Aycliffe Today Business Aycliffe Today Business Issue 42 | Page 9

The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 9 /NEWS BUSINESS BRIEFS MERCHANT DEAL A developer is hoping to secure a multi-million-pound deal to deliver 50,000 sq ft of business space in Newton Aycliffe. Durham County Council has agreed to a 30-year head-lease on Merchant Anglo’s Station Place phase of the Merchant Park industrial scheme on Aycliffe Business Park. Investment supports growth drive at GT Coatings HITACHI BOSS STEPS DOWN A fast-growing powder coatings company which counts some of the region’s biggest firms among its clients is planning for further expansion. GT Coatings, based on Aycliffe Business Park, has invested heavily in cutting-edge machinery to help improve efficiency and productivity, ensuring its position as a leader within the coatings industry. And now the company, which is owned by Nick Turnbull following its separation from the GT Group in 2016, is embarking on a drive to further strengthen its regional client portfolio by attracting more larger orders which it is now in a stronger position to fulfil. General manager Chris Anderson said: “Over the last five years we have committed to around £115,000 in new machinery and further recent investment means we can take on higher volume orders for new and existing clients.” C The agreement will enable the developer to secure £5m investment and will be submitted to the council’s planning committee for consideration, with the lease contract subject to planning permission being granted. GT Coatings employs around 25 people at its Aycliffe factory and has a £1.2m turnover. It was originally part of the family-owned GT Group, which has facilities across the region. But when the group was acquired by a German firm three years ago, GT Coatings separated and is now under the ownership of founder Geoff Turnbull’s son Nick, with the day-to-day management overseen by Chris. Its current client base includes established brands across sectors including automotive, oil and gas, construction and manufacturing. Anderson added: “As we look to establish ourselves within the higher volume, bulk order end of the powder coatings market, we will continue to invest in new machinery and talented personnel who we think are the right fit for the business to help us achieve our ambitions.” Staff smash charity target rafter’s Companion has smashed its £3,000 fundraising target for Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity by raising more than £5,000 for the organisation. Apart from regular long-distance runner, Sunny Pahal, none of the Crafter’s Companion team had run a half marathon before completing the Great North Run. In addition to asking sponsors to support their attempts, the runners organised a ‘Great North Feast’ at Crafter’s Companion’s headquarters in Newton Aycliffe, which raised £258. They also received an £832 donation from the craft company. In total, the group’s fundraising efforts will enable three families to benefit from bespoke care for an entire year. Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity provides support for families who have a child aged 0-18 years with a life-threatening or terminal illness. The charity pairs each family with an expert Family Support Worker who helps them at home, in hospital and in the community, for as long as it is needed. Pictured are Amy Gray, Paige Todd-Archbold, Sarah-Jane Grainger, Chantel Gray, Jade Craggs and Sunny Pahal from Crafter’s Companion. On average, it costs the charity £1,780 to support a family with a seriously ill child for one year. Sunny, head of soft crafts at Crafter’s Companion and organiser of the company’s Great North Run challenge, said: “I’m so proud that we’ve managed to complete the Great North Run, even more so because we had unexpected heat on the day, which I know proved to be difficult for everyone participating.” Hitachi Rail Group has announced its chief administration officer (CAO) and managing director of Hitachi Rail, Karen Boswell OBE, has left the company. Boswell joined Hitachi in June 2015 and led the firm’s delivery of the UK government-backed, £5.7bn Intercity Express Programme (IEP), which is today transforming passenger journeys on the Great Western and East Coast Mainlines. Boswell was awarded an OBE for services to the UK rail industry in the Queen’s 2016 Birthday Honours. PLANS NOT AXED Plans for an axe-throwing centre on Aycliffe Business Park have been approved by councillors. In recent years, axe throwing centres have gained popularity with sites springing up in Durham, as well as Sheffield, Newcastle and York. Plans were lodged earlier this year for the new ‘Valhalla North Axe Throwing Centre’ at Cumbie Way in Aycliffe, which were given the green light. AYCLIFFE TODAY BUSINESS Aycliffe Today Business is a privately- owned publication, published and circulated free of charge around Aycliffe Business Park. It is funded by sponsored content – to promote your company or organisation, email [email protected]