Sector Special
Automotive TRW Body Control Systems pg16
In Focus
People Management pg22
News
Best in North West for Business Growth pg5
InBusinessBurnley Issue 5
Aston Martin switched on by Burnley TRW Automotive
Burnley Council…supporting local business1
ÂŁ500 million investment
...open for business
>>
Attracting investment, jobs and visitors is a top priority for Burnley. Working closely with businesses and building the boroughs reputation as a good place for enterprise, has climbed higher and higher up the agenda of the local council and key partnership bodies. Burnley is building a reputation for looking to the future, working hard to secure investment and jobs to build the town for years to come.
burnley.co.uk
‘B
Welcome from the Editor
urnley is amongst the best in the North West for business growth.’ What a welcome statement to introduce you to this edition of InBusinessBurnley. With wider economic problems facing the country, the recent data released by Experian which shows Burnley is number one for growth potential in Lancashire, is testament to Burnley’s reputation for looking to the future and the hard work underway to secure investment and develop the infrastructure and environment in which our businesses can thrive. Burnley can’t escape the difficult times but we refuse to lie down and surrender, working even harder to create the right environment to attract investment to help the town and its businesses to flourish. Burnley can proudly boast being home to several world class aerospace, automotive and digital industries. Mass production may have seen a shift to Europe, but the ‘intelligent’ specialised manufacturing has stayed here in the UK and is thriving here in Burnley. A great example of this diversification is highlighted in our Automotive Sector Special which features TRW automotive. Huge investments are underway in infrastructure, retail, leisure, education and housing. Over half a billion pounds of investment is underway in Burnley. Burnley is home to several world class businesses, new schools and
colleges; three new universities; and unrivalled business development opportunities which include: Burnley Knowledge Park, The Technology Park, Burnley Bridge Business Park, offering between them over 100 acres of prime business development land. Work is underway to promote the investment and infrastructure projects to attract new businesses. As a town we aim to be the best in the North West for economic growth, investing in huge strategic economic projects and working side by side with the private sector through innovative networks like the Bondholder Scheme. More of the right people need to know of Burnley’s success; that Burnley is investment ready; compared to its competitors; and that we are open for Business. 2012 is set to be quite a year for Burnley, we are proud and honoured that Her Majesty the Queen will be visiting Burnley on the 16th May as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour, when she will meet local businesses and hear of the transformations underway in the town.
5 Best in North West for growth
9 Burnley gains Velocity
16 Sector Special: Automotive
Joanne Etherington Editor 01282 477315 jetherington@burnley.gov.uk
Our Team
20 Envy of the North West
Alex Hooley Principal Business Support Officer
Martyn Hardacre Assistant Business Support Officer
MJ Hindman Graphic Designer
ahooley@burnley.gov.uk
mhardacre@burnley.gov.uk
mhindman@burnley.gov.uk
Produced by Communications and Graphics, © Burnley Council 2012. [t] 01282 425011. Job_6992. Printed by Peter Scotts Printers [t] 01282 452221
22 People Management 3
News Steve Gray Chief Executive It’s exciting times ahead for the Burnley community! Over the last 18 months we have been busy developing plans for the exciting new University Technical College (UTC) development at Victoria Mill. Training 2000 are all thrilled to be the lead sponsor for the development of the UTC, ‘Visions Learning Trust’, as part of the Weavers Triangle, and we are looking forward to working with other partners, including, Burnley Borough Council, Barnfield Construction and local employers and universities. People who are apprehensive about the new development because of its new format of learning need not be. The UTC will provide a strong foundation for any young person’s future, working very closely with local employers to offer hands on work experience and providing a route into a career, whether that be into an Apprenticeship or onto university. Visions Learning Trust UTC will specialise in Engineering and Construction sectors. Training 2000 is proud to be involved in the project which is building momentum and when the UTC opens, it will combine traditional education programmes with employer-led technical training, including Apprenticeships. People often get confused about what the UTC actually is. Is it a college or a university? It is neither. It’s a completely new concept in education which the government has a real focus on developing and is backing 100%. One big difference is that young people can come to the UTC at age 14 and stay until they are 19. The UTC will be one of the first in Lancashire and change is not necessarily a bad thing. Change allows more opportunities and a revolutionised curriculum, to deliver the very best training for young people to help prepare them for their chosen careers. We have been providing training for over 40 years and this is a new and innovative education format that puts employers at its core, which is vital to young people and their future, especially in our current economic climate where employees are looking for a trained and experienced workforce.
4
£10 million University Technical College coup for Burnley A planning application has been submitted for the £10.1m University Technical College (UTC), Visions Learning Trust, proposed for Victoria Mill in Burnley’s Weavers’ Triangle. The unique site in Burnley was chosen after looking at a selection of sites across Pennine Lancashire, and will be the first of its kind in the North West, providing education for 14-to19-year-olds in a new and innovative format that puts employers at its core. Combining traditional education programmes with employer-led technical training, including Apprenticeships, teaching will focus on developing the high skill levels required by employers in the engineering, advanced manufacturing and construction industries. Steve Gray, chief executive at Training 2000, lead sponsors of Visions Learning Trust, said: “Submitting the planning application means that we are one step closer to realising our dream of establishing Pennine Lancashire’s first UTC and I’m delighted we are at this stage of the proceedings. “Vision’s Learning Trust will offer an alternative to traditional education routes and will engage young people through hands-on, vocational learning that will give them a real flavour of what life is like in the world of work.” Steve Rumbelow, chief executive, Burnley Council, added: “The vision is to make Burnley a centre of educational excellence,
a regionally significant centre for advanced manufacturing, digital and creative industries, so I’m delighted to see progress for the UTC moving forward at a pace, with the submission of the planning application.” The development and conversion of the historic former mill will be undertaken by Nelson-based Barnfield Construction in a joint venture with Burnley Borough Council and is due to commence in June 2012. The facility will be fully-operational by September 2013, subject to the final funding agreement being signed by the Secretary of State this month. The planning application was submitted by Barnfield Construction Ltd on behalf of Visions Learning Trust. Gareth Smith, project director at Barnfield, concluded: “This project epitomises real regeneration and with our partners at Burnley Borough Council we will be able to deliver this exciting project in a short period of time. The vision and drive of Training 2000 has been quite amazing and the ethos of the facility fits perfectly with wider plans. “This scheme forms part of a much broader regeneration which is being undertaken through a joint venture between Barnfield Investment Properties and Burnley Borough Council and will be the catalyst to many exciting opportunities in the area.”
