Companies based at Hillington Park have shown their commitment to a council initiative aimed at reducing unemployment and helping the local Renfrewshire economy to grow.
The Invest in Renfrewshire team took to the streets of Hillington Park recently to spread word about the programme.
The team’s business development advisors spent two days visiting firms from around the Park, aiming to recruit new firms to the programme who may not have been aware of what is on offer.
More than 20 firms signed up to the scheme as a result of the week, bringing the total number of Hillington Park sign-ups to above 80.
Businesses that expressed an interest were invited to an event in the Innovation Centre where more information was available on the programme’s packages of financial support.
Invest in Renfrewshire offers grants and loans which can help firms pursue growth projects, take on new staff, purchase new equipment and move or upgrade premises.
Therese McKendrick, Economic Development Officer, Renfrewshire council, said: “We covered a lot of ground over the few days but it was worth it. It was great to get out and about and meet so many new companies and show them the benefits Invest in Renfrewshire could bring.
“We are still picking up new leads now as a result of the contact we had, so hopefully we will be able to bring even more companies on board.”
Jamie Cumming, Commerical Director, MEPC, Hillington Park added: “We have been a supporter of the Invest in Renfrewshire scheme since it was launched and we are pleased that so many companies on the Park are continuing to back the programme. Hillington Park contributes over £340m of economic wealth to the economies of Renfrewshire and Greater Glasgow, and we are committed to Renfrewshire and the local economy. Invest in Renfrewshire is a fantastic way to encourage growth while supporting businesses and young people in the area.”
Businesses that would like to learn more can get information at www.investinrenfrewshire.com
Tuesday, 7 January 2014
Hillington Park backs new student environment initiative
An initiative to brighten up sites in Renfrewshire in a bid to deter flytippers has been given its full support by MEPC Hillington Park.
Design students from West College Scotland will apply their talents to the initiative’s pilot project, a small piece of land at Hillington Park, for the programme being developed to transform potential eyesores into environmental assets.
The designs for the Hillington Park site will be based on the theme of the Commonwealth Games and the winning entry will be displayed on fencing around the piece of currently unused land.
The new fencing will also promote Renfrewshire Council’s Do your bit message; emphasising the whole communities’ role in protecting the environment and recycling.
Jamie Cumming, Commercial Director for MEPC Hillington Park said: “Hillington Park is a very attractive business environment and we are determined to keep it that way. There are over 500 organisations employing over 6000 people on the Park so we want to ensure that it continues to be an appealing place to do business and a pleasant place to visit for those business’s customers.
“This particular site is a tiny part of Hillington Park’s 417 acre footprint but we want to reinforce the message that flytipping will not be tolerated anywhere here.
“We recently announced a ten year plan to invest up to £50m in developing new sites and existing infrastructure at Hillington Park so we are pleased to be involved in such an innovative project with our partners in Renfrewshire. In particular, we are delighted to be working with students at West College Scotland on a real life commercial project.”
Councillor Eddie Devine, Convener of the Environment Policy Board said: “The talent of these students at West College Scotland is exceptional and it’s clear that huge amounts of understanding, creativity and hard work went into their design submissions.
“Flytipping can become a real nuisance to local businesses and the community. This initiative reverses that blight and is a real opportunity to develop new ways of preventing the dumping of rubbish on private and public land.
“It will also support our local students, enhance the potential for business growth, and develop a culture where waste is recognised as a valuable resource.”
The £28,000 initiative is a joint venture between Renfrewshire Council, MEPC Hillington Park, West College Scotland, Robust Property and Zero Waste Scotland.
Design students from West College Scotland will apply their talents to the initiative’s pilot project, a small piece of land at Hillington Park, for the programme being developed to transform potential eyesores into environmental assets.
The designs for the Hillington Park site will be based on the theme of the Commonwealth Games and the winning entry will be displayed on fencing around the piece of currently unused land.
The new fencing will also promote Renfrewshire Council’s Do your bit message; emphasising the whole communities’ role in protecting the environment and recycling.
Jamie Cumming, Commercial Director for MEPC Hillington Park said: “Hillington Park is a very attractive business environment and we are determined to keep it that way. There are over 500 organisations employing over 6000 people on the Park so we want to ensure that it continues to be an appealing place to do business and a pleasant place to visit for those business’s customers.
“This particular site is a tiny part of Hillington Park’s 417 acre footprint but we want to reinforce the message that flytipping will not be tolerated anywhere here.
