InBusinessBurnley 14

Sector Special

Automotive – FMUK receive coveted JLRQ Award pg30

In Focus

Vision Park launched in Knowledge Quarter pg40

News

Burnley named top UK ‘Tech Town’ pg13

InBusinessBurnley Issue 14

BCW announce new facility for automotive sector growth

Burnley Council…supporting business growth

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Welcome from the Editor If

you are like me you might be wondering where the beginning of 2018 has gone! We’re heading into Summer already, but what a year it’s been for Burnley so far.

Several major announcements have been made in early 2018, the most notable being the announcement of the huge expansion of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) here in Burnley, which will see the number of students on the Burnley Campus grow from 400 to 4,000 students by 2025! Making Burnley a leading university town, which will be a huge catalyst for wider investment in student accommodation, leisure and cultural developments, creating a major shift in Burnley’s offer and brand perception, as we are now a #UniversityTown.

UCLan also provides superb business support packages and they will be turning up the dial on this support for Burnley businesses over the coming months – we’ve featured this support in this edition so please see what is on offer and how it could help your business growth.

Another great accolade for the town was announced in the Financial Times, naming Burnley as one of the UK’s leading Tech Towns. A report by Tech Nation identified Burnley as one of the top 16 towns in the UK for the growth of its digital technology sector, which follows the stats released last year which put Burnley 2nd in the UK for digital jobs growth.

Burnley’s digital economy has also received another major boost with the development of The Landmark which is well underway. The Landmark is a project turning an iconic local building into a regional digital hub to help Burnley grow its digital skills base even further.

We continue to see the growth of many of our successful businesses and feature stories on the BCW expansion to accommodate its growth in the automotive sector, and on Futaba Manufacturing UK being awarded the coveted JLRQ award. Stories highlighting Burnley’s reputation as a regional centre of hi-tech manufacturing and digital technology excellence.

Our aim is for you to share the positive success stories you read within our pages and to help us put Burnley on the map for all the right reasons.

As always we encourage you to follow us on social media @burnleycouk to help us share these positive messages.

05 Burnley Top Tech Town

08 The Landmark Digital Hub

28 University Town

34 JLRQ Award for FMUK

Joanne Etherington Editor 01282 477315 jetherington@burnley.gov.uk

design by: creative-council.net © Burnley Council 14773 Printed by Peter Scotts Printers [t] 01282 452221

50 Vision Park occupancy 50% 3

News Primark opens new 32,000 sq.ft. store in Burnley’s Charter Walk Shopping Centre Over 500 shoppers queued for the 10am opening of the new Primark Burnley store on Friday May 18.

The new store showcases two floors of fashion over 32,000 sq.ft. of retail space and features the latest trends in women’s, men’s and children’s fashion as well and beauty and homeware. The stores design and layout builds on Primark’s latest contemporary shop fit with 24 fitting rooms, 15 cash desks, access to free Wifi and two customer ‘recharge’ seating areas.

Employees in ‘back of house’ will enjoy open spaces designed with modern features and comforts such as a ‘Recharge Café’ with a fully equipped kitchen area and bright décor.

This space is designed to feel like home away from home for employees.

Simon Gibbs, Director of Sales UK, Primark said: “We are delighted to open our new Primark store in Burnley. We have received a warm welcome from the people

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of Burnley and the surrounding areas. We look forward to offering our amazing fashion at amazing prices to our customers.”

Burnley Council Leader, Mark Townsend, said: “It is a massive vote of confidence in Burnley to see Primark coming to our town centre. The store will bring in shoppers from outside the borough, and more visitors mean a positive knock-on effect for the town centre economy as a whole “The council worked closely with the owners of Charter Walk Shopping Centre, Addington Capital, and other partners to bring Primark to Burnley as part of wider town centre regeneration plans to attract new investment in our town and it’s great to see the store now open in the town.”

The opening of the store in Burnley brings the number of Primark stores to 184 in the UK and 355 for the company. They employ over 750,000 people and believe in developing and growing talent across all levels, providing a range of in-house training

Burnley named as one of the UK’s leading Tech Towns The Financial Times (FT) has featured a story identifying Burnley as one of the UK’s top towns for the growth of its digital technology sector.

The piece in the FT focuses on the Tech Nation 2018 report which identifies the UK’s leading 16 ‘tech towns’ that have a higher than average number of digital businesses with a technology sector growing faster than the economy as a whole - and we are delighted Burnley has been listed amongst the top digital technology areas in the country.

Burnley has a large number of businesses at the forefront of the digital sector including the world renowned AMS Neve who make digital sound desks for the film and music industry, employing highly skilled digital technicians, and FDM Digital Solutions Ltd, one of the country’s most advanced 3D printing companies.

FDM engineer some of the most advanced 3D parts to the aerospace, automotive and medical sectors.

Mark Crabtree, OBE, Managing Director of one of Burnley’s largest digital businesses AMS Neve said: “This is great news for Burnley. The town has been working hard to grow and shine a light on its digital sector in recent years and this news proves the hard work is paying off. Burnley has established a Digital Cluster Group which is probably the most advanced in Lancashire and we are working to make the town a premier location for such businesses to locate providing a contrasting offer to the big city style, including the new Landmark project which is underway and Vision Park in Burnley’s Knowledge Quarter.

Burnley’s digital economy has also had a massive boost after Mark Crabtree

announced ambitious plans to transform an iconic local building into a thriving, hi tech hub for digital SMEs and microbusinesses to be named the Landmark.

Mark outlines his vision for the Landmark: “The Landmark project is a way to help Burnley grow its digital skills base even further, to ensure our digital skills don’t ‘leak’ out to say Manchester but keep the talent and skill here in Burnley.

“Digital companies, ‘Swarms’ are becoming the new fast growth paradigm.

The Landmark will be a place where we can create a close knit central team drawing on a pool of self-employed talent.

The bigger the pool, the more successful the companies. We are working to link with Rob Binns’ successful private venture “Cotton Court” in Preston and the publicly and university funded “Landing” at Media City in Salford, through a twinning scheme. If you have space in one of these workspaces, you can have a desk in any of the others when doing business in the corresponding area.”

Burnley Council Leader, Mark Townsend said: “Burnley came 2nd in the UK last year for digital jobs growth, so I’m not surprised we’ve featured as a top Tech Town - I’m delighted. Burnley is embracing digital technology which will have huge rewards for the town’s economy, making us a more competitive and prosperous place. The digital economy is leading the growth of Burnley’s economy and we’ve been working to raise the profile of the town as a successful digital cluster, to rival the clusters of Manchester, Leeds and even London, creating new business space such as Vision Park to house growing digital businesses.”

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News

Inspirational launch of new mentoring programme ‘Life is short; do what you love’, was the inspirational advice given to business people attending the launch of the Northern Mentoring Programme, a fitting celebration of Community & Business Partners 30 years’ of service to local businesses.

The Northern Mentoring programme will provide support to businesses, in any sector, anywhere in the North West, with an extensive bank of experienced and qualified business mentors.

Jane Houghton-Fenning, Business Development Director at Community & Business Partners said: “We have been supporting businesses through the delivery of the successful Boost Business Lancashire programmes for over 5 years now, but we recognised that some businesses wanted to benefit further from additional mentoring support after their funded hours.

“Every business sector needs to be able to access and benefit from mentoring, but unfortunately not every sector can access publically funded programmes.

“The beauty of the Northern Mentoring programme is that all businesses have access to a pool of highly experienced mentors and can tap into their expertise when needed.”

Jane’s positive messages about the tangible benefits of mentoring were validated

by Burnley entrepreneurs Matthew Riley, of Daisy Group and Antony Chesworth, of EKM who each took to the stage to share their own stories of how mentoring had helped shape their businesses successes.

Antony, who was mentored by Burnley entrepreneur Carole Garrett, founded EKM in 2002 founded EKM in 2002, aged 22, and the Fulwood business has grown to become the UK’s largest ecommerce software system powering 1 in every 5 online shops in the UK.

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Clients include Lotus Cars, O2, Michelin Tyres, Future Publishing, Madame Tussauds, The NHS, ITV, The BBC and thousands of SMEs. He said: “When asked who was my mentor when growing EKM, I didn’t think I had one, but when I really started to think to about it I actually had a number of mentors, my dad in particular.

“Being in business for many years himself, he was someone from who I sought

advice about employing staff, while I looked to other and friends and family for advice on property, HR issues and more.

“The secret to success is to never give up; I could have given up so many times, but I didn’t, I persevered.”

Telecoms entrepreneur Matthew, who started working life as an apprentice fixing typewriters and fax machines for £27.50 a week, has been fortunate to have a wealth of advice available to him during his career, the most high profile being Sir Philip Green.

He said: “The best advice I’ve had to date

is from a hairdresser who told me to set up two bank accounts; one for my own money and one for VAT. ‘That is not your money’, he said. I took his advice then and still follow it today.

“I’ve been lucky to have had mentoring from Sir Philip, worked with Lord Alan Sugar on The Apprentice and met Sir Richard Branson and while all very different, their work ethic is the same; each one fuelled by a true passion for what they do.”

Inspired by the two guest speakers, attendees were asked to consider factors within their own businesses; what they felt they were doing well and areas they felt they could improve, each table guided by mentors involved in the new Northern Mentoring Programme.

The event concluded with a panel interview led by Jaydee Davis, Operations Manager at Community & Business Partners, who questioned Jacob Knowles and Anthony Taylor, founders of printing firm Empine about their mentoring journey.

They both agreed that mentoring from Community & Business Partners, funded by Boost Business Lancashire, was fundamental to their 300% growth, opening up avenues to export and enabling their move to bigger premises.

Anthony said: “It’s always good to have an external opinion on our ideas. They really make you think about why you are going down a particular route and whether this is the right route for the business. We have found our mentor invaluable to the business.”

Anyone wishing for further information about the programme should email mentoring@cbpartners.org or call 01254 291281

Mint moves into Business Travel The launch of a new business travel management company in Burnley by ex-army sergeant and corporate director, Steve Hall, aims to help Lancashire businesses to save time and money when arranging domestic and overseas travel.

Based at Empire Business Park, Mint Business Travel is a sister company of Mint Holidays, which Steve successfully launched last year to provide luxury and long-haul holidays to the general public. The entrepreneur previously worked at executive level in various industry sectors, including five years as operations director at Expotel, which handled the booking of travel, accommodation and conferences for the largest UK and international businesses and employed over 400 people across operational centres in Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow.

The launch is the latest achievement for Steve, who originally trained as an electronics engineer in the army specialising in telecoms, after leaving Townley Technical High School at the age of 16. During his 14 years in the army, he spent four years in Germany and also competed as an international athlete, training as a sprinter alongside Kriss Akabusi and racing internationally at the highest level during the 1970’s.

Speaking of the launch of Mint Business Travel, Steve says: “We are specifically targeting small and medium sized firms across the north west. With one call a business can explain their requirements for travel in the UK or abroad and then we source the right flight or rail journey and hotel at the best prices – for free in most cases.

“Because we have access to 400 different suppliers, over 400,000 hotels worldwide and all international and domestic airlines, we secure specially negotiated rates that normal companies can’t access, and the internet can’t match. We also find the best rates for car hire, airport lounges and transfers, chauffeur driven cars and city taxis.

“Branching out into end-to-end business travel is a tremendously exciting move for Mint and we anticipate this sector quickly becoming our core business. Later in the year we will roll out our services to larger firms and will launch the next phase of our growth at Merseyside Business Expo on the 19th October.”

Burnley businessman wins Barclays Entrepreneur of the Year award Oak Furniture Land’s Managing Director and founder, Jason Bannister, has won the ‘People’s Choice Entrepreneur of the Year’ award at the Barclays Entrepreneur Awards.

Jason was presented with the accolade by business woman and TV personality, Baroness Karren Brady at the awards dinner at the prestigious Landing 42, Leadenhall Street in London.

The awards are a celebration of Barclays most innovative entrepreneurs and businesses, as voted by Barclays colleagues and a panel of regional and national judges from the wider entrepreneurial eco-system.

On receiving his award Jason commented “The real key to any entrepreneur’s success is the people they surround themselves with and I feel blessed to be surrounded by such loyal, hardworking and innovative people in both my work and family life.

The award has come as somewhat of a surprise but I am sincerely grateful especially coming from a key supporter of our business, Barclays have supported us through thick and thin over the past 10 years, so a special mention goes to Howard Noye and all the Barclays colleagues.”

Howard Noye, Head of Retail & Wholesale for Barclays in the South West, said: “I’m thrilled that Jason won the coveted People’s Choice Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Selecting only a small

number of national winners from hundreds of entries was a huge undertaking, as each of them play a vital role in innovation and adding value to the local economy by creating employment and generating wealth. Barclays is proud to support entrepreneurs and firms such as this and be the banking partner to some of the most innovative businesses in the UK.” The awards included seven categories: Start-up Entrepreneur, Social Entrepreneur, Scale-up Entrepreneur, Female & Male Entrepreneur Icons, Most Innovative Barclays Eagle Lab Resident and RISE FinTech Start-up Award.

Regional heats took place across eight UK regions made up of panels of senior Barclays’ colleagues and key members of the local entrepreneurial community who selected one regional winner per category. Jason was presented with Male Entreprenuer Icon award for the South West region.

The regional winners from all eight regions were then put forward for the national finals. The overall winners per category were decided by a national judging panel. Barclays colleagues were then asked to select their favourite company from the winners to create the People’s Choice Entrepreneur of the Year category.

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News

Historic Burnley building to be transformed into digital hub A Burnley businessman is helping breathe new life into one of the town’s most iconic buildings.