Burnley amongst best in northwest for business growth Experian Data shows Burnley number one for ‘growth potential’ in Lancashire. Research by data analysts Experian has identified Burnley as one of the best in the northwest for business growth potential with over one quarter of companies in the town being identified as ‘high growth champions.’ Commissioned by the BBC the research places Burnley top in Lancashire and second place in the northwest overall for the
our ability to attract investment. When the time came to make that decision, despite difficult economic conditions, we pushed forward. Now we have doubled our workforce, trebled our capacity and have seen a 22% increase in turnover in the past four months.” Of the 4,000 companies in Burnley 542 businesses were identified as ‘high growth
said: “As a council we aim to be the most business-friendly in the north-west, investing in huge strategic economic investments and working side-by-side with the private sector through innovative networks like the Burnley Bondholder Scheme. Tim Maddison, Managing Director of T & R Precision Engineering, said: “Our company is one of many that feed into
technology company which has decided to relocate its research, development and production headquarters to the recently announced AMS Technology Park in the town. Velocity Composites are a specialist engineering and supply chain company serving predominantly the aerospace composites industry. Gerry Johnson, Director of
The BBC data comes on the back of research by Government think tank Centre for Cities that listed the town number one in the country for proportion of employment in skilled manufacturing and in the top 10% for growth in patent applications: a recognised indicator of innovation. proportion of businesses with good growth prospects for the future. One of Burnley’s ‘high growth champions’ is the nationally and internationally acclaimed Moorhouses Brewery which has just announced a 100 per cent increase in sales on this time last year. David Grant, Managing Director of Moorhouse’s, said: “I was delighted but not surprised at this news. We as a business take decisions based upon confidence in our product; confidence in the market; confidence in the town and in
champions’. These are defined as young and small-but-rapidlygrowing firms with directors that show an international outlook, entrepreneurial skill, and appetite for business risk. The research for the BBC by Experian looked at evidence for growth from 2010 to 2012 in every local authority area in England. As well as businessled growth the research also looked at export-led growth and sector-led growth to map the potential for significant economic recovery. Steve Rumbelow, Chief Executive of Burnley Council,
an internationally recognised supply chain for the aerospace industry. Quite simply this is an area of engineering excellence, but crucially, it is also an area investing in developing a future workforce.” “Our workforce has increased by 10% in the last year: a sign that we are supporting the Government’s aim to rebalance the economy towards the manufacturing sector and a further sign of positive growth prospects in the local economy.” One of the newest ‘high growth champions’ to come to Burnley is a rapidly expanding
Communications and Finance at Velocity Composites, said: “We are an ambitious, modern, manufacturing company. We know only to pursue growth and that is why we are doubling the size of our unit and relocating to Burnley. It is a place that has ambitions of its own investing heavily in infrastructure, education and skills; a place with a world-class supply chain in manufacturing, and a sense of competitiveness. This suits our business.” To find out more about Burnley visit www.burnley.co.uk
5
News
Full steam ahead for transformation of Manchester Road Station Planning permission has been approved for the transformation of Burnley’s Manchester Road Railway Station. Burnley Council in partnership with Lancashire County Council, the East Lancashire Community Rail Partnership, Northern Rail and Network Rail is redeveloping the station in advance of the implementation of the Todmorden Curve railway improvements, which will see travel times to Manchester cut from 1 hour and 10 minutes to 53 minutes. These improvements are likely to see a strong increase in passenger numbers at the station, which is already Burnley’s busiest station.
The plans include: •
The refurbishment of the former railway station building
•
Introducing manned ticket facilities
•
A Community Facility for use by the East Lancashire Community Rail Partnership and the Northern Rail Community Ambassadors
•
ew car parking to provide 49 spaces and 4 new DDA N parking spaces
•
New cycle parking provision
Work has already started at the station, with some initial enabling works including the demolition of extensions relating to the former use of a dairy distribution depot and the clearance of vegetation. In addition, a funding submission to the Interreg IV B programme for ERDF funding has been submitted by Lancashire County Council. The application has been conditionally approved with full approval expected soon. The station was originally built in the current location at Manchester Road in 1886. This station was, in turn, closed on 6 November 1961 and subsequently re-opened on 29 September 1986. By the time it was reopened, the station building, the majority of which still exists, had been sold out of railway use for use as a dairy storage and distribution facility. The site was purchased by Burnley Council and Lancashire County Council in November 2011 with the aim of bringing the building back into rail use. Mike Cook, Director for Economic Regeneration, said: “Now planning permission has been granted, it’s full steam ahead to transform the station, which will accommodate the forecasted increase in passenger numbers when the Todmorden Curve is reopened and when the University Technical College opens. “For some passengers it can be the first impression they get of a town, and with the transformations underway in Burnley, with new schools, college and universities, it is important that visitors arriving, or passing through see the ‘new’ modern, changing Burnley.
Students gain career inspiration at Futaba-Tenneco One of Burnley’s leading advanced manufacturing companies has hosted 30 IT students from Burnley College to show them the role IT plays in a modern manufacturing company. The students visited FutabaTenneco to look at how IT is used to order raw materials, plan and schedule work and to ensure products are produced safely and to high standards. They were also shown how IT helps
6
the Company to keep machines performing effectively and how it helps the maintenance team resolve technical problems. HR Manager Brian Barker spoke to the students about how the Company operates and they were given a guided tour of the factory by the Health and Safety team. Managing Director Kevin Schofield also met the students. He said: “It was fantastic to see local
students taking an interest in our modern manufacturing processes and learning how they could apply their IT skills in this sector. Burnley is home to some great manufacturing companies and offers some fantastic career opportunities; it was really pleasing to show these students the choices available to them in this industry.” Burnley College IT Lecturer Lyn Bradley added:
“The students really enjoyed their tour of the factory and learning about the vital role IT plays in its operations. They were amazed at how integral IT is to everything the Company does. We would like to thank the staff at Futaba-Tenneco for their time and for inspiring the students to look at the different career and university routes studying IT can lead to.”
Alan Hood’s the new Managing Director at Aircelle Ltd Alan Hood has been appointed Managing Director for Aircelle Limited, an Aircelle (Safran Group) subsidiary located in Burnley. Alan succeeds Andrew White who has moved to another position within the Safran Group. Alan Hood will report directly to Vincent Mascré, Aircelle CEO. Alan Hood holds a B.Sc (Hons) in chemistry from the University of Birmingham and a Diploma in Manufacturing Management from the University of Warwick as well as being a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. After university, he spent six years working in R&D on polymers and paint technology used in Automotive OEM applications working for Turner & Newall and Courtaulds. He then worked for PPG Industries Inc holding roles of Cost Accountant, Financial Analyst & Management Accountant before holding the position of European Finance Director for firstly their Industrial Coatings business based in Paris and then their Fibre Glass business based in the UK. Alan Hood joined Aircelle Ltd in May 2006 as Finance Director.
MB aerospace gets foothold for Eurofighter and Airbus supplies Burnley’s MB Aerospace Holdings has recently acquired the business and assets of Thomson Aero Ltd from administrators KPMG. Thomson Aero supplied parts for the Eurofighter Typhoon and Airbus A330. The acquisition by MB Aerospace Holdings will safeguard 60 jobs at the manufacturing site in Somerset. The business will form a new division of MB Aerospace, alongside the groups three UK based facilities in Derby, Burnley and Motherwell. With recent annual revenue of approximately £6 million, Thomson has developed a sophisticated range of engineering and production capabilities for a number of key aero engine programmes, including complex machined components. Chief Executive of MB Aerospace Holdings said : “This acquisition provides us with a range of additional complex machining capabilities and a highly skilled workforce ready to support the challenging needs of our global customers, including Rolls Royce, Pratt & Whitney, Boeing and GKN Aerospace.”
