MEMBER NEWS
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...
MEMBER NEWS: REPROTEC CELEBRATES 30TH BIRTHDAY
Congratulations to North East based company, Reprotec, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary. John Holmes, MD of Reprotec, said: “We at Reprotec are delighted to be celebrating our 30th birthday. We are an SME working across all industry sectors, and the success...
MEMBER NEWS: STILLER PLANS FOR GROWTH WITH OPENING OF DISTRIBUTION CENTRE
Newton Aycliffe family-run firm Stiller Warehousing and Distribution has created capacity for jobs growth with the opening of its new £2m distribution centre. After an eight-month construction project, which supported dozens of local jobs by utilising nearby...
MOTORCYCLIST LAUNCHES WELDING BUSINESS AFTER NEAR FATAL CRASH
An engineer who suffered near fatal injuries when his bike collided with a car in County Durham has launched his own business as he continues his road to recovery. Dick Allaker from High Pittington was in an induced coma for three weeks following the accident at...
£500M NEXUS STOCK REPLACEMENT WORK EVENT COMING SOON
CDEMN members are invited to attend an event in October highlighting the opportunities for North East businesses to be part of the £500m Nexus rolling stock replacement work. The North East LEP has organised the supply chain opportunities expo at the Stadium of Light...
EU EXPERTS PRAISE ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECT
A project designed to help County Durham businesses to make financial savings through energy efficiency has been praised by European experts. Business Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP) received recognition from the Interreg Europe programme for the excellent support it...
MEMBER NEWS: OFFICE MOVE FOR BE SMART SOLUTIONS
Member company Be Smart Solutions has moved to new offices at Novus Business Centre in Peterlee. The move is part of plans by the company to raise its profile to companies in the Peterlee Business Park area. Owner Jim Box said: “There are so many businesses based in...
FUTURE BUSINESS MAGNATES WINNERS ANNOUNCED
A street lighting system which is triggered by passing cars and pedestrians, and a rewards app for people who scan their rubbish before throwing it away, were just two of the top entrepreneurial ideas students taking part in a popular county-wide competition came up...
CDEMN MEMBER PARAGON TAKES PRINT CAPABILITIES TO ANOTHER LEVEL
Darlington-based 3D print specialists Paragon Rapid Technologies has become the only service provider in the world to have three industry-leading NEO800 3D printers from UK manufacturer, RP Support. Using the Stereolithography (SLA) process, all three machines are...
EDM ZONE WINS PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AWARD
Engineering company EDM Zone has won a prestigious national award. The company, a member of CDEMN, was named winner of the Insider Media Made in the UK 'Manufacturing Apprenticeship/Training Scheme' award. The win came after Newcastle-based EDM Zone won the regional...
CDEMN MEMBER HYDRAM ENGINEERING ACQUIRED
Dynamic Aerospace and Defence Ltd. confirmed their acquisition of Hydram Engineering Ltd. on June 7th 2018, acquiring the total shareholding in the business. Dynamic (www.dynamicindustrial.com) is a privately-owned business with its main headquarters in Michigan, USA....
IT REFURBISHMENT COMPANY ACHIEVES MAJOR INDUSTRY STANDARD
An IT refurbishment company from Peterlee has achieved a major industry standard. Protech City, an IT asset retirement and Microsoft-registered refurbishing company based in Peterlee, has recently achieved the ADISA Standard which is a risk assessment of the entire...
MEMBER OFFER – FREE CYBER SECURITY TRAINING WITH MILLBANK SOLUTIONS
Our newest affiliate Millbank Solutions (https://millbanksolutions.co.uk/) have highlighted an excellent opportunity for those of you who employ less than 100 persons. We all know the damaging effects that cyber-attacks can have on a business and how widely publicised...
APPRENTICESHIP AWARD FOR SOUTH WEST DURHAM TRAINING
Engineering training provider South West Durham Training is celebrating after winning an award for its apprenticeship scheme. SWDT was nominated by businesses on Aycliffe Business Park for the Apprenticeship and Training Award, sponsored by Gestamp, for implementing...
REGIONAL COMPANIES CONFIDENT ABOUT OWN BUSINESS OUTLOOK
North East businesses’ confidence in their own business prospects rose two points to 32 per cent in May, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. But their optimism in the economy overall fell 14 points to 24 per cent. As a...
CREAM OF THE CROP CELEBRATED AT AYCLIFFE BUSINESS AWARDS
Last night (Thursday), saw businesses from across Newton Aycliffe celebrated at the annual Make Your Mark awards. Winners on the night included Roman, who were crowned winners of the 'Manufacturing' category which was sponsored by CDEMN. CDEMN Operations Director Ben...
MEMBER NEWS: SHRED DIRECT DITCHES PLASTIC BAGS
A shredding company owned by a former professional footballer is making major changes to its collection processes as it celebrates its fifth birthday. Shred Direct was launched by Newcastle United footballer Graeme Carter in May 2013 and has experienced significant...
ENGINEERING FIRM LIGHTS UP FUTURE WITH ENERGY GRANT
County Durham-based business Dyer Engineering has seen the energy efficiency light after reducing its energy costs by thousands thanks to advice and grant funding from a council-led project. The Business Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP), led by Durham County Council...