Mark Crabtree OBE, owner of Burnley Oscar-winning audio giant AMS Neve, has announced plans to transform the former Burnley Grammar School building into a thriving, hi-tech hub for digital SMEs and microbusinesses.

A former pupil of Burnley

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Grammar, Mark is investing a seven-figure sum, his own money, into creating a unique collaborative workspace for digital start-ups, SME’s and allied businesses, helping to secure the future digital economy of his home town and support the growing Digital Lancashire initiative.

The Landmark Burnley, which will see tech giants Microsoft and Google coming to the town,

is set to open its doors to the first wave of digital businesses in September, with impressive plans that will see the historic Grade 2 listed former grammar school in School Lane become the show piece of Burnley’s thriving tech economy.

Work is due to begin on the town centre site next week and Mark said: “The Landmark project is a way to help Burnley grow its

digital skills base, and for that not to ‘leak’ out to say Manchester but keep the talent and skill in Burnley. In the past, people starting businesses used to need money to buy machinery, hence the grants process.

“Now they need a laptop, an idea and somewhere other than their kitchen table to work.

But the point is, they want to work with like minds, and having

social gathering spaces to encourage each along.” Mark added: “The Landmark will also have allied businesses in situ, a small presence of lawyers and accountants in a move that means those professions will be on hand to assist the young companies grow and flourish. The building is absolutely amazing, very atmospheric and lends itself to being a great place to work in an area that has fantastic lifestyle advantages too.”

The project, which has been over a year in the making, germinated from Mark’s role as chairman of the influential Burnley Bondholders. Mark’s partner in running the operation of the Landmark space is David Walker, managing director and founder of digital marketing company +24Marketing.

Mark and Dave met through the Bondholder network and had held many discussions about

digital skills needs and opportunities for the local economy. David is delighted that the development is now going ahead.

“It’s an inspiring building and we’re going to create an inspiring work place and help Burnley be ‘the’ place to work for the techies!”

“We know how incredibly difficult it can be to get the connections you need in business, it took me years to pull in my first big client.

We will be able to speed up companies’ growth by having the connections Burnley businesses need.

“If someone in The Landmark is struggling to break into Manchester for instance, we will be able to help by say getting them into The Landing at Media City to work from there for a couple of weeks, making contacts and networking from there. “It will really help the business development process. This will be about creating a community, creating a family.

Many cities already do this with co-working hubs but what they won’t have is the passion of the Burnley people and that spirit we have of wanting to have Burnley at the top of the class.”

Workspace in The Landmark, which will open to its first wave of members and tenants in early September, will accommodate around 60 businesses of varying sizes from the start up micro with one person, through to established digital businesses. David added: “This is going to be the best thing that will ever have happened to helping the digital business sector in Burnley and to encouraging other tech companies from outside the town to use The Landmark .

“We want it to be the number one destination for our industry, putting Digital Burnley amongst the leaders in inspirational work spaces.”

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News Industry Award for leading Burnley Logistician

Ric’s cyber stock soars!

A young North West cyber specialist is on ‘cloud nine’ after the research project he is undertaking won backing from one of the world’s biggest companies.

Ric Derbyshire, Information Security Director at Burnley-based Holker IT, is among an elite group of PhD students at Lancaster University being sponsored by the Airbus Group in a united quest to provide the best possible protection against the escalating threat of computer ‘hacking’.

Ric, 27, former Chair of the NW Cyber Security Cluster, said: “Airbus are sponsoring the main research project in offensive security metrics, taking into account human elements and industrial control systems.

“The project is officially called ‘the cost of exploitation: socio-technical factors across varying degrees of attack complexity’ and forms a key element in the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Industrial Case PhD at Lancaster University.

“The PhD will help ensure that Holker IT continues to prosper as one of the few firms in the region with a dedicated in-house cyber security department.

“No business is safe from the threat of cyber attack and it is imperative that owners and managers seek out the facts and act accordingly.

“My role as a penetration tester with Holker IT allows me to get out into the field, working with clients to illustrate the vulnerability that exists and to outline the solutions available.”

Matthew Metcalfe, Managing Director at Holker IT, said: “We are delighted that Ric has secured a PhD studentship sponsored

by Airbus. It certainly underpins our firm belief that, in him, we have secured one of the brightest young brains in IT, not only in Lancashire, but across the North of England.”

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The inaugural Logistics Leadership Awards, held at the St Johns Hotel Solihull brought together a cross section of senior logisticians in manufacturing, retailing and wholesaling. Hosted by the Managing Director of the Logistics Leaders Network, Peter Acton, guests enjoyed an evening celebrating the achievements of key players within the industry. Guest speaker, Professor Alan Waller congratulated the winners and extolled them to continue to raise the bar of the standards of leadership within the logistics industry.

The Emerging Logistics Leader of Year category, presented by former star of The Apprentice TV programme Alex Epstein, who featured in series six of the BBC series, was won by was Sam Fagan of Burnley based Fagan & Whalley Ltd. Awarded to an individual

under the age of 35 who in the judge’s opinion has made the most positive contribution to the development of the art and science of logistics and supply chain management in any sector.

Peter Acton commented; “Sam is a worthy first winner of this award for his commitment, working for the business whilst studying for his degree; the success of all his projects including the new build 92,000sq. ft. semi automated warehouse facility at Burnley Bridge and his continuous voluntary contribution to the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport as Chairman of the Lancashire Group.”

Alex Epstein added “This is a richly deserved award for Sam and I wish him every success in his future career at Fagan & Whalley.

Officially #1 – ‘The Sunday Times Best Company to Work For 2018’ Burnley based Chess is officially the Best Company to Work for in the UK having won the prestigious Sunday Times award in London earlier this year.

Chess Founder and CEO David Pollock, collected the high-profile award following another successful year as one of the UK’s leading technology solutions providers. David also scooped up the ‘Best Leader’ award for the second year running.

He said: “We’ve been in ‘The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For in the UK’ for the last nine years, 3rd in 2015 and 2nd in 2016 and 2017. I’m so proud that we’ve finally made it to first place. I was also thrilled to be named ‘Best Leader’ for the second year in a row, an award for all our great leaders at Chess.

“We couldn’t achieve half of what we do without the support of our people, our loyal customers, our partners and our suppliers.

We are passionate about making Chess not only a great place to work but also a great place to be a customer.

“It is this total commitment by our people that makes us the Best Company to Work for in the UK and I couldn’t be more proud.

A great start to 2018 and a great way to celebrate our 25th year in business.”

Kate Wood, Head of Knowledge and Culture at Chess, added: “I am so proud to be part of Team Chess. Our Culture is what sets us apart and we love it. Everyone has worked together with passion and pride to achieve the number one spot and taking that trophy back to the Chess Family today will be the best feeling in the world.”

Best Companies methodology is widely recognised as the most academically-rigorous measure in present workplace engagement.

Chess People benefit from health and pension plans, a share-option scheme, flexible working hours, complemented by some more unusual benefits such as massages, breakfast clubs, flu jabs, sponsorships for qualifications and happiness training conducted by the company CEO David Pollock.

Launch of new Themis Academies transforms skills training sector across the North West Themis has launched a series of new Training Academies targeted at adults keen to reskill to launch a new career and employers who need to fill a vital skills gap in their business.

Themis launched several academies including a Construction Academy, Warehousing Academy, Manufacturing Academy, Upholstery Academy at a recent showcase event at Themis, Princess Way, Burnley, which was attended by business leaders from across the region.

The new Training Academies have been developed to complement the existing, highly successful Textile Academy, launched in 2017, which has seen employers within the thriving textile industry in the North West fill their skills gap for sewing machinists.

Simon Jordan, Director of Themis at Burnley College, said: “The launch of these new Themis Training Academies has been driven by the huge success of the Textile Academy for employers and recruits alike.

Our training model, used in the Textile Academy, has a proven record of success and is now being rolled out to fill skills gaps in the Warehousing, Manufacturing, Construction and Upholstery sectors.

“Our success is based on the fact that we provide employers with the skilled workforce they need in key areas of their business.

Employers drive the content of the training programme and it is tailored to providing skilled and motivated recruits who will be a long-term asset to their business.”

He went on to say: “Working closely with teams at JobCentres, Themis is offering those who enrol on the programmes a real opportunity of a job at the end of their training and a new, rewarding career, with skills that are valued by employers. Our staff proactively work with employers to place those coming to the end of their Themis Training Academy programme in permanent employment in their chosen sector.

“Not only do those completing their Training Academy programme leave with valuable skills, they also have a keen understanding of the importance of time-keeping, health and safety and communication within the workplace which helps them to stand out from the crowd.”

The Themis Training Academies provide short courses led by experienced industry professionals in our bespoke training facility at Network 65 Business Park, within easy access of the M65 and bus routes; in the industry-standard facilities at the Construction and Innovation Centre or the specialist Textile Academy at Burnley College.

To discover how the Themis Training Academies can help you as an employer, contact the Themis team on 01282 733005 or email employer@themis.ac.uk. Individuals who are currently seeking employment and who are keen to re-train for a rewarding career, contact Chantelle Allen on c.allen@burnley.ac.uk or call her on 01282 733547.

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News 2018 looks bright for Burnley business, with £5M forecast for VEKA VEKA Group plans to invest around £5M in its Burnley plant this year, to increase production and finishing capacity, and best serve its customers up and down the country.

As one of Burnley’s biggest employers, VEKA is proud to further demonstrate its commitment to UK manufacturing.

Based on Farrington Road, the company is in the process of acquiring a building adjacent to the existing HQ which will allow the current 380,000 sq ft site site to expand by a further 40,000 sq ft. The new building will enable growth of the company’s specialist lamination department, where colours and woodgrain effects are applied to VEKA’s high quality PVC-U profile, ready to be made into window and door frames by customers across the British Isles.

MD Dave Jones explains: “VEKA is part of a global group, and came to Burnley in 1986.

Back then, the UK plant had just four extrusion lines. I’m proud to say we now have 34 extrusion lines and we employ around 400 people, with 91% of our workforce living within the BB postcode.

“Despite a relatively flat market predicted for 2018, VEKA has always been well placed to capitalise on pockets of growth in our sector and invest our success back into the business, and the East Lancs economy.

“Following the £5M we spent building the country’s most technically advanced PVC-U mixing plant in 2014, there has been a continued pattern of investment, including – for example - £400K last year allocated to energy efficiency upgrades for the plant. Improved lighting, heating and high

bay racking meant that our warehouse facility achieved a 25% reduction in electricity consumption in 2017.

“As well as the new building and equipment for the lamination department, we’ll also be making improvements to our specialist maintenance and tooling department this year.

“The aim - as always - is to ensure that we are providing the finest products in the most efficient manner for our customers. The improvements to the lamination department reflect the growth we’ve seen

in the demand for coloured windows across the industry, and will allow our client base to offer homeowners the ‘best of the best’ when it comes to foiled frames. We were delighted to be named ‘Employer of the Year’ at last year’s Burnley Business Awards and we take our responsibility to staff very seriously. Our investments in the Burnley site also illustrates our ongoing commitment to UK manufacturing and providing fantastic local employment opportunities.”

Interested in working at VEKA Group? visit vekauk.com/about-us/working-at-veka

VEKA Group has no reservations in welcoming reservists Major local employer VEKA Group hosted representatives from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment at the company’s Farrington Road HQ to give staff chance to find out more about joining the Army Reserve.

VEKA was recently presented with a Bronze Award Certificate from the Ministry of Defence for pledging to support those who serve. The MoD’s Employer Recognition Scheme

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(ERS) awards certificates to dedicated organisations which have opted to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating their commitment to offering fair employment and support to members of the Armed Forces.

VEKA’s Operations Director Paul Armstrong welcomed the soldiers on site before employees from across the company were encouraged to visit the stand and find

out about the part-time opportunities available within the Army Reserve.

Paul said: “Last year, I was invited to visit Cyprus, by the Army, on behalf of VEKA laminator Mark Schofield – who has been in the Army Reserve for more than 20 years. The trip was an opportunity to learn about reservists’ military work and how it complements their ‘everyday’ roles. Since then, we

are proud to have organised some Army Reserve workshops for our staff as a way to offer some of our employees a fresh perspective on life outside work.

The primary aim to give advice and information that might hopefully see some more men and women join up.”

Captain Mark Lydiate headed up the recruitment team: “It’s great when forwardthinking organisations like >>

>> VEKA invite us on site to speak to staff, because joining the Army Reserve can be incredibly beneficial, both for individuals and their employers.

“Recruitment events like this allow us to chat to people that might not otherwise know what being in the Army Reserve involves, and how it can work in conjunction with another career. As well as the benefits of travel, adventure and extra pay, there’s a huge range of training opportunities with qualifications that are directly applicable to civilian jobs.

“The minimum amount of time that you have to commit as an Army reservist is just 27 days per year. So you can see how easily it can work alongside another job. Especially with companies like VEKA, that have pledged to support people in these roles.

“Chatting to people oneto-one, at regional events like this, gives us the time to answer questions about anything and everything. The lads from the VEKA factory were interested in the weapons we brought on site and so they were able to feel the weight of the guns, helmets and kit bags for themselves while finding out more about various Army roles.

“We were also able to highlight some of the more diverse benefits that we’ve helped recruits enjoy recently; like the 30 reservists we took on ski training trip to France and those that have been put through their driving test, at no cost to them. Not to mention the fact that reservists get paid to train, and earn tax-free ‘bounties’ that increase in each successive year.”

