InBusiness Burnley - Issue 24, Nov 2024

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Welcome from the editor

Ican’t quite believe that 2024 is nearly over, and what a year it has been. Back in July we held the Burnley Business Awards, a night dedicated to celebrating our local businesses and organisations. With Towneley Hall’s renovation work ongoing we held the event at Crow Wood Hotel for the first time. Safe to say the hotel’s team did not let us down and it was an amazing evening.

As well as seeing the winners collect their awards, one of the things I enjoyed the most was seeing how supportive the other businesses were of each other. Check out page 50 for our Burnley Business Awards special feature. We are already thinking ahead to BBAW26 so keep a look out for more information on that later in 2025.

2024 has been a great year for AMS Neve. Not only did they pick up not one, but two, Burnley Business Awards but they also received the prestigious King’s Award for enterprise. We spoke to Mark Crabtree OBE about how AMS Neve came about, and his story is fascinating.

Andy Holt, founder of What More UK, is another business owner with an interesting story to share (including how he accidentally bought a football team), and like AMS Neve, his business sees products made in Burnley sold across the globe.

From SBS Electrical Heating and Plumbing Services, a Burnley business for over 50 years to newly founded Neuro-Sparks Business Solutions, our borough is thriving with an eclectic mix of industries, and we spoke to both to find out more.

In this issue we also take a look at the amazing expansion of The Woodland Spa. Already a popular destination for locals and visitors alike the spa is now even more luxurious and is sure to attract more visitors to the borough. It was great to hear from Andrew Brown, managing director of the Crow Wood Group, to find out why he wanted to take on such a huge project.

Of course, we can only cover a handful of the good news stories going on across the borough, so do follow Burnley.co.uk on socials to keep up to date. And, if you have a story to share, you can email me on kmcgee@burnley.gov.uk

Did you know that our business support team can help you with everything from finding properties to providing advice on applying for funding? If you are thinking of starting or growing a business in our borough you can contact them at business@burnley.gov.uk

Enjoy the magazine!

Katie McGee Editor kmcgee@burnley.gov.uk

26 The jewel in our crown just got bigger

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Thorne offers futuristic take on fire safety training

Burnley Bondholders Thorne Fire & Security has introduced Virtual Reality (VR) technology to its customer training sessions and so far, it has been very well received.

The company has invested a staggering £20,000 in a state-of-the-art VR headset and FLAIM Extinguisher prop to use in the sessions, which are being led by wellknown local firefighter Wayne Dowell.

Hadrian Thorne, managing director of Thorne Fire & Security, said: “VR is without doubt the future of fire safety training. The technology is just incredible and has been specifically designed to provide immersive fire extinguisher training in diverse workplace environments.

“Training typically covers common fire scenarios such as kitchens, offices, and industrial settings, but we can tailor the sessions to meet the needs of a variety of workplaces.”

On donning the VR headset, users are transported to various settings where they must quickly and effectively respond to imminent fire threats.

Their reaction to the scenario is recorded in real-time so that they can quickly see if they have dealt with the fire effectively, or if they need to have a second attempt.

Wayne Dowell, a Burnley firefighter for almost 25 years, and former professional footballer, said: “This is nothing like I have ever seen before. It really elevates fire safety training from what has historically been a boring PowerPoint.

“I’ve led several sessions now and the users really enjoy it. It really does give them a good understanding of which extinguisher to use in different scenarios and how to point the hose so it puts out the blaze quickly and effectively.”

A fire safety marshal from Veka who

attended one of the courses in June said: “I’ve done fire safety courses in previous years but nothing compares to Thorne’s VR experience. It felt very real and you had to think quickly to choose the right extinguisher and then put out the flames.”

Hadrian added: “So many of our customers must have up-to-date training on fire safety for them and their teams. Having an automated system which sends them their certificate at the end of the session and flags up when the certificate runs out is the perfect solution.

“Plus, the VR training is engaging and fun, while effective in educating attendees as to the correct and safe way to tackle a fire should they need to.”

If you would like to find out more about Thorne’s virtual fire safety training, please contact the team at info@thorne.uk.com

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E&M PROPERTY SOLUTIONS EXPANDS WITH STRATEGIC ACQUISITION OF BLACK CAT PROPERTIES

Burnley Bondholders, E&M Property Solutions has announced the strategic acquisition of Black Cat Properties, further solidifying its market leadership in Burnley and surrounding areas.

Tina Etherington, owner and managing director of E&M Property Solutions, shared her excitement about this pivotal moment for the company:

“Acquiring Black Cat Properties is an exciting milestone in our journey of growth and expansion. This opportunity allows us to serve an even broader network of landlords while continuing to uphold the values that have earned us a reputation for excellence. Since winning Gold in Lettings at the 2024 British Property Awards, we have been focused on furthering our commitment to delivering top-tier service in a competitive and ever-changing market.

“With Black Cat Properties now part of

our portfolio, we will ensure our landlords benefit from our comprehensive knowledge and experience in managing lettings and sales. In this dynamic industry, staying ahead of legislative changes is crucial, and our goal is to guarantee peace of mind and prosperity for our clients. We are incredibly excited about this next chapter as we enhance our services and contribute to making Burnley and the surrounding areas the place to be for property investment.”

In line with its expansion strategy, E&M Property Solutions is also relocating to larger, newly renovated premises on Manchester Road, close to Burnley town centre. This new office will enable the company to better serve its growing client base and offer a full suite of services, including sales, property management, HMO lettings, single lets, commercial lets, off-market sales, renovations and bespoke property sourcing for investors.

Burnley’s Pioneer Place shortlisted for top award

Pioneer Place, the £23 million leisure complex in Burnley town centre, has been shortlisted in the Lancashire Property Awards 2024.

It has made the cut in the Commercial Development of the Year category, after judges were impressed with the tenacity of all partners involved to get this over the line, especially as the pandemic brought additional challenges to starting the project.

The project secured funding from the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership’s Getting Building Fund, Burnley borough and Lancashire county councils, and fashion company and the borough’s largest employer boohoo.

Identifying an exciting mix of uses the letting agent Brady Surveyors Ltd has delivered a fully tenanted facility, with REEL cinema, Loungers, Heavenly Desserts, Nando’s, Starbucks and Taco Bell all taking units.

Cllr Afrasiab Anwar, leader of Burnley Council, said: “Pioneer Place took years of hard work, from the original vision to project completion and the concerted efforts of everyone involved have paid off. I’d like to thank all our partners in this massive project

for their support in making it a reality.

“This development has enhanced Burnley town centre and injected new energy into the evening economy and has brought additional visitors during the day. Developments like this encourage further investment into places and, in the case of Pioneer Place, aligns with our evolution as a university town.”

Nik Puttnam from Maple Grove Developments, who delivered the scheme alongside Burnley Council as their development partner with Eric Wright Construction as the contractor, said: “Pioneer Place is a significant regeneration project which benefits the people of Burnley and the wider Lancashire area. We are delighted that we could bring to life the vision, and through working in partnership with a common goal, the impact across the community can be seen and enjoyed today. It’s a huge credit to the determination and commitment of everyone involved from across all our teams.”

The awards will celebrate the work of developers, housebuilders, and their public sector partners, celebrating excellence across the region’s property community.

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SIX CONNECTIONS BOLSTERS ITS COMMITMENT TO MENTAL HEALTH WITH ITS NEW STATUS AS COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY (CIC)

Six Connections Ltd, the Burnley-based leading mental health organisation, has announced the launch of its new Community Interest Company, Six Connections Community CIC. This significant update marks a strengthened commitment to making mental health discussions accessible to all, particularly within grassroots sports, the charitable sector, and education.

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Driven by Dave Scholes and Andi Lewis, Six Connections has been a vital platform for fostering open conversations about mental health. “Since setting up Six Connections, I have met so many brilliant businesspeople who deeply care about this cause,” said Dave. “Our newly appointed board of non-executive directors, all sharing a common passion and commitment, are set to propel our mission forward.”

member commented on her alignment with the organisation’s core values: “I joined the board because the values of Six Connections are the same as my own. People are at the centre of everything I do and that’s always been important to me both personally and professionally. I want to help share Dave and Andi’s vision to save the world one conversation at a time – Powered by Mates.”

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Lesley Burrows, managing director of Positive Footprints, shared her personal motivation for joining the board: “I have family and friends who have struggled with mental health and lost a male friend to suicide when I was younger. Supporting people to talk more openly about mental health and providing means of support is close to my heart.”

Dave’s unwavering passion and the organisation’s mission to save the world.”

The commitment of Six Connections to enhancing mental health support is further evidenced by their recent accolade, the ‘Health and Wellbeing Award’ at the Lancashire Business View Red Rose Awards in March 2024. This recognition underscores the impact of their efforts and the critical role of community involvement.

Lisa Sourbutts, managing director of Cube HR and Six Connections CIC board

Jaydee Davis also expressed her enthusiasm: “I am thrilled to have been asked to join the CIC board of Six Connections Community, inspired by

As a CIC, Six Connections Community invites the corporate world to join them in this crucial mission, demonstrating how businesses can actively contribute to societal well-being. Their approach, Powered by Mates, highlights the strength of community and shared responsibility in addressing the global mental health crisis.

