InBusinessBurnley_4

Sector Special

Logistics: K2 Storage & Distribution pg16

News

Velocity relocate to state-ofthe-art facility in Burnley pg7

Feature

Moulding the future of the plastic industry pg18

InBusinessBurnley Issue 4

Somewhere over the Rain Bow Gate PLUS: Special Business Awards Feature

Burnley Council…supporting local business1

Beautiful countryside

A world class manufacturing sector The best value housing in the country

The best educational facilities in the country

Our pride, our passion, our place‌ Burnley www.burnley.co.uk 2

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Welcome from the Editor

utumn may be upon us with temperatures dipping and the nights drawing in, but a steady rise in the temperature of the local economy could be cause for optimism with brighter days ahead.

Results from Burnley’s sixth Biennial Business Survey, carried out by Burnley Council earlier in the year, in consultation with the Burnley Business Support Network, revealed some encouraging results.

The survey is important in gauging the local economy, and helps to shape and direct business support where it’s most needed in order to strengthen and grow the local economy.

With price hikes in utility bills on the horizon, which will have a major impact on business overheads, we are delighted to include a feature on Groundwork Pennine Lancashire who are working closely with businesses to help reduce their gas and electric costs and their overall carbon footprint.

2011 has been a great year so far for Burnley and many of its businesses, with the highlight of the 2011 Burnley business calendar being the Burnley Business & Innovation Awards, which took place in the magnificent setting of Towneley Hall at the end of June.

What a fantastic evening of celebration it was, showcasing our local business achievements and successes,

injecting a huge level of pride in our town and described as “a real economic development boost for Burnley”, by Mike Damms the Chief Executive of the Chamber of Commerce East Lancashire.

InBusiness is delighted to include a special 10 page feature on the awards night for our readers.

The theme of the Business Awards, as with this magazine, is to promote and celebrate the success of Burnley and its businesses.

Burnley is home to several world class businesses; new schools and colleges; two new universities (one of which is the University College of Football Business, the first of its kind in the world); nationally significant industrial heritage and breathtaking countryside, and the task we have is to raise awareness of these superb assets, which not many towns can boast.

The challenge for Burnley is to ensure more of the right people know about its success stories, its ambitions, and to improve perceptions of the town overall. Giving someone a copy of this magazine would be a great start.

7 Relocation to Burnley

16 K2 Logistics

18 Plastic fantastic

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

Our Team

26 Apprenticeships

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

Burnley

Produced by Communications and Graphics, © Burnley Council 2011. [t] 01282 425011. Job_6426.

Printed by Peter Scotts Printers [t] 01282 452221

34 Burnley Business Awards 3

News

Influencing the influencers!

Getting Burnley noticed in the right places

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he Burnley Bondholder Scheme took ‘Burnley to the city’ to demonstrate to big players in the property and manufacturing sectors that Burnley is changing and has some major business development opportunities coming on stream that they should know about.

The high profile ‘Advanced Manufacturing and Property Breakfast’ took place at the heart of Manchester in the Midland Hotel.

Organised in partnership with Place North West, the region’s top online resource for property and regeneration professionals, the event was a full house with all the tickets allocated and more on the waiting list.

Some of the biggest names in international real estate attended the breakfast, including DTZ, Jones Lang LaSalle, GVA, alongside some of the regions largest development and construction companies.

Council leader Charlie Briggs said “This event was about taking Burnley out there.

The event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our up and coming development opportunities to the agents and developers who influence major businesses looking to relocate.

“We know that these are challenging times, and the town gets its knocks and setbacks, but this only makes us more determined to work hard to attract new business into the borough”.

Experts at the event highlighted the decreasing Grade ‘A’ prime development land opportunities in the ‘usual’ development

Bondholder Breakfast at Midland Hotel Manchester areas of the North West. Burnley urged them to look outside the usual conurbations of Manchester, Liverpool, and St Helens highlighting that less than an hour down the road in Burnley there are some superb ‘Grade A’ development opportunities coming on stream.

Burnley’s UCLan and Burnley College campus which will provide specialist knowledge transfer from the University to creative and manufacturing industries; and the opportunities within the unique Weavers’ Triangle Development.

Steve Rumbelow, Burnley Council’s Chief Executive and Chair of the Burnley Bondholder Scheme said “The Manchester event was a great success and a great opportunity for us to promote Burnley to some big hitters.

“We need to be getting Burnley noticed in the right places, we have the sites to rival those of the big cities, and would go as far as saying we can offer more than those sites do.

Land in Burnley is available at a much more competitive cost to those located close to the city. We can offer businesses easy access into the motorway networks, the skills and the workforce, as well as a lifestyle for their workforce. Offering superb housing close to the countryside and within an hour of more than one major city, and a far more relaxed drive into work without getting snarled up in big city traffic.”

Mr Rumbelow added: “Burnley Bondholders are a consortium of influential businesses who are working together to promote the opportunities here in Burnley.

Our key message is about how much this borough has to offer businesses looking to relocate or expand. The breakfast event in Manchester will hopefully generate some positive enquiries”.

“...a fantastic opportunity to showcase our up and coming development opportunities to the agents and developers who influence major businesses...”

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Burnley presented the new 70 acre Burnley Bridge Business Park, offering speculative and build units to accommodate a range of requirements; the unique 5 acre Burnley Knowledge Park located adjacent to

Global Textiles (UK) secures £1.2m funding boost from Barclays Curtains and bedding supplier Global Textiles (UK) have announced a £1.2m finance package to support its expansion plans.

The Bolton-based firm has bought a logistics and distribution centre in Burnley as it looks to add capacity.

The funding was arranged by a team at Barclays Corporate in Manchester led by Miles Rothbury.

The team included Isabella Todd and Alex Guidi, a director at Barclays Capital. Global Textiles was founded in 1999 by managing director Arnold Forester and sales director Martin Goodman.

Mr Forester said: "The move to new premises in Burnley will enable us to meet our growth aspirations while maintaining the highest level of service for our customers."

Mr Rothbury said: "The newly-acquired building is ideally located and will provide the business with extra capacity to continue its strong growth story."

Expansion into new Premises Cherrytree Bakery, based in Billington Road, Burnley, is expanding into two new nearby premises in a bid to reach a £10million turnover. In the past four years sales have trebled to reach £6million. The company’s managing director, Gary Entwistle, said: “The business has grown significantly in the past few years and we continue to secure orders from both existing and new customers.

“The investment we have made to acquire new premises and increase our production capacity

ensures we now have the facilities in place to meet this demand.”

The scheme will cost £425,000 but Mr Entwistle said the directors are confident the additional production capacity provided by the new units will help the business break through the £10m turnover barrier.

The firm, set up in 1984, employs 83 staff and supplies Chorley cakes, buns, loaves and muffins to supermarket chains, including Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Asda.

100 new jobs at VEKA following major takeover bid A hundred new jobs are to be created at a Burnley company over the next 12 months following the success of a major takeover bid.

Veka Plc, off Rossendale Road, has bought the Sutton Coldfield-based Bowater Building Products and, starting early next year, part of that operation will be transferred to the Burnley site creating 100 posts.

Bosses said they are now starting recruitment for all levels of warehouse and distribution roles with more workers from other departments to be recruited throughout 2012.

As well as applications from the Burnley area, Veka, which manufactures PVC-U window products, said it also hopes to attract employees to relocate from the existing Bowater factory near Birmingham.

Two relocation days have taken place this month for current Bowater workers who are interested in moving to Burnley

where they were given a tour of the site and town.

Veka managing director Mr Dave Jones said: “This is a very exciting time for Veka and for Burnley with new job opportunities being created in the town and also hopefully welcoming some new people into the area in the future.”

Coun. Charlie Briggs, leader of Burnley Borough Council, said: “It’s excellent news at a time when jobs are at a premium. It’s fantastic that a company like Veka have bought out this place in Birmingham. It’s a fantastic achievement.”

The town’s MP, Gordon Birtwistle, added: “Veka is a big company in Burnley, they have invested millions in Burnley and really believe in the town. For once work is being brought to Burnley rather than being taken away. It’s another boost for Burnley and shows our commitment to manufacturing and the skills we have in Burnley. It’s great news.”

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News making the right move

Jody Lauder Petty & Co

New Bondholder saves historic Burnley frieze

How will the LEP impact your business?

The establishment of the Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership (Lancashire LEP) is without doubt a stepping stone to promoting greater business opportunity and awareness both within Lancashire and externally alike.

It has been recently said … “spend £1 in Lancashire and Lancashire will spend £1 with you; spend nothing and it will cost you more!”

