EVALU8D Learning and Development, based in Darlington, is offering free healthchecks to businesses to help employers to get the most from their staff in the midst of recession.

The company will use its behaviour analysis methods to determine what training needs the business has.

There is also the opportunity for managers to be observed during staff coaching as part of the free healthcheck by Evalu8d, which works with companies such as Vodafone, Royal Sun Alliance and PX.

For information on the healthcheck service, log onto evalu8d.com/healthcheck PALACE VISIT: Two employees from Billingham industrial technology specialist Tracerco, part of the Johnson Matthey group, are going to Buckingham Palace next week in recognition of the company winning its third Queen’s Award for Enterprise. The company won awards in 2003, 2005 and this year, in recognition of its development, export and innovation in its range of radiation monitors.

Employees Colin Cunningham, who has been with Tracerco for 49 years, and Adam Golightly will attend the Buckingham Palace reception on Monday.

ABBEY HABIT: An interpretation centre at one of the region’s greatest historical treasures could be in line for a major award.

The Porters Lodge centre, at Fountains Abbey, near Ripon, by Woodhall Planning and Conservation, created a £125,000 contemporary space for visitors to the World Heritage Site. It has now been placed on the shortlist for the Royal Institute of British Architects’ White Rose awards for architecture in Yorkshire. Also featured on the shortlist is the £9.4m restoration of Royal Hall in Harrogate, the £8.9m De Grey Court teaching complex of York St John University, and the £2.5m Spire View development, within the Pickering conservation area.

NEW COURSE: One of the region’s most esteemed restaurants has rebranded and taken on a new manager.

Sidney’s, in Tynemouth, will now be known as Brasserie 1883. Alan O’Kane, the owner and Michelin Bib Gourmandwinning chef, will remain in the kitchen, but Alan Peacock has been appointed as the restaurant’s manager.