Hexham manufacturer Egger UK announced a £15m investment to create a new recycling plant.
The Northumberland operation, which is part of a global group, said the move will improve the quality of recycled wood used to make its chipboard panels. Using new technology, the plant segregates, cleans and chips waste wood that would have previously been burnt or sent to landfill.
Egger said the facilities - which began production in August - and the high quality recycled material processed means it can increase the amount of recycled wood in each chipboard panel it produces. Alex West, product manager at Egger UK, said: "Increasing our recycled content answers the demand from the interior design, furniture, and housebuilding industries for more environmentally conscious products.
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"We are a major supplier to these industries, so it’s important that we lead the way when it comes to sustainable product innovation. He added: "Not only does this investment strengthen our closed loop production cycle, but it also demonstrates the importance and commitment the company places on a sustainable supply of raw materials."
North East entrepreneur Andrew Ward acquired a prominent retail parade in Durham in a £3.55m deal.
Ward Investments, the company of Workwear Express founder Mr Ward, who sold the business last year, has bought the units of 1 – 7 North Road in Durham's retail core, opposite the Riverwalk Shopping Centre. The deal with Halifax Pension Nominees Ltd was brokered by Knight Frank and means Ward Investments takes control of the 23,000 sqft parade that is currently home to brands including Greggs, Hays Travel, Sainsbury's and Bank of Scotland.
Knight Frank said the investment will generate a yield of 8.25% - an annual income of £311,000. It follows Ward Investment's acquisition of Merrington Industrial Estate in Spennymoor earlier this year.
A family-run engineering firm says it is on target to boost turnover following a £40,000 investment into its Northumberland operation.
Black Hills Products, which is run by husband and wife team Dave and Lynsey Crossman, made the investment to secure three ISO certifications that cover environmental, health and safety and continuous improvement performance. The Sleekburn-based operation provides fabricated component and assembly services to the utilities and renewable energy sectors, counting Northern Powergrid and SCJ Renewables among its customers.
The international standards put Black Hills in a niche market as few competitors of its size hold triple certification. Mr Crossman said: “Many businesses undertake one ISO certification, a small percentage opt for two, but rarely do they go for three concurrently, especially a small family firm like ours, which really motivated us to go beyond this requirement.
"We want to be an industry leader so it’s important that we are at the forefront of best practice. We have been working to achieve these standards for 18 months. It is great news, and this success reflects the hard work, commitment and effort that has been made to ensure we meet stringent international standards.
Training company Learning Curve Group has continued its growth with a deal for one of the country’s largest beauty providers.
The County Durham company has acquired Yorkshire-based White Rose Beauty Colleges, which has nine colleges in Yorkshire, the North West and the Midlands. The deal will add 3,500 learners to Learning Curve’s books, as well as 170 employees, and means the company now delivers a range of training from more than 60 locations around the UK..
White Rose was founded in 1996 and specialises in beauty therapy, holistic therapy, sports massage and make up courses. It has a number of high level accreditations and was judged outstanding result in its most recent Ofsted inspection.
Learning Curve Group CEO Brenda McLeish said: “We’re delighted that White Rose Beauty Colleges and all of their brilliant staff will become part of the Purple People family here at Learning Curve Group. It is important that any organisation that joins Learning Curve Group has shared values and a purpose, and I believe White Rose has exactly that.
“It is a fantastic business and one that has received a number of awards as a result of its commitment to providing quality training. I am looking forward to working closely with the teams as we embark on our next stage of growth.”
