HELLO
GUEST FOREWORD FROM PHIL ATKINSON
Welcome to the 61st issue of Aycliffe Business .
It ’ s an honour to have the foreword in this edition of Aycliffe Business . I couldn ’ t think of a better time to have been asked to talk about my passion than during the ‘ Month of Love ’ – my passion being my business , of course .
BTS moved to Aycliffe Business Park 10 years ago , and during that time we ’ ve grown from strength to strength .
From the outside , we may appear to be your typical manufacturing firm , but on the inside … big things are happening .
We ’ re making industry-leading changes , with one of our biggest ventures being the move to becoming a ‘ carbon neutral ’ company , with a vision of achieving Net Zero by 2030 .
Last year , we invested in a carbon offsetting scheme , but we know this is only a temporary solution .
We ’ re currently exploring our options for energy self-sufficiency , and we ’ re working alongside our supply chain to help them make the vital changes to lower both their , and our , carbon footprint .
In addition to this , we ’ re trialling the fourday working week , not only because it ’ s better for our energy consumption , but because it ’ s what our team wanted , and we are listening to the wants and desires of our workforce .
We ’ re striving to become a B-Corp certified business , which means we ’ re not only doing what we can to protect the planet and look after our employees , but we ’ re also investing in and taking care of our community here in Newton Aycliffe .
We ’ re not just a manufacturing firm , we ’ re a forward-thinking company who cares for its employees and surrounding community .
That leaves me to mention the networking events with Aycliffe Business Park that brings our community together .
We are determined to help smaller SMEs from the park to get involved . We want to help engage with the police and improve security on the park whether this be more cameras or patrols , so it becomes a safer environment for businesses alike to thrive .
Phil Atkinson Managing director , BTS Facades & Fabrications
CONTENTS
Included in the January- February 2023 issue of Aycliffe Business …
5 YES , PRIME MINISTER
Paul Howell MP gives Rishi Hitachi tour
6-7 GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Digital Edge director Ian Proctor kicks off a brand new series of features …
13 EYE-OPENER
Green energy lesson for business leaders
16-19 PLATINUM PARTY
Gestamp celebrating 75 years of success
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 Managing Editor : Martin Walker .
Contributors to this issue : Phil Atkinson , Sam Dixon , Martin Walker , Sarah Walker .
Our photographers : Chris Booth , Tom Banks .
Designed by KINSHIP : Call 07846186220 Email sarah @ designbykinship . co . uk .
22-25 HAPPY BIRTHDAY !
Aycliffe Business celebrates 10th anniversary with high-profile event
26-27 DEVOLUTION DEAL
We get local reaction to new North-East devolution agreement
29 SPACE AGE
Durham welcomes annual North-East space conference
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 3