InBusinessBurnley 11

Sector Special

CPack global leaders in packaging machinery pg32

In Focus

Celebration launch OnTheBanks pg22

News

Office deal huge boost for Burnley’s economy pg11

InBusinessBurnley Issue 11

Leading European special effects firm moves to Burnley

Burnley Council‌supporting business growth

Welcome from the Editor

B

urnley is emerging as an important player in the Northern Powerhouse and big businesses are cottoning on to Burnley’s potential.

Investment in rail infrastructure has sealed Burnley’s reputation as a top business location in the north west, with the opening of the new direct rail line from Manchester to Burnley reinforcing the town’s accessibility even more firmly.

Several ‘blue chip’ companies moved to Burnley in 2015, and 2016 is set to be a great year for attracting new businesses here too, with investor enquiry levels sitting well ahead of targets set for the start of the new year.

Burnley is still riding high in the private sector jobs growth stats, with latest figures showing Burnley in the UK top 10 for private sector jobs growth, a consistent achievement since 2009.

2015 saw over 1 million sq.ft. of commercial space taken up by companies setting up and expanding in Burnley, creating 600 new jobs.

Insurance giant, Endsleigh (part of the Zurich Group), has extended its commitment to Burnley moving to new town centre offices early in 2016 creating an additional 100 service sector jobs.

There is a ‘can do’ approach here in Burnley and businesses are recognising the full package of support they receive when moving to Burnley. The town is being recognised as a go to place for business.

Hailed as a town with the best growth prospects in Lancashire by Experian, and a top 5 north west town to thrive by the Estates Gazette, Burnley is changing and that change is getting noticed.

62 Private Sector Growth

22 £100million OnTheBanks

32 Global Leaders in Packaging

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

Design

Burnley Business Support

38 No Ordinary Desk Job

For information on: finance for growth • relocation support • commercial property and land search • business directory • procurement support • international trade • manufacturing advice • and more MJ Hindman Graphic Designer

Contact the Council’s Business Support Team on

01282 477213 burnley.gov.uk/business graphics@burnley.gov.uk

Produced by Communications and Graphics, © Burnley Council 11587. www.creative-council.net Printed by Peter Scotts Printers [t] 01282 452221

48 Cherrytree in Ethiopia 3

News

One of Europe’s leading special effects firms moves to Burnley

One of the UK & Europe's leading special effects companies, BPM-SFX Ltd, who supply a wide range of special effects including stage & indoor Pyrotechnics for some of the world’s leading music artists and music events, are in the process of relocating to a new building in Burnley which will accommodate their rapid growth.

BPM-SFX are in the process of transforming Oak Mill, on the outskirts of Burnley, which they recently purchased to accommodate their expansion.

Catherine Chadwick, Financial Director, BPM-SFX Ltd

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said: “We’ve been looking for the right building to accommodate our expansion plans for some time. With assistance from Burnley Council’s Business Support Team we found Oak Mill which is perfect to suit our plans for future growth.”

Adding: “The Mill does require some work to transform it to our specific requirements, but the proposal we have for the mill is amazing. We plan to include our trading company on the ground floor and then provide a training college in this industry on the second floor, and then on the top level,

accommodation for touring artists and their crew, from which they’ll have some fabulous view across Burnley’s surrounding countryside.

“2016 is set to be an exciting year for us, with our new premises taking shape, and our prestigious nomination for the Favourite SFX Company Award at the Total Production Awards, the Oscars of the effects industry, and just to be nominated is a major achievement.

Burnley Council Leader, Mark Townsend said: “This is a really exciting company and I’m delighted to welcome them to

Burnley.

“They work with top artists across the world, and for some major music events including the BBC Music Awards, Radio One in Ibiza, and some top names including Calvin Harris, Will Young, The Script, the lists goes on. I’m delighted such big names will be working with a Burnley business, and once the BPM project is complete we could see some famous visitors to Burnley to stay in their planned artists accommodation. I’d like to wish them every success from their new premises here in Burnley.”

GKN Aerospace signs new five year contract with Velocity Composites Velocity have announced the signing of a new contract that will see them supply aerospace manufacturer GKN Aerospace with structural plies for the next five years.

Velocity Composites will supply structural cut composite shapes and plies to support GKN Aerospace’s programmes for the A350 XWB aircraft. They have already begun to supply GKN Aerospace’s Western Approach

facility from January 2016.

The two firms already have a strong working relationship with Velocity having supplied GKN Aerospace’s Luton facility for the last seven years. This latest contract strengthens links between Velocity and GKN Aerospace - Western Approach, which Velocity has been supplying for the last 18 months.

Velocity Composites’ Managing Director Darren Ingram said: “This contract with GKN Aerospace - Western Approach is the first step in Velocity’s new strategic alliance with them.

Naturally we’re delighted and look forward to continuing a successful working relationship as we support their delivery demands against the A350 XWB programme.

“Positive discussions are ongoing between ourselves and GKN Aerospace around the potential for Velocity to open a third site in the Severn Beach area of Bristol.

“It’s another chapter in Velocity’s growth as we continue to build key relationships with multinational aerospace manufacturers and strengthen our position as a leading supply chain company.”

Rosebud seeks to help more firms in 30th anniversary year Rosebud Finance - which provides growth funding for Lancashire businesses – invested almost £7m in nearly 70 companies in the five years to the end of 2015.

The funding also helped the companies to secure a further £18m in finance from other sources and create hundreds of new jobs, according to figures compiled by Enterprise Ventures, which manages Rosebud on behalf of Lancashire County Council.

As Rosebud prepares to mark its 30th anniversary later this year, it is now seeking new applications from firms wanting loans or equity funding to help grow their business.

Set up in June 1986 by the county council, Rosebud provided finance for smaller firms, as part of the wider strategy to create new jobs in the wake of the early 80s recession and with the ongoing decline of traditional industries.

Since then Rosebud has continued to update its offer to

reflect the needs of businesses in Lancashire.

A new fund aimed at smallersized businesses, Rosebud Micro, was created in 2008.

Companies can get £10,000 to £49,000 to support their plans. Over the past five years, Rosebud Micro has invested over £750,000 and created around 180 jobs.

County Councillor Niki Penney, Chair of Lancashire County Developments Limited (LCDL) – the county council’s economic development company, said: “Since it was launched, Rosebud has changed to reflect the needs of businesses, the aspirations of the county council and, more recently, the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership.

“In 2011, Rosebud responded to change by moving to invest in larger businesses in key growth sectors. This strategy resulted in the creation of high-value jobs in the county, along with many businesses linking with our colleges and

universities for their knowledge and recruitment.

“We’ve had companies getting funding, which grow their business and then return to us when they’re looking for further growth. This shows that we’ve got a product that companies value and which provides them with what they need.

“Working with Enterprise Ventures, Rosebud has already supported many businesses and we’re looking forward to supporting others in the future.”

Paul Taberner of Enterprise Ventures said: “Rosebud was part of a visionary strategy on the part of county council to support entrepreneurship and create new sources of wealth and employment in Lancashire.

Over the years it has been an important element in the funding mix for local SMEs and in recent years, given the increased problems they face in accessing finance, it has really come into its own.

“Rosebud tends to be more flexible than other

sources of funding and we can often support companies at an earlier stage. We are also an experienced team who understand businesses’ funding needs and can provide a swift response.”

Companies which have received multiple rounds of funding from Rosebud include Leyland’s Tilemaster Adhesives, the Barrowford telecoms business Denwa, and the refrigerated vehicles firm Coolkit, which recently moved into new premises in Burnley thanks to Rosebud support.

Rosebud provides loan and equity finance for businesses in growth sectors such as aerospace and advanced manufacturing, creative and digital, energy and environmental technology, and financial and professional services.

For information about Rosebud visit www.lancashire. gov.uk/business, email rosebud@ lancashire.gov.uk or contact 01772 536 652.

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News

Aircelle Burnley Apprentice Wins National Recognition Aircelle’s Ben Freeman, a fourth year Apprentice from their Burnley Site was awarded the Apprentice of the Year Award at the Composites UK National Awards.

Twenty One year old Ben was nominated for the Apprentice of the Year Award , earlier this year, by Composites UK, for his outstanding progress and contribution to major projects within our business.

Ben is currently studying in his final year of a four year Composites Apprenticeship. He is one of the first three Composite Apprentices in a scheme developed four years ago in Partnership with the Composite Skills Alliance and Burnley College.

Composites UK is a founding partner of the composites hub - the trade body for the composites industry which promotes the development of skills, processes and talents in the UK and has around 160 company members.

Aircelle’s pioneering apprenticeship scheme brings together traditional skills with the growing specialist technological needs of the future of the Aerospace

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Sector. Composite technology has grown significantly over recent years.

Composite technology is becoming more important in the Aerospace Sector as it limits noise pollution, reduces weight and satisfies fuel consumption requirements.

Speaking on behalf of Aircelle Steve Dyer, Apprentice Mentor/ Assessor, said: “Ben is just the start of a new generation of aerospace specialists and epitomises the future talent needed in the industry. We are

incredibly proud he has been able to grow through our Apprenticeship Programme and to receive this National recognition is just the icing on the cake.“ Chris Plumb, the Managing Director of Aircelle, shared his pride in the recent announcement: “We are all incredibly Proud of Ben’s achievement and the national recognition that our Apprenticeship scheme is attracting nationally. Well done to all the team involved in making this all possible.”

Wayne Farrow: Singing Burnley’s Praises!

As a new Burnley Bondholder, Wayne Farrow is absolutely on message when it comes to singing the town’s praises!

Professional singer and entertainer, Wayne has performed far and wide and admits his Burnley accent has often been a talking point.

“People hear me singing big-band swing tunes, soul, pop or rock tunes and then hear me speak and it’s not what they expect,” said Wayne.

“That said, I always take the opportunity to tell people that Burnley is a wonderful place, full of great businesses, welcoming people and surrounded by beautiful countryside.

Wayne recently ran the equivalent of the length of the Leeds-Liverpool canal and back – basically running forty-one 10 kilometre runs throughout November. He did this to raise money and awareness around Motor Neurone Disease, in memory of Fergus Brown - the well-known and popular business advisor from Enterprise Lancashire who helped so many people start up in business in the Burnley area – Wayne included.

Wayne performs at business events and also weddings – sometimes on his own and sometimes with a fourteen piece backing band.

“An event I’ve done frequently in recent years is a huge New Year’s Eve event at Hong Kong Football Club and the fact that I was from Burnley went down very well there – people were very aware of our town’s football heritage and they even showed me their board room, which features plaques with the club crests of the founder members of the Football League, which of course includes Burnley,” added Wayne.

“I recently performed at a big event that took place at a Polo Club in Cheshire, and even in an environment like that, I found that people are more aware of Burnley, not just for football, but because there’s a buzz about the place and it’s seen as a town on the up!”

“I’m sure that the Bondholder network has been instrumental in helping increase the profile of the town and as a proud Burnley lad, I thought that it was something that I should support and get involved with.”

Aircelle unveil new clean room production facility One of Burnley’s leading aerospace manufacturers, Safran Aircelle, launched their 4th new clean room production facility to be used for the manufacture of aviation composites used in jet engine nacelles, at a recent unveiling event with VIP’s and key players in the industry.

Aircelle – a company of the Safran group – is a world-leading supplier of nacelle systems, which are vital components for the safe and efficient operation of the jet engines utilized on airliners, regional jets and business aircraft.

The Safran Aircelle facility at Burnley is one of Aircelle’s key industrial sites. Its new clean room will serve as an important contribution to Aircelle’s ramp-up of nacelle system production for next-generation jetliners, in particular the new Airbus A320neo – which involves one of the aviation industry’s most rapid manufacturing accelerations to meet this twinengine aircraft’s global sales success.

Aircelle is applying leading-edge technologies to achieve the manufacturing ramp-up of its nacelle systems – and to ensure the highest quality from their entry in service.

This includes the increased use of robotics and automated processes, further improvements in workplace ergonomics, and focussed training for workers.

These enhancements at Burnley are raising its manufacturing standards to new levels and is increasing Aircelle’s flexibility in handling the A320neo program’s production demands of today – and positions it for potential new programmes in the future.

Burnley is benefitting from significant Aircelle investments, along with support from the UK government – including its Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI) to help rebuild British manufacturing Capabilities, which will create a British aerospace composites centre of excellence led by Safran Aircelle.

Safran Aircelle’s new clean room at a glance Purpose: Production of composite structures for Aircelle’s jet engine nacelle systems, in particular the inner fixed structure (IFS) for Airbus’ new-generation A320neo airliners.

