Accountancy firm Clive Owen LLP has announced a new partnership with The Angel Trust which will see it bolster the charity’s community efforts.
The firm has become a corporate partner, pledging vital resources to the Bishop Auckland charity, which operates a range of services including a foodbank, clothing centre and an affordable coffee shop. It has also recently opened a safe-space hub, which is open for 24/7 support allowing a place for vulnerable people to seek refuge and guidance on issues from dealing with debt to overcoming addictions.
Clive Owen LLP, which has offices across the North East and Yorkshire chose to support the Bishop Auckland based charity, after working with its staff over the Christmas period to collect over £700 worth of toys for a Toy Appeal.
Carl Wright, partner and sustainability lead for the firm said: “It is an honour to be a corporate partner of such a fantastic organisation. We already have some exciting opportunities for volunteering and fundraising set up to help the charity with its plans to expand its service offering. The Angel Trust does some great work with local people, tackling important issues such as child poverty and mental health, and we are very proud to be supporting the team with these initiatives.”
Clair McGregor, chief executive of the Angel Trust said: “Having a firm like Clive Owen on board is so beneficial to our team. Having support throughout the year through both financial and voluntary aid allows us to prioritise helping local people. Our charity prides itself on being for the people, whether its emergency accommodation or helping an elderly person to set up a bank account, we will always lend a hand to those in need.”
Clive Owen will be working with the Trust throughout 2025 and beyond, through a range of schemes and initiatives including setting up a clothing bank drop off zone and participating in the Great North Run.
Long-serving staff who have worked at Teesside Airport for more than 700 years combined have been recognised for their efforts.
The group, which serves across all airport teams, was formally recognised for their achievement at a ceremony in the Airport Sky Bar. Among the team are 14 who have chalked up more than a quarter of a century at Teesside.
Airport managing director Phil Forster said: “We’re a family at Teesside Airport and to have so many committed long-serving staff who have given most of their careers to the airport is both humbling and shows what a brilliant group we have.
“We spend a huge portion of our lives at work and the commitment they’ve shown over decades has kept the flame burning at the airport and kept us running through thick and thin. You can’t buy experience – and their deep knowledge and expertise is now helping us take the airport forward as we grow and become more sustainable. I’d like to thank every one of them and wish them many more happy years to come with us.”
A total of 34 staff across a range of departments have clocked up more than 10 years with the airport.
Steve Land, operations director, who has also worked for Teesside Airport for more than 25 years, said: “We’ve made some good memories over the years, gone through challenges but had some great laughs, too. Having so many people stay for so long shows we’re a good place to work – and I hope those starting out on their careers with us know they have the option to build a great working life here with us.”
Gateshead College has been awarded silver accreditation from Investors in Environment (iiE), a national environmental accreditation scheme that recognises outstanding sustainability practices.
The college received an 80% score, surpassing the requirements for bronze and demonstrating substantial progress in its environmental initiatives. The iiE accreditation – given to organisations that show significant commitment to sustainability – was secured by the college to recognise its waste management practices, carbon reduction strategies and sustainability-focussed activities such as the Green Careers Week.
Nadine Hudspeth, director of brand and student experience at Gateshead College, said: “Receiving the Investors in Environment accreditation is a huge achievement for the college. We’re thrilled to have earned the Silver level, which acknowledges the strides we’ve made in sustainability over the past three years. This achievement reflects our commitment to tackling climate change and the collective efforts of our students, staff and governors.”
“In the year ahead, we plan to work with our supply chain to better understand and reduce our scope 3 emissions. We’ll also continue to engage our students and staff with initiatives focusing on biodiversity, upcycling, active travel and more.
Sustainability efforts have also involved significant student engagement including the creation of learning materials and initiatives like The Bike Shed, FreePop, a project offering pre-loved clothing and footwear, and a collaboration with Magic Hat and the Marriott Hotel to reduce food waste.
The Auckland Project is supporting the Blue Light Card community as a special thank you to those who serve on the frontline.
Blue Light Card holders, which include more than five million frontline workers including NHS staff, emergency services, social care workers, teachers and the armed forces, can get a 10% saving on a Bishop’s Key – The Auckland Project’s annual pass that unlocks five world-class attractions in Bishop Auckland, including the Auckland Palace, Auckland Gardens, the Mining Art Gallery, the Ƶ’s first Spanish Art Gallery and the Ƶ’s only Faith Museum.
Kerina Clark, director of operations at The Auckland Project, said: “We’re proud to support the Blue Light community – the people who dedicate their lives to helping others, often in the most challenging circumstances.
Greg Peach, head of strategic partnerships at Blue Light Card, said: “At Blue Light Card we’re always looking to expand our partner base and offer our hardworking community new opportunities to save on days out. We’re thrilled to have teamed up with The Auckland Project to bring our members 10% off entry and are so grateful for their support.”
More than 300 business leaders and professionals gathered at Beamish Hall for the North East Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Dinner & House Party, an evening dedicated to celebrating the vibrancy of the North East business community.
Held across the venue’s Winter Gardens, Shafto Hall and Monboucher rooms, this year’s event continued to break tradition by offering a relaxed and informal atmosphere, with no long speeches or formal dress code. Guests enjoyed a family-style summer BBQ dinner, live music, immersive entertainment and opportunities to meet new contacts and reconnect with familiar faces.
Highlights included a headline set on the main stage and a high-energy performance from Ibiza in Symphony to close the night. The only speech of the evening came from Chamber president, Deb Walton, who provided a short welcome and reflection on the Chamber’s work.
John McCabe, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “Our Spring Dinner & House Party is a celebration of the region’s business community in all its diversity and energy. We’ve created something that reflects who we are — modern, inclusive and collaborative – it was an honour to showcase the fantastic talent and ambition we have here in the North East.”
