Baroness Hanham formally unveiled that the European Regional Development Fund Competitiveness Programme 2007- 2013, which is managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government, is investing £3.29m in the Darlington Business Growth Hub on the Central Park Enterprise Zone site where work will start later this year.

The Minister also announced that the European Regional Development Fund is investing £2.1m in Boho 5, part of the DigitalCity initiative, and forming part of the wider regeneration of the Middlehaven area, located in the St Hilda's Area Enterprise Zone.

Darlington Business Growth Hub will comprise 3,200 m² of high quality Grade A office space for small and medium enterprises and is due to open January 2015. The project will see the creation of at least 25 new businesses and 350 new jobs within the first 15 years of operation. The project is being managed by Darlington Borough Council with the Homes and Communities Agency providing match funding of £3m.

The Hub forms part of the wider regeneration of Central Park within the Tees Valley Enterprise Zone, a 9.3 hectare site targeted specifically at digital companies. The development of the facility will kick-start enterprise development on Central Park and form a visible gateway to the Enterprise Zone.

Boho 5 is part of the Digital City programme of projects which is developing a 'super-cluster' of digital companies in the area. It will provide 2,322 sq m of high quality business accommodation targeted specifically at small and medium enterprises operating in digital and creative sectors. Boho 5 forms part of the wider regeneration of the Middlehaven area and is located in the St Hilda's Area Enterprise Zone. The Middlehaven area is the largest regeneration scheme in the North East.

Boho 5 is being managed by Middlesbrough Council and builds on the success of the DigitalCity programme and within the first 10 years of operation at least 250 new, well paid and highly skilled jobs will be created. Building will start on the high quality business premises later this year and the first businesses will move in in January 2015. Middlesbrough Council and the Homes and Communities Agency are providing match funding of around £2m.

As part of a day-long visit to the Tees Valley, Baroness Hanham will meet with creative businesses at DigitalCity who have benefited from European Regional Development Fund investment such as Sound Training for Reading.

The Minister is also receiving a tour of the Redcar Beacon and Digital Hub, which benefited from over £4.65m ERDF investment as part of the Redcar and Cleveland Creative industries project, meeting with entrepreneurs such as Mia Braine of Babulous Glass, based in the Beacon.

Baroness Hanham said: "I am delighted to formally announce European Regional Development Fund investment for the Darlington Business Growth Hub and Boho 5, which will see the development of high quality premises enabling new and growing businesses to create jobs and wealth in Tees Valley. The investment will support the development of the local Enterprise Zones, acting as a catalyst for further economic development opportunities and setting the areas in motion for success.

"It is a privilege to visit the Tees Valley and see first hand how the European Regional Development Fund is creating inspiring entrepreneurs that are reaping the rewards from initiatives like DigitalCity and Redcar and Cleveland Creative Industries."

Councillor Bill Dixon OBE, Leader of Darlington Borough Council and Vice Chair of Tees Valley Unlimited said: "We are delighted to hear of the award of European Regional Development Fund investment for our Business Growth Hub. When we talked to businesses in developing our Economic Strategy the clear message we got from them was a need for purpose-built business start-up facilities with support services incorporated into them. We will now work with our partners to ensure that we can deliver a sustainable operation that can not only meet the needs of local companies but also act as a catalyst for other businesses to locate on Central Park - the Council's priority regeneration scheme."

Both the Digital Hub and Boho 5 will offer links to business support services. High quality workspace and business support services will encourage, support and enable both business start-ups and existing businesses to grow.

Councillor Tracy Harvey, Assistant Executive Member for Middlesbrough Council, said: "Digital City and the wider Boho initiative are prime examples of Middlesbrough's vision and ambition for its business community, and this welcome funding will help us take the project on to the next level.

"The town has a growing reputation both at home and abroad for its expertise in digital media and the creative industries, and Boho 5 will play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of businesses which will define the town's future."

The Tees Valley Enterprise Zone site was among the first Enterprise Zones approved by the Government and is made up of 12 individual sites across the Tees Valley.

