PBP News Issue 14

PBP NEWS The Newsletter for Peterlee Business Park

SPONSORED BY

Issue 14 | March-April 2017

Students from Wellfield School

BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP ACROSS EAST DURHAM SCHOOLS and businesses across the area have taken delivery of our first Careerwise newsletter, sponsored by ZF TRW, Seaward Electronic and East Durham College.

Careerwise aims to bridge the gap between the business community and schools and colleges in East Durham, and to change generational perceptions that there aren’t viable career opportunities available for young people in Peterlee and the surrounding areas.

Careerwise was produced by the team at LEC Communications & Design, in partnership with Business Durham and Careerwave.

Richard Allnutt, director at Careerwave, said:

“For employers on Peterlee Business Park the fact that young people do not consistently understand the labour market is a problem.

“To support future growth and success there needs to be a pipeline of young talent who are aware of the opportunities available and possess the sought after skills.”

Careerwise features 16 pages of news, advice and information including case studies from apprentices and employees at companies including GEM Premium People, Manpower and Profound Services.

Question and answer features come from Apollo Studio Academy, East Durham

Business Service and East Durham College, with news stories from schools including Dene Community School, The Academy at Shotton Hall, St Bede’s and Wellfield School.

Alan Sawyers, head of design at LEC Communications & Design, said: “We know that bringing industry and education closer together is a big priority if we’re to address the skills gap which currently exists.

“We also know a big part of achieving that is educating young people that there are jobs for them in this area, and showing businesses that there’s a deep talent pool waiting for them to dip into, which is the exact purpose of Careerwise.”

SUCCESSION PLANNING IS KEY TO SME GROWTH

PBP speakers from Hay & Kilner, Tait Walker and CDEMN

BUSINESSES must consider succession planning as part of their long term growth targets.

was focused on how businesses can better plan for the future to ensure changes don’t affect how they trade.

That was the message from speakers at the February networking meeting, which

Guest speakers from Tait Walker, Hay & Kilner Solicitors, CDEMN and NBSL spoke at

the event, held at One Awards on Palmer Way, which was attended by over 40 people.

Our next Peterlee event will centre around local supply chain opportunities and will take place on April 25.

Discovering new talent every day...

At GEM we know the importance of attracting and securing the best talent in highly competitive markets. Getting those selection decisions right first time is therefore vital to the long-term success of your business.

PBP News is sponsored by GEM Premium People Recruitment | 0191 587 2999 | gempartnership.com/people | Follow @gemprem

PBP NEWS HEADLINES

G&G COOKS UP £5.2M IN SALES PBP-based luxury tableware firm, Goodfellow & Goodfellow, is on course to smash its sales forecast of £6m a year ahead of target, driven by a growing list of celebrity chef clients.

of a developing dining scene in the North East.

One of the founding members of the Peterlee Business Park Steering Group, Valda Goodfellow, was featured in The Journal in February.

“We have grown, and we did it in the face of such adversity because the economic picture was terrible. When times were tough we thought ‘what have we done?’ but now we’re more ambitious than ever.

Valda’s company, which she set up with husband Paul, is a specialist in crockery and kitchen equipment.

Launched in 2012, Goodfellow & Goodfellow grew quickly, accruing a client base of top restaurants and posting £1m sales in its first year.

The firm’s plates and products are now regularly used on Great British Menu and Masterchef.

Valda Goodfellow

Sales are currently around £5.2m and the firm, which has almost doubled headcount to 26 in the last three years, believes it is the London market that has helped its growth, which could rise higher on the back

NEW CEO FOR SPRINGBOARD TRAINING provider Springboard Trust, which has a base on PBP, has appointed a new Chief Executive.

David Barker MBE, former COO of disability charity Percy Hedley Foundation, has taken over from Denise Wilson who is retiring after more than 40 years with Springboard.

David previously held senior management positions at Disability North and The British Red Cross and was awarded an MBE in 2000 for his services to the employment of disabled people.

Springboard Trust organises training and employment opportunities for people of all ages.

The organisation was set-up in 1975 to tackle high youth unemployment in Sunderland, with a handful of staff and a turnover of £200k.

To date, it has helped over 35,000 people improve their lives and gain employment.

Springboard has a turnover of over £6m, 85 employees, and also has training centres in Sunderland, South Tyneside and Hartlepool.

David said: “It’s a real honour to be appointed as Denise’s successor.

Many people owe a great debt of gratitude to her for all her work over the years.”

