It was a case of all hands to the pump at neighbouring outlets Race For Furniture and Home Interiors with staff, family and friends rolling up their sleeves and springing into action after water flooded into the premises last September.

Now finishing touches are being put to the stores on Portrack Lane Retail Park, Stockton, where £500,000 has been invested.

Chris O'Connor, Managing Director of the outlets, both based at Holme House Road, said: "After months of planning and hard work, the Home Interiors store will open its doors on Bank Holiday Monday at 10am with the Race for Furniture store opening approximately 3 weeks after.

"During the major restoration, we have taken the opportunity to improve the layouts of the stores and are looking forward to welcoming customers both existing and new to the new-look stores.

"To celebrate that Race For Furniture and Home Interiors are back in business, there will be 1000's of amazing opening offers in our huge re-launch event that will start at 10am on Bank Holiday Monday 6th May"

Flood water started to pour in to the premises at about 5pm on September 25 and at its peak came up to nearly 3 feet high with the car park outside the two stores even deeper in water.

Staff moved as much of the display furniture as possible to the dryness and safety of the first floor.

They were joined in their mission by family and friends, who worked with them until the early hours to move the stock.

Bosses made sure that customers that had previously placed orders were not affected by the flooding.

The stock at the outlets was display furniture with customers' orders dealt with by the company's distribution hub based on Wearside, which escaped the effects of the torrential rain.

There will be some amazing opening offers and savings to be made in the massive re-launch event which starts 10am on Bank Holiday Monday 6th May.

The event, organised by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, was staged at Nifco UK's Eaglescliffe plant, which specialises in the design, manufacture and supply of small plastic components for car manufacturers.

The briefing was supported by Tees Valley Unlimited, Local Enterprise Partnership for Tees Valley with its Managing Director Stephen Catchpole invited as one of the keynote speakers.

The event outlined the funding and business support available for companies in the automotive sector across the North East of England.

Stephen Catchpole said: "TVU is keen to support briefings and seminars that highlight the opportunities that are emerging in key sectors with the potential to benefit businesses in Tees Valley.

"Sharing knowledge is vital to help make companies aware of what is going on in their sector, how their industry is changing and diversifying and to enable them to identify business opportunities and support mechanisms.

"We are delighted SMMT saw here an area with growth potential in this important sector and chose to host their very first roadshow for the North East in Tees Valley."

Mike Baunton, SMMT's Interim Chief Executive, said: "It's essential that we do all we can to maintain the positive momentum that is currently driving the UK automotive industry and a strong, thriving supply chain is vital to the future success of the sector.

"SMMT's regional roadshows aim to help automotive companies, particularly SMEs, make the most of new business opportunities, providing a unique chance to network with colleagues and find out more about the support available."

There are a growing range of funding schemes and benefits available to smaller businesses looking to expand within the sector with more details available on the Tees Valley Unlimited website.

Chris O'Connor, Joint Managing Director of Michael O'Connor Furniture, is running to and from work each day as part of his training for the London Marathon in April.

Chris, who lives six miles from the Stockton branch, has begun a fitness regime in an attempt to raise £2,000 in aid of the Butterwick Hospice.

Having previously taken part in many half marathons including the Great North Run, Chris is in great shape to tackle The London Marathon in four weeks' time. (April 21)

This will be the third charity event undertaken by Chris on behalf of the hospice for which he has previously raised more than £4,500.

Chris said: "Having supported Butterwick Hospice in the past, I was delighted when they approached me to take part in the London Marathon. I have the full backing of the team at Michael O'Connor, who encouraged me to start running the six miles to and from work as part of my training schedule.

"The hospice is an excellent cause and I am looking forward to raising more funds for and awareness about them."

Stockton based, Butterwick Hospice provides help and support to those living with life limiting illnesses and their families. The hospice helps both children and adults to ensure quality of life is upheld throughout their illness.

Graham Leggatt - Chidgey, Chief Executive of Butterwick Hospice, said: "Everybody at the Hospice works hard to provide an excellence of care to all of our patients and their families. All of our services are provided entirely without charge and although we receive about a quarter of our costs from the NHS we rely on the local community to help us raise some £10,000 a day to fund our vital work.

