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SUMMER 2014 INSIDE THIS ISSUE 150th F-35 Aircraft Set Complete: BAE Systems’ multi-million pound investment Hat-Trick: Three high profile kit deals for Kukri Starters Orders: New sports annexe nears completion Real Ale With A Twist: Micropub opens in Leyland

go to: www.businessinsouthribble.com or call: 01772 625567 It’s Happening in South Ribble Business and Growth Supporting Local Expansion Across Businesses the Borough

Leyland Festival Parade 2013 F35 Integrated Assembly Line Elite Sets Aside Places for People Welcome to the £50k for Training Elite Telecom, a leading unified South Ribble communications provider based at Matrix Park, Buckshaw Village, has announced a £50,000 training budget Business Newsletter in its bid to ensure that the company leads the sector with the most skilled South Ribble offers: and knowledgeable employees. A great location for business The company has already invested significantly in both in-house and Good value for money for investors external staff training across all departments, differentiating itself in A great choice of highly accessible City Deal to Generate Growth a competitive recruitment market by business premises offering training as part of a wider Places for People Plans A new City Deal has been agreed to accelerate local benefits package. Major Expansion Skills to meet business needs economic growth. Building on the success of the first wave Matt Newing, CEO of Elite Telecom, said: Places for People, a property of City Deals agreed last year, the Preston, South Ribble “Nurturing talent within the business is management, development and and City Deal will drive forward local growth part of our focus on ensuring we have regeneration company based at Contact us to find out more by encouraging areas to make the most of their economic skilled, motivated and loyal staff across F-35 CTOL Variants South Rings Business Park in Bamber 01772 625567 assets. the company. Bridge has put forward a proposal to Over a 10-year period, the deal is expected to generate 150th F-35 Aircraft “Setting aside a sizeable budget for expand its current office space. more than 20,000 new private sector jobs, including 5,000 training is a key part of our business The business wants to create a in the Lancashire Enterprise Zone and 17,420 new homes, Set Complete development strategy and will ensure three-storey office and conference whilst creating £1billion in economic growth. we offer specialist services delivered BAE Systems has completed the facility, a gym, industrial starter with consistent efficiency.” The £434m scheme, led by South Ribble Borough Council, manufacture of the 150th F-35 rear units and additional parking at their Preston City Council, Lancashire County Council and the fuselage and tail set at its military South Ribble facility. Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, will make the area one aircraft factory in Samlesbury, of the most important economic centres outside of Lancashire. Pat Egan, managing director, Places and will act as a catalyst for growth – attracting an for People Homes, said: “As a result estimated £2.3bn of commercial investment. The set, known as AF070 is a of the organisation’s continued Conventional Take Off and Landing success, plans have been submitted This will open up new investment opportunities for (CTOL) variant destined for the to expand our regional hub. As a businesses and provide new markets for goods and services. US Air Force. Leyland Town Centre major employer in the South Ribble Ron Augustyn, managing director of Leyland Trucks, said: Jon Evans, head of production area, the expansion of the site is an “The focus on infrastructure means less congestion for (L-R) Matt Adamson, group account manager exciting prospect.” delivery, F-35 said: “We are now and Craig Fox, senior accounts assistant SMEs Benefit from Supportive employees. It will mean more houses and attract other producing aircraft sets at a rate of businesses to invest here – hopefully more engineering one every five days thanks to the TEG will be Business Environment TEG is Quids in With Hillbarton Site companies to add to the skilled workforce, which will multi-million pound investment we responsible for provide a larger talent pool for our recruitment efforts.” made in the Samlesbury site, so we’re Business Acquisition South Ribble Borough Council provides a supportive business processing 34,000 well on the journey to being able environment for local businesses by offering links to support The TEG group, which specialises in tonnes of organic to produce at a rate of one a day by organisations and funding initiatives to help businesses tailored organic waste solutions, has waste per year, 2018. With a potential requirement develop. Our Website is Now Live! acquired the business and assets of a with permission of 3,000+ aircraft, the scale of this We are delighted to announce the launch of our investment Devon-based composting operation to raise this to Under a new policy small businesses and those in retail programme is huge, and so is our website, which will give new investors and established for a fee of just £1. 50,000 tonnes premises, such as shops and restaurants, will see a reduction commitment to deliver to it.” South Ribble businesses the opportunity to access support per year. in their business rates. The Matrix Park-based company services and find out about the latest news in the borough. BAE Systems is responsible for the announced it would pay £1 to purchase Mick Fishwick, chief executive officer The reductions came into effect in April 2014. In an attempt to production of each and every rear The website, www.businessinsouthribble.com, features a the Hillbarton site from Glendale of TEG, said: “We are delighted to have bring empty retail premises back into use, potential ratepayers fuselage and tail set. The company bespoke property search function, enabling companies to find Recycling, a subsidiary of Parkwood acquired this excellent facility from will be offered a 50 per cent reduction if they take up a retail also plays a key role in vehicle and commercial premises through our free investment location Holdings. A further consideration of Glendale as the plant fits well from a space which has been vacant for longer than a year. mission systems, life support systems service. It will also offer help with business support, training up to £400,000 will be payable if the geographical perspective, whilst giving and prognostics health management For more information on business rate relief please call and employment, advice on business regulations and details operation hits performance targets over us the opportunity to service the South integration. 01772 625238/9. of support for new business starts. the next four years. West of England.”