The Apprenticeship Grant The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) is providing up to 40,000 Apprenticeship grants to small and medium sized employers recruiting 16 to 24 year olds to encourage new employers to take on apprentices. The Apprenticeship Grant for employers of 16 to 24 year olds is aimed at helping eligible employers to offer young people employment through the Apprenticeship programme by providing a grant to the value of £1,500. Further information on eligibility and how to apply for the grant can be found in the Employer Factsheet found on www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
Tim Webber Chief Executive & Managing Director Building the new Burnley THE last couple of years have seen spectacular progress in and around Burnley. Whilst some towns and cities have been seeking to simply halt decline, Burnley has embarked on an ambitious programme that is reconnecting us with the commercial heart of the region, enhancing an advanced manufacturing hub and constructing a higher education centre of excellence. Prime movers in much of what is taking place in the town are businesses that belong to the Burnley Bondholder network. It’s a genuinely powerful combination when local government and business leaders share a common purpose and collectively act. For our part, at Barnfield we’re immensely proud of where we come from and we’re equally proud of many of the hundreds of developments that we’ve completed in this area. Given the current momentum in Burnley, it’s genuinely exciting to see developments such as Todmorden Curve, especially as the soon-to-be renovated and upgraded Manchester Road Station is adjacent to the Weavers’ Triangle. On that subject, I’m thrilled that Barnfield will be working on the first phase of the Weavers’ Triangle and the University Technical College. Our joint venture with Burnley Council should see construction work on the historic Victoria Mill commencing in June 2012. The centre is expected to be fully-operational by September 2013. Besides the variety of courses being offered at Burnley College and UCLan campus and those at the world’s first University College of Football Business, we also expect the University Technical College will result in Burnley-based graduates emerging with skills in advanced manufacturing. Modern manufacturers need a highly skilled workforce and Burnley’s ability to supply those skills will help us to retain and enhance our thriving advanced manufacturing sector, as well as attracting new investment. The new University Technical College is a huge opportunity that will finally help Burnley to realise the potential of a nationally significant regeneration area. With the new campus comes increased footfall, which is key to the success of the wider regeneration plans for the Weavers’ Triangle area. However, I’m conscious that if we want to attract inward investment we also have to talk about business relocation and people moving into the area. To attract new people we have to ensure we have an improved leisure and cultural offer. There are serious conversations taking place about a major cultural offer in the Weavers’ Triangle. Barnfield have also started work on our AMS Technology Park, which has attracted interest from potential new tenants and has led Velocity Composites Limited to sign a pre-let agreement on a new industrial unit. All in all these are exciting times for Burnley.
7
News
Unique Commercial Development Opportunity in Burnley’s Knowledge Quarter The hunt is on to find a development partner for the 2 hectare ‘Burnley Knowledge Park’ site in Burnley’s Knowledge Quarter. Expressions of interest have been sought from established commercial developers to develop the brownfield ‘Knowledge Park’ site which sits in an unrivalled edge of town centre location adjacent to Burnley’s £84 million university and college campus. The site also benefits from main road frontage, just minutes away from two motorway junctions and Burnley’s central railway station; a rural outlook and riverside
location. An impressive new public realm gateway to the site has recently been completed providing the development site with a modern welcoming approach. Project partners Burnley Council, UCLan, Burnley College and the Homes and Communities agency are looking to appoint a development partner to create a high quality B1 commercial development, which has capacity for up to 12,000 sq.m (130,000 sq.ft) of floorspace, which could include an enterprise centre with incubation and managed workspace.
The site is being developed to attract new and expanding businesses in the advanced engineering, manufacturing and digital industries, which would benefit from the unique location adjacent to the education campus which provides advanced R&D, manufacturing and robotic technology learning on site. Mike Cook, Director for Economic Regeneration said: “We are confident we will attract an established commercial developer who will provide a unique commercial development to attract new businesses and quality jobs to Burnley.”
“Developers can be confident they are investing in a growing economy. The recent Experian report identified Burnley as the second best in the North West for business growth potential, with over one quarter of companies in the town identified as ‘high growth champions’.
Mike added: “With over half a billion pounds being spent on infrastructure development, the town is definitely a prime location for interested developers.”
First non-Japanese MD for Futaba-Tenneco Senior Executives travelled from Japan to see Mr Kevin Schofield take over from Yutaka Nagasaki, who is returning to Japan after 11 years heading up the Burnley subsidiary. It was a great honour for staff and managers at the Burnley plant to receive the President of the Futaba Group, Mishima-San and Sasaki-San, one of the Board members, who flew in from Japan at the weekend especially for the historic presentation ceremony. They said farewell to Yutaka Nagasaki, and welcomed the
8
new Managing Director, Mr. Kevin Schofield, the first ever nonJapanese subsidiary MD across the whole of the worldwide Futaba-Tenneco automotive parts giant. Burnley-born Kevin Schofield will be Futaba’s first nonJapanese subsidiary managing director, an achievement that marks the high point of a long career working up through the ranks at the company, which supplies components to car giant Toyota.
Burnley’s AMS Technology Park gaining Velocity Work begins with composites firm relocating to emerging tech and digital hub
World renowned audio products for the film and music industry.
Work has begun on the new headquarters for Velocity Composites, as the business is set to relocate its research, development and production headquarters to the recently announced AMS Technology Park in Burnley. The rapidly expanding advanced technology firm are a specialist engineering and supply chain company serving predominantly the aerospace composites industry. They have seen a rapid growth in interest in their services in the North West over the past 3 years and see a great commercial advantage in being based amongst Burnley’s aerospace and advanced manufacturing cluster. Velocity’s Operations Director Chris Banks, confirmed that strong growth of the business recently resulted in the company investigating options for enhancing and relocating their operation:
“At first we retained consultants to find a suitable building for us, possibly in the Blackburn area. It was then that we came across publicity regarding Burnley’s AMS Technology Park and to cut a long story short, the location, surroundings and concept really appealed to us and our business.” “Most importantly, it became a “no-brainer” when comparing what we could achieve in a new, purpose-built building compared to the costs and uncertainty of modifying an existing property. AMS Technology Park is well located close to the M65 Motorway and the plans and strategy for the expansion of the site appeal very much to me and my co-directors.” AMS Technology Park was formed earlier in 2011 as a Joint Venture between Stuart Nevison and Barnfield Construction Ltd. Stuart was originally a
Construction underway on Velocity’s new HQ.
co-founder of AMS Ltd., with AMS Neve’s managing Director Mark Crabtree. In the mid 1990’s Stuart began joint ventures with Barnfield Construction Ltd., creating a range of managed business space throughout the area, the most well-known being The Globe Centre in Accrington. Stuart commented: “Velocity Composites are exactly the sort of young, vibrant company that we believe will thrive in this environment. AMS Neve Ltd., who have operated from the heart of the Park for over 30 years, have enjoyed an unparalleled international reputation for their world beating professional audio products targeted at the music, television and film industry. We welcome Velocity and look forward to their company continuing their meteoric rise from their new home in this unique environment. We are talking to others about taking space in the
existing AMS Neve building, but this new building on the site will be the largest planned so far providing approximately twenty thousand square feet of new space for Velocity Composites.” Barnfield Construction will be constructing 15 industrial units with space available from 2,400 sq ft and 15,000 sq ft and renovating part of AMS Neve’s existing building into 18 office suites which will create an opportunity for businesses to share the same premises with a world leader in professional audio. AMS Neve consoles were used to produce 80 per cent of this year’s Oscar winning movies, including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, The King’s Speech, Black Swan, The Social Network, Alice in Wonderland, Toy Story 3 and Inception, and all of the 2011 BAFTA-winning films.
