SO THIS is Christmas – nearly 200 runners in Santa suits, enough mince pies to dam-up the River Tees and a guy dressed as a giant turkey.

It was all to raise festive cheer – and Christmas cash for Teesside Hospice.

The first ever Santa Run in Middlesbrough’s Centre Square got off to a damp start yesterday.

But after a few mince pies, warm-up exercises and chuckles with friends, the contenders were ready to start the 3km race.

The course was three laps of the square, starting from the Christmas tree, and fancy dress – namely a red and white hat, coat and trousers – was compulsory.

Dad-of-four Mike Gallagher from Acklam had the dubious honour of donning a massive turkey outfit and being chased off the starting line.

“It’s all about just helping out a good cause,” said the 44-year-old recruitment consultant.

“My wife Mary has done quite a bit of work for the hospice.

“I think they’ll be chasing me for a bit but then I’ll drop out.

“It’s quite interesting trying to run with your hands all bound up like this. I feel like Houdini.”

His six-year-old daughter Emma was also getting into the Christmas spirit, dressed in her Santa suit to take part in the 300-metre Santa’s Little Helper run for youngsters.

“I was looking forward to getting dressed up as Santa,” said Emma.

Anne Mallory of Marton liked the idea of rounding off her running season in style and raising money for charity to boot.

“It’s a good cause,” she said.

“I tend to do races during the year. I started with the 5k and I thought that this would be a great way to end the year for a good cause – plus I get the chance to dress up as Santa.”

North Sea rig worker Phil Cripps, who was dressed as an elf, was spending time with his four-year-old daughter Paris before he goes back offshore.

“I’m working offshore over Christmas and we’re all going to get dressed up and I’ll be wearing this,” he said.

“It’s going to be a competition – who can wear the maddest outfit.

“They go through your clothes before you go on the rig so they’re going to think ‘what the hell’s this!’.”

The idea for the run may have come from across the pond, but participants showed a distinctly British stiff-upper-lip when it came to braving the elements, said Teesside Hospice’s fundraising manager Jane O’Bryne.

“This is the first Teesside Hospice Santa Run. They do it in America and attract thousands of runners.

“Anything a bit mad usually attracts people. I had a feeling that anybody who’s prepared to run 3k in a Santa suit would still come out in the rain.

“We got a really good reaction. We had to ask Middlesbrough Council and they were really up for it right from the beginning.

“We thought we’d start small and build up. Next year we’re planning to make it even bigger.”

See more pictures of the event

Two ladies who have become familiar to club goers in Newcastle over the years for their charity collecting dressed as cowgirls received the surprise of their lives at Christmas when they found a new rival cowgirl collector on their patch in the Bigg Market.  It was none other than TV personality Noel Edmonds who had come along to surprise them with a reward of a Noel’s Christmas Present for all their hard work over the years in aid of Children North East and other local charities.

For the last 36 years Olive Cook (71) and Margaret Lawson (83) of Hebburn, South Tyneside have done many unconventional things to raise money and they have done it in style – raising over £1 million.  For around 20 years they have been extracting donations from young (and not so young) clubbers on a Friday and Saturday night for Children North East while entertaining them with their line dancing and colourful cowgirl outfits.

Margaret’s grandson, Malcolm, nominated the pair who have their own Facebook Fan Page, for a Noel’s Christmas Present and on Sunday 20^th December viewers of the programme on Sky1 saw the ladies surprised by Noel, then at a party held for them to meet the beneficiaries of their collections, they were whisked off for a trip of a lifetime to the home of country music, Nashville, Tennessee.

While in Tennessee, Noel took them to the Country Music Awards, bought them some brand new cowgirl gear, they met the Mayor and then the biggest surprise of all they met international superstar Dolly Parton who presented them with gold necklaces to commemorate their trip.

What a surprise for two loyal and hardworking volunteers of Children North East and their hard work paid off again when live on the televised show Noel presented them with one more present – a complete IT Suite for Children North East that will be installed in the West End Youth Enquiry Service when its refurbishment is complete later this year.

NEWS UPDATE:

Tim Healy and Denise Welch help out youth service

Jan 25 2010 by Alastair Gilmour, The Journal

Geordie actor Tim Healy and wife Denise Welch helped lay the foundations of a building project that will benefit vulnerable youngsters in Newcastle. Tim also wheeled barrows and swung lump-hammers at the West End Youth Enquiry Service (WEYES) on Westgate Road, a run-down Victorian house operated by Children North East, one of the region’s oldest charities.

Over the past 10 years, 7,500 young people have approached WEYES where counsellors and nurses give advice on general, sexual and mental health problems, as well as on education, housing and employment issues.

