DARLINGTON NEWS
DRAINAGE EXPERT MOVES TO NEW PREMISES
Drainage specialist Jet Aire Services has moved into larger premises after growing over the last 12 months .
The company , which has been operating for more than 30 years , provides drainage solutions to commercial , industrial and domestic clients , primarily across the north .
Last summer the business took over Tyneside-based KwikFlow to expand its reach across the North-East , then towards the end of the year , the company was acquired by environmental specialists Adler & Allan .
Now , in a move that reflects the overall growth of the business , Jet Aire Services has moved from its Middlesbrough base to larger premises in Darlington .
The new base , in Red Barnes Way , comprises a two-storey office block covering 7,559 sq ft and provides additional warehouse and yard space for an expanded
fleet of vehicles .
A total of 65 staff will be working from the Darlington base , and management stressed that the move will not have any impact on services .
Managing director Darren Pavan said : “ It has been a steady period of growth for the business in recent years , and 2021 was particularly busy after we acquired KwikFlow before being taken over ourselves by Adler & Allan .
“ On top of those acquisitions , we have also invested more than £ 1m to increase our vehicle fleet , and the headcount across the business – both on the engineering side as well as support staff – has risen accordingly .
“ Jet Aire Services effectively outgrew the previous site in Middlesbrough , and we are delighted to be able to move into the new premises in Darlington .”
Law firm opens third office after rapid growth
A law firm celebrating 20 years of business is opening a new office .
Cygnet Law ’ s new premises at Alton House , Grange Road , Darlington , is the third for the law firm , which has opened two new offices in the past six months to support its rapid growth .
The firm , which specialises in family , property and Court of Protection work , is also looking to expand its workforce from the current 54 employees .
Director Sarah Jackson said : “ This will be our third office within the region , our second opening only in November 2021 , and the business continues to go from strength to strength .”
Digital skills on agenda during minister ’ s visit
National training provider Learning Curve Group ( LCG ) hosted a roundtable discussion with Lord Agnew and the Cabinet Office , local business leaders and education providers to discuss the levelling up strategy with digital skills .
LCG welcomed the speakers to its new Business Academy in Darlington , which opened its doors in September .
The academy focuses on giving learners the knowledge , skills , qualifications and digital awareness to succeed in the modernday workplace , aiming to close the business and digital skills gaps many employers across the region have experienced .
LCG worked with local businesses to understand exactly what skills and needs employers desire in their future recruits .
TRIPLE JOY FOR YOUTH EMPLOYMENT TEAM
A team that helps young people into work and training is celebrating a triple dose of good news .
Not only is the Darlington Council Youth Employment Initiative scheme being extended for another year into 2023 , the team delivering it has celebrated its best year ever – and has become the Tees Valley ’ s most successful in the process .
The programme supports young people aged 16-29 who are not in education or employment to move into training and work , helping them secure more permanent work in the future .
The team ’ s 2021 results have seen it become the most successful across the area ’ s consortium of providers .
TUTORS SEE ‘ ROBOT LAB ’ COBOTS IN ACTION
Tutors were given a glimpse of the technology heading towards their college , that aims to transform the way students learn and work .
Darlington College placement coach Tomos Ellis and business development advisor Paul Clark were taken on a tour of Cobots Online , the robotics specialists helping them with the latest phase of development for learners .
The college is developing a robotics automation training facility , electric vehicle workshop , technical support lab and a business hub for professional qualifications .
The Robotics Lab will include an automated manufacturing production line using different types of robotic equipment along the production process .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 125