Transcription

1 North Somerset

2 2 Introduction North Somerset is strategically located at the gateway to the South West and is part of the Bristol and Bath City Region. Covering over 150 sq miles (38,955 hectares), North Somerset is home to the four main towns of Portishead, Clevedon, Nailsea and Weston-super- Mare as well as a number of rural settlements. It has a population of over 202,500. There are 25 miles of beautiful coastline and stunning countryside. Rich in cultural and scientific heritage, the area has connections to Brunel, Coleridge, Tennyson, Thackeray, Eddington and Marconi. Unlike other areas, North Somerset has a diverse range of sectors making up its economic base, providing a quality environment for businesses of all sizes to thrive and grow. A number of national and international companies are based here including GE Oil and Gas, Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, UTC Aerospace Systems, Brabantia, Yeo Valley, Thatchers, Bristol Airport, Smurfit Kappa, and QuEST Global Engineering Ltd. Please see the business map at the back of this brochure (inside back cover). North Somerset is: Well connected: Road - M5 motorway runs through the area. Junctions 19, 20 and 21 connect North Somerset to Bristol, the M4, London, Birmingham, the south west and beyond. Rail - direct mainline railway services to Bristol, London and Cardiff and onwards to the Midlands and the North. Air - Bristol Airport (based in North Somerset) offers direct flights to over 30 countries including many European capital cities. Sea - Royal Portbury Docks, situated in the Bristol Channel, is recognised as being one of the most productive and technically advanced ports in Europe. Ideally located: at the gateway to the south west, close to the cities of Bristol and Bath. Thriving and growing: with more than 9,200 businesses, ranging from SME s to major employers and large international companies. Highly skilled: with 47% of residents working in management, associate professional and technical occupations. Weston College offers degree courses in partnership with the universities of Bath Spa and West of England (UWE). Diverse and affordable housing: owner occupancy rates are higher than regional and national averages. Whether it s a luxury apartment in a marina setting, a townhouse, cottage, maisonette, Edwardian or Victorian period home or modern house, North Somerset offers them all. Quality of life: with a rich and varied landscape, spectacular coastline, beautiful rolling countryside and secluded lakes on offer. Employment and jobs: North Somerset (especially Weston) benefits from planning policies which focus on delivering employment-led development, encouraging sustainable growth and job creation.

3 Being descended from Somerset farmers since 1494 and still actively dairy farming in Yeo Valley, it s no accident that the business is based here. The area is famous for its lush grass and quality milk, all essential for making great tasting dairy products. We are also fortunate to have good road links to the rest of the country to get our products to our consumers. Hopefully, it is this combination that will allow us to continue to do what we do and support the communities and families that help us to produce our products. Tim Mead Yeo Valley The Mead family have been making yoghurt at Holt farm since 1972 Sales are now close to 300 million Organic farming is one of the core values of the Yeo Valley brand 15% of the yoghurt sold in the UK comes from Yeo Valley 3

4 North Somerset Economy North Somerset has a strong economic base comprising over 8,000 businesses spread across a broad range of sectors. This variety contributes to our economy s vigour and dynamism. Located in some of our towns and villages are world leading hightechnology manufacturers making everything from aircraft parts to plasma screens and subsea control systems. Alongside them are makers of more traditional products originating from the natural produce of our rich farmlands. These are turned into worldleading brands of cheese, cider and yoghurt, among many others. Business services provide much quality employment, supporting the wider regional economy which includes Bristol and Bath. North Somerset also complements the region s strengths in creative media with growing numbers of businesses working in all aspects of this dynamic sector. Whether creating relatively low-tech or high-tech products, North Somerset firms aim to be of the highest quality. They achieve this by investing in their staff and in their capital equipment in order to remain at the leading edge of their chosen market. Many North Somerset businesses are knowledge-intensive, working to contribute to our high-tech economy. Tucked away in the courtyard of converted old barns, in bespoke new offices and/or in industrial premises are an array of world leaders! 4 North Somerset has an ambitious Local Economy Plan which focuses on increasing the number of local jobs, providing a workforce with the skills that businesses need, increasing employment opportunities and improving infrastructure provision including superfast broadband.

