Wyre Business Revue 2015

Wednesday, July 1, 2015 www.garstangcourier.co.uk

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BUSINESS REVIEW

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FEATURING: Marine Hall Cafe Cove

Heavensent Gifts

Shop Local Scheme

Builders Supplies

Addison

Aged In Oak Best Friends

Job Centre

Collinson

Victrex

Myerscough College

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

facebook.com/wyrecouncil @wyrecouncil

wyre.gov.uk Tel: 01253 891000 wyre.gov.uk/businesssupport

NPL Estates

Wyre Borough Council

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www.garstangcourier.co.uk Wednesday, July 1, 2015

BUSINESS REVIEW

2015

Welcome to the first Wyre Business Review Wyre is a highly diverse borough with seaside coastal towns and picturesque rural villages. Our business base is equally as diverse with over 4,500 SME’s and business support services spread throughout the borough. One important role of the council is to facilitate growth and support businesses in the creation of jobs and creating growth opportunities. To celebrate the success of businesses in Wyre and give an opportunity for businesses of all shapes and sizes to showcase themselves publically, we have supported this business review to promote the businesses and services we have on offer. If you are a business or are thinking of starting a new venture in Wyre then please get in touch now, we are here to help you.

Cllr Peter Gibson, Leader Wyre Council.

of loyalty and dedication by the continual development of their staff through training and development enabling individuals to be the best that they can be. They are also committed to the Fylde area and continue to take on apprenticeships to develop the next generation of engineers and managers.

2015 promises to be an exciting year for the Addison Group of Companies as their existing businesses continue to perform strongly in their respective fields and they also welcome a new business into the family of companies called “Addison Academy”. But what is it that makes Addison unique in their field and keeps them one step ahead of their competitors?

With a head office in Thornton Cleveleys based on the ex ICI site and a support office at Daresbury, Warrington, they are firstly well positioned geographically being located in close proximity to key clients such as Victrex, Total, Ineos and National Grid.

Known across the UK as a world class engineering service provider, their existing businesses cover a wide spectrum of engineering from conceptual design of multi million pound industrial engineering projects through to high precision machining of components for clients such as Rolls Royce and Airbus.

With Addison Project plc and Addison Engineering (Hillhouse) Ltd, Addison have the ability in-house to attend to the design, project management and execution of mechanical based projects from £5k up to £50m. Their Precision Engineering division (Addison Engineering (Blackpool) Ltd) works independently to the other companies in manufacturing precision made components

Another key reason they continue to excel is by never resting on their laurels and always looking forward to the next way that they can improve their product to their clients.

Recent investments to support this include the build of a state of the art precision machine workshop in Thornton Cleveleys and investments in software and hardware to support their design and engineering businesses.

Managing Director of Addison Project Marcus Addison, RT Hon David Cameron MP Prime Minister and Mechanical designer of Addison Project Rory Newman promoting new apprenticeships scheme at BAE Warburton. out of a range of materials including stainless and plastics. The Precision Engineering business in particular is thriving, so what is it driving the growth?

The company is able to demonstrate a history of investment into both people and technology. Recognising its people as its greatest assets they encourage a culture

Another example which has recently launched is the Addison Academy. This focuses on providing learning and training via the internet to the process and engineering industries.

With E-learning having been proven to reduce training costs by upto 76% and to improve retention of knowledge by 89% this was an area where Addison could improve the skills of their people whilst reducing external training costs by completing the function in house. It is also a very cost effective means of delivering learning content to staff anywhere and anytime 24/7 and also convenient as training can be completed on lap tops, PCs, iPads, tablets and even smart phones. Their E-learning packages are available on demand for standard requirements

such as COSHH, Manual Handling, Working at Heights, First Aid at Work etc but Addison Academy also have the ability to create bespoke training packages such as Company site specific inductions, health and safety courses and process management.

