A Link to survival.

A TEESSIDE shopfitters, hit by a string of collapses on the high street, said it had survived the recession with help from Business Link.

The national business based in Thornaby with an annual turnover of pounds 15m, approached the business advisory service in February after it was badly hit by reduced orders and bad debts from long-term clients that had gone into liquidation.

High end, mainly retail, customers include Austin Reed, Zara and Diesel.

Director, David Graham, said: "In common with the majority of the construction industry serving the retail sector, the downturn had really hit us hard.

"We had to make a number of redundancies just to help keep the business going."

Nevertheless, the company decided to invest in additional computer aided manufacturing machinery, including a large 8 head CadCam Router to produce complex shop fitting items in a more rapid and cost-effective way.

"Business Link guided us through a successful funding application that has allowed us to train our staff to use our new equipment," explained Mr Graham.

"In turn, this has enabled us to secure a major new contract that will help build the future of our business and help safeguard jobs."

Amanda Rowan, Business Link skills broker who identified skills gaps and areas where the company could benefit from training, said: "Like many businesses, Newman Scott had started to feel the repercussions of the downturn.

"Skills training can be a cost effective way of developing your workforce and, as with Newman Scott, it can really make a positive difference.

"I worked closely with David and the team there to explore ways in which we could help safeguard the business, and fortunately the support we gave is already reaping positive results."

CAPTION(S):

WORKING TOGETHER: Newman Scott director David Graham, centre, with Amanda Rowan of Business Link and project manager Kevin Pegden with their latest computerised equipment