» MAY 2011
Bus Drivers On The Run For Charity
MAY 2011: Five bus drivers from Sunderland have taken part in the Edinburgh Marathon to raise funds for local charity, Headlight – a mental health resource centre.
Stagecoach North East bus drivers Kevin Brown, Brian Charlton, Peter Wilkinson, Sean Smith and Trevor Whalen took part in the Edinburgh Marathon on 22 May to raise much needed funds for the charity.
Forty-five year old Kevin from Sunderland said: "We were all really pleased with our finishing times on the day and most achieved a personal best, which is great. It makes it even more of an achievement when you know you're raising funds for a great local cause. We think we've raised about £500 for Headlight, which is fantastic and we hope it will make a difference to people accessing the charity's services."
The group have run other marathons and half marathons together before and are already planning their next runs at the Redcar Half Marathon in June and the Liverpool Marathon in October.
Kevin added: "We all really enjoy running as it keeps us fit and healthy. We probably run about 40-50 miles a week when we're in training and having something to work towards is great as it keeps us focused."
John Conroy, Managing Director of Stagecoach North East, said: "We are very happy to support the fundraising efforts of our staff and are pleased to be able to donate £100 towards the groups fundraising efforts for Headlight. It's a great local cause to support and we are proud of the efforts our drivers made and wish them well in their next event."
For further information about Stagecoach North East please visit www.stagecoachbus.com/northeast
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For further information please contact Christina Pounder on 01642 584790 or email christina@velvetcommunications.co.uk
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Spark Response Hires New IT Manager
MAY 2011: Contact centre and fulfilment specialist, Spark Response, has appointed Ian O'Rourke as IT Manager at its site in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear.
Ian will be responsible for the management of IT service delivery, projects and driving the company's IT strategy in line with business objectives. Ian will manage a team of in-house analysts, developers and administrators as well as the company's relationship with outsourced network infrastructure and support partner, Knowledge IT.
Ian, who is from Hartlepool, has 18 years experience across IT leadership, operations, projects and consultancy roles. He is currently studying an MBA at Durham Business School, completing his MBA and research project on IT-enabled business transformation later this year.
Speaking of his appointment, Ian said: "Spark Response has a proven track record as a leading provider of contact centre and fulfilment services. The company is going through some exciting changes at the moment, with IT woven into its business model, and I'm looking forward to being part of that. The role allows me to combine my IT leadership experience across IT strategy, operations and projects as well as my people-led approach to IT-enabled business change. I welcome the opportunity to work for such a vibrant, service-focused company in the North East, with such a diverse client range, and I'm looking forward to the challenges that will arise."
Edward Duffy, Human Resources, Spark Response, said: "As we deal with so many clients at Spark, from high street retail giants in the UK to globally-recognized charities, each with their own specialised requirements, it's essential that we have a talented individual in charge of IT to manage and lead the department in delivering the highest possible standards of service to Spark and its clients. We look forward to welcoming Ian to the team and wish him well in his new role."
Spark also provides contact centre and fulfillment support to organisations including Toys R Us, Cancer Research UK, Straight Plc, Even Greener, Best Direct, Red Direct, FitFlop and Soap & Glory.
For more details about Spark Response please visit www.sparkresponse.com or call 0191 418 6077
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For further information please contact Madeleine Griffith on 01642 584790 or email madeleine@velvetcommunications.co.uk
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Stagecoach Drives Forward Green Awareness
MAY 2011: Stagecoach North East is celebrating a year of environmental progress with the launch of its third annual Green Week on Monday (23 May).
The bus operator is driving forward awareness in the North East and across the UK with a range of initiatives designed to meet its environmental targets, and providing simple tips to help staff and customers become greener.
Launching Green Week 2011, John Conroy, Managing Director, Stagecoach North East said: "We're proud of the steps we have taken so far to become a more sustainable business. Being a greener company is at the heart of what we do - and we have a number of exciting and innovative plans in place to build on our progress so far.
"Green Week is also important in helping make it easier for our staff and customers to make simple changes in their everyday lives to reduce their impact on our planet. As motorists face rising costs, it's also a good chance for us to remind people of the time and money savings that can be made by using greener, smarter public transport."
Stagecoach has launched a comprehensive sustainability strategy nationally and is investing £11million in a range of measures to meet its environmental targets. The Group is targeting an overall reduction of eight per cent in buildings CO2 emissions and a cut of three per cent in annual fleet transport CO2e emissions by April 2014. It follows a reduction in the carbon intensity of its UK businesses of almost six per cent in the three years to 30 April 2009.
