CONTENTS
Welcome to the 62nd issue of Aycliffe Business .
We ’ re delighted to bring you another jam-packed issue of the magazine for Aycliffe Business Park .
Our cover star feature is with an old friend of mine , Nev Jones from J & C Coaches , which has been on the business park for 50 years .
I ’ ve known Nev and his family since I left school in 1993 , after they gave me some parttime work during the summer holidays in my college years .
We have always stayed in touch ever since those heady mid-90s days on Nev ’ s buses .
So , naturally , I have a lot of time for the Jones family , which is why I ’ m delighted to see Nev grace the front cover of my magazine for the first time .
Nev talks proudly about his family firm ’ s history and long-held position within the Aycliffe community , and the slight change in direction he ’ s taking with the business . I hope you ’ ll agree it ’ s an enjoyable read . We also have two features in this issue with companies appearing in the publication for the first time .
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 .
HELLO
FOREWORD FROM MARTIN WALKER
We hear from Collins Seafoods and their amazing story . The family-run firm was created in 1980 and moved to Aycliffe Business Park 23 years ago .
And we also feature Optimas Solutions , who have been on the business park for two years . Optimas manufactures and distributes fasteners and components used in the automotive sector , rail and agriculture .
We also have features with Stiller Warehousing and Distribution , Gestamp , Upex Electrical Distributors ( UED ), Excelpoint , Roman and Jacksons Law Firm in this edition .
Our thanks , as always , to advertising support from Business Durham , C & A Embroidery & Print , The Work Place , Kudos Accountants , NC Group and Care Connect .
We ’ ll be back in June with the 63rd issue of Aycliffe Business . Please get in touch if you ’ d like to be featured !
Martin Walker Director / editor , Aycliffe Business
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 .
Our photographers : Chris Booth , Stuart Boulton .
Designed by KINSHIP : Call 07846186220 Email sarah @ designbykinship . co . uk .
Included in the 62nd issue of Aycliffe Business …
08 SEAFOOD SUCCESS
Industry leaders Collins Seafoods reflect on 40 + years in business
12 OPTIMAS PRIME
Manufacturing business has become a key player for local engineering firms
15 IN SAFE HANDS
Stiller meets the gold standard for health and safety in high risk industry
16-19 HEAD COACH
J & C boss Nev Jones on family firm ’ s proud history
22-23 GIRL POWER
Gestamp celebrates International Women ’ s Day in style
25 NEW OWNERSHIP
But it ’ s business as usual as Upex Electrical Distributors retains family feel
29 CUSTOMER DEBTS
How law firm ’ s new software can help businesses to recover unpaid invoices
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 3