THE
VOICE
North East England
Your Development Manager: simon.hansen@fsb.org.uk or call 01207 506 138
July/August 2016
LAUNCH OF FSB CONNECT
FSB CONNECT
DEVOLUATION EVENT
FSB CONNECT SPONSORED
IWCYC AWARD
STRONG CONNECTIONS MADE
WITH YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
Over the past year, FSB in the
North East has been working
with younger businesses and
entrepreneurs to understand
their needs and match their
ambitions and what a year it
has been.
We’ve worked with over
300 younger businesses and
entrepreneurs to ensure their
voice is heard.
We’ve partnered with First
Face to Face and others to
hold events to launch the
FSB Connect campaign right
through to ensuring that
younger entrepreneur’s needs
REGIONAL NEWS 2, 11, 14
are heard in the devolution
deals in both the North East
and Tees Valley.
Gudrun Lauret, FSB
Connector, said: “As someone
who is a young business
owner I’m working to ensure
that FSB focus on the
members and activists of the
future.
“All the Regional Connectors
across the country are
enthusiastic and keen to try
new ideas.
“The events we’ve done to
date have been well-attended,
informative and enjoyable
BUSINESS UPDATE 3-10
and the feedback has been
great. I hope to build on that in
the next 12 months and want
to hear from fellow young
members to get these right.”
Charlotte Windebank, MD
of First Face to Face, said:
“Working with FSB on the ‘If
We can You Can’ Challenge
and the Devolution Debate
has powered the platform for
the Region’s young people
and start-up businesses.
“As a result, the First Face to
Face network is able to make
valuable connections with
established entrepreneurs and
REGIONAL CONTACTS 14
have an opportunity to have
their say on issues that will
affect them.”
FSB will be continuing to
work with all the universities
and colleges across the
North East over the next 12
months to help retain more
student start-up businesses
and better integrate them with
the existing small business
community.
If you would like to help
with this please get in touch
with Gudrun by emailing
gudrunlauret@gmail.com for
more details.
TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 7324 2776
North East England
NEW £30M
SMART DATA
INSTITUTE WILL
BE BUILT
A new £30m National Institute
for Smart Data Innovation
(NISDI) will be built on
Newcastle’s Science Central.
Funded by the Government
and Newcastle University, the
Institute will bring together
industry, the public sector and
world-leading academics to
develop the skills, ideas and
resources needed to exploit the
opportunities offered by the
explosion in digital data.
It represents an excellent
opportunity for SMEs to improve
their value propositions by
better exploiting the increasingly
large amounts of big data now
available to them.
Achieving this was once
limited to large companies
who could afford to hire data
analytics specialists. Recent
research by Dell suggests that
SMEs now want a piece of the
action and 96 per cent say they
have a defined big data agenda.
However, realising the benefits
of this agenda will only be
possible if big data skills and
tools are available to SMEs. This
is the role of NISDI which has
been designed in collaboration
with the Region’s IT industry.
NISDI builds on the expertise
in this area at Newcastle
University’s Digital Institute,
recognised by the award in 2014
of £5m to create the EPSRC
Centre for Doctoral Training in
Cloud Computing for Big Data
and funding from the DCMS in
2013 to create the £2m Cloud
Innovation Centre (CIC).
The CIC has engaged with
over 2,000 individuals in
seminars, workshops and design
review meetings to explore how
to exploit data. This work will
now be expanded through NISDI.
For information contact
CIC http://www.
cloudinnovationcentre.com
VOICE EDITORIAL: This publication is produced by and published for the Federation of Small
Businesses, Sir Frank Whittle Way, Blackpool Business Park Blackpool, Lancs, FY4 2FE.
© Copyright 1996 Federation of Small Businesses all rights reserved. Editor: James Connor. Tel:
01253 361179 Email: james.connor@fsb.org.uk.
Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this publication errors or omissions are
not the responsibility of the Federation of Small Businesses and opinions expressed are those
of the authors and are not necessarily the policy of the Federation.
HELPING RETAILERS BUILD LOYALTY
Building customer loyalty is
one of the crucial elements
for any small business.
