Family business. Finley Structures was named Company of the Year at Aycliffe Business Park’s Make Your Mark awards ceremony, held at the Xcel Centre last week.
The fabrication firm beat off competition from Hitachi, Gestamp Tallent, Samwon, Baltic Training Services and Caring Caretaker to scoop the top prize.
The company was formed by John Finley in 2000 based at the former NCB Works in Tursdale with 20 staff.
It was during a chance drive-by in 2002, the opportunistic John spotted the 87,000 sq ft factory, once home to British Steel, being emptied by its tenants at the time, Alexander-le-Skerne, that he stopped to have a look.
“We were outgrowing our site at Tursdale and were looking to relocate,” says John. I went in for a look around, and remember thinking to myself ‘I can see Finley Structures thriving here’.
“We did the deal to buy the building and moved investing £250,000 in 2003 which was a lot of money for us back then, but the business started to grow.
“I initially thought we would rent part of the building out to help pay the bills but we quickly started to fill it out and before long we were looking to expand again. We then bought other adjoining buildings in 2010 and our sister company, SCH Site Services, relocated there to grow and is now thriving in its own right.”
Finley Structures is a family-run firm. John’s wife Valerie is a company director and was part-time receptionist until retiring in December.Daughter Julie is joint-managing director and son Gary is joint-managing director of SCH Site Services.
The two companies employ 104 people, and the new venture, ROF 59, an activity centre named ‘Newcomer of the Year’ employs 30 staff. John said “Picking up both awards is a career highlight.and I’d like to thank all our staff, because we wouldn’t be where we are now without them and the brilliant work they do. It is a team effort, so we’re absolutely thrilled for all our employees to win these awards. It’s testament to many years of hard work, endeavour and determination.
“I’d also like to thank HSBC for the fantastic support they have given us over the years. Today we’re virtually debt-free, but previously we were turned down by a bank we’d been with for 10 years, when we needed cash to invest in property to expand. If it wasn’t for HSBC we wouldn’t have been able to invest in the buildings and new machinery, and wouldn’t be where we are today.
“Winning big contracts is an achievement and getting the Hitachi project from Shepherd Construction was, a major boost for the company in terms of profile. In all my years in business these are our first awards, so I am very proud.”
The Company of the Year award, sponsored by Business Durham, was presented by Councillor Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration.
“I’m delighted for Finley Structures as a local family firm which has achieved a lot not only in the last year but over several years,” said Cllr Foster.
“It’s important that we celebrate our success stories with business awards like Make Your Mark and it’s brilliant to see Aycliffe Business Park thriving. It’s really leading the way for County Durham.”
Other Make Your Mark winners included Baltic Training (Apprenticeships), Formula Plastics (Engineering and Manufacturing), Lostbox (Innovation), Beaumont Grounds Maintenance (Service), Tekmar Energy (Export), Luke Reynolds, Gregg Little Testing Centre (Apprentice), ROF 59 (Newcomer), Workshop Supplies (Small Business), Caring Caretaker (Employer) and Newton Press who were pleased to win “Heart of the Community” award.
The Xcel Centre proved to be the perfect venue for this occasion catering for large numbers with an excellent three course meal, efficiently served.
John Finley, daughter Julie and son Gary are presented with their Company of the Year award by Durham County Council’s cabinet member Cllr Neil Foster (left)
