NEWS
Merchant Park Developments donated eight tonnes of topsoil to UTC South Durham.
SOWING THE SEEDS
Developers donate eight tonnes of topsoil to school
North-East property development firm Merchant Park Developments is helping to sow the seeds of success at UTC South Durham on Aycliffe Business Park by donating eight tonnes of topsoil to kickstart the school’ s ambitious sensory garden and allotment project.
The donation coincides with local works being undertaken by Merchant Park Development’ s building contractor Hall Construction at Merchant Park on Millennium Way.
The donated topsoil will fill four large planters recently designed and built by students in collaboration with Groundwork, marking the first major milestone in a project designed to transform student wellbeing and
employability.
In 2016 Sunderland University collaborated with Hitachi and Gestamp to found UTC Durham.
A specialist STEM school and Sixth Form for students aged 14 +, they recognised that while their curriculum prepares students for technical careers, some Year 10 students required more confidence-building before entering traditional work experience environments.
The new garden serves to provide a living classroom environment replicating real-world responsibilities within a familiar, nurturing setting.
By taking ownership of the space and getting involved with everything from planting to maintenance, it aims to help students develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication and emotional regulation.
The project is designed with a dual focus on sustainability and mindfulness. Key features include a fruit and vegetable hub, wild meadow and sensory herb garden with a dedicated space for touch, smell and taste to aid emotional regulation.
Merchant director Adrian Goodall said:“ This is a great opportunity to help support UTC with their exciting sensory garden and allotment project.
“ Our local works have allowed us to provide the foundations for this sensory garden and allotment. Seeing UTC Durham create a space that builds confidence and prepares SEN students for the world of work is inspiring.”
ROMAN CHIEF RETIRES AFTER 25 YEARS
Roman has marked a significant milestone as it bids farewell to chief operations officer, John Wright, who retired after an exceptional 25 years with the business.
John’ s career with Roman began at a pivotal moment in the company’ s history, joining the team as the new factory opened its doors.
Over the following quarter of a century, he played a central role in shaping Roman’ s operational excellence and driving its continued growth.
Roman say his leadership was instrumental in introducing flowline production to the showering industry – an innovation that helped set new standards for efficiency, consistency and product quality across the sector.
John will be succeeded by his long standing protégé, Alex Crawley, who steps into the role of operations director.
CEO David Osborne said:“ John has made an immense contribution to our sustained and transformational growth during his tenure.
“ He is also a close personal friend to all of the board and we look forward to seeing him socially in his new relaxed mode.
“ We all wish him an extremely happy and healthy retirement.”
Roman staff mark the retirement of chief operations officer John Wright after 25 years’ service.