4 | Aycliffe Today Business
Bringing Aycliffe Business Park Together | 5
/NEWS
Woodham Golf Club
BUSINESS BITES
LOSTBOX GETS
DIGITALCITY HELP
A Newton Aycliffe-based business
which reunites people with valuable and
sentimental lost items is being helped to
grow thanks to DigitalCity.
Lostbox has made national headlines
thanks to its innovative use of social
media to provide a lost and found
service which returns items to their
original owners.
NEW HOUSING PLANS
TO SAVE WOODHAM
GOLF CLUB
The business, based at the HUB
Workspace on Aycliffe Business Park,
was founded by Clare Owen in 2012
after she discovered an engraved
wedding ring at Sunderland’s Stadium
of Light and decided to track down the
ring’s owner.
The new owners of loss-making Woodham Golf Club have
unveiled multi-million pound development plans which could be
vital to securing the venue’s future.
DigitalCity, based at Teesside University,
has helped Lostbox in maximise the
company’s web presence, providing
funding and support.
AYCLIFFE-BASED
SOUTHDALE BUST
Newton Aycliffe builders Southdale has
gone into administration.
The West Yorkshire-based firm, which
has offices in Newton Aycliffe, went
bust after suffering several loss-making
projects.
Rival builder Kier has stepped in to take
on some Southdale contracts under
a deal that will see 128 staff, working
at Southdale’s Halifax and Warrington
offices, offered jobs.
The remaining 87 staff and apprentices,
including the firm’s North-East
workforce, have been made redundant
by administrators from AlixPartners
Services.
AYCLIFFE GREGGS
IS BEST IN UK!
The Greggs store in Newton Aycliffe
town centre has been crowned as the
firm’s best in the UK.
The shop, on Beveridge Way, received
the accolade based on their excellent all
round performance during the past 12
months, which includes demonstrating
outstanding customer service, excellent
shop standards, teamwork and sales.
As part of the reward for their fantastic
performance throughout the year, board
members from Greggs Head Office
donned an apron and hairnet to take up
their duties at the shop.
Now in its fourth year, the competition
saw almost 1,700 Greggs shops
compete for the title of ‘Best in the UK’.
HIGH PRAISE
FOR LITTLE CUBS
A popular children’s nursery on Aycliffe Business Park
has been praised by Ofsted.
Little Cubs Nursery, based at the Xcel
Centre, has been rated as ‘Good’ by the
Office for Standards in Education, Children’s
Services and Skills.
The rating is just one away from being
‘Outstanding’ but, more importantly, it has
improved standards since its last inspection
five years ago.
In 2010 it was rated ‘Good’ but the criteria
has since changed, and Xcel Centre boss
Kerina Clark said: “We’re delighted with the
report because it means we have improved
since our last inspection.
“Ofsted say the quality of teaching at
Little Cubs is good and that staff provide a
broad range of activities, experiences and
opportunities, which support children to
make good progress in their learning.
”
There are 14 members of staff working at
Little Cubs, which currently looks after more
than 70 little ones.
The latest Ofsted report praised
employees for forging “close and effective
working partnerships with parents,
supporting children’s continuity of care and
learning”
.
The report added: “Staff develop warm,
caring and nurturing relationships with the
children. This means that children are happy,
behave well and are confident learners.
“The play areas, both inside and outside,
are well organised, clean and secure. As a
result, children can explore their surroundings
freely and in safety.
“Children with special educational needs
and/or disabilities are supported well. Staff
produce practical and detailed information to
help all adults working with these children,
in order to meet their changing needs
consistently.
“Staff are well trained in safeguarding
and child protection issues. They have
a good understanding of their roles and
responsibilities in keeping children safe from
harm.
“The dedicated staff team together with
good leadership and management shows a
strong commitment to improve outcomes for
all children.
”
Established nearly 20 years ago, Little
Cubs moved to the Xcel Centre in 2010 to
expand to full daycare.
Mum-of-three Kerina says there are still a
small number of spaces left for children.
“With our friendly, professional staff team,
you can be confident that your child is being
looked after the way you would look after
them, she added.
”
“Our rooms are age specific, with quality
activities and furnishings, from natural wood
furniture to home cooked meals, every part
of Little Cubs is aimed at delivering excellent
care.
“The link between home and nursery is a
key connection and we actively seek ways
to continually ensure this is demonstrated in
our nursery.
”
To enquire about places at Little Cubs,
or for more information, call 0845 450
5871 or email info@xcelcentre.com
Hall Construction Services Ltd re-opened
standing issues and to secure its long term
the course last summer after its closure
future.
”
in November 2013 when previous owners
In 2012 the previous owners secured
Washington Developments ran into financial
planning permission for the construction of
difficulties.
50 executive family homes, a 75-bed, fourNow, Newton Aycliffe-based Hall
star hotel with conference and spa facilities
Construction have unveiled plans to make
and landscaping.
major improvements supported by revenue
However the new plans significantly
from a proposed housing scheme.
reduce the area of development and impact
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