Now the building is being renovated with the help of Newcastle-based _space architecture, which has donated its design and surveying services free of charge.

Tim said: “We support a number of charities but we’re keen to be involved with Children North East because we’re married, we’ve got children and I feel it’s our responsibility.

“I was born and brought up 200 yards away from here, in Colston Street. My mam and dad had a little shop and we lived in the flat above. The community was great, miners and shipbuilders – everybody had their front door key on a string behind the letterbox, it was that sort of place with a massive community spirit.

“Sadly, the whole place changed in the 1970s when the mines and the shipyards closed. They started developing the area and the community split and spread out all over.

 “Now lots of young people here find life very, very difficult. But the WEYES drop-in centre will be a fantastic place for those young people to come.”

Children North East chief executive Jeremy Cripps said: “We previously rented the building so we were unable to do anything to it. It had become a really horrible site – inside and out – needing a lot of work to make it a bright and welcoming place for young people.

“Children North East has since bought the building and now with the magnificent help of _space architecture we are really able to do things to make it look fabulous.”

Denise Welch is also proud of her association with the WEYES project and readily embraces the opportunity to work with some of the region’s most difficult-to-reach children.

She said: “I love being involved with Children North East and I love working with teenage groups. There are a lot of them like lost souls, but they’ve got a lot to give and life can be confusing for them.”

Space Group chief executive Rob Charlton said: “Children North East is our chosen charity, so we were only too pleased to donate all our services in kind because we know the project will make so much difference to the young people who live, work or go to school in the West End of Newcastle.

“_space architecture has fully completed the designs for the brighter and more up-to-date building and now _space build, the principal contractor for the project, is moving on site, which is really exciting.”

Children North East had to raise £300,000 to help the project come to life and to fund building materials.

To help support the WEYES project, donations are invited online at www.justgiving/weyes

or at Children North East on 0191 256 2444

We continue to grow from strength to strength with membership numbers increasing daily and we are very close to our target of 250 before the waitlist begins.  We have had many meetings this month with some very influential businesses and our Corporate membership list is very impressive.

2010 will be an exciting year for us, starting with our meeting at Westminster to discuss how the model can benefit the private and public  sectors.  We are also starting work on our separate online site which will be tested and launched in the early part of Spring so keep up to date with this progress through our meetings, website and newsletters.  Our Meet the Professionals events have received excellent feedback this year and these will continue to get even better as the New Year unfolds.

All that is left for me to say is thank you to our members who continue to support and believe in our exciting future, I personally look forward to the opportunities that 2010 will offer DCM and its members and wish you all a peaceful and happy Christmas.

With best wishes

Paul Lawton

Founder, Director DCM

Jeeves, run by Denise Browne, is a fruit and vegetable shop, florists and juice and sandwich bar.

Ms Browne, who has run fruit and veg shops in the past, was introduced to Gordon Brown Associates during the process of investigating the lease.

Moya Mason, partner at Gordon Brown Associates, is based in Sunderland, and helped her to secure the lease for the new shop in North Road, Durham.

The shop is open seven days a week and Ms Browne has employed four part-time staff to help her to run Jeeves.

Ms Mason said: “Denise has created a very diverse business in Jeeves, giving something for everyone and it is great to see a new business taking off and creating work in the area. We wish her all the best for the future.”

Ms Browne added: “The service from Gordon Brown Associates was excellent, I can’t fault them. The firm helped me through the process of getting the lease and I would recommend their friendly service on the basis of what they have done for me.”

Laura and Julie Sharpe

An innovative mother and daughter team are enjoying a runaway success on Tyneside and Teesside having turned the recruitment industry on its head with the ethos ‘less is more’.  Julie Sharpe and daughter Laura set up Sharpe Recruitment this year with the aim to bring  more to the North East job market than just pedalling CV’s, and their aim at bringing a Jerry Maguire style ‘fewer clients- more time’ approach is bringing rewards.

Laura’s efforts to help a former joiner turned health care worker prepare for his interview was featured on BBC LOOK NORTH  on Wednesday 21st October at 6.30pm.   Laura, who has previously worked in recruitment in London, Yorkshire and the North East, says the industry has often missed a vital part of the role it should be playing.
“Too often agencies have concentrated on targets and turnover, when in the midst of this recession there are people with very real fears about just how difficult it can be to get a job, there are issues of confidence, of moving into unknown areas, they often need someone to trust to help them through what is a really very difficult time in their lives.”