With the digital
transformation of retail
moving at a rapid pace,
smaller businesses need to
have a competitive edge
to beat off stiff opposition.
Two young entrepreneurs
based in Newcastle have
devised a new solution to
help local retailers gain
that competitive edge.
SpreeTree provides
simple digital loyalty
schemes for small
businesses that don’t cost
the earth.
The company has
started to develop a
solid business base with
more retailers expressing
interest every week.
If you are interested in
learning more please go to
www.spreetree.co.uk.
Alternatively, speak
to Alex Munro at alex@
spreetree.co.uk
NE SKILLS ENGINE:
COLLABORATING ON REAL
SKILLS FOR REAL JOBS
For North East
businesses to thrive
a key driver is the
supply of a talented
workforce equipped
with job-ready skills.
Currently, the
North East Region
has the lowest
number of people
in the workforce
holding higher
level qualifications.
Statistics should not be viewed in
isolation, however, as businesses strive to
do things differently, ultimately cheaper,
better and quicker, employees with higher
level skills can provide a better platform.
Employers investing in training and
education have regularly collaborated
with the FE college network.
Colleges already deliver higher level
provision across the North East business
community including a range of part-time,
professional and technical programmes
in HNCs, HNDs, Foundation Degrees and
apprenticeships.
The North East Skills Engine (www.
neskillsengine.co.uk) aims to increase the
awareness and understanding among
employers and their employees on the
opportunities available to engage in
part-time technical and vocational higher
level qualifications. It hosts an information,
advice and guidance portal specifically
focused on adult part-time learners
providing video stories, a range of
learning resources, an HE Skills Map tool
and links to essential study information
from all the region’s FE colleges.
In addition, it showcases a selection
of ‘live’ projects where employers are
collaborating with colleges to develop
new higher level provision in direct
response to employer demand.
The projects are focused on the
Region’s priority economic sectors
including advanced manufacturing,
engineering and digital. To get involved,
please contact Ray Snowdon (Project
Manager) on ray_snowdon@aoc.co.uk /
07341 088157.
BANK OF ENGLAND SMALL BUSINESS
PANEL: WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN US?
The FSB in the North East
is running a small business
panel meeting in Teesside
on 15 September from
8:30am to 10am.
The purpose of the
meeting is to allow small
businesses like yours to
outline how your business
is progressing and some
of the challenges you
are facing. If you’d like to
join us at this breakfast
meeting get in touch
with our North East
Development Manager,
Simon Hanson, by emailing
simon.hanson@fsb.org.uk
THE
PAGE 2
VOICE
www.fsb.org.uk
North East England
BESPOKE TRAINING SHIFTS
COMPANY INTO TOP GEAR
A uniquely tailored
engineering skills
training programme
has enhanced the skills
base at Team Valleybased CPS Drivelink,
helping the company
win more work and
offering customers extra
services.
The supplier and
manufacturer of
commercial motor
vehicle and motorsport
drivelines, steering
and breaking products
turned to Gateshead
College when they
needed a specialist oneoff welding skills course
to upskill employees,
enabling the completion
GATESHEAD COLLEGE DRIVE
of new contracts.
Gateshead College’s
training course that would train and upskill a
team of engineering
few of our employees in welding.
training experts developed a bespoke course
“It was as simple as telling them what was
which was delivered on-site to minimise
needed
and they came back to us with a
production down-time while providing highsolution which meant we were able to get
quality and intensive training in welding
our staff trained quickly without impacting on
techniques.
daily operations.
Being on-site also meant that apprentices
“We’ve now significantly developed our
were trained with the tools and machinery
business, increased sales and met customers’
used in their everyday jobs so they could hit
the ground running on live customer projects. requirements through this professional
training.”
The training investment has significantly
lGateshead College also provides
benefited CPS, making the company even
more competitive and equipped to secure a
workforce development programmes for all
wider range of contracts.
types and sizes of businesses. Engineering
Paul Sowerby, the company’s Engineering
skills are taught at the Skills Academy for
Director, said: “Gateshead College was
Automotive, Engineering, Manufacturing and
highly-reactive to our request for a bespoke
Logistics based at Team Valley in Gateshead.