"It is for this reason that we are truly grateful for the efforts of fundraisers such as Chris O'Connor who enable us to provide the best possible care to our patients."

Chris is hoping to raise £2,000 for Butterwick Hospice. This would ensure that a child at the hospice will receive 2.5 days' worth of care. To make a donation to Chris please visit www.justgiving.com/chris26miles

The recent downfalls of snow and rain means there is a lot of water in the area which could become detrimental to businesses especially if their insurance policy is not adequate.

Emma Simkins, a director of Henderson Insurance Broker Teesside said: "When money is tight and cash flow is under pressure, businesses understandably scrutinise their outgoings and see where cut backs can be made.

"In a recession, some may mistakenly believe it is worth taking the risk of not renewing their annual insurance policy or buying an off the shelf bargain basement policy.

"It is vital that businesses seek expert advice to make sure that an insurance policy package is drawn up that is tailor-made for their needs."

Last July furniture store Barker and Stonehouse at the Metrocentre, Gateshead was forced to shut as a month's rainfall fell in just two hours with £500,000 worth of damage caused to stock alone.

Barker and Stonehouse, understanding the importance of a comprehensive insurance policy, was comprehensively covered and able to get the store back on its feet within two months.

It is an example of how making provision for an unexpected crisis is vital to the security of a business and the employment of its staff.

Barker and Stonehouse's Managing Director James Barker said: "When the store flooded it was a nightmare, with thousands of pounds worth of stock damaged. Henderson had previously spent a lot of time making sure the policy was tailor-made for our needs. Their attention to detail and industry knowledge meant that our time could be concentrated on getting the store back up and running without a break in cash flow.

"This enabled us to get the store reopened with minimal disruption to our staff and customers, who are thrilled with the newly revamped store."

Guests at Budget Live! will be able to question a panel comprising Mr Smith, Tees Valley Unlimited Managing Director Stephen Catchpole, CBI Regional Director Sarah Green and Institute of Directors North East Chairman Alastair Thomson.

Following the debate, the Chancellor George Osborne's Budget will be broadcast live to the audience of Tees Valley influential decision-makers and business leaders at the event, which is being held at Fabrick Housing Group's Middlesbrough headquarters.

Tees Valley Unlimited is the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for the Tees Valley, which is responsible for helping create jobs, nurture new business and boost the local economy.

Stephen Catchpole, TVU Managing Director, said: "As part of our remit to promote and assist the area's economic development and job creation, it is important that TVU takes account of the views of business leaders, decision-makers and opinion-formers.

"Budget Live! will provide the ideal platform for representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors to interact with one of the country's top economic commentators and leaders from key business organisations.

"The audience will be able to engage with a leading panel discussing the local, regional and national economy followed by a live broadcast of George Osborne's 2013 Budget."

Budget Live! is on Wednesday March 20 with guests asked to arrive at 10.30am for 11am. Anyone interested in attending should log onto https://www.teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk to register for the event.

Stephen Catchpole, managing director at TVU explained;
"Growing Places loans are available for projects within Tees Valley that can show they will have a positive impact on the local economy. This could be anything from buying, constructing or enhancing an existing building that would then house a business and support jobs; to developing an area of land to prepare it for further investment.

"Applications will go through a competitive process with the successful bids those that offer the greatest return on investment. It's a significant pot of money to help ready Tees Valley for growth and we want to ensure Growing Places has a lasting effect on our economy."

Today's announcement is the second open call for applications with several projects submitted last time currently going through due diligence.

Stephen continued;

"Projects must be ready to go with clear business plans and the relevant planning permissions in place, this will lead to a quick return on the investment which can be reallocated into subsequent projects.

"We know access to finance is a major hurdle in today's tough economic climate and believe Growing Places could be a constructive route in making things happen."

The Growing Places application form can be downloaded from the Tees Valley Unlimited website alongside guidelines and frequently asked questions.

More information is also available on 01642 524 424.