Size: 978 square metres for the clean room; along with an environmentally monitored area, tool and personnel vestibules, and a plant room to service the new facility

Equipment: Systems include robotic automated fibre placement machines for the creation of composite material layers, and adjustable scissor-lift workstations for improved worker ergonomics during production.

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News New Business Hub launches at Turf Moor The Turf Moor Business Hub has been officially launched.

Around 40 local businesses were joined

by Burnley manager Sean Dyche at the champagne opening of the new venture at the club. Dyche was there to officially open the Hub, an innovative new business space for Burnley. And the gaffer was impressed with what he saw, as were the many businessmen and women who instantly signed up to become members.

The Hub, situated in a new lounge in the Bob Lord Stand at Turf Moor, endeavours to provide all you need to grow your business without any of the hassles. Businesses large and small are invited to come and see the smartest drop-in centre in town, where you can meet, greet, wine and dine your clients.

Alternatively, you can use the Business Hub as a daily office, with all you would expect to help run or grow your business, including free wifi, printing facilities, breakout rooms, full disabled access, Burnley FC mailing address and much more.

The Turf Moor Business Hub, situated in a brand-new facility in the Bob Lord Stand on Harry Potts Way, also has a manned reception.

And if you fancy entertaining your clients away from the daily grind they even offer discounted matchday tickets! The packages are available to purchase now, and the Hub is open for business.

For more details, email commercial@burnleyfc.com or call 01282 700007.

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Record catch for thriving Burnley fishing firm A Burnley-made range of fishing seat boxes and accessories is enjoying a bumper catch of new customers after investment in new and updated product lines.

The final four months of 2015 saw Octoplus enjoy its highest ever sales. September saw sales for the Burnley-based company 10% higher than any previous month while figures for October were up by 26% year on year. The trend continued into November and December, with increased sales reflecting the Christmas gift market.

Helping drive the growth has been a popular new range of Octoplus Infinity bank seat boxes, made from a new virtually indestructible plastic and offering great value for money to anglers on a budget. The range includes a bank seat box with extending legs, a multi-use seat box with carry strap and a strong and versatile carryall toolbox with removable insert tray.

Also fast sellers, especially in the run-up to Christmas were the

expanded range of more than 30 plastic tackle organiser boxes, starting from just £1.50.

At the other end of the price scale, the renowned and proven Octoplus Super Stool and Strongbox fishing seats remain a firm favourite with dedicated anglers seeking the ultimate sit-on fishing station. A wide range of ‘multi-fit’ accessories make these seat boxes infinitely customisable, allowing anglers to develop their own system to best suit their needs.

“Angling is more popular in the UK than ever before and like all sports enthusiasts, anglers appreciate top quality kit,” said Lesley Henderson from Octoplus.

Established in 1988 and based on the Shuttleworth Mead Business Park in Padiham, the Octoplus brand is well respected in the angling fraternity for the quality and durability of its Made in Britain products.

Beginning with a fishing seat box designed and developed by keen fisherman Mel Wilde, Octoplus now has several seat boxes to

suit all budgets, plus accessories including a huge range of tackle organiser boxes.

“Octoplus was started by a keen angler and we’ve always made a point of listening carefully to our customers, because they’re the experts.

It has helped us to continually develop and improve the design of our products, and add new ones like the Octopus Infinity seat boxes which are filling a gap in the market for a really tough and versatile product at an unbeatable price.

“Because Octoplus products are designed, developed and manufactured here in the UK we can also provide a fast service to our network of retailers and online customers. With new products constantly being developed we’re looking forward to continued growth in 2016.”

For more about Octoplus products, including where to find your local stockist, visit: www.octoplus.co.uk

Craggs Energy named in national Fast Track 100 as “One to Watch” Craggs Energy, the Padiham based energy distribution company has been picked as “One to Watch” by the Sunday Times as a rapidly growing business.

The heating oil and commercial fuel distributor has been featured as one of the topten developing businesses as part of the paper’s Fast Track 100.

This category represents companies who missed out on the main league table, but are set to grow in the coming years.

The table ranks Britain’s

100 private companies with the fastest-growing sales over their latest three years.

Chief executive officer, Chris Bingham, said that the team was absolutely thrilled to see how far the company has come in recent years.

He said: “We are genuinely elated to be recognised in such a prestigious publication and I am extremely proud of how the business has grown in the last four years.

“In 2011, we started with nothing but just an idea to

provide fuel to customers at a fair price and with a great service.

“By the end of 2015 we will have delivered over 50 million litres of fuel UK wide.

“Receiving recognition like this is a real honour and I put it down to the dedication and commitment from our entire team.”

The company’s head office is in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire but its biggest fuel depot facility is on Wyre Street in Padiham.

Other sites include Sheffield, Middleton and Cumbria. The

company has a fleet of 15 delivery vehicles and employs more than 50 full-time staff.

The family-run business were announced recently as finalists for the British Excellence in Sales and Marketing awards in the “Sales Team of the Year Under 50 Employees” category and the company’s CEO Chris Bingham, was awarded “Entrepreneur of the Year” at the Halifax Business Awards.

East Lancashire trains to receive £1bn investment A major £1billion investment into the East Lancashire train service has been announced.

Arriva was unveiled as the new operator of the Northern Rail franchise from 1st April.

The investment package, which includes £400million to replace outdated and unpopular Pacer trains, has been promised across the northern network.

County councillor John Fillis, Lancashire County Council’s transport cabinet member, said: “This investment will result in more frequent, higher-capacity, services between key locations, modern rolling stock with Pacer trains being withdrawn by 2019, and better facilities at a number

of stations.”

Alex Hynes, Northern Rail’s managing director, said: “Investment in the next franchise is the news we want for our customers.

“More trains, better trains and major service improvements before the end of the decade will transform our customers’ experience.

“It will deliver a rail network fit for the growing north and enable Northern to play an even greater role in rebalancing the UK economy.”

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “We promised passengers a world-class rail service that would make the

Northern Powerhouse a reality – and I’m delighted that we have found two operators that will deliver exactly that.”

Sir Richard Leese, Rail North chairman, said: “Passengers were clear that they wanted to see a transformation including a lot more newer, better, trains running more regularly with a step change in services provided off-peak and on Sundays.

“They also wanted improvements to stations and changes to make ticketing easier – and thanks to all the partnership work by Rail North and the Department for Transport, that’s exactly what we are able to announce.”

Upgrades including: • 281 new carriages • More trains during peak times and 2,000 extra services • New and improved timetables in 2017 including 100 new through journeys • Faster city connections in 2019 • Free wifi on all services and at 36 stations by December 2019

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News Successful Burnley manufacturer What More UK feature on UKTI’s new Export Channel A short film showcasing the manufacturing capabilities and export success of Burnley business What More UK Ltd has helped launch a new TV channel for UK Trade and Investment.

Called “Export TV”, the new online channel will highlight key British exporters and will be promoted and accessible around the globe via the UK’s vast network of overseas embassies. UKTI is the Government department which assists UK businesses in developing overseas export markets.

One of the first businesses to feature on the new TV channel will be Burnley-based What More UK Ltd, a Lancashire success story which only began exporting in 2008 but now ships its products to 64 countries and holds the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

“When we took our first tentative steps toward exporting almost eight years ago we really didn’t have much idea how to go about it,” admitted What More director Tony Grimshaw.

“Luckily we were pointed in the direction of UKTI’s north west office, which has been an absolute godsend in guiding our business to export success. I cannot overemphasise how much help UKTI can give a business looking to export, so it’s great that eight years down the line we can now help launch this great new UKTI marketing tool for British manufacturers and exporters like ourselves.

“I should add that we also received first class help from East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and our industry trade association BHETA (British Home Enhancement Trade Association). The point is, there’s no shortage of support out there for businesses looking

to start exporting – you just have to ask for it.”

Selling its products under the trusted ‘Wham’ brand, What More has more than 650 product lines, with a huge range of plastic storage boxes in all shapes, sizes and uses at the core of the business. Other plastic housewares include everything from laundry baskets to washing up bowls, drinks bottles to dog beds, and buckets to bins.

Recently it has diversified into manufacturing traditional wooden brushware and a ‘Wham Cook’ range of non-stick and enamel bakeware. Britain’s rekindled love affair with home baking – credited to the success of TV’s Great British Bake-Off – has made Wham Cook one of the company’s fastest selling ranges.

Produced by What More’s in-house marketing team, the three-and-a-half minute video begins with aerial views of its purposebuilt 500,000 sq.ft manufacturing and distribution centre at Altham, where 80 tons of raw plastic per day is transformed into a vast array of Wham brand household goods.

The film moves on to show the company’s state-of-the-art machinery producing plastic buckets and boxes before switching to the vast warehouse, which holds £8m. of stock to quickly meet retailers’ requirements.

The film also shows the new bakeware and brushware production lines in operation before moving to fully loaded lorries leaving the loading bays and closing on a world map highlighting What More’s export markets around the globe – “64… and counting”.

“It gives a brief snapshot of what we do, but it’s a good one and I hope people will

enjoy watching it,” added Tony Grimshaw.

“If I could give just one bit of advice to any business, large or small, looking at exporting, it would be to get hold of an International Advisor from UKTI. They will not only show you the way to export, they will hold your hand on the journey.”

UKTI can provide financial support, free training and advice and a range of other help to new and existing exporters – for more information visit: www.exportingisgreat.gov.uk

Burnley entrepreneur awarded Honorary Doctorate Susan Scurlock, CEO of Primary Engineer, a not for profit organisation headquartered in Burnley, received an honorary Doctorate from Strathclyde University – the same day as her daughter Jennifer graduated with a Masters in Biomedical Engineering from the same institution.

Susan said “I’m honoured to receive this award, it was a very pleasant surprise – and I’m very proud of my daughter, and

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delighted we could graduate on the same day!”

35,000 primary school children nationally have completed the ground breaking educational programme ‘Primary Engineer’ to learn skills in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

Their vision is that children, both girls and boys, will aspire to become designers and makers from a very early age – the engineers of the future.

Susan Scurlock, CEO and

Founder of Primary Engineer, said; “Our next step is to bring together teachers from primary and secondary schools to design an outline of training so that Primary Engineer can continue into Secondary Engineer. We are working to develop links between schools and local industry to provide a context that takes the real world into the classroom, raising aspirations.”

Successful Burnley businessman Tony Attard appointed as new Chair of Marketing Lancashire Board

Office deal huge boost for Burnley’s economy Over 100 new jobs are to be created and 160 safeguarded as insurance giant Endsleigh extends its commitment to Burnley.

Endsleigh have been operating from their Ashworth House base on Manchester Road in Burnley for almost 30 years, following a proactive approach to bring them to Burnley by the then Burnley & Pendle Development Association.

30 years on they are going from strength to strength and needed new premises to grow the business.

They’ve been looking across the north west for new premises but after striking a deal with Burnley Council have committed once again to the town and will be moving in to their new premises in Kingsway House early in 2016.

The deal has been hailed as a huge boost for Burnley, with the extra staff, also providing a boost to the town centre economy.

Councillor Sue Graham, Executive Member for Regeneration & Economic Development, said “Endsleigh have been in Burnley for a long time, so for them to reaffirm their commitment to the area is fantastic news.

“An extra 100 jobs is a significant number and they are good quality white collar jobs.”

“This is a company that could have relocated anywhere in the country so for them to commit to Burnley is great news.”

A spokesman from Endsleigh said: “Burnley Council have supported the move and helped us find the right premises.

“Staff in Burnley are helping to choose the new colour scheme for the new premises and are very excited about the move.”

Endsleigh has agreed terms for their new 25,0000 sq.ft. space with owners East Lancashire Regeneration Ltd and plan to take occupation of the entire top floor of Kingsway House, relocating from its existing base on Manchester Road. The insurer will join other tenants Fuel Cards and Xercise4Less, which has 30,000sq ft.

Burnley Bondholder Trevor Dawson have been advising the landlord and assisted with securing the ongoing investment.

Burnley is delighted with the announcement that the Board of Marketing Lancashire have appointed Burnley business leader Tony Attard OBE, founder and Group Chief Executive of Burnleybased Panaz Limited, as the new Chair of Lancashire’s place marketing organisation, Marketing Lancashire.

Ruth Connor, Chief Executive of Marketing Lancashire speaking about the new appointment said “Tony Attard has an exceptional track-record as a successful business entrepreneur with global connections. His Burnley-based company Panaz exports to 46 countries, demonstrating one of Lancashire’s core strengths in creating and making products that are in demand the world-over.”

