Things are hotting up for heating company

Jun 5 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

A PLUMBING and heating company has invested more than £500,000 in a move to a new building with plans to expand and move into the renewable energy market.

Redcar Plumbing & Heating Ltd, started in 2000 by husband and wife Mark and Mandy Jewell, was one of the first companies to move into The Innovation Centre, developed by UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE) specifically to support new and growing businesses.

Now, with an investment from UK Steel Enterprise, the Corus-subsidiary that supports businesses with finance and managed business premises, and a grant from Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative, the company has been able to move its 32-strong team into a new HQ only a stone’s throw away from their previous base on Kirkleatham Business Park where they were “bursting at the seams”.

Mr Jewell said: “This investment has given us more office and storage space and an acre of land as well.

“It has allowed us to move strongly into the renewable energy market, particularly with the installation of solar panels for domestic and commercial customers.

“It is a growing area, particularly because the Government is strongly behind renewable energy and grants are available.

“Difficult times do mean that the competition is even fiercer, but we are now well established with a reputation for quality and good pricing so we are winning work from the bigger companies.”

UKSE regional executive Nick Johnson said: “Seeing a company start with us in the Innovation Centre and then move on to bigger things is exactly what we hope for. We always provide larger units where possible, but Redcar Plumbing & Heating did finally outgrow us.

“We are pleased that we have been able to help them with both premises and an investment and that they will continue to be close neighbours.”