Addison Academy consultancy provides a blend of services to support clients who want to improve their health and safety performance and /or achieve recognition for the implementation of their safety management system to OHSAS 18001 standard.

So, to conclude, to keep on delighting your clients and attracting new ones, Addison prove that you need to look forward and not be shy when it comes to investing in your product and your people.

Should you be interested to read any more about the Addison group of companies please visit the following websites:

www.addisonproject.co.uk www.addisonengineering.co.uk www.addisonprecision.co.uk www.addisonacademy.co.uk

Employment, Education and Training Fleetwood Jobcentre Plus has been happy to work alongside Cala Gran, where we have seen many of our claimants going into work, although these are primarily for the summer season, many of these employees will go into further work as they will have recent work experience, an updated CV and a recent work reference, so their chances of further employment will be highly increased.

We also work very closely with North Lancashire Training Group based in Fleetwood who provide training to our claimants on Customer Service and IT, which again enables people to return work quickly once they have these fresh qualifications under their belt.

Fleetwood Jobcentre Plus actively work alongside ‘Blackpool Build Up’ who have been very busy up-skilling our claimants in the construction sector, many of these moving into employment, this will be a smoother transition for Fleetwood claimants now that the Build Up Training Centre has relocated to Kingcraig Avenue.

Last year we worked very closely with the new Hungry Horse pub in Fleetwood, arranging training/up-skilling to our claimants who were then successful in finding work with them. We subsequently

have a good on-going relationship with the company, who often come directly to us when they have vacancies they want to fill.

Work experience is an ideal way to try a job whilst still retaining the security of their benefits. If a claimant doesn’t have a lot of work experience, then it’s well worth considering. Work coaches will try to secure experience in an industry that will benefit them the most.

Benefits of Work Experience: • Gets you through the door - you meet the employer face to face • Gives you an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a job you are interested in • Proves to an employer that you are willing to learn and work • Shows that you can get to work - and on time • It is something to put on your CV to prove that you have previous experience For further information please contact

yvonne.cooper@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

Myerscough College is much more than an Apprenticeship Training Provider. We have a specialist Employer Services team with expertise in employer delivery across a wide range of industries. We offer training needs analysis which helps you understand your business objectives and discuss how we can help you achieve your goals through training solutions and advice. Apprenticeships in Agriculture, Arboriculture, Equine, Animal Care, Sportsturf, Construction Plant Operations, Landscaping, Engineering, Floristry, Food and Drink, Farriery, Sustainable Resource Management - Waste and Recycling and many more Land based subjects. To find out more and for eligibility for the £1,500 Age Grant contact

Andrea Gardner Rural Business Centre t: 01995 642255 e:andrea@myerscough.ac.uk

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

wyre.gov.uk

Tel: 01253 891000

wyre.gov.uk/businesssupport

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HELPS LOCAL GARDEN CENTRE TO GO GREENER

Local Garden Centre, Barton Grange are in the process of strengthening their green credentials, the centre which opened in 2011 integrated solutions such as rain water collection and ground source heating in the initial build but demonstrating their commitment to make optimum use of natural sources of energy available to them they had been watching the development of the solar panel technology with interest.

Solar panel electricity systems, also known as solar photovoltaics (PV), capture the sun’s energy using photovoltaic cells. These cells don’t need direct sunlight to work they can still generate some electricity on a cloudy day. The cells convert the sunlight into electricity, which can then be used directly by the business to cut electricity bills, a very appealing thought, not only that but utilising sunlight, which is free, cuts the businesses carbon footprint.

The scheme also qualifies for The Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme, a government programme designed to promote the uptake of a range of renewable and low-carbon electricity generation technologies, of which solar is one. For a fixed period, currently 20 years, you can be paid for the electricity you generate, even if you use it yourself, and for any surplus electricity you export to the grid, it’s a win win situation.

