» OCTOBER 2011
Stagecoach Employee Retires After Almost 50 Years
OCTOBER 2011: Today (Wednesday 19 October) an engineer from local bus operator, Stagecoach North East, retires after almost 50 years service.
Ronnie Horseman leaves the Sunderland depot for the last time after an emotional send off from colleagues and managers.
The 64-year-old, who turns 65 on Thursday, joined the company in 1962, working as a coach painter at the Byker bus and tram depot in Newcastle before moving to Sunderland in 1997.
But after 49 years and two months service, Ronnie has decided to put down his paintbrush for the last time to enjoy his retirement.
Ronnie, who is married to Janine and has two daughters and five grandchildren, said: "I have really enjoyed my time with Stagecoach North East though it's been hard getting up at 5.30am every day for almost 50 years. That's something I certainly won't miss! The people are great though, a really lovely bunch. They've been a pleasure to work with and I've made some good friends along the way. "It's going to be strange for the first couple of weeks of my retirement. It'll probably feel more like a holiday. Janine and I have a touring caravan which I'm looking forward to getting out and about in, though I think we're also down for babysitting duties as well, as one of our daughters goes back to work soon."
Ronnie's colleagues including engineer, Graham Gibbon, presented Ronnie with a plaque with the number 49 as the centerpiece, marking his service to the company.
John Conroy, Managing Director, Stagecoach North East, said: "Ronnie has been a real asset to Stagecoach North East over the years, an invaluable member of the team and popular with colleagues and management alike. There's no doubt he's going to be missed, so we wanted to give him the send off he deserves. I hope he's enjoyed working for us as much as we've valued his contribution to the depot and
company over the last half century and we hope he enjoys his well-earned retirement."
ENDS
For further information or to arrange a photograph, please contact Leanne English on 01642 584790 or email leanne@velvetcommunications.co.uk
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Aesica Forms Alliance With Noramco To Manufacture Codeine
OCTOBER 2011: Leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, Aesica, has announced the formation of an innovative manufacturing relationship with Noramco to provide the UK market with an alternative source of controlled drugs.
Aesica and Noramco have now formed an integrated value chain comprising raw material supply security, technical excellence, production facilities and regulatory expertise.
The alliance has involved a technical transfer of a process for the manufacture of codeine phosphate from a unique, patented poppy supplied by Noramco's sister company, Tasmanian Alkaloids, allowing for the conversion of the extracted alkaloid to a finished API in a one-step process for codeine phosphate. This in turn has led to a reduction in the environmental impact of the production of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient and lends itself to a superior environmentally produced and competitive product.
Aesica has utilised its technical advantages of a fully computer-controlled facility that has the ability to provide higher process control compared to other manufacturing facilities. The API production facility has considerable advantages when compared to a manual plant, in that Aesica can demonstrate the robust nature of the process, as well as a reduction in the costs of production. By using this lean methodology Aesica aspires to set a benchmark for the European pharmaceutical industry.
Dr. Robert Hardy, CEO, Aesica said: "Although we already have experience in manufacturing controlled drugs, our aim was always to create a manufacturing alliance with another experienced API developer to enable us to establish a leading presence. Our manufacturing expertise coupled with our established infrastructure, understanding and capability in terms of regulatory compliance and security were particularly attractive to Noramco. Moreover, our heritage and brand values reflected those of Noramco and there is a natural cultural fit, as we are both committed to constantly improving and enhancing our offering. Most importantly though, we are determined that the new manufacturing process we have developed with Noramco will re-invigorate the controlled drug market in the UK creating added value for customers and drive future innovations."
Noramco, a global manufacturer and supplier of opiate-derived APIs, will sell codeine manufactured by Aesica through its European-based sales team.
"We are excited to supply the UK and other world markets from Aesica and have had very good response thus far from customers seeking a secure, integrated source of codeine and controlled ingredients," Leslie Storms, Vice President, Global Sales, Noramco, stated. "Partnering with a company with Aesica's reputation for quality and performance has given our customers even greater confidence in our supply chain."
Aesica is a leading full-service provider of development and manufacturing services for Formulated Products and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. The company develops long-term strategic partnerships with its clients, responds quickly and effectively to market demand and develops tailored solutions for specific requirements.
