Burnley Technology Park Unveiled

Date: 18.02.2011

It was announced earlier today that the headquarter buildings and 8 acre site of Burnley’s premier high technology media company, AMS Neve Limited, has been purchased from a former minority shareholder by local development company The Barnfield Nevison Partnership.

AMS Neve continues in the spotlight of media success following their recent involvement in the supply of all digital and analogue audio mixing consoles for the enormously successful Hollywood movie Avatar. Their world status continues and recent BAFTA winners “The King’s Speech” and “The Black Swan” were both mixed on products exclusively designed and manufactured by the Burnley Company.

Mark Crabtree, Managing Director of AMS Neve, said:
“We have invested heavily in advanced assembly and inspection machinery over the past few years in order to meet the current and future demands of our fast-moving industry.  As a result we need far less space to grow our business than we did 25 years ago when we designed and erected this building and circuit boards were largely made by hand.

Stuart Nevison was my partner and co-founder of the AMS Company and from the outset we had a vision of sharing our site with other like-minded technology companies. As a rapidly growing business with successive Queen’s Awards to Industry and a full listing  on the London Stock Exchange, we never found the time to pursue the idea. Finally, this vision has come to fruition and I’m really pleased that Stuart’s experience with partners in developing the Globe Centre in Accrington means this exciting development can now be realised - and be a great boost for my home town.

Stuart Nevison said:
“The AMS name and building are more recognised in Hollywood than in Burnley; however, the company and building should be as Iconic to Lancashire as the mills, coal mines and canals. Not many are aware that in the late 70’s, AMS engineers were working on digital audio processors that were to drastically change the recording industry. This was the case before anybody even knew what a CD was, and microprocessors were similarly unknown!

We all may carry an iPod when we want to listen to music on the move, but once again AMS were the first with a commercially available hard disc  recording and editing system.  This pioneering work changed the worldwide television industry and paved the way for all MP3 players and Sky+ boxes.  The concept of offering space to companies in the AMS building, as well as developing and expanding the site with new workshops and offices for technology companies is truly an exciting one.

Tim Webber of Barnfield Construction said:
“We are involved with and manage a portfolio of business centres over a large area of the North West and are aware of countless Technology Business Parks. What is different and on offer here is a development around a hub company who truly lead their field worldwide. This is really exciting with a layout and format that can only be beneficial and inspirational to companies sharing this environment."

The Barnfield Nevison Partnership was formed some 15 years ago bringing the concept of managed office space to the centre of Accrington in the form of the Globe Centre. The Globe Enterprises Partnership was one of the first integrations of both public and private sector expertise, with Hyndburn Borough Council also being a shareholder. Globe Enterprises has also undertaken several regeneration projects in Accrington including leisure facilities, housing and the Scaitcliffe House Council building.

A Spokesperson for the newly formed AMS Technology Park Limited said:
“Companies have already been viewing both office and workshop space in the main building and the consensus of opinion is that the environment has a completely different feel to other sites. Like the Globe Centre in Accrington, there is a managed reception and there will be meeting rooms and dining facilities available as well as ample car parking and security controlled access to the site.

Space in the main building will be available for rental, however, when completed, the newly- constructed workshops and office units will range from 2,400 square feet upwards and can either be rented or purchased. Plans are currently available and interested parties are currently being encouraged to view whilst an opportunity to personalise space is possible.”