AWARD FOR AMBITIOUS WALLSEND COMPANY
Based on the thriving Willington Quay in Wallsend, Barrier Ex Limited has provided hazardous area lighting solutions since 2016, they then took home the North Tyneside Manufacturing and Construction Award in 2018. Managing Director, Steven Lee explains how the company has flourished since trading started in 2017 and now enjoys a competitive standing in the international marketplace.
Tell us a little more about Barrier Ex Limited
At Barrier Ex we manufacture and sell Hazardous Area lighting and enclosures, glass reinforced polymer (GRP) products, electrical engineering solutions and commercial and industrial LED lighting products. We do this for a range of clients in a variety of sectors, including oil and gas, airports, rail, waste and water treatment, and distilleries to name but a few. We specialise in providing lighting solutions for hazardous areas and the company has seen major growth in the past two years, expanding our workforce from an original two to a full time staff of 16. In 2017 we were included in the prestigious London Stock Exchange publication 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain.
How did you come to apply for the Manufacturing and Construction Award?
We entered the awardsin 2017 and were shortlisted for New Business of the Year. In 2018 year we decided to go for the Manufacturing and Construction Award based on the development of our GRP division as well as our innovation with the Quazr and Equinox products.
We put together a company presentation for the judges, provided testimonials from staff and clients, and showcased samples of the products being built and in operation. These included the products we already sell as well as future concepts. That got us shortlisted and we were fortunate enough to be successful on the awards evening.
What does winning the Award mean to your business?
Winning the 2018 Manufacturing and Construction Award is great for the business. It is a nice reward for all the hard work our staff have put in over the 18 months prior to winning the award. We are aiming high with our growth plans and having this award under our belt gives us credibility with our clients and is particularly helpful when we are dealing with new clients and businesses based abroad.
Positive press coverage never hurts either! We are confident this will help us to continue to attract the best talent to the business.
What are you plans for the business?
We are part of the RTC North Scale Up North East Programme, so we want to continue to grow Barrier Ex Limited. We want to diversify the business into other areas of operation and we should have some positive news on that front in early 2019.
What’s the best thing about running a business in North Tyneside?
I think the best thing about North Tyneside for business is the support you receive locally. North Tyneside Business Forum and the Council want local businesses to succeed and actively provide support and advice to those companies who want to develop and grow.
Find out more about Barrier Ex visit www.barrier-ex.co.uk