GORAISE HELPING SMALLER BUSINESSES
RAISE MORE MONEY FOR GOOD CAUSES
Gary Thompson set up
GoRaise to help smaller
businesses assist good
causes by raising more
money without increasing
costs.
Gary said “Whether you
are a company keen to
improve your CSR and help
your local community, a
good cause aiming to boost
fundraising; or an individual
keen to help out a good
cause, GoRaise could help.
Simply, by making your
everyday online purchases
via GoRaise, thousands could
be easily raised every year.
And it’s not just for large
charities, we are helping
sports clubs, churches,
PTAs, Scouts, Brownies, and
thousands of other great
causes generate extra funds.
“There are over 2,500
leading retailers that are
using GoRaise to help you
raise money without costing
you a penny, it is the retailer
that pays. Popular retailers
include the likes of John
Lewis, Argos, Hotels.com and
The Trainline.”
If you are interested in
finding out more go to www.
goraise.co.uk or speak to
Gary Thompson at gary@
goraise.co.uk or call 07837
857 681.
LOCALLY BASED
BUT GLOBALLY
CONNECTED
Paragon Global Ventures may be
based in rural Northumberland
but its reach is global.
Founded by Rob Nirsimloo, the
ex-CEO of Multichem, and Ray
Jones, formerly of RTC North, in
October 2015, Paragon offers a
complete support service for UK
companies seeking to establish a
presence overseas.
Partnered by a major group
with 100 offices in 80 countries,
Paragon Global Ventures is
well-connected.
From concept to incorporation,
be it a wholly-owned subsidiary,
joint venture, agency or
distributorship anywhere in the
world, they can advise on the
best strategy for market entry
and help you select the right
structure for your business
overseas to maximise the
efficiency of the investment.
Paragon is essentially a
one-stop shop offering all the
financial, legal and corporate
services required for market
entry including cross-border tax
planning, accounting, taxation,
payroll, banking and audit
functions.
They also cover contracts,
government registrations, visas
and work permits.
Currently Paragon’s clients are
drawn from all sectors including
manufacturing, education,
healthcare and digital.
For a fixed fee, they will
manage the entire project on
your behalf, leaving you free to
attend to the day-to-day running
of your business.
Crucially, being local, they
remain available post-completion
should further support be
needed.
Rob said “I know from my
own experience of setting up
overseas how demanding and
time-consuming the process can
be.
“Ray has worked with
numerous UK companies guiding
them through the complex legal
processes involved.
“This level of support is
vital and, as far as I am aware,
unique.”
THE
www.fsb.org.uk
VOICE
PAGE 11
North East England
WORK WITH FSB
EVER THOUGHT ABOUT RUNNING YOUR
OWN SALES BUSINESS?
OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS THE UK FOR SELF-EMPLOYED MEMBERSHIP ADVISORS (SALES AGENTS)
As experts in business we offer our members a wide
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Imagine the potential of building your own business under the
umbrella of one of the UK’s most trusted brands. Just think what
you can achieve with full training, marketing support and enjoying
uncapped commission. Our top performers earn in excess of £100k.
You’ll ideally have B2B experience and have the skill and drive to
generate your own appointments, along with a car, valid driving
licence and mobile phone.
For additional information or to apply
Call 01253 361182
or email ma.opportunities@fsb.org.uk
quoting RV201605 or visit Candidates.fsb.org.uk
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THE
www.fsb.org.uk
VOICE
PAGE 12
North East England
ARE YOU COVERED
WHERE IT COUNTS?
Don’t leave your business exposed to risk
Speak to the FSB Insurance Service
and get the right cover
without paying over the odds.
5%
Discount
for members
Get a quote from us today and we will
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* This offer is available to new customers | you must register your details
by the 31st December 2016 | if we are unable to provide a quotation,
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you may be asked to supply your current providers quotation before you
receive additional discounts or the voucher | either M&S or Love2Shop
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SECURE SERVICE
GUARANTEED
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THE
PAGE 13
VOICE
www.fsb.org.uk
North East England
FSB BUILDING
BRIDGES OVER
BREAKFAST AT
DARLINGTON EXPO
Tees Valley Branch went all out to
build new bridges for business in
their area when they co-sponsored
the DL Expo in Darlington during
May.
