North East England eNewsletter - November 2007
Welcome to the latest update from the ‘Passionate people. Passionate places’ Regional Image campaign. Here you can find out the latest news from the campaign, what’s going on in the region, and how passionate people around the North East are doing their bit to raise the region’s profile.
Lonely Planet names North East England as must-see destination
North East England has been named as one of the ‘must-see’ destinations for the coming year in the new edition of Lonely Planet Bluelist 2008.
The region is one of only 30 places around the world to make it into the “Go-List” section – a chapter dedicated to highlighting the up-and-coming destinations in the influential guide.
The book praises North East England, describing it as “the most exciting, beautiful and friendly region in the whole of England,” with the region’s rejuvenated cities, fascinating history as well as the dramatic Northumberland wilderness identified among the region’s biggest draws.
In a fantastic endorsement of the region, the guide goes on to say: “If your image of North East England is of coal mines and bad weather then it’s time you forgot your preconceived ideas and discovered the most exciting and friendly region in the whole of England. Stretching from the River Tees to the Scottish Border, the Northeast sees nine-million visitors annually, with overseas numbers rising by 30% in the last seven years.”
To read the full story please click here (http://www.northeastengland.co.uk/page/news/article.cfm?articleId=2632)
Passionate welcome for airport passengers
Passengers arriving at Durham Tees Valley Airport are now being welcomed with striking images of iconic regional landmarks.
Stunning shots of well-known regional sights feature on walls throughout the airport. The ‘Passionate’ welcome to the region follows similar initiatives at Newcastle International Airport and Port of Tyne, in a drive to improve the passenger experience of all visitors to the region.
Almost 900,000 people pass through Durham Tees Valley Airport every year and the adverts can be seen both in the arrival and departure lounges.
World Travel Awards Europe
October saw North East England host the prestigious World Travel Awards Europe and Green Awards after winning the title of “World’s Leading Regional Marketing Campaign” for the last two years. The region was again recognised nationally and internationally, with Seaham Hall being named ‘England’s leading Spa Resort’, and DFDS winning the title of ‘Europe’s Leading North Sea Ferry Operator’.
Corus TPC - Passionate about steel…
Teesside steel giant Corus TPC has shown exactly how ‘Passionate about steel’ it is by erecting a giant 42 metre banner at their Redcar site. As well as branding in the reception area, a jaw-dropping banner sits proudly across the entrance to their 3,000 acre site, and is undoubtedly one the biggest displays of passion to date!
Please click here (http://www.northeastengland.co.uk/page/news/article.cfm?articleId=2456) for the full story
Passionate about sport…
As always, September saw nearly 50,000 runners descend on Tyneside for the Great North Run to raise money for a wide range of worthy causes. All participants (from the world’s elite athletes to a man dressed as a tree) were carrying the North East England logo on their race numbers, helping to promote the region as millions tuned-in live on the BBC and across the world.
This year’s Tunnel 2k was also spreading North East England’s passion for sport by using the regional branding at the gripping race involving 30 of the world’s elite wheelchair athletes. A unique sporting event, the 2km race pushes competitors to the limit as they tackle the grueling course through the Tyne Tunnel, reaching speeds of up to 50mph.
South African Ernst Van Dyk powered home to victory in 4 mins 67 secs in the men’s race, and Briton Shelley Woods retained her title in the ladies race. To read more please visit www.tunnel2k.com.
Passionate about food...
In September, some of the region’s top chefs and finest local food producers flew the flag for the region at the prestigious York Food Festival. The North East was the centre of attention at the Festival’s opening dinner at the York Guild Hall, where an elite team of chefs headed by Terry Laybourne prepared a feast made only from North East England produce.
Guests were wowed with culinary delights including Kielder Roe Deer, locally-reared beef, Chainbridge Honey and Northumberland cheese, leaving them with a taste of North East England they’ll not forget! Please click here (http://www.northeastengland.co.uk/page/news/article.cfm?articleId=2564) for the full story.
Passionate about employment…
The North East Employer Coalition (NEEC) has fully embraced the Regional Image campaign and shown its support for the region by launching the ‘Passionate about employment’ campaign. Carrying the regional brand throughout, the initiative aims to highlight the potential of the North East’s vast labour market and to address the skills shortages organisations around the region are facing. For more information please email paul.cuskin@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk.
