Business Lancashire April 2018

INSIDE:

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

B&FC’s Lancashire Energy HQ officially INSIDE: opened PAGE 14 Local firm to donate tyre furniture to schools PAGE 37

April 2018

Former Olympic athlete and TV presenter to headline Choose Chorley business event FORMER world record holder and Olympic medallist, Colin Jackson, will be the key-note speaker at Chorley Council’s annual Choose Chorley business event, to be sponsored by Xcina, a leading digital resilience company.

Taking place on Thursday 19 April, in the Lancastrian Suite at Chorley Town Hall, this annual event is Chorley’s biggest business networking evening and offers an opportunity for businesses of all

sizes to network, get to know each other and also to meet Council representatives.

Colin Jackson will give an insight into his time at the top of his sport and how his desire to succeed can be applied in the business world.

In particular, he will give an insight into goal setting and overcoming obstacles.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council, said: “It’s really important for us to have

Your next partner in Business . . .

a business community that supports each other and our Choose Chorley events are a chance for people to learn about what’s happening in the Borough and network with each other. Ultimately, we want to showcase that Chorley is a great place to do business.”

The Choose Chorley event, compered by North West Tonight’s Chief Reporter, Dave Guest, will feature a Question Time style panel session, with leading

LLOYD

local business figures, discussing the latest topics affecting the business community. This year’s theme is ‘The Future for Business in a Changing World’.

Following the panel, Colin Jackson will outline how he set and achieved his goals in the sporting world, overcame setbacks and motivated himself to be one of the best hurdlers in the world, winning almost everything the sport had to offer.

Lloyd Motor Group.

For Business Users, Corporate & Fleet Offers.

Visit lloydmotorgroup.com/BMW

The Ultimate Driving Machine

2

April 2018

Welcome to the April 2018 edition of Business Lancashire.

Our monthly newspaper is, once again, available on all the Blackpool Transport buses between Preston and Blackpool, transporting passengers whilst the existing Network Rail network has a new electric railway system installed.

As a website and daily newsletter, Business Lancashire aims to highlight good news Lancashire focused business stories and in 2017, we achieved a total audience reach of over one million.

Please keep sending us your press releases in 2018 to editor@ businesslancashire.co.uk. The digital version is also available online and emailed to over 10,000 business contacts, giving Lancashire businesses a huge voice.

We hope you enjoy this edition.

CONTENTS MANUFACTURING 4 CYBER SECURITY 6 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP 8 EDUCATION 10 AWARDS 15 BUSINESS SUPPORT 19 INTERNATIONAL 27 ACQUISITIONS 28 TRANSPORT 30 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 37 APPOINTMENTS 41 EVENTS 45 PROPERTY 46 CONTACTS & CONTRIBUTORS

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Global launches two new radio stations: Heart North Lancashire & Cumbria and Smooth Lake District GLOBAL, the Media & Entertainment group, has launched two new radio stations – Heart North Lancashire & Cumbria and Smooth Lake District – introducing two of the UK’s most popular radio brands to new listeners in the North West of England.

Heart is the home of feel good music and the UK’s biggest commercial radio brand with 9.2 million listeners every week. Smooth plays a relaxing mix of songs that its 5.5 million listeners know and love.

Danny Matthews will kick-start the day with Heart Breakfast every weekday from 6am-10am. Chris Kirk will present the drive time show weekdays from 4pm-7pm and Saturday breakfast from 6am-10am. Every Sunday from 12pm Alex Cribb will host a new weekend show. Listeners will also be able to enjoy shows from some of nation’s most popular presenters including Emma Bunton, Rochelle Humes, Emma Willis and Stephen Mulhern.

Smooth Lake District will provide listeners with a relaxing mix of songs from iconic artists such as Adele, Robbie Williams and George Michael.

John Pye will provide the perfect wake-up call for listeners from 6am10am on Smooth Breakfast, Tim Littlechild will host the Smooth Drive Home from 4pm-7pm and Paul Jordan will host his own weekend show from 2-6pm every Saturday and Sunday.

They’re joining a stellar presenter lineup on Smooth, which includes Myleene

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Klass and Kate Garraway.

Ashley Tabor OBE, Founder & Executive President of Global, said: “We’re excited to welcome new listeners from across the North West to Heart and Smooth. We’ll be bringing the best music, news and entertainment to the area, continuing our strategy of national brands delivered locally and building on the fantastic local stations that we’ve been lucky enough to recently inherit.”

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MANUFACTURING

What More UK has a plastic solution PREVIOUSLY the UK has not dealt with post-consumer waste plastic within its own shores and relied on this exportation to countries such as China.

In January 2018 China banned all importation of UK plastic –two thirds of the UK’s total plastic waste exports previously were shipped to China. The question has been raised, what will happen to this discarded plastic in the UK – will it be buried? Or burnt? Neither solution is particularly positive.

Every year more than 8million tonnes of plastic is discarded into the oceans and over 50% of British household waste is not recycled within the UK. What More UK, the largest UK manufacturer of British household plastic products, was determined to find a viable solution that didn’t then cause later problems.

Working directly with recycling centres they have spent countless hours and days testing and trialling a process which is now commercially viable.

What More UK, based in Burnley,

Lancashire, has created the UPCYCLED range – strong, durable, lasting storage boxes made from plastic that would have been previously shipped away.

Tony Grimshaw, OBE, Managing Director of What More UK said: “The UPCYCLED range is a huge triumph for us. Instead of finding another way to either pass on the PP plastic – incinerate it, creating toxic chemicals, or put it into landfill, where it can take up to half a millennium to decay – What More UK made the decision to work towards a viable long-term solution. We are urging manufacturers, the government and the public to get on board with a solution. I want to shout about a positive solution to the problem the UK is facing.

“Independent and national retailers need to support products made from postconsumer waste. This will ensure that in the future the UK can take full responsibility for its own waste, from household to manufacturer, retailer and back to the consumer.”

Sales boost for Webbox Natural SALES of Webbox Natural pet food have broken through the £4million barrier just 20 months after its launch, manufacturer Pets Choice has revealed.

The Lancashire-based company has seen more than 1.5 million units scanned through supermarket tills since May 2016, showing the brand has struck a chord with consumers.

The range is made from 100 per cent natural ingredients and is now a mainstay on the shelves at Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose.

Pets Choice – which has other popular brands such as Tasty Bone, Meatiful and Spike’s World on its roster – says Webbox Natural enjoyed sales circa £300,000 in January 2018, up 272% on year-earlier figures. The retail sales value of the brand now sits at £4.2million.

Tony Raeburn, CEO of Blackburnbased Pets Choice, said: “These figures show the increasing popularity of natural food choices in the market.

“Owners want to ensure their pets receive a balanced diet from the best sources, so that they have all the vitamins and nutrients they need for a healthy and happy life.

“The consumer is becoming more and more aware of where the food on their own plates is coming from.

Therefore it makes sense that they

should have the same concerns about the food in their pets’ bowls.

“The Webbox Natural range offers a huge variety of options for both dogs and cats.

“The dry and moist food gives owners fantastic choice and the treats are proving very popular as they are created to the same high standards.”

Webbox Natural was launched in 2016 and is also available through delivery firm Ocado.

Catering for dogs and cats, there are more than 30 recipes in the range and something for every taste. Most products include fresh meat and all supply vital vitamins and nutrients.

Some of the most popular items for dogs include the Natural 400g Tray range, the Natural Dog Alu Tray selection and Webbox Natural Dry chicken with brown rice.

Strong performers in the cat range include the Natural Cat Pouches and the Natural Heart-shaped Alu Trays, available in three flavours – salmon in jelly, duck in jelly and chicken in gravy.

The treats range comprises four choices of 60g bars for dogs.

Webbox Natural also launched five new product lines at the end of January.

These include the Natural 210g Duo

Dinner for dogs, which comes in three flavours featuring both wet tray and kibble. It is hypoallergenic and wheat gluten free.

Another newcomer is the Natural Cat Mousse, which is packaged in an 85g tin. Both are now being stocked by Morrisons.

Three new product lines have also hit the shelves in Tesco. The Natural Senior Cat Pouch, with added probiotic, is targeted at older felines, while the Natural Mega Cat Pouch is presented in packs of 44 x 100g servings.

Tesco is also stocking the 2kg Natural Cat Dry food which comes in two flavour varieties and is made with fresh chicken.

Mr Raeburn added: “The natural pet food market is growing all the time and we feel we are well positioned to take advantage of its popularity.

“We have seen significant growth with the brand since its launch and shoppers are buying into the exciting product range, which includes new innovation.

“Our focus is to ensure the continued growth of Webbox Natural, which will allow us to continue to invest in new products.”

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Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

Local firm celebrates installing its 8000th waste disposal system PRESTON based, Pakawaste Ltd, UK market leader in the manufacture and supply of waste handling equipment, is celebrating the installation of its 8000th waste disposal system.

Formed in 1976, Pakawaste employs around 60 people at its Preston head office, with sales and engineering staff strategically placed around the UK. Pakawaste offers the largest range of waste handling solutions in the UK and has been instrumental in several major international projects, including developments in Europe

(France, Germany, Iceland, Spain, Cyprus, Italy), Middle East (United Arab Emirates, Qatar, KSA, Oman), Far East (India, Malaysia) and USA. “We’re delighted to have reached this milestone, which is a testimony to the quality of our staff and products” said David Hamer, Pakawaste Group’s CEO. “At Pakawaste, we pride ourselves on offering cost effective solutions – from equipment, accessories and finance to comprehensive after sales maintenance contracts – to enhance our comprehensive range of

products. These products are supported by our expert, experienced technical team, who can engineer bespoke and turnkey solutions for any waste problems that our clients may be facing.

“Companies who take advantage of Pakawaste’s market leading waste handling solutions, receive numerous benefits, including a reduction in their waste costs by up to 80%, which helps preserve the environment, as well as minimising health and fire risks and ultimately, reducing their landfill tax bills.”

For over 30 years we have provided an ethical alternative to organisations and SMEs that share our values and philosophy, offering banking services and loans from £300k to £10m.

Contact one of our North West region Relationship Managers to discuss: Margaret.Porter@unity.co.uk 07711 768131

Automation set to convey Exact Abacus to further growth RAPIDLY expanding fulfilment technology and services specialist, Exact Abacus, has implemented the next stage of its growth strategy with an £8,000 investment in mechanical handling equipment for its highly digitised warehouse operation in Lancashire.

The investment is part of a programme of continuous improvement at Exact Abacus to enable scalability of capacity at the company’s 30,000 square foot warehouse as throughput continues to grow thanks to new client acquisitions and the increasing requirements of existing customers.

Lee Thompson, Sales and Marketing Director at Exact Abacus explained: “Our parcel volumes were up by 20 per cent in the final quarter of 2017 against the comparable period the previous year and we’re forecasting further significant growth this year, following recent client wins including Unilever, Think Drinks, Eurozone Brands and Soleheaven.

“We offer our customers a best in class fulfilment service with complete accountability and transparency, a range of specialist options, including white glove, organic, Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) and dangerous goods, plus a choice of delivery partners. This investment in automation at our hub

ensures we can continue to maintain the same high service levels as we continue to grow, with integrated software solutions that ensure a complete end-to-end solution for all kinds of ecommerce businesses.”

Designed to further enhance shipping performance by speeding up the parcel packing and dispatch process, the new belt conveyors have been installed by Preston-based AS Conveyor Systems. Exact Abacus expects the new equipment to generate a positive return on investment within 12 months.

Lee continued: “We like to support local companies and AS Conveyor Systems has provided us with a high-quality solution that will ensure efficient workflows to support continued expansion, keeping us ahead of the competition.”

6

CYBER SECURITY

Local firm becomes founding member of national Police Cyber Security Initiative PRESTON based Xcina Ltd. has become one of seven founding members of the UK’s first policebacked digital certification scheme, led by the London Digital Security Centre (LDSC) in partnership with Secured by Design (SBD), the national Police Crime Prevention initiative.

The founding members will receive police preferred status if standards and behaviours are met.

The two-part certification scheme, supported by The Metropolitan and City of London Police and The Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), will help British businesses navigate the complexity of cyber security. At the heart of the certification is Cyber Essentials, a Governmentbacked industry-supported scheme to help organisations protect themselves against common online threats.

As part of the London stock exchange listed, digital resilience group, Shearwater Group plc, Xcina Ltd. helps companies protect their critical information assets by preparing them for the increasing legislative and regulatory demands on how data is held and processed and the on-going monitoring, analysis, detection and response to cyber threats.

The certification scheme is divided into two awards. The first award, Secured by Design – Police Preferred Specification, will assess and verify cyber security suppliers to ensure supply chains are resilient.

The second award, Digitally Aware – Secured By Design, is an educational initiative designed to help SBD members improve their protection against cyber crime. Using a risk assessment tool and an award scheme,

the LDSC will educate members on implementing basic measures and promoting good security within their organisations.

Kevin Porter, Business Development Manager, Xcina, said: “As a provider of digital, operational and regulatory resilience services and solutions, Xcina is delighted to be one of the first to join the Secured By Design (SBD) Police Crime Prevention initiative, as it broadens its focus to include cyber protection and combatting the growing cyber crime threat.

“Xcina was founded with professional behaviours and ethical working practices as core aspects of its values and these values complement those required by the SBD initiative.

We are confident that our participation could benefit customers and the communities and partners we work with in creating greater resilience within the secure environments they use to live and work.”

Guy Ferguson, Chief Executive Officer, Secured by Design, commented: “Police Crime Prevention initiatives have always responded to developing and emerging crime patterns with innovation and creativity.

We are delighted to be working closely

with the London Digital Security Centre to develop new techniques that will better support people and businesses online.”

Chris Diogenous, Chief Commercial Officer at the LDSC, added: “Almost half of small businesses in the UK have been the victims of cyber crime in the past 12 months, yet the overwhelming majority of cyber attacks can be prevented using simple measures.

“For the first time, UK businesses can demonstrate that they have taken the necessary measures to protect the data they hold and reduce their overall vulnerability to cyber crime.”

The London Digital Security Centre is a not for profit organisation founded by the Mayor of London as a joint venture with the Metropolitan Police Service and the City of London Police. The Centre works alongside the National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre (ActionFraud) to help prevent businesses being the victims of cyber crime. The London Digital Security Centre provides free impartial advice and support to businesses to help improve their digital security and enable them to work in a secure online environment.

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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

So, you want to go into the hospitality business?

SILAS HEYS from Harrison Drury solicitors talks through some of the key property issues to consider when launching a hospitality venture.

Property is something that all hospitality ventures have in common.

Whether you intend to let a cottage to small groups or accommodate larger numbers in a hotel, and whether you are an individual seeking a nest egg, or a company diversifying your business, the following points almost always need to be considered before committing to your new venture.

Overcoming restrictive covenants The property you have set your mind on for your hospitality venture might be for sale or to let. Either raises different issues to consider as to whether the property is right for your intentions.

Purchasing the freehold interest in a property means you are not beholden to a landlord and can choose to use the property as you please (subject to planning and licencing consents ). However, historic transfers of freehold property often include covenants restricting its use, particularly in picturesque locations such as Cumbria where past landowners will want to prevent future purchasers from changing the character and usage of the land. The most common covenants seek to prevent the sale of alcohol – a key concern if your business will contain a bar or restaurant.

Others often prevent development without approval of plans from prior landowners.

It is essential that your conveyancer reviews the title documents and reports to you on such matters as early as possible, so that they can be resolved, or your plans adapted to ensure there are no breaches which could leave you open to costly litigation.

Taking a lease of a property has many benefits, not least meaning precious capital for your business is not tied up in physical property, but the lease will always stipulate how the property may be used and what can be done to the property, as well as liabilities regarding repair and returning the property at the end of the term. These covenants will almost always be more onerous than those on a freehold property, but crucially your solicitor can negotiate them with the landlord before you enter into the lease. This can give you the certainty you need that you are free to do what you need to with the property in order to make the venture a success, but consideration needs to be given to future plans in order that the lease doesn’t preclude your vision becoming reality.

Getting the right planning permission and licencing consents If you are making physical alterations to the property or are changing its use, you may need planning permission.

Additionally, in areas falling within a National Park, many buildings are listed or subject to further controls on development, including local occupancy restrictions.

Your solicitor will be able to advise of any such restrictions and whether appropriate consents are in place but planning often requires a collaborative approach between your professional advisors who can ensure that you fully comply with requirements. Failure to

Shale skills will be transferable LEE PETTS, Lancashire for Shale Chairman outlines his views on transferrable skills “It's often argued that even in a thriving Lancashire shale gas industry, jobs will be short-lived. But they'll actually be jobs that come with transferable, life-long skills.

“It's true that most of the jobs that a successful shale gas industry will be responsible for will arise during the exploration and development phase, after which – once all the wells are quietly producing gas to the grid – the number of jobs will tail off.

comply with either one of them could result in you having to undo any changes you have made, at your own cost.

Secondly, if you are to provide a licensable activity such as sale of alcohol or serving food between certain hours, you will need to have a premises licence.

When purchasing an existing business this licence can often form a large part of the consideration you pay, and it is crucial that it is transferred with the purchase of the property or assignment of the lease. The licence does not run with the ownership of the property, and your solicitor will need to ensure that you can take the benefit of any premises licence to continue running the business.

Finally, you must remember that a successful application for planning permission does not override any restrictive covenants. The local council does not review the title documents or any leases affecting a property when considering a planning application, because the requirement for planning permission is entirely separate from the requirements of any restrictive covenants.

Being clear on Tax and Allowances Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) can be a large, up-front outlay when purchasing or leasing property. It is important to carefully consider how much SDLT will have to be paid as different circumstances can lead to different rates.

You should always ensure you apportion the purchase price of any property correctly on fixtures and fittings, land/property and, if you are buying an established business, stock and goodwill. SDLT is only payable on the land element so you may be able to substantially reduce your SDLT liability by appropriately apportioning the purchase price to individual elements.

Where the property is clearly commercial, such as an established hotel, SDLT is usually straightforward, but it is worth noting that SDLT is payable on the VAT payable on a purchase price of the land. This means it is crucial you establish from the outset whether the property has been opted for VAT by the seller, as it could

“But that exploration and development phase could take between 15 and 20 years to complete, during which it will potentially keep thousands of people in well-paid work.

“For the most part, these will be skilled jobs in a variety of consultancy, scientific and engineering disciplines - jobs with sought-after skills that could benefit a range of industries, including renewables.

“They won't simply disappear. The people doing these jobs will continue to utilise their experience and expertise, they'll just be doing so elsewhere.

“The challenge is going to be making sure there's a ready workforce available in the first place, which is why the work of Blackpool and The Fylde College is so important.

give a not insignificant increase to your initial outlay.

However, buy-to-let and holiday homes fall under more complex rules as part of the residential property rates. Standard residential rates still apply but, if you already own an interest in residential property worth more than £40,000, the SDLT payable on the purchase of additional residential property will be increased by 3% of the total purchase price.

If you are purchasing numerous properties, or a main property with an annex or other granny flat, reliefs on SDLT such as Multiple Dwellings Relief may be able to reduce your assessment, even if you would ordinarily be liable for the 3% surcharge. It is essential you discuss the plans with your solicitor who will be able to refer you to a specialist tax advisor if appropriate.

A further finance point is the existence of capital allowances, which may allow you to offset future tax liability for refurbishments and improvements against the previous seller’s pooled allowance.

This is a complex area, and the potential for savings on tax liability can be significant, so you should establish at the offer stage if there are any capital allowances available and speak to your solicitor and other professional advisors without delay.

Still keen?

Hospitality and leisure is a rewarding sector and a natural fit with the rugged beauty and culture that north-west has to offer, with its areas of outstanding natural beauty, national parks and vibrant towns and cities. However, careful thought and discussion needs to be had with your professional advisors in order to ensure you make your move fully informed and with the minimum of risk. If you are considering a new or enlarged venture in hospitality, make sure you consult a professional advisor at the earliest opportunity.

“We need to make sure that young people in particular appreciate the broad range of jobs that will be available, that appropriate vocational and academic qualifications are offered locally, and that Lancashire residents are prioritised for jobs.

“There's also a role for local training businesses too, because not all of the skills development will take place inside a further and higher education setting. I would encourage anyone that supplies health, safety, quality and environmental training, for example, to start thinking about future opportunities and to consider linking with B&FC as potential delivery partners.

“It's definitely also a good idea to sign-up for our Let's Do This information pack at www.lancsforshale. org.uk/letsdothis where we provide more signposting and advice on jobs and skills”

Are you ready for the new Data Protection regulations?

Our expert team will guide you step-by-step so that your business is prepared before the regulations come into effect on May 25th.

For more information visit our website or contact our Regulatory team on 01772 258321. www.harrison-drury.com Clitheroe office:

Garstang office:

Kendal office:

Lancaster office:

Preston office:

21 Church Street Clitheroe Lancashire BB7 2DF Tel: 01200 422 264 DX: DX15154 – Clitheroe

Cherestanc Square Garstang, Lancashire PR3 1EF Tel: 01995 607950 Fax: 01995 600897 DX: 63970 Garstang

Bridge Mills Stramongate Kendal LA9 4BD Tel: 01539 628042 DX: 63401 Kendal

21 Castle Hill Lancaster Lancashire LA1 1YN Tel: 01524 548967 DX: 63502 Lancaster

1a Chapel Street Winckley Square Preston PR1 8BU Tel: 01772 258321 Fax: 01772 258227 DX: 714573 Preston14

10 EDUCATION

42 new trainee engineers for Lancashire 3,500 NEW engineers across the UK will help deliver ultrafast Fibre broadband to three million premises, support evolving mobile networks and improve customer service.

Around 42 trainee engineers will be hired across Lancashire as part of the largest recruitment drive ever undertaken by Openreach.

The announcement follows news that Openreach, Britain’s leading digital network business, will accelerate plans to build more ultrafast Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) broadband across the country.

The 42 Lancashire roles, part of more than 3,500 being recruited across the UK during the next 12 months, including 283 in the North West, will be located in Blackburn, Burnley, Fleetwood, Fylde, Lancaster, Lunesdale, Morecambe and Ribble Valley.

Trainees will join the UK’s largest team of telecoms engineers working to expand, upgrade, maintain and install new services over Openreach’s national broadband network.

Openreach’s ‘Fibre First’ programme

will deliver expanded ‘full fibre’ FTTP networks in up to 40 towns, cities and boroughs, setting it on a trajectory to reach ten million British premises by the mid-2020s. It has committed to making FTTP available in three million British homes and business by the end of 2020 and, if the conditions are right, intends to go significantly further, bringing the benefits of FTTP technology to the majority of homes and businesses in the UK. Speaking ahead of the official opening of Openreach’s new fibre engineering training centre in Bradford, one of 12 new regional centres built to support the fibre roll-out, Clive Selley, chief executive of Openreach, said: “These trainee engineers will be playing a vital role in the future success and prosperity of the UK. Over the last year our 22,200 engineers have been the driving force behind Government reaching its target of making 'superfast’ broadband available to more than 95 per cent of the country, whilst also improving our customer service performance - but we want to do more.

“Every day, Openreach engineers are working in all weathers across the length and breadth of Britain, connecting homes and businesses and making sure people can access the high quality broadband services they need. We are already investing in upskilling our engineering team and the announcement of new jobs underlines our commitment to make our ‘Fibre First’ programme a reality. I’m confident that our twin investment in people and infrastructure will help the UK achieve the societal and economic benefits that come from better, more reliable, faster broadband services - futureproofing Britain’s broadband network and supporting emerging mobile technologies like 5G.” Matthew Hemmings, infrastructure delivery director for Openreach in the North West, said: “This latest recruitment represents a further major investment in Lancashire. It’s very exciting news for our region. We’re looking forward to men and women from all walks of life applying for these roles at Openreach as we’re keen to

engage with the aspiring engineers of tomorrow and to build a diverse workforce that reflects the hugely diverse communities we serve.

“Becoming an engineer can be an incredibly rewarding career, and we’re constantly improving our training and recruitment programmes to make sure we attract and keep the best engineers in the business. This year we’ve invested heavily in upskilling our people, so they can now do more for customers in a single visit and we recently launched new career pathways to give our engineers a clear sense of the skills, accountabilities and experience they need to get where they want to be.

“We’re committed to helping people realise their potential so we’re also delighted to be offering work experience placements, under the Movement to Work programme, to 18-24 year olds who are currently not in education, employment or training. North West courses are often held in places like Accrington, Salford and Stockport.

Green future for Glendale GLENDALE’S commitment to tackling skills shortages and unemployment has been reflected in the growth of the number of staff undergoing apprenticeships within the business.

Apprentices make up 8.5 per cent of the national green service provider’s current workforce, compared to 5.8 per cent in 2016. It’s a figure the firm is continually working to increase as part of its membership of The 5% Club.

The 5% Club is designed to get the UK’s public and private sector companies to commit to having five per cent of its total workforce as apprentices, sponsored students or graduates within five years.

Glendale is also reminding businesses of the benefits of apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week. This year’s theme is ‘Apprenticeships Work.’

The company recently collected an accolade for its apprenticeship scheme from industry magazine Pro Landscaper’s Business Awards.

Sue McGrath, group HR director at Glendale, said: “We are proud to be a part of The 5% Club, it’s an initiative that can really make a difference to the lives of people looking to gain new skills and improve their

prospects. The fact that the number of apprentices within the company is continuing to grow is a reflection of our commitment in this area.

“Our apprentices are invaluable to the business and it’s imperative that we and other employers provide individuals with ample opportunities for practical training and the qualifications required to build careers.

“National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect time to shine the spotlight on the many benefits apprenticeships offer to individuals and organisations, while encouraging more people to get involved and see where it could take them.

“We also need to remind people that apprenticeships are not just limited to younger people; by taking on apprentices in a range of ages, employers can benefit from experience and transferable skills gained from previous roles.”

11

Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

BAE Systems marks national apprentice week “APPRENTICESHIPS WORK” - that’s the message BAE Systems is celebrating during this year’s National Apprentice Week, which took place on the 5-9 March.

BAE Systems has organised a range of activities for its apprentices to get involved in, ranging from talking with senior business leaders to volunteering in the local community.

Apprentices at BAE Systems Air are always keen to encourage careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and often support educational schemes and programmes. Recently, a ‘Make It Challenge’ was hosted at the company’s Academy for Skills & Knowledge in Samlesbury, which saw local schools taking part in an exciting workshop, guided by apprentices and graduates.

The winning school, Ribblesdale, will take part in a grand final later in the year.

BAE Systems is one of the UK’s largest employers of apprentices, with 2,000 apprentices in training, representing six percent of the workforce. Offering apprenticeships at every level, including degree and Masters apprenticeships, in fields such as engineering, manufacturing, aircraft maintenance, project management, business administration and cyber security, the company has decades of experience delivering top-class early career opportunities.

In 2018, BAE Systems will hire more than 650 apprentices across the UK with its Air sector of the business

welcoming over 120 apprentices.

Richard Hamer, Director of Education & Skills at BAE Systems, explains the vast benefits that apprentices bring to the company, as well as individuals and the wider community: “With practical training, paid-for academic study, a salary, mentoring and development support, and real job opportunities at the end of the programme – the benefits of our apprenticeship programmes to our apprentices are clear. They earn while they learn, achieving sought-after qualifications without building up debt and go into

a meaningful role that offers career progression and opportunity to complete further qualifications.

“Apprenticeships work for the business too. They build the specialist skills we need to compete effectively and meet future work requirements.

They create a more diverse workforce and help create our leadership pipeline – many of our current Directors first joined the company as apprentices.”

BAE Systems’ investment in skills has a positive impact on the wider economy. Training helps its workforce to be almost 80 percent

more productive than the national average and for every 100 jobs created, a further 380 jobs are supported in the economy as a whole. BAE Systems apprenticeships also help support social mobility. Last year 18% of apprentices who joined the company came from the 20 most economically deprived areas of the UK. Richard went on to say: “We’re justifiably very proud of our apprentices and their contributions to our business.

We use National Apprentice Week to celebrate their talents and successes.”

Recycling Lives bucks the trend for women RECYCLING Lives is celebrating the women delivering its rapid growth this International Women’s Day. The recycling and waste management business, headquartered in Preston, Lancashire, has enjoyed significant growth in the last year, including a rise in sales by 47%, increasing its processing by 46% and growing its staff team by 23%.

It is bucking national trends for the waste sector with a growing number of women working across its operations - increasing by 221% since December 2016.

And women are leading two of the business’

fastest-growing departments.

Deena manages Skip Hire Network, an online platform offering skip hire services across the UK to householders and businesses; which has grown its customer base 130% year-on-year. She joined Recycling Lives as a business administration apprentice and has been promoted a number of times thanks to achievements including delivering the first profit for another of Recycling Lives’ online platforms.

Claire manages the End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) team, which processes 7,000 ELVs each month ready for recycling; a figure increased by 46% in the last year. She has worked in departments across the business, and travels to Recycling Lives nine sites nationwide to teach new teams about operations.

She said: “Recycling Lives has helped me develop massively. I'm completely proud of the company’s ethics and the growth already achieved.”

Other women challenging the norm in Recycling Lives include: Gemma, manager of its Red Scar waste processing facility; Jackie, a recycling operative; Evie, a yard operative; Tina, a crane driver; and Sonja, a wagon driver.

Claire Dallison, head of HR for Recycling Lives, said: “We’re proud to have a growing number of women across the Group, many of whom work in roles traditionally considered to be ‘men’s jobs’. Much more than just delivering incredible results for the business, they are challenging stereotypes and paving the way for many more women to move into skilled jobs with Recycling Lives and across the waste sector.”

12 IN 2015, the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), announced its intention to create historic and transformational change at its Preston Campus through a £200 million Campus Masterplan development.

At the heart of the scheme a new Student Centre, linked with a new public square, aims to draw the University closer to the City. UCLan’s long-term vision is to spark a major focus on regeneration and business investment in the University quarter, reinforce the University’s ties to the local community and create wider benefits for Preston and beyond.

But to acknowledge its importance, there’s a need to understand why the Masterplan is essential for a University that has grown organically over a period of 190 years. David Taylor, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the University Board

April 2018 summarised the need for a change to the campus.

“The University developed generically over a long period of time, from an Institute to a College to a Polytechnic to a University.

Consequently, we didn’t have any sense of place or focus for the campus.

“So starting from a low base we commissioned Allies & Morrison to complete the Masterplan exercise for us. A lot of great information went into that – consulting with staff, students, public consultations, and they came up with a really outstanding plan of attack, and in a really short period of time we’ve started to deliver it.

“What we also have to make people aware of is that the Masterplan is funded

by UCLan and we’re keeping that £200 million investment here in the City.

The expenditure in these difficult times is quite a

The UCLan Masterplan brave thing to do, but it will be a gamechanger – not just for us but for Preston too.”

The Masterplan is undoubtedly a transformational project for the University and it’s already starting to take shape. Work has finished on two new £8.15m social spaces designed by awardwinning architecture practice AHR, working alongside a UCLan design team comprising staff and students to establish input and ownership from the people who will use the spaces. The new facilities have been a huge success with students and staff since they opened.

Construction of its £32m Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC), is also progressing well.

It will see the University establish itself as a leader in engineering innovation, and will help produce an increase of 500 locally trained graduates per year in areas including aerospace, mechanical and energy technologies and engineering.

The EIC has also been identified as a signature project within Lancashire’s Strategic Economic Plan and has secured £10.5 million via the Lancashire Enterprise Partnerships’ Growth Deal with the Government. The new facility has also received £5.8million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and £5million from HEFCE’s STEM Capital Fund.

Its jewel in the crown – the £57m Student Centre and Civic Square – has recently received planning approval and will see one of the largest civic spaces developed in England in the last 100 years.

David added: “It really will give us a focus. We’ll look at how the Student Centre links back to St Peter’s Church and the Adelphi area and we’ll align the changes in levels between the square, the EIC and adjoining buildings.

The public spaces between will all be beautifully landscaped, cleverly lit and fully accessible for all. It’s going to give us a real sense of place.”

In addition to creating a world-class campus, many in the City see the Masterplan as an opportunity to bring together a number of elements in Preston that have long been disconnected.

David concluded:

“Preston is a compact and interesting place, but while it’s got lots of building blocks, nobody has ever really put them together.

It’s really only in the last two or three years, with the advent of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP), and CityDeal, that a lot of fantastic initiatives have happened in the City and are leading it to a really promising future.

The advantage that our city has compared to say a Manchester or a Liverpool is that they’re vast city centres, whereas Preston is a compact place so it’s easier to enhance. Preston will have a new campus at one end and the core of the city centre at the other and they’re both going to come together to reinvigorate the economy and boost social cohesion.

“It’s our vision that the Masterplan will benefit everyone.”

Young People in the North West among the best placed to find themselves an Apprenticeship YOUNG people in the North West of England have a considerably greater chance of securing an apprenticeship than their contemporaries in London or the West Midlands, according to new figures published for National Apprenticeship Week, which began on Monday March 5th.

The figures, published in the iwantobea. com Apprentice Index, compares the ratio of 16-24 year old NEETs (those Not In Education, Employment or Training) to the number of workplaces employing apprentices in the last quarter by region, according to statistics provided by the Department for Education and the Skills Funding Agency respectively.

The North West had been the best performing region for the past three quarters. It was overtaken this time by the South West primarily due to a 23% reduction in the number of NEET 16-24 year olds in the region over the last quarter, compared to only a 13% reduction in the North West.

The North West had the highest number of workplaces employing apprentices at 43,080, just under 6,000 more than the next highest region, the South East. Moreover, the North West had nearly 30,000 more workplaces employing apprentices than the lowest region, the

North East, with just 15,760 workplaces employing apprentices.

This is the ninth consecutive quarter that London has ranked as the worst region in England on the iwantobea. com Apprentice Index. In the last three years, London has either been last or last but one in every quarter, primarily due to the low number of workplaces employing apprentices in the capital, compared to other regions.

The figures show that London remains the worst region in England for young people seeking an apprenticeship, with a score of 4.06 on the iwantobea. com Apprentice Index. This means there are 4.06 16-24 year olds in London for every workplace employing apprentices.

This is more than double the competition faced by a 16-24 year old living in the North West or South West of England.

In the South West, a young person faces competition from 1.84 other 16-24 year olds for an apprenticeship, whilst the figure for the North West is 2.00. The West Midlands was the second worst region with 83,000 16-24 year old NEETs vying for apprenticeships offered by 29,460 workplaces, giving it a score of 2.82.

In the last Quarter, London had only 24,140 workplaces employing

apprentices but 98,000 16-24 year old NEETs looking for apprenticeships. The neighbouring South East Region had 54% more workplaces employing apprentices.

On these figures, London would need to increase its number of workplaces employing apprentices from 24,140 to 39,516, an increase of 64%, just to rank as "average" on the iwantobea.com Apprentice Index.

“One interesting finding from the iwantobea.com Apprentice Index is that students who are on the border of two different regions should consider widening their search for an Apprenticeship in order to improve their chances,” explains Paul Harris, Director, iwantobea.com.

“For example, a student in the North East has an Opportunity Rate of 2.66.

However, the Opportunity Rate in neighbouring Yorkshire & Humberside is 2.18 and 2.00 in the North West. As a result, NEET 16-24 year olds in the North East can improve their Opportunity Rate by 22% or 33% by looking for an Apprenticeship in the neighbouring regions of Yorkshire & Humberside or the North West.

Similarly, a student living in London can improve their Opportunity Rate by looking just outside London. The Opportunity Rate in London is 4.06, while in the East of England, which includes Essex, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, is 2.82 and in the South East, which includes the M4 corridor and the Home Counties, it is 2.34.”

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ESCALATE launches new online resource FOR the first time services to help get people into work are brought together via a new digital platform Adults seeking work in Lancashire will be able to give their employment prospects a boost thanks to a new online tool from the Lancashire Skills & Employment Hub called ESCALATE. ESCALATE is a web-based tool which brings together for the very first time Lancashire’s varied opportunities available for those looking to start their journey into work.

Opportunities, which are available across the whole of the Lancashire area, include employment resources, skills provision, confidence building, mentoring, volunteering and pre-employment training courses.

This means that both individuals and advisers will be able to have access to the details of a suitable opportunity near them with just a few clicks of a mouse.

ESCALATE will also help referral agencies easily find the right offer for their customers, saving time and improving the choice of services available.

Dr Michele Lawty-Jones of the Lancashire Skills & Employment Hub said: “Bringing together hundreds of Lancashire's different employment and adult learning opportunities into a single, digitally-based portal has been a complex task, especially with the huge number of organisations involved in delivering such a diverse range of services.

“Now, thanks to all of Lancashire’s different agencies and partners collaborating, we have created the new ESCALATE platform. It will allow anyone the chance to search available resources and services on offer, in every part of the county, to find the right type of support.”

“Ultimately ESCALATE is designed to get people on a pathway to employment. This will not only bring benefits for themselves, but for the wider Lancashire economy.”

Sharon Riding, District External Relationship Manager, for Jobcentreplus said: “Historically this provision has never been brought together in one digital place with a sophisticated search function. This means that some people

keen to get back into work, or who have tried to enter employment for the first time, may have missed out on certain types of support due to a lack of information being available quickly and easily.

“Through ESCALATE this will now be resolved, our Work Coaches will have a powerful new resource at their fingertips to help unlock access to opportunities across the whole of Lancashire.”

The LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan aims to create over 50,000 new jobs over the next decade through a range of growth initiatives, inward investment opportunities and vocational skills programmes.

BT launches hunt for 112 grads and apprentices in the North West BT is creating 112 new apprenticeship and graduate jobs across the North West as part of a new UK-wide drive to recruit the best tech talent available.

The company aims to employ more than 1,300 people across the country

in a number of different roles, from TV production, engineering, customer service and cyber-security to help tackle the growing threat of cyber-crime.

In the North West the 112 new recruits will be located in Accrington, Liverpool, Manchester, Skelmersdale and Warrington in roles such as cyber security, engineering, IT, sales and customer service.

BT is one of the first UK companies to use virtual reality technology as a way of recruiting, as it looks at innovative techniques in how it attracts the best graduates.

The assessment process will include candidates being asked to complete a series of virtual reality “Crystal Maze” style

tasks. BT will assess candidates based on three measures which comprise analytical skills, how they handle change, as well as their drive and enthusiasm to get tasks completed.

The latest recruitment drive for apprenticeships and graduates is in addition to Openreach’s announcement that they are looking to recruit 3,500 engineers, of which more than 280 will be based in the North West.

BT Group is one of the UK’s largest employers with 82,800 people based in the UK and more than 9,000 in the North West.

The new roles, which include those within EE and Plusnet, are spread across the country.

The Prime Minister, Theresa May, said: “I welcome this announcement from BT. More high-quality apprenticeships means more young people with the vital skills and training to take advantage of the economic opportunities of the future.

“Our modern Industrial Strategy, in conjunction with business, will help drive developments in fields like Artificial Intelligence and cyber technology – meaning more high-tech jobs and greater prosperity for people across the country.”

A number of this year’s recruits will be based at BT’s world-renowned labs at Adastral Park, near Ipswich, in Suffolk.

This research centre is playing a leading role

in the development of artificial intelligence, ultrafast broadband and 5G technologies.

Many of the apprentices will also achieve foundation and full degrees as part of their work at BT, while some graduates will also achieve fully funded qualifications.

The scheme is delivered in partnership with local colleges and universities to ensure that apprentices and graduates receive the best education for their area of focus, as well as the hands-on experience and training.

BT has a commitment to helping people and meeting the demands for innovation and digital skills in the UK. The company is also showing this through its Work Ready programme which was launched in 2014 specifically for NEETS (not in education, employment or training). To date more than 3,500 people from around the UK have participated and more than half have gone on to either gain employment or return to education.

The programme is part of BT’s wider Tech Literacy initiative to inspire people in the UK to embrace the role technology plays in their lives.

BT is also currently offering free teaching-resources and volunteer-led training workshops as part of its Barefoot Computing Project, designed to help primary school teachers become more confident when teaching computer science and computing skills.

Gavin Patterson, chief executive of

BT, said: “We’re proud to be leading the industry by investing in training a huge number of people in the digital skills that the UK economy so vitally needs.

“BT has a rich history of innovation, and it’s an incredibly exciting time to be joining the company as we look towards growing our cyber-security business, developing 5G technologies and enhanced TV content.

“Our apprenticeship and graduate scheme will equip people with the skills and on the job training they will need to succeed in the future.

“I’m looking forward to welcoming all our new recruits into the business.”

Helen Slinger, chair of BT’s regional board in the North West, said: “This recruitment is more great news for our region. It underlines the leading role that BT plays in communities across the North West and is a tribute to the quality of our local staff. They play a vital role in providing essential products and services for the households and businesses of the North West, as well as, of course, being part of these local communities themselves.

“As one of the region’s leading employers and investors, BT is committed to providing high quality jobs and careers and this latest recruitment will help ensure we deliver the best possible services for the people of the North West.”

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April 2018

B&FC’s Lancashire Energy HQ officially opened BLACKPOOL and The Fylde College (B&FC)’s new Lancashire Energy HQ has been officially opened

by Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry MP. Lancashire Energy HQ is a £10.7m dedicated education and training facility and is the flagship development on Blackpool Airport’s Enterprise Zone. It offers a wide range of energy-related training for future employment in the industry as well as opportunities for those already working in the sector to renew their industry accreditation and licences. Industry partners also have the opportunity to utilise the facility to further develop their workforce.

Fittingly, the launch event for Lancashire Energy HQ was held during National Apprenticeship Week and the National Year of Engineering.

Jake Berry MP, Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, said: “I am delighted to officially unveil this fantastic facility, which puts state of the art training at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse.

“With hundreds of students – many of them on apprenticeships with local

businesses – passing through Energy HQ’s doors each year, it is clear that it is the Northern Powerhouse that is delivering the next generation of energy engineers and driving forward innovative, lowcarbon technology.”

Designed with industry partners, Lancashire Energy HQ includes a wide range of specialised resources which enables B&FC’s dual professional staff to deliver high level skills to support the renewable energy sectors, as well as nuclear technologies, oil and gas and welding practices.

It features: • the sector’s largest renewable and nuclear simulator in England • a metals engineering laboratory • a purpose-built welding facility • a resource centre equipped with Auto CAD software • three large engineering and renewable technologies workshops Bev Robinson OBE, Principal and Chief Executive, Blackpool and The Fylde College, added: “At B&FC, we work with industry to co-create the training and

education needed to develop technically and professionally skilled employees. Lancashire Energy HQ has been designed with industry to meet the needs of the expanding energy sector which in turn delivers energy security for the UK. Students who choose to study with us will develop vital skills to ensure they are workplaceready when they join the energy sector.

“I would like to thank the Minister for the Northern Powerhouse, Jake Berry MP, for doing us the honour of officially opening this exciting new facility. I would also like to thank Lancashire Enterprise Partnership who have cofunded the construction of this facility.’’

Graham Cowley, Chair of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal Management Board, added: “The Lancashire Growth Deal is a multi-million pound enabling fund which allows key projects like the Energy HQ to be brought forward.

Growth Deal investments are also aligned to the LEP’s priority sectors, such as energy and environmental technologies, where we already employ around 40,000 people

in over 5,000 businesses across the county.

“This fantastic facility will help us inspire and develop the next generation of engineers,

scientists and technicians which we will be needed to fulfil Lancashire’s massive commercial potential in this sector.”

AWARDS

Banks Lyon named finalist BANKS LYON Jeweller’s Kendal store has been named as a finalist for Store Design of the Year in the UK Jewellery Awards 2018.

The jeweller’s, whose flagship Lancaster store has been open since 1985, made the shortlist of the top eight jewellery store designs in the UK for their recently opened Kendal store.

Owner of Banks Lyon Jeweller, Rodney Banks Lyon, was pleased with being named as a finalist and noted how the whole family had a hand in the nomination.

He said: “We’re extremely proud to be named as a finalist for such a prestigious award. This is made even sweeter as the whole family was involved in the design process of the Kendal store.

“My wife, Jasmine, is an interior designer and she designed the whole store with our customers in mind,

whilst my daughter, Maxine, headed up the marketing of the branch.”

To be named as a finalist for the award, Banks Lyon had to submit a short video showing the interior of the store, submit professional images of the store and answer several questions on the design of the store.

Maxine Banks Lyon, Marketing Director at Banks Lyon Jewellers said: “We take a real pride in ensuring our valued customers’ are able to shop in the perfect environment with us.

“It’s fair to say the launch of our store in Kendal has been a real success and being named as a finalist for this award less than a year after the launch of the store is brilliant.”

The winners of each category will be announced at the Artillery Garden in London on July 4, 2018.

Local businesswoman highly commended in first of its kind awards MANAGING Director of Standish based McGinty Demack, Karen Richardson, has been highly commended in the inaugural English Women’s Awards 2018 – North.

Shortlisted in the category of

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Services to Accounting and Finance, Karen was nominated by people from around the North-West based on her forward-thinking approach.

Held on 19 March at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, the

Food offer celebrated in national awards

English Women’s Awards – North acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women including female entrepreneurs, civil servants, charity founders amongst other professionals in the North of England, whose hard work, talent and commitment is often underrepresented. The awards also provide an opportunity and platform for women to inspire others, particularly younger women, as each nominee will have their own story to tell

A FOOD offer described as ‘quality, creative, colourful, different, versatile and value for money’ was recognised in prestigious industry awards.

The Seafood Pub Company, which has 11 sites across Lancashire and Yorkshire, scooped the award for Best Food Offer at The Publican Awards in Battersea, London.

Judges were looking for a pub company that delivered the best food offer across their estate, with food a key part of the company’s total sales and the Seafood Pub Company fit the bill perfectly.

Joycelyn Neve, Managing Director, attended the ceremony to collect the award from comedian and presenter Ron Brydon.

She said: “This is the third time in four years we have been recognised in this award, which is an amazing accolade.

“It’s important that customers consider us the perfect hosts for the most special of occasions, but also relaxed and friendly enough to pop in

and advice to give. Karen said: “I’m delighted to have been highly commended for the Services to Accounting and Finance award, it means so much that people across the North-West appreciate the work we do at McGinty Demack. It would have been lovely to win the award, but simply being shortlisted is an immense honour. I hope the awards inspire women across the country to get involved in business, it’s tough but also tremendously rewarding.”

for a bit of supper when they just don’t feel like cooking that day or night.

“A pie and a pint is just as important as lobster and champagne to us and when we see both of these dishes being enjoyed by guests at the same table, we know we’ve done our job well.”

Wherever possible the company uses the North West’s and Yorkshire’s outstanding produce – fish in particular, such as plaice from Morecambe Bay, crabs and langoustines from Whitehaven and lobsters from the Fylde and Whitehaven, all sourced by Joycelyn’s dad Chris Neve.

She added: “Together with passionate and dedicated staff, known as the ‘Seafood Soldiers’ we truly offer a unique dining experience at our venues, attracting locals and visitors from all over the country now we have rooms. Winning this award is testament to all of the team’s hard work.”

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April 2018

SBS wins Project of the Year LANCASHIRE-based Sustainable Building Services (UK) Limited has won the Project of the Year Award at the 2018 Building Communities Awards, which are hosted by the procurement consortium Efficiency East Midlands.

Attended by over 350 representatives of the social housing and construction sectors, the awards took place at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham.

The basis of the company's nomination was its energy efficiency work for Chesterfield Borough Council.

SBS first began working for the Council in 2015, when it carried out a £3.2 million scheme involving the insulation of thermally inefficient homes built with solid walls. It fitted external wall insulation to houses and lowrise blocks in three districts. It also fitted loft insulation and replacement windows, in addition to a variety of other improvements. It completed work on all 509 properties five months ahead of schedule.

On the strength of this performance, Chesterfield BC directly commissioned SBS to carry out three further phases under the same framework. The latest of these is due for completion in April 2018 and involves the insulation of over 500 properties.

In all, the company will have treated nearly 1,200 homes

by the end of Phase 4. All works have progressed either on or ahead of schedule and have produced excellent customer satisfaction scores.

Speaking after the announcement, Group Commercial Director Gary Lawson said: “We're very proud to have been named winners of the 2018 Project of the Year. It's an important achievement and it builds on a long and productive relationship with Efficiency East Midlands.

Through its various frameworks, we've worked as main contractor on a wide range of schemes, helping to improve living conditions for literally thousands of families across Britain.

“Insulation is one of the most cost effective ways of improving the quality of older housing. It makes homes warmer, obviously, but it also helps to reduce damp and condensation. When carried out with other measures such as window and boiler replacements, it can make a huge difference to the way the inside of a property feels and, just as importantly, it can help families to save hundreds of pounds on their heating costs every year” Sustainable Building Services (UK) Limited has its headquarters in Skelmersdale.

IoD announces Lancashire finalists in its prestigious Director of the Year awards THE Institute of Directors (IoD) in the North West has announced its 2018 Director of the Year shortlist following a record number of entries this year. Over 100 directors applied or were nominated, representing the very best in leadership from our outstanding regional businesses and as a celebration of their success and achievement over the past 12 months.

The popular annual event, which is attended by business leaders, entrepreneurs, government and media representatives, has in the past recognised directors from diverse regional businesses including Booths, N Brown Group, Graham & Brown, Ainscough Crane Hire, Seamark,

Accrol Papers, Chester Zoo, Timpson and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

With categories including Director of the Year: Start Up to Director of the Year: Global and Director of the Year: Family Business, the awards play a big role in recognising the wealth of talent throughout the thriving business community here in the North West.

The 2018 shortlisted entrants include Lancashire-based directors such as MGISS' Stuart Thompson, Kersey Hairdressing's John Kersey and AluFoldDirect's Craig Miller.

The IoD's Regional Director, Claire Ebrey said: “The terrific number of entries that we have

received this year, really demonstrate the calibre of our North West leaders.

These are the people that lead for the long-term, create quality jobs and help make the North West a great place to live and work.

“We look forward to the awards ceremony in May and to celebrating the huge achievements of all our regional winners.”

The regional final will take place at The Midland Hotel on Thursday 3 May, with the successful candidates progressing to the national stage at the grand final in London on Thursday 18 October 2018 at The Royal Horticultural Halls.

Barclays celebrates North West Women in Business BARCLAYs is looking for Lancashire’s top female business talent as it launches their second Celebrating North West Women in Business Awards.

The awards will recognise women and businesses that have made an outstanding contribution to business in the North West region and were officially launched in Preston at a networking event at the Stanley House Hotel, Further Lane, Mellor.

Award categories include: • Woman of the Year SME Business Award (up to £20million turnover) • Woman of the Year Medium Business Award (turnover over £20million - £50million) • Woman of the Year Large Business Award (turnover over £50million) • Rising Star (under 35 years of age) • Woman of the Year – Professional • Woman of the Year – Not for Profit Organisation • Most Supportive Business Promoting Diversity & Citizenship – Company Shakira Musarat, Relationship Director for Barclays in Lancashire said; “Women from all sectors across the North West are securing key roles in businesses and we want to recognise exceptional achievements for the contribution they are making. We are seeking entries from women and businesses in any sector or industry and this is a fantastic opportunity to bring together the business community from across the region to share knowledge and ideas, helping to grow the North West economy.”

Guest speakers at the launch event included Ann Jordan, non-Executive Director at the Institute of Directors who runs TiE and Richard Slater, Owner and Editor of Lancashire Business View.

Ann Jordan, said; “Women in business are a major contributor to both the regional and national economy, but there are still too many barriers that women have to overcome in comparison to their male counterparts. As well as providing an opportunity to network and share ideas and knowledge, events like this are essential to continue to support women in business by recognising outstanding achievement.”

This year, the shortlisting process for the awards will be supported by the University of Central Lancashire.

The awards ceremony will take place at an exclusive awards lunch on Thursday 5th July at Tatton Park.

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Winners unveiled at Lancashire’s celebration of business excellence SKELMERSDALE’S UPS Building & Maintenance was crowned a triple-winner at Lancashire Business View’s Red Rose Awards, which returned for its eighth year on Thursday 8 March, 2018.

The awards ceremony honoured the most ambitious, most innovative and most successful businesses in Lancashire, and played out in the Olympia at Winter Gardens Blackpool, which has never been used for an event of this nature before.

An audience of more than 1,100 business owners, employees and distinguished guests watched on as winners were announced across 25 categories, from Small Business of the Year (Gazegill Organics, Clitheroe) to In-House Training Award (BAE Systems, Samlesbury and Warton) – with an extra special Lancashire Business View trophy for Barnfield Construction of Burnley.

Its delighted chairman and managing director Tim Webber said: “This is absolutely superb, it is an award for the whole team at Barnfield, recognition of their hard work and it is something everyone can be proud of.

“We’re so very passionate about Lancashire. Over the years we’ve worked on projects across the country, but our heart is here.”

UPS Building & Maintenance, which maintains and renovates property with a particular focus on disabled adaptations, took home trophies for Construction Business of the Year, Property Business of the Year and the Customer Service Award.

UPS’ director John Graham revealed it was the first time ever the business had entered any awards. He said: “We’ve never done anything like this before, but I’m so glad we did. What a night, it has been fantastic! I’m delighted for the team.”

Blackburn’s AluFoldDirect won two awards, the Manufacturing Business and Medium Business of the Year, in recognition of its growing importance to the UK’s building trade.

To be crowned best in its category, each business was first selected from a pool of hundreds of applicants.

Shortlisted companies were then invited to give in-person presentations to a panel of more than 70 judges made up of sponsors and hand-picked, independent judges.

Richard Slater, publisher of Lancashire Business View magazine which hosts the Red Rose Awards, said: “We’re delighted to celebrate another incredible year of business for Lancashire at the Red Rose Awards 2018. The business

stories we see and hear through the awards process are inspirational and we’re very proud to share this far and wide with the ceremony and awards campaign.”

Oliver Burton, chief executive of headline sponsor Forbes Solicitors, said: “We’ve supported the Red Rose Awards since it launched in 2011 and were honoured to do so once again in 2018.

“The whole process has been a fantastic experience and the event was once again an amazing night. The awards are a showcase of success for so many Lancashire businesses and the highlight of the calendar.”

John Stanworth, head of corporate banking at headline sponsor Barclays, said: “It is always a privilege to be associated with awards that unashamedly celebrate success within the county. The Red Rose Awards create a positive culture and a buzz within Lancashire and the ceremony was yet again not one to be missed! Congratulations to all winners.”

Blackpool entrepreneurs win £20,000 Geovation award

A TEAM of entrepreneurs from Blackpool have won £20,000 to further develop their website and app designed to revitalise local high streets.

OFFiGO were awarded the startup funding at the inaugural Geovation Conference after impressing judges at the Royal Geographical Society in London.

The idea is to develop a digital platform that shares daily offers, events and services from local retailers direct to consumers.

The website has already been

successfully launched to serve Blackpool and the Fylde coast with over 170,000 people visiting OFFiGO in just 5 months.

Now the aim is to scale the business model nationwide to help Britain’s struggling high streets.

OFFiGO founder Dave Preston said: “The Geovation judges recognised the plan we have for local high streets can make a difference, we hope this award will encourage Councils to collaborate with us in supporting the promotional needs of local businesses and in turn boost each local economy."

The money will go towards taking OFFiGO from beta testing to the full version which will overhaul the admin sections and have new layouts and features to promote and support businesses from

all sectors locally. OFFiGO is moving this month to bigger offices in Blackpool and there are currently three new jobs being created. Businesses can create a free profile and promote their events and offers to consumers. Over 175,000 have visited the site since launch with over 450 businesses profiled.

Entrepreneurs pitched a diverse selection of ideas aimed at solving sustainability problems in the UK, in front of a packed house of experts, investors and pioneers.

Judges awarded funds for seven out of 10 ideas, which they believed had the most potential to succeed as a sustainable business model.

The winners can now call upon the support of a network of experienced

software developers, Ordnance Survey geospatial experts, Land Registry experts, and Geovation mentors to accelerate and scale their projects.

Head of Geovation Alex Wrottesley said: “We’ve had some fantastic teams at this year’s conference.

“There’s been a high-quality calibre with real passions to solve problems and we are looking forward to working with them to take it forwards.

“We’re here to help. Geovation surrounds them with useful expertise, people who can say ‘this will work technically’ or ‘this is the business model you will find most useful.’

“If we can provide them with access to technology, to tools and to expertise, then we can create innovation that works.”

Lancashire Mind appoint Tommy McIIravey as new Chief Executive TOMMY McIIravey has been appointed as chief executive of the county’s leading mental health charity Lancashire Mind.

Tommy joins Lancashire Mind with over ten years’ experience as the chief executive of Merseyside-based charity Sahir House. During his time in post Tommy led the charity to win the GSK Impact Award in 2017.

Tommy’s experience also includes volunteer positions at a number of high profile not-for-profit organisations including; Non-Executive Director at Plus Dane Housing, Management Consultant at Cranfield Trust and Lay Trustee and Chair of Lay Governance Group at the Royal College of Pathologists.

Lisa Bibby, Chair of Lancashire Mind’s Board of Trustees, said: “The Board of Trustees is delighted to have made such a great appointment to this key role and look forward to working with Tommy on the next stage of our charity’s journey towards achieving our vision of mental well being for all in Lancashire. He joins us after a number of years as a CEO of an award winning charity in Merseyside and Cheshire with a similar focus on prevention of ill health, fighting stigma and ensuring that people with illness have access to the right services at the right time. We know that he brings with him not only enthusiasm and energy but also a great deal of knowledge and experience that will help us grow and make an even

bigger difference to peoples lives’’.

Tommy McIlravey said: “Lancashire Mind is a charity with a fantastic track record, being values led and dedicated to creating a mental health revolution. I’m hoping I can bring my experience, both as a successful charity CEO and as a volunteer in mental health settings for nearly 20 years, to help Lancashire Mind on the next stage of its journey. I’m looking forward to working with all the staff, service users, volunteers and partner organisations to help Lancashire lead the way in UK mental health.”

Tommy, who will begin his new role at the beginning of April, replaces Stuart Lucas who was Lancashire Mind’s chief executive for over four years.

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April 2018

‘Smiles better awards’ – winners announced THE winners of the Preston Business Improvement District (BID) ‘Smiles Better’ Awards were announced at a sell-out ceremony at Preston’s Guild Hall on 20th March.

The competition, sponsored

by Abbey Telecom, saw more than 200 nominations from businesses and individuals across the city centre, which were whittled down to 111 finalists.

Fourteen accolades were up for grabs, the winners of which were chosen through a public vote.

Mark Whittle from Preston BID said: ‘These awards are always hotly contested with healthy competition between nominees to secure the public vote – the city centre is awash with great people working in great businesses and its good to recognise and reward them; they are the reason people visit Preston’.

In addition to the fourteen award categories, the BID Special Recognition honour was awarded to Cllr. Peter Rankin, Leader of Preston City Council, by Babs Murphy Chief Executive of the NWL

Chamber of Commerce - Cllr.

Peter Kelly accepted the award on behalf of the leader.

Guild Hall saviour Simon Rigby MBE was announced as the ‘City Star’, winning the category in which the Fishergate Bollard was a popular finalist.

The awards, presented by BBC Radio Lancashire’s John Gillmore and radio favourite Danny Bee saw TV favourite Sherrie Hewson make a surprise guest appearance to hand out one of the awards and meet the winners.

Sherrie, who’s currently starring in TV favourite ‘Benidorm’, said: ‘It was great to be in Preston and share in the success of the winners and finalists – it was a fabulous night’.

Tony Raynor, Managing Director of Abbey Telecom said: ‘We were delighted to sponsor the ‘Smiles Better’ Awards for 2018, the ceremony showed how passionate and positive city centre businesses are. There was a great air of excitement in the room and the winners, and finalists, are to be applauded’.

Retail Manager Of The Year Presented by: Leigh Sweetman – Chair of Preston At Night Winner: Sue Dodwell – Greggs

Personality Of The Year Presented by: Andy Neale – Preston At Night Co-Ordinator Winner: Brian Hudson – Yates

Independent Business Of The Year Presented by: Andy Coverdale – Chair City Centre Business Crime Reduction Partnership Winner: Town House Coffee And Brew Bar

Pub Of The Year Presented by: Iain Lynn – Lancashire Post Winner: Twelve Tellers

Bar Of The Year Presented by: Julie Stewart – City Centre Police Licensing Officer Winner: Yates Multiple Retailer Of The Year Presented by: Samuel Whitear –Director of Business Lancashire Winner: Ann Summers Best Customer Service In A Leisure Business Presented by: Carley Stewart Winner: Alice Corke Costa (St George’s) Leisure Manager Of The Year Presented by: Cllr. Peter Kelly – Cabinet Member for Leisure & Culture, Preston City Council Winner: Dave Brown – Switch Restaurant Of The Year Presented by: Nishma Hindocha – BBC Radio Lancashire Winner: Turtle Bay

Nightclub Of The Year Presented by: Rob Charles – Car Share Winner: The Warehouse Best Customer Service In A Retail Business Presented by: Tony Raynor – MD, Abbey Telecom, Winner: Sam Eaves – Ann Summers Outstanding Achievement In Retail Presented by: Stephanie Slater MBE – Paralympic Gold Medallist Winner: Andrew Stringer – St George’s Shopping Centre Outstanding Achievment In In Leisure Presented by: The Mayor of Preston, Cllr. Brian Rollo Winner: Lisa Billington – The Warehouse City Star Presented by: TV’s Sherrie Hewson Winner: Simon Rigby MBE Special Recognition Award Presented to Cllr. Peter Rankin

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BUSINESS SUPPORT

Expansion plans revealed THE joint owner of a chartered financial practice has attributed record annual growth to the company’s Fylde location.

Questa Chartered on Whitehills Business Park in Blackpool specialises in financial planning and advice.

The business has enjoyed 10 years of years of growth – effectively doubling in size since forming in 2007.

In 2017, Questa turnover grew by more than 36 %.

Over the year, the team won over 50 new clients and an additional 50 million pounds of investment new funds.

95 % of the new business came from referrals whilst Questa managed funds currently exceed over £300 million.

Questa managing director Anthony Hoskisson said: “I’ve lived in the Fylde all my life: been to school here; played rugby here; started a family here; and, worked here. Honestly? I wouldn’t want to run a business anywhere else.

“There are a whole range of reasons why we are operating so well at the moment. We’ve managed

investments shrewdly, and selected new clients with integrity; in some cases turning business down where we felt it wasn’t in our client’s best interest.

“But above all the contributing factors, I genuinely believe there’s something unique about this area.

Even in times of uncertainty, you can sense the optimism and resilience.

“The team we have built here at Questa share similar values of hard work and trust with our clients.

And you can’t put a price on that.”

Questa is now predicting further growth in the business of over 15% in the next 5 years.

Further expansion will see an expected doubling staff – planners, apprentices and administrators – over the next ten years. Additional office locations throughout the county are also being considered.

Anthony added: “We’re ambitious. The team we work with expects the very best for the business and our clients. And we’re looking forward to working with even more high calibre people in the coming years.”

Reel Cinema coming to Chorley

THE operator behind Chorley’s new cinema is looking forward to opening in the Borough and is unveiling more of its plans to bring the perfect big screen experience to Chorley.

The six-screen cinema will be the first in Chorley for a generation showing the latest releases, giving residents something they’ve been asking for a long time.

The cinema will be part of the Chorley Council-owned Market Walk shopping centre extension, which will broaden the appeal of the town to give it a long term future.

KC Suri, who owns Reel Cinemas, said: “We’re really excited to be coming to Chorley because we can see it is an up and coming place with lots of potential.

“The Council has been very proactive in pushing the development forward and it will give the town centre a big boost by widening its appeal to include more leisure activities such as the cinema and restaurants.

“It will have the very latest technology, fit for the next generation, and will give the residents of Chorley a cinema showing the latest blockbuster movies right on their doorstep.”

Reel Cinemas is one of the largest

independent cinema operators in the country offering a great big screen experience, but with competitive ticket prices.

The six screens will vary in size and the way Reel Cinema is looking to fit out the cinema will make it one of the best of its kind in the country.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council, said: “When we ask people what would bring them into Chorley town centre, a cinema is always at the top of that list, so it is brilliant that we’ve been able to secure this for the Borough.

“The news of the development is helping to kickstart our leisure economy with more restaurants opening and a boom in micro bars, which has seen the launch of a real ale trail, and we are seeing people coming from all over the North West to try it out.

“We are really excited to see work starting on the extension later in the year and we’ll be looking to announce the other new tenants in the coming weeks.”

The Council is working on increasing car park capacity before the work starts with the extension of the Cleveland Street car park and the creation of an upper level on the Friday Street car park.

The cinema is expected to open in late 2019.

Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub, is helping the county’s businesses grow.

If you’re looking to fuel your business growth, start the growth conversation today.

Funded support

0800 488 0057

Growth programmes

Search online for

3,500 businesses helped

‘Boost Lancashire’

“Boost support has opened up so many doors for Batch and the loan has allowed us to share our passion with the nation.”

Ollie Sanderson Batch Brew Ltd

Disclaimer: Boost Business Lancashire is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and restrictions apply. To see if your business is eligible and qualifies for support from the Boost programme, please call us on 0800 488 0057

#GrowingLancashire

20

April 2018

Energy specialist launches innovation centre A HOSPITALITY energy specialist is to more than triple its workspace and launch a cutting edge energy innovation centre following a six-figure investment into new premises.

Presented with the opportunity to take on the empty 10,000 sq ft space as its new headquarters in Nelson, BHA partner, Businesswise Solutions set about bringing its corporate, city inspired vision to life, complete with energy trading floor, auditorium and gym.

Its unique innovation centre will take customers on an energy journey, demonstrating the latest new technology driving the industry, such as battery power, demand side response and blockchain.

The expansion falls perfectly in line with the company’s drive to double its workforce this year and increase turnover to £5m by 2020.

The building, on the Lomeshaye Industrial Estate, has an impressive pedigree, previously being home to telecoms giant, Daisy Group.

Frazer Durris, Managing Director of Businesswise Solutions, said: “We have

long been considering a move to bigger premises; an open plan, contemporary space which would bring the whole team together and facilitate our ambitious growth plans.

“We’ve been working closely with architects and tradespeople to transform it into a modern, welcoming and inspiring space for people to work and visit.

“And it’s more than just an office; it’s a hub of education and advice for businesses looking to improve the way they buy and manage their energy.”

The move will see Businesswise play host to a number of informative and educational energy events and recruitment days in coming months for businesses across the North West and beyond.

Staff too, will benefit from working in modern, inspirational surroundings, as well as having use of their own gym and games area to utilise during downtime.

Frazer concluded: “It’s a really exciting time to join the business as we continue to strengthen our teams to support significant UK and European expansion.”

Hundreds visit E3 Expo ON Wednesday 14th March, more than 700 visitors attended the E3 Business Expo at the Macron Stadium in Bolton.

The event is a showcase for businesses throughout the North West. Designed to deliver as much activity as possible in a single day, it comprised a series of seminars, speed networking sessions and the exhibition itself, which this year featured 60 stands.

Attendance broke previous records, as visitors came to make new contacts and hear presentations on a diverse range of business topics.

Others were drawn by the chance to take advantage of special show offers, as the event organiser, Mubarak Chati, MD of 1 Events Media explained.

“This year, we’ve been helping exhibitors to get the best possible results from their time at the Expo,” he said.

“Last month, we provided exhibitor training for all those taking part and, to help ensure maximum attendance, we encouraged them to provide a variety of show offers discounts and giveaways that visitors would really value.

The stand-holders certainly

embraced the idea and we estimate they came to the Expo offering more than £18,000 worth of free reports, free security checks and significant discounts on things like hotel bookings and flights.

“Helping exhibitors to prepare more effectively is good news for everyone.

It means better results for those on the stands, but it also means better deals and better customer service for our visitors. The early feedback from this year’s Expo has been particularly positive, so we’ll definitely use people’s experiences here to shape the look and feel of future events.”

One of the biggest draws of the day was the seminar programme. This featured presentations on fleet management, customer engagement and business development through referral marketing.

The seminars took place to one side of the main hall, where exhibitors demonstrated new products, new technologies and new solutions to the challenges of business. Throughout the day, visitors and exhibitors alike were also able to take

advantage of free food and drink. This encouraged visitors to stay longer, spending more time networking and talking to stand-holders, and its obvious popularity on the day means it will almost certainly become a standard feature of future events.

Other parts of the exhibition hall were devoted to particular industries. In the Energy Zone, for example, exhibitors were on hand to offer advice on all aspects of energy cost reduction.

Visitors requested utility supplier comparisons, booked appointments for energy efficiency surveys and learned about the savings resulting from the latest energy efficient lighting and control products.

Likewise, in the Fleet Zone, members of the recently formed National Fleet Partnership provided free advice about keeping company vehicles safe, secure and running efficiently. Inside the hall, they helped visitors with issues such as insurance, purchasing and security, while outside in the car park, safety specialists offered free tyre checks and vehicle reports.

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Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

Pets Choice makes it a hat-trick at Crufts 2018

PETS Choice Ltd returned to Crufts with not one but three brands, marking a first for the leading pet food manufacturer.

Popular pet food brand, Webbox Natural, attended Crufts for its second consecutive year and showcased the teaser campaign for their upcoming television commercial, while brands TastyBone and Meatiful made their Crufts debut.

TastyBone, the UK’s leading manufacturer of nylon chews and edible treats was awarded the Queens Award for Enterprise in 2017, and their first Crufts show was a huge success.

Camille Ashforth, TastyBone product manager, said of the debut: “Crufts was a great opportunity to speak with consumers and educate them about the TastyBone brand and each of the different ranges. The brand was very well received, and we are already planning how we can make next year bigger and better!”

Also new for Crufts 2018 is hypoallergenic and gluten-free dog food brand Meatiful. After launching at PATS Telford in 2017 and being unleashed to the

public at Discover Dogs in October, Meatiful took their single-source protein sausages to the world’s largest dog show where they were a sell-out!

Julie Butcher, head of marketing at Pets Choice Ltd said: “Crufts is always an excellent show for us and a fantastic opportunity to meet consumer and trade customers and this years did not let us down. Both TastyBone and Meatiful were very well received along with Webbox Natural which saw its second year at the show.

“Our teaser campaign for the Webbox Natural range also had its unveiling at the show and everyone loved the creative and fun side of the brand. All in all, it was a standout show for all three brands and we can’t wait to return in 2019.”

Register for your free Let’s Do This information pack today and find out what a successful shale gas industry has in store for Lancashire, with your help.

www.lancsforshale.org.uk/letsdothis

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April 2018

Racing ahead in 2018 BLACKPOOL based catering and event management company, Campbell & Rowley directors, Lindsay Campbell and Paul Rowley are proud to announce their latest venture in partnership with Hexham Racecourse in High Yarridge, Northumberland where they will be the exclusive caterer.

This exciting 7-year business partnership will see the company, with a reputation for excellent sporting venue catering and hospitality, as well as corporate event and wedding catering, leading the field.

With Cartmel Racecourse in Cumbria and Fylde Rugby Football Club on the Fylde coast in their portfolio, they bring provenance and style for great local British food with a twist all of their own.

Lindsay Campbell, Director said; “We are proud to have been selected as the exclusive

caterer to the racecourse, it is a very exciting challenge and we look forward to looking after race-goers and getting to know all of the clients and guests that frequent Hexham Racecourse.

With a 7-year partnership, there is enormous potential and both businesses are invested in implementing some exciting ideas, maybe a few surprises too, watch this space!”

Hexham Racecourse with a 128-year history is one of the most scenic in the country.

Offering a wonderful venue for weddings, celebrations, parties, corporate days and conferences in the natural beauty of the Northumberland countryside.

Racecourse Manager, Robert Whitelock commented, “We are looking forward to working with Lindsay, Paul and team. Campbell & Rowley has embraced the best of business and culture in the locality of

other venues they manage which aligns to our approach here at Hexham. We are excited to see what the future brings but with the ideas on the table we really look forward to welcoming more events, weddings and taking the experience for our race-goers to another level in 2018 and beyond.”

KRS scores a double POULTON-based Knight Rigging Services has scooped two awards at a prestigious awards ceremony.

The business – responsible for helping to rig sets for the likes of Ed Sheeran and The Stone Roses, won Favourite Rigging Company, while its managing director, Sven Knight, won the Rigger of the Year accolade.

For 20 years, Total Production International has been the leading publication in the live production industry. And for 16 of those years, the TPi Awards have acknowledged the achievements of “the most talented and successful individuals and service companies working within the industry.”

“There’s something unique about winning this TPi Award,” said KRS General Manager Carrie Rooney.

“This isn’t simply a recognition of being ‘best’ or ‘first’; it’s an award for being the UK’s ‘Favourite’ Rigging Company.

As a business built on relationships with people who enjoy working with us, that has a particular resonance.”

Speaking about being named Rigger of the Year, Sven Knight said, “Even when you win an individual award,

it’s never really a recognition of one individual. I’m very fortunate to have a specialist, experienced team around me who I rely on at every single event that KRS is a part of.

So I would like to thank TPi for this acknowledgement –

because it means a great deal.

And I would like to thank everyone at KRS, our suppliers and clients, because without them we would never have the opportunity to become the UK’s favourite rigging service.”

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Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

Local sales coach wows national conference CHORLEY based Hayley Caine, owner of the Selling Made Easier consultancy, recently was the main speaker at the UK Pink Spaghetti franchise conference, attended by 35 franchisee holders from across the UK. Pink Spaghetti is an award winning personal assistant and virtual assistant service for individuals and small businesses, with franchisees in Lancashire.

At the conference in Cheshire, Hayley wowed the audience with her approach to giving individuals the tips, techniques and confidence to make selling easier.

“I particularly focused on explaining why everyone needs a sales plan and how to use it to effectively target companies and sectors” said Hayley. “This was followed by discussing how to prepare for a call/meeting and how to think like a sales person, as well as understanding why

and how people buy and what you have to do to close the sale. Ultimately, sales is about being prepared, motivated and determined. That’s what puts the sizzle on your sausage!”

Central Lancashire franchisee owner, Karen Book added: “We have had sales support from Hayley for a year and have definitely benefited from her detailed sales techniques and coaching.

It has certainly given myself and my business partner, Katie

Skinner, the confidence to grow our business.”

Summarising the feedback from the conference, Caroline Gowing and Vicky Matthews, the Pink Spaghetti national franchise owners, enthused: “ An amazing, insightful and inspiring sales session for our franchisees who went away with confidence and with the knowledge to sell without being a salesy person.”

Business expo success for shale supporters

LANCASHIRE For Shale, a profracking group comprised of local business leaders and residents, enjoyed a successful exhibition at the Lancashire Business Expo, held at Preston’s iconic Guild Hall.

Chairman, Lee Petts, said: “It was the first time we’ve exhibited like this, but we’ll definitely be doing it again next year.

“Throughout the day, we were inundated with local business people eager to learn more about the many benefits that a successful shale gas industry could bring to the county.

Everyone was genuinely upbeat about it, and we were able to facilitate some useful introductions to the Cuadrilla procurement team as well.”

Tony Raynor, a member of the

Lancashire For Shale Steering Group, also helped to man the stand for the day and said: “It was very refreshing to hear just how much support there is for shale in the Lancashire business community.

“The key now is to ensure that it’s these and other local businesses and their employees that benefit the most from the opportunities to work in and with the industry.”

Lancashire For Shale said that attending the Expo was about showing that shale gas is no different to any other industry and has a rightful place in the Lancashire business community.

It also wanted to make itself more accessible, and to help facilitate introductions for supply chain hopefuls.

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April 2018

Preston’s set to stage two huge events

Harrison Drury partners with Business Lancashire BUSINESS Lancashire and Harrison Drury have agreed to work together to produce a series of monthly thought leadership pieces over the next 12 months.

The award winning North West legal practice will utilise the Business Groups’ websites, e-newsletters and monthly newspaper, which are distributed across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Cumbria and Merseyside, to provide thoughtprovoking articles, particularly on legal best practice and related topical issues, for businesses and individuals.

Harrison Drury employs 120 staff across its five North West offices in Clitheroe, Garstang, Preston, Lancaster and Kendal. The firm has been named three times in the Sunday Times Top 100 Best Small Companies

to Work For list in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Kris Barber-Midgely, Marketing and Business Development Manager, Harrison Drury, said: “This is an exciting partnership that will allow our solicitors to share valuable thought leadership articles with businesses and individuals across the region.

“Through our partnership, we aspire to create exciting, innovative content that will keep Business Lancashire readers up-to-date on a range of important legal topics.”

Sam Whitear, Director, Business Lancashire added: “We’re delighted to have Harrison Drury on board, their award-winning legal advice will provide our readers with credible advice on relevant topical legal issues.”

PRESTON’S Flag Market will host two huge events on Saturday 5th May, organised by Preston BID with support from city centre businesses.

Catwalk king, Gok Wan, will present ‘Fashion Rocks’ – an afternoon of style fusing high street names, independent brands and new designers with an eclectic soundtrack.

The ‘Fashion Rocks’ event, which is free to attend, is sponsored by the Fishergate Shopping Centre and St George’s Shopping Centre.

Gok said: "I’ve been to Preston before and love the city, it’s got a vibrant eclectic mix of clothing brands and people – my team and I can’t wait to ‘rock’ up on 5th May and showcase some awesome looks for guys and girls of Preston this spring".

The event, which runs from 11.30am – 4.30pm, will see Gok and a team of international models parade ‘must have’ male and female looks for all ages.

From 6.30pm, the Flag Market will turn into a concert arena for the nowannual ‘Prestfest’ event, celebrating the city’s ‘Purple Flag’ award-winning night time economy sector.

Confirmed acts include Melanie C, from the world’s biggest selling girlgroup the Spice Girls, who have sold over 85 million records worldwide.

She will perform her exclusive DJ set as part of the event.

Ahead of her appearance in Preston Mel C said: "It’s going to be great to play my 90’s MixTape set in Preston,

I’m really looking forward to Prestfest – northern crowds know how to party".

Alongside Melanie, retro European dance DJ, SASH! will take to the decks to give a different dynamic to the event, playing his worldwide hits ‘Encore Une Fois’, ‘Stay’ and ‘Ecuador’. SASH! has amassed more than 65 gold and platinum awards and continues to perform across the globe at dance music events.

The event will also feature a live performance from Café Mambo Ibiza resident DJ Ben Santiago and sax sensation ‘Lovely Laura’. She is creating a storm across the globe with videos of her performances reaching over 70m viewers worldwide.

Laura is renowned for her incredible live shows for Café Mambo, Ocean Beach Ibiza, Hed Kandi, and Ushuaïa. She is one of the world’s most ‘in demand’ musicians – having performed at prestigious international clubs and festivals worldwide, such as Tomorrowland, Cocoon (Frankfurt) and Amnesia-Ibiza.

With more acts yet to be announced – Prestfest is expected to be a sell-out.

Mark Whittle from Preston BID said: "Working with the city’s leisure and retail businesses, we’ve put together two outstanding events to promote our city and its businesses and bring together thousands of people to celebrate our award-winning status’"

International brewery success A LOCAL woodworking business has supplied personalised, handmade pump clips and tap handles to international brewery, Thornbridge, based in Bakewell.

William Firth Woodcraft is an independent woodworking workshop based in the village of Scorton, in Lancashire. All the products created in the workshop are handmade using traditional processes and best practices. Supplying to stockists and breweries up and down the country, March 2018 has seen the business supply to their biggest Brewery yet.

Thornbridge Brewery started brewing in 2005, out of the grounds of Thornbridge Hall in Bakewell. From being an original 10 barrel brewery, to winning over 350 awards and boasting over 86,000 social media followers, the Brewery now operates from two sites and the company have many pubs and a wide variety of

beers that is supplied internationally.

William Firth Woodcraft was tasked to create personalised Pump Clips for several different beers, as well as Tap Handles to go with them. Produced from American Black Walnut, an initial shape was created that was followed for each clip, making each uniform but still completely handmade. The same process was then followed for each Tap Handle before each product being finished with personalisation from the laser etching machine.

William Firth said: “We have worked with a variety of breweries in the last year and we love the challenge that each gives us. This project was something quite new for us, and it was a pleasure to be approached by such a large company, who we have thoroughly enjoyed working with and look forward to working with long into the future.”

Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

100 entrepreneurs attend Lancashire growth summit MORE than 100 entrepreneurs from across Lancashire gathered for a major growth summit aimed at supporting new and growing businesses in the county.

Hosted by Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub, the event was part of the #GrowingLancashire campaign which aims to advise and assist more than 4,000 businesses in the county by the end of 2018.

Speakers on the day included Emma Jones of Enterprise Nation, Robert Binns from Cotton Court and Steve Young from Boost delivery partner, Winning Pitch. The event also featured sessions with panellists including Frazer Durris from Businesswise Solutions, Guy Cookson of Hotfoot Design, Anne Williamson from Lucrative Marketing, Catarina King from Society1, Ross Duncan of Easson Media, Rafik Adam from Enterprise4All, Lee White from Cubbies and Nikki Hesford, the entrepreneur who launched the Made In Preston lingerie brand and appeared on BBC’s Dragon’s Den. The event was organised by Winning Pitch and Enterprise4All. Rona McFall, head of entrepreneurial solutions at Winning Pitch, said: “The summit was about driving business growth, which ultimately will benefit the county as a whole. It’s really hard to launch and grow a business, but the chance to learn from the collective experience of over 100 fellow entrepreneurs and business advisors can only help the business owners who attended.”

Andrew Leeming, Boost programme manager, said: “The summit shone a light on how Boost can help businesses grow, what support is available to help businesses realise their potential and most importantly, we heard from entrepreneurs who have been there and

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done it.”

Latest figures show Boost has helped over 3,500 businesses in the county to access business support, leading to the creation of an estimated 540 new jobs since January 2016, when the Growth Hub secured £7.8m of funding to run for a further three years.

In that time, 180 new businesses have been established and £10m of new economic activity has been generated.

Boost is led by the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) and Lancashire County Council, and supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

A wide range of free and part-funded business support is available through Boost in areas including mentoring, access to finance, innovation, skills and training.

County Councillor Michael Green, Cabinet member for Economic Development, Environment and Planning, speaking at the event said: “Today has highlighted just some of the tremendous success stories of existing businesses and start-ups launching, growing and creating new jobs. There’s no doubt that Boost has led to increased economic activity in the county.

“The Cabinet recently committed to providing £1m in match funding to help us to attract funding and continue Boost to the end of December 2021. We’ve already seen a lot of success from Boost, including helping to create over 1,200 jobs in Lancashire since 2013 and we’re determined to continue this important work.”

United Utilities hosts “Innovation Lab” THE United Kingdom's largest listed water company, is collaborating with seven businesses, in pursuit of better and more cost-effective services for their seven million customers.

The seven partners are Enging, Hydrao, Typhon Treatment Systems, Datatecnics, EMAGIN, Enzen and Environsuite – an international line-up from Penrith in the UK to Brisbane in Australia.

They were handpicked from 1,500 fledgeling, small and large suppliers. Of the 83 ideas that passed the first stage of a rigorous selection process

(a third of which came from the Northern Powerhouse region), 19 had to battle it out as part of a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style pitch process. The best seven were chosen and they have joined the Lab programme.

The final seven innovations include a smart surface that predicts when pipes will burst, and a futuristic, colourchanging showerhead which aims to reduce water waste.

Other ideas make use of the Internet of Things, machine learning and robotics.

The successful businesses are now on a 10-week programme, which will see them co-located and

mentored by senior United Utilities business leaders at its Warrington HQ. Kieran Brocklebank, Head of Innovation at United Utilities, said: “The Innovation Lab is a really exciting new initiative. It offers suppliers an invaluable opportunity to get up-close with data and customer environments that aren’t usually accessible.

Our workshops will help each supplier to develop some core business ideas, such as their sales and recruitment strategies, along with the ability to test and build their products.

"For us, this is all about breaking down the barriers to innovation, so we can work together to create the technologies that will be essential for a resilient and efficient water service in the future” Run in collaboration with corporate innovation specialist L Marks, each business will get the opportunity to test, improve and demonstrate their product/service in live customer environments to key experts and decision makers.

Stuart Marks, CEO of L Marks, said: “Working together over the 10 week programme will produce

great learnings and results for both United Utilities and the seven partners taking part.

We’ve found some genuinely innovative and exciting solutions that will help United Utilities to future-proof its services.

“L Marks is a long-term promoter of the Northern Powerhouse initiative, so I’m particularly pleased that this programme is taking place in Warrington and is supporting businesses in the North. I’m looking forward to seeing what United Utilities and the seven partners have achieved by the end of the programme.”

26 Leading employee engagement group offers vital survey to members THE North West Employee Engagement Group (NWEEG) is offering members a vital employee engagement survey. The survey will help business leaders gain an understanding of the thoughts and feelings of people within an organisation and how this affects their behaviour, as well as helping them understand the results and providing advice on how to make their environment a better place to work.

The Group, founded in 2014, has over 200 members and is the North West’s leading employee engagement membership group, connecting HR professionals and business leaders with engagement specialists and peers. They present evidence and real-life, practical experiences of how business leaders have successfully engaged with their teams and subsequently improved their businesses as a result.

Andrew Henderson, one of six NWEEG leaders, said: “It’s vital that businesses do this survey, or one similar, to better understand and improve their employee engagement.

“The NWEEG survey is a key member benefit and as well as providing insights into your business, you are supporting vital research that assess the North West’s engagement levels, helping to improve them and to reach our vision, which is to make the North West of England the best place to work in the world.

“The professional forum gives business leaders and HR professionals the opportunity to learn more about positive work place engagement and translate this in order to help them create a great place to work and a great place to be a customer.’’

April 2018

North West law firm clinches ‘Best Companies’ hat-trick A NORTH West law firm has been named among the UK’s best employers for the third year running.

Harrison Drury, which has offices in Preston, Garstang, Lancaster and Clitheroe, has been included in the prestigious Sunday Times list of the ‘Top 100 Best Small Companies to Work For’. The list is compiled after an indepth study of how businesses treat their staff.

The firm debuted in the Best Companies list in 2016 and repeated the feat in 2017.

Over the last few years, it

has introduced a wide range of initiatives to engage with staff and promote employee well-being.

The 2018 Best Companies lists were revealed at an awards ceremony held at the Battersea Evolution venue in London’s Battersea Park.

John Chesworth, executive chairman of Harrison Drury, said: “We’ve gone from having around 60 staff when we first went through the Best Companies process three years ago, to having 120 employees now.

“When any business grows

rapidly, the challenge is to keep the culture which made it successful in the first place. To double staff numbers and still score highly for employee engagement is a huge achievement and is testament to everyone at Harrison Drury who has worked tirelessly to make this possible.”

April-Jayne Barnes, HR manager at Harrison Drury, added: “Attracting and retaining the best people is one of the greatest challenges any company faces. Our culture of putting our employees first helps us stand out from the crowd.

“A major focus this time has been on work-life balance.

Having a happy and healthy workforce means our clients benefit too. Our attention now turns to striving to make it four out of four Best Companies awards next year.”

The Best Companies survey examines company life and reveals how employees really perceive their working environment. The research

looks at factors such as working conditions, company values, staff ’s opinion of their managers and how valued they feel.

In the last 12-months, the firm has championed a healthy work-life balance and vowed never to increase billable hours targets. This allows staff time in the working week to focus on such things as personal development, training and volunteering opportunities.

Harrison Drury has also worked with a personal trainer to advise all staff on nutrition, exercise and mental health.

It has also run boot camps to offer staff a chance to keep fit and active.

The firm also hosts quarterly staff socials so that each office has a chance to meet and get to know other members of the team.

It has also changed the format of its ‘one-to-one’ personal development process to ask employees what more the firm can do to help them achieve their goals while maintaining a better work-life balance.

INTERNATIONAL

Opportunity for businesses to meet Commonwealth trade organisations PRESTON will welcome representatives from across the Commonwealth on Thursday 12th April, as UCLan hosts the Chamber’s Commonwealth Connect event at their Foster building from 08.30am -11.00am. The celebration, organised by North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, is aimed at building and developing mutual trading relationships across the Commonwealth. This free event is open to all interested parties.

Commonwealth Connect will feature a unique opportunity for businesses to meet directly with trade organisations from across the Commonwealth, as well as hear about export and investment opportunities, showcased by in-country experts. The event is sponsored by Moneycorp.

Commented Babs Murphy, CEO, NWLCC: “We are delighted to welcome representatives from

the UK Asean Business Council (covering Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei); British Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, South African Chamber of Commerce and Altios International (covering Australia) to our event. Their collective knowledge and experience of working in these countries will be invaluable, so that attendees can hear about relevant case studies, whether you are an SME or a larger company.”

Local business Playdale, one of the Commonwealth Export Champions for the Department of International Trade, is also supporting the event. Barry Leahey, Managing Director, Playdale said: “From early on in our export journey, we saw the benefits of exporting with distributors in Commonwealth countries, due to the similar trading conditions and laws.

“We have been very successful in Singapore and

Australia and seeing trade grow with India, Cyprus and Canada, it is fantastic to see we are providing fun through world class play areas in these regions from equipment manufactured locally. This obviously has helped us secure the future for our business but has also given boosts into our local supply chain.

“I believe the timing of the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is pivotal as the UK starts to realign for a post Brexit era.

If the Governments can see and then market the ‘Commonwealth Opportunity’, it will steer and then allow other business’s like Playdale to experience similar success. As for Playdale, we see our Commonwealth business going from strength to strength and we are now actively looking at the developing African regions, with South Africa and Nigeria being a target for our next distributors.”

Hurst Green Plastics takes off TWINBIN has taken off throughout the USA and Mexico thanks to the partnership between Ribble Valley-based Hurst Green Plastics and Aircraft Hardware West (AHW).

Aircraft Hardware West has implemented multiple VMI programs at Aerospace Companies across USA and Mexico combining its Advanced Inventory Management Solution (AIMS) and the Hurst Green Plastics TwinBin System to provide a state-of-the-art VMI system.

Hurst Green Plastics offer a personalised service as customers have the option of personalising both TwinBins and Racks with full color customer logos and content/ location information.

A further personalisation, in co-operation with AHW included printing the Locking Bars, Rack Headers and Rack accessories in the customers language of choice, meaning operators who do not have English as a first language are still able to understand the racking system controls.

The TwinBin System, in cooperation with AHW AIMS program, has been saving customers time and money with their inventory control

system. Aircraft Hardware West’s VMI Software connects to a web portal for full visibility of all part numbers within the TwinBin System on the production floor to broadcast bin levels, bin status, product certifications, invoices and usage history. Customers can also use a Mobile App which collects data from the bins on the production floor and works in conjunction with the ERP system to process transactions in real time which is assisted by the TwinBin System.

With its proven detailed project management transition process, AHW moves its customers to the VMI seamlessly, without any

interruption to production build schedules. As part of transition, AHW includes detailed video training to ensure operators understand the system controls, and its use with the web portal functionality.

Aircraft Hardware West recently successfully installed over 2000 TwinBins across 19 Racks into their customers facility strategically located in the production areas. The VMI system in full operation is allowing operators to retrieve hardware quickly, making production lines run leaner.

AHW’s operational team replenish bins to contract KPI’s to support production lines daily, with detailed

27

reports by production area or rack on the web portal.

Stocking over 30,000 product lines and working within the aerospace industry as a global distributor of the world’s leading fastener manufacturers, AHW and TwinBin are a perfect match.

Aircraft Hardware West offer a comprehensive inventory of specialized fasteners which in co-operation with the TwinBin System and state of the art bar coding system eliminate the customers logistics cost of purchasing, receiving and quality control of materials.

The VMI program also reduces on-hand inventory to the stock in the bottom bin, greatly reducing customers holding costs.

The AIMS program in conjunction with the TwinBin system is a hands-off system for customers with many cost benefits, guaranteeing inventory levels that ensure no stock-outs or production line stoppages.

Krista Wildermuth, Director of Operation, Aircraft Hardware West, said: “Over the past 3 years, our VMI business has been implemented at aircraft interior companies needing a better way to deliver products to the production

floor. Partnering with Hurst, and designing our VMI to work with the TwinBin system has exceeded our expectations.

As a result, we see more aerospace companies moving away from the traditional method of ordering hardware, and turning to a full-service, vendor managed program like the AIMS system. At AHW, we believe in listening to our customer to design a system that best fits their business. The outcome of AIMS and TwinBin is a true hands-off VMI solution that benefits companies across all departments.”

Julie Monaco, Account Director, Hurst Green Plastics said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with AHW. It is great to work with such a creative and dynamic company, who listen to their customer needs, thereby customizing our products to meet their client’s requirements. With the assistance of the team at AHW they have allowed us to extend the TwinBin system to companies within the exciting markets of Latin- America and the USA. We look forward to a flourishing business relationship.”

28 ACQUISITIONS

Swiftkleen merges with System Hygiene ACCRINGTON-based System Hygiene has celebrated 35 years in business by agreeing a deal to merge with another cleaning and nursing company.

The janitorial specialists will take charge of Swiftkleen, based in Leyland, with all eight staff relocating to its main offices in Altham Business Park, Altham, Accrington.

Robin Huddleston, Managing Director of System Hygiene, said: “This acquisition is a huge win for our customers.

“We'll draw from Swiftkleen’s deep knowledge in the industrial and commercial marketplace and wellconnected team, as well as their incredible customer base, to launch exciting new services and develop our online sales channels.

“They have a strong presence online through eBay and Amazon and that is part of the business that we are keen to grow.”

Robin added: “Although we enjoyed year-on-year growth and a loyal customer base that has spread from our Lancashire roots into Yorkshire, Staffordshire and Cumbria, we decided to be proactive.

“We sought a merger with another supplier.

“We believe that not only will it complement our day-to-day business, but more excitingly, a larger organisation will allow us to provide a wider variety of services and greater depth to our offering.”

Swiftkleen has been a leading supplier of specialist cleaning, nursing and workwear products since it began trading in 1990.

David Hogan, who runs the company with his wife Julie, said the merger secured long-term investment for the firm, currently based at Centurion Way Industrial Estate.

Julie said: “This is a unique opportunity to bring two passionate companies together with a shared vision of delivering excellent customer service, environmentally-responsible products and innovative hygiene services to all our customers.

“I look forward to working together with System Hygiene to bring industry-leading solutions and support to our customers.

“With a turnover in excess of £5m, System Hygiene also offers the financial stability and longterm investment opportunity our customers will benefit from.

“The most exciting thing will be the many new services and areas of expertise the new company will provide in the future.

“This includes a move into hygiene services,

MBO at Tufting Machinery Services THE corporate finance team at PM+M - the Blackburn headquartered chartered accountancy, business advisory and wealth management group – has acted for the MBO team which has acquired Accringtonbased engineering firm Tufting Machinery Services Limited.

The deal sees Chris McGonagle and John Heap acquire the business from directors Eugene Regan and Paul Grant who are retiring. Both Eugene and Paul will continue to be involved in the business for an agreed handover

period.

PM+M provided corporate finance advice, deal support and fundraising services; Farleys Solicitors provided legal advice; NatWest Bank plc funded the deal and Forbes provided legal advice to the bank.

Chris McGonagle said: “Both myself and John are incredibly proud to take the reins of Tufting Machinery Services. Our focus is now on building on Eugene and Paul’s hard work to ensure the business has a secure and prosperous future.”

Tim Mills, corporate finance partner at PM+M added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Chris and John and allows a well-established and much respected Lancashire business to flourish.”

Charlotte Mills, associate partner at Farleys, said: “It’s been a privilege to help Chris and John achieve their goal of taking ownership of a company with a clear plan for further business growth, and we wish them every success for the future.”

extending the customer service team, modernising the transport fleet and improving advice-related activity with an experienced team of regional and national account managers.”

The merger will increase the services provided by System Hygiene, which includes commercial laundry, kitchen and washroom hygiene services in both the public and commercial services.

The company currently supplies more than 7,000 lines of janitorial, cleaning and safety products to its customers.

The merger will increase the number of staff working at System Hygiene to more than 60.

Levity wins Micro-Exporter of the Year BILSBORROW-based, Levity CropScience, has won the Micro-Exporter of the Year at the Northern Powerhouse Export Awards.

Held at Leeds Town Hall, The Northern Powerhouse Export Awards brings together businesses from across the North to recognise and celebrate their entrepreneurial exporting achievements as well as encouraging others to increase their export potential.

The agriculture specialist picked up the award based on its strong performance in the international market, exporting its smart fertilisers to the likes of; Egypt, Ghana, UAE, and USA. Levity was also highly-commended in the Most Entrepreneurial Exporter of the Year category.

David Marks, Managing Director, Levity CropScience, said: “We’re thrilled to have won the award for Micro-Exporter of the Year and to be highly-commended in the Most Entrepreneurial Exporter of the Year category. ”The award illustrates both the hard work and dedication of our team as well as the everincreasing demand for Levity’s innovative products, which are helping growers throughout the globe increase yields and grow crops more resilient to stressful climates and disease.”

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Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

City Deal Partners unveil new ‘Invest Central Lancashire’ proposition More than 160 developers, investors, property professionals and policy makers drawn from across the North recently gathered together for a special inward investment conference focussing on the huge investment potential offered by Preston, South Ribble and the wider central Lancashire region.

Entitled Invest in Central Lancashire, the event was organised by the City Deal Partnership which includes Lancashire County Council, Preston City Council, South Ribble Council, Homes England and the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The half-day session was run in partnership with leading property news and investment website Place North West. It was chaired by Place North West’s editor Jessica Middleton-Pugh and was hosted at Preston North End’s football ground.

The Invest in Central Lancashire conference covered a wide range of topics and highlighted some of the significant investment opportunities and projects coming forward in and around Preston and South Ribble.

These included the 160acre mixed-used Cuerden site, officially renamed at the event as ‘Lancashire Central’, which is set to create 4,500 new jobs and generate over £240m for the local economy every year.

The £200m masterplan for the University of Central Lancashire,

the regeneration of the Harris Quarter district of Preston city centre, and the economic opportunities offered by the Samlesbury Enterprise Zone site were also discussed.

Other major issues debated by senior executives, drawn from both the private and public sector via a series of panel discussions, included the benefits of Central Lancashire’s new transport links, the need for more residential and premium office space in the region, and the importance of developing a vibrant night-time economy for Preston.

constructive partnerships.

Senior representatives from every local authority involved in the City Deal programme– including Lancashire County Council leader Geoff Driver CBE, Preston City Council chief executive Lorraine Norris and South Ribble Council’s chief executive Heather McManus – all highlighted that the City Deal was underpinned by a commitment by all parties, regardless of political persuasion, to work together for the good of Lancashire.

This collaborative approach to delivering the City Deal proposition was reinforced by speakers from the private sector.

These included Karen Hirst, managing director of Maple Grove Developments, Tom Roberts, senior transport planner for Mott MacDonald, and John Chesworth, executive chairman

investment brand Invest Central Lancashire, and each delegate was given a detailed 42-page Invest Central Lancashire prospectus which captured all of the City Deal region’s strengths, unique selling points and investment opportunities.

Further, the Invest Central Lancashire proposition and new prospectus are set to be key elements in Lancashire’s forthcoming trade mission to the MIPIM international property and investment expo in Cannes.

Jim Carter, chairman of the City Deal and an LEP board director said: “This was a fabulous event as it gave everyone involved in delivering this transformational £434m programme an opportunity to update local businesses and partners on the amazing progress we’ve made in just three years.

“But more importantly, this

of Harrison Drury.

Other panellists taking part in the event were Lawrence Kenwright, chairman of Signature Living; Charles Quick, professor of public art practice at University of Central Lancashire; Caroline Baker, director of Cushman and Wakefield; Stephen Proudley, head of retail for Lambert Smith Hampton; Jon Thorne, partner for B8 Real Estate and Ben Scandrett, surveyor for Brookhouse Group.

The conference was also used as a platform to launch the City Deal Partnership’s new inward

conference gave the City Deal partnership a platform to directly engage with developers, investors and employers and highlight the ambition and appetite for growth which we all share for Central Lancashire.

“With developments like Lancashire Central now coming forward, the potential is truly phenomenal. In addition, we were able to use this event to highlight that a booming, high performing central Lancashire corridor will bring significant benefits to the whole of the county, as well as the wider North West region.”

Another subject focused on was the key role South Ribble has to play in creating an offer which appeals to families and older people which would complement Preston’s urban, student and cityliving appeal.

The need to engage with young people to help retain local talent, the role of culture in driving economic growth, and barriers to unlocking more commercial land were also covered.

Running through every discussion and presentation was the theme of strong and

L-R Cllr Peter Mullineaux (Leader, South Ribble Council), Heather McManus (Chief Executive, South Ribble Council), Jim Carter (City Deal Chair and LEP director), Geoff Driver(Leader, Lancashire County Council, Lorraine Norris, Chief Executive, Preston City Council)

30 TRANSPORT TRAVELLERS can look forward to flights connecting Carlisle and the Lake District with the South East of England, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland from June 4, with Carlisle Lake District Airport (CLDA) unveiling Loganair, Scotland’s Airline, as its airline partner.

Loganair will operate eight flights per-day across the working week and a total of 12 at weekends, connecting Cumbria and the Lake District, which receives 45 million visitors per year, to London Southend Airport, Belfast City Airport and Dublin Airport.

The routes went on sale from Monday 12 March, with all services commencing on 4 June when CLDA plans to launch commercial and business passenger flights for the first time since 1993.

Kate Willard, head of corporate projects at Stobart Group, said: “Stobart Group is committed to delivering a brilliant air travel experience across the UK and Ireland.

We are therefore delighted to be announcing flights with Loganair connecting London, Belfast and Dublin with Carlisle and the Lake District.

“There is huge demand from London, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to visit Carlisle, which is home to major businesses and serves as a gateway to the Lake District, two UNSCO World Heritage Sites and South Scotland.”

The route to Dublin also offers additional connectivity ease to travellers as they will be able to clear US immigration checks in the comfort of Dublin Airport at Terminal 2 – meaning they will land State side as a hassle free domestic passenger.

Jonathan Hinkles, managing director of Loganair, said: “We’re delighted to become the first operator at the new Carlisle Lake District Airport, and will be opening up

Carlisle Lake District Airport unveils airline partner Loganair’s services to a whole new range of customers. With frequent services on each of the three routes, we have every confidence that these new flights will transform access to and from the Lake District for many thousands of customers each year.”

Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, said: “The new flights from Carlisle Lake District Airport will be a major boost for Cumbria’s connectivity and our £2.72billion tourism industry.

“We welcomed 45 million visitors to the county last year, but a large proportion were day trippers to the Lakes. Our marketing strategy has a key focus on encouraging visitors to stay in the county as a whole.

“New flights though Carlisle will create alternative travel options and Cumbria Tourism is working in partnership with the Airport to encourage new and existing visitors to enjoy more of our iconic landscapes and world-class experiences.”

Nigel Wilkinson, board member of the Cumbria Local Enterprise

Partnership, said: “The opening up of new air routes into Cumbria, providing more direct access to attractions and the county's newest UNESCO World Heritage site, is a boost for the visitor economy here. Cumbria LEP is contributing £4.95m to help the airport improve its runway and terminal, an important investment which will enable flights to and from Carlisle and provide wider global access via international hubs."

John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle, said: “I am excited by the new flights to and from Carlisle Lake District Airport and what they will mean for Carlisle and the surrounding area.

“It is vital that we have the infrastructure to support taking our local economy to the next level. The development of Carlisle Lake District Airport will have a huge impact on our ability to grow economically. Many local businesses will be able to expand as a result of these new flights and it will also encourage other businesses to choose Cumbria as a viable location.

“Not only will businesses benefit

from an increased level of connectivity in and out of Cumbria, but it will also encourage holiday makers to choose Cumbria, the Borders and the Lake District as an attractive destination as journey times will be reduced by the introduction of commercial flights.”

James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, said: “I am delighted that Carlisle Lake District Airport plans to launch commercial and business flights on 4 June. The routes mean that the South East and London will be much better connected to Cumbria and the Lake District, which will boost the economies of both regions and drive tourism. John Stevenson MP and myself hope to lead business delegations from both areas to increase links between them over the next few years.

“I look forward, in particular, to seeing the Rochford and the Southend business community benefiting from this new and exciting connection to the North of England.”

Lancashire firm increases order for vehicle trackers CHORLEY based Ruttle Plant has increased their order of specialist vehicle trackers from tracking experts Jets GPS Tracking Ltd, from 62 to 79, following a successful trial. Jets GPS tracking aims to save businesses time and money, whilst increasing productivity with their range of innovative GPS tracking devices and vehicle cameras. Also, Jets’ hard wired devices are recognised by insurers and can lead to preferential rates. The addition of 17 new trackers hard wired into van tachographs will accurately measure the distance travelled by drivers, ensuring they are adhering to working time directives. The order

was boosted two years into a five-year deal between Ruttle Plant and Jets GPS Tracking.

Jan Evans, Owner of Jets GPS Tracking said: “We’re happy to have helped Ruttle Plant with their tracking needs, it’s a great demonstration of the quality service and products that we offer when a client increases their order with us.”

Gareth Ruttle, MD, Ruttle Plant added: “Over the last two years we’ve been very pleased and impressed with the level of customer service and product quality that Jets GPS Tracking has offered, the new order shows the we made the right decision in agreeing to a five-year deal.”

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Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

Leading disability vehicle hire company accelerates to record growth DISABILITY vehicle specialist, Adapted Vehicle Hire (AVH), came to the rescue of a little girl with one of the world’s rarest medical complaints as her family hit severe mobility problems.

Four-year-old Mary Allen, of Nantwich, Cheshire, was born with macrocephaly-capillary malformation syndrome (MCAP) – a condition that affects only 300 people globally and leads to severe physical and learning problems. She also suffers from hydrocephalus and epilepsy, which cause life threatening seizures, and has spent her life in and out of hospitals, including Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool and Leighton Hospital in Crewe.

With two younger twin sisters, Pearl and Violet, both three, it is vital for mum, Donna Edge, to be able to get her young family to Mary’s many medical appointments safely. However, when her Toyota broke down, she was left

unable to drive to Mary’s hospital visits.

Mary’s fulltime carer and former NHS midwife, Donna said: “The journey to Alder Hey takes hours and involves two buses to get to our nearest railway station, then another bus ride at the other end. Navigating the journey with Mary’s special buggy and two toddlers in tow was a nightmare and very bad for Mary during the ‘flu season’. Winter bugs are especially dangerous for Mary and her weaker immune system has already led to several bouts of pneumonia.”

As Christmas approached with no respite in Mary’s busy schedule of medical appointments, Donna was desperate and contacted 14 vehicle hire companies to see if they could help.

AVH, which is the UK’s largest provider of specialist rental vehicles for disabled motorists, emailed back within two hours and just days later, a new seven seater Volkswagen Sharan was

delivered to the family’s drive.

Donna added: “AVH’s incredible generosity aside, I was hugely impressed by its efficiency. The entire process was smooth and our vehicle is perfect for Mary’s needs and those of a big family with sliding doors, fantastic safety features and vast luggage space.

It's practical, comfortable, and easy to drive.”

“It’s been a godsend. Mary stayed in Alder Hey over Christmas 2015 and 2016 for major brain surgery, so having her home this year was incredible for the whole family. The lovely car helped us get the most out of the holidays and we created priceless memories including her birthday outing, just after New Year, when the family visited Blue Planet Aquarium, in Ellesmere Port.”

This event was more than just a family celebration, as the sights and sounds of the aquarium provided vital visual and sensory stimulation to help

boost Mary’s development.

AVH Managing Director, John Ellis, commented: “Having the right vehicle in the right place when you need it is invaluable and we were delighted to be able to help Donna in her time of need.

“Providing wheelchair accessible and adapted vehicles for hire, we cater for all types of disability to help support the mobility needs of our clients. We do so by offering an individual telephone consultation with a member of the team prior to allocating a specific vehicle, meaning every customer can be confident their unique requirements are met.”

AVH has a wide range of adapted vehicles ranging in size from Nissan Micras to 4x4s and people carriers.

The company carries out its adaptations in-house, operating a purpose built workshop at its head office in West Drayton.

Local firm gets Farnell Land Rover backing from Nelson manager rewarded for hard work motor industry THE team at Farnell Land Rover Nelson is celebrating after a colleague received recognition at a national awards ceremony.

Simon Davis was presented with the ‘Sales Manager of the Year’ award at Vertu Motors plc’s annual CEO Awards. The event, which is hosted by the Group’s CEO, Robert Forrester, celebrates the top performing colleagues across companies that the Group operates, including Bristol Street Motors, Farnell Jaguar Land Rover, Vertu Volkswagen and Vertu Honda.

Robert Forrester said: “Simon has been instrumental in turning this business, which was acquired in 2014, into one of our most successful Jaguar Land Rover sales operations.

The Nelson dealership has received an incredible 100% rating on leading customer satisfaction site, Judge Service, which is purely based on customer feedback, for almost 12 months now.

“His personal development as a leader is also taking great strides forward and he is now part of the General Manager Development Programme, which will support the further development of his talent.”

Simon, who has since joined Farnell Land Rover Bury as Brand Manager, said: “Talking to and getting to know customers is one my favourite aspects of the job, so to be acknowledged as ‘Sales Manager of the Year’ is amazing.

I look forward to meeting many more customers over the years and hope to continue my efforts in contributing to the success of the company, that has invested so much in me.”

heavyweights

BLACKBURN based, Nybble, has received tremendous feedback from two transport market leaders, Northside Truck & Van Ltd and Zenith Ltd, for its impressive IT solutions.

Northside Truck & Van Ltd. has Mercedes-Benz dealerships across the UK and has praised Nybble for its excellent software development and implementation.

“The reporting process in our company is the best and most accurate it has ever been” observed Russell Hallowes, Aftersales Director, Northside Truck & Van Ltd. “Working with Nybble is easy, as they deliver each and every time. The systems they have written for us run our dealership and drive efficiency throughout the entire business. I would have no hesitation in recommending Nybble to anyone wanting software solutions for their business, especially in the vehicle sector.”

Further high praise for Nybble’s innovative solutions was also received from Contract Vehicles Ltd, now part of Zenith Ltd, the UK’s leading independent leasing, vehicle outsourcing and fleet management provider, who applauded the firm’s software

support services and high level of service.

“I have worked with many developers and development teams over the years. I can honestly say, working with Nybble has been a very pleasant experience” said Geoff Swaby, IT Manager, Zenith. “The team is one of the most obliging, intelligent and skilful I have had the pleasure to work with. We have collaborated on some very large projects and their service has been consistently superb. Bottom line, deadlines are kept and budgets met.”

Ram Gupta, Managing Director, Nybble, added: “We’re always delighted to receive positive feedback from our customers. Getting such feedback from these industry leaders means a lot to the entire Nybble team and is testament to the level of service and solutions we provide.’’

Nybble offers complete IT solutions, covering software development, apps, hardware infrastructure, cabling and disaster recovery. The firm’s client base includes both SMEs and large businesses, as well as education centres.

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April 2018

YOUR PERSONAL ASSISTANT. The BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo.

If you are self-employed or manage a fleet fewer than 50 company cars, the awardwinning BMW Business Partnership has been designed specifically for you. The full range of BMW models are available to order, along with compelling contract hire rates and comprehensive service and maintenance packages.

This month, we would like to bring your attention to the stunning BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo.

BMW is presenting an extensively updated successor to one of the most creative vehicle concepts of recent years. The new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo blends the long-distance comfort of a luxury saloon with alluring coupe style.

The impressive functionality offered by this body format and the high standards of driving comfort and spaciousness that provide the ideal setting for a relaxing journey are among the features that defined the character of the new car’s predecessor – the founder of this vehicle genre. These strengths have now been further honed in the new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo, whose systematic evolution from the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is particularly evident in the new model’s sporting elegance, highly advanced equipment features, innovative control and assistance systems, and a leap forward in dynamism and efficiency.

Stephanie de Looze, Lloyd BMW Marketing Manager comments “This stunning new model offers a unique blend of deluxe interior comfort and flexible practicality, displayed within a truly elegant design. Coupled with the sporty, dynamic driving characteristics our customers enjoy, this car is an outstanding vehicle which further enhances the upper end of our BMW model line-up.”

The interior has been designed to provide a driver-focused cockpit and an extremely spacious passenger compartment. The raised seating position optimises the driver’s allround view and, together with the faultlessly ergonomic arrangement of the controls, helps to create an imperious sense of driving pleasure. The cabin’s lines, materials and precision workmanship imbue it with a highly sophisticated, premium feel. The rear compartment of the new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo comprises three full-size seats offering maximised legroom. Exhaustive optimisation of the cabin’s packaging sees the new model’s far flatter roofline still translating into extra headroom, while the restyled rear seat unit and improved soundproofing make it even more comfortable to travel in.

The BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo features a one-piece tailgate that opens and closes electrically as standard allowing for an even greater level of ease and convenience within your daily life. What’s more, the boot capacity of 610 litres is 110 litres larger than the predecessor model’s.

BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo owners can also enjoy the benefits of BMW Connected, intelligent connectivity enabling this digital

personal mobility assistant to help drivers reach their destination easily and with minimal stress – and not only when they are in their car. To this end, calendar entries from a smartphone can be used for route planning, for instance, the ideal departure time can be calculated on the basis of real-time traffic data and the navigation destination can be transferred to the owner’s car. BMW Connected+ comprises additional personalised services that make it possible to call up the driver’s mobility agenda in the Control Display, for example, or share the trip status (location, destination, arrival time) with family, friends or business associates.

Plus, when inside their car, drivers are able to manage calendar, e-mail and contact data via the Microsoft Exchange function.

Their smartphone is integrated wirelessly via Bluetooth and inductive charging is also possible.

Real Time Traffic Information indicates the presence of tailbacks and slow-moving traffic, On-Street Parking Information helps to find available parking spots at the side of the road, and the Remote 3D View function allows drivers to view live images of their car and its immediate vicinity on their smartphone.

Lloyd BMW have experienced Sales Executives that are poised to take you through all the innovative features that this unrivalled new model has to offer.

Lloyd BMW are always happy to help especially when it comes to ensuring that you choose the perfect BMW to suit your lifestyle.

33

Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

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www.lloydmotorgroup.com/BMW Fuel economy figures for the BMW 630i M Sport Gran Turismo Auto: Combined 42.8mpg. CO2 emissions 152g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. A vehicle’s actual fuel consumption may differ from that achieved in such tests and these figures are for comparative purposes only.

Lloyd Motor Group is a credit broker. Business users only. Prices exclude VAT. Prices shown are for a 36-month Contract Hire agreement, with an annual mileage of 10,000 miles. Excess mileage charge of 16.7 pence per mile ex. VAT applies. Applies to new vehicles ordered between 1 April & 30 June & registered by 30 September 2018 (subject to availability). At the end of your agreement you must return the vehicle & vehicle condition, excess mileage & other charges may be payable. Available subject to status to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. The amount of VAT you can reclaim depends on your business VAT status. T & C’s apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. Hire provided by BMW Group Corporate Finance. BMW Group Corporate Finance is a trading style of Alphabet (GB) Limited, Alphabet House, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 0FB. We commonly introduce customers to BMW Group Corporate Finance. This introduction does not amount to independent financial advice. BMW (UK) Ltd, Summit ONE, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 0FB. Registered in England and Wales 1378137. Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for credit broking activities. † Test drives subject to applicant status & availability. E&OE.

34

April 2018

Volkswagen Van Centre in Lancashire is part of the award winning family owned Swansway Motor Group THE team at the Centre pride themselves in offering customer service which is second to none and over the years has won numerous awards from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

Head of Business, Gareth Hughes, is new to the Centre, but has a wealth of experience having come from the manufacturer, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles: “I was aware of Swansway Motor Group when I worked for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles; they were Van Retailer Group of the Year for three consecutive years, so, it was very clear they were a great business”.

“Working with the team here at the Preston Van Centre, I’ve been so impressed by how dedicated the team is to making sure customers are well looked after and how the company’s ethos of caring, honest and proud echoes across all areas of the business”, added Gareth.

The Volkswagen range of vans is award-winning in its own right picking

up the Van Manufacturer of the Year Award at the 2017 Commercial Fleet Awards; 2018 has already seen the Amarok win the International Pick-up Award and the Crafter named as Parker’s Best Van 2018.

It’s not all about new vans either, the Van Centre also carries a wide range of Approved Used Volkswagen Vans and there’s added choice with the Centre being able to pull in stock from its three sister sites.

Ensuring your van is off the road for the minimum time possible is always key, they’re workhorses and businesses depend on them. The Aftersales team is there to ensure that servicing and repairs take place swiftly and with as little disruption as possible.

The whole VW Van Centre team are focussed on giving every customer excellent customer service ensuing they keep coming back and recommend the site to friend.

Make your referral count!

Introducing our new accountant referral scheme Simply recommend a customer to Swansway Volkswagen Lancashire, and if they make a purchase, you could receive £50 cash!

Contact Dave Young on 01772 911352 or email d.young@lancashirevwcv.co.uk for more information.

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Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

Transport for the North invites local views on Strategic Transport Plan

The Green Transport Revolution THE Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership’s (LowCVP) 2018 ‘Moving North’ Conference, opening with a keynote address by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, will focus on the challenge of cutting carbon emissions and air pollution, and seizing the business opportunities for automotive and fuel supply companies in the Northern Powerhouse.

The event, on Thursday 12 April 2018, is being held in association with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, the Northern Automotive Alliance (NAA) and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). It is supported by Manchester Metropolitan University and sponsored

by GEFCO and Uber.

The conference features a range of high profile speakers including: • Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester • Mike Hawes, Chief Executive, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) • Ian Constance, Chief Executive, Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) • Lawrence Davies MBE, Chief Executive, Automotive Investment Organisation (AIO) • Jon Lamonte, Chief Executive, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) • Andy Eastlake, Managing Director, Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) • Carol Holden OBE, Chief Executive, Northern Automotive Alliance (NAA) • Jon King, Business Development Consultant, Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) • Dave Roberts, Director, Smart Interventions, EA Technology.

‘Moving North’ will look at the future of transport in the Northern Powerhouse region (and beyond) – a future that will be driven by ever-tighter regulation of carbon dioxide emissions and pollutants which damage air quality

– and the resulting opportunities for businesses in the automotive, fuels and related sectors.

The event, and the drinks reception which follows the conference, will also be an important networking opportunity, as it will bring together a number of different sectors, including the automotive and energy industries, governmental/public sector organisations, ‘new mobility’ companies and other stakeholders.

Andy Eastlake, Managing Director, Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership, commented: “This is the LowCVP’s first conference in Manchester and I am delighted that we have such an impressive line-up of high profile and knowledgeable speakers. Reducing CO2 emissions and improving air quality are two key items of focus for regions around the UK. “The conference will provide an opportunity to learn more about these issues in Manchester and the wider Northern Powerhouse area and the resulting opportunities for businesses in the region. I hope that the event will help to facilitate fruitful new relationships and partnerships to accelerate solutions in the area of low emission road transport.”

Carol Holden OBE, Chief Executive, Northern Automotive Alliance (NAA), added: “The automotive industry is changing at a faster rate than at any previous time in its history. This offers opportunities for existing automotive supply chain companies, but also for companies that currently don’t supply into automotive – from sectors such as energy and technology.

“Businesses introducing innovative disruptive technologies have a real chance to break through into the mainstream. The Moving North Conference will highlight aspects of transport where new products, services and approaches are needed.”

TRANSPORT for the North has commenced a consultation on its draft Strategic Transport Plan for the North, inviting people’s views at events.

Senior Transport for the North representatives will be visiting Lancashire to outline the plan’s recommendations, advise on what this could mean and invite questions and feedback that people may have.

Barry White, CEO, Transport for the North said: “An incredible amount of work has gone into the production of the draft Strategic Transport Plan, including collaboration between the public and private sector across the whole of the North.

“The plan is underpinned with a robust evidence base, making a compelling case for the investment priorities that would transform the economy of the North and the UK as

a whole. I’m delighted that we’re now in a position to share this work with the public and invite their questions and comments. This is crucial to ensuring the plan is fit for purpose and meets the needs and aspirations of those who will benefit from improved infrastructure and economic prosperity, the citizens of the North.

“This is first time transport in the North has been looked at on a panNorthern level, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to have their say on what matters to them in their areas.

The drop-in consultations were open to everyone and was an opportunity for members of the public to formally submit their feedback on the plan which will be analysed and fed into the final Strategic Transport Plan before its publication later in the year.

Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

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37

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Local firm to donate tyre furniture to schools

COLNE Tyre Centre is continuing to support its local community with the donation of tables and chairs made from recycled tyres to local schools.

The car, van and fleet tyre specialist has created 15 tables and five chairs out of surplus tyres destined for landfill.

After cleaning and prepping the tyres, staff at the East Lancashire firm

painstakingly constructed the furniture which they hope will be snapped up by local schools.

The team at Colne Tyre Centre was aided by Phil Heyworh, Managing Director at JD Engineering, who helped assemble the furniture.

Azhar Iqbal, CEO and Founder of Colne Tyre Centre, said: “We hope

children in the local community can benefit from these unique tables and chairs. The waterproof and durable material means they are ideal for the outdoors and can be enjoyed for years to come.

“We’re proud of the work we do with a range of good causes and will continue to do all we can for the local

community in 2018.”

Last year, Colne Tyre Centre raised £18,000 for local causes including Pendleside Hospice, East Lancashire Hospice, Colne in Bloom, Homeless in Colne, Pendle Dogs in Need, Alzheimer’s Society, Care after Combat, Cash4Kids and Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

St John’s Hospice to host its first ever Garstang Colour Dash GARSTANG is to host its first ever Colour Dash fun run this April, raising money for St John’s Hospice.

Hundreds of competitors are expected to turn out for the 5km event, with hundreds more lining the streets in support on Sunday April 22.

The fun run, which involves entrants being pelted with brightly coloured powder at intervals along the route, is one of a series of Colour Dash events staged by St John’s each year. They help to raise many thousands of pounds for the Lancaster based facility, which provides palliative care to people with life limiting conditions in the surrounding area, from Kendal in the North to Garstang in the South.

The race will start from outside Booths, opposite the new Garstang office of headline sponsor Vincents Solicitors which has been instrumental in bringing the event to Garstang.

Runners and walkers will follow a route along the High Street, through Hudson Park and north along the River Wyre. Crossing the river, they will zig zag around Greenhalgh Castle before coming back across the river and heading back towards the starting point.

Four colour stations en route will ensure everyone

has a big bright finish, whatever their time. These colour stations are being sponsored by the Garstang Country Hotel and Golf Centre, Display Wizard, Towers + Gornall and Nationwide Building Society.

Jo Humphrey, fundraising manager for St Johns, said: “We are so excited to be holding a Colour Dash in Garstang and I am thrilled that there is already so much anticipation from the people in the town, particularly the team at Vincents who were so determined to bring the event here, knowing how supportive the local community is for a good cause.

“We try to make fundraising as much about the fun as raising money, and the Colour Dash always brings a smile to people’s faces. Previous events in Kendal and Morecambe have proved to be hugely popular and have raised over £200,000 for the hospice since 2014, helping our medical teams to provide the excellent support for our patients and their families, both in the hospice and, crucially, in their own homes.”

Lisa Lodge, head of the Vincents Garstang branch, helped make arrangements for the route and will be working with local businesses and schools to

encourage teams, families and individuals to enter.

She said: “St John’s Hospice is an incredible organisation, close to the hearts of many people in Garstang. Vincents has supported the charity over the years but we were keen to do more, and thought it would be great to bring the community together for a major fundraiser in the town.

“We will of course be entering a team of our own, and staff are already volunteering to help man the colour stations and act as stewards along the route.

We’ll be inviting our clients to come along and get involved, and we’ve already had a great response from everyone we’ve told. It promises to be a great day and hopefully will provide some much needed funds to help a vital local service continue its good work.”

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April 2018

Hotter staff takeover Local Marie Curie shop for a day opticians supports people living with autism STAFF at Specsavers Chorley and Leyland have completed a course, developed with The National Autistic Society, to support customers with autism.

The initiative, which is being rolled out across Specsavers stores nationwide, aims to build the team’s knowledge about the lifelong developmental disability, while helping to improve the customer experience for people with autism, and their carers.

The online learning modules cover understanding autism; communicating with people with autism; how autism can impact the senses, and adjustments that stores can make.

Rizwan Iqbal, store director at Specsavers Chorley and Leyland, said: ‘Autism affects more than one in 100 people and as our store is such a big part of the community, it is vital that we are able to communicate and support someone with the condition in the most effective way possible.

“Many members of the team have already completed the different learning modules.

We are very proud to be involved in supporting The National Autistic Society and we hope this training will help make the optical experience easier for people who are living with the condition.”

The National Autistic Society’s business development manager, Sharlene Wright, said: ‘This has been a great opportunity for us to increase awareness of autism in partnership with an organisation that is proactively seeking to enable autistic people to have a positive experience in its stores.

“It has been an inspiring collaboration and The National Autistic Society welcomes the open attitudes and minds with which Specsavers is seeking to enhance the lives of people on the autism spectrum.”

STAFF members from leading footwear brand Hotter Shoes, where HQ is in Skelmersdale, took over the Marie Curie shop in Hunts Cross for the day in a bid to raise takings for the terminal illness charity.

The Hotter staff, named Team Ambition, bought shoes and umbrellas to sell in-store and encouraged people to visit the shop and were competing with four other rival teams of Hotter colleagues in Marie Curie shops across the UK. Speaking at the end of the challenge, Sara Prowse, Chief Executive Officer at Hotter, said: “I’m very proud of Team Ambition’s efforts in raising the takings at Marie Curie’s Hunt Cross shop. It was a tougher challenge than I originally thought it might be, however it was a lot of fun and very rewarding.

“Everyone at Hotter is very proud to be supporting Marie Curie, who do a fantastic job providing care and support to people living with a terminal illness and their families, and I’m glad my team could help contribute to that.”

Nicola Nicholson, Marie Curie Hunts Cross shop manager added: “Everyone here is delighted that Hotter have chosen to support Marie Curie in such an active way! The takeover is a really great demonstration of both Hotter and Marie Curie working closely together, to help to support people living with a terminal illness.

“It was great to meet and interact with staff from Hotter who were second to none; they did an absolutely amazing job working in-store. Their dedication and passion was truly inspiring – if they’re available, we’d love to have them back!”

The shop takeovers are just one of several activities since the partnership began in January. To coincide with the start of the Great Daffodil Appeal, Marie Curie’s biggest annual fundraiser, Hotter launched a limited edition bespoke Mabel shoe with a signature yellow daffodil print on 1st March. Retailing at £45, Marie Curie will receive £20 from every pair sold.

Curry-lovers sought for fundraiser in support of homeless HOMELESSNESS charity Emmaus Burnley is appealing for curry-loving supporters for their upcoming charity fundraiser.

Emmaus Burnley’s Charity Curry Evening will take place on Monday 23 April at the award-winning Usha Restaurant on Rossendale Road in Burnley. Attendees will be able to enjoy a variety of Indian dishes whilst learning more about the work of Emmaus Burnley.

Emmaus Burnley supports formerly homeless people by providing them with a stable home and meaningful work for as long as they need it. The charity operates two social enterprises in Burnley

and Accrington with all the money raised used to support the community of people who live and work at Emmaus Burnley.

Peter Pike, supporter at Emmaus Burnley and organiser of the event, said: “After the success of our fundraisers last year, we are looking forward to another great night at Usha Restaurant. We’re appealing to our local supporters, businesses, partner organisations and anyone who enjoys a good curry, to join us for a delicious meal in support of Emmaus Burnley.”

Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

Gold Coast call up for Georgina ONE of the less recognised sports at this month’s Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast (4-15 April 2018) is wrestling, where the Home Nations will be well represented in the different categories. One of these representatives is Georgina Nelthorpe who works for Fagan & Whalley Ltd. as a Warehouse Administrator at their Burnley Bridge distribution hub. Born in Guildford, Georgina, started wrestling at school in Saskatchewan Canada having been drawn to the sport with encouragement from her elder sister who also wrestled and from her

school sports teacher who had identified her talent. Six years later and a move back to the UK, Georgina is on the verge of international honours having been selected for England team in the 76kg category. Coached

by Eddie Kavanagh at the Sharples Club, Bolton, Georgina has been successful at Canadian City, Provincial and National levels four times. At the official announcement and team photo session, Georgina said: “It was unreal to be selected, I’m super proud to be on the team. I haven’t been to Australia before, so it will be a unique experience for me and

the competition will be of a really high standard.

“I can’t wait to be part of Team England and to get to know all of the other athletes and their sports.

I definitely want to go for the gold and be the first English female ever to win a Commonwealth gold medal in wrestling, but whatever happens the Games are going to be a really great experience.”

Georgina and the other athletes will benefit from a specially created preparation camp at the Gold Coast that includes a number of specially selected highperformance sports and support facilities. At the heart of Team England’s

headquarters inside the Commonwealth Games Village, it will provide an enhanced environment in the Village for athletes, coaches and support staff, where the team will have access to dedicated doctors,

physios and a full range of clinical, rehabilitation, preparation services, kit, equipment, stretching and R&R areas.

Operations Director Graham Fagan commented: “We are delighted that Georgina

39

has been selected for the England team and wish her every success at the games. I am sure that everybody employed at Fagan & Whalley will be following her progress with interest.”

Recycling Lives creates £5.2m social value A LANCASHIRE enterprise is delivering one of the most successful offender rehabilitation programmes of its kind in the UK to create social value worth millions of pounds.

Recycling Lives has reduced reoffending rates, supported homeless men to regain their independence, and delivered meals to community groups; to create a saving to society worth £5.2m in one year alone.

This multi-million pound social value follows Recycling Lives’ biggest year yet for its commercial operations as it enjoyed sales growth of 47% to £46m.

The organisation uses its successful recycling and waste management business to support and sustain its own charity and social enterprise.

Recycling Lives has now published its annual Social Value figures, showing its financial and social impact from 2016/17: • Its HMP Academies programme created social value worth £2.6m by reducing reoffending. Of the 37 offenders it supported to move into meaningful work and stable accommodation on release from prison, 36 were rehabilitated and did not reoffend within one year of release. Compared to the national reoffending rate of around 67%, Recycling Lives’ approach delivers significantly improved rehabilitation results.

• Its Residential Charity created social value worth £300,000 by supporting homeless men to regain their independence. It supported eight men with histories of homelessness and offending into employment and stable accommodation, to be no longer reliant on the welfare system.

• Its Food Redistribution Centre created social value worth £2.3m by delivering meals to charitable groups. It delivered 698,000 meals via 106 charitable groups across Lancashire and Cumbria, helping groups save around £7,900 annually in food costs and diverting 293 tonnes of food from landfill in the process.

Each of Recycling Lives’ social value figures are calculated using government metrics – including Cabinet Office findings on the cost of reoffending to the public purse and Food Standards Agency figures on the value of a meal – by a Social Return on Investment practitioner.

Recycling Lives’ impressive financial impact is matched by the significant social impact for individuals, families and communities. It shares these stories in an annual Social Value Report for clients to see how their waste and recycling contracts deliver social impact.

Recycling Lives Group managing director William Fletcher said: “Recycling Lives is changing the way business is done. We are leading the way in showing that businesses don’t have to choose between commercial success or social return for the communities they serve. We achieve both and are committed to growing our charity programmes in line with our business growth and creating social value equal to or greater than 10% of annual sales.

“We are proving that social value delivers commercial value, by developing a business model that others want to work with for financial value environmental benefit and social impact. Our approach enables clients to meet their CSR agenda by delivering social value relative to their contracts.”

Recycling Lives’ has recently won major contracts with Sellafield Ltd, Speedy Hire and British Gas, fuelling its national expansion to open sites in Greater Manchester, Merseyside, the Midlands, Cumbria and Kent.

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April 2018

Morecambe BID launches ‘Ask for Angela’ MORECAMBE will become the first town in Lancashire to launch the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign. ‘Ask for Angela’ is an innovative campaign enabling those who feel vulnerable in pubs and clubs to discreetly approach staff and request assistance and is being rolled out across the country following successful pilots around the country.

Morecambe BID, in conjunction with Lancashire Police and Morecambe Pubwatch, has produced posters and coasters to be distributed in local pubs and clubs.

The ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative aims to reduce sexual violence and vulnerability by providing customers with a nondescript phrase they can

use to gain assistance from staff members in order to be separated from the company of someone with whom they feel unsafe due to that person’s actions, words or behaviour.

The initiative - originally launched by Lincolnshire County Council - has already proved successful following a Metropolitan Police pilot.

By “asking for Angela”, an individual is alerting staff that they require help.

They will be taken aside, or to a safer location, so they can speak in confidence to that staff member about what assistance they need.

Options available to staff include: offering to call a taxi for the individual; contacting their friends or family; or requesting that an individual causing the

distress leaves the venue.

Hayley Child Sexual Violence and Abuse Strategy Coordinator for Lincolnshire and creator of the 'Ask for Angela' scheme said, “he scheme has been extremely successful and feedback from the public and venues is that it is being used. I think it's great Morcambe venues are taking on the scheme and implementing a protective measure for users of their Night Time Economy” Posters will be placed in the toilets of those establishments, so as to be discreet.

In addition to the new campaign, Morecambe BID has designed a new Morecambe Pubwatch logo, utilising the iconic Eric glasses and our worldbeating views.

Building firm again steps up CONSTRUCTION company Eric Wright Group is building on foundations first laid last year to once again sponsor Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s annual Walk in the Dark.

This year’s walk on the night of Saturday, 28th April, will be the charity’s 10th trek along the A6 from Chorley and South Ribble Hospital to Rosemere Cancer Centre at the Royal Preston Hospital.

Over the last decade, 2,300 people have walked the 11-mile route.

Collectively, through entry fees and sponsorship, they have raised just short of £250,000.

This money has gone to helping Rosemere Cancer Foundation bring world class cancer treatments and services to cancer patients living throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria being treated at Rosemere Cancer Centre, the region’s specialist cancer treatment centre, and at another eight hospitals within the two counties that also have oncology departments.

Among this number is Chorley and South Ribble Hospital, where Rosemere Cancer Foundation funded a new chemotherapy unit that officially opened last year.

Of Walton Summit-based Eric Wright Group’s continued Walk in the Dark support, Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s corporate and trust fundraising manager Cathy Skidmore said: “It’s fantastic to have the company once again step up to help us with the costs of staging Walk in the Dark.

“We provide a bus service for our walkers whereby we collect them from the Royal Preston Hospital so that they can leave their cars there for when they finish walking and transport them to Chorley and South Ribble Hospital for the start of the walk.”

Cathy added: “We also provide refreshments and goody bags and there are other costs such as printing entry and sponsorship forms. By sponsoring Walk in the Dark, Eric Wright Group is effectively covering these expenses

so that every penny raised by the walk can go directly to our 20 Years Anniversary Appeal, which 2018’s walk is supporting.

“With it being our tenth walk and for our appeal, it would be great if we could make this walk our best subscribed to date and bring the total raised by the event over the decade to a whopping £300,000!”

Jeremy Hartley, managing director of Eric Wright Group, said: “We are delighted once again to be involved in Walk in the Dark with Rosemere Cancer Foundation. As a local company, we are well aware of Rosemere Cancer Centre at which a number of our staff and family members have been treated. It is our pleasure to support Rosemere Cancer Foundation and the work it does to support not only the centre but all our region’s hospital cancer units and cancer patients.”

The walk sets off at 9 pm following a group warm-up. Entry is £10 per

person with children under 12 able to participate for free. Dogs are also welcome. Walkers are invited to dress up to help give the event a carnival atmosphere and display the name of loved ones they may be walking in memory of.

Walkers walk at their own speed – there is no time limit. All entrants receive a goody bag at the start of the walk and are welcomed at the finish with brews and bacon barms.

Rosemere Cancer Centre provides all Lancashire and South Cumbria’s radiotherapy treatment among other specialist care. Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s 20 Years Anniversary Appeal is funding a trio of groundbreaking projects at the centre to mark the 20th anniversary of its opening.

They include bringing the most advanced robotic surgical system on the market to the centre, making it the first in whole of the North of England to have such a piece of kit.

41

APPOINTMENTS

Rosebud Finance set to create six new jobs ONE of the North’s leading firms of Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) has secured a £115,000 loan to support its further expansion from Lancashire Rosebud Finance.

The funding will allow True Bearing Chartered Financial Planners to create six new jobs and invest in new technology to enhance its customer service.

Based in Euxton, Chorley, True Bearing advises over 3,000 individuals and businesses throughout the UK and has £395m of assets under management. The company has its own legal services arm and operates an online advice service, Bread and Butter Advice.

It was one of the first IFAs in the UK to receive Gold Standard Investors in People, has retained this three times and is one of the very few to have been awarded Corporate Chartered Status.

Created in 2003 by founder George Critchley and original partners Michael Clarke and Mark O’Neill, True Bearing now employs 64 staff. This latest funding package follows an earlier Rosebud Finance loan in 2014, which enabled it to create 10 new jobs.

Rosebud Finance is managed by Mercia Fund Managers on behalf of Lancashire County Developments Ltd (LCDL).

Peter Rooney, Investment Manager with Mercia Fund Managers, said: “True Bearing has succeeded in a highly

HR advisor boosts team at Napthens competitive sector by providing a first class service and excellent quality of advice.

The company has been growing year on year.

Rosebud has helped to support its growth in the past and this latest funding will allow it to continue its expansion, take on additional advisers and further enhance its service.”

County Councilor Michael Green, cabinet member for Economic Development, Evironment and Planning, said: “True Bearing must be providing excellent service to their customers, as they have an outstanding retention rate, which is always a strong indicator of the work they’re doing. They’re bringing highly-skilled roles to the financial sector here in Lancashire.

“We are pleased to be working once again with the forward thinking team from True Bearing. It’s a sign of Rosebud’s successful way of working with companies to provide bespoke support, when they return to us to once again help their growth ambitions.”

Trilanco appoints National Accounts Manager TRILANCO Ltd has appointed Donna Kelly as National Accounts Manager, as part of an expansion of its sales team.

Reporting to Trilanco’s Managing Director, Martin Balmer, Donna will be field-based and will be supporting Trilanco’s largest UK customers with her extensive knowledge of the pet industry.

Donna will also work closely with Michelle Thornton, National Accounts Manager, who will continue to provide sales and customer support to national accounts over the telephone from Trilanco’s head office.

Donna has over 25 years’ sales experience and joins Trilanco from pet products wholesaler,

Bestpets, where she worked for six years.

Donna said: “I am really excited to be joining a growing business that is keen to move forward. I was impressed by Trilanco’s investment in all aspects of its business from warehousing and infrastructure to sales personnel and new product development of its own brands.”

Martin commented: “We are delighted to welcome Donna. She has the knowledge and experience to know what retailers expect from their suppliers and as the business continues to expand, we are working hard to build the right team with the best skills and experience to support customers and to take the business forward.”

REGIONAL law firm Napthens has appointed Jenny Winstanley as HR advisor in a boost to its HR services.

Jenny will work with the firm’s clients who require practical, hands-on HR expertise within their business, as part of Napthens’ industryleading HR3 service.

HR3 is Napthens’ employment law & HR retainer service. A HR consultancy service is available to provide practical help to businesses that need additional resources to assist in-house teams, support ad hoc projects or perhaps require senior level, strategic HR advice.

Jenny joins Napthens having spent 10 years working for a local business as HR manager, and prior to that

a career in financial services across Lancashire and the Fylde Coast.

She is also an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and will be based in Napthens’ East Lancashire office in Blackburn.

Chris Boyle, head of Employment and HR at Napthens, said: “Our HR consultancy service makes a real difference to clients. We recognise that many employers need hands on support on HR issues from time to time and our service provides a flexibility that is tailored to a business’ changing needs.

“The experience that Jenny brings to the role will make her a real asset to employers looking for expert HR advice.”

Cesare joins Northern Industrial BLACKBURN-based industrial automation spare parts and repair supplier Northern Industrial has appointed Cesare Giombetti as Italian-speaking Account Manager.

Northern Industrial is a multi-awardwinning provider of new, reconditioned and obsolete parts and repair services, exporting to 132 countries. Sourcing from over 1,350 manufacturers, the company covers over 200,000 part numbers and holds approximately £7m in stock.

Cesare moved from Italy to England nearly three years ago and currently lives in Preston with his wife and daughter. Before working at Northern Industrial, he was a Customer Representative at NCO. He said: “I’m really excited to join Northern Industrial, which is one of the leading names in industrial automation repairs. We help companies around the world avoid dreaded downtime when their

machinery breaks down.

“It’s a great team, with multi-lingual staff from all over the world, so there’s never a dull day.”

Cesare’s appointment follows expansion of the company offices after a record year for turnover and profits, which follows 27% average organic growth over the last 5 years.

Currently employing 40 office staff and over 30 electronic engineers, the expansion has provided office space catering for up to 55 additional staff at premises on Shadsworth Business Park.

Managing director David Lenehan said: “It’s great to welcome Cesare to the team.

As a company dealing with very technical issues, often with customers under a lot of stress and where time is of the essence, it’s essential we have a highly skilled multilingual team to give them the very best possible service, wherever they are.”

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April 2018

New NWAA role for Sharon NORTH WEST Aerospace Alliance is delighted to announce that Head of Marketing and Communications, and Company Secretary Sharon McDonald has been appointed Director of Marketing and Communications by the NWAA Board of Directors.

Sharon has been with North West Aerospace Alliance for 5 years, during which she has brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the NWAA, strengthening and developing the organisation.

NWAA’s CEO Dr David Bailey said: “It’s my great pleasure to welcome Sharon to the board in her new role as Executive Director. I feel Sharon’s presence at this level will strengthen the executive representation on the NWAA board and will be a strong asset to the future of the organisation.”

NWAA’s Chairman Neil McKay said: “I’m delighted that Sharon has been promoted to Executive Director, a role she will carry out alongside her current role of Company Secretary.

Sharon’s expertise has been invaluable to the NWAA over the last 5 years and I look forward to working with her in her new role."

Sharon commented: “It is an honour and a privilege to have been appointed an Executive Director of NWAA. I have enjoyed a challenging and rewarding 5 years so far and look forward to the next exciting chapter. I would like to thank Neil, David and the Board of Directors for their support.”

New directors appointed at Glendale NATIONAL green services supplier Glendale, based in Chorley, has made a trio of senior promotions, following a restructure of its regional operations.

Alex Paterson has been made Managing Director and will be responsible for developing and directing the firm’s business strategy, leading management teams across the country and overseeing the company’s performance within key sectors.

He joined the business in 2015 as regional director for the north, responsible for driving operational and financial performance in the region, before taking on the role of operations director.

In addition, the business will now operate as two main territories, north and south, each led by a dedicated managing director. It previously divided operations into four regions; the north, the midlands, the south west and the south east.

Mike Brunskill, formerly Glendale’s sales and marketing director, has been made managing director north, while Adrian Wickham becomes managing director south, stepping up from his role as south east regional director.

Alex Paterson, managing director at Glendale, said: “Glendale is built upon its reputation for maintaining the highest standards in green service delivery, and I’m relishing the opportunity to lead the company forward, develop key strategies and drive the success of the business.

“The restructure of regional operations provides us with a renewed focus to continue growing and achieving our objectives.

“Both Mike and Adrian bring formidable talent, leadership and vision to their new roles and I’m looking forward to developing the business with them.”

Glendale delivers a range of specialist green space management services at locations across the UK, including grounds maintenance, landscaping and arboriculture.

Lancashire's leading mental health charity appoints new CEO TOMMY McIIravey has been appointed as chief executive of the county’s leading mental health charity Lancashire Mind. Tommy joins Lancashire Mind with over ten years’ experience as the chief executive of Merseyside-based charity Sahir House. During his time in post Tommy led the charity to win the GSK Impact Award in 2017.

Lisa Bibby, Chair of Lancashire Mind’s Board of Trustees, said: “The Board of Trustees is delighted to have made such a great appointment to this key role and look forward to working with Tommy on the next stage of our charity’s journey towards achieving our vision of mental well being for all in Lancashire. We know that he brings with him not only enthusiasm and energy but also a great deal of knowledge and experience that will help us grow and make an even bigger difference to peoples lives” .

Tommy McIlravey said: “Lancashire Mind is a charity with a fantastic track record, being values led and dedicated to creating a mental health revolution. I’m hoping I can bring my experience both as a successful

charity CEO and as a volunteer in mental health settings for nearly 20 years, to help Lancashire Mind on the next stage of its journey. I’m looking forward to working with all the staff, service users, volunteers and partner organisations to help Lancashire lead the way in UK mental health.

Tommy, who will begin his new role at the beginning of April, replaces Stuart Lucas who was Lancashire Mind’s chief executive for over four years.

Recruitment business opens new Colne office

A GROWING Lancashire recruitment business has opened a new office in Colne in order to extend their reach more deeply into the Burnley and Pendle area.

M65 Recruitment will initially have three staff based at the new office on Colne’s thriving Albert Road and will primarily be servicing businesses in the Engineering and Manufacturing sectors.

At the official launch of the Colne office, the business was visited by the leader of Pendle Council, Cllr. Mohammed Iqbal; as well as Burnley and England goalkeeper, Nick Pope.

The Managing Director of M65 Recruitment, Mark Wiggan, said: “We’re really pleased to be opening the Colne office, so we can provide a comprehensive service to clients and candidates in East Lancashire.

“We were delighted to be joined by the leader of Pendle Council, Cllr. Iqbal, who was welcoming us to the borough. And as proud members of Burnley FC in the Community everybody in the office was thrilled when Burnley keeper Nick Pope, who had just received his call up to the England squad, came along to support us as well. I hope M65 Recruitment can prove to be just as safe a pair of hands, for Pendle businesses who are sourcing new talent!

“Our Central Lancashire office covers the western portion of the M65 corridor to Preston and beyond, so the Colne office gives us significant extended reach.

“We think this is good news for clients and candidates alike because we will be able to offer a much broader pool of candidates to businesses.”

Chris Rogers Engineering Consultant at Colne added: “We were really attracted to Colne as it’s right in the centre of an area renowned for engineering and manufacturing excellence – there are lots of great businesses here and there is an abundant supply of skilled and enthusiastic people.

“Besides that, Colne has shown a remarkable resilience and the will of people here has seen the centre of the town thrive. You can’t fail to be impressed by the number of independent retailers and the excellent night time economy.

“The fact that we also operate outside the immediate area means that we are in a strong position to help employers benchmark candidates more broadly to determine whether their skills and experience meet the requirements of the job.”

Mohammed Iqbal Pendle Council Leader said: “It's great to see businesses opening new offices in Pendle. I'm especially pleased that M65 Recruitment have come to Colne - it extends their reach across the M65 corridor, providing much needed assistance to Pendle's job seekers.

It also demonstrates great confidence in the skills base that we have in Pendle especially in manufacturing and engineering.”

43

Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

Eric Wright Group appoints trio of property MDs PROPERTY and construction company, Eric Wright Group, has made a strategic move to strengthen its property businesses by appointing some of the divisional directors to the board as managing directors.

These changes are in Maple Grove Developments, Applethwaite Homes, and Eric Wright Health and Care. It is aimed at strengthening the Property division and ensuring a robust, unique identity for each Group company as part of long-term growth and succession planning.

Karen Hirst becomes managing director of Maple Grove Developments after joining the company as divisional director 18 months prior with an enviable property pedigree, which includes substantial success in delivering public/private property partnerships. Karen is a chartered surveyor with 28 years of property experience in the public and private sector.

Since joining Maple Grove Developments, Karen has been the lead for the Cuerden Strategic Site in South Ribble, Lancashire, acting as Lancashire County Council’s developer partner for the first phase retail development on the 160 acre site through the Lancashire Regeneration Property Partnership.

The promotions coincide with the retirement of former property managing director, Chris Evenson, who oversaw Maple Grove Developments, Applethwaite and Health & Care.

Karen said: “Maple Grove is a North West focused property development specialist with an enviable track record of bringing forward major projects and commercial developments. A number of these are in partnership with public sector organisations and some as joint ventures with other private sector developers.

“I’m looking forward to building on that success as managing director and would like to thank Chris Evenson for all his hard work in heading up the Property division for the last 8 years.”

In parallel with Karen’s new role, Colin Hetherington has been appointed as managing director of Applethwaite.

Bringing a 20 year track record to the role, including senior roles at a number of corporate housebuilders, Colin will continue to place a strong strategic focus on bringing high quality, traditional homes to market that reflect contemporary lifestyles.

A chartered surveyor and specialist in planning and land acquisition, Colin has already successfully transformed Applethwaite from a business

focussed on high-end homes in the Lake District to delivering larger schemes in South Lakeland and Lancashire.

Christine Winstanley becomes managing director of Eric Wright Health and Care as part of the suite of promotions, following an eight year tenure as divisional director. During this time she has been responsible for developing the brand as a key strategic partner to the NHS and local authorities and evolved the company towards the development of an enviable property portfolio of health and care assets.

A central figure in the launch of Eric Wright Health and Care’s One Partnership concept, Christine has built excellent partnerships with public sector partners in Lancashire and Greater Manchester and will continue to build on flourishing relationships in Cheshire

and Cumbria as managing director. Working closely with Applethwaite to deliver solutions that address the needs of an ageing population across health, care and housing, under Christine’s leadership, the team are well positioned to deliver unique solutions to their local partners.

In addition to the managing director appointments across all three Eric Wright Group property businesses, the Group has also appointed divisional director, Neal Whittle as managing director of Eric Wright Water with a remit to continue to develop the £45million business as a leading contractor in the water sector.

Managing director of Eric Wright Group, Jeremy Hartley, commented: “As we continue to grow across the Group, extending the reach of our property businesses in terms of both sector and geography,

New CEO for the Anderton Centre THE Anderton Centre is excited to announce that Caroline Scholz has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of the charity run outdoor activity centre based in Rivington, Chorley.

The centre continues to run successfully by a Board of Trustees and Caroline, said: “We feel now is the time to drive the charity forwards and I am confident that the centre will benefit from my previous years’ experience both in industry and in the charity sector.”

“Everyone thinks you need to go to the Lake District for outdoor activity days and residentials,

particularly the water-based activities – but we have the most beautiful landscape and wonderful facilities, including our very own 2km reservoir which we have exclusive use of here in Rivington. I want to make sure everyone interested in our outdoor activities gets the opportunity to take part, enjoy the location and amazing activities we have to offer. Our instructors are so enthusiastic and skilled, it’s easy to see the possibilities for expanding both the types of activities and the way we engage with clients.”

it’s vital that we have the right level of skills and leadership within our senior team and a synergy of strategy across the Group.

“All divisions will continue to work in partnership to achieve the wider objectives of the Group, putting strong succession planning in place and ensuring that we continue to leverage our strengths across the inter-disciplinary team.

I’d like to congratulate all our new managing directors on their new roles.”

The Eric Wright Group is wholly-owned by the Eric Wright Charitable Trust.

Profits from the Group are invested back into the Trust and used to support organisations and good causes that focus on young people’s wellbeing, education and training, health, carers and elderly services in the North West and across the UK.

44

April 2018

Chelsom strengthens sales team CHELSOM bolsters its sales team with the appointment of Helen Miller as Sales Consultant for the North of England as the company consolidates its position as a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of decorative lighting to the international hospitality and marine markets.

Cementing what has been a particularly successful year for Chelsom including celebrating 70 years in business coupled with being awarded the Queen’s Award for International Trade, Chelsom has recently appointed an experienced new team member to further enhance the continued expansion of the brand. The new appointment accompanies a series of high profile international project wins and a significant increase in sales across the global hotel, marine and leisure sectors.

Helen Miller said “During my career in the contract market and within the hospitality environment specifically, I have understood that providing first class client service is essential to any business relationship.

I want to add that first class service to Chelsom’s reputation for superior design and quality. Having had a sneak preview of the 2018 collection I am even more excited about joining the UK’s leading hospitality lighting specialist.”

Sales Director, Philip Macaulay said: “We have been very diligent in our search for the right person to join the sales team and represent the company in the North of England. Helen understands the Chelsom ethos and all we are looking to achieve and is well respected within the industry. We are delighted to welcome Helen to the team, she’s certainly coming on board at a very exciting time ready to tackle the opportunities ahead in 2018 with the launch of our new lighting collections, Edition 26, around the corner in May.”

Commercial department expansion at Vincents THE commercial department at Vincents Solicitors is in expansion mode with four new starters, one internal promotion, and a director on the lookout for talent. A significant growth in the team’s workload has resulted in the recruitment drive, and follows the arrival of new department head Ross Wellman six months ago.

Ross, together with managing partner Phillip Gilmore, have introduced a raft of new commercial property clients including those in the energy sector, student accommodation, hotels and carparks, with instructions involving everything from acquisitions and disposals, funding and land options, sale and leaseback arrangements, and commercial ground rents.

Four commercial assistants have been recruited to provide legal executive support for these cases.

They include Olivia Gates, a recent law graduate from the LSE in London; Tabassum Saudi, a law graduate who joins from the commercial team at Baines Wilson; and Jack Andreae, formerly of Birchall Blackburn Law. The resurgence in buy-to-let residential investment is also fuelling the eight-strong department’s growth. Vincents is the recommended

solicitor for purchasers at a number of new schemes in Manchester and Leeds for several high-end apartment developers.

Former trainee Sanya Motorwala is now a fully qualified solicitor. She has grown the development work over the last two years and will now be supported by highly experienced conveyancer Sobia Ahmed, who joins Vincents from Mayland Porter in Rossendale. They will be aided by the department’s existing experienced commercial assistants Nicola Coan and Val Thompson.

And the expansion plan is far from complete, with additional solicitors, legal executives and administration staff still actively being sought.

Ross Wellman said: “We’re incredibly busy with both new and existing clients. In the last six months we’ve seen an uplift of 70 per cent when compared with the same period last year. Much of that is down to the phenomenal work Sanya has done growing our developer work, for which we’ve recruited Sobia in support. We’re pleased to celebrate her becoming fully qualified and will seek to increase her experience across the wider commercial department.

Contact sales@thesamueljamesgroup.com or call 01772 364150

EVENTS LISTINGS 45

Introduction to Equity Investment for SMEs APRIL 19 @ 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM The University of Central Lancashire has launched a free investor led Investment Readiness Programme, offering unique insights into what is needed to secure equity investment for your business. Led by experienced investors, the programme helps SMEs raise venture capital and business angel investment by ensuring they are properly prepared and understand the process.

If you are unable to attend on this date or would like to speak to our investment director or manager about the programme please call Robert Sheffrin or Chris Wynne on 01772 895656 or email investmentreadiness@uclan.ac.uk

Transmission ‘Collaboratory’ Event: Developing a Digital Readiness Strategy for SMEs in Lancashire – APRIL 25 @ 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM We are delighted to invite you to join us for the next ‘collaboratory’ of the Transmission programme of business support events at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

If you would like to contact us please call 01772 894632 or email transmissionproject@uclan.ac.uk Event Date: Wednesday 25 April 2018, 10am – 4.30pm Event Location: Media Innovation Studio (MIS), 4th Floor Media Factory, UCLan, Kirkham Street, Preston, PR1 2XQ COMMONWEALTH CONNECT

APRIL 12TH 2018 FROM 08:30 TO 11:00 UCLan Foster Building 58, Kendal Street Preston, PR1 2HE

CHOOSE CHORLEY ANNUAL BUSINESS NETWORK EVENING 2018 -GUEST SPEAKER: COLIN JACKSON CBE THURSDAY, 19 APRIL 2018 FROM 17:30 TO 21:00

Join Her Majesty the Queen’s representative in Lancashire, The Rt Hon. The Lord Shuttleworth KG, KCVO, as he welcomes representatives from across the Commonwealth to Preston. This important, business-focused celebration, is being hosted

by North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce to promote the opportunities mutual trading with Commonwealth territories brings. The event will begin with breakfast followed by an official welcome from the Lord Lieutenant and representatives from overseas. Guests will also have the opportunity to visit the Trade Exhibition – featuring business specialists from Commonwealth nations.

To reserve places, please e-mail: chamberevents@lancschamber.co.uk

"The Future for Business in a Changing World" Chorley’s Annual Business Network Evening takes place on Thursday 19th April 2018, and this year will feature Keynote Speaker, Colin Jackson CBE.

Introduction to Equity Investment for SMEs - Accrington MAY 23 @ 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM

5:30pm - Registration, Exhibition, Networking and Buffet 6:30pm - 'Welcome to Chorley' Business Overview 6:45pm - Question Time Panel Session (Hosted by Dave Guest.)

7:30pm - Colin Jackson CBE with an opportunity for live Audience Q & A. 8:30pm - Exhibition and Networking 9:00pm - Event Closes

The University of Central Lancashire has launched a free investor led Investment Readiness Programme, offering unique insights into what is needed to secure equity investment for your business. Led by experienced investors, the programme helps SMEs raise venture capital and business angel investment by ensuring they are properly prepared and understand the process. The programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

LANCASTRIAN SUITE, TOWN HALL, CHORLEY PR7 1DP CHORLEY TO BOOK PLEASE VISIT WWW.BUSINESSLANCASHIRE.CO.UK/EVENTS/CHORLEY

If you are unable to attend on this date or would like to speak to our investment director or manager about the programme please call Robert Sheffrin or Chris Wynne on 01772 895656 or email investmentreadiness@uclan.ac.uk Event Location: East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Red Rose Court, Clayton Business Park, Clayton-le-Moors, BB5 5JR

46 PROPERTY

Accessplanit unveils modern office space

Hat-trick for CPUK Accessplanit, the Lancaster-based training software provider, has already increased profits by 168% in just one year, and boosted their workforce. Now, the tech company continues its expansion drive by securing new premises in the heart of the city.

Located on Spring Garden Street, accessplanit’s new office, nicknamed The Hub, was designed in collaboration with office space specialists Whitespace to provide an attractive, first-class working environment for a top team of software developers, sales and marketing team, and their award-winning customer service support staff.

The Hub emphasises the unique working environment of accessplanit, featuring a modern breakout room, sweeping sofas, and split-level amphitheatre-style seating – all set against the backdrop of the stunning Lancaster skyline.

Dave Evans, managing director at accessplanit, said: "Our new office space reflects who we are here at

accessplanit: Always looking for ways to improve and taking pride in what we do. With our new office space, we’ve created a fully functional area that helps our team to meet the needs of training providers around the world in a fresh and modern setting. The Lancaster technology scene is rapidly expanding, and accessplanit are incredibly excited to play a major part in that growth".

2017 also saw accessplanit awarded 7-Plus Compliance in the Customer Service Excellence assessment and take home the Brandon Hall award for ‘Best Advance in Software for a Training Company.’ Evans added: “We’re absolutely committed to Lancaster and the local area, as we have been for almost 20 years. Part of our expansion plans include hiring and developing local talent – and so, just two months into the new year, I’m delighted to welcome three new members to the accessplanit team who will help us deliver the best year yet for our customers.”

110 MUCH-NEEDED new homes are being built on three sites across the North West

by Construction Partnership UK (CPUK) Group.

The £17 million hat-trick of residential wins includes two repeat clients and three negotiated contracts for the North West construction company.

CPUK is on site in Hurst Green, Lancashire, designing and building 30 new homes for Hillcrest Homes on a previously undeveloped 2.5 hectare site on the eastern edge of the village close to the worldrenowned Stonyhurst College.

This is CPUK’s fifth project with Hillcrest and the £6.4 million contract will see 10% of energy usage coming from renewable sources and a new football pitch being built for St Joseph’s RC Primary School.

A mix of 13 detached, four semi-detached, and 13 terraced, three, four and five bedroom houses at The Warren on Whalley Road will be phased, with project completion in Summer 2019.

Steve Burke, managing director of CPUK, said: “Hurst Green is a popular village in the heart of the Ribble Valley, close to the historic market town of Clitheroe and building the right sort of new homes helps the community, schools and local businesses.”

CPUK’s second housing scheme to move on site in 2018 is 35 miles south in Mossley, where the Skelmersdale-based firm is building 36 new homes.

Working for the House Crowd in Altrincham, CPUK is on site on a 1.76 hectare vacant plot of land off Micklehurst Road, half a mile from Mossley’s railway station.

The £5.3 million negotiated contract is CPUK’s first with the House Crowd and the project, to be called Buckton View, is expected to be completed by Spring 2019.

Steve Burke said: “This is a challenging site where we will be extensively re-modelling the

existing site levels and we need to maintain access through the site for the residents on Micklehurst Road throughout the construction programme.”

CPUK’s third residential project of the year is another successfully negotiated contract with a repeat client, Breckside Estates of Prestwich.

The £5.4 million contract will see the construction of 44 timber frame homes on redundant farmland off Crescent Road in Crumpsall.

Steve Burke commented: “Negotiating three substantial contracts is a great way to start 2018 and we will continue to grow our order book as the year progresses.

“It is also very satisfying to win repeat business from clients who understand and appreciate the clear benefits to everyone in negotiated agreements. More than 80% of our work is repeat business and negotiated contracts.”

CPUK Group is one of the North West’s leading independent building and civil engineering companies with an annual turnover of £50 million.

Founded in March 2000, the business operates from purpose-built headquarters at White Moss Business Park in Skelmersdale.

47

Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

Plans approved for meat production site

PLANNING consent has been granted for a state-of-theart meat processing facility in Lancashire that will supply some of the UK’s top hotels, restaurants and retailers.

Harrison Pitt Architects has designed the purpose-built facility which will be built at Hillside Farm, Morecambe, on behalf of Lancashire-based Althams Butchers.

The company, which employs over 100 staff and supplies prime beef, pork, lamb and fine foods, has outgrown its existing premises at White Lund, Morecambe.

A free-range pork farm that previously operated from the Hillside Farm site closed in 2012 and the farmhouse and outbuildings have been unused since. The redundant

buildings will make way for a 5,100 sq m facility that will feature the latest preparation, packing and refrigeration facilities.

Richard Parker, a director of Harrison Pitt Architects, said: “We’re delighted that Althams Butchers can now move forward with its expansion plans, an aspiration that wasn’t possible with the constraints of its existing premises.

“This new facility will allow the business to operate more efficiently and will also provide an economic boost to the area by allowing new jobs to be created.

“This is another project that demonstrates our expertise

in building design for the food manufacturing sector.”

The building, which will be clad in timber, has been designed to give the appearance of a series of linked agricultural barns. Significant tree planting around the site will reduce its visual impact.

Established in 1856 by Thomas Altham, a local farmer, Althams Butchers is still an independent family-owned business. Today the business is operated by Thomas Altham’s great, great grandsons James and Richard Altham.

Chorley set to become digital hub CHORLEY is set to become the centre of the rapidly growing digital sector in Lancashire thanks to an ambitious £8.4m scheme being developed by Chorley Council.

A new advanced digital office park creating 54,000sq ft of state-of-the-art office space providing high value jobs for hundreds of people is to be built at Euxton Lane.

The council won over £4.1m funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) towards the cost of scheme and now work is expected to start later this month.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Chorley Council leader, said: “This is a hugely important development for Chorley and residents will have noticed the

signage going up on site and work is now underway, with a view to this particular element of the wider development being completed early next year.

“Digital technology is the business of the future and this development will put Chorley right at the centre of digital technology in Lancashire.

“We are really excited to be creating such a high quality business facility in Chorley which will create the wealth of tomorrow with hundreds of well-paid and skilled jobs.

“This is one of the most significant business developments to happen in Chorley for a generation and it will drive forward economic growth. It has been

estimated by independent experts that it could generate an additional £18.5 million for the Chorley economy.”

The centre will have a high capacity server and super-speed broadband vital for advanced digital businesses. There will be a new intensive business incubation facility for start up businesses with onsite business advisors and university researchers giving businesses extensive support in setting up and developing growth.

The businesses will be offered space which includes hot desks, micro pods, flexible desks and more traditional office suites and a training room will be on site offering workshop facilities, as well as a networking zone.

The building itself will be one of the most advanced environmentally friendly in Lancashire and has been designed to a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating.

The 2.8 acre development is part of the council’s larger Digital Health Village masterplan for the 32 acre site which has outline planning permission for industrial/ employment units, care home and specialist care facility, convenience store, family pub and/or medical centre, plus around 80 homes. The council will be working closely with Chorley-based developer and property company Primrose Holdings to ensure this first part of the development is delivered as quickly as possible.

Ribble Valley development unveils its first home A PICTURESQUE new residential development overlooking Alston Reservoirs in Longridge, is preparing to open the doors to its first home.

Real estate developer, The Blackmore Group, which acquired the site in Preston above the Ribble Valley, with plans to introduce 54 high-quality homes to the area.

The first phase of the Alston Bank development, which is due to be completed in Summer 2018, will help to transform the existing town, offering a wide range of high-quality properties complete with modern

architecture and stunning views of the countryside, that will attract new people into Longridge and the surrounding area.

Patrick McCreesh, managing director of The Blackmore Group, said: “As soon as we saw the site we knew it would make the perfect location for a development of this standard. By offering a selection of high-quality properties to the existing community here in Longridge, we’re hoping to help attract a wide range of people to the area.

“We’re working with some

amazing teams to make sure the site is in keeping with the rest of the village, including making the decision to individually design properties using

locally sourced stone, and spacious gardens where people can enjoy the stunning views over the three reservoirs and the Ribble Valley.”

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