CONTENTS
HELLO
FOREWORD FROM ANDY REED, SENSTRONICS
It’ s a real privilege to introduce the 75th issue of Aycliffe Business – a milestone edition that reflects both the strength of the magazine and the resilience of the community it serves.
Included in the 75th issue of Aycliffe Business …
7 UNLOCKING POTENTIAL
Partnerships and apprenticeships prove a winning combination for Optimum Skills
11 FITTING THE BILL
Free employment rights seminars for employers
Over the years, this publication has shone a light on the many businesses, large and small, that make Aycliffe Business Park such a thriving hub of enterprise and innovation.
At Senstronics, we are proud to be part of this ecosystem. As a global leader in sensor technology with a strong base here in Newton Aycliffe, we see first-hand the benefits of collaboration and shared ambition.
These are the qualities that continue to drive growth across our park – which are reflected, not least, by the brilliant Make Your Mark Awards, which we’ ve had the pleasure of being involved with over the last two years.
We were named Company of the Year in 2024 and it was our honour to be the event headline sponsor earlier this year, on what was another memorable night.
The 75th edition of Aycliffe Business is a timely reminder of the importance of telling our stories – celebrating success, sharing challenges and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
The latest issue includes exciting news about Merchant Park’ s huge new development over near Hitachi, which aims to bring more than 1,100 jobs to the business park.
There’ s also more positive news about work starting on DPD’ s new site on the business park, and the latest Aycliffe Business Park Community breakfast event, which included a panel Q & A with representatives from the North East Chamber of Commerce.
As businesses, we are stronger together, and publications like Aycliffe Business play a vital role in connecting us all.
Andy Reed Managing director, Senstronics
12 PROSPERITY MERCHANTS
Hitachi developers are back with new plan to create 1,100 + jobs
16 OUR TRAIN HERITAGE
The railway that changed the world
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.
23 OLYMPUS EFFORT
Work starts on new £ 2.7m Aycliffe warehouse
24 CONNECTORS IN CHIEF
Chamber showcases its services at packed Aycliffe event
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 3