IS that really a month of 2016 gone by? asks Mike Matthews MBE, managing director of Nifco UK and European operations officer.

Like 2015, this year has raced off to a flying start at Nifco and it feels like we have barely raised our head since returning to work after the Christmas break.

It’s been a good few weeks at Nifco. After a challenging end to 2015, which saw us react well to unprecedented trading conditions in international markets, I was keen to ensure Nifco entered 2016 on the front foot. We’ve ridden the crest of a wave of success over the past five or so years in particular, and a big part of that has been due to the move to our new facility, which has allowed us to realise our potential and increase capacity to meet customer demand.

However, since the move in 2011, our old premises – in Yarm Road - have remained a Nifco asset, meaning money has effectively been locked up, pending a sale. We are delighted to report that our colleagues at Dodds Brown have now sold the land, subject to contract, – which is in a fantastic location – to Lidl, which is not only great for Nifco, but a boost for the area with 40 news jobs set to be created by the German firm.

Teesside, and the wider Tees Valley, has had a tough run, and of course, we know Lord Heseltine – who I spoke to recently to give my views on the challenging conditions the area finds itself in – is working on developing a strategy to reinvigorate the economy here, after the heavy blows of SSI and Boulby at the end of 2015, not to mention the situation with the oil and gas industry which is also affecting our region. There is no quick fix for this, but the rebuilding process is underway. The arrival of a new Lidl store may seem like a drop in the ocean in comparison, but investment like this is vital for us to successfully address the high levels of unemployment we face.

And of course, for Nifco, the cash injection that the sale will provide, allows us to invest in our people and continue with our future expansion plans, generating more jobs for the Tees Valley and safeguarding those we have already created. We are delighted to have recruited a number of former employees from SSI and this is something we are keen to continue with. Hundreds of families continue to feel the impact of job losses, but by chipping away at that number and creating employment opportunities for them, we are slowing turning the tide.

There is no single solution to the challenges faced by the Tees Valley, it will take a million small steps rather than one giant leap, but we must remember to celebrate small victories that over time will see the area work its way back to economic health. And I know that is something we will achieve.