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Billingham entrepreneur launches startup following UK Steel funding

Billingham entrepreneur Graham Moore has received investment from UK Steel Enterprise to fund his personal protective equipment startup business.

UK Steel Enterprise directed funds of £3,500 from their Regeneration Fund, specifically allocated for startups.

The recently established company, EAG Suppliers, is already experiencing considerable growth, as Graham 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.

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.

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.

Graham said: “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,”

“My accountant put me in touch with UK Steel Enterprise and I’m delighted that he did as they agreed to help.”

“They have 40 years of experience in the business between them and that is proving invaluable.”

“Customers, especially the smaller companies, are really valuing the quality advice and personal service they are getting from us.”

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.”