VEKA Group was recently recognised as ‘Employer of the Year’ at Lancashire’s Red Rose Awards, so it comes as no surprise that the PVC-U profile manufacturer should demonstrate support of staff in this way.

That’s the SPIRIT!

VEKA named Employer of the Year Touted as ‘Lancashire’s premier celebration of business excellence’, the annual Red Rose Awards evening was held at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool with over 1,100 guests attending the black-tie event. Graham Liver of BBC Lancashire Radio played host to 150 finalists from all over the North West. Now in its eighth year, the auspicious evening has been described as ‘the awards for the businesses that keep the county alive – the heroes of the Lancashire economy’.

The Farrington Road window systems supplier employs almost 400 members of staff, with over 90% of the team in the BB post code area. VEKA is also current holder of the Burnley Business Awards’ ‘Employer of the Year’ title.

Dave Jones, VEKA Group MD, says, “We are all extremely proud to have been named ‘Employer of the Year’ at the Red Rose Awards. While VEKA is an international name in the PVC-U industry, we are also very much a local company in Burnley, so the regional events and awards are extra special to us.

“Over the past 12 months, VEKA has completely redeveloped its Employer Brand and VEKA Values to come up with a new ethos of VEKA SPIRIT. The SPIRIT values – Success, Pride, Integrity, Responsible, Improvement, and Team – have become the basis for all employer/ employee interaction from recruitment to retirement, and everything in between.

“VEKA has always been committed to its

team, encouraging professional and personal development at every level, organising and encouraging social activities for its staff, and heavily supporting local charities and causes, such as Rosegrove FC, Pendleside Hospice, Derian House, and this year’s charity of choice; Hayley’s Hugs.

“At VEKA, we conduct regular staff surveys as we know their feedback is key to making VEKA not just the business of choice for our customers but for our employees too, so to come home from Blackpool as ‘Employer of the Year’ was the icing on the cake. It shows that all the effort we put in to supporting and nurturing our team is working, and of course we couldn’t have done that without the commitment and hard work from all the staff too.”

Having selected VEKA Group from a short list of six, the Red Rose Awards judges had this to say of the winners: “In 2017 the development and implementation of the Employer Brand and VEKA Values found a way to put their people at the heart of the business. What they are and what they stand for was well evidenced, as was the fact that the changes the business has adopted are good for the employees, the suppliers and for the business.”

If you’d like to find out more about Employer of the Year VEKA Group or are interested in working with the team in Burnley, please visit www.vekauk.com, email jobsuk@veka.com or telephone 01282 725278.

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News

No company is safe from the global threat of ‘cyber attack’, but for Burnley businesses help can now be found right here on the doorstep!

Cyber specialists home in on Burnley Cyber security experts Holker IT have taken up residence in the town following a £150,000 move to smart new headquarters on Phoenix Way. And managing director Matthew Metcalfe believes that educating firms on the implications of ‘hacking’ is a top priority.

“Cyber attacks are happening right here and right now and anyone who feels it won’t happen to them is living outside reality,” stressed Matthew. “Protection that may have been good enough a year or so ago is no longer sufficient.

“It is imperative that businesses fully understand the size and scale of the threat and act accordingly to protect their networks, data, systems and staff.”

Major players, including the likes of NatWest Bank, have sought assistance from Holker IT, often teaming up for dedicated seminars on the subject across the North West.

But Matthew insists much more needs to be done. “Recent research shows that nearly half of all businesses lack a formal strategy against cyber attack although around 90% say they consider cyber security to be ‘quite’ or ‘very’ important.

“There is clearly confusion, an imbalance, probably caused by a lack of understanding or awareness. Our priority is to get out amongst the Burnley business community to engage and advise on what we can do to help, not least through awareness and training.

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“Cyber security isn’t something you can put on the back burner. The consequences, even for SMEs, can be catastrophic. This isn’t an IT issue; it’s a business survival issue.”

Holker IT is one of the few IT companies in the North of England with a dedicated in-house cyber security department - fronted up by Information Security Director Ric Derbyshire, one of the brightest IT brains in the region.

A former Chair of the NW Cyber Security Cluster, 27-year-old Ric is currently among an elite group of PhD students at Lancaster University. In tandem with his role at Holker IT, he is studying a research project in offensive security metrics, taking into account human elements and industrial control systems, which has received sponsorship from none other than Airbus.

But, while cyber security is key to Holker IT in terms of immediate strategy, the 16-strong firm offers a full gambit of IT solutions.

“We are in a strong place, not least in terms of technical capability,” said Matthew.

“Having someone of Ric’s calibre on board and given the talent within our engineering team, we are able to offer a first class IT support system.

“Basically, clients now receive the equivalent of their very own in-house IT department, but also benefit from our high level of expertise and proactive way of working. Because we hold control, it is no longer a case of simply responding to a client

after a problem occurs.

“That 24/7 involvement through our E-Portal Hub is also backed up by a dedicated Helpdesk, a service we established a few years ago and one which continues to bring instant solutions.

“We are big into Cloud Computing too, with a hosted email and office suite of software providing clients with technology designed to make their operations more efficient.

“We appreciate that many firms in these parts are SMEs, so we have ensured that our cloud services are versatile, competitively priced and scalable, meaning they can grow as clients grow.

“Telecoms is another key area for us and, among many options, we provide a fullyhosted cloud VOIP solution, which can be up and running in a matter of days and is ideal for small and start-up businesses.”

It is easy to see why Matthew is excited about the future and the move to Burnley.

“It is a significant step forward for us Burnley is a genuine business town showing real desire for development.

“We like the hub and buzz of the place.

Like the football club, perhaps we too can help put Burnley on the map?

“It has taken a lot of hard work - and a little bit of pain - to get us here, but I am confident that we are ready to face the next chapter with increasing confidence. Bring it on.”

Burnley employees help Warburtons to raise a million Employees at Warburtons in Burnley have played their part in helping to raise £1million for Cancer Research UK. Three years of activity at the Burnley site saw a superb £40,031 raised towards the overall company total. Warburtons partnered with Cancer Research UK in 2015 with the aim of raising money over four years to match a donation made by the Warburton family. Rising to the challenge, people across Warburtons smashed this target in just two years.

However, the fundraising didn’t stop there with all 221 people employed at Warburtons’ Burnley site continuing to organise and take part in fundraising activities. And after three years they have raised the money to help the business reach their whopping £1m. total.

Brett Warburton, Executive Director said: “We are incredibly proud of the hard work and energy that our people have put into raising this incredible amount of money for such a worthy cause.

“Cancer touches so many families, and at Warburtons, family is at the heart of everything we do, so we are delighted to be supporting Cancer Research UK. “Our original goal was to raise £300,000 over the course of four years through fundraising activities. Our people have been very creative with how they have raised the money including bungee jumping and climbing wind turbines!

“We are so proud that our target has been smashed and we look forward to continuing to raise money for this great cause and to help keep families together across the country.”

Velocity Composites signs long term agreement for Boeing 737 Max Burnley based, Velocity Composites, a leading supplier of advanced composite material kits, has announced it has agreed a long term agreement to secure the supply of complex design consumable kits for the Boeing 737 Max programme.

In addition, this contract encapsulates the finalisation of the agreement for the provision of complex vacuum bags on this programme. The agreement extends to 31 December 2021 with a contract value of £3 million. These composite material kits will be produced in Velocity’s Fareham site starting immediately and used by Velocity’s customer for the wing construction on the Boeing 737 Max. This contract signals a new agreement with an existing customer who is a Tier 1 supplier in the Aerospace industry, and a significant first for Velocity on the Boeing 737 Max programme which is a high growth Boeing platform.

Jon Bridges, CEO of Velocity Composites, said: “This latest signing of a long term agreement with one of our existing customers is a significant and positive step for Velocity, and importantly is our first contracted Boeing platform, which continues the trading momentum that the company has experienced in the year so far. We are confident that the added value the company brings through lowering waste and cost in the aerospace industry will lead to the continued growth of Velocity’s role in the aerospace manufacturing supply chain. I am also hopeful that these two packages of work will, in turn, lead to further contract awards.” www.velocity-composites.com

IT firm set to create new jobs with £125k Rosebud backing IT solutions business, Holker IT, has been awarded a £125,000 loan from Lancashire Rosebud Finance to support its further growth.

Holker IT, which currently employs 16 people, is planning to create another ten jobs in the next two to three years. Holker provides IT support services, telecoms systems and printers to clients throughout the North West. Established eight years ago in Colne, the business has been expanding steadily and recently moved into larger premises in Burnley.

Holker is now on target to grow turnover by 20% in the current year and expects to achieve similar growth in the following years. The company, which also has a satellite office in Preston, is led by directors Matthew Metcalfe and James Dewhurst.

Lancashire Rosebud Finance - which provides growth funding for businesses in the county – is managed by Mercia Fund Managers on behalf of Lancashire County Developments Limited (LCDL),

Lancashire County Council’s economic development company.

Peter Rooney, Investment Manager at Mercia Fund Managers, said: “Holker IT is seeing a growing demand for IT support from small firms in the region.

The company has a reputation for its fast and responsive service and is continually investing in staff and skills. The directors are continuing to expand their services in cyber security and business technology consultancy. This funding will allow them to build the team and pursue their growth strategy.”

County Councillor Michael Green, Cabinet member for economic development, environment and planning, said: “It is pleasing to see another Lancashire firm performing well. They have engaged with Lancashire’s Rosebud finance to assist them to take the business to the next level. They are investing in their staff in terms of training and are looking to grow the business by expanding their service offer.”

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News

Modern canalside apartments unveiled – part of Burnley’s new housing offer for the next generation

Barnfield Homes has unveiled the show apartment for the new canalside Bridgewalk Apartments on Sandygate in Burnley.

Burnley’s housing landscape is changing dramatically with Burnley Council working with several developers who are building modern affordable homes and apartments across the borough for the next generation.

Bridgewalk Apartments, a £2 million scheme which comprises 16 luxury apartments over 4 floors, situated in the unique ‘OnTheBanks’ canalside development within the historic Weavers’ Triangle, is a wonderful example of new homes primarily aimed at first time buyers, with Help to Buy assistance.

Burnley Council Leader, Mark Townsend said: “The show apartment looks great and represents a new era in providing a modern housing offer here in Burnley.

“The apartments will bring the OnTheBanks canalside development to life, and will be key to promoting urban living in and around the town centre, which the council sees as an

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important priority for Burnley’s economic growth.

Adding: “Burnley is truly embracing the trend of urban living, recognising that millennials and baby boomers are looking to live in modern environments close to town centres and leisure facilities.

“A number of Burnley town centre buildings are being lovingly converted in to stylish spacious apartments, and there are several modern housing developments underway across Burnley transforming the housing offer here in the town.”

“The Bridgewalk apartments are in a great location, situated on the waterside, close to the town centre and its range of shops, restaurants and bars as well as being within walking distance of the Manchester Road Railway Station with easy access into Manchester via the direct rail link.”

Tim Webber, MBE, Managing Director of Barnfield Construction, said: “The continued development of the OnTheBanks scheme is very important to the economic growth of Burnley. This exciting

addition of these stylish, high quality apartments will really help to activate this area that has already seen high level investment in both infrastructure and commercial space.

Delivering on this initiative really proves the strength of the relationship Barnfield have with Burnley Council and Homes England.”

Kathryn Molloy, Head of LEP Co-ordination and Development, said: “It’s a real testament to the progress that Lancashire is making in the housing sector this government backed scheme has been built in Burnley.

“The LEP’s investment

through the Growing Places fund has helped play a key role in kick-starting the Bridgewalk Apartments scheme and helping attract further Government support.

“All across Lancashire, the LEP is investing strategically to support development with the aim of building 40,000 new homes in the next decade.

“The Bridgewalk Apartments are just one example of the many housing schemes local people can expect to see get underway as the LEP delivers our ambitious strategic plan to drive economic growth and transform the county’s economy.“

Developer lined up for town centre development scheme Burnley Council has appointed Maple Grove to develop a leisure and retail scheme in Burnley town centre.

The development, on the former Pioneer site in Curzon Street, would include a cinema, restaurants, a public plaza, shops and a 125-space car park.The council’s executive recently gave the go ahead to finalise a deal to develop and bring the scheme forward with Maple Grove, who part of the Eric Wright Group.

Council leader Mark Townsend said: “Lining up a development partner for the Curzon Street site is the first stage in this ambitious project which will enable us to deliver a massive boost for Burnley, building on the investment already being made by Primark. This scheme will draw in more visitors, boost the local economy, and further establish Burnley’s reputation as an attractive and vibrant shopping and leisure destination.

“We want to expand the range of leisure and entertainment facilities in the town centre, especially by attracting high quality, well-established restaurant

chains to our town. Town centres are changing, with shoppers expecting a wider range of leisure uses and family-orientated restaurants alongside a good mix of shops.

This development, including the relocation of the Reel cinema, will bring this to Burnley town centre. The scheme is also expected to lead to the creation of approximately 300 new jobs.

“Our commitment to developing this site as part of wider plans for the town centre has never wavered. It’s one of our top priorities. We will continue to fight for what’s best for our borough and this is part of that commitment.

“A report by independent experts said Burnley has ‘punched above its weight’ in terms of maintaining and growing the number of shops in its town centre over the past decade, where other similar towns have struggled. This agreement will further expand what Burnley has to offer to shoppers and visitors and bring in well-known national restaurant brands.”

