Issue 55 | Page 24

Gestamp plant director Jonathan Phillips ( right ) with Stiller Warehousing and Distribution business development manager Thomas Prentice , who ’ s also a board member of Aycliffe Business Park Community . Pic by Tom Banks

AYCLIFFE ’ S BIGGEST EMPLOYER GETS BEHIND MAKE YOUR MARK BUSINESS AWARDS

Newton Aycliffe ’ s biggest employer is the latest firm to support the town ’ s Make Your Mark business awards .

The Make Your Mark awards , in association with headline sponsors Husqvarna , will return this year after a threeyear hiatus .
The glamorous awards ceremony – which is being organised by Aycliffe Business Park Community ( ABPC ) – will be held at the 17th century , listed Redworth Hall Hotel on Friday , May 20 .
And automotive manufacturer Gestamp , which employs well over 1,000 people at its huge Aycliffe site , is backing the awards by sponsoring the Innovation category .
The firm ’ s plant director Jonathan Phillips said : “ We ’ re delighted to support what we think is a very important local event .
“ It ’ s absolutely vital that we all get to hear about local success stories and businesses doing well at any time – not least after what we ’ ve all been through over the last two years .
“ We need to hear these positive stories , so – as a company – we ’ re thrilled to be involved , and we ’ re very much looking forward to what we ’ re sure will be a memorable celebration .”
Gestamp works closely with Aycliffe Business Park neighbour Stiller Warehousing and Distribution .
The firm ’ s business development manager
Thomas Prentice , who ’ s also an ABPC board member , said : “ We ’ re delighted to have Gestamp involved in the Make Your Mark awards .
“ It ’ s a real feather in the cap for the awards to have support from such a large organisation , which clearly values local initiatives and is keen to support them .”
ABPC business development manager Martin Walker added : “ We couldn ’ t get the awards back up and running again without the support of the business park ’ s big firms . “ So to have the likes of Gestamp and Husqvarna – two of the most high-profile names on the park – supporting it in this way is fantastic .”
There are only three categories available for sponsorship , including the Environment Award , Apprentice of the Year and Training Provider of the Year .
The sponsorship package includes preevent publicity , event branding , a chance to be involved in the judging process and to present an award , plus a table of 10 for the awards ceremony , including a reception drink , threecourse meal and table wine . Any businesses interested in sponsoring the Make Your Mark awards , or would like more details , can either call Martin Walker on 01325 728024 or email martin @ aycliffebusinesspark . co . uk .
THE CATEGORIES
Company of the Year ( sponsored by Husqvarna )
Innovation Award ( sponsored by Gestamp )
Engineering & Manufacturing ( sponsored by Richardson Barberry Forrest Park )
Service Business of the Year ( sponsored by Stiller Warehousing & Distribution )
Small Business of the Year ( sponsored by Jacksons Law Firm )
Newcomer ( sponsored by Business Durham )
Employer of the Year ( sponsored by Think Kudos )
Export Award ( sponsorship available )
Apprentice of the Year ( sponsorship available )
Training Provider of the Year ( sponsorship available )
ENTRIES NOW OPEN ! Entries for Make Your Mark are now open . Visit aycliffebusinesspark . co . uk / awards to see the online entry forms .
24 | Aycliffe Business