It is estimated the five-year programme, from 2009-10 to 2013-14, will save a total of nearly 150,000 tonnes of CO2e, with the Group's annual emissions reduced by around 40,000 tonnes CO2e by April 2014.
Last year Stagecoach North East reduced its energy consumption by 4 per cent and is on target to improve on that in 2011.
As part of that energy reduction drive Stagecoach North East recently installed a new 'intelligent' lighting system – which uses movement sensors to determine the amount of light required - at all six depots across the region. Based on previous trials, it is expected that the system could reduce the energy consumption used on lighting at the six depots by around 40 per cent as a result of the 'intelligent' nature of the technology. This would produce an annual saving of more than 373,000kilowatts per hour (KWh) and save almost 230 tonnes of CO2 over the course of a year.
During Green Week Stagecoach is holding an online competition to win an Annual Megarider giving the winner one year's free bus travel on board the company's local services. (The Annual Megarider will be allocated according to the Megarider zone specified by the winner e.g. Newcastle Megarider, Sunderland Megarider, Hartlepool Megarider, Teesside Megarider, South Shields Megarider.)
To enter the competition, customers simply need to visit www.stagecoachbus.com where they will have to answer a simple question to be in with a chance of winning. Entries close at 12noon on Thursday (26 May) and the winners will be announced on Friday (27 May).
During the course of Green Week Stagecoach North East will also be handing out practical – and environmentally friendly – green kits at bus stations.
For further information about Stagecoach North East please visit www.stagecoachbus.com/northeast
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For further information please contact Christina Pounder on 01642 584790 or email christina@velvetcommunications.co.uk
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£1,700 Raised In Memory Of Bus Driver
MAY 2011: Generous colleagues and friends have raised over £1,700 in memory of Sharon Dyer, a former Stagecoach North East bus driver from South Shields.
A charity football match was held on Sunday May 29 at Filtrona Park where drivers from the company's South Shields and Sunderland depots played to honour the memory of their colleague, who sadly passed away in August 2009 following a long and brave battle with Cancer.
Although funds are still being counted it is estimated that £1,460 was raised, with Stagecoach making a donation of £250 taking the total to £1710. All proceeds from the match are being donated to the Chemotherapy Unit at Sunderland Hospital, as Sharon received vital treatment for her condition from the ward and its staff.
A minute's silence was held before the match kicked off, which ended in a two all draw and was decided in a penalty shoot out with Sunderland eventually winning 5-3.
Sharon's husband Kevin, who is also a driver for Stagecoach in South Shields, watched from the stands with their children and cheered both teams on.
Speaking after the game he said: "It was another great day and we've managed to raise even more than last year, which is brilliant. Sharon would be so happy that everyone has got involved and raised so much for the Chemotherapy Unit.
"There were over 300 people at the Park on the day and I can't thank everyone enough for their support, as it wouldn't have been possible without them. The lads at both depots have been superb to give up their spare time to put in the training and it all helped to make a great day."
Brian Sleightholme, Operations Manager at South Shields added: "Sharon was a much loved member of the team at South Shields and Sunderland and she is missed by all who knew her. This annual charity cup match is a great opportunity for her colleagues from both Sunderland and South Shields to get together and honour her memory, while raising funds for the Chemotherapy Unit. On behalf of Stagecoach North East I would like to thank everyone who played a part in the day, from those who were part of the team, to the organisers and those who came along on the day to make it such a success.
"Our congratulations also go to the team from Sunderland who won the Sharon Dyer Shield on the day and we hope that maybe next year South Shields can win it back!"
Other attractions on the day included cheerleaders, belly dancers, face painting and a bouncy castle.
For further information about Stagecoach North East please visit www.stagecoachbus.com/northeast
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For further information please contact Christina Pounder on 01642 584790 or email christina@velvetcommunications.co.uk
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Hair Feathers Are Summer's Hottest Fashion Trend
MAY 2011: Following this summer's trend for 1970s inspired fashion that graced every Spring Summer 2011 catwalk, hair too is harking back to the decade where it was de rigueur to wear a flower in your hair.
However, four decades on and the flowers have been firmly replaced by feathers for a more contemporary, fresh take on the iconic look. Celebrities including Miley Cyrus, Kesha and Hilary Duff are leading the trend and have all been photographed with an array of striking feather hair extensions.
The glamorous extensions are made from the same cockerel plumes that are used in fly fishing and the US is already running short of the most prized feathers. In the UK though, the leading hair extension specialist, Harland Hair & Beauty, has ample stocks of the exclusive and much sought after hair accessories.
Having launched a dedicated online shopping site www.hairfeathers.co.uk specifically for the latest extensions trend, the company is currently supplying customers right across Europe, with huge demand from UK salons.