Ruth Connor, Chief Executive of Marketing Lancashire said; “Marketing Lancashire’s role is to promote Lancashire on a national and international scale, Tony brings extensive business experience and credibility, helping Marketing Lancashire to continue to raise the profile of Lancashire as a place for business and investment, as well as for leisure, education and culture.”

Speaking on his appointment Tony Attard said “I’m looking forward to working with Ruth and the Marketing Lancashire Board to share Lancashire’s success stories widely, confidently and coherently to attract new business and investment into the county.”

“Marketing Lancashire is working closely with the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership on a new ‘Lancashire Story’ that will enable us to market Lancashire in a better way and have a strong identity that promotes our key assets. A new Visitor Economy Strategy is due to be launched which aims to increase visitor numbers to 70 million, spend to £4.3 billion and employment to 61,000 jobs in the tourism and hospitality sector over the next 5 years.

“I share Marketing Lancashire’s drive and passion for county-wide success and aim to lead and support the organisation in celebrating what I hope will be many more triumphs along the way.”

Tony Attard replaces Lancashire restaurateur Paul Heathcote MBE the organisation’s first Chair, who stood down over the summer, following three very successful years of growth for Marketing Lancashire.

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News

Man of steel In the past few months, the steel industry has been grabbing the news headlines, with the British steel industry in crisis following a combination of global factors, not least the dumping of cheap steel from China onto the world market – but Burnley scrap metal recycling facility Metro Metals (Burnley) Ltd is rising to the challenge to minimise the impact this will have on its business, by investing now to be ready when the steel industry gets back on its feet.

Metro Metals(Burnley) Ltd, a Burnley Bondholder, who has been in business in Burnley since 1958, recycling scrap metal, has invested over £120,000 in a new ‘container tilt’ machine and specialist cast breaking facility to help sustain the business going forward.

It may come as a surprise to many people that 38% of global

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steel is made from recycled scrap metal, which is much kinder to the environment than mining for iron ore. 200 million tonnes of CO2 emissions are saved globally each year by recycling scrap metals to make steel over mining iron ore.

Ross Shekleton, Managing Director of Metro Metals (Burnley) Ltd said: “Approximately 570 million tonnes of scrap metal is used each year across the globe to make recycled steel. Here at Metro Metals (Burnley) Ltd we recycle between 25,000 and 30,000 tonnes of scrap metal per year, over 500 tonnes per week, and we probably have the best carbon footprint in Burnley.”

“The UK is the fifth largest exporter of recycled scrap metal in the world, and I’m delighted to be part of that export picture.”

“It is a difficult time for

anyone working in a steel related industry at the moment, the slowdown in China and demand for steel is having a major impact on recycled metal suppliers across the globe. When demand comes down the price comes down, but I am optimistic for the future.”

“Demand will pick up again and I’m looking at new ways of working and investing in the business to adapt to emerging markets.”

“I’m focussing on quality recycled metals. Customers want quality with as little waste as possible, and on time supplies.

Metro Metals (Burnley) Ltd is building a reputation for both.

I’m also looking at ways to cut out the middle man and export directly to India, Pakistan, and the Far East to open up new global markets and clients.”

“We are moving forward in a

dynamic way, investing £120,000 will ensure we are ready for the boom again. Specialisation will be the key going forward, and with our specialist cast breaking facility, and new tilt machine we will be able to control quality and meet whatever requirements our clients demand” “Metro Metals (Burnley) Ltd is building a good reputation for supplying quality recycled metals, and our name is getting known globally, another Burnley business putting the town on the map for all the right reasons.”

“Recycled steel is as good as original iron ore steel, much cheaper to produce and much kinder to the environment, and what might appear to be not such a sexy industry to the naked eye, is in fact a major environmentally friendly business and I’m proud of our contribution to helping the environment.”

Coolkit warm up to further growth thanks to grant support

Coolkit, the successful Padiham-based provider of refrigerated vans and van conversions is on the road to further expansion with the help of a Lancashire Business Growth Fund grant of £240,000.

The funds contribute to a total investment of £1,505,000, which has helped CoolKit purchase larger premises in Burnley to facilitate ongoing growth.

Established in 2005, CoolKit has grown after enjoying record sales in the last few years.

Having doubled the size of its facilities in 2015 and investing heavily in new manufacturing equipment to help meet increased demand.

The company currently employs 40 people, supplying a full range of refrigerated vans, van conversions and associated products including its own range of vehicle lining kits and mobile aftersales support engineers.

Working with a wide range of clients including vehicle leasing and rental companies, motor dealerships and fleet buyers, operating in trades such as food service, pharmaceuticals, and sampling,

as well as others requiring temperature controlled transportation, the company recently announced contracts with Welsh Water, Alpine Fine Foods and Alphabet.

CoolKit managing director Rupert Gatty links the company’s expansion to its refrigerated vehicle conversions, which have built a reputation in the industry for their light weight, durability, versatility and strength, helping provide customers with the highest payload and most reliable performance throughout the vehicle lifetime.

He said: “These are exciting times for CoolKit. With record growth year-on-year, we will soon be announcing details of our further expansion after some further very big contract wins.

“The grant funding will help support the cost of relocation to larger premises, which will give us the capacity to fulfil our sales growth expectations. We’re anticipating our expansion will help create 24 new jobs arising from new contracts in both the UK and overseas.”

Low Carbon turns one of Burnley’s largest logistics centres solar K2 storage solutions, based in one of Burnley’s largest, purpose built, state-of-the-art logistics centres, based on the Shuttleworth Mead Business Park, has switched to solar saving 104 tonnes of CO2 per year, with an annual Feed in Tariff (FIT) of £40,000.

With a huge warehouse to power and significant energy supply required, the company knew it was time to look outside the box and modernise their energy supply for 2016.

K2 turned to Burnley Bondholders, and leading renewable energy company, The Low Carbon Energy Company, whose expert team installed a whopping 250 kw system at the K2 warehouse. The system consisted of 1000 panels and around 10.5 km of cable, which if laid vertically would measure higher than Mount Everest!

The system will provide K2 with a huge power supply delivering 200,000 kWh per year, saving around 104 tonnes

of CO2 per year, offering huge budgetary and environmental wins.

Mark Chalmers, from K2 said: “We had been looking at solar for several years, but never quite had the confidence to take the plunge.”

“Earlier this year, we revisited renewable energy due to rising power costs and as part of an overall energy audit and decided to go for it. We selected Low Carbon Energy due to their professional, no-nonsense

approach. There were no hard sells just honest trust-worthy advice.

“Low Carbon Energy planned the whole process very well with no disruption to the business. For such a large installation, we’ve got to give credit to how they’ve tackled the job effectively, leaving us to get on with our business.”

Ged Ennis, MD, Low Carbon Energy said: “It was a pleasure to work with yet another fantastic local company and to transform their energy supply.”

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News

Music Mogul Pete Waterman backs Burnley at official launch of direct rail link The recent launch of the Todmorden Curve rail link between Burnley and Manchester brought together disco maestro Pete Waterman’s favourite things: Burnley, music and trains.

The 68-year-old hit maker behind a string of 1980s dance records by artists such as Kylie

Minogue, who recorded The Locomotion, Donna Summer, Bananarama and Rick Astley was delighted to give the final green light to the new, faster service.

He said: “Burnley is the reason why I am here. The town is one of the reasons our records were very successful.

“When we needed improved

recording equipment many years ago, we went to AMS Neve in Burnley and they made it for us.

I have been going back to the town and the firm ever since.

“Faster journey times do make a difference and this will be a game changer for Burnley and Manchester.

“This is a special day for me.

It is the start of something big, bringing together things I really care about. I am a great fan of the town of Burnley, trains and music.”

The Todmorden Curve reopened in May, giving direct trains from Accrington and Burnley to Manchester without changing at Blackburn for the first time for half a century.

With 300,000 East Lancashire to Manchester commuters predicted, yesterday’s event celebrated decades of campaigning.

At the event at Manchester’s Urbis Building, Burnley council leader Mark Townsend said: “This line will have a benefit of £8.4 million a year for the borough through increased wages and access to new labour and business markets. It shows Burnley belongs to the future.”

AMS Neve chairman Mark Crabtree said: “This line will make it easier for our customers to come to us, as Pete did.”

Northern Rail boss Alex Hynes underlined the company’s pledge to scrap Pacer trains in East Lancashire to complement the new link.

Boohoo snaps up huge Burnley warehouse to accommodate fast growth Boohoo has bought a 113,000 sq ft warehouse in Burnley to handle inbound merchandise, manage returns and house its new customer service headquarters as part of the company’s ambitious growth plan.

The Manchester-headquartered online fashion retailer said that approximately 275 staff would initially be employed from the site.

Aherne Property Consultants has acquired the property at 3 Widow Hill Road on Heasandford Industrial Estate in Burnley on behalf of Boohoo for £1.7m in an off-market deal. The premises are located next to the retailer’s worldwide distribution hub where the business has invested more than £14m in a warehouse extension.

Boohoo plans to start fitting out the new site, which will support its main distribution warehouse and help consolidate the company’s base in Burnley, in the new year.

Tony Burley of Boohoo said: “This additional

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property will be used for handling its inbound merchandise, returns and its new customer service headquarters.

“Initially circa 275 people will be employed from the new site supporting our expansion strategy. Boohoo currently employs 1,500 people and is looking to grow to 2,500 over the next five years.

He added that the £1.7m purchase price represents “an efficient investment for us in this location”.

Andrew Aherne of Aherne Property Consultants said: “When we became aware of the potential availability of this property Boohoo moved quickly to secure it to consolidate its base on Heasandford Industrial Estate.

“In a climate of limited supply of decent quality industrial and distribution accommodation, this acquisition represents excellent value for Boohoo.”

Key Digital expands after receiving Boost support Burnley Bondholder Key Digital, a growing photocopier and print solutions supplier has recruited two full-time and two part-time staff to handle additional growth generated after receiving growth mentoring through Boost Business Lancashire.

After being referred to Boost by the Burnley Council Business Support team, MD Andy Ratcliffe was paired with Paul Aisthorpe, a business growth mentor at Community & Business Partners which delivers the programme.

Paul had the experience and skills to support the mentoring process and was also able to help Andy to formulate an effective business development plan.

Through the mentoring process it was recognised that the firm was poised for further expansion. However, although Managing Director Andy Ratcliffe’s hands-on leadership had been vital, he needed to step back and develop a strategy for the next phase of growth.

Andy commented: “Paul’s support has been instrumental in giving the team clarity and remaining focused on the key goals of the company. It is no coincidence that our fast period of growth has followed from working with him.

“It was crucial to have a sounding board – someone who had experienced business growth and all the challenges that come with this. Also, I needed someone who could ask

the important questions to ensure the strategy I came up with would achieve the right outcomes.”

The business planning tools Paul demonstrated to Andy became an important part of the process and ensured the focus on key objectives. These planning tools are something Andy is continuing to use to drive ongoing expansion.

Jane Houghton-Fenning, business development director at Community & Business Partners, added: “Asking the right questions is the key to effective mentoring support as business owners find the answers during their exploratory discussions.

“This leads to new understanding and eventually forms the vital few actions in their growth plans that make a huge difference to business performance. This is one such case and Key Digital has certainly demonstrated the impact through its improved growth.”

Boost Business Lancashire is the £7.2m Lancashire Business Growth Hub, offering free and part-funded business support to ambitious and growing businesses.

Boost is delivered by Lancashire County Council and the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, and supported by money from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Boost has supported more than 2,800 businesses and created more than 900 jobs since it launched in July 2013.

Transport Training Academy opens up on Network 65 Business Park Burnley is the new base for a training centre set up to get people out of unemployment.

The Training Hub on Network 65 Business Park is a second centre for the Transport Training Academy, following on from its headquarters in Atherton.

TTA was formed in 2004 to offer driving assessments to small and medium-size transport companies, before expanding into a variety of training to the transport, distribution and logistics sector.

But now it also trains the unemployed to QCF and NVQ level.

Lee Stewart, head of teaching, learning and quality, says 62 per cent of learners from TTA’s two sector-specific pre-employability courses – warehouse and storage and driving goods vehicles – move directly into employment after qualification.

“We are the only organisation in the region that offers the training we do,” he said. “We give people on Job Seekers’ Allowance a step on the ladder and it’s free for them.

“These are real skills that they can put on their CV and back it up – it’s not just a piece of paper.