5 Key Facts 8,000 businesses (approx) ranging from SME s to major employers and large internationals (including Yeo Valley, Thatchers, GE Oil & Gas, Claverham Ltd, QuEST Global, Lafarge Tarmac, Smurfit Kappa, Alvis Brothers Ltd, Knightstone Housing, Powervamp Ltd, Viper Subsea Ltd, Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, Britannia Windows and Brabantia (UK) Ltd). 86% of businesses employ 1-10 people, over 97% of businesses employ less than 50 people. 9.8% of the working age population are self employed (compared to 10.3% south west and 9.2% for England). Nearly a third (30%) of businesses in North Somerset are home-based. 70.6% of the working aged population are economically active (Census 2011), higher than the south west and national figures. 3 year business survival rates are stronger than national rates. North Somerset has a higher rate of people with NVQ 3 and 4 than the South West and England. Please see the North Somerset Business Map (inside back cover) for examples of some of the successful businesses based in the area. 5

6 Weston-super-Mare Town Profile Weston has a population of over 76,000 and is located 20 miles south of Bristol. It is a lively, attractive coastal town with a strong and diverse business base. It's location, close to a major city but surrounded by beautiful countryside, offers the opportunity to achieve an ideal live/work balance. The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) identified Junction 21 Enterprise Area (J21EA) in Weston, for business growth and inward investment to support their ambitions around growth, investment, skills and to attract 95,000 jobs to the West of England by Business opportunities Existing established business parks and industrial estates. New opportunities for businesses at J21EA, with 72 hectares ready to go with planning permission and access. Planning policies that emphasise employment-led development, encouraging sustainable growth and job creation. A Local Economic Development Protocol is in place to support planning proposals that have significant local economic benefits, whilst simplified planning procedures have been put in place to support employment development in J21EA. Skills 47% of residents work in management, associate professional and technical occupations. Education Weston College has a University Campus and a Multi-Skills Centre offering a variety of courses, both academic and vocational. University Cities of Bristol and Bath nearby. The new North Somerset Enterprise and Technology College (NSETC) is due to open in 2015 and will focus around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). Transport Weston benefits from an excellent transport infrastructure and is located on the M5 corridor. London, Cardiff and Birmingham are within easy reach, there is a mainline train service and Bristol Port and Bristol Airport are closeby. Housing North Somerset is the most affordable area within the Bristol City region. Average price of properties for sale in Weston is 169,626. Quality of Life Natural environment beautiful coast and countryside, sites of special scientific interest, areas of outstanding natural beauty and nature reserves. Outdoor recreation, walking, cycling, horse riding, golf, water sports, extreme sports (skiing, rock climbing, pot-holing). All year round programme of events including music concerts, Motorcycle Beach Race, Carnival and water-ski championships. Shopping - high street names and small independent shops, locally produced foods and crafts. Gateway to the south west. For more information about Weston, J21EA and investment and development opportunities please see our Weston thriving and growing brochure locate/weston-thriving-and-growing.pdf 6

7 Smurfit Kappa WsM specialises in producing innovative packaging solutions. Employing 169 people they are part of the Smurfit Kappa Group. One of the leading producers of paper-based packaging in the world, with around 41,000 employees in approximately 350 production sites across 32 countries and with a sales revenue of 7.3bn in Simon Downward Smurfit Kappa "In 2 years time we will be celebrating 50 years of manufacturing in Weston. As one of the largest employers in the town we value the fantastic community spirit, wealth of local talent and easy access to our customers via Junction 21. Where better to be than Weston, an area that s changing and ready to go. 7

8 Weston Gateway (South and Central Gate) Weston Gateway Business Park What s on offer 72 hectares of employment land ready to go with planning permission and access. Excellent transport links located on the M5 corridor, main railway line to London, close proximity to Bristol Airport and Portbury Docks. Highly skilled workforce 47% of residents work in management, associate professional and technical occupations. Making it happen with landowners and agents Parklands Village Locking Parklands 400 million scheme - first homes became available in October 2011, first speculative office space completed Spring Weston Gateway offers individually designed or campus style office park opportunities in a high profile location adjacent to the M5. Future phases of employment development will include a 14,000sq ft office building and a 30,000sq ft Innovation Centre. Knightstone Housing Association regional HQ 40,000sq ft, Weston Gateway Business Park. Opens autumn Second largest office deal in the South West. Weston Distribution Park Weston Park 8 Serviced sites. Simplified planning. Skills and training programmes. LEP Enterprise Area. North Somerset Enterprise Agency, Weston Park. 20,000sq ft managed workspace with full permission. Opens early 2014.

