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INVESTIN SOUTH RIBBLE The Business Newsletter of Autumn 2015 A Royal Achievement Export and Innovation Leader Scoops Queens Award Be Inspired Business Awards Flexcrete Hailed as Export Champion 8 Million Growth Fund New Opportunity to Bid for Business Growth Funding Ground Breaking at BAE Systems Construction Starts on 15.6m Training Academy IN THIS ISSUE Basing your business in a top quality place to live gives you the greatest chance of attracting the right talent. There is no doubt that South Ribble falls into that category. Ben Scandrett surveyor for Brookhouse Group Find out more businessinsouthribble.com Call 01772 625567 2 The Business Newsletter of South Ribble Borough Council South Ribbles thriving economy is presenting significant opportunities for investment and growth. For people like Ben Scandrett group surveyor for property developer Brookhouse Group the boroughs outstanding location and commuter links as well as the substantial infrastructure transport and community improvements all enabled through the City Deal form a formidable proposition for potential investors and indeed end users. From the Councils perspective attracting quality businesses and supporting current operators creates better skills development and job opportunities for residents as well encouraging investment in the community. This allows the local authority and its partners to drive improvements across towns and villages such as the regeneration of Station Road in Bamber Bridge. From Bens perspective this vision to position South Ribble as a great place to live and do business makes it more enticing for would-be investors. Ben explains Basing your business within a quality housing location gives you the best chance of attracting the right talent and there is no doubt that South Ribble falls into that category. Theres space for firms to relocate and grow and its supported by an expanding skills and customer base. Combine this with superb access to motorways and rail routes and the City Deal unlocking the development potential of key sites South Ribble is the complete package. One of those areas is the Cuerden Strategic Site. Located at the end of the M65 its set to create 2500 new jobs on land equivalent to 100 football pitches. Having been involved in a number of high-profile developments across the North West the scheme promises to be one of the most significant for Brookhouse Group which owns a large share of the land. During the past two years the property development company has assisted South Ribble Borough Council and Lancashire County Council with the masterplan which was approved earlier this year. The planning application is expected to be submitted before the end of 2015 and Ben and his team are currently assessing market demand and feeding this intelligence into the design feasibility process. Attracting the Best into South Ribble INVEST IN SOUTH RIBBLE GROWING POTENTIAL Welcome to the South Ribble Business Newsletter South Ribble offers FIND OUT MORE CONTACT JENNIFER CLOUGH T 01772 625567 E infobusinessinsouthribble.com W businessinsouthribble.com LOCATION A great place to do business VALUE Fantastic value for money for investors CHOICE A great choice of highly accessible business premises SKILLS Access to a range of specialist skills to meet your business needs The worlds leading industrial thread business Coats Group plc has acquired GSD Corporate in Walton Summit which supplies management services that analyse time cost and production capabilities in the sewn products sector to maximise productivity and minimise costs. Paul Forman chief executive of Coats Group said GSD is a world leader in its field with a comprehensive offering that meets cost efficiency and social compliance needs at a time when we are seeing growth in demand in these areas. Coats Sews up South Ribble Acquisition Cuerden Adopted Masterplan 3businessinsouthribble.com A Bright Future for Lighting Firm Bamber Bridge-based Lumenata Lighting Design has secured a finance agreement with alternative lender Creative Capital. It follows a sharp rise in demand which saw annual turnover swell to 600000 with the short-term deal providing the company with enough working capital to fulfil its contracts. The company which designs supplies and installs lighting schemes for commercial and residential properties in the UK and Europe has worked on a number of high-profile projects including Londons iconic Shard building. Paul Hindle managing director of Lumenata Lighting Design said Weve seen a dramatic rise in demand over the past 12 months as architects developers and interior designers are increasingly looking to create high-tech LED lighting solutions to give their buildings real stand-out appeal. Were in a strong position to further capitalise on this as we are one of the few specialist businesses capable of designing and delivering complex and custom lighting installations using the highest quality components. Elitetele.com Seals 20m for Growth Telecommunications provider Elitetele.com is eyeing further expansion after securing a 20 million cash injection from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. The firm based at Matrix Park has undergone 11 acquisitions since 2008 and posted revenues of 31m for the year ending July 2014 an increase of 31 per cent. Elitetele. com attributes this growth to successful business decisions and investment in emerging mobile and cloud technology. Matt Newing chief executive of Elitetele.com said As business confidence returns and technology develops faster than ever before