Denise Wilson & David Barker MBE

Valda told The Journal, “We will hit £6m ahead of schedule, and my next aim is to hit the £10m mark.

“What we offer and the way we have done it has blown customers away, and people say we are now the go-to company.

“We looked at the market and gave it exactly what it needed, and some of what we did didn’t exist.

“We’ll go to great lengths to help our customers. With customers who are opening a new restaurant we’ll often go in there to help them.

“It can be nerve wracking for anyone, whether they are experienced restaurateurs or not.”

PBP NEWS HEADLINES

PROFOUND LAUNCHES

CONSTRUCTION ACADEMY

Steven Ward with MP Grahame Morris (centre) and Profound team and learners

A CONSTRUCTION academy, created

by Profound Services, to train the next generation of builders has helped 37 young people into employment.

The statistics were revealed as the purposebuilt facility, which simulates a construction site environment, was officially opened by Easington MP Grahame Morris.

The mock facility features a forklift truck training area and a replica building site for learners to develop and hone their skills.

Trainees, who are aged 16 to 18 years old, get to use the site as part of a 14-week programme

Lewis Lumley

with a focus on construction, work skills, and health and safety.

The MP was given a tour of the site with staff and learners, who showed them their bricklaying, paving, and brickwork skills.

57 students have completed the construction course, out of which 67 per cent found apprenticeships or jobs afterwards, statistics that Mr Morris says are impressive.

He said: “The mock construction site at Profound Services is a tremendous facility and the figures of those succeeding after using it are testament to its quality. It’s really

important that our young people have access to services like this to get the skills they need to help them into employment.

“I would urge local employers to work with companies like Profound Services who are providing high quality training to young people in the area.”

Managing Director of Profound Services, Steven Ward, said: “We have huge aspirations for this traineeship programme because there’s a huge skills shortage in this industry, and we are looking to fill that void. We have ambitions to build it nationally as well as locally.”

LEWIS EARNS INDUSTRIAL CADET STATUS AT ZF TRW GLOBAL automotive supplier, ZF TRW, is paving the way for its future workforce with an experience programme called Industrial Cadets.

ZF TRW has always welcomed students from the area to gain experience at its Peterlee plant, and recently started offering the recognised ‘Industrial Cadets’ programme.

The accreditation allows 11-19-yearolds to get involved in industry-based activities to develop personal skills and raise their awareness of careers

available, whilst enabling employers to develop a structured approach to their talent pipeline.

Industrial cadet Lewis Lumley, 16, was the most recent cadet to get to grips with working at such a high profile firm.

Lewis, who lives in Hetton, and attends Sunderland College, spent a week in ZF TRW’s HR Department.

Lewis said: “It’s been a great week for me, it’s been very interesting. I’ve loved it. It’s given me an insight into the world of work and a certificate to prove what I’ve done.”

MODERN SLAVERY ACT WILL

IMPACT BUSINESS SUPPLY CHAIN BUSINESSES must ensure the companies within their supply chain are not abusing the basic human rights of their workers.

Under new legislation outlined in the Modern Slavery Act 2015, businesses have to be open and transparent about the companies and organisations they are procuring goods and services from.

And while many of the area’s bigger employers have already put in place provisions to ensure they are fully compliant, many smaller businesses may not realise the implications the changes in law could have on them.

Maria Miller is Operations Director at Peterlee Business Park-based recruitment company GEM Premium People.

She is urging businesses to look at all companies within their supply chains to make sure each is adhering to the more stringent legislation.

Maria said: “The changes to the Modern Slavery Act 2015, and the fact there is now a requirement for businesses to be fully transparent with regard to their supply chains, is going to have a big impact on

employers within our area.

“We are speaking to businesses every day to make sure they are fully aware of their responsibilities and it is surprising how many of them think this is something that won’t affect them.

“But supply chains can be very long so the fact is, if you buy goods or services from external suppliers, either elsewhere in the UK or overseas, the new legislation will impact on your business.

“It is not acceptable to say you didn’t know. You have to be sure every one of your suppliers treats their workers fairly; if you’re in any doubt about this we would urge you to seek advice.”

Speaking about the Modern Slavery Act last year, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “By increasing supply chain accountability, more workers will be protected and consumers will have greater confidence in the goods and services they buy.

“That is why transparency in supply chains provision is world-leading and will bring about the change that is so vitally needed.”

