Monday 7 October 2013

October on Birchwood Park Warrington

What’s on in October 2013?

From themed menus to Table Tops, we have some fantastic events at The Centre in October. We hope to see you there!

8/10/13 – Table Top: Phoenix Cards, Hayley Cowell
12noon – 2pm

8/10/13 – The Garden Restaurant: Tex Mex Theme
Discovery Foods will be here to share their secrets!
12noon – 2pm

9/10/13 – Table Top: Genesys Training
www.genesys-training.co.uk
12noon – 2pm

10/10/13 – Table Top: Alex - Aloe Vera Natural Health and Wellbeing
www.alexburt.myforever.biz
12noon – 2pm

11/10/13 – Hot Pot Supper in aid of The Neuro Foundation
Musical’s on an Autumn Evening by 5’s Company
From 7.30pm

15/10/13 & 16/10/13 – Table Top: Kim Cant - Alexander Technique
www.alexandertech-lancs-cheshire.co.uk
Would you like to discover how to avoid neck & shoulder pain when sitting at a computer? Are you worried about your posture? As part of International Alexander Awareness Week free taster sessions will be offered between 12noon – 2pm.

17/10/13 – Table Top:The Book People
www.thebookpeople.co.uk/bookevents
12noon – 2pm

24/10/13 – Table Top: Mission in the Economy
Meet our new On-Park Vicar - Jenifer
12noon – 2pm

31/10/13 – The Garden Restaurant: Halloween BBQ
12noon – 2pm

National Nuclear Laboratory takes next step in its evolution

Congratulations to our customer National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), who has announced their transition to a Government Owned, Government Operated business (GOGO), with immediate effect.

The NNL has previously been run as a Government owned, contractor operated (GOCO) body, a facility owned by the government, but operated in whole or part by private contractors.

With over 10,000 person-years of nuclear industry experience across the whole nuclear fuel cycle, the NNL provides expertise and technologies to ensure the UK nuclear industry operates safely and cost effectively for today and the future.

NNL has made tremendous progress during the four and a half years since the company was created.

The transition to GOGO will allow NNL to capitalise on a wide range of opportunities ahead, and be at the heart of Government plans for a national programme of nuclear energy research and development.

Paul Howarth, Managing Director at NNL, said: “NNL is now entering a very exciting stage of the company’s evolution.

“We are now central to the research and development which underpins work to clean up the UK’s nuclear waste legacy.

“In addition, we have major opportunities within our grasp and a closer relationship with the government - the future for NNL has never looked brighter.”

We wish NNL and the team there all the best for the next stage of their development.


Birchwood Park occupier Jones Melling appointed to oversee O2 franchise takeover

Congratulations to our occupier Jones Melling, who has been appointed to undertake building surveys and review potential dilapidations liabilities as part of a number of takeovers of nationwide O2 stores.

The chartered surveyors will be responsible for ensuring that stores are in an acceptable condition, prior to a franchisee taking them over from being centrally run by O2. Jones Mellings has so far carried out surveys in cities across the North West, as well as Weymouth, Bishops Stortford and London.

The deterioration of property occurs for a number of reasons, and can lead to disputes about the cause of the dilapidation. Such disputes are often costly, and settlements can contribute largely to the success or failure of an investment. Jones Melling’s involvement ensures no long standing repair and maintenance issues are passed on from O2 to the franchisees.

Gary Melling, joint founder and managing director at Jones Melling, said: “This is a brilliant project. O2 is transferring a large number of its stores to franchisees, giving them the rare opportunity to grow their own businesses under the umbrella of an extremely reputable global brand. As such, it’s really important for franchisees to carry out thorough property inspections to make sure that there are no nasty surprises at lease end.”

Well done to the Jones Melling team.


MEPC Birchwood Park gets behind European Mobility Week

MEPC Birchwood Park is supporting European Mobility Week (16th to 20th September) with a number of initiatives for Park occupiers and local Warrington residents.

The Park is partnering with local organisations to host events throughout the week and is dedicated to exploring sustainable transport and mobility methods.

Travel Warrington will be providing tips on sustainable travel options, showing occupiers and residents how to save money on fuel through more efficient driving and helping people to reduce their carbon footprint.