our customers require increasingly complex solutions. The flexible funding and expertise provided by the Lloyds Bank team will enable us to continue to meet customer demand through the acquisition of businesses at the cutting edge of data hosting and connectivity. Firms Take Off With Rosebud Rosebud Finance has lent a record 2 million to 16 firms across Lancashire over the last 12 months resulting in the creation 126 new jobs. Farington-based steam cleaning machine manufacturer Matrix Cleaning Systems which we featured in the spring 2015 edition was one of such firms. A 250000 loan also enabled DNA Agile located on Cuerden Way to invest in research and development which will create six new jobs over the next four years. The supply-chain consultancy founded by Mark Hughes and Phil Jones in 2007 supports more than 250 companies and has proven expertise across a range of sectors with a particular focus on aerospace. Managed by Enterprise Ventures on behalf of Lancashire County Developments Rosebud Business Finance helps local firms to grow and expand. For more information visit www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.ukdirectoryrosebud-business-finance Wincanton Lands BAE Contract Logistics group Wincanton has won a contract with BAE Systems to supply its Military Air Information MAI operations. The deal extends the 10-year relationship between Wincanton and the defence giant and includes goods management and inspection storage and packaging and transportation services at both Samlesbury and Warton. Wincanton will also become the operator of the new purpose-built Defence Logistics Centre scheduled for completion in 2016 becoming the first non-BAE Systems business at the Samlesbury Enterprise Zone. The move will generate 70 new jobs for the local area and help generate opportunities to create further advanced engineering roles in other businesses that are likely to be attracted to the Enterprise Zone. Project installation by Lumenata Lighting Design 4 The Business Newsletter of South Ribble Borough Council SKILLS Construction Starts on BAE Systems 15.6m Training Academy Defence firm BAE Systems has started work on a new 15m training academy which will form the first investment on the Enterprise Zone at Samlesbury. The start of construction of the state-of-the-art facility was marked by a ground-breaking ceremony carried out by Edwin Booth chairman of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership which also coincided with a new cohort of apprentices joining the defence giants Military Air Information MAI business. It will be completed in time for the 2016 Apprenticeship intake which will include BAE Systems new degree apprentices. The academy will also train up apprentices for North West aerospace businesses as part of a company-funded initiative to boost skills in the region. BAE Systems is one of the UKs largest employers of apprentices and invests around 80m a year in training and skills. The company trains more than 1000 apprentices across the UK at any one time and plans to significantly grow this number to 2000 by 2018. Chris Boardman managing director of BAE Systems MAI said The ground breaking today is a significant milestone in this exciting development that will provide cutting-edge facilities and greater capacity for future apprentices joining our business. I am extremely proud of our Apprenticeship programme and the role it plays in ensuring we continue to develop world-class skills to create world-class technology. Council Launches Apprentice Skills Drive South Ribbles hard-working youngsters have received the chance to earn while they learn thanks to an Apprenticeship scheme from the Council. The programmes original intake was for four Business Administration apprentices yet exceptional demand has seen the local authority recruit an additional six young learners four in Horticulture one in Civil Engineering and one in Shared Assurance. The cohort of apprentices aged 16-18 is working towards nationally- recognised qualifications during the next two years whilst receiving on-the-job training within the borough. South Ribble Borough Council is working with Runshaw Myerscough and Bolton College to deliver the programme which began in September. Margaret Smith council leader said Were dedicated to investing in our young people and will make sure that it is local youngsters who get the chance to take up these opportunities because as far as I am concerned one unemployed young person in the borough is one too many. Weve wanted to resurrect our Apprenticeship programme for a number of years and have been thrilled by such high levels of interest and applications for our current scheme. Our ten new apprentices are all extremely bright and keen to learn and we look forward to helping them build a long-term career path thanks to their Apprenticeship. Runshaws 6.2m Science Engineering Centre Taking Shape The steel framework for Runshaw Colleges new multi-million pound Science and Engineering Innovation Centre SEIC at Euxton Lane has been erected and internal works have begun. Expected to complete in spring 2016 the build programme with Balfour Beatty is well underway with the SEIC becoming fully operational in time for the 201617 academic year. The facility will accommodate around 400 students state-of-the-art workshops and laboratories and forge stronger links between the training provider and local businesses particularly those in science and engineering. It will also house the colleges new HND Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering which launched September 2015. The course which