Maria Miller

Pallet Network As member of The Pallet Network, Northern Freight Services offer a professional and cost-effective solution for the transportation of small consignments of palletised goods. We operate a range of vehicles from vans to double-decked trailers to 7.5 and 18 tonne trucks. And with state-of-the-art epod technology, our customers can get proof of delivery in minutes.

100 of the best independent hauliers Full track & trace available Insurance and increased cover available Full UK and Ireland coverage

For more information on our Pallet Network services, please contact Beverley Collier at beverley@northernfreight.co.uk or alternatively call Beverley on 0191 586 4411.

www.northernfreight.co.uk

PBP NEWS HEADLINES

WORKERS ENCOURAGED TOWARDS HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE Steven Robins & Ben Lawson

BUSINESSES are being encouraged to help their staff stop smoking by switching to ‘vaping’.

Thousands have already switched to e-cigarettes and Vapourlites, based at Peterlee Business Park, is encouraging more people to quit the habit.

Research published in Annals of Internal Medicine in February found that e-cigarettes are less toxic and safer to use in comparison to conventional cigarettes.

Scientists, funded by Cancer Research UK, found that people who switched from smoking regular cigarettes to e-cigarettes or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for at least six months, had much lower levels of toxic and cancer causing substances in their bodies than people who continued to use conventional cigarettes.

For the first time, researchers analysed the saliva and urine of longterm e-cigarette and NRT users, as

well as smokers, and compared bodylevel exposure to key chemicals.

PBP-based Vapourlites has a specialist Vape store on Whitworth Road. Its store manager, Ben Lawson, says the research is great news for health-conscious employers.

Ben said: “This research, and the fact that it was funded by such a reputable organisation, reinforces the message that switching to e-cigarettes is much better for you long term.

“Vaping is not only safer for you but it’s significantly cheaper too, while for employers there’s a massive benefit as it will cut absentee levels due to smoking-related illnesses.

“We are urging businesses to look at the level of support they offer to their staff as using an e-cig device alongside health and wellbeing programmes can substantially improve the chances of giving up smoking. Come into our shop to see what we can do to support further.”

Walkers Crisps

Profound Services

CEO Sleepout, St James’ Park

Walkers to close Peterlee factory

Profound raises £800 for charity

Sara does CEO charity sleepout

THE Walkers distribution site on the North East Industrial Estate is to close resulting in the loss of almost 400 jobs.

PROFOUND Group, based in Bracken Hill Business Park, has hosted a coffee morning in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.

KF TRAINING’s commercial director Sara O’Brien has taken part in the CEO Sleepout in Newcastle, helping to raise £76,000 on the night.

The ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ is hosted across the UK annually to raise funds for the charity Macmillan Cancer Support.

CEO Sleepout is held at a number of locations across the UK to help raise funds for charities which fight homelessness.

The Profound Group’s fundraising team, which consists of former apprentices, planned and hosted the event that raised £800 for the charity.

Sara said: “Homelessness is a huge problem in this country so I’m pleased to have given my support to this great event to increase awareness of it and raise funds to fight it.”

Parent company Pepsico UK said it is looking to switch crisp production from the Peterlee site on Stephenson Road to elsewhere in the UK. Tracey Foster, Peterlee manufacturing director, said crisps currently produced in the town would be manufactured at the company’s facilities elsewhere in the UK.

SEAHAM NEWS

New SBP networking group is going from strength to strength THE Seaham Business Park networking group has seen a great response since its launch last October.

Over 40 people attended the first networking event in January, hosted by Spectrum-based BE Group.

The recurring themes were positive, with many reporting plans to grow, either by expanding their client base, recruiting or investing.

Seaham firms including GAS, Nala Engineers, Mission Foods, Andrew James Worldwide and Aspen Wolf were in attendance.

They were joined by Peterlee-based Mecaplast, NSK, LEC Consultancy, KF Training and GEM Premium People.

Prima Cheese

PRIMA IS THE

BIG CHEESE A FIRM that specialises in making cheese for pizzas is undergoing a £3m expansion.

Steve Metcalfe, who is HR Manager at NSK Peterlee and Chairman of both the Peterlee and Seaham Business Park steering groups, said: “I think in terms of numbers and the positive feelings among our business communities, this networking event was probably our best yet.

Prima Cheese, based at Seaham Grange, is a family-owned dairy processing company that supplies cheese products to wholesale food and catering businesses across the UK, Europe and the rest of the world.

“Listening to businesses of all sizes from such diverse sectors was hugely encouraging and I think it reinforces our belief that the area is set for even more success in 2017.”

