Why ‘ nailing ’ skill sets has been key to Aycliffe training provider ’ s success
Aycliffe Business Make Your Mark Awards
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Business Durham
FINALISTS
Cllr James Rowlandson , cabinet member and portfolio holder for resources , investments and assets at Durham County Council , presented the trophy to Ian Nelson of NC Group .
Why ‘ nailing ’ skill sets has been key to Aycliffe training provider ’ s success
It ’ s all about the skills at any business park – and NC Group ’ s commitment to providing them has earned it a coveted Make Your Mark award .
The independent training provider pipped C & A Embroidery and Excelpoint to win the Small Business of the Year trophy .
In the past year , NC Group has provided training support to many businesses on the park , including the likes of 3M , Gestamp and Ineos .
“ Overwhelmed ” MD Ian Nelson said it was “ amazing to be recognised for what we do ” – but said it wouldn ’ t have been possible without his own company having a range of skill sets to call upon .
“ The biggest thing about NC Group are the skill sets we have ,” said Ian .
“ Within training , you have colleges and you have independent training providers , but one of the biggest barriers is getting individuals with the necessary skill sets and I think we have absolutely nailed that – we have the top engineers and the top people that allow us to grow our business .
“ The skill sets within our team are immense . We ’ ve invested during our time in the park and this is where we ’ re making an impact .
“ We ’ re starting to support those large employers with training , development , apprenticeships and filling skills gaps .”
Describing the Aycliffe Business Park community as “ amazing ”, Ian added : “ It ’ s been brilliant tonight , hearing everyone talking about their successes .
“ We ’ re here to try and drive that forward for the next decade and beyond .
“ Our plans are for continuous growth , to increase our apprenticeship provision and support all the skills gaps and the development within so many companies across the park – not just the larger ones but helping smaller businesses upskill too .”
EXCELPOINT Excelpoint is a software and consultancy provider , implementing cutting-edge solutions for global brands and SMEs to automate business operations .
With more than two decades of experience evolving its no-code platform , it competes as a system-building nocode tool at a global level , equipping organisations across all sectors with the necessary features to develop and deploy enterprise-wide systems .
Excelpoint supports a global customer base , driving enterprise-wide digitalisation and proudly powers the business processes of prominent brands , including EDF Cyclife , Minova Global , Copenhagen Infrastructure Service Company , KAEFER , Cenergist , Anglian Water and Durham County Council , among many others .
C & A EMBROIDERY AND PRINT C & A Embroidery and Print is owned and run by 30-year-old Laura Flood .
The firm offers an in-house embroidery and printing service and supplies a range of clothing such as workwear , corporate and hospitality , school wear , sports and leisurewear .
C & A works with a range of customers around the business park including Ebac , Husqvarna , BTS Fabrications , Cobots Online , Durham Precision Engineering and Finley Structures , supplying a full range of workwear , from polo shirts and jackets to hi-viz vests , cargo trousers and safety boots .
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 27