Luton factory outperforms competition

The Vauxhall factory in Luton has outperformed its competition by producing 60 percent of the UK’s commercial vehicles in 2011. The production of the Vivaro van accounted for 57 percent of the total industry volume and more than 64 percent of its vans produced were exported to Europe. The Luton plant has been producing the Vauxhall Vivaro, Renault Traffic and Nissan Primastar since 2001 and has produced 1.25million vehicles since its launch in 2011. The plant received further good news in 2011 when GM announced the 2013 Vivaro van would continue to be produced at the Luton facility. Luton’s plant Director, Mark Stein said: “Responsibility for the majority of 

UK’s industry volume in van manufacturing  is a huge achievement and I heartily congratulate our excellent workforce for their commitment and dedication”.

London Luton Airport consults on expansion plan

London Luton Airport Ltd is looking to increase  the capacity of Luton airport from the current estimate of 11.5m passengers a year to 18 million passengers a year. The proposal is to expand using the existing runway and within the current boundary, which it estimates could create up to 6,000 new jobs and generate millions of pounds of investment. The plans would improve the  airport’s congested road network, airport car parking, passenger terminal, aircraft taxiways, aprons, piers and parking stands. Cllr Robin Harris, chair of LLAL said: “Government forecasts show an air travel capacity shortage in the South-East of England by 2020 and we believe that London Luton Airport has the ability to help meet this shortage. The consultation is about ensuring the airport continues to be a good neighbour, while providing local, regional and national economies. More information on the consultation can be found on www.futureluton.co.uk

Clearhead wins Local Business Accelerators competition

The competition, backed by 500 newspapers up and down the country, as well as Prime Minister David Cameron, aims to boost one-to-three year old companies to the next level. The local creative agency initially applied online for the competition and was thrilled when selected to become one of five SME businesses, from across Beds, Herts and Bucks to go through to a Dragons Den style pitch. Clearhead Media were selected competition winners by the Dragons and were awarded three months free advertising in local press and business mentoring for the company. Clearhead's Director Alex said:  "To find out we were one of two to gain the award has been a great start to 2012 and has motivated us even more to make this our best year yet.”

Local business forges alliance with world leader in packaging

Bell Packaging Ltd has announced a joint collaboration with Grumbe Srl to promote high quality transparent packaging in the UK. Grumbe are recognised as the world’s leading producer of printed transparent packaging.  With increased requests from consumer packaged goods companies for their products, an agreement has been reached between Bell Packaging and Grumbe to provide full availability in the UK of their unique range. Peter Lennie, MD of Bell Packaging Ltd, said “Everybody at Bell is very excited about the new product range. Grumbe have made significant improvements in the environmental  aspects of transparent packaging. With their specialised print and creasing capabilities along with the production of other  substrates we can offer the complete solution for medium and large FMCG projects.” For more information visit www.bellpackaging.com 

Retail performance in Luton defies national picture

Despite the challenging national retail picture, The Mall Luton enjoyed a healthy level of footfall on the lead up to Christmas 2011 with shoppers making the most of the great range of stores available on their doorstep. The centre was 6.4% up YOY for the week leading up to Christmas and 4.4% up on Boxing Day. Mark Broadhead, General Manager at The Mall Luton comments: “The all-important pre-Christmas trading period has been very positive for us here at The Mall, with many shoppers drawn in by our £20 million redevelopment and the great range of gifts and fashions on offer across our variety of stores.

Think Luton Think Business Training & Skills Guide launched

Following feedback from local companies, Luton Borough Council have put together a general guide detailing major providers of training in various sectors in Luton.  The guide provides an overview of courses available and business sectors local training providers can cover to assist companies with their workforce development. In addition, many of the providers also offer support to companies with opportunities for apprenticeships, internships and assistance with graduate recruitment. To download the guide, visit www.luton.gov.uk/business

Junction 10a improvements gets provisional approval

Luton Borough Council have received provisional government support to improve M1 Junction 10a. The much-needed improvement scheme is aimed at securing business growth and help bring more businesses to the town. Cllr Roy Davis, the Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, said: “This is excellent news which brings us a step closer towards delivering a number of major economic regeneration opportunities in Luton. The M1 Junction 10a improvements scheme  is an essential part of the infrastructure required to help deliver  the sustainable economic and employment growth that is much needed in this area. It could  also help facilitate potential development at London Luton Airport and unlock up to 900 jobs that could be created from the relocation of Northern and Shell’s operations for the Express newspaper group.” If the scheme is given full approval, work could begin in early 2013.

Innovative firm leads the way with digital help

Local Firm Connect IB’s innovative approach has helped them secure contracts with major global brands. The company, based at Butterfield Technology Park, is a new breed of agency that delivers software solutions and creative brilliance for mobile, touch screens, web, signage, email and social media. More recently, Westfield Shopping Centres has installed the company’s Digital Wayfinding touchscreens throughout the new Stratford City shopping centre, helping millions of customers navigate their way throughout the centre. The company have continued to push the boundaries and has developed a smartphone  App to compliment the navigation service and help shoppers plan their shopping trip as well as receive the latest retail offers. Keith Jump, Managing Director of Connect IB said, ‘2011 is an exciting year for our clients & IB, digital is key to a successful strategy, delivering operational efficiencies, marketing impact and commercial  success. I’m incredibly proud of what we and our clients have achieved together’.

Luton company launches worlds first 3D video eBook

Andrews UK have released ‘A Dream of Christmas 3D’  on Apple’s iBookstore which features the first true 3D video within an eBook, and when connected to a 3DTV – plays a six-and-a-half minute 3D Film which complements the story of the book. Andrews UK have always pushed the boundaries of what is possible in eBook publishing. The company, which offers digital publishing partnerships and also a distribution service to all publishers, have often been the first to market with the latest technologies. CEO Paul Andrews said “We are very pleased to have achieved this milestone. Staying one step ahead of the global game is central to our business model. With our new 3D eBook we hope to show the world what can be done with rich media content, and also aim to delight children all over the globe with this wonderful book and video”.

Richard Desmond officially launches Luton Site

Northern and Shell officially launched its Luton site on 28 November 2011 and media mogul Richard Desmond, chairman of Northern and Shell, officially pressed the button which saw the Daily Star roll off the presses for the first time at the £100m facility on Kimpton Road. The site will be run by David Broadhurst, Chief Executive of Westferry Printers, a  subsidiary of Northern and Shell and once fully functional; will print 2 million copies of the Daily and Sunday express per night. The facility has already created 90 jobs, 40 of which have gone to local people. David Broadhurst said: "Luton Borough Council did a great job selling Luton to us and tempting us with all Luton had to offer. 

Colin Chick was second to none - Luton City here we come." The approval of Junction 10a improvements further improves the prospects of the company creating a further 900 potential jobs as they expand their operations in Luton.