Husqvarna has been revealed as the headline sponsors of Aycliffe Business Park’s Make Your Mark awards.
The Make Your Mark awards – organised by Aycliffe Business Park Community (ABPC) – will return in 2022 after a three-year hiatus, with a glamorous ceremony to be held at the 17th century, listed Redworth Hall Hotel next May.
And iconic robotic lawnmower manufacturer Husqvarna has agreed to be headline sponsors for the event, with more big businesses already joining the queue to sponsor other categories.
The firm’s manufacturing director Caraline Robinson said: “As a business we decided it would be nice to get involved in something that is to celebrate what’s going on in the local community.
Click here to view the Make Your Mark Media Pack
“A lot of companies have been through some really difficult times over the last couple of years, so it’s good to bring a focus on some positive aspects of business in the local area.
“There are some companies locally doing some really exceptional work, around the training of people and trying to develop people.
“There’s so much good about what’s going on locally and it’s a great opportunity to shout about that.
“It really was a no-brainer for us to get involved.”
Around 400 permanent staff, and between 450 and 500 temporary seasonal workers, are employed at the Preston Road site on the Aycliffe Business Park – with no less than 50 apprentices recruited in 2019.
Husqvarna has also invested heavily in new technology as the firm prepares to start manufacturing their own battery packs while bringing a new commercial lawnmower online in 2022.
Caraline added: “This is our build ahead time. We’re just starting to ramp up our recruitment ahead of our busy period.
“But we’ve invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in new technology and training and start manufacturing our own battery packs next year.
“We’re also gearing up to start production of the Ceora model, which is a robotic lawnmower for commercial settings. That’s new for us, so it’s an exciting time for the business.”
Husqvarna’s sponsorship of Make Your Mark includes presenting the Company of the Year award, while three other businesses have already taken sponsorship of the Services Business, Manufacturing & Engineering and Innovation categories.
ABPC business development manager Martin Walker said: “We’re delighted with the support of Husqvarna.
“To have one of the business park’s biggest employers as headline sponsors is a ringing endorsement of the Make Your Mark awards and a major boost.
“For the Make Your Mark awards to work, we need buy-in from lots of local companies, but especially from the area’s ‘marquee’ names, which include Husqvarna.
“We also have support from some of the other big-name businesses which we’ll be revealing more about very soon.”
Other category sponsorships are available, with a package that 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: Husqvarna manufacturing director Caraline Robinson and Aycliffe Business Park Community’s Martin Walker with Husqvarna employees (back, left to right) Connor Noble, Rebeca Foi, Baljinder Singh and Tom Baxter. PIC BY TOM BANKS.
