Aycliffe Today Business

Business.Aycliffe Today
Bringing Aycliffe Business ParkTogether

£2.99 www.aycliffetoday.co.uk | [email protected] | MAY-JUNE 2014

EPLMEPDLGOEYER
South West Durham Training is aiming
to tackle the skills shortage head-on
with an ambitious new plan…

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: LOX OF LOVE A-Z DIRECTORY

AURASMA New hair extensions company Your handy guide to who’s who
opens on the park… on Aycliffe Business Park
Funky App brings Aycliffe Today
Business to life!

INFORMATIVE

Mantis Media & NEON
The brains behind Aycliffe Today Business

CREATIVE

Editorial content: www.mantis-media.com
Design: www.youareneon.co.uk

Marketing
OppOrtunities
with aycliffe tOday

30,000 peOple | Quality publicatiOns | cOMpetitive rates

Our We now have a reach of more than
audience 30,000 across three platforms

• Aycliffe Today Monthly – quality community magazine for
Newton Aycliffe reaches more than 15,000 people

• www.aycliffetoday.co.uk – 10,000 unique visitors a month and
more than 20,000 page views

• Aycliffe Today Business – B2B mag for Aycliffe Business Park
with a readership of 8,000
This creates a powerful marketing tool for any businesses!

aycliffe tOday MOnthly aycliffe tOday
business
Our monthly community magazine, Aycliffe Today
Monthly, is circulated in homes and public places Launched in November 2012, with
such as shops, pubs, garages etc. 16 pages, we’ve already more than
With a circulation of 5,000, it’s A5 in size, full-colour doubled in size.
glossy and packed with good editorial content
covering local news, sports, business and voluntary organisations. Editorial content is proving a big hit and
We also produce an online version, including some video content, companies from a variety of sectors are now choosing to advertise
which is read on average by a further 1,000 unique visitors. with us.
Overall, the estimated readership is more than 15,000.
It’s A4 in size and printed on 170gsm laminated gloss, so it has a real
AT Monthly Rate Card (Circulation 5,000) quality feel to it and is geared towards a B2B audience, and we publish
once every two months.
1 month 3 months 6 months
£40 The business magazine has a readership of approx 8,000. We print
1/8 page £50 £45 £55 3,000 copies – 250 are mailed direct to every business on Aycliffe
£105 Business Park, which is the second biggest business park in the North-
1/4 page £75 £65 £190 East, home to 250 businesses and 8,500 employees, and the rest
£310 are distributed across the park and into hotels, conference centres,
1/2 page £125 £115 £115 business hubs etc.
£230
Full page £225 £210

Double page £350 £330 Aycliffe Today Business Rate Card (Circulation 3,000)

Front banner £135 £125 1 issue 3 issues 6 issues
£130
Back cover £280 £260 1/4 page £150 £140 £210
£400
1/2 page £250 £235 £600
£600
Full page £500 £450

www.aycliffetOday.cO.uk Double page £800 £700

Launched in January 2012, our popular website has grown Back cover £700 £650
significantly.
Updated daily with news, business, sport and features, we sOcial Media
average around 10,000 unique visitors a month and between
20,000 and 30,000 page views. Facebook: 3,400 likes
There are prominent advertising opportunities on the site and
we can also do video content. Twitter: 1,000+ followers
Advertising starts from £50 a month, but we can offer free
supplementary advertising to those who pay for space in our We promote all our stories and advertisers through our social
publications. networking to further increase your reach to market.

To discuss Martin Walker Rachel Wright
all marketing T: 01325 728024 T: 07967 752981
opportunities with E: [email protected] E: [email protected]
Aycliffe Today:

Facebook: AycliffeToday Twitter: @AycliffeToday

WELCOME Bringing Aycliffe Business Park Together | 5

FOREWORD By Martin Walker INCLUDED IN THE MAY-JUNE
ISSUE OF AYCLIFFE TODAY
Welcome to the May-June Wherever possible, I try to shed some BUSINESS…
issue of Aycliffe Today Business light on people in this magazine – not just
– a special issue. businesses – and I’m always intrigued to hear /06 NEWS
the different backgrounds of people who work
This is the 10th edition of ATB, some 18 here. I now know Trevor is a former Rugby Finley Structures appoint new
months since we launched. Some people player and still referees Rugby games at senior quantity surveyor…
might have doubted there’d be enough news the age of 61. Needless to say he’s trying to
going around Aycliffe Business Park to fill 16 tackle the looming skills gap with an inventive /07 THAT’S MAGIC!
pages every other month. new plan which makes for some interesting
But, since starting with 16 pages in reading. Check out how to bring our
November 2012, we’re now up to 36 pages A big thank you, as always, to all our magazine to life!
– more than twice our original size. We’re advertisers and everyone who supports both
featuring new faces every issue – there are Aycliffe Today Business, and me personally. /08 NEWS
regulars, too, of course – and telling everyone I’d especially like to thank Sarah Carlton from
about all the exciting news and developments NEON. Sarah not only makes our publications New gym open for business…
that happen here on Aycliffe Business Park is look the bee’s knees, she also does it with a Plus, HR expert Zanna Bewick
something I thoroughly enjoy doing. smile on her face. Anyone looking for a top pens some advice…
To celebrate this 10th issue, we’ve included drawer graphic designer and a quality service
some special new content which uses a need look no further. /11 NEWS
revolutionary App to bring the magazine to I’d also like to thank Rachel Townsend
life, Harry Potter-style! Read more about it Green for her continued support, advice Stiller appoint new General Manager…
on page 7. and mentoring. Rachel has always been a
New to the magazine in this issue are Upex big believer in community spirit on the park. /13 NEWS
Electrical Distributors, Aycliffe decorating firm Thankfully for me, she’s also been a good
Q-DEC, the University of Sunderland and hair friend. Upex enjoy record year…
extensions company Lox of Love. Naturally, I I hope you enjoy this issue – please do get
extend a warm welcome to all of them. in touch with any feedback, good or bad. /17-19 EMPLOYER
Our main feature is with South West Durham Martin Walker PLEDGE
Training CEO Trevor Alley, who is on a mission Editor, Aycliffe Today
to get more businesses to take SWDT boss Trevor Alley is a man
on Apprentices. on a mission…

