I
was delighted to have been asked to write the guest foreword for this issue , especially as Aycliffe Business has been such a fantastic supporter of Crafter ’ s Companion over the years . It seems like a lifetime ago , but Crafter ’ s Companion has been in Aycliffe for seven years now , and we have loved being part of this community .
Of course , a lot has happened in that time – not least the Covid pandemic which challenged most of us to diversify – but it ’ s wonderful to see the continued development of the business park and to see so many businesses here thriving .
We celebrated 17 years in business with a Hollywood musical-themed event in October . With new product launches and special shows on our digital channel Crafter ’ s TV , our birthday event is an excuse to give back to our wonderful customers and this year , I ’ m pleased to say it was our very best yet .
I ’ m so proud of everything we have been able to accomplish in the past two decades , but
HELLO
GUEST FOREWORD BY SARA DAVIES
Welcome to the 59th issue of Aycliffe Business .
we have a lot of exciting upcoming projects lined up for 2023 .
For instance , I know many will have seen our brand-new global distribution centre sitting proudly at the entrance of the business park .
The dedicated 54,000 square foot , nine metre-high space enables us to house 4,000 pallets of products and it will support the team ’ s ability to meet the growing demand for crafting items from our customers across the UK , Europe and USA so watch this space !
Most importantly , this investment will also create new opportunities for Crafter ’ s Companion and the local area .
So , after a challenging couple of years , we ’ re seeing more growth for Crafter ’ s Companion and we will continue to invest in both our Aycliffe operations and our brilliant region .
It ’ s a great place to do business and we are immensely proud to be here . Sara Davies MBE Founder and creative director , Crafter ’ s Companion
CONTENTS
Included in the October- November 2022 issue of Aycliffe Business …
05 STEEL DEAL
Aycliffe firm works on 1,200-tonne Integra project
12 DIAMOND COMMERCIAL CLEANING
Making businesses sparkle for 17 years !
15 LIFE ’ S GOOD !
High Ofsted praise for Aycliffe training firm
16 YOUR NEXT STOP …
Is Station Place – Hitachi ’ s younger brother
20 FUTURE PROOFING
Budding local talent paints a bright future for Gestamp
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 .
To book space in future issues of Aycliffe Business , email martin @ aycliffetoday . co . uk .
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 Director : Martin Walker .
Contributors to this issue : Sara Davies , Matthew McConnell , Martin Walker , Paul Fraser , Sarah Walker .
Our photographers : Chris Booth , Tom Banks , David Wood .
Designed by KINSHIP : Call 07846186220 Email sarah @ designbykinship . co . uk .
25 SEWING THE SEEDS
Young entrepreneur ’ s embroidery and print firm is on path to success
27 LIFTING YOUR SPIRITS
Christmas party packages at The Aviator Gin Bar – and Herbal Gin Co ’ s white labelling products boom
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 3