For those who favour pedal-power, Bike Right will be hosting a Dr. Bike session, offering free repairs and advice to cyclists. Plus, there will be a free biker’s brunch cooked by the Park’s talented chefs at The Centre to celebrate Cycle to Work Day.

Birchwood Park is committed to sustainability and actively encourages and supports those who wish to travel in a more environmentally responsible manner.

The Park have been providing a free shuttle bus service between Birchwood Park and Birchwood Train Station for a number of years, and this service was expanded to a double decker vehicle following increased demand for the scheme last summer. Occupiers can also get an exclusive 50% saving on a saver ticket for all Warrington Buses, as well as access to secure bike storage facilities, showers and an online car-share scheme.

MEPC Birchwood Park’s Managing Director, Jonathan Walsh, said: “As a community, we believe we should be encouraging people to consider the environment when deciding how they travel to work.

“That’s why it’s important for us to provide a range of travel services for everyone based at Birchwood Park, to ensure that occupiers can commute to and from work with ease, and reduce their carbon footprint.

“We’re looking forward to hosting these initiatives at the Park and hope to see our occupiers and local residents from around Warrington getting involved.”


Monday 22 July 2013

EFG Birchwood Park Breakfast Launch - Wednesday 24th July

Come and meet your new neighbours on Birchwood Park and enjoy a complimentary breakfast* whilst you check out their inspirational working environment...No fixed agenda, so drop in anytime between 7.30am and 10am on Wednesday 24th July.

EFG European Furniture Group
101 Dalton Avenue
Birchwood Park

Also be in with the chance to win an EFG one task chair!!

Everyone's welcome to visit their new refurbished office space.

To help with catering, please RSVP to hayley.flanagan@efgoffice.co.uk

*bacon barms, sausage barms, danishes, pastries, fresh fruit, tea, coffee and fruit juice

MEPC Birchwood Park Pyjama Day raises over £500

From the iconic comic book hero, Superman, to a rather large penguin, the MEPC Birchwood Park team and our occupiers sported a very different dress code last Friday in support of our nominated charity, The Lullaby Trust.

Giving a whole new meaning to dress down Fridays, Birchwood Park’s charity Pyjama Day raised just over £500. Great thanks in particular goes to A-Plant, Atkins, First Recruitment and the team at The Centre and our café outlets for their support!

The UK’s leading baby charity, The Lullaby Trust, aims to prevent unexpected deaths in infancy and promote infant health. Operating throughout the country, the charity supports families whose babies have died suddenly and unexpectedly.

The cot death charity was chosen after being nominated by one of our occupiers national equipment hire company, A-Plant,. The Park will hold a series of initiatives throughout the year to help raise money for families in the North West area.


Twinfix helps to transform Birchwood Park's shelters

Twinfix, specialist manufacturer of bespoke polycarbonate canopies, shelters and rooflights – and longstanding Park occupier – has designed and built a sleek new bike shelter for Birchwood Park.

The cutting-edge design, which will protect occupiers’ motorcycles from the North West’s elements, was created by new, upcoming talent, Rob Forsythe, and the project took just three weekends to complete.

Twinfix Director, Victoria Evans, said: “As an occupier on the park for over 13 years, we have a longstanding relationship with the team at Birchwood Park and are delighted to have been selected to design, construct and install the new motorcycle shelter.

“We wanted to create something truly bespoke which would act as both a stylish feature and a practical asset. The elegant design, paired with the Park’s modern new buildings, creates a space that is in keeping with the Park’s vision.”

A family business established more than 22 years ago, Twinfix now employs more than 60 local industry professionals and has worked on key national projects, including the Millennium Dome.

Commenting on the motorcycle shelter, MEPC Birchwood Park Managing Director, Jonathan Walsh, said: “It’s fantastic to see the talent and expertise of our occupiers shape the development of Birchwood Park.

“The team at Twinfix has exceeded our expectations on this project and we hope to work with them on future developments across the park.”

The motorcycle shelter boasts a central location on the park and is situated just outside The Centre, next to Chadwick House.


Stride into summer with Birchwood Park

Summer has finally arrived at Birchwood Park and to help you make the most of the good weather, we’ve planned a number of activities and events all around the park!

Throughout summer, we’ll be putting on a big pan and BBQ with live music every Wednesday, come rain or shine. We have a great line-up of music acts and will be serving the classic favourites as well as a vegetarian option.