David Curtis, Executive Director at the Homes and Communities Agency said:
"The confirmation that these schemes will receive European Funding means that the Homes and Community Agency will invest an additional £5million in creating jobs in the Tess Valley.

"We will invest £3million in the Darlington Growth Hub to help create a purpose built facility that will help new businesses grow and supports local jobs. Our £2million investment in Boho 5 is a key part of our wider long term investment in Middlehaven to help create educational and employment opportunities for Middlesbrough."

Sandy Anderson, chair at Tees Valley Unlimited - the Local Enterprise Partnership added:
"We are delighted to welcome Baroness Hanham to Tees Valley to showcase the progress of the projects on our Enterprise Zone.

"ERDF investment makes a significant difference to our ability to deliver these regeneration projects which help drive economic growth in Tees Valley."

The European Regional Development Fund Competitiveness Programme 2007-13 is bringing over £300m into North East England to support innovation, enterprise and business support. It will help create and safeguard 28,000 new jobs, start 3,000 new businesses and increase the productivity by £1.1bn per annum.

Taking place on Friday 21 June at TWI in Middlesbrough, confirmed guest speakers are Matt Parsons from Sirius Minerals the mining company behind the multi-billion pound York Potash Project; and Simon Tearle from SNF Oil and Gas part of the world's largest producer of water-soluble polymers used in the oil and gas sectors.

Both will be presenting updates on their company projects and explaining how Tees Valley engineering companies can best position themselves to benefit from future supply chain opportunities.

The Teesside Engineering Network (TEN) was established by Francis Brown Ltd, Industrial & Marine Hydraulics Ltd and Axiom Engineering Associates Ltd. The launch event earlier this year attracted over 70 delegates from across the engineering sector.
Catherine Griffiths from Industrial & Marine Hydraulics Ltd said;

"Everybody involved in TEN has a real passion for the area and the industry. We all want to see each other succeed and for the area to expand its reputation as an engineering centre of excellence.

"We had a lot of positive feedback from our launch event and are delighted to have another two headline speakers taking part and sharing their knowledge and expertise.
"It is an opportunity to network with customers and suppliers and further promote the good things happening here."

In addition to the presentations and networking opportunities, event hosts TWI are offering tours of their Middlesbrough-based facilities. Attendees keen to learn more about the breadth of technical support and industrial R&D capabilities will be able to speak to advisors.

Catherine added;
"The event is a must-attend for those looking to grow their business."
The event is supported by Tees Valley Unlimited and Middlesbrough Council. All those wishing to book a place must register via www.teesside-engineering-network.co.uk

Bob's appointment took effect following an extremely upbeat Annual General Meeting held at the University of Teesside, Darlington Campus in April where Society members praised the excellent progress the Society has made over recent times and were particularly impressed with the role Darlington Building Society is playing in supporting its local communities. In an effort to make itself more accessible to members throughout the region the Society has decided that in 2014, its Annual General Meeting will be held in The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle and as an extra incentive to attend, all attendees will be provided with a museum pass for the day.

At the conclusion of the 2013 Annual General Meeting Chris Fleetwood retired after over 17 years on the Society's board, the last four as Chairman. James Ramsbotham, the Society's Vice-Chairman was elected to replace him as Chairman. The new Vice-Chairman is Alison Thain, who was elected to the Society's board in October 2011 and is Group Chief Executive of Fabrick Housing Group.

The Society's new non-executive director Bob Cuffe, comes from a strong media background having worked for a number of regional newspapers in various capacities culminating in the role of North East Regional Managing Director for the Gazette Media Company and ncjmedia business. His current role is as Director of Recruitment for Marske Site Services Recruitment - a recruitment agency serving the engineering sector.

Bob, a native Teessider, hailing from Redcar is also a Governor of Teesside University and sits on the Advisory Council of the University's Business School and additionally has chaired the Tees Valley Chamber of Commerce and served on the Chamber's regional council.

Commenting on his appointment Bob said, "I am really pleased to be joining the Board of the North East region's only local building society."