According to the latest available figures, Groundwork North East delivered more than 600 programmes across the region with a value of more than £10m during 12 months.

In this timescale Groundwork North East achieved the following:

Integration of the Economy & Environment:

• 631 business supported
• 304 jobs created
• 238 formal qualifications gained
• 824 tonnes CO2 emissions avoided or saved
• 1,063 tonnes - diversion of waste from landfill

Education and Community Involvement:

• 31,366 young people involved in projects
• 76,018 adults actively involved in projects
• 363 schools involved with Groundwork
• 351 community organisations supported

Physical Environmental Improvements:
• 21,774 trees planted
• 130 hectares of land improved
• 698 hectares of land maintained

Partnership is key to Groundwork North East achieving its goals and as a result, it works in collaboration with private companies, local communities, public bodies, housing associations and voluntary sector organisations.

The aims of its projects included assisting businesses to improve their green credential, increasing people's employment prospects and potential, improving the quality of residents' lives, and helping regenerate and enhance the neighbourhoods where they live, work and play.

Kate Culverhouse, Groundwork North East Managing Director, said: "Working collaboratively with a range of organisations across the region is making a real impact on people's lives and on the communities in which they live.

"By joining forces with stakeholders and partner agencies, it is possible to engage with businesses and galvanise and empower communities and individuals to embrace projects to help alleviate unemployment and enhance the fabric of the region.

"Groundwork also is involved in schemes that assist companies to improve their green credentials and reduce their environmental impact."

Groundwork North East's programmes aim to improve the environment, health and wellbeing of individuals, upskill and find employment for the long-term unemployed and those classed as NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) and help businesses and communities reduce their environmental impact.

Groundwork North East, which employs more than 165 people and has taken on ten apprentices, is involved in schemes such as:

• Working in partnership with Derwentside College to provide apprenticeships in environmental caretaking and administrative roles.

• Teaming up with the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) is to help small and medium-sized enterprises improve their environmental management systems.

• Delivering the Nu-Traxx Youth Contract provision in County Durham.

• Providing horticultural training at Butterwick Tree Nursery for ex-offenders on behalf of Durham and Tees Valley Probation Service in conjunction with East Durham College and A4E.

A marine industry expert has been appointed as Associate Director by Henderson Insurance Brokers.

Steve Gordon will work out of Henderson's Teesside office where he will focus on the marine account for the whole group, reporting to Executive Director Michael Wright.

He joins the company having spent his entire career within the marine sector including working for ink Underwriting Agencies Ltd, where he managed a portfolio placing business on behalf of a large portfolio of brokers, mostly in the UK.

His role also involved working internationally using his expertise on behalf of companies operating across India, Holland, Sweden, Chile and Dubai.

Jonathan Willett, a Henderson Insurance Brokers director said: "Steven is a very strong addition to our team. With his extensive marine sector experience, his appointment as Associate Director will further enhance our capabilities during a time of growth."

Steven said: "Henderson Insurance Brokers is a large independent broker that has a strong market position and a progressive outlook and it was these qualities that attracted me to becoming part of the company. There's a real drive around the business to grow organically, and we feel that Marine can go a long way towards achieving our collective targets"

Steven's position at Henderson's will involve working alongside Henderson Account Executives and Brokers on behalf of companies operating in the marine sector, including Manufactures, Ship Owners/Operators, Shipping Agents, Ship Charterers and Yards to insure Vessels, Cargoes and other marine associated risks.

Henderson's may also consider rolling out a Marine Wholesale offering to the UK Broker market much further down the line, which would initially be ran under Steve's stewardship.

As well as being hugely ambitious in his working life, in his spare time Steven is a champion of charity work and has set up a charity called Making Something Happen.

The charity was formed in November 2012 to provide support in the form of funding for pupils with special educational needs, ranging from school children to those in their late 20s, and also for children looked after.

The charity's aim is to open up access to educational activities of any description to develop people's experiences and skills to improve their opportunities in life.

ENDS
Pic caption Steven Gordon
CONTACT: Helen Logan on 01325 363436

Notes to editors: Henderson Insurance Brokers is one of the top five leading insurance brokers operating from 11 offices across the UK and delivering for clients in all industry sectors.