For more information about Six Connections and its initiatives, visit www.sixconnections.co.uk

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The University of Central Lancashire and Safran Nacelles working together

The University of Central Lancashire is collaborating on research and student-led projects with a highflying aerospace company.

Global aerospace manufacturer Safran Nacelles and University of Central Lancashire are embarking on a unique collaboration, aiming to develop skills and provide bespoke training and degree apprenticeship courses.

The duo also want to utilise the expertise of the university’s academics and PhD students. A possible project would look at using geothermally heated mine water as a gas replacement and undertaking audits on waste, the capture and use of water, and heat recovery.

Talks have also taken place to discuss the potential of the large base in Burnley becoming the demonstrator site for the university’s exo-skeleton project.

Martin Blunt, head of the Enterprise and Engagement Unit at the University of Central Lancashire, said: “We’re

excited and delighted to be collaborating with such a globally recognised aerospace manufacturer as Safran.

“The working relationship has such potential as there are so many different directions we can head in to help one another continue to be successful.

“We’ve already highlighted opportunities for student placements, skills boot camps, energy management and carbon reduction training, alongside specific student enterprise projects. Many academics and PhD students are also interested in developing connections and working collaboratively, especially in exoskeletons and low carbon areas.”

Safran Nacelles is a world leader in aircraft nacelles and is active in aftermarket services. The Burnley site is critical in manufacturing for Safran Nacelles, alongside its sister sites in Le Havre (France) and Casablanca (Morocco), boasting world-class facilities with three main specialisms: composites, sheet

metal components, and assembly.

Tom Wormleighton, managing director of Safran Nacelles in Burnley, said: “This is an exciting partnership between two major organisations in the region. Innovation is deeply ingrained in our DNA, and our collaboration with the University of Central Lancashire will not only benefit us but also ensure that we both stay at the forefront of engineering and manufacturing excellence. We are particularly excited about the potential to support our strategic aims of decarbonising aerospace and digital transformation through this partnership.

“Together with the University of Central Lancashire, we are deeply committed to nurturing the engineers of tomorrow, who will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aerospace in the North West of England. This collaboration is a powerful testament to our shared vision and unwavering dedication to the industry.”

Taco Bell completes the tasty line-up at Burnley’s Pioneer Place leisure complex

Soul Foods Group, operating as Taco Bell, has signed up to become the final tenant in the £23 million Pioneer Place cinema and leisure complex in Burnley.

Soul Foods operates 381 restaurants across the UK and Canada.

The restaurant, which will serve a variety of Mexican-inspired foods, will join major names such as Starbucks, Loungers PLC, Nandos and Heavenly Desserts, to provide a wide range of tasty treats to serve all tastes.

Taco Bell serves more than two billion customers across the world each year at over 8,200 restaurants, the Burnley site being the latest.

Kate Ingram, Burnley Council’s strategic head of economy and growth, said: “Taco Bell will add something different to the

wide range of foods and flavours on offer at restaurants across Burnley town centre.

“This will be the first Taco Bell in East Lancashire, and only the second in the county, demonstrating investor confidence in Pioneer Place and Burnley’s shopping centre.

“Soul Foods Group has a strong track record and are committed to supporting communities where they operate and around the globe.”

Pioneer Place opened 12 months ago and includes a REEL multi-screen cinema, five leisure units and car parking. It was funded by Burnley borough and Lancashire county councils, the Government’s Getting Building Fund administered by Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP), and fashion company and the borough’s largest employer boohoo.

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Velocity Composites achieves global industry certification in the US

Burnley aerospace composites specialist Velocity Composites has passed the global industry accreditation at its US site for those suppliers serving the industry and related sectors.

The Nadcap accreditation – the globally recognised National Aerospace and Defence Contractors’ Accreditation Programme – is an endorsement that Velocity’s robust processes and high product integrity meet or exceed the highest standards in the aerospace industry.

The accreditation for the Tallassee site of Velocity Composites in Alabama, US, is a major milestone for the facility, gaining approval within the first 12 months

of first composites kit production.

The successful inspection also continues Velocity Composite’s impressive audit history across its UK HQ in Burnley, Lancashire, and Fareham, Hampshire, over the last five years.

Matthew Archer, commercial and supply chain director at Velocity Composites, said: “It is pleasing for the Velocity team and reassuring for our customers that our processes have been externally verified to be robust across all of our sites.

“We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality products to the aerospace supply chain, and customers and manufacturers can be confident that

our standards meet the strictest criteria.”

Administered by the Performance Review Institute, Nadcap audits aim to ensure that suppliers to major aerospace Primes continue to meet the highest quality of compliance to customer requirements and industry standards.

Velocity Composites manufactures advanced carbon fibre and ancillary material kits for use in the aerospace and associated industries. The company uses its process knowledge, business processes and proprietary software to reduce the amount of material required by its customers and also reduce the associated process waste when making aircraft parts.

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BURNLEY COLLEGE AWARDED GOLD STATUS FOR CYBER

SECURITY EXCELLENCE

The top college in the country*, Burnley College, has been awarded gold status in a Government scheme recognising inspirational and cutting-edge cyber security teaching.

Cyberfirst is a pioneering programme to inspire and encourage young people to pursue careers in cyber security, bridging the skills gap in this rapidly growing field.

The college has pioneered the creation of industry-leading computing and digital facilities and courses, as well setting new standards for teaching.

They have committed more than £570,000 this year alone to enhance its digital and cyber capabilities.

State-of-the-art facilities such as the Security Operations Centre (SOC), advanced computing labs and access to industryspecific software always ensure our learners receive hands-on, state-of-the-art training.

The huge investment is backed up by a carefully-designed curriculum ranging from Entry Level qualifications to A Level and Degree Level programmes in Computer Science, Computing and Cyber Security.

Burnley College also specialises in attracting and retaining expert tutors who bring real-world industry experience into the classroom.

Recognised by Tech Nation as one of the fastest-growing digital clusters in the UK,

Burnley is home to almost 19,000 employees in the digital sector. The development of the National Cyber Force centre in Lancashire further cements the region’s reputation as a hub for digital innovation and cyber security.

Computer Science tutor Maz Iqbal says the importance of cyber security in protecting these high-tech industries cannot be overstated:

“It is essential to work alongside industry to fill skills gaps, especially when we have tech-heavy companies like global aerospace leaders that require the highest levels of cyber security.

“We partner with and work alongside the biggest names in digital to ensure we create an environment where our students are equipped with the necessary expertise to meet these critical demands.

“By aligning our curriculum with industry standards and emerging trends, we provide our students with real-world experience and practical knowledge.

“Our goal is to create students who could step into a career with a world-leading company as soon as they qualify and help shape the future of cyber security around the world.”

Burnley College also offers extensive cyber and digital enrichment opportunities to learners as part of its mission to ‘Build

Futures and Change Lives’. These initiatives include work-related activities, internships and partnerships with leading employers, providing learners with invaluable industry exposure and experience.

Computer Science tutor Ben Scott says working alongside business is a key factor in creating a curriculum which really delivers:

“For students to truly thrive in their careers, they must engage with real-life briefs. Our connections with industry are therefore vitally important, allowing students to gain practical experience and insights crucial for their professional growth.

“Through these real-world projects, students can apply their theoretical knowledge while also developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

“This hands-on experience is invaluable, as it prepares them to navigate the complexities of the professional world with confidence and competence.

“It also gives student valuable networking opportunities, further enhancing their career prospects.”

Do you imagine your career working for a global leader in technology? Find out more on their website.

*in the Government’s official National Achievement Rate Tables for students aged 16-18

New pilot scheme launched to support businesses to reduce their employee absence rate

Burnley Council is partnering with Calico Enterprise to deliver a new pilot programme aimed at encouraging people back into work, and supporting those who are at risk of falling out of employment.

Work Well, a government funded scheme, is available to employees living in a Burnley borough post code area or those registered with a Burnley GP, from 1 November 2024. The pilot aims to help people with low level health conditions, including; back and knee pain and other musculoskeletal issues as well as low level mental health conditions such as anxiety and stress which sees the employee being absent from work with a fit note.

The pilot aims to support these individuals back into the workplace via a free and voluntary service. As part of the offer employees will have access to a work and health coach. Together, they will agree realistic and reasonable next steps that can form part of a personalised support plan, which could include supporting employers and providing advice on reasonable workplace adjustments to support the individual. Work and health coaches will consider the full range of available local support and provide signposting, tailored to the needs of the employee.

Burnley is one of seven districts to

take part in the pilot scheme being led by the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, the results of which will help to identify what support is needed in the future. Referrals can be made directly by employers, GPs, the job centre or individuals can self-refer.

To find out more call Sam Smallridge at Burnley Council on 01282 475873 or email ssmallridge@burnley.gov.uk

Global machinery giant Stolle comes to Burnley

Burnley’s Frontier Park has secured its first tenant, which is set to bring a world-class brand and hundreds of jobs to the borough.

Stolle Machinery has been revealed as taking 158,000 sq ft at the Frontier Park development and will invest a huge £20 million into the lease and fitting out the space to accommodate its operations, which provides machinery for the canning industry.

Managing director of Stolle Machinery Richard Mercer told InBusinessBurnley they intend to bring over 200 jobs, including 27 apprentices.

“We’re delighted to be consolidating our operations into this impressive facility at Frontier Park, which is exactly what we’ve been looking for. Many of our employees are based in Burnley and surrounding areas so it was vital we stayed close to our current home in Altham. Frontier Park is ideally located just off the M65, so it made perfect sense.

“We’ve been impressed with how

proactive Burnley Council has been with working with us to ensure an efficient transition and can see how the business community here is thriving. Stolle are excited to continue this partnership, backed by our significant investment into the borough.”

Lukman Patel, chief executive of Burnley Council, added: “It’s fantastic news that such an impressive global brand has chosen Burnley to have such a significant strategic base, with Burnley joining locations such as Colorado and Sau Paulo.

“To make such a large investment into the borough and to bring over 200 jobs clearly shows their commitment and how they recognise Burnley as a manufacturing and engineering force to be reckoned with.”

Alex Kenwright, development director at Monte Blackburn Ltd (MBL)

stated: “This landmark deal represents the inaugural phase of MBL’s £75 million investment in Burnley, signalling our commitment to fostering economic prosperity and job creation in the region.

“As discussions with other potential commercial occupiers gain momentum, it is evident that there is a growing demand for high-quality industrial operational and warehousing in the area. Frontier Park Burnley stands as a testament to MBL’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of businesses and communities.

“This development will not only generate significant employment opportunities, but also stimulate growth and innovation in Burnley and beyond.”

Working together means we can shape our curriculum to meet the future needs of your sector, and identify and deliver the industry specialist skills you need. The EIP also means that we will work with our current talent pool, as well as creating new ones, providing upskilling and CPD to your current team, as well as finding the best ways to fund this. A unique opportunity for industry and education to work together to shape the talent pool of the

LOOKING AHEAD: Burnley BID 2

Following the successful implementation and management of Burnley’s first Business Improvement District (BID), the ambition for BID 2 is to build on BID 1’s achievements and successes, fostering a thriving business environment and enhancing the vibrancy of our town. The successes of the past five years have laid a solid foundation, and the aim moving forwards is to leverage this momentum to unlock even greater potential for our community, visitors, local businesses and organisations.

REFLECTING ON THE SUCCESS OF BID 1

Since its inception, BID 1 has had a positive impact on the town centre, demonstrating the power of collaboration and a collective voice. Over the past five years, numerous initiatives have been introduced, with the aim fostering economic growth and enhancing the overall appeal of our town.

Event support and delivery:

We have delivered and supported over 30 events between 2021 and 2024, including the Christmas Light Switch On, the Burnley Vintage & Performance Car Show, Burnley Live and Burnley Dinosaur Trail, all with the aim of attracting footfall and increasing dwell time in the town centre.

Enhancements to public spaces:

BID 1 has invested in more floral arrangements, railing baskets, plants and herbs planted around the town. Effective marketing campaigns: The marketing strategies implemented

during BID 1 have effectively promoted Burnley as a place to visit. Creation of the Discover Burnley website and social channels provide a strong platform to drive awareness of what’s on in the town, while newsletters to both consumers, businesses and organisations provide further opportunities to share news, offers and upcoming events.

Creating a better Burnley for business:

BID 1 has provided extensive support to businesses and organisations through training and upskilling – with over 507 training hours on courses

such as first aid, mental health, food hygiene and fire marshalling. The BID has also helped businesses with the process of obtaining alfresco licenses, road closures and permissions for events such as Burnley Live.

Introduction of a crime reduction partnership:

Tackling anti-social behaviour, this new partnership has seen the installation of a new radio network scheme, a daytime/nighttime intelligence sharing system (DISC), a BID warden pilot project and more.

KEY OPPORTUNITIES FOR BID 2

A safe attractive and vibrant Burnley: This investment would look to create a collaborative approach to crime prevention and tackling anti-social behaviour, including the introduction of a full-time Burnley Warden scheme, as well as the continuation of the DISC/information sharing and the Radio Network Scheme. The BID will continue to work in partnership with Burnley Council to enhance key gateways to the town, providing additional funding to support sustainability, develop the landscape masterplan across the town and tackle grot spot areas.

Destination Burnley:

Building on the marketing successes of BID 1, BID 2 will continue to grow and develop

the Discover Burnley brand, implement more meaningful and impactful destination marketing, PR, events, festivals and experiences to raise the profile of Burnley as a destination of choice for shoppers and visitors. Events drive footfall and new visitors to the town – the BID will continue to invest in and support key events, as well as supporting local businesses and stakeholders to facilitate the organisation and promotion of other events.

Doing business in Burnley: BID 2 will continue to provide targeted support to local businesses, through free and low-cost business training, as well provide insights and data on the town centre and deliver the popular mystery shopper

The Vision for BID 2

With BID 1’s successes providing a solid foundation, BID 2 aims to capitalise on this momentum to create a vibrant and prosperous environment for Burnley’s businesses, organisations, visitors and community.

Geographical Overview of the BID 2 Area

To build on the success of BID 1, the ambition for BID 2 is to embrace and support a wider footprint, incorporating more Burnley businesses, all of whom we believe will benefit from our proposed £1m business-led investment into Burnley between 2025 and 2030.

experience and subsequent Customer Service Awards. The BID will work with Burnley Council, the Chamber of Commerce, Lancashire Boost and education providers to attract people into jobs. We will do this by providing a good quality environment and encouraging opportunities for works experience, apprenticeships, start-ups and expansion.

Your participation and input are vital as we shape the next five years. Let’s work together to ensure that Burnley continues to thrive and be a beacon of opportunity and collaboration. Together, we can make Burnley an even better place to live, work, and visit. To download the draft business plan and provide your feedback visit burnleybid.co.uk

Record numbers attend inspiring sessions at Burnley Business Week 2024

Burnley Business Week 2024 concluded on a high note, with over 330 local entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals attending across 15 interactive workshops, making it one of the most successful events to date. The theme of this year’s Business Week, Creativity and Inclusivity, brought fresh perspectives to the local business community, with brand-new workshops and dynamic guest speakers.

Cllr Lubna Khan, executive member of economy and development at Burnley Council, and Neil Burrows, director of skills and innovation at Burnley College, officially opened the event to a packed room of attendees, setting the stage for a week of insightful and impactful learning.

The new lineup of workshops – including The Power of Podcasting for Business, AI in Business, Empowering Your Business with Video, Cyber Security, A Journey Towards Becoming a Neuro-inclusive Workplace, and Unpacking Burnley Business Week with Enso Creative Arts – captured the essence of innovation and inclusivity. Each session was designed to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the ever-changing business landscape.

One of the highlights of the week was Friday’s focus on the mind in business, where subtle but impactful sessions

addressed the importance of mind health for professional success. The week concluded with Friday Club featuring Six Connections, providing the perfect platform for reflection, networking, and future collaboration.

In addition to the workshops, Burnley Business Week debuted its very own podcast series hosted by Luke Pollard from Burnley Social, featuring conversations with local business leaders on topics such as resilience, inspiration, and success. This series was a huge hit, allowing participants to engage with thoughtprovoking content at their own pace.

“The response this year has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Cllr Khan.

“Burnley Business Week has once again proven to be a key event for our business community, fostering connections and providing valuable insights that will drive local growth.”

Neil Burrows added, “It’s inspiring to see how Burnley’s businesses are

embracing creativity and inclusivity. The engagement this year has been fantastic, and the feedback so far shows that our workshops have sparked a lot of great conversations.”

With nearly 300 feedback forms still to review, the full impact of the week is yet to be fully measured, but early indications suggest that Burnley Business Week 2024 has set a new benchmark for future events.

For more information about Burnley Business Week and to stay updated on future events, visit www.burnley.gov. uk/business-support-and-advice

Ram Gupta named one of the UK’s top 50 most ambitious business leaders for 2024

Ram Gupta, CEO of Nybble, a member of the Burnley Bondholders, has been recognised as one of The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2024, in partnership with The Times.

Created by trusted investment partner LDC – part of Lloyds Banking Group, The Top 50 celebrates entrepreneurs demonstrating remarkable ambition, and is now in its seventh year. This year the programme received more than 700 nominations showcasing the exceptional individuals building successful and growing businesses right across the UK.

The business leaders featured in The LDC Top 50 for 2024 are making a real impact by creating jobs, promoting social equality, championing sustainability, expanding internationally and integrating purpose into their business practices. They operate from 39 towns and cities across the UK and span every sector of the economy, whilst collectively they employ 5,146 people and generate revenues of more than £1.1bn.

Nybble is a leading provider of managed IT, audio visual, and cyber services, catering to a diverse range

of national and international clients. Known for its customer-first ethos, innovative technology solutions and commitment to delivering an outstanding customer experience, Nybble also takes pride in its strong social values, which are deeply embedded in the core of the business. With a mission to create profit with purpose, Nybble drives innovation, enhances customer outcomes and strives to improve lives.

