Member Article

Keynote speakers revealed for North East business celebration

High-profile North East business leaders will headline an event to celebrate the relaunch of Aycliffe Business Park next month.

Open to all businesses from the region, the event comes 12 months after Aycliffe Business Park Community was formed as an official limited company with a board of non-executive directors.

Dubbed a ‘celebration seminar’ for North East enterprise, keynote speakers will include Crafter’s Companion founder Sara Davies, Ebac chairman John Elliott and South West Durham Training chief executive Lee Childs, as well as Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson.

Sponsored by IT firm Cornerstone Business Solutions, the day will take place at the Xcel Centre on Friday September 8.

ABPC is currently undergoing a rebranding process – with new colour schemes and a new logo already approved – while a more user-friendly website is currently being designed and built by Aycliffe-based Thrive Marketing, with content being produced by Mantis Media.

The new website and branding will be revealed during the celebration event on September 8, while guests will see a presentation on its new functions and how businesses can best make use of it.

Spread across 400 hectares, and with future expansion plans, Aycliffe Business Park is already home to an estimated 500 companies and 10,000 employees.

ABPC was officially set up a year ago to formalise the group after its predecessor had been run as an unofficial entity for more than three years.

The organisation is marking its first year of operation by embarking on a number of new initiatives, designed to boost community engagement and communication.

Chair Kerina Clark, managing director of the Xcel Centre, said: “It has been a really encouraging first year for the board and we’re very happy with its direction.

“We’re seeing more and more new faces at our regular news and networking meetings, which is pleasing. Attendees are getting to know their neighbours and many are doing business with one another as a result, which is fantastic.

“Of course, we want to see more engagement and we’re looking at ways of increasing that, and we’re hopeful the company’s rebrand and new website will help.

“We’re looking forward to the relaunch event on September 8 and hope to see a good turnout. More details and how to register will be announced very soon.”