£100,000 grant puts firm on cloud nine

AN aerospace consultancy is hopeful of creating 10 new jobs after being given £100,000 from the Northwest Regional Development Agency to buy new equipment.

Aerotech Design Consultants Ltd, which has sites in Middleton and Stockport, received support under the Grant for Business Investment (GBI) programme.

The company supplies technical services to the aerospace engineering and manufacturing sector, including a three-year contract with Airbus UK in Broughton. Aerotech will use the grant to invest in a laser tracking system to support design contract work and enable accurate assessment of tolerances.

This service will create a new branch of the business, and has led to three new jobs being created immediately. Aerotech is hopeful that, in time, a further jobs will be added to the payroll of 23. Director David Blackmore said: “We are the only independent business in this sector to have this equipment.

GBI grants are for investment projects which will increase productivity, skills and employment in the region.


Think ahead

Companies naturally respond to economic downturns by tightening the purse strings and staff training is often one of the hardest hit, but the Institute of Payroll Professionals says the smarter decision makers should seize the opportunity to invest in staff skills in preparation for the upturn.


Kissing has to stop

Businesses should encourage colleagues to keep their distance during meetings and stop shaking hands and kissing on the cheek to avoid the potentially costly impact of swine flu.

These precautions are necessary according to a pandemic training company, Training Scenarios, which has released a set of measures amid fears the virus could cost British industries up to £1.5 billion a day as it spreads.

The firm believes that taking steps such as setting up home working for employees, maintaining two–metre distances between staff and wiping phones and door handles could make a significant difference.