CONTENTS
Included in the 73rd issue of Aycliffe Business …
HELLO
FOREWORD FROM MARTIN WALKER
5 SITE PROGRESS
‘ Topping out’ celebrated at multimillion pound Aycliffe development
7 WELCOME, JULIE!
NC Group strengthens board with new appointment
Welcome to the 73rd issue of Aycliffe Business – and what a fantastic time it is to be part of this ambitious and collaborative business community.
In this issue, we’ re proud to shine a light on one of the standout events in our calendar – the 2025 Make Your Mark Awards. Once again, the awards brought our community together in style, with hundreds of guests celebrating the people, businesses and organisations that are helping to drive Aycliffe forward.
It was a night to remember – full of energy, emotion and pride. From start-ups and scaleups to seasoned employers and inspiring individuals, the awards captured the breadth and depth of talent we have on our doorstep.
Most importantly, it reminded us all why Aycliffe Business Park is such a special place to do business.
The success of the awards is a credit to the
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. work of the Aycliffe Business Park Community team and the growing number of partners, sponsors and supporters who share their vision – to raise the profile of Aycliffe and strengthen the bonds between those who work and invest here.
We’ re proud to play our part in that mission, using Aycliffe Business to tell the stories that deserve to be told.
As ever, this issue is full of features that reflect the innovation, resilience and drive of our local firms.
Enjoy the read – and thank you for continuing to support Aycliffe’ s biggest business voice. Martin Walker Editor, Aycliffe Business Magazine
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 / editor: Martin Walker.
Contributors to this issue: Dave Robson, Martin Walker.
Our photographers: Chris Booth, Tom Banks.
Designed by KINSHIP: Email sarah @ designbykinship. co. uk.
17 YOU’ RE HIYED!
The CIC that’ s breaking down job barriers
19 UNDERSTANDING HR
Getting Human Resources back to basics – with HR2day’ s free audit offer
20-33 MAKE YOUR MARK
300 guests celebrate record Aycliffe awards night
34 BACKGROUND
A mini history lesson on the beginnings of Aycliffe Business and its founder Martin Walker
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 3