He added, "I am passionate about promoting the successes of north east based businesses and we are fortunate indeed to have based in our region a local building society dedicated to looking after local interests. As well as providing mortgages and savings accounts to local people through a convenient and inviting branch network the Society is renowned for its support for local communities, particularly in the fields of charities, the arts and sport."

Welcoming Bob to the Society, James Ramsbotham said, "Bob is very well known in our region and he brings with him a wealth of invaluable experience, particularly in the field of regional media. This experience should help the Society to maintain its current positive trajectory as it looks to build upon its strong foundations and remain a mutual, independent building society dedicated to looking after the interests of its members."

TV's Fairy Jobmother, Hayley Taylor, as patron of Coast & Country's Westfield Farm community resource centre, has launched two major schemes to help residents forge successful futures.

Coast & Country, one of the North East's largest regeneration and housing companies, is converting a barn at the farm into a training venue for residents to learn 'hands on' construction and allied skills.

At the same time, it also has teamed up with Sure Trax and New College Durham to launch a new initiative called 'Forging Futures', which will help create pathways into employment for jobless residents. This will deliver vocational and employability training activities

Hayley Taylor unveiled a plaque at the farm, which is located in Dormanstown, to mark the launch of both schemes.

The barn, which is being refurbished, will be used for a variety of projects comprising:

• 'Under Construction' will deliver basic courses on skills allied to the construction sector including caretaking, painting and decorating, house clearances, recycling furniture and removals, to young people with the aim of moving them onto formal training and employment.

• 'Henry's DIY Barn', named after Coast & Country's mascot, will involve a basic DIY course aimed at tenants looking to carry out home improvements.

• 'Barn Owls' will invite retired people who have practical/handicraft skills to pass on their knowhow to young people through the recycling of furniture and making items for sale.

The barn conversion and 'Forging Futures' are a further extension of the facilities on offer at Westfield Farm, where historic farm buildings have been renovated by Coast & Country to create a vibrant and much-needed community resource centre.

Hayley said: "The vision and ambition behind Westfield Farm continues to grow to offer even more tangible support and help to enable residents to forge a better future for themselves and their families.

"These latest schemes are all fantastic with immense potential to enable people to become valued workers. However, I particularly love the 'Barn Owls' initiative.

"Retired people possess a wealth of knowledge and this will ensure that their vital knowhow is not lost, but is passed onto future generations to improve their employment prospects.

"I am so proud to be Patron of such a fantastic facility that combines instilling people with greater confidence, life skills and knowhow, both practical and theoretical, to help them secure jobs."

Iain Sim, Coast & Country Chief Executive, said: "Coast & Country's work goes beyond the provision of housing, but also includes the delivery of community-based services to tackle unemployment and social exclusion.

"Westfield Farm's part in helping residents overcome barriers to employment and equipping them with work-related skills continues apace as is demonstrated by the conversion of the barn and the launch of 'Forging Futures'.

"We are confident that the strong partnerships we are building with a range of agencies, alongside robust targets, will sustain and maintain the success of Westfield Farm."

The conversion of the barn is being backed by North East Procurement and the 'Forging Futures' project by the European Social Fund Skills Support for Unemployed.

Hayley's no nonsense attitude led to her hosting her own Channel 4 programme 'The Fairy Jobmother', where she helps and motivates unemployed people to find work.

She was named Yorkshire Woman of Achievement in Education 2012, at an annual event organised by the Sue Ryder Foundation, for the work she has done with the unemployed.

Westfield Farm provides training, meeting and conference facilities, community gardens and allotments, a community resource and training centre, and a base from which Coast & Country delivers its 'Journey into Work' programme.

It also is a base for the Working Communities Team, which comprises nine Jobcentre Plus staff working alongside Coast & Country and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council's Routes to Employment Team to take the service out to communities, and Redcar & Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency.

The company, which has 30 stores across the North East, has been piloting its new product ranges in 12 stores* and has reached agreements to be official stockists of two of the market's best known brands, Silentnight and Rest Assured.