Collinson have been trading since 1962, initially supplying storage and material handling systems within the agricultural sector before diversifying into construction offering a diverse range of high quality construction projects into the sports and leisure and industrial and commercial sectors. Not new to the renewables sector Collinson have been manufacturing storage for biomass wood pellets since 1984, now MCS certificated for the supply and installation of solar panels.

Barton Grange garden centre and solar panels

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) was introduced to offer consumer protection to this new booming sector, an internationally recognised quality assurance scheme supported by the Department of Energy and Climate Change. MCS is also an eligibility requirement for the Government’s financial incentives, which include the Feed-in Tariff and the Renewable Heat Incentive.

In addition to MCS, consumers need assurance that the technology they are investing in is not only; innovative, reliable and efficient but also supplied by a company who can demonstrate longevity and financial stability, a warranty is not worth the paper it is written on if the company is no longer around to honour and support the equipment! Trading for over 50 years,

Collinson have a reputation for delivering quality products with excellent service and, where needed, customer support which is reflected in customer feedback.

Dan Collinson, Managing Director said ‘Renewable energy is growing at a tremendous rate, technology is much more affordable nowadays and as energy prices are increasing, people are seeing that renewables really are a viable investment which will give a great return on investment’ Dan continued ‘In such a relatively young industry we can work with clients to ensure they invest with confidence, an assurance we can confidently give them’ With Barton Grange having numerous South and South West facing roofs offering optimum conditions for solar installations, Managing Director, Guy Topping researched the market for suppliers of quality equipment. Guy had spoken to a number of installers when he learned Collinson had added Solar PV to their renewable range of products.

Impressed with the Collinson product, Guy also like the fact that Collinson, a local family company, had been trading over fifty years, giving a reassurance that they would be around for the lifetime of their equipment but this was a business decision so the figures needed to stack up too, they needed a competitive price and good installation programme, Collinson ticked all the boxes and an agreement was made.

The 400kw system at Barton Grange consists of 1600 panels which are being installed over 11 roofs, once up and running the system will generate 3 00,000 kwh of electricity, which will be utilised within the garden centre, this green renewable energy will save over 160 tonnes of carbon dioxide pollution every year, a massive carbon footprint reduction for Barton Grange and their environmental commitment.

As the project is nearing completion Guy Topping said “We’re pleased with how things have gone with the installation and we’re looking forward to it all being up and running and soaking up all that lovely sunshine!”

Sunshine, something we are all looking forward to this summer but don’t just soak up the rays yourself, with an investment in solar you could be generating your own energy supply too!

To find out how you can maximise this free resource contact our team on 01995 606 451 IN ASSOCIATION WITH

wyre.gov.uk

Tel: 01253 891000

wyre.gov.uk/businesssupport businesssupport

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BUSINESS REVIEW

2015

WYRE BUSINESS AWARDS On Thursday November 20th 2014 the success of many Wyre businesses was celebrated in grand style under the dome of Marine Hall in Fleetwood.

The inaugural Wyre Walk of Fame attracted more than 200 people and 40 or so businesses, allowing Wyre Council to publicly recognise their achievements in 2014 and the contribution made to the local economy.

This year’s event will take place on Thursday November 26th at the Marine Hall. We will be providing a 3 course dinner and it will be a glamourous black-tie event. Tickets and further information will be provided in due course. Sponsorship packages are available from £200. Please contact angela.kershaw@wyre.gov.uk for further information or log onto the wyre.gov.uk/businesssupport

Wyre Council launched their very own Business Support Service in January.

business support

WYRED UP Wyred Up has been established as one of the most successful business networking groups on the Fylde Coast since 2008. The new look Wyred Up business networking service was launched in January 2015. Our next event will take place at Fleetwood Town Football Club on Wednesday 9th September 3pm 6pm.

