Member Article

Funding helps break barriers to growth

An outfitting and industrial services contractor is implementing its plans to grow and provide services to British, Canadian and Australian Navies, thanks to funding secured right here in the Tees Valley.

Barrier Architectural Services, which is based in Wynyard, Teesside, operates within the defence, offshore, marine and renewable energy construction industries, providing specialist architectural, insulation, façade cladding, design, procurement and installation services.

After being awarded a grant of £40,150 through the Tees Valley Business Growth Fund, the firm is continuing with its plans to grow across the globe.

Tony Scott, Barrier Architectural Services commercial director, said: “We applied for funding because we wanted to implement our growth plans without the potential financial constraints of Brexit and the pandemic impacting these.

“Now, we’re able to recruit and implement technologies that enable us to provide greater security, optimise efficiencies and support the likes of the Global Combatant Shipbuilding Programmes.”

The grant received will be used to expand Barrier’s 44-strong team, procure business software packages and implement new IT and security systems.

Five jobs will be created thanks to the funding, with the company set to recruit an additional design engineer, project manager, CAD draftsperson and admin staff.

Barrier accessed the grant, which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, through the Tees Valley Growth hub at TVCA with the support of Middlesbrough-based business support consultancy, Nudl.

Tony said: “In businesses like ours we don’t always have the time or resources to see the application process through due diligence.

“We were made aware of Nudl through a colleague, and after getting in touch with the team, it was clear that the process would be much less time onerous and disruptive to our business if we utilised their services and expertise.”

Annmarie Antunes, Nudl’s operations manager, said: “We thoroughly enjoyed working with the team at Barrier.

“Being able to learn about the different elements of the industry and all the specialist areas the firm covers was a truly eye-opening, insightful and enjoyable experience.

“We can’t wait to watch as the business grows throughout not only Teesside, but the world.”

Tony added: “We formed a great informal relationship with the Nudl team which gave us confidence that we could leave our interests in their hands.

“I would have no hesitation at all in recommending them to other firms looking to grow.”

For more information on Barrier Architectural Services, visit www.barrier-architectural.co.uk/

To find out more about Nudl, visit www.nudl.co.uk/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nudl .