Peterlee news
Engineer looks to the future after near fatal hit and run
An experienced design engineer is rebuilding his three businesses after being left in an induced coma following a near fatal hit and run .
Jim Box was running Be Smart Solutions , Be-Recycled . com and 3D Printing when he was hit by a driver in July 2019 leaving him with a bleed on the brain , smashed jaw , cracked cheekbone , broken ribs , a punctured lung and lacerated liver .
Now back at work , he said : “ The coronavirus pandemic was a bit of a blessing in disguise . When we went into lockdown , it gave me the time I needed to work on my physical recovery without worrying about meeting client deadlines .”
Peterlee company Seaward has new leader at the helm
Major redevelopment planned for key Peterlee industrial estate
GEMINI SITE SCHEME
Land on the Bracken Hill Business
Park in Peterlee is set for major redevelopment .
A 2.58-acre site , once home to the former Gemini office block , is earmarked to be brought back into use after laying derelict now for some time .
Lancashire-based national developers FI Real Estate Management ( FIREM ) is behind the industrial scheme that would create 55,475 sq ft of new space , as well as 80 car parking spaces .
The site was once home to the landmark Gemini office block , a 40,940 sq ft building with 157 parking spaces , which was knocked down in 2020 on the area formerly called the South West Industrial Estate .
A spokesperson for FI Real Estate Management said : “ Having assessed the local market and using our vast experience within the industrial sector , we feel that small
industrial units would better-fit demand for this site .
“ Peterlee is known for its industrial heritage and we believe that well-designed , modern units , with fantastic connectivity to the North-East , will be of real benefit to the business park , and also impact positively on the local economy .”
FIREM added that it expects a planning decision from Durham County Council by summer this year .
The industrial estate , just half-a-mile off the A19 , has grown substantially over the last 20 years , developing into more of a sprawling campus-style site with a vast mix of businesses .
The Gemini building was once something of a hub on the estate and the redevelopment would inject new facilities and opportunity on one of the town ’ s key employment sites .
Changing of the guard at Peterlee ’ s Encore as owner hands over
Every Lidl helps
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Peterlee-based Seaward Electronic Ltd has appointed a new chief executive and is now looking to expand its operation this year .
North-East born Chris Callan brings a huge amount of experience to the table after a successful career in the electronics industry working with businesses across the UK and in America .
Seaward has its head office in Peterlee and also operates out of Tampa , Florida with the company employing around 160 people .
It is a market-leading manufacturer of electronic test and measurement instruments used in a wide variety of electrical , medical , industrial and energy sector applications .
A packaging and print firm with an outlet in Peterlee is entering a new era following its owner ’ s decision to stand down .
Russell Croisdale has been managing director of The Encore Group - which has print , packaging and envelope divisions in Washington , Peterlee and Dewsbury - since 2007 .
After more than four decades in the industry , he decided to step down this February , along with group finance director Mike Williamson , although he retains a non-executive role .
He is succeeded by group production director David Cooper , and existing board members , sales director Craig Allen , operations director Mark Eyeington and financial director Gary Joyce .
Up to 20 new jobs have been guaranteed or created in Peterlee with the opening of a Lidl store in Essington Way .
The new store replaces a previous store on the site with existing employees remaining in their positions and others being taken on .
David Murphy , Lidl GB ’ s regional head of property , said : “ We are proud to have served Peterlee for nearly 25 years and it is fantastic we are able to deliver an expanded range of our high quality and affordable produce whilst also providing an even greater shopping experience ."