HLA Services eyes further progress after Northumbria Police contract

A mechanical, air conditioning, climate system and temperature control firm says it has “started the year on a positive note” thanks to a new police contract.

HLA Services has secured a three-year maintenance agreement with Northumbria Police.

Under the terms of the deal, the Boldon-headquartered company will supply air conditioning to 23 police stations.

The contract builds on a successful period for HLA Services, which has seen growth across various divisions, including a 30 per cent increase in its mechanical contracts department and ten per cent growth in its service maintenance division, with turnover reaching £12.5 million.

Director Neil Henry, who founded the business with Paul Smith 18 years ago, said: “We have started the year on a positive note and with strong levels of activity.

“Over the last 18 years, we have weathered numerous storms, the financial crash, Brexit and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“However, we have remained focused and resilient and have created opportunities by introducing innovative, new services.

“In the last 12 months, we have seen growth in our mechanical and service and maintenance divisions by recruiting additional specialists in areas such as ventilation, which has enabled us to tender for more work.”

HLA Services works across numerous sectors, including construction, manufacturing, retail, education and hospitality, and counts Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham universities, Hays Travel, Caterpillar UK and Durham County Cricket Club as clients.

Paul added: “Looking forward, sustainability is high on our agenda and we have pledged our commitment to reduce carbon emissions in line with the Government’s target of reaching net zero by 2050.

“During 2021, our fleet will start to become electric with charging points at our locations and as part of our service offering to customers, we will also, where requested, install electric charging points for them.”

And Paul says the business – which employs more than 100 staff and has satellite offices in Teesside, Cumbria and North Yorkshire – will continue looking to strengthen its team to further its progress.

He added: “We will take time and exercise due diligence when picking each and every new person that joins us and provide them with individual development plans, so they grow and develop with us.”