly important to deliver well-
designed residential care with specialist services.

“With a combined 50 of years in the industry under our belts we develop care homes which enable residents to flourish and which are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, particularly for those suffering from dementia.”

First Friday Newcastle

Newcastle Science City — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:00:00 GMT

First Friday North East is an informal forum to discuss innovation and entrepreneurship. The events are specifically targeted at the science community, including entrepreneurs, designers, scientists and financiers.

Parliamentary Outreach Session on “The Budget”

AB Connexions — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:00:00 GMT

On Monday 5th March Asian Business Connexions (ABC) in association with the Federation of Small Business (FSB) and Ariston Accountants Ltd are hosting a Parliamentary Outreach Session on “The Budget” at the Literary and Philosophical Society in Newcastle.

CBI offers support to NEETs scheme

Bdaily — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The CBI has offered its support to the new scheme launched by the Deputy Prime Minister to help 16-17 year olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEETS).

Nick Clegg has vowed to deal with the “ticking time bomb” of NEETS though a new scheme focusing on individuals who are most likely to struggle to find work. The £126 million scheme will offer training in basic skills and interview practice.

It is hoped that 55,000 NEETs who have no GCSEs at grade C or above will benefit from the scheme, and businesses and charities are now being called upon to bid for contracts wirth up to £2,200 to take people on.

Commenting on the proposals, Neil Carberry CBI director for Employment and Skills Policy said: “It is good news that the Government has responded to business pressure to ensure that 16-17 year olds are included when the Youth Contract launches in April.

“This announcement is a step forward, but we remain concerned that this programme does not go far enough.”

He is now calling for urgent action in schools to minimise the risk of young poeple becoming NEETs in the first place by offering better careers and study advice, as well as improving links with business schools.

“It is right that private and third-sector providers are tasked with delivering this initiative on a payment-by-results basis, but they will need to work closely with local authorities, schools and other public agencies to make sure the scheme delivers.” He added.

Marketing Magic Seminar

North East Business and Innovation Centre — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:00:00 GMT

Marketing Magic is a fun, interactive seminar delivered by marketing expert Paul Finch. Packed full of practical marketing hints and tips, the session covers:

Shares drift lower despite latest Greek agreement

Vertem Asset Management — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Shares in Europe fell on Tuesday despite the overnight agreement by European finance ministers on a second bailout for Greece. A messy default was avoided but the Greeks must make yet more spending cuts and accept the permanent presence of EU monitors in exchange. Private sector bond holders would be offered a ‘voluntary’ haircut of 53.5%, higher than the 50% previously agreed, but perhaps better than many commentators had speculated of late.

Health & Wellbeing Awareness Session

idg — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:00:00 GMT

From Improving employee engagement and productivity to enabling your workforce to be ready to embrace change, the Health & Wellbeing Good Practice Award from Investors in People will help your organisation to gain sustained performance.

Investors in People - Preparing for your Assessment

idg — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:00:00 GMT

Business Technology Show

Benchmark Communications — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:00:00 GMT

Regional Buyers. Regional Suppliers. National Products & Services.

ACHIEVE: International Women’s Day Conference

Entrepreneurs’ Forum — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:00:00 GMT

With special guest speakers including serial entrepreneur and female internet hero Sara Murray, the founder of award winning confused.com and buddi; Britain’s most inspirational young businesswoman, Kirsty Henshaw, founder of frozen dessert business, Worthenshaws and Fiona Cruickshank of SCM Pharma and the woman who brought St Tropez Tan to the UK and co-founder of Airbase. Conference hosted by Penny Mallory, the first woman to drive a World Rally Car.

How to manage safely- IOSH

Agile Performance Consultancy — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:00:00 GMT

The Science of Decision Making

Newcastle Science City — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:00:00 GMT

The Science Of… Decision Making with guest speaker’s Alistair Campbell, strategist and spokesman for the British Primeminister and Kenny Coventry PhD, Director of Cognitition and Communication Research Centre of Northumbria University.

Perfect Startup Plan Workshop

Newcastle Science City — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:00:00 GMT

If you are looking to start a business then Cobra provides business start up advice for business advisors and information professionals.

North East Expo Spring 2012

BACK Consulting Ltd — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 23:00:00 GMT

Our third Expo event at Newcastle Racecourse was bigger than ever.

Funding for business growth still available- act now!

NBSL — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

If you employ between 2 – 249 people, run a private sector company or social enterprise, undertake the majority of your business in the Business to Business arena and can show that you have aspirations for growth over the next three years, then you may be eligible for up to £1,000 of funding support from the North East Leadership & Management Advisory Service, matched by a contribution from your business.

Shop for sale: The Little Monk, Tynemouth

Roberts Commercial — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:00:00 GMT

RETIREMENT SALE of Leasehold Going Concern Business