Plans are also being progressed to expand the range across other sites and to open dedicated bed stores.

Mick Copeland, Frank's The Flooring Store's Business Development Manager, said: "We have built a reputation for excellence of products and value in flooring over the years and Frank's is now looking to do exactly the same in the bedroom market.

"Adding beds and bedroom furniture to our range of products is the obvious next advancement for Frank's and our customers have responded very well to the pilot stores.

"Expanding and finding new sites to house these ranges will form part of our ongoing investment in the North East, following the addition of our Hartlepool store in 2012, and we look forward to being able to announce further developments in the coming months."

The first Frank's store opened in 1996 in Stockton and the "I love carpets, me!" slogan, which remains one of the best known catchphrases in retail, was born. Following the success of the original store, expansion began in 1997, with the opening of two further stores and a warehouse distribution centre to accommodate the growing business was established in the following year. The company now has 30 stores across the North East.

*The pilot stores are Darlington, Stockton (Portrack Lane), Newcastle (Stamfordham Road), Newcastle (Benfield Road), Spennymoor, Coxhoe, Bishop Auckland, Sunderland (Roker Avenue), Washington (Peel Retail Park), Hartlepool and Redcar.

The Vela Group has pledged to raise thousands of pounds for two local charities following a successful year-long fundraising drive.

In 2012, the Tees Valley housing provider named Daisy Chain as its first Charity of the Year, helping them to support children with autism and their families.

Fundraising events over the year have included a coast to coast bike ride, zip line ride off the Baltic in Newcastle, a boat race on the Tees Barrage, Great North Run, skydive, Halloween Ball and more recently a team trek up Mount Kilimanjaro.
In addition to fundraising, Vela craft workers have also helped to convert a former farmhouse into a resource centre and support facility for parents at the Daisy Chain site.

Following on from this success, Vela has now announced that its new combined charities for 2013 will be Butterwick Hospice and Hartlepool & District Hospice.

As part of the decision process, Vela consulted with its employees to find out which charities they wanted to support.
The money to be raised by Vela employees and customers over the next 12 months will be spent on providing help to people living with life limiting illnesses, relieving symptoms, enriching patients' lives and supporting them and their loved ones.

Mike Clark, Chairman of the Vela Group said: "We are delighted to be supporting these two charities which play such a vital role in our communities across Stockton and Hartlepool.

"Following a successful year with Daisy Chain, we are very much looking forward to working with Butterwick Hospice and Hartlepool & District Hospice to promote and raise money for such deserving causes."

Victoria Rogers, Annual Company Adoption Fundraiser at Butterwick Hospice said: "We are thrilled and overwhelmed that Vela has chosen us as one of their charities of the year. This makes us feel very special and we hope that everyone involved has a great time and lots of fun whilst helping to raise money.

"Without the generosity of organisations like Vela, we couldn't possibly offer the services we do to the people of Teesside free of charge."

Carol Sennett, Corporate Fundraiser from Hartlepool & District Hospice said: "We are extremely grateful to have been chosen by Vela as their nominated Charity for 2013, and are delighted that the work we do for the local community of Hartlepool has been the inspiration for this.

"Partnerships like these are essential to our Hospice and all the money raised will go directly towards caring for our patients providing a vital service to the town."

Both hospices provide services free of charge and rely heavily on voluntary contributions from the public. For more information please contact Vela on 0300 111 1000 or visit www.velagroup.co.uk

The TTE Technical Training Group has secured new funding to offer 70 young people on Teesside the chance to take the first steps towards a career in industry.

The TTE Pathway provides the opportunity to gain an industry-recognised Level 1, 2 or 3 Diploma and invaluable practical experience. It is open to students of all academic levels.

Available in six trade disciplines including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, process operation and warehousing, the TTE Pathway provides significant workshop-based training to develop students with the core skills required by employers.

Most significantly, successfully completing the Pathway will support students' chances of progressing on to an Advanced Level Apprenticeship sponsored by an employer from the oil & gas, process, manufacturing and engineering sectors. TTE works closely with more than 200 local employers that support apprenticeship training.

