Member Article

North East festive focus: John Harrington, Top Brass

John Harrington from North East manufacturer Top Brass is the latest regional business leader to join in with our December Q and A.

If you had to choose one thing - what are you most proud of your company achieving this year, why?

This year with the expansion into our new 30,000sq ft premises on Teesside, all of the team have played a big part in helping us with the move and getting the new factory up and running, there have been a lot of late nights and hard work. But we’re so proud of everyone and what we’ve achieved together.

What was the single biggest challenge faced by your firm in 2016?

Of course as I mentioned before it would have to be getting the new factory working whilst ensuring the continuous smooth running of all our busy projects. This year has been hectic for us with more and more contracts coming in across a range of different sectors, one of which being the student accommodation market.

This is a key market for us and one we can fully service. Because of Top Brass project management and design capabilities, we can completely take out the middlemen and fully furnish interiors in accommodation and university facilities.

Can you tell us one thing your business is doing in 2017 that really excites you?

Most definitely growing the business in Hartlepool, and becoming part of the thriving North East business community. As a company we know that giving back is key and we have a range of employment opportunities and also access to such skilled workers here in the North East that we’re looking forward to tapping into.

Next year will mark the real beginning of our new factory being in operation and we’re so excited to explore the opportunities that will bring. On site we have a full design studio and showroom, meaning we can start bringing our international clients to the region and show them exactly why we have decided to continue expanding here.

Which North East firm has impressed you the most this year, why?

Crimzon Print, a company that was set up 10 months ago by a young entrepreneur local to us in the Teesside business community. Its been such an eye-opener to watch how this company has grown into new sectors and expanded its reach in digital printing.

We’ve made some great links with the company and its amazing to see its range of capabilities in printing for interiors, whether that’s on a piece of furniture, a wall or even a window blind.

Are there any emerging businesses in the region that’ve caught your eye this year that you’ve been previously unaware of?

Ebac Group. As a business that prides itself on providing interior solutions through British craftsmanship, we think the ground-breaking work of the company and unfaltering faith in the UK manufacturing industry is very admirable and look forward to seeing what 2017 will bring for the business.

Is there an industry or sector of the North East business community which you expect to really take off next year?

Manufacturing of course. That’s because we’re here and constantly growing, with our level of contracts and massive capabilities we’re confident the sector in the North East region is going to flourish.

What was your first job?

I was a loading bay porter for John Lewis.

If you weren’t doing what you do, is there a job you’d love to have?

It would definitely be something on the hand craft way of life to make new and individual items or small holding a little of the “good Life”

What do you do on Christmas day?

Normally just to spend time with my wife and kids, call on some family and switch off from business and chillout.

Thanks John.