The business has outgrown its headquarters and is now expanding into adjacent units to accommodate a new fourth production line, which will boost Prima’s production capacity by 50 per cent.

The first dedicated SBP newsletter, sponsored

by Aspen Wolf, was delivered across Spectrum, Foxcover, Seaham Grange, Dalton Park and Cold Hesleden areas in February. Read it at seahambusiness.co.uk.

The investment is part of a £3m programme to support the firm’s long-

term growth, boosting quality, efficiency and productivity.

Finance director Andy Davis said: “We’ve been at our current site since 2001 and had reached full capacity, so we have acquired some adjacent units to grow into, which will see us grow from 33,000 sq ft to 55,000 sq ft by the end of 2017.

“Our growth has been driven by entering new export markets, launching new products and winning market share in our current markets.”

Prima, whose workforce is planned to hit 100 for the first time in 2017, having doubled in the last three years, is backed by a Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking asset-based lending facility.

NALA CELEBRATES GREAT YEAR Nala Engineers

AN ELECTRICAL engineering firm is targeting new markets after a year of growth.

Entek, Aldi, Travis Perkins, Matalan and Cumbrian Seafoods.

Nala Engineers, based in Seaham, had one of its most successful 12-month periods, which saw new contracts won and it named as one of Ward Hadaway’s ‘Fastest 50’ growing companies of 2016.

Director Nicola Duke said: “Last year was extremely busy for us and we experienced growth over and above projections. This year it’s all about tapping into new markets so we’re focusing on developing our marketing strategy to help us achieve that. Some of the sectors we’re working in have started to become saturated and we need to look at ways to strengthen our client base before planning further growth in 2018.”

Family firm Nala specialises in retail, commercial and industrial electrical installations and has carried out work for a range of companies including Caterpillar,

SEAHAM NEWS administration department within the next few weeks. A successful move into the professional sector, placing candidates within the engineering, manufacturing, and construction sectors, is also a contributor to the company’s growing portfolio.

And over the next three months, the firm will be launching its education desk which will focus on helping talented individuals into employment at schools across the northern region.

Dave & Donna Rowlands with the Aspen Wolf team

FIRST ANNIVERSARY team Donna and Dave Rowlands after they amalgamated two existing businesses to offer clients a more streamlined service.

Donna said: “When we set the company up just over a year ago we had high expectations, but the reality of our achievements has far exceeded those initial targets. We have a very focused and enthusiastic team here at Aspen Wolf, and our success is down to each individual’s hard work.”

Since its inception the firm has grown steadily from four to seven employees, with the team due to welcome its first apprentice to the

Aspen Wolf is also investing in the training arm of the company as it looks to expand the suite of packages it offers customers.

FOR ASPEN WOLF TRAINING and recruitment firm Aspen Wolf, launched just a year ago, has forecast significant growth over the next 12 months and aims to double its turnover.

The company, based on Spectrum Business Park, was set up by husband and wife

Joint Managing Director Donna says Aspen Wolfs’s plans for the next 12 months are ambitious but achievable and is delighted with the growth the company has undergone, putting it down to the dedication of the team.

Peter Briggs

Gordon MacPherson Snr and Jnr

ENTREPRENEUR LAUNCHES GLUTEN-FREE BEER RANGE A NORTH East entrepreneur has launched a new brewing company dedicated to the production of gluten-free beers and lagers.

Spectrum Business Park based Autumn Brewing Co. is the first company to have all its beers and lagers brewed in the UK using only naturally gluten-free grains and brewing malts.

Founder Peter Briggs was inspired to take on this new challenge after a friend was diagnosed as Coeliac.

As well as being a great choice for those who suffer from

SEAHAM SAFETY MARKS

TENTH ANNIVERSARY

Coeliac Disease, the Alt Brew range offers beer drinkers an alternative to mainstream barley-based beers.

A FAMILY run business based on Spectrum Business Park is toasting 10 successful years in business.

Peter said: “After two years of research, training and several small scale trials, we are proud to have created Alt Brew, our first range of great tasting gluten-free beers.

Seaham Safety Services was founded by Gordon MacPherson Snr in 2006 and provides health and safety consultancy and training.

“The feedback we’ve had so far has been great. For those who follow a gluten-free diet, whether out of necessity or choice, finding high quality, great tasting gluten-free beers brewed from naturally glutenfree ingredients, is a real joy.”