The company has specialist divisions in construction, real estate, retail/wholesale and haulage - as well as strong expertise in risk management and manufacturing.

The Henderson portfolio also comprises a specialist Lloyd's business, Contractsure, and further divisions for surety services, risk management, healthcare and real estate development.
The company also undertakes general business insurance by drawing on more than two decades of experience to deliver tailored packages.
For more information log onto www.hibl.co.uk

Residents of bungalows in Redcar Road in Thornaby, where more than £400,000 has been spent on 21 bungalows, are delighted following the revitalisation of their homes as part of investment works carried out by the social housing provider.

Properties have been given a new lease of life after they were rejuvenated with remodelled bathrooms, kitchens and new central heating systems.

External works were also undertaken including the replacement of soffits, fascias and guttering along with pointing to ridges and brickwork, and the removal of concrete planters.

All the above work was carried out by the Apollo Group, part of the Keepmoat Group.

Many more home and neighbourhood improvements are scheduled throughout the boroughs of Stockton and Hartlepool, with £95 million due to be invested during the next three years.

This follows the successful transfer of homes from Stockton Borough Council to Tristar in December 2010.

Cath Purdy, Group Chief Executive of the Vela Group, which comprises of Tristar Homes and Housing Hartlepool, said: "We are right on track to deliver all the promises that were made to customers in the run-up to the transfer of their homes to Tristar.

"We are delighted with the huge impact that investing in our homes and communities has had and we will continue to focus on the priorities of our customers."

As part of the investment programme, residents are consulted at various stages on what improvements they would like to see across homes and neighbourhoods.

Patricia Large, of Redcar Road, had her bungalow chosen as a pilot scheme after she suggested having the rear of the properties remodelled to provide extra space without the need for an extension.

The refurbishment involved changing the layout of the bathroom, kitchen and small toilet area. It proved to be such a success that it was replicated across all of the properties.

Tristar has worked with their investment partner, the Keepmoat Group, throughout the scheme to upgrade the Redcar Road properties.

Mrs Large, who has lived in her home for 15 years said: "Tristar were keen to listen to me and my neighbours to find out exactly what we wanted from the improvements."

"Thanks to Tristar and Keepmoat, I am now living in my dream home. The kitchen and bathroom have been transformed beyond recognition - not only are they spacious but they are also kitted out with modern, high quality fixture and fittings."

The investment news comes as it was also announced that tenants have given the services provided by Tristar Homes an overwhelming seal of approval following an independent survey carried out by BMG Research.

• 86 percent of tenants have said they are happy with the overall service provided by Tristar; and 84 percent are satisfied with the quality of their home.
• In addition 94 percent commended the attitude of Tristar's repairs and maintenance employees, and 84 per cent believe Tristar is good at keeping them informed.

Cath Purdy added: "Our employees work tremendously hard on behalf of our tenants and their neighbourhoods. This independent evaluation, which shows how highly our staff and services are regarded, is a reflection of their dedication and commitment.

"Continual improvement is central to Tristar's service delivery, and the feedback from this survey will help us to deliver excellent customer services."

For further information regarding Tristar's investment plans please visit www.tristarhomes.co.uk

The Expression of Interest by TVU, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Tees Valley, will be submitted to Government on 15 January. It sets out the area's economic landscape and highlights the positive impact City Deal status would have.

Stephen Catchpole, Tees Valley Unlimited's Managing Director, said: "We believe that, in collaboration with our partners and stakeholders, we have created a compelling Expression of Interest to ensure that Tees Valley has the best possible chance of being selected for the City Deal shortlist.

"A Tees Valley City Deal would give us greater control over our economic destiny and enhance TVU's range of strategies to attract private investment, boost skills and create jobs."
TVU's Expression of Interest outlines how a City Deal would give it the ability to promote prosperity for the area and suggests possible targets for elements such as job creation and safeguarding, increased apprenticeships, increased exports and greater private sector investment.

All these targets will be subject to detailed negotiations with the Government following selection for the shortlist.