9 Junction 21 Enterprise Area Employment sites Weston Gateway Business Park Worle Parkway Station Junction 21 One of only five Enterprise Areas designated by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Parklands Village Weston Park Weston Gateway (South and Central Gate) Railway Main Line Locking Parklands Weston Distribution Park FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY M5 Motorway 9

10 Portishead Town Profile Portishead has a population over 22,000. Situated on the Bristol Channel, a short distance from Royal Portbury Dock, this vibrant town has grown significantly in recent years through a mixture of flag-ship residential and high-grade commercial developments. Located off Junction 19 (of the M5), Portishead is just 10 miles out of Bristol city centre. The M5/M4 interchange is only 11 miles away, offering links to the Midlands, London, Cardiff, South Wales and the South West. The award winning marina development, with its striking public art trail, comprises modern houses and apartments, shops, restaurants, cafes and new commercial office development, all of which are centred on the marina which offers floating berths for a range of sailing and leisure craft. Other leisure facilities and attractions include the beautiful Lake Grounds, Portishead open air pool (a community run 33 metre heated pool) and Parish Wharf Centre. High-grade office developments include Portishead Office Park, Gordano Gate, Portis Fields and Marine View Office Park. Pure Offices (Kestrel Court) also provides managed workspace consisting of flexible office and studio/workshop space. Portishead is home to a range of successful businesses including Viper Subsea, Chorus IT, BurleighPortishead, Alliance Homes, ONEPOST and Capita. 10

11 Average 50% year on year growth since first trading in 2007 Forecast of 65% year on year growth for the next five years Currently 30 members of staff North Somerset is a great area for staff to live and work, which, coupled with excellent road, rail and flight communications as well as local hubs of academic excellence in Universities and colleges make it superb location for companies to be based. Neil Douglas Viper Subsea Exports accounts for over 80% of product sales Winner of the Subsea UK 2011 New Enterprise Award Subsea UK 2013 finalist for Innovation and Technology Award Significant investment in Research and Development has resulted in 11 separate patent filings Investors in People Accreditation 11

12 Clevedon Town Profile 12 Clevedon has a population of over 21,200 and is accessed from Junction 20 of the M5 motorway. Bristol city centre is just 13 miles away. The town boasts unspoilt Victorian architecture, one of the finest piers in the country and has a reputation for its scenic walks and picturesque parks. Clevedon Pier (completed in 1869) has recently received two significant grants - a 720,000 from Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), followed by 500,000 from the Coastal Communities Fund. A new Visitor and Education Centre will be created, incorporating a café, shop and space for community use. This will further improve the visitor facilities on site and help generate income to secure the sustainable long term restoration of the only intact Grade I listed pier in England. Hill Road, a much publicised shopping destination, offering boutique and high quality independent shops to compliment the main High Street. It is also home to the Curzon Community Cinema, the UK s longest running community cinema which originally opened in Patrons include Sir Tony Robinson, Alan Rickman, Terry Gilliam and Aardman. Other attractions include Clevedon Court, a fourteenth century Manor House owned and run by the National Trust and Clevedon Craft Centre, offering a range of local arts and crafts within the setting of 17th Century farm outbuildings. Clevedon was the major location for filming ITV s highly successful TV series Broadchurch and featured in the Keira Knightley film Never Let Me Go. The town combines a picturesque coastal environment with an ideal business location offering easy access to both the M5 and M4. Numerous businesses are situated in or close to Clevedon including Edwards Ltd, Britannia Windows, Hydro International, Gordano Packaging, PureComms, Auma UK and Palm Equipment. The main business and trading estates are Hither Green Trading Estate, Tweed Road Industrial Area, 5C Business Centre and Kenn Road Business Park. In addition, St Modwen has planning approval for a 9 hectare mixed employment development at Kenn Road.