If you wish to become a Wyred Up member or register on the directory of over 4,000 businesses and services then contact us. For just £40 per year you will attend two networking events, one busi-

ness breakfast (guaranteed to be held at a strategic company in Wyre) and free access to the first Wyre Business Expo on the Fylde Coast. This will be held on Wednesday 14th October at the Marine Hall and will be a chance to showcase your business to others across the Fylde Coast.’

The service has been a great success for local businesses who have met new contacts. £1000’s of pounds worth of business has been generated over the past 7 years and over 2,000 businesses have attended.

Wyre Council are able to provide support and information for all new and existing businesses, no matter your size, sector, or location in Wyre.

LOCAL BUSINESSES: • Premises/Land Search available on request • Referral to local business support services • Access to local economic data • Personal visit from a dedicated Council Officer by request • Link to local business networking group Wyred Up We can also offer support to any potential businesses looking to relocate, or invest in Wyre: • Assist in finding suitable employment land • Referral to local business support services • Access to local economic data Last year we supported 259 separate businesses and assisted 76 people in training and workshops and so far this year we have already supported 125 businesses. If you require any support please contact us wyre.gov.uk/businesssupport

‘Charlie Adams and wife Sophie-Leigh

Spa on the Breck

for Men including facials, grooming treatments, massage and the Spa Journey.

A new business venture Spa on the Breck opened in Poulton-le-Fylde at the end of May offering a luxury Spa experience and treatments.

Business is off to a great start with bookings exceeding expectations from the outset and very positive client feedback.

Spa on the Breck is a partnership between YMCA and Wyre Council and the idea to invest in a luxury Spa facility followed extensive market research.

Spa on the Breck offers a luxury Spa journey, Spa and beauty treatments. There is also Spa

The luxurious Spa journey includes 10 separate experiences designed to relax, purify and revitalise. Spa journey experiences include aromatherapy, foot spa, spa pool, ice fountain, monsoon shower, sauna and steam rooms.

Robes and slippers are provided as well as a relaxing environment.

As well as the 2 hour Spa Journey, Day Spa packages are available with lunch and treatments included.

For bookings and information www.spaonthebreck.co.uk 01253 887157

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Tel: 01253 891000

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WYRE THEATRES - SO MUCH MORE THAN SHOWS! marinehall.co.uk

Did you know that Wyre’s two great theatres Marine Hall, Fleetwood and Thornton Little Theatre host much more than shows and events? Both venues are available for you to hire for anything from weddings to christenings, birthday parties, anniversaries, work parties, family celebrations and school proms. Whatever occasion you are planning, why not choose a venue with a difference and add some drama to your special day?

01253 887693

marine hall

@marinehallwyre

The Esplanade, Fleetwood FY7 6HF Tea Dance Every Monday (except Bank Holidays) £4, tea, coffee and biscuits included 2pm – 4pm

Jongleurs – On the Road Friday 16 October, 8pm £12 (over 18s only)

Abbamania Saturday 24 October, 7.30pm £18.50

Ray Quinn in Concert Saturday 17 October, 7.30pm £17

Rock Garden FREE live music by local performers

Sunday 2 August noon - 5pm

Buddy Holly and The Cricketers Saturday 14 November, 7.30pm Tickets £14

Sunday 9 August noon - 5pm

The Lindisfarne Story Sunday 18 October, 7.30pm £16

The Basil Brush Show Full on Fox Tour Friday 7 August, 11am and 2.30pm Adults £13, children £11, family of four ticket £38

The Bay City Rollers Sunday 15 November, 7.30pm £17

Wyre on Film Presented by the

The Fylde Coast Food and Drink Festival Sunday 16 August, 10am – 4pm Free entry

Lau Tuesday 24 November, 8pm £16

North West Film Archive Tuesday 20 October,

7.30pm £6

The Ragdolls Thursday 17 September 7.30pm £15

The Dressing Room A play by Bobby Ball Friday 23 October, 7.30pm £15, concessions £13

The Mersey Beatles Friday 27 November, 7.30pm £15

Christmas Market Sunday 29 November, 10am – 4pm Free entry

As one of only a handful of theatres licenced for wedding ceremonies Marine Hall’s 1930 art deco styling and beachfront setting make for a wonderfully unique wedding venue. For all occasions we have a range of rooms to cater for all size of party and our beautifully landscaped Marine Gardens and stunning coastal setting make the perfect backdrop for photographs.

