News in Brief: Southdale re-brand keeps YAA flying high; Hunters expands; and more

THE re-brand of a Yorkshire construction firm has resulted in an unexpected benefit for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) charity.

Halifax-based Southdale, which specialises in social and residential housing and public build projects, has donated more than 20 bags of old health and safety wear, fleeces and work clothing carrying the company’s former brand to be recycled to help raise funds for the lifesaving charity.

YAA’s recycling scheme has been running throughout Yorkshire for more than five years, encouraging supporters to donate unused clothing, textiles and shoes.

The charity works closely with its official recycling partner, Bag It Up, which coordinates all of the recycling collections on its behalf.

All donations are then sold overseas where the demand for quality second-hand clothing is much greater. Annually, the YAA’s recycling scheme can generate up to £250,000 for the charity.

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HUNTERS Property Group, the York-based independent estate agent, has opened its first office in Middlesbrough. 

The move follows the decision by Middlesbrough lettings agency Family Rentals to join the Hunters network to provide a full range of estate agency services.

Ian Paterson, a partner in Family Rentals who now heads Hunters’ Middlesbrough operations, said: “We opened the lettings agency in August last year with the intention of moving into sales in due course.  By joining the Hunters network, we have been able to do this about two years earlier than we expected.

“Hunters is a very forward-thinking business and we liked the way they do things.  We also get the advantage of being part of an established and respected brand.”

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THE Harrogate office of nationwide insurance broker Bluefin Insurance has signed a five figure insurance contract with long-established local taxi firm Blueline.

Bluefin, previously known as Smart & Cook, will provide Blueline Taxis with motor fleet insurance for nine Mercedes taxis as well as providing directors and office liability insurance.

As part of the contract, Bluefin will also offer Blueline comprehensive financial and planning advice.

Trading in Harrogate since 1930, Blueline operates a fleet of more than 90 vehicles and is owned by its 80 plus shareholder drivers.

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SUPPLY chain management company TDG has outsourced the management of its car fleet to Zenith Provecta with the aim of maximising efficiency and service to its drivers.

The sole supplier agreement will see Zenith Provecta manage the existing 150-strong fleet and provide full administration services including accident management and a web based management reporting system.

Rebecca Judd, human resources manager for TDG, said:  “Our aim was to streamline the company car fleet function whilst increasing internal customer service levels.  The Zenith Provecta team has exceeded expectations and we have been particularly impressed with the extremely high service levels and technology-based systems.”