The local FSB Branch hosted
a breakfast meeting before the
exhibition opened, allowing early
birds to get to know like-minded
business owners from Darlington
and the surrounding area.
Working with Darlington Business
Club, who organised the exhibition,
the FSB Branch’s aim was to
encourage more businesses to do
more business together.
Why go outside the area when
the skills and knowledge you need
are right here, on your doorstep?
Simply, it’s just a case of finding it.
Among visitors to the exhibition
later in the morning was the
Mayor of Darlington, Councillor
Tom Nutt, who talked with FSB
Tees Valley Chair, Michael Janes,
and Vice Chair, Tony Aitchison,
about possibilities for increasing
collaboration between small
businesses working around the
town.
The local FSB Branch is working
hard to introduce new business
opportunities for members.
REGIONAL CONTACTS
Regional Chairman Ted Salmon 07790 611638
chairman.northeast@fsb.org.uk
Vice Chairman Gudrun Lauret 07803 749799 gudrunlauret@googlemail.com
Regional Treasurer
Brian Dixon 0191 266 2049
briandixon@btconnect.com
National Cllr & Regional Secretary Lynne Hammond 01642 595499 M: 07762 940769
lynnehammond@btinternet.com
APPLY NOW FOR FUNDS
If you are thinking
of setting up a rural
business or want to
expand one in Tees
Valley and the Vale
of Mowbray, now is
the right time. Rural
businesses are in
line for a boost from
the EU with an invitation to bid for funds
from the latest LEADER programme.
With up to one million Euros (£1.283m)
on offer, LEADER has been tasked to
produce a programme of growth with the
objective to create 50 new jobs in rural
areas in the next two years.
Local businesses are invited to apply
for a share of the funds to help make this
happen. This latest programme offers
grants for small and medium sized rural
businesses, farmers wishing to diversify,
rural tourism projects, community groups,
foresters and other rural enterprises.
There are six categories and every
project must correspond to one of them
and they are increasing farm productivity,
micro and small business enterprise and
farm diversification, rural tourism, rural
services, cultural and heritage activities
and increasing forestry productivity.
Each project primarily needs to help
start or build a business, supporting
its growth and development, creating
sustainable employment and expanding
the rural economy of which it is part.
It also must fit the aims and objectives
of the Tees Valley & Vale of Mowbray
LEADER Programme for it to be chosen.
Businesses will be in competition with
other applications for the limited money
available. Examples of past successful
projects can be found on the LEADER
website along with details of how and
when to apply.
See the LEADER website. Go to:
http://tvvmleader.org other areas of the
North East have their own local LEADER
programme.
PROGRAMMES TO SUPPORT TOURISM
Durham has two LEADER
programmes aimed at
helping small businesses
across the county.
With approximately
£3.5m funding, both
programmes want to
improve the economic
development, build
resilient communities
and support tourism. The
LEADER programme will
be delivered via a Local
Action Group (LAG) made
up of representatives from
within the area.
Representatives need to
have local knowledge and
Development Manager
Simon Hanson 01207 506138 M: 07917 628937
Simon.Hanson@fsb.org.uk
BRANCH CONTACTS
Hartlepool Pam Hargreaves
pamela.hargreaves@xivvi.co.uk
Sarah Ainslie
saraha@amacusltd.co.uk
Newcastle/N’land
Allen Creedy
allen@ethicalpartnership.co.uk
an understanding of issues
communities face within
rural life.
To apply for LEADER
funding go to http://www.
countydurhampartnership.
co.uk/Pages/EcP-RuralDev
elopmentProgrammeEngla
nd%28RDPE%29.aspx
geofffsb@gmail.com
Gudrun Lauret
07803 749799
gudrunlauret@googlemail.com
Tees Valley Tony Aitchison
tbac@btinternet.com
Judi Whiting
words@amoreden.co.uk
OTHER CONTACTS
Lynne Hammond (MLO)
07762 940769
lynnehammond@btinternet.com
South Tyne & Wear
Geoff Riddell
0191 4190086 or 07860 301041
THE
www.fsb.org.uk
VOICE
PAGE 14