North West business briefs: Kinaxia Logistics; Chews Health; Suttons; FWP; schuh; Bowker; Miller Homes
Kinaxia Logistics has won a contract with marketing and distribution group Robinson Young to provide warehousing and transport services for fast-moving consumer goods across the country.
Robinson Young represents many well-known brands across sectors such as household goods, healthcare and cosmetics, stationery and catering. These include Bodyform, Vosene, Zoflora, ACE and Simple. The group, which is based in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, has strong relationships across all key retail, wholesale and online channels.
Kinaxia, based in Adlington, Macclesfield, has a strong regional presence in East Anglia, providing warehousing, fulfilment and road freight services to businesses across Norfolk via its logistics hub at Foulger Transport in Snetterton and a 250,000 sq ft facility at Roudham Park in Norwich.
The contract with Robinson Young sees Kinaxia collect and store goods and then distribute them to retailers’ warehouses throughout the UK via its national operations, internal K-Link network and other pallet network partners to efficiently accommodate consignments of all sizes and reduce delivery miles and emissions.
Kinaxia board director, Barry Germany, and regional sales director, Jane Cooper, worked with Robinson Young to tailor a UK-wide solution that matches the demands of the fast-paced business. Barry said: “This is a high volume contract which we were delighted to win in a competitive tender. It’s a perfect fit for our business, given the strength of our regional operational expertise in East Anglia combined with our nationwide footprint.”
Robinson Young chairman, Michael Robinson, said: “The two businesses have many synergies, both being privately owned, with similar cultures, with both of us seeking to achieve the highest possible level of service for our customers. We see many opportunities for both businesses to grow together and expand our working relationship into the future.”
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Chews Health, an internationally-acclaimed healthcare provider specialising in pain and injury rehabilitation, has opened its new facility at Timperley Sports Club. In recent months the Chews Health team has converted the groundskeeper’s former store into a healthcare facility and rehabilitation gym.
This cutting-edge clinic is equipped with the latest in medical and performance technology, including pneumatic resistance equipment, diagnostic ultrasound scanners, AI documentation software, modern injectables and force plate analysis. The team at Chews Health is dedicated to helping individuals recover from injuries and manage pain effectively, ensuring they can return to their daily activities as quickly and safely as possible.
Founder and director, Jack Chew, said: “We are thrilled to open a centre of excellence in the heart of this vibrant community. Our new facility represents our commitment to providing exceptional care and support to our patients. After six years in Timperley Village and two years as Timperley Sports Club sponsor, it is perfect timing to further our relationship with a new facility on site.”
In addition to offering top-notch medical care, Chews Health is planning several community initiatives in collaboration with Timperley Sports Club. These initiatives will focus on improving access to care for disadvantaged groups such as the elderly, under-active children and those with disabilities. Educational workshops, preventive care programs and support for local athletes are also planned to enhance the overall well-being of the community.
Dr Kirk Malone, Chairman of Timperley Sports Club, said: “We are proud to have Chews Health as a partner of Timperley Sports Club and now welcome them to be an even more integral part of our family. Their presence here will not only provide high quality healthcare to our members and the public, but also support our mission to foster a healthy and active community. We look forward to working together on initiatives that will benefit everyone, especially those who need it most.”
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Widnes site expansion
Widnes-based transport group, Suttons, has made a significant investment in the expansion of the Widnes site, aimed at accommodating the significant growth of its tankers and international businesses over the past few years.
To address the increasing space constraints, the group embarked on a strategic initiative approximately 18 months ago, acquiring an additional 1.5 acres of land next to the existing site. Working with a local business, Suttons has recently completed a comprehensive project to level and surface the newly acquired area.
As a result, it has increased its available trailer parking spaces by 55, significantly boosting operational capabilities. During the construction existing concrete structures were crushed and recycled to reduce the environmental impact of the project and minimise the need to transport and dispose of material off site.
The total investment for acquiring and developing the site is more than £1.5m. In addition to the site expansion, the international division has acquired two new high capacity forklift trucks which enable the firm to further maximise the capacity of the Widnes site.
CEO, John Sutton, said: “This expansion represents a major milestone for Suttons. The investment in our Widnes site not only supports our current growth but also positions us for future success. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency as we continue to grow.”
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FWP partnership with PNECET
Preston-based architecture, design and master planning practice, FWP, has become the first principal partner for Preston North End Community and Education Trust (PNECET).
The new partnership will see FWP supporting the Trust as it continues to deliver its life-enhancing programmes in the local community. Also, the partnership continues FWP’s strong association with the football club that stretches back 30 years. As principal partner, FWP’s logo will feature across the front of all staff kit at the Trust, as well as all community playing kit and any t-shirts and bibs that are used by staff when they deliver sessions.
