Six-figure funding delivers expansion for Ellesmere Port-based Safer Surfacing

A North West firm that creates products made from reclaimed rubber is expanding with a six-figure loan from Merseyside Special Investment Fund (MSIF).

Ellesmere Port-based Safer Surfacing Limited will invest the £120k, provided via the government’s Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) Scheme, in new machinery, a second production line and more materials.

The company currently employs a team of 10 but plans to double that figure over the next three years alongside turnover growth of between 40% and 50%.

Safer Surfacing uses rubber chippings and granules from recycled tyres to create flooring for use in playgrounds, landscaping, equestrian facilities, pathways, patios and other environments.

Director Ian Glassbrook, who established the business in 2012 with his brother Graham, said: “We started out building and installing tyre processing lines, but there was no real market for the products once the tyres had been shredded and granulated so we came up with the concept of colouring the rubber, and looking at the markets for selling.

“After several years of development we have established a way of manufacturing one of the world’s toughest materials right here in Ellesmere Port. We aim to produce high quality products with the environment in mind.”

He continued: “Using rubber for our chippings cuts costs as the longevity is unmatched against most other safety surfaces on today’s market. Our specially formulated polyurethane coatings give the rubber a high quality surface that is vibrant and hard wearing, providing a one off application.”

Speaking further, Ian said Safer Surfacing has experienced “significant growth” over the last 12 months, adding: “We will be recruiting two new positions within the company and expect that orders will continue to increase.”

Paul Humphray, investment director at MSIF, commented: “Legislation along with insurance company guidelines are driving more towards accredited safety surfaces in public areas, schools and playgrounds.

“Safer Surfacing has built up a solid customer base that is continuing to grow and the company has an excellent reputation in the marketplace.”

He added: “I think they are extremely well placed to take advantage of opportunities in what is a fast growing sector. We are very pleased to be supporting the business.”

Jerry Scriven, corporate finance director at advisory firm MC Vanguard, acted as advisor to Safer Surfacing.

Jerry commented: “Safer Surfacing have put this funding to work by acquiring new equipment, creating sustainable jobs and investing in working capital thereby enabling the firm to truly capitalise on this opportunity now and for the future.

“The internal momentum gained during the process enabled the firm to tick off performance milestones at pace.”

He continued: “From a funding perspective, this made the firm more attractive to lenders which crucially enabled us to secure debt-based finance as opposed to the equity-based investment originally envisaged thereby allowing our client to retain full ownership of the business.”