To help you get fit and active, Birchwood Park has put together a walking map of the park so you can stretch your legs and take a stroll in the sun. You can also take in a little art and culture on the trail as you pass the park’s striking sculptures.

Or if you’d like to push your limits, you can join the Alive and Well team for bootcamp every Tuesday and Thursday evening and Saturday mornings. It’s free for gym members and just £5 for non-members – each session is designed to get your heart rate up and stress levels down!

For those of you who enjoy being in the garden, why not continue your hobby at work? Our allotments are the perfect way to get a little fresh air and make the most of your lunch hour.

Alternatively, if you really want to relax, you can simply take some time to sit in the sunshine and watch the world go by. There is plenty of outdoor seating and grassy areas at the park for occupiers to make use of throughout the summer months.

Monday 29 April 2013

Birchwood Park on YouTube

Take a look at our latest videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MEPCBirchwoodPark

CSE Controls, MEPC Birchwood Park Occupier, Wins Major MOD Contract

Birchwood Park occupier, CSE Controls, has been awarded a major contract from the Ministry of Defence at Her Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde.

Commonly known as Faslane, HMNB Clyde is the Royal Navy’s chief presence in Scotland, one of three operating bases in the United Kingdom providing a base port to the ships and submarines of the Faslane Flotilla (FASFLOT).

The project involves the return of a 125 tonne Finger Jetty Crane to operational service, including design and numerous modifications to parts and systems.

Albert Fleming, Divisional Director for CSE Controls’ Motherwell office said: "We are extremely pleased to win this prestigious contract with the Ministry Of Defence which will utilise key design and support staff across the five CSE Controls’ UK offices."

CSE is one of a growing number of engineering companies that operate from Birchwood Park. The park is home to 150 organisations and over 5,000 people – ranging from large blue chip businesses to new start-ups.

Jonathan Walsh, managing director of MEPC Birchwood Park said: “We’re delighted to see CSE Controls win such a prestigious contract and hope that we can support them as the project unfolds. Our aim is to provide a setting which caters to the varying needs of the employees and businesses we support. Through working alongside our occupiers, we’re able to provide an environment which is conducive to success.”


Birchwood Park’s National Nuclear Laboratory in partnership on groundbreaking ‘LaserSnake2’

The UK's National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) is pleased to announce that it has become a partner in an exciting collaborative R&D project worth £8 million. LaserSnake2 will develop lasers and robot carriers to create safe, cost efficient cutting tools for high hazard confined spaces.

LaserSnake2 is led by OC Robotics and is funded by the Technology Strategy Board, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).

The UK Government is adding support by contributing around £5.8 million to the project consortium with the remainder being industry funded. The project shares some of the £31 million funding announced by UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Vince Cable to support the development of the nuclear supply chain.

NNL has access to some of the most advanced nuclear research facilities in the world and will initially establish a demonstration laser cutter in its Workington Laboratory. The facility provides a non-radioactive engineering and rig testing service for customers. Future development work will see NNL deploy a robotic arm deployed laser cutter in a radiation environment in its Windscale Laboratory located on the Sellafield site in West Cumbria.

The primary objectives of LaserSnake2 are:

    Development of laser cutting optics for safe, remote cutting in air and in water (particularly focused on nuclear decommissioning)
    Consideration of the regulatory and certification issues associated with tele-operated delivery of laser cutting solutions for the nuclear sector
    Development of conventional industrial robots and long reach snake-arm robots for hazardous and confined spaces, both in air and underwater
    Combination of robotics and sensors to create a platform for exploration of complex workspaces.

NNL Business Leader Alan Grant said: “The LaserSnake2 technology has solid potential both inside and outside of the nuclear sector. It will come into its own in applications requiring work to be carried out in confined spaces. Areas outside of nuclear include oil and gas, construction and other sectors such as aerospace.”

Research will focus on the underlying technical challenges including software control, electronics, process development and onsite demonstrations. Success will be measured both in terms of progress towards developing a tool kit for the nuclear sector and the non-nuclear markets.

NNL and OC Robotics are joined by partners Laser Optical Engineering (LOE), TWI and ULO Optics. OC Robotics provides expertise in snake-arm robots and has been working with customers across many sectors. LOE has a history of successfully developing novel laser beam shaping solutions. TWI has a world class reputation for laser processing and welding systems development and ULO has a long history of developing beam delivery heads and optics.