Merely having a LEP puts us ahead of the game and in the driving seat versus those areas that do not. The LEP in its remit will not only reflect those entrepreneurial, and social harmonies of business but it is hoped that it will provide stimulus to practically deliver the ethos of the governments ‘big society bid’ on the ground. It should also consolidate those successes laid down previously by the region’s now expired NWDA (North West Development Agency) promoting enterprise growth zones adding, impetus to regeneration through infrastructure projects and providing a channel to Westminster as both a voice and ear for the region.

The strategic vision offered by this new opportunity, championed by the partnership of private industry leaders and local and regional governmental chairs, will purport a fantastic vehicle by which to bring focus, growth and opportunity to the region; indeed Petty’s are already working up schemes and development opportunities with a number of private client investors ensuring maximum potential benefits from the outset.

I have recently joined Petty Chartered Surveyors to launch and steer the new Petty office which has opened in Preston, giving us coverage on both sides of the M6, taking full advantage of the prosperous M65 and M55 corridors alike. The business expansion programme is testament to the success the firm has achieved despite difficult economic times and I look forward to facilitating continued growth, maintaining and improving standards whilst effectively servicing a growing client base.

For further information or advice contact Jody Lauder on 01772 437202 or at j.lauder@petty.co.uk.

Visit www.pettycommercial.co.uk

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Saved by entrepreneur and the latest member of Burnley’s Bondholder Scheme, Andrew Brown, the huge frieze which hung for years on the former Thompson Centre before its demolition in 2006 was officially unveiled at Crow Wood Leisure Centre.

It is the first time the frieze has been seen in public for five years, and its original creator Charles Anderson travelled from Scotland to see it.

Mr Brown, who kept the frieze in storage, said: “This frieze has a massive place in our community. It gives me enormous pleasure to give this magnificent artwork a new home.

It breathes new life into the legacy of William Thompson who did so much for Burnley.”

by the original Olympians of Ancient Greece and the sculptures on the legendary Parthenon in Athens.

Charles said: “I would like to thank Mr Brown for providing a new home for this outstanding piece of artwork.

It is commendable that the frieze will once more be associated with a renowned sporting venue.

“It’s a great pleasure and honour to be here at the unveiling.

I was a young man of 34 when I was approached by Burnley Council to design a frieze for the centre.

“It’s one of my proudest pieces of work and definitely one of the most challenging. I was inspired by the sculptures of the Parthenon so perhaps this is Burnley’s own Elgin Marbles. It features the Three Graces from Greek

“It breathes new life into the legacy of William Thompson who did so much for Burnley.”

The huge frieze now hangs proudly near Crow Wood’s new football centre. “I would also like to thank Mr Anderson for creating such a magnificent piece of art, which I believe is the largest frieze in Europe.”

Mr Anderson, who designed the sculpture over months at his studio in Paisley, said the design was inspired

mythology as well as sporting scenes such as wrestling, weightlifting, fencing, archery, football, tennis and cricket.

“I am so relieved Andrew has saved it. We were all worried at one stage that, because of the economic climate, the frieze might be lost forever. It is fitting it has a new home in a sporting environment.”

New headquarters building for Velocity Composites A rapidly expanding high technology company is set to relocate its research, development and production headquarters to the recently announced AMS Technology Park in Burnley.

Velocity Composites are a specialist engineering and supply chain company serving predominantly the aerospace composites industry and have seen a rapid growth in interest in their services in the North West over the past 3 years.

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. We hadn’t previously looked at Burnley and we certainly weren’t thinking of commissioning our own purposebuilt facility” said Chris.

“It was then that we came across publicity regarding 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

which would complement their business. The new AMS Technology Park will provide them with a modern thriving environment from which to grow their business and the Council looks forward to welcoming Velocity to Burnley.”

AMS Technology Park was formed earlier in 2011 as a Joint

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

the first for AMS Technology Park 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.

“Burnley Council’s positive approach to business support was also influencial in our decision to relocate to Burnley.”

Council Leader, Charlie Briggs: “We are delighted Velocity has chosen Burnley.

We were aware they were looking to relocate and made a proactive approach to them to present business sites in Burnley

Venture between Stuart Nevison and Barnfield Construction Ltd. Stuart was originally a 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

unique environment. Although we are talking to others about taking space in the existing AMS Neve building, this new building on the site will be the largest planned so far providing approx 20,000 sq ft of new space for Velocity.”

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.

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News Generating your own electricity!

The renewable energy industry is taking off and people are getting the message about how good an investment solar photovoltaics is.

Generating your own electricity has a number of benefits: it protects against future energy price rises; it increases the value of homes and businesses; and, it gives a return on investment of up to 10 to 12%.

The Low Carbon Energy Company has been in Burnley for the last 4 years and was one of the first multi-accredited installers in the country. They have experience of working on large scale commercial projects. LCEC are approved installers for Bovis Lend Lease, Bramall, Capita Symonds alongside Burnley, Rossendale and Flint councils. www.thelowcarbonenergycompany.com

20 years by air, by land, by sea

Design Guide showing the way A design guide for the proposed 130,000 sq ft Knowledge Park development in Burnley has been published for prospective developers to follow during the tender process.

Burnley Council commissioned the guide and were helped by architectural practice Austin-Smith:Lord, Glovers Project Services, and Regenerate Pennine Lancashire.

The knowledge park will be aimed at innovative companies and seeks to build on the success of the adjacent £85m University of Central Lancashire and Burnley College campus.

Alistair Sunderland, partner at AustinSmith:Lord Architects, said: “The Knowledge Park is a key development opportunity in Burnley’s regeneration as a centre of learning and innovation and plugged directly into the heart of the town. Its plan adds value to its location and setting for innovation and enterprise to flourish in a

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sustainable high quality business park.”

A planning application has been approved for the Knowledge Park site which is fully-owned by Burnley Council.

Mr Sunderland added: “Burnley has character and a strong heritage with continuing advanced manufacturing skill; it has potential to regenerate itself around and within its historic town centre. This is crucial to its identity and for sustainable growth in the global markets of the 21st century.

“Essential for the competitive edge required of a high value western economy is expertise and innovation in emerging technologies and Burnley Knowledge Park provides the best resource for progressive business.”

Interested developers can contact Adam Lockett at Burnley Council for a hard copy of the Knowledge Park design guide alockett@burnley.gov.uk or visit www.burnley.co.uk/invest

Burnley based freight forwarding company Nortex International Ltd celebrate their 20th anniversary this year.

Based on Rossendale Road Industrial Estate, with an 11,000 sq.ft. freight terminal, Nortex employ 18 people, and operate logistics services by land, sea and air to all parts of the globe.

With an unrivalled network of partners across the globe Nortex can ensure your shipments reach your customers on time and in perfect condition.

Their freight terminal is fully equipped to handle all types of goods, with a dedicated export packing service to streamline the process.

With 20 years’ experience of international freight handling, and full trading membership of the British International Freight Association and the International Air Transport Association, Nortex have the bank of knowledge to guarantee you have all the documentation that is critical to successful international trade.

Utilising the latest technology, they also provide a ‘track and trace’ service so both you and your clients can check on the progress of the shipment at any time.

Managing director and founder Mr Stephen Sadler said “I would like to pay tribute to the efforts of my staff who through their dedication and professionalism have helped Nortex establish its reputation as one of the foremost independent freight forwarders in the North of the U.K.” Nortex, recently assisted Barnoldswick company Esse Engineering who have donated 20 cookstoves and food to the earthquake relief in Japan by arranging airfreight shipment of the aid to Tokyo. www.nortexinternational.co.uk

Where the past meets the future Alert complete the first building extension in the Weavers’ Triangle for 100 years!

T

he first building extension in the Weavers’ Triangle for over 100 years is an early indication of the rebirth of Burnley’s unique industrial heritage site.

Alert Fire & Security, who are based at the heart of the Weavers’ Triangle on Wiseman Street, have invested heavily in transforming their historic building and car park, to accommodate the rapid expansion of their business, by undergoing a considerable refurbishment and extension project, with the help of a loan from the Michelin Development Fund.

Established in 1994 with assistance from the Princes Youth Business Trust, as one man and a van, Alert now employ 19 people, providing advice, design, installation, and maintenance of a wide range of electronic fire, security and safety solutions.

With a turnover in excess of £1 million today, they deliver fire and security packages of all sizes, ranging from £1,000 to large business protection packages of around £150,000.

Regional leaders in fire and

security solutions for business across the north west, their leading edge sensor and monitoring technology, satellite navigation for their engineers, and latest GPRS alarm activation systems, has secured them a trusted reputation.

Would you like to be able to check you CCTV from your iPhone or blackberry? Or do you want someone to check your CCTV on your behalf? From the smallest retail store, through to large commercial business centres and hospitals, CCTV systems from Alert Fire & Security provide more than an effective tool against crime reduction and anti-social behaviour.

