A major online project aimed at encouraging people in Redcar and Cleveland to be more active by leaving their cars at home has been developed by a North East web firm.

Yarm-based digital agency dotUK has completed the new website for Sustrans, the national charity that has been commissioned by Redcar & Cleveland Council to deliver the work. The project is funded by the Department of Transport through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund as well as the NHS Redcar & Cleveland.

The site, www.activetravel.me, enables users to plan rail and bus journeys in the area, and find out more about events and initiatives such as bike loans and guided walks and rides.

Visitors to the site – which hopes to reduce car usage in Redcar and Cleveland in favour of cycling, walking and public transport – can also access advice on bike maintenance and walking routes alongside maps and other resources.

Andy Flisher, founder of dotUK, said: “It’s great to be helping a good cause which has such a strong environmental focus and is driven by a desire to reduce carbon emissions in our region.”

Linda Ford, project co-ordinator, said: “With the increasing cost of fuel, tax, insurance and maintenance, car ownership can be very costly. We are encouraging people to think about the way they travel for more of their everyday journeys, and where possible make changes that benefit their health, pocket and the environment.

“With dotUK’s help, we have produced a website that is extremely user-friendly, informative and useful to people who want to get about by foot, bike or public transport in Redcar and Cleveland.”

Last year dotUK was involved in a similar project focused on the Stockton area which included an online ‘parmo counter’ – a digital tool which calculates how many units of Teesside’s notoriously unhealthy delicacy are burned off through various forms of exercise.

The company’s services include web design, mobile app development, web-based software solutions, hosting and virtualisation.

For more information on the company, visit: www.dotuk.net

Ten Minute presentation to BNI Harald by Karen Coles of Countrywide Commercial Services

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Jonathan Fletcher from Jacksons Law's, 10 minute presentation to BNI Harald members in January 2012

A Symptom of the success as the regions flagship BNI chapter, BNI Harald has had to move, at now over 40 members, and growing we had quite simply outgrown our current venue and the facilities it had to to offer.  So we're glad to announce that from Friday the 27th January 2012 BNI Harald will be meeting at the Wynyard Rooms just off the A19, for a local and directions see below;

Meeting Details

Venue:	Wynyard Rooms Wynyard Avenue Wynyard Billingham TS22 5TB
Day:	Friday 6.45 to 8.30am

Directions

Assuming north bound on the A19, you come off at the A689  (Hartlepool) junction, and head left off the slip road.  At the first  roundabout you turn right and head through the security barrier into Wynyard Park, at the roundabout it's right again and you are into the car park for the Wynyard Rooms building which is in front of you, park appropriately and head into the building where we'll be setup in the  reception / networking area

 

BNI Harald is a Business Referral organisatiion based in Stockton on Tees, we consist predominantly of North East, Tees Valley, and Teesside based businesses, and meet to network on a weekly basis, looking out for localbusiness for our members

UNITE TO FIGHT CRIME

Brian Neale - a former senior policeman with more than 10-years experience helping to reduce crime through supporting partners in crime and community safety partnership projects - is heading an initiative launched by Safe in Tees Valley (SITV) to unite stakeholders in tackling the growing threat of business crime.

While keeping staff and businesses safe and secure has always been a business priority, crime invariably becomes a greater problem in challenging economic times, when businesses are most vulnerable.  

The current situation is made more complex because the types of crime causing the major problems vary significantly from sector to sector and location to location.  The threat from ‘traditional’ criminal activities, such as shoplifting, burglary, violence against staff, metal theft, vehicle crime and vandalism, has never gone away but many businesses now also have to deal with electronic age crimes such as credit card fraud, identity theft and computer hacking etc.
SITV is currently consulting with a broad cross-section of Tees Valley businesses to identify which types of crime present the biggest threat and how best to tackle them.  Feedback from businesses will inform the content and strategy of an interactive website that will provide: -

• A communications medium linking businesses, local communities and relevant agencies and organisations
• A forum where businesses can discuss problems and solutions and disseminate best practice
• A gateway to training, advice and business support
• Regular local news updates.

Brian Neale said: -

“After more than 15 years working with agencies and organisations throughout the North East, SITV has accumulated extensive experience of developing innovative, closely targeted crime prevention programmes- then securing funding to deliver them. ” 
Feedback from businesses will determine which crimes are prioritised and how they are tackled, so we want to hear from firms of all types and sizes. A simple response form, that will take only a few minutes to complete and send, is available on the SITV website at www.safeinteesvalley.org/businesscrime.

For further editorial information, contact Jacqui Taylor on 01642 890383, M. 07801 256662 or Brian Neale on T. 0845 271 3874.

Rising to the challenge to support Butterwick Hospice and BNI (Business Network International) Stockton Member Lisa Halligan, of Elizabeth’s Embroidery, who had recently lost a dear friend to cancer, 5 other businesses signed up for the Great North Run during an early morning networking meeting.

Said Lisa, “ I was spurred on to run for the Hospice after my best friend, Laura Gourlay spent time at Butterwick before passing away in May this year.  I wanted to do something to say thank you.  I am not a runner but this is my challenge.  Laura’s was to be there at the finishing line for support but sadly she lost her battle on 13^th May and now I am very proud to be running in her memory.”

Photography by Patrick Montgomery

Joining Lisa are:-

Michael Monkman, (28) Partner in Mint Design & Print, Stockton on Tees, who is an adrenalin junkie who has abseiled, bungee jumped and skydived for Butterwick Hospice.  This year he is keeping his feet firmly on the ground and taking part in the Great North Run for the first time.

Andy Flisher, (35), Director, dotUK of Yarm, started running in 2009 and has also managed to fit in the Middlesbrough 5k and 10k for Butterwick.   He was persuaded to try the Great North Run on account of his new physique, being leaner and fitter.

Marianne Holt, (52) Director of Etcetera Magazine also of Yarm, frequently supports Butterwick Hospice and decided it was the right time to try for the big one.

Russ Sawdon, (37) Director of Flowerhouse, Hartburn, will be running his fourth Great North Run for the Butterwick this year.  Taking it in his stride he always manages a smile at the end ready for his bar of chocolate, t-shirt and cup of tea.

Emma Simkins, (40) Director of Henderson’s Insurance Brokers is running for the second time and says the training is gruelling!

And of course……

Lisa Halligan, (30) a Partner in Elizabeth’s Embroidery, Stockton on Tees, is a complete novice at running and is willing herself to do well.

All 40+ Members of the Harald Chapter of BNI have sponsored the group and provided goody bags of chocolate and crisps to help them gain their strength at the end of the race.

Sponsorship Links

• Andy Flisher - http://www.justgiving.com/Andy-Flisher-GreatNorthRun-2011
• Michael Monkman - http://www.justgiving.com/Michael-Monkman0
• Marianne Holt - http://www.justgiving.com/marianne-holt

 

Further Information from:

Jacqui Taylor on 01642 890383

M. 07801 256662

"'Excellent' is the word I will use to put in writing how I've found dealing with you and your colleagues at We Do HR Ltd"

To read the full testimonial please click the thumbnail below;

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Jonathan Fletcher from Jacksons Law's, 10 minute presentation to BNI Harald members introducing Jacksons Sure Move service

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