Andrew Dewhurst, director of Maple Grove, said: “The scheme represents a major mixed-use development

which will make a significant contribution to the vibrancy and leisure provision of the town centre. Our proposal has been shaped to take advantage of the site’s prominence and proximity to the UCLan/Burnley College campus as well as meeting the needs of known occupiers who are seeking space in the town centre. We look forward to forging a strong and effective partnership with Burnley Council as we take forward this important development.”

Under the proposals Reel Cinema would move from its current site in Manchester Road, on the edge of the town centre, to a new multiscreen complex. A national supermarket chain would take over and convert the existing cinema, together with a re-design of the car park and

improved access.

No details of the supermarket or restaurant chains are being disclosed at this stage of the proposals.

The executive agreed the appointment of Maple Grove and authorised senior officers to finalise terms of the agreement with the developer. A start date for the building work has not been set and the council and the developer have a number of obligations to meet, as well as planning approvals, before the development can start on site.

The proposals follow improvements to the town centre pedestrianised area, the recent arrival of High Street giant Primark, and recently announced plans to improve Market Square in Charter Walk shopping centre.

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News

What More UK finalists in prestigious DIY Week Awards What More UK are celebrating two of their UPCYCLED products being shortlisted in the finals for the prestigious DIY Week Awards 2018.

• Home and Kitchen Product of the Year: • DIY Product of the Year Now in its eighth year, DIY Week Awards is the key networking event for the DIY, home improvement and garden market.

What More UK have been shortlisted for their brandnew initiative - UPCYCLED products. The Upcycled range consists of products made from 95% post-consumer waste plastic. This now-commercially viable range is the result of countless hours and days of testing and trialling, working directly with recycling centres.

Judges came together in February at the Dulux Academy at Akzo Nobel’s UK head office in Slough to discuss the entries, test out products, and choose 27 of those products to be shortlisted across nine categories.

What More UK have had two products shortlisted this year.

Tony Grimshaw OBE, Director of What More UK, commented: “I am proud of our team for all of their effort and hard work in creating this revolutionary new Upcycled product that has allowed us to be shortlisted in the DIY Week Awards this year. We created Upcycled as a means to combat the January plastic importation ban introduced

by China. The tonnes of plastic that is usually shipped to China would otherwise be burned, buried or left in a landfill and we wanted to create an environmentally friendly alternative. It’s an honour for this to be recognised by such a prestigious award nomination.”

For more information about: What More UK - visit whatmoreuk.com or DIY Week Awards - visit diyweekawards.co.uk/about

BBC spotlight on What More exporting to 71 countries A Burnley firm took centre stage as television cameras came to town to show off a manufacturing company who is bucking the trend on the international stage.

Bosses at What More UK Limited had an early start for their slot on BBC Breakfast as director Tony Grimshaw explained.

“We realised there are two 3.30s in the day as they arrived at 4.45am and the production staff arrived a bit later.

“It was great and Steph McGovern was so professional and talked everything so easy to make it like we were having a chat.”

The company employs 245 people and they boast 18 different nationalities from New Zealand to the Republic of Ireland and

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everywhere in between.

But Mr Grimshaw insists their workforce are an important part of their success. He said: “People in Lancashire just get down and get things done and don’t complain. Some of the employees were there at 6am and they were smiling and that is what we are about.”

The firm specialise in British-made products include household storage, DIY toolboxes, organizers, garden pots, pet care, food storage and wooden brushes, all under the brand name Wham.

Speaking on the programme, director Tony Grimshaw said: “Business is growing and things are going in the right direction.

We have invested £8m over the past 18

months and have earmarked another £3m for new machinery. Our job has been made a lot easier by the quality of our products and service and also hard work of our staff.

“We export to 71 countries and it all started four years ago when we did not want to depend on or be over-reliant on regions.

We now have customers in South America, North America, Australia, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

“We deal with most good major retailers in the United Kingdom.

“There are some products for South Korea and the funny thing is that you can only read What More UK Limited on the labels.”

PIH CELEBRATES 30 YEARS IN BURNLEY Pipeline Induction Heat (PIH), the world’s leading field joint coating company, is celebrating 30 years at its UK location, here in Burnley.

Last month, to mark the significant milestone at the Rossendale Industrial Estate site, the company hosted a party for employees past and present at the Rosegrove Unity Club. Guests were entertained and treat to a delicious buffet with a chance to celebrate the past 30 years. The company’s founder, Peter Bryant joined the festivities via video link to talk about the history of the business and thank employees for their loyalty.

Said PIH md, Paul McShane: “Thirty years is a considerable milestone and over the years the business has grown from strength to strength, so we felt it only right to celebrate accordingly.

“Geographically, Burnley has been an excellent location for us. Clients from abroad have been able to reach us with ease thanks to our close proximity to Manchester Airport and we also have excellent road routes linking us to major cities around the UK. Our loyal workforce - many of whom are from the local area - have been with the business for a considerable number of years too. Here’s to the next 30!”

In addition to the party, PIH has planned a number of fundraising activities that will take place throughout the year, in support of Lancashire-based Pendleside Hospice. They include the Hospice’s ‘Corporate Challenge’ initiative where participating companies are challenged to raise funds between July and September 2018. The business that raises the most money will be recognised at an awards ceremony which will be held in September.

One of the events includes a 10k run which will take place in July - a number of staff from PIH are already training in preparation for the event.

Batch Industrial Strength Gin wins Double Gold at San Francisco World Spirit Competition

Burnley based micro-distillery, Batch, has been awarded Double Gold at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirit Competition (SFWSC).

This designation is awarded to very few entries that receive Gold medal ratings by all members of the judging panel, placing Batch among the best spirits in the world.

Batch has been awarded the most prestigious accolade in the spirits industry, after scooping Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).

Double Gold is awarded to Batch for their Industrial Strength Gin, a playful twist on a Navy gin and a nod to the industrial heritage of their hometown. Very few entries receive Double Gold, recognising Batch Industrial Strength Gin as one of the best spirits in the world. This tremendous recognition follows the success of Batch Signature Gin being crowned the UK’s favourite gin by Craft Gin Club members, in January 2018.

Head Distiller, Oliver Sanderson, is thrilled with the announcement: “I originally produced Industrial Strength for Batch Innovations members; our monthly spirits subscription club. After surveying our members, we knew Industrial Strength was very good but to achieve Double Gold at San Francisco is an

incredible achievement. I’m honoured that our playful and innovative nature is being recognised.”

Batch originally produced around 200 bottles of Industrial Strength Gin as a limited edition run for their subscription members, plus select local bars and restaurants. With the news of Double Gold, Industrial Strength Gin is set to make a comeback and will join their core range, which includes Signature and Whinberry gins. Batch Organic Vodka also received a Silver SFWSC award, and another of their gins from the Batch Innovations range, Buddha’s Hand Gin, walked away with a Bronze at this year’s competition.

The local support Batch has received since launching in 2015 has been tremendous, but the tight-knit team of six are elated to be receiving worldwide recognition by some of the best-known industry experts. Director, Phil Whitwell, comments: “Going from distilling in the basement of a house in 2015, to being crowned the UK’s favourite gin and now achieving the success of a SFWSC Double Gold, I am thrilled people are enjoying our gin as much as we love producing and innovating.

2018 has been an incredible year so far!”

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News

Burnley Bridge South set to create hundreds of jobs Burnley Bridge South, part of Eshton’s Burnley Bridge Employment Gateway situated at Junction 9 M65, has been allocated as proposed employment land in the Council’s next Local Plan and is set to bring 1,300 new jobs to the town.

To date, the three-phase development off the M65 carriageway has brought more than £50million in investment to Burnley and the surrounding area.

The new Burnley Bridge South scheme will provide a similar mix of warehousing and industrial accommodation to the existing site, with a flexible range of quality units tailored to meet the needs of its occupiers. Sitting

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adjacent to the A679 Accrington Road, the indicative plans for Burnley Bridge South are for units totalling 600,000 sq ft.

The three developments, clustered around Junction 9 of the M65 motorway, already comprises Burnley Bridge and Titanium Park, which together span 80 acres and has 735,000 sq ft already occupied with room for a further 135,000 sq ft.

James Chapman, managing director of Eshton, said: “Burnley Bridge South forms part of our vision to expand Burnley’s business park presence and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to investing in Burnley.

“Our strategy of continued growth is

on track and we’re confident that the next 12 months will bring further significant milestones for the business park and Burnley.’’

Burnley Council leader, Mark Townsend, said: ‘’We are waiting to hear from the planning inspector on final approvals and we hope to adopt the Local Plan over the summer. It is good news for Burnley that Eshton plan to take this site forward. ‘’We have confidence in them to deliver a quality development following the success of their previous business park development Burnley Bridge which has created hundreds of new jobs for the town.’’

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rosebud business solutions combines flexible finance with customised support and advice to help your business grow.

We help growing companies to develop technology and innovation, acquire plant and equipment, and complete mergers and acquisitions.

We can also connect you with other support and funding options from the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF) and Boost – Lancashire’s business growth hub.

Contact rosebud to support your growth ambition. It’s in your hands.

ROSEBUD

LEP

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Tel: 01772 536651 Web: www.lancashire.gov.uk/business Email: rosebud@lancashire.gov.uk

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News Outstanding Themis Higher Apprentices presented with nationally-acclaimed awards Higher Themis Apprentices Thomas Firth, Chelsea-Marie Parker and Ewan Stevenson were presented with their Higher National Certificate (HNC) awards at the Livery Companies Apprenticeship Scheme Achievement Ceremony, hosted at Plaisterer’s Hall, London. The awards were presented by The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Dr Andrew Parmley and were attended by Master of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers, Dr Tony Smart MBE and dignitaries from the Worshipful Companies of Dyers, Wax Chandlers, Upholders, Glaziers, Clockmakers, Wheelwrights, Coachmakers and Air Pilots.

Thomas, Chelsea-Marie and Ewan all achieved Distinction certificates, gaining them each a HNC in Furniture Design and Make. Not only did each Themis Apprentice receive their qualifications, they are now all embarking on the next stage of their outstanding careers. Ewen Stevenson will now take his Higher level qualification back to Burgess Beds, Rossendale to a new role as General Manager. Chelsea-Marie Parker is continuing her professional development and keen to pursue a degree level qualification in Product Design, supported by her employer Silentnight, Barnoldswick, where Thomas Firth will be putting his Higher Level qualification to good use in a new role as Junior Manager.

Chelsea-Marie Parker, who has also won a City and Guilds Medal for Excellence and a Lancashire Business Award for her outstanding work said of her achievement: “All my trainers knew I wanted to achieve my best work and become and industry leader and they were more than keen to help me get there. They also took a lot of interest in my future plans and nominated me for awards for the effort I put into my training.”

Curriculum Manager Paul Stackhouse said: “This honourable occasion was made even more special by the fact that it was down to each individual’s hard work and drive that they were awarded with their HNC certificates.

We have relished training Apprentices as hard-working and driven as Thomas, Chelsea-Marie and Ewan and supporting them through their progression and look forward to being a part of their #futureboss careers in the furniture making industry. All three Apprentices – now qualified furniture makers – are a credit to Themis and to their employers.”

Director of Themis Simon Jordan said: “It’s an incredible honour for our Higher Apprentices to have their hard work recognised in this way by the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers at this extremely prestigious national celebration of the future of craft and skill in this country. Thomas, Chelsea-Marie and Ewan have worked exceptionally hard to gain their qualifications and have proved beyond doubt that they are highly skilled leaders of tomorrow within this competitive industry. The entire Themis team has seen them progress from when they first began as Advanced Apprentices and we wish them the very best in their leading careers in the Furniture Making industry.”

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Petty gain Council GLAS Accreditation Petty’s have announced that they have been awarded accreditation status with Burnley Borough Council in their Good Landlord and Agent Scheme (GLAS). GLAS is a partnership between Burnley Borough Council, private sector landlords and managing agents who rent properties out in the Burnley area. The voluntary scheme was launched in 2001 and updated in 2016 to reflect the changes in legislation and best practice affecting the private rented sector.

Simon Westwell Residential Director at Petty’s said: “We’re delighted to gain this accreditation as it shows our commitment to ensuring that the properties we Let and manage at Petty’s are always of the highest standard. People need affordable housing but they also need and deserve to know that they are living in good quality housing too” The improved conditions which are ensured by the scheme enhance living conditions for tenants and residents living in Burnley. Through continuing development of the scheme more Landlords and agents are encouraged

to join and improve conditions of their properties. The innovative scheme is seen as being important for promoting and implementing proactive policies and initiatives within the private rented sector. The scheme serves to benefit landlord, agent and tenant by improving the image and standards of private rented accommodation.

Councillor John Harbour, the council’s executive member for housing and leisure, said: “Burnley Council works with private landlords to support them and encourage them to raise their standards. Petty deserves credit for being accredited under our new code of practice.

“It reflects their professional approach to how they go about their business and the fact they are committed to providing a top class service to their tenants.

“Many managing agents are unregulated and some are not members of a professional body. If landlords are selecting a managing agent in Burnley, Burnley Council would always encourage them to ensure they are members of GLAS”

Is The UK Facing A Shortage In Grade A Office Space?

We asked Brent Forbes, Commercial Director at Petty to comment: “We’re in a fortunate position in Burnley to have excellent availability of office space at affordable prices and also great connectivity. We’re an hour away from three airports and the recent rail upgrade means less than an hour to both Manchester and Leeds. If

firms are struggling to get places in the larger conurbations in the North West, either through high prices or just sheer availability, then Burnley would be an ideal choice. Brexit is causing uncertainty for many but if we can capitalise on that now during the two year negotiation period, it will stand us in good stead for the future.”