can also be studied part-time as a HNC Higher National Certificate is suited to anyone looking to pursue a career within this sector and those already working within the field. For more information on Runshaws new SEIC and HND HNC in Mechanical Engineering contact 01772 643008. L-R Eddie Sutton deputy chief executive at Lancashire County Council and Dave Holmes manufacturing operations director at BAE Systems Military Air and Information Runshaws new Science and Engineering Innovation Centre 5businessinsouthribble.com AND THE WINNER IS... Export and Innovation Leader Scoops Queens Award Evans Vanodine has received a prestigious Queens Award for Enterprise an accolade recognised as Britains most coveted prize for business success. The firm based at Walton Summit was awarded the prize within the International Trade category following its outstanding growth in overseas sales during the last three years. In operation since 1919 the company is an experienced exporter of cleaning and hygiene chemicals for industrial animal health food process and janitorial use. Evans Vanodine currently exports to 72 countries across the globe with a further 10 locations serviced by its licensed manufacturing units overseas. The firm is now turning its attention to the Indian market for the next phase of its expansion and is working with a local partner to develop an effective distribution system. The business bases its overseas sales strategy around expansion of its distributor network and utilises exhibitions and trade shows to further drive growth. This success has seen total sales increase from 22.9m in 2012 to 25.9m in 2014. The company employs more than 150 staff and has built a reputation based on innovation and commitment to research and development ensuring the regular introduction of new products and improved formulations through its in-house laboratories. Peter Thompson international sales manager for Evans Vanodine said Winning the Queens Award is a great honour and a testament to the efforts of the entire company to be the best in our field. Development of our international business is an essential cornerstone on which we are built and to be recognised with this award is confirmation that we are successful in our efforts to operate on a global scale. A total of 141 UK businesses received a Queens Award this year with just nine winners located in the North West two being in Lancashire. Baxi Scoops Community Recognition Baxi has been crowned one of South Ribbles unsung community heroes after demonstrating its strong and continued support across the boroughs towns and villages. The manufacturer and distributor of domestic and commercial heating and hot water solutions plays a leading role in aiding local fundraising charities and sponsoring community events. Baxi also provides meeting space for local scout groups and volunteers to assist vulnerable and elderly residents as well as supporting young aspiring engineers through its partnerships with schools and colleges. Chris Tyrer operations director at Baxi said At Baxi we believe passionately in giving something back to the community. Our foundations are in South Ribble and our staff have a great deal of pride in the local area. Wed like to thank them for all their hard work as its that dedication that has led us to win this award. Six shining stars received recognition at the South Ribble Community Awards which were presented during our Big Do in June. International sales manager Peter Thompson meeting the Queen L-R South Ribble mayor Mary Green Ashlea Arnold procurement category manager and Peter Mitchinson components manager both Baxi with David Holmes of BAE Systems. Wendy and Ian Wilde Top Award for Funeral Planner A husband and wife from Bamber Bridge scooped Best Newcomer at the 2015 Funeral Planner of the Year Awards. Ian and Wendy Wilde launched Ian Wilde Funerals in 2013 with a vision to offer outstanding personalised service. Ian is a fourth generation funeral director with his great grandfather Harry Wilde setting up in business in 1896. The business is located at the former White Bull Hotel on Station Road Bamber Bridge. South Ribble Firms Celebrate BIBAs Glory Four innovative firms in South Ribble took home prizes at a sell-out awards ceremony celebrating the cream of the countys companies and entrepreneurs. The Be Inspired Business Awards took place at Blackpool Tower on Friday 11 September with 19 prizes given out on the night. Leyland-based Cleanall Services were double winners picking up trophies for Excellence in Customer Service and Service Business of the Year. Conlon Construction based in Bamber Bridge retained its Construction Business of the Year award whilst Evans Vanodine collected Exporter of the Year. KaBo Hockey located on Matrix Park also scooped New Business of the Year. The recent start-up specialises in professional hockey sticks and accessories designed to enhance athlete performance. 