Yorkshire Bank £1.8m fund allows evacuation solutions firm reach new heights

Yorkshire Bank has delivered a £1.8m funding package to help a manufacturer of emergency evacuation chairs target new markets.

Evac+Chair International Ltd provides products to allow wheelchair users or less able bodied people to be evacuated quickly and safely down stairs in the event of an emergency such as an earthquake or a fire.

The company, which has been manufacturing in Birmingham since 1985, generated a £7m turnover in the last financial year.

As part of its global expansion, Evac+Chair has opened a new office in Dubai to cater to the growing demand in the Middle East.

Yorkshire Bank’s funding has been used to purchase two new machines to enhance efficiency and the technology used at the company’s manufacturing facility which employs 87 people.

Mark Wallace, Owner and CEO, said: “We have experienced continual growth over recent years and with new machinery to assist with the expansion of the business we are in a very strong position moving forward.

“Securing the funding from Yorkshire Bank has allowed the business to thrive and we aim to continue our growth over the coming years.

“The support we have received from Yorkshire Bank has been invaluable and the team have really taken the time to assist with our plans to expand into new markets.”

Gareth Jones, head of Yorkshire Bank’s commercial and small business - relationship management teams, said: “Evac+Chair International Ltd has demonstrated a genuine entrepreneurial track record, identifying new opportunities and maximising these.

“We are proud to have supported the business at such an exciting time and look forward to working with the team as they continue to grow the business.”