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Aycliffe Business, Units 8-9, Parson's Court, Newton Aycliffe (2025)

13/11/2025

Exclusive look inside Merchant Park’s brand new development at Aycliffe Business Park breakfast event!

Businesses are being given an exclusive opportunity to step inside one of the region’s most exciting new developments – as part of the next Aycliffe Business Park Community (ABPC) breakfast event, taking place on Friday, 21st November, 8-10am.

Hosted in partnership with Merchant Park Developments, the final ABPC event of 2025 will be held inside the company’s impressive new 53,993 sq ft warehouse unit – the first phase of a £9m commercial scheme that’s helping to reshape the landscape of Aycliffe Business Park.

The brand new building, located on Millennium Way next to Hitachi Rail, marks the start of a wider 17-acre development that’s set to deliver more than 1,100 jobs across three phases.

Planning permission is already in place for two further units of 89,000 sq ft and 126,000 sq ft – underlining Merchant Park’s confidence in Aycliffe’s continued growth.

Delegates attending the November breakfast will be among the first to tour the new facility and hear directly from the team behind the development, including Merchant Park directors Adrian Goodall, Geoff Hunton and Michael Chicken.

Merchant Park’s investment continues a proud legacy of regeneration in Newton Aycliffe.

The firm was behind the original site that attracted Hitachi Rail’s £82m train manufacturing facility a decade ago – one of the region’s biggest-ever inward investment successes.

The November breakfast promises a fascinating insight into a development that’s driving local growth and job creation – and a chance for business park members to network within a landmark new space.

👉 See link for full details and registration in the comments 👇

31/10/2025

📢 Advertise in Aycliffe Business – Issue #76!

The deadline to secure space in the 76th edition of Aycliffe Business – the B2B magazine for Aycliffe Business Park and Newton Aycliffe since 2012 – is Friday, 7th November.

It’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your business to thousands across Aycliffe Business Park and beyond.

Be seen. Be heard. Be part of Aycliffe’s biggest business voice.

📅 Issue #76, the last edition of 2025, is due out early December – limited space available!

📩 Message us to book your spot today – or email [email protected]

24/10/2025

PARTNERSHIPS & APPRENTICESHIPS PROVE A WINNING COMBINATION FOR OPTIMUM SKILLS

They’re passionate about partnerships and upskilling people – and a recent success story is just one example of how Optimum Skills does it.

Based in Parsons Court off Welbury Way, leading training and apprenticeship provider Optimum Skills is always looking to build partnerships with business park occupants for everyone’s benefit.

It’s keen to strengthen collaboration – working together to train the next generation of talent and support upskilling through apprenticeships.

And for evidence of how it can work, look no further than Lauren Armstrong.
Employed by Cogent Skills, a provider of specialist safety training to high-hazard industries, Lauren, 23, recently completed her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship.

But her journey throughout has also been supported by Optimum Skills – showcasing what can be achieved when businesses and training providers come together to invest in people.

And Optimum Skills senior sales manager Charley Haigh believes Lauren’s apprenticeship success is just the beginning – and Optimum is urging more businesses on the park to be part of the movement.

She said: “At Optimum Skills, we’re committed to building strong partnerships across the park to create shared opportunities.

“By bringing together employers, us as a training provider and apprentices, it helps drive growth, innovation and community success.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by Cogent Skills, which believes Lauren’s story is a great example of the power of apprenticeships – and why collaboration is so important when it comes to investing in future talent.

Alex Slater, head of business operations at Cogent Skills, told Aycliffe Business: “We believe apprenticeships are more than just a route into employment – they’re a vital part of building a skilled, confident and future-ready workforce.

“Lauren’s a great example of this. Throughout her time with us, she has made a real impact, particularly in supporting our essential safety training courses delivered around the world.

“From preparing course materials to coordinating logistics, her work ensures that our training programmes run smoothly and professionally.

“And her development has been expertly supported by Beverley Wade, whose line management and mentorship have helped Lauren grow in confidence and capability.

“Beverley’s dedication is a brilliant example of how apprenticeships thrive when supported by experienced and passionate colleagues.

“We’re grateful for the support of Optimum Skills, whose structured training and guidance have played a key role in Lauren’s progress.