“For pre-employment, we want our job outcomes to be more than 60 per cent; that’s 60 per cent of people finding a job within six months.

“A lot of it is down to them, but it gives them extra leverage such as going away with a forklift truck certificate.”

The firm also finds work for HGV drivers and even advises and offers courses to former military personnel on their return to civilian life.

Mr Stewart added: “A forklift truck course costs £500, but they get it for free and we draw the money down from the Government.

“The employers can’t afford that so we can draw down the funding to do a QCS, which is like the old NVQs. “We have a had people start a job the week after they finish with us and others who are in pre-employment who have been promised a job if they, for example, get their counter balance, which is the truck used in the yard loading and unloading vehicles.

“We also do reach truck courses, which gives them the skills to get the goods in a racking system inside the warehouse.”

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News

PM+M Toasts New Burnley Office with Drinks Reception

Burnley business launches revolutionary engagement platform ‘Positive Links’ – is your business signed up?

Burnley Bondholder, The Job Junction, have launched a revolutionary new software platform ‘Positive Links’ which links schools and their students with business and industry.

Business and industry needs young people who are engaged, work ready and have the right skills and desire to work to fill the problematic skills gaps, and this new system is set to revolutionise and simplify engagement between education and business, making it easier for both parties to link up, to inspire the workforce of the future.

Positive Links makes engagement between business and education as simple and effective as possible.

Businesses and schools work effortlessly together to deliver career messages to students – if schools want a representative from an IT company to present their industry to school students they can simply log a request with the software that matches with an IT company which has pledged its support to help young people make informed decisions about a specific career path – some of which they may never have considered.

By registering on ‘Positive Links’ businesses are showing their commitment to supporting and inspiring young students. They register their business details and area of business specialism, and when a school is looking to inspire

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students in a particular industry area, they can log onto ‘Positive Links’ and search for a relevant business, the system will match schools with the relevant business, who then send a representative to visit the school to talk about the industry and skills needed to work within it. It’s a great way of engaging and inspiring students.

The Job Junction is a revolutionary programme which aligns career aspirations of young people in education with industry requirements. It does this through facilitating career exploration and entrepreneurial/employability skills development ‘within the classroom’.

The Job Junction is already employed in many local schools but is a national programme which has been backed by the Government’s Department for Business, Innovation & Skills.

Lesley Burrows, managing director, Job Junction said; “We’re grateful to all those leading Burnley Bondholder businesses that have already pledged their support by joining Positive Links, to offer a little of their time and expertise by speaking to local school students.

We want even more businesses in the borough to get involved now.”

All employers, large or small, regardless of sector and industry, should get involved and can do so by emailing lesley@thejobjunction.co.uk

Over 50 people joined PM+M to celebrate the opening of its new office in Burnley. The office, which is situated on Finsley Gate, is headed up by Helen Binns and continues to offer the firm’s complete range of services.

PM+M was previously based on Cow Lane.

Helen is supported by a team of 11 people including Stella Rosthorn, who stays in her role as a director in the business, and David Bradley – partner – who will be based at the new office for two days per week. Guests – including both corporate and personal clients of PM+M - enjoyed a drinks reception, a tour and a meet & greet.

Jane Parry – managing partner – said: “PM+M has operated in Burnley since 1990 and the new office is the latest phase in our evolution. The town is a core part of our growth strategy and this new base will act as a great foundation as we continue to move forward over the next few years.”

Paul Fletcher MBE cuts the ribbon on the new press at Peter Scott Printers, with (front) directors Tom Gaughan and Joanne Hindley, (centre) account handler Mick Holehouse and print technician Gary Shaw, and (rear) sales director Steve Davy.

Ribbon cutting sets new press rolling at PSP Long-established Lancashire firm Peter Scott Printers has greatly increased its production capability with a £500,000 investment in a new printing press and a 4,500 sq.ft facility to house it.

A ribbon cutting ceremony marking the six-colour press’s first print run was held at the firm’s premises on the Billington Road Industrial Estate in Burnley.

Earlier this year Peter Scott Printers (PSP) celebrated 55 years in business since the company was founded in 1960.

Cutting the ribbon was former Burnley FC striker Paul Fletcher MBE, who later became the club’s chief executive and one of Europe’s leading experts on the design and development of football stadiums. He is now one of PSP’s high profile clients as co-founder and director

of UCFB - the University and College of Football Business.

He also has printing in his blood, as his father was a printer in Bolton, his mother was involved in printing for Bolton Council and he even ran his own small printing business to supplement his income while an apprentice footballer.

Performing the opening ceremony, Mr Fletcher said: “I am always very supportive of local businesses, especially those that are investing and expanding. UCFB has a great business relationship with Peter Scott Printers so I was delighted to be asked to set the new press rolling, especially with my family connections to the print industry.”

The new Heidelberg B1 sixcolour press complements PSP’s existing Heidelberg B1 five-

colour and B2 six-colour presses and grows the firm’s turnover capacity by around 50%. PSP produces a comprehensive range of printed materials for clients ranging from wellknown blue chip companies to a host of local businesses and organisations.

“This new Heidelberg six-colour press runs 25% faster and more efficiently,” said PSP’s Production Director Tom Gaughan. “It enables us to meet our customers’ needs by delivering a first class and fast turnaround one-stop-shop printing service.”

PSP’s Commercial Director Joanne Hindley added: “Although we’ve been around since 1960 we make it our business to constantly update machinery to provide our clients with the very best service.

Together with highly trained and conscientious staff pushing the business forward, this latest investment marks a new chapter in the Peter Scott Printers story.”

PSP prints high quality prospectuses for UCFB, which began in Burnley in 2011 when Paul Fletcher was chief executive at Turf Moor. As well as its first student campus there, it now has others based at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium, Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium and a new relationship with Spanish club Real Madrid. UCFB delivers degrees in the operational and business facets of football and other sports and leisure industries.

For more information about Peter Scott Printers, visit www.peterscottprinters.com

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News New £10.6m state-of-theart training facility for Burnley Football Club

Crow Wood annual charity ball hailed a huge success!

Crow Wood Managing Director Andrew Brown, has announced that their third annual charity ball held in Bertram’s Restaurant has raised over £14,000!

The money raised has once again been contributed to Pendleside Hospice and Mr. Brown said he was delighted that this year’s total was an increase of over £2,000 on last year’s total.

The event was attended by over 170 people, who enjoyed cocktails followed by a spectacular four course meal that was prepared by Bertram’s acclaimed Head Chef, Spencer Burge and his team.

A charity auction followed that included items contributed by Humberstones Jewellers, Crow Wood, Discover Laser, Balmers Garden Machinery, as well as a signed and framed Burnley Shirt from Sam Vokes.

Andrew Stephenson, the Pendle MP also provided a guided House of Commons tour and dinner in the Stranger’s Bar. “I would like to thank all the

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attendees of our annual charity ball – it was a superb evening and people showed amazing generosity in helping us raise £14,000 for a very worthwhile local cause,” said Andrew.

“I’m also very grateful to our headline sponsor, Lloyd BMW of Colne, for their generous contribution towards the cost of tonight’s fundraiser,” added Andrew.

“We all recognise and salute the wonderful work done at Pendleside, as they give such excellent care and support to people with life limiting illnesses and their families.”

Christina Cope, fundraising manager at Pendleside Hospice, said: “The annual charity ball at Bertram’s Restaurant is a significant event in the local social calendar, so we’re delighted that the money raised will support Pendleside Hospice.

“The event has even surpassed last year’s event in terms of money raised, so we’re very grateful to Andrew and all the team at Bertram’s Restaurant, as well as all the attendees and the businesses that contributed prizes.”

Burnley Football Club gained planning permission last summer to build a brand-new training complex on the existing footprint in Padiham, which falls within National Trust boundaries.

And after undergoing a recent name change to the Barnfield Training Centre, following a major sponsorship deal, the Nelson-based contractors have now begun a year-long project to provide the club with top class facilities.

Burnley FC Stadium and Operations Manager Doug Metcalfe said: “It’s great news to finally be on site and we can finally start to see some progress now, as it has been a long time in the making.

“We have spent four or five years now wondering how we develop the training ground to move the club forward, and it won’t be long before the steelwork comes out of the ground, the structure takes shape and it will all come together.

“We will hopefully be all completed in 12-14 months’ time, and when the players come back from the close season in 2017, they will walk into a brand new training facility.”

The development of the 73,000 m2 area will include new pitches and, crucially, the building of a dedicated new training centre to bring first class facilities for the first team, development squad and youth team players under one roof for the first time.

And Clarets boss Sean Dyche added: “It’s a very exciting time for the club! Although the club committed to the project some time ago, we still had to go through all the planning, which was thankfully achieved.

“All of a sudden it will all gather pace and there have been massive changes already. It’s amazing for us, as staff and players, coming out every day to see how quickly the landscape changes. I understand as the manager we need to make sure things are right on the pitch, but there is a bigger picture to the club and this is a massive part of that.”

County’s business growth hub lands £7.8m three year extension An award-winning Lancashire business support service that’s created over 1,200 new jobs in the county has received a multimillion pound boost that will see it continue until 2018.

Boost Business Lancashire – the county’s business growth hub – will be given £7.8m to continue offering highquality support for Lancashire’s ambitious and growth-hungry companies. £3.8m of the funding comes from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with the rest coming from Lancashire County Council, the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) Growth Deal and private sector sources.

The next phase of the Boost service aims to support a further 3,360 businesses in the county, creating 2,000 jobs and helping to establish 200 new businesses.

Boost Business Lancashire has already delivered a number of business advice and support programmes via a partnership between Lancashire County Council, the LEP, Community and Business Partners, Lancaster University, Regenerate Pennine Lancashire, UCLan and Winning Pitch, with £3.6million of funding provided by the ERDF. Boost has also helped businesses tap into funding and support available through

other national government business growth initiatives.

Jennifer Mein, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “Businesses from across the county have really embraced Boost and it’s been one of the most successful and engaging business support services we’ve ever had in Lancashire. Boost has helped to create around 1,200 jobs and new economic activity valued in excess of £50m.

“Securing the funding to extend Boost for another three years is great news for the county and will help to create more jobs and new economic activity.”

The next phase of the Boost service is being finalised by Lancashire County Council and the LEP following a long-running consultation process called 'Building on Boost'.

Mike Blackburn, Chair of the LEP’s Business Support Programme Board, said: “The LEP has an ambitious, multi-million pound programme aimed at growing the economy and creating thousands of new jobs in Lancashire over the next decade. Boost will continue to play a key role in helping us to achieve that, building on its excellent track record which has been based on listening to the needs of local business.

“The LEP are therefore greatly looking

forward to supporting the Boost initiative during this next exciting phase, and we will continue to work with both private and public sector partners to maximise the opportunities this new round of funding offers.”

The services to be provided under the second phase of Boost are being finalised, ahead of a formal launch later in the year.

They will build on the free and part-funded support offered to businesses during phase one in areas such as leadership, mentoring, access to finance and innovation.

Phase one of Boost, which started in July 2013 which was completed in November 2015, has provided growth advice and support to over 2,800 local businesses across Lancashire, with many benefiting from tailored programmes of consultancy, grants or mentoring to support their growth.

Businesses can pre-register for phase two to take full advantage of the support available through Boost by filling in the 'contact us' form on the Boost website www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk.

VEKA UK virtually triples fund-raising record The VEKA UK Group has presented its biggest EVER charity cheque, having raised £14,910.26 for The Encephalitis Society.

The PVC-U profile supplier's previous biggest donation was an impressive £5,100 for The British Legion, raised over a six-month period in 2014.

The VEKA UK Group chose to support The Encephalitis Society for a full year, rather than the six months usually dedicated to each chosen charity, after Head of Technical Mark Barsby was diagnosed with this condition, which causes swelling of the brain.

Head of Human Resources Gabriela Hammond explains: “The Encephalitis Society has become a very important charity to us

here at The VEKA UK Group since Mark was diagnosed.

“Everyone has been so keen to support the work being done for those affected and their families, that we soon exceeded our previous fund-raising record!

“We've had all sorts of activities going on throughout the year, from three-day sponsored bike rides to 'virtual' bike rides on an exercise bike in the office!

We've had bake-offs, cake sales, pin and bracelet sales, 'wear it blue' days, Christmas card donations and a sponsored Christmas Jumper day.

“Myself and a number of the team ran the Manchester 10k and there's even been a company 'waist watchers'!