To date a large proportion of students who have completed a TTE Pathway have gone on to secure a place on an apprenticeship programme.

Open to those with a variety of existing skill levels and qualifications, the TTE Pathway utilises TTE's vast experience in technical training to deliver a strong foundation for trainees' future skills development.

From its fully-equipped, industry-standard training centre in South Bank, Middlesbrough, in addition to its Pathway and Apprenticeship programmes, TTE provides industry-specific technical training for UK and international commercial businesses in the oil and gas, process, manufacturing and engineering sectors.

As a charity with 'not-for-profit' status, TTE re-invests surpluses from its commercial activities in the development of its innovative Pathway and Advanced Level Apprenticeship programmes and facilities.

Students who secure a place on the TTE Pathway take part in a range of practical, workshop-based training modules that utilises TTE's high specification industrial equipment. Delivered by experienced technical training professionals with industry backgrounds, the training is supported by industrial placements with regional employers.

Students also receive free equipment and materials to support their training as well as subsidised meals and free safety clothing.

Steve Grant, Managing Director of The TTE Technical Training Group, said: "The growing interest in engineering, process and warehousing training programmes are attracting a much broader range of applicants, which is fantastic news for employers and industry.

"We are keen that our programmes are inclusive and provide opportunities for young people of all skills levels who can access our industry-standard training facilities.

"Creating places for 70 local young people on our TTE Pathway goes to the heart of our ambition to enable young people to gain skills and qualifications, no matter what their GCSE results, that can help them take an important step towards potentially securing employment in industry."

For more information or to apply for a TTE Pathway call 01642 770337 or email recruitmentinfo@tte.co.uk

The right employee benefits are essential to plan your business and attract and keep the right staff, human resources experts from WR Financial have said.

Tony Slimmings, Director at WR Planning Group, has said while this is key in booming industries such as oil and gas, where there are shortages of skilled workers, an appropriate benefits programme is vital to any business.

Tony, who is an expert in human resources and is furthering his skills by undergoing a Masters' Degree at Northumberland University, said businesses who failed to invest time in putting together the right packages for employees may have problems retaining the right staff, leading to difficulties in the future.

WR Planning Group, which includes WR Financial, provides expert support and advice for businesses in all types of employee benefits, including pensions, insurance, human resources management and strategic planning.

Tony said: "People are a business's biggest asset. Without the right staff, a firm will struggle to meet their goals. Businesses must look at what they are offering employees to gain the right type of applicants with the appropriate skills and experience. This will vary tremendously according to the role which is needed.

"For example, an oil and gas firm looking to recruit and retain experienced engineers would probably offer a package including favourable long-term benefits, such as a final salary pension and healthcare, because the type of candidate the company will want to attract will probably be looking at the long-term picture and be more interested in stability for themselves and their families.

"However, to attract a graduate, you would be looking at a completely different package. Most university leavers who are starting their first job will want an employer who invests in their training and career development, and they will be less concerned about long-term benefits such as private health insurance and pensions.

"To stay ahead of their competitors and ensure they have the right skills and experience in place, firms need to sit down and have a look at where they want their business to be in the future, as well as where they are now, then take professional advice on how to put together the right package of employee benefits to not only attract, but also retain, members of staff with appropriate qualifications, skills and experience."

Tristar Homes is piloting a service dedicated to supporting people with disabilities into higher education and employment.

Social landlord Tristar, which is part of the Vela Group, is working in partnership with STEPs, a service provided by Stockton Borough Council following the launch of two adult work placement schemes.

As part of the 12 month programmes, Matthew Moore and Robert Medd both 21 who have autism, are working three hours a week at Tristar's head office at Preston Farm in Stockton.

Whilst there they support the customer service and income management teams with administration, mailing and data input tasks. They are accompanied by Joan Robb, a Personal Development Advisor for STEPs who monitors and supports their progress.

Both of the roles were created as part of a Job Carving process, which is a way of splitting jobs to ensure the most suitable person carries out each task. It is a concept that can benefit both employers and employees through increasing productivity by realigning workers' tasks.

