Middlesbrough’s consumer sector is one of the best performing in the UK according to an influential new report.
The strong showing puts the city heart of the Tees Valley ahead of nearby cities, and above other cities up and down the UK.
The 2018 UK Consumer Powerhouse report – produced by solicitors Irwin Mitchell in partnership with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) – highlights the consumer sector as a key driver for economic growth.
And in a series of measures comparing the fortunes of more than 40 cities, Middlesbrough’s vibrant and diverse city centre economy stands out as one of the UK’s star performers.
In the face of digital and technological change, changing consumer behaviour, uncertainty over Brexit and the impact of new regulation, Middlesbrough is consistently near the top of a series of tables gauging the health of a key sector covering retail, leisure, tourism and food and drink.
In her foreword, CBI Director General Carolyn Fairbairn points to the overall resilience of the consumer sector – worth £400 billion in 2017 – with GVA (gross value added) growth of 1.5% and employment growth of 1% across the 44 cities under the spotlight.
By comparison Middlesbrough’s consumer sector GVA growth rate of 3% was the second-highest recorded in the UK in Q4 2017, with the town placed only marginally behind best performer Bristol.
Middlesbrough also recorded strong employment growth of 2.6% within the sector, with the report also predicting a rise to 2.9% by the fourth quarter of 2018.
The town’s consumer sector GVA growth rate in Q4 2018 is also forecast to be one of the strongest in the UK at 2.7%.
Victoria Brackett, CEO of Irwin Mitchell’s Business Legal Services, said: “Our latest report paints a rosy picture for the consumer sector within Middlesbrough, with its current fortunes and short-term prospects looking very positive.
“While there could be various factors around this performance, it is worth noting that throughout 2017, footfall data has showed that the city experienced growth in numbers of shoppers despite the national trend being negative.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “This enormously encouraging report confirms and underlines what we already know about our city centre.
“We clearly laid out our ambition for city-scale investment and development in our Investment Prospectus and that strategy is already bearing fruit.
“These figures are the clearest indication possible that our vision is delivering tangible, sustainable results.
“This hasn’t happened overnight but is the result of years of hard work, ambitious forward thinking and innovative partnerships.
“We continue to work with the commercial and retail sectors to re-balance and strengthen our city centre economy, and developments like those at Centre Square and the Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park will add yet more employment and footfall.
“This is an exciting time in Middlesbrough’s history, and there is a great deal more to come.”
Talented catering and hospitality students from Middlesbrough College have cooked up a storm winning an array of national competitions.
The students – on courses ranging from Level 2 to degree level – have won a number of prestigious awards in culinary competitions across the country.
Three have even been offered full-time positions in world-class restaurants as a result.
A group of eight students won the ‘Team Award for Outstanding Flavours’ at The Heat Competition 2018 in Jersey and were awarded each with a one-year membership to the Craft Guild of Chefs.
The students were also invited to an all-expenses paid meal at Bohemia, a Michelin star restaurant.
The Heat 2018 competition took place in March and the team was led by chef Frances Atkins.
Frances – one of only six female Michelin starred chefs in the UK – has worked with the College since 2015, where she regularly delivers masterclasses and ensures aspiring chefs achieve the highest professional standards.
Students Daniel Gibson, Alicia Livingstone, Trudy Youngs and Bill Rose were the commis chefs and Stephen Johnson, Adam Harrington, Phoebe Garcia and Alan Taylor were the front of house team for the Heat Competition.
The team prepared and served five dishes that were judged by four top chefs in the UK catering industry at the Highlands Academy Restaurant. The front of house students were also judged on their level of service.
Two students, Phoebe Garcia and Adam Harrington, who are studying Level 2 Food and Beverage service, impressed the event sponsor Ormer and were both offered full-time positions in the restaurant.
Bill Rose, a Level 3 Professional Cookery student also secured a full time position at The Yorke Arms after impressing head chef Frances Atkins throughout the competition.
In addition to the Level 3 student’s success, gifted higher education students, Caitlin Greer and Daniel Hodgson (FdA Culinary Arts Management) and Megan Overfield (FdA Hospitality Management) gained a place in the coveted semi-finals of the Nestle Toque d’or.