Elsewhere in the Weavers’ Triangle, negotiations are well underway with potential local developer partner Barnfield over the long term regeneration of sites and buildings on Trafalgar Street and Sandygate. The redevelopment of the former Lambert Howarth site by St Modwens Properties is progressing through the planning stage, and a programme of works to maintain the most historically important buildings in the area is underway.

Leaving yourself wide open?

Don’t become a victim of crime or fire damage Alert Fire & Security are a local independent Fire and Security Company, who have amassed a wide range of accreditations and awards, enabling them to provide outstanding service in providing a full range of fire and security solutions.

• Smoke Cloak • CCTV • Access • Fire Training • Intruder • Fire Detection & Alarms

Please contact our dedicated team for a Free Security Healthcheck Don’t leave yourself wide open Let us keep you safe

w: www.alertfireandsecurity.co.uk t: 0845 450 55 11

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News

Futaba-Tenneco back to full strength and set for growth Managers at Burnley’s successful automotive company Futaba-Tenneco are delighted to announce that the business is back to full strength and operating at full volume.

The company moved to a temporary 3 day week, earlier in the year, due to the impact of the Japanese crisis, but now the business has returned to full capacity and is looking forward to a bright future.

HR Manager, Brian Barker, said: “The temporary slow down in production was purely due to the impact of the earthquake in Japan and the parts our customer needed weren’t coming through.

“It was a very short lived supply issue, but we are now operating at full volume, the demand for cars is still there and we are confident about the future.”

Assistant Managing Director Kevin Schofield added: “FTUK is

committed to the development and upskilling of its workforce in order to grow the company.

We are working hard to secure new contracts, not just within the automotive sector, but to diversify into other markets,

working together to look at ways we can boost the local economy.

It’s wonderful to see Burnley’s large businesses working together for the town and to be part of this.”

The company, which was

demolished and replaced with new schools under the ‘Building Schools for the Future programme’, was collected, and with Futaba’s support, shipped out to schools in developing countries, including Ghana, Egypt and Pakistan.

Council Leader, Charlie Briggs said: “FutabaTenneco’s return to operating at full capacity is great news and the plans they have to develop the business and secure the future of the business with predicated jobs growth is wonderful news for Burnley.”

“The council’s Economic Regeneration & Business Support Team has been working with FTUK to assist it in developing the business, and is committed to supporting businesses across the Borough where we can.”

“I commend the time FTUK give to supporting community projects on top of running their busy business.”

“...the council’s Economic Regeneration & Business Support Team has been working with FTUK to assist it in developing the business, and is committed to supporting businesses...”

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and upskilling our workforce will support this.

“Whilst staff were working the 3 day week we used the spare time for staff training and development and improving our facility.”

“We are committed to investing in Burnley and in the future of the company to develop as a business and to strengthen our profile as a committed Burnley company.

“In partnership with other Burnley businesses we are

established in its current form in 2000, is dedicated to supporting its employees and the local community.

FTUK has recently embarked on a canal clean up project on the stretch of canal alongside its Liverpool Road site and the business is an active supporter and trustee of the charity “Furniture for Education Worldwide” Furniture from all the old secondary schools in Burnley that have recently been

Burnley Bondholder To bring ‘plc’ and ‘place’ together, to promote business and Burnley, to achieve economic growth: a new, innovative and powerful network has been developed.

Jim Akrill, PM+M Solutions Where should smaller companies look for finance?

In these difficult economic times, traditional sources of finance for smaller companies have become more difficult to access. So what are your options?

1. Focus on your housekeeping The cheapest funds come from inside your own business: • Collect debts or settle on outstanding ones. Don’t give customers an excuse not to pay.

• Make sure you use up surplus stock before buying more. Can those materials bought for a previous job be used elsewhere?

• Review your costs and prices. When was the last time you really did this?

• Consider asset-based finance such as invoice discounting.

• Ensure your management information is accurate and up to date so that you can make informed business decisions.

• Keep a close eye on cash flow and maintain short-term cash flow forecasts so you know where the pinch points are going to be.

2. Banks Banks have come in for a lot of stick over recent years, but they are still your most obvious source of external funds. However, the cost of borrowing varies and credit departments are keeping a close eye on risk, so ensure your application is good: • Develop a credible business plan and keep it up to date. Gain a reputation for delivering on your plan.

• Keep in regular contact with your manager to develop a good working relationship. Banks don’t like surprises (unless of course they are pleasant ones!)

3. Government funds

Join us

To become a bondholder, or to arrange a visit from a representative of the bondholder team, please contact: Kevin Keith, 01282 477205 / 07973 432 445 email Kevin@burnley.co.uk

www.burnley.co.uk

There are numerous Government backed initiatives worth considering too, including: • Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme • The North West Fund • Capital for Enterprise Scheme • The Rosebud Fund All of these funds are open for business but there are conditions, so it is worth taking advice first.

There is still plentiful finance out there, including venture capital and private equity for businesses with high growth potential. However, it is a competitive market so you need to make sure your business is on a sound footing and your business plans make sense. There is usually only one chance to impress, so take advice and get it right!!

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.

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News Creating designers, structural engineers, archaeologists of the future The launch of a unique new education project ‘Design, Engineer, Construct! At the Weavers’ Triangle’ will give students from across Burnley secondary schools the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification in the field of construction and the built environment and raise awareness of the range of exciting career opportunities that are available in the construction sector.

The project based course has been designed by the internationally recognised ‘classofyourown®’ consultancy in association with Burnley Council, to give young people a better grasp of architecture, engineering and the construction industry as a whole, with a particular emphasis on sustainability.

Burnley students who take up the course will undertake 60 guided learning hours over two years, delivered on the Sandygate site, at the heart of Burnley’s historic Weavers’ Triangle, as well as in the classroom.

The historic location of the course in the Weavers’ Triangle will give the students a unique and genuine opportunity to learn

about local heritage, history and sustainability in the context of design and development.

The curriculum will cover quantity surveying, structural engineering, planning and more, and students will be helped by visiting professionals throughout the course.

Using the latest state of the art building modelling technology that is currently being used by architects worldwide, students will be able to gain a solid introduction to every aspect of building.

The course has been organised

by Burnley Council in partnership with ‘classofyourown®’, and will be funded by contributions from Burnley’s five secondary schools with match funding support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Councillor Roger Frost, Executive Member for Regeneration & Economic Development said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for the young people of Burnley to learn about regeneration and gain a recognised qualification at the heart of one of Burnley’s most important areas of historic heritage.

“The study will include state of the art technology and building modelling software used by architects of the future, and young Burnley students will be able to undertake real life applications of science, technology and engineering with the support of industry professionals.

“The course aims to inspire young people, allowing them to express themselves and develop confidence, teamwork, and decision making skills, and hopefully go on to be construction industry professionals of the future.

“Look out for the next generation of iconic buildings which may be designed, engineered and constructed by Burnley students. “ Alison Watson, Class of Your own says: “We have created a new, completely different kind of project based curriculum which grabs the imagination of young students well before they make important life changing decisions regarding GCSE choices, and offers the unique helping hands from visiting professionals.”

Design - Engineer - Construct! at the heart of Burnley’s Weavers’ Triangle Engaging young people in the regeneration of Burnley whilst gaining a recognised qualification.

For more information contact: Cecilia Whitaker, Weavers’ Triangle Townscape Heritage Initiative Project Officer, Burnley Council Tel. 01282 425011 ext. 4755 or cwhitaker@burnley.gov.uk

classofyourown

®

12 next generation of iconic buildings are about to be designed, engineered and constructed by Burnley students The

Chris Gay, Burnley Council Policy & Performance Manager

Council Procurement The Council, Procurement and Local Business To maintain public services in Burnley the Council purchases a range of goods and services to support its operation; and whilst it now has less money available to spend as in previous years, it wants to keep much of what is spent within the local economy.

In delivering the services required of it, the Council purchases a wide range of products from consumable goods i.e. stationery and equipment, to repair, maintenance and construction works.

It also contracts with some providers to deliver services on its behalf.

Historically a reasonable amount of these needs have been met by local businesses with around 40% of expenditure currently carried out in Burnley and Pennine Lancashire, and the council is looking at ways it can increase the level of local expenditure.

In all its procurement activity the Council must comply with UK and European procurement legislation. The types of goods or services needed, and contract values, determine the steps necessary in a tender exercise to ensure that it is conducted in a transparent, open and fair way.

The law also states that directly favouring or giving advantage to local suppliers would be a breach of legislation, and could be subject to fines and cancellation of contracts.

Increasing future opportunities for local business The Council has a responsibility to ensure it gets value for money for every pound of tax-payers money it spends. A direct impact of reductions in funding available to the Council means that there is less money to spend and opportunities for suppliers will reduce as a consequence.

Nevertheless the Council wants to keeps as much money in the borough and Pennine Lancashire economy as is possible, given the legislation to which it must comply, and provide more of the opportunities it does have for local business to bid for Council work.