AYCLIFFE TODAY BUSINESS /22 LOX OF LOVE

Aycliffe Today Business is Newton Aycliffe’s only specific New hair extensions company
Business-to-Business magazine, distributed across Aycliffe lays roots on the park…
Business Park.
We provide companies with a unique platform to tell everyone /30-31 COFFEE BREAK
about their services in what is a classy, business-like magazine as
well as a handy reference and marketing tool. HPM & Addo boss Richard Mortimer
We produce 3,000 copies every issue – with an estimated readership of more than 8,000. is in the chair...
One copy is mailed direct to every company on our database, currently 250, and the rest are
distributed by hand across the park, in hotels and conference centres. /34-35 BUSINESS
Our next issue will be out in May, so get in touch with us if you want to get involved. DIRECTORY
Our trained journalists can write your copy, while our professional designers can help to put
your ads together, so whatever your requirements are, we can help you every step of the way. A useful guide to who’s who on
Our magazine is complimentary to companies on ABP, but £2.99 to everyone else! Aycliffe Business Park…
AycliffeToday Business… bringing Aycliffe Business Park together!
BUSINESS DIARY
Aycliffe Today Business | www.aycliffetoday.co.uk
Published by: Mantis Media, www.mantis-media.com Email your business diary events to:
Designed by: NEON, www.youareneon.co.uk [email protected]
Printed and distributed by: HPM Group, www.hpm.uk.com Aycliffe Business Park Community
Editor: Martin Walker | Tel: 01325 728024 | Mobile: 07826 525907 News & Networking
Editorial: [email protected] | Advertising: [email protected] When: 8-10am, Friday 30th May
Contributors to this issue: Martin Walker, Rachel Wright, Darren Cumner, Zanna Bewick. Where: Holiday Inn, Newton Park Services
Photography: Martin Walker Cost: Free
www.aycliffebusinesspark.co.uk

Big Trade Day Event
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Follow us on Twitter @aycliffetoday

6 | Aycliffe Today Business

Hitachi steel is fabricated inside Finley Structures’ factory on Aycliffe Business Park as senior
quantity surveyor Diane Ruston, pictured with operations manager Jim Graham, joins the firm.

HITACHI
CONTRACT
COMES FIRST
FOR FINLEY’S
NEW RECRUIT

Steel firm Finley Structures has Finley, based within a mile of Merchant Park, Severfield Rowen’s operations director
appointed a new senior quantity where Hitachi’s new £82m facility is being Jim Graham, who joined the Aycliffe firm
surveyor - and her first job is to built, has also been handed a secondary as operations manager.
work on the high-profile Hitachi steelwork package in a huge contract Managing director Julie Finley said: “Diane’s
involving a total of 2,000 tonnes of steel. appointment is another hugely positive

Rail Europe project in Newton The factory, which will include a research development for the company and is another
Aycliffe. and development centre, is supporting more indicator of the direction in which we’re
than 200 local jobs in its construction and will heading.
employ 730 people once open by the end of
Diane Ruston is used to working on large- summer 2015, as well as thousands more in “Our team has already showed its capability
scale construction projects - among other the supply chain. to work on major projects, but Diane
contracts, she worked for Severfield brings more qualities to the table and, as
Watson Structures, part of the Thirsk-based
Diane added: “At the moment we’re working well as working on the Hitachi project, her
Severfield Rowen group, on the 5 Broadgate on the main shed build, so there’s a lot of knowledge and expertise will only enhance
development in North London. Hitachi steel going through our factory at the all of the projects we’re working on and will

The 12-storey building - which includes “It’s great to be working on such continue to win in the future.”
13,000 tonnes of steel, more than The Finley Structures, started by managing
Shard - will provide more than 700,000
sq ft of trading space. a high-profile project straight director John Finley in 2000, has
Diane, 30, from York, says she jumped away.The Hitachi development is completed a string of high-profile
at the chance to work for Aycliffe-based huge for the area but also for the contracts in recent years.
family-run firm Finley Structures after The company has worked with Shepherd
eight years with Severfield. UK, so naturally we’re keen to do Construction on a 1,000-tonne project
“The attraction was working for a the best job we possibly can.” at Drax Power Station in Selby, North
family firm, and working in smaller Yorkshire, and the 950-tonne National
teams,” says Diane, who graduated from moment. And around September time we’ll Renewable Energy Centre (NAREC) in
Warwick University in 2004 with a degree in start working on the secondary elements. Blyth, as well as a 500-tonne contract at
economics. “I look after the financial and legal side of the Ercall Wood Technology College in Telford
“I can get more involved in the systems side project, sub-contract orders and working on and a 400-tonne job at Daventry Academy,
of jobs and looking at procedures, and the our contract with Shepherd. Northampton.
opportunity to work on projects like Hitachi’s “It’s great to be working on such a high- Finley’s has increased its workforce in the
train-building factory is fantastic.” profile project straight away. The Hitachi last year to cope with a strong order book,
Darlington firm Shepherd Construction, development is huge for the area but also up to 60 full-time employees, while its sister
the main contractor for the Hitachi project, for the UK, so naturally we’re keen to do the company, SCH Site Services, currently
handed Finley Structures the task of best job we possibly can.” employs 34 people, making a total of 94 staff
constructing the steel frame of the main Diane joining Finley Structures comes six combined.
factory on the 42,700sqm site at Aycliffe months after the high-profile appointment of The firm reported a record annual turnover
Business Park earlier this year. last year, up to £13.1m, and expects to at
least equal that this year.

/NEWS Bringing Aycliffe Business Park Together | 7

Magic! Our new App brings
Aycliffe Today Business to life,
just like they do at Hogwarts.