13 Established 1982 Area of operation South West of England Group Turnover 25 Million up 300% since Employees 200+ up from 50 in 2010 Manufacture and install 800 windows/doors per week. Leading installer of Solar Panels in the region. We have achieved significant growth primarily through acquisition, taking advantage of good transport links, a skilled and flexible workforce and strong support from other local business. We will continue to leverage our state of the art automated production facility and head offices in Clevedon, to consolidate our position as one of the most successful and fastest growing companies in the industry. Hayden Rushton Britannia Windows 13

14 As a world leading electric actuator manufacturer, AUMA s subsidiary locations are seen as essential for global growth. Located in Clevedon since 1978, the Group s UK operation has gone from strength to strength. Key benefits of the region cited by the management team include excellent travel links and the calibre of the local professional, technical and engineering resource. Paul Hopkins Auma UK AUMA relocated in 2010 to new facilities the company remained committed to North Somerset seeing the area as ideally placed to support UK growth A number of senior appointments over the last 12 months include a new Service Sales Manager and Head of Internal Sales, both based at Clevedon Expanding customer base includes major power plants, refineries and water works Heavy R&D investment results in continued product innovation e.g. a new actuator size more than doubles the torque range of the predecessor product The AUMA Group celebrates its 50th anniversary in AUMA achieved a top ten placement in the European Business awards

15 North Somerset is a great place to do business, it has ideal links to other parts of the UK and we have found an exciting pool of talented people based here. We are looking forward to continuing our growth over the next few years Rob Vivian PureComms Winner of the 2012 Sian Lloyd Jones Business Award Winner of the 2012 Channel Reseller of the year award Zero to 500k T/O in three years (projected to do 1.2m in fourth year) Employ 9 people Clients including Bristol Airport, BWOC, Bonhams, Real World Studios, Britannia Windows of nearly 120 local business customers Research and Development facility as part of our growth 15

16 Nailsea Town Profile Nailsea and Backwell combined have a population of over 15,600. Nailsea town centre is situated five miles east of Junction 20 of the M5 and 8 miles out of Bristol city centre. Bristol Airport is only a 15 minute journey away. The M4 is only six miles from Nailsea, providing direct routes to London and South Wales. Direct intercity trains to London can be caught from Nailsea and Backwell station. Bristol Temple Meads station is a 10 minute journey away, offering connections to numerous cities and cross country destinations throughout the UK. Nailsea has benefited over the years from its broad industrial base, with companies such as GE Oil & Gas, Brabantia, Avery s and Nylaplas Engineering Ltd committed to the town. GE Oil & Gas has expanded tenfold over the last decade and is a world leader in advanced technology equipment and services for all segments of the oil and gas industry. The award winning Tithe Barn, located in Nailsea s historic heart, dates back to the late 15th century. Following an investment of over 1 million and strong support from Nailsea Town Council, Holy Trinity Church and the HLF, it has recently been restored and now provides a stunning community venue. There are also a number of leisure attractions close to Nailsea including the National Trust Tyntesfield Estate, Oakham Treasures and the beautiful Nailsea and Backwell Lake Grounds. 16

17 Subsea Controls centre of excellence World leading manufacturing and engineering Over 700 staff, Global business GE Oil & Gas is a global and world leading manufacturing and engineering business with a group turnover of $112m dollars. Our site in Nailsea is the Centre of Excellence for Subsea Production Controls, employing over 700 people. North Somerset is a beautiful location and we ve invested heavily in our facilities to increase growth and prospects for people in the area. Mike Box GE Oil & Gas 17

