This week, the North East business community has demonstrated its commitment to innovation and social responsibility through various initiatives. From prestigious awards and fundraising events to inspiring collaborations, businesses are making significant contributions.
Key players in the region include the Banks Group, which achieved a notable accolade for its management practices, and firms like the Croxdale Group and The Biscuit Factory, both of which are spearheading fundraising efforts for local causes.
Gold Accreditation for Banks Group
Property and mining firm, the Banks Group, has been awarded a prestigious gold-level accreditation from Investors In People. This accolade highlights the company’s outstanding performance in people management. Notably, the firm has held an IIP accreditation for over twenty years, previously achieving a silver rating in 2018. This achievement reflects its significant investments in learning and development resources over recent years.
Feedback from the IIP assessors praised the firm’s management relationships, which are built on respect and enthusiasm for the future. Harry Banks, chairman and chief executive of the Banks Group, expressed, “This much sought after Gold Standard Investors In People accreditation is a credit to our whole team.” The firm’s commitment to high standards in training and management development is clear, contributing to its sustained success.
Charity Efforts for Alzheimer’s Research
Businesses in the North East have successfully raised £35,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK during the annual Ladies Day 2024 fundraiser. The event saw collaboration from multiple sponsors and was held at Hilton Gateshead, with its proceeds supporting local dementia research at Newcastle University.
The event, attended by 250 guests, was supported by Barclays Bank through matched funding and headline sponsor Talentheads. Regional business leaders, such as Scott Wilson-Laing of WL Distillery and Jane Dennison of Dragonfly Cancer Trust, played essential roles. Daniel Erskine from Alzheimer’s Research UK remarked on the event’s success in balancing support for research with providing an enjoyable networking experience.
High Tide Foundation Ambassador Named
Jacksons Law Firm solicitor Emily Skillcorn has been appointed as the first ambassador of the High Tide Foundation. This role acknowledges her dedication to providing students with meaningful work placements and career advice. Her involvement has been pivotal in the Foundation’s mission to retain talent in Teesside.
Ms Skillcorn has been a part of High Tide since her trainee days at Jacksons in 2020. The recognition comes as no surprise given her commitment to the cause, alongside her work in the firm’s litigation team. She stated it was a “massive surprise” to receive such an honour, underscoring her passion for the foundation’s initiatives.
Fundraising Success by Croxdale Group
The Croxdale Group organised a charity golf day, raising over £10,000 for Butterwick Hospice. The event took place at Ramside Hall, with participation from various regional businesses. Despite challenging weather conditions, attendees enjoyed the event, which saw Taylor Wimpey emerge as victors.
Anthony Rockingham, managing director of the Croxdale Group, highlighted the importance of supporting local charities. His remarks underscored the golf day’s success and the community’s commitment to charitable causes.
Artistic Collaboration at The Biscuit Factory
The Biscuit Factory has partnered with St Oswald’s Hospice, launching a fundraising raffle featuring an original painting by local artist Anthony Marshall. The artwork, depicting a lily pond within the hospice’s garden, is part of Marshall’s exhibition.
The painting’s unveiling at a private preview marks the beginning of a series of initiatives by The Biscuit Factory to support the hospice. Kathryn Tye, strategy and communications manager, expressed delight at Marshall’s donation, which contributes to the hospice’s essential services.
Northern Powergrid Innovation Award
Northern Powergrid has presented its inaugural ‘Powerful People’ award to Keith Jackson for his innovative contributions to the Boston Energy Efficiency Trial. This project utilises smart meter data from over 15,000 homes to enhance energy efficiency.
Paul Glendinning, Director of Energy Systems at Northern Powergrid, commended the North’s role as an innovation hub. He praised Jackson’s efforts, highlighting the importance of fostering innovative proposals that drive sustainable development in the region.
The North East continues to showcase its dynamic and philanthropic spirit, with businesses playing a pivotal role in driving community-based initiatives. The commitment to charity and innovation underscores a promising future for the region.
Celebrating both human and social capital, the ongoing efforts by these companies are setting a benchmark for sustainable and inclusive growth within the community.