02 The Business Newsletter of South Ribble Borough Council www.businessinsouthribble.com 03 Business and Growth Location, Location, Location Driving New Welcoming Opportunities New Neighbours

Chestnut Expands and Makes a Move Chestnut Insurance Services has relocated to Leyland Business Park following the growth of its team and an increase in demand for its services. Truck Technology Firm Crossley House Industrial Estate Acquired by The insurance company has moved from its former 600 sq ft Company ‘Parks Up’ office in Leyland to new premises which are twice the size. Canadian Group A Greater Manchester-based Trio of Deals at The firm, which provides personal and commercial insurance truck parts distributor Penwortham Estate Leyland-based Mi Technology Group services, has also recruited a trio of new starters including an has opened its second has been acquired by CSA Group, a office administrator and two insurance advisors, taking the distribution centre in Three lettings totalling Canadian firm based in Toronto with total headcount to seven, whilst they are also in the process Bamber Bridge. 16,600 sq ft have been of recruiting apprentices from . agreed at Crossley House multiple offices across America, Asia Tranzparts, whose head office Industrial Estate in and Europe. is in Radcliffe, has taken a Leyland’s Torotrak Completes £23m Takeover Jemma Holden, company owner and director, said: “We have Penwortham. The company, established in 1993, had a busy and successful few months and moving to newer three-year lease on a 6,700 provides analysis and consultancy Low carbon vehicle technology engineering company Torotrak has acquired and bigger premises gives us the perfect structure to service sq ft unit at Walton Summit Haulage and courier company services, testing cars, commercial Flybrid Automotive Ltd, technology leaders in flywheel-based hybrid systems our clients in what has been a great year for us. Industrial Estate. S&L Fastrack has taken 3,600 sq ft for 12 months, Boulton vehicles and off-highway machines for vehicles, in a deal worth up to £23m. The company was founded “We are a small, friendly company offering the highest Vehicles Ltd is to take 6,500 for environmental impact, emissions in 1979 and supplies HGV The company said the purchase of the remaining 80 per cent of Silverstone-based standards of service. The team has a wealth of experience sq ft on a three-year deal and engine performance. CSA Group components including brakes, Flybrid provides a platform for the joint development and launch of Flybrid’s and as a company, we realise that everyone has different and existing tenant Redline specialises in product certification batteries and lighting. It Kinetic Energy Recovery System technology for various vehicle applications. needs. We use our years of experience and knowledge to Coaches has moved to larger and testing. ensure we secure the best deal for each customer.” has a turnover of £1.5m and Torotrak, based on Aston Way, Leyland, believes the combination of the two 6,500 sq ft premises. Martin O’Leary, managing director of employs 16 members of staff. businesses will allow for the development of low-cost, high-performance, hybrid Robert Pinkus & Co acted on Mi Technology Group, said: “We are an (L-R) Lesley Hitchman, insurance advisor; Kerri-Anne Peachey, administrator; Daniel Walsh, director of systems for mass market adoption in both cars and commercial vehicles. Keith Powell, insurance advisor; Jemma Holden, director; Nicola Dee, business behalf of the landlords during established and recognised brand in Tranzparts, said: “We’ve development manager and Julie