Passionate about promoting the region…
Longhirst Hall is giving a passionate welcome to all its visitors by installing five unmissable ‘Passionate people. Passionate places’ flags and a huge ‘Passionate about sport’ hoarding alongside its sports facilities. Nestled in rural Northumberland, Longhirst Hall is one of the region's most unique Hotels and conference centres. To find out more please visit www.longhirstvenues.co.uk/longhirst.
Waste disposal company Alex Smiles is playing its part in raising the profile of North East England by displaying ‘Passionate about recycling’ banners and stunning regional imagery at its Sunderland headquarters. Alex Smiles is committed to turning waste into resource responsibly, and is dedicated to protecting the sustainability of our environment. To find our more please visit www.alexsmiles.co.uk.
Cleveland Police are ‘Passionate about putting people first’, and marked the launch of their Neighbourhood Policing Plan at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium by using a specially produced four metre ‘Passionate’ North East England banner. Over 100 newly trained Community Support Officers will provide a more visible, community-based police service in Hartlepool, Redcar, Cleveland, Middlesbrough and Stockton. To find out more please visit http www.cleveland.police.uk
A big ‘thank you’ to Exclusive HR Recruitment, based in Gateshead, who have been fantastic ambassadors for the region by offering a slot in their monthly newsletter for the Regional Image campaign. Launched earlier this year, the company offers bespoke HR recruitment services to HR professionals and companies across the North East and Cumbria. To find out more visit www.exclusivehr.com.
Gateshead-based CM2 UK Ltd is showing its pride and passion for the region by boldly covering the bonnet of its van with ‘Passionate about products’. CM2 UK provides a variety of technical and practical support to businesses which you can find out about at www.c2muk.co.uk.
Our latest supporters:
| Tyne Metropolitan College Priorfield Bed & Breakfast Comesys Europe Ltd A&S Construction Solutions Ltd Paul Burgess Graphic Design Cherry Tree Cottage Catch The Spirit Mobex North East Rob Birrell Photography Nimis Ltd Walker Central u12 Team Manager iKabs Ltd | Middlesbrough PCT Urban Kaleidics Ltd CBS North Ltd Step Change The Champagne Man Signpost Internet Services Ltd Comply UK Peterlee Information Centre Manager Christopher Best Photography Creative Image UK Bonsers Clear Mortgage Centre |
What’s on…
| Farmer & Craft Market Dalton Park, Durham 17 & 18 November, open daily | Christmas Lights Switch On Darlington 18th November |
| Christmas Gift Fair Belsay Hall, Northumberland Sat 17 & Sun 18 Nov, from 10am | Christmas Lights Switch On Stockton-on-Tees 22nd November |
Passion in the media…
Some of the stars of the Regional Image campaign, including Fiona Raglan, Terry Laybourne and Dr Sharon Stephen, are sharing their passion for North East England in a series of regional radio and newspaper features. The interviews have been appearing throughout October and will continue through into November, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled and ears open!
If you would have any comments about the campaign, or would like to tell us why you’re passionate about North East England, why not email northeastengland@onenortheast.co.uk and we’ll post them on the North East England website.
Images of North East England
Iconic images of some of North East England’s stunning landmarks are available for download at www.northeastengland.co.uk. The images are completely free of charge to use, and are a great way to help create positive perceptions about North East England on your websites and marketing materials.
Please click here to visit the Image Gallery, or email northeastengland@onenortheast.co.uk to find out about using the images as posters.
Get involved…
Well over 900 organisations are now showing they’re passionate about the region by using the North East England and ‘passionate’ branding.
Displaying the North East England and 'Passionate about' logos demonstrates your passion for the North East. Any organisation, no matter how big or small, can get involved in the campaign and play a valuable part in raising awareness of our wonderful region. For a chance to be our lucky 1000th supporter, please email abby.goode@onenortheast.co.uk, or call 0191 229 6924 to get involved.
If you would like to receive regular information on the campaign please click here to subscribe.
The Regional Image team:
Julia Banks 0191 229 6719 julia.banks@onenortheast.co.uk
Karen Fitzgerald 0191 229 6858 karen.fitzgerald@onenortheast.co.uk
Stuart Boyd 0191 229 6485 stuart.boyd@onenortheast.co.uk
Sam Wass 0191 229 6428 sam.wass@onenortheast.co.uk
Hayley Beattie 0191 229 6852 hayley.beattie@onenortheast.co.uk
Iain Ramsay 0191 229 6861 iain.ramsay@onenortheast.co.uk
Julie Pickering 0191 229 6305 julie.pickering@onenortheast.co.uk
Abby Goode 0191 229 6924 abby.goode@onenortheast.co.uk