Panto!

The Wizard of Oz All Star Cast Thursday 10 – Sunday 13 December See website for daily times £8.50 Beach Themed Christmas Party Friday 18 December, 7.30pm Dinner, drinks and dancing until late.

Join us for your Christmas night out.

Discounts available for group table bookings.

Enjoy a BBQ by Twelve Restaurant, an evening of beach themed fun and live music. £24 or £22 for a table of 10 or more

For more intimate gatherings why not choose Thornton Little Theatre? Our beautiful little theatre provides the perfect stage for your celebration. With its own bar, reception area for drinks and canapés and even newly refurbished dressing rooms it’s just the ticket for a day to remember.

We offer a range of food and drinks packages to choose from an exquisite five course menu to a delicious hog roast - there’s something for everyone!

To find out more call the centralised box office at Marine Hall on 01253 887693 or visit www.wyretheatres.co.uk

wyretheatres.co.uk

01253 887693

Fleetwood Road North, Thornton FY5 3SZ The Dreamers Friday 3 July 7.30pm £15

Doppel Dietrich Friday 25 September, 7.30pm £10

Kyla Brox Saturday 10 October, 7.30pm £10

Ultimate Legends Saturday 14 November, 7.30pm A tribute to four legendary acts £12

Marty MacDonald’s Farm – Pongo’s Party Friday 28 August, 2pm £9

A Celebration of Simon and Garfunkel Friday 2 October, 7.30pm £12

..and This is my Friend Mr Laurel Thursday 15 October, 7.30pm £14, concessions £12

China Crisis Sunday 22 November, 7.30pm £15

Great trading opportunities available NOW at the seaside shopping experience that is

Fleetwood Market nce g experie e shoppin id s a e s A

Get in touch with our market manager today and secure your space at this popular coastal market Call Julian Brent on 01253 887651or email julian.brent@wyre.gov.uk for details IN ASSOCIATION WITH

wyre.gov.uk

Tel: 01253 891000

wyre.gov.uk/businesssupport businesssupport

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BUSINESS REVIEW

2015

Indy right places The Shop Local Scheme in Fleetwood was devised by Paul Haslam of Northern Rags and was launched in 2014. It is gaining momentum with over 60 Fylde partner businesses involved in the scheme that has special offers and discounts for members and over 1500 Shop Local card holders enjoying the benefits. Cards are free and can be collected from the Northern Rags store in Fleetwood. Business partners involved in the scheme include HMV, Costa Coffee, McDonalds, Freeport Fleetwood and a host of smaller independent businesses and retailers. For businesses wanting to join, or shoppers interested in making savings see northernrags.co.uk. Another recent initiative is the Independent Garstang Traders. For the shopper it means you can help to keep Garstang uniquely independent by supporting individual traders.

Whenever you see the “G” – you will know that this group are striving to bring you a unique experience of Garstang and will offer you first class goods and service. For further information see Garstang.net

Small, but perfectly formed Small businesses tend to act as the back bone of any economy and in Wyre this is no different.

One success story is Heavensent Baby Gifts, which was started in 2009 as an online business by Rachel and Charlie Bond. They now operate the retail side of their business from the Freeport Outlet Shopping Village in Fleetwood.

They trialled a retail operation at the Pop-Up shop in Poulton and then felt confident enough to take the plunge and commit to a permanent retail outlet at Freeport. The shop at Freeport stocks a great range of products including personalised baby and childrens clothes and gifts. Charlie said: “Wyre Council’s Business Support Service was on hand to help Heaven Sent through our transition from online to retail outlet and with our further business development. We have accessed new business support through Regenerate East Lancashire and received training through LEAP. We have also had support from Access 2

Finance for start-up loans and grants.”