A REALITY HITACHI PROJECT
CHECK REMAINS ON TRACK
FOR AYCLIFFE
TODAY! I’m delighted to bring Aycliffe Today
Business readers an update on how the
Aycliffe Today is using the latest newspaper in the Harry Potter movies!” development of our £82m train-building
multi-media technology to bring facility is progressing.
your latest business magazine Aurasma was launched in 2011 and has There has been a lot of essential ground
to life - Harry Potter-style! quickly risen to become the world’s works and environmental work that had to
leading augmented reality platform, with be done before we could even start laying
We’ve teamed up with Aurasma, the over 40,000 customers operating in more foundations, but progress on site over
world’s leading augmented reality than 100 countries. recent months is now becoming much
platform, using advanced image and more visual.
pattern recognition to blend the real-world The London-based company, which has I think people get excited when they start
with interactive content. offices in San Francisco, is working with a to see the skyline change, which is what
It means some of the features in this string of world-renowned brands including we’re seeing now.
magazine can be converted into video Sage, GQ, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo and I go on site every couple of days, and every
content which can be viewed on your Jean Paul Gaultier as well as pop stars time I go it has changed significantly.
phone simply by scanning the page - and such as One Direction and Taylor Swift. At the moment we’re probably about a
it’s FREE! sixth of the way through the steelwork and
Aurasma is available as a free app for Martin added: “Software like this proves we’d expect that work to be completed by
iPhones, iPads and high-powered Android there’s still a lot of years left for printed around September.
devices. media. Of course, it’s very much a long-term
All you have to do is download the development, but we’re on track to be
Aurasma App, search for Aycliffe Today and “We’re always looking for the latest ways open for business in late-2015.
‘follow’ our channel, just as you’d follow us to embrace new media, but Aurasma Meanwhile, our recruitment programme is
on Twitter, and you’re ready to go. allows us to complement traditional also progressing along nicely. We have 19
Open the Aurasma view finder and hold it printed media with the most-up-to-date people now and we expect to double that
over any image in our publications which technology. by the end of the year.
includes the Aurasma logo, and it will bring Most of my first level reports are in place,
it to life! “Our online video content has always and they’re now actively recruiting for
“We’re very excited about this latest proved to be popular, but this gives our Manufacturing and Quality engineers.
development for Aycliffe Today,” said editor readers the option to see our interactive So we are well on the way to reach 40
Martin Walker. content within the context of the employees by the end of this year, which
“We’ve always been keen on producing magazine. will include Apprentices.
video content on our website and the From June through to September some
online version of our magazines contain “It also has a lot of potential for of our team will be spending significant
some of that, but this is completely businesses looking for original marketing time in Japan, training on the first pre-
different. opportunities.” series vehicles currently being built.
“It actually blends “real-life” content - This is the starting point for the transfer
i.e. the printed publication in your hand Tell us what you think about Aurasma of the technical knowledge from our
- with interactive content, bringing it to and our augmented reality content by colleagues in Japan, which we will then
life... similar to the fictional Daily Prophet emailing: [email protected] mix with best practice from the UK
to get the best of both worlds in our
HOW IT WORKS • Using your iPhone, iPad or Android, manufacturing processes.
download Aurasma from your App store. Our team is currently based in offices at
the Xcel Centre on Aycliffe Business Park,
• Once downloaded, search for Aycliffe Today and we feel we’re very much being allowed
and follow us. to be part of the community.
I am regularly attending the ABPC
• Go to your view finder and 'scan' an image news and networking meetings and
which contains the Aurasma logo. I’ve personally been very impressed by
attendance numbers at the events and the
• Watch your printed picture come to life! enthusiasm of the steering group to keep
the lines of communication open, which I
think is important for all businesses.
I will check back soon with another update.
Darren Cumner
Hitachi Rail Europe

8 | Aycliffe Today Business

LET’S GET The state-of-the-art OneGym
ENGAGED? on Aycliffe Business Park

What would YOUR staff say if you asked LOW-COST GYM NOW
them “What is it like to work here?” OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
Knowing how engaged your employees
are with your business is vital to A state-of-the-art low-cost gym Managing director Paul Pearson, who has
continued success. is now open for business on a longstanding background in the regional
An “engaged” employee is fully involved Aycliffe Business Park. health and fitness industry, said: “We were
in, enthusiastic about and adds value to always very confident that OneGym would
their work. However one disengaged OneGym has opened its doors on Durham be a hit in the North-East, and comfortably
employee can undermine all of the Way South after an extensive, four-month surpassing our membership targets for
positive efforts of four times as many refurbishment programme. Bishop Auckland has shown our expectations
engaged people. Paul and David Pearson opened OneGym were well founded.
Measuring and tracking levels of in Bishop Auckland in 2012, offering users “We can keep membership costs down by
engagement means you can tailor your access to all the latest fitness equipment cutting out all the added frills that gym users
actions to get the very best of results without costly add-ons like swimming pools don’t necessarily want, but end up paying
for your customers. and saunas that they don’t necessarily want for anyway elsewhere, while still offering the
Employees with the highest level of to use. top quality equipment and changing facilities
engagement perform on average 20% And having attracted healthy membership that people expect and tailoring the way we
better and are 87% less likely to want numbers at their first fitness facility, the operate precisely to meet users’ needs.
to leave, than those who are not. brothers have now opened a second, much “We’ve wanted to open in Newton Aycliffe
Actively engaged people are productive larger OneGym in Aycliffe, while members of for a long time and think the demand will
and willing to learn, they will act in a OneGym can use both facilities using their be just as strong as we’ve had previously,
way that furthers their own interests same ID card. especially from all the businesses that are
and that of the business and they will Eight new jobs have been created at the right on our doorstep.”
have a positive impact on everyone new 12,500 sq ft fitness centre, which Dave Pearson added: “We’ve already
around them. has facilities for fitness classes as well as attracted the sort of membership numbers
Increasing the number of actively a gym in which more than £150,000 has we expected at Aycliffe and we expect them
engaged people within your company been invested in installing the latest Cybex to pick up gradually as the word about our
can improve productivity, reduce exercise equipment. facilities gets around.”
absenteeism and result in a more The low-cost gym business model was The original launch of OneGym was funded
positive and effective working originally established in the US and mainland through an investment from regional fund
environment. Europe, with membership costs kept management firm NEL Fund Managers via
People Gauge™ is a simple but significantly below those charged by leisure the Finance For Business North East Growth
sophisticated online solution that facilities in hotels or ‘lifestyle’ gyms. Fund that it administers, as well as by further
accurately measures what your people Having proved that the concept works in the capital from NatWest Bank and the firm’s
think and feel about working for you. It North-East, the OneGym management team management team.
has been designed specifically to help remains ambitious about extending their
you identify where exactly you should brand presence to further parts of the region
focus your attention to get the very best in the next few years.
from your people and gain significant
and sustained improvements. Market your business direct to 250 companies on Aycliffe Today Business,
Sounds like a future marriage made in with advertising from just £130. email: [email protected]
heaven!
Zanna Bewick
Director
Elphaba Business Solutions
www.elphaba.co.uk

