Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
go to www.businessinsouthribble.com or call 01772 625567 BUSINESS NEWSLETTER OF SUMMER 2015 INSIDE THIS ISSUE in Ribble South Invest Delivering Success Waitrose and Leyland Trucks Join Forces Upskilling the Future Eric Wright Cements Prestons College Partnership Cooking up a Storm Chutney Firm Relishes Expansion Challenge Championing Manufacturing Flexcrete Hailed as Export Champion 02 The Business Newsletter of South Ribble Borough Council Its Happening in South Ribble Growing Potential South Ribble Named as an Economic Powerhouse South Ribble has been crowned as the top district in the North West for job creation in a report by international auditors Grant Thornton. The economic growth is on an impressive scale with 10677 new posts created over an eight year period more than Manchester and Liverpool combined. The success which places South Ribble in 16th place out of the countrys 324 regions has been attributed to the growth of several business parks including Walton Summit Moss Side and South Rings. Major employers such as Dr Oetker which moved its production line to Leyland have also had a positive impact on the local economy and jobs market. Babs Murphy chief executive of the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce said Some of our South Ribble businesses read like a whos who of the business community. We are extremely fortunate that visionary work on advanced manufacturing is now not only a national but an international focus for the translation of cutting-edge research and production. Education skills and training are of the highest quality which underpin this growth. Delivering Success Waitrose and Leyland Trucks Join Forces Waitroses decision to base a 35m regional distribution centre RDC in the heart of South Ribble has led to a business relationship between the supermarket chain and commercial vehicle manufacturing giant Leyland Trucks. Chosen for its close proximity to the national motorway network the RDC caters for 57 Waitrose branches in the north of England and Scotland with capacity for growth. The DAF vehicles manufactured by Leyland Trucks service all of the deliveries reaching from Helensborough in Scotland to Market Harborough in Leicestershire. The hugely positive venture has boosted the local economy by creating hundreds of new jobs and driven investment in surrounding businesses. Julie Thornhill general manager of Waitroses Leyland RDC said Our partnership with Leyland Trucks has continued to develop over the past decade and as our operation has grown the relationship has gone from strength to strength. Cuerden Masterplan Mapped Out The vision to generate investment and create thousands of jobs at a 65-hectare site in South Ribble is a step closer following approval of the masterplan for the Cuerden Strategic Site during a meeting on 22nd April. With the potential to create 2500 jobs the major site will be developed for high quality employment through a mix of commercial industrial and leisure use. The masterplan reveals six zones for the park heritage features and flexible space to accommodate pop up events such as farmers markets have also been incorporated. The masterplan and other documents are available to view at www.southribble.gov.ukcuerden Welcome to the South Ribble Business Newsletter South Ribble offers Contact Jennifer to find out more 01772 625567 infobusinessinsouthribble.com Waitroses RDC On site at Cuerden A great location for business Good value for money for investors A great choice of highly accessible business premises Skills to meet business needs www.businessinsouthribble.com 03 Skills Upskilling The Future Pioneering Partnership Boosts Employability South Ribble Borough Council has teamed up with Prestons College to develop a bespoke project-based learning programme that will enable 18 school leavers from the area to pursue a career in fitness and leisure. The courses which begin in September 2015 combine on-site training and academic teaching to help gain nationally-recognised qualifications in Activity Leadership Leisure Operations and Gym Instructor. Peter Dodd chairman of South Ribble community leisure which oversees the running of the leisure centres in the area said We have some fantastic leisure facilities in the area to accommodate the community and this programme will give the young learners more exposure and experience of the world of work for when they finish their course which is fantastic. For more information and to apply please visit www.preston.ac.uk Leadership Skills at the Forefront Future-proofing is a key concern for South Ribble businesses with one major employer taking steps to invest in the skills and talent of their workforce. Leyland Trucks selected Runshaw Business Centre to advance the managerial skills of more than 60 members of its workforce. The employees which are from across the business embarked on ILM Level 2 and Level 3 and CMI Level 4 training courses which are due for completion in September 2015. The students prototype Representatives from Prestons College South Ribble Borough Council and Leyland Leisure Centre A Euro 6 LF produced by Leyland Trucks UCLan Collaborates with Lunar Caravans Lostock Hall-based Lunar Caravans specialists in the manufacture of lightweight caravans and motorhomes is giving design students from the University of Central Lancashire UCLan the chance to develop ideas that will make caravanning more appealing to a younger market. The firm which has operated for almost 50 years and has a wide international market provided a prototype micro-caravan to the Preston campus for the students to test out their concepts for multi-functional interior fittings and energy-efficient features. The project has enabled the students to work on a real-life industry project and potentially see their designs manufactured in the future. EWLF Cements Partnership with Prestons College The Eric Wright Learning Foundation EWLF has joined forces with Prestons College to expand its range of training courses. The Bamber Bridge-based organisation has provided construction training to schools in South Ribble since 2005 helping more than 1000 young people to learn practical skills and prepare for further education and employment. Designed to complement GCSE programmes courses teach a range of skills including joinery bricklaying and painting decorating. From September 2015 onwards learners will be taught at Prestons College in a Real Work Environment sponsored by the EWLF. Eric Wright founder of the Eric Wright Learning Foundation said We see this partnership as a way to build on the great work we have done over the past 10 years and will be working together with Prestons College to provide learners with an experience that truly reflects a typical working day. 04 The Business Newsletter of South Ribble Borough Council Events Aiding Business Growth Recruitment Backing Legal Advice South Ribble Borough Council is proud to have provided recruitment support to help fill vacancies created by the new branch of The Range in Leyland and also in response to demand for new employees from Spirit Pub Company. Working in partnership with Jobcentre Plus the recruitment collaboration is helping local people to access jobs and is delivering the skills required by businesses investing in the area. To help new and growing businesses navigate the complexities of employment law South Ribble Borough Council and legal experts Avensure held a free advice event in February 2015. As well as providing information on current employment law the experts also offered a masterclass on discrimination in the workplace protecting brands on social media and establishing robust health safety policies and procedures. For information on future business advice workshops please visit www.businessinsouthribble.com business-supportbusiness-networks Promotional Opportunities at Leyland Festival Saturday 20th June sees the return of the Leyland Festival which presents a wealth of promotional opportunities for local businesses. Major firms already involved include Leyland Trucks Ainscough Properties Ltd Waitrose Progress Housing Group and Screwfix. The well-attended annual event supported by South Ribble Borough Council attracts media interest each year and is supported by an ongoing marketing campaign which draws crowds from across the North West to enjoy the festival procession heritage vehicle displays refreshments and entertainment. This years festival has a nostalgic 60s 70s theme. For information on how to get involved visit www.leylandfestival.co.uk Business Events Fast-Tracking Growth More than 80 top businesses gathered at a special Breakfast Brief to hear about new growth opportunities in South Ribble. Chaired by Ron Augustyn former managing director of Leyland Trucks the event provided updates on all new developments in the district including the Cuerden Strategic Regional Site and the Preston South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal. Looking ahead the next annual Central Lancashire Business Event will take place in South Ribble on 22nd October 2015. The theme is Winning Business and it is part of the year-long programme of business events in the borough. To reserve your place contact the South Ribble Economic Development Team on 01772 625441 or email infobusinessinsouthribble.com South Ribble Business Breakfast Leyland Festival 2014 www.businessinsouthribble.com 05 Support Attracting Fresh Investment New Business Information Service Launched Companies in South Ribble can now access an information service which provides updates on networking opportunities advice and events and details about local projects as well as regular copies or e-copies of the Invest in South Ribble newsletter. Launched in April by South Ribble Borough Councils Economic Development Team in addition to opening up trading and marketing opportunities the service will make it even easier to access business support. To sign up visit www.businessinsouthribble.com or email econdevtsouthribble.co.uk Businesses Urged to Claim Broadband Vouchers A Government grant worth up to 3000 will enable many firms in South Ribble to reap the rewards of faster broadband speeds and improved connectivity. Those applying before the end of March 2016 can benefit from the scheme which is part of the Governments broadband transformation plans to help the UK create and attract new jobs and investment. The scheme invites smaller companies to submit the quote they have been given by broadband providers which considers the application before handing out vouchers of up to 3000. Businesses can check their eligibility at www.southribble.gov.uksuperfastbroadband Government Funding Award for Longton The village of Longton will benefit from an extensive regeneration programme after receiving 131700 from a Government Coastal Communities Funding scheme. The introduction of a business and innovation advisor and the creation of a new incubation zone to provide low cost fast access working space will build employment and enterprise opportunities in and around Longton. The grant matches existing council funding in the town which aims to regenerate the centre including the business and shopping area and increase transport facilities parking signage footpaths and community amenities. Longton village centre Full Steam Ahead for Matrix Cleaning Systems Lancashire County Councils Rosebud Finance scheme has enabled the founder of a steam cleaning machine manufacturer to regain full ownership of his business. By acquiring the shares held by two original investors Bob Pownall and family now have full control of Matrix Cleaning Systems securing the jobs of 14 staff and facilitating expansion plans. Following the deal the Leyland-based firm plans to target overseas markets with its wide range of machines for domestic commercial and industrial applications. Email rosebudlancashire.gov.uk 01772 536651 06 The Business Newsletter of South Ribble Borough Council Company News Staying Local is Key to Building Success Leyland-based building products supplier C W Berry Limited is celebrating the extension of its partnering arrangement with Wainhomes North West Limited. As part of the deal C W Berry supplies all 20 Wainhomes developments throughout the North West with a variety of building products including bricks blocks timbers packs UPVC and staircases. The partnering agreement will continue until the end of 2015. Both businesses favour a policy of staying local for their materials and workforce supporting employment in the area and retaining investment in the region. C W Berry which employs 200 staff was established in 1954 and is now Wainhomes largest single supplier. Commenting on the trading agreement Peter Jones C W Berry company director said We are delighted with the expansion of our trading relationship with Wainhomes which has been an important customer of ours over a long period of time. We are already a significant employer in the town and an important contributor to the local economy. Expansion Plans in the Fast Lane Rapidly growing haulage and logistics firm FDC Holdings is on track for future expansion after acquiring major new commercial premises at Four Oaks Road Walton Summit. The company which handles palletised distribution storage and fulfilment for some of the UKs largest brands secured Unit 330 in a multi-million pound deal. The large-scale building will serve as an additional warehousing and distribution centre whilst extra space on the site is set to be leased to other businesses to create a thriving hub. Through this new purchase the company aims to create new jobs and capitalise on extra capacity to service new customers. Peter Allen managing director of FDC said We have doubled our turnover and staff numbers in the last two years by making significant investment in the business and reaping the rewards of that investment with new contract wins. Were planning to create another 20 jobs in the next three to six months. High Achievers Chutney Firm Relishes Expansion Challenge Popular chutney firm Fatjax is achieving huge growth following a move to new premises in Leyland. The rapidly-expanding venture was established by chefs Robert Weekes and Paul Ainscough who have more than 50 years combined culinary experience. The pair developed the range in their spare time whilst working together at Eaves Hall in Clitheroe. The firms move to larger premises was in response to growing demand for the handmade range of bold chutneys relishes dressings and sauces. The company also recently launched a new Some Like it Hot range which includes a spicy peri peri and chipotle sauce chutney and dried chillies. 10ofThose on a Mission A rapidly growing 1m Christian resources company has outgrown its premises at Centurion Court in Farington Leyland and has moved into large new warehouse and office buildings on the Tomlinson Road Industrial Estate. 10ofThoses sole aim is to help local churches and Christian organisations by distributing bible-centered resources across the world and required extra space to accommodate growing national and global interests. The business after settling in Lancashire grew from the founder selling Christian books and resources from a garage in Whittle-le-Woods and is now an internationally respected organisation with a reputation for personal service and quality products. Celebrating the deal Teen Harry Delivers Age is no barrier to success for 15-year-old St Michaels High School student Harry Longworth who has set up a successful leaflet distribution business in Buckshaw Village. The young entrepreneur is helping other businesses to grow by personally delivering around 20000 flyers to more than 3000 homes in the area each month. The entrepreneurial idea came when Harry realised that expansion of Buckshaw Village presented a gap in the market for new local businesses to promote their products and services. On the back of the success Harry hopes to expand his enterprise after leaving school by launching a local business magazine. Breath of Fresh Air for Leyland Firm Clean Air Power which specialises in natural gas engine systems for HGVs has secured a significant contract extension with a global truck manufacturer. The new deal to deliver a demonstration vehicle extends the agreement to commence the first phase of a production development programme for a MicroPilot compression-ignited natural gas engine for the South East Asian and other markets. Worth approximately 1m in additional revenue for Clean Air Power the contract extension includes both engine and vehicle system development. The firms patented MicroPilot and Dual-Fuel technology enables engines to run on natural gas mixed with diesel or any suitable combustible fuel. Speaking of the win John Pettitt Clean Air Power chief executive said This new contract is another step forward in our ambition to be the design development and delivery partner of choice for compression-ignited natural gas systems. www.businessinsouthribble.com 07 In brief Late Starter Artist Gains Recognition Tony Bartley a Leyland-based artist who only discovered his passion for art mid-life is gaining recognition for his work including a best painting award in an open art exhibition at the Harris Museum. Family Activity Centre Gets Go-Ahead A new large family play centre has opened in Leyland. The Play Pad in Tomlinson Road Industrial Estate will include go-karting laser tag a climbing wall football space and a caf. Solar Plans Approved at BAE Systems A proposal to install 10000 solar panels at the Samlesbury military aircraft manufacturing site has been approved which will provide up to 25 per cent of the sites peak demand for electricity. The site is next to the Lancashire Enterprise Zone. Flexcrete HQ Entrepreneur Harry Longworth Flexcrete Hailed as Export Champion For the third year running UK Trade Investment UKTI has named Leyland-based mortar manufacturer Flexcrete Technologies Limited as one of the North Wests leading Export Champions. The thriving business which manufactures technical mortars and high performance coatings for the construction industry and other sectors distributes to 65 countries with export sales accounting for 50 per cent of its revenues. The role of Export Champions is to offer peer-to-peer support in relation to the range of individually tailored professional services available from the UKTI team as well as promoting exports generally. Graham James OBE director of Flexcrete Technologies Limited said Were delighted to be declared Export Champions once again. We have been trading in export markets for some 30 years now and we firmly believe that our business is in good shape because we have invested in new product development not just in the UK but with global markets in mind. Company News Growing Potential 08 The Business Newsletter of South Ribble Borough Council To find out more please contact Jennifer on 01772 625567 or email infobusinessinsouthribble.com or visit www.businessinsouthribble.com Commercial Property Investment Building Success Summit Foods Expands at Walton Summit Prospering frozen foods manufacturer Summit Foods Ltd has bought additional premises within Walton Summit Business Park. Increasing capacity by 10992 sq ft the firm is set to expand and capitalise further on the strategic transport benefits of the location situated close to the M6 M61 and M65 motorways. The family-owned business which produces cooked foods and snack-based products across the retail food service and food manufacturing sectors already operates a 26000 sq ft facility and employs more than 150 staff. News Update The Central Lancashire Business Event 2015 will be held on the 22nd October 2015. See www.centrallancashirebusinessevents.co.uk for more information. Roundhouse Properties Gain Momentum The success of the Momentum Business Development at Buckshaw Village has led property developer Roundhouse Properties to repeat the formula at South Rings. Planning permission has been granted for the 2.3 acre site to develop 43 business units offering flexible office and industrial space specifically designed for small to medium-sized businesses. Jeremy Lefton director of Roundhouse Properties said Lancashire has tremendous opportunities for growth and development and the new business centre provides an excellent location with immediate access to the main motorway networks linking the regions largest cities and towns. Nuclear Specialist Relocates to Bamber Bridge James Fisher Nuclear has moved to Gordon House a 30000 sq ft three-storey building in Bamber Bridge on a five year lease agreed with landlord AMEY. The relocation to the impressive building is part of the firms expansion plans Jonathan Baucher of commercial real estate brokers Cushman Wakefield said This was a significant letting for the region and represents one of the largest deals of its kind to be completed in the local market over the last decade. Momentum Business Centre Supporting South Ribble Businesses We are pleased to introduce our support for your business in South Ribble. Jennifer Clough Economic Development would like to work with your business to make sure that we and our partners provide the services and conditions that you need to thrive. In order to help businesses South Ribble Borough Council offers a range of help free of charge. We can offer Wayne Jones head of ROV site teams In brief Leyland Trucks Expansion Underway Conlon Construction is currently working on a Cassidy Ashton -designed scheme to create additional office accommodation and a visitor centre at Leyland Trucks headquarters along with an additional floor on top of the companys existing two-storey space. Jobs Boost from Matrix Point Development Seddon Developments is set to start work on its 4m Matrix Point project. The speculative 19-unit development is part of the highly-successful Buckshaw Village scheme and is aimed at SMEs. The development which will built by Seddon Construction is expected to complete within seven months and the units range from 800 sq ft to 5400 sq ft. Fish Insurance Nets Sceptre Point Lease The former Apollo Cinema headquarters at Sceptre Point has been leased by Fish Insurance which will occupy the 4800 sq ft space following the 10 year agreement. Details of local commercial sites and premises Business networking opportunities Local training recruitment provider details Information on support for business growth