GREAT Annual Savings Group (GAS) board member Judith Bennison has become the latest addition to the steering committee of Seaham Business Park Group.
The Group HR Director is now the eighth representative on the committee, which focuses on developing the Seaham business community’s regional, national and international development.
GAS’ growing brand and reputation as a valuable provider of B2B cost reduction services in the UK and Ireland makes the company an ideal addition to the mix.
Judith joins Paul Wellstead from Spectrum Business Park, Donna Rowlands from Aspen Wolf, Mark Ellison from Andrew James Worldwide and Gordon MacPherson from Seaham Safety Services and Moralbox, who are existing members.
The Seaham business men and women sit alongside Steve Metcalfe from NSK Bearings, Kareen James-Rawson from Novares and Leanne Fawcett from LEC Communications and Design who are the Peterlee Business Park Group representatives, and Joanne Urquhart-Arnold and Guy Bashford from Business Durham, who are collectively responsible for showcasing the area and its many successes, encouraging business engagement and supporting company growth.
Judith said: “I am absolutely delighted to join the Seaham Business Park Group and play my part in supporting our area’s continued growth and success, particularly at a time when our company is again expanding and recruiting in the region.
“In the last few years Seaham as a business community has gone from strength to strength with more and more businesses choosing to locate to the area.
“And through this group we have the perfect platform to really celebrate everything that’s good about Seaham and shout about our many home-grown and inward investment successes.”
GAS has also committed to a year-long sponsorship package which, as well as supporting group activities, will enable the company to showcase its own offering and services to businesses in the area.
Judith was part of the initial team that set up GAS back in 2012, having come from a background in senior HR and recruitment positions as FTSE250 growth companies such as De La Rue International PLC, Blacks Leisure PLC and G4S PLC.
The Seaham Business Park Group was launched in October 2016 to encourage businesses to work together to create opportunities which help the area prosper.
Seaham has recently attracted major inward investors including Northumbrian Water Limited and FM Coatings, while existing employers including ResQ, IPS Flow Systems, House of Mooshki and Autumn Brewing Company have continued to expand.
Steve Metcalfe is chairman of the joint committee for the business park groups. He said: “Our efforts to support the area’s business communities are driven entirely by the willingness of local companies who are prepared to give up their time and effort.
“Judith is going to be a great addition to the steering committee, enabling us to utilise her skills and experience as we look to enhance the groups’ offerings to businesses.
“And to be able to announce GAS as a sponsor is another boost and a real indication of how valued the group has become.”
Leanne Fawcett added: “What’s been achieved in the last few years in both Peterlee and Seaham has been significant and is very much down to the community feel which the group has helped instil.
“The businesses located here have a real pride in their area, while those located elsewhere see Peterlee and Seaham as prime locations to take their plans for growth to the next level, which has of course been endorsed by a number of high profile announcements recently, including Northumbrian Water Ltd and FM Coatings moving into the area.”