Hi folks, and welcome to another Week In Review!
Thank you all for sticking with me over the last few months. I hope you find these an interesting read, and that you take something away from it.
It’s been a wonderful start to December this year, and a busy week both in business and socially. On Sunday, I attended An Evening With Paul Gascoigne at the Tyne Theatre in Newcastle. It’s a great 19th century venue, and one of only 23 Grade 1 listed buildings used as theatres in the UK.
While I’m sure the venue is perfect for drama, pantomimes and opera, I wasn’t altogether sure it would be the right setting for an evening with Gazza, but he came on stage to a magnificent reception nonetheless. I’m pleased to say he looked very well, and was on form as he shared anecdotes from his playing days and beyond, including the day a zoo lent him an ostrich, the time he commandeered a London bus, or when he chased Mickey Mouse around Euro Disney.
I’ve heard most of them before, but hearing them from the man himself makes them all the funnier!
On Tuesday, I was lucky enough to be invited to the Middlesbrough vs Everton Capital Cup match with my son Harvey. Boro lost 2:0 to a multi-million star studded Everton side who probably didn’t even get out of second gear. Still, it was a great night with over 30,000 fans in attendance, and a night Harvey or me won’t forget.
One of the most endearing moments of the evening was when the Middlesbrough fans lit up the stadium to show support for Ali Brownlie, who is suffering with ill health. It was also very touching to see the Everton fans join in, once again reminding us that football can unite is all.
Wednesday morning was a slightly earlier start than normal, as I attended a breakfast BNI meeting, supporting a good friend from Middlesbrough Foundation (who we are working with on a joint venture to raise funds for their foundation).
Meanwhile, at Jak HQ, we’ve been working on a few new websites this week. The quality of the design work going into them is fantastic, and I’m sure the respective businesses will see a significant boost in their traffic thanks to them!
Plus, there’s plenty of businesses getting into the Christmas spirit, as we’ve been designing and sending out bespoke Christmas products, including greetings cards and NCR pads! Thankfully, the December slowdown hasn’t kicked in over at Full Colour Cards quite yet, so we’re all still as busy as ever.
We’ve also signed up to new Print Partners this week, which means there’ll be a good few affiliate keeping busy over the festive period too!
If you still haven’t got your Christmas shopping done yet, prices on our hand-drawn caricatures start from only £20, and I happen to know that they make a fantastic stocking filler! Check them out at www.billandbenthecartoonmen.com, where you’ll find a gallery of our recent work.
Over at In & Around Online, we’ve got some great news this week. Due to such a great response from visitors, contributors, and advertisers, we’ve completely redesigned the layout of the site to accommodate all of the great content. Personally, I think it looks fantastic, and I’m pleased to say that despite being live for just over six weeks, we’ve already surpassed 20,000 readers! Have a look around the new site, and be sure to let us know what you think.
If you’re based in Durham or Chester-le-Street, you’ll also be seeing plenty of In & Around Magazines currently being delivered. This month, both online and in the mag, we’re running a competition to win two tickets to see the world’s best T.Rex tribute band. Get it on!
This weekend, the Jak team still won’t be slowing down, as we’re having our annual Christmas party. We’ll be starting off with a meal at The Church Mouse, near Chester-le-Street, and then heading into Durham City to paint the town red.
Anything is possible,
Andy Knowles
Managing Director
P.S, JOIN OUR TEAM!
We’re currently looking for a Business Development Manager to join our expanding company. The role will be based in our Chester-le-Street office, and we’re looking for someone to start someone very soon! To apply, please upload a CV, or email a.knowles@jakinc.uk for more information.