Another success is Best Friends Gift Shop based at Marsh Mill in Thornton, which opened in November 2013 and specialises in locally sourced giftware.

They have also been running Woof Woof Hampers, a successful internet business since 2012 specialising in dog hampers, which include cologne and other dog treats! They have been showcased on This Morning and have also featured on Theo Paphitis Small Business Sunday Twitter feature.

Emma and Alex, owners of independent wine merchant Aged In Oak in the heart of Garstang has progressed from selling top quality, interesting wines from all over the world to serving glasses of wine, prosecco and champagne in the new wine bar area of the shop. The pair are now due to launch agedinoak.co.uk, their leading edge online wine shop, to take their hand chosen wine selections to the rest of the UK.

Promenade, Cleveleys * Stunning views across Morecambe Bay * Open daily between 10am and 5pm * All day Breakfast menu * Large range of main meals and snacks * Freshly ground coffee and speciality teas * Wallings real dairy ice cream

01253 681221 Freeport Outlet Shopping Village Fleetwood FY7 6AE

· Affordable bridesmaids dresses and boys four & five piece suits

· Personalised baby and childrens clothes and gifts

· Large selection of christening outfits and christening gifts

· New! Printed clothing

· Baby shower gifts

· New! Spectacular printed gift range

· Gifts for Mum! Handbags, scarves and accessories · 1 Holy Communion outfits for boys and girls st

· New! We supply and embroider or print workwear at competitive prices

www.heavensentbabygifts.co.uk

Wine Shop, Wine Bar & Wine Club Join our wine club with exclusive member special offers and free delivery across Wyre

Visit: 21 Market Place, Garstang Tel: 01995 238011 Email: cheers@agedinoak.co.uk Web: agedinoak.co.uk/wine-club

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Hillhouse International Business Park - a real miracle in the making…

Hillhouse International occupies over 240 ha in a linear strip between the River Wyre and the A585 trunk road between Thornton and Fleetwood. The A585 connects Fleetwood with the national motorway network at Junction 3 of the M55.

A rich history of development stretches back to 1890. The site was operated by ICI from the 1920’s and following a long period of stability, the various operations were scaled back during the 1990’s culminating in the closure of Thornton Power Station and Astra Zeneca in 1999 and 2000 respectively.

The site was acquired by NPL Estates in 2003 during which the Company has supported its development in line with a 25 year plan.

Hillhouse is currently home to several key multi-national operations including Victrex, Vinnolit and AGC Chemicals, companies which specialise in the manufacture of high grade polymer based products from within the secure site. The products produced on-site are used in industries varying from aerospace through to medical orthotics with an estimated 70% of services being supplied locally.

NPL Estates approach to holistic usage of land and heavy investment in sympathetic infrastructure for all of the businesses mean they encompass best practice across the spectrum of commercial, environmental and social issues. The site is also fully protected by 24/7 security, meeting the needs of all the companies on the site. It has become the Business Park of choice for many companies with its comprehensive transport links.

THE COMPLETE ONE STOP BUILDERS MERCHANT

BUILDERS SUPPLIES (West Coast) Ltd

MIDDLEGATE MORECAMBE 01524 842299

CLEVELEYS & FLEETWOOD 01253 776600

Extensive Vehicle Fleet Prompt Deliveries EXTENSIONS, FULL HOUSE & SELF BUILD SPECIALISTS BRICK MATCHING SERVICE PLUMBING & HEATING KITCHENS & BATHROOMS 01253 776611