Jack Mountain, Head of Fundraising at PNECET, which employs more than 40 full-time staff members, said: “It’s great for the Trust to be able to announce this partnership with a local company such as FWP. Their commitment to supporting the local community aligns perfectly with our values and goals. We are thrilled to be able to work closely with FWP as a result of this partnership and we thank them for their support and belief in the work that we do in our community.”
PNECET’s wide range of activities include delivering school holiday football camps, schools’ coaching sessions and many educational courses. It has also been recognised for its work around equality, diversity and inclusion. Neil Ainsworth, Director at FWP, said: “Preston has been our home for over 60 years, and we are very proud of our long and close association with the city’s football club. This new partnership with the club’s official charity offers a great opportunity for us to support its important community work.
“PNECET works to enhance lives through its health and wellbeing support and to provide opportunities through accessible education and positive engagement. Its record of delivery is impressive, benefiting tens of thousands of local people. We look forward to seeing this positive new partnership help PNECET and its brilliant team to deliver even more for our community.”
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Footwear retailer, schuh, has opened its latest adult and kids hybrid store at Liverpool Shopping Park. Located three miles from the city centre, Liverpool Shopping Park is set to be the biggest retail park in Liverpool, and will expand schuh’s North West region estate, which currently trades from 10 stores.
This latest expansion into retail park destinations marks the next stage of schuh’s investment in its store portfolio.
Neil Partington, schuh Chief Retail Officer, said: “We go where our customer goes and the retail park ‘day-out’ style of shopping offers a great opportunity for customers to spend longer in our store and establish that much needed connection.
“Our existing strengths, such as our welcoming and inclusive in-store environment, stellar customer service and unrivalled product offering will only be amplified in a retail park environment.”
As schuh has moved towards the increased use of mobile payment devices and the removal of cash desks in many stores, payment in this store is via mobile transactions at the point of sale, creating a frictionless customer experience.
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Volvo FH Aero
Bowker, the Preston-based haulage business, has taken delivery of one of the UK’s first Volvo FH Aero vehicles, a groundbreaking addition to its fleet made possible by its long term commercial partners, Thomas Hardie and Volvo Trucks UK.
The introduction of the Volvo FH Aero vehicle is another development in Bowker’s commitment to continued investment in its growth in sustainability. The Volvo FH is engineered to minimise fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. From its aerodynamic shape to the streamlined Camera Monitoring system and drag-free disc brakes, every aspect of the vehicle is designed with environmental responsibility in mind.
Bowker director, Bill Bowker, said: “We are thrilled to integrate the Volvo FH Aero into our fleet. Our partnership with Volvo has always been about embracing and investing in the future of logistics, and the FH Aero represents the latest step in our journey together towards greater efficiency and sustainability.”
Steve Wilson, Sales Director at Thomas Hardie Commercials, said: “We are immensely proud of our long established business partnership with Bowker Transport, this latest acquisition and investment in the new Volvo FH Aero product further demonstrates their ongoing commitment to embrace new technology with an emphasis being placed on reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency in line with their sustainability objectives.”
Through the 52-year partnership with Volvo, Bowker has consistently invested in innovative and industry-leading fuel-efficient technologies. By integrating the Volvo FH Aero into its fleet, Bowker said it showcases its commitment to sustainability and operational excellence but also has set a benchmark within the logistics industry.
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Miller Homes North West has raised more than £2,000 through competing in the Coniston Challenge, bringing the total raised for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool this year to £10,514.
The Coniston Challenge saw the homebuilder’s North West team take on a demanding 15km bike ride through the picturesque Lake District, an 11.8km hike to the summit of the iconic Old Man of Coniston, and a 3km canoe across Coniston Water.
Team members from Miller Homes North West who took part in the challenge include David Bowden, Nicola Graham, Nicola Inganni, Jade Davies, Rob Allen, Spencer Lamb, Andrew Milnes, Tracey Slann, John Pickup, and Alex Goodmarsh.
David Bowden, the team captain, said: “Taking part in the Coniston Challenge was an incredible experience for all of us. The combination of biking, hiking, and canoeing was tough, but knowing that our efforts are contributing to such a worthy cause made it all worthwhile. We’re extremely proud of what we’ve achieved so far and are motivated to continue our fundraising efforts for Alder Hey Children’s Charity.”
Stuart Craig, Managing Director of Miller Homes North West, said: “I am immensely proud of our team for their dedication and hard work. Their commitment to supporting Alder Hey Children’s Hospital is truly inspiring, and the funds raised will make a significant difference in the lives of many children. We are excited to continue our fundraising journey throughout the year and raise as much needed funds as we can.”