“We recently announced a ten year plan to invest up to £50m in developing new sites and existing infrastructure at Hillington Park so we are pleased to be involved in such an innovative project with our partners in Renfrewshire. In particular, we are delighted to be working with students at West College Scotland on a real life commercial project.”
Councillor Eddie Devine, Convener of the Environment Policy Board said: “The talent of these students at West College Scotland is exceptional and it’s clear that huge amounts of understanding, creativity and hard work went into their design submissions.
“Flytipping can become a real nuisance to local businesses and the community. This initiative reverses that blight and is a real opportunity to develop new ways of preventing the dumping of rubbish on private and public land.
“It will also support our local students, enhance the potential for business growth, and develop a culture where waste is recognised as a valuable resource.”
The £28,000 initiative is a joint venture between Renfrewshire Council, MEPC Hillington Park, West College Scotland, Robust Property and Zero Waste Scotland.
Monday, 7 October 2013
Choosing most effective route to market
You can have the best product in the world but you will fail if you are unable to put it in front of the right customer. In order to achieve business success you must be able to identify and focus on the most effective routes to market. This requires you to understand your ‘ideal’ customer and their buying behaviour and, more importantly, articulate clearly why they should buy from you. Securing this information will help you to choose the best sales channel for your product.
The masterclass, delivered by Rhona Campbell who is an expert in global product management and product marketing, will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to undertake the necessary market research as well as assess which route to market is the right one for you. It will provide pragmatic advice on the most cost effective approach to take as well as outline real life success stories and how to avoid some of the pitfalls.
Rhona has over 15 years experience working with small and medium-sized technology companies to achieve growth and success in both the UK and overseas markets. Her practical know-how has helped companies to commercialise and launch new products, enter new emerging markets as well as develop and implement international marketing strategies. Rhona has recently set up her own Edinburgh-based consultancy, Rhona Campbell Associates, working with start-up and investor-funded technology companies to assess commercial feasibility of new products, formulate product strategy/roadmap and take leading-edge technology to market.
This masterclass is aimed at senior managers in SMEs who are responsible for driving their business growth and sales strategy.
The cost to attend this event is £30.00. A discounted rate of £20.00 is available for clients of HPIC, Hillington Park, Alba Innovation Centre, the Atrium, Interactive Scotland, members of Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire Chambers of Commerce.
Please select the 'members only' ticket to access this discount. Click here to book your place>>> https://hillingtonmasterclass.eventbrite.co.uk/
This event is being run by Hillington Park Innovation Centre in conjunction with MEPC and is open to all companies on Hillington Park.
The masterclass, delivered by Rhona Campbell who is an expert in global product management and product marketing, will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to undertake the necessary market research as well as assess which route to market is the right one for you. It will provide pragmatic advice on the most cost effective approach to take as well as outline real life success stories and how to avoid some of the pitfalls.
Rhona has over 15 years experience working with small and medium-sized technology companies to achieve growth and success in both the UK and overseas markets. Her practical know-how has helped companies to commercialise and launch new products, enter new emerging markets as well as develop and implement international marketing strategies. Rhona has recently set up her own Edinburgh-based consultancy, Rhona Campbell Associates, working with start-up and investor-funded technology companies to assess commercial feasibility of new products, formulate product strategy/roadmap and take leading-edge technology to market.
This masterclass is aimed at senior managers in SMEs who are responsible for driving their business growth and sales strategy.
The cost to attend this event is £30.00. A discounted rate of £20.00 is available for clients of HPIC, Hillington Park, Alba Innovation Centre, the Atrium, Interactive Scotland, members of Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire Chambers of Commerce.
Please select the 'members only' ticket to access this discount. Click here to book your place>>> https://hillingtonmasterclass.eventbrite.co.uk/
This event is being run by Hillington Park Innovation Centre in conjunction with MEPC and is open to all companies on Hillington Park.
New Carstore to open creating seventy new jobs
A new, flagship ‘Carstore’ is to open at Hillington Park in December with the creation of seventy new jobs.
The 70,000 sq ft ‘Carstore’, located on a six acre site, will be opened by Peter Vardy Limited, the rapidly-expanding car retailer.
The enormous new facility, at the M8 entrance to the Park, will be home to 400 pre-owned cars which will be displayed indoors in a heated showroom.
The company is currently recruiting to fill the seventy new vacancies including sales executives, parts advisors, parts supervisors, service administrators, showroom hosts, technicians, vehicle progressors, workshop controllers, sales controllers, sales manager, vehicle administrator, accounts assistant, apprentice technicians and drivers.
