We're planning to take on more staff – paving the way to doubling turnover
Almost one in three North Lincolnshire businesses say they plan to take on more staff by the end of 2013.
A survey, carried out by UK Steel Enterprise Ltd in partnership with the Scunthorpe Telegraph, asked North Lincolnshire businesses about their plans for future growth and what they needed putting in place in the way of assistance and finance to help them create jobs.
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Simon Porter, right, business development manager for Natural Paving Products, with Allan Wood of UK Steel Enterprise
Responses came in from a wide range of business sectors – and 29 per cent said they intended to recruit over the next 18 months.
A total of 81 per cent said they also planned to expand over the same period.
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One firm that took part in the survey is Belton-based Natural Paving Products (UK) Ltd – which aims to double its turnover to £20-million within three to five years.
It was the lucky winner of a draw to be featured in the Scunthorpe and Grimsby Telegraphs.
Natural Paving was established in 2004 by directors Paul Shepard and Mark Wall and has rapidly become one of the leading UK-wide suppliers of quality, ethically sourced stone.
Simon Porter, business development manager at Natural Paving, said the business had lots of plans for growth in the future. He said: "We want to continue to grow through brand recognition, increased market share, expanding our customer base and developing our product range. We also see international markets as a growth area and continue to monitor developments overseas."
Natural Paving recently scooped The ABP Business Growth Award at the Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards 2012 in May. The company currently employs 20 full-time staff and has links with India and China.
Natural Paving is a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETi) which has helped NP to promote and develop Ethical Trading standard throughout its supply trains.
Simon said the business will continue to see growth of 20 to 30 per cent a year.
He said: "Over the next three to five years, we want to be at a £17-20-million turnover."
"I have every confidence we will be able to achieve this."
Allan Wood, regional executive for UK Steel Enterprise, said: "UK Steel Enterprise is working hard to try to help the local economy grow and it's great to see businesses like Natural Paving Products planning for long-term sustainable growth that will create jobs in the area."
UK Steel Enterprise is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Steel and provides business finance to local companies with the aim of encouraging business growth and job creation.
In North Lincolnshire, the company has established a Kickstart Fund to provide amounts up to £5,000 to start-up and small businesses, while unsecured loans are available for established companies from £25,000 upwards as are equity investments up to £750,000.
A subsidy towards professional advice on business planning fees is also available. For details, call 0800 915 1188. Natural Paving is on 0845 0721150.
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