6 The Business Newsletter of South Ribble Borough Council PROPERTY Contractors Triumph in 5bn Schools Framework Conlon Construction and Eric Wright Construction part of the Eric Wright Group have been appointed to the coveted Education Funding Agency EFA Regional Framework on Lot 6 which covers the North West. They are the two regional contractors in the North West to secure a place. This achievement displays both companies outstanding project work and their ability to compete on a national scale alongside some of the countrys largest contractors. Work to an estimated value of 5 billion is expected to come through the EFA framework with schemes ranging from 200000 to 12 million in value which will include new builds extensions and refurbishments. Conlon Construction is currently underway with two EFA-funded projects including a new build for West Didsbury CE Primary School and refurbishment at Wellington School in Timperley. Eric Wright Construction is also in motion with three new build EFA framework projects including Christ Church CE Primary School in Ellesmere Port Burnley High School and Unity Community Primary School Cheetham Hill. A new Central Lancashire Construction Group is also due to be launched shortly. For more information please contact Jennifer Clough economic development on 01772 625567 or email infobusinessinsouthribble.com. Roundhouse Properties Welcomes New Tenants Commercial landlord Roundhouse Properties has welcomed two new occupiers at its Bamber Bridge development. Specialists in air conditioning systems sanitation and heating Coolfix Ltd is moving from its Leyland location to 333 Ranglet Road where it has taken 1508 sq ft of open warehouse space on a three-year lease. Around one fifth of the site will be used to accommodate the teams internal office function. Roundhouse Properties has also welcomed UK Energy Saving Experts. The firm which specialises in loft and cavity wall insulation boilers and renewable energy services is relocating to 334 Ranglet Road. Its new 1527 sq ft site features open warehouse space and an office. Jeremy Lefton director of Roundhouse Properties concluded Were extremely delighted to welcome Coolfix Ltd and UK Energy Saving Experts as new tenants and look forward to working with them in the coming years. Weve had a surge of sign-ups to Bamber Bridge due to its prime location and the size of the units. Were also building similar size units close by at Momentum Business Centre at South Rings which will be ready towards the end of the year. The Ranglet Road development at Bamber Bridge An architects impression of Burnley High School from Eric Wright Construction Momentum Business Centre Secures First Occupier Avalon Doors has exchanged contracts to purchase the first unit at Roundhouse Properties new Momentum Business Centre development at South Rings Bamber Bridge. Avalon Doors is a leading supplier and installer of security doors security roller shutters awnings and garage doors for industrial commercial and domestic use. The company will move from its Leyland premises to the 729 sq ft unit when construction completes later this year. The 58700 sq ft Momentum Business Centre scheme offers 42 units ranging from 600 to 2500 sq ft with 19 being released during phase one. Peter Singleton managing director at Avalon Doors said We are very much looking forward to moving into our new premises. Momentum Business Centre will give us the platform to continue growing the business. Its a quality development thats situated in a great location with access to the national motorway network. We were extremely impressed with the design and functionality of the development giving us the flexibility we need. Momentum Business Centre development at South Rings 7businessinsouthribble.com SUPPORT INNOVATION Business Mentors Gear Up to Support Local Firms Budding entrepreneurs and business owners in the western parishes of South Ribble can benefit from a new enterprise and innovation project following a 130000 government investment through the Coastal Communities Fund. The programme will create advice and growth opportunities including the introduction of an advisor to support firms in transforming their business idea into a reality and then fuelling growth. The launch of a new incubation hub will also provide low-cost fast-access working space in Longton. Leading business mentor Orvia Group is working in partnership with South Ribble Borough Council to provide free confidential and impartial support for those based in Longton Much Hoole Little Hoole Hutton West and Horwich and Priory. Orvias team of experienced business advisors is on hand to provide a range of services including Practical workshops with an overview of starting a business Guidance to develop a business plan One-to-one tailored advisory sessions Help accessing finance Assistance sourcing suitable premises For further information on the business support project contact the Economic Development team at South Ribble Borough Council on 01772 625567 or email infobusinessinsouthribble.com. Certain eligibility criteria applies Lancashire Constabulary is urging businesses across South Ribble to sign up to its In The Know initiative. The free communication service provides businesses and residents with real-time updates concerning incidents and key information specific to their local community from the police and selected partners. The range of options available include coastline and rural crime watch groups recruitment and volunteering opportunities and Neighbourhood Watch news. Members can elect to receive information via email voicemail or text message with the scheme aimed at improving the flow of information between the local community and its police force to improve the prevention and detection of crime and anti-social behaviour. In addition it will inform residents of the day-to-day activities of the neighbourhood policing team. Lancashire Police is currently building an extensive network of contacts within the local business community to provide firms with advice around target hardening basic security training and encourage sign ups to In The Know. In the Know is a free of charge service and registration is quick and simple. For more information and to sign up visit httpwww.lancashire.police. ukhelp-advicein-the-know 