Newton Aycliffe’s biggest employer is the latest firm to support the town’s Make Your Mark business awards.
The Make Your Mark awards, in association with headline sponsors Husqvarna, will return this year after a three-year hiatus.
The glamorous awards ceremony – which is being organised by Aycliffe Business Park Community (ABPC) – will be held at the 17th century, listed Redworth Hall Hotel on Friday, May 20.
And automotive manufacturer Gestamp, which employs well over 1,000 people at its huge Aycliffe site, is backing the awards by sponsoring the Innovation category.
The firm’s plant director Jonathan Phillips said: “We’re delighted to support what we think is a very important local event.
“It’s absolutely vital that we all get to hear about local success stories and businesses doing well at any time – not least after what we’ve all been through over the last two years.
“We need to hear these positive stories, so – as a company – we’re thrilled to be involved, and we’re very much looking forward to what we’re sure will be a memorable celebration.”
Gestamp works closely with Aycliffe Business Park neighbour Stiller Warehousing and Distribution.
The firm’s business development manager Thomas Prentice, who’s also an ABPC board member, said: “We’re delighted to have Gestamp involved in the Make Your Mark awards.
“It’s a real feather in the cap for the awards to have support from such a large organisation, which clearly values local initiatives and is keen to support them.”
ABPC business development manager Martin Walker added: “We couldn’t get the awards back up and running again without the support of the business park’s big firms.
“So to have the likes of Gestamp and Husqvarna – two of the most high-profile names on the park – supporting it in this way is fantastic.”
News about more category sponsors will be revealed in the coming weeks.
There are only three categories available for sponsorship, including the Export, Apprentice of the Year and Training Provider awards.
The sponsorship package includes pre-event publicity, event branding, a chance to be involved in the judging process and to present an award, plus a table of 10 for the awards ceremony, including a reception drink, three-course meal and table wine.
Any businesses interested in sponsoring the Make Your Mark awards, or would like more details, can either call Martin Walker on 01325 728024 or email [email protected].
• Pictured above: Gestamp plant director Jonathan Phillips (right) with Aycliffe Business Park Community board member Thomas Prentice. Pic by Tom Banks.