Burnley is the centre of the world for Boohoo A Burnley distribution centre is rapidly establishing itself as the centre of a global online clothing brand.

Booming boohoo.com, which has centres in New York, Los Angeles, London, Leicester and Manchester, could not do without its Burnley Distribution Centre, which sits at the heart of the operation, acting as the hub for the company’s four brands.

Early last year the group acquired fashion brands PrettyLittleThing and Nasty Gal. Today the boohoo group sells to more than eight million customers in almost every country in the world.

Council and business leaders were invited to see the latest developments at the company’s huge site at the Heasandford Industrial Estate, Widow Hill Road. Such is

the success of the company, that the rate of growth in revenue has required an increase in personnel and the total permanent workforce at Burnley now stands at 1,415.

Last year represented the start of new multi million pound investments and an improvement project that continues this year.

The first stage saw the original warehouse site transformed to create new and improved staff facilities, including a new canteen, remote working facilities and gym. Staff will be offered new menus and a weekly schedule of fitness classes as part of boohoo’s commitment to ensure the wellbeing of its staff.

The second stage of the development saw the existing warehouse expanded by three more mezzanine floor layers, increasing capacity by another 275,000 square feet and

the addition of units one and three has taken the square feet total capacity to 1.045m sq ft.

A spokesman for the company said: “The group takes learning and development very seriously and have invested in their existing staff by undertaking several large-scale training and development programmes as part of its up-skilling and retention policy.

“Next month 87 members of staff will complete an NVQ Level 2 qualification in Warehouse Management.” The shell of the second warehouse extension is now completed and ready for the next stage of the development, which will incorporate a significant amount of automation and will see the total operation capacity of the site increase to over 2m sq ft.

Hardy Access Services provide access to Liverpool Library dome Burnley based Hardy Access Services have been commissioned to facilitate access to the fully glazed atrium dome on the roof of Liverpool Central Library.

The dome, a well known Liverpool landmark, resides above the central stair core, and was installed during the library refurbishment some 8 years ago.

Access was required to inspect the whole of the external of the dome and change some failed units, but due to the shape, height, glazed facade and position of the dome (24m from ground, on the roof of the library, within a mile of the banks of the river Mersey and potential for high winds), this was not an easy task.

Hardy Access Services put forward

a scheme that would involve erecting a free-standing scaffold, which would in turn allow modular beams that would span over the top of the dome and support a monorail lifting beam, and tie the scaffolds together increasing the stability of the structure.

The lifting beam also needed to have a loading capacity of up to 500kg, as there was the potential of removing the central Oculus section of glass. From the overhead beams, Hardy’s were able to erect hanging scaffolds, providing access to be achieved right up to the glazed façade.

A large loading tower was then erected.

The tower, 6m long x 4m wide and 24m high, and erected without the need to tie into the historic façade of the library, would

provide both the means for them to raise by hand the materials required to build the atrium scaffold, but also had the potential to allow erection of a gantry hoist, should any materials be required to complete the actual glazing works.

Managing Director Paul Hardy said: “We’re very proud to have been asked by Shepheard Construction and Liverpool Council to undertake this work. The library and its famous dome is well known across the city. The project itself was a challenging structure but one which we’ve got the required skills and experience to undertake.

The result is a refurbished dome which will serve the people of Liverpool for a number of years to come.”

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News Top Themis Award for Pendleside Hospice’s First Apprentice Carrice

“Every hospice needs a Carrice” Those were the words of the judging panel who selected Carrice Dickinson for a top award in the biennial Themis Inspire and Achieve Awards.

Carrice was nominated for an award at the prestigious ceremony for her dedication to her role as a health care assistant at Pendleside Hospice, Reedley, where she offered respite and end-of-life care to people facing life-threatening and life-limiting

medical conditions and illnesses.

“I found my role at Pendleside Hospice really fulfilling,” said Carrice. “I really felt that I was making a difference, supporting patients and their families through the most distressing of times.

“I know that many people think of a hospice as a very sombre place, but it is really just the opposite. Of course, there are very sad times, but the general feeling is one of joy and

Burnley chosen for launch of project to develop future careers Burnley has been chosen as the centre for the launch of an initiative by a hotel chain to develop the future careers of its employees.

The scheme, which was launched earlier this year at the Holiday Inn Express, is the passion of local businesswoman Kerian Barnes. Kerian is Director of Operations at Starboard Hotels, one of the UK’s fastest growing hotel owners with a portfolio that includes world leading brands such as IHG (Intercontinental Hotel Group), Wyndham and Ibis Hotels and Best Western.

She is a shining example of someone who started out as a part time worker aged 15 in a Lancashire hotel and now sits on the board of Starboard Hotels running operations for a growing, highly valuable hotel portfolio.

The award winning Holiday Inn Express hotel has also been selected as the national assessment centre for the course.

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happiness: families are there to make the most of every moment and create precious memories.”

As a Themis Apprentice, Carrice, learnt the vital skills that will see her progress up the career ladder in health and social care. The a former Colne Park High School student is now forging a career in community social care before specialising in paediatric palliative care.

As the hospice’s first Apprentice, Carrice was delighted to be nominated for an award in the Advanced Apprentice category and walk away with the evening’s top accolade – the Judges’ Choice Award handed to an exceptional Apprentice who has made a difference and shown commitment to stand out from the crowd.

Carrice was nominated

by Julia O’Neill, Hospice Day Services Manager, for her hard work and dedication to the hospice, which saw her not only take on her day-to-day roles with great pride and enthusiasm, but also use her initiative to start new activities for the Hospice Living with Dementia programme.

She also became a great advocate for the hospice, regularly promoting the

Aimed at developing the future careers of employees of Starboard Hotels, owners of the Holiday Inn and 14 other hotels across the country are launching SHAPE, which stands for Starboard Hotels Accelerator Programme, at a special dinner, prepared and hosted by the Holiday Inn team which has two candidates selected for this unique programme.

Hospitality industry professional Robert Crook,is the special guest along with Dr Alan Gregory, doctor of literature who will be involved in mentoring some of the 13 candidates who hail from across the country including Gatwick, Epping, Birmingham, Plymouth and Leeds.

Kerian said: “We are investing in excess of £30,000 on the programme, excluding the support from suppliers, many of them from the Lancashire region.

“Working in partnership they have a vested interest , sharing their knowledge, driving best practice, building relationships, share in our quest to keep great people within our business.

hospice at educational events, volunteering at fund-raising events and speaking at a national hospice conference about the future of hospice care.

Simon Jordan, Director of Themis, said: “Carrice is a worthy recipient of the prestigious Judges’ Choice Award. The judges felt that Carrice was a pioneer and a true ambassador for both the Hospice and Themis Apprenticeships through her maturity, her dedication and her outstanding work ethic. They truly felt that all hospices needed a Carrice in their team.

“Congratulations from everyone at Themis to Carrice and Pendleside Hospice for nurturing her talent. We look forward to following Carrice’s career in palliative care with pride.”

Julia O’Neill said: “We are all delighted that Carrice has been recognised with this fantastic accolade. As our first apprentice she has paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps. She brought a wonderful young energy to the unit and has been an inspiration to all of us here at the hospice.

“We are extremely proud of Carrice and all she has achieved.”

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Feature : University Town

Huge University expansion will make Burnley a leading University Town and fuel the local economy The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has announced plans to significantly increase its provision in Burnley. The ambitious plans will see the number of university students in the town rise from under 400 to 2,000 by 2021 and 4,000 by 2025.

Working in collaboration with its strategic partners Burnley Borough Council and East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, and alongside the Burnley Bondholders group of influential local business leaders, the provision will be designed to meet the existing and emerging needs of Burnley and across the East Lancashire region. Subject areas will include a range of business and professional disciplines, health and social care, and digital and technical provision, and will include degree apprenticeships as well as traditional degrees at both undergraduate

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and masters levels.

The new provision will be distributed across the University’s existing Burnley Campus, Burnley General Hospital and the newly acquired Victoria Mill.

Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the University Board David Taylor said: “This investment in Burnley is an exciting development which demonstrates our commitment as a University to Burnley and Pennine Lancashire and to helping to be a force for economic growth and social mobility across the county and beyond.”

Leader of Burnley Council Mark Townsend said: “We’re delighted that the university has made a long-term commitment to grow in Burnley. We’re looking forward to working with the university as we truly become a university town. It’s such an important icon for our town, to raise the aspirations of our young people, and to provide the higher level skills that will drive our local economy to even greater things.

“I am also extremely pleased that UCLan has, secured Victoria Mill (the former UTC building), as their presence will help to revitalise that part of the Weavers’ Triangle.”

The implementation of the plans will be overseen by UCLan’s recently appointed Provost for Burnley, Dr Ebrahim Adia.

David Jones, Managing Director, VEKA Plc said:

“We believe the UCLan growth plans within the town reinforces again where Burnley is going as a town. We want to attract more great people, to excellent local businesses and for these people to settle and live in a wonderful part of east Lancashire. Another positive and progressive move forward”.

“Like businesses, UCLan is demonstrating its confidence in Burnley and its future, and expanding their operation here will be a key driver to the continued high level performance of the town.

The influx of a “new generation” of younger people will bring new dynamics to Burnley, for businesses, the town centre and the wider community and will act as a solid foundation to the towns growth and development both currently in progress and planned for the future. It will support and encourage a new ethos for the town as it caters for the demands of the university, its staff and its students.”

Brian Hobbs, chairman of Burnley and District Chamber of Trade comments

Mark Crabtree, OBE, MD of AMS Neve (one of Burnley’s leading digital businesses) said:

“UCLan’s growth here in Burnley will have three main impacts on Burnley. A significant tilt in demographics, strengthening the presence of the young in the Borough, powering leisure and cultural attractions to match the remarkable business growth statistics. UCLan’s growing list of Degree Apprenticeship courses held in the town linked to local businesses keeping the best of talent locally, powering the growth of technology businesses and keeping Burnley up there as one of the UK’s top tech towns, and last but not least, a major shift in Burnley’s brand perception – becoming a University town.”

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Feature : University Town

Growing your business with UCLan Grow your business …develop your workforce …access expertise …recruit the top talent With the huge expansion of UCLan’s Burnley campus, UCLan are looking to establish closer collaborative partnerships with Burnley businesses. UCLan has a strong reputation for applied business research, entrepreneurship, innovation and bringing academic excellence to life to help give businesses that competitive edge. They offer a range of business support services including the renowned Graduate Apprenticeship Scheme. Working with UCLan means you can tap into a wide range of specialist business support aimed at helping your business grow. Their business support team are trained to talk you through projects and dedicated business support to aid business growth.

“The UCLan growth will ensure a thriving town centre with a university at its heart. Our investment in Burnley is an exciting development which will be a force for economic growth and social mobility across the country.

“It’s a very exciting time for us to be growing our presence in Burnley. The council is tremendously dynamic and the business community is well-organised and focused on growth. We’re looking forward to working with people and businesses across the borough to help provide the skills and innovation needed to drive this thriving local economy.”

Dr Ebrahim Adia, Provost of UCLan’s Burnley Campus

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UCLan has a strong track record for securing European funding aimed at supporting and developing the region’s small and medium sized business community. Specific projects, hosted by, or in collaboration with the University, are all aimed at wealth creation, safeguarding jobs and helping Lancashire businesses gain a competitive edge.

Here are just some of the project UCLan is involved with:

Centre for SME Development The aim of the Centre is to widen engagement and to continue to establish collaborative partnerships with local and regional businesses by sharing expertise in innovation and research, and by providing a range of business support. The Centre is a business support hub, which is a gateway for businesses to access the wealth of resources and expertise that UCLan has to offer.

The Centre runs a variety of programmes including inspirational business speaker events, networking sessions, and interactive events throughout the year. The events provide access to the latest thinking in the world of business in a wide selection of specialist areas.

The Innovation clinic The Innovation Clinic supports Lancashire businesses to innovate and grow through the development of new to firm, and new to market products. The team brings together extensive industry and academic expertise, state-of-the-art facilities and technology to provide fully funded and tailored support.

The support is provided at any stage of the product development process, from initial concept and market research through to launch. The project can support in a range of areas including:

The DigitME2

Transmission

This project runs from UCLan’s Burnley Campus and provides fully funded support to eligible manufacturing companies in Lancashire. The project delivers bespoke support, consultancy and feasibility studies to companies to show how new manufacturing concepts and technologies can help develop the manufacturing process, assist in new business growth and enable companies to become Industry 4.0 ready manufacturers.

Each project offers 150 hours of funded support in areas such as data acquisition and analysis, robotics, automation, Internet of Things (IOT) technologies and 3D printing.

The Transmission programme provides free support to SMEs in Lancashire to help them prepare for the global impact of technology developments. It builds leadership capacity and capabilities within the advanced manufacturing, engineering, creative, and digital sectors.

The programme adds value and efficiency to businesses as they embrace the competitive advantages of a more digitalised economy.

By illustrating the opportunities in the digital age, this free at point of contact support, acts as a catalyst to unlock the future productivity and potential within these sectors.

Digital First A multi-skilled and experienced team of creatives, marketing and digital experts with a long record of working with both SMEs and blue chip companies, helping them promote and grow their business using digital technology. Digital First can help businesses unlock potential by: •

Improving the performance of a website with evaluation and enhancement

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Developing a digital strategy for a business

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The use of Cloud based technologies

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Independent idea evaluation and feasibility

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Social media planning and implementation

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Market research, demand and competitor analysis

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Digital security

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Camera drone photography

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Product design support and product testing

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Videography

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Prototype development

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Brand development

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Commercialisation

Contact: business@uclan.ac.uk 01772 895500 uclan.ac.uk/business

Investment Readiness The purpose of this programme is to help growth businesses considering an alternative to bank funding, prepare themselves for venture capital and business angel investment. Led by experienced investors, businesses will receive guidance and support which will demonstrably improve their chances of raising investment.