Wednesday 6 March 2013

Development Space Warrington

Birchwood Park Warrington has a proven track record for creating some of the North West's best office development, and we currently have space available now for future office developments.
So if you're looking for a place for your companies head office or need help with a bespoke office development then get in touch and let us help find your ideal location

Development Space Warrington

Brainwave’s Cycling Challenge: Coast to Coast, 21st - 23rd June 2013

A cycle ride for the moderate to experienced cyclist is taking place over three days on the 21/22/23 June 2013 from Morecambe, Lancashire to Bridlington in Yorkshire. The coast to coast (C2C) cycle ride is sponsored by Birchwood Park, MEPC. Brainwave works with families to provide home-based exercise and therapy programmes for children with a disability or developmental delay.

The Brainwave C2C cycle ride will start at 9am on the 21st June more Morecambe, Pelican Sculpture, on the sea front at the Midland Hotel. With the finish line 3pm onwards on the 23rd June at the sea front in Bridlington. Participants will ride in groups of four with maps for all riders. The entry cost per rider will be £150 with the fee covering the following:

    B&B accommodations for 2 nights
    Guide routes for each team of 4
    Overnight cycle storage
    Brainwave T-shirts and certificates
    Coach/ bike transport for the return journey

Each cyclist will be asked to raise a minimum of £250 per person.

To download the entry form click here.

Sponsorship forms are available from joannefreeman@brainwave.org.uk or may set up a JustGiving page on www.justgiving.co.uk .

All the funds will go towards the Brainwave North West Centre.

You MUST provide your own road bike, basic cycle equipment and possess your own holiday or British cycling insurance.

CLOSING DATE FOR ALL ENTRIES IS THURSDAY 24TH FEBRUARY 2013.

Download the entry form now!

MEPC and Your Housing Group Build Success at Birchwood Park

Your Housing Group and MEPC Birchwood Park, Warrington, have agreed the region’s first pre-let deal for 2013. Your Housing Group, one of the UK’s largest social housing providers, has signed an agreement to develop a new 35,000 sq ft head office at the award winning business estate.

The development will become the group’s new head office, accommodating around 300 members of staff and providing a convenient central location for the group which owns and manages property across the North West, Midlands and Yorkshire.

Brian Cronin, Chief Executive of Your Housing Group, said: “We are very excited to have found a new permanent home and are delighted to be working with Birchwood Park’s onsite management team. Birchwood Park’s central location is the ideal choice in bringing our group together, and its transport connections are vital for helping us manage our properties across the region.”

Jonathan Walsh, MEPC Birchwood Park’s Managing Director, said: “Your Housing Group’s decision to establish their new head office at Birchwood Park is testament to the quality of our location, facilities and the community atmosphere provided at the park. Together, this forms the best solution to the Group’s needs.

“Birchwood Park will give Your Housing Group access to motorway links, a car share scheme, a free bus between the park and the train station and plenty of incentives to encourage cycling to work.

“Your Housing Group will join a growing list of companies who have discovered that they can expect more from us at Birchwood Park; more than just an office to rent. We believe that people are more productive in a positive and healthy environment. Having a range of cafes, on-site gym, restaurant and meeting rooms at The Centre means our occupiers have a reason to get away from their desks at lunch time whether it is to grab a Starbucks, go for a run, meet with friends or watch a film at our weekly movie night.”

The Centre is home to Birchwood Park’s restaurant, meeting rooms and 150 seat auditorium, reducing the need for occupiers to build meeting rooms and large kitchen areas into their premises.

This new development follows a successful 2012 for Birchwood Park, in which the park completed the build of the 47,000 sq ft pre-let 305 Bridgewater Place.

Work on building the new Your Housing Group head office will begin in February 2013.

Your Housing Group was formed in April 2012 following the merger of two of the North’s leading housing associations, Manchester based Harvest Housing group and Liverpool based Arena Housing. The group has over 32,000 homes across the North West, Midlands and Staffordshire.


CCTV / Lighting Improvements – Lights, Camera, Action!

