Current Issue: Autumn 2010
Summer celebration for launch of Durham Business Group
A BUSINESS networking and training company which celebrates its 30th anniversary next year has rebranded.
More than 50 business owners and trainers attended the launch of the Durham Business Group at The Riverside Cricket Ground in Chester-le-Street.
The Group brings together established networking organisation Durham Business Club, alongside Durham Training which provides work-based learning for young apprentices and the newly formed Durham Office Services.
The launch of Durham Business Group was celebrated with a Pimms and strawberries reception at The Riverside’s Austin’s Bistro.
Bryan Hoare, Chairman of Durham Business Group, said: “The formation of Durham Business Group allows each of our core service areas to have its own identity and to develop independently of each other.
“We are an established business with a strong profile but perhaps the success of Durham Business Club masked our excellent achievements with Durham Training, from which we continue to prepare dozens of apprentices for the workplace each year.”
Cell Pack win again
Cell Pack Solutions Ltd topped off a great night at the South Tyneside 13th Annual Business Awards ceremony by being chosen as the South Tyneside Company of the Year . Having already picking up Manufacturer of the Year , the Environmental Award and being Runners Up in the Retailer of the year , Managing Director Eddie Czestochowski has every right to feel proud of his teams achievements.
The company is a specialist battery pack assembler an on line retailer of Batteries , Chargers , Power Suppliers and Torches . Having been established 13 years it now employs 20 people in South Tyneside .
Cell Pack Solutions won its first Award , STEP New Enterprise of the Year 12 years ago and over that time has made great strides in establishing itself as major force in the Battery Market throughout the UK .
Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
The general lack of knowledge surrounding Portable Appliance Testing (PAT Testing) never ceases to amaze me. Examples of sharp practice by some PAT Testing Companies continue to come up regularly, and it leaves me wondering how a client can be expected to make the right decision for their business, especially when they should be able to rely on what they are told.
A classic example came on an Email Flyer recently from a local competitor, declaring that PAT Testing is required by law and inferring that if the client is not having it done they would be breaking the law.
This is RUBBISH, of course, and it’s just not true. The law requires a Duty Holder to provide a safe working environment and to ensure that it is maintained in a safe condition.
Meaning that PAT Testing should be part of a sensible solution, but in itself it is not a legal requirement.
Further details on the legislation and what it means for can be found at www.thepowerservice-newcastle.co.uk/workplace/pat-testing.php
Durham Training
DURHAM Training – part of the Durham Business Group – has been providing highly skilled and dedicated apprentices to the workplace for almost 30 years.
With an enviable graduation rate well above the national average, it offers innovative training and support for young people looking to develop careers in accounting, business administration, customer service, hairdressing and beauty therapy.
Many of those apprentices go on to develop rewarding careers often with the same company that offered them their first chance.
Here we celebrate some of Durham Training’s success stories and show why apprenticeships benefit both the employer and the employee.
To find out how apprenticeships can help your business, visit www.durhambusinessgroup.co.uk or call Susan Matthews on (0191) 388 4488.