Ram Gupta, said: “I am truly humbled to be recognised among such talented and driven individuals as part of the UK’s Top 50 Ambitious Business People. This achievement is not mine, it is a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and support of the entire team at Nybble who work tirelessly to assist our amazing customers. I believe ambition is not just about personal success, but about the positive impact we can create for our communities, our industries, and the people around us. We are not done yet, we look forward to expanding beyond horizons with humility, respect and determination. The future is bright for Nybble and all who have supported us over the years.”

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Future Leaders 2.0 launches

The second cohort of the Future Leaders programme officially launched in September, following a competitive process. Almost 40 applications were made for the 15 spaces available on the programme, which is for those under the age of 30 who work at a Burnley Bondholder.

The 12-month personal and professional development initiative is fully funded by the Burnley Bondholders, who have partnered with the University of Central Lancashire. The goal is to equip young talent with the skills and confidence to progress their careers and to instil pride around working in Burnley, retaining their talent in the borough.

Dharma Kovvuri, dean of University of Central Lancashire Burnley, said: “We believe the Future Leaders programme, in collaboration with University of Central Lancashire and the Burnley Bondholders, is the first of its kind. It is fully funded by the bondholders and after the first year already proved to be a game-changer - not just for those on the programme, but also for the businesses involved. The participants were supported by their line managers when applying and the skills they learn can be used within their businesses, for the benefit of their businesses.

“University of Central Lancashire is proud to provide the Burnley campus at Victoria Mill as the innovative space for learning. We know the Future Leaders programme will connect our talented young people and develop and retain their talent within the borough, equipping them with the passion, skills, and contacts to become our next generation of leaders.”

Rachel Bayley, Burnley place brand manager, added: “The first Future Leaders cohort have all been vocal about how much they have got out of the programme, with several securing promotions, which they said was partly down to the skills and confidence they gained. We’re delighted that the Burnley Focus Group have backed a second year of the initiative, and we look forward to seeing the cohort’s confidence grow over the next 12 months.”

Companies represented on Future Leaders 2024/25 are: Burnley Council | Burnley FC In The Community | Burnley Youth Theatre | Ellis’s | Financial Affairs | Impact Conferencing | Lancashire Business View | Primary Engineer | TCB Signage | The Low Carbon Energy Company | VEKA | +24 Marketing

News Feature : Woodland Spa

THE JEWEL IN OUR CROWN JUST GOT BIGGER with an unparalleled spa experience

Living and working in Burnley, we are always amazed if we come across someone on our travels who hasn’t heard of Crow Wood Hotel and Spa Resort. The spa - known as The Woodland Spa - opened in 2013 and has become a firm favourite for those in search of spa day that is incredible value (we love the fact you can spend all day there, rather than those where you get a couple of hours). It’s no wonder it has taken home multiple awards, many of which are global.

Meanwhile, Crow Wood Hotel launched in 2019, although it got off to an interesting start when the pandemic hit and all weddings and events had to stop. Thankfully, every time we visit the hotel now, there’s always an event happening, whether it be a business conference or a couple’s special day.

With the hotel and spa a firm favourite for affordable luxury, it could be forgiven for enjoying the next few years, especially when the spa is consistently booked up, often for a few weeks in advance.

However, reflecting the spirit of Burnley where we just don’t stand still and always have an idea up our sleeve, the resort launched something huge in August of this year.

The Woodland Spa has undergone a £16 million development that has taken the total invested in the spa to a £24 million - quite incredible for a relatively small town in East Lancashire. The new multi-millionpound extension has seen The Woodland Spa double in size to an impressive 60,000 sq ft and introduce a range of state-of-the-art facilities designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing spa provision and provide an “unparalleled spa experience”.

This includes a vitality pool with four spacious hot tubs, including two elevated infinity-edge tubs, complemented by water cannons, massage stations, and a gentle rain shower. There are also ergonomically designed heated loungers and the UK’s first KLAFS Ice Lounge. KLAFS are the world leaders in multi-sensory thermal cabins, offering a unique and invigorating experience.

Additional spa treatment rooms mean more guests can take advantage of the large treatment menu and Bertram’s Restaurant has doubled in capacity with a complete refurbishment. Perhaps the showstopper of the whole project is the south-facing rooftop featuring the UK’s largest hot tub with an infinity edge, a range of sun loungers, two huge firepits and a restaurant and bar with a retractable roof and windows.

“...Crow Wood Group offers unrivalled world-class food and facilities & is great value for money.”

We spoke to Andrew Brown, managing director of the Crow Wood Group, to find out why he chose to undertake such a huge project so soon after the hotel opened its doors (again!).

“Prior to COVID, the spa ran at 100 per cent capacity every day and we received many remarks from people who couldn’t get in! Similarly, hotel guests could sometimes not secure entry as the spa booked up weeks in advance. This obviously wasn’t ideal, and while spa entry wasn’t guaranteed, of course guests staying at a hotel with a spa in the grounds expect to visit it should they wish to.

“Schemes of this size can take several years from bouncing ideas around to opening. The spa will be three years in total from start to finish, so resting on our laurels really wasn’t an option, you have to stay ahead of the competition and innovate,” Andrew told us.

Aside from increasing capacity to accommodate hotel and additional guests, Andrew and the team were keen to also take the spa experience to the next level to accommodate more guest preferences.

“We recognise that different parts

of the spa appeal to different people, so by expanding the range of facilities, we have more chance of capturing each and every desire to return and ensure guests tell their friends about their favourite ‘special features’,” Andrew explained.

As we mentioned earlier, one of our favourite features is that you’re not tied to a two-hour slot and can come as soon as the spa opens to when it closes. Andrew agrees that this is one of the spa’s USPs and why guests return time and time again.

“Of course, people are going to want to know why they should spend their hard-earned money with us rather than somewhere else. Unless on our evening spa package, guests can stay all day, and many who are first-time visitors cannot believe that despite conveniently being just off the M65, you’d never know due to the surrounding countryside we’re nestled in which keeps it nice and quiet.

“Our different dining options also

cater for all tastes. You can elevate your dining experience in Bertram’s, enjoy tapas sharing plates at the Terrace Bar or at the new rooftop restaurant you can enjoy street food and pizzas.”

Andrew acknowledged that despite the resort looking incredible now, his team have worked tirelessly to ensure the works haven’t impacted on guests staying at the hotel or holding an event. The team have regularly received feedback that it’s great to see the resort evolving to keep up with changing designs and demands.

“If there’s one thing I want people going away saying, it’s that Crow Wood Resort offers unrivalled world-class food and facilities and is great value for money,” Andrew concluded.

Crow Wood is often referred to as “the jewel in Burnley’s crown” and we can see why. We’re excited that with the expansion, more people will visit our borough and explore everything we have to offer.

The

THERE’S A NEW BUSINESS ON THE BLOCK AND IT’S ON A MISSION TO HELP BUSINESS OWNERS SUPPORT THEIR NEURODIVERSE EMPLOYEES.

Neuro-Sparks Business Solutions, the brainchild of Daniel Armitage, also supports business owners who are themselves neurodiverse, as well as ensure employees reach their full potential in their chosen career.

As Daniel is an accredited corporate trainer, NeuroSparks also supports companies of all sizes to educate and support their employees by delivering neurodiversity training and workplace adjustment support to boards, HR teams, managers and employees on a national and global basis.

He’s also a public speaker and advocate for everything neurodiversity. Daniel told InBusinessBurnley: “I’m so passionate about giving people opportunities and spreading the word on how gifted and talented neurodiverse individuals are. HSBC has invited me to speak at their head office in December on a panel of business leaders about the benefits of using diverse suppliers within environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments.”

He continued: “A lot of people question how I can be part of the LGBTQ+ community when I had children at 19 and 23; there’s a lot of stigma in the community for being bi-sexual. As people in the ‘straight’ community think I’m gay, and people in the gay community think I’m a closeted ‘gay’, biphobia is a real issue in the LGBTQ+ community. I also have ADHD, dyslexia and a personality disorder, so I truly understand what it’s like to come up against barriers in life, whether at work or elsewhere, and I just didn’t feel as though

there was dedicated support out there for people like me.”

Daniel was working at one of the world’s largest insurers until 17 weeks ago. He had managed to secure a £13,000 Access to Work grant, which helps people get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability. Grants can cover the cost of practical support, including having someone with you in interviews, through to specialist equipment, software and travel to work.

Despite securing the funding, Daniel explained his employer refused to continue with it as “they said the changes needed to allow me to work were too much hassle to change and add more IT systems to manage”. It was after talking to his mum about the concerns he had with his employer that led to her suggesting he should go self-employed and be that support to others – and the idea grew from there.

“My mum really did give me the push and I quit my previous job. I also help businesses and individuals secure the Access to Work grants and to raise awareness about the scheme. Despite only running Neuro Sparks full time for around three months, I already have 13 employees, 90 per cent of whom are neuro diverse/disabled. My mum co -founded the business with me and my partner Luke is part of the business – it’s been a whirlwind but there is huge demand out there,” he continued.

One contract he’s particularly proud of is becoming the neurodiversity trainer provider for the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and the courses they run.

“I really want to educate businesses that clients don’t pay to use Neuro Sparks – depending on needs, the government pays between six and 16 hours a week of support, so this doesn’t cost organisations anything to become more inclusive,” Daniel concluded.

It’s certainly a very impressive start, especially when we also learn the company has won two Family in Business Awards and are a finalist for New Business of the Year at the Bibas. We love hearing stories about people taking the plunge to set up a business that fills a gap in the market, as well as being proud to work in a borough where everyone is accepted for their individuality.

From Burnley’s Stoops to £110m turnover and owning Accrington Stanley: the impressive story of Andy Holt

It’s a bold statement, but we’re pretty sure that most households in Burnley, if not the UK, has at least one item from local business What More UK.

In fact, with What More exporting 75 countries across the globe, we’re certain that this applies to a significant percentage of homes overseas too.

What More , the company behind household brands such as WHAM, BetterWare and PushPan has its HQ at Shuttleworth Mead in Padiham, but with a HUGE manufacturing base in nearby Altham. It manufactures everything from plastic storage boxes, baking trays, mop and buckets, playroom organisation, refuse and recycling bins, garden pots…the list seems endless.

And it was certainly a feast for the eyes when InBusinessBurnley were kindly invited on a tour of the two sites by founder Andy Holt, who is a force of nature but in the most unassuming and humble way.

“I grew up on Stoops, although I was actually born just off Trafalgar Street. I attended Burnley Grammar School [now known as The Landmark]. Everyone had me geared up to go to university, but then my dad passed away. I felt like I couldn’t leave my family on Stoops and had to bring home an income instead.

“Someone from the government came round - they were very hands on back then –and said I could get £27 a week to attend an engineering/tooling course at Nelson and Colne College. It turned out that I was really good at it, and I found it really enjoyable,” Andy told us.

After gaining experience working for others, he established What More in 1999, with 15 moulds/products, nine of which were garden pots. Incredibly, the first year saw the business turn over £4.2 million – and the success has continued year on year.

STILL UNASSUMING, STILL INNOVATING

The figure is impressive enough, but what impresses us the most is how Andy talks about the business’s success; he clearly doesn’t rest on his laurels and he’s very humble when he describes his and his hard-working team’s achievements.

Professionally, these include exporting to 75 countries, winning The Queen’s Award for Enterprise - International Trade in 2014 and launching an upcycled range in 2020 where all products in this line are made from recycled items and are 100 per cent recyclable themselves. Around 500 people work for the business, making it a major employer.

The company has hit £75 million in annual turnover and a massive £75 million has been invested across the two sites.

You can find What More products in major supermarkets, online shopping platforms and well-known retail outlets, so chances are there’s a lunchbox, cleaning tool or baking tray in your kitchen somewhere.

PEOPLE FIRST

Business prowess aside, Andy is also a force of nature when it comes to the local and surrounding communities.

Andy set up The Wham Foundation, with the goal of getting young people into a meaningful activity, football being one, but we’ll come back to that sport shortly.

It is Andy’s philanthropic nature, especially in engaging and inspiring young people via sports, which led to him getting involved with the Accrington Stanley FC Trust. It was, Andy explained, losing £0.5million a year, but it did good work getting 1,000 young people from hanging around on the streets and engaged with 16,000 people a year.

And so, in Andy’s words, “I ended up accidentally buying the football club; I couldn’t let something that did such good work in the community cease to exist. It was never the plan, but here we are!”

Despite the long-winded way of saving the trust, he’s incredibly proud of its work. It secured a £100,000 Sky Bet grant, enabling it to deliver degree courses, employ almost 50 staff and continue its mission.

It’s been quite the journey for Andy, who is also a Burnley Bondholder. However, it shows that putting people first and having a strong ethos and modest attitude towards success has paid dividends and we’re proud to have this Burnley business fly the flag for our borough and its manufacturing capabilities across the globe.

Feature : Inspiring the next generation

New careers and education event a huge hit

A new careers and education event to inspire the next generation in Burnley has been a huge hit, with 1,300 Year 11s taking part at the event on Wednesday 9th October.

Find Your Future is an inspirational event that shines a spotlight on some of the apprenticeships, careers and education available in Burnley, with almost 50 exhibitors showcasing at Impact Conferencing.

All the Year 11s from the borough’s secondary schools attended the event, which is the first of its kind in ten years. It was organised and supported by Burnley. co.uk, Burnley Council, Inspira, futureU and the secondary schools.

Frances Ackroyd, careers lead at Shuttleworth College, said:”It’s been an absolutely brilliant day. We’ve had so many young people through the doors discussing their future careers and aspirations. They’ve made a wonderful impression on Burnley’s employers so hopefully there are bright things ahead.”

Toby Carpenter, careers Lead at Ridgewood Community High School, said: “Today’s been fantastic

– it’s been great to see so many companies here supporting careers in Burnley. It’s also been uplifting, with us being a SEND school, to see everybody speaking to our students and making them feel comfortable.

“They’ve discussed the options they’ve got like supported internships or giving them a better understanding of the final qualifications you might need to get into the role that they’re advertising. It’s also been very well organised.”

Harriet, a student from Shuttleworth College, stated: “I’ve been speaking to the RAF and Fagan & Whalley – it’s interesting how many different career areas there are in these organisations. It’s the stuff you don’t think about, you look at Fagan & Whalley and think transport but there’s also the finance and business side of it as well.”

Gary Dugdale from Warburtons, said: “We attended the Find Your Future event to provide inspiration to our next cohort of school leavers and there was a lot of interest from the students. A number of them took the opportunity to speak with our engineering apprentice to

understand his pathway from leaving school to becoming an apprentice, which is a four-year programme. The students were really interested in being able to earn whilst they learn.”

Rachel Bayley, Burnley place brand manager, stated: “We really hope this is the beginning of an annual event. Exhibitors fed back that it was really convenient to have all the schools in one place, making it much easier to talk to young people about their futures.

“The feedback from schools and students has also been uplifting; there was a really good buzz in the room and puts into perspective how many opportunities we have here.”

Samantha Smallridge, employment and skills project manager at Burnley Council, added: “This was a brilliant event that will help our young workers of the future as they make important decisions that will shape their lives. They now know so much more about the full range of opportunities we have in the borough and we hope it inspired and raised the aspirations for the next generation.”

“I’ve been speaking to the RAF and Fagan & Whalley – it’s interesting how many different career areas there are in these organisations.”

Harriet,

a student from Shuttleworth College

“The feedback from schools and students has also been uplifting; there was a really good buzz in the room and puts into perspective how many opportunities we have here.”

Rachel Bayley, Burnley place brand manager

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AMS Neve: From an attic bedroom to the 5th nod from royalty

Burnley’s AMS Neve has just been presented with its fifth award from the monarchy, but when we sat down with founder Mark Crabtree OBE, his career is a tale that needs to be turned into a book (or film!). Here we try and condense it into this special feature for InBusinessBurnley.

At a special ceremony at their global headquarters in Burnley, AMS Neve were honoured with a formal presentation of their King’s Award for Enterprise for Excellence in Overseas Trade, by HRH King Charles III’s representative, the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire Mrs Amanda Parker JP.

AMS Neve Limited are creators of digital and analogue audio equipment found in the world’s

most prestigious studios worldwide, which are all designed and made in Burnley. Their pioneering products - including many “world firsts” - have changed the way that music, TV and film production is carried out worldwide. AMS Neve export over 85 per cent year upon year, to 90 countries and have been awarded four previous Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.

Snoop Dogg, Ed Sheeran, Beyonce and Paul McCartney are some of the global superstars who use AMS Neve equipment to produce their music - and yet the man at the helm of the company is an unassuming yet astute member of the Burnley business community who prefers to fly under the radar when it comes to his success.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Managing director of AMS Neve Mark Crabtree originally had the idea for AMS Neve in his bedroom aged just 13. Harold Wilson had just become prime minister and for his first 100 days in office, he was pushing the export agenda. He’d inherited a poor balance of payments and said Britian needed to increase its exports by five per cent a year for five years to balance the books.

This idea of exporting stayed with Mark; “we must export, it needs to always be on the agenda but especially now”.

At the time, Mark’s great aunt lived on the Cumbrian coast and after the war, a large volume of electronics was abandoned there. When he visited his family, he would come back to Burnley with a boot full of the items and, teaching himself with books from Burnley Technical Library, would make new equipment out of the parts.

You could say AMS Neve therefore started in Mark’s attic bedroom aged 13!

Transistors then arrived into the tech world, so Mark’s next project was an electronic organ. He’d always had a passion

for music and playing instruments but thought his cover versions sounded dry. He bought a second-hand tape echo unit for £6 and would stay up until the early hours experimenting. Fast forward to a summer placement at what was Lucas Aerospace in Burnley - via a University of Cambridge degree in engineering and a master’s in digital and micro processing electronics – and his story takes another twist.

“At Lucas, I managed to get my hands on one of the world’s first micro processors and I designed a multi microcomputer test system with a colour graphics terminal at the same time as Steve Jobs from Apple did. I got permission to take it to an expo in Paris and had lots of interest, but Lucas was sadly waning, and the enthusiasm just wasn’t there for what I was progressing with. I took a leap of faith and left to form AMS [Advanced Music Systems] - I brought over a Lucas engineer and a friend from school to join me,” Mark explained.

He took what turned out to be the first of his AMS line to Abbey Road Studios -

Feature : FeatureXxxx : xxxxxxCrowned for sound

famous for seeing the likes of The Beatles through its doors - and the engineer said he thought Paul McCartney would be interested. Mark and his team spent four hours with the global superstar and two weeks later he placed an order.

It’s clear that Mark has lived an extraordinary life and to put his full life story into words would take up the entire magazine, let alone this feature. However, word soon spread about his technology that was revolutionising the music industry. Peter Gabriel, Mark Knopfler, Jeff Lynne, Phil Collins and Simon Le Bon all came to Burnley to try out the innovative digital effects processors for themselves - but their trip to the borough didn’t end at the AMS studio.

“I wanted them to see just how great a place Burnley is, it’s something I am so passionate about. Many a time I’ve been asked why we’re not in London or Hollywood, but why would I be when we can be in Burnley? We used to take many of these popstars on countryside drives, and we’d go to pubs such as The Bay Horse in Worsthorne - no one ever recognised them despite being huge stars as they didn’t expect them to be having a drink in a Burnley pub!” Mark recalled.

Every turn of this story brings with it more fascinating facts - Kate Bush’s “Running up that Hill” was created using AMS technology - the dramatic effect on the drum sound you hear is a signature of the Burnley firm’s technology. The song had something of a resurgence in 2022 when it appeared on hit show Stranger Things - we wonder how many viewers know the Burnley connection?

It was the popularity of AMS products and their strong exports that resulted in the company winning Queen’s Awards in 1984, 1985 and 1986. Only Jaguar have secured three of the same awards in a row and it’s a record unlikely to be beaten as businesses can no longer be awarded three in succession.

TRULY PUTTING BURNLEY ON THE GLOBAL MAP

Aside from the huge success of AMS Neve, Mark also played an integral role in establishing the Burnley.co.uk place brand, including chairing the Burnley Bondholders and Burnley Focus Group for eight years. AMS Neve were one of the first five founding bondholders.

FROM MUSIC TO TV TO FILM

Mark’s innovative approach to sound technology was being recognised by the TV industry, particularly as the then current process was very arduous and involved cutting film tape during editing. The AMS Logic 1 was the world’s first fully automated digital console, and the BBC purchased several. AMS technology saved days of work and soon it was being used by most major soaps, resulting in the business winning an EMMY.

{On the way home from collecting this award, Mark was stopped by airport security in the US as they thought he had a weapon. When they realised it was an EMMY, they upgraded him to first class!}

Mark has also won two Oscars, presented to him by Salma Hayek and Jennifer Garner respectively – it really is an incredible tale of a Burnley teenager who had an idea at 13 and AMS Neve (the Neve was added following an acquisition) is still renowned 50 years after its inception.

This really reflects how passionate Mark is about the borough and place brand. AMS Neve exports the majority of its products (£12 million a year) and therefore are highly unlikely to win business from local firms. However, Mark’s commitment to the ethos of the Burnley Bondholders - the business community coming together not as a sales network, but to raise the prosperity of the borough and to be loud and proud ambassadors for Burnley - means AMS Neve remains a member since the day of inception and Mark was proud to be chair for so long. He is also the driving force behind

Making it in Burnley, which launched in 2014 to encourage school children to become future engineers, whether as a career or just for fun (although we can all see where a hobby as a schoolchild can take you!). In its first year, ten girls and two boys were finalists in the competition (which needed £25,000 to get off the ground, which AMS Neve generously provided) and to this day, AMS Neve continues to contribute to ensure it keeps going. As you can see, it feels an impossible task to articulate in one article just what Mark has done for the industry, Burnley and local employment – would he ever write a book?

“Yes, I have been asked if I’d write a book, maybe I should.”

But for now, hopefully this feature provides an insight into Burnley’s AMS Neve and its founder and arguably one of the borough’s biggest champions.

Feature : Crowned for sound

FIVE AND COUNTING

As well as taking home an EMMY and two Oscars, securing a King’s Award is a prestigious achievement, having to be signed off by 18 government departments; in fact, only ten per cent of those who apply make the final cut. So, the fact that Mark and his team at AMS Neve have previously also secured four of the same awards for enterprise, but from our late Queen, is an incredible feat.

The special ceremony included a talk about the history of the company by Mark, plus a speech of congratulations from the Mayor of Burnley, and guests then enjoyed a demonstration of the impressive digital film console mixing desk, plus a factory tour including all departments meeting staff, and a VIP preview of a new console which will be installed in Abbey Road Studios.

The Mayor of Burnley, Cllr Shah Hussain said: “It gives me great pleasure to share in the pride which we all have of the achievements of AMS Neve. The company continues to go from strength to strength and is recognised worldwide as best in class at what you do. All of you are proof that British

design and engineering cannot be beaten.

“May I say on behalf of Burnley how proud we are that you are such a strong, successful and innovative company, and that you continue to train new generations and expand. We wish you every success in the future.”

The Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Mrs Amanda Parker JP, commented: “I hope you are all incredibly proud because each and every one of you has contributed to this, and it wouldn't happen without you. The continual growth in exports, in innovation of product, is just astonishing. I congratulate every one of you.”

At the event, Mark added: “This is a lovely tribute to the team here. We're very honoured to have received this award, it really does mean a lot to us. Everybody here is very hard working, and very dedicated to what we do. To receive an award that's from the nation, from the King, is something very special indeed and means a lot to all the team. I do thank you very much indeed for presenting us with this award.”

SBS Electrical 52 years in business & still going strong

SBS Electrical Heating and Plumbing Services Ltd has been part of the Burnley business landscape for the last 52 years. Set up in 1972 and named after the founders Stephen Wilkinson, Barry Bamford and Steve Crane, the business originally working on small residential properties before taking on more commercial and industrial work with customers including local authorities and health providers.

Based on Healy Wood Industrial Estate, the business has grown over the years, becoming a trusted name in the industry with clients across the country. When the founding members started to think about retirement they spoke to employees Alistair Brown, Billy Walton, and Tracy Tailor about taking over. Such was their commitment to SBS’s loyal customers that a lengthy handover plan was put in place to ensure a smooth transition. In 2015 the management takeover was complete, and the business has continued to go from strength

to strength, with Liam Mulready joining the team in 2018. Most of SBS’s contracts are won through word of mouth and a stellar reputation, which is something director Alistair takes great pride in: “It can be extremely competitive when competing for contracts, but I love the challenge of providing value for money but not compromising on quality. People know that we will provide a quality service and we have lots of customers who will hire us again and again.”

A CHILDHOOD DREAM REALISED

Alistair has been part of the business for 34 years since leaving high school; in fact, his SBS journey began whilst still in education at Towneley High School: “As a child I was bought an electronics kit and from that moment on I knew I wanted to be an electrician. When I saw the opportunity to work at SBS for my three-week high school work experience placement I jumped at the chance,” he explains.

Alistair’s enthusiasm clearly shone through as on the last day of the placement he was offered a job and joined SBS as an apprentice in the summer of 1990, working his way up through the business.

“I qualified as an electrician after five years and then worked managing projects as a site foreman. When the opportunity came to be part of the management team and buy the business it was an opportunity I couldn’t resist. Now when young people join the business, I always share my story and tell them that if they are committed and have the drive then there is lots of opportunity to progress here.”

EXPANDING THE BUSINESS

As well as the electrical and plumbing work that they are well known, for SBS has recently introduced a control panel division to the business, Alistair explains more:

“Working on large plumbing and electrical projects, we noticed that Building Management System (BMS) controls were often overlooked or provided by a third party. This was not only costly for the contractor but would also impact the project’s continuity and increase our client’s management costs.

“We decided to start building our own BMS control panels so that we could offer a full mechanical, electrical and controls package on these projects. At first we adapted an unused office area, but demand grew so quickly that we ended up renovating our storage area to create a large, modern control panel workshop.”

Although the new department has only been up and running for two years, they have already won some big contracts, including projects for Mars Confectionery and Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. They’ve also installed several Building Management Systems locally in the North West.

“The fact that we design, build and install the panels means that we can control the quality from start to finish and offer the complete package that many of our competitors can’t,” explains Alistair.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR SBS?

“We want to keep growing the control panel side of the business, as well as continuing to provide a quality service to our regular customers,” says Alistair.

With a 50 strong workforce and plans to develop the panel shop even further it’s great to see a local business thriving and we look forward to seeing what the next 50 years have in store for SBS.

PRAIRIE SPORTS VILLAGE EVENTS THAT DON’T COST THE EARTH

At the newly refurbished Windermere Suite at Prairie Sports Village, we offer high-quality meeting and events facilities at unbeatable value for money.

As a not-for-profit registered charity, Burnley Leisure & Culture are committed to providing the best prices in the area without compromising on the quality of our venue, food, and beverage services. With state-ofthe-art facilities and exceptional in-house hospitality, we will ensure that your event is both memorable and affordable.

Burnley Leisure & Culture are thrilled to announce investment into transforming our Windermere Suite into the ultimate destination for your meetings and events. Whether you’re hosting a conference, seminar, or private event, the Windermere Suite now offers cutting-edge meeting and events facilities designed to elevate your experience.

HERE’S WHAT’S NEW:

• Next-generation technical and presentation facilities including the latest in AV technology, connected interactive displays, and seamless connectivity for all your presentations.

• Barista-style coffee for all conference delegates, ensuring premium fresh coffee service to fuel productive discussions.

• Enhanced comfort and ambience with modern furnishings and flexible layouts to suit any event size, up to 120 guests and delegates.

Whether you’re planning a corporate meeting, training session, or special celebration, the Windermere Suite at Prairie Sports Village is now the perfect venue to impress your guests and make your event a resounding success.

Book your next event and experience the difference at Prairie Sports Village! EXCITING NEW INVESTMENT IN MEETING & EVENTS FACILITIES AT PRAIRIE SPORTS VILLAGE

ALWAYS ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL

Prairie Sports Village is fully equipped to ensure accessibility for all guests. Our venue offers disabled and wheelchair access throughout, along with disabled parking bays and parent and baby parking bays, to ensure ease of movement for all our guests.

We are committed to providing a welcoming environment with multi-cultural access and the ability to adapt the space to meet diverse needs of our community, ensuring comfort and inclusivity for every event. Whether through custom room layouts or tailored facilities, we ensure that the Windermere Suite is a venue where everyone can fully participate.

How to contact us:

Email: hospitality@blcgroup.co.uk

Phone: 01282 664444

Website: www.blcgroup.co.uk

Feature : Digital revolution

BURNLEY’S DIGITAL REVOLUTION

WITHa host of tech businesses providing everything from digital marketing to innovative AI solutions, Burnley is shaking off its historic mill town image to become a thriving digital hub in the heart of Lancashire. Martyn Hardacre, principal economic development officer, updates InBusinessBurnley on just how the borough plans to grow its digital offering.

In 2016, Burnley was ranked 2nd in the country for digital jobs growth when there was a spike of over 160% growth in jobs in the sector for that year. Burnley's reputation for tech was again national news in 2018 when the Financial Times identified us as a Top 16 "tech town". It's impressive to see Burnley named in the same breath as London, Bristol and Manchester when we talk about digital and tech businesses but it's a reputation that's thoroughly deserved and one that we continue to build on.

In the last 18 months there has been a resurgence in activity with four events held with guest speakers talking about AI use and ethics, Investment, cyber attacks, resilience in tech and invaluable insights from university specialists and tech founders. The events have helped us engage with a range of businesses in the sector, some known and some new to us and covering a broad spectrum from software developers to cyber security specialists and IoT developers to digital marketing specialists.

As the momentum continued, it was clear that a very positive relationship was forming with Northern Reach; who had been working with the council to organise the

events and were providing keynote speakers and guidance on how we took things to the next level. After discussions with Dan Knowles, founder of Northern Reach, about his aspirations to grow the reach of the work in the east of the county, we decided that we wanted something dedicated specifically for Burnley and signed a contract with Northern Reach to provide a tech community coordinator. The plan behind this was to really understand who our tech companies were, both big and small; understand what is working for them and what isn't - are there skills gaps, issues with knowing what other local tech companies do, how do they access investment and are there any barriers to their growth? Understanding this will allow us to provide more targeted support to help the businesses in this key sector to grow and develop. Northern Reach supports local government to encourage the growth of tech business in their regions.

Founder Dan Knowles said: "Burnley is fast becoming a beacon for the region, as a tech hub, with exciting potential to capitalise on the local access to advanced manufacturers. We already know a number of local businesses who have a presence in the region and you pull together the investment from Barclays Eagle Labs, recent University of Central Lancashire developments and Burnley College; one of the UK's most engaged further education establishments, all the raw materials are there to build a really strong tech community. This is underlined by a progressive local authority who value investment into its innovation ecosystem".

As discussions continued and a plan formulated, Cat Mawdsley stepped into the role as Burnley tech community coordinator. With seven years working directly in the tech sector across the North-West region, Cat was perfectly placed to build on the existing work we had already done with the local tech community and said: “I’m thrilled to be supporting Burnley Council as their appointed tech community coordinator on behalf of Northern Reach. After several years of working within national roles, it’s great to be back working with tech organisations in my home county. I get to work with a supportive and forwarding thinking team within the council and support their ambition to build a thriving tech and digital community."

Cat added: "My role is quite simple, support the Burnley tech and digital businesses and promote the growth within the region. Our launch event attracted 50 registrations, 30 of which are Burnley tech folk. The remaining 20 are made up of predominantly attendees from other East Lancashire boroughs. This for me already indicates the appetite for a localised tech community. The Burnley tech network will be very much community led and driven; my goal is to become the steerage for this community. I will also be focusing on developing supply chain opportunities via a hyper local cluster providing solid links between technologists and engineering/ manufacturing, giving a firm nod to Burnley’s history and its formidable heritage of being the cradle of the industrial revolution. Exciting times are ahead for the borough.”

On top of the first call to action event we are planning to host four additional larger scale events,

monthly tech meetups, drop-in sessions and rotating co-working events at guest venues where we also hope to promote local independent businesses.

The growing momentum has also led to a visit from tech journalist Chris Maguire, executive editor of BusinessCloud, who spent the day in Burnley to get a feel for the tech scene and our innovative manufacturing and engineering capability.

He was taken on a tour of Burnley College by principal Karen Buchanan, who showed Chris the impressive esports and cyber security suites, along with the engineering capability including five-axis robotic arms.

From Burnley College, he visited Red-Fern Media based on Slater Terrace. The manufacturing marketing agency specialises in technology such as AI and AR, including for renowned global brands. He met with managing director Sean Redfearn, who showed Chris some of the agency’s capabilities.

It was then over to AMS Neve, where Chris met founder Mark Crabtree OBE, who took him through a (brief!) overview of his incredible journey to supplying sound technology to some of the biggest musicians and Hollywood studios in the world.

The final stop was FDM Solutions, which specialises in 3D printing for the automotive, aerospace and F1 sectors. It’s home to the first large format additive machine in the UK and again reflects how digital capability can launch the manufacturing and engineering sectors into the next stages of sustainable growth, showing how Burnley holds its own on the global stage.

If you’d like to join us on this exciting journey please email cat@northernreach.co.uk

AWARDS 2024

Headline Sponsor Organised by

Burnley businesses reaching for the stars

Burnley’s business community was out in force on 4 July for the Burnley Business Awards 2024. Held at Crow Wood Hotel, the prestigious awards celebrated the tenacious, innovative and resilient businesses, charities and organisations in the borough.

Guests were greeted with a drink’s reception provided by champagne sponsors Veka Ltd. With a slight twist to proceedings, people were invited to ring a bell on a mystery wall built by Burnley College’s construction department and were surprised to receive a drink from a curtained picture frame.

The 600 guests then headed through the beautiful terrace outside Crow Wood into the marquee to get the awards started. After an introduction from Burnley Council

chief executive Lukman Patel they were served a delicious three-course meal. Feedback following the event highlighted what a wonderful job Crow Wood did at serving such highquality food to so many guests.

It was then time for the awards which were overseen by hosts Emma Morris, TV executive editor, and Simon Brierley, from the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce.

Emma is well known within the TV industry, including for her role as executive editor of the BBC’s One Show and Morning Live. A Burnley girl, Emma recently moved back to her hometown and has been vocal about the positive changes she has witnessed since she originally left for university and then to London for her career. Simon is a Burnley stalwart, having hosted the

Burnley Business Awards several times over and is a highly regarded figure within the business community.

Emma said: “I was delighted to be co-hosting the business awards with Simon. It is clear how passionate the community is in Burnley and it was great to be able to celebrate the shortlisted businesses and of course the winners.”

Simon added: “The Burnley Business Awards are one of my favourite events and it was a real honour to be asked once again to cohost. The businesses in the borough are a force to be reckoned with. It genuinely is an uplifting and powerful evening to see just a handful of our organisations in one place, celebrating one another. I was also delighted to welcome Emma as my co-host, we had a great time.”

“As always, it was great to see the innovation, ambition and excellence of our local businesses being rightly recognised and celebrated. I’d like to thank all our sponsors for their continued support, without which we wouldn’t be able to honour local entrepreneurship in this way.“

“I know the judges were incredibly impressed by the entries and it was a tough job to whittle them down to the finalists and then of course to the winners. This is testament to the hard work and resilience of our business community and I’d like to thank Burnley businesses for their commitment to raising the prosperity of the borough.”

Once we’d celebrated our winners, including two surprise categories, the party continued back in the hotel where guests were entertained by Kiki and The Noughty Boys who performed a medley of hits. A great way for all our hardworking businesses to let their hair down and celebrate each other’s successes.

Turn to page 56 to find out who our winners were...

