NEWS COMMENT
Rare Rockets CEO Craig Jones ( centre ) with Aycliffe Business Park Community ’ s Kerina Clark ( right ) and Martin Walker ( left ), along with the North East BIC ’ s innovation manager Gillian Middleton ( second left ) and innovation adviser Debbie Simpson .
CASE HEARD
70 delegates enjoy inspirational talk from sign business boss
Almost 70 business leaders gathered for an inspirational networking event with a difference on Aycliffe Business Park .
Aycliffe Business Park Community ’ s news and networking event in February attracted delegates from several of Aycliffe ’ s biggest employers , including Gestamp , 3M , Ebac , Stiller , Formula Plastics , Husqvarna and Collins Seafood .
Other firms represented included NC Group , Excelpoint , Tbox , Greystone Legal , ITEC , Cam-Tec Systems , LED Supply & Fit , C & A Embroidery , Upex Electrical , The Herbal Gin Company and Optimum Skills .
The event included a Q & A session with Craig Jones , CEO of Aycliffe-based Rare Rockets , which works with deaf , hard of hearing and professional communities across all sectors of language interaction , community support , training and resources , offering a range of services including sign language interpreters and translators , lipspeakers , notetakers and speech to text reporters .
Craig conducted his interview with ABPC business development manager Martin Walker via a sign language interpreter .
“ I was beyond grateful for the opportunity to be put under the spotlight in front of a packed out room of fellow business peers ,” said Craig .
“ The response I received was simply amazing . I made some fabulous connections whom I am now collaborating with and hopefully developing long-lasting business relationships with . Just brilliant . A well worthy and fantastic event .”
Martin Walker added : “ We ’ re grateful Craig took the time to talk to our delegates at the event , it was certainly a very different type of
Craig Jones – CEO of Rare Rockets .
interview most of us are used to . “ Craig gave a very honest and insightful look into his life and business , it was as much thought-provoking as it was inspiring .
“ We ’ re always looking for ways to make our events interesting and we look forward to coming up with more ideas for future events .”
As part of the news and networking gathering , the North East Business and Innovation Centre ( BIC ) delivered a presentation on the grants it has available to local businesses to invest in innovation .
The BIC is a bustling business community , situated off the A19 in Sunderland .
First opening its doors in June 1994 , with just 22 units , the BIC has grown in line with the needs of the region , helping to create over 7,500 jobs region wide .
The BIC ’ s innovation adviser Debbie Simpson , who delivered the presentation , said : “ It was a very worthwhile event which was extremely well attended by the local business community .
“ The format worked really well , too , with a good balance of networking and speakers . It was a great opportunity to spread the word of our innovation programme .”
Aycliffe ’ s next news and networking event is at The Work Place on Friday , March 18 . For details and to register go to aycliffebusinesspark . co . uk .
To ask about future sponsorship opportunities of ABPC networking events , email martin @ aycliffebusinesspark . co . uk or call 07826 525907 .
See pages 28-29 to see a gallery of networking pictures from the February event .
WHY NETWORKING IS SO KEY
Digital Edge has established itself as an integral part of Aycliffe Business Park , where a major part of operations is conducted on the park .
I received advice from friends many years ago to get involved in networking across the region .
Over the past five years , I have built many successful business relationships through networking on Aycliffe Business Park .
In particular , networking at Aycliffe Business Park ’ s news and networking events has been invaluable to me and my business .
The sessions are always great for meeting our neighbours , find out the latest news and build relationships with key business support agencies within the county .
I often have people asking me what is happening on Aycliffe Business Park , because I ’ ve been an ever-present at the events and find out all the latest gossip from around the business park .
It is so good to get the face-to-face meetings back following Covid and I am looking forward to the next meeting at The Work Place on March 18 .
The events are always easy going and designed for people to easily chat with others .
I also enjoy being fed with quality breakfast and coffee at the Aycliffe events , too – so , what isn ’ t to like ?!
I would urge anyone that works on the park to get involved . It is always great to see likeminded businesspeople getting involved in the community .
Like everyone , I have a very busy schedule , but this is a mainstay in my diary and a none-negotiable .
I look forward to seeing more of you there at future events .
Find out more at aycliffebusinesspark . co . uk / events .
Ian Proctor Director , Digital Edge
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 9