In the BBC Look North item featuring jobseekers, Laura takes Derek Southall from Skelton on Teeside shopping for an interview outfit whilst offering interview advice and coaching to help him get his dream job, demonstrating that a fully rounded recruitment service provides support as well as highlighting the continuing skills shortages across all sectors. Sharpe Recruitment say they are addressing the human side of the job market from the candidates perspective rather than seeing the candidate as a means of currency.   Paradoxically their focus on clients and candidates needs has resulted in more people queuing up for their services.

Julie, with a background in Business Marketing and Sales, says the need for client care in the recruitment process has never been more obvious.  “It was very quickly apparent that jobseekers were looking for more than the available recruitment companies were offering.  Many people were thrown into an environment that was alien to them, having been in secure employment most of their lives they were very much in need of support, encouragement and guidance, in these straightened times recruitment should not be about numbers, it is about nurturing and nursing, after all when you’re out of a job you need someone you can really trust to get you back into employment.”

For high res photos and more information contact: Julie Sharpe on 07815 286057 or email julie@sharperecruitment.co.uk

This is the stuff they don’t teach you at school or university.  It’s not a get-rich quick scheme – but we can teach you how, with a bit of dedication, consistency and hard work you can fast-track your business and start making changes now, so you can look forward to a secure future and a happy, prosperous retirement.

The Showing Off Academy of Business was launched last year.  It is the only business school in the North East run by business owners…

“Showing Off Academy brings together a team of experts who all run their own businesses and know what they are talking about.  Joanne Allday has handpicked a bunch of people (herself included) who are energetic, fun and engaging.”

It is a twelve-month programme that gives you tips you can implement in your business immediately…

“Over the past few months, I have been delighted to bring a valuable tool or process back from each training session.”

The next Showing Off Academy programme will start in Spring 2010 and we have just twelve places available.  If you’re serious about changing your business future and would like to experience the Academy for yourselves, we’d like to offer you an exclusive invitation to a taster session:

NOVEMBER 10TH 2009
QUADRUS CENTRE, BOLDON
6.30PM – 8.30PM
£27 PER PERSON (+VAT)

There are just fifty places available at this exclusive training and tickets include a hot buffet.

To reserve your place, email joanne@showingoffacademy.co.uk
or call 0845 869 4766

We offer a complete personal and dedicated service of survey, advice, design & specification – through to the complete site development.

The range of projects completed by MRMASL have covered simple small scale projects of £10K-30K and upwards to projects in the region of £1-2.5M.

Most of the work covered by MRM is commercial in the region of 65% with the remaining 35% being residential.  This work covers complete refurbishments and new builds.

MRM were responsible entirely for the design, surveying, planning, tendering and project management of the entire
development of the new Durham Centre.  The MRM website shows a flythrough produced by MRM to show off this new facility.  (www.mrmarchitecturalservices.com)

Since the launch of the Durham Centre, MRM have been rewarded with some great compliments and praise related to their work and standards.  This has resulted in a facility of first class proportion and is now fully booked for the next
12-15 months.

The centre has been an immediate success. The project had a build value of around £800k, which was delivered under budget and on time.

DCM’s choice to use the Durham Centre as a venue for their exhibition in September and now for the foreseeable future was highlighted by the work of MRM.  We joined DCM to broaden our awareness in the business community and to use this medium as a tool for exposure of our companies activities.  This has ranged from various meetings at small business gatherings, evening meals and latterly at the new exciting Durham Centre.

MRM have found the standard of professionalism offered through DCM as first class and overall support offered by DCM as being helpful to the business community.   This is essential in today’s marketplace.

DCM are very pleased to have such a member in their group and it only goes to show the quality of members within DCM.

MRM wish to thank DCM for this opportunity to mention their company and activities and hope that we can continue to grow together.

To enquire about future contracts please contact Mike Matthews on 0191 2741072 or info@mrmarchitecturalservices.co.uk

Any Inspection Trip booked through Moira Dee, Resort Homes UK, representative will consist of:

·   Personal transport to and from a local regional airport in England and again from Murcia or Alicante airport in Spain
·   No pressure personalised V.I.P. Inspection Trip
·  3 nights Luxury accommodation on the 5 star La Manga Club Resort
·  Luxury welcome pack on arrival (includes food and wine)
·  Personal sales manager in Spain, previously briefed with your specific needs
·  Golf, Spa or Dinner for two, included
·  Personal after sales manager based here in the U.K.
·  Absolutely No Pressure Guarantee or your flight money refunded.

All you have to do is find a flight that suits you and check that Resort Homes Ltd has availability for your preferred dates and they will do the rest.  All you have to do is enjoy!

