Seaward looks to grow its exports

Nov 30 2007 by Chris Knox, The Journal

AN electronics company has shifted the last of its four key brands to the North-East, which it hopes will help boost turnover.

Peterlee-based the Seaward Group has relocated its electrical safety testing business, Clare Instruments from Worthing in West Sussex, to its Peterlee site, which it says will create more than 20 jobs and help double its turnover from £10m last year to £20m by 2011.

The group is looking to increase its 130-strong workforce after losing 30 staff from Clare Instruments as a result of the move and has increased its factory space in Peterlee by 10,000sq ft.

Rod Taylor, managing director, said: “I am very excited about bringing Clare Instruments’ production here to the North-East.

“This is an important move and will secure the long- term future and development of a key part of the group’s business.

“It not only guarantees a strong start to 2008 but provides a great platform for future growth and expansion next year and beyond.”

Established in 1982, Seaward manufactures a range of test equipment used by electrical contractors, service engineers and hospitals, with each company a market leader in its own sector.

Mr Taylor believes the relocation will help the group keep costs down and is looking to increase their export activities.

“The growth strategy is to strengthen our product development as well as the board of directors. We are also keen to increase our exports as I believe the UK market will slow down next year,” he said. This year has seen the group launch a Bluetooth-enabled portable medical safety analyser which helps to prevent electric shocks, with £200,000 funding from One NorthEast set aside for future research and development.

Under its Seaward brand, the group produces electrical safety test products for electricians and engineers.