The range of seminars and support from experienced investors will ensure you are equipped to clearly present your proposition and demonstrate that you have a credible plan to deliver the results investors are looking for. The main programme sections are: •

An introduction to equity investment

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Understanding the investment process – what investors want and what they don’t want

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One-to-one support

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Practice pitching sessions and investor identification

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Feature : University Town Lancashire Forum Creative An innovative leadership and business growth programme that is tailored to meet the learning and development needs of creative and digital companies.

Experience has allowed them to develop an understanding of how to help SME leaders develop themselves and their organisations.

There are two main routes of support: • Route one: Expert-led Think Tank session on relevant business issues (e.g. marketing, strategy, recruitment and retention) •

Route two: Lancashire Forum Creative Extra, an in depth sixmonth programme for owners and senior managers

Contact: business@uclan.ac.uk, 01772 895500, www.uclan.ac.uk/business

The MaCaW

Eligible Criteria

This project will assist SMEs implement low energy practices to reduce their carbon burden. By improving energy performance, reducing energy wastage, and working cooperatively across the region, SMEs can obtain economic and environmental benefits. MaCaW will ensure that Lancashire’s goal of reducing its overall carbon emissions target are met.

The above projects are ERDF funded with support delivered free-of-charge to eligibility businesses.

Companies must meet the following criteria: • Be a Lancashire-based SME

UpSkilling Lancashire Free support available for smaller businesses across Lancashire •

•

•

UNITEplus Works with Lancashire SMEs to provide a University student or graduate to work on a specific project for up to 140 hours. The programme is fully funded and the student or graduate will be paid by UNITEplus.

Working with students and academics enables businesses to access a wealth of knowledge within the University to help them with strategic projects. Placements can include: •

Video production

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Marketing

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Social media

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Market research

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SEO

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Graphic design

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Strategy development

A highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce will ensure Burnley businesses can out-compete the competition; Developing your skills and those of your workforce can be very low cost or even no cost; The UpSkilling Lancashire project will provide free advice and support on the opportunities available to you and your team

Led by the University of Central Lancashire, the UpSkilling Lancashire project provides information, advice and guidance to small and medium sized Lancashire businesses to develop the capacity and capability to increase competitive skills across the workforce.

Lancashire is a great place to live and to work and constantly increasing the skills and capability of our employees will enable our businesses to compete regionally, nationally and internationally.

There are many opportunities for SMEs to develop their staff or to employ and to train new employees.

UpSkilling Lancashire is part-funded through the European Social Fund

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Be ‘business-to-business’

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Employ fewer than 250 full-time employees

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Have an annual turnover of less than £40 million (50 million euros)

•

Have received less than £160,000 of publicly funded support in the last three years

Contact: business@uclan.ac.uk 01772 895500 uclan.ac.uk/business

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Knowledge Transfer Partnerships is a UKwide programme that has been helping businesses for the past 40 years to improve competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within universities.

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) serves to meet a core strategic need and identifies innovative solutions to help that business grow. KTP often delivers significant increased profitability for business partners as a direct result of the partnership through improved quality and operations, increased sales and access to new markets.

Contact: kmboles@uclan.ac.uk, 01772 895500

UCLan said: “By teaming up with local businesses, not only can we help them achieve their goals, we can also provide students and graduates with real-world experience in their chosen field and enable them to get the best start to their careers.

“The business receives valuable support while the student gains real experience and an opportunity to hone their skills.”

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DHARMA KOVVURI DEAN OF BURNLEY CAMPUS

Lancashire School of Business and Enterprise Dharma took up the position as Dean of Lancashire Business School (LBS) in December 2008 becoming the youngest business school Dean in the UK. He has been keen to develop the School’s profile by strengthening links with professional bodies and businesses and by integrating current research findings into teaching practices as well as by widening international opportunities for students.

Dharma is research active within the area of business and management and is a member of the Institute for Innovation, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.

University of Central Lancashire Burnley Campus Following strategic consultations with key stakeholders the University of Central Lancashire has agreed to the development of a University campus in Pennine Lancashire supporting up to 4,000 students, to capture the ambitions and aspirations of all those with a commitment to the future prosperity of the region.

The University already has a presence in Burnley and Pennine Lancashire delivering a range of courses including Medical Sciences (Foundation Entry), Health and Social care, Community Leadership, Nursing, Business and Management, Social Work, Sports Coaching and Management, Chartered Management and Digital Technologies from a modern campus in Burnley. Students on the Medical degree (MBBS) are also taught from the Burnley Campus.

By 2025 the University’s course portfolio will expand to include undergraduate and postgraduate courses focusing on advanced manufacturing, the healthcare, fitness and social care sectors, aerospace, the creative and digital media sector, business services, leadership and management and social sciences.

•

We will become a regional asset situated in the heart of Pennine Lancashire with national and international recognition and reach.

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We will deliver the benefits of higher education to individuals, employers and the wider community and contribute to the economic, social and cultural life of the Pennine Lancashire area.

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We will help to transform life opportunities and empower our students and staff to achieve to their full potential.

OUR STRATEGIC AIMS •

We will raise aspirations, attract students from a wide range of educational, social and cultural backgrounds and be an inclusive university campus.

•

We will ensure that our teaching, curriculum and student support aligns with the needs, interests and aspirations of our students.

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We will work in close partnership with employers so they can influence our curriculum, provide work placements to our students, and benefit from our research and knowledge transfer capability.

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We will recruit, retain and develop talented staff to help deliver excellence in teaching, research and knowledge transfer.

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We will develop a modern university campus, including stateof-the-art technology, to create an inspiring environment for our students and staff.

•

We will achieve growth in student numbers and diversify our income whilst delivering financial stability.

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Feature : University Town

NEW DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS An excellent opportunity to develop your team through work-based learning in partnership with the University of Central Lancashire Let’s develop the talent of the future, together Combing a blend of technical knowledge, on the job experience and business skills, Degree Apprenticeships are a great way to gain new knowledge and qualifications, nurture your existing talent or an opportunity to attract new staff.

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BENEFITS OF DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS Degree Apprenticeships make sense for your organisation.

You’ll gain, or retain a highly-skilled and motivated employee with both the academic qualification, and the practical skills needed for your sector.

Throughout the programme your employee will work on specific projects designed with you that will take forward your business. Your employee will gain high-level skills, help to make your business more competitive and gain a new qualification.

Degree Apprenticeships normally take between two and five years to complete and Apprentices have full-time employment status.

Key benefits: • Enhance and upskill your workforce • Fill the skills gap • Improve staff retention • Grow your organisation • Attract new talent

OUR PORTFOLIO

WHAT ORGANISATIONS ARE ELIGIBLE?

We offer expertise in a range of areas including: • Management and Leadership • Construction • Engineering and Aerospace • Healthcare • IT, Technology and Digital • Quantity Surveying • HR and Administration • Policing • Social Care For latest course information visit: www.uclan.ac.uk/apprenticeships

Organisations of all sizes and sectors can take advantage of Degree Apprenticeships.

They are available to employees over 18 and are ideal for employees wishing to progress their careers within your business.

For organisations with a wage bill below £3 million there is government funding available to cover up to 90% of course tuition fees. For those with a £3 million plus wage bill originations can use their Apprenticeship Levy to cover course fees.

Apprenticeship funding is available for all levels of learning and training including: • Senior Leaders (Executive MBA) • Chartered Manager • Professional Engineer • Software Engineer • Digital Marketer • Digital and Technology Solutions Professional • Manufacturing Engineer • Chartered Surveyor

CONTACT 01772 895500 | uclanapprenticeships@uclan.ac.uk | uclan.ac.uk/apprenticeships

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Sector Special : Automotive

JLRQ Award for FMUK

Futaba Manufacturing UK awarded the coveted JLRQ Award Futaba Manufacturing UK (FMUK), based in Burnley, Lancashire, are one of Toyota Motor Europe’s leading suppliers, handling over 3 million parts a week, with capability of producing a 250,000 car sets annually, as well as serving a growing customer base with new automotive manufacturers most notable of which includes Jaguar Land Rover.

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Sector Special : Automotive FMUK has been awarded the coveted Jaguar Land Rover (JLRQ) Quality Award, and held a special VIP event with Jaguar Land Rover and key clients to acknowledge the accolade and give guests and suppliers a tour of their exceptional manufacturing facility.

JLRQ is a ‘quality trust mark’ unique to Jaguar Land Rover, initiated in 2010 to achieve consistent levels of exceptional quality from its suppliers and furthermore, to develop a culture of ‘continual improvement’ in pursuit of excellence.

JLRQ framework is built upon a set of clear fundamental quality, production and supply disciplines at manufacturing site level which have been identified by Jaguar Land Rover to accurately reflect its suppliers’ performance.

A variety of core metrics are scored, for which suppliers are expected to attain a certain mark to achieve JLRQ status and the award is seen as a major coup in the automotive industry, which Futaba are delighted with. They will now be assessed and reviewed on an on-going basis to drive consistent high quality and continuous improvement following the ethos, “those companies that don’t improve get left behind”.

FMUK won the coveted award in record time, which is another major achievement for them. They won the JLRQ award within 18 months, when it usually takes company’s years to achieve.

Futaba’s Managing Director, Kevin Schofield accepted the award from Mark Smith, Jaguar Land Rover’s STA Site Director, on the company’s behalf.

Speaking on behalf of Futaba

Manufacturing UK, Kevin Schofield said, “We are delighted to receive this accolade which underlines our total commitment to sustained excellence as a trusted supplier to Jaguar Land Rover. The award is recognition of our manufacturing processes and reflects a real team effort and our focus on staff development which has been key to FMUK securing this award, which is a superb acknowledgment to our skilled and dedicated workforce here at the Burnley site. ”The award is very difficult to win and very easy to lose if you don’t keep up your score so we won’t be resting on our laurels.

“FMUK are proud to be one of the key employers in Burnley and we put great emphasis on development our employees which gives us that global competitive edge.”

“The award is very difficult to win and very easy to lose if you don’t keep up your score so we won’t be resting on our laurels.”

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JLRQ Award for FMUK FMUK at the forefront of automotive safety critical body part production FMUK are suppliers of pressed and welded assembly of safety critical automotive body parts including front bumpers, front pillars, centre pillars, frontal crash systems and chassis parts.

As a Just In Time plant, Futaba Manufacturing UK only holds 0.8 days stock, with 10 collections from Toyota per day. The level of service Futaba provides is unparalleled and this can be seen through Futaba’s quality and delivery performance, winning prestigious awards from Toyota, for quality, delivery and project introduction over the last 2 years. As well as this, Futaba Manufacturing also won an award for being the best Futaba subsidiary, beating off competition form 40 plants around the world. They have recently hit 2,420 days without missing one the shipment of one single part to Toyota.

The company have a long history on

their site here in Burnley. Starting out as Walker Exhaust, which was first set up in the United Kingdom back in 1965. Tenneco Walker then acquired the site on which FTUK currently resides in 1971, and up until the year 2000, Tenneco Walker manufactured from the Burnley site.

Throughout all these years, the site in Burnley specialised in the manufacture of complete exhaust systems. In the year 2000, a Joint Venture took place and Futaba-Tenneco UK Ltd was formed. It was at this point that the Company’s business strategy changed overnight. From being a specialised manufacturer of complete exhaust systems, the business remodelled, as a supplier of pressed and welded assembly automotive body parts. The company is still on site

at the original factory on Liverpool Road, Burnley, which many years ago, was used for manufacture of munitions during the war. From the turn of the millennium, there have been many company milestones. The most notable of these are when, in 2000, FTUK achieved ISO14000 Approval, the instalment of a new press line up in 2002, which totalled an investment of £25 million, and gaining TS16949 approval in 2006.

Most recently in October 2017 FMUK were one of only 80 companies in the UK to gain IATF 16949

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Sector Special : Automotive

FMUK Growth Plan Futaba Manufacturing UK have committed to a 2020 vision. By the year 2020 they are committed to double their turnover by gaining new business through new customers, one of which is Jaguar Land Rover, which will see an increase in employees from 180 to 400, with a current headcount on site of 220.

The company prides itself on the engagement and development of all its’ staff. With a dedicated on-site training centre (Dojo), all employees spend 2 full days receiving training when starting at the business, as well as re-entering the training centre periodically.

As a company that places Health and Safety as its number one priority, a major training plan has recently been implemented, that will see all employees become IOSH Health and Safety accredited.

Within the first 4 months of the plan being launched, over half of the workforce was accredited. The IOSH training is already paying dividends, as Futaba Manufacturing UK has now gone hundreds days without so much as a paper cut, which is unprecedented in the automotive industry.

As well as this, Futaba Manufacturing UK also understands the importance young people have in the development of the Company in the future. A Graduate Scheme, put in place 6 years ago, has seen 4 local post-graduates enter the business, with degrees from different disciplines. FMUK also have 9 apprentices, 3 of which are Adult Apprentices, with ages ranging from 25 up to 55. As well as this, a number of staff members have achieved high level qualifications including CIPD, CIMA, CIPS, all funded by the Company, leading to improved performances, knowledge and development from the attendees.

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JLRQ Award for FMUK

Innovative Staff Development & the Futaba Thinking Production System give FMUK the competitive edge Supplying the automotive industry means squeezing every penny out of every part to remain competitive. Futaba are now competing on a global scale against low cost regions. The only way they can survive is to become smarter and more innovative with the use of unique ideas and the latest technology.