18 Sites and premises across North Somerset 18 There are a range of premises and sites across North Somerset to cater for the needs of all sizes of business, from start-ups, small to medium sized companies, through to major employers. These include: Existing commercial property Office accommodation - such as Marine View Office Park, Portishead Office Park, Gordano Gate and Portisfields (all Portishead) Estune Business Park (Long Ashton), Ham Green Business Park (Pill), Clevedon 5/20 and Kenn Road Business Park (all Clevedon), Farleigh Court (Flax Bourton), The Old Brewery (Pill), The Grange (Hewish) as well as Worle Parkway, Weston Gateway Business Park and Locking Parklands (all Weston); Commercial & industrial workspace such as Hither Green, Tweed Road, Strode Road and Clevedon 5/20 (all Clevedon), Harbour Road and Old Mill Road (Portishead), Southfield Road, West End Trading Estate, Coates and Vines Industrial Estates (all Nailsea), Weston Industrial Estate, Lynx Crescent, Oldmixon Crescent, Oakwood Business Park (all Weston) and various sites/premises at Royal Portbury Dock. Managed workspace North Somerset has a number of managed work spaces offering flexible offices, studios and workshops. Small and growing businesses can take advantage of short-term leases, expandable space and even on-site support at a number of sites including: Weston Airfield The Hive is a landmark 20,000sq ft business centre currently under construction in the Junction 21 Enterprise Area. Opening spring 2014, it will help support up to 60 local businesses by providing them with an array of on-site business support, resources and services. Inside, the professional, flexible and affordable space will include fullyequipped offices with high speed broadband, a managed reception, virtual offices, meeting rooms, on-site support, a business club and networking opportunities. The centre will be owned and managed by North Somerset Enterprise Agency (NSEA), who will also be based there to provide support, advice and training.

19 Leigh Court, Abbot s Leigh Three miles from the M5 and close to Bristol city centre, Leigh Court is a Grade II* listed mansion offering serviced office space. The site, in a parkland setting, has offices of various sizes which would be suitable for between two and 12 people. There is a 12 month minimum rental lease which includes a full range of office services, from franking to photocopying, that can be tailored to individual needs. In addition, tenants have access to business services such as on-site catering and preferential rates for corporate hire. Pure Offices, Portishead and Weston Pure Offices (Portishead) is home to more than 70 businesses thanks to its fully-serviced accommodation which combines studio, workshop and office space. High-speed fibre optic broadband is included in the price and the centre is in an excellent location just off Junction 19 (M5). Pure Offices has expanded into Weston with the newly completed highspecification serviced offices in Pastures Avenue, St George s. This provides 66 office units of various sizes for businesses in any sector and stage of development. New employment sites & developments There are a number of new employment sites/developments that benefit from planning permission and which offer land purchase, bespoke design and build and/or rental options. These include: Junction 21 Enterprise Area (J21EA) 72 hectares ready to go at Weston Gateway Business Park, Locking Parklands, Weston Business Quarter and Weston Gateway (South and Central Gate) for B1-B8 uses. Clevedon Business Park extension (Kenn Road) offering 8.9 hectares with outline permission for 330,000sq ft of office and industrial accommodation. Marine View Office Park (Portishead) To find out more about business premises/land in North Somerset visit or call the Economic Development Service on

20 Rural North Somerset 20 North Somerset s rich and varied landscape offers spectacular coastline, woodlands, the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and beautiful lakes. Bristol and Bath are easily accessible, whilst the area offers a range of leisure and sporting activities including walking, cycling, horseriding, sailing and dry slope ski-ing. Attractions and events include National Trust properties, farm attractions, three Piers (two of which are award-winning), music concerts and the international balloon and kite festivals. Quality of life and good connectivity are key factors for existing businesses located here. A number of our major rural businesses are nationally and internationally renowned including; Thatchers, Butcombe Brewery, Yeo Valley Organics, Lye Cross Farm, Doubletree by Hilton Cadbury House, Claverham Ltd, Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, Bristol Airport and Langford Veterinary College (part of Bristol University). This dynamic area is also home to many smaller businesses, particularly those in the food, drink and creative industries sectors. Business premises (offices and commercial) available across rural North Somerset include Eden Office Park (Pill), The Grange (Hewish), The Old Brewery (Pill), Estune Business Park (Long Ashton), Long Ashton Business Centre, Farleigh Court (Flax Bourton), Market Industrial Estate (Yatton) and Pear Tree Industrial Estate (Langford). The successful Made in North Somerset annual festival showcases the rich variety of talented food, drink, art and craft producers in the area. The event is growing from strength to strength, with more producers getting involved each year. Backwell, Congresbury, Long Ashton, Winscombe, Wrington and Yatton continue to act as key service centres for their rural hinterland and also serve as key locations for many of our smaller but vital rural employment sites.