9
News
Winning starts with the will to win! JRC were up against 7 other companies for The Red Rose Business Award, Small Business of the Year, and to win this award is such a fantastic achievement. The Director of Planning, Rosie Connor, commented on the award, ‘This is such a great achievement, it’s been 12 years in the making and recognition is priceless! We would like to thank our amazing team who have all worked so hard in the last 12 months and have helped us to win The Red Rose Business Award. JRC Roofing Distributors Ltd supplies slate and other
roofing products to a wide range of trades including builder’s merchants, property developers and roofing contractors throughout the UK. The company’s staff training and development programmes of the last two years have been rewarded by an increase in both sales and profits. In October 2011, JRC was awarded preferred supplier status by the building industry’s National Buying Group. Winning starts with the will to win! www.jrcroofing.co.uk
Entrepreneurial brothers open unique personal trainer centre Fitness Experience (FX) is the first Personal Training Centre of its kind in the Burnley area. It is a privately owned business that has its roots in the closure of Stadium Fitness at Burnley Football Club. Brothers Jamie and Joshua Kennedy were both employed at Stadium Fitness and as part of the restructuring the Board of Trustees at B.F.C. the club agreed to support them in establishing a fitness business.
10
Jamie and Joshua sought advice and guidance from Burnley Enterprise Trust on a number of occasions which resulted in a re-structuring of the original idea of a ‘gym’. Recognising that the ‘Gym’ market was already well served with both public and private facilities they considered a ‘niche ‘ approach by targeting the growing demand for fully qualified personal trainers. In November 2011 they
opened the Fitness Experience Personal Training Centre at the Stables in Manchester Road, Burnley. In addition to the support given by B.F.C. a large amount of additional investment has been made in providing the facility with a full range of fitness equipment. The centre offers one to one training packages including personal fitness training packages with nutritional advice. In addition to
this, FX is now offering small group sessions including boot camps and viba plate workouts. All members on Training programmes gain unrestricted access to state of the art cardio vascular facilities and a comprehensive range of Strength and Conditioning equipment. www.fitness-experience.co.uk
How businesses can get young people into work
The Youth Contract is a package of support worth almost £1 billion to help young unemployed people prepare for work and find a job. Employers are able to take advantage of 160,000 wage incentives, worth up to £2,275 when you employ an 18 to 24 year old on the work programme for at least 26 weeks. The key elements are: •
An extra 250,000 voluntary work experience (available across Great Britain) or sector-based work academy places (available in England and Scotland)
•
A further 20,000 Apprenticeship Grants for Employers, to encourage small and medium employers to recruit their first 16 to 24 year old apprentice, taking the total number to 40,000 (in England only)
•
Additional support through Jobcentre Plus by way of more adviser time and weekly contact
•
An opportunity to have a careers interview with the National Careers Service (in England)
•
Around £120m to help the most vulnerable 16/17 year old NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) in England back in to education, training or a job with training
What the Youth Contract means for you as an employer? Wage incentive A young person will still need to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. The wage incentive is only available when you employ someone for 16 hours or more per week. There is a part-time rate (£1,137.50) between 16 and 29 hours and a full-time rate (£2,275) for 30 hours or more. Work Programme Providers will work with you to identify employment opportunities and issue claim forms when an 18 to 24 year old starts suitable employment. After 26 weeks you can claim the full payment from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) who will validate the claim and make the payment into your bank account. Small and medium employers may be able to claim a part payment earlier than 26 weeks.
For more information on the Youth Contract, Sector-based work academies and Voluntary work experience visit: www.apprenticeships.org.uk www.dwp.gov.uk or Call 0845 601 2001
The Youth Contract
News Be ecoSMARTER: save cash on your energy bills with a free energy monitor. If you are a small business with fewer than 10 employees, the new ecoSMARTER environmental programme can help you save cash on your energy bills. Funded by the European Regional Development Fund, participation is free to small businesses in Burnley and includes a range of products and support for you and your staff. Following an initial phone assessment, we will install an energy monitor at your business premises and register you with our unique online energy tracking facility. In addition, our team of
environmental experts will support you to write a green policy for your company, including additional training for staff if you need it and, in recognition of your move towards a greener way of working, we will award your business with Carbon Smart Blue certification. The ecoSMARTER pilot scheme helped participating businesses to save an average of 16% in real cash terms from their energy bills last year, while Carbon Smart certification has meant several businesses have attained the environmental
credentials needed to register for preferred supplier status with their local authorities. If you are based in Burnley and are interested in real cash savings on your energy bills or simply reducing your carbon footprint, the ecoSMARTER team want to hear from you. For more information, please call us on 0161 237 4630 or e-mail us at, ecosmarter@ carbonsmart.co.uk . Alternatively have a look at our website: www.bit.ly/ecosmarter. But hurry, places are going fast.
Be ecoSMARTER with a free energy monitor.
Exclusive UK Distributor of Griven’s Architectural Range Lamps & Lighting is delighted to announce that the company has been appointed as the exclusive distributor of Griven’s architectural range of products in the UK. Griven has established itself as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of state of the art architectural lighting. The company offers fully
weatherproof, professional LED lighting solutions incorporating the very latest energy efficient solid state technology for a wide range of applications. Chosen around the world by a multitude of professionals, architects and lighting designers, Griven’s modern LED technology features in The Scientific Center in Kuwait, the Eiffel Towel and the
Krasnodar TV Tower in Russia to name just a few. We are extremely proud to be working with such an internationally respected company like Griven that shares our values of honesty and professionalism. Griven has a well deserved reputation for excellence and their passion for lighting is clear for all to see.
Griven’s impressive range of LEDs, high powered projectors and floodlight solutions complements our other brands namely Steon, Metalspot and I-tre. We look forward to providing a high level of customer service to both new and existing customers in the UK. www.griven.com www.lampslighting.co.uk
60 Diamond members to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee This year, to further support the members and celebrate the Queen’s diamond jubilee, East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce has launched its Diamond Ambassador Club. This is a club for business owners who want to look “outside the factory gate” and be able to influence the future direction of the East Lancashire business
economy. “We will be having topical debates with high profile, influential speakers from government and industry, introducing the ‘Diamond members’ to strategic boards, and encouraging them to embrace the benefits of trading locally,” says new Chamber president, Wendy Bowers.
East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce has 850 members, and is looking for 30-40 companies drawn from the key local industrial sectors, to join the influential Diamond members club this year, to celebrate the Queen’s 60 years. Adam Marshall, head of policy and external affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce,
is attending the inaugural lunch and debate on 1st June 2012 for East Lancashire Chamber’s Diamond members. If you want to know more about becoming a diamond member, call Darren Grantham or Chrissie Pilkington at the Chamber on 01254 356400.
Unison apprentice wins Irene Short Award The region’s best young aerospace engineers were honoured at the annual North West Aerospace Alliance New Talent Awards. The ceremony, held at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), Manchester, saw prizes handed out to the region’s brightest and best, along with the training providers and universities which support their work. The Irene Short Trophy, honouring the best apprentice from a smaller company, went to one of our apprentices - Nick Walton of Burnley’s Unison Engine Components. Well done Nick (pictured left).