RIVERSWAY PRESTON 01772 766500

Mark O’Brien Managing Director for Thornton Facilities Management (TFM) says “Our parent company NPL Estates philosophy is quite simple. Having acquired substantial land assets, the company wish to bring about the best value from those assets. This provides the opportunity to regenerate the land with a variety of beneficial uses over varying timescales with the determining factors being deliverability and building something new where otherwise there would be dereliction. The company has been fortunate in achieving encouragement and support in its philosophy to land, from a number of sources including local authorities, planning bodies and development agencies. Progress has been achieved

through a policy of openness and fairness in its business dealings. The opportunity to work and deliver results in a clear and consistent manner has allowed the company to grow from strength to strength.” In the instance of Hillhouse Business Park, TFM has been successful in achieving: • The creation of a working, living and playing environment.

• Good quality family residences that compliment established properties.

• Investment of employment opportunities within the business park.

The Hillhouse Business Park is part of an extensive development, which includes a wide variety of quality homes at Hawley Gardens and Thornton Fold, extensive community sports facilities at Poolfoot farm, a large recycling centre and a family restaurant. TFM has over 25 years’ experience as one of the UK’s leading facilities management providers to offer a comprehensive array of service solutions. Our pioneering integrated approach to facility management ensures that we take more than just your base service requirements into account. From day one, we work closely with customers to assess everything from their geographical and business profile, all the way through to their existing working culture. Rather than working through complex supply chains which only duplicate management levels, we provide all of our services through our own teams. No matter what the level of facility management that is required, we pride ourselves on giving you both the efficiency savings of outsourcing, tied with the same degree of control you would expect if these services were provided in-house.

NPL Estates latest projects at Hillhouse Business Park include: • New primary substation • 50MW gas fired power station • New business park with executive offices • Anaerobic Digestion heat and power plant • Water front housing development and; • Environmental improvements For more information about how we can help make your businesses more efficient and sustainable please contact our Site Manager Scott Carswell on 01253 864633

www.bswc.biz

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Tel: 01253 891000

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BUSINESS REVIEW

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Victrex is an innovative world leader in high performance polymer solutions, focused on the strategic markets of Automotive, Aerospace, Energy, Electronics and Medical. Every day, millions of people rely on products or applications which contain our materials, from smartphones, aeroplanes and cars to oil & gas operations and medical devices. With over 35 years’ experience, we are investing in technical excellence to deliver new and leading edge solutions to our customers and our markets, and to drive value for our shareholders. Find out more at www.victrexplc.com Our sales to the end of 2014 were £253 million. Victrex now employs over 750 people globally including over 400 in Thornton Cleveleys.

CHANCELLOR OPENS £16M NEW VICTREX FILM PLANT Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne was guest of honour at the opening of Victrex’s new manufacturing facility in Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire.

The high performance polymer solutions company has invested £16 million to increase its capacity to supply APTIV® film, a success story for the company, with good growth in recent years.

Pictured (l-r) at the opening are: George Osborne; Paul Maynard, MP for Blackpool North & Cleveleys and Kenny Gilmour, Operations Director at Victrex.

with enhanced user functionality in thinner, lighter and smaller products. The thin, tough and flexible film is used in millions of smartphones´ speaker diaphragms, but also in aerospace applications, and in electrical drive and generator systems in the automotive and energy sector.

Across key industries like aerospace, automotive or electronics, demand for the versatile, extremely thin and durable thermoplastic film is continuously rising. Victrex made the strategic investment in the new facility, including a second film production line, to meet future growth.

Tim Cooper, Managing Director of Victrex Polymer Solutions, said: “Victrex is a growing UK export champion and we were delighted to welcome the Chancellor to unveil our new £16 million polymer film plant, which has helped create high quality UK jobs. Whilst 97% of our sales are from outside the UK, we have a strong track record of investing and creating jobs here and, being at the forefront of UK science and innovation.”

This growth is also driven by trends in portable consumer electronics to improve sound quality, clarity and performance,

Victrex is also investing £90 million in its third PEEK engineering thermoplastics plant at its Thornton Cleveleys site.

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