Afternoon, all! Following a massive clear-out of the Jak loft, I’m currently catching my breath, so this week’s blog might be a short one. Mind you, I did have the pleasure of beginning the month in a cute little cottage in Beadnell, so shouldn’t complain too much!
Perhaps we’re a little early, but a small amount of Christmas spirit has begun circulating the Jak office this week. We’ve all pulled out names for our annual Secret Santa. I won’t give too much away, but I have a few festive gift ideas formulating already…
This week’s first big success is to do with In & Around Online, which surpassed 10,000 readers one Wednesday! Having only been online for just over a fortnight, I’m astounded by the positive response it’s having, and it’s a great feeling to see the In & Around brand expanding.
I can also welcome a handful of new advertisers to the website, who you might have noticed along the right-hand sidebar. Best of luck to James Cornwell Interiors, Zero Dry Time, Consett Tile Centre, and The Wheel Specialist in their advertising campaigns.
I’d also like to mention a great meeting I had with a good friend of the business, Jon Alsop from Essential Solutions. We met at David Lloyd Health Club in Teesside, and broke the ice with some funny business experiences (and our shared love of cars). John recommended a business book from a local author based in Yarm. The book is called The Business Whisperer. Keep an eye out for a review in the near future…
On Thursday I was saddened to hear the news of yet more job losses in Teesside, affecting over 700 people in the region. If you’d like to share your thoughts on the challenges facing Teesside industries at the moment, or if you’re directly affected by it all, visit this In & Around Online article to #HaveYourSay.
Right! Time to head home for what could be a rather stressful weekend. I’ll be paying close attention to the news, as we currently have family stuck in Sharm El Shaik, Egypt, after the terrible disaster last weekend. Fingers crossed everything works out alright!
Anything is possible,
Andy Knowles
Managing Director
