Business spotlight

North East Times Magazine throws a spotlight on the latest news, views, trends and technologies shaping the region’s economic and business landscape

LightOx boosts mouth cancer treatment with seven-figure support Health

Ford Aerospace creates jobs to meet demand Engineering

A medical firm combatting early-stage mouth cancers has secured more than £1 million to bring a pioneering remedy closer to market.

LightOx has been backed by Innovate UK to further develop a light-based drug compound that attacks diseased oral cells.

Bosses at the Newcastle company say the cash is a “great endorsement of its world-class research”, adding it will spur the delivery of ‘chair-side’ treatment for patients.

Dr Sam Whitehouse, LightOx chief executive, said: “This is the next step in our journey to wide-scale treatment where there is currently no medical intervention other than surgery.”

Professor Carrie Ambler, LightOx’s chief scientific officer, added: “This grant allows us to accelerate our drug development programme, allowing us to work with partners to develop a unique therapeutic solution for patients.”

LightOx received its £1.1 million support through the Government-backed Biomedical Catalyst programme, which funnels public cash into next generation schemes via Innovate UK, and is working with teams at Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to finalise treatment development.

Hailing the partnership’s potential, Dr Caroline McCarthy and Professor Richard Shaw, of Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, added: “We are delighted to be collaborating with LightOx.

“This could provide a minimally invasive treatment option for patients at high risk of developing oral cancer.

“The prevention of oral cancer is a top priority, and we are committed to delivering world-class research for patient benefit.”

An engineering firm has unveiled plans to bolster its workforce.

Ford Aerospace wants staff to meet rising demand.

The drive – which includes recruiting a new managing director, as well as manufacturing, HR and marketing staff – follows a takeover by US-headquartered SPIROL earlier this year and complements an ongoing £1 million-plus machinery outlay.

Outgoing boss Chris Ford, great-grandson of company founder Robert, said: “The business is in a strong position with an exceptional management team and staff in place.

"It is fantastic to see SPIROL continuing our tradition of investing in people and capacity.

“I am excited to see it go from strength-to-strength under new leadership,” added Chris, who will continue supporting the 113-year-old South Shields company – whose parts are used on coastguard helicopters and construction vehicles – in a consultancy capacity.

The business was recently named SME company of the year at the North East Automotive Alliance Awards.

Nissan gears for further growth after production record

Manufacturing

A car maker has smashed a production milestone.

Nissan has made its 11 millionth vehicle at its Sunderland plant.

The landmark model, an electrified version of the Japanese marque’s flagship Qashqai hatchback, is being sent to a customer in France.

And bosses say the firm will continue breaking records, with a £1 billion project alongside long-standing partner Envision AESC bringing a battery-making plant and all-electric ‘crossover’ model to the region, as part of the company’s EV36Zero programme.

Adam Pennick, manufacturing vice president at the firm’s Sunderland plant, said: “This milestone reflects the vast experience our world-class manufacturing team has in delivering the quality cars our

SPG eyes expansion after salvaging tech jobs

Digital jobs have been saved following a software firm’s administration.

Newcastle-based Solution Performance Group (SPG) has rescued 20 roles from collapsed fellow city operator Boxmodel Digital Media.

SPG says the move has boosted staff numbers to 70, leaving it “better placed to meet growing demand across the public and private sectors”.

Gareth Humphreys, SPG group chief executive, said: “We’re really happy to be welcoming former Boxmodel staff.

“They bring great talent and expertise customers love.

“We’ve come a long way since production first started, but we’re always looking forward, and our fully-electrified range and EV36Zero plan mean we have an exciting and sustainable future.”

Nissan’s Wearside factory began production in 1986 with the Bluebird family car.

The plant, which employs about 6000 staff, has since made the company’s Micra, Primera, Note and Juke models, as well as all-electric Leaf hatchbacks and a number of Qashqai revamps.

It was also briefly home to Nissan's luxury Infiniti marque.

Factoring in its 11 millionth vehicle, bosses say a new car has rolled off the Wearside factory’s production lines, on average, every two minutes, across every hour of every day, for 37 years.

Port’s delight at new recycling deal Distribution

to our growing team as we expand the range of services and products we deliver across the UK.” Based in The Core, on Newcastle’s Helix science and digital park, SPG provides services to improve software delivery and impact for Government departments, emergency services and social housing organisations.

Founded in 2009, Boxmodel delivered software engineering to firms including Renault and Airbus Defence and Space.

Alan Easton, former Boxmodel managing director, added: “SPG has a great customer base and ambitious plans to grow the business in the coming years.

"I’m confident our former highly experienced team will prove a great asset and support future growth.”

A dock operator says it is “embarking on a new chapter” after agreeing a fresh green deal. Port of Tyne has signed a ten-year contract with European Metals Recycling (EMR).

The arrangement builds on a 25-year relationship, with port chief executive Matt Beeton hailing its potential within wider ambitions to expand the base’s “clean energy cluster”.

EMR handles 300,000 tonnes of waste metal every year from its South Shields depot, which is processed and sold for use in vehicles, electronics and household appliances across the Mediterranean, North America and the Far East.

However, the new deal will “significantly increase” work on ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Matt said: “EMR’s marketleading position on sustainability issues, alongside its important role in the circular economy, is aligned with our strategies.”

Scott Bamborough, EMR UK ports manager, added: “Our South Shields operation will continue to help play our part in the battle against climate change.”

Lycetts’ glee as results surmount ‘challenging’ market Finance

An insurance broker and independent financial adviser has hailed its “scope for further growth” following record results.

