Aycliffe Business Park Community (ABPC) has launched a new campaign to gather more information on companies to enable them to put themselves ‘On The Map’. The new company, officially formed with 11 board members earlier this year, has already started a number of initiatives to improve awareness of firms on the park. The plan is to overhaul the ABPC website, with particular attention to improving the directory and news sections, and is currently going through a tender process, inviting local website firms to carry out the work. ABPC believes there could be as many as 500 registered businesses,  relatively unknown. The board has embarked on an information-gathering campaign to compile a more definitive record.

The main objectives of the project will be to:

• Put businesses ‘On the Map’ increasing their visibility and showcasing their services to other businesses on the park.

• Ensuring businesses on the park are aware of the external support available and how this can be accessed

• Encouraging membership of the Aycliffe Business Park Community.

South Durham Enterprise Agency chief executive and ABPC board member Steve Robson said: “This project is an obvious next step in developing the business park as a community. With potential benefits for suppliers and buyers it will support the understanding of what is both sold and purchased on the park, and further encourage local trade and the development of supply chains. This will in turn support the sustainability and growth of businesses on the Park”. As well as trying to get information on unknown businesses, On The Map is also designed to get more detailed information on existing businesses. ABPC and its board members will begin with a survey to get more information so the new database and access information can be shared on ABPC’s new website. Business Durham influenced the set-up of Aycliffe Business Park Community and continues to play a crucial role, with its business development director, Sarah Slaven, sitting on the board. John Parnell, Business Durham’s business development area manager (South) who sat on the original ABPC board launched nearly four years ago, also continues to work closely with the group.
“It’s widely felt there is a need for more information on the park – who exactly is here and what services they offer,” said John. I’m sure there will be examples of Aycliffe companies using suppliers from all over the country when, in fact, there will be companies on their doorstep who can offer the same product or service.”
Aycliffe Business Park is the largest single employment area in County Durham and probably the biggest in the North-East, with several hundred companies employing an estimated 8-10,000 people.

• Businesses can contact ABPC to request a data form by emailing hello@ aycliffeawards.co.uk