Shortly after the company was founded, Gordon’s son, Gordon MacPherson Jnr, left his career in molecular and cellular biology to join the business, which now has eight staff and as many part time trainers, advisors and assessors which support its clients.

Gordon MacPherson Jnr said: “Originally we started out as a health and safety consultancy and naturally evolved to offer in-house and accredited training.

“The business has really grown over the last few years and this year we moved to modern offices at the Novus Business Centre in Seaham to facilitate the next phase of our business plan.

“We really want to thank our customers for their continued loyalty and support. We are all very excited about what the future holds for us.”

SPONSORED FEATURE

COUNCIL LAUNCHES NEW BUSINESS ENERGY SCHEME Over 40 businesses are taking advantage of Durham County Council’s new ‘BEEP’ programme, which aims to help reduce energy usage and save firms money through investment.

BUSINESS Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP) is a three-year project which has been developed to generate financial savings for SMEs through energy savings.

generate financial savings. It will also feature a series of fuel saving hints and tips.

The scheme is an independent service with the ultimate goal of generating financial savings through reduced energy consumption or generation.

In partnership with Business Durham, FSB, NECC, and Northern Powergrid, the project aims to provide businesses in the region with an in-depth energy audit, which will look to identify areas where firms can potentially save money.

The BEEP website launches this spring and will allow businesses to read case studies and success stories alongside free informative fact sheets that provide an introduction to a range of energy-related actions designed to

The audits are free of charge and are completed by qualified expert auditors. The results of all audits will be based upon actual energy data from your business - there are no assumptions or estimates.

Businesses can apply for a BEEP grant, which can provide discounts on the cost of energy efficient equipment (subject to application terms and conditions).

The project has been financially supported through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Durham County Council.

If your business is based in County Durham and you would like any more information, contact the BEEP team: Please email beep@durham.gov.uk.

AROUND THE AREA Philip Unsworth

ZF TRW

COULD A

ROBOT DO YOUR JOB? MILLIONS of jobs around the world could be lost as businesses look to automation to improve efficiency.

That’s according to PBP blogger Alison Schreiber, who runs The HR Dept, Durham and Darlington.

Robo-workers are replacing human workers at an ever increasing rate and this could impact on employees here in County Durham.

In Japan there is a hotel staffed by robots. In France ‘picking’ robots help farmers cut, prune and harvest crops.

And in England, Premier Foods use 47 robots to pack Mr Kipling cakes in Barnsley.

Even our very own ZF TRW Peterlee has a robo-worker.

SHOTTON SALON AIMS TO BE CROWNED

CREAM OF THE CROP

GUAPPO Hair Design, based in Shotton Colliery, has picked up three nominations at the English Hair and Beauty Awards Chapter 2.

Guappo, Amber and Philip will find out if they will be crowned winners at an awards ceremony being held in Manchester on Sunday, March 26.

The hair studio is nominated in the ‘Salon of the Year’ category, while Amber Unsworth has been shortlisted in the ‘Junior Stylist of the year’ category, and owner Philip Unsworth is in the running to be named ‘Men’s Stylist of the Year’.

Philip owns Guappo Hair Design with his wife Samantha. He said: “To be nominated in three categories at the industry’s top awards is very exciting and we are thrilled to be part of such a prestigious national event.

Thank you to everyone who nominated us.”

Emma Jameson and Tom Moore

Alison Schreiber

Alison said: “Automation has always been there - think the agricultural revolution and the industrial revolution for instance. There has probably always been resistance, but things feel a little different this time. Today artificial intelligence and advanced production techniques hint at there being no end to the rise of the robots.

“Millions more jobs are predicted to be lost to automation. Perhaps this will be great for efficiency, but it raises a lot of HR issues and wider ethical debate.

“It’s clear that technology is going to have a growing influence on the workforce and consideration must be given to how humans are to be managed in the changing world.”

BEST FRIENDS HAVE DESIGNS ON THE

CHILDREN’S INTERIORS MARKET A PETERLEE mum and her best friend and business partner have launched a range of interior and gift products after spotting a gap in the children’s market.

Emma Jameson and Tom Moore have launched The Jam Tart to showcase their new range to design conscious parents.

Emma came up with her designs following the birth of her daughter Orla.

Emma, who is from Little Thorpe, East Durham, said: “We launched The Jam Tart to create colourful, engaging spaces for children to play, grow and thrive in. I wanted to create something that would engage my daughter, Orla, and help to provide a sensory link throughout our family spaces.

“We like to think that our designs would feel equally at home in a nursery, living room or family snug.”