Jamie Cumming, commercial director at Hillington Park said: “Hillington Park is already home to around 500 businesses employing over 6000 people so we’re delighted that another high profile business is to open on the Park adding a further seventy new staff to the large business community.
“We know that the location, just off the M8 motorway, is one of the main reasons why companies choose to base themselves here as it provides one of the most connected business locations in Scotland.”
Chief executive Peter Vardy said: "With this fantastic new Carstore, Peter Vardy Ltd is changing the face of the motor trade in Scotland. It is designed to be a destination dealership, where people can take their time in comfortable surroundings to find the car of their dreams.”
The 70,000 sq ft ‘Carstore’, located on a six acre site, will be opened by Peter Vardy Limited, the rapidly-expanding car retailer.
The enormous new facility, at the M8 entrance to the Park, will be home to 400 pre-owned cars which will be displayed indoors in a heated showroom.
The company is currently recruiting to fill the seventy new vacancies including sales executives, parts advisors, parts supervisors, service administrators, showroom hosts, technicians, vehicle progressors, workshop controllers, sales controllers, sales manager, vehicle administrator, accounts assistant, apprentice technicians and drivers.
Jamie Cumming, commercial director at Hillington Park said: “Hillington Park is already home to around 500 businesses employing over 6000 people so we’re delighted that another high profile business is to open on the Park adding a further seventy new staff to the large business community.
“We know that the location, just off the M8 motorway, is one of the main reasons why companies choose to base themselves here as it provides one of the most connected business locations in Scotland.”
Chief executive Peter Vardy said: "With this fantastic new Carstore, Peter Vardy Ltd is changing the face of the motor trade in Scotland. It is designed to be a destination dealership, where people can take their time in comfortable surroundings to find the car of their dreams.”
Global recruitment company is new addition to Hillington Park
Growing and internationally renowned company PG Global have become the latest new arrival at Hillington Park’s Merlin Business Centre.
PG Global, who were previously based in the Park’s Innovation Centre, have moved into a suite on the third floor which will allow them to expand significantly over the next year.
The company, which has offices all over the world, traditionally offers recruitment services to the oil, gas, energy and marine industries but has experienced recent growth after moving into the renewable energy sector.
Paul Caruana, Business and Commercial Development Manager, PG Global said: “We are a global company with offices around the world including Spain, Malta, USA, Norway, Angola, and our Glasgow office is extremely important to us, not only because of the oil and gas in our country but because of the growing importance of renewable energy. We believe that we can be at the forefront of both sectors, which are closely connected, for many years to come.
“Due to our belief that we will continue to see substantial growth, we have moved into Merlin Business Centre as it will allow us to accommodate the planned growth, with the new office providing the necessary expansion space. At the moment our Hillington Park base is home to a team of five, but we hope to increase this by the end of the month and then again by the end of the year. Merlin is an ideal location for us and as an added bonus, allows our CEO and other senior figures to access us, easily and quickly from Glasgow airport.”
“We are delighted that PG Global has chosen to move into Merlin Business Centre as the company is undergoing continuous growth,” says Alison Clark, Marketing and Customer Manager, MEPC, “We have invested in the reception, shared facilities and communal areas to create more space and better facilities so that we not only attract flourishing companies but help to nurture that growth and support their success.”
Merlin Business Centre occupiers are in a prime position with commanding views of the Campsie Hills and Ben Lomond. Merlin offers a wide variety of office accommodation over four floors while the serviced office package and flexible Greenlite Licence agreements ensure that property issues are taken care of so that companies can concentrate on developing their business.
PG Global, who were previously based in the Park’s Innovation Centre, have moved into a suite on the third floor which will allow them to expand significantly over the next year.
The company, which has offices all over the world, traditionally offers recruitment services to the oil, gas, energy and marine industries but has experienced recent growth after moving into the renewable energy sector.
Paul Caruana, Business and Commercial Development Manager, PG Global said: “We are a global company with offices around the world including Spain, Malta, USA, Norway, Angola, and our Glasgow office is extremely important to us, not only because of the oil and gas in our country but because of the growing importance of renewable energy. We believe that we can be at the forefront of both sectors, which are closely connected, for many years to come.
“Due to our belief that we will continue to see substantial growth, we have moved into Merlin Business Centre as it will allow us to accommodate the planned growth, with the new office providing the necessary expansion space. At the moment our Hillington Park base is home to a team of five, but we hope to increase this by the end of the month and then again by the end of the year. Merlin is an ideal location for us and as an added bonus, allows our CEO and other senior figures to access us, easily and quickly from Glasgow airport.”
