BECON

Entrepreneurs from across the country once again have a chance to make their business dreams come true by appearing on Dragons’ Den. If you’re genuinely seeking investment for your business idea or invention, we’d like to hear from you.

Last series saw some of the most diverse range of inventions and business ideas receive offers of investment from the multi-millionaire investors. All the Dragons were won over by entrepreneur Sharon Wright and the simplicity of her cable wiring device; Rupert Sweet-Escott went into business with James Caan who was impressed with his unique range of aviation designs and prototypes; and Carol Savage chose to accept Deborah Meaden's offer of a cash injection into her tasty new food networking website. In fact, when the Den finally closed for business an incredible 15 entrepreneurs had managed to convince the fearsome financiers, they were worthy of their cash.2009 saw Londoner Jason Roberts ask for a £150,000 investment in his innovative range of mobile phone and laptop protection products. After some tense negotiations, Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis joined forces to secure a stake in the company.

Post investment, Jason says that he gets up to 5000 visits to his website every day, and the current range is available in eight nationwide chains. Agreements are in place with the major phone and computer manufacturers, and he’s now planning to launch a range of own-branded cases, across the globe.

Previous success stories in the Den include Brixton based Levi Roots who secured an investment of £50,000 for his secret recipe, Reggae Reggae Sauce. Just 4 weeks after his appearance on the programme his Dragon investors helped him launch his sauce in a major supermarket all over the country. Now Levi has increased his product range to 8 sauces, produced a Caribbean cook book, and won Best New Product at the World Food Awards 2009, even going on to present his own successful BBC Television series - 'Caribbean Food Made Easy’. Having also successfully licensed his sauce to one of the world’s largest frozen food manufacturers and to an international fast food chain, Levi says that thanks to the Dragons he has a business empire that is now valued in the millions.

To close the year and celebrate a new one everybody is invited to help share and celebrate the continuing successful development of the LGBT community Network through the Federation and the LBi Coalition.

The sense of community is getting stronger and really helps bring people, groups and individuals together. Organisations are also more able to make links in the wider community through the passing of news, campaigns and other information relating to support, employment opportunities and generally, just helping people get to know what is OUT there.

The LGBT feels it is a great opportunity to keep passing on the word about what is happening for the community through the magazine, Out North East, now managed by the LGBT Federation.

Council Chamber, Newcastle Civic Centre
Wednesday 3 February 2010
5pm

To encourage communities, individuals and organisations in our city to get to know each other better
To safeguard vulnerable people and groups and give support where it is needed
To bring about greater integration but also respect for difference
To reduce inequalities and promote social justice
To tackle prejudice, create a positive and safe environment, reduce tensions and promote good citizenship

Newcastle City for Peace is an initiative that commits our leaders and other influencers to work to build understanding, respect and harmony among all the people and communities of Newcastle.

Official Launch Event
The West Denton Way Fire Station Social Club, Newcastle upon Tyne
The CVG official Launch
6.00pm -11:30pm
Wednesday 27 Jan 2010
There is no Admission fees, but please do get a raffle ticket!!
Everyone welcome

The idea of an All Faith Group has been mooted for some time now. Newcastle became the First City for Peace in Europe.

On Tuesday 9 some of the group went to the Hindu Temple, Heaton Mosque, All Saints Church and the Sikh Gurdwara. Amongst us were men & women, Hindus, Muslims, Sikh, Theosophist, Protestant and Catholic. This was a deeply moving spiritual experience never to be forgotten.