Futaba has a strong reputation for world class welding and stamping techniques, developed in house to suit the needs of all our customers.

Their internal infrastructure

supporting the manufacturing processes also needed to be developed to a world class standard in order to reduce our operating costs to a minimum.

Customers are becoming more demanding. They won’t pay for any waste (MUDA) within their processes.

The company highlighted a key area to reduce waste (MUDA) was in their logistic systems and member ergonomics. They needed it to be innovative with clear guidelines so that all members could engage in the activity.

Sector Special : Automotive

BCW announce new facility for automotive sector growth BCW Manufacturing Group announce construction of new hi-tech facilities to accommodate the firm’s huge growth within the automotive and aerospace sectors Growing Burnley hi-tech engineering company, BCW Manufacturing Group, has announced a third and fourth facilities expansion on-site (Phase III and IV) to accommodate the company’s continued growth in the automotive sector, at a special event unveiling the plans to partners and blue chip clients this week.

Following the opening of their Phase II 55,000 sq.ft. facility in 2015, which opened up their site to a total of 100,000 sq.ft., BCW has now commissioned the third and fourth facilities on site for 2018. This will create a further 80,000 sq.ft. to accommodate their continued growth and future proof the business, creating a dedicated stateof-the-art automotive machining facility and additional warehouse space. The new

facilities will be completed in two phases with stage 1 - 50,000 sq.ft. due to be completed by July 2018 and stage 2 - 30,000 sq.ft. to be completed by January 2019.

Alec Cassie, Managing Director at BCW said: “BCW has experienced huge growth following our move to our modern purpose built facility on Innovation Drive in Burnley. We currently have two superb manufacturing facilities on Innovation Drive and we are delighted to be unveiling plans for the third and fourth specialist dedicated automotive facility to accommodate our expansion in automotive manufacture as a result of securing new contracts of a substantial size with prestigious automotive manufactures.

“We opened our Phase II facility in 2015 to accommodate our growing order book for the manufacture of aircraft parts and treatments facility, and the commission to build the third and fourth facilities

will service our further expansion in the automotive manufacturing sector.

“With new contracts of a substantial size from prestigious automotive manufacturers, contracts which we are delighted to have won against stiff global competition, this expansion will be a major boost for BCW, for Burnley and the wider Lancashire economy, creating several new hi-tech jobs in the process.

“The expansion should lead to the creation of up to 50 new jobs over the next 3 years, which will include professional and skilled roles through to apprentices & operators.

Brent Collins, Managing Director, Automotive Division, BCW added: “BCW’s state of the art facilities, quality products, and continued high level delivery performance have been a key factor in winning new business, and we are delighted to be unveiling the plans for the expansion,

BCW Expansion

the dedicated automotive extrusion machining and automated assembly to our partners and key blue chip clients.”

Burnley Council’s CEO, Mick Cartledge said: “I’ve been delighted to watch the ongoing growth of this hi-tech engineering business. They are what Burnley is about and what we are building the towns reputation on ‘making things and making them well’ – Burnley has positioned itself as a regional centre of manufacturing excellence to both the aerospace and automotive sectors and BCW are a beacon for our manufacturing excellence. Blue chip car and aerospace names are looking to Burnley for the production of high quality parts and exceptional service.

“The council has worked closely with BCW to support them during their growth and expansion here in the town and we are delighted to see the unveiling of phases III and IV and the job creation that this will lead to for the town.”

Phase III and IV of the BCW expansion will accommodate their automotive extrusion machining and automated assembly, enabling them to expand their anodising treatment capacity to meet

the expected UK growth for lightweight aluminium chassis. This all relates to the growth of hybrid and electrification of modern vehicles.

This will increase their treatments facility and more than double their anodising capacity from 350,000m2 pa to 1million m2 pa.

Brent added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with DEM and Barnfield Construction to develop the brownfield site on part of the former Michelin plant, with DEM running the building project and implementing the automotive machining solutions for us.

“Green and environmentally friendly processes are key to our growth going forward and the new facility will enable us to deliver low temperature processes to comply with our prestigious automotive customer requirements.”

The Phase III and IV development will complement and accompany BCW’s existing two large-capacity machining centres, and add to their recent investments which total more than £1m to date.

One of the BCW machining centres houses a Japanese- built 5-axis Makino MCD

2016 horizontal-spindle, twin-pallet model -one of only four in the UK, with the other three all located on the same site in the South West.

The MCD was refurbished over a 10week period by Track Machine Tools Ltd, a division of BCW Engineering, and supported by the service department at NCMT, Makino’s sole UK agent.

The latest equipment joins many smaller prismatic metal cutting machines and turn-milling centres in other factory units within BCW, where aircraft parts have been produced virtually since the company was established.

They include engine parts, landing gear equipment and safety-critical items, machined from a variety of materials.

Manufacture of aircraft parts has always been a key focus at BCW, as evidenced by their accreditation to AS9100 Rev C in 2010.

Within the automotive division we hold a one-off prototyping capability to 25,000 components per month bandwidth. This allows clients to strategically source with us to move a design concept through to production volumes.

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Feature : The secret is out

What’s good for Burnley, is good for business Burnley’s successful Bondholder scheme is going from strength to strength and being emulated across the country as a blueprint for a partnership approach to investment success.

The Bondholder Scheme brings together a network of influential people from across all sectors who aim to raise Burnley’s profile, recognising that the greater the success of Burnley, the greater the opportunity for business to grow and flourish.

We talked to a few of our Bondholders at one of the lively Bondholder events earlier in the year which saw the launch of Vision Park in Burnley and the announcement of the University growth in the town.

Bondholders leave the events having heard all the latest new of developments ‘hot off the press’ literally buzzing with excitement to promote what’s happening here in the town.

The buzz of Burnley Bondholders 42

What our Bondholders are saying…

Sam Fagan, Fagan & Whalley

Sam Keenan, +24 Marketing

“Bondholder members are likeminded companies who want to make the area grow and companies that want to do business together or places of education. It opens avenues and creates awareness of what’s available and what you can tap into. We’ve found suppliers to work with that we wouldn’t have otherwise known about and used.”

“There’s lots of great businesses doing amazing things and bondholders brings us all together. I think everyone looks on Burnley and sees how we have come together as a business community. That community does things so much better, because joining together bringing skills together and the energy it creates, makes us stronger collectively and more powerful.”

Antoni Squires, Future Energy Solutions

Helen Binns, P&M Acountants

“It’s quite simple really, it’s a gathering of forward thinking businesses that want to work together to support each other and work collaboratively for the good of the town. If you aren’t a bondholder then why not?”

“Getting involved in all the development and seeing what part you can play in that and how you can help to move Burnley forward along with everyone else such a great group of companies to be involved with.”

Andy Ford, Photographer

Chris Rogers, M65 Recruitment

“It’s a club that wants to bring out the best in Burnley”

“It’s good to have your business name attached to Burnley Bondholders. What Bondholders gives to lift the profile of Burnley is unbelievable. To be a part of it is great.”

Mark Townsend, Burnley Council Leader

Paul Barlow, Creative Council

“I’m really impressed with the passion and excitement that Bondholders generate for Burnley and the passion and the excitement that the bondholders generate for this town, and the work that they do to promote Burnley.”

“Bondholders is a group of businesses that are clubbing together for the common good of the borough.”

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Feature : The secret is out

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Ben Blackburn, Blackburn Distribution

Christine Cope, Pendleside Hospice

“The investment that the council and business has put together is really driving economic growth within the area.”

“You can literally feel the enthusiasm and can do attitude at Bondholder events – we’ve got that in our bones.”

Ian Walker, Ian Walker Developments

Andrew Mann, Lancashire Business News

“It is our first time at a Bondholder event and it’s a really exciting time to be part of Burnley. The town is diverse it has a lot to offer. Burnley is like a flower at bud form and it’s starting to flower.”

“What a tremendous opportunity for business in Burnley and Lancashire to get involved and show that Burnley and Lancashire is a great place to work and live.”

Kevin Boles, Business Development, UCLan

Richard Slater, Lancashire Business View

“Burnley Bondholders is a really effective networking organisation to promote Burnley to provide a successful economic and social area for the people of Burnley and beyond.”

“This is one of the great events of the county, one of the hotspots in the county. It’s all about making new connections to help businesses to grow.”

Ian Martin, UCLan

Alan Simpson, Viva PR

“Burnley Bondholders is an organisation that really wants to promote the local area, breaking down some of the competitive barriers between themselves, to come together, to create employment opportunities, to raise the profile of the area, to help retain skills in the area and attract new investment in.”

“Bondholders come together to share experiences and share success stories. In other towns I’ve noticed that businesses work in different directions but Burnley bondholders helps to bring businesses together all working in the same direction. Business helps the council, council helps business, council helps education, and education helps business, everyone is working in this triangle.

The Bondholder Scheme is…

•

A powerful network made up of informed and influential people who understand the link between success for Burnley and success for business

•

A resource of support and practical information available to help you sell Burnley for the benefit of your business or organisation

•

A contribution towards the effort that allows Burnley to change its image and compete more effectively within the region and beyond

•

A group that uses power of the business and wider community to help Burnley compete and succeed

You too can help share our story by becoming a bondholder The bondholders role is vital to the success of spreading the Burnley message to create a new Burnley experience that local people are proud of and others aspire to be part of.

Burnley offers a great lifestyle, only 20 miles from Manchester and on the borders of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Bondholder Scheme has contributed towards goals becoming a reality attracting new businesses and visitors to the borough strengthening the town’s economy.

As a bondholder you will have the power to influence how Burnley is portrayed in the national media, to promote Burnley as a place where top employees will want to live and work, and make it somewhere businesses want to be based.

Membership of The Bondholder Scheme unites the knowledge, the networks, the desire and determination of businesses and organisations to change perceptions of Burnley and raise the profile of the area.

Becoming a bondholder takes your business or organisation to the forefront of change.

The secret is out…

Come and join us.

Email Brand Manager, Amber Corns, for a Join Us pack on acorns@burnley.gov.uk 45

Feature : Body and Mind

The business of body and mind New custom designed space for FX Fitness includes one of the best hot yoga studios in the North West The modern Empire Business Park, just off Liverpool in Burnley, is now home to the new purpose built FX Fitness Experience personal training and performance centre.

The FX team has created a world class fitness space offering bespoke personal training/sports performance services and an industry leading hot yoga studio, with soundproof walls, infrared heaters and a breathtaking hand painted image of Ganesh to deliver personalised support for both body and mind.

The new premises have enabled them to grow in response to the high demand for the unique fitness and personal training services which they offer.

With a team of eight qualified personal trainers, each with a specific area of expertise, a sports therapist, physiotherapist, and yoga gurus on site, they engage their clients more holistically than a mainstream gym. Offering tailor made workouts and nutrition coaching, to planning recovery schedules and appropriate mindset training, FX trainers

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invest in their clients to achieve truly complete results.

It’s a family affair, with brother’s Jamie and Josh Kennedy as joint directors of FX, and Sue Kennedy, the pair’s mother, the Director of Your Yoga Experience.

They have thousands of hours of personal training experience between them, and have worked with some top names in the sporting world, including footballers Oliver Norwood, Danny Ings, Kieran Trippier and Jay Rodriguez, as well as young developing athletes such as England boxer Joe Crawford.

The new FX Empire Business Park facility houses some serious state-of-theart fitness kit and a specialised padded running track shipped in from Germany, which enables athletes to train without fear of injury.

Jamie Kennedy, Joint Director of FX Fitness, said: “It’s all about finding the most effective way to train. We designed the new gym from the ground up after seven years in the last facility and tens

of thousands of hours delivering 1-1 and small group sessions to create the perfect environment for people to get the results they want”.

Josh Kennedy, Joint Director of FX Fitness, who holds a Masters Degree in Strength and Conditioning, says: “We personalise the whole experience, from nutrition coaching to the training programme. We look at it holistically, so we can take anyone to where they want to be, from high level athletes to those looking to achieve weight loss goal. This approach helps us to get real results, long term, and our retention rate of 85% after six months (almost triple the rate for mainstream gyms) demonstrates the success of this approach.”

They have a varied client list from business professionals (through bespoke corporate programs) to international footballers. All packages at FX focus on the individual, and use a scientific basis for programming, combined with real, person centered coaching to achieve results.

Corporate Training for Businesses The FX team really grasp how important it is to perform at your best in your day to day role, and not only in the gym.

They understand how difficult it can be to balance work and a healthy lifestyle.

Yet, when you get the balance right, your productivity improves in all areas – you feel more focused, less stressed, healthier, happier and better able to handle any challenges that are presented to you.

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Feature : Body and Mind

Awaken your soul at the

Your Yoga Experience Studio FX has built a bespoke, heated, sound-proofed Yoga and Pilates and Meditation studio, one of the North West’s most unique Yoga studios. The studio is run by Sue Kennedy, Jamie and Josh’s mum. Sue was a keen runner and turned to yoga after a knee injury forced her to stop long distance running, and became hooked. She recognizes the importance of yoga not just for the body, but for the mind. After all, for wellness, a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body, and this is recognised within the yoga teaching philosophy.

We wanted to create the perfect environment for everyone to practice yoga at any level; we have some of the best instructors in the area helping quality yoga to become accessible for everyone in a truly focused environment. Yoga is for ANY BODY, and the physical, psychological and social benefits can be tremendous.