“We've had a number of generous donations from customers including Modplan and Glazerite, for which we are very grateful. Members of our installer organisation Network VEKA also gave generously at their AGM and Business Centre Event.

“All in all, we've raised £14,910.26 and we're very proud to be handing over our biggest

ever charity cheque to The Encephalitis Society for all the valuable work they do.”

The VEKA UK Group is a major Burnley employer and is proud to support charities both nationally and locally. Find out more about The VEKA UK Group, including current vacancies and apprenticeship opportunities at www.vekauk.com

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INDUSTRY Essentials

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he reality is that when you are in a meeting, out of the office - or even on the phone already - managing calls can become a modern day nightmare!

So how do we juggle the balance of service and productivity? A Virtual Assistant is certainly a solid starting point.

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First and foremost, a virtual service provides you with your own business telephone number. This not only increases your business presence but increases your client’s confidence and helps you to keep you private life private - without the necessity of issuing your mobile number. You can choose from any type of number for your business (0161, 0202 etc) and use this on all of your marketing literature, business cards, website etc.

Your assistant will get to know you & your clients and will become an invaluable extension of your business.

All of your calls will be professionally answered in your company name and callers will either be transferred through to you or the team will take a message and e-mail it to you so that you can return the call at a more convenient time. Your assistant can even field those annoying sales calls!

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The answer may surprise you. We are here to help make your work life easier to manage and therefore Ava charges one monthly fee of just £80.00 per month which includes an unlimited amount of calls so that you can rest assured that everything is taken care of.

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Because nothing is more precious than your time Ava will not only help to keep your customers happy but it will help boost your productivity by answering the calls that you cannot.

Our customers range from independent businesses who are simply missing calls to office based teams who simply need the extra support that Ava provides. We are devoted to consistently maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and we are proud to provide the affordable and invaluable service that our team of dedicated call handlers offer.

We would love to speak to you about your business to see how we could help you do more. For more information get in touch with Ava on 0800 043 777 or e-mail hello@iamava.co.uk

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Feature : OnTheBanks Launch

Where the past meets the FUTURE Stunning light animations marked the launch of the £100million ‘OnTheBanks’ mixed use development in Burnley’s historic Weavers’ Triangle

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Stunning state-of-the-art film animations, created by wellknown UK artist Jo Fairfax, were switched on as part of the official launch of the £100 million OnTheBanks mixed use canalside development, in the heart of the historic Weaver’s Triangle.

The film animations are projected each night onto the historic buildings and chimneys, to mark the transformation of Burnley’s famous historic Weavers’ Triangle into the stunning 21st century mixed used development. 30 short film animations tell the story of Burnley’s proud past with 360 degree animations projected onto 2 mill chimneys in the renowned Weavers’ Triangle, creating a lasting legacy to Burnley’s proud past.

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Feature : OnTheBanks Launch

OnTheBanks Burnley has sensitively transformed of one of the north west’s finest surviving examples of 19th century industrial community heritage into a modern waterside mixed use development – from the industrial powerhouse to an important player in the Northern Powerhouse – Burnley is transforming itself.

One of England’s most significant areas of Industrial Heritage, the Weavers’ Triangle at the heart of Burnley, is undergoing a huge transformation.

A £100 million project is transforming historic buildings into a vibrant and unique ‘destination’ for business, leisure and

education, under the ‘OnTheBanks’ brand, with an impressive public square. Historic buildings have been sensitively restored with a modern 21st century twist using iconic modern infrastructure alongside preserved historic features.

‘OnTheBanks’ was officially launched recently from an open marquee on the new £1.3 million public square at Sandygate with the switch on of the Light Art Show, created by national artist Jo Fairfax, which has been supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund to create a lasting legacy to our proud industrial heritage, portrayed using the latest projection technology.

Lying on the Leeds Liverpool canal, the Weavers’ Triangle ‘OnTheBanks’ development has many notable admirers, most notably TRH, The Prince of Wales, who has visited the area twice, most recently with HRH the Queen, and oversees progress. Dame Julia Cleverdon represented Prince Charles at the launch event.

Dame Julia Cleverdon, the Prince’s ‘Burnley Czar’, delivered a special message from His Royal Highness, who brought The Queen and Prince Phillip to the town in 2012 to share in his vision for the former cotton heartland.

“How immensely exciting it is to see this part of the Weavers’ Triangle being brought together by the hard work of so many people,”said the Prince.

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ÂŁ100 million project of transformation

From the industrial powerhouse to an important player in the Northern Powerhouse, Burnley is transforming itself 25

Feature : OnTheBanks Launch

Pam Smith, the borough council’s chief executive, said:

Mr Tim Webber MBE, also chairman of the Barnfield and Burnley Developments, said:

“This is an absolutely momentous “These mills had been idle for years time for Burnley. We have looked to the past and it has helped us to forge but they have never felt forgotten or abandoned – they have just been ahead for the future.”

Gareth Smith, on behalf of the Burnley Bondholders business waiting for something to happen.” group, said: “There is a lot of hard work and collaboration which has gone into this development and everyone who has played a part should feel proud of their contribution.”

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Three years ago The Prince of Wales, The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh toured Slater Terrace, originally constructed in 1848 by George Slater, owner of the nearby Clock Tower Mill, ahead of a £1.7million regeneration effort.

The Prince’s Trust also has a Burnley headquarters in the former Sandygate Mill, just a stone’s throw away.

200 new jobs

announcement at official celebration of OnTheBanks The iconic former weavers’ cottages championed by Prince Charles are set to be the base for 200 new jobs.

Fifty staff from employment specialists Spacious Place moved into Slater’s Terrace the week following the launch, in the latest phase of On The Banks.

And it is hoped that once a 90-seat contact centre is filled, and other tenants are secured by next summer, the 19th century landmark will become the Weavers’ Triangle’s latest success story.

Tim Webber, managing director of Nelson-based Barnfield Construction,

also revealed that a new children’s play centre is set to take shape in the former Caldeonia Mill.

Plans for a new Sandygate Nursery are also in the pipeline and Mr Webber said there were advanced proposals to reopen the former Habergham Eaves Parochial School building, in Trafalgar Street.

Ian Scholes, chief executive of Spacious Place, said: “It is such an iconic building and just the right kind of incentive for the people we work with. Around 50 people will move in at first and there will be a 90-seat contact centre.

“Once we can find other partners for the rest of the building then we could be looking at around 200 people in there.”

Cllr Mark Townsend, Burnley Council leader, said: “It is great that Ian and Spacious Place have agreed to take on this fantastic building and we look forward to what they can achieve there.”

Other phases have included the new university technology college in the old Victoria Mill and a new drive-thru fish and chip restaurant, operated by Banny’s. New shops and the prospect of an apartment hotel have also been discussed.

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Feature : OnTheBanks Launch

History & Heritage

Burnley was once a textile powerhouse which is today emerging as an important player in the Northern Powerhouse.

The completion of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in 1816 changed Burnley’s future.

Capitalising on the canal’s link to Liverpool and subsequent link to America and the Mississippi cotton fields, Burnley switched from wool to cotton production.

By the 1820’s mill development was so rapid that an attempt had to be made to control it by establishing a new industrial area, called Newtown, with mills, workers’ houses, shops, pubs and other facilities. In the 1840’s mills began to be sited along the canal banks after mill owners were given permission to take water for their boilers from the canal. This meant bales of cotton could be delivered direct to the mills and

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finished cloth could be sent straight from the mills to clothiers in Leeds and Liverpool for export across the world.

From the 1850’s onwards the expansion of the Newtown area produced what is now known as the Weavers’ Triangle. A unique area in which mills, houses, shops, wharves and warehouses can still be seen together.

It is remarkable, unique, and one of the best surviving examples of 19th century industrial community heritage clustered around the canal. By the start of the 20th Century, Burnley led the world in cotton production having over 100,000 looms. The area has now been sensitively transformed to serve the next generation and

economic growth for Burnley.

Funders: The regeneration transformation scheme has been funded from the Regional Growth Fund, European Regional Development Fund, Burnley Council, Lancashire County Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund (Townscape Heritage Initiative).

To honour the past of the newly developed site we produced a rolling video of Life in the Mill, you can view this video now on burnley.co.uk.

Burnley led the world

in cotton production having

over 100,000 looms

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The

W W CEL

E B R AT I N G

30 YEARS

Factor!

IN

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BUSINESS

The Anvic Group is proud to celebrate its 30th year of helping and supporting businesses in Burnley with office space, conference space, telephone and internet, and with advances in technology, a whole range of flexible virtual services so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You want a great image for your business, you want access to superfast technology for telephone and internet, you want a good productive working environment with a high level of service and customer care, good access and free parking, and you want it to be extremely competitively priced.

Here at Northbridge House, you can have everything!

We have thrown out the traditional office space and created modern office space to be proud of. With our brand new, highly designed offices, you can have the office you deserve and add your own touches to make the space your own.

Affordable office space, storage and workspace within a supported environment giving you the perfect opportunity for an exciting future.

Here at Anvic we listen to our clients and understand that you want everything!

anvic

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS IN BUSINESS Drop in and take a look at what we can offer or call 0800 043 4500 and book a viewing with our on-site team

info@anvic.co.uk | www.anvic.co.uk

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Sector Special :

Council grant helps growth of global leader in packaging machinery Burnley company CPack Packaging Machinery, world leaders in the design and manufacturer of customised packaging systems, received a grant from Burnley Council’s Business Growth Fund to assist with the company’s growth.

The grant of £58,000 was awarded towards a new extension to their current premises, which has enabled CPack to increase manufacturing space and enhance their office and showroom facilities.

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Packaging

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Sector Special : CPack welcomed in the new year after a bumper Christmas with the wonderful news that they’ve been shortlisted for a Prestigious Award for Enterprise and Innovation 2015/2016.

They enter the new year with orders for their bespoke gift wrapping systems, being placed across the globe, customising gift wrapping for blue chip clients including Harrods, Fortnum and Mason, Marks and Spencer to name just a few.

The latest customer to place an order for a CPack world leading Gift Wrap 3000 machine, which featured on Channel 4’s Gadget Show last Christmas, is a luxury

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Belgium chocolatier, who commissioned CPack to customise a gift wrapping machine to their requirements, enabling them to gift wrap 50 boxes of their luxury chocolates per minute! And they’ll be rolling off the conveyor-belt this Valentines Day, lovingly packaged on a state-of-the-art Giftwrap 300 machine.

Charles Reilly, Managing Director at CPack, who has a long career in the

packaging industry, said: “We’ve been at the forefront of design and manufacturing of computer controlled packaging systems for many years, working with clients from initial concept, to delivery with support and after sales servicing from our Burnley site, we are a global business, with machines in operation from Vladivostok, Russia, to Vancouver, Canada.

Packaging

35

Sector Special :

“People probably aren’t aware that many of the Gift wraped Chocolates and Christmas puddings sold across the world are wrapped using CPack’s bespoke controlled fold and pleat wrapping machines, and that we are a growing global Burnley business, recognised for our advancements in R&D and technology.

“We work for several high end clients packaging puddings, mince pies, chocolates, soaps, cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals, with some big names in the automotive industry.

We offer solutions for all our clients packaging needs.”

Charles added: “I recently attended the government technology Innovate exhibition to showcase our advanced technologies and we are constantly striving to find new solutions for our customers. Our latest order is a multimachine order from two seporate sites in the USA.” “We recently dispatched a pleat wrapping machine to Auckland, New Zealand, for specialist Christmas pudding wrapping down under! We work from Canada to New Zealand and everywhere in-between!”

Adding: “Our grant from Burnley Council has helped us transform and expand our premises to facilitate our growth. We have created new offices for the accounts team, a new design office, a new build extension at the rear.

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Packaging

CPack set to officially launch new state of the art machine at FoodEx in 2016

CPack have obtained worldwide patents for a new stateof-the-art high tech machine Wrap King 9000.

The Wrap King is currently under construction and set to be launched in April this year at the FoodEx Exhibition, at the NEC in Birmingham.

This is an important launch for the company, set to take the industry by storm, at the UK’s premier trade event for the food and drink processing, packaging, ingredients and logistics industries. A one-stop shop for manufacturing professionals across the full industry spectrum.

The show will shine a light on CPack’s new machine as a leader in trends across the food manufacturing industry.

Charles Reilly “We have a strong Research and Development department and invest heavily in R&D, in order to stay ahead of the competition and create new bespoke machines for the marketplace.

“The Wrap King 9000 is set to revolutionise securing new clients for the business, and team CPack is very excited about 2016.