The students cooked and served a three course meal and won £500 to spend at Russums, a catering equipment supplier.
Molly Shaher, the Catering and Hospitality course leader, said: “I am very proud of the students for what they have achieved.
“Industry competitions are a chance for our students to showcase themselves to potential employers and it’s great to hear that so many have secured employment following their success.”
As well as celebrating her student’s achievements, Molly has had a fantastic year of success.
She was recently awarded the PACE (Professional Association for Catering Education) 2018 Gold Award for Higher Education and has become the Chair for PACE.
Following on from the department’s recent success, Middlesbrough College was granted £70,574 from Savoy Educational Trust, a charitable trust that aims to advance and develop education, training and qualifications within the hospitality industry.
Molly added: “We are delighted to have won the money from Savoy Educational Trust.
“The money will be used towards developing the Confectionery, Patisserie and Butchery facilities and equipment at College.
“This funding will support present and future students gaining additional skills in these sectors that have a shortage.”
Middlesbrough’s Newham Grange Leisure Farm is set for a £3m transformation into a first rate tourism attraction and education facility.
The proposals to make the significant investment for improved farm facilities were approved by Middlesbrough Council’s Executive in a meeting at the Town Hall today.
The leisure, community, educational and financial benefits were put to the committee by Cllr Denise Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Commercial Services.
She said: “Newham Grange Leisure Farm is a much loved and well used community attraction which we can make even better – much, much better – by making this investment.
“The money would be spent increasing the animal stock, improving the play facilities, creating a new café and farm shop and introducing important educational opportunities, among other positive changes.
“Also, an independent review of the leisure offer shows that these improvements would lead to an increase in visitors meaning that the farm could run at a profit to taxpayers instead of a loss.”
Currently the farm attracts around 30,000 visitors each year but runs at a financial loss of around £40,000 annually.
However an independent review of the attraction found that with significant investment the site could attract a minimum of 60,000 visitors which projections show would turn the loss into a £83,220 profit.
The proposed improvements include:
- Improved car and coach parking
- Welcome centre including café and farm shop
- Market square
- New indoor play barn
- Relocated and improved outdoor play
- Barn for public events use
- Expanded and improved covered petting/activities space
- Restoration of the old farmhouse as an education centre
- Development of farm and wildlife trails
- New stock and feed barns built
- Further development of community allotments
- Other general improvements
The report states that the improvements would be in keeping with the Mayor’s Vision for Middlesbrough, environmental aspirations and education policies.
An education centre would be created by restoring an old farmhouse with classrooms with internet access, toilets, office space and storage space for learning materials.
Tees Valley schools were consulted over the proposals and a positive response was received, particularly around the concept of “farm to fork”.
Cllr Jan Brunton Dobson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Education and Skills, and ward member for Coulby Newham, said: “The benefits of this scheme are huge and transformational in a number of ways. The educational offer would have great value to a lot of people of different ages, needs and backgrounds, while the farm would be bolstered as a leisure attraction for many more people to enjoy.
“Additionally, the work would act as an important piece of conservation work for the farm and its important buildings which will be hugely welcome in Coulby Newham and across Middlesbrough.”
A new future is on the menu for a Middlesbrough restaurant’s apprentice chef after putting behind him a past of unemployment and homelessness.
Jordan Franklin was unemployed and homeless before landing the apprenticeship with Middlesbrough eatery, The Fork in the Road.
Now the 21-year-old is thriving in a position he’s held for seven months, his new colleagues have helped him find a new home and the restaurant’s head chef believes he has a bright future in catering ahead of him.
“With our help, Jordan is transforming his life and his future,” said Andy Preston, the driving force behind the charity-run restaurant on Linthorpe Road.
“It’s fantastic to see, but it’s all down to his own hard work, commitment and a passion for catering. He loves being part of our team and they love him.”
Jordan got a taste for cooking whilst studying for an NVQ in Catering at Stockton Riverside College, but it is only since housing group Coast and Country introduced him to The Fork in the Road that his fortunes have changed.