- Sue Kennedy -

Classes Hot Power Yoga

Restorative Yoga - all levels

Gentle Yin - ease the stresses of work away

Breath awareness

Power Yoga - suitable for all

Sunrise- wake up and energize for the day

FITNESS EXPERIENCE Unit 6 Empire Business Park, Liverpool Road, Burnley BB12 6LT 01282 454788 | www.fitness-experience.co.uk 48

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Feature : Vision Park

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Vision Park nearing 50% occupancy following the launch of the flagship development Following the celebratory launch event of Burnley’s flagship Vision Park development earlier this year, Burnley Council are delighted to announce that the park is already almost 50% occupied.

Trebor Developments handed the keys over to Burnley Council on the completed Phase One development at Vision Park at the launch event of the new business space in January and there has been a good level of enquiries coming in for the unique business space since the launch.

Barnfield Construction Limited was the principal contractor appointed to carry out the construction, and have delivered the high quality spec that the partners wanted to achieve.

Phase One consists of a range of quality industrial units from 1,500 sq ft to 5,000 sq ft, which are available on flexible terms.

Trebor are also promoting Phases Two and Three for office accommodation and hybrid industrial/office units to meet occupiers’ specific requirements.

Bob Tattrie, Managing Partner for Trebor Developments, commented, “We are delighted to see Phase One handed over and the strong interest

in the units and as predicted take-up is going well which has established Vision Park as the premium employment location in Burnley.

“Throughtout the project we have worked closely with Burnley Borough Council to deliver a facility which the Council can manage effectively and attract a wide range of occupiers. We are sure Phases Two and Three at Vision Park will also be attractive to occupiers wanting industrial hybrid units in the area”.

The Vision Park development has been supported by a grant from the LEP’s £320m Growth Deal investment programme.

Graham Cowley, Chair of the LEP’s Growth Deal board, said: “Through initiatives like the Lancashire Growth Deal we are able to create spaces and facilities like this which businesses need to thrive.

With Phase One now completed, and handed over to Burnley Council to progress, the LEP looks forward to seeing Vision Park flourish as a hub of innovation, productivity and commercial growth.”

Trebor and Burnley’s joint agents for Vision Park are Trevor Dawson and GVA, end user specific design proposals are now available for phases Two and Three to meet specific occupier requirements.

For details on the remaining units and phases II and III contact Burnley Council’s business support team on:

01282 477213 51

Feature : Vision Park

I’m delighted with the completed first phase, the buildings look fantastic and we already have several companies signed up and moved in.

The site is already creating new jobs for Burnley, with a target of 300 new jobs at Vision Park when Phase II of the site is complete. The spacious modern units have excellent facilities for growth hi-tech digital and manufacturing businesses, in an excellent location in Burnley’s Knowledge Quarter, close to the town centre and motorway junctions.

Vision Park and the new Evolve business space, has been described as one of the most exciting commercial developments in the Lancashire region. Burnley is already a regionally significant centre for advanced manufacturing, with a growing digi-tech sector and we are creating modern business environments to attract growing business in these sectors.

Burnley has a reputation for getting things done offering a strong package to businesses and investors.

The council strives to be a pro-active council supporting its local businesses and economic growth - and this new development is testament to our commitment to help grow our economy and offer quality premises to attract

new businesses and for local business growth.

The Council was delighted to announce that Trebor Developments were selected as the development partner for the 2 hectare site back in 2014. Trebor Developments have an excellent track record of delivering quality developments throughout the UK and they have worked closely with the Council to develop this brownfield site with Barnfield Construction.

Together we have created a high quality business park with a focus on attracting growing advanced engineering, manufacturing and digital industries.

Companies who base themselves here at Vision Park will have the added advantage of the knowledge transfer between the business support services offered by Burnley College, Themis, and major growth of UCLan’s Burnley University Campus which we’ll hear more about this morning.

We’ve named the roads on Vision Park after some of the world’s most famous inventors, Edison Way, Bell Way, and Whittle Way. It is a prestigious address for any new or growing business and, who knows, the next global invention could be born out of this new development!

Mark Townsend, Burnley Council Leader

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Another new tenant for flagship business space at Vision Park Bates Box, a power distribution company, which designs and manufactures power distribution units, has moved into Burnley’s flagship Vision Park, and joins several new tenants who are settling into their prestigious new business address.

Bates Box offers a lightweight and efficient power distribution solution, compliant with all U.K and European regulations, for a variety of applications across many sectors, including T.V & film, catering, oil & gas and theatre. Their boxes are weather resistant, stackable and fitted with top brand components ensuring reliability, safety and piece of mind. They are also made from recycled material.

Founder Paul Bates is a former general manager of an industrial leading power distribution company.

Paul said: “Following almost 20 years as a head of industry front runner in power distribution, I felt the time was right to launch my new business, with my own bespoke products.

“Our Vision Park facilities are perfect to facilitate our current and future plans. The development offers fantastic motorway links and modern, spacious unit.”

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News

Leading Security & Fire Specialist Braniff Partnership Lands Major Contract With Fagan & Whalley Two thriving Burnley companies who share the same core values of operating to the highest of standards and always delivering quality services, are a shining example of how doing business in Burnley works.

Braniff Partnership Ltd, the Padiham based security and fire risk management specialist, has secured a significant six-figure contract with its near “neighbour,” one of the UK’s leading logistics and road haulage businesses, Burnley headquartered Fagan & Whalley Ltd. Work is currently being completed by Braniff Partnership’s highly skilled technical engineering team on the third phase of the project, completing the upgrade and installation of a new leading edge security system at Fagan & Whalley’s Padiham depot.

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Braniff Partnership, led by founder and Managing Director Edward Cusack, first began working with Fagan & Whalley after winning the coveted contract to design, install and commission all the security and fire provision at the award-winning firm’s showpiece new 92,000 square foot Burnley Bridge distribution hub.

The installation of the security and fire systems for the impressive 10 acre Burnley Bridge site was successfully completed last year as Braniff Partnership’s new clients moved into the state-of-the-art premises.

Braniff Partnership has also been awarded additional significant contracts by their clients to supply security and fire protection at Fagan & Whaley’s two other Lancashire sites including the company’s new head office,

Albion House at Shuttleworth Mead business park, Padiham and the nearby Site One depot.

Edward Cusack, who established Braniff Partnership four years ago, said: “This is an important project for our young company and we are delighted to be working with such a long established and well-respected business.

Graham and Stephen Fagan, directors of Fagan & Whalley, together with project manager Sam Fagan, share our vision that first class, leading edge security, fire and life safety solutions are paramount to the infrastructure of their commercial premises.”

Edward adds: “We have been liaising closely over the past year with the senior management team at Fagan & Whalley to ensure the most efficient and technologically superior systems are installed. The directors

“It was important for our business to secure the Fagan & Whalley contract.

This has given us a fantastic base to push forward and grow the business.” clearly appreciate the added-value working with Braniff Partnership brings to their business and we are looking forward to developing a long-standing relationship with the company.”

Fagan & Whalley’s Commercial Director, Stephen Fagan commented: Throughout the installation at Burnley Bridge, we were extremely impressed with the quality and attention to detail that the Braniff Partnership provided. This extended beyond the original brief which is why we are happy to extend the contract to our other sites with a view to a long-term relationship between likeminded neighbouring businesses.”

Edward adds: “It was important for our business to secure the Fagan & Whalley contract. This has given us a fantastic base to push forward and grow the business. I have over 30 years experience implementing security and fire/life safety solutions across the UK and Europe. It is especially satisfying to be working with a family owned business right here on our doorstep who share the same philosophy of delivering the highest quality of work and customer service.”

With their headquarters at Shuttleworth Mead, Padiham and a southern base in High Holborn London, Braniff Partnership are an ambitious, dynamic business, offering innovative, technology-led solutions, protecting people, property and assets from

the vulnerabilities and threats that exist in today’s world.

The company has the highest level of accreditation, the National Security Inspectorate NACOSS ‘gold’, a hallmark of the high standards Braniff Partnership work to on all their projects, across sectors including commercial, private clients, CNI (Critical National Infrastructure) and education.

Edward explains: “This is an interesting era for the security and life services sector, encompassing what is referred to as life safety. It is more important than ever for private sector risk management teams like Braniff, to support, assist and complement the wider facilities and health and safety managers across a range of commercial, utility and industrial markets. No longer is it enough to offer ‘best in breed’ technologies and services. Equally as important today, is ensuring that the systems installed and procedures implemented for our clients are

robust enough to withstand the constant bombardment and varied threats including the risks of cyber hackers.”

Both Braniff Partnership and Fagan & Whalley are committed members of the Burnley Bondholder network and locating Braniff Partnership in Burnley was a clear winner when it came to establishing the company in the north west.

Adds Edward: “Burnley is a go-ahead town, a terrific place to do business with a fantastic infrastructure and a clear vision to support businesses across all sectors. It was the obvious choice for me to locate Braniff Partnership here. We want to offer our skills and expertise to other Burnley businesses, just as we have with Fagan & Whalley. It all about quality, the very best service delivery and always being there for our clients 24/7.”

To find out more about Braniff Partnership visit www.braniff-uk.com

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News

Creating the engineers of the future With their HQ on Burnley’s AMS Technology Park, Primary Engineer offers teacher training CPD programmes ranging from Early Years, Primary, Secondary up to postgraduate level. They have been working with teachers to address the fundamental issue of a lack of engineers and the wider perception of engineering since 2005 and have grown to deliver teacher training to more than 2000 teachers and taken their programmes into the classrooms to more than 44,000 students in 2017.

The Primary Engineer Structures and Mechanisms project attracts teachers from Reception to Year 6 classes. Their celebration events are serious but joyous occasions, where the pupils can show off their knowledge and creativity while barely realising they have been learning ‘STEM by Stealth’ The great news is that young children really, really like being engineers! How do we know? This year over 36,000 pupils

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interviewed engineers and answered the question ‘If you were an engineer - what would you do?’ by identifying problems and inventing solutions. Accompanying their inventions schematic were letters explaining why an engineer should choose theirs to build. Their inventions ranged from the downright brilliant to the utterly hilarious, all were thoughtful and most were designed to make life better for others - isn’t that how engineers describe their work, solving problems and making life better for people and society at large?

This project has created ties to universities and engineering industry.

Universities are using the ideas as degree projects, blogging the design and build process so that children and pupils can follow along and see how an idea becomes a functioning prototype.

UCLan will be building two prototypes this year one for Burnley and one for Greater Manchester to be unveiled at the Awards

Cermonies in July.

For Burnley it is the Tooth Mate’ which was awarded Judges Highly Commended in last year’s competition. A design by Jasper Cherry a Year 6 pupil from Briercliffe Primary School at the time. The Tooth Mate has an integral toothpaste tube so automatically puts the toothpaste on your brush and a timer so you know when to stop brushing.

Jasper was inspired by a visit to the school

by Josh and Frankie from TRW. One of the winners in Burnley from last year’s competition was Denis Lebeidenski, a Year 7 pupil at Shuttleworth College. He invented the Vibrate-a-Seat! It stops you from getting numb legs on the toilet after sitting a while, to save you from falling once you get up.

If you would like to come along and see the pupils incredible ingenuity at our awards ceremony in Burnley or visit the exhibition please see our website for details: www.leadersaward.com

™

We are always on the look out for support from engineers and businesses for our programmes so if you would like more information about getting involved contact:

info@primaryengineer.com | 01282 417333 57

News Caring Hayley receives top accolade An inspirational customer care manager has been honoured for her creativity and passion.

Hayley Wilkinson, who works at Birchall Foodservice on Burnley Bridge Business Park, scooped Customer Relations Award at Lancashire’s Sub36 awards.

The awards celebrate employees and business owners under the age of 36, who are working in the county.

Hayley joined the family-owned business as a teenager and is now in her 13th year, having worked her way up from a customer care advisor to manager, heading up a team of nine full-time and one part-time advisors.

On winning the award, Hayley said: “I’m over the moon to have won! I love helping people and being able to find a solution.

After all, the success of our business lies in the success of our customers. The majority of companies are too rigid in their structures - but we take great satisfaction in never saying ‘no’. This ‘make it happen’ attitude is ingrained in the company’s ethos and is what makes us stand out from our competitors.”

The judges commented: “Hayley is creative, empathetic and passionate about her work. Putting the customer first is what she lives and breathes. Her loyalty and continued enthusiasm makes her a true asset.”

Company director Louise Birchall added: “We’re extremely lucky to have Hayley heading up our customer care team. She just has that special ‘something’, the ability to make things happen, and always with a cheerful demeanour.”

Hussain Architectural Design Ltd WINNERS in the 2018 Build Magazine Architecture Awards Burnley and Manchester based design practice, Hussain Architectural Design Ltd has been announced winners in the 2018 Build Magazine Architecture Awards, and named the ‘The most influential women in Architecture,’ in Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

The company, which designs and builds residential and commercial buildings along with interior design and branding was selected from amongst hundreds of nominees across the country.

Reacting to the announcement, the company’s director Saira Hussain said: ‘I feel like with this we are not only celebrating women, but also men that are our allies, one of them is my dad who is a retired engineer and one of my biggest supporters especially my passion for engineering and construction, and never let me feel like there was anything I couldn't do.’

Nixie Edwards said: ‘There is a long way to go, and one day I hope that young women won't think twice about considering a career where you have to wear a hard hat every day. Awards like these are fantastic for raising the profile of our inspirational female role models and will hopefully lead to more young women considering a career in construction.’

More information about Hussain Architectural Design Ltd can be found on its website – www.hussainarchitecture.co.uk– or by calling 01282 451428.

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