Consultancy Elemy Ltd looks to grow after £7500 UK Steel Enterprise support

A steel and metal industry consultancy supporting clients internationally has revealed North East expansion plans.

Elemy Ltd hopes to move from its home office in Marske, near Redcar, to a new site to support ongoing work across Europe, the USA and the Middle East after receiving £7500 backing from UK Steel Enterprise’s Regeneration Fund.

The company connects suppliers of glass reinforced polymer composites (GRP) and niche carbon steel and non-ferrous metals to customers across numerous market sectors.

Founded by Richard Brine and partner Claire Murphy, the company is able to advise clients on supply chain options and agreements, as well as strategic growth, design and fabrication, sales, marketing and business development.

“We are very pleased with the high level of initial interest,” said Richard.

“It includes opportunities in the UK, Europe, USA, Middle East and further afield with more than 50 per cent of our work to date from outside the UK.

“The strong mix of clients bodes well for the future as we establish ourselves in what is still a young niche market.”

Richard, whose previous roles include European sales manager at British Steel, revealed Elemy’s turnover is expected to exceed £500,000 this year, meaning the couple need to find a new base for operations.

“We could have planned for a comfortable early retirement,” he said, “but we really wanted to use our combined experience to start a business and are in it for the long haul.

“We are very grateful for UK Steel Enterprise’s support at this early stage, which is a critical time, and it is good to know they too have confidence in Elemy.

“There will be further numerous options open to us, but we are consolidating in GRP composites, non-ferrous, civil and drainage engineering products initially.”

Sarah Thorpe, area manager for UK Steel Enterprise, the Tata Steel business-support subsidiary, added: “It is good to see a new business making such a strong start and using the valuable expertise gained over decades in the steel industry.

“We were happy to support Elemy at this vital stage and look forward to seeing the business go from strength-to-strength and create valuable jobs in one of our steel areas.”