Communications consultancy McBryde & Co is celebrating becoming a B Corp, joining over 2,400 other Ƶ organisations and 31 in the North East which are committed to being a business for good.
Securing B Corp status requires organisations to meet standards across five key areas - governance, workers, community, environment, and customers, demonstrating its commitment to high social and environmental standards.
Rachel McBryde, founder and director of McBryde & Co, said: “Becoming a B Corp is a huge milestone for us. As a team, we’ve worked towards certification for many months, because we believe businesses should be a force for good. We wanted to be part of a wider movement that prioritises people and the planet, not just profit. This certification reinforces our commitment to running a business that has a positive impact.”
Client services director Jodie Balmer, who holds a specialist diploma in sustainability communications from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations played a key role in leading the certification process last year.
She said: “The process took about a year from start to finish, and while it was rigorous, it was absolutely worthwhile. If you’re a business looking to create meaningful change, I’d encourage you to explore what it means to be a B Corp. It’s an inspiring community to be part of and a powerful way to use business as a force for good. This is definitely only the beginning for us, we want to continue to find ways to improve and push for positive change.”
To celebrate the milestone, the consultancy, in conjunction with B Lab Ƶ, is hosting a free event on April 29 at Full Circle Brewery, open to all B Corps and those interested in the movement.
Newcastle law firm Mincoffs Solicitors has thrown its support behind Newcastle’s oldest rugby club as it signs on again as sponsor. The company has returned as shirt sponsor for Northern Football Club’s youth and mini teams’ next season.
Founded in 1875, the organisation is based at Gosforth and has 14 groups, ranging from under 6s to under 16s, training at the grounds each week. The club has strong links with Newcastle Falcons and, from u14s upwards, regularly has players go through the development player programme and academy.
Mincoffs, which has a team of more than 115 staff at its Jesmond offices, supports sports, charities and community groups as part of its ongoing ESG strategy.
Paul Hughes, senior partner and head of corporate, said: “After a fantastic last season across all age groups, we’re delighted to be backing Northern Football Club as shirt sponsor for another year. The club provides a really important space for young people and allows them to develop skills such as resilience, commitment and working together as a team, which will set them in great stead for their futures. Northern Football Club does amazing work for the North East sporting community and are an organisation we are proud to support.”
Chair of youth rugby at Northern Football Club, Ben Hunter, said: “As chair of youth rugby, I would like to thanks Mincoffs on behalf of all at Northern for their continued partnership. This will help us continue to support all the age groups to develop the players as individuals and as a team.”
Tyne Tunnel operator TT2 visited Northern Counties school in Jesmond to see the results of their £20,000 donation to The Percy Hedley Foundation. Northern Counties school, part of The Percy Hedley Foundation, provides specialist education to children with disabilities aged three to 19 and TT2 has worked in close partnership with the foundation since 2022.
TT2 has donated a sustainable shed and sensory tunnel to enhance the students’ learning experience at the Jesmond site. TT2 staff were able to see both the shed and sensory tunnel in use by students of the school, which have become a staple within everyday learning.
Martin Lonergan, Headteacher of Northern Counties school said: “TT2’s generous donations have had a transformative effect on our learners at Northern Counties. The addition of both the sensory tunnel and shed has significantly enriched the learning environment, offering our students peaceful spaces where they can engage in meaningful activities. Contributions like these are crucial in enhancing our services and ensuring we continue to improve the lives of our students to the fullest extent. We’re incredibly grateful to TT2.”
Sophie Vassallo, marketing and communications manager of TT2 added: “It’s truly inspiring to see the impact that our donations are having on the students at Northern Counties. It’s great to see our installations being incorporated into everyday learning for the students and we’re proud to support The Percy Hedley Foundation in the amazing work they do.”
North East housebuilder Miller Homes is encouraging charities to apply for a slice of its £10,000 community fund. The business introduced its regional community fund in 2022 to help grassroots projects linked to education, wellbeing, the environment and sport across the North East.
The first of two rounds of 2025 funding is under way, with the company calling upon groups, organisations and good causes to submit their applications. In the last round of funding, schools and community groups as far afield as County Durham and North Tyneside – including Backworth Miners Welfare; The Neurothentic Network; Children at Castleside Primary School, Consett, and the Grange Villa Residents Association, at Pelton, County Durham – received grants of either £1,000 or £2,000, enabling them to boost services and facilities they offer to children and adults.
Miller Homes regional operations director, Ryan Lincoln, said: “We place a very high value on the importance of community. Our homes are often at the heart of communities and so we’re always happy to help them if we can.”
Applications for the first round – through - close on April 30.
The Auckland Project has been named a finalist in the Group Leisure & Travel Awards 2025, competing for Best Christmas Experience for Groups in recognition of its Christmas at the Palace and Aglow events.
Celebrating the best attractions, destinations, and experiences for group visitors, the annual awards are decided by readers of Group Leisure & Travel Magazine and voting is now open until April 27.
Christmas at the Palace immersed visitors in the historic grandeur of what was once the Prince Bishops’ residence. Festive displays were installed across 12 decorated rooms, including the State Rooms, St Peter’s Chapel, and Private Apartments. Highlights included a peacock centrepiece in the Breakfast Room and a giant Neapolitan Nativity scene measuring 11ft tall and 15ft wide, comprising 421 individually carved figures, in the Faith Museum, one of the most significant of its kind outside Italy.
Aglow also illuminated the palace grounds with a 1.5-mile Christmas light trail, featuring 22 installations, one of the Ƶ’s largest Christmas trees, the longest outdoor light tunnel in the country amd Santa’s village.
Samantha Carswell, visitor development coordinator at The Auckland Project, said: “We’re thrilled that The Auckland Project has been recognised as a finalist for best christmas experience for groups. Christmas at the Palace and Aglow have become highlights of our festive calendar, offering visitors an engaging and immersive experience.
“Being shortlisted for this award is a testament to the hard work of our team and the incredible support of our visitors. We’d love for people to vote and help us bring this award home to County Durham.”