Wright, insurance advisor the transaction. the automotive sector with a history As part of the deal, Flybrid’s managing director, Jon Hilton, will join the board of carved out a good reputation of more than 30 years in the UK. Torotrak, along with Doug Cross, Flybrid’s technical director, joining the company in the automotive parts Mark Harrison, agency as chief technology officer. “By joining CSA Group, we will have industry and this has surveyor at Robert Pinkus the resources needed to expand our Jeremy Deering, chief executive of Torotrak, said: “This announcement marks a afforded us a solid platform & Co, said: “Crossley House automotive testing reach to overseas significant step in our strategy to capitalise on the substantial opportunities in on which to build the Industrial Estate is now markets as well as having the ability global automotive markets in the next few years. business. Our second location trading close to capacity to build on emerging business in needed to be in touching with just one 1,800 sq ft “The acquisition of Flybrid enables the group to commercialise an affordable sectors such as aerospace, oil, gas distance of an excellent unit left to occupy, which is hybrid system that the directors believe is capable of mass market adoption.” and industrial.” motorway network and the excellent news for the estate unit at Walton Summit ticked and a great boost to the local revenue, development and a new chief has previously worked in audit and lead all the boxes for us.” economy.” financial officer. advisory roles at global accountancy firms as well as holding positions in The firm develops Dual-Fuel™ technology strategy and corporate development. Genesis Relocates to Whitestake which enables heavy duty diesel engines to run on natural gas. They saw a 25 per John Pettitt, chief executive, said: Genesis IT, founded in Leyland in 2003, has relocated to a new site in cent rise in turnover following interest “Clean Air Power has delivered a strong Whitestake. in its products in Europe, reporting performance, in line with market £9.9m for the year to 31 December 2013 expectations, driven largely by the The firm has moved to 703 sq ft premises at Meadowcroft Business ark,P having – up £7.9m from the previous year. sales growth of our European products. outgrown its previous location on Preston’s Riversway. John Pettitt, chief executive, Genesis provides IT installation and data management services to clients across Clean Air Power Clean Air Power has simultaneously “We are very encouraged by the further announced its entry into a funded opportunities generated by our Ricardo Lancashire. Good News All Round concept development agreement with a co-operation agreement. This will Mike Rushworth, managing director, said: “Location is extremely important to us global truck manufacturer to develop a allow us to develop products quickly as we offer a one hour response time to all our clients, so we couldn’t move too for Clean Air Power dual fuel engine for the South East Asian to address growing global demand that far away from our previous base. market. is evident from both manufacturers and Green engineering company Clean Air operators.” “Since relocating we have recruited an additional field technician, Peter Snape, Power, based in Leyland, has reported The company has also appointed a new and will also be creating a number of roles to support further business growth.” recent successes with increased chief financial officer, Neill Skinner, who

04 The Business Newsletter of South Ribble Borough Council www.businessinsouthribble.com 05 Awards Company News High Achievers Growing Potential

National Recognition for Leyland Opticians Sportswear Firm Scores a Hat-Trick London Calls Leyland Opticians, owned by senior optometrist Colin Tonner, was one Walton Summit-based international sportswear for Shabby-Chic of four practices shortlisted in the Technology Practice of the Year company, Kukri, has secured three high profile deals category at the Annual Optician Awards. to become the official kit provider for Warwickshire Entrepreneur County Cricket Club, Welsh Athletics and Team Peppermint Cottage Eye specialists from across the UK attended the prize-giving ceremony at Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games. London’s Hilton Hotel on Park Lane on 12 April. furniture restorers, based The deal with Welsh Athletics sees Kukri as the team’s on Hough Lane in Leyland, Colin said: “It came as both a surprise and a delight to find that firstly we official kit supplier until 2019. The kit will be worn by have attended an exclusive had been nominated for these professionally-recognised awards and then athletes competing for Wales, including school teams and event in London on behalf shortlisted for consideration by the judges. those competing at this year’s Commonwealth Games. of Santander to showcase Orvia Has Key to their entrepreneurship. “To have made the final four was something to be immensely proud of and The sportswear firm will provide Warwickshire CCC’s is testament to our investment, which runs to almost £100,000 since taking Business Success kit until the end of the 2016 season and is working on a Held at The Science Museum, over the business just over 10 years ago.” unique design that will win the approval of players and the event introduced more Leyland-based Orvia, part of the fans alike. than 150 small businesses The extensive range of technologies in the practice allows for your eyes to Enterprise Lancashire group, be assessed in greater depth. This can result in diagnosis of eye problems (L-R) Debbie Jenkinson, technician; Colin Tonner, optometrist; to entrepreneurs such as Diane Wildman, manager and Adnan Undre, optometrist offers quality, independent Kukri will also provide Team Northern Ireland with up to five years earlier than is possible with standard eye tests. James Caan from Dragons’ help and support to business bespoke off-field, leisure and travel kits for the Den and Nick Wheeler, start-ups and has a proven track Commonwealth Games. The firm had already brokered founder of Charles Tyrwitt Triple Triumph Margaret Smith, council leader record of supporting thousands an agreement to kit out the England team and is hoping which specialises in formal of individuals and businesses the games in this year will boost the brand’s menswear. for Conlon throughout Lancashire. profile and recognition. Peppermint Cottage, which Construction After leaving a position in the Phil Morris, managing director, said: “We’ve seen an awful gives new life to old furniture logistics and procurement sector, lot of growth. Our market share in the UK is about three Bamber Bridge-based by repainting and restyling Tony Bartley decided on a change per cent and we’re the market leader, so there is huge Conlon Construction the pieces to ensure they are of career and worked with potential in the bespoke area. In five years we’d like to is celebrating a triple personalised, was selected by Enterprise Lancashire’s advisors think we’ll be four or five times as big as we are now.” Considerate Constructors Awards award win. the Leyland branch business from Orvia to start a business at Formed in 1999, Kukri currently employs approximately manager. Worden Crafts Centre in Leyland, Winning its first ever Gold Award from the Considerate Station On The Right Track 150 members of staff. Constructors Scheme, which monitors, grades and rewards run by South Ribble Borough Speaking about the event, best practice beyond statutory requirements, Conlon was Leyland Railway Station is set for a major upgrade after Council. Karen Swan, owner, said: recognised for its work on a £2.2m refurbishment project at £3.5m was made available for essential improvements. “We are delighted that the Tony said: “Working with Orvia has Leyland Santander branch St Phillips CE Primary School in Atherton. Funding will enable the installation of a new footbridge and enabled me to set up a business put us forward for this three lifts, providing access to all platforms for wheelchair The firm was presented with a second accolade by the at the centre where I provide art event as we were able to users, people with prams and those with limited mobility. Considerate Constructors Scheme, a Bronze Award, for its lessons and commission work using meet other like-minded £2.2m project to establish a new research and development The money has been made available as part of a £100m my own unique ideas. I would small business owners as laboratory at Sika Ltd in Preston. extension to the Government’s Access for All programme, which definitely recommend this service well as many fantastic to people looking to get on their Conlon has also achieved a RoSPA Gold Award (Royal Society aims to improve accessibility to the country’s rail stations. Phil Morris, managing director entrepreneurs, which has feet and start up a new business.” helped us to learn from for the Prevention of Accidents) for Occupational Health The announcement came just weeks after the completion and Safety. The RoSPA Awards recognise health and safety their past experiences. of a new ticket office and other recent improvements at the New Micropub Opens in Leyland success and an ongoing commitment to raising health and station, such as new shelters and a CCTV system, carried out “The event was a really safety standards. by South Ribble Borough Council, Lancashire County Council, A disused travel agency on Hough Lane, Leyland, has inspiring day and we left Michael Conlon, chairman, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled Network Rail and Northern Rail. recently been renovated and reopened as the North feeling motivated and to have received two gold awards and are so pleased that West’s newest micropub. confident about our future Provision of lifts was the crucial improvement that South endeavours.” our work has been recognised in this way.” Ribble Borough Council had been lobbying for since 2008, The Market Ale House reverts to traditional pub culture Conlon has also taken advantage of funding made available after the authority garnered the support of local businesses serving ales, ciders, wines, soft drinks and snacks such as by Lancashire County Council to provide additional and education establishments. pork pies and cheese boards without music or entertainment - the ethos being to enjoy a relaxing drink and conversation. shower and changing facilities and a cycle store for those It comes as another huge and timely boost to the local employees who cycle to work. The Sustainable Travel economy, with work moving forward on the nearby Cuerden The owners, Alison and Danny Hindle, also run The Railway Team offers grants of up to £5,000 for businesses. E-mail site at the end of the M65. Pub half a mile away in Leyland. [email protected] or call 01772 530201. The exact schedule for the work has yet to be revealed, The micropub is a ‘new and innovative’ development which although it will be completed within the next phase of the is proving popular and having a positive effect on the market Access For All programme. area and town centre as a whole.

