Staff from accountancy firm Robson Laidler have scaled new heights by climbing to the top of the 海角视频’s highest mountain to raise £1,000 for charity.
Employees from the Newcastle and Durham-based accountancy firm reached the peak of 1,345m high Ben Nevis while smashing their target for its community foundation managed by Point North, which will support underserved projects and groups in the region.
The team managed the challenge in an all-round seven-hour hike led by Gateshead-based Alexander Adventures, and celebrated with a campfire, BBQ and sauna to mark their achievement at the bottom.
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Robson Laidler head of people and culture Amy Park said: “This year’s challenge was one of our toughest yet – but we made it to the top, and back down again, driven by our purpose to make a positive difference in people’s lives. We’re incredibly proud to have raised vital funds for charities and community groups working tirelessly to support those in urgent need.
“Along the way, we had fun, bonded as a team, and looked out for each other at every step.”
Point North chief executive Michelle Cooper said: “The money raised by Robson Laidler Accountants will be distributed throughout the region. The donations might go towards a food bank for local families, or cooking lessons for young adults. It might go to community centres who keep their doors open and their heating on throughout winter, or it might support a talented young athlete to travel to a tournament.”
Two of Go North East’s longest serving engineers are celebrating a combined 100 years of service. William ‘Billy’ Cummings and John Jackson have each dedicated five decades to keeping the wheels turning.
Their careers began in the 1970s, just as the 海角视频 had just joined the Common Market, buses had conductors and the upper deck doubled as a smoker’s lounge.
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Billy and John have been through all the changes, from diesel engines to the dawn of electric buses, and from paper timetables to digital journey planning.
Billy joined the business at 16 and has spent his entire career working as a trimmer at the company’s Saltmeadows engineering site, specialising in repairing and maintaining bus interiors.
John, meanwhile, is an electrician at the Riverside depot. He was introduced to the trade by his brother – a bus driver in the 1970s – and jumped at the chance of stable work during a difficult period for employment.
Billy said: “I’ve always been happy at work, so I’ve never really thought about leaving. I enjoy what I do, but it’s the camaraderie and friendships with my workmates that have kept me coming back.”
John added: “At the time, I was just glad to have a job because unemployment was so high. I’ve worked with a smashing bunch of lads over the years – that’s what I’ll remember most.”
Nigel Featham, managing director at Go North East, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you and congratulations to John and Billy for an incredible combined 100 years of service.
“Their commitment, pride and skill exemplify everything that’s great about our industry – and about Go North East. The company simply wouldn’t be the same without long-serving colleagues like them. It’s inspiring to see people who’ve built their entire careers here.”
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Parkdean Resorts’ Cresswell Towers Holiday Park in Northumberland is celebrating winning a prestigious Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2025.
The Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards recognise the top 10% businesses that consistently earn positive reviews and also honour accommodations, attractions and restaurants which demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence.
This year has seen the Gateshead company secure awards for 32 of its of its holiday parks and hotels in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.
Steve Richards, CEO at Parkdean Resorts, said: “Winning the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award is a testament to the hard work our teams put in every day, allowing our guests to make amazing memories with their families and loved ones. We’re extremely proud of our parks and always strive to improve the overall guest experience. The feedback we receive from our visitors is very important to us and we’re delighted to see such a high proportion of our parks win this prestigious award.”
A South East Northumberland community centre is warmer and weatherproof thanks to a four-figure grant from the Banks Community Fund.
The Buffalo Community Centre in Blyth provides a variety of services and projects to help improve the lives of local people of all ages, and works in partnership with other local providers from both the voluntary and statutory sector.
The charity is based in a converted pub in Regent Street which has eight large windows, all of which had become bent out of shape over time and were letting in both cold draughts and rain.
After receiving a £2,000 grant from North East employer the Banks Group, Cowpen Quay Community Association which manages the centre commissioned RLM Windows, Doors & Conservatories to make and fit new energy efficient windows. They work will keep out wet weather and help reduce its energy bills, while also supporting the association’s plans to introduce a Warm Hub within the building in the future.
Deputy manager and senior youth leader Jo Wilson says: “As well as improving the quality of the experience for everyone who spends time here, the new windows will also help us cut down on our energy use, which will in turn save us money on our heating bills. We probably would just have had to grin and bear it if Banks hadn’t stepped in to help us again and everyone’s really grateful for their support.”
Jamilah Hassan, community manager at the Banks Group, adds: “The Buffalo Community Centre is a hub for so many different activities and makes a tremendous difference to the lives of hundreds of local people every week. The work that’s been carried out will make the building an even nicer place for them to spend their time and we’re very happy to have helped the Community Association to get it done sooner rather than later.”