The Council plans to work with local companies so that they better understand how to do business with the Council. This will include ‘Meet the Buyer’ events that are being coordinated for later in the autumn so that Council buyers and local businesses can get to know each other better. The Council will also be introducing an online procurement ’portal’ where appropriate opportunities can be advertised and easily accessed.

You will be receiving details of the ‘meet the buyer’ event and procurement portal in the near future, if, in the meantime, you have any question around procurement and purchasing please contact Chris Gay, Burnley Council 01282 477163 who would be happy to discuss procurement with you.

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For more information: call 01282 438035 email runmybusiness@pmm.co.uk or visit www.runmybusiness.co.uk *Actual fee may vary according to complexity of business and requirements.

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News

Lamps & Lighting Turns 40!

Specialist lighting company, Lamps & Lighting celebrate their 40th anniversary. The company was formed on the 25th May 1971 by John Walton who has spent more than 50 years in the electrical and lighting industry.

Although he officially retired 15 years ago, passing the business on to his son Nigel Walton, he still maintains a keen interest in the business and is a regular visitor to the factory.

Lamps & Lighting manufactures and supplies high quality, technical and decorative luminaires for interior and exterior applications. The company has become an authority on lighting and is able to assist with the design, development and specifications for a wide variety of high volume projects.

The company also specialises in energy efficient light sources and controllable lighting with detectors in response to demand for more environmentally friendly products.

Lamps & Lighting has evolved considerably over the forty years but retained its roots in Lancashire. From small beginnings in Great Harwood, this well-established family business

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has expanded its facilities moving into a purpose built factory on the Network 65 Business Park.

The company’s development has been shaped by the long-term, close working relationships it has forged within the industry. The company has a well deserved reputation for excellence and customer service and is currently working on a large scale project for BT. “We are very proud to supply such a prestigious company as BT, we believe that it is a quality endorsement of our products and services” said Managing Director, Nigel Walton.

Nigel adds: “We are constantly striving to develop and design products that can be bought with confidence and are highly regarded for both their quality and performance”. Nigel is understandably proud of the high rate of repeat business the company carries out.

“Customer satisfaction is a fantastic recommendation for our products.

The size and structure of our company can work to our advantage as we offer our customers total flexibility in terms of design, development and supply.”

Manufacturers feeling squeeze on new space

Thriving manufacturing firms are being forced to compromise on premises and make do with refurbished second-hand units because of a lack of supply of new stock, according to DTZ. Speaking at the recent Advanced Manufacturing Briefing organised by Place North West, co-hosted by Burnley Bondholders , DTZ industrial Tony O’Keefe

cited two recent examples. Danish firm Icopal occupies a series of big sheds in Trafford Park, where it makes building products. The growing company needs a new production line to keep pace with expansion. However, due to a lack of available stock Icopal will rebuild its production line on site and has taken 90,000 sq ft at Stadium Point, owned

by Manchester United FC, in the interim.

Construction is due to begin in the autumn.

Secondly, Holchem Laboratories, a cleaning products maker in Bury, has acquired the freehold on a 90,000 sq ft second-hand building in the M66 Trading Estate from Imperial Tobacco Pension Fund.

O’Keefe said the premises was one of the last freeholds available in the area and the site will need extensive fit-out. Arguably it would have been cheaper to get a new cleared site and build a new factory.

Manufacturing property deals are on the increase in the North West and across the UK but developers and landlords do not have sufficient supply to satisfy occupier needs, O’Keefe added.

Also speaking at the event were Steve Rumbelow, chief executive of Burnley

Council, and Peter Sussex, consultant at the Manufacturing Institute.

Steve Rubelow outlined Burnley’s credentials as a specialist manufacturing base with above-average productivity and skilled workers in the sector compared to the rest of the country.

The opening of the campus for the University of Central Lancashire and Burnley College in 2009, complete with a manufacturing production line, would help secure the town’s manufacturing prospects for the future.

Burnley also has developments in the pipeline such as Eshton Group’s 650,000 sq ft Burnley Bridge and the Knowledge Park next door to the UCLAN and college campus.

Sussex said the North West’s manufacturing workforce was strong on a number of fronts from textiles, food and automotive to nuclear, wind farms and biomedical sectors.

The manufacturing industry is worth £20bn a year to the North West, employing 390,000 people, he added.

Around 100 people attended the event at the Midland hotel in Manchester.

Capita and Barnfield to collaborate on schemes Capita Symonds and Barnfield Construction have announced a partnership agreement to work together to bring forward developments jointly around the North West.

Both firms are particularly active in Lancashire. Capita Symonds, a national consulting giant worked on Lancashire’s Building Schools for the Future programme. Nelson-based Barnfield Construction Group has worked on regeneration schemes with Pendle, Hyndburn and Burnley councils.

Martin King, Capita Symonds’ design director, said: “Barnfield and Capita Symonds are working together to identify sites, create development opportunities and attract investment from a range of sources. We have already seen interest from some high profile retail and leisure companies who are keen to grow their presence in the North West which has the

potential to create many new jobs and discussions are well in advance on several sites.”

Gareth Smith, Barnfield Construction’s head of regeneration, said: “There was a natural link between the two companies; we both place the communities in which we work at the centre of our plans. This means we truly understand, and respond to, the economic and social challenges facing an area. We don’t just design and build to order; we create something based on local aspirations which will help to create jobs and improve communities. As a company we are very passionate about ‘Real Regeneration’ and this collaboration adds real value to an already prospering sector.”

Among Barnfield’s current projects is the renovation of a large part of the Weavers Triangle historic canalside area of Burnley town centre into a major mixed-use scheme.

Tim Webber of Barnfield Construction and Ian Buckley of Capita Symonds at Weavers Triangle.

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Sector Special : LOGISTICS - Storage &

Nationwide companies choose Burnley’s K2 for their storage & logistics solutions Central location of K2 Storage Solutions serves businesses from as far as London and the South K2 Storage Solutions, on Burnley’s Shuttleworth Mead Business Park, is a modern, 110,000 sq.ft world class warehouse facility, handling the warehousing and distribution needs of companies across the UK – and as its name suggests it’s a mountain of a modern warehousing facility.

Companies from as far as London and the south are using K2 Storage Solutions as the base from which to store and distribute their stock throughout the UK and across Europe.

The key to the growing success of K2’s storage and distribution is Burnley’s central location, with excellent motorway connections, and their unique technology and software which allows customers to check their stock levels on line and arrange for delivery and withdrawals from their own pc.

Group Property Manager, David Wilson said “We’ve made a huge investment in the latest equipment, technology and software to produce a 17,000 pallet capacity warehouse capable of handling a significant amount of palletised stock.

“What sets us apart from other storage companies is the unique service

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we provide to our customers. We have 50 years of storage and logistical experience coupled with our bespoke technology.

“We can make great savings for companies who seek external warehousing for their excess stock, saving on rental costs, rates, utilities, burglar alarms and monitoring, and off site labour.”

David adds : “We see our growing business as supporting the regeneration of Burnley and where we can, we try and work with and use local businesses.

We employ 20 full time and up to 50 temporary staff, with plans to set on more permanent staff in the near future. Our nationwide customers are impressed with our facility and pleasantly surprised at what Burnley has to offer.”

The huge K2 storage and distribution facility was acquired in 2005 by footwear specialists ‘The Sutton Group of

Companies’ to handle the warehousing and distributions requirements of the group. The company diversified from manufacturing to storage and logistics excellence which allows their customers to concentrate on their core business needs.

Mark Richardson, Managing Director of Wynsors World of Shoes, who have recently opened a store in Burnley says “K2 Storage Solutions offers our company a full third party logistical service.

“Access to view, deliver and withdraw stock via their online service is an invaluable asset which sets K2 apart from the rest and we see them as an integral part of our infrastructure.”

For more information on how K2 Storage Solutions could help your warehousing and distribution needs contact Dorothy on 01282 778902 or email info@k2storagesolutions.co.uk

Distribution From 75p per pallet per week

50 years of storage and logistical experience coupled with bespoke technology.

“Access to view, deliver and withdraw stock via their online service is an invaluable asset…”

“We can make great savings for companies who seek external warehousing for their excess stock, saving on rental costs, rates, utilities, burglar alarms and monitoring, and off site labour.”

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Feature : Plastics Manufacturing & Worldw

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wide Export Success WHAT MORE UK – UK’S LARGEST MANUFACTURER OF HOUSEHOLD PLASTIC PRODUCTS

Moulding the future of the plastic industry From their modern showcase head office on Burnley’s Shuttleworth Mead Business Park and their manufacturing facility just around the corner on Altham’s busy industrial estate, What More UK, are taking over the world with their plastic household products.

