Member Article

Husband and wife team transform Derwentside business

A North East manufacturer that provided the transformers that rock giants, The Kings of Leon used in their amplifiers at their recent Wembley concert has moved into bigger premises and is creating jobs because of increased demand.

BLS Electronics is expanding its core business making transformers and wound components, and the directors have recently started a new venture offering business centre services in Consett.

BLS has been designing and manufacturing parts, found in everything from hi-fis to amplifiers and PAT testing equipment for portable appliances, for 40 years.

Simon Williams, who runs the company with his wife Fran, said: “We regularly make transformers for a prestigious amp company in London who have A list clients in the rock industry including The Kings of Leon.

“Our equipment is also used by companies making amps for the Foo Fighters and Scottish band Biffy Clyro. We’ve also recently completed a job for a major band on a US tour, because the voltage in America is different and they needed different transformers to ensure that their equipment worked there.”

BLS, which started life in Boldon in 1973, has moved from its 2,000sq ft factory in Annfield Plain to a 3,500sq ft unit at Greencroft Industrial Park in Stanley. The company has invested capital refurbishing the new premises and is now aiming to increase its 13-strong workforce, many of whom have been with BLS for more than 30 years. It currently has two apprentices and has recently recruited a marketing executive.