21 Martin Thatcher Thatchers This inspirational region has a strength in agriculture and food manufacture. My family has been making cider here at Myrtle Farm for over a hundred years. We are continuing to invest not only with new orchards, but also a new 3 million energy efficient packaging facility for our craft ciders, providing a vibrant, state of the art resource to support our continued growth. 21

22 Wrington Vale in North Somerset is home to our dairy herds and our Lye Cross Farm cheese house. It is a perfect location to produce our award winning West Country Farmhouse Cheddar and other English cheese. Modern communications enable us to supply customers from our farm shop and UK retailers, to importers from the USA to Japan and Spain to South Africa. Peter Alvis Lye Cross 110 employees The family have been making cheese since 1952 Seeing continued export growth in the Asian market 22 Supply many of the UK's leading retailers and wholesalers

23 We chose to be located in North Somerset because of the highly skilled workforce and great communications. Guy Newell Butcombe We are privileged to live and work in North Somerset, alongside some phenomenal food and drink producers such as Thatchers, Yeo Valley, Lye Cross Farm and of course Butcombe! Jonathan Jones Create Flavours 23

24 Bristol Port/Royal Portbury Docks "A major port like ours has to change constantly to accommodate the needs of global customers. North Somerset Council understands what we need and it appreciates the massive multiplier effect of having a deep water port in its area. Nowhere else in the UK has this quality of infrastructure combined with the very high quality of life that is on offer in North Somerset - a winning combination." Simon Bird Bristol Port Company 24 Bristol Port is the UK's most centrally located deep water port and can handle vessels up to 130,000 dwt. The most economical port distribution location in the UK with 45 million people in a 300km radius. Turnover of 74m per annum. Expanding cruise liner port of call including Fred Olsen (from 2014). High security facility. Equipped to handle all types of cargo from containers to bulk goods. Warehousing and storage facilities for every cargo from fresh produce and paper to bulk animal feed/grains and biomass. The only deep water port in the UK with direct access to motorway and railway to all points of the compass. Over 1,000 acres of development land are in the immediate vicinity of the port much of which already has planning consent.

25 Bristol Airport Bristol Airport is the fifth largest UK airport outside London, and the fastest growing over the last decade. Direct flights to over 100 destinations coupled with multiple daily services to major international hubs makes North Somerset accessible to companies from across the world as well as improving access to global markets for local businesses. Robert Sinclair Bristol Airport Bristol Airport currently handles approximately six million passengers per annum, with planning approval to expand to handle ten million per annum. Over 100 flights across 30 countries are served by direct flights including 13 European capital cities. The only British airport with WorldHost customer service accreditation for customer service. The number of overseas visitors using Bristol Airport has increased three-fold since Winner of Best UK Airport in Business Travel awards Nearly 3,000 people are employed by 45 different organisations at Bristol Airport. The development of Bristol Airport to handle 10 million passengers per annum will generate an estimated 3,500 jobs in the South West. The development will deliver total additional income to the South West region of between 1.9 and 2 billion. Bristol Airport s Local Community Fund supports projects in the local area of the Airport with an annual fund of 100k. 25

26 Double Tree by Hilton, Cadbury House 26 DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House is widely regarded as being the premier venue for conferences, weddings, private functions and meetings in the South West. Nestled in the North Somerset countryside, the 132-bedroom, contemporary-style hotel boasts fantastic conference and banqueting facilities, complete wedding packages and an award-winning health club and spa. Set against a backdrop of woodland, Cadbury House is complemented by fantastic views across the Bristol Channel and beyond into Wales and the extensive free car parking and panoramic views combine to make DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House the perfect place to stay whatever the occasion. Cadbury House was acquired by the current owners in 2003 for 1.7 million, creating over 250 jobs following its refurbishment. A more recent addition is the Marco Pierre White restaurant which opened in Located on the B3133 (between Congresbury and Yatton), Cadbury House is close to both the centre of Bristol and Bristol Airport. It is also just minutes from Junctions 20 and 21 of the M5 motorway and Yatton railway station providing direct links to the main rail network.

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28 For more information contact the Economic Development Service on , visit or follow us on twitter November Front cover main image: Martin Thatcher, harvest 2013 Business images by Neil Phillips Photography