06 The Business Newsletter of South Ribble Borough Council www.businessinsouthribble.com 07 Company News Building News Update The Central Lancashire Business Event 2014 will be held on Thursday 2nd October. See www.centrallancashirebusinessevents.co.uk on Success for more information.

£1.2m Runshaw Scheme Jobs Boost as Landmark Hotel Nears Completion Reopens Construction work on a new 8,000 A landmark Lancashire hotel has recently sq ft sports annex with eight reopened creating approximately 40 full classrooms at Runshaw College, and part-time jobs. Leyland, is nearing completion. The former Swallow Hotel, on Preston Work is being carried out by Conlon New Road, Samlesbury, has relaunched Construction, which started on site as The Samlesbury Hotel after a multi- in October 2013. million-pound makeover by its new owners, Manchester-based Squire Hotels. The project aims to centralise (L-R) Daniel Hill, regional fundraiser and Sue Runshaw’s School of Sport, creating The Samlesbury Hotel is a modern Thompson, chief officer at Rosemere Cancer additional space for students and contemporary four-star hotel with 80 brand Foundation, Andrew Dewhurst, director; Suzanne Taylor, proposals manager; Allison providing ever-improving facilities new bedrooms, meeting rooms and a main Lees, PR coordinator at Eric Wright for young people aged 16-19 who are function room accommodating up to 160 undertaking further education and people. The venue also boasts a leisure Flood Project vocational courses. club, bar and grill. David Sharrock, assistant principal All Wright at Runshaw College, said: “It’s Bamber Bridge-based Eric Wright been really exciting to see this Supporting South Civil Engineering has recently development come together. This completed a 64–week project new building will ensure we continue Ribble Businesses for United Utilities to improve to have world-class facilities for We are pleased to introduce our reservoirs in Rossendale. students.” support for your business in South Ribble. The £4.8m project saw the business (L-R) Emma Brereton, account manager; work on the biggest spillway in the Rachel Mann, PR assistant and Tracy Jennifer Clough (Economic Development) UK, a formation which helps water Hargreaves, account director would like to work with your business pass over an embankment at a steady to make sure that we and our partners rate to protect the local area from provide the services and conditions that flooding. you need to thrive. The civil engineering division is part In order to help businesses, South Ribble of the Eric Wright Group, established Borough Council offers a range of help in 1923. The group has a strong free of charge. tradition of returning a proportion of its profits to the community through Marketing Agency Gains We can offer: the support of local charities. Trio of New Recruits The firm was the main sponsor of Details of local commercial South Ribble-based marketing Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s sites and premises communications agency, The Write Valentine’s Appeal, donating £1,500 Angle, has recruited three new to the charity which helped stage Business networking members to its expanding team. the Valentine’s Concert as well opportunities as a number of other fundraising Tracy Hargreaves, Emma Brereton activities. and Rachel Mann have joined as Information on support for account director, account manager Jim Carter, deputy chairman at Eric business growth and PR assistant, pooling a wide Wright Group, said: “The Valentine’s range of skills to work across a Concert was a magical night and Local training & recruitment portfolio of private and public we were delighted to support the provider details sector clients. Rosemere Valentine’s Appeal. It is wonderful to know that we’re Managing director, Angela Smith, To find out more please contact playing a part in helping generate says: “All three team members bring Jennifer on 01772 625567 or email vital funding for projects which first-class knowledge, experience [email protected] or support local patients during their and plenty of enthusiasm to an visit www.businessinsouthribble.com treatment.” already dynamic team.”

08 The Business Newsletter of South Ribble Borough Council