Member Article

Exel Elevator business the only way is up

Lifts go in two directions up and down, but for North East business, Exel Elevator, the only way is up.

Offering lift repair and maintenance services, Exel Elevator began in 2010 and in just two years the company has expanded into larger offices twice and have gone from two staff to now a team of eight.

In 2010 Jonathan Wilde first visited the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), it was here that he was appointed business adviser Chris Craig where they discussed the details of setting up his own company. Jonathan invited previous colleague, Elaine Terry, to join him in business partnership.

Elaine, mother of one, worked for a multinational company but took her redundancy and a leap of faith after 22 years of service Elaine said:

“In June 2010 we moved into a little office. We had nothing between us; we even had to rent furniture from the BIC. Looking back I had no idea what I was letting myself in for but I can honestly say if I had to do it again I would in a heartbeat. There were a lot of sleepless nights when we found that clients don’t come to you straight away.

“We had to make the contacts and between the two of us we began to build up our reputation. Thankfully our perseverance paid off we started to develop our client base and now have customers as far as Leeds and Humberside. I am so proud of what we have achieved in the short space of time.

“We had an opportunity and with the BIC’s help we have flourished. After being made redundant I now feel I have a purpose for getting up in the mornings, I view the team like an extended version of my family and we encourage people to do well and be as passionate as us.”

David Howell, Director of Operations at the North East BIC, commented: “What is so inspiring about Exel Elevators is that they both worked for other companies and had enough belief in themselves to become their own bosses. It is so rewarding to see them grow from strength to strength in such a short space of time.”

The BIC offers a range of commercial property options with flexible tenancy agreement. Business space across the site ranges from 6000 sq ft industrial units to 150 sq ft small office space to let, perfect for start-up, expanding and well-established businesses.

To arrange a site visit and view the variety ofbusiness space available, please call Donna Surtees on 0191 516 6066 or email space@ne-bic.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Spence .