8m Growth Fund Win Businesses in South Ribble can now apply for an 8 million pot of funding from East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce following a successful bid with the Regional Growth Fund. The finance programme aims to stimulate enterprise across the borough by providing grants and International Trade support to those firms with the potential for economic growth and sets out to encourage businesses to bring forward growth projects within South Ribble and accelerate the creation of sustainable jobs. For more information and to apply contact Mike Beckett on 01254 356447 or email m.beckettchamberelancs. co.uk or Stef Heywood on 01254 356454 or email s.heywoodchamberelancs.co.uk. CSA Group Opens Leyland Transportation Lab CSA Group a global provider of testing and certification services and leading standards development organisation has opened an updated laboratory for testing and certification of equipment used in transportation. At more than 57400 sq ft the state-of-the-art laboratory in Leyland is one of the most comprehensive facilities of its kind in Europe. It features a new drive-in chamber with temperature testing ranging from -60C to 120C an Accelerometer Calibration lab engine test cell upgrades and electric motor testing. Magali Depras CSA group chief operating officer said As a part of our global business strategy to invest in the European market and the transportation sector we are delighted to offer our European clients expanded services in Leyland. The laboratory has been successfully supporting transportation companies in the United Kingdom and globally for more than 30 years and we can now offer more tests and certifications than ever before. L-R Michael Joyce Roland Hosein Ralf Schunk councillor Margaret Brindle councillor Mary Green Mark Richardson William Brindle Paul Wilkinson Tony Green and Kathryn Yung Is Your Business In The Know 8 The Business Newsletter of South Ribble Borough Council Specialist Firm Secures Rail Contractor Licence Eric Wright Rail part of the Eric Wright Group has been awarded a Principal Contractor Licence PCL by Network Rail. The full Licence formalises Eric Wright Rails credentials for delivering rail infrastructure projects following a comprehensive audit of a recent level crossing upgrade project in Kent. It allows the firm to bid for further Network Rail infrastructure schemes across the UK building on the companys track record in the rail sector. ITS ALL HAPPENING IN SOUTH RIBBLE Trio of Appointments for Events Company Bamber Bridge-based Pennine Events has made three new appointments following a flurry of new business wins. Mark Parkinson joins the team as events development officer Jemma Crossen as events assistant and Nilma Solanki as marketing and sales apprentice. Calendar Idea to Light up Town Centre Local traders have pioneered a bright idea to improve the look of Leyland town centre. A 2016 calendar has been produced with the revenue it generates going towards the cost of the Christmas lights. The Light Up Leyland campaign hopes to attract more visitors and shoppers to the town and boost business. Great Food From Behind Bars A new Italian has opened its doors in the Old Police Station building in Leyland enabling diners to experience its quirky settings. La Corte Ristorante Pizzeria and Wine Bar is the lifelong dream of Franco Iozzi and partner Angela Brown. NEWS IN BRIEF Hospice Hub Approaches First Anniversary St Catherines Hospices new caf and community hub located within its grounds in Lostock Hall celebrates its first year in operation this November. Built by Eric Wright Special Projects a division of the Eric Wright Group The Mill in St Catherines Park provides information therapies and support for families experiencing serious illness. In a relaxed caf environment The Mill encourages and reassures people to help themselves and each other to live more comfortably and independently. It aims to bring a sense of normality and dispel feelings of anxiety that many people have about hospices. The caf is open to everyone to enjoy serving a range of dishes prepared using locally-sourced seasonal ingredients along with St Catherines unique coffee blend. The Mill operates as a social enterprise with all profits supporting the specialised care at St Catherines Hospice. In addition rooms can be hired by local groups and businesses to host everything from exercise classes to management meetings. For more information visit www themillatstcatherinespark.co.uk. New Partner for Law Firm Birchall Blackburn Law has promoted Anna Maria Knipe to partner. The 34-year-old joined the firm in 2010 and manages its Leyland branch. The company which raised more than 5500 for St Catherines Hospice last year is also looking to inspire other firms to back the charitys Give a Gift campaign which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. To pledge your support visit www.stcatherines.co.uk. The Mill at St Catherines Park Supporting South Ribble Businesses Jennifer Clough Economic Development would like to work with your business to make sure that we and our partners provide the services and conditions that you need to thrive. In order to help businesses South Ribble Borough Council offers a range of help free of charge. LOCATION A great place to do business VALUE Fantastic value for money for investors CHOICE A great choice of highly accessible business premises SKILLS Access to a range of specialist skills to meet your business needs FIND OUT MORE CONTACT JENNIFER CLOUGH T 01772 625567 E infobusinessinsouthribble.com W businessinsouthribble.com