Member Article

SSI grant helps Middlesbrough trade supplier to create 25 new jobs

Specialist supplier to the home improvement industry MB Distribution Ltd is creating 25 new jobs at its flagship Middlesbrough premises, following a £247k grant from the SSI Task Force.

A family business, MB supplies both trade and retail companies and has a portfolio which ranges from door and window hardware to internal and external PVC cladding.

Managed by the Tees Valley Combined Authority, the grant was set up by the SSI Task Force to help local firms grow, which in turn would create jobs, helping to get local people into work and grow the economy, supporting it to recover from the SSI closure.

MB Distribution Ltd has also invested in over three acres of land in East Middlesbrough, close to A66 transport links, with the intention of using the grant funding to build a 30,000 sq ft bespoke warehouse and retail outlet.

Managing director of MB Distribution Ltd, Mike Greenup, whose wife, Brenda, son, Michael, and daughter, Shirley, all work at the firm, said: “This expansion will take the business to the next level.

“We will never be a B&Q but we are a professional local company that is customer focused, knowledgeable and a supplier of quality home improvement products.

Chair of the SSI Task Force, Amanda Skelton, said, “This is a very good example of how supporting local businesses can have a really positive effect on the entire community. “MB Distribution Ltd is a fantastic company and has shown the kind of ambition and drive that we want to continue to support. I am sure its expansion will be a big success.”

The business was helped by Baldwins Accountants to secure the grant.

Director Andrew Rowe, said: “MB Distribution Ltd has worked with us for several years and it’s fantastic to hear the firm is expanding both its premises and team.”

Mr Greenup added: “Baldwins has been at the forefront with our grant application. Andrew Rowe has kept us on the right track, which ensured a smooth process resulting in a great offer. Without Andrew’s input, we wouldn’t have achieved such a successful outcome.”