PETERLEE NEWS

HRH THE PRINCESS ROYAL

OPENS NEW COLLEGE CAMPUS

HER Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, opened the redeveloped East Durham College Houghall Campus in January.

The region’s leading land-based college recently underwent an exciting £12.75m redevelopment as part of its plans to fully modernise the entire site, which originally opened in 1938.

After a short presentation, Her Royal Highness met the College’s leadership team and governors. She then undertook a tour of the site to see the new facilities and learn how it is training students in a range of land-based disciplines.

During the tour, The Princess heard from students and staff about their equine

studies and small animal care and management courses.

The tour took in the equine centre, with its new 28-stable block and indoor arena, the small animal care centre, dog grooming studio, lizard workshop and small mammals workshop. It ended at the refurbished main front building.

D&S ‘CEMENTS’

EXPANSION A PBP manufacturer is expanding its portfolio nationally after being awarded a contract to re-develop a prestigious building in Leeds.

D&S Services was appointed as subcontractor to play a key role in the development of New Merrion House.

‘Cementing’ the brick cladding at D&S Services

The 170,000 sq ft office space was originally built in 1973 and will be the new home of the local authority. The building is undergoing significant refurbishment in order for the council to return with all public facing services under one roof.

D&S Services manufactured a prefabricated aluminium external frames with brick cladding and grout.

Director Mark Kelly said: “The redevelopment of New Merrion House has been a major project for us, and certainly one of our most high profile. As a growing company, being selected to manufacture the pre-fabricated aluminium external frames complete with brick cladding and grout is testament to the high quality services we provide and our ability to secure lucrative contracts nationally.”

PETERLEE NEWS

APPREN

Thinking about investing to grow your business?

TICESHIP

S

TRAINEE

WORKFO RC DEVELOP E MENT

SHIPS

Access up to £2800 of funding for business improvement projects.

FIND OUT MORE AT

www.nbsl.org.uk

TRAINING TALKING WORTH ABOUT.

OR CALL 01670 813322

Apply online today!

www.profoundservices.com

in Peterlee and Seaham

start up

• new business advice • business mentoring • youth employment support

develop & grow

• office space for 1-12 people • easy in, easy out terms • virtual office hot desking • meeting & conference room hire • training facilities

0191 586 3366

edbs.co.uk

PBP NEWS HEADLINES

PETERLEE GLASS

Graeme Hawes

CELEBRATES 40 YEARS A LOCAL glass company is preparing for a multimillion pound relocation 40 years after it was founded.

Peterlee Glass is moving its office and production facilities to Mill Hill on the North West Industrial Estate.

The business underwent a period of significant expansion in 2016, adding new contracts to its portfolio and increasing its workforce to 34.

Managing Director Graeme Hawes said: “Since we were acquired in 2015 we’ve grown rapidly and have reached the point where we’ve outgrown our existing premises.

“This move alongside major capital investment will enable us to continue to expand, adding even bigger contracts to our already significant portfolio of national and international clients and recruiting talented people who can help us achieve our ambitious targets.”

The new 60,000 sq ft facility is currently undergoing £1m worth of refurbishments, including a new roof and new windows. The new factory should be ready to move into in April.

The company is also spending £1.3m on new production equipment and machinery.

TECHNICAL ACADEMY HOSTS

TRADE DAY FOR STUDENTS

The Technical Academy hosted a successful trade exhibition event on March 7.

Companies from the construction, building and engineering industries exhibited at the event and gave demonstrations on their innovative products and new technologies.

Exhibitors included Baxi, Eshwinning Construction, National Citizen Service, Pegler Yorkshire, Dunlop Pro Décor, Edmundson Electric and The Army Reserves.

Rob Hutchinson is The Technical Academy’s centre manager and is also responsible for stakeholder engagement.

Rob said: “The aim of the event was to bring together key players in a range of industry sectors and our students, and in doing so give our valued stakeholders the platform to showcase the very latest technology, products and practices. These types of events are invaluable to our students; they really help to enhance the learners’ training and

0191 587 8165 | info@peterleebusiness.co.uk | www.peterleebusiness.co.uk

also raise their future career aspirations.”

Part of East Durham College, The Technical Academy is located in a 30,000 sq ft purposebuilt facility on Peterlee Business Park’s South West Industrial Estate.

A wide range of construction and engineering related courses are on offer including welding, motor vehicle maintenance, plumbing & heating, gas, electrical and mechanical engineering.

Peterlee Business Park Group, working in association with: