I
’ m delighted to write the guest foreword for the latest issue , as we look forward to the return of the Make Your Mark Awards . It will be great to get back together and once again celebrate all that is great about Aycliffe Business Park – and we ’ re thrilled to be heading to the beautiful Redworth Hall hotel for the glitzy award ceremony on May 20 .
A tremendous amount of hard work has gone on behind the scenes to make the awards happen – so we ’ re looking forward to seeing it all come together .
I ’ d firstly like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors . Husqvarna was the first company to pick up the phone when we advertised the return of the Make Your Mark Awards .
Getting a name like Husqvarna was just what was needed early on – and it was just as pleasing to see other Aycliffe companies follow suit , including Ebac , Gestamp , Stiller and Think Kudos .
Business Durham is also a category sponsor for Make Your Mark , as are Stockton-based regional law firm , Jacksons Law , and we ’ re delighted to have on board Richardson Barberry , the team behind the new Forrest Park development on Aycliffe Business Park .
Our sponsors have shown their belief and support for ABPC ( Aycliffe Business Park
HELLO
AYCLIFFE BUSINESS
Aycliffe Business is Newton Aycliffe ’ s only business publication , which is mailed exclusively to companies on Aycliffe Business Park .
Launched in November 2012 , we provide firms with a unique platform to tell everyone about their services and success stories in our prestigious , high-quality publication .
With an estimated readership of more than 8,000 , copies are mailed direct to every company on our database , and the rest are distributed by hand across the park as well as nearby hotels , restaurants and conference centres .
Our next issue will be out in June / July , and the deadline to book is 5pm on Friday , June 10 . To get involved in the next or any future issues , email martin @ aycliffetoday . co . uk .
GUEST FOREWORD FROM KERINA CLARK
Welcome to the 56th issue of Aycliffe Business .
Community ) and we are so grateful for their input – not just financially , but also in the shortlisting and judging of each category . Their perspective and insight has been invaluable . Of course , awards events can also only happen with support from local businesses in terms of entries and nominations , so a big thank you to everyone who took the time to enter .
As chair of ABPC , on behalf of the board I would like to express our special thanks to Martin Walker who , as business development manager , has been the driving force in bringing the event together .
It ’ s a great reflection of the work he has been doing in increasing the engagement across the business park and a fitting celebration of the last few years of activity and growth across .
For coverage of the Make Your Mark Awards , follow Aycliffe Business Park Community on Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn .
There ’ ll also be a special supplement in the next issue of Aycliffe Business .
We hope to see you soon – either at the Make Your Mark event , or at our future news and networking meetings . Kerina Clark Chair , Aycliffe Business Park Community
Aycliffe Business Units 8-9 , Parson ’ s Court , Welbury Way , Aycliffe Business Park , Newton Aycliffe , Co . Durham DL5 6ZE
www . aycliffetoday . co . uk
Published & distributed by Mantis Media Ltd : www . mantis-media . com
Tel : 01325 728024 Email : martin @ aycliffetoday . co . uk Managing Editor : Martin Walker .
Contributors to this issue : Martin Walker , Sarah Walker , Ian Proctor .
Our photographers : Graeme Rowatt ( cover feature pictures ), Chris Booth , Tom Banks .
Designed by KINSHIP : Call 07846186220 Email sarah @ designbykinship . co . uk .
CONTENTS
Included in the April- May 2022 issue of Aycliffe Business …
06 COFFEE BREAK
NC Group boss Ian Nelson answers our 20 questions over a cuppa
09 MAKING THEIR MARK !
Shortlists revealed for Make Your Mark Awards 2022
12 YES , MINISTER !
Exports chief impressed by Gestamp ’ s ‘ incredible global reach ’
15 FSB HONOUR
Tech firm Excelpoint wins FSB award
16 FAMILY PRIDE
How close-knit BTS Facades and Fabrications is investing in the future
22-25 AWARD BACKERS
Meet more of the sponsors who are helping to make awards events happen
28 NETWORKING PICTURES
See our snaps from the latest Aycliffe Business Park Community news and networking event
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 3