As part of our commitment to a safe and pleasant working environment, over the next two months we will be upgrading our CCTV system and finalising a number of street and building lighting projects that began on the Park in December.

More details of these initiatives will be coming soon. If you have any queries please contact Melanie Cusick-Jones our Park Facilities Manager on 01925 858 867.


Friday 25 January 2013

Birchwood Park Architecture & Interior Design Practice DV8 Designs Unveil New Look for Shalimar Bar, Restaurant & Lounge

Leading architecture and interior design practice DV8 Designs, based here at Birchwood Park has unveiled its new look for the Shalimar Bar, Restaurant and Lounge in Wilmslow.

The project, which has seen a six-figure-sum investment, includes an expansion to the popular Indian eatery that has now significantly increased its 150 seating capacity. The overall feel has also been enhanced to give it a more contemporary vibe, complete with new ceilings, floors, fixtures and fittings.

This is the second outlet within the chain that DV8 Designs has worked on, having recently transformed the popular Shalimar Restaurant in Upper Mill.

MD of DV8 Designs Lee Birchall said: “Shalimar Bar, Restaurant and Lounge’s new look has been designed with a modern feel to encompass a wide range of clientele, who can enjoy fine Indian cuisine in the restaurant and Indian Tapas in the bar area.

“We’re delighted to have worked on this project as we know that these design changes will dramatically enhance the overall business. Not only does it extend Shalimar’s offering, but it will also attract an increasing number of passing customers from within the area, which has a reputation for its noticeably high footfall.”

DV8 Designs, which was established during 2006 in Warrington, have recently opened a second office in London and now boast an impressive and diverse portfolio, which includes residential, bars, restaurants, hotels, leisure centres, swimming pools, spas, golf clubs & offices.


National Nuclear Laboratory Authors Win Nuclear Industry Prize

Each year the Nuclear Institute awards the prestigious "Pinkerton Prize" to the authors of the best paper to feature in their "Nuclear Future" magazine during the previous 12 months. The UK's National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) was delighted to learn that, for 2012, the Prize was awarded to the authors of an NNL paper.

Nuclear Institute President, Norman Harrison, made the announcement at the Nuclear Institute / Nuclear Industry Association Annual Dinner in London and presented the prize to NNL's Corporate Chief Technologist Mike Angus for the paper "Encapsulation Options for Decommissioning Waste" which was jointly authored by Mike and NNL colleagues Charlie Scales and Steve Palethorpe.

Collecting the Award, Mike said:

"I was thrilled to hear that this paper had been selected as the best one of the year by the Nuclear Institute's judging panel and very proud to collect the award in front of well over a thousand industry colleagues at the Dinner. It is a recognition of the breadth of capability within NNL, since I was able to obtain input to this paper from five colleagues with specific expertise in immobilisation topics in addition to the contributions from Steve and Charlie - a real team effort. I'm pleased that we managed to present our work on this subject in a way which they found to be both clear and interesting.

There is a lot of attention given sometimes to the new build side of our industry, but it's important to remember that decommissioning and dealing safely with the resultant wastes is a vital aspect too. I hope this award will be a boost for all of those who work on these important topics."


There is no place like Birchwood Park

Ricardo-AEA, formerly AEA Europe, was attracted to the park by its excellent motorway links and an exclusive free shuttle bus to the train station. Birchwood Park also provides an unparalleled work life balance due to the many amenities available to staff, including a gym, café, restaurant, huge car park and 150 seat auditorium which, as well as business conferences, also hosts Monday Movie Nights.

Andrew Lelland, Specialist Consultant at Ricardo-AEA, said: “After four years at a different address, we felt the best option for our site in Cheshire was to move back to Birchwood Park. We now have an impressive office location with a real sense of community and great transport links which made our decision to return a straightforward one.”

Jonathan Walsh, MEPC Birchwood Park’s Managing Director, said: “We’re always thrilled to welcome new customers to Birchwood Park. It’s fair to say that welcoming back the staff at Ricardo-AEA is even more exciting. Having spent a few years away from the park and arriving at the decision to relocate back to Chadwick House is testament to the facilities and community environment provided at the park.

“Companies can expect more than just an office building from Birchwood Park. We provide a community people can become part of, which is an extra benefit companies can pass on to their staff. It is these extras that can only help make coming to work a more rewarding and inspiring experience.”