Metalwork specialist has designs on expanding staff
An architectural metalwork firm is celebrating its first year in business with a bulging order book and more staff.
Neil Hood Bespoke was set up in January 2022, and has already established a national client base – including work on several prestigious projects in London.
The Washington-based company – set up by experienced architectural metalworker Neil Hood – designs, manufactures and installs very high quality products, such as staircases and balustrades.
It now has three staff – and looking to take on more as the business grows.
Neil said: “The order book is looking very healthy and we are also tendering for numerous projects also, so it’s looking quite bright for the future.
"As we grow the business in the coming months we will be on the look out for more skilled staff to join our team.
“It’squiteachallengetrying to find the right staff and you really need to train your own people for the level of work thatweundertake.“You’renot goingtofindsomeonethatcan just slow into the way we want them to work.
"It is better taking apprentices on and allowing them to learn from scratch.”
Neil was supported in getting his idea off the ground by Sunderland City Council’s
Business Investment Team.
He added: “I’ve had a lot of support from Sunderland City Council and that’s been a great help. They backed the project from the start and had faith it would be successful and create jobs.
“If someone has a viable business idea that is going to create job opportunities, I would definitely recommend they get in touch with the council’s Business Investment Team to see how they can help.”
The Business Investment
Team were also able to signpost Neil to other funding sources that helped him accelerate the business.
Cllr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s great to have entrepreneurs like Neil setting up businesses in Sunderland that bring highly skilled jobs to the city and provide opportunities for young people.
“We look forward to seeing the company grow and are looking forward to working closely with the team as we look to the future.”