This edition of Aycliffe Business – which was originally known as Aycliffe Today Business – marks our ninth anniversary , after launching the publication in December , 2012 .
A fresh-faced Pamela Petty adorned the façade of the magazine when , as boss of her dad ’ s firm Ebac , they were about to embark on the production of washing machines .
‘ Spin City ’ was the headline as Pamela outlined the firm ’ s ambitious plans , which later became a reality , of course .
I suspect few thought this magazine would still be around nine years later . But here we are – as strong as ever !
Born and raised in Aycliffe , I ’ m passionate about Aycliffe and I look forward to seeing every issue land on our doormats , as much now as I did then .
And I ’ m delighted that , with this celebratory edition , we have so much more to shout about .
Readers will remember from the last issue that Aycliffe Business Park Community has relaunched its Make Your Mark awards – which will hopefully become an annual celebration of our success stories .
Husqvarna , one of the business park ’ s biggest employers , have agreed to be headline sponsors for the 2022 return , which is fantastic
HELLO
AYCLIFFE BUSINESS
Aycliffe Business is Newton Aycliffe ’ s only business publication , which is mailed exclusively to companies on Aycliffe Business Park .
Launched in November 2012 , we provide firms with a unique platform to tell everyone about their services and success stories in our prestigious , high-quality publication .
With an estimated readership of more than 8,000 , copies are mailed direct to every company on our database , and the rest are distributed by hand across the park as well as nearby hotels , restaurants and conference centres .
Our next issue will be out in February 2022 , and the deadline to book is 5pm on Friday , January 28 . To get involved in the next or any future issues , email martin @ aycliffetoday . co . uk .
FOREWORD FROM MARTIN WALKER
Welcome to the 54th issue of Aycliffe Business .
news . You can read more about that on pages 16-17 .
This issue also covers not one , but two ABPC news and networking events , both of which were well attended . We had a photographer on site for both events – see if you can spot anyone you know ! They ’ re on pages 10-11 and 30-31 .
With networking events returning – and with the relaunch of Make Your Mark – it genuinely feels like a new momentum is gathering for Aycliffe Business Park Community and its events .
It ’ d be great to see more of your at our next networking event on Friday , January 21 . Go to aycliffebusinesspark . co . uk for more details . There ’ s lots of other news in this issue , including updates from Stiller , Roman , Ebac , Crafter ’ s Companion , C & A Embroidery and the newly-named Digital Edge , previously known as Pixel Media .
I hope you enjoy this issue , and I ’ d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone an enjoyable Christmas , and an even more prosperous 2022 . See you in the New Year !
Martin Walker Editor , Aycliffe Business
Aycliffe Business Units 8-9 , Parson ’ s Court , Welbury Way , Aycliffe Business Park , Newton Aycliffe , Co . Durham DL5 6ZE
www . aycliffetoday . co . uk
Published & distributed by Mantis Media Ltd : www . mantis-media . com
Managing editor : Martin Walker .
Contributors to this issue : Martin Walker , Dave Robson , Paul Fraser , Lisa Wall , Stephen Robinson .
Our photographers : Chris Booth , Tom Banks .
Designed by KINSHIP : Email sarah @ designbykinship . co . uk
Printed by : MT Print , Darlington .
CONTENTS
Included in the November-December 2021 issue of Aycliffe Business …
05 CLIMATE CHAMPS
Aycliffe firm achieves ‘ carbon neutral ’ credentials
09 NEW BOSS
Ebac appoints managing director
10-11 FACE TO FACE
60 delegates enjoy busy networking event
12 FORGING AHEAD
How C & A Embroidery has grown during Covid
16 MAKE YOUR MARK
Husqvarna revealed as headline sponsors for Aycliffe ’ s relaunched awards
25 GOING BEYOND
Merger gives Aycliffe firm the edge
27 TECH THE ADVICE
How can we address labour shortages and an ever-widening skills gap in the North-East ?
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 3