Joan Robb said: "People with a disability including autism have a wide range of skills, knowledge and abilities that can make an important contribution to an employer and the community. They often merely need the opportunity, encouragement and proper access and support.

"We cannot thank Tristar Homes' employees enough, particularly those who work within the teams with Matthew and Robert, for the commitment and hard work they have put in to making this an enjoyable and beneficial experience for them both."

Kay Glew, Head of Housing Services for Tristar added: "As a key provider of homes across Stockton we're also dedicated to helping people back into the workplace whether this is through paid or voluntary work placements.

"The STEPs scheme has proven to be yet another positive initiative which has provided opportunities and helped people to positively change their lives."

Stockton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Health, Councillor Jim Beall, added: "I am really pleased that we are able to support Matthew and Robert in developing skills to help them progress their chosen careers.

"It is really important that all people have an opportunity to learn and work towards their ambitions. The support we are able to provide through STEPs at Tristar is an excellent example of how the Council is working with other organisations to help ensure all our young people have these opportunities and can gain valuable experiences."

Before the programme began, Tristar invited local autism charity Daisy Chain to deliver awareness sessions to staff so they had a better understanding of the developmental disability.

STEPs work with a range of people who have mental health needs, physical disabilities and learning disabilities. The service aims to build on people's aims and interests, develop skills and achieve realistic goals.

To do this they offer one to one support, practical advice and guidance to help people access opportunities and overcome the barriers to employment, helping build confidence, self-esteem, recognise abilities and realise potential.

To be supported by the STEPs programme, participants must be referred directly by a social worker. For more information please visit www.stockton.gov.uk/citizenservices/learning/steps or contact Lynn Wightman, STEPs Team Manager on 01642 524525.

The TTE Technical Training Group has been accredited with a nationally recognised quality mark in recognition of its commitment to delivering high standards of information, advice and guidance.

The matrix Standard recognises organisations that effectively provide support to individuals making learning and work more accessible. This is the second time TTE has been accredited by the matrix Standard after it first achieved the quality mark in 2009.

The Middlesbrough-based technical training provider received a full assessment from emqc, which was passed with flying colours after the company met the entire criterion required to achieve the matrix Standard accreditation.

Emqc conducted various interviews and observations at TTE's fully-equipped, industry-standard Training Centre in South Bank, which included both staff and customers.
The assessment highlighted a number of key strengths within TTE, which delivers a range of technical training programmes for young people and employees from UK and international companies.

Among the achievements recognised by the assessment was TTE's ability to make a clear difference to the companies it works with by providing valued support, which helps them achieve the required training outcomes.

In addition, companies working with TTE that were interviewed for the assessment commented on the willingness of the training company's staff to provide encouragement and support related to their particular requirements.

As well as assessing TTE's relationship with its customers, the matrix Standard also evaluates the views of the company's staff and their support of company ethos.

Among the findings of the assessment was employees' commitment to constantly looking for opportunities for partnership working and networking in order to develop what is on offer at TTE and create additional opportunities to support customers.

Steve Grant, Managing Director of TTE, said: "I am delighted that TTE has been recognised once more with this prestigious accreditation. The findings in emqc's assessment are a testament to the staff here that are always making the effort to go that extra mile when dealing with customers. Their excellent knowledge, not only of our services, but of the requirements of the companies we work with ensures that we are able to deliver effective technical training solutions.

"Our team is always looking to improve and is always coming up with ideas to further improve the delivery of our services. This is reflected in the excellent relationships we have established in industry and we are proud to be able to support so many companies in their skills development programmes."

David Allan, Managing Director at emqc Ltd said: "This matrix Accreditation is another example of how the matrix Standard is proving effective for all types of organisations, helping them to provide a more professional service offering and to strive to be the best in their sector."

