North East business life: community, award and charity events of the week

North Shields accountancy firm Blu Sky has officially become a B Corp certified business.

Companies that achieve B Corp certification must meet B Lab’s high standards for social and environmental impact, showing that they have made a legal commitment to stakeholder governance and demonstrating accountability and transparency. The certification is the latest in a series of initiatives the firm has carried out to boost its ESG efforts.

Jon Dudgeon, Blu Sky co-founder and CEO, said: “We’re thrilled to be B Corp certified. Our commitment to creating a more sustainable business started with going paperless several years ago. But B Corp takes it to the next level and beyond, helping us to embed ESG principles throughout Blu Sky.

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“It’s a true team effort, and I’m incredibly proud of everyone for their input into how we can use our business as a force for good. This certification solidifies our dedication to environmental and social good, and we’re excited to build on this foundation to create a more equitable and sustainable future.”

Dave Gibson, Blu Sky co-founder and chairman, added: “Myself and Jon founded Blu Sky with the belief that financial success shouldn’t come at the expense of the environment or our community. Earning B Corp Certification is a validation of that core principle. This achievement will help us continue to streamline our operations to be even more efficient and sustainable, which will benefit both our team and clients.”

The Banks Group has become the first business to sponsor a seat in the 1950s cinema being recreated at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North.

The property and energy group now has a brass plaque on a seat at the newly opened recreation of the Grand from Ryhope, at the County Durham open air museum's 1950s Town. It is part of the museum's Take a Seat campaign that offers businesses and people the chance to sponsor the cinema.

Liz Peart, partnerships officer at Beamish Museum, said: “We are delighted that the Banks Group is the first business to be taking a seat
in our 1950s cinema and would like to thank them for their ongoing and very generous support of the museum and particularly our Remaking Beamish project.”

Kate Culverhouse, community relations manager at the Banks Group, added: "By bringing history to life through outstanding projects like the 1950s cinema, Beamish is safeguarding and strengthening links to the North East’s unique history and heritage. It’s a real jewel in the region’s tourism offering, and as a fellow County Durham-based business, we’re proud to be continuing our long-term support for its fantastic work."

The Bernicia Foundation has given support to promising teenage musician Penelope Boisseau-Hardman via a £1,000 Inspiration Grant.

The 17-year-old started playing the violin at six and has since gone on to become a member of the Young Sinfonia since she was 13, and achieve ABRSM Grade 8 with a high distinction. She now has ambitions to become a professional musician - an expensive route, even with grants for tuition.

With her current instruments loaned to her, family illness and changing circumstances have meant that, without external support, Ms Boisseau-Hardman would not be able to continue pursuing her dream career path.

She said: "In order to fully prepare for entry into a conservatoire, I am now taking additional lessons in viola and keyboard. However, this means that I now need to raise over £2,500 just for the extra tuition. When you factor in other activities, such as chamber music or National Orchestra courses, things can get very expensive. Grants like the Inspiration Grant from The Bernicia Foundation really do go a long way towards covering some of those expenses for me."

Luxury country hotel and golf estate Matfen Hall has given its backing to amateur golfer Rosie Belsham via a sponsorship deal.

The hotel's sponsorship will provide the 22 year-old with funding to go through the Lalla Aicha Qualifying School in December this year. Ms Belsham, who is from Whitley Bay, will then compete in a 20-weeks tournament across the continent.

Ms Belsham began golfing at the age of nine, initially playing with her family. Her commitment to the sport then deepened as she took part in national tournaments. At 18 she went to the US, to Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she studied health, kinesiology, and leisure. Her connection with Matfen Hall goes back to early training days under the guidance of coach JJ Vallely at the estate.

Ms Belsham said: "My journey in golf has been incredible. I started playing seriously at 14 and made a life-changing decision to study and play in the United States. The four years I spent at Baylor University have been invaluable. The experience, both on and off the course, has helped shape me and reaffirm my commitment to this incredible sport."

James O’Donnell, Matfen Hall’s head of commercial development, said: "Rosie really impressed me when we met to discuss this opportunity, her passion for the game and very obvious talent is only outmatched by her level headed approach and her humility. In the four years that Rosie has been studying at Baylor University, Matfen Hall has developed in a number of ways. Golf has always been an important aspect of our offering, however we have invested heavily in the facilities for our members and guests over the last year with more to come in the future."

Housing association Gentoo has awarded more than £20,000 in Aspire grants to 44 community groups across Sunderland this year.

Gentoo currently offers the grants of up to £500 to fund projects and activities in Gentoo neighbourhoods, with applications approved by its involved customer group. Community groups beneficiaries include Marta Card Craft, Choice Wellbeing Service and Houghton Boxing Club.

Lewis Walmsley, customer engagement lead said: “Aspire grants offer an opportunity for people to make a positive difference in Gentoo communities, whether that be through sports clubs, wellbeing services or community events. The funding puts Gentoo customers at the forefront of decision making, with each Aspire grant being approved by our involved customers. The grants allow community spaces and organisations to maintain and improve their services for local people and I’m delighted we have been able to support more than 40 groups over the last year.”

Patrica Ross, Gentoo customer and volunteer at Marta Card Craft, which has used funding to stock up on materials, said: “We were so pleased to receive a £350 Aspire grant from Gentoo. We were able to stock up on card and craft materials that we use to create handmade greeting cards. We get together every week and love crafting the cards. It's nice for everyone to get together and have a catch up too.”

Building contractor Esh Construction is urging other regional businesses to sign up to the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme.

The County Durham firm has been a Gold Covenant holder since July last year, having previously held the ERS silver award since 2021. It has launched a variety of initiatives to support ex-military personnel including its ‘Soldiers to Site’ programme, a tailored support package for employed reservists and its work with local charities and community groups.

And to celebrate Armed Forces Week two Esh employees have joined the Army Reserves following an Army Business Challenge event at Albemarle Barracks in Newcastle. Esh’s team, partnered with staff from Nexus, were crowned winners on the day and afterwards trainee quantity surveyor Curtis Layfield, and trainee assistant site manager Dominic Burns were inspired to sign up as reservists.

Esh's HR director, Chris Watson, said: "As a Gold Covenant holder, Esh is committed to setting an example for our industry, not only in supporting ex-services personnel but to also help our industry thrive. We’re undergoing a skills shortage in construction, so working with the CTP, we support people leaving military positions to pair them up with employment opportunities in areas they have experience or interest.”