12
Developers Eshton to start on site at Burnley Bridge Yorkshire-based Eshton is to start construction of a new road bridge across the LeedsLiverpool Canal at the entrance of the 70-acre Burnley Bridge Business Park. Work on the bridge and associated infrastructure at the business park, which is located at Junction 9 of the M65, is to begin in the spring of 2012 now that European funding is in place. James Chapman, managing director of Eshton, explained that the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)’s grant of £3.85 million towards the £50 million project had now been secured. Mr Chapman said: “This is absolutely tremendous news for the Burnley region. These are challenging economic times for the commercial property market, and it gives Eshton great pleasure to be able to develop this crucial strategic site and to create a significant number of jobs in the
East Lancashire area. “The ERDF grant gives us the green light. We can now start work in earnest at Burnley Bridge and attract quality occupiers to a quality site. We are determined to make this business park the very finest in the region, building on its fantastic location and providing good jobs for an excellent Lancashire labour force. “The final phase of demolition and site clearance has now been completed getting everything ready for development. The construction of the bridge over the canal will now kick-start the whole project. “Overall we believe that the development will create up to 1,400 new and sustainable jobs with major economic and social benefits for the East Lancashire region. Steve Rumbelow, chief executive of Burnley Borough Council, said: ¨ Burnley Bridge is well located and will provide
state of the art facilities in which ambitious companies can thrive. Eshton have had to be tenacious in the current market to bring this site forward and it has been a pleasure to help make it happen. James Chapman and the Eshton team have done a great job. “This is fantastic news and it shows what can be achieved even in these difficult economic times when the private and public sector work together with a common goal.” James Chapman added there was strong interest in the well-located site from logistics and manufacturing companies in the area. He said: “We are in advanced talks with a number of parties and could do deals in the coming months that mean we are also on site with bespoke buildings for the first occupiers at the same time as the bridge installation.” “There is consent for up to 650,000 sq ft of industrial space
on the site and inquiries have been for space from 5,000 sq ft to 500,000 sq ft. As well as design-and-build pre-lets, we are undertaking a speculative phase of industrial units from 5,000 sq ft to 15,000 sq ft next year”. Mr Chapman added: “Contrary to what people might expect, many companies are doing well in the area despite the economic challenges. Some of the local manufacturers are consolidating space and smaller firms need to move to new premises.” Burnley Bridge Business Park is located on the former Hepworth’s site at Pollard Moor on the outskirts of Hapton and Padiham. The agents for the development are Dove, Haigh Phillips of Leeds and Trevor Dawson of Blackburn and Burnley.
13
News
Flood risk for Burnley Businesses? The UK has experienced heavy floods over the past decade, affecting thousands of people and causing millions of pounds worth of damage. A report published by the Environment Department last month identified flooding as the greatest threat to the UK posed by climate change, with up to 3.6 million people at risk by the middle of the century. The first comprehensive climate change risk assessment for the UK identifies hundreds of ways rising global temperatures will have an impact if no action is taken. They include the financial damage caused to businesses by flooding, which could increase from £20million to £72 million by the 2050’s and £96 million by the 2080’s. At present the Environment Agency puts 185,000 businesses at risk of flooding in England and Wales alone, which represents property, land and assets to the value of over £200billion. This includes
parts of Burnley Town Centre, including St. James’s Street and Active Way which both border on the River Calder. With the cost of flooding to businesses averaging at £75,000 - £112,000 (far outweighing the average cost from a burglary), it is important for businesses to take action - without planning and investment to deal with these threats, they could find themselves sleepwalking into disaster. The good news is that there is free support available to any business who wants to protect themselves against flooding or find out if they are at risk. The SWEL project (Sustainable Water Environment Lancashire), which is funded by the Environment Agency and delivered by Groundwork Pennine Lancashire, can provide support to any Lancashire business that is worried about flooding and wants to minimise their risk. This free support
includes a Flood Vulnerability Assessment, Flood Plan development, free flood warnings and ongoing support and assistance relating to flood risk management. Lancashire company Ultraframe UK Ltd has already taken advantage of this funded support, having been concerned about their adjacent location to Mearley Brook, which has flooded several times in the past. Jason Neville, Quality and Environmental Manager at Ultraframe said: “Taking the proactive approach offered by the SWEL team has provided Ultraframe not just with the tools to produce a flood plan, but with the back-up support to implement the changes. In the event of a flooding we can now be confident that we’re ready to take action and keep
disruption to a minimum.” “Flood risk management is essentially a business continuity issue and it’s a really important one,” added Christina Worsley, Environmental Consultant at Groundwork Pennine Lancashire. “Businesses who fail to consider the repercussions of a flooding incident at their premises could be placing themselves at risk of physical losses of property, materials and stock, recovery costs and increased insurance premiums. A flood risk plan will protect you from all this and could even reduce your current insurance premiums.” To access this free support, you can visit www. swelancashire.co.uk, email christina.worsley@gwpl.co.uk or call 01254 265163.
Families in Business (ICFIB) in the region. PM+M has announced a number of services, specifically tailored for the complex needs of family owned and managed businesses.
Opened by Ian Brown of established family company Graham & Brown, the new centre is a unique offering which will provide a hub for family businesses to gain expert advice in areas such as
management and ownership succession, integration of business planning with family goals, family tax and wealth management and even conflict resolution.
PM+M launches as the “North West Centre For Family Businesses” One of Lancashire’s leading accountancy firms PM+M is now a centre of excellence for North West family businesses. The only corporate member of the highly regarded International Centre For
14
Jim Akrill, PM+M Solutions
Burney businesswoman elected president of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce Burnley businesswoman, Wendy Bowers of So Business Solutions, has been elected president of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce. Wendy attended Nelson & Colne College. She then, with her family, established one of Pennine Lancashire’s most successful furniture manufacturing businesses. Having acquired additional directorship level experience across all sectors, she set up her business support company, So Business Solutions, in 1999. Since then, using her 30 years’ commercial experience, she has helped hundreds of businesses to draw down grants and flourish. She is vice chair of UK Women’s Enterprise Forum, and a board member of Community and Business Partners. “It’s a really exciting time to be involved with the Chamber because it has a pivotal role in rebalancing our economy” she says. “We have always been the voice of the business community. I’m looking forward to taking the views of our Pennine Lancashire businesses both directly to the Government and to our national association the British Chambers of Commerce.” “There are some fantastic businesses in East Lancashire and we want people to understand what a
great resource and ally we’ve got with our Chamber” she continued. “We are a fully accredited Chamber, and support local and national businesses daily with highly skilled international trade, internet services and commercial teams, and a superb training and events department. We have also recently been recognised as a ‘centre of excellence’ for the Chartered Institute of Purchase and Supply. Behind the scenes, and what people don’t always see, is the representation the Chamber has on strategic boards, and the lobbying that is always ongoing and produces superb results such as the Todmorden Curve, University Technical College, Enterprise Zone, Capital Loans & Grants for SMEs (LEAP), and the real changes that we’re making in matching the skills needs of employers to the education system. “I’m happy to say that here, in East Lancashire, we’ve got all the building blocks in place for real business growth, and we need to be very proud of our industrial heritage and manufacturing record. “We should be loud as well as proud about our incredible industrial base - combined with the most beautiful countryside. Pennine Lancashire is a fantastic place to live, learn, work, play, and invest.”
Is your business fighting fit? In the midst of the worst recession in most of our lifetimes, never was the phrase ‘survival of the fittest’ more appropriate. At PM+M, we are often approached to help raise funds, either for survival or growth. However, not all businesses are fit to invest in or lend to. There are often a number of issues to address, including;
Competition Competition is tough in a recession. You must have a clear notion of why someone would buy what you are selling. What value are you offering? What problem are you solving? Is your product as good as it could be?
Price vs cost We often see businesses that have no real idea of what it costs to make and sell their products. Consequently pricing is a bit of a lottery. Sit down and work out what everything costs and what your price needs to be to make a profit. If this price is way out of line with the market, then you are going to need to do something about it.
Management Information Do you really know how your business is performing? Are you making profit? What does your cash flow look like next week, next month and next year? If your management information does not give you the information you need, you will be feeling your way in the dark. For further information or advice, please contact Jim on 01282 438035 or at jim.akrill@pmm.co.uk. Alternatively, please visit www.pmm.co.uk.
The Future of Manufacturing taking shape today Do you want to bring new and innovative products to market faster, with less risk and lower capital investment? Are your product designs restricted by existing production methods? If your answers are yes, then Additive Layer Manufacturing (also known as 3D printing or rapid part manufacturing) could be the solution you have been looking for. This FREE seminar from Regenerate's Lancashire Innovation Network in partnership with Lancaster University will provide you with an overview of Additive Manufacturing technologies and the
business benefits to be gained, and show you how the technology is being used to create a wide range of products (medical implants, engineering and aerospace parts, sculptures and architectural models) straight from CAD packages.
Date: Thursday 31st May, 8:30am to 11:30am Venue: Lancaster Product Development Unit, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YR
15
Sector Special : Automotive
Automotive switch “I’m extremely positive and see a steady growth as we go forward. TRW Burnley is back on the up. There’s a healthy future as a core aftermarket business in Europe, with new manufacturing projects for the premium brand car manufacturers” John Kennedy. Operations Director TRW Burnley
16
into a new gear! At the forefront of automotive BODY SYSTEMS Switch manufacturing, engineering design & testing. Burnley’s TRW plant stands at the forefront of the automotive aftermarket switchgear and body control systems market. Part of the global TRW automotive group, a manufacturing and service company providing advanced technology systems to automotive customers worldwide, Burnley’s plant provides high end design and manufacture of switchgear products for Volvo, Jaguar, Landrover, Nissan and Honda, as well as products for new cars in the high end exclusive car market including Bentley, Lotus, McLaren and Aston Martin. From product development concept, to the design, testing and manufacturing of switchgear and body control systems, Burnley TRW is experiencing growth in this advanced engineering sector. At any hour, on any given day in 26 countries and more than 180 locations
around the world, TRW is designing and producing world-class products for the automotive market, and Burnley’s plant is no exception. Employing 180 staff, Burnley TRW prides itself on its outstanding performance in meeting Quality and Supply needs for a diverse range of products ranging from new launches to servicing aftermarket needs on products which ended serial production many years ago. They assemble and ship in excess of 30,000 units a day to over 100 customers and 150 delivery locations. From their impressive 500,000 sq.ft. site on Heasandford Industrial Estate, which has been a well-known Burnley landmark since 1967 when it was constructed for Lucas Electrical, TRW Burnley has completely diversified to compete in today’s global market place. continue over>
17
Sector Special : Automotive
The editor of InBusiness, Joanne >Etherington, asks TRW’s Operations Director, John Kennedy, about what the future holds for TRW Burnley. John has worked for the company for 33 years, throughout its changes and takeovers and started on the shop floor in 1979 after completing an apprenticeship. He was promoted to Training Officer within a couple of years , and from here gained the role of HR Manager, then Production Manager in the early 90’s, and now proudly holds the position of Operations Director. His passion to continue the development of Burnley’s TRW plant is clearly evident, when you walk around the facility with him, he chats to staff across the site. It’s a huge site but feels like a close knit family.
Talking to John about the history of the site, he tells us the changes that have had to be made over the years : John Kennedy: “The Burnley profile has changed dramatically since 1967. Historically we were part of Lucas Electrical and focussed on low cost, mass assembly manufacturing, putting out over 2 million column switches a year, but the early 90’s brought difficult times with limited new business coming through. Mass assembly of low cost products in the UK was being transferred to Eastern Europe, who offered lower cost manufacturing.
“The Burnley plant had to recognise that its future was not in mass assembly, and we had to quickly look at other areas which would maximise profitability and secure the future of the company.”
John on his love for manufacturing:
“I love manufacturing and am keen to help rebrand manufacturing and engineering as a fabulous sector to work in. There are more opportunities in manufacturing than people think. Career development within the TRW group is amazing, the world is your oyster. With plants in China, Mexico, Brazil - to name but a few - many of our Burnley team regularly travel all over the world.” 18
“Although much of the unskilled manufacturing is going abroad, some of the highly skilled work is staying in the UK and we have had to take advantage of this, and adapt with our experienced team. “We had the skills and the knowledge and recognised that specialised low volume production was the way forward. We repackaged our whole process and insourced work that was previously outsourced, and now deliver Moulding, Assembly, Engineering Design and Testing from this site. “We’ve been through some difficult times over the years, but we have adapted and diversified and seen a growth in our specialised engineering, and we are looking at rebuilding our image locally and integrating in the manufacturing community.”
Image showing TRW switch gear - courtesy of Aston Martin
TRW Switched on for future success!
19
Feature : Burnley Bondholder Scheme
Envy of the Northwest Unite. Influence. Achieve. Enquiries have been made to the Burnley Bondholder Scheme from across the Northwest as towns have sought to emulate Burnley’s model for public and private sector partnership working. Established in 2009, the Burnley Bondholder Scheme was the first of its kind in the North West and the first in the UK to direct all private sector contributions to promote the town across the UK and encourage new investment. The aim of the Bondholder Scheme is to ensure more of the right people from across the North West and beyond, know that Burnley is a great place to live, work, visit and invest. David Grant, Managing Director of Moorhouse’s Brewery said: “For too long this town has let others define it: the national media, for whom bad news sells, for one. As Bondholders we believe Burnley should define itself based upon our world class aerospace industry, engineering expertise, all-new educational facilities, breathtaking countryside, and of
course, distinctive world class beverages.” Steve Rumbelow, Chief Executive Officer of Burnley Council, said “We were ahead of the game in Burnley, working closely with businesses long before many other areas. That is why the Burnley Bondholder scheme is the envy of the Northwest and why we can present a truly unified public and private sector voice.” Influencing Agendas A key aim for the Burnley Bondholder scheme is ‘strength in numbers’ to influence agendas. To develop a united voice, regular Bondholder Networks are organised at which information is shared, relationships are developed and ideas discussed. Business leaders who understand what is good for Burnley is good for business meet to share and showcase the town’s assets. Not many places have a scheme made up of organisations so passionate about the place in which they operate, not many places have a scheme funded by organisations who understand the necessity to reach out and communicate
to a wider audience; not many places have a scheme that unites all sectors so as to change the status quo: Burnley is proud to say it has. Burnley’s time is now and we invite you to come on board and help us spread the word. Bondholder Scheme praised for helping the town flourish Burnley was recently named the top town in Lancashire for ‘business growth potential’ and the Burnley Bondholder scheme has been credited with much of this success. Paul Mayson, of Mayson’s Solicitors, said: “It’s not by chance that Burnley’s economic indicators are pointing in the right direction. There is a great belief, coupled with determination. to prove matters and drive foreward from the council and local business community.” “The confidence which the Bondholder Scheme has generated is infectious and this in itself presents the great advantage of being part of a flourishing town like Burnley right now.”
Steve Rumbelow Chief Executive Officer of Burnley Council, said
“As a town we aim to be the best in the North West for economic growth, investing in huge strategic economic investments and working side by side with the private sector through innovative networks like the Bondholder Scheme.” “More of the right people still need to know of Burnley’s success; that Burnley is investment ready; compared to its competitors; and that we are open for Business.” 20
Backing the Bid
Forty letters from Bondholders were delivered to the Deputy Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Nick Clegg MP backing Burnley’s bid to reinstate the Todmorden Curve and redevelop the Weavers’ Triangle. The bid was approved on 31st October 2011.