/NEWS Bringing Aycliffe Business Park Together | 9

Left to right: Hitachi Rail Europe’s Manufacturing Plant BUSINESS BITES
Manager Darren Cumner with Procurement and HR
manager Paula Whitehead and Mechan Managing TASK GROUPS WILL DRIVE
Director Richard Carr on Hitachi’s site. BUSINESS PARK ON

HITACHI SIGN DEAL WITH MECHAN The Aycliffe Business Park Community
(ABPC) is taking its next ambitious leap
Hitachi Rail Europe has selected “As part of the build for our factory, we forward by appointing task groups to
Sheffield-based Mechan conducted an extensive and competitive identify how they want the park to develop
to supply both internal and tendering process for these two traversers, in future years.
external traversers for its given their importance to production. ABPC is responding to Business Durham’s
Newton Aycliffe factory. “This process reaffirmed to us that we were challenge to Aycliffe firms, offering them a
already working with he right partner who say in how to shape the future, by setting
Hitachi’s £82m train-building facility on can match our expectations on quality and up individual teams to focus on specific
Aycliffe Business Park will manufacture reliability. areas, such as marketing and utilities.
high-speed trains for the Intercity Express “This award sees Hitachi Rail continue our The five groups will consist of between
Programme (IEP). strong relationship with Mechan.” seven and 10 individual companies from
Local firm Finley Structures is currently Mechan says the deal will secure its future Aycliffe Business Park – meaning between
constructing the steel frame for the 42,700 workforce for the next year. 40 and 50 firms will have an active say
sq ft factory. Managing Director Richard Carr said: “The in what the park wants to see happen in
Hitachi has handed Mechan the contract contract is fundamental to us. We have been future.
to produce two traversers, which will be involved in the IEP and other Hitachi projects It’s part of a project which will culminate
produced in Sheffield and delivered to for the last four-to-five years, providing with one document being presented to
Aycliffe next spring. different types of equipment for depots Business Durham, the local authority and
The traverers will transfer carriages from across the country. landowners.
station to station and carry complete “We support our clients throughout the
carriages to Hitachi’s test beds, where the entire commissioning and manufacturing GROWTHFUNDERS
trains will be formulated. process and we are pleased Hitachi EXPAND TEAM
Hitachi Manufacturing Plant Manager Darren has chosen a local British company to
Cumner said: “Mechan is recognised as manufacture these traversers. Newton Aycliffe-based Growthfunders,
one of the market leaders in depot handling “Almost 95% of our supply chain is in the the North of England’s first online equity
systems and Hitachi Rail Europe has had a UK and typically 80% of this is within just crowdfunding platform, has made an
long-term relationship with Mechan on other 20 miles of our factory.” important appointment to help provide
programmes. support for investors and entrepreneurs.
Jenna Taylor has been appointed by
BUILD YOUR DREAM WASHER! the County Durham and London based
company behind the platform, Growth
Aycliffe firm Ebac have launched an Ebac has invested £7m in the development Capital Ventures, as Content Marketing
impressive new website which enables of washing machines, and has built Executive.
consumers to build their “dream” washing collaborations with leading appliance experts, A Teesside University graduate with a BA
machine. with over 30,000 man hours provided in in English Studies and MA in Creative
This first of its kind ‘build your own washer’ research and development. Writing, Jenna’s role will include writing
website has been developed by Ebac to blogs, eBooks, website content, e-mail
enable consumers to choose the features Boss Pamela Petty said: “This is a great campaigns, newsletters and more, to help
and specification that are important to them. chance for a wide range of people to get inform, support and educate entrepreneurs
Visitors to the site can select from a range of involved in informing the new generation of and investors.
wash programmes, functions, user interfaces British-made washing machines – and to tell Growthfunders has been launched to
and even colour. us what their perfect product would be.” match ambitious entrepreneurs with great
Everyone who designs their own washing business ideas to a range of investors to
machine on the website and therefore Ebac Washing machines will be launching create and grow exciting businesses.
contributes to Ebac's research will be later this year. Go to the website to check More at www.growthfunders.com
entered into a free prize draw to win an out more:
Apple iPad Mini. TETLEY’S FACTORY REFURB
www.ebacwashingmachines.com READY FOR TEKMAR

The former Tetley’s Tea factory on Aycliffe
Business Park has been refurbished ready
for its new tenants.
Two Newcastle-based firms have joined
forces to facilitate a deal with Tekmar
Energy, who have taken a lease on the
90,000 sq ft warehouse.
Silverstone Building Consultancy have
recently completed a refurbishment
project at Tekmar’s new production facility
following a referral from Bradley Hall
who secured the deal with the marine
engineering specialists, subject to a
programme of enabling works.
The move is part of Tekmar’s ambitious
plans to grow turnover from £22m to
£50m.