Mr Catchpole added: "There are numerous untapped opportunities within this area that a City Deal would allow us to harness and develop for the economic good of Tees Valley.

"It would give us greater control locally to exploit our strengths and tackle our barriers to growth and most importantly put into action the Tees Valley strategic plans that match the bold ambitions of this area."

The proposals have the commitment of Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton Councils, the University of Teesside and the LEP's private sector board members, including representatives from Sabic and PD Ports.

The Expression of Interest has also been endorsed by organisations including the North East Chamber of Commerce, the Confederation of British Industry, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Business, EEF - the manufacturers' organisation, and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

A total of 20 areas have been invited to submit an Expression on Interest, but not all will be awarded a deal. A competitive stage will be followed by the announcement of a shortlist expected in Spring 2013. Individual City Deals will then be negotiated with final proposals agreed by November 2013.

The two organisations joined forces to hold a 12 Deeds of Christmas campaign after residents nominated community projects and worthy causes that they felt should benefit from the festive initiative.

The 12 Deeds of Christmas campaign has seen a dozen community projects and good causes benefit in a range of ways, including visits from Santa for a children's charity and providing labour to install worktops at a local food bank.

Grahame French, Neighbourhood Manager for Tristar Homes, part of the Vela Group, said: "At Tristar, we are committed to working in partnership with our investment partners to improve our neighbourhoods and create communities that people enjoy living in.

"Our residents have been great at coming up with ideas for the Good Deeds project. Alongside Apollo we have enjoyed spreading festive cheer and giving a helping hand to the local community."

Linda Crosby, Keepmoat Community Investment Manager, said: "Apollo is always looking for ways to invest more in the communities where we work. Following the success of last year's 12 deeds we're really pleased to be able to carry out this initiative again. It's been a great experience bringing smiles to the faces of many residents by doing a good deed or two."

This year's 12 deeds of Christmas included:

• Providing Santa, presents and fruit buffet at the 4 Children Centre in Thornaby
• 100 selection boxes for children attending a pantomime at the Holmes and Middlefield Residents' Group
• Raffle prizes were donated to Thornaby Aerodrome OAP section
• Providing labour to smarten up an area occupied by elderly people
• Catering for Eltham over 55s club's Christmas
• Installation of worktops at Billingham Food Bank's new café

Further deeds were on-going if you wish to find out more then visit www.tristarhomes.co.uk

Apollo was appointed in 2011 to help carry out the £140 million home improvement programme to Tristar residents across the borough of Stockton.

The works, due to be completed during the next four years, include kitchen and bathroom refurbishments, heating system upgrades, replacement windows and doors, insulation, new fascias and external rendering and improvements to communal areas - many of which have already been completed

Adrienne Robinson has been appointed as a Senior Account Executive based in its Stockton Office.

Adrienne is a qualified Chartered Insurance Broker with more than 30 years experience in the Industry.

Adrienne will ensure the needs of local businesses, farmers & rural landowners are analysed and a bespoke insurance portfolio will be designed to suit their individual requirements.

Adrienne is a strong addition to the team bringing further integrity and experience on board. By recruiting such an established professional to the Stockton Office Henderson Insurance Brokers are further developing their already powerful position within the local region.

In addition to her excellent commercial insurance knowledge, Adrienne brings agricultural industry knowledge and strong connections within the rural community.

Adrienne said: "Henderson Insurance Brokers are an independent broker, customer focused and growing from strength to strength within the region. This is part of what attracted me to the business, I am sure it will provide an exciting challenge working for such an ambitious company."

Adrienne lives on an arable farm in Eaglescliffe, she enjoys spending her spare time undertaking sporting activity with her family, husband Andrew and their two sons.

Since opening a Teesside base in 2009, Henderson has experienced significant growth, seeing its staff numbers leap from two to 36 and its annual turnover rise to £16 million.

The Vela Group, which was formed in December 2010, embraces social landlords Tristar Homes in Stockton and Housing Hartlepool.

Since it was established, Vela - a major employer in the area with a workforce of more than 700 - has been keeping its promises to customers, helping to improve their lives, homes and neighbourhoods.

