CONTENTS
Included in the 74th issue of Aycliffe Business …
Each edition gives us the chance to shine a light on the people and businesses driving growth, creating jobs and shaping the future of our business park and region.
This issue is no exception, with the main feature focusing on Masfix and its expansion to new premises at Station Place on the park.
Masfix, a North-East-based company with more than four decades of heritage, has opened a brand new 5,000 sq ft facility on Aycliffe Business Park following a £ 150,000 investment. It’ s exciting to see such a long-established business show such faith in the business park, and I’ d like to wish them every success with their new Aycliffe venture.
In this edition, we also speak to Senstronics technician Jack Rickaby, who has gone from delivering pizzas to carving out a career with
HELLO
FOREWORD FROM MARTIN WALKER
Welcome to the 74th issue of Aycliffe Business – your magazine dedicated to celebrating the success, innovation and resilience of companies here on Aycliffe Business Park and across our wider community.
the 2024 Aycliffe Company of the Year, as its maintenance manager.
Issue # 74 also includes features with Optimum Skills, Stiller Warehousing and Distribution, NC Group and Business Durham.
We’ re proud that Aycliffe Business continues to play its part in connecting our business community.
As always, I’ d like to thank our advertisers, contributors and readers for your ongoing support. Without you, this publication simply wouldn’ t be possible.
I hope you enjoy reading the 74th issue, and that it inspires new connections, ideas and opportunities for your business.
Martin Walker Editor, Aycliffe Business Magazine
4 SPACE SUMMIT
Global big-hitters converge on annual North East Space Conference
10 THE FUTURE PROOFERS
How Senstronics culture has nurtured life-changing career for Jack
14 WELCOME, MASFIX!
Strategic expansion for family firm as industrial suppliers set up shop in Aycliffe
19 PACKING A PUNCH
Stiller’ s contract packing arm scales up with major wins and ambitious growth plans
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 Director / editor: Martin Walker.
Contributors to this issue: Martin Walker, Dave Robson.
Our photographers: Chris Booth, Tom Banks.
Designed by KINSHIP: Email sarah @ designbykinship. co. uk.
21 PASSION FOR SKILLS
NC Group: Building the future workforce of Aycliffe’ s engineering sector
23 NET ZERO KNOWLEDGE
New Optimum Skills course to help cut carbon emissions
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 3