INVESTMENT HELPS NEW BUSINESS PROTECT WORKERS

September 30th 2014

A timely investment from UK Steel Enterprise has helped a Billingham man to start his own business supplying personal protective equipment.  

And EAG Suppliers, set up in Middlesbrough by Graham Moore just a few months ago, is already doing so well that he expects to be employing a team of six by Christmas.

The company supplies protective equipment including workwear, overalls, safety gear, helmets and boots to companies in the construction, engineering, power, chemical and other sectors, such as Bulkhaul Ltd, Marine Fabricators Ltd and LV Shipping Ltd.  

Engineer Graham saw an opportunity when he spotted a local company going into liquidation and stepped in to take over its customer database and save its two highly experienced employees from redundancy.

"It felt like a chance not to be missed but I was finding it hard to get any financial support and the early days of a business are when you really need some help to cover initial expenses such as stock," he said. "My accountant put me in touch with UK Steel Enterprise and I'm delighted that he did as they agreed to help."

Neil McCorkell and Natalie Scarr, both from Hartlepool, were both facing redundancy so were delighted to find that jobs were there for them at the new company. 

"They have 40 years of experience in the business between them and that is proving invaluable," said Graham.  "Customers, especially the smaller companies, are really valuing the quality advice and personal service they are getting from us."

EAG Suppliers has already taken on a third member of staff at the company's base on Middlesbrough's Riverside Park where it has offices and a busy trade counter and, if business continues as it is, Graham expects to create another two or three jobs in the next few months. 

Sarah Thorpe of UK Steel Enterprise said: "We provide loan and equity investment packages of up to £750,000 but also have a special Regeneration Fund that supports start-up and early-stage businesses like EAG Suppliers.

"This is often a crucial stage when a relatively small investment can make all the difference and, as a subsidiary of Tata Steel, our bottom line is about regeneration and job creation so we can often be more flexible than other lenders. Graham is already creating jobs to add to the two that were safeguarded so has made an excellent start and we will be watching EAG Suppliers' progress with interest."

Details of UK Steel Enterprise's support for business is available on 01642 777 777 and at www.uksteelenterprise.co.uk. EAG Suppliers is on 01642 244112.