Having lost his flat after failing to keep up rental payments, Jordan was technically homeless, spending his nights “sofa surfing”, sleeping in the living rooms of friends and family members.
He admitted: “I got into the wrong crowd, got into trouble and then lost my flat, so I’d made some bad mistakes.
“Sofa-surfing for six months was tough, but now the staff here have helped me find a new place to live and I’ve saved up and got myself a bike to come to work on.
“I love working at The Fork in the Road. The staff are so supportive of me and I know it’s opening up opportunities for me, so I can hopefully make a career for myself in catering.”
Head chef Chris Burton, who has worked in restaurants and hotels across the country over the past 22 years, said: “I’ve got a lot of time for Jordan. You can teach cooking skills but the difference is that he naturally has it in him to be a good chef.
“He’s had a really tough start in life but there’s definitely a career for him in catering if he continues to learn and show the same positive mentality.
“He’s a changed man in terms of confidence and self-belief since he joined us just a few months ago.”
Now Jordan’s looking forward to starting part-time catering studies to complement his time in the kitchen at The Fork in the Road – and then the world’s his oyster.
The Fork in the Road is run by experienced catering professionals who mentor trainees including ex-offenders, those in recovery from addiction and the long-term unemployed.
The unique restaurant also helps to fund Bar Zero, a dry bar situated upstairs that provides an important social facility for Teesside’s recovery community.
Along with CEO Sleepout, both projects are supported by Public Health England, input charity Recovery Connections and Middlesbrough Council’s Public Health Department.
Royal Navy chefs swapped the high seas for the Tees and treated hungry Middlesbrough College students to a careers day with a difference.
Able Seaman Jack Thompson, 26, and Royal Navy Chef Millie Francis, 22, delivered interactive ‘Ready Steady Cook’-style demonstrations, as well as sharing their stories with Middlesbrough College’s catering students.
It was familiar ground for Jack, who studied sports science at the College before joining the Royal Navy.
Jack, from Acklam, said: “I was working in the oil and gas industry but became bored of my 9 to 5 — and the constant worry about job security.
“Joining the Royal Navy has opened up so many opportunities that I wouldn’t get in civilian life.
“It’s great to be able to come back to the College and share my experiences and career journey with the students.”
Millie, who is from Middlesbrough, joined the Royal Navy on a Level 2 apprenticeship before qualifying as a chef.
She said: “My day-to-day role includes preparing meals for the ship’s company — as well as visiting dignitaries and royalty.
“It’s been a fantastic experience for me. I’ve made so many friends and have a real sense of pride in my job that I don’t think I’d have elsewhere.”
Middlesbrough College offers a range of catering and hospitality courses, including a degree-level qualification in Hospitality & Culinary Arts Management via the Open University. Students have the opportunity to work in its on-site restaurant, Waterside Brasserie, which is open to the public.
Curriculum team leader Molly Shaher said: “The Royal Navy visited as part of our ongoing programme to show our students the types of careers on offer in the catering and hospitality industry.
“Inviting organisations to the College gives them an opportunity to learn about different routes and options they wouldn’t otherwise consider.”
Navy career adviser Petty Officer Dennis Harrison said: “The message is out there that the Navy is a great employer but many people don’t realise the different entry routes and working environments available.
“Middlesbrough and the surrounding areas have a long history with the Royal Navy — from Captain Cook to the present day. It’s fantastic to see this tradition continuing into the next generation.”
Tees Valley’s bid to host fixtures for the Rugby League World Cup 2021 could enhance the regional economy by up to £8million, it was revealed today.
Speaking to businesses at an event to outline the benefits of a winning bid, Tees Valley Combined Authority’s head of culture, Linda Tuttiett, said that hosting matches could give the region an economic upswing of £8million.
Also addressing the audience was Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of the Rugby League World Cup 2021, who highlighted the transformative effect that holding matches had made elsewhere.
The region has a long history of engaging with both Rugby and other international sporting events.
Darlington Mowden Park RFC has previously hosted the New Zealand All Blacks, with head coach Steve Hansen calling their facilities “outstanding” and “one of the best in the world”. Riverside Stadium has been home to major international European football matches.