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Ridgeway, Aycliffe Business Park Newton Aycliffe, County Durham DL5 6SP

Bringing Aycliffe Business Park Together | 11
Stiller Warehousing and Distribution Commercial

Manager Matthew Stiller with the firm’s new
General Manager Brian Simpson.

STILLER APPOINT NEW GENERAL MANAGER

Stiller Warehousing and “The disciplines he brings with him, his attraction for me was the variety of the
Distribution has appointed a management style, the whole package, role, working out different solutions for a
new General Manager in a will benefit the business tremendously. variety of different companies.
move which will help boss “He’s also ideally placed to help Matthew
Paul hand the reins to the next in the transitional period of him taking the “It’s a very fast-moving environment so
generation of his family almost reins, and that’s a key element. I’ve had to get involved in some of the
six decades since the birth of “It’s a major step for us, from a company’s major contracts straight away.
the company. developmental point of view. He
brings with him a modern, up-to-date “But it’s a fresh new challenge and one
As the Newton Aycliffe firm approaches management style which can only benefit I’m really looking forward to.”
its 60th birthday, Stiller heads into a Matthew and the company.
transitional period by promoting Matthew “Brian is now finding his feet. He has two Stiller, which employs 115 people, reported
Stiller to Commercial Manger. operational teams reporting to him and an increase in turnover to £10.5m at the
Brian Simpson has now joined the he’s starting to see the inner workings of end of 2013 and recently announced plans
family-run business from neighbouring a busy logistics company from the other to invest £700,000 in a new multi-use
PWS, a major manufacturer of kitchen side of the fence.” building on its huge site as part of the
components and worksurfaces, to help Brian was previously warehouse and group’s long-term growth plans to create
with the process. distribution manager for PWS, having employment.
Current Managing Director and dad Paul, worked for them for more than nine years,
who was handed the company from his and previously worked for food distribution Stiller’s premises at the heart of Aycliffe
father, Gunter, 30 years ago, says it’s a companies. Business Park includes a 15,000-pallet
major step forward. The 45-year-old, originally from the store within 160,000 square feet, which
“We’ve known Brian for a number of years Borders, said: “I’ve moved to the other stores for 15 customers from varying
and we’ve always had such a high regard side of the table, having employed hauliers industries.
for him,” says Paul. in my previous role, I’m now the haulier.
“I’ve known Stiller for a while now and it Due to a strategic reorganisation of its
has a good name in the industry. The main site, extra pallet storage space has now
become available, and firms seeking
storage can contact them on 01325
313140.

We’ve more than doubled in size since we launched 18 months ago –
get involved by emailing [email protected]

For more information on advertising contact Martin or Rachel: [email protected]

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Friday 6 June 2014, 13.00 – 15.00
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Bringing Aycliffe Business Park Together | 13

BEST-EVER
YEAR FOR UPEX
ELECTRICAL

Another one of Aycliffe Business Park’s “hidden treasures” enjoyed By Martin Walker
a 30% jump in turnover last year and is looking to take on more business.

Upex Electrical Distributors (UED) is the only “We’re in a very competitive market, especially time sales rep Tom College.
specialist electrical and plumbing wholesaler in with companies who do what we do online The company was set up in 1984 and has grown
Newton Aycliffe. only, but our biggest strength is our locality and rapidly to become the only major electrical
It caters for a range of needs, from the man on service. retailer and wholesaler in the Newton Aycliffe
the street up to large industrial firms, and has “We’re on the doorstep for Aycliffe firms and area.
been working on large-scale projects for the we offer a family-friendly, face-to-face service. “Our good reputation is a result of dedication to
likes of 3M and Gestamp Tallent recently. “Our cash business over the trade counter is customer satisfaction,” added Gary.
UED is part of the Upex Group – a collection of very strong but we’d like to do more with some “We’re competitive on both price and service
eight companies owned by local entrepreneur of the larger firms on Aycliffe Business Park and and being independent allows us to remain
John Upex – and already works with dozens of it would be nice to have the opportunity to talk flexible.
firms on Aycliffe Business Park and hundreds of to them.” “We’re not committed to specific suppliers,
others in between Jarrow and Northallerton. UED has recently become a member of either, which means we can source goods
The firm enjoyed a big jump in turnover during independent wholesalers AWEBB – a on the price, quality and delivery to tailor our
2013, up more than 30% on 2012 – the firm’s “progressive, ambitious and forward-thinking clients’ needs.”
best-ever performance in its 26-year history – purchasing consortium” – which gives the UED carries an extensive range of stock in-
while the firm’s growth has trebled in the last Aycliffe outfit bigger buying power and enables house, which is supported by direct access to
seven years. them to compete with its online competitors. local and national supplies, boasting a same-day
Managing Director Gary Monk re-joined the “There are lots of wholesalers like us that are or 24-hour delivery.
company in 2007 after buying a 25% stake. purely internet based,” said Gary. Call in to UED at Aerial House on School
He says UED, based at Aerial House, next to the “But we’re competitive with all of them and we Aycliffe Lane or give them a call on 01325
Great Aycliffe Council offices on School Aycliffe cater for the whole spectrum, from the cash 315315.
Lane, is now well placed to deliver services to sale customer who comes in for a plug to heavy
more firms on the park. industry.” Above: The Upex Electrical team (left to
“We’ve got a wealth of experience between UED has five full-time staff, including Steve right) Steve Whitham, David Land, Gary
us after all working in the industry for a lot of Whitham, Barry Harland and David Land in the Monk and Barry Harland.
years,” says Gary, from Heighington. sales team and van driver Jeff Hunter and part-

Aycliffe Business Park’s only provider of PR
Tel: 01325 728024 Email: [email protected]

