Gateshead-based virtual events platform WorkCast has been officially presented with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for international trade.
Tyne and Wear Lord-Lieutenant Susan Winfield and deputies Paul Callaghan and John Mowbray presented the award, which recognises exceptional growth and innovation in exports over the past four years.
Chris Darch, general manager of North America for WorkCast, said “It’s an honour for WorkCast to be recognised as a leader in international trade. Since expanding into Seattle in 2016, WorkCast has gone from strength to strength, with our US-base of operations driving record growth across that period.
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“The past 18-months have been difficult for a lot of businesses, and the team here at WorkCast has worked tremendously hard. It’s heartening to come together to celebrate an achievement like the Queen’s Award.”
County Durham logistics firm Stiller has launched a mental health campaign to support its staff after a difficult period.
The firm, which is based in Newton Aycliffe, has given staff a pack containing information on the subject, as well as an anti-stress fidget spinner.
Health and safety manager Darren Holliday said: “The reaction’s been really positive. People have been told to isolate themselves a lot this year, so we’ve gone with the slogan ‘don’t isolate yourself – your mental health matters’.
“If I just gave everyone a leaflet, lots would probably end up in the bin. But by giving everyone a fidget spinner, they can use them or take them home, where their families would see them, ask what they’re for and it gets people thinking about mental health.”
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A number of firms from the region have taken prizes at the North East Contact Centre Awards.
Companies including Sage, Ocado, Parkdean Resorts, NHS BSA and Northumbria Police were among the winners at the event.
Leanne Chambers, managing director at lead sponsor greenbean, said: “Customer behaviour has changed forever and with increased acceleration towards digitalisation and self-service comes the changing role of the front-line advisor who is now required to be tech-savvy and handle more complex queries.
“These awards not only celebrate and recognise the amazing individuals, teams and organisations that are best in class, but highlights contact centre careers as a ‘career of choice’.”
Newcastle holiday park firm Parkdean Resorts has signed a partnership with the Army to offer holidays for serving personnel and their families.
Parkdean Resorts will provide free accommodation and entertainment passes and a discount on food to the family of forces personnel selected for the sacrifices they make while their loved ones are deployed around the world.
The partnership forms part of Parkdean Resorts’ ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces, which has also seen it sign the Armed Forces Covenant and provide free holidays to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.
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Parkdean Resorts CEO Steve Richards said: “Our work with the Armed Forces is a source of tremendous pride for the business and we’re delighted to be able to extend this and support the fantastic service men and women of the British Army. We have huge admiration for the work they do and are very conscious of the huge sacrifices they and their families make. It is a great honour to be able to give back to them and provide these families a holiday.”
Entries have opened for the annual North Tyneside Business Forum awards.
This year’s awards, which will take place in February, will include prizes for companies that overcame the difficulties created by Covid.
Chair of North Tyneside Business Forum Karen Goldfinch said: “The last 20 months have been very difficult for a lot of businesses, many have completely changed their business model to continue trading despite the challenges that have come their way. There has also been a lot of new businesses start up, some doing incredibly well as they develop their new venture with passion and enthusiasm, it’s been inspirational to see the determination to succeed we have in our area.
“We as a Forum believe that these businesses should be recognised for their tenacity and perseverance and for the way that they have continued to serve their customers and maintain their staff.”