LORD Shuttleworth, the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, was in Kelbrook this week on a fact-finding visit to one of West Craven's leading companies.

The Lord Lieutenant - the Queen's representative in Lancashire - called at Euravia Engineering and Supply to learn about the operation there and the great strides the company has made in the 12 years since it was founded.

His visit also recognised the tremendous work done to promote Lancashire around the world by Euravia's founder and managing director, Dennis Mendoros.

But it wasn't Lord Shuttleworth's first visit to the high-flying company, and in fact he had a small part to play in its success. He had visited back in 1991 when the fledgling Euravia was based in New Road, Earby, and employed just three people. He came as chairman of the Rural Development Commission after the company won a Lancashire Rural Business of the Year Award.

Dennis said while the award alone was wonderful recognition for the company, Lord Shuttleworth also brought with it "a very substantial cheque for £8,000" - a great help to a young company.

Now located in award winning purpose-built premises in Kelbrook, Euravia is an international company employing around 40 workers.

The company specialises in the reconditioning, servicing and refurbishment of aero engines and other airborne systems. It has won major contracts to fuel its steady expansion and has customers around the globe. To keep ahead of the game, Euravia has developed its own software systems and in-house training programmes and invested in cutting edge information and communication technology.

Lord Shuttleworth said it was wonderful to come back after almost 10 years and see the fantastic return on that £8,000 investment.

"In a sense we're old friends but every time I come back here, Dennis seems to have rebuilt the place," said Lord Shuttleworth.

"This is exactly what we like to see happen. It's almost a standing joke in awards circles that companies who win them immediately fail, but this is certainly the exception. The whole point of encouraging small businesses is to help them to grow and it's wonderful when that happens."

Lord Shuttleworth added: "I often get the opportunity to promote the county and I also organise events such as royal visits. I try to get round a number of leading businesses all the time and I need to be aware of the people who make a contribution to the community."

That would certainly include Dennis Mendoros. Outside Euravia, he is the founder and, for the sixth year running, elected chairman of the North West Aerospace Alliance. With over 170 member companies, it promotes the North West of England around the world as a centre of excellence for aerospace. He is also a board member of the North West Development Agency and chairman of its innovation and technology advisory board and its audits committee. Wearing yet another hat, Dennis is chairman of Pendle Partnership - the body formed to oversee the investment of millions of pounds of Government funding to regenerate the borough.

He also has strong connections with Barnoldswick's West Craven High School and played a key role in the school recently being awarded technology college status.

But his overriding loyalty remains to Euravia and the local workforce that has helped the company to grow and prosper.

"There must be a partnership between the company and its workforce these days," said Dennis. "It is a team effort."

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