“Their partnership has helped ensure that her apprenticeship experience is not only educational but also deeply relevant to the needs of our business and the wider industry.

“Apprenticeships aren’t just about gaining qualifications – they’re about contributing, learning, and becoming part of something bigger.

“We’re proud to champion them, and even prouder of the people who make them a success.”

But what does Lauren think of her progress so far?

She said: “I feel that the apprenticeship has been valuable for my career – it’s given me a lot of knowledge of the business and how other businesses run.

“It has built my confidence through practical experience and taught me how to take responsibility and ownership of my role.

“The support I have had from Cogent Skills and Optimum Skills has been exceptional and the qualification has opened up opportunities for career progression.

“Optimum Skills have done a great job of supporting me in learning and progressing my skills to succeed in my career.

“The tutors have been helpful in sharing their knowledge and encouraging me to do presentations, which has also boosted my confidence.”

Optimum Skills is always keen to hear from park businesses interested in:

• Hiring an apprentice.
• Upskilling your current team.
• Partnering to share knowledge.

Charley added: “Let’s build a stronger, skilled workforce together – right here in our business community.

“Get in touch to find out how you can get involved.”

Visit www.optimumskills.co.uk

🎓🔧🤝

23/10/2025

📢 Advertise in Aycliffe Business – Issue #76!

The deadline to secure space in the 76th edition of Aycliffe Business – the B2B magazine for Aycliffe Business Park and Newton Aycliffe since 2012 – is Friday, 7th November.

It’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your business to thousands across Aycliffe Business Park and beyond.

Be seen. Be heard. Be part of Aycliffe’s biggest business voice.

📅 Issue #76, the last edition of 2025, is due out early December – limited space available!

📩 Message us to book your spot today – or email [email protected]

23/10/2025

Trader applications open for Bishop Food Festival!

Traders can now apply to be part of one of the region’s biggest food festivals.

Bishop Auckland Food Festival returns next spring, on Saturday and Sunday April 18-19, promising two days of fun, family entertainment and food.

Thousands are expected to flock to Bishop Auckland town centre across the two days, where there will be over 140 traders selling everything from pulled pork to pancakes, fudge to fried chicken and craft beer to bubble tea.

And applications are now open for traders to put themselves forward for 2026.

Cllr Karen Alllison, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “Our festivals programme is a key part of our calendar year. Each event attracts thousands of visitors to our towns and city, providing a great day out for residents and boosting footfall and trade for businesses in the area.

“We’ve already started planning ahead for 2026 with preparations in the works for Bishop Auckland Food Festival.

“We’re so proud of the fantastic goods produced by our County Durham businesses and our food festivals are a fantastic opportunity for them to grow their customer base.

“I would encourage any business interested in applying to get their submission in, so that next year we can show what our county has to offer.”

Traders are encouraged to apply with as much information as possible about their business, including their products and produce, and include latest news, awards, images of their set up and links to their social media.

Businesses have until midnight on Friday, January 9, to submit their application, with those successful notified shortly afterwards

As well as a host of traders offering delicious street food, Bishop Auckland Food Festival features a series of cookery demonstrations from a star-studded line-up of celebrity chefs, and a packed programme of live entertainment and family activities.

Further details of the festival, including celebrity guest announcements, will be released in the new year.

Traders who wish to be part of the festival can apply online at www.bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk

22/10/2025

🎉 CELEBRATING 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS 🍾🥂

Newton Aycliffe-based Diamond Commercial Cleaning has celebrated a major milestone – two decades in business.

Founded by managing director Beverley Wardrop in 2005 with just six staff, the company has steadily grown to employ more than 80 people across the North-East and North Yorkshire.

Reflecting on the journey, Beverley said: “When I started out 20 years ago, I could never have imagined how far the company would come.

“Our success is down to the dedication of our team and the outstanding service we deliver for every client.”

That team now includes a strong management structure, with Beverley supported by company secretary Stan Dixon, operations manager Stephanie Harker and regional manager Nicky Goulding.

Stephanie works closely with Beverley on the day-to-day running of the business, while Nicky’s role sees her travelling across the region to maintain high service standards.

