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Councillor Malcom Brain visits Astley Signs at their Gateshead headquarters

One of the UK's leading suppliers of signage welcomed the councillor to discuss local recruitment and plans for growth

UK leading signmaker, Astley, welcomed a visit from Cabinet Member for Economy, Councillor Malcolm Brain and Craig Harrison from Gateshead Council's Business, Employment & Skills, Economy, Innovation & Growth team to their Gateshead head office on 23rd August 2023.

Gateshead Council is working to support all businesses in the borough and liaise with leaders in the area to establish close relationships with the business community. Astley was identified by the council as a company of interest as they are an integral business within the Gateshead community, having been actively involved in local recruitment and apprenticeship programmes as well as focusing on their CSR initiatives.

Councillor Brain was warmly welcomed by Astley, who provided a comprehensive overview of the company's operations, recent achievements, and future endeavours, as well as a tour of the custom-built facility, which had just completed production of the iconic Tyne Bridge GNR sign for a 10th year.  

During the visit, Malcolm Brain engaged in valuable dialogue with members of Astley's leadership team, focusing on crucial aspects of local development, recruitment, and growth initiatives. This visit served as an opportunity for Astley to underscore its commitment to its employees, the local community, and sustainable business practices.

Councillor Malcolm Brain, Cabinet Member for Economy said:

"The GNR always brings a buzz to Gateshead and Newcastle, as soon as you see the sign go up you feel the anticipation rise. It was fascinating to visit the company that created the sign, for the past 10 years, and all the incredible work they have done for some of the leading consumer brands, and some very interesting bespoke projects too.

It's an incredible skill to make these signs, it's humbling to know that some major signs in the UK are made right here in Gateshead. I commend them for their continued efforts in their apprenticeship programme, ensuring residents can learn valuable skills to help them secure future employment."

Signmaking remains a highly esteemed and traditional skill, and with the difficulties experienced with the importing of signage from abroad, Astley is proud to support clients as a UK manufacturer. The visitors were fascinated by the scale of Astley's operations in Gateshead and the impressive portfolio of work being made for some of the UK's biggest consumer brand names, including Greggs, Sainsbury's, and JET.

Gateshead Council is keen to support Astley with their business strategy in alignment with Gateshead's Thrive agenda, of which focuses on making Gateshead a community where people not only survive, but flourish, prosper and succeed.

Astley is committed to providing the best training and opportunities for both existing and future employees, having implemented a 'Better Health at Work' scheme and invested in their apprenticeship opportunities.

Astley is also fully invested in their sustainability initiatives. The company began their Net Zero journey in 2022 and continue to develop their decarbonisation strategy, with a target of reaching their Net Zero goal by 2040.

For more information about Astley and its services, please visit www.astley-uk.com

 

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