/ NEWS The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 11
David Land joins Ebac to drive washing machine growth
Well-known manufacturing specialist and former Gestamp Tallent boss David
Land has joined Aycliffe firm Ebac . Land has been appointed as managing director to drive further growth at the Aycliffe Business Park firm , which is the only British company to produce washing machines , dehumidifiers and water coolers .
His remit is to work with the senior management team to deliver a business plan that will facilitate further growth across the product range , with particular emphasis on washing machines , while Ebac says it is also planning the launch of two new products later this year .
With 27 years ’ experience in business development , Land is currently the chairman of the County Durham Engineering and Manufacturing Network ( CDEMN ). He is also on the board of the North-East LEP .
Aycliffe Today understands Land is working three days a week with Ebac .
The firm ’ s chairman John Elliott said : “ David ’ s role will be to focus on the delivery of our strategy that will fulfil Ebac ’ s growth
An IT company has enjoyed its best quarter yet after seeing revenue increase by 29 % to cap a memorable 2017 . razorblue last year rolled out new wireless technology across Aycliffe Business Park which provides cost-effective super-fast internet access with speeds of up to 1,000 MB , .
The Catterick-based firm has also created a new account management team , expanded and improved its service desk and continued to recruit new staff throughout the year as the business has grown and taken on new clients .
The company expects to turn over in excess
potential and achieve the trustees ’ aims .”
Land has spent his career in the automotive sector where he guided a local company into a major industry player .
Using his extensive experience , he is now actively involved with many business groups to promote and support the growth of manufacturing in the North East .
He also mentors businesses in the region and was one of the founder members of the region ’ s first University Technical College .
IT firm targets £ 4.5m sales after ‘ best ever ’ quarter
of £ 4.5m this year and continue to create more jobs in the region .
In the last 12 months razorblue has increased its staff numbers to over 50 to assist with its growth plans , and also celebrated a year at its Wynyard office . razorblue expects to sustain similar levels of growth in the coming year with the recent launch of a new managed IT security product for its clients .
Managing director Dan Kitchen said : “ We are looking forward to an even better 2018 as we remain true to our core principle of putting client needs first .”
/ ADVICE
HOW TO ENGAGE WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
Engaging with your local community is both beneficial for your business and very rewarding . In this digital age , it ’ s so simple to connect nationwide – and even worldwide – making it all-too easy to forget the community we have on our doorsteps .
So why should we look closer to home and engage with , and give back to , our local community ?
Shop local
Despite the rise of online shopping , many people still like to shop local – they want to interact with someone at the point of purchase .
By embedding yourself with the locals , you ’ ll get insider knowledge on what the local community wants to buy , so you can really target your offerings accordingly .
Active
Being an active member of your local community will raise your company ’ s profile , bringing increased footfall and helping to boost sales . After all , the people living in your local area are the ones who are going to come through the door , so it ’ s definitely worth spending some resources closer to home .
Online
If you don ’ t have a physical store , use your online presence to tailor offers to people in your region . You could create a themed offer to tie in with a local event , award or celebration . If a local charitable group is celebrating an anniversary , you could put together packages to match their brand , with a percentage from sales going to their cause . If you have a local sports team , you could sponsor them , or run a fundraising event .
Promote
Whatever you plan , make sure you promote it well . Get in touch with local publications with the details and promote through local social media groups . Be sure to put posters up in your community centre and local churches , and think about doing leaflet drops or direct mail promotions to your closest postcodes .
It may seem like a lot of effort to engage with your local community , but remember how important those personal relationships are , and enjoy getting to know the locals , as they get to know you and your brand !
Sara Davies MBE Founder , Crafter ’ s Companion