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The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 5
Train milestone is a‘ real economic boost to the North East’ – Transport Secretary
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling says Hitachi Rail Europe’ s first train to roll of its Newton Aycliffe production line is a real economic boost to the North East.
Mr Grayling attended a special event at Hitachi’ s £ 82m factory, which opened in September 2015, to celebrate the completion of the first Intercity Express Programme( IEP) train being assembled on Aycliffe Business Park.
He was joined by Minister for Northern Powerhouse, Andrew Percy, and Ambassador of Japan in the UK, Koji Tsuruoka at the Aycliffe site.
“ We are determined to take the big decisions for Britain and are investing record amounts to modernise the rail network, deliver better journeys for passengers and drive economic growth,” said Grayling.
“ This first train to roll out of Hitachi’ s new factory in Newton Aycliffe shows we are open for business and will provide a real economic boost to the North East, not only by providing jobs but also by investing in the skills needed to provide the transport network our country needs for the future.
“ These new trains will give passengers more seats, greater comfort, better reliability and faster, more frequent services.”
Percy added:“ Our plans to build the Northern Powerhouse are right on track with 187,000 jobs created in the past year alone.
“ Now the high-tech Hitachi trains produced here in the North East will create thousands more jobs along the line and help get the North firing on all cylinders.”
Hitachi Rail Europe is expected to employ around 900 people by the spring, and 2,000 people across 14 UK sites by 2019.
The first train leaving Hitachi’ s UK production line marks a major milestone ahead of the introduction of IEP, the £ 5.7bn Government-funded programme to modernise UK intercity travel.
Aycliffe entrepreneur pays tribute to university studies
Aspiring Aycliffe entrepreneur Jonathan Hutton has attributed much of his success of launching two businesses to studying at Teesside University.
Jonathan, from Aycliffe Village, and his business partner Ryan Prior graduated from the BA( Hons) Business Management at the university last summer.
They no run two successful businesses – digital marketing and website design service Globe Digital, while Mello Cleaning caters for clients closer to home.
The pair launched Mello during the final year of their studies, after spotting a gap in the way many cleaning businesses were promoting their services.
Jonathan, 21, said:“ I liked that the degree was really hands-on with plenty of networking opportunities. We were taught by people who have actually worked in business and bring their own personal experience.
“ I didn’ t have a clear career path when I
Jonathan Hutton( left), from Aycliffe Village, has successfully launched two businesses after completing his business management degree at Teesside University.
was younger, but the business management degree really helped to offer direction as it provides students with the skills needed to take their career along many different routes. The placements and networking opportunities are brilliant.”
Having set up Mello while still students as their business evolved from a degree project, they founded Globe Digital after both graduating earlier this year.
NEW YEAR LEGAL HEALTH CHECK
Have you made a New Year’ s resolution this year?
If you have, it is likely that you will have resolved to get fit by eating less( or more healthily) and doing more exercise. Or you may have resolved to join a gym. If so you will probably have some sort of fitness check to assess how fit( or not) you are before you start exercising.
Businesses, like people, need to be fit and healthy to be able to withstand the stresses and strains of business life, some of which can be quite serious.
So, even if you think that your business is quite healthy, now is a good time to check it out.
What makes a( legally) healthy business?
A legally healthy business will:
• have a formal written agreement between the business owners that covers all of the commercial issues that need to be covered while maintaining a fair balance between protecting the interests of the business on the one hand and the individual owners( and their families), on the other;
• comply with the host of regulatory compliance issues that it needs to be aware of and comply with including, company law, pensions, data protection, anti-corruption etc.;
• have up-to-date contracts and other employment documents that not only comply with what the law requires but protect the commercial interests of the business;
• take effective and timely action to protect its intellectual property; and
• make sure that its standard terms and conditions, website and other trading documents are fit or purpose.
Make a New Year’ s resolution for your business
Start the New Year by checking the fitness of your business by contacting Louise Gilbey( l. gilbey @ endeavourpartnership. com)( 01642 610349) who will arrange for your free Endeavour Legal Health Check.
Paul Bury Managing partner Endeavour Partnership