WINTER 2016/17
Let's talk Business
Skelmersdale Place Board calls out to businesses Edge Hill University’s new Tech Hub
Greenwood Business Centre open for business
Business support opportunities Economic Regeneration at West Lancashire Borough Council
Let’s talk Business - WINTER 2016/17
Tech Hub Talks Business Edge Hill University has unveiled its new £13m Tech Hub, which is open to businesses across Lancashire helping to strengthen relationships and encourage economic growth across the region. The Tech Hub houses the UK’s first 4k resolution virtual simulation CAVE (cave automatic virtual environment) giving student’s and businesses access to cutting-edge 3D technology, with the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in a virtual room and experience real life scenarios in 4k resolution – anything from emergency situations to complex surgery and lab reactions, other facilities at the Tech Hub include: • A Harvard-style lecture theatre • The Tech Sandpit: bringing together students and businesses to discuss and share ideas. • A Hatchery: workspace for entrepreneurs to tap into skills and knowledge of the University and local industry to work on new business ideas. • Interact with the Tech Hub's child-sized robot.
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The building has been developed with the aim of opening up facilities to local businesses and creating an environment for collaborative partnerships, with an invitation to approach the University with project proposals. The Tech Sandpit will allow technology businesses to carry out research, utilising the skills and knowledge of academics and students. The Hatchery will help support graduate technology companies as well as creating space for budding entrepreneurs and new business ideas. The Tech Hub aims to be a key resource for employers across Lancashire and beyond, including those in the food manufacturing and digital creative industries, allowing the University to support advanced industry in the region. Mark Allanson, pro vice-chancellor of Edge Hill University, said:
Having this dedicated facility for technology shows the University’s commitment to technological innovation, computing and bioscience and reflects our success in producing employable, highly skilled graduates who contribute to the regional economy and beyond.
To find out how your business can utilise this fantastic facility visit: www.edgehill.ac.uk or contact Michael Banford, Business Development Manager on 01695 657645 or email michael.banford@edgehill.ac.uk
UKI Express Transport expands within Skelmersdale Freight forwarding and warehousing specialists UKI Express Transport has relocated within Skelmersdale to a sizeable 100,400 sq ft of warehouse space, situated on the thriving Gillibrands commercial area. Peter Gummerson, Managing Director of UKI, said: “This move was imperative for our continued growth and in order to support our large portfolio of clients who currently ship in excess of 190,000 tonnes per year into and around the United Kingdom”. UKI carry over 1500 separate consignments per day throughout the United Kingdom, via road, air and sea, so location was a key factor
when searching for a new distribution centre. Dennis Dwyer, Orbit Development’s Divisional Director, said: “This is a significant letting for the site and demonstrates that the commercial market for units of this size is alive and kicking. Skelmersdale has an enviable location for logistics operators with its location being so close to the M6 and the motorway network. We are continuing to market the site with a further 374,400 sq ft of refurbished distribution warehouse accommodation, with the first phase of 186,560 sq ft ready for Jan 17 and second phase of 176,600 sq ft ready for users in Feb 17”.
Greenwood Business Centre, Skelmersdale Has your business outgrown its premises? West Lancashire Borough Council has declared the new Greenwood Business Centre, Gorsey Place, Skelmersdale ‘open for business’. This brand new £1.7m commercial development consists of 11 high-spec units, constructed to meet the demands of businesses looking for high quality facilities and ready to move into immediately.
For further information regarding the Gillibrands site or other vacant commercial property within West Lancashire contact the Economic Regeneration team today on 01695 712692 or email lets.talk@westlancs.gov.uk
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The units have already proven extremely popular with only a few remaining. Benefits include: • • • • •
Situated minutes from the M6/M58 A secure, gated facility Generous car-parking Modern high-spec units Flexible terms and competitive rates
For further information about vacant properties at Greenwood Business Centre or to request a viewing contact; Aidan Manley in the Council's Estates team on 01695 712616 or email lets.talk@westlancs.gov.uk
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Let’s talk Business - WINTER 2016/17
Ambassadors Network
Do you want to be part of a network which unites businesses, organisations and individuals? Skelmersdale Ambassadors are champions who actively promote the place to prospective developers, fellow businesses, investors, home owners and visitors through their day to day activity.
Are you proud, passionate and positive about
SKELMERSDALE?
Skelmersdale Ambassadors Network is a powerful group of people who are connected and committed to the place. They have the know-how to drive change, influence the development of the town and challenge perceptions whilst raising its profile. The Ambassadors Network will be the driving force to Skelmersdale’s success, ensuring it is positively promoted, talked about and better understood.
