Sunderland news
CELEBRATING APPRENTICESHIPS
An awards ceremony has shone a light on the personal and professional achievements apprentices and their employers have made across the region .
Hosted during National Apprenticeship Week 2023 ( February 6-12 ), University of Sunderland , and MTC Training Awards showcased the work of employers and students on their apprenticeship programmes , working in partnership to develop a highly-skilled workforce thriving into the future .
The awards took place at The Industry Centre , in Sunderland , where winners included Jordan Beaton , from Killingworth , who picked up the prize for ‘ Rising Star ’.
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Charity breathes new life into historic Sunderland building
A Sunderland charity is bringing a historic building back to life as a vital community hub for the local area .
The MICC Chapel of Light International took over the Grade 2 listed former St Columba ’ s Church on Cornhill Road in Southwick in 2012 , and has since launched a social enterprise to make it financially self-sustainable for years to come .
The church was able to complete the development with the help of the North East BIC , the National Heritage Lottery Fund , Historic England , Benefact Trust and other funders .
LEAP OF FAITH
Upholsterer starts own business after two decades in industry
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Sunderland-based upholsterer has set up his own business and workshop after honing his craft for more than 20 years .
Scott Grant launched Grants of Durham in June 2022 , specialising in bespoke furniture upholstery and restoration for both residential and commercial projects .
Working closely with interior designers , Scott reconditions antique and vintage furniture , as well as upholstering new and bespoke pieces for bars , restaurants and hotels .
After working in the industry since he started his apprenticeship 24 years ago at established furniture makers , George Smith , Scott decided to setup his own business from his garage following start up support from the North East BIC .
Scott said : “ My dad was an upholstery cutter at George Smith and got me an apprenticeship there when I was 17 .
“ I worked there for more than two decades creating luxury handcrafted pieces before
Ten new state-of-the-art street sweepers have started work with Sunderland City Council .
The sweepers have joined the City Council ’ s fleet of more than 450 vehicles and are helping to raise the bar by brushing , spraying and washing as they go .
With their small turning circle the sweepers can access more areas and , as well as brushing up the highways , they can be adapted for use as winter maintenance gritters , snow ploughs , and as mini-tractors for load carrying .
The 10 include the council ’ s first EV
Launch – Scott Grant has started an upholstering business at the North East BIC in Sunderland .
moving to another local furniture company .
“ Last year I decided it was time to branch out on my own and start my own business as I had some great connections with designers working on exciting interior projects .
“ Things got carried away working from my garage at home , so I recently moved into a unit in Washington to have a dedicated workshop for my upholstery work .”
Scott contacted the BIC early last year to find out what support was on offer , and he was able to access free workshops and oneto-one advice to help him get started .
Janice Marsh , business adviser at the BIC , said : “ We were delighted to support Scott in starting up his upholstery business . His passion and years of experience in the industry is the perfect example of how you can start your own business at any stage in your career .”
To find out more about the BICStartUp support , call 0191 516 6111 or visit ne-bic . co . uk / starting-your-business .
Making a clean ( er ) sweep with investment in new vehicles
( electric vehicle ) sweeper as part of a move towards an all-electric fleet .