Newcastle-based Lycetts saw annual turnover rise £2 million to £25.5 million, with pre-tax profit increasing 11 per cent year-on-year to £3 million.

The company says its performance reflects the vigour of its policies and staff in “a challenging market and volatile economy”.

Charles Foster, chief executive at Lycetts, which last year signed a deal to move its headquarters to Newcastle’s Bank House building, on the new Pilgrim Place development, said he was thrilled with its progress.

He added: “We are delighted by our impressive performance in 2022, underpinned by a robust business strategy and high-quality talent.

“Exceeding an 11 per cent target for new business, along with a high retention rate for existing clients, proved central to our success.

“Despite the hard market, notable gains were achieved across household and commercial lines.

“And the scope for further growth continues as we eye an exciting future from our new headquarters.”

Maven extends key funding scheme deal Finance

A private equity and investment firm has won a contract to continue managing a flagship growth pot.

Maven Capital Partners is overseeing the £20 million Finance Durham Fund.

Founded by Durham County Council and supervised by Business Durham, the scheme has already helped scores of firms grow and create jobs, with Maven administering its progress since 2017.

Michael Dickens, Maven investment manager, said: “We are proud to have backed so many companies, and look forward to engaging with many more.”

Contractor savours work on £12 million college base Construction

A contractor says it is looking forward to helping inspire “the next generation of North East engineers” after securing work on a £12 million learning hub.

Applebridge Construction is supporting the delivery of a new Middlesbrough College Group base.

Due to replace the education provider’s existing TTE Technical site next year, officials say the building will annually nurture hundreds of full-time engineering students, apprentices and adults.

Applebridge, also based in Middlesbrough, has been appointed by Morgan Sindall Construction to deliver foundation works, as well as floor slabs and drainage.

Andy Ray, group operations director, said: “This is an exciting

PD Ports steeled for growth Distribution

A distribution operator says it has strengthened its reputation as the “port of choice for global steel manufacturers” following a 75,000sq ft factory opening.

PD Ports has unveiled a steel coil storage base at Port of Hartlepool, which it says cuts companies’ freight costs by allowing delivery of different products – such as plate or coil – on the same berth.

project to get involved in.

“The engineering and trades industry has been dealing with a skills shortage through recent years, and this investment will bring about new opportunities.”

Zoe Lewis, principal and chief executive of Middlesbrough College Group, added: “Once complete, the facility will complement the already extensive STEM offer at our campus in Middlehaven and cement the college as one of the UK’s largest engineering training providers.

“We’re particularly pleased the new site will allow us to expand into new sectors such as clean, green and renewable energy, retrofit, zerocarbon and offshore high voltage, giving young people greater access to the careers which will shape our futures.”

Providing a

Pathway To Career Success

– see pages 52 and 53

In Brief

A selected round-up of stories from across the region

4Plans have been approved for a £150 million waste-to-energy factory. Circular Fuels says its plant will create at least 50 jobs and convert 220,000 tonnes of non-recyclable household and industrial waste into 50,000 tonnes of renewable fuel every year from a base at Teesworks, near Redcar. It is expected to open in 2025.

4A wealth manager has revealed job expansion plans in a headquarters move. Fairstone is swapping its Boldon base for Nike’s former Sunderland offices, which chief executive Lee Hartley says will create room for at least 120 extra staff. He added: “We have an extensive growth strategy, and our new site will underpin those objectives.”

4Gateshead electrification and powertrain component firm Turntide Technologies is supporting Newton Aycliffe rolling stock maker Hitachi Rail on a battery train trial. Mark Cox, Turntide's transport business unit general manager, said: “We possess the advanced skills to decrease rail sector carbon emissions.”

4Northumberland-based offshore engineer Osbit has opened a Netherlands hub. Bosses say the Rotterdam office marks the “next step in meeting the growing needs of vessel and equipment operators in the Netherlands and wider European region.”

For more news and views across the North East, visit our website @ www.netimesmagazine.co.uk/news

Biotech firm plots product ‘revolution’ with near £500,000 support Environment

A biotechnology operator has secured nearly £500,000 funding it says will drive forward work to “revolutionise” the cosmetic, personal care and pharmaceutical sectors’ green credentials.

HexisLab has been backed by Innovate UK to develop and scale manufacturing processes to replace traditional synthetic and animal-derived product ingredients with environmentally-friendlier alternatives.

The Newcastle-based company says its work will help meet ever-growing consumer demand in a global market

Whyaye looks to future after EY deal Technology

A technology firm says it is relishing “accelerating companies’ transformation journeys” after joining a professional services firm.

Newcastle-based Whyaye is now part of EY.

Officials say the deal will expand EY’s capacity and market presence by leveraging Whyaye’s position within the ServiceNow technology platform that helps companies manage digital workflows.

Maureen Robson-Norman, Whyaye chief executive – who has joined Ernst & Young LLP as a partner – said: “This is an important milestone for Whyaye, and we’re excited to be part of the EY organisation.

“ServiceNow is an incredibly powerful platform, which can help bring significant efficiencies to a business.

“We’re looking forward to working collaboratively with EY teams to accelerate our growth and work with clients on their transformation journeys.”

Alison Kay, EY managing partner for client services in the UK and Ireland, added: “This deal will enhance our thriving consulting services, bringing new capabilities and skills.” expected to be worth more than $600 billion by 2025.

Dr Olusola Idowu, HexisLab chief executive, said: “We see a significant gap in the market for developing new products that meet consumers' needs without increasing the carbon cost and risk to the environment.”

HexisLab is working alongside Teesside University and BiBerChem Research on the project.