The company has also recently strengthened its frontline support with the appointment of area supervisors Laura Robinson, Marie Stephenson and Claire Holehouse, who oversee both customer satisfaction and staff wellbeing.

Beverley added: “We’ve built a reputation for reliability and quality, but above all for customer service.

“Every business we work with is different, so we tailor our packages to meet their exact needs. That’s what keeps our clients with us year after year.”

Diamond’s customer base continues to grow, spanning a diverse range of businesses – from small offices to large industrial sites – with each contract individually designed.

Community support is also close to Beverley’s heart. Diamond is now in its fourth year of sponsoring Darlington FC Youth Under-10s Feethams team.

“Being able to support local children and give them the opportunity to follow their dreams gives me a great sense of pride,” she said.

That pride travelled even further recently when one of the team’s coaches, George Stephens, took donated shirts to Kenya on an educational trip, gifting them to local children.

Beverley said: “Seeing our logo on those shirts on the other side of the world was such a wonderful highlight – it shows how far a little local support can go.”

As Diamond looks to the future, Beverley is confident that its ethos of service and community will keep the business shining bright for many more years to come.

To contact Diamond Commercial Cleaning, call 01325 301000 or email [email protected]

20/10/2025

📢 Advertise in Aycliffe Business – Issue #76!

The deadline to secure space in the 76th edition of Aycliffe Business – the B2B magazine for Aycliffe Business Park and Newton Aycliffe since 2012 – is Friday, 7th November.

It’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your business to thousands across Aycliffe Business Park and beyond.

Be seen. Be heard. Be part of Aycliffe’s biggest business voice.

📅 Issue #76, the last edition of 2025, is due out early December – limited space available!

📩 Message us to book your spot today – or email [email protected]

17/10/2025

Spreading positivity across Aycliffe Business Park!

The distribution of Aycliffe Business Issue #75 has been completed this week.

We've dropped copies off to all the usual places, including BTS Fabrications, SCH Site Services, Ebac, Octric, Planet Leisure, Sabre Rail, Power Tool World, Durham Precision Engineering, ITEC, AEL Fire & Security, Ricor, Horizon Aquatics, Senstronics, Palram DPL, Advance Conveyor Group, Aycliffe Engineering, Roman, Husqvarna, Collins Seafood, 3M, Hitachi, Gestamp and many more.

Here are some pictures of some of the locations we've delivered to across Aycliffe Business Park.

We also circulate copies of Aycliffe Business to Faverdale in Darlington (including Beanies, pictured) as well as Auckland Park in Bishop and Shildon industrial estates.

It's also on display at Redworth Hall Hotel and The County in Aycliffe Village.

The latest issue is available to view online here: https://viewer.joomag.com/aycliffe-business-issue-75/0203760001759755327/p1

📅 The deadline to secure space in the 76th edition of Aycliffe Business (the last edition of 2025) is Friday, 7th November.

📩 Message us to book your spot today – or email [email protected]

16/10/2025

“Developments like Merchant Park show what’s possible when we invest in our local business community and back their ambition.

“This new site is already bringing high quality jobs to the area, with even more to come as the project expands.”

North East mayor Kim McGuinness on the latest mega development on Aycliffe Business Park.

In the 75th issue of Aycliffe Business, online here: https://viewer.joomag.com/aycliffe-business-issue-75/0203760001759755327/p12

📅 The deadline to secure space in the 76th edition of Aycliffe Business is Friday, 7th November.

📩 Message us to book your spot today – or email [email protected]

16/10/2025

“I had many (childhood heroes), none of them real and came from TV programmes. C**t Seavers (The Fall Guy), Michael Knight (Knight Rider), the A-Team, Lion-O (Thundercats), He-man, Action Man, Stringfellow Hawk (Airwolf). You can really tell my age now.”

Senstronics managing director Andy Reed reveals a bit about himself in our Getting To Know You feature.

In the 75th issue of Aycliffe Business, online here: https://viewer.joomag.com/aycliffe-business-issue-75/0203760001759755327/p18

📅 The deadline to secure space in the 76th edition of Aycliffe Business is Friday, 7th November.

📩 Message us to book your spot today – or email [email protected]

Aycliffe Business

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