14 | Aycliffe Today Business

AYCLIFFE
DECORATORS
MEAN BUSINESS

By Rachel Wright

Quality, expertise and customer focus are the Chris Leach and Paul Smith with the colourful Q-Dec van in Newton Aycliffe
main forces that have brought about a new
and thriving business which is ready to build and customers in the region, including helps to manage their maintenance costs.
upon years of skill and knowledge. St Chad’s College of Durham University,
Director Chris Leach is the influence Bowes Museum, Bishop Auckland Hospital, “Being based in Newton Aycliffe I am keen
behind Q-Dec Quality Painting, Decorating Robinsons Estate Agents, Cummins Engines to work with businesses on the park, and
and Maintenance, which operates from UK and Lingfield Point in Darlington. support them within their budgets.”
Middridge, Newton Aycliffe. Chris said: “It’s all in the planning and it is
Chris and his team have more than 70 years’ so important to us to take the time to talk Colleague Paul added: “With our combined
experience between them in the industry, with our customers and listen to them and to years of knowledge we are also able to
and when it comes to a quality service they identify what their exact needs are. pick our work force and get the best team
really are the team to turn to. “We also work with several paint possible, all our decorators are time-served
Chris said: “For me it’s all about quality and manufacturers to come up with the right and hand picked by us. We are confident of
having the personal touch with customers so product for the job. Depending on the delivering quality every time.”
we can understand exactly what they need, surface and specification needed we will find
allowing us to deliver a quality job. a solution for the customer and this often For further information on a quality and
“In my previous job it was more about profit cost effective service please call Chris at
than the customer needs and I really want Q-Dec on 01325 313588 or 07976 472675,
to bring the focus on the customer back, or email [email protected]
client satisfaction is my main motivator in
delivering a quality job and this became my
real motivation for starting this business.”
Chris’s reputation for quality has already
earned him some impressive contracts

Harlands Accountants HARLANDS SET
Managing Director Glyn TO EXPAND
Davison (right) with a client. AS GROWTH
CONTINUES

North-East accountancy firm
Harlands is pressing ahead with
expansion plans after recording a
third year of double digit revenue
growth.

The County Durham-based practice has technology hub at NETPark and it is encouraging Mr Davison added: “We are sorry to see Kevin
achieved sales growth of 10% in the year to be working with partners and clients who go as he has been a valuable member of the
to 31st March and will reward staff with a will help to drive the economic recovery of this team, bringing a wealth of experience and
company profit share scheme. region. We continue to work in partnership with knowledge. He is an incredibly hard worker
Harlands is also looking to exert its influence in these firms with an ultimate aim to build better with great integrity but felt it was time for a
the south of the region with the opening of an businesses in the North East. new challenge.
office in Newton Aycliffe and will appoint two “The sales growth is recognition of the hard “We will continue to work with Kevin on
senior accountants and two junior accountants work the Harlands’ team has put in particularly specific advisory projects and wish him all
in the coming 12 months. since the management buyout in 2011 which the very best for the future.”
Glyn Davison, Managing Director of Harlands was a major turning point for the business. We Mr Lee added: “I joined Harlands at an exciting
Accountants LLP, said: “It’s an exciting time for have decided to reward our dedicated staff with time and have thoroughly enjoyed my time
Harlands as we look to establish ourselves as our first ever profit share scheme.” here. But I felt the time was right to move onto
one of the most forward thinking independent Harlands is also looking to restructure its senior a new challenge in my career and set up my
accountancy practices in the North-East. management team following the departure own accounting practice and I am extremely
“We have set up important professional of Operations Director Kevin Lee who joined grateful for the support Harlands has provided in
partnerships with the equity crowd funding the firm in 2012 and played a significant role in reaching this decision.”
platform GrowthFunders, the Growth driving efficiency and performance following the
Accelerator programme and the science and management buyout.

/NEWS Bringing Aycliffe Business Park Together | 15

HOLIDAY INN OPENS ON
AYCLIFFE BUSINESS PARK By Martin Walker

London-based property investment company Dominvs has opened a
brand new Holiday Inn Open Lobby hotel near Aycliffe Business Park.

London-based property investment company this hotel is all about - connecting people, and “Since opening a month ago, our performance
Dominvs Group purchased the hotel - along with enjoying the Holiday Inn experience.” has rapidly increased. The spend per guest
two others - and has refurbished the former Phil Wilson added: “It’s great that a company is amazing and we’re getting a lot of outside
Aston with an impressive makeover costing in like Holiday Inn has identified Newton Aycliffe clientele coming in for lunch or enjoying a
excess of £800,000. as an area to do business, with a significant Starbucks.
Dominvs Group has partnered with multinational investment being made in improving its “It’s changing the platform of just being a hotel,
InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG), which owns facilities. and becoming a hotel/restaurant destination in
the Holiday Inn brand, to create an impressive “It’s yet further evidence that Aycliffe Business the area.
new “open lobby” concept. Park and surrounding areas has a very bright “We don’t just want people just to stay here,
The new hotel was officially opened by future.” we want them to embrace it. We think it’s
Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson and IHG’s CEO The Dominvs Group boasts a £300m portfolio money well spent - every pound and penny.”
Angela Brav during a ceremony attended by across the commercial, hospitality and Durham County and Great Aycliffe Town
special guests including Aycliffe Mayor Barbara residential sectors. Councillor John Clare also attended the official
Clare. Dominvs purchased the hotel, at Newton Park opening of the new hotel.
IHG, with its European headquarters based in services just off the A1, along with two others “I’m delighted that Holiday Inn has come
Denham, Buckinghamshire, is the largest hotel a year ago before renovating them. to Newton Aycliffe,” he beamed.
company in the world measured by rooms, The group’s Director Preet Ahluwalia told “It’s a very important piece in the business
with 687,000, and has more than 4,600 hotels Aycliffe Today: “This was one of the first jigsaw for Newton Aycliffe. As we try to build
across more than 100 countries, with an annual hotels that we bought and the first time we’ve our local economy, what we desperately needed
revenue of $1.9 billion (US dollars). interacted with a global brand. was a quality hotel, where businessmen can
Its brands include Candlewood Suites, “We’re tremendously excited to partner with come and stay and do business with us.
Crowne Plaza, Even, Hotel Indigo, Hualuxe, IHG, especially the Holiday Inn brand, and bring “What I’ve been saying is that, at the moment,
InterContinental and Staybridge Suites as well something really significant to the Newton people are saying these things are happening in
as Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express. Aycliffe area. a place called Newton Aycliffe. But as we attract
Of the 4,602 hotels, 3,934 operate under “We decided to invest into the refurbishment these premier industries - and Holiday Inn is a
franchise agreements (like the Holiday Inn at of the hotel because we wanted to produce world-renowned brand - people will stop saying
Aycliffe), 658 are managed by the company but something that the people of Newton Aycliffe “in a place called Newton Aycliffe”, they’ll just
separately owned, and 10 are directly owned and Darlington would love, and we’re delighted say “Newton Aycliffe”, and then we’ve made it!”
“Every hotel is extremely important to us, with the end product.”
but this one is especially important, because Dylan Burke, Marketing Manager for Dominvs Phil Wilson MP opens the new Holiday Inn
we’re showcasing open lobby, a new design for Group, added: “As investors, we thought on Aycliffe Business Park with special guests
Holiday Inn,” Ms Brav told us. Holiday Inn was the best brand to ideal brand during an official opening.
“It’s a social space where people can eat, dine, for us to align with for the hotel and the market Phil Wilson with the General Manager of
drink and get to know each other. That’s what alike. Holiday Inn Darlington North, Patricia MacInnes.