Over £49 million has been invested to improve customers' homes within the first two financial years, with an additional £95 million to be invested in homes and communities over the next three financial years.

This has seen homes in Stockton brought up to a modern standard with the replacement of windows, kitchens and heating systems; and continued investment in external works in Hartlepool.

Another key priority for Vela has been its new build programme which has seen the construction of 319 homes at a cost of £28m, including a Homes and Communities Agency grant support of nearly £11m.

The programme, which will see the Group building homes in the North East and North Yorkshire, includes family homes and bungalows for older people, offered on a range of tenures to help more people onto the property ladder.

In addition to improving communities, Vela has been committed to supporting its customers through difficult financial times, providing a Money Advice Service to nearly 1,800 customers working with other agencies.

An Employability Service has also helped to target unemployment and the barriers preventing people from finding work. Working with partner agencies, Tristar Homes has been able to help 123 customers into jobs and 119 into training since April 2011. This service has proved such a success, it will be rolled out across the whole of the Vela Group next year.

In addition to the above, Vela, which has created more than 40 new apprenticeships within the organisation, will work with social enterprise partners to deliver training and employment opportunities for young people as part of an 'Empty Homes' refurbishment programme.

Cath Purdy, Vela Group Chief Executive, said: "Since Vela was launched, the Group has made great strides in shaping places, creating sustainable, cohesive communities and changing people's lives for the better.

"We are fulfilling the promises we made at the time of Vela's formation to the people who live in our 17,000 homes, as well as providing much needed new homes.

"The firm foundations that have been established will enable Vela to further strengthen its position as a provider of high quality homes and a driving force supporting financial and social inclusion and the regeneration of neighbourhoods."

Sandy Anderson's comments come as TVU, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Tees Valley, unveiled a round-up of its achievements to date, which involve tens of millions of pounds of investment and the creation or safeguarding of over 3,400 local jobs.

Mr Anderson said: "The progress that has been made would not have been possible without the support of our partners, particularly the five local authorities.

"This collaborative working with the support of stakeholders across the private, public and voluntary sectors in Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton has been the bedrock of our success so far.

"We are committed to further widening and improving the relationships we have with businesses, government and partner organisations to increase our ability to remove barriers and encourage economic growth."

The economic progress made includes:

• Since April 2011 TVU has directly supported projects to secure a total of over £367m capital expenditure to the Tees Valley.

• A total of £16 million Regional Growth Fund (RGF) finance has so far been released into Tees Valley leveraging in an additional £153.9m capital expenditure and securing 2,411 jobs.

• Two RGF projects have been completed - the new Nifco factory taking the company into the electric vehicle battery market and a workforce development scheme at SSI Redcar. These involve more than 1,200 jobs.

• Five RGF projects are underway at- AV Dawson, Lotte Chemical UK, Cummins, Hunstman Tioxide and Darchem, which will create or safeguard more than 1,200 jobs.

• Two RGF programmes supporting small and medium sized companies have started, the first managed by NEPIC - the North East Process Industry Cluster and Let's Grow led by ncjmedia.

• Five companies have located on to the Tees Valley Enterprise Zone - Omega Plastics, Propipe Limited, Air Products, Traceco and Durable Technologies. This represents a total investment of £200m creating 111 jobs.

• Since 2007, the TVU Partnership has secured more than £23m of European Regional Development Funding (ERDF), leveraging an additional £25m match funding, which will create 1,460 jobs, safeguard a further 915 jobs and create / attract 277 businesses to the area. A further nine projects have been selected onto the programme and are currently developing full applications with the potential to secure £17m ERDF and £22m match funding. The Tees Valley LEP has directly supported two-thirds of this investment.

Mr Anderson added: "Our strategies have moved to delivery phase and this overview demonstrates results are starting to be seen.

"With the support of our partners, we are committed to creating an environment that encourages sustainable economic growth and long-term prosperity allied with transforming Tees Valley into a high value, low carbon, more diversified economy. "

The full report and interactive TVU Partnership Business Plan are available on the TVU Website - www.teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk