Sector Special

In Focus

The best thing since sliced bread

Feature

Rapid growth for Original Factory Shop

pg16

Burnley Knowledge Quarter

pg22

pg18

InBusinessBurnley

Lanway

Aircelle

Holiday Inn Express

Issue 3

Copifax

Bid Perfect

UCLan

Burnley is our business

Burnley Council…supporting local business

Solutions InStead

VEKA Plc

Moorhouses Brewery

…make it yours

1

Burnley is our business... make it yours Andrew White. Managing Director. Aircelle (SAFRAN)

A world-class aerospace sector. All-new schools, colleges and university. Leeds and Manchester within one hour... ...breathtaking countryside within one mile.

Europe’s leader in nacelle integration invests in Burnley. Join them.

www.burnley.co.uk/invest 2

I

Welcome from the Editor

nBusiness is all about celebrating the success of Burnley businesses, promoting their achievements and Burnley’s ‘new’ ambition across the region. 2011 couldn’t have got off to a better start for Burnley. World renowned sound engineering business, AMS Neve, swept the board at the Oscars, the Original Factory Shop with its Burnley HQ announced record sales, and 2011 is a special year for Veka who celebrate their 25th Anniversary – Happy Anniversary from InBusiness. Burnley is delighted to announce its own Oscar style awards ceremony for 2011, the prestigious Burnley Business & Innovation Awards, which will take place on Thursday 30th June. Sponsorship for this event is currently being sought and entry details will be launched very soon. Membership of Burnley’s business consortium, Burnley Bondholders, is growing rapidly. The Scheme is an innovative and powerful network of organisations who believe what is good for Burnley is good for business. Bondholders believe more of the right people need to know about our worldclass aerospace industry; our skilled workforce; our new schools, colleges and university; nationally significant industrial heritage and breathtaking countryside.

The hard work underway to promote Burnley to attract new investment is underpinned by huge infrastructure projects currently under construction to accommodate new businesses and investors attracted by Burnley’s new ambition. Several state-of-the-art business developments are underway. Burnley’s Knowledge Quarter and Knowledge Park recently began the second phase of development, with £1million public realm works transforming the gateway to the site, and new business park developments Burnley Bridge Business Park and Burnley Technology Park will offer unrivalled business opportunities. Enjoy reading about Burnley’s ‘new’ ambition and to keep up to date with all the latest business news make sure you log onto www.burnley.co.uk Burnley’s new investor website. The new website will also include business award entry details which will be launched early April, so keep a regular eye on the site!

7 Oscars accolade

11 VEKA’s 25th anniversary

16 Best thing since sliced bread Joanne Etherington Editor 01282 477315 jetherington@burnley.gov.uk

Our Team 22 Original Factory Shop

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 2011. [t] 01282 425011. Job_5929. Printed by Peter Scotts Printers [t] 01282 452221

24 Keepmoat Homes 3

News Burnley Knowledge Park

The search for the development partner to bring a 30,000 sq ft incubation centre for Burnley College and UCLan to Princess Way will begin in the next couple of months. The enterprise and education centre will be the first of a set of new buildings on a five-acre site to be known as Knowledge Park next to the campus that could total 130,000 sq ft aimed at the

private sector. Steve Rumbelow, CEO Burnley Council said: "The enterprise and education centre will be focused on the advanced manufacturing sector and will provide space for spin-out companies from the campus right next door." The terms of the deal between the council, Burnley College and UCLan to bring the

Eclectic Burnley home wins top award Set in Mereclough, on the rural outskirts of Burnley, with unrivalled views across Pennine Lanashire to Pendle Hill, you’ll find an award winning home that challenges perceptions of Burnley’s housing market - you might be forgiven for thinking you’re in the Ribble Valley but this is Burnley who can give the Ribble Valley a run for its money with beautiful countryside and executive homes on offer. This magnificent home caught the eye of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) who recently awarded it with the RIBA North West Small Project Award. The award recognises the very best in architectural excellence by North West architects for those small gems which are often overlooked. Aidan Simpson’s design was the clear favourite with the judges. Burnley has a wide housing offer ranging from large Victorian Terraced homes with great character, cosy stone cottages in the outlying villages, and large modern homes with views to die for and everything inbetween. Affordable housing is also important to Burnley and later in the magazine we have featured Keepmoat Homes who are providing modern affordable housing and assisting young people on to the property ladder in the town.

4

30,000 sq ft to fruition are close to being finalised. He added: "We are in the process of establishing Burnley's reputation as an area of educational excellence, having completed our Building Schools for the Future programme [five new high schools, last of which will be completed in September 2011] successfully whilst other local authorities around the

country had theirs cancelled before even starting. "What we are very much trying to do at Knowledge Park is link the university to space for businesses to develop. There will be workshop and office space built out in a flexible way to be adaptable for different uses." The remaining plots on the five-acre site will be reserved for pre-let design-and-build occupiers, with the proximity to the university set to attract graduate employers. Site assembly included relocating a waste disposal facility for Lancashire County Council which will be completed shortly. There is also a £1.2m public realm scheme under way to dress the Knowledge Park area including public art. The development partner is due to be appointed by the autumn with the first phase of Knowledge Park scheduled to be on site in 2012.

Burnley Business Awards delighted to welcome on board early sponsors The prestigious Burnley Business & Innovation Awards 2011 recently sent out the call for sponsors to support this flagship Burnley event, which will take place on Thursday 30th June. Organisers of the Event, Burnley Council, which is backed by the Burnley Express, are proud to welcome on board early sponsors who include Aircelle, Veka Plc, Burnley Bridge Business Park, the Chamber of Commerce East Lancashire and Groundwork Pennine Lancashire. Now, for the fith time, The

Burnley Business & Innovation Awards have been established as an important event to reward the achievements of local businesses and promote Burnley’s business success on a local and regional stage, communicating to the North West and beyond that Burnley is changing and is open for Business. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available and if your business is looking for brand awareness, association with success, lead generation, press profile, networking and

Anvic turns 25

hospitality, our sponsorship package can offer you all of these. Being part of this event either through sponsorship, entry for an award, networking or as a way of rewarding staff, will go a long way to enhancing your reputation, instilling pride in your business and Burnley. The event cannot take place without the valued support of sponsors and I hope you will consider supporting this important event and the profile raising opportunities it can offer

your business and Burnley as a whole. For further details contact Joanne Etherington on 01282 477315. Entry details coming soon…

Burnley business, Anvic developments, is celebrating its 25th birthday by offering companies 25% rental discount in one of their prime office developments, Northbridge House, in Elm Street. Anvic Managing Director, Paul Dawson wanted to give something back to Burnley by helping local entrepreneurs set up and beat the recession, and is offering for a limited period a subsidy on one of his Burnley based developments. Northbridge House was founded 25 years ago when Lucas Electrical moved out of Elm Street. Anvic purchased the building and transformed it into a managed office complex with state of the art meeting rooms. The plush Northbridge House has 100 units, creating employment for more than 400 local people. Paul says “We felt that this offer would be more appropriate in these times to give something to Burnley businesses that will be of more long term benefit rather than a 25th Birthday party. Realistically some canapes and a toast are not going to help people with their business overheads.” Adding: “With the current instability in the economy, it is vital that the private sector leads the recovery. The banks need to offer more support to small businesses, but I want to play my own part in making it easier for entrepreneurs to more forward. “Over the years more than 300 businesses have started up in Northbridge House, many of which have expanded and moved into larger buildings and factories. If we don’t enourage entrepreneurs at this vital stage the private sector will not manage a sustained recovery.”

Reception at Northbridge House

5

News BURNLEY TECHNOLOGY PARK UNVEILED said: “We are involved with and manage a building are more recognised in Hollywood The headquarter buildings and 8 acre portfolio of business centres over a large than in Burnley; however, the company and site of Burnley’s premier high technology area of the North West and are aware of building should be as Iconic to Lancashire media company, AMS Neve Limited, has countless Technology Business Parks. as the mills, coal mines and canals. Not been purchased from a former minority What is different and on offer here is a many are aware that in the late 70’s, AMS shareholder by local development company development around a hub company who engineers were working on digital audio The Barnfield Nevison Partnership. truly lead their field worldwide. This is processors that were to drastically change Mark Crabtree, Managing Director of really exciting with a layout and format that the recording industry. This was the case AMS Neve, said: “We have invested heavily can only be beneficial and inspirational to before anybody even knew what a CD in advanced assembly and inspection companies sharing this environment” machinery over the past few years in The Barnfield Nevison Partnership order to meet the current and future Plans are currently available and was formed some 15 years ago bringing demands of our fast-moving industry. interested parties are currently the concept of managed office space to As a result we need far less space to grow our business than we did 25 years being encouraged to view whilst the heart of Pennine Lancashire. A Spokesperson for the newly ago when we designed and erected an opportunity to personalise formed AMS Technology Park Limited this building and circuit boards were space is possible. said: “Companies have already been largely made by hand. Stuart Nevison viewing both office and workshop space was my partner and co-founder of the in the main building and the consensus was, and microprocessors were similarly AMS Company and from the outset we had of opinion is that the environment has a unknown! We all may carry an iPod when a vision of sharing our site with other likecompletely different feel to other sites. we want to listen to music on the move, minded technology companies. As a rapidly Like the Globe Centre in Accrington, there but once again AMS were the first with a growing business with successive Queen’s is a managed reception and there will be commercially available hard disc recording Awards to Industry and a full listing on the meeting rooms and dining facilities available and editing system. This pioneering work London Stock Exchange, we never found the as well as ample car parking and security changed the worldwide television industry time to pursue the idea. Finally, this vision controlled access to the site. and paved the way for all MP3 players and has come to fruition and I’m really pleased Space in the main building will be Sky+ boxes. The concept of offering space that Stuart’s experience with partners in available for rental, however, when to companies in the AMS building, as well developing the Globe Centre in Accrington completed, the newly- constructed as developing and expanding the site with means this exciting development can now workshops and office units will range from new workshops and offices for technology be realised - and be a great boost for my 2,400 square feet upwards and can either be companies is truly an exciting one. home town. rented or purchased.” Tim Webber of Barnfield Construction Stuart Nevison said: “The AMS name and

6

Burnley Business sweeps the board at the Oscars Oscars accolade for Burnley’s global leader in sound engineering A Burnley based digital technology business specialising in sound engineering enjoyed huge success at the recent Oscars. The prestigious ceremony - watched by a global TV audience in excess of 150 million people - saw massive success for films associated with AMS Neve. Winner’s that used AMS Neve’s technology included The King’s Speech, Inception, The Social Network, Toy Story 3, Black Swan, Alice in Wonderland and True Grit. Notably, Inception won 2 Oscars that are especially pertinent to AMS Neve, given’s Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing. The sound for Inception was produced on the AMS Neve 88RS analogue audio console

at Air Lyndhurst (London) and also on the AMS Neve DFC Gemini console at Warner Bros. (Los Angeles). AMS Neve enjoys global renown in the ultra high-end feature film scoring and mixing environments, the post-production and broadcast industries, as well as in professional and project music studios. From their headquarters in Burnley, Lancashire the business employs more than a hundred world class analogue and digital designers, software specialists and audio purists who over the years have been at the cutting edge of the advancement and evolution of professional audio products and workflows.

AMS Neve founder and Managing Director, Mark Crabtree said: “We’re delighted to see so many films that use AMS Neve technology winning at this year’s Oscars. It’s a great testament to the quality of our work and the dedication of our people. We see ourselves as inheritors of Burnley’s tradition of engineering excellence.” “This is a great accolade for AMS Neve and for Burnley’s high tech and digital sector. I hope this will support the work of the Burnley Bondholders group, as we transform perceptions and establish Burnley as a destination for investment opportunities, relocation and tourism.”

Outstanding Hotel Award for Holiday Inn Burnley Holiday Inn Express, Burnley, is proud to be the only Holiday Inn Express in England to have won the IHG Torchbearer Award for 2010. This prestigious award is presented to hotels that have attained the highest level of excellence in achieving Great Hotels Guest Love. The Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG) award this accolade to outstanding hotels whose levels of customer satisfaction and guest experience is top notch. In order to qualify for the award, Holiday Inn Express, Burnley, M65, Junction 10, had to consistently pass strict audit regimes that are implemented across all IHG hotels. As customer satisfaction and guest experience is key to obtaining the award, those who stayed at the hotel during 2010 were invited to submit information about their visit.

Following these submissions, IHG made their choice of winners. Only 6 other hotels within the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) regions of IHG have gained this accreditation the others being in Scotland. The hotel, which opened in September 2008, is now widely used by both business and leisure travellers visiting the Pennine Lancashire region. General Manager, Kim Eivind Krohn, and Managing Director of Starboard Hotels, Paul Callingham, travelled to the IHG Conference in Cairo in December to collect the award from IHG President of the EMEA Region, Mr. Kirk Kinsell. Kim said, “This is a real achievement for the whole team in Burnley who have put so much effort into making the hotel a great success for the company and the town.”

7

News New Start Success Rates highest for 20 Years In 2010 the local Consortium of Enterprise Agencies assisted over 700 new business startups within Pennine Lancashire - the highest level of business start-up support within the east of the county for the last 20 years. Despite the instability of the current recession, business is booming for new start

businesses in Burnley who have capitalised from the support of Burnley Enterprise. Since its formation in 1987, Burnley Enterprise has provided free business support to local people wanting to launch their own business venture. This support continues today, with the agency forming part

of The Consortium of Enterprise Agencies (CENTA), which operates throughout Pennine Lancashire including Blackburn, Hyndburn, Pendle, Ribble Valley and Rossendale. For advice on starting your own business contact visit www.burnleyenterprise.co.uk.

Hot to Trot N

and they have hair not fur. are becoming really popular ew Burnley business, “They really are the perfect as household pets - they are Lancashire Micro Pigs, is pets which can live for up to irresistibly cute. ‘hot to trot’ breeding and selling 18 years, they are low ‘cute’ micro pigs, which are “The support I’ve received maintenance, quiet and fast becoming the latest pet surprisingly clean. craze in the UK. …has been invaluable” Joanne adds: ‚“Setting The unique business is up the business has been “They are highly intelligent, the brainwave of local woman challenging to say the least, and said to be the fourth most Joanne Rowe, who picked up on but I wouldn’t change it for the intelligent species after man, recent media coverage on the world! I don’t have to answer monkey and dolphin. rising popularity of micro pigs to anyone and I’m in complete “Micro pigs, are also good as household pets and saw the control about how the business alternative pets for people with opportunity to breed her own is run”. allergies. Lots of people are from her already thriving farm in “The support I’ve received allergic to cats and dogs but you Briercliffe. from Burnley Enterprise has can’t get allergies from pigs as Joanne says: “Demand for been invaluable to me; I can their skin is very similar to ours, micro pigs is soaring and they

8

honestly say that I could not have done it without them”. Joanne contacted Burnley Enterprise for additional support to get her business off the ground, including one-to-one advice with a business adviser and a range of workshops to help her understand the “business basics” including bookkeeping and business planning. For Joanne and hundreds more local businesses, Burnley Enterprise has been the gateway to a range of free business support to ensure they gain every opportunity to succeed.

New machine to meet soaring demand for products

National Role Models

Successful manufacturing businesses could hold the key to the country’s financial regeneration Three leading Burnley firms have been described as role models for the country who can help bring an end to the recession, by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander. On a recent visit to three of Burnley’s most successful businesses, Aircelle, Veka and AMS Neve, the Chief Secretary, and his parliamentary assistant Gordon Birtwistle, praised the companies for their manufacturing expertise and value given to apprenticeships. Junior only to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Treasury, the MP said he wanted to see more jobs created in the manufacturing sector. “I am tremendously impressed by Aircelle, particularly the number of apprentices it takes on. The Government will create 75,000 extra

apprenticeships every year across the country. “Aircelle is a shining example of the economic future - a manufacturing company that recognises the importance of skills and the value of apprenticeships.” At the Veka plant he added : “The manufacturing industry provides many jobs in industrial areas and is of great benefit to the economy. It has been a great experience to see the workers in action and to see the high quality production that is representative of the work being done not just in Burnley but all over Britain on a daily basis. The minister emphasised that successful manufacturing businesses, like these Burnley businesses, hold the key to the country’s financial regeneration.

What More UK, based in a huge 350,000 sq.ft. warehouse on one of Burnley’s flagship business parks, Shuttleworth Mead, has invested £1 million to keep up with the rise in orders. Under their brand name WHAM, What More UK, make plastic houseware, garden and storage products, and have seen the demand for their products soar over recent months. The demand has been so high that the company has invested in a new VECTOR 1000 injection moulding machine which can create larger products. Andy Holt, What More Chief Executive said “The new machine we have installed will increase production capacity on some of our larger product lines. “Innovation is the driving force behind this company and we are always adding to our product portfolio and keeping up to date with technology. What More employ 160 at their Padiham facility.

New for 2011! The launch of what is soon to be one of East Lancashire’s premier event venues, mechanicsevents. Offering bespoke meeting packages, dinner parties, charity events, banqueting, wedding receptions and more. With professional technical and theatre services available mechanicsevents has the backdrop to offer your event a sharper, cost effective and enhanced experience.

For more information, discuss event ideas or for inspirational help on creating a red carpet moment please contact the mechanicsevents team on 01282 664411 or email

mechanicsevents@burnley.gov.uk

mechanicsevents It’s not just about the taste, it’s about the experience

9

News NEW GATEWAY OFFICES

Michael Cavannagh, Trevor Dawson & Co

Landlord And Tenant -An Easier Relationship?

Trevor Dawson Commercial Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce the relocation of their Burnley office to The Portal on Network 65 Business Park. Senior Partner, Caroline James, said “We were very keen to find the right building and The Portal reflects where we see the business developing over the next few years. A modern ‘state of the art’ office building in one of Burnley’s premium locations for industry and business, adjacent to Junction 9 of the M65. Accessibility is key to serving the ever changing requirements of our clients promptly.

One of the Best Places to work in the UK Burnley-based company Calico has achieved a sensational 6th place in this year’s Sunday Times, Best Companies to Work For awards. For the third year running, Burnley company Calico, has featured highly in the Sunday Times - Best Companies to Work For Awards, finishing an impressive sixth best place to work in the UK. Having entered the poll in 2009 in 28th place, moving to 15th place in 2010, this years leap to sixth place recognises Calico’s efforts to develop its workforce in challenging times. Michael Birkett, Calico’s Chief Executive, said: “This is an amazing achievement and it’s all as a result of the wonderful teamwork and enthusiasm everyone here shows every day. Our staff are making a massive difference to people’s lives - helping customers, colleagues, and a new generation of workers to make the most of themselves.”

10

Historically the relationship between the landlord and tenant has not always been easy, each pursuing their own objectives rather than working together to achieve common aims. I would suggest there should be the maintenance of the investment from the landlord’s point of view, and the success of the business in those premises from the tenant’s perspective. The success of our economy is underpinned by the provision of built opportunities and at the heart of that is the landlord and tenant relationship. Current economic conditions re-emphasise the importance of this relationship as all businesses, whether they be landlord or tenants, compete to survive and thrive. It is crucial at the outset of the lease, and indeed during negotiations, that good lines of communication are established between the landlord and tenant to ensure the smooth running of the lease, and when the relationship draws to a close that parties walk away having had a pleasant experience. A direct result of the economic climate we find ourselves in is that lease lengths have become shorter and break clauses more frequent. Shorter leases re-emphasise the importance of the relationship which is more intense as anniversaries come round all too frequently. Break clauses that were once viewed as adversarial should be reviewed as an opportunity to re-establish relationships and to fully understand each party’s priorities to ensure the ideal outcome of continued occupation of the premises. From a tenant’s point of view you may feel that generally the cards are stacked in favour of the landlord, but my experience in the last two years across all sectors is that landlords largely are experiencing their own problems and are prepared to take a pragmatic approach with regard to rent and the terms of the lease, particularly in the short term. The last thing they want is an empty building with a liability for empty rates. As the supply of new stock dwindles, I believe creative, pragmatic landlords will be the winners and continue to create realistic opportunities for tenants. For further information or advice contact Michael on 01282 458007 or at michael@tdawson.co.uk

Another World Class business in our midst

VEKA celebrates its 25th Anniversary and its commitment to Burnley

V

EKA Plc has been a major contributor to Burnley’s economy since 1986, when it first set up with just 30 staff operating from a modest 30,000 sq.ft. factory. In their 25th anniversary year, their impressive site now occupies an area of some 370,000 sq.ft. and today they employ 155. Ongoing investment in plant, people and technology, including a £9 million pound state-of-the art warehousing and distribution facility, have endorsed VEKA plc’s long term commitment to Burnley and the UK market. Veka is one of the region’s longest standing IIP

accreditation holders, with six consecutive awards and is also a signatory to the Government’s Skills Pledge for employers, underlining their philosophy of training staff at all levels for personal development as well as constantly improving service to customers. Throughout 2011 VEKA will be marking their anniversary with various activities for staff and their families including a black tie evening for the staff in May and a black tie event for their customers in June, which will be featured in our Summer edition of InBusiness.

Not all PVC-U systems companies are the same

-VEKA makes the difference

All around the world, for over four decades, the name of VEKA has come to stand for the very best inPVC-U window profile systems for the construction, refurbishment and home improvement industries. VEKA products such as: An ongoing commitment to continuous improvement • Matrix 70 and the fully sculptured Matrix FS Window Systems and product development ensures that the product range • Fully Reversible Window System will continue to evolve as technology, the market and the • Vertical Slider Window System environment demand. • Composite, PVC-U, French and Patio doors systems …each have set new standards by which others are measured. vekauk.com

11

News Farmfoods buy former Kwik Save site Burnley Council are delighted to announce the sale of the former Kwik Save site on Accrington Road to the popular national food chain, Farmfoods Limited. Steve Rumbelow, Chief Executive Burnley Council said: “I am delighted to announce Farmfoods have purchased this site, they are a strong reputable company. They are currently busy refurbishing the store and surrounding site with a view to opening in the next couple of weeks, which will greatly benefit

the local community. “We stepped in to buy this site last year when the property market was experiencing difficulties. The site had been empty for almost three years and was becoming very run down, vandalised and a target for anti social behaviour. The council intervened to prevent its demise and make the site more attractive to investors. “We promoted and packaged the site as part of an area undergoing major regeneration, sitting alongside the brand new

£3.5 million Moorhouses Brewery and the new Keeepmoat housing developments surrounding the site and were delighted at the interest we received. “Our long term aim is to improve all key gateways to the town. Initial perceptions are lasting perceptions and we are committed to the ‘stop the rot’ campaign which we launched last year. “Residents and businesses in the surrounding area will greatly benefit from this site now being occupied which will greatly

increase confidence in the area.” Council Leader, Charlie Briggs said: “Despite the current economic climate the council are working hard and thinking ‘outside the box’ when it comes to looking at different ways of improving areas and attracting new investment and jobs to the town. “The purchase and resale of this site is a prime example of how the council’s intervention has spurred investment in this site. We all have to pull together to improve the area”

Burnley's football university

Banking on Success A new branch of the Swedish bank, Handelsbanken, has officially opened on Burnley’s Network 65 Busines Park. Handelsbanken has been operational in Burnley for just over 3 months, and was officially opened by its Regional Managing Director, Tracey Davidson, earlier this year. Branch Manager, Dave Hornby also welcomed Burnley Council’s Chief Executive, Steve Rumbelow, to the companies official opening along with other local businesses. David said :”The branch has been doing very well so far. We are slightly different from a high street bank but we do offer all the usual services. We have a very decentralised approach in that 98% of all decisions are made in-branch. “We don’t have formal sales targets as we look to take on more long-term banking relationships with customers. We we also want to re-invest in the local area so will be using local valuers and solicitors.” Petty Chartered Surveyors were

12

instrumental in swiftly resolving the Handelsbanken’s requirement for offices in Burnley. Brent Forbes, Partner said: “The brief was quite clear and following a detailed search of the locality we provided Handelsbanken with a number of opportunities within the area. It was decided that Kestrel Court met their criteria and terms were negotiated directly with the Developer, Errigal Developments. Not only are the premises perfectly located but they are future proof providing the opportunity to grow and adapt to changing business needs.” Handelsbanken is one of Sweden’s leading banks with ambitious plans for growth here in the UK and having recently opened branches in both Preston and Blackburn were keen to see Burnley as the next pivotal link. The new office within Kestrel Court at Network 65 will allow them to bring their unique service of localised, professional banking to those business and personal customers in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

The University & College of Football Business will open its doors at a 30,000 sq ft base within Burnley FC's Turf Moor stadium in September. Philip Wilson, chief executive of UCFB, said the centre will employ nearly 150 staff and cater for around 200 students in 2011/12 rising to a capacity of 1,000 over the coming years. Philip added: "Football involves more than just the game, off the pitch there is the media and marketing, supply chain management, logistics, business and finance and we want the UCFB graduates to leave with transferable skills that they could just as easily take to Mars or Deutsche Bank as a football club." UCFB will aim to tap into the global appeal of football and attractiveness of UK higher education to overseas students. A student accommodation block of between 200 and 250 bedrooms is being planned for a site next door to the football ground. The centre will offer a mix of courses, accredited to Buckinghamshire New University: • Foundation Degree - International Football Business, with English taught as a foreign language for overseas students • Foundation Degree - International Football Business for UK Students • Sports Law LLB • BSc Football Business & Finance • BSc Football Marketing & Media • BSc International Football Business So far more than 100 prospective students have registered their interest at the UCFB website's holding page and Wilson said the college would be advertised via UCAS, the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service, by the end of March.

Help to get our young people into jobs The Princes’ Trust charity is launching an enterprise scheme to help the young people of Burnley become budding entrepreneurs and to find work. The charity says its success could add as much as £125,000 to the local economy over three years. The figure takes into account potential financial benefits of helping young people into jobs or starting them up in business, as well as cutting the cost of the Job seekers’ allowance. Jackie Tyler, North West Regional Director for the Prince’s Trust said: “The growing success of the Enterprise Programme shows that young people here in Burnley are very entrepreneurial. By harnessing their enthusiasm for enterprise, not only will the public purse save on Job Seeker handouts, but Burnley’s economy stands to gain thousands through young people’s skills and talents.” Adding: “Now we need further funds to support more young people across the region, helping them escape long term unemployment.”

“Many of these young people will become the employers of tomorrow, providing services that our region needs. By helping today’s young people we are investing in tomorrow’s economy. The Trust is supporting 18 to 30 year olds put their sights on becoming their own boss and will be running four day courses offering key business set up advice. Young people will learn how to develop a business plan, test their ideas, and gain a good understanding of finance and marketing.

Award Winning Burnley Companies Burnley’s Process Instruments are celebrating double-success after collecting the Technology Company of the Year at the Lancashire Telegraphy Business Awards, and a highly commended award at the East Lancashire Presidents Dinner. Other Award Winners include : • Motorpoint - Lancashire Telegraph Retailer of the Year • BCW Engineering - Two East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce Awards • Petty’s - Highly Commended, East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce Awards

Dr Martin Brown, UCLAN Shoots of recovery It’s certainly felt like a long winter but as we approach the growing season the good news for Burnley and Pendle is that University education in the region has never been stronger. Talented graduates with relevant skills and a commitment to the area are key attributes to nurturing our economy and UCLan is at the centre of this process. The facts are impressive: since our new Burnley campus opened in 2009 the numbers studying University courses has increased from about 350 full time equivalent students to nearly 1,000. Applications for September 2010 were double those for 2009 and early indications for 2011 recruitment are that applications have more than doubled again. I believe that we will be operating at full capacity in September 2011, one year ahead of plan. Of course we must also factor in Government funding changes in 2012 that will lead to a significant increase in student tuition fees. It is difficult to foresee how these changes will impact on the University sector as a whole but I strongly believe that more students will need to study closer to home or study part time whilst working. Our University campus in Burnley is ideally suited to this new environment with degree level study an attractive option for those wanting to study at a local campus. And those joining us in the future will see the huge strides we are taking. Having made a comprehensive assessment of the region’s skills needs now and in the future we are developing and adding to

our course portfolio all the time. New courses to be offered in September 2011 including the Post Graduate Certificate in Management, leading to an MBA; a top-up to honours degree in Advanced Manufacturing and a range of Masters degrees in Law including specialisms in Employment Law; Legal and Forensic Medicine; and Advanced Legal Practice. Key to our strategic aims for Burnley is to maximise the employability of our graduates and to work with regional employers to meet their requirements. An initiative that I’m particularly excited about is our ’Factory of the Future’. To give it its official title our Advanced Digital Manufacturing Centre is now operational and is being used extensively by final year

degree students in Manufacturing and one PhD student. Our strong link with BAE Systems underpins the development and a new link with Cisco Systems is enabling us to incorporate the latest communications technology into the Centre. At the recent launch of our Junior University project the ‘factory of the future’ met the students of the future and we hope to welcome many more over the coming months.

For more information on any of our business support contact Estelle Spence on 01282 733400 or espence1@uclan.ac.uk.

13

News

Businesses provide troops a vital link to home Burnley soldiers from the Duke of Lancaster Regiment attended a reception hosted by Burnley Council, to receive communications equipment donated by local businesses, before commencing active duty in Afghanistan over the next few months. Burnley Council wanted the soldiers to have something useful to take with them on duty and following discussions with Commanding Officers it was agreed that laptops with web cam facilities would be beneficial for all soldiers to make that

Yorkshire-based Eshton Group will start construction in the autumn of a new bridge across the Leeds-Liverpool Canal to form the entrance to the 70-acre Burnley Bridge Business Park. Work on the road bridge and associated infrastructure into the development area will be completed in the first half of 2012. James Chapman, Managing Director of Eshton, said “There is strong interest in the site, close to junction 9 of the M65, from logistics and manufacturing companies in the area.” Adding: "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."

14

important contact with their family whilst serving their country abroad. Local businesses Aircelle, Warburtons, Samuel Cookes Oil, Crow Wood Leisure, Veka plc and Riley’s Catering responded to the call for support and have generously donated either money or equipment, which will prove vital for the soldiers whilst they are away from home risking their lives. Crow Wood Leisure, MD, Andrew Brown said: “We are pleased to be able to support our troops out in Afghanistan, particularly so when

they are from our local area. We hope the laptops will improve their well being and keep them in touch during their six month tour.” Graeme Stephenson, General Manager, Wartburtons Burnley: “We were delighted to be supporting the call for laptops to give our serving soldiers that chance to link up with families. As a family owned business we know how important those links are to keep spirits up. Hopefully these laptops will go some way to connecting soldiers with home on regular basis.

Eshton in pre-let talks at M65 industrial park

There is consent for up to 700,000 sq ft of industrial space at the site. James said enquiries were for space from 60,000 sq ft to 500,000 sq ft. As well as design-and-build pre-lets Eshton will undertake

a speculative phase of around 50,000 sq ft in 2012. James added: "Contrary to what some people might expect, we have found plenty of companies doing well in the area during the recession. Some

of the local manufacturers are consolidating space and smaller firms need new premises." The agents for the development are Dove Haigh Phillips of Leeds and Trevor Dawson of Burnley.

World Class Acclaim For New Brewery Black Cat ale from Moorhouse’s new multi-million pound tower brewery has been proclaimed a world beating cask beer. An already much awarded dark brew, Black Cat (3.4%abv) claimed gold for standard strength cask-conditioned ales at the Brewing Industry International Awards (BIIA) - dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the brewing world. The top accolade comes less than four months after the North West’s leading dedicated cask brewer launched the new brewery. It replaces the 19th century built brew house in Accrington Road, Burnley, and is part of a £4.2m development. Managing director David Grant said: “This is really fantastic news so soon after starting brewing on the new plant. It is international confirmation that we are brewing amazing world class ale on our world class tower brewery. “The International Awards are judged by top brewers from throughout the world - people who really know what they are talking about. We knew that Black Cat from the new brewery was outstanding and now our peers have confirmed this. This is a huge tribute to our head brewer Peter Curran and his talented team. It means we are brewing the best standard strength cask ale in the world.

“For us, it is like winning an Olympic medal. This is just the best start we could have hoped for as we launch our new brewery in a very uncertain economic climate.” The BIIA biannual event was judged over three days at the National Brewing Museum, Burton-on-Trent with 800 beers from 30 countries entered across nine categories. Championship beers for each category, selected from gold winners of 32 classes, will be revealed at an awards event at London’s Guildhall in April. The Black Cat success comes as Moorhouse’s has already enjoyed a strong start to 2011. Last January saw a sales jump of 10% over January 2010 and competition wins for Blond Witch and Pendle Witches Brew. The tower brewery is part of an ambitious complex that includes a visitor centre and training school to be completed this spring. It trebles former production capacity to more than 1000 brewer’s barrels a week. Ten years ago only 35 barrels a week were produced. Moorhouse’s directly supplies several hundred pubs throughout the north and distributes nationally via leading wholesalers and major pub chains.

making the right move

Phil Kelly, H.W. Petty & Co Make Your Property Assets Work Harder Leading property experts, Petty Chartered Surveyors has teamed up with InBusinessBurnley magazine to bring you the latest advice and industry updates in what is a complex and ever-changing arena. In this issue, Phil Kelly, partner at Burnley-based Petty’s looks at how you make your assets work harder with some ideas for landlords and tenants. With challenging times, the pressure is on to make your property assets work harder but with a little thought, there are some quick win ideas open to many people that will ultimately make a difference to you financially and ease the burden. Advertising - Flank walls and open land are often ideal sites for advertising hoardings, signage and banners so if you have a property that fits the bill, this is worth considering. A hoarding can add to the property income and hopefully to capital value but you will need to check with the planners first. As these advertising panels are managed and maintained by the hoarding company, there are no ongoing maintenance issues either. Walkways - Many shopping and office complexes have sufficient circulation space and could easily accommodate a small mobile sales kiosk or even an ATM or vending machine. If tenants are in agreement, the space can be used wisely and a small sweet seller would increase the morale of family shoppers given the collapse of the biggest

high street Pick ‘n’ Mix retailer and an ATM or vending machine would attract footfall to your site too. Alternatively, why not rent the wall space to a budding artist or photographer? Not only is this aesthetically pleasing but you would receive additional income as well as increasing footfall which could generate further sales. Telecoms - Sought after locations for telecom operators rarely have any intrinsic value so if you have a flat roof on the top of a tall building, the edge of a field on a farm or some landscaped area in an industrial estate, why not turn this into an income generator? The tenant will be expected to sign a full repairing lease taking away any maintenance burden so this could be a win win situation for part of your property that goes unused. Subletting - Don’t sit there with surplus space gathering dust, but look at some unconventional alternatives to generate a fee. Short term lets, sharing meeting rooms and pooling together services with other tenants are ideas that will see the savings starting to add up quite quickly. Business rates - Is your assessment correct? Did you check it or accept it as accurate? Have your rates bill checked by a Chartered Surveyor and make sure you are not overpaying. It may be that you have under used sections of your property and vacating them could reduce your rates liability.

For further information or advice contact Phil Kelly on 01282 417778 or at p.kelly@petty.co.uk. Visit www.pettycommercial.co.uk

15

Sector Special : Food Industry

The best thing since sliced bread

S

ince opening in 1981 the Warburtons Burnley operation has baked and distributed over one billion bread products. When it first opened, the bakery was considered the most advanced in Europe attracting interest from all over the world and has recently invested ÂŁ9 million on new state of the art production plants to ensure its reputation lives on. Burnley currently produces just over one million bread products a week, 750,000 of which are pancakes, crumpets and potato cakes. Its bestselling products are Warburtons Toastie and the Medium wax wrapped sliced loaf.

Burnley Warburton’s Bakery considered one of the most advanced in Europe 16

Products are distributed to major multiples and independent retailers throughout the Lancashire, Yorkshire and Midlands area. The bakery covers 60,000 square feet and has a 27-strong fleet of delivery vehicles. It employs over 300 people, many of whom have clocked up more than 20 years service. At least seven families have two or more generations working at the site, reflecting the strong family culture. In the last two years Warburtons has invested significantly - to the

£9m investment

at Burnley, explained why the investment has come: “There is a growing market need for what we call hot plate products – eg crumpets, potato cakes and pancakes. We are now equipped to not only to meet this need but make the best quality products available in the most efficient way. This will help us grow our market share across the business. It will allow us to increase capacity now and investigate further expansion of the range ongoing.” Warburtons has a tradition of investing continuously in equipment, people and

in their state of the art production plant. tune of around £9million - in the Burnley operation, installing two state-of-the-art crumpet plants, which are capable of producing 4,000 packets of crumpets per hour. The Company introduced new auto basket handling at the end of November last year and has also recently installed new packing machines and robots on the potato cake and pancake plants, which is due to be finished by the end of March 2011. Graeme Stephenson, General Manager

quality standards. “It is a challenging marketplace,” said Graeme, “and Warburtons reaction to a challenge is to ensure we have all the skills and know how to meet the challenge head on. Just ten months into my General Manager role at Burnley – which is one of the Company’s most established bakeries – I am really enjoying it. The recent investment coupled with the level of experience here is a powerful combination. We are looking forward to continued success in the future.”

“...Warburtons Burnley operation has baked and distributed over one billion bread products.”

Graeme Stephenson General Manager, Burnley Warburtons has a tradition of investing continuously in equipment, people and quality standards. “It is a challenging marketplace,” said Graeme, “and Warburtons reaction to a challenge is to ensure we have all the skills and know how to meet the challenge head on. In the Burnley operation, installing two state-of-the-art crumpet plants, which are capable of producing 4,000 packets of crumpets per hour.

17

Feature : Burnley Knowledge Quarter

Burnley Knowledge Park

EUROPEAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND

Gateway to Burnley’s Future

European funding paves the way for new gateway to Burnley’s Knowledge Quarter

B

urnley is set to benefit from a striking new entrance to the town, thanks to a £1 million programme of public realm improvements, which will help transform Princess Way into a distinctive modern gateway. Work is currently underway to create the exciting new contemporary gateway

features with the creation of a new public space, paved public walkways, street furniture, landscaping and lighting which will include the colour splash lighting of the magnificent viaduct. The much needed and long awaited transformation of this gateway is possible following the successful bid by Burnley

High quality public realm works are proven to have a wider economic value, including raised demand for land and buildings in the area, increased property values and the attraction of more investment and visitors. in to Burnley and to the Princess Way Knowledge Quarter. The gateway will incorporate the latest architectural and artist design

18

Council for European funding. The £450,000 Northwest European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) award will match additional monies from

Burnley Council, Sustrans and Burnley College, making a substantial £1 million pot to undertake the Princess Way Gateway Public Realm transformations. The modern gateway will signify the ‘new’ Burnley and maximise the development of the town and the proposed Knowledge Park, helping to attract wider investment, new businesses and visitors alike, by creating a brighter modern image, and improving the appearance, feel and perception of the whole area between the Burnley College and University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) campus, Burnley Central Station, and Burnley’s planned Curzon Square Shopping Development. Plans for the Knowledge Park adjacent to the magnificent £84 million Burnley College and UCLan campus are now well underway. The site assembly is now secured, progressing plans to

Rain Bow Gate

develop the unique 5 acre advanced skills business park which aims to attract high growth businesses looking to benefit from the knowledge and skills of the college and university. Steve Rumbelow, Burnley Council’s Chief Executive said: “The vision is to make Burnley a centre of educational excellence, a regionally significant centre for advanced manufacturing, digital and creative industries and firmly establish Burnley as a key retail and service centre. To achieve this it is important to create a modern business environment and welcoming gateways. “The new gateway will also greatly improve access into the town centre for residents and campus students and provide a new creative public space to be enjoyed by everyone in the area.” Adding: “I am delighted this project was successful in receiving the much needed European funds to develop the Princess Way area. The transformation will act as a catalyst to attracting new enterprise and jobs to Burnley’s Knowledge Park and ensure the fantastic new college and university are set in a modern environment befitting of its design and visual impact. “We have worked very hard to secure this European funding when many projects in other towns across

the country have been put on the back burner during funding reforms. I am proud of Burnley and proud that during these difficult times we are continuing to find ways to develop in order to create a stronger economic future.” “Despite the current economic climate the council in partnership with other agencies are working hard to keep ambitions alive and to ensure Burnley has the infrastructure and skills needed for the town to grow and prosper and emerge from the current downturn ready to move forward. “Burnley College is a top class performer and a top class partner. When they were joined by UCLan to provide the only purpose built university centre in Pennine Lancashire it served as a statement of Burnley’s intent to become a centre for education and skills excellence.” David Malpass, Head of the North West European Programme, said: “Burnley has a lot to be proud of, a great deal of high quality development has taken place here and I am pleased that we can announce new funding which will provide a fitting setting. “A new attractive entrance to Burnley will help to spur new investment, confidence and jobs.”

A new sculpture is set to welcome students, investors and visitors to the Knowledge Quarter. The Rain Bow Gate sculpture has been designed by architects Tonkin Liu, who have already brought Burnley international acclaim and several national awards for the town’s unique landmark visitor attraction - the Singing Ringing Tree. Rain Bow Gate, which will be completed and unveiled before the start of the new academic year, forms part of the wider Public Realm transformation. Anna Liu of Tonkin Liu says: “We are thrilled to be working in Burnley and collaborating with Mike Smith Studio again, with the same spirit of boldness, adventure, and pursuit of quality that drew us to the hilltop in Burnley seven years ago.” She explains the ideas behind Rain Bow Gate: “We were inspired by how the viaduct frames the view of the surrounding landscape, which I think is one of the best things about Burnley. “Our final proposal, Rain Bow Gate, is a bow structure that integrates 500 prisms to capture light and create rainbows. A new breed of singlesurface structure we’ve pioneered with structural engineers at Arup, the structure uses advanced digital modelling, analysis, and fabrication tools. The transformation of light into rainbow evokes a sense of wonder, which we feel is at the heart of education. “Rain – celebrates Burnley’s nature and weather which was pivotal to Burnley’s industrial past. Bow – reflects the arches of the viaduct, a dynamic and highly-efficient structural form. Gate – reflects how the different parts of Burnley connect at this site. “The innovative use of steel will reflect Burnley’s advanced manufacturing status and future aspirations for the Knowledge Quarter as a centre for design and manufacturing excellence.”

19

Feature : Burnley Bondholders

Burnley is our B Business… make it yours is the message from Burnley’s Bondholders.

Keith Collinge, MD, Copifax Ltd: “It’s an unfortunate fact of life that people like to have something or somebody to kick, probably to make them feel better about themselves. Burnley has taken a kicking for too long. When Burnley appears on TV there’s background music of a brass band, as far as I know there isn’t a brass band in the town, the music belongs to Yorkshire mining towns. More appropriate music would be the soundtrack from Avatar, produced on leading edge equipment by the towns own AMS Neve, but that doesn’t fit the mould. The areas excellence for aerospace, electronics, leading service industries, etc. just doesn’t make for red top journalism. Being Burnley born & bred, and having made my living in the town all of my life I know better. This town has a strong and proud heritage, and because of this heritage we inevitably have some older domestic and industrial buildings that have passed their useful lives; better

20

that than no history at all I’d say. A town isn’t made of buildings but people and the folk of this town have shown over time that they’re adaptable, grasping the early advantages of the industrial revolution to now producing components for the space age. I signed up for the Bondholder Scheme as I feel very strongly that we need to put a more positive case for the area, if we don’t put something/anything positive out, and keep making those noises, then we leave a space for the naysayers to have their fun. The scheme should allow us a space to develop a consistent and positive message, which in time should change the attitude of people who previously have been misled by mischievous media. I’d like to engage with other businesses and organisations in the town to help provide and focus on anything and everything positive that comes out of the area, then tell it to a wider audience.”

urnley Bondholders are a consortium of Burnley based businesses, which currently has over 50 influential business members, who have signed up to help overhaul the perceptions of the town. The Bondholder scheme is part of a ‘new’ direction for Burnley, that is for the first time in Burnley’s history, uniting all organisations to develop a collective opinion. The Bondholders have been influential in key decisions on how best to promote the town. A new website has been developed with their input and the consortium have tasked PR business Brandspankin with spreading Burnley’s success stories across the UK.

Nigel Clarke, Overseasproperties4u: “Overseasproperties4u were immediately attracted to the Bondholder initiative when it was apparent that, probably for the first time, senior executives in both Burnley’s public and private sectors were united in trying to promote all the positive elements in the town against the cynicism which was becoming prevalent. Whilst there have been initiatives before which have met with mixed results this time it feels there is a determination to make things happen and we feel we want to be part of a movement which will ultimately benefit the quality of life for all residents, employers and employees. When we are travelling the world promoting our business it feels good to be proud of our home town and its heritage – with world class manufacturing companies, a university campus, successful football club and high profile individuals, Burnley is at last heading in the right direction.”

The ‘New’ Burnley In 2009 the Financial Times declared that our town has ‘opened a new chapter’ with a new university campus to ‘educate a new generation of engineers,’ Since that FT article all-new secondary schools, a new sixth form and new college have opened too - Burnley now has the best education facilities in the country. It is quite a transformation but as the FT allude, it is not just about educational facilities, it is about skills development - ensuring Burnley’s global excellence in advanced manufacturing, aerospace and engineering is sustained through the continued provision of a skilled workforce. At present 20% of our workforce is in ‘skilled trades’ - double the North West average. In addition advanced manufacturing and aerospace make up 18% of all jobs; significantly higher than the North West average of 11%. We make things and we make them exceptionally well, as Treasury Minister Danny Alexander pointed out on a recent visit: ‘This area has a hugely strong manufacturing tradition... and it is an absolutely vital sector.’ UK manufacturing has already posted record growth in the first two months of 2011 and the Prime Minister recently stressed the UK’s economy has to be ‘more reliant on manufacturing.’ It is vital Burnley capitalises on this opportunity, to tell more people across the North West and beyond of our manufacturing excellence, investment in education and subsequent development of our future workforce.

Paul Dawson, Anvic Developments: “Anvic Developments specialises in providing both serviced and conventional offices together with conferencing in Burnley and Manchester. During 2010 Anvic celebrated twenty five years in business and boasts having helped over one thousand SME’s to either start up or further develop their business. “Anvic enthusiastically supports the Bondholder Scheme to ensure Burnley develops and builds on its strengths. “Burnley has a competitive and flexible workforce, so together with the well developed infrastructure is in a strong position to move forward. “The perception of Burnley outside the area does not do justice to the facilities and services available. To raise awareness outside Burnley of our strengths is our challenge both in the short and long term. “The Anvic group continue to develop connections across Lancashire and Manchester to improve business and the image of Burnley in the market place.” Kevin Clarke, CEO, Consortium of Enterprise Agencies: “We want more businesses to invest in the local area and more people to set up their own business here. The Bondholder Scheme will help cement a positive portrayal of the town on a local, regional and national scale. “We are delighted to be involved in such a proactive movement. We’re passionate about everything network stands for and are keen to promote the opportunities that Burnley has to offer”

Andrew White, MD, Aircelle: "If businesses are serious about attracting and retaining skilled employees and are serious about raising the profile of their company, then they have to take an active role in the development of the place in which they operate."

David Wroe, Land & Partnerships Director, Keepmoat Homes: “The Bondholder scheme is important as it unites business in Burnley behind a common goal. Together we are stronger and can share ideas, opinions and ways of improving the town’s fortunes. It also creates a great sense of identity and civic pride.”

David Jones, VEKA: “The Bondholder Scheme offers us another way to demonstrate our pride in the local area and its amenities, hopefully encouraging other businesses to follow our lead and establish in Burnley”

New investment website www.burnley.co.uk is part of Burnley’s new Brand and Bondholder campaign and shows that Burnley is both exceptional at making things and exceptional at making things happen. This is the Bondholder vision for our town.

www.burnley.co.uk

21

In Focus : The Original Factory Shop

Original Factory Shop set for rapid growth L

100,000 sq.ft extension, booming sales and jobs growth

ed by CEO Angela Spindler, the former boss of Debenhams, Burnley based business, The Original Factory Shop has experienced consistent growth over the past 18 months and has commissioned a purpose built 100,000 sq.ft. extension at its head office at the Orient Business Park, to meet its expansion and growth plans. The new extension, set to be completed this summer, will increase the company’s HQ by nearly double, to 250,000 sq ft, and is an integral part of its business plan to sustain its rapid expansion over the next five years. The Original Factory Shop is a national UK non-food convenience retailer, with over 160 stores operating in local markets and 2,600 employees, provides its customers, often in rural locations, access

to well known brands at great prices. Its head office, here in Burnley, controls all aspects and running of the stores and is home to a number of departments including Buying, Merchandising, Human Resources, Marketing, Distribution, Accounts and Property. Angela Spindler, CEO says: “The company is expected to employ a further 400 people in 2011 taking its total to over 3,000 and is committed to employing locally both in its stores and at its head office. This year, it launched an apprenticeship programme and will recruit a number of students who have completed their A levels in 2011. The positions which are all based in

Pictured: The Factory Shop’s Head of Logistics Pamela Hodgkinson and Barnfield’s Site Manager Paul Dooling who are carrying out the expansion.

22

Burnley will be paid and will include day release to a local college. “Stores also play a pivotal role in the local communities they serve. The Original Factory Shop launched the second year of its successful ‘Make a Difference’ campaign in 2011, where each store across the UK supports one local cause for 12 months. Last year, it donated over £50,000 to local causes in the UK.”

A unique proposition The Original Factory Shop’s sales strategy is a mix of well-known high street brands at heavily discounted prices, together with an extensive range of products made for big name retailers but sold for a fraction of the original price, and own-brand products. The stores act both as a shopping destination and a local convenience store with a large percentage of its customers visiting the store once a week. It can now claim to be truly a nationwide retailer, trading in towns from the northern tip of Scotland, across the channel in Northern Ireland, to within a few miles of Lands End and from the West Wales seaside resorts to the edge of the North Sea. The company has embarked on a rapid store opening programme that saw 60 new stores open between April 2009 and December 2010 and has identified a

further 400 UK locations in which it can expand into. The company’s ethos is to bring real choice, convenience and value back to the high street. It has a turnover of over £132 million and in 2010 announced its fifth consecutive year of double digit profit growth. It is one of the fastest growing retailers in the UK. Angela Spindler, CEO of The Original Factory Shop, said: “Over the past two years, we have seen our sales grow at a staggering rate: 73%, or 17.1% on a like-for-like basis. In the same time, our store network has increased from 99 to 160 today. We remain excited about the long-term growth opportunities for our stores, our multi-channel offering and our ability to provide our growing customer base with a fantastic range of brands and products at bargain prices.”

“The company is expected to employ a further 400 people in 2011 taking its total to over 3,000 and is committed to employing locally both in its stores and at its head office. This year, it launched an apprenticeship programme and will recruit a number of students who have completed their A levels in 2011.”

CEO. Angela Spindler

“Over the past two years, we have seen our sales grow at a staggering rate: 73%, or 17.1% on a like-for-like basis.” 23

Feature

Changing the shape of the Housing Market in Burnley

Blueprint approach to community regeneration

K

David Wroe, Regional Director, Keepmoat Homes NW and Steve Rumbelow CEO, Burnley Council

eepmoat Homes are specialists in community regeneration and housing and have built a strong relationship with Burnley over recent years. Working in partnership with Burnley Council and Regenerate Pennine Lancashire, Keepmoat Homes are building modern, affordable eco friendly homes across Burnley. The Chairman of the Homes and Community Agency, Robert Napier, officially opened Keepmoat Homes’ ‘Pennine View’ development here in Burnley in 2010, praising the development of this new community and the partnership between Keepmoat, Eaves Brook, a member of Harvest Housing Group and Burnley Council. Pennine View, which comprises 28 homes for rent and 28 homes for sale,

was designed to improve the availability of affordable homes in the town, helping people onto the property ladder by offering a shared equity scheme, which means buyers only need to raise a small deposit to secure an 85% mortgage with the remaining 15% being funded by Keepmoat Homes. David Wroe, Regional Director with Keepmoat Homes North West said: “We are delighted to be part of this partnership which is not only helping to meet housing demand in and around Burnley but also beginning to kick economic activity and positive social change.” Keepmoat Homes, North West Sales Manger Jen Brown: “Keepmoat Homes is currently developing much needed new and affordable homes on two sites in Burnley. So far we have delivered 56

From creating new communities and turning neighbourhoods into vibrant places where people are choosing to live, we are quite simply, transforming lives.

24

new homes on our site at Pennine View and work has started on delivering a further 121 homes on our Towneley Park site at Burnley Wood. We believe this shows significant investment and belief in Burnley at a time when things have been very difficult for the housing and construction industry. The developments have been well received by the public and local business.” Mike Cook, Director of Regeneration & Housing, Burnley Council adds: “The start of work in Burnley Wood is the result of determination from all partners to provide what our residents need, transforming the area into a modern, vibrant neighbourhood that people can be proud of.” David Wroe, Regional Director with Keepmoat Homes North West said: Keepmoat Homes is all about creating new communities and turning neighbourhoods into vibrant places where people choose to live. This is something we’re aiming to do in Burnley by meeting the dreams and aspirations of those looking for a new home in the town.

“We are delighted to be part of this partnership which is not only helping to meet housing demand in and around Burnley but also beginning to kick start economic activity and positive social change.”

Bringing quality homes to Burnley Buy now, last few remaining at Pennine View Looking for your dream home? Look no further, as we’re offering a stunning range of stylish yet affordable homes in Burnley.

Pennine View | Cog Lane | Burnley | BB11 5BG But you’d better be quick – there are only a few homes remaining at Pennine View! Plus, if you bring this voucher to the development and go on to reserve by the end of June, we’ll include a fantastic Home Entertainment Package.** We currently have stunning 3 & 4 bedroom homes available from just £95,212* with Share Equity.

Home Entertainment Package Bring this voucher with you to Pennine View to claim all this!**

• 32” Toshiba Full 1080 HD TV • 8gb Apple iPod Touch • Wii Console Package • 10” Zoostorm Freedom Netbook • Samsung ST70 14mp Camera

Towneley Gardens | Branch Road | BB11 3LY Coming soon... We’re introducing another selection of quality new homes here in Burnley, at our stunning Towneley Gardens development. Call now for further information on either development.

Discover the Keepmoat way...

Call now for further information

07837 387 422

keepmoathomes.co.uk *Offers on selected plots only, subject to status and normal Keepmoat terms and conditions. Price of £95,212 based on purchase price of £126,950 when paying 75% upfront (normally 85%/15%) with a 5 year interest free loan for the outstanding amount, from fifth year onwards, 3% interest is charged on the equity loan. **Home Entertainment Package up to the value of £1,000 supplied by Argos, subject to availability and on reservations made before 30/06/2011. Details and prices correct at time of going to press. Image representative only.

25

e Planning People

Technology Centre welcomes Kirkwells Town Planning Consultancy

Kirkwells (L to R): Gareth Fort, Claire Parker, Dave Hortin, Louise Kirkup, Martin Cole, Michael Wellock

B

things happen and getting development on urnley’s Digital Technology Centre, the ground. That’s what we do best.” offering quality managed office “All of us have worked in the public space, is delighted to annouce the sector and alongside private clients. With letting of one of its prime offices to Town the uncertainty of public sector funding it Planning consultants, Kirkwells. seemed the natural step to all of us to get Kirkwells has been set up by a team of rid of that uncertainty and make the first planning and sustainability experts who move by setting up our own company and have an established background in a local moving in to the private sector. Burnley government planning environment and needs more high quality service sector bring with them a wealth of knowledge and employees and that is what we intend to be” expertise in the planning field. “The team are excited about the Michael Wellock, Kirkwells’ Director, prospects ahead and are looking forward said “We have recognised there has to helping visions become reality. Whatever been an opportunity in the market for a the planning and sustainability need we high quality planning and sustainability are looking forward to delivering joined up consultanty service for some time. The solutions to our new clients.” team have worked together for many Kirkwells will be operational from their years in local government and have often new Technology Centre offices on Bancroft thought about making that step to set up Road in Burnley in April this year, and look on our own. forward to serving their clients out of their “Our years of public sector experience new flagship facility. means we can provide private developers, businesses and the public sector with a complete ‘jargon free’ planning service, from developing their planning application, through to plan submission, with all the support needed in between including community engagement, feasbility studies or appeal support. “We can guide clients through the community and local politics and get their development on the ground. In the end planning is about making Lancashire Digital Technology Centre, Bancroft Road, Burnley

26

TO LET / FOR SALE 7,733 Sq m (83,239 Sq ft) Development Potential Site Area 0.9 hectares (2.2 acres) 102 car parking spaces Wings available from 10,794 Sq ft upwards

Landmark Town Centre

Richard Lowe RCLowe@savills.com

Michael J Cavannagh mcavannagh@tdawson.co.uk