CcNWOoIRnEGtPCCaHOcOATtRNSMuAsFPATfOAoLErSNRdCOYeYO!tOHaMiUOlEsRSDTY

For more information on advertising contact Martin or Rachel: [email protected]

Bringing Aycliffe Business Park Together | 17

MAN ON A MISSION
Trevor Alley is on a mission.
The former Rugby player – South
West Durham Training’s CEO – aims
to tackle the skills shortage head-on.
He’s launching an Employer Pledge
event this summer to encourage
more businesses to take on
Apprentices.
He’s also offering a range of services
to make taking on young recruits as
easy as pie.
Find out why on pages 18 & 19…

18 | Aycliffe Today Business

EMPLOYER
PLEDGE

South West Durham Training Whether you like it or not, if you’re an paperwork, provide mentors and even help
(SWDT) is aiming to tackle the engineering or manufacturing company, you source funding to make taking on Apprentices
skills shortage head-on with an can’t get away from the looming skills shortage. as easy as possible.
ambitious new plan. MARTIN Experts predict a shortfall of about 8,500 skilled It’s a bold statement which will give Aycliffe
WALKER finds out more... people in the North-East alone over the next firms of all shapes and sizes a genuine
three years. opportunity to start training tomorrow’s
And firms on Aycliffe Business Park face an workforce.
even bigger problem in the more immediate It’s the brainchild of SWDT’s new chief
future with the arrival of Hitachi Rail Europe, as executive officer Trevor Alley - a part-time
the Japanese giants are bound to attract some Ofsted inspector who boasts a wealth of
of their best employees when they’re open for experience in both education and engineering.
business next year. “Firstly we know there’s a need for more
South West Durham Training (SWDT) has Apprenticeships generally, and that’s a national
been carrying out extensive research over the problem,” says Trevor.
last year, speaking to employers and industry “The Government is putting money into
experts to come up with succession plans Apprenticeships, which is good news, but at
which will enable firms to future-proof their Newton Aycliffe, we know Hitachi is coming.
businesses. They are likely to take on Apprentices, and for
The training-provider is now planning a high- sure the supply chain it will bring along will
profile Employer Pledge event this summer increase the need for employers to be involved.
which will involve firms showing their “We also know there are job shortages already
commitment to Apprenticeships by signing a in engineering in this area. So for a mixture
pledge. of reasons, and because we’re positioned
In return, SWDT is offering to look after the where we are, we think we can be key in the

Bringing Aycliffe Business Park Together | 19

“THERE ARE TANGIBLE BENEFITS FROM TAKING ON
APPRENTICES AND WE JUST WANT TO GIVE BUSINESSES
IN THIS AREA AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE”

