Barrier Ex

If you’re a ‘young, hungry business that wants to grow quickly and do well’ then North Tyneside is the place for you, according to one business that has reaped the rewards of being based in the region.

One of the things that the Council have been especially good at is helping us access the local supply chain – which is full of really well-skilled, highly qualified people who have got a good desire to work.

Steven Lee, Barrier Ex

Barrier Ex Ltd has grown exponentially since beginning its journey in North Tyneside – expanding from a team of two to 15 in just two years, increasing its exporting promise and featuring in the London Stock Exchanges ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’.

For Steven Lee, managing director at Barrier Ex, the company’s location in North Tyneside is one of the reasons behind its continuing success.

“It’s been great working in the North Tyneside area”, said Steven. “One of the things that the Council have been especially good at is helping us access the local supply chain – which is full of really well-skilled, highly qualified people who have got a good desire to work.

‘We’ve found North Tyneside Council really helpful in our development – we’ve gone from having two employees in 2016 to 15 now, and we’re just about to start another recruitment drive for another contract that we’ve won, which launches in 2019.”

The company is comprised of four divisions, all of which were all into full production inside six months: hazardous area solutions, electrical engineering, LED Lighting and GRP.

“Hazardous area solutions, including hazardous area lighting, provides explosion proof enclosures and lighting for the oil and gas industry. Electrical engineering involves the production of electrical cabinets for network rail, and LED helps businesses reduce their energy costs for commercial and industrial clients.

“GRP is our newest division, which produces glass re-enforced poly-mac composite cabinets for the building industry.”

As well as making strides in the North Tyneside region, Barrier Ex has also experienced significant overseas growth, with international orders from the Middle East and exhibitions at two major international trade exhibitions.

To expand its already impressive international portfolio, the team at Barrier Ex is now looking forward to an upcoming trip to Singapore, where they will represent the North East at the TechInnovation exhibition and discuss product innovation and opportunities.

“If you are a young, hungry business that wants to grow quickly and do well, and particularly if you want to export, North Tyneside is a great place to work,” added Steven. “The Council will help you, they will introduce you to the local supply chain and to people further afield who help you grow your business.”

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