“Burnley’s full of life – and that’s good for business.”
“All the best things are from Burnley.”
The Guardian. July 2011.
BBC North West Tonight. July 2011.
burnley.co.uk 21
Feature : People Management
Solutions InStead
Improve organisational performance through great leadership, staff development and engagement
“We were asked to put together a ‘true also worked closely with Gledhill Building Successful People Management people developer’ and design activities for Products, a national building product and Development consultant, Simon the centre managers, with development manufacturer based in Blackpool - working Stead, passionately believes that selfworkshops and sessions to recognise their to assess and train staff across their improvement and behaviour based training needs. Initially you do meet some 12 countrywide depots; and delivered training is the key to a successful business. resistance from people who have done learning and development projects with In 2009, Simon recognised there the job for some time, but in the end they leading supermarket chain Morrisons. was nowhere locally that specialised in feel empowered and much more positive A little closer to home they have leadership and management development about the importance of their role.” transformed the workforce development for business and individuals. That’s Adding: “I work with companies in local companies including Denwa, why, after heading up HR in two large across the country and locally, and my Learoyd Packaging, Lanway, and BCW corporations in the aerospace and food aim is to open a training and development engineering. industries, Simon took the step to go it centre right here in Burnley. Simon said: alone and share his passion to give people “There is nowhere locally in business the tools to improve “Businesses call me in to be a that specialises in leadership their skills and performance, in and management development, order to grow both as individuals fresh pair of eyes, to take a full delivered by people with the and as a business. 360 degree look at the business; experience of working in industry Simon’s relatively new venture, to work with staff at ALL levels and with world class tools. Solutions InStead, which he set to develop leadership, motivation, “Why should you have to up in 2009, provides businesses improve morale, which in turn leads travel to Manchester or further of all sizes with the knowledge for quality training, when it’s and expertise to transform their to better productivity and sales.” available right here? business and fine tune their “Burnley is home to some of the best “Take Savills as an example. They were operations through tailored leadership businesses in the country. With top class experiencing very different results training, coaching, mentoring, motivation, businesses on my doorstep, the opening across their shopping centres which and mediation. up of new infrastructure in the town, I they managed, and wanted someone to Solutions InStead, has already helped want to help develop local businesses and come in and assess how the management transform the operations of global add to Burnley’s business offer, enabling of each centre differed. They were real estate giant Savills, helping them the town to attract new investment. amazed at the findings which showed transform the managing agent arm of huge differences in the way each centre the business, across the 51 shopping manager approached the job. centres which they manage. They have
Changing Behaviour at all Levels – Leadership Programme Solutions InStead have found that as they develop first line managers they realise that it is the behaviour of their managers that influence how they behave. They often hear ‘It’s ok training us but if our managers don’t change then you
are wasting your time’. It’s a good point, that’s why they coach senior leaders and give them feedback that will help them to practice new and challenging behaviours. Solutions InStead will be running a series of Leadership Workshops and
open First Line/First Time development programmes starting in May which will change the behaviour of its attendees and improve the performance of their business. Call 07801 033059.
Testimonial 'Simon was asked to manage the design and delivery of a development centre to benchmark all our shopping centre managers against a new role profile and behaviours. As well as designing the development day he added a unique insight into how we perceive our managers and helped us to create a performance and development process that will allow all managers and our business to grow.
22
His open communication style means that he can reach any level of our organisation and add value in every aspect of people management and development' _ Katie Armstrong Associate Director Head of Training & Development Savills Management Resources
“My passion is to add value to businesses. I am an impartial, third party, who can look at any business, review, feedback and problem solve.” Why travel further afield for leadership development when quality training can be delivered on your doorstep? • Leadership programmes - Prosper through effective leadership • Grow you sales - transform the way your business functions • Coaching and mentoring • Help with recruitment, training & induction • Skills and motivational development of your workforce • 360º appraisal and psychometric assessments • Workplace mediation and dispute resolution • Practical tools to motivate teams and improve morale • Develop essential behaviours and competencies Growing people and businesses is what we do. From large corporations to small businesses, we can transform the way your business operates.
Let a fresh pair of eyes take a look at your business.
Call 07801 033059 www.solutionsinstead.co.uk
Solutions InStead
23
Feature : Investing in Burnley Huge investments are underway in infrastructure, retail, leisure, education and housing... Over half a billion pounds of investment is underway in Burnley. Burnley is home to several world class businesses, new schools and colleges; three new universities; and unrivalled business development opportunities which include: Burnley Knowledge Park, The Technology Park, Burnley Bridge Business Park, offering
between them over 100 acres of prime business development land. Work is underway to attract new business and investment, underpinned by huge infrastructure projects to support new businesses. Attracting investment, jobs and visitors to Burnley is a top priority and creating a pro-active business
environment and treating our businesses as our most valued asset is Burnely’s ethos. To find out more about support for expanding, investing or relocating in Burnley, contact our specialist Business Support Team on either 01282 477206 or 01282 477211 or email ahooley@burnley. gov.uk or khudson@burnley.gov.uk
Burnley Knowledge Park
Weavers’ Triangle
• • •
• •
• •
2 hectare site (4.95 acres) 130,000 sq.ft. of B1 accommodation Centred on UCLan University and Burnley College Campus Focus on advanced manufacturing and engineering; digital industries and business services Edge of Town Centre riverside location
• • •
•
3.9 hectares £100m mixed use development for leisure, office and educational uses Generate additional £24m GVA for local economy Create 1000 private sector jobs From industrial revolution to the IT revolution – Burnley’s economic heart is undergoing a multi-million pound regeneration Historic mills reclaimed and retained for future use
Crow Wood Leisure, Spa & Equestrian Centre • • •
•
24
£10 million leisure complex and equestrian centre Awarded ‘Health Club of the Year’ 2012 at the National Fitness Awards £2 million extension underway in 2012 to extend the spa and wellness centre – restaurant, lounge and bar, outdoor pool, terrace and hot tubs Equestrian facilities serving the north west - 1 mile all weather gallop, all weather trails with 25 obstacles, three American barns, full size indoor international arena, outdoor arena
Manchester Road Station • • • • • • •
Plans for a refurbished, up to date railway station Improved pedestrian access Expanded car parking New waiting shelters £1.8 million pound investment Completion in Spring 2013 Direct rail link to Manchester operational in 2014
Transforming Homes and Lives • • • •
Changing the shape of the housing market in Burnley Building modern, affordable, eco friendly homes Investing in over 200 new homes Working in partnership with Gleeson, Keepmoat & Accent
Investing in Education •
• •
•
University Technical College • • • • •
•
Over £450 million spent on education in Burnley – the most comprehensive revamp of educational facilities in the country Every secondary school in Burnley has been replaced to a high quality The new education campus is home to both the OFSTED ‘outstanding’ Burnley College and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) University College of Football Business at Turf Moor is the first university of its kind in the UK to offer football focussed business degrees Training 2000 setting up the first University Technical College in the North West
Burnley chosen as the location for the first UTC in the North West Technical study for students aged between 14-19 provided by Training 2000 Employer-led technical learning alongside core subjects of English, Maths and Science Based in the historic Weavers’ Triangle Northwest Developers Barnfield Construction working to transform the landmark Victoria Mill
