BUSINESS LIFE
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NORTH East holiday park operator Parkdean Resorts has become the first holiday park operator to sign the Age-friendly Employer Pledge.
Established by the Centre for Ageing Better, the nationwide programme was launched to make workplaces more age-friendly while aiding sector-wide skills shortages.
Newcastle-based Parkdean Resorts said it signed the pledged to reinforce its recognition of the experience, skills and dedication that over-50s can offer, and it has committed to take action where necessary to ensure that its recruitment, development and retention procedures are inclusive for those looking to get back into work or kickstart a new career later in life.
The business also collaborates with the Department for Work and Pensions and its Return to Work Scheme, which welcomes over-50s to its 66 UK holiday parks to learn about careers with Parkdean Resorts, followed by customer service training and a guaranteed interview.
Becky Cain, wellbeing and inclusion manager at Parkdean Resorts, said: “We’re delighted to be signing the Age-friendly Employer Pledge to showcase the huge amount of experience, knowledge, and mentorship they bring to the team.”
A PROJECT to make land at Port of Sunderland shovel-ready for development scooped a major award.
The completion of enabling works at the port’s Trinity Rail, Road & Sea Enterprise Zone was named Medium Project of the Year at the Institution of Civil Engineers North East’s annual Robert Stephenson Awards. Held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Newcastle, the ceremony brings together the biggest regional names in construction and engineering to celebrate excellence in the built environment.
The Trinity Enterprise Zone Enabling Works project, also known as Hendon Sidings, was a collaboration between Port of Sunderland, Esh Construction and Mott MacDonald, and was commended by the judges for its innovation, efficiency and community impact.
Matthew Hunt, director at Port of Sunderland, said: “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and our partners at Esh Construction and Mott MacDonald over the last few years to deliver this incredible project.”
Steven Garrigan, divisional director at Esh Construction, said: “We’re thrilled that the project has been recognised as an award-winner.”
Simon Longshaw, senior associate at Mott MacDonald, added: “We are proud to have delivered this project successfully and absolutely thrilled that it has been recognised for its excellence and impact.”
NORTH East charities can bid for a share of £10,000, courtesy of regional housebuilder Miller Homes.
The housebuilder introduced its regional Community Fund in 2022 to help grassroots projects linked to education, wellbeing, the environment and sport across the North East.
Now the first of two rounds of 2024 funding is under way, with the company urging groups, organisations and good causes to apply.
Last year, awards were issued to a number of beneficiaries including Silver Tree Primary School at Usher Moor, Seaton Sluice Football Club and Cramlington’s Mayfields Community Centre.
Regional operations director Ryan Lincoln said: “Our developments are about far more than bricks and mortar. They are about people, communities and quality of living. So if we can support groups, organisations and charities we are happy to do so.”
Applications close on Wednesday, April 24.
HOUSEBUILDER Barratt Homes North East has teamed up with Year 5 and 6 pupils at Bede Burn Primary School for an interior design competition which saw children create designs for a bedroom in one of its show homes.
Children aged between 9 and 11 at the school, based near its new Monkton Gardens development, created bedroom designs for its new show home due to launch this spring. The winning entry, by 10-year-old Kayla Wilkinson featured a slide bed and a rock climbing feature.
The interior design team at the new development will bring Kayla’s drawing to life and the class will then be invited to see the bedroom once the show home launches.
Iain Usher, deputy headteacher at Bede Burn Primary School, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Barratt Homes North East for giving our pupils the opportunity to take part in such a fun and creative activity. The children loved getting involved in designing the new bedroom and using their imaginations. We’re looking forward to seeing Kayla’s winning entry come to life in person.”
A DIRECTOR at a Sunderland law firm has worked on his final case and is now looking forward to retirement.
Barry Wood, a director and chartered legal executive at Sunderland’s Richard Reed Solicitors, has retired after spending 37 years with the law firm. He admits that when he joined the firm, having previously worked in Hartlepool for nine years, he never envisaged staying for that length of time.
He said: “Richard Reed has been such a great place to work with so many fantastic people and that’s the reason why I have stayed with the firm for so long. I felt now was the right time to retire.”