Bowes Museum launch for businessman's new venture

THE Bowes Museum was the venue for the launch of a new business for a Teesdale-based chartered surveyor.

Jonathan Wallis, from Barnard Castle, specialises in providing advice on rural and specialist commercial property and business matters.

His new self-named business, Jonathan Wallis Chartered Surveyors, has been created to provide independent advice on selling and purchase of rural and commercial property, rural grants and subsidies, and the promotion of land for development. Mr Wallis, who previously worked for two of the region’s largest estate agents, is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

“Working for myself allows me to concentrate on getting everything right for my clients.”

About 100 invited guests joined him at the reception and as an added bonus, the museum opened up its Turkish Tulips exhibition for all to enjoy.

One of Mr Wallis’ first jobs, however, doesn’t involve his profession but does require his planning and business relationship skills.

Every year, he organises a Christmas concert at St Nicholas Cathedral, in Newcastle.

The Christmas at the Cathedral Concerts feature well-known names from TV and entertainment including Denise Welch, Tim Healy, and Melanie Hill as well as choirs, comedians and even the odd footballer or two.

The show is produced by ex-Lindisfarne drummer, Ray Laidlaw and sells out quickly every year. This year, it will be raising funds for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

“The show is a joy to organise but it takes a lot of organisational skill. I use these same skills in my day job to ensure that everything runs smoothly for my clients.”