The Rugby League World Cup 2021 bid is being put together by a partnership of Tees Valley Combined Authority, Middlesbrough Football Club, Middlesbrough Council and Darlington Mowden Park RFC.
Tees Valley businesses have been urged to back a bid to host Rugby League World Cup 2021 matches in the region and attend an event to highlight the benefits of the application.
Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of the Rugby League World Cup 2021, will visit Tees Valley next week to deliver a presentation to business leaders on what hosting part of the competition could mean for the region.
Business bosses will have the chance to talk to representatives from the Tees Valley Combined Authority, Middlesbrough Football Club, Middlesbrough Council and Darlington Mowden Park RFC, who are working in partnership on the bid.
The bid will include an application to host international group games and a quarter-final in the men’s competition as well as games from the women’s competition. Key venues within the bid include the Riverside Stadium, the Northern Echo Arena and Rockliffe Hall.
Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of the Rugby League World Cup 2021, said: “We are excited to be visiting Tees Valley to show the huge impact that hosting has had on towns and cities across the world.
“The RLWC2013 set new records for economic impact and media reach that will be increased again at England 2021. An expanded event footprint will attract more live spectators, encourage domestic tourism and longer overseas visitor stays.
“We would encourage businesses to come to support the bid and ensure that they are prepared to fully take advantage of the opportunities a successful bid would bring.”
Back the Tees Valley Bid: Rugby League World Cup 2021 is taking place from 8.30am to 10am on Tuesday, 24 April 2018 at the Riverside Stadium.
Businesses interested in attending the event should email hello@enjoyteesvalley.com to register.
Leading cinema chain Cineworld has announced it will open a new 4DX screen at Cineworld Middlesbrough. The auditorium will be ready to stimulate all five senses on Wednesday 9th May.
The 4DX auditorium, available only at Cineworld in the UK, will offer customers the opportunity to experience the latest movies from high-tech motion seats, engineered to work in perfect synchronicity with the action on screen. They will be surrounded by special effects such as wind, fog, lightning, snow, bubbles, water and scents.
Available in both 2D and 3D formats, 4DX is considered to be one of the biggest innovations in cinematic technology.
The new 4DX auditorium, which is currently under construction, will house 164 specially designed seats, plus a curved screen measuring 13.7m by 5.9m – bigger than a double decker bus.
After the full refurbishment the 2,420 seat cinema will boast 11 cutting-edge screens delivering crystal-clear images and a powerful digital sound system.
Darren Rodgers, Cineworld Middlesbrough General Manager, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce cinema goers to our new 4DX screen on Wednesday 9th May.
There’s nothing like it and it can only be experienced in the UK at Cineworld.
We cannot wait to see customers’ reactions when they try out the completely immersive experience!”
Screen 1 has also been refurbished with new cinema seats and an increased rake, meaning views of the screen are uninterrupted. To streamline the cinema experience, Cineworld Middlesbrough also has a new concessions counter, featuring extra tills with contactless card payments.
Middlesbrough Town Hall has been formally returned to the town following the biggest makeover in its 129-year history.
The historic venue is set to throw open its doors in May to welcome visitors for previews of its stunning £7.7m refurbishment.
The massive make-over has restored rarely seen elements of the Grade II listed building, refreshed performance areas and created a whole new visitor experience.
The scheme – funded by Middlesbrough Council and £3.7m of National Lottery funding through the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) – has seen the Town Hall closed to the public for almost two years to make way for painstaking restorations work.
And the venue – with capacity for up to 1,420 in the Main Hall and 570 in the Crypt – is already gearing up for an opening month that sees the likes of the Bruckner Linz Orchestra, Jason Manford, Jon Richardson, Russell Brand and Jools Holland visiting the town.
This week main contractor Kier formally handed the building back to Middlesbrough Council after 13 months on site.
Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd joined senior Councillors and officers, senior managers from Kier and representatives of the HLF for the formal hand-over and VIP tour of the completed project.
Councillor Mick Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture and Communities, said: “Middlesbrough Town Hall is one of the region’s most important buildings, and this major restoration and refurbishment project has given it a whole new lease of life.