In just 10 short years What More UK has become UK’s largest manufacturers of plastic household products, from washing up bowls to storage boxes, and now occupies over 350,000 sq.ft. of manufacturing, warehouse and office space employing 160 staff over both their Pennine Lancashire sites.

Their state of-the-art, automated plant is continuously producing the latest plastic products by injection moulding, for both UK and international markets, under their brand name WHAM. Established in 1999 its success is built on two overriding principles, product innovation and excellent customer service, with What More UK and its customers continuing to reap the rewards of the company’s dedication to future growth.

Ongoing investment is testimony to the company’s solid growth since its inception and the next few years will see further expansion in the UK and overseas markets.

Only last December they took delivery of £1 million of new hi-tech robotic machinery to keep up with the demand for its increasing product range. The new machinery also had a lower carbon footprint as they consumed less energy, but with a clamping force of 1,000 tonnes it increased production capacity on some of the larger product lines.

The export markets have also proved lucrative and What More UK have successfully promoted the brand overseas with trade exhibitions, producing multilingual brochures and by recruiting multilingual staff with postgraduate qualifications in International Trade, and continual staff training across many departments, particularly International Logistics.

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Feature : Plastics Manufacturing & Worldw

Tony Grimshaw, Director at What More UK, said: “We are the 5th largest manufacturer of plastic houseware products in Europe and we aim to be No. 1 in the next couple of years with continual growth overseas - we now export to 38 countries.”

What More UK now exports to; USA, Canada, Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Nigeria,

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Ghana, India, Australia, Barbados, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Czech Republic, Ireland, Hungary, Iceland, Poland, Slovakia, Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, Morocco, Portugal, Bahamas and New Zealand. New customers in Russia and Lebanon are expected before the end of the year.

The quality of the products manufactured by What More UK has been recognised as superior to other foreign manufacturers such as in the Far East,

which used to dominate the market.

In June this year the company beat off tough competition from other well-known exporters, to win the prestigious ‘Export Achievement Award’ at the regional Business & Innovations Awards 2011.

Following the award the company has received visits from local M.P. Gordon Birtwistle, and The Worshipful Mayor and Madam Mayoress of Burnley David and Joan Heginbotham, who thoroughly enjoyed a tour of the factory.

wide Export Success

“We are the 5th largest manufacturer of plastic houseware products in Europe and we aim to be No. 1 in the next couple of years with continual growth overseas - we now export to 38 countries.�

What More UK have also been nominated and accepted in to the Prime Ministers MADE BY BRITAIN list of companies. There are a maximum of 650 businesses involved nationwide and What More UK Limited is one of them.

The scheme is to highlight successful UK manufacturing companies.

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Feature : Rain Bow Gate

Art engineered to inspire a generation will crown the Burnley Knowledge Quarter 22

Designed to inspire and reflect the next generation in advanced manufacturing and engineering innovation, Burnley’s latest public art structure ‘Rain Bow Gate’, is a feat of innovative engineering in itself.

The use of public art in public realm development is internationally used to make the design individual to the place. Rain Bow Gate and the way the design is representational of the important features of Burnley’s past, present and future is a very positive example of how good public art is specific to its site as well as providing an aesthetic value to the whole public realm scheme.

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Feature : Rain Bow Gate

“Our vision is t excellence, and manufacturing to achieve this to create mode innovative busi environments…

Sections of the magnificent ‘Rain Bow Gate’ structure, which have been manufactured using traditional and advanced aerospace engineering techniques, have been constructed, at the corner of Canning Street and Princess Way, where, like a large meccano kit, this feat of engineered art will crown the Princess Way Public Realm gateway transformations.

‘Rain Bow Gate’ is set to become another iconic landmark for Burnley, which has already won an Architecture award before it has even been installed!

Designed

by Tonkin Liu, who brought Burnley international acclaim for their ‘Singing Ringing Tree’ sculpture, this new piece of art will represent Burnley’s progressive education, innovation and enterprise culture.

Tonkin Liu wanted to design a work of art that would reflect Burnley’s tradition of advanced manufacturing and engineering and wanted to develop a piece that was built using innovative manufacturing techniques and materials which would inspire future generations.

Located across from the main entrance to Burnley’s UCLan and College campus, the magnificent stainless steel arch structure stands 5 metres in height but is amazingly lightweight. This is due to using a unique method of construction similar to that used in the construction of modern aeroplanes - millimeter thin steel in an arched shape to create the strength for the structure. The steel will be inlayed with glass prisms which will create a rainbow effect when the light passes through them.

they thought would best reflect the spirit of 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 single-surface 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 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.”

Council Leader, Charlie Briggs said : “Burnley is changing and a ‘new’ Burnley is emerging - a modern, innovative Burnley.

This wonderful piece of engineering,

“...integrates 200 prisms...single-surface structure...advanced digital modelling, analysis, and fabrication tools.”

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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: “When we visited Burnley to develop this project, we met with students from the College and UCLan campus to hear their views on their town and what

to make Burnley a centre of educational d a regionally significant centre for g and digital industries and it is important ern and iness …”

will provide a distinctive first impression to students, investors and visitors to Burnley’s Knowledge Quarter, and reflect the towns education and enterprise.”

“The aim of the Princess Way public realm project is to attract new investment, students and jobs to the Knowledge Quarter which will incorporate the 5 acre Knowledge Park adjacent to the university and college campus.”

Steve Rumbelow, Burnley Council’s Chief Executive: “Our vision is to make Burnley a centre of educational excellence, and a regionally significant centre for manufacturing and digital industries and to achieve this it is important to create modern and innovative business environments and this structure will stand at the gateway to our vision.”

Burnley College Principal, Hugh Bramwell said: “Burnley College students worked with artists to share their opinions on what could be done to enhance the area around the College and University campus.“ Dr Martin Brown, Director of the UCLan Burnley Campus said: “The new UCLan and Burnley College Campus has set the standard for iconic, modern and colourful design and the unique Rain Bow

Gate sculpture can only complement and add more interest in Burnley and the new Knowledge Quarter.”

David Read, Director of European Programme NW added: “The Princess Way Public Realm Project is an example of the commitment ERDF has to improving the region’s visitor offer and image. This will not

only encourage investment into the area, but will also support a number of jobs.

“These considerable improvements are helping to create a vibrant education and enterprise zone, which will only encourage more investment to the area, and I hope these developments continue into the future.”

The transformation of light into rainbow evokes a sense of wonder, which we feel is at heart of education

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Feature :

the key to filling the

An unprecedented investment in Apprenticeships Skills Minister reduces red tape to increase apprenticeship take-up

Skills Minister, John Hayes, has announced a package of new measures to make it easier for employers to take on large number of apprentices.

Responding to recommendations by the CBI, firms that contract directly with Government to train apprentices will now benefit from simplified payment, reporting and assessment.

Mr Hayes said “I’m determined that more employers and learners than ever should have the opportunity to benefit from our unprecedented investment in apprenticeships. Where red tape and bureaucracy deters employers from taking

on apprentices, we’ll sweep it away.

“Apprenticeships will give more firms access to the skills they need to thrive, creating new jobs and new growth.”

The Business Secretary Vince Cable added his support by saying: “Apprenticeships are proving an increasingly effective training route for young people and companies. They are a proven way to fill the skills gap in our economy. That’s why we are boosting the number of apprenticeships and putting them at the heart of our Skills For Growth Strategy.

The Government has put the

expansion of high-quality, employerled apprenticeships programme at the heart of the reformed skills system. This year’s budget included an additional £150 million to deliver 50,000 additional apprenticeships, and in July the Prime Minister announced details of a new Higher Apprenticeships Fund to help key advanced manufacturing and engineering industries develop the advanced skills needed to drive growth.

Further measures to cut red tape for SME employers taking on apprentices will be unveiled this autumn as part of the Governments plan for growth.

Enterprise4All promotes the value of apprenticeships The pan-county business support agency Enterprise4All works hand-in-hand with the National Apprenticeship service to provide free help and support to businesses to increase awareness of apprenticeships for business.

The NAS has been designed to increase the number of apprenticeship opportunities and provide a dedicated, responsive service for both employers and learners.

Sue Price, Regional Director for the NAS in the North West said “I truly believe that Apprenticeships should be the natural choice for employers and their staff.

“They offer businesses the best opportunity to develop their workforce, and can help reduce the costs of training and recruitment, whilst improving business performance.

“Businesses who invest in training are far more likely to survive a downturn that those that don’t. Training an apprentice can lead to a nationally recognised qualification, and the development of an employee within the workplace.”

T. 0845 607 0786 E. info@enterprise4all.co.uk W. www.enterprise4all.co.uk

Burnley College leads the way in manufacturing and apprenticeship revival The advanced manufacturing sector in Pennine Lancashire employs almost 25 per cent of the area’s workers, with huge potential for growth over the coming years.