About the matrix Standard:
• The matrix Standard is the national quality mark for all organisations delivering information, advice and guidance services.
• The matrix Standard is highly adaptable to a range of organisational settings, regardless of size or sector, including further/higher education establishments, training providers and voluntary/community organisations.
• The matrix Standard is maintained and promoted by emqc Ltd on behalf of BIS.
Any other organisations that would like to know more about how the matrix Standard might be able to help, can find out more by contacting us on 0845 304 8600.

Tristar Homes and Cleveland Police have teamed up to encourage local school children to take responsibility for their own personal safety by 'Staying Safe'.

Primary school pupils across seven schools in Stockton were given a helping hand to stay safe thanks to a pioneering event held at Hardwick Community Centre.

Children aged 10 and 11 attended workshops at the safety event which were designed to teach them how to play a positive role in the community, prevent accidents in the home, understand and manage risk whilst out in the community, report inappropriate behaviour, tackle bullying, learn about the negative impact of drugs and alcohol, and build trust between the youngsters and various community agencies involved.

The event was the brainchild of neighbourhood police officers from the Newtown Neighbourhood Policing Team, who work hard to engage with people from the local community. Funding was provided by Tristar Homes, with assistance provided by Debbie Robertson, Tristar Patch Manager and Kath Oliver of Tristar's Stockton North Reaching Out Area Panel.

Other partners involved in the event included Cleveland Fire Brigade, St John Ambulance, Junior Neighbourhood Watch, Local Councillors, Stash - Young Peoples' Drugs Service, Hardwick Young Peoples Enterprise (HYPE) and Stockton Borough Council's ASB and Enforcement teams.

As one of the largest housing providers in Stockton, Tristar Homes, which is part of the Vela Group, has pledged to work together with residents in its communities to help create neighbourhoods where people feel safe.

Kay Glew, Head of Housing Services for Tristar Homes said: "At Tristar we recognise the importance of launching initiatives that promote safeguarding young people which is part of our vision of shaping places, creating communities and changing lives.

"Children and young adults should be able to enjoy safe environments wherever they spend their time. However it is also vital that they develop a good understanding of risks and how to manage these to stay safe so they have the freedom to grow and achieve their full potential."

Police Community Support Officer Ryan Davey added: "Children are vulnerable and are not always aware of dangers that may be happening around them.

"We are committed to improving safety in our neighbourhoods by protecting young people and vulnerable adults whilst building positive relationships with them which will help keep them safe."

A competition held as part of the event invited children to write a short poem on the subject of "People who help us". They were able to choose and write about any of the agencies who attended 'Staying Safe'. The winners will be picked by local Councillors.

For more information on Tristar Homes, please visit www.tristarhomes.co.uk or contact 0300 111 1000.

A restaurant in Yarm has seen an increase in bookings thanks to its brand new phone system, installed by telecommunications experts, Odyssey Systems.

Muse Continental Café on Yarm's High Street has seen a 16% increase in business after introducing the latest communication technology from LG, which makes bookings more efficient for customers.

The restaurant has teamed-up with the Stockton-based telecommunications company, who have 26 years' experience in telecommunications and have installed and serviced the LG IPECS system for Muse.

The innovative system ensures maximum customer service is achieved with a series of features, including sending customer's confirmation text messages when a reservation is made.

The phone system also alerts customers on hold to Muse's various promotions and special offers through a series of tailor made recorded messages created by Odyssey Systems as standard with all new phone systems.

Mike Odysseas, Managing Director of Odyssey Systems Ltd, said: "I am delighted with the partnership between Muse and Odyssey Systems. At Odyssey we pride ourselves in providing the best service possible and I am pleased for the café that our service has given them a boost in bookings with the latest range of telecommunications technology."

Marcus Bennett, Chef Proprietor of Muse, said: "The new booking system has been really positive for Muse, which is demonstrated by our increased business from booking reservations. I would like to thank Odyssey Systems for the service they have provided and look forward to our continued partnership.

"It is a much more engaging system, with customers being given convenient reminders about their bookings via text messaging, and also being made more aware of our fantastic promotions."

