From local tipples to local prints, we've got you covered for gift ideas this Christmas, with a roundup of our favourite local gift ideas from across the whole of the North-East. There will be something for everyone on our Christmas must-have list this year. Why not gift a loved one something unique and support a local business this year?

North Shields-based Cargo Creative has taken on two new team members following increased demand for its creative design, web development and digital marketing services. The new hires come only three months after the company took on three other members of staff bringing its headcount to 11. 

Gateshead-based contractor Tolent is underway with the first phase of works on the £50m Brett Wharf development. The prominent site on Gateshead’s quayside will create 269 one and two-bed apartments for rent, as well as commercial space, flexible offices, coffee shops and restaurants.

Pioneering plant-based food business, VBites, has announced a minority investment from German, family-owned food conglomerate and parent company of Intersnack, ‘Pfeifer & Langen Industrie- und Handels-KG’, who have reached agreement to purchase 25.1% of the company.

Places are still available for 16-25 year old film and TV fans from the North of England to meet experienced industry professionals as part of the BFI Film Academy Programme.

We are delighted to announce that David Ormston, contracted Technical Manager of Nautical Management Services, has been promoted to the full-time position of Director of Nautical Management Services and Technical Director of West Nautical.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) has awarded Newcastle’s Royal Grammar School (RGS) the highest possible rating - excellent - on all aspects of its recent inspection.

RG Corporate Finance (RGCF) continues to grow and strengthen its team with the appointment of Kerry Hurst as CF consultant, and the promotion of Benjamin Kain to CF executive.

A Northern property consortium has recorded record results over the past year as it taps into the trend for staycations. Turnover at The SDDE Smith Group, a portfolio of property-related businesses based in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, has risen by nearly 300 per cent during the past 12 months.

A family-owned vehicle repair network, which employs 64 people across its five sites based around the North East region has been acquired by the UK’s fastest growing specialist repair group in a significant private- equity backed deal. Newcastle-based advisors played a leading role in securing and negotiating the transaction.

Sunderland College has been announced as a finalist in a prestigious awards programme that celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK colleges each year.

Students at Middlesbrough College are quite literally building their own futures as they get hands-on with a multi-million-pound project to enhance their campus.

Mazars, the international tax, audit and advisory firm, has reinforced its commitment to Newcastle with the creation of a Technology & Digital centre of excellence in the city, bolstered by the appointments of Simon Withington and Ahmed Hany.