“We are delighted that PG Global has chosen to move into Merlin Business Centre as the company is undergoing continuous growth,” says Alison Clark, Marketing and Customer Manager, MEPC, “We have invested in the reception, shared facilities and communal areas to create more space and better facilities so that we not only attract flourishing companies but help to nurture that growth and support their success.”
Merlin Business Centre occupiers are in a prime position with commanding views of the Campsie Hills and Ben Lomond. Merlin offers a wide variety of office accommodation over four floors while the serviced office package and flexible Greenlite Licence agreements ensure that property issues are taken care of so that companies can concentrate on developing their business.
Former Rolls Royce site at Hillington Park purchased for £2.85m
Acquisition plays part in £50m plans for Scotland's largest business and industrial estate.
The site of the former Rolls Royce engine factory at Hillington Park has been purchased, 75 years after the Park’s formal opening.
MEPC, Hillington Park’s majority owners, completed the £2.85M deal for the 28 acre site from St Modwen Developments, 75 years after Hillington Park was formally opened by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1938.
The acquisition is part of a planned investment by MEPC of up to £50m over the next ten years at Hillington Park. The plans include significant investment in infrastructure, new commercial buildings and further supporting retail and other service amenities.
Hillington Park, which is home to around 500 businesses employing in the region of 6100 people, covers 419 acres including 43 acres of development land on the edge of Renfrewshire and Glasgow regions, next to the M8 motorway. It is also home to the award winning Hillington Park Innovation Centre and the Merlin Business Centre which provide incubation and flexible office spaces for start-up and small growth businesses and regional offices for national and international companies.
Occupiers at Hillington Park come from sectors including retail, manufacturing, engineering, life sciences, technology and the public sector. Notable organisations include Balfour Beatty Engineering Services, Heathrow Airport Holdings, NHS, Red Cross and BMI Healthcare.
Rolls Royce moved onto the Park in 1939 as a ‘shadow’ aero engine manufacturing facility for the Merlin engines that powered the Spitfire and Hurricane fighter planes for the war effort. After the war [in 1947] Rolls Royce took ownership of the Hillington factory manufacturing turbojet engines as well as almost all other aero engines that the company went on to develop. The company moved from Hillington Park to a purpose built facility in 2005. At its peak it employed 25,000 people turning out 400 engines a week.
Jamie Cumming, Commercial Director for MEPC in Scotland said: “Hillington Park has made, and continues to make, a major contribution to the Scottish economy and in particular, the economies of Renfrewshire and Greater Glasgow. Our research indicates that the Park’s occupiers generate over £340m of economic wealth every year. Today the Hillington Park business community represents a wide variety of sectors and business activity including renewables, light engineering, software design, logistics and the food & drinks industry.
“The purchase of the currently vacant, former Rolls Royce site is part of MEPC’s plans to further grow Hillington Park’s appeal as a location for local and national companies. This plan includes a new master plan, signage strategy and commitment to make a case for investment of up to £50M over the next 10 years in infrastructure, commercial buildings and supporting retail and other service amenities.
“We know from feedback from the current occupiers that Hillington Park’s location is unrivalled, so by making new development space available we hope to attract further ambitious businesses looking for buildings to meet their specific requirements. Through the realisation of these plans Hillington Park will become the next generation of business space in Scotland’s central belt.”
MEPC manages some of the UK's best known commercial property, with seven Business Estates [including Hillington Park and Clyde Gateway East] set in prime locations throughout the UK. Together they provide over 7 million sq ft of high quality space for more than 1,000 organisations, employing over 21,500 people. With a portfolio in excess of £700 million, we stand as a leader in our field.
The site of the former Rolls Royce engine factory at Hillington Park has been purchased, 75 years after the Park’s formal opening.
MEPC, Hillington Park’s majority owners, completed the £2.85M deal for the 28 acre site from St Modwen Developments, 75 years after Hillington Park was formally opened by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1938.
The acquisition is part of a planned investment by MEPC of up to £50m over the next ten years at Hillington Park. The plans include significant investment in infrastructure, new commercial buildings and further supporting retail and other service amenities.
Hillington Park, which is home to around 500 businesses employing in the region of 6100 people, covers 419 acres including 43 acres of development land on the edge of Renfrewshire and Glasgow regions, next to the M8 motorway. It is also home to the award winning Hillington Park Innovation Centre and the Merlin Business Centre which provide incubation and flexible office spaces for start-up and small growth businesses and regional offices for national and international companies.