regeneration of skills in this area, and that’s best “There’ll be a Q&A “As the manufacturing and engineering sectors
done with Apprenticeships. session with a panel recover, we face new challenges. Businesses
“We’re inviting employers to come in. We’ll of educational and will face testing times of a different nature.
ask those interested to sign a pledge, which industry experts “We think we’re ideally placed to help and we
is a commitment from them to supply together with a have the skills, knowledge and experience to
Apprenticeships. high-profile keynote do that.”
“In return, we’re looking to be a one-stop-shop speaker. SWDT will announce more details about
for businesses. We can put them in touch with “We’re expecting the Employer Pledge event soon. To make
the funding organisations that will be able bodies from an enquiry, call 01325 313194 or email
to supply grants towards Apprenticeships. the National [email protected]
We have people on site who can advise on Apprenticeship Or got to www.southwestdurham.co.uk
the range of funding that’s available and we’ll Service, Employers’ for more about SWDT.
complete the funding paperwork for them. Engineering Forum,
“We have learners ready to go into South West Durham Opposite page: SWDT CEO Trevor Alley checks out
Apprenticeships, so employers will have a Partnership, the LEPs the training-provider’s latest tool-making machinery
chance to look at the learners, they can talk to and Business Durham in the workshop.
them and interview them. If they want to, they to be at the event. Above top: Aycliffe firm Husqvarna use SWDT for
can take learners on job trials. They could even “It’s an ideal their Apprentices. Facilities manager Joe Storey (left)
take half a dozen learners on trial and pick the opportunity for firms is pictured with business development co-ordinator
best ones. who haven’t taken Jeremy Cannon and learners Nathan Bresnen (left)
“For those who haven’t taken on Apprentices on Apprentices, and Scott Maclean.
before we can provide employers with mentors think they’re ready Above bottom: Josh Appleyard (centre) was named
to help look after the Apprentices which will to take them on but Apprentice of the Year at The Plastic Industry
help with their transition into their workplace. are reluctant to. This Awards last year after doing his Apprenticeship with
“In return for taking on Apprentices, we’re event is ideal for those SWDT and Teesside engineering giants Nifco. He’s
also offering employers reduced rates for any businesses. pictured with Nifco engineering manager Andy Dunn
commercial work that we provide. “For those who do and SWDT business development manager Kate
When we talked to employers they cited take on Apprentices, Chapman.
the above reasons for them not employing the event is an
apprentices- these are the barriers that have opportunity to take
hindered them. We’re offering firms help to on new ideas, maybe
overcome those barriers.” discover ways of doing
There are proven benefits from taking on things better.”
Apprentices - independent research shows Trevor is well-placed to
businesses get improved products or services, talk about engineering
new ideas being introduced to the organisation, and education in the
higher staff morale and loyalty by recruiting same context.
young staff. Statistics provided by the National The former Rugby
Apprenticeship Service (NAS) also claim 96% player - who once
of employers that take on an Apprentices played as a full-
report benefits to their business, and 72% of back in senior level
businesses report improved productivity. rugby in the South
Trevor added: “There are tangible benefits from West and finished his playing career with
taking on Apprentices and we just want to give Mowden Park in Darlington - started out as
businesses in this area as much information as an Apprentice tool-maker with diesel engine
possible. manufacturing company R.A. Listers, in Dursley,
“It’s fantastic that these job opportunities are Gloucestershire.
coming to Aycliffe. But we have to ask ourselves He moved into the tool room and then became
‘where are these jobs coming from?’ and ‘what a quality engineer before moving into education,
are employers doing to future-proof the skills spending 6 years at Swindon College
within their organisations?’. Apprentices are a He then relocated to the North-East where he
solution to that. joined Longlands College in Middlesbrough,
“Aycliffe Business Park is set to become one where he spent 17 years, latterly as head of
of the biggest business parks in Europe in engineering.
years to come. If that’s the case, of course Another seven years followed at Sunderland
there’s going to be plenty of economic growth College, where he was director of work related
and Apprenticeships are a vital source of learning, and then he joined Darlington College
replenishment within the workforce.” as assistant director of technology and then
SWDT aim to hold the Employer Pledge event director of quality.
annually, with the aim of getting 50 businesses Trevor has a first degree in mechanical
to sign up to the pledge every year. engineering and a Masters in manufacturing
But signing the pledge isn’t an obligation - the systems engineering, and has been a part-time
event is also an ideal fact-finding opportunity for Ofsted inspector for the last 12 years.
those looking to recruit Apprentices for the first It’s an impressive CV which can only benefit
time. SWDT as it looks to take on new challenges.
“It’s a chance to find out more, to come and “I want SWDT to be the provider of choice,”
listen and ask questions,” added Trevor. says Trevor, 61, who’s married to wife Kath and
has two children - George, 23, and Jenny, 19.

20 | Aycliffe Today Business

UNI WANTS TO
HELP AYCLIFFE
BUSINESS PROSPER

The University of Sunderland’s
Business Development Manager, Mark

Donnelly, is opening the door to firms
on Aycliffe Business Park.

The University of Sunderland has outlined plans to help Newton Aycliffe
firms grow their business with some exciting opportunities.

A host of resources are available to companies “But practical things we may be able to “They can bring fresh ideas, new ways of
who either want to tap into graduate schemes help with could be linking them with current thinking and new knowledge that can be
or get advice from leading industry academics. students, who can provide an extra pair of embedded into the business.”
And the University of Sunderland’s Business hands to do things they might not have the
Development Manager, Mark Donnelly, says capacity to do - such as a marketing or IT Mark also says Aycliffe firms have a genuine
businesses can get the ball rolling with a project. opportunity to get advice from industry
simple, no-obligation conversation. “Firms can also consider graduates. Some experts.
Mark recently attended a news and networking companies might not know how to go about
event on Aycliffe Business Park and has been the process of employing graduates - we can He said: “We employ quite a number of very
impressed by both the steering group and the help them with that process and, in many clever people, academics that can advise
keen involvement shown by firms. cases, we can provide wage subsidies. businesses in a variety of ways - researching
So much so, in fact, that he’s volunteered “We’re looking at this as a long-term new opportunity areas, new technology or
his services to help administer the new task opportunity for the University to build real, just problem-solving, and applying research
groups that have been set up. sustainable links with businesses here in expertise to real-world business issues.
Mark says the University of Sunderland - which Newton Aycliffe, and we’re really committed
is heading up the University Technical College to that.” “We can also help businesses to tap into
(UTC) plans for the park along with Hitachi and Some firms find that they’re too busy funding sources to help them take forward
Gestamp Tallent - is keen to work with Aycliffe dealing with everyday issues to take on innovative ideas, and we have a good track
firms of all shapes and sizes. the commitment of students or graduates - record of helping firms to innovate.”
“I’m looking to spend a significant amount others see it as an obligation to help nurture
of time here on Aycliffe Business Park,” says tomorrow’s talent - but there are potential key Mark has been in a business development role
Mark. benefits involved from injecting youth into with the University for 14 years after working
“We want to start the conversation with business. in the private sector.
businesses, to build links and hopefully start “Students are the potential workforce of the
working together, which helps them to further future and supporting young people and their “In all of that time, I’ve worked closely with
their business and also give something back to development is hugely important for business,” businesses, ranging from very small micro-
the University. says Mark. businesses to large corporates,” he adds.
“That could be through student projects, or “There are also genuine benefits of working
through graduate employment opportunities. with young people and bringing graduates into “The essence of my job has always remained
“We want businesses to just find out more the workplace. the same - it’s about building strong and
about us and we can start that with a very sustainable links between business and the
informal conversation. University.”

To start your conversation with the
University of Sunderland, call Mark
Donnelly on 0191 515 3365 or email
[email protected]