“Kier’s fantastic work and attention to detail have helped to reveal the true splendour and heritage of this magnificent venue.
“We now have a venue truly fit for the 21st Century and one I know will delight audiences from near and far.
“The Town Hall also has a key role to play in our bid for Tees Valley City of Culture 2025.
“It will be a major regional focal point for music, comedy and entertainment, as well has having a significant positive impact on other city centre businesses.
More than 200 workers have helped carry out a sweeping transformation over the last 13 months, including 47 separate sub-contractors.
During the project, the team has hosted nearly 800 visitors from local schools and other interest groups.
Brian McQuade, Kier Construction Scotland and North East managing director, said: “We’re extremely pleased to be handing the refurbished Town Hall back to Middlesbrough Council.
“It’s been a unique project to work on over the past 13 months and we’re delighted that with tremendous teamwork from Middlesbrough Council, and the consultants and subcontractors involved we have collectively brought the building back into use as well as creating a new visitor experience.
“It will be an asset to the town for years to come and we’re looking forward to seeing the historic venue re-open to visitors in May.”
Ivor Crowther, Head of HLF North East which invested £3.7m into the redevelopment, said: “We’re proud that money raised by National Lottery players has enabled this iconic local landmark to be restored for the people of Middlesbrough and beyond.
“We look forward to what promises to be an incredible opening month and Middlesbrough Town Hall’s exciting future as a flagship culture and heritage hub.”
It’s less than 12 weeks to go until the venue welcomes the public with a series of events as part of its Opening Season, including a celebratory weekend of spectacular performances from Southpaw Dance Company.
The Town Hall also takes up a new status as a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England, meaning an extra £249,000 per year from 2018 to 2022 to support programmes, events and projects that encourage creativity, diversity and inclusivity for everyone in the town.
Jane Tarr, Director North, Arts Council England said: “We’re delighted that Middlesbrough Town Hall will be joining our National Portfolio for 2018-22.
“As April 1 approaches there are some exciting developments to the programme and we’re really looking forward to enjoying some excellent arts and cultural activity once it re-opens.”
In addition to its expanded events programme, the Middlesbrough Town Hall team is planning brand new entertainment, participation and community events that mean there truly is something for everyone.
- Anyone wanting to see Middlesbrough Town Hall before it opens to the general public in May should visit the website to secure free tickets.
A team of entrepreneurs are gearing up for significant growth following the launch of a unique new sportswear brand.
Established by entrepreneurs Rob Webbon, Peter Lillie and Guy Whitby, Presca is set to rival some of the biggest names in the sporting world with its unique and disruptive approach to sportswear manufacturing.
The company focuses on creating performance sportswear from recycled materials, including plastic bottles and abandoned fishing nets, and will specialise in innovative cycling, triathlon and athletic teamwear.
Launched as a result of the continued growth of its award-winning sister company, GRN Sportswear Ltd, the new brand’s teamwear product range includes the world’s most sustainable cycling skin suit as well as jerseys, shorts and tri suits, all of which will be manufactured in the UK.
“We are bringing something totally unique and different to the market, and as a result, creating the Presca brand has enabled us to establish a strong market proposition for teamwear to ensure we are strategically focussed on our ambitious growth plans” said Peter Lillie, Commercial Director at Presca.
“Our vision has always been to create sports clothing that was technically advanced and ethically sourced and the Presca brand will specialise in creating custom-made teamwear for clubs, charities and companies of all sizes” added CEO, Rob Webbon.
Tested by elite cyclists, the product has already been shortlisted for the Best Sustainability Initiative award at the BT Sports Industry Awards, competing alongside some of the biggest names in sport.
“There’s nothing else like it in the teamwear market – we are really driving innovation by offering sustainable, high performance products” added Operations Director, Guy Whitby.
With further investment planned in R&D and manufacturing in 2018, and sales figures expected to triple in the next financial year, the company is committed to finding new and innovative ways to improve the performance teamwear market whilst facing today’s environmental challenges head on.
Presca teamwear is set to launch at the London Bike Show 2018, which takes place at the ExCel from 23rd – 25th February.
