Valve firm seals growth with funding boost

A Teesside-based engineering supplier is expanding operations and creating new jobs with backing from a regional investment fund.

Middlesbrough firm Valves & Flow Control Resources (VFCR), which supplies valves and actuated solutions to clients across the mining, construction and civil engineering sectors, has secured a five-figure investment from NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans, delivered by NEL Fund Managers as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

Bosses say the funding will “open doors” by supporting stock purchases to meet rising demand, helping the company reduce lead times and respond more quickly to customer needs.

They add that the investment has also enabled the recruitment of a new sales engineer to help drive further growth across the North East and beyond.

Richard McLoughlin, director at Valves & Flow Control Resources Limited, said: “After taking ownership of the business, the opportunities to grow and expand our stock range were clear. 

“The funding we have received has opened the doors for us to employ an external sales engineer and invest in significant stock to support our sales efforts and potential expansion into new markets.

“The investment has allowed us to implement a new strategy to increase our customer base by offering quality automation solutions to all industrial sectors across the UK from chemical manufacturing to power generation. 

“We’re excited to expand over the coming years and grow our team even further.”

Michael Williams, investment executive at NEL Fund Managers, added: “It is a pleasure to support such a well-established and reputable business situated in Teesside. 

“Our investment will allow VFCR to diversify its existing product offering and recruit an additional sales engineer who will subsequently enhance the business’ presence across the region. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing what Richard and the wider team achieve in the future, and I have no doubt in Richard’s ability in successfully executing VFCR’s growth strategy.”

The £660 million Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) fund, operated by British Business Bank, provides loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million to help small and medium-sized businesses.

Sarah Newbould, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, added: “NPIF II covers the whole of the North East, providing finance to areas that have typically faced barriers in receiving investment. 

“Through this funding, VFCR is already creating jobs in the region, with more set to come. 

“It’s a fantastic example of how investment can not only empower the business which receives it but also stimulate the regional economy through job creation.”

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