SOUTHDALE the construction and development specialist wants to recruit 40 apprentices by the end of March.

The positions are being created across the North of England, including in Middlesbrough and York, in a range of trades and office positions. The company whose offices include one in Newton Aycliffe, wants to recruit at least 50 apprentices during the year – double that of 2014.

Claire Preston, learning and development manager, said: "One of the most important responsibilities within our industry is to develop young talent for the future, and we want to be able to do that by creating opportunities for people in the areas in which they live. We would encourage any young people interested in a trade or office-based apprenticeship to get in touch and find out more.”

Contact claire.preston@southdale.co.uk

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ODYSSEY Systems, the telecommunications specialist, is expanding its operations after acquiring the building opposite its existing head office on Stockton's Preston Farm Industrial Estate.

The purchase has quadrupled its space and will allow it to increase staff by eight to 40, create a dedicated video conferencing suite and technology demonstration and storage area, and make up to 20,000 square feet available to create a fully-fitted office for a single or multiple business tenants.

The new building, former home to the Vela housing group, will also boost the company’s internet services to its clients. Due to the building’s height, Odyssey will increase the reach of its long-range wireless high speed leased line signals, which can extend to 30km.

Mike Odysseas, managing director, said: "Having the two office buildings next door to each other enables us to be more flexible and also create new offices for other businesses which can benefit from the infrastructure we’ll introduce, including hosted telephony systems and gigabit internet speeds.”

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V ANESSA Wood has been appointed centre manager of the North East Business and Innovation Centre’s (BIC's) newest venture, Business Central at the Central Park Enterprise Zone, Darlington.

She will manage the office development at the £6.6m project on which the BIC is working with Darlington Borough Council. The centre is due to open this Spring and will offer space for up to 60 businesses, along with meeting rooms and an Open Space co-working facility which will also be open to those who do not need a permanent office. Full details from 01325 526 006.