Its unique proposition lies in its flexible and bespoke approach to service delivery, coupled with its ability to develop products from the initial clinical stage through to final commercial supply. Furthermore, the long established and proven expertise within Aesica enables it to provide primary and secondary contract manufacturing services to the highest possible regulatory standards. It is this full-service offer, its dedication to exceptional standards of service and its ability to deliver innovation and added value for its clients that truly sets Aesica apart from its counterparts.
For more information about Aesica please visit www.aesica-pharma.com
ENDS
For further information please contact Elizabeth Eddy or Leanne English on 01642 584790 or email elizabeth@velvetcommunications.co.uk or leanne@velvetcommunications.co.uk
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Seasonal Recruitment Drive Brings Early Christmas Present
OCTOBER 2011: Contact centre and fulfillment specialist, Spark Response, is creating 150 temporary jobs to meet the demand of the Christmas rush.
Gateshead-based Spark has started the recruitment drive as it prepares to meet the increased demand over the festive period.
Spark is looking to bring in the extra bodies to help in its fulfillment centre, where products for clients including Toys R Us, Soap and Glory and FitFlop are dispatched, as well as additional support for its inbound call centre. The new jobs will take Spark's total workforce to around 330.
Peter Slee, Managing Director, Spark Response, said: "Elements of our business are highly seasonal and these new positions will ensure we have the staff to meet the demand of our clients. From now until Christmas we will be incredibly busy so it's an exciting time for new recruits to join Spark Response. And, while these jobs are initially temporary, there could be longer term opportunities for the right people."
Spark Response currently employs 180 people and also counts Cancer Research UK, Red Direct, Ethical Superstore, Pavers Shoes and Best Direct among its clients.
If you are interested in applying for a job at Spark Response please call Edward Duffy on 0191 4959999, apply online or email your CV to recruitment@sparkresponse.com.
For more details about Spark Response please visit www.sparkresponse.com or call 0191 418 6077.
ENDS
For further information please contact Leanne English on 01642 584790 or email leanne@velvetcommunications.co.uk
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Formulation Development Expansion For Aesica Almost Doubles Capacity
OCTOBER 2011: Leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, Aesica, has opened a new analytical chemistry laboratory and GMP suite to significantly extend and enhance its Formulation Development capability.
The new facilities at Aesica's site in Nottingham include a dedicated analytical chemistry laboratory to test inhalation devices, which is vital, as inhalation dosage forms currently represent almost 40 per cent of Aesica's Formulation Development business. There is also a new GMP manufacturing suite, which will almost double the production capacity of clinical trial materials across all dosage forms.
Following the expansion in the UK, Aesica also plans to extend its Formulation Development capabilities by launching a second site from within its Formulated Products plant in Zwickau, Germany. The site specialises in the production of tablets, capsules and pellet/beads and has a well-equipped development laboratory. As Aesica looks to expand its customer base in Germany, dedicated local Formulation Development expertise is crucial and the launch of the new site is set for January 2012.
Paul Titley, Managing Director, Formulation Development, Aesica says: "The opening of our new facilities represents a key milestone for the Formulation Development team in Nottingham as it is exactly five years to the day since I launched R5 Pharmaceuticals on October 3rd 2006 at CPhI in Paris. Since then we were acquired by Aesica in June 2010 and with the support of the Executive team have now come full circle and grown into a new, bigger space in order to meet growing market demand.
"The new laboratory and indeed the expansion of our service offering in Germany is strategically crucial for the continued growth and evolution of Aesica's Formulation Development offering. Creating a site within the existing plant in Zwickau will also have a significant impact upon business development as it is imperative that we can provide a local service to our German based clients and this expansion into Europe will provide the ideal platform for further growth into the US and Asia next year."
Aesica is a leading full-service provider of development and manufacturing services for Formulated Products and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. The company develops long-term strategic partnerships with its clients, responds quickly and effectively to market demand and develops tailored solutions for specific requirements.
Its unique proposition lies in its flexible and bespoke approach to service delivery, coupled with its ability to develop products from the initial clinical stage through to final commercial supply. Furthermore, the long established and proven expertise within Aesica enables it to provide primary and secondary contract manufacturing services to the highest possible regulatory standards. It is this full-service offer, its dedication to exceptional standards of service and its ability to deliver innovation and added value for its clients that truly sets Aesica apart from its counterparts.
For more information about Aesica please visit www.aesica-pharma.com
ENDS
For further information please contact Elizabeth Eddy or Leanne English on 01642 584790 or email elizabeth@velvetcommunications.co.uk or leanne@velvetcommunications.co.uk
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