“Our core business is bunch wrapping, pleat wrapping, gift wrapping, for high value, high quality products, our speciality area is good quality finish. We do all the design, all the electrical, all the build.

“We have a 16 week turn around for bespoke machine to be designed, made and delivered to our clients.”

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Feature :

No ordinary desk job New AMS Neve ‘Sound’ Exhibition/ Conference Floor set to wow visitors and inspire students

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The Art of Sound

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Feature : Visitors have the chance to do some hands-on driving using a full 1000-channel Digital Film Console complete with 3-D, immersive surround sound demonstration, the complete range of outboard equipment and the best-selling Genesys console, the choice of top artists for their personal recordings.

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The Art of Sound AMS Neve, the Burnley company which leads the world in audio engineering, has opened a huge new exhibition floor telling the story of how the “Neve Sound” has evolved and developed over the past 50 years.

The company has come to dominate the way soundtracks are made in the worlds of television, film and music and its products are exported to more than 90 countries.

A large range of AMS Neve equipment used by the stars to create their performances is on show alongside a collection of historical equipment, including the actual tape machine used by the Beatles to record their Revolver and Sergeant Pepper albums.

Visitors have the chance to do some “hands-on” driving using a full 1000-channel Digital Film Console complete with 3-D, immersive surround sound demonstration, the complete range of outboard equipment and the best-selling Genesys console, the choice of top artists for their personal recordings.

The “AMS Neve History Wall” charts the company’s story and the technical “World Firsts” section sets out the many pioneering and award-winning contributions

to the art and science of sound developed in Burnley.

The range of Oscar-winning films in which Burnley’s sound has featured is displayed, along with a “who’s who” of legendary AMS Neve equipment owners from the music industry.

A key driver for establishing the exhibition has been AMS Neve’s engagement with Burnley’s schools, encouraging children as young as four to become interested in engineering. That programme has now been expanded significantly with the company setting up partnerships with an initial six universities and performing arts centres.

Students on music production and audio engineering degree courses will be offered masterclasses from top designers at AMS Neve, invitations to visit the factory, exclusive student offers and competitions as well as gifts of equipment to the campuses.

These include the University of Surrey, dBs Music (Plymouth and Bristol), SSR (Manchester and London), the London College of Music, Leeds Beckett University and the Liverpool School of Performing Arts (LIPA).

A hands-on exhibition where you can try out the sound systems used by world famous music artists, and world leading film directors. A thrilling experience.

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Feature : The choice of LIPA was no coincidence.

AMS Neve founder and owner Mark Crabtree made his big breakthrough in 1975 when he paid a visit to Abbey Road studios and demonstrated his revolutionary tape phase simulator to Paul McCartney. The former Beatle loved it and became a first customer for the company.

Mark explained: “Sir Paul’s vision of creating a centre for performing arts in his former school building inspired me to forge stronger links with aspiring musicians, producers and engineers. As a private, dedicated engineering company working in collaboration with the world’s best talent over many decades we have played our part in countless legendary recordings on our equipment, designed and made in Burnley.

“Taking my cue from his drive to found LIPA we now want to help the next generation of British proto-legends to break through to international success with the help of the best audio tools possible.

“Britain enjoys a high degree of “soft power” around the world due to its preeminence in these areas, exporting our culture and expertise to all four corners and AMS Neve is a key player in this digital and creative discipline”.

Degree-level students from the music technology and production courses at Leeds Beckett University were very impressed during their recent visit.

Michael Ward and Ben Mosley are the course leaders for music technology and audio engineering.

Michael said: “Coming here today is fantastic for the students. It’s great for them to see a vibrant industry at work, designing and manufacturing such high-end audio equipment. It shows them what career paths their skills can take them to. We’ve got good equipment but it’s special for them to get to use the big consoles and see them being made.

“Neve are always pushing the boundaries. It may look like the design of the consoles hasn’t changed much

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but everything underneath it has been improved, opening up more possibilities.

Ben said: “Take the Genesys console. It’s great for them to see they can use the skills they’ve developed on something like that.

They were hanging back a bit at first from the huge Digital Film Console with surround sound because they didn’t want to break it, but later they were playing with it. But it’s not just about the big stuff. A lot of students do their recording work at home, as do many young musicians, so they’ve been really interested in the outboard products too.

“A partnership like this with ASMS Neve, who are right at the top, is very valuable for universities where we live in a bit of a bubble. Here there’s something to go and engage with. For us it inspires the students to tap into workshops and guest lectures”.

Dan Larkin and Niall O’Brien-Bird are both second-year audio engineering students. Both said they got a lot out of their visit to the factory and the new exhibition centre.

Niall said: “It’s really been fun. You get to see top quality equipment and what’s going to be the future of the industry. Just look at the DFC and its 1,000 channels. Neve is number one in the industry”.

Dan added: “It’s more than that. It sets the industry standard for digital control over analogue circuits. It’s the flagship really”.

The university partnerships have been welcomed by record producer Steve Levine, former chairman of the Music Producers Guild. He said; “I have my own 30-year relationship with AMS and it is very important that the manufacturers of our tools of the trade engage with the next generation of sound engineers and producers. This will enable the students to benefit and enjoy the rapidly-changing technology and also to understand the history and legacy of recording”.

The 5,000 square foot space is multipurpose and has already hosted a talk and conference for 80 members of

the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and a fascinating Christmas lecture for Unity College students by Professor Gaydecki of Manchester University on Digital Signal Processing.

The space is also being made available for Burnley Bondholder businesses for the promotion of the prosperity of the town. In addition, anyone interested in simply visiting is welcome to join a group. The contact at the factory is Liz Wilkinson. Liz.wilkinson@ ams-neve.com or telephone 01282 457011.

AMS Neve founder and owner Mark Crabtree made his big breakthrough in 1975 when he paid a visit to Abbey Road studios and demonstrated his revolutionary tape phase simulator to Paul McCartney. The former Beatle loved it and became a first customer for the company.

The Art of Sound

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50 years at the forefront ABBA

Eliza Doolittle

George Martin

Bruno Mars

Ella Eyre

Guns N Roses

John Legend

Celine Dion

Elvis Costello

Ice Cube

John O’Mahoney

Beyoncé

Chaka Khan

Elvis Presley

Iggy Pop

Johnny Cash

Billy Joel

Cliff Richard

Eminem

Iron Maiden

Joni Mitchell

Alicia Keys

Bjork

Coldplay

Eric Clapton

James Bay

Keane

Allen Sides

Black Sabbath

Culture Club

Fleetwood Mac

James Brown

Kings of Leon

Amy Winehouse

Blondie

Daft Punk

Jamie Cullum

Lady Gaga

Andrew Scheps

Blur

Daniel Lanois

Florence & The Machine

Arcade Fire

Bob Dylan

David Bowie

Aretha Franklin

Bon Jovi

Depeche Mode

Barbra Streisand

Brian Eno

Duran Duran

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Barry Manilow

Bruce Springsteen

AC/DC

Beck

Adele

Bernie Becker

Aerosmith Al Schmitt

Foo Fighters Frank Zappa Gabrielle Aplin Genesis

Joe Chiccarelli

Jay Z

Lana Del Ray

Jeff Lynne

Led Zeppelin

Jimi Hendrix

Lenny Kravitz

Jimmy Douglas

Leona Lewis

AMS Neve poducts have been used by some of the most iconic and revolutionary artist in the music industry Leslie Ann Jones

Mike Oldfield

Phil Collins

Ray LaMontagne

The Beach Boys

Tom Elmhirst

Lianne La Havas

Neil Young

Pink

Rick Astley

The Beatles

Tom Petty

Lily Allen

Newton Faulkner

Pink Floyd

Rick Rubin

The Clash

Tony Bennett

Lou Reed

Nile Rodgers

Placebo

Rod Stewart

The Courteeners

Tony Maserati

Madonna

Nirvana

Prince

Rolling Stones

The Cribs

U2

Manny Marroquin

Nora Jones

Queen

Run DMC

The Darkness

Usher

Mariah Carey

Olly Murs

The Hollies

Van Morrison

P Diddy

Queens of the Stone Age

Sam Smith

Mark Ronson

Simply Red

The Killers

White Stripes

Sinead O’Connor

The Kinks

Whitney Houston

Sir Elton John

The Police

Will.I.Am

Sir Paul McCartney

The Script

Young Guru

Snoop Dogg

The Ting Tings

Zak Starkey

Stevie Wonder

The Who

Mary J. Blige

Paolo Nutini

Massive Attack

Paul Epworth

Meat Loaf

Pete Waterman

Michael Bublé

Peter Gabriel

Michael Jackson

Pharrell Williams

Quincy Jones R.E.M. Radiohead Rage Against the Machine Ramones

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Feature :

46

The Art of Sound

AMS commissioned talented young international design team to create the sound exhibition floor Mark commissioned a talented young design team to design and implement his new exhibition floor.

Sam Tucker, a talented 3D designer who has worked across the globe working on some of the world’s largest brands throughout Europe, Middle East and Asia, has set up his own design company here in Burnley, soon to be launched under the new name ‘Field’, delivering innovative spatial design.

Sam has worked globally on commercial spatial design projects across a variety of different sectors including restaurant/bar, banking workplace, exhibition and retail.

Transforming experiences for vistors and customers, Sam brings with him a wealth of knowledge from working with some of the world’s biggest brands.

Sam said: “Mark recently commissioned us to design and implement an exhibition for AMS Neve here on site in Burnley. The project fittingly represents our first major built project since I founded my company two years ago. We have worked closely with Mark and the team here

to develop all 3D Installation elements and graphic content.

“Our studio is located in the main building at AMS Technology park and we are very fortunate to have built a great relationship with Mark and the team at AMS Neve. Not only has Mark been one of our first major clients he has also been a valuable mentor to us. Clearly Mark has been through the start-up process and successfully built a world leading organisation and there is no greater inspiration and privilege for us than to walk through these doors every day and aspire to live up to his legacy.

“I am fortunate to have worked in some of the biggest cities in the world as a designer and my vision is to build a leading design business from our base here in Burnley that can expand to the large cities in the future.

“We are launching under our new brand name ‘Field’ in the very near future, and are excited about the future, working from our state-of-theart centre here in Burnley. www.field-sd.com stucker@field-sd.com

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Feature:

48

Cherrytree in Ethiopia

Cherrytree Bakery fund new High School build in Ethiopia Successful Burnley bakery, Cherrytree Bakery, who supply their luscious muffins to national high street chain, Costa Coffee, have made a major contribution to the Costa Foundation, by funding the complete build of a new school in Ethiopia.

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Feature:

The Costa Foundation was set up to help coffee growing communities grow through education and to improve the life chances of boys and girls in these communities by providing the opportunity of a safe, quality education, and to eradicate poverty in these areas, and it’s fantastic to see a successful Burnley company supporting this cause.

There are various ways of supporting the foundation by donating to the charity, but the Entwistle family, owners of Cherrytree Bakery wanted to fund the build of a whole new school.

Gary Entwistle, Managing Director, Cherrytree Bakery said:

Following that he had an immediate career change and desired to make a difference in people’s lives. He was asked to start the Costa Foundation and he began putting schools in coffee growing regions of the world – and his story inspired us to get involved.”

Joshua, the bakery’s Product Development Manager, along with his dad and Managing Director Gary and Joshua’s sister Lydia went to officially open the school in Shifo, a remote part of Ethiopia, last November, officially naming the school Shifo High School.

As a part of their own company We asked if we could get involved but corporate responsibility programme; Cherrytree were particularly motivated to fund Bakery donated funds the building of a complete school that directly to the Costa would link to our business and provide a Foundation, specifically legacy for generations to come. to fully-fund the new high school in its entirety. Their “The project was conceived after generous donation covered the cost of meeting Piers Blake at a Costa Convention. construction, equipment, extra-curriculum He was a survivor from the London clubs and materials, water, sanitation and Bombings ten years ago, and was on the computers for a computer room planned bus where thirteen people died. for 2016.

“ 50

”

The Costa Foundation have extended their sincere thanks to everyone at Cherrytree Bakery for the wonderful donation, a gesture that will change many lives for the better and one much appreciated by the children, teachers, parents and the whole community.

Joshua Entwistle said it was a humbling experience as he helped to open the school in Ethiopia financed by the company.

“We had a tour of sites of schools due to be built or ones which have been built in the area and it was a real eye-opener,” said Joshua.

“What the Costa Foundation do is build the school as well as providing text books, teacher training, clean water points and more and they also work with the local community and local government to run it.

