Tees Business Issue 28 | Page 13

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TEES FIRM ‘ RACZ ’ UP MORE NEW JOBS

Expansion – Racz Group opened up another Domino ’ s store , its 37th , as it accelerates growth .

Teesside-based Racz Group is on course to employ 2,000 people going into 2022 after opening its 37th Domino ’ s Pizza .

The group , which recently acquired five Domino ’ s stores in Northern Ireland , was also due to open in Skelton .
CEO Mike Racz told Tees Business : “ We ’ re always looking for the next move .
“ I always get a buzz from opening a new store . I never get tired of it , it ’ s almost like an addiction .
“ We ’ re an ambitious company and we want to continue creating jobs for local people .”
The group ’ s new Domino ’ s store , at Cleveland Gate Retail Park in Guisborough , created 20 new jobs for the local area including managers , pizza makers and delivery drivers .
Dominic Paul , CEO of Domino ’ s Pizza Group UK and Ireland , officially opened the store with Mike Racz and newly-appointed store manager , Brad Daniell .

Teesside Freeport has become the UK ’ s first operating freeport , revealed Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen as he unveiled branding created by Middlesbrough firm Better .

After chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak MP gave Teesside Freeport the final green light in the 2021 autumn budget , mayor Houchen revealed the logo and branding for what Redcar MP Jacob Young described as “ the biggest opportunity for our region ” since it was the Ironopolis of the industrial revolution .
Revealing that the freeport was to begin operating from early November , Mr Houchen was at the Wilton Engineering site in Haverton Hill – once home to the Furness Shipbuilding Company – to tell Teesside business leaders and members of the media that it would be “ not only the largest and best freeport but the first in the UK to be operational ”.
The freeport is forecast to create 18,000 “ good quality ” jobs over the next five years and drive billions into the region ’ s economy by encouraging further long-term inward
“ I ’ m excited to be part of this new concept store in Guisborough ,” said Brad .
“ I ’ ve worked for Domino ’ s for over seven years now and am looking forward to managing my own store and working alongside a passionate new team .”
Not content with only Domino ’ s franchises , Racz Group recently opened a new Costa Coffee in Cockermouth , Cumbria .
The franchise experts are also excited to be using one of only three national Costa mobile vans as part of the brand ’ s trial .
And the group is due to open yet another Costa site early next year , in Kirkham , near Preston .
The Domino ’ s and Costa growth is in addition to Racz Group successfully launching three Head Quarters barber shops in Middlesbrough , Darlington and Bishop Auckland this year – with further expansion already underway for additional sites .
Teesside becomes first operating freeport
Freeport – Tees mayor Ben Houchen with Redcar MP Jacob Young at the brand launch .
investment in the region and enhancing trade – “ without sacrificing environmental protections or workers ’ rights ”.
It will cover sites across the region – including Teesworks , Teesport , Wilton Engineering , Teesside International Airport , the Port of Middlesbrough and the Port of Hartlepool .
The freeport will help businesses benefit from a wide package of tax reliefs , simplified customs procedures , streamlined planning processes to boost redevelopment and government support to promote regeneration and innovation .
In a dramatic moment , Mr Houchen unveiled the Teesside Freeport branding developed by Middlesbrough-based agency Better .
Top 3 workplace wellbeing trends for 2022

Workplace wellbeing is evolving from a “ fluffy , nice-to-have ” to an essential offering , particularly when attracting new talent . So here are three key workforce wellbeing trends to expect in the upcoming year ...

1 . Healthy hybrid working It ’ s a well-known fact that hybrid working is on the rise , with two in five employers expected to have adopted a hybrid approach by 2023 .
This shift calls for greater worklife support to ensure employee wellbeing remains at the forefront . Organisations should consider providing training on a healthy work-life balance , digital wellbeing and mental health awareness for managers .
2 . A rise in financial wellbeing support Say goodbye to office ping-pong tables and beer taps – employees ’ perk preferences have changed and it ’ s time to introduce benefits that make more sense .
Financial wellbeing support is one such benefit – workers want help with basic financial planning , budgeting , debt management and student loans . By providing this level of support , employers can increase employee engagement and loyalty – a win-win !
3 . Leaders need to LISTEN Gone are the days of relying on HR to gather employee feedback or simply guessing what staff want . It ’ s time for leaders to listen to their people and gather actionable insights to inform their wellbeing strategy , using tools such as anonymous wellbeing assessments .
Failing to listen fairly is likely to add to the ongoing “ Great Resignation ”, rate with employees no longer tolerating jobs where they ’ re treated poorly .
Marie Ransom , director , Key Wellbeing
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