With six unique styles of feather extension to choose from in a range of hues and tones that fit perfectly with the season's fashion palette, hair feathers are predicted to be the accessory of choice this year. Depending upon the look they want to achieve shoppers can choose from:
• Brazilian Princess - black, orange and brown feathers
• Natural Princess - white, silver and soft orange feathers
• Hawaiian Princess - auburn, brown and olive feathers
• Indian Princess - orange, olive and brown feathers
• Aztec Queen - tan, amber and golden feathers
• Pearly Queen – silver, white and grey feathers
The extensions are easy to use and come with six small micro ring attachments that attach the feathers to the root of the hair without the need for weaving or the use of glue, making them ideal for professional or home use. In addition, the hair feathers can be removed easily and reused on another occasion.
The luxury hair feathers retail online at www.hairfeathers.co.uk from £14.99 with free next day delivery available across the UK.
North East based Harland Hair & Beauty was formerly known as Hair X-Tensions Ltd and specialises in supplying hair extensions and associated accessories via its global eCommerce site. It supplies an extensive range of products and accessories from leading luxury brands including Balmain, Sleek, Lauren Pope, Easihair by Jon Renau, Jessica Simpson Hair Extensions, Tangle Teezer and its own brand of hair extensions, among others.
For further information about Harland Hair & Beauty please call 0191 521 3311
or visit www.hairfeathers.co.uk
ENDS
For further information please contact Elizabeth Eddy or Madeleine Griffith on 01642 584790 or email elizabeth@velvetcommunications.co.uk or madeleine@velvetcommunications.co.uk
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Wind Turbine Training Set To Support Safety Compliance
MAY 2011: After identifying a niche opportunity in the marketplace, a North East company has launched a new electrical safety training course designed for engineers, technicians and operators working with wind turbines.
Complying with UK and EU Health & Safety legislation is a requirement for all operators working in the power and electrical industries, or those sectors that use high voltage equipment and the new Wind Turbine High Voltage Training Course designed by The Faraday Centre, meets all such regulations and directives. Moreover, one of the UK's leading energy suppliers has already enrolled its technical team on the course and The Faraday Centre is reviewing and auditing its wind farm site procedures to maximise safety for all personnel working on site.
The course is unique and the Middlesbrough based high voltage training specialists aim to provide businesses operating in the sector with reassurance that employees are competent in high voltage operation and meet strict health and safety standards.
During the five days, delegates participating in the course will receive a mix of in-depth practical training at the company's purpose built facility, as well as theoretical tutoring from experienced and qualified professionals.
The company works with some of the UK's leading energy companies and operators, but the course was also developed with smaller niche businesses and individual technicians in mind. In fact, many smaller firms are making the transition into the renewable energy sector and as such the course provides an extensive insight into the technical expertise and knowledge required to operate in this field.
Suhail Mitoubsi, Group General Manager, The Faraday Centre, says: "As the renewable energy sector continues to grow apace, particularly across North East England, we recognised a real market demand for electrical high voltage training designed specifically for this burgeoning industry. Using our expertise we developed the Wind Turbine High Voltage Training Course, which is unique to the region and also to the UK. We are currently scoping out a bespoke programme for a leading global energy provider and believe the course will appeal to large organisations, as well as individuals wishing to diversify and enhance their skill-set.
"The course has also been launched at our facility in Limassol, Cyprus and later this month we are conducting sessions for the Electricity Authority of Cyrus to ensure that all wind turbine operators working for the organisation have completed high voltage safety training."
The company has devised an annual course schedule, but it can also offer bespoke training sessions upon request. Furthermore, throughout 2011 the company plans to introduce further high voltage training for other markets within the renewable energy sector.
As one of the UK's leading providers of electrical training, The Faraday Centre has over twenty years experience in the power and electrical industry. While the company provides both low and high voltage safety training to a variety of sectors, it is the company's high voltage expertise, which truly sets it apart from its counterparts.
The Faraday Centre woks with businesses and organisations from the energy, power, marine, onshore and offshore, environmental energy, manufacturing and processing industries, among others, to ensure they are working within and meeting stringent EU Health & Safety guidelines and restrictions.
It delivers in-depth practical and theoretical training courses and consultancy from its purpose built facility in North East England and provides a wide range of courses to suit all levels of competency and experience.
For further information about The Faraday Centre or the Wind Turbine High Voltage Training Course please call 01642 467236 or visit www.faradaycentre.co.uk
ENDS
For further information please contact Madeleine Griffith or Elizabeth Eddy on 01642 584790 or email madeleine@velvetcommunications.co.uk
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