Contact Moira on 07966632825 / moira.dee@resorthomes.co.uk

The Giving Tree is a wonderful chance for you to make a child happy this Christmas.  Children North East supports over 5000 children in your local area – by donating presents you are helping these children enjoy Christmas.

To take part you will receive:-

The name of a child including examples of gifts

Christmas Tags

Donation and Gift Aid Forms

Donation Envelopes

This is a simple way of giving a little to those who don’t have a lot at Christmas.

For futher information, contact Children North East – enquiries@children-ne.org / 0191 256 2444

Exhibitor – Feedback

The feedback from our event on 16th September was excellent.  We had 43 exhibitors and over 150 people through our doors on the day.  We have taken on board comments from exhibitors and will make sure the next event on 18th November will be better than ever before.  Feedback that we will act on is:-

“A very good event but I found that exhibitors were crammed together at the expense of the seating area.  Several visitors commented on not being able to differentiate between the stands.”

“Suggest that in future exhibitors be required to adhere to previously agreed size of space allocated.  More tables also needed for smaller displays.”

“Could I suggest we try a client / supplier booking next time?  The booking would be made in 10 minute slots and would be based upon a published 100 word statement offering services etc.”

“Some exhibitors were not happy with their tables or lack thereof.  Mine was fine, but I got there early enough to set up.  Food was very good, though I am not sure if it was in the best place.  People were caught between chairs and exhibitors.”

“Sounds/Visuals – another example of an embarrassing mistake – need to seriously improve because this continues to make DCM appear unprofessional and amateurish”.

Exhibitor Testimonials

Great event, I would like to do it again, created the environment for business development certainly successful from our business perspective.  Kevin Pitt – Forcesnoticeboards

Thought it was much busier and better planned than previous one (food was excellent). Good speaker.  All in all very good.  Mark Sugden – The Will Writing Company

As long as DCM members keep arriving in cars/vans and not on horseback or cycling to the event, AVL have a good chance of doing business with them.  So far I have supplied three vehicles for members, on personal lease terms and business, so it is working well for us and other members now know who we are and what advantages we can bring to their interest in vehicle acquisitions.  Barrie Campbell – Advanced Vehicle Leasing (Stockton) Ltd

Another very popular event from DCM, which showcased the benefits of using my Professional Photography services.
As a result of exhibiting there I have had several very good enquiries and positive leads.
Here’s looking forward to the next one! – Kevin Weatherly – Kevin Weatherly Photography

We at Tonks found the exhibition helpful in showing our service to other companies from all over the north east and actually been able to exhibit the products was certainly worth while as it brought more attention to what Tonks Recycling can do except just skips.

We would like to thank all involved at DCM for organizing this event, a lot of hard work and planning was put in to this very successful event.  Well Done.  John Dee – Tonks Transport Ltd.

DCM’s Meet the Professionals events provide a great opportunity for smaller and medium sized companies to speak with representatives from larger companies and identify areas where collaboration would be of mutual benefit in securing future work.  As a major element of DCM’s seven point plan it facilitates the development of business relationships thereby creating business opportunities.  Definitely worth the effort.  Christopher Elliot-Newman – Check First Limited

Excellent event, the events bringing together the members from both regions have found us new customers in other areas we would not even have thought of marketing.  It has enabled us to purchase a 2nd vehicle ahead of plans.   Advice from other businesses has also found us cost savings, help with telemarketing and assist in grant funding from Business Link – Sue Burrow, Jaspers Corporate Catering.

The organisation was better this time – Keith Blundy – Aegies Associates.

I have been a member of DCM for almost 12 months and have found the experience rewarding. DCM offers a different type of networking and collaboration which helps to build relationships and to understand the offerings of comparable organizations. This naturally lends itself to symbiotic working when required which can enhance a clients experiences and help to achieve greater results.  The various events give greater scope for meeting people in different settings. This is helpful as there is not just one source of introduction available. It also creates a flexible approach to networking which is essential for business people.  I enjoy being a member of DCM and continue to see it develop and enhance its offerings and ability to make a difference to my business. David Payne – Measures For Success

An excellent opportunity for my business to showcase our range of quality services in a relaxed and professional environment. The venue was interesting and impressive. I look forward to the next DCM event.  Steve Allan – The Power Service

I found the day to be good for us, meeting some very good contacts that will ultimately lead to us all doing business together.  The whole event was enthusiastic, energetic and had a real buzz about it.  I would definitely say that this event is a must and I will definitely be at the next one.  Well done to all DCM for the hard work that has gone into providing a professional forum as a conduit for business interaction.  Gary Thorpe, Newcastle Mortgage Services