With a bistro-style menu, Muse is open all day as well as during the evening, offering breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, teas, coffees and drinks. The menu includes continental inspired food, such as Queen Scallops in Herb and Garlic Butter, and Macerated Strawberry & White Chocolate Sundae.

The restaurant offers a Prix-Fixe menu at lunch, with two courses for £13.95 and three courses for £15.95, served between noon and 2:30pm, Monday to Friday, and 5.30pm and 6.30pm, Monday to Thursday.

A third project from the county further marked Northumberland's success in the 2013 awards, with the team behind it taking a commendation in the under £4m category.

Presented by the President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Professor Barry Clarke, at ICE North East's annual dinner, the awards recognised projects in the Under £4m and Over £4m categories.

The under £4m category was won by Northumberland County Council for the Rothbury Bridge Strengthening project.

The judges said: "This scheme provided a sensitively undertaken refurbishment of a medieval structure and scheduled ancient monument. The design and build scheme sympathetically incorporated traditional and modern techniques ensuring continuity of an important local transport link. Extensive community involvement resulted in a successful and popular project with careful reinstatement of the site allowing the works to blend seamlessly into its rural surroundings."

A commendation in this category also went to Northumberland County Council, alongside Royal HaskoningDHV and BAM Nuttall Ltd, for the Berwick Breakwater Refurbishment.

In the over £4m category, the winning project was the National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) scheme, with the award presented to Narec, Red Box Design, Shepherd Construction, Arup, Turner & Townsend and Heyrod Construction.

Judges said: "This scheme demonstrated great technical ingenuity in both the design and construction processes. The requirements of the scheme set unique challenges for the designers to understand and calculate the huge loads applied during the testing process and the construction demanded tolerances more normally associated with a laboratory than a construction site. The judges were impressed by the integration of the entire team of client, designer, main contractor and subcontractors and felt that this integration was a large factor in the overall success of the project."

A commendation in this category was given to Network Rail, AECOM and BAM Nuttall Ltd for the Esk Valley Bridge replacement scheme, on the line between Middlesbrough and Whitby in North Yorkshire.

www.twitter.com/ice_ne

Picture captions:

Esk Valley Bridge Replacements
Andy Vipas (Bam Nuttall), Greg Rutherford (AECOM), Paul Musgrave (AECOM), Darryl White (Network Rail), Dave Lugsden (Network Rail), Professor Barry Clarke (ICE President), Professor David Toll (Chairman, ICE North East), John Longthorne (AECOM), Brian Walton (Bam Nuttall).

Professor Clarke added that local authorities and the region's Local Enterprise Partnerships have a very important role to play in delivering the infrastructure investment, as experts highlighted the increase in storms previously considered as "one in 100 year" events.

The debate, held at Northumbria University, was part of a two-day visit to the region by Professor Clarke.

Facilitated by Professor Stephanie Glendenning of Newcastle University, the debate also featured:
Julian Leslie, head of electricity customer manager at the National Grid
Tom Brown, chairman of ICE North East's flooding panel
Clive Leadbetter, general manager at Aone+
David Hutchinson, route asset manager at Network Rail
John Robinson, principle engineer - street management at Newcastle City Council.

Each argued the case for investment into their own areas of infrastructure expertise, with delegates asked to say where they would prioritise funding. Flooding was a recurring theme throughout their presentations.

Professor Clarke said: "Flooding has caused a lot of damage here in the North East. It starts to affect the economy very quickly. In terms of damage to property and to the regional economy, the cost to the North East annually runs into the hundreds of millions of pounds."

He added that he had personally seen the effects of last year's storms, when a rail journey to Scotland was disrupted because "the North East was shut".

"We need to start to consider appropriate infrastructure to manage these scenarios," said Professor Clarke.

"ICE is working nationally with a wide range of organisations to look at this issue. Local authorities and LEPs also have a very important role to play."

During his visit, which culminates on Thursday evening with the presentation of the prestigious Robert Stephenson Awards at the ICE North East Annual Dinner, Professor Clarke also visited NaREC in Blyth and took part in a round table discussion on the education and training of future civil engineers at Durham Castle.