Cherrytree in Ethiopia

Shifo High School, Kochore, Ethiopia “It’s about self-sustainability and empowerment, giving the local community the chance to develop their local economy themselves instead of relying on continuous foreign aid. In return, the community provided us with the land to build the school on and they monitor the project through a local committee to prevent corruption.

“The local government also provide the school with essentials such as an external electric supply, the teacher’s salaries and administration costs.

It means generations of people will have access to secondary education for the first time.”

Joshua added: “It was such a humbling experience. Some of the places we visited, without schools, were so improverished with little sanitation and the people there had absolutely nothing.

“Then we visited places with schools where there were children sat alongside 50 and 60-year-olds who had never had the chance to have an education and it was great to see.

“It can have such an impact on health, gender equality and economic improvement and there are extra curricular clubs at the schools on environment, health and gender.

“It was overwhelming to see and great to officially open our school. The whole trip was wholly inspiring!”

This new high school in Kochore District is situated some 448 kms south of Addis Ababa in the Gedeo Zone; bordered on the south by Baya, on the west by Ononicho, on the north by Debo and on the east by Kore. In 2014; the District had a population of circa 156,000 and had 24 First Cycle (infant) schools, 11 Second Cycle (junior) schools but only 1 high school. The drop-out rates post Second Cycle education were therefore in excess of 90% of all students due to this lack of high school facilities.

51

News

Golf driving range opens its doors The Prairie Sports Village, home to Burnley’s first purpose built golf driving range, is officially open for business.

The Sports Village, located on Windermere Avenue, cost a total of £2.5 million and includes a 16-bay golf driving range, golf pro shop, multi-use activity studio, Simply Classic Bistro and Bar and the golf and football academy complex, which boasts a number of conference and meeting rooms along with Sky TV and free Wi-Fi. A purpose built full teaching facility is equipped with golf simulator and GC2 launch monitor, which allows players to track their results and enhance the performance.

Part of the golf coaching team is PGA golf professional James Major from Major Golf Tuition. He will be operating a coaching programme from the site for anyone interested in playing the sport. His team will be on the site six days a week, focusing on getting people involved in the sport.

Outside facilities include the FA approved 3G floodlit football pitch and new changing rooms, which replaced the old ones at the site.

At the venue, Burnley Leisure is running 7-a-side football leagues, a women’s winter rounders league, women’s only bootcamp and childrens holiday clubs. Burnley FC Women and Girls also utilise the Prairie as a training base along with other local junior teams and Burnley’s UCFB College.

The pitches can also be booked for a variety of local community projects.

The development was funded

by Burnley Council, the Football Foundation and Sport England and is managed by Burnley Leisure.

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Neil Hutchinson, Head of Operations at the Burnley Leisure said: “We wanted to create a really high quality golf and football academy. We know that people have been travelling long distances to use a golf driving range and crying out for this type of facility, so we’ve created a full golf academy with teaching facilities. It will be a real mixture of people who’ve never played golf before, along with seasoned professionals who will come for lessons.

“It’s the same with football; people can have five-a-side competition, use the changing rooms and then enjoy a drink and food in the bar and bistro.

“In terms of what we’re offering, there will be a package to suit everybody. If you just want to pay a few pounds to hit a few balls, you can.

If you want to come more regularly, we have multi-vend packages available which will bring the price down each time you come and be more like a membership.”

“What sets us apart from other driving ranges is, not only are we on two tiers, we cater for all types of golfer. We have power tees which means the tee arrives with the golf ball already on top of it. It will help people who struggle with their back because they won’t need to bend down and it makes the game more enjoyable.”

“Previously, the golf offering was quite traditional with golf courses and club houses. Burnley’s been desperate for a golf driving range for a long time so this will be fantastic. It’s the perfect way to get into golf and it’s very family orientated – there’s no golf attire required, all you need to do is get some golf clubs from the reception and have a go.”

OPENING TIMES Golf academy: Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun

09:00 - 21:00 09:00 - 21:00 09:00 - 21:00 09:00 - 21:00 09:00 - 21:00 08:00 - 17:00 08:00 - 17:00

Bistro and Bar: Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun

11:30 - 15:00 11:30 - 15:00 11:30 - 15:00 11:30 - 15:00 11:30 - 15:00 08:30 - 15:00 CLOSED

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News SAGAR INSURANCES MOVE TO BURNLEY Sagar Insurances who have over the past 56 years been based in Accrington and Clitheroe have moved to new state of the art offices at Group First House Shuttleworth Mead Padiham John Meadows the Sagars Chief Executive said “ Moving to a new open plan office where our Corporate, Business, Personal Lines and award winning claims team can interact more easily is something we have wanted to achieve for some time.

We are very well placed just off the M65/M66 motorway links and this will give us the opportunity for our clients and the various Insurance partners we deal with to come and see us and enjoy the superb facilities we now have access to.

With the rebranding of our business now completed we are looking forward to continuing with the high quality service we have always provided while at the same time playing our part in the growing the Burnley economy.”

BURNLEY TO RECEIVE NEW GATEWAY SCULPTURE Burnley Bondholders, a network of organisations who work together across private and public sectors to promote Burnley, have funded a new sculpture to act as a welcome for anyone travelling to Burnley.

Mark Crabtree, chair of the Bondholders and MD of local firm AMS Neve, said ‘Bondholders funded the banners you see on the roadside on the key routes into town, showing our key messages of success and growth to visitors and potential investors. However, there is currently no Welcome to Burnley sign on our main gateway into town. As we’re proud of Burnley’s success and want visitors to know they’ve arrived and feel welcome, we thought it fitting that we should have our own landmark sculpture to mark their entry to our Borough and to make a bold statement that we are a place of confidence and enterprise.’

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Local metal artist Dave Palmer of DP Structures has designed the piece, which is in the shape of a 24 foot tall lower case b. He said ‘I’m delighted to be able to create something striking for my home town, as much of my work has been outside Burnley, including the

recent 40ft tall War Memorial at Lostock Hall.’

Council Leader Mark Townsend said ‘The sculpture will be very eyecatching, and will complement the restoration work done to the University Technical College and Sandygate just down the road. Having the

Bondholder partnership with businesses is really helping make Burnley a powerhouse, and we’re achieving great things together. The reopening of the Todmorden Curve and winning the Most Enterprising Area award are just two examples of our great partnership work.’

Lancashire Business Growth Fund

Are you looking to grow your business?

We can help you with grants to grow your business in many ways: • • • • •

Buying plant or machinery Property improvements Buying new property Expanding your existing building Infrastructure improvement

We can offer up to 20% funding of the total project costs with a minimum grant of £10,000.

Call or email Stef Heywood at East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce to find out how we can help. 01254 356400 / s.heywood@chamberelancs.co.uk

55

News

The world at their fingertips – ‘World Class Burnley’ frieze inspiring young students Burnley Council in partnership with Burnley Bondholders are working alongside local education providers to help raise aspirations and make Burnley’s young students aware of the successful global businesses on their doorstep and the career opportunities they can offer.

As part of this work, a ‘World Class Burnley’ frieze, which depicts Burnley’s fantastic global businesses and the products they make, has been distributed to primary and secondary schools across Burnley and Padiham and other public areas including Burnley Library.

Council Leader, Mark Townsend, said: “People are surprised to learn Burnley is a hugely ‘international’ town with many of our business competing on a global stage. Our global connections make us leaders

56

in aerospace, engineering and manufacturing. Burnley contributes hugely to British exports and the frieze is a wonderful way of telling this story.

“Employees working for these businesses can visit several countries in their job roles, offering truly globe-trotting opportunities.”

Mark Crabtree OBE, MD of successful global business, AMS Neve and Chair of the Burnley Bondholders said: “Many local pupils and even residents of Burnley don’t know what businesses we have in the town and what fantastic career opportunities exist within those companies.

“They are blown away when they discover over £600million of world class ‘Made in Burnley’ products are exported to over 140 countries across the globe and we want to inspire local

students to think about the career opportunities right here on their doorstep.

“The frieze, which has gained the most hits on Burnley’s inward investment and social media sites shows Burnley’s global reach and the diverse range of products made here.

“We want to equip our young residents and students with the aspirations, qualification and skills to flourish and we are working alongside schools to achieve this.

Adding: “Over 2,500 primary school children in Burnley and Padiham are taking part in the ‘Making it in Burnley’ learning hands on STEM subjects linked to engineering and the frieze will show them the fantastic companies in which they work in the future.”

Mark Dixon, Head Teacher, Padiham Green Primary School

said: “I do think it’s wonderful for our local children to have a chance to see how amazing and how ‘worldwide’ Burnley really is! If this frieze can raise their aspirations in any way to make them want to contribute to and become part of Burnley’s growth into the world when they are older, that can only be a good thing.”

Richard Varey, Head Teacher, Blessed Trinity RC College said: “‘This is a great way to celebrate the many successes of Burnley and an opportunity for our children to focus on the highest of aspirations. Blessed Trinity is proud to be part of the flourishing Burnley community.”

If you would like a copy of the frieze for display in your premises please contact Joanne Etherington, Burnley Brand PR & Marketing Officer, on jetherington@burnley.gov.uk

Anvic launch office in a box Forward-thinking Burnley Bondholder Anvic Developments launched their ‘virtual office in a box’ at Expo north west at the end of 2015.

Anvic Developments, which run Northbridge House and Lodge House in Burnley, and central Manchester office locations, pride themselves on being at the cutting edge of technology.

All their office accommodation has superfast technology for telephone and internet, access to high levels of service and customer care, productive working environments and plenty of free parking.

At the Expo north west, held at Turf Moor, Anvic unveiled Ava – their Affordable Virtual Assistant.

Companies large and small can subscribe to the service, which can provide permanent answering or temporary cover.

Paul Dawson, Managing Director of Anvic, said: “We identified a need in the market for people who work from home or don’t use conventional office space and still need the

professional image.

“We always do what we can to support start-up companies.

“There’s a demand for PA services and extra support, and that’s where Ava comes in.”

Ava is a telephone answering service with its own dedicated team.

Ava will answer calls with the company’s name, with a personalised script, and take messages on the company’s behalf.

“With Ava, businesses don’t need to pay for a receptionist but they still have a professional image.

“Ava is the model employee – she is never late, she will never call in sick, she won’t go on holiday, and she never has a bad day.”

Anvic said this service is ideal for lone workers who may be out on jobs or companies wanting to grow and develop and don’t want to miss possible opportunities, and even for larger companies to deal with overspill calls, sickness or holiday cover.

It is also possible to offer telephone numbers with different area codes – ideal for

local companies who want to project a UK presence without the office or staffing costs.

Mr Dawson said: “Many businesses now start up with less than £1,000 to invest so this is an affordable option to give the right appearance and service and ensure no important calls and potential business are missed.

“We understand that time is precious and that smaller businesses can’t afford to miss any opportunities, and experience has told us that businesses are surprised by how many calls they miss.

“Unlike competitors, it is a PA service answered by a real person. The personal touch is critical when it comes to business, and we don’t charge per call, we have a fixed monthly fee.

“We really want to support Burnley businesses and this is another way we are supporting start ups.”

To find out more call 0800 043 3777.

CHARGING AHEAD - Anvic install electric charging points Anvic has installed electric charging points for its tenants and visitors to use.

Anvic Developments, which has serviced and conventional offices at Northbridge House and Lodge House in Burnley, has installed the electric car charging points at both locations.

Paul Dawson, Managing Director, said: “The car industry is changing and we’re making sure we are ahead of the game.

“We have installed the charging points to provide facilities for the future.

“At Anvic, we are dynamic and forward thinking with technology.

We are always thinking about the next technological advancement and we are getting ready for the future.

“No one locally has charging units for electric cars. It will be interesting to see how many cars are using it once the word

is out there.”

The charging points use tokens which cost £3 plus VAT each and allow vehicles to be charged for four hours.

Northbridge House has one unit with two connections, and one unit with one connection at lodge house.

Anvic is always looking to implement new green initiatives and is committed to identifying environmentally friendly

alternatives. Last year Anvic went paperless with all invoices and encourage all written communication to be sent this way where possible.

They have also installed recycling boxes across all buildings from paper to ink cartridges.

For more information about the electric car charging call 01282 450000.

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News

CoolKit Unveils MAJOR New Pharmaceutical Contract AAH Pharmaceuticals, the UK’s leading pharmaceutical and healthcare wholesaler and distributor, has unveiled a new fleet of specially designed vans as part of a major contract with CoolKit Ltd. The Burnley-based manufacturer will provide 900 temperature-controlled Ford Transit conversions for AAH, with the first 340 set to be delivered in the next six months and the full roll out set to be completed by the end of 2017.