At the recent North West Manufacturing Summit, held at Burnley College, the Rt. Hon. Dr Vince Cable said: “The advanced manufacturing sector has a critical role to play in reversing the decline of manufacturing in this country. Almost six out of 10 manufacturing companies in

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Pennine Lancashire plan to create jobs over the next 12 months and high-skilled, high value manufacturing is the way to go – for both the economy and the people of Lancashire.”

Burnley College plays a key role in developing these highly skilled employees through its commercial and Advanced Apprenticeship programmes.

The College works closely with employers to anticipate local and regional skills needs, to design qualifications and training

skills gap Apprenticeships offer big benefits to your business Apprenticeships can make your business more effective, productive and competitive by addressing any skills gaps. They are designed to help your employees reach a high level of competence and performance.

Apprentices at Burnley College are highly successful with many winning national awards for their outstanding achievements.

to match ever-changing sector requirements.

Delegates attending the Manufacturing Summit were given a tour of the College, and saw first hand how students on its commercial and Advanced Apprenticeship programmes benefit from facilities including Mazak VCN410 Vertical Machining Centres, Mazak QTN200 CNC Turning Centre, Harrison Lathes, Bridgeport A Series Milling Machines, a Lloyds Tensile Testing Machine, AutoCAD, 200TS Arcmaster Inverter Arc Welder and YENKA Electronics Software.

Alison Cameron Brandwood, Burnley College Assistant Principal for Adult and Higher Education, said: “The state-ofthe-art manufacturing facilities at our iconic Princess Way campus ensure our students, and the businesses we work in partnership with, benefit from the very latest industry standard technology.

These facilities and the high quality, innovative and creative training solutions offered by the College help businesses to achieve their goals and objectives in a world class setting.”

The College’s Engineering department is highly regarded nationally and its Apprenticeships have been awarded IMechE status, meaning they are Eng Tech accredited. The College worked closely with local employers, through its Engineering Advisory Board, and the Sector Skills

Council to pass the rigorous assessments and it is the only college in East Lancashire to hold this accreditation.

Alison Cameron Brandwood added: “We know how important it is for businesses in the manufacturing sector to employ highly skilled workers who have experience of using the latest technology. That is why we ensure that what we teach our students will be relevant to them in the workplace, and why we ensure they are able to experience working with local companies.

“We were one of the first colleges in the country to establish an Engineering Career Academy and have just seen our first intake of students graduate, having completed internships with local companies such as Emerson and Renwick, Process Instruments, Unison Engine Components and Aircelle. The students who completed this nationally recognised programme have gained an insight into how these companies operate and received university and career advice from people who know what it takes to succeed in the industry.”

To arrange a tour of the College’s manufacturing facilities or to find out what courses could benefit your business, please contact the Employer Services team on 01282 733005 or 733524 or email employer@burnley.ac.uk

One recent success story is Advanced Electrical Installation apprentice Daniel Tighe. He won a regional heat of the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) competition and a prestigious Burnley College Award for Excellence.

Daniel, who received his Award for Excellence from winners of Sky One’s Got to Dance, Chris and Wes, said:

“Winning the NAPIT competition against some of the best young electricians from across the North West was a really big achievement for me.

This recognition demonstrated my ability to my employers at R.S. Electrical and I am delighted to have secured a full-time position with them now that I have completed my Apprenticeship.”

For further information on the wide range of outstanding Apprenticeships offered by Burnley College, and how they could improve your business’ productivity, visit www.burnley.ac.uk or contact our Employer team on 01282 733524 or 733005.

“Burnley College is Outstanding”

Passionate About Your Success27

In Focus : Business Survey

Taking the temperature of Burnley’s economy Autumn may be upon us with temperatures dipping, but a steady rise in the temperature of the local economy could be cause for optimism.

their workforce; there is a reduction in businesses reducing staff levels and an increase in businesses recruiting.

Areas on which the Business Support Network need to focus it’s support include cashflow, encouraging businesses to enter international markets, lowering the cost of utility and energy consumption, and filling the skills gap. Awareness and users of local Business Support agencies was generally low, and there is a need to make businesses more aware of the support available to them. Where businesses had used and worked with local support agencies the response to the support they recieved was very positive.

businesses have seen their levels of profitability and sales grow; Results from Burnley’s sixth Biennial Business Survey, carried out

by Burnley Council earlier in the year, in consultation with the Burnley Business Support Network, revealed some encouraging results, although there are still concerns which need addressing.

The survey is important in helping to shape and direct business support where it’s most needed in order to strengthen and grow the local economy. To ensure a comprehensive overview of the local economy was gained the survey focused on Business Activity; Recruitment; Training; Business Premises; Business Transport; Business Travel; Information & Communications Technology; Environmental, Health & Safety; and the provision of Business Support.

investing in new technology, ICT, marketing and in training and upskilling InBusinessBurnley is one way of promoting the work of the business support agencies and this edition includes a feature from Groundwork Pennine Lancashire on how business can reduce the cost of their utilities,

increase in businesses recruiting.

The good news is that a good proportion of businesses have seen their levels of profitability and sales grow; businesses are investing (which is great news) in new technology, ICT, marketing and in training and upskilling

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and a feature on apprenticeships, a great way for businesses to recruit and give on the job training with the support from the local college and university, helping fill the skills gap.

Results Business Profile

The majority of respondents were either micro or small businesses, with the manufacturing and business services sectors represented by the highest number of businesses.

There was a large range in the amount of turnover generated by

Business Activity

In comparison to the 2009 survey an increased proportion of businesses have seen their levels of profitability and sales grow. Cashflow remains a problem for more businesses.

Industry sectors have been affected to different extents. A majority of responding business services and manufacturing businesses have seen profitability remain the same or improve.

Construction businesses on the other hand are much more likely to have seen profitability worsen.

Improved performance over the last 12 months appears to have bred confidence for the next 12 months.

Recruitment

Two thirds of businesses identified a shortage of skills in the local labour market. Particular shortages included skilled manual workers (identified by 38.3% of businesses) and general literacy/ numeracy skills (identified by 29.8% of businesses).

Encouragingly less than a quarter of businesses have reduced staff levels over the last 12 months. This is a lower proportion than the third of businesses that had reduced staff levels at the time

Training

Approximately 70.0% of businesses stated that their current workforce had some skills gaps.

High proportion of businesses (86.0%) had provided some form of training over the last 12 months.

responding businesses, and also in the age of responding businesses.

There appears to be little progress in terms of encouraging businesses to move into international markets. Fewer than 10.0% of businesses currently operate in European or Global markets.

Almost 50.0% of businesses expect profitability and turnover to increase in the coming year.

Availability of finance, a skilled workforce and suitable premises are seen by businesses to be the main factors having a positive effect on growth. The cost of energy and raw materials are seen to be the main factors having a negative effect on growth.

95.0% of businesses have invested in their business over the last year with training, equipment, ICT and marketing the most popular methods of investing.

A lower proportion of businesses plan to invest over the next year (87.0%).

of the last survey. Furthermore just 15.0% anticipate reducing staff levels in the next 12 months.

Over a quarter of businesses had increased staff levels over the past year, with almost 30.0% planning to increase staff levels in the coming year.

Just over half of businesses had recruited or attempted to recruit in the last 12 months with traditional methods such as word of mouth and Job Centre Plus proving to be the most commonly used.

Common reasons for not providing training include a lack of time and a lack of financial resources.

The majority of businesses are aware of the training opportunities offered by Burnley College and UCLAN.

“The majority of respondents were either micro or small businesses.�

of businesses have invested in their business over the last year

planning to increase staff levels in the coming year.

provided some form of training over the last 12 months 29

In Focus : Business Survey Business Premises

of businesses thought that their requirements were likely to change in the next 5 years

Almost 90.0% of businesses operate from one site in Burnley. The amount of floorspace and site area occupied varies greatly according to the size of business and the sector that they operate in.

Satisfaction levels with existing premises remain high with 74.0% either satisfied or very satisfied.

Just 17.0% of businesses had tried to expand or relocate over the past year.

Only 40.0% of these had successfully expanded or relocated to a new site.

60.0% encountered problems mainly due to a shortage of suitable property/land.

Only 29.0% of businesses thought

Business Transport

A split in the proportion of businesses that rely on the movement of goods was evident. 23.0% deem the movement of goods to be very important to their business. 26.0% don’t

Business Travel

of businesses employ people from Burnley.

Business Link saw over

of businesses aware of the their services.

Travel to work by car/van was by far the most popular transport method. Travel by bus, by bike and on foot, were all more popular than travelling by train.

The survey indicated a high level of local employment. 85.0% of businesses employ people from Burnley. Just 4.0% employ people from outside of the North West/Yorkshire region.

The number of business miles covered

Business Support

Over half of the business support organisations listed saw the majority of businesses unaware that they existed.

