Pictured above: Simon Woods
ENTREPRENEUR Simon Woods has become vice-chairman of enterprise
agency Erewash Partnership which helps to regenerate the
borough.
Simon, managing director of Long Eaton-based TecQuipment, was
confirmed at a meeting of the board of directors, which he joined
last year.
Simon joined TecQuipment in 1973 as an engineering student and
as the company grew and became TQ Education and Training with a
head office at Lockington Simon eventually became educational
products director.
But last year, 50 years after the company was formed, the
directors de-merged and Simon bought the manufacturing base in
Bonsall Street, along with the equipment and intellectual property
rights and reverted the company to its original name and products
operation.
Employing more than 50 people, it manufactures more than 500
products, ranging from the type of equipment used by A-level
physics students to that of engineering graduates and exports to
around 70 countries.
Partnership chief executive Ian Viles said he was pleased at the
appointment of Simon - whom he called a very accomplished managing
director - particularly in view of the agency's relationship with
the company. When the Partnership was set up in 1994 its first
chairman was Richard Edwards, a then director of TQ.
"The board sees the manufacturing sector as a key wealth creator
in Erewash and important to the future growth of the borough," he
said.
"Simon is very enthusiastic about manufacturing and engineering
but also the wider economy and the regeneration of the area."
Simon said he was delighted at the confidence that his fellow
directors had shown in him by electing his as vice-chairman.
"I believe that the Partnership has does a fantastic job in
helping businesses, particularly start-ups, in the area and its
regeneration.
"I think that there is still a strong manufacturing base in the
borough and I'm happy to represent and promote that important
section of the local economy through the Partnership."
The public and private sector Partnership, which also gives
advice and training, is supported by more than 400
businesses.