Occupiers at Hillington Park come from sectors including retail, manufacturing, engineering, life sciences, technology and the public sector. Notable organisations include Balfour Beatty Engineering Services, Heathrow Airport Holdings, NHS, Red Cross and BMI Healthcare.
Rolls Royce moved onto the Park in 1939 as a ‘shadow’ aero engine manufacturing facility for the Merlin engines that powered the Spitfire and Hurricane fighter planes for the war effort. After the war [in 1947] Rolls Royce took ownership of the Hillington factory manufacturing turbojet engines as well as almost all other aero engines that the company went on to develop. The company moved from Hillington Park to a purpose built facility in 2005. At its peak it employed 25,000 people turning out 400 engines a week.
Jamie Cumming, Commercial Director for MEPC in Scotland said: “Hillington Park has made, and continues to make, a major contribution to the Scottish economy and in particular, the economies of Renfrewshire and Greater Glasgow. Our research indicates that the Park’s occupiers generate over £340m of economic wealth every year. Today the Hillington Park business community represents a wide variety of sectors and business activity including renewables, light engineering, software design, logistics and the food & drinks industry.
“The purchase of the currently vacant, former Rolls Royce site is part of MEPC’s plans to further grow Hillington Park’s appeal as a location for local and national companies. This plan includes a new master plan, signage strategy and commitment to make a case for investment of up to £50M over the next 10 years in infrastructure, commercial buildings and supporting retail and other service amenities.
“We know from feedback from the current occupiers that Hillington Park’s location is unrivalled, so by making new development space available we hope to attract further ambitious businesses looking for buildings to meet their specific requirements. Through the realisation of these plans Hillington Park will become the next generation of business space in Scotland’s central belt.”
MEPC manages some of the UK's best known commercial property, with seven Business Estates [including Hillington Park and Clyde Gateway East] set in prime locations throughout the UK. Together they provide over 7 million sq ft of high quality space for more than 1,000 organisations, employing over 21,500 people. With a portfolio in excess of £700 million, we stand as a leader in our field.
Monday, 22 July 2013
Hillington Park anniversary sparks special memories for couple
Earlier this year we appealed for people to come forward with their stories and memories of Hillington Park as part of the Park’s 75th anniversary.
The Park, which opened in 1938, has been home to thousands of workers in the last seven decades, including Kenny McCallum who came forward to share his story with us.
Kenny began working at the Rolls Royce factory in 1962, as a 16-year-old engineer.
In 1963 while on holiday in Northern Ireland, Kenny met Marilyn and after the pair got talking, he was stunned to discover that Marilyn worked in the same factory. A few years later they were married in Paisley and will soon be celebrating 46 years of marriage.
Kenny said: “Rolls Royce was a huge employer at that time and most of my family worked at the factory at some point in their lives. Everyone would help each other and the company held Christmas parties as well as an annual Gala Day. We were all very proud to be part of Hillington Park especially due to its wartime connections.
“Although Marilyn and I worked in the same factory it employed thousands of people so we didn’t actually know each other until we met on holiday. Hillington Park obviously holds a special place in our hearts even after all these years.”
Marilyn from Paisley added: “It was a great place to work and we always told our sons about our time at Rolls Royce and how we met. Now our three grandchildren want to know all about it.”
To get in touch with your memory, story or photograph contact hillington75@mepc.com or call 0141 883 5760.
The Park, which opened in 1938, has been home to thousands of workers in the last seven decades, including Kenny McCallum who came forward to share his story with us.
Kenny began working at the Rolls Royce factory in 1962, as a 16-year-old engineer.
In 1963 while on holiday in Northern Ireland, Kenny met Marilyn and after the pair got talking, he was stunned to discover that Marilyn worked in the same factory. A few years later they were married in Paisley and will soon be celebrating 46 years of marriage.
Kenny said: “Rolls Royce was a huge employer at that time and most of my family worked at the factory at some point in their lives. Everyone would help each other and the company held Christmas parties as well as an annual Gala Day. We were all very proud to be part of Hillington Park especially due to its wartime connections.
“Although Marilyn and I worked in the same factory it employed thousands of people so we didn’t actually know each other until we met on holiday. Hillington Park obviously holds a special place in our hearts even after all these years.”
Marilyn from Paisley added: “It was a great place to work and we always told our sons about our time at Rolls Royce and how we met. Now our three grandchildren want to know all about it.”
To get in touch with your memory, story or photograph contact hillington75@mepc.com or call 0141 883 5760.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