Burnley Bridge • • • • •
£50 million business park by Junction 9 of the M65 70 acre business park which will comprise 650,000 sq.ft. mixed use employment space Could include large industrial unit of up to 400,000 sq.ft. One of the largest development opportunities in Pennine Lancashire Developers Eshtons chose Burnley because of its central location, surrounding countryside and the economic vision Burnley has set for its future
Charter Walk Shopping Centre • • • • •
£3million refurbishment of Market Square 3 new double height retail units New glazed cafe with outside seating Improved landscaping Completion Christmas 2012
25
News
Free support is available to help Burnley business growth Regenerate Pennine Lancashire offer business support to new and growing businesses, which includes one to one business advice, grant funding and workshops. Regenerate’s Lancashire Innovation Network (LIN) service works with growing companies with a need to exploit technology or innovation, helping them reach their potential and become more competitive. Here are two great examples of how LIN has provided support to businesses in Burnley. Burnley’s Key Digital Limited is an office solutions company who supply everything for the office, from paper clips to Multi Function Devices (photocopiers), along with full service contracts. The business used to take orders by telephone and researched prices from their suppliers manually, which was very time consuming. Managing Director Andy Ratcliffe realised that a new computer management system could handle some of the work and make the process more efficient. The new system was required to automate sales orders, take away the manual need to look up prices and prepare invoices for customers. It was also required to automatically find the best prices to improve profits and feed these directly to a new integrated e-commerce website for customers. Andy contacted the Lancashire Innovation Network for help in 2011 after hearing about the service via word of mouth. A Regenerate Business Advisor helped Andy create a detailed specification of the required software and helped him source the best design company available for the job after shortlisting several others. Andy
26
also received a grant from the Lancashire Innovation Network to help pay for the new system. Following the success of the new system and improved business performance, Andy is now looking to recruit four more staff. Broadland Design & Engineering “With the support given by Regenerate, various companies have shown an interest in our new Snap on Tap joint product” Harry Mitchell, Broadland Design & Engineering (2008) Ltd. Burnley’s Broadland Design & Engineering has patents on a number of inventions, including a smooth flow pipe connection system. Company Director Harry Mitchell approached LIN for support in raising awareness of a new product, a domestic tap that can be installed above a bath or a basin by someone with no plumbing skills or tools. It was recognised that there would be a high demand from the general public for “quick fix” taps such as these. Broadlands worked in collaboration with an engineering firm to create manufacturing drawings and a sample. LIN supported the cost of producing a trial batch for testing and evaluation by a number of companies, including Methven, Wicks and B&Q. LIN also identified six UK companies who would have use for Broadland’s flow pipe connection system, four of which then expressed interest and arranged meetings with Broadland. Two of these firms are local to Blackburn. The help from Regenerate has provided Broadlands with the potential to grow, reach new markets and introduce a new product. It is hoped that this will help the company expand and recruit additional staff.
Andy Ratcliffe, Key Digital Limited, Managing Director
Burnley’s Broadland Design & Engineering
“We couldn’t have taken on more staff until we were more efficient. The new computer management system that Regenerate helped us to source provided Key Digital with the first step needed to grow. We are now looking for four more staff.” Andy Ratcliffe, Managing Director, Key Digital.
Aircelle’s Work Inspiration event is huge success! Inspiring young people and building a workforce for the 21st century economy BURNLEY-based Safran Aircelle hosted a major event to inspire Burnley’s young people and demonstrate the wealth of career opportunities that exist in the town. The event organised in conjunction with Business in the Community, Burnley Council, UCLan, STEMFirst, SEMTA and the local schools, was attended by almost 1,000 Burnley school students, who met representatives of more than 30 local organisations and businesses. The event went way beyond a traditional careers fair with businesses demonstrating what they do in all sorts of hands on and interactive ways – from brick laying demonstrations to
building websites to advanced manufacturing! Work Inspiration featured zones within Aircelle’s Burnley headquarters that were dedicated to sectors such as “Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering”, “Construction and Sustainability”, “Creative and Digital”, Retail and Leisure”, “Business and Professional Services” and “Public Sector”. Helen Gopsill, Aircelle’s HR Director, said: “As Burnley’s largest private sector employer with over 850 employees in the town, we’re keen to work closely with schools and young people. We want to help build a seamless transition in the town that takes in schools and employers in order to inspire young people
and build a workforce for the 21st century economy.” “I’m very grateful to all the businesses that took part – their efforts were superb and made for a really exciting and unique event. It was brilliant to see so many school students clearly enjoying the day and interacting with all the businesses.” “Burnley is full of positives at the moment - we have great new schools, university campuses and thriving businesses. The investment we’re seeing with the rail link to Manchester and work starting on Weaver’s Triangle means that Burnley is an inspiring place to work, so we wanted to join with other businesses to take this message out to the town’s school students.”
One of the businesses that took part in Work Inspiration was VEKA – their HR manager Gabriela Hammond, said: “Work Inspiration was a superb event and it was great to be able to meet so many enthusiastic young people from Burnley and let them know about the varied – and international – opportunities that come from working with VEKA in Burnley. VEKA is growing and we have great confidence – last year we made a major acquisition, but we’re also growing organically – with 100 vacancies at our UK headquarters in Burnley. In coming years it would be great to fill those sorts of positions with the talent that is emerging from Burnley’s new schools.”
trip along the Leeds and Liverpool canal. Jacqueline Whittaker, Burnley Council’s Visitor Economy Officer said: “The tour was organised by the Council to put Burnley firmly on the map with national tour operators, we wanted them to experience Burnley’s hidden gems and friendly welcome, and we succeeded, the weekend was a fantastic success.” “The visit was all about getting the tour operators to bring more visitors to Burnley, ensuring Burnley is on their radar, and added to their tour routes as an exciting visitor destination.” Jacqueline added: “Burnley’s
tourism industry is worth in excess of £100 million per year, it employs 2,700 people and welcomes over 3.4 million visitors, economic forecasts show the sector is set to grow and Burnley needs to ensure it positions itself to take advantage of that growth.” “Over the last few years the visitor economy and visitor offer in Burnley has radically changed, with major investments in key attractions, with a new hotel development, a new canalside marina, and a fabulous new visitor centre. Burnley has some of the best visitor attractions in Lancashire and we need to shout about them”
Destination Burnley! Tour operators from across the country recently descended on the town to experience what Burnley has got to offer visiting tourists. The familiarisation visit, organised by Burnley Council’s Visitor Economy Team, took 50 influential guests from key UK tour operators, group organisers and coach operators on a tour of Burnley’s tourist attractions, taking in our heritage, our countryside, our arts & culture. It was a weekend packed full of sights, sounds, tastes, smells, experiences and adventure. The weekend started with guests enjoying a meal at the
national award winning Usha Restaurant, and a packed itinerary over Friday, Saturday and Sunday took over 50 influential tourism guests on a tour of our diverse range of visitor attractions, taking in: our famous mill stores Barden and Boundary Mills; a coach trip around Pendle Witch Country and Pendle Hill; a taster of the famous Moorhouses ales and hands on experience of how its brewed; a visit to the famous Jacobean Gawthorpe Hall; a walk to experience the sight and sounds of the mysterious award winning Singing Ringing Tree; a tour of the historic townscape of the Weavers’ Triangle; and a boat
27