Author: Sam Allcock

The business world mourns the loss of Martin Jackson, a revered founder who was instrumental in the growth of Kingfisher Labels.Known for his vibrant personality and pioneering spirit, he led the company to significant achievements in label printing.Martin Jackson, the cherished founder of Kingfisher Labels, has left behind a legacy that illustrates his vision and dedication. Born in Lancashire, Mr Jackson moved to the Bristol region in the 1970s, establishing his company in 1996 on Hawkesworth Road. Under his leadership, Kingfisher Labels evolved into a multimillion-pound enterprise, serving the medical industry and household brands across major retailers. His ability to…

Keith Berman, founder of Bermans, was not only a legal pioneer but a larger-than-life character, renowned for his distinctive style.His unique approach and visionary leadership transformed Bermans into a formidable law firm with success in both the UK and the US.Keith Berman was an exceptional figure, leaving a significant legacy in both the United Kingdom and the United States. He founded Bermans in Liverpool in 1970, transforming it into a national entity and a notable player in the North West. His pioneering spirit led him to open a New York office in 1982, an unprecedented move for a British solicitor…

Red C, a renowned marketing firm in Manchester, has recently undergone a management takeover, marking a pivotal moment after 30 years of service. The agency, known for its strength in direct response and search marketing, generates over £2 million in annual revenues.Management Buyout and New LeadershipA recent management buyout at Manchester’s marketing firm Red C marks a significant transition in the company’s three-decade history. The buyout entails the stepping down of chairman Adrian Rowe, with managing director Steve White and finance director Mark Dowds assuming control. The new leadership is poised to leverage their extensive experience, as they have collectively…

Virgin Wines has marked a significant financial achievement, reporting a pre-tax profit of £1.95m for the year ending June 2024.This success follows a year of financial loss, highlighting the company’s impressive turnaround in the face of challenging market conditions.Virgin Wines, a well-known name in the wine industry, has reported a significant financial turnaround, achieving a pre-tax profit of £1.95m for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. This marks a dramatic improvement from the previous year when the company faced a loss of £430,000. The London Stock Exchange-listed company attributed this positive change to strategic business adjustments and a focused…

BT has reported a notable decline in its first-quarter revenue, causing an immediate impact on its stock price. The telecom giant continues to face challenges from diminishing legacy contracts and low-margin sales.BT’s first-quarter revenue was reported at £5.05 billion, marking a two per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2023. This decline fell short of market expectations, leading to a 3.9 per cent decrease in the share price at opening. The primary factors for this decline included reduced legacy contracts and lower-margin sales.Despite the revenue decline, BT managed to achieve a one per cent increase in adjusted EBITDA…

This week’s business news from the North East highlights a diverse array of community-focused initiatives and achievements. From charitable donations to environmental accolades, these organisations exemplify excellence and social responsibility.The events underscore the region’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community support, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of collaboration among local companies and institutions.Achievements in the Property SectorThe Blue Bricks Magazine Property Awards recently honoured My Property Box with the title of Service Provider of the Year. The award ceremony celebrated noteworthy contributions to the property sector, emphasising creativity and ethical practices.Judges, including notable industry experts, recognised My Property Box for their…

Hercules Site Services has opened a new office in Saxmundham, enhancing its capability to supply skilled labour for the Sizewell C nuclear project.The move is part of a broader strategy to expand their operational footprint and leverage growth opportunities in the UK’s infrastructure sector.Hercules Site Services Expands OperationsThe headquarters of Hercules Site Services, based in Gloucestershire, has taken a strategic step to bolster its presence within the United Kingdom by opening a new satellite office in Saxmundham, near Ipswich. This expansion aligns with the company’s commitment to efficiently supply skilled workers to the Sizewell C nuclear project in Suffolk. The…

Liverpool-based Princes Group has returned to profitability, reporting a £6 million pre-tax profit, coinciding with a prospective £700 million acquisition by Newlat Food S.p.A.This financial rebound positions the company as a valuable acquisition target, highlighting a significant recovery trajectory after recent losses.Princes Group’s TurnaroundPrinces Group, located in Liverpool, has orchestrated a remarkable financial recovery, culminating in a pre-tax profit of £6 million for the year ending 31 March 2024. This marks a significant shift from the previous year’s pre-tax loss of £50 million. Such progress has rekindled interest in the company, making it an attractive candidate for acquisition.Newlat’s Strategic AcquisitionNewlat…

Newcastle Building Society has become a pioneer in the financial sector by adopting the Living Pension standard. This significant move positions it as the first building society in the UK to secure such accreditation in the North East.The commitment involves enhancing employee benefits by surpassing government-set auto-enrolment pension contributions. By opting for a more sustainable retirement benefit scheme, the Society showcases its dedication to employee welfare and corporate responsibility.Newcastle Building Society’s Ground-breaking AchievementNewcastle Building Society has made history as the first organisation in the North East to become a Living Pension employer, and the first building society nationwide to achieve…

The longstanding motor firm, Autoservice, known for its exemplary service in County Durham, embarks on a new journey.Under new ownership, the esteemed garage aims to continue its legacy of excellence while introducing innovative advancements.A New Chapter for AutoserviceFred and Mary Elder, the longstanding proprietors of Autoservice in Stanley, County Durham, have decided to retire after more than 45 years of dedicated service. The business has been sold to their trusted employees, Michael and Paul Wears. This transition marks a significant milestone for the company, ensuring continuity while promising future growth under the leadership of the Wears, who have been part…