A SPECIALIST steeplejack and building restoration firm which has helped to restore buildings such as St Paul’s Cathedral is now working to maintain a historic North-East church.

Darlington-based Stone Technical Services is carrying out £40,000 improvement works on All Saints Church in Northallerton, which dates back to the 15th Century.

The company, which has also worked on Selfridges, in London, and an array of English Heritage buildings, has plans to grow its workforce throughout this year from 24, and its £2m turnover by 25 per cent.

RECOVERY SIGNS: Fine weather and price cutting have helped struggling DIY chain Homebase to like-forlike sales growth for the first time in two years. Home Retail Group said a sunnier March and April – compared with last year’s rain – helped demand for gardening and outdoor equipment, which generates around 40 per cent of first-quarter sales. While May’s weather was poorer, Homebase grew same store sales by 3.8 per cent in the three months to May 30 as the chain also sacrificed margins with a more aggressive promotional stance.

CHARITY BIKE RIDE: The Newcastle office of GVA Grimley has raised £10,000 for Cancer Research UK on a coast-to-coast bike ride.

Twenty-six people took part in the 150-mile ride, from Whitehaven to Tynemouth, in three days. To contribute, visit justgiving.co.uk/gvac 2c2009 CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP: Housing company Dale and Valley Homes has joined the North-East Chamber of Commerce to cement its role in the business community.

The company, an armslength management organisation, which looks after council housing in the Wear Valley area of County Durham, was set up in 2006.

NETWORKING EVENT: Assist, a support and networking group for professional and business women across the Tees Valley, is holding an event on July 1, in the Thistle Hotel, Middlesbrough, from 8.45am.

The itinerary includes a talk from Fiona Carter on time management. For details, visit assistladiesnetworking.weebly.com or email assistladiesnetworking@hotmail.com STEADY TRADING: The Christmas savings firm Park said it was ‘‘holding up well’’ against a bleak economic climate. Park has taken orders from 416,000 customers for Christmas so far – four per cent down on the same stage last year.

Average value is about three per cent higher.