Burnley Council leader councillor Afrasiab Anwar stated:

Lukman Patel, chief executive of Burnley Council, said:

As part of the awards Burnley business Boohoo Group and Burnley College Art & Design students joined forces to deliver part of the décor.

Boohoo, which has more than two million sq ft of space and thousands of employees on Heasandford Industrial Estate, were decor sponsors. They already work closely with Burnley College students, such as donating dresses to young people in the borough who may struggle to cover the costs of attending formal events such as proms.

When Boohoo Group and Burnley College were set a challenge by Burnley Council, to help create décor for the evening following the awards theme of ‘written in the stars/destiny’, they knew what needed to be done.

“We have a long-standing partnership with Burnley College and

try to ensure any items that cannot be sold for whatever reason are made use of. Other partnerships include pop-up complementary prom shops, as well as pop-up fashion stalls that raise money for local good causes such as Pendleside Hospice.

“We were therefore delighted to join forces once again, helping the students to create beautiful fashion displays which tell a story,” Sophie Clark, communications and culture manager at Boohoo Group, said.

Lukman Patel, chief executive officer at Burnley Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see two prestigious Burnley brands come together. boohoo and Burnley College fly the flag for our borough, and this is one example of how industry can support the development of our young people and vice versa.”

Rebekah Rosebank, curriculum manager for Art, Design and Fashion at Burnley College, said “Our amazing students have really thrown themselves into this project! They’ve actively engaged in a unique and creative way to produce several displays for guests of the Burnley Business Awards to enjoy. The fabrics and items supplied have allowed them to be experimental and it has been a rewarding experience for students and staff alike. We are extremely proud to have partnered with such a prestigious company for this live brief.”

Small Business of the Year Award (0-10

employees)

sponsored by NOMINEES

Bandicoot IT

CheckedSafe

Craig Atkinson Removals

E&M Property Solutions

Miro Products

Schofield & Associates

Financial Planning

Six Connections

TCB Designs

The Royal Dyche Participation Works

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Craig Atkinson Removals

The Royal Dyche

MIRO PRODUCTS

“Winning this award is more than just recognition - it’s a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication shown by all the team here at Miro. It also serves as a reminder of how lucky we are to be a business in Burnley. We were in a really tough category and up against some fantastic competition, so to take the top prize was a real honour; it motivates us to achieve even more and to keep striving for excellence.”

Crow Wood is where the most discerning guests celebrate Christmas

DECEMBER DINING • PARTY NIGHTS • CHRISTMAS DAY

BOXING DAY • NEW YEAR’S EVE • NEW YEAR’S DAY

Small Business of the Year Award (11-49

employees)

sponsored by

NOMINEES

+24 Marketing Ellis’s

Fifty-Two Scope Fire & Security The Lawrence Hotel The Low Carbon Energy Company

“Winning the Small Business of the Year award was a proud moment for the entire team at Financial Affairs. It stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone in the company, while highlighting our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service to our clients. Being recognised by the Burnley business community is a true honour, and this award will continue to inspire us as we strive for excellence and growth.”

Medium Business of the Year Award

sponsored by

“ESP Play enjoys working with customers across the UK and across the world, but first and foremost we are a Burnley business. We are proud to be based in Burnley and to employ talented and enthusiastic local people to build and install our products and create amazing playgrounds for children. Everyone at ESP Play is delighted to have won this prestigious award and we are excited to continue to represent Burnley on the national and international stage.”

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER FOR SEAMLESS INTEGRATED SERVICES

DESIGN | BUILD INSTALL | MAINTAIN

Large Business of the Year Award (250+

employees)

sponsored by

NOMINEES

BCW Group

Crow Wood

EFS Global

Fagan & Whalley

VEKA

WINNER

FAGAN & WHALLEY

“Looking back on Fagan & Whalley’s beginnings in 1927, delivering coal around East Lancashire on a horsedrawn cart, it’s truly amazing to see how far the business has come, to now being a key player in the UK’s logistics industry. Winning the Large Business of the Year Award has been a tremendous honour for us, and we are incredibly proud of our team and the journey we’ve been on.”

“To win this award feels amazing and is a fantastic recognition of our team’s hard work and dedication and shows that we are really punching above our weight. We look forward to using this to propel us to the next level.”

Business of the Year Award

sponsored by

AMS NEVE

“This unscheduled award was a very great surprise and the most heart warming of all. After nearly fifty years of starting up, operating and developing in Burnley, and still opening up new markets, there is no better award that one from those closest to us. Thank you Burnley - we’ll continue to do our best.”

International Trade of the Year Award

sponsored by

“Burnley’s recognition of our performance as an exporter – in both the doubling of our trade over two years, and the reflected profile of a glamour industry - is great for our proud staff as very often about town they would hear .

‘AMS Neve – never heard of them!’

We are all delighted with the award.”

AMS NEVE

JUST A GLIMPSE OF THE NIGHT...

Innovation Award

sponsored by

NOMINEES

+24 Marketing

Burnley Leisure & Culture

CheckedSafe

“It was a real honour to win the innovation award at the Burnley Business Awards. Just to be mentioned alongside so many incredible Burnley Businesses is incredible. We’re so proud of our town and the amazing #BrilliantBurnley business community that is the envy of so many other regions. And what a party! Congratulations to all!”

Environmental Excellence Award

sponsored by

“As an SME winning such an award in a room full of local business really is an honour. Winning the award generates fantastic exposure around one of the UKs biggest waste problems, E-Waste. Whilst also highlighting the importance of circular economy and services we can provide both locally and on a national capacity. Since winning the awards we have worked with a greater number of local businesses in both the public and private sectors, as well as opening some amazing conversations that provide larger opportunities in the town.”

Rene K Couture

The Low Carbon Energy Company

Leisure, Tourism & Hospitality Award

sponsored by

NOMINEES

Burnley Leisure & Culture – Prairie

Sports Village

Crow Wood Ellis’s

The Lawrence

The Palazzo

The Royal Dyche

HIGHLY COMMENDED

The Palazzo

THE LAWRENCE HOTEL

“We’ve been fortunate to win a few awards this year, but there is something special about winning the Burnley awards. It’s our hometown awards and when you’re up against such amazing finalists it’s a real honour for us and the team to win.”

Employer of the Year Award

sponsored by

NOMINEES

BFC in the Community

Fagan & Whalley

WINNER

FAGAN & WHALLEY

“As a 6th generation family business, with 5 depots operating nationally, our culture is fundamental to our success. In the logistics industry, it can be challenging to unite a team, when our drivers are constantly on the roads. At Fagan & Whalley, we are dedicated to maintaining an environment where our employees feel connected and valued. Being recognised for this is truly wonderful, and we are incredibly grateful to the judges and local businesses for their support.”

Safran

VEKA

Safran

Young Employee of the Year Award

sponsored by

“I was proud to win Young Employee of the Year at the Burnley Business Awards 2024, however it took me by complete shock! It was amazing to even be considered for nomination, but it felt extra special to be appreciated and recognised for my hard work over the last two years from my employer, manager & colleagues. I am extremely grateful to have won the award and would encourage any young people to push themselves to apply in the future!”

NOMINEES

Sophie Clark, Boohoo Group

Alex Gill, Burnley College

Emily O’Keefe, Calico Homes

Cameron McGuire, The Burnley Bus Company

EMILY O’KEEFE, CALICO HOMES

Lifetime Achievement Award

sponsored by

WINNER

CAROLE GARRETT

“I was really excited to attend the Burnley Business Awards at Crow Wood to celebrate business excellence. The venue was amazing and so lovely to see some of my clients win awards on the evening.

When the lifetime achievement award was introduced and the people on the video started to describe the winner my husband said this is you. It did not register until I think the third person said something about me I went into immediate shock and I could just could not comprehend it.

The next half hour was like I was in a trance completely shocked and speechless, I was grateful that Simon did not ask me to say anything I could not speak as I was so emotional. Now looking back it’s absolutely humbling to receive this from my fellow businesses and I am truly grateful.”

Secure Your Future: Don’t Let Your Business Fall Behind

Keep your company ahead of the curve with the Cyber Security Practitioner Course from North West Business Training (NWBT). Powered by Burnley College, the Number 1 College in England*, NWBT offers expert tuition.

As a proud partner in the Lancashire & Cumbria Institute of Technology, you can expect state-of-the-art facilities and leading-edge technology.

Why NWBT’s Cyber Security Practitioner Course?

Expert Guidance: Learn from highly-qualified experts with extensive professional experience in cyber security

Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering the latest techniques and tools, the course ensures your business is protected against modern cyber threats

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Tailored Learning: Course content designed to address specific business needs, providing bespoke solutions for your enterprise

Competitive Advantage: Equip yourself with the knowledge to safeguard your business, ensuring you remain competitive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Unlock the potential in your business by enrolling in our Cyber Security Practitioner Course.

CYBER SECURITY PRACTITIONER

Duration: 10 Weeks

Location: Burnley College, Princess Way Campus

Start Date: 10 January 2025

Course Fee: £1,000

Secure your business’s future with NWBT powered by Burnley College.

*In the Government’s latest achievement tables for learners aged 16-18.