MEMBER NEWS
POP-UP SPACE GIVES FOOD AND DRINK PRODUCERS A ROUTE TO MARKET
A three-month long pop-up programme to give food and drink producers from across County Durham the chance to showcase their products and explore potential routes to market launches this week. The event is a collaboration between All Durham, the brainchild of...
MEMBER NEWS: MUCKLE MARKS £500,000 OF CHARITABLE GRANTS
Following its most recent grant to a Gateshead charity, North East law firm Muckle LLP has now donated a landmark £500,000 to local worthy causes through its charitable fund. Oasis Community Housing, based in Gateshead, has received £1,000 from the Muckle Fund to help...
PROGRAMME LAUNCHES TO HELP FIRMS TAP INTO SPACE TECHNOLOGY SECTOR
An innovative programme in the North East is looking to help more businesses take advantage of the growing space technology sector. Space technology, including photonics, which uses light, is playing an increasingly critical role in resolving some of the world’s...
AFFILIATE MEMBER NEWS: MUCKLE LLP SUPPORTS OFFSHORE ENGINEERING MBO
A Newcastle-based offshore engineering firm has expanded and rebranded following an impressive 12 months of growth and a management buyout. Fabricom Offshore Services, which has a history spanning over 30 years, was a subsidiary of French energy group Engie until it...
AFFILIATE MEMBER NEWS: GAS ANNOUNCES NEW WASTE PARTNERSHIP
Great Annual Savings Group (GAS) has once again expanded its B2B customer offering by teaming up with a fellow County Durham business. Shredding expert Shred Base deals with secure, GDPR-compliant document and product disposal for businesses across the UK. GAS will...
£4.9m COUNTY DURHAM GROWTH FUND LAUNCHES
More than 300 new jobs could be created with the launch of a £4.9M fund to help County Durham’s small and medium sized businesses to expand and grow. The three-year County Durham Growth Fund has been launched by Business Durham, the economic development arm of Durham...
AFFILIATE MEMBER NEWS: FOUR PROMOTIONS AT MUCKLE LLP
Four lawyers at Muckle LLP have been promoted to senior roles in recognition of their specialist expertise, success and overall growth in corporate client work. Sarah Forster, Adam Rayner and Matthew Walsh have all been promoted to partner and Amy Wanless has been...
MEMBER NEWS: HORIZONWORKS AT NATIONAL MANUFACTURING CONFERENCE
B2B marketing agency Horizon Works will be helping to highlight the strength of Northumberland’s manufacturing sector next month, at Subcon, a major national industry conference. The company, which is headquartered at Northumberland Business Park near Cramlington,...
MEMBER NEWS: MUCKLE APPOINTS NEW FINANCE DIRECTOR
Leading North East law firm for businesses, Muckle LLP, has announced the appointment of a new finance director. Claire Long has joined the independent commercial law firm following a successful career at Procter & Gamble, where she was an associate finance...
MEMBER NEWS: DOUBLE PROMOTIONS AT E-MAX SYSTEMS
E-Max Systems is delighted to announce that two key staff members, Fraser Walker and Fred Okwute, have recently been promoted to Technical Support Manager and ERP Projects Manager respectively. Both new roles have been created after an internal operational review...
MEMBER NEWS: ENTREPRENEURS ENJOY GROWTH WITH THE SUPPORT OF DCI PROGRAMME
A business incubator is looking for its next cohort of ambitious entrepreneurs after helping its first eight small businesses achieve national recognition and investment funding. Durham City Incubator, which is based at Salvus House, at Aykley Heads, Durham, offers...
MEMBER NEWS: MUCKLE SUPPORTS EQUIPMENT RENTAL FIRM’S ACQUISITIONS
A North East-based equipment rental business is flushed with success after completing two major acquisitions estimated to boost revenue in the region by over £12m. Nixon Hire, which delivers quality plant, tools, machinery, accommodation and portable toilet products...
HEATHER MILLS URGES BUSINESS LEADERS TO ‘MAKE A DIFFERENCE’
Business leaders have been encouraged to 'make a difference' with their success by one of the UK's most philanthropic, celebrity entrepreneurs during her visit to the North East at the region's largest business conference. Speaking to an audience of more than 300...
MEMBER NEWS: FOOD PRODUCERS GIVEN HELP TO GET THEIR PRODUCTS TO MARKET
Small and medium sized food producers from County Durham are snapping up support to get their products to market. The Durham Food and Drink Network is helping producers of all sizes, who are making tasty and distinctive food and drink products but don’t know how to...
MEMBER NEWS: E-MAX SYSTEMS ANNOUNCES LATEST INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP
E-Max Systems, a leading UK manufacturing ERP software provider, has announced that the North East’s pioneering battery manufacturer, Hyperdrive Innovations, has chosen the company to power its key manufacturing and business operations. This appointment reinforces...
MEMBER NEWS: GATESHEAD COLLEGE CHOSEN TO DELIVER HALFORDS APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME
One of the country’s best-known vehicle servicing and repair firms has teamed up with Gateshead College to launch an apprenticeship programme in the North East. Halfords Autocentres is rolling out a national apprenticeship programme with eight colleges around the...
MEMBER NEWS: GEM TRAINING STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH GREENCROFT BOTTLING
A Peterlee training company is helping one of the UK’s largest contract wine bottlers to fully utilise its share of the apprenticeship levy. GEM Training is the long-term partner of County Durham’s Greencroft Bottling Company and is delivering a number of training...
MEMBER NEWS: TAIT WALKER UNVEILS NEW IDENTITY
North East accountancy and wealth management firm, Tait Walker, has unveiled its new as it adopts the name of national accountancy association MHA. The rebrand of the company sees MHA added to Tait Walker’s title whilst the firm also adopts the brand of its global...
MEMBER NEWS: KEY APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCED AS E-MAX SYSTEMS CONTINUES TO GROW
ERP and MRP software provider, E-Max Systems, has welcomed another colleague to its growing customer support team. Michael (Mike) Brownless’ new role will see him focusing on the key area of solution implementation for E-Max’s existing and new customer base. Zeynel...
MEMBER NEWS: TAIT WALKER GEARS UP FOR CONTINUED GROWTH
Independent accountancy firm Tait Walker is setting its sight on further growth in 2019 following a year of new appointments and a brand new service offering. In 2018, Tait Walker created 35 jobs in the region across a range of roles including an events coordinator,...
MEMBER NEWS: JIM SHEDS LIGHT ON BUSINESS DIVERSIFICATION
An experienced design engineer is utilising waste glass and gin bottles to diversify his business into the arts and crafts retail market. Jim Box, Managing Director of Peterlee-based Be Smart Solutions, saw a gap in the market to customise discarded glass bottles...
GREAT ANNUAL SAVINGS GROUP CONFIRMED AS NEW AFFILIATE PARTNER
Great Annual Savings Group (GAS) has been confirmed as a new affiliate partner, and preferred energy supplier, for the Engineering and Manufacturing Network (EMN). The Seaham-based business savings company replaces Utilitywise, which entered administration earlier...
MEMBER NEWS: GATESHEAD COLLEGE LAUNCHES SECTOR TRAINING ACADEMY
A group of North East firms have pledged their support for a trailblazing training academy to tackle skills shortages in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Fifteen firms have signed up to be part of the Ford Engineering Academy, a pioneering training programme...
MEMBER NEWS: MILLBANK SOLUTIONS ANNOUNCE NEW APPOINTMENT DAN
A specialist security and risk management company has announced a key appointment as it continues to grow. Millbank Solutions, which was launched by Michael George two years ago, has confirmed Dan Bettison has joined the company as Director of Operations. Dan brings a...
SPOTLIGHT ON: SAGETECH MACHINERY
In our latest Spotlight On feature, we chat to Craig Williams, managing director of vertical panel saw manufacturer Sagetech Machinery, about the growth of the business and its plans for the future, including growth in Europe. Tell us more about Sagetech? Sagetech...
MEMBER NEWS: TAIT WALKER SUPPORTS BIOSTORE ACQUISITION
Leading provider of innovative identity management, BioStore Limited, has recently been acquired by IRIS Software Group with the help of independent accountancy firm, Tait Walker. Acting as the exclusive M&A advisor to the shareholders of BioStore Limited, Michael...
MEMBER NEWS: THINK ELEVEN ANNOUNCES SCALE UP PLANS
A County Durham consultancy and software-as-service business is scaling up and creating new jobs with the help of a five-figure investment from the North East Small Loan Fund Supported By The European Regional Development Fund. Think Eleven specialises in optimising...
MEMBER NEWS: SAGETECH MACHINERY RECOGNISED FOR ENGRAVING EXPERTISE
A County Durham company has won a top award for its engraving services. Sagetech Machinery won the award for Best Product for Personalisation at Trophex 2019. Presented to the Sagetech team at the Trophex Exhibition, held at Sandown Park, the award was for the...
MEMBER NEWS: MUCKLE SOLICITOR PICKS UP NATIONAL LEGAL 500 AWARD
A North East-based solicitor has been crowned the top finance lawyer outside London, in this year’s national Legal 500 UK 2019 awards. Muckle LLP Partner and Head of Banking Louise Duffy was named Finance Individual (outside London) of the Year at the Legal 500 UK...
FUNDING FOR INNOVATIVE BUSINESSES UNVEILED AT COUNTY DURHAM EVENT
County Durham and Wearside business owners looking for funding to help growth, create jobs and develop innovative products and services are being invited to an event that will help companies attract investment. North East Fund, a £120m investment pot delivering...
MEMBER NEWS: NICE NETWORK AGREES DARLINGTON FC SPONSORSHIP DEAL
North East unified communications specialist Nice Network Ltd has agreed a deal to become Darlington FC’s latest shirt sponsor. The deal, which is for two and a half years and subject to FA approval, will see the Nice Network logo spread across the back of Quakers’...
MEMBER NEWS: INVESTMENT FUND SUCCESS FOR MUCKLE LLP
Leading independent law firm Muckle LLP has advised Mercia Fund Managers (Mercia) on three regional investments from the North East Venture Fund (NEVF), supported by the European Regional Development Fund, in just three months. Lawyers in Muckle LLP’s Corporate team...
MEMBER NEWS: AKZONOBEL PARTNERS WITH COLLEGE TO UPSKILL WORKFORCE
Leading North East-based paint manufacturer, AkzoNobel, has joined forces with Northumberland College in order to upskill its workforce Having already created over 160 highly-skilled jobs as well as over 100 more in the local supply chain since opening its...
MEMBER NEWS: UP TO £700M OF LENDING AVAILABLE FROM LLOYDS
As part of Lloyds Banking Group’s national pledge to lend £18billion to UK businesses*, the Group expects to support firms in the North East with up to £700million** of lending during 2019. As part of the Group’s continued commitment to help British businesses...
MEMBER NEWS: DYER TO CREATE 100 JOBS AFTER SECURING £1.95M INVESTMENT
Maven Capital Partners (“Maven”), one of the UK’s most active private equity houses, has, through its management of two regional funds, provided £1.95 million of capital to Dyer Engineering Ltd, the largest independent engineering business in County Durham. The North...
MEMBER NEWS: TWO APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED AT MUCKLE LLP
The North East's leading independent law firm for businesses, Muckle LLP, has appointed two new trainee solicitors. Caroline Wood and Sarah Addison have started their two-year solicitor training within Muckle LLP’s Dispute Resolution Team and Banking & Finance...
MEMBER NEWS: GLOBALBRIDGE A COMPANY TO WATCH IN 2019
EMN member company Globalbridge has been listed as one of 19 companies to watch in 2019. Globalbridge was nominated by Paul Lancaster, founder of Newcastle Start-Up Week. GlobalBridge is a unique digital platform that bridges the gap between students, universities...
MEMBER NEWS: PROFITS UP FOR LAW FIRM MUCKLE LLP
The North East’s leading Independent law firm for businesses, Muckle LLP has reported a steady rise in income and profit for year ending April 2018. Newcastle based Muckle LLP saw income increase from £10.8m to £11.3m with profit rising from £1.2m to £1.9m. Managing...
MEMBER NEWS: ENDEAVOUR ASSISTS IN ARC MANAGEMENT BUY-OUT
Arc Environmental Limited (Arc) has been acquired by two of its senior team in a management buy-out. Former Associate Directors Darren McGrath and John Ditchburn acquired the shareholding of the founder shareholders and were advised on the transaction by Clive Owen...
NEW DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY PROJECT AIMS TO WORK WITH NORTH EAST PORTS
A new project that aims to pilot smart digital initiatives to boost trade and foster economic growth in North East ports has been launched. Digital and industry experts, academia, regional authorities as well as the Port of Berwick, Port of Blyth, Port of Sunderland,...
TRIBUTES PAID TO BUSINESSMAN GEOFF FORD
Tributes have been paid to businessman Geoff Ford, who has sadly died. Ben Gilhespy, Operations Director at the Engineering and Manufacturing Network, said: "This is a tragic loss for the industry and region. "Geoff was a truly inspirational leader whose drive and...
FUNDING BOOST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN COUNTY DURHAM
Entrepreneurs who are part of an incubator designed to help companies grow and thrive in County Durham will now be able to access up to £10,000 of funding each. Durham City Incubator (DCI), based at Salvus House, in Aykley Heads, Durham, has recently launched, and is...
DURHAM FOOD AND DRINK NETWORK TO LAUNCH
A network to support County Durham food and drink producers is being launched. Durham Food and Drink Network is the fifth key strand of the Durham Business Opportunities Programme (DBOP), which is part of Business Durham. The network will enable small producers and...
MEMBER NEWS: STEELCRAFT PLANS FOR EUROPEAN EXPANSION
A County Durham-based metalwork firm has set out ambitious plans to expand with a new online brand. Family-run company, Steelcraft Ltd, specialises in supplying architectural metalwork with a portfolio including balconies, railings, gates, handrails, stairs, ramps and...
AFFILIATE MEMBER NEWS: APPRENTICE SOLICITORS JOIN THE MUCKLE TEAM
Two new solicitor apprentices have taken their first seats in separate teams at leading North East independent law firm for businesses, Muckle LLP. Lauryn Hellewell has joined Muckle LLP though the North East Solicitor Apprenticeship (NESA) scheme, an alternative,...
MEMBER NEWS: MANAGEMENT BUY OUT OF MANUFACTURING FIRM
Barnard Castle based Steel Fabricator S&A has announced the sale of the building fabrication side of the business in a management buyout, as a result of major changes at the company over the past two years. With the support of North East advisors, the Barnard...
MEMBER NEWS: APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED AT REPROTEC
North East based Reprotec UK, specialists in resin flooring systems and bespoke surface protection technology, has announced two appointments. Mr Elliott Lindsay, who joined the company at the age of 16 years, has been appointed to the senior position of Head of...
MEMBER NEWS: HORIZON WORKS AWARDED GRANT TO SUPPORT EXPORT
A North-East based B2B marketing agency has been awarded funding to support its exporting activities in North America after winning a grant from Heathrow’s World of Opportunity SME Grants Programme. Horizon Works is one of only 20 companies throughout the whole of the...
MEMBER NEWS: COLLEGE PRINCIPALS TO MARCH ON PARLIAMENT
Principals, staff and students from further education colleges across the North East will next week march on Parliament to demand increased funding after a decade of decline. The unprecedented joint action will see college CEOs protest alongside colleagues, learners...
MEMBER NEWS: ESL RECEIVES MAJOR NATIONAL ENERGY AWARD
Electek Solutions (ESL) have claimed an impressive bronze in this years National Efficiency Awards in September, no mean feat when you’re up against international energy players such as E.on Energy. ESL were awarded the accolade for the Multi-measure Project of the...