If this sounds like you and your organisation then join the Skelmersdale Ambassadors Network and benefit from; • High level networking and collaboration • Raise your organisation’s profile • Access to bespoke marketing materials, including photography and the Skelmersdale Story book • Business events • Hear first-hand about new developments and opportunities from those in the know. • And much more…
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Save the date The next Skelmersdale Ambassadors Network event is scheduled for 28 Feb 2017. Following the success of the first event, Christine Green (Commerical Manager) Graylaw Freight Group, Skelmersdale said: "We are extremely proud to be a Skelmersdale Ambassador and would urge other businesses who have an interest or connection with the place to sign up, network with like-minded people and take advantage of this great opportunity in helping to shape Skelmersdale's successful future".
28 February 2017
For further details about future events and how to become a Skelmersdale Ambassador contact the Economic Regeneration team on 01695 712692 or email lets.talk@westlancs.gov.uk
Issue 15
Spotlight on the Place Board The Skelmersdale Place Board is a collaboration of private and public sector leaders brought together to successfully deliver an exciting and important strategy for the town. Their vision is to drive forward their plans and encourage individuals, businesses and organisations to become Ambassadors and champion Skelmersdale as a great place to do business. Place Board member Steve Jones (Director of Fairbanks Environmental) talks about the Skelmersdale Story, Ambassadors Network and the importance of promoting Skelmersdale on a regional, national and international stage. What key areas will the Place Board focus on to promote the Skelmersdale Story? As we turn the spotlight on Skelmersdale, we the Place Board have identified three key that weto believe Is itthemes important yoursummarise business the Skelmersdale Story. to forge local connections?
eg: with local businesses • Celebration of working value and other networks such as There is a vast array of businesses thewithin Council. If so how Skelmersdale fromwould large multithisnationals benefittoyour business? well-established SME’s Working with local businesses issmall and scores of entrepreneurial verybusinesses important to us wewill have whoseand ideas bring already forged relationships with local further success and employment to suppliers to source building the area. What they have materials in common for the modifications to is aongoing skilled and committed workforce our that Skelmersdale depot, along with is the lifeblood of any business. employment agency companies. We have found West Lancashire Borough Council to be very welcoming and keen to help and support us. We must say, this is very refreshing! We will be extending our local supplier base and continuing to develop current relationships. It’s certainly our intention also, to build on the relationship we have with the Council and through close team work, we are sure to be taking on many more local people over the coming months and years.
• Cultivating connections This can be interpreted in a number of ways. From the obvious transport links that we enjoy through the excellent motorway network, to the connections we can make with businesses and organisations within the Skelmersdale area. We have fabulous educational establishments on our doorstep at Edge Hill University and West Lancashire College and will use these connections to further develop the skill sets of our workforce. • Green town living There can be fewer places with better access to green space than Skelmersdale. This space is available for leisure pursuits, business expansion and the development of additional living accommodation. All of these will be vital to helping Skelmersdale grow and achieve its potential. What will the role of the Skelmersdale Ambassadors be? The Place Board is looking to recruit Do you employ Ambassadors who are encouraged to apprentices and local people? promote Skelmersdale and the values it Absolutely, currently employ seventy represents we through its key themes. This six from area. We don’tbut have canpeople be done in athe number of ways apprentices of yet, isbut will be on perhaps theas simplest to this be positive the agenda in theand coming about the place what months it has to with offer. support Council. We also We needfrom our the Ambassadors tohave spread signed up to the Council's Employment & the message through their contacts Skills Charter supportcommunity. local employment and the widerto business and skills initiatives. As we continue to expand, wethe expect the number What are prospects for of local people we employ to grow significantly. Skelmersdale’s future? I firmly believe that Skelmersdale has Do youfuture. haveThe any future a bright town has never plans fortheBuffaload? grown to size that was originally Yes, we have annever exciting plan for our planned and so really reached Skelmersdale Wesuccessful see this location critical mass. Ifsite. we are in becoming strategically important our aim of more promoting Skelmersdale we in the months and years and it will will coming see the population grow as new almost doubleare in size in the next housingcertainly developments undertaken one two see years. This will requireand more and to in turn more businesses employment the areatotolocate help reach organisationsinchoosing here. our goals and who knows, we may need to look for further local warehousing.
TH E S K E L M E RS D A LE S TO RY The Skelmersdale Story tells us what great things Skelmersdale has to offer, captures the essence of the area and puts us ‘on the map’ for all the right reasons. Home to big brands including: SCA Hygiene, Hotter Shoes, Proctor & Gamble and Pepsico as well as an abundance of smaller innovative companies and entrepreneurs. Equally there is a vibrant third sector with excellent examples of social enterprises across the area, along with key local education assets of West Lancashire College and Edge Hill University. All of who play leading roles alongside the public sector in the development and growth of the economy and as promoters and supporters of the place. The story projects what the place is about, what it stands for and what matters. It is not a strap line or marketing message it is a strategic signature for Skelmersdale. The new brand visual reflects and underpins the story; a vibrant combination of style and colours to complement the themes, which makes Skelmersdale unique and stand out above the crowd. To find out more about The Skelmersdale Story visit: www.westlancs.gov.uk/more/ regeneration-projects
We are always looking for class 1 local drivers and we put all our employment opportunities on our website. For further information about Buffaload Logistics please visit www.buffaload.co.uk 5
Let’s talk Business - WINTER 2016/17 2016
Selling made Easier – For people who want more sales! Boost Business Lancashire are offering Lancashire businesses a bespoke Sales and Marketing programme ‘Selling Made Easier’ specifically aimed at MD’s who sell or have teams that sell. The programme is fully funded for those operating Business to Business with high growth potential that meet the eligibility criteria. The ‘Selling Made Easier’ programme was developed to help MD's who are short of time and have to juggle all functions of their business whilst focusing on sales. The programme includes sales training whilst tracking your results, along with great networking opportunities. Four interactive sessions will focus on how to develop your sales strategy and translate this into practical sales steps and results.
Prepare your business against the risk of pollution Are you keen to enhance your businesses image and green credentials? The Environment Agency is funding Groundwork’s Smarter Business Team to offer FREE, confidential on-site water pollution audits to selected businesses* specifically on the Pimbo and Gillibrands estates in Skelmersdale to ensure that business operations and activities keep our environment healthy. Help is on hand from Groundwork if your businesses activities involve the:
How it works: • 4 x group mentoring sessions over 8 weeks • 2.5 hours of training / tools / tips • 30 minutes of sharing ideas / contacts • Various dates available
In the interactive 4 sessions you will: • Produce your strategic sales and marketing plan that is practical and gets results • Add value to your services/products and improve profit by dissecting your customers, markets, products, pricing, profit, sales process, sales people and sales skills. • Analyse how and why your customers buy and build it into your sales approach • Get the best from yourself and your employees learn resilience and how to motivate yourself and others. • Track and record progress and be accountable for your performance. • Get your people obsessed with profitability (in a good way)
For further information about the programme and other Boost Business Lancashire support programmes visit: www.westlancs.gov/business or speak to a member of the Economic Regeneration team today on 01695 712692 or email lets.talk@westlancs.gov.uk
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• delivery or handling of material such as oils, chemicals and food stuffs, • storage of raw materials, fuel, oil or chemicals, or • managing the disposal or storage of waste, Almost all pollution incidences are preventable through good design, proper housekeeping, training of staff and maintenance of equipment. To help achieve this, the confidential audit carried out by a specialist environmental management consultant, will identify practical steps a business could take to: • Reduce environmental, health and safety risks from on-site pollution incidents, • Ensure that businesses operations are designed to minimise pollution risks, • Avoid potential fines and penalties that can exceed £1million. All interested businesses will be awarded with a certificate acknowledging your commitment to pollution prevention. *Free onsite support for selected businesses who are identified by Groundwork as high or medium risk located at Pimbo and Gillibrands Estates. Terms & Conditions apply. If you are a Skelmersdale business located at Gillibrands or Pimbo then why not give your green credentials a boost. Find out if you are eligible or for more information contact Chris White on 07500 781746 or email chris.white@groundwork.org.uk
#lovemyriver
Issue 15
Join Ormskirk’s new Business Forum Dave Coyle owner of The Cricketers, Ormskirk is keen to establish a new business forum specifically aimed at town centre businesses. The new forum will allow businesses the opportunity to hear first-hand about town centre initiatives and be involved in future events. As set out in the Ormskirk Town Centre Strategy the Council has forged new partnerships with community organisations, businesses and Edge Hill University who work together to use innovative ways to enhance and promote the town and encourage a strong sense of pride through community engagement. The new business forum will have a place on the Ormskirk Town Centre Management group and contribute to improve Ormskirk’s offer as a great shopping and visitor destination. Dave is actively engaging with businesses and has already attracted a number of retailers keen to be involved. If you have a business in Ormskirk and want to make a difference to the town centre then get in touch today and start the conversation to make Ormskirk a more vibrant place.
Thank You! The Ormskirk Town Centre Management Group would like to thank those businesses and community organisations for their help and co-operation at the successful Christmas celebrations. Special thanks to Ormskirk Market Traders, Chapel Gallery, Swinton Insurance, M&S and Boots for their generous contributions and to Ormskirk Community Partnership for organising their fabulous Christmas Gingerbread Trail.
New visual brand for Ormskirk Does your business or organisation have a connection with Ormskirk? Take advantage of a new visual brand for the town, as well as access to a collection of bespoke photographs to help promote Ormskirk as a great place to live, work, study and visit. Brand visuals include elements not just of Ormskirk but its wider assets including the surrounding countryside, WWT Martin Mere and National Trust Rufford Old Hall. The ‘Ormskirk Toolkit’ is available free of charge and includes a set of guidelines and ideas on how best to use it. Ian Gill from West Lancashire Borough Council and Chair of the Ormskirk Town Centre Management Group said; “The OTCMG have been working together over the last 12 months on a number of town centre initiatives including the creation of a new visual brand for the town, which represents what the place is about and what it has to offer. We have recently designed a number of vibrant town centre banners which are proudly displayed in the town centre as well as unique shopping bags. This new visual language is a ‘one brand fits all’ and I would encourage local businesses, organisations and visitor attractions to use it to complement their own brands”.
For further information on how to join the new business forum, get involved in future events and access the Ormskirk Toolkit, contact the Council's Economic Regeneration team today on 01695 712692 or email lets.talk@westlancs.gov.uk 7
Let’s talk Business - WINTER 2016/17
Dates for your diary Boost Business Lancashire Growth Support Programme Pop-up Café
Date: 31 January 17 Venue: Café Wi-Fi West Lancashire Investment Centre, Skelmersdale Time: 10.00am - 2.00pm Cost: FREE
The pop-up café event provides an opportunity for new and existing businesses in Lancashire to have a growth conversation with a qualified and experienced business advisor – Sue Denver (Growth Explorer) will be available on the day to explain how to get started, what support is available across Lancashire and make recommendations for next steps. No appointment necessary, simply drop in, say hello and start your growth journey today! For further information contact Sue on: 07718 763 405.
Skelmersdale Ambassadors Network Business Breakfast Event
Date: 28 February 17 Venue: West Lancashire Investment Centre, Skelmersdale Time: 7.45am – 9.30am Cost: FREE
Find out more about the Ambassadors programme, network with like-minded businesses, Skelmersdale Ambassadors and Place Board Members. Hear from influential guest speakers including; Sir Edwin Booth Chairman of the Lancashire LEP and owner of the Booths supermarket chain.
Economic Regeneration team: Paula Huber Economic Regeneration Manager Kate Pierce Principal Economic Regeneration Officer Tracey Shaw Business Engagement Officer Dominic Carr Senior Planning Officer (Regeneration) Caroline Addison Senior Economic Regeneration Officer Lisa Ratican Economic Regeneration Officer Portia Taylor Black Economic Regeneration Support Officer To discuss your business needs contact us today; we are happy to come and meet with you at your place of work or have a chat on the phone. Tel: 01695 712692 or email: lets.talk@westlancs.gov.uk
Don’t miss this event, register your attendance by contacting the Economic Regeneration team today on 01695 712692 or email: lets.talk@westlancs.gov.uk *All event details correct at time of print
RATULATION G N S CO
Useful Contacts Council Services Council services can be accessed online at: www.westlancs.gov.uk or by calling: 01695 577177 Business Rates www.westlancs.gov.uk/businessrates
Phil Lawson, Managing Director at Virtue Technologies, Skelmersdale has scooped a top award at the prestigious BIBA's Awards, winning:
Business Person of Year 2016. Two other successful West Lancashire businesses recently won awards at the Lancashire Best Kept Village Competition 2016.
The Saracens Head, Halsall Best Kept Pub, Inn or Restaurant 2016 Scarisbrick Marina - Highly commended award for Best Kept Industrial /Commercial Premises Congratulations to all businesses. Has your business recently won an award? Let us know by emailing the details to: lets.talk@westlancs.gov.uk to feature your success in future editions of this newsletter and the Council’s website www.westlancs.gov.uk/business
Planning and building control www.westlancs.gov.uk/planning Estates and property www.westlancs.gov.uk/business/ business-location-links Licensing www.westlancs.gov.uk/licensing Refuse and recycling – trade waste collections www.westlancs.gov.uk/refuse-recycling/ trade-waste-collections.aspx If you have any news you would like us to include, or to find out about advertising opportunities in future editions, please email: lisa.ratican@westlancs.gov.uk Please note that not all contributions can be used and information may be edited to fit.
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