With 3,800 employees and 20 locations across the UK over a suite of subsidiaries and brands, AAH is the nation’s leading distributor of pharmaceutical and healthcare products and services to pharmacies, hospitals and doctors Officially launched at a special event on 23rd November at AAH Pharmaceutical’s Support Centre, Sapphire Court, Coventry, PharmaVan II represents the company’s recent rebrand and enhanced positioning and will soon be seen on roads across the UK on a Network Roadshow where the vehicles will be demonstrated to AAH drivers nationally before being put into use.

Steve Anderson, Operations Director at Celesio UK, AAH Pharmaceuticals’ parent company, said: “The new vans are

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born out of AAH’s commitment and determination to excel in delivering an exceptional first class, reliable service, providing customers with the best in pharmaceutical distribution so that they can meet the needs of their own communities.

“The fleet will be the most technologically advanced pharmaceutical vans on the road, having been built exclusively for AAH by CoolKit to ensure product is delivered within GDP 2013 guidelines.”

Each van is fitted with a Seven Telematics Transcan unit linked to the Seven Eye portal, allowing drivers to constantly monitor the temperature of the fridge, which is maintained between 2 and 8 degrees, and the cargo area, between 8 and 25 degrees.

The fridge and cargo area, which are independent of each other, continue to operate while the driver makes deliveries ensuring no deviation of temperature.

Each vehicle comes with a full reporting suite and key AAH personnel are able to track the vehicle’s every movement as the driver is on the road.

Temperatures can automatically be logged with real time temperature recording, which is visible to the AAH Branch and Distribution network, and an audible alarm will be triggered, and group email alert generated,

if there is any deviation of temperature. An alert notification has also been added which will signal when the doors to the cargo area are open.

The vehicle has additional security features comprising of six CCTV cameras which provide a safe and secure environment for the products, the drivers and the public.

Steve Anderson said: “Our AAH vans are where AAH is most visible on a daily basis and so it is important to have the very best fleet on the road. However, a successful brand is based on more than an updated look, at AAH we strive to innovate and provide the best service we can to our customers.

Our new state of the art AAH fleet of PharmaVans does just that, enabling us to deliver an enhanced pharmaceutical distribution service without compromise.”

CoolKit managing director Rupert Gatty said: “We are immensely pleased to unveil this new product for our valued customer AAH, the fantastic outcome of our avant-garde thinking. AAH understands the importance of always putting customers first and listening to pharmacies on what’s truly important to them. Providing an exceptional pharmaceutical distribution service is therefore

pivotal to AAH and we are very proud to have partnered with them to deliver this with the PharmaVan II.” PharmaVan II has undergone independent vigorous climatic testing with temperature ranging from -20 and +40 degrees ensuring products can be delivered safely whatever the weather.

Established 2005, in Padiham, Lancashire, CoolKit is expanding rapidly having enjoyed record sales in the last few years. Having doubled the size of its facilities in 2015 and invested heavily in new manufacturing equipment to help meet increased demand, the company now employs 47 people, supplying a full range of refrigerated vans, van conversions and associated products including its own range of vehicle lining kits and mobile aftersales support engineers.

CoolKit’s refrigerated vehicle conversions are renowned for their light weight, durability, versatility and strength, which provides customers with the highest payload and most reliable performance throughout the vehicle lifetime. CoolKit conversions have also been validated by an unrivalled combination of ISO Standard Certifications and vehicle manufacturer Approvals and Accreditations.

If your company vehicles needed servicing, would you ask a Nurse?

When you need a rapid alarm response service, speak to your local security experts Call 0800 783 1025 for more information or visit KeyPlus.co.uk today!

KeyPlus currently holds SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) status for the provision of Static Guarding & Key Holding

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News

‘Chicago here we come’ for Lancashire firm Packing a suitcase for a trip abroad is always a tricky job, making sure you've got everything you'll need because there's no ‘nipping back' to fetch it when you're thousands of miles from home.

So imagine you're not packing a suitcase, but a 20-foot sea container with everything you'll need to fill a 200 square metre exhibition stand at the world's biggest housewares trade show, in Chicago USA. "It's all in the planning," said a confident Tony Grimshaw, director of Lancashire-based plastics manufacturing giant What More UK. "And fortunately we have a fantastic team of planners here at What More's head office."

The company, which manufactures more than 650 household, garden and DIY plastic products under the trusted ‘Wham' brand, will make its American trade show debut at the International Home and Housewares Show, taking place in Chicago from March 5th to 8th. It features more than 2,100 exhibitors showcasing their products to buyers from over 60 countries, all seeking the best products at the best prices for their retail businesses.

"We already export to 64 countries, but we're always looking to grow that number and having a presence at such an internationally prestigious trade show is key to our strategy," added Mr Grimshaw.

After weeks of painstaking planning, the

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Chicago container was packed, checked, double-checked, sealed and sent by lorry to Southampton for loading onto a container ship bound for Chicago. It will arrive at a holding warehouse at the Port of Chicago on March 2nd then be loaded onto a truck for the final leg of its journey to the McCormick Place Exposition Centre in downtown Chicago.

By then the What More team will have flown out ready to meet the container they last saw six weeks previously. Their bespoke exhibition stand will be built on-site by a specialist American company working to plans supplied by What More's UK designers. Once assembled, the team will have just two days to fill the stand with the £5,000 worth of What More stock and all the other equipment they need, ready for the show opening at 10am on Saturday March 5th.

The stand will feature a broad crosssection of Made in Britain Wham plastic products, including the new and virtually unbreakable ‘Wham BamBox' plastic storage boxes. Also on show will be the company's bestselling range of Wham Cook non-stick and enamel bakeware and its award-winning PushPan brand loose-bottomed baking tins.

"With so many products in our range, and new ones being developed all the time, it's impossible to exhibit everything we make, but the stand will be filled with our core bestsellers and unique innovations,"

said Mr Grimshaw. "It will give buyers a good snapshot of what we do and I'm confident they will be impressed."

"Organising this trip has been a mammoth exercise in logistical planning, but so far everything has run like clockwork.

We're looking forward to a busy four days in Chicago… just as long as the ship doesn't sink!"

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News

Burnley tops the ONS tables once again for growth in private sector jobs Burnley is bucking national trends once again, having seen consistent private sector jobs growth year on year since 2009. Figures recently released by the ONS Business Register and Employment Survey, show Burnley had the highest jobs growth in the private sector across the whole of Lancashire last year and is ahead of jobs growth averages for the north west and Great Britain.

Private sector job numbers have grown 7.2% in Burnley over 2013/2014, the average growth across Lancashire stands at 3.2%, in the north west 4.3% and Great Britain 5.1%.

Results also show Burnley’s employee numbers in manufacturing soaring above the north west and GB averages, reinforcing our regional status for manufacturing excellence.

Burnley’s employment numbers in the Arts, Entertainment and Recreation services are also pretty impressive per head of population against other regions, greater than Lancashire and Manchester, reflecting the fantastic arts and leisure provision for a town of our size.

Council Leader, Mark Townsend said: “The figures reflect the huge investments made to improve the business and leisure infrastructure over the past few years which has attracted several new businesses to Burnley in recent years.

“The recognition of achievements is mounting and Burnley is getting noticed for all the right reasons: securing Burnley the title of Most Enterprise Area in 2013, consistently ranking in the top percentile for

jobs growth stats and cited as a top north west boom town by the Estates Gazette earlier this year.

“Burnley ticks all the boxes to thrive, including skills, connectivity, and access to knowledge. With our new direct rail link to Manchester, 2 Universities, a University Technical College, and Outstanding College with a specialist centre in manufacturing excellence, Burnley is on an economic growth trajectory.

Adding: “The new direct rail link to Manchester will open up huge opportunities for Burnley to feed into the Northern

Powerhouse vision, and growing blue chip companies are choosing to locate here, with Vodafone Automotive UK, Exertis, Panaz, Sparta and Kaman Tooling UK, moving onto Burnley’s new ‘oven ready’ business parks in the last 12 months, creating approximately 500 new jobs to date.”

“The council alongside Burnley Bondholders is working hard to promote the borough and our development sites to attract new investment, and continues to invest in new infrastructure that can rival sites across the region.”

“There is a wonderful feeling of energy and success in the air in Burnley, largely due to the incredibly effective partnership between the private sector, the council and education all working together to propel our borough forwards.

“This ‘can do’ approach is now showing up in statistics, such as the remarkable new private sector jobs growth figures. Burnley belongs to the future, built on a great enterprising and scientific heritage.

I can only urge those who have not visited recently or who have never been yet who may have obsolete ideas about the place to come and visit, and get a feeling for this ‘happening’ place and be prepared to tear up all that you have thought about the borough.”

Mark Crabtree, OBE, Chair of Burnley Bondholders and MD of AMS Neve

Grant enables Burnley firm to move to new premises and create new jobs Burnley based e-mail marketing experts Wired Marketing have been awarded a grant of £36,000 from the Lancashire Business Growth Fund (LBGF).

The grant helped them buy new premises in Kestrel Court Business Park allowing them to continue their exceptional growth for the next 5 years – and creating 4 new jobs in the areas of Sales, Marketing and Training. There will also be an on-site training facility.

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Wired Marketing, a Burnley Bondholder, is expert in helping businesses use e-mail as an effective marketing tool to build their brand and increase relevance of their offering to their target markets. They are currently the only company delivering this service in the North of England.

Over the past five years Andrew Hardman of Wired Marketing has built the company following extensive e-marketing experience in a

number of high tech businesses – one of which he successfully grew from scratch and sold later to establish Wired Marketing and focus on the current area of specialism. The LBGF fund was recommended to Andrew

by Andrew Botham of Mayes Accountants in Accrington.

Mayes have acted for the company since the business began in 2011 and have also provided business growth support using their unique Business One Page Plan.

Andrew is delighted with the grant and support he received from the LBGF team, said: “This has allowed us to find the perfect accommodation to develop and move our business forward. We can now accelerate our ambitious growth plans and enhance our reputation.

Our aim is to offer a cost effective marketing solution to businesses in the North, from the North which is currently only offered by London based companies.”

Burnley ranks in top 10% in the new RSA Heritage Index The independent Royal Society of Arts (RSA) think tank, in collaboration with the Heritage Lottery Fund, have ranked Burnley an impressive 33rd out of 329 towns and cities across the UK for making the most of its heritage, museums, countryside, parks and leisure assets to grow its visitor numbers and visitor economy.

The Heritage Index reveals areas which enjoy the most physical heritage assets, and how actively residents and visitors engage with local heritage, and by comparing the two calculates the areas making the most of their heritage.

The RSA looked at a variety of areas including: Historic Built Environment; Museums; Industrial Heritage; Parks and Open Spaces; Landscape and Culture, in 329 local authority

areas across England, Scotland and Wales.

Council Leader, Mark Townsend said: “I’m delighted Burnley has been ranked so highly out of the whole of the UK. Burnley has some fantastic heritage with one of the largest heritage led regeneration schemes in the country in the Weavers’ Triangle, transforming one of the finest examples of Victorian Heritage in the north west into a stunning canalside business and leisure complex.

We have 3 fantastic museums Towneley Hall, Gawthorpe Hall and Queen Street Mill. The vast majority of our parks have been awarded Green Flag status for several consecutive years, and our stunning countryside and the recreation and lifestyle it offers is second to none, so we shouldn’t be surprised

we’ve ranked so highly, and we should be very proud of the achievement.”

Mark added: “Burnley recognises the positive impact our heritage assets can have on the local economy. The recent Woodland Festival, Canal Festival and north west flower show brought coachloads of visitors to the town from across the region with visitors spending in and around the area.”

Mark Crabtree, OBE, Head of Burnley Bondholders and MD of AMS Neve said:

“Burnley is a special place we want to share, and Burnley Bondholders recognise the value of our using our local heritage assets to attract new visitors and to promote

the area as a great place to live, work and invest. Bondholders are members of the private sector who contribute towards marketing Burnley’s assets and I’m delighted Burnley comes in the top 10% of the index, way ahead of our neighbouring towns and cities.”

“The positive ranking has undoubtedly been helped by the promotional work backed by Burnley Bondholders. We want as many people as possible to know what’s special, attractive and interesting about Burnley, and we want people to see how our illustrious heritage is helping to shape the future.”

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