A newly established architectural metalworks firm in the region has created numerous jobs in its first year in business.
Set up by experienced metal worker Neil Hood, the company has recruited three people, with a fourth hire in process and secured national contracts within its first year of business.
Mr. Hood said: “The order book is looking very healthy, we’ve got a lot of projects on at the moment and we are tendering for numerous projects also, so it’s looking quite bright for the future. As we grow the business in the coming months, we will be on the lookout for more skilled staff to join our team”.
“It’s quite a challenge trying to find the right staff and you really need to train your own people for the level of work that we undertake. You’re not going to find someone that can just fall into the way we want them to work, there’s a lot of training involved”.
“With the apprenticeship schemes that are available, it is worthwhile taking apprentices on and allowing them to learn from scratch. I’ve got my son working as my apprentice now. There are currently three of us working in the business but I’m about to take another employee on so there’ll soon be four.”
Mr. Hood was supported by Sunderland City Council’s Business Investment Team, which allowed him the funding. He concluded: “I’ve had a lot of support from Sunderland City Council and that’s been a great help. They backed the project from the start and had faith it would be successful and create jobs for the region”.
“If someone has a viable business idea that is going to create job opportunities for the local area, I would definitely recommend they get in touch with the council’s Business Investment Team to see how they can help.”
Councillor Graeme Miller of Sunderland City Council said: “It’s great to have entrepreneurs like Neil setting up businesses in Sunderland that bring highly skilled jobs to the city and provide opportunities for young people. We look forward to seeing the company grow and are looking forward to working closely with the team as we look to the future.”