Usage of business support organisations remains quite low. Just the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce (40.0%) and Business Link (41.0%) saw

Whilst the results are optimistic they only reflect the 25% response rate and have been used as a guide to the overall picture of business performance across Burnley, and the Support Network recognizes there are businesses experiencing difficulties during these tough economic times.

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that their requirements were likely to change in the next 5 years, a much lower proportion than the 45.0% in 2009. Encouragingly 82.9% were likely to change premises in order to acquire more floorspace.

The cost of premises and the availability of financial assistance were the two most important factors influencing a businesses decision to relocate or expand.

Burnley Bridge was highlighted as being the most interesting development site in Burnley. 34.5% of the businesses likely to expand/relocate in the next 5 years were interested in the site.

move goods at all. Much is down to the industry sector, with manufacturing businesses far more reliant on moving goods than companies based in business services.

varies widely depending on business size and industry sector.

Cars/vans are by far the most popular transport method for conducting business trips.

70.0% of businesses see employees travel within Burnley on business.

Approximately 40.0% travel across the North West region, with 20.0% travelling internationally.

over 40.0% of businesses aware of the organisation and using their services. A number of organisations saw fewer than 10.0% of businesses use their services.

Those businesses that did use the organisations predominantly rated the service they received as good.

For a full copy of the Sixth Biennial Burnley Business Survey, or to discuss business support, contact Martyn Hardacre, in Burnley Council’s Economic Regeneration & Business Support Unit on 01282 477213

News Anvic launches Business Zone Burnley based Anvic Developments has launched a new initiative to support new businesses in Burnley at its Northbridge House facility.

The new venture is called ‘The Business Zone’ and is aimed at new and small businesses, typically with one or two employees.

The Business Zone offers new and specially designed space for start-ups and SME’s at the competitive rate of £199 pcm. Companies based in the Business Zone will benefit from a break out area which has the highest possible boutique-style spec.

As the fledgling companies start to grow and their requirements evolve, Anvic can offer a range of flexible options, including relocating them to larger offices with Northbridge House.

The Business Zone also provides flexible terms, extensive support and discounted services – all for one monthly cost.

Additional value-added services include onsite business support centre provided by SO Business Solutions Ltd, as well as networking opportunities created by the ‘Business Circle’, a local networking group hosted by Northbridge House.

Paul Dawson, Managing Director of Anvic Developments said: “Anvic is committed to supporting businesses in Burnley – we want to see more start-ups and we want them to be sustainable. We don’t just want them to survive, we want them to flourish. The Business Zone offers new businesses a flexible and scalable solution that combines contemporary office space with an extensive range of support services to give you and your company exactly what you need, as and when you need it.”

For more information contact Jesse Stott, Business Development Manager on 01282 714 114, or visit www.anvic.co.uk

Dr Martin Brown, UCLAN Dare to be different The landscape of university education is to change significantly in the coming years. And whether you’re for or against the Government’s plans one thing is certain, universities will need to redouble their efforts to stand out in the crowd.

It’s a prerequisite that to attract students, universities need to offer excellent courses, with high levels of class contact, taught by professional, well qualified staff. Also important are safe campuses with outstanding business-like facilities for teaching and learning and extra-curricular activities such as sport.

But it is more than that.

Employers recognise that some of the most important attributes of a graduate go beyond the subject specific content and a good class of degree. They are looking for CVs that demonstrate exceptional transferrable skills, including the ability to communicate well, work in teams and show independent thinking.

In today’s economic climate graduates know they cannot be complacent. They need to show evidence of how they’ve made best use of their time at university by, for example, having undertaken an international placement, obtained good quality work experience or committed themselves to some form of volunteering activity.

It is up to universities to ensure that these opportunities are available to their students and to do that they need the support of local employers.

At UCLan we have developed ‘UCLan Advantage’ www.uclan.ac.uk/ advantage/ a package of student

commitments which offers all of the above and more.

Our approach is to focus on creating the perfect blend of knowledge, practical skills and experience with relevance to employers, all driven by innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to excellence.

We will provide a guaranteed structured work experience opportunity for every student who requests it. This is a major commitment by the University, but one we feel is essential in enabling UCLan graduates to reach their potential and thrive in their careers after graduation. We will use our extensive contacts with employers locally, nationally and internationally to make this promise a reality. All students will be given maximum support before, during and after their placements so they fully grasp the opportunities presented to them.

A work experience opportunity could be paid or unpaid, for anything from six weeks to a full year. As well as being a great opportunity for students, it gives employers the chance to gain additional, highly skilled resource at a relatively low cost. Another benefit is the prospect of ‘trying out’ a student before committing to either a longer term paid placement or employing a graduate.

I am very keen for students studying at our Burnley Campus to have the opportunity to work with local employers. If you think that this could be something of value to your business, please get in touch to discuss it further.

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

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Feature : Groundworks and your business

Strengthen the environmental performance of your business and reduce your utility bills Born out of the recession in the early ‘80s and in response to the Toxteth riots, Groundwork‘s original purpose was to give communities the impetus to rebuild their local environment. By 1983 Groundwork had gone national and there are now 40 trusts in the UK, employing around 2,000 people and collectively managing around ÂŁ120 million of income annually.

Locally, they have been operating in East Lancashire for more than 20 years

and Groundwork Pennine Lancashire is now the largest environmental charity in Lancashire, employing close to 100 professional staff.

The past year has been an eventful one for Groundwork Pennine Lancashire - after being crowned Social Enterprise of the Year at the Red Rose Awards 2011, the company then went on to achieve the accreditation standards ISO 9001, ISO14001 and OHSAS 18001 in quality, environmental and health and safety, highlighting the commercial approach it takes to being a social business.

Today its work involves much more than urban regeneration and encompasses a range of services aimed at improving the environmental performance of businesses and

strengthening local communities.

Its health, safety and environmental support team help businesses to turn risks into opportunities and to grow and prosper, by cutting costs and increasing productivity and profitability. With the recent price rises in utilities, this kind of support is proving more popular than ever - with annual gas bills increasing by 13% and electricity bills by 9%, more and more businesses are turning to Groundwork Pennine Lancashire for help to reduce them.

Through the NWDA and ERDF funded ENWORKS resource efficiency programme, Groundwork Pennine Lancashire has already helped 2,116 businesses in the County to reduce their costs and environmental risks, and to reap the benefits of improved environmental performance. To date

with annual gas bills increasing by 13% and electricity bills by 9%, more and more businesses are turning to Groundwork Pennine Lancashire for help to reduce them

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the company has saved Lancashire businesses over £25million by reducing environmental costs.

In a world where sustainability and corporate responsibility are increasing in importance, local businesses have also been looking to the company for assistance with their corporate social responsibility agendas to help give them a competitive edge. At a recent networking event held at the Offshoots Permaculture Site at Towneley Park (another of Groundwork Pennine Lancashire’s projects), local businesses came to learn how to add social and environmental impact to their business brands. “We use our community connections and environmental expertise to help a business interact with its

local community,” said Karen Wallis, who organised the networking event at Offshoots. “Not only does this kind of involvement impact on a company’s profile and reputation, but it can also be linked to business performance through employee involvement and can even open up supply chains for larger companies and in the public sector.”

In addition to this hands-on business support the company still retains its original community objectives to improve the local area and the lives of people who live there. Its Chartered Landscape Architects and contract services team design and deliver regeneration and landscape improvements whilst the community team deliver community cohesion projects, sustainability

workshops, youth inclusion work, and more. They focus on many of the most disadvantaged communities, involving local people so that they harness local pride and ensure that improvements last.

“This has been an important year for Groundwork Pennine Lancashire and we are very proud to have been crowned Social Enterprise of the Year and to be one of the few social enterprises who have achieved all three ISO accreditation standards”, said Peter Neill, Executive Director. “There has never been a more important time for our work and we now look forward to strengthening our relationships with key partners and developing new ones as we help our local businesses and communities face the challenges ahead”.

Case study What More UK save £106,000 per year after Groundwork site survey Following pressure from larger customers to demonstrate a commitment to reducing environmental impact, plastics manufacturer What More UK approached Groundwork Pennine Lancashire for assistance. The Padiham based company, who manufacture household and garden storage items, wanted to improve resource efficiency and also make cost savings that would increase their bottom line. After joining Groundwork Pennine Lancashire’s Resource Efficiency Club, the company received training, a full site resource efficiency review, an in-depth energy review and compressed air leak detection surveys.

A staff awareness campaign was also developed which has seen scrap levels monitored and the value of material communicated to employees. Following these measures, the company has experienced significant results in cost and

resource reduction. Scrap levels have been reduced from 2.5% of total production to 1.5% and electricity consumption has been reduced by 3%. By monitoring the time it takes machine setters to change tools and commence production, machine efficiency has improved by a further 4%, enabling an extra 10 tonnes of product to be produced per week using the same labour and overheads.

Annually, What More UK are now saving 361,203kh of electricity, 215 tonnes of CO2e and diverting 64 tonnes of waste from landfill, resulting in £106,182 of cost savings, year on year.

Profit from carbon footprinting Learn how your business can profit from calculating your carbon footprint at our FREE workshop for SMEs. 8:30 - 10:30am, 12th October 2011, Burnley College For more information about this workshop or the FREE support available to your business contact 01254 669038 email mark.stevenson@groundwork.org.uk or visit www.getsupport.enworks.com/lancashire Funded by

Provided by

Commissioned by

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Champagne Reception Sponsored by VEKA Plc

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Burnley Business & Innovation Awards 2011 A night filled with pride.

InBusiness Editor and Event Organiser of the Burnley Business & Innovation Awards, Joanne Etherington, portrays Burnley’s night of celebration for its successful business community.

What a fantastic evening of pride, celebration, glitz and glamour!

A warm summer evening, the historic setting of Burnley’s magnificent Towneley Hall, red carpets and a glittering marquee set in beautiful countryside and gardens…

That’s the scene that greeted the 400 guests and 50 shortlisted businesses who attended the fifth Burnley Business & Innovation Awards 2011.

Guests from the cream of Burnley’s businesses gathered in the magnificent Great Hall at Towneley for a welcome champagne reception sponsored

by VEKA Plc. Champagne in hand, guests were ushered through from the Great Hall to the glittering Marquee, where host, Granada

TV presenter, Paul Crone, gave the official welcomes and opened the evening. A four course dinner followed with entertainment from the world famous Three Waiters who took the guests by complete surprise!

The wine flowed and the excitement and tension rose as the evening progressed to the award presentations, with the presentation of 14 awards.

From small innovative businesses to huge global heavyweights each business represented at the ceremony have made their own contribution to Burnley’s economy.

and to highlight that Burnley is changing, and is ‘open for business’, and the awards ceremony was a wonderful platform from which to showcase Burnley’s achievements.

Council Leader, Councillor Charlie Briggs “The awards evening recognises the hard work and achievements of our local businesses and acknowledges the major contribution they make to our local economy.”

Organisers of the sponsorship funded ceremony, Burnley Council, want to ensure the right people know about Burnley’s successful and global businesses,

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P

aul Dawson, the Managing Director of Burnley-based Anvic Developments, joined German-owned VEKA Plc, as the top two toasts of the Burnley Business Awards after collecting prestigious ‘Long Standing Contribution’ and ‘Outstanding Contribution’ awards respectively.

The glittering awards evening at the 500 year-old Towneley Hall in Burnley was full to capacity with 400 people from across business and media hoping to collect one of the prestigious awards.

The manufacturing sector came out strongest, taking almost two-thirds of all awards; not surprising given Burnley’s role as a global hub for manufacturing,

aerospace and engineering industries. Aircelle Ltd, the town’s largest employer, were joint-winners of the Large Business of the Year award, with fellow manufacturers Cherrytree Bakery and Solarlec PV Solution Ltd, collecting the Medium Sized Business Award and Small Sized Business Award respectively.

Aircelle Ltd also collected the Business Commitment to the Community award.

Matthew Plummer and Jon Barker of global manufacturing giant Unison Engine Components collected the Young Business Person of the Year award, whilst the Innovation Award went to Process Instruments (UK) Ltd

whose products are sold across the globe.

What More (UK) Ltd, the UK’s largest manufacturer of plastic housewares, gardening and storage products, collected the Export Achievement award following rapid international trade expansion that now sees the company exporting to 38 countries around the world.

From the service sector side, Maysons Solicitors received one of the night’s loudest cheers for their New Start Business of the Year award, whilst Crow Wood Leisure collected the award for Environmental Sustainability.

Thanks for what was an excellent evening it showed what Burnley is all about.

Trevor Shanley Alert Fire & Security Limited

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Business & Innovation Awards 2011

...the whole theme of the evening promoted Burnley, its people and its businesses in a really positive way. I have lived in Burnley all my life, and last night made me proud of the town.

I guarantee we will be competing for a few of those awards next time!

Brian Barker HR Manager Futaba-Tenneco UK

The Usha Indian Restaurant proved to be a popular winner in the hotly contested Visitor Economy Award whilst housing giant Calico collected the Staff Training and Development award and was also joint-winner of the prestigious Large Business of the Year award.

Hosted by TV personality Paul Crone and organised by Burnley Council the event main event sponsor was Burnley Bondholders, a consortium of businesses who seek to promote the town as a place to live, work, visit and invest.

It was perhaps appropriate that two Burnley Bondholders collected the most prestigious awards – Paul Dawson of Anvic

Developments and VEKA Plc.

feet of office space.

Paul Dawson, the Managing Director of Anvic Developments, received the Longstanding Contribution to Burnley award for 25 years of innovation, entrepreneurialism and achievement. Anvic Developments were at the forefront of the ‘urban renaissance’ in the nineties redeveloping mill buildings in Burnley ahead of similar redevelopments in Manchester.

The company now operates three buildings in Burnley – Lodge House, Northbridge House and New Hall House, and two buildings in Manchester – Piccadilly House and City View House totaling 150,000 square

VEKA Plc received the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Burnley’ award for a remarkable year in which the company has both celebrated its 25th year of operations in the town and completed the largest deal of its kind through the eight-figure acquisition of Midlands rival Bowater Building Products.

VEKA Plc has grown its Burnleybase from 30 employers to 160 employers in the last 25 years, have expanded their site from 30,000 to almost 400,000 square feet and are known as a ‘Burnley institution’ through their involvement in the town.

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NEW START BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

Winner: Maysons Solicitors LLP

Award sponsor Burnley

Nominees

First European Logistics Ltd (HC) Maysons Solicitors LLP Solarlec PV Solutions Ltd

EXPORT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Award sponsor

Nominees

Process Instruments UK Ltd What More UK Ltd

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Winner: What More UK Ltd

Business & Innovation Awards 2011

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

Winner: Crow Wood Leisure Ltd

Award sponsor

Nominees

Aircelle Ltd Crow Wood Leisure Ltd Sir John Thursby College The Low Carbon Energy Company Ltd

VISITOR ECONOMY AWARD

Winner: Usha Indian Restaurant

Award sponsor

Nominees

Burnley Mechanics Gawthorpe Hall Holiday Inn Express Usha Indian Restaurant

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STAFF TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT AWARD Award sponsor

Winner: Calico

V VEDAS

Training & Recruitment

Nominees

Aircelle Ltd Lanway Calico Neville Gee Limited Petty’s VEKA Plc

YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON Award sponsor

Winners: Matthew Plummer, Unison Engine Components

Aircelle

Nominees

Emma Holden (20yrs), Neville Gee Ltd Cameron Javed (23yrs), Coolkit Limited (HC) Matthew Plummer (23yrs), Unison Engine Components Jon Barker (21yrs), Unison Engine Components Dan Nuttall (25yrs), Vedas Recruitment & Training Ltd

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Jon Barker, Unison Engine Components

Business & Innovation Awards 2011

BUSINESS COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY AWARD

Winner: Aircelle Ltd

Award sponsor

Nominees

Aircelle Ltd Unison Engine Components Warburtons Ltd VEKA Plc

INNOVATION AWARD

Winner: Process Instruments (UK) Ltd

Award sponsor University of Central Lancashire

Nominees

Alert Fire & Security Ltd (HC) Process Instruments (UK) Ltd Advanced Hygiene Solutions VEKA Plc Neville Gee Limited Profit Optimiser Enterprises

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SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

Winner: Solarlec PV Solutions Ltd

Nominees

Alert Fire & Security Ltd Lamps & Lighting Process Instruments (UK) Ltd Solarlec PV Solutions Ltd Vedas Recruitment & Training Ltd The Low Carbon Energy Company Ltd Gavin Ward Limited Maysons Solicitors LLP Moorhouses Brewery

MEDIUM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

Winner: Cherrytree Bakery Ltd

Nominees

Cherrytree Bakery Ltd Lanway Learoyd Packaging Ltd VEKA Plc

Award sponsor for categories: Small, Medium and Large Business of the year.

www.burnley.co.uk

Sponsored by:

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Burnley

Business & Innovation Awards 2011

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

Winners: Aircelle Ltd & Calico

Nominees

Aircelle Ltd Calico

We had a fabulous evening at the Awards ceremony, the entertainers were excellent and were certainly a talking point on Friday!

HR Manager - Burnley & Blackpool Warburtons Ltd.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO BURNLEY AWARD

LONG STANDING CONTRIBUTION TO BURNLEY AWARD

Winner: VEKA Plc

Winner: Paul Dawson, Anvic Developments

Training & Recruitment

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