Aycliffe Business Issue 73 | Page 7

NEWS

WELCOME, JULIE!

Julie Knight with NC Group joint CEO Ian Nelson( centre) and managing director Liam Noble.
NC Group strengthens board with new appointment

Newton Aycliffe-based apprenticeship and commercial training provider NC Group has announced the appointment of Julie Knight, who joins the business as a fractional HR leader at the board level.

Her appointment follows NC Group’ s recent celebration of being awarded an Ofsted Outstanding rating, achieved at its first full inspection.
Julie joins NC Group after a 24-year career at SK Chilled Foods, where she was HR director.
Now operating as an independent HR consultant, she will lead the development and implementation of a people-focused HR strategy at award-winning NC Group, which is based at Parson’ s Court on Aycliffe Business Park.
Designed to attract, retain and develop talent, the strategy will also embed best practices, safeguard legal compliance and align HR strategies with operational excellence and long-term sustainable growth.
Her appointment marks a significant step in further strengthening NC Group’ s leadership, bringing a people-first perspective at the board level.
“ We are fortunate to have someone of Julie’ s HR experience join the business at the board level,” said NC’ s joint CEO Ian Nelson.
“ The appointment reflects our commitment to placing people at the centre of our business strategy.
“ As we continue to grow, her insight and guidance will be key in continuing to shape an inclusive, high-performing culture aligned with our values.”
Julie joins the business at an exciting stage of growth, with NC Group now employing 28 team members, including six part-time or fractional specialists.
Julie said:“ I’ m delighted to join NC Group, having worked with the business for many years in my role at SK Chilled Foods.
“ The team has a clear vision for growth, and I’ m looking forward to supporting that by implementing a strong, sustainable people strategy that nurtures talent and drives a positive culture across the business.”
NC Group is an Ofsted Outstanding-rated provider of apprenticeships, commercial courses and pre-employment training, collaborating primarily with businesses in the manufacturing and engineering sectors.
Partnering with employers, the team supports learners in achieving record-high grades and helps close skill gaps, meet compliance and realise value-driven impact for its customers.
To learn more about NC Group, visitncgroupltd. co. uk

VIEWS SOUGHT ON FUTURE OF NEWTON AYCLIFFE AND SHILDON

People are being invited to have their say on the future of two towns in County Durham. Durham County Council is developing new Strategic Place Plans( SPP) for Newton Aycliffe and Shildon.

Already adopted for Spennymoor and Durham City, SPPs aim to create a vision for each town by identifying key plans and objectives individual to the area.
Developed in line with the council’ s Inclusive Economic Strategy, the SPPs will give residents and businesses the opportunity to help shape the future of their towns by creating an agreed local vision.
Now focusing now on Shildon and Newton Aycliffe, the council is working collaboratively with residents to gain their views on the strengths, opportunities and challenges in the two towns, as well as hopes for the future.
Residents and businesses can have their say by completing a survey online before 5pm on Friday, August 1.
More information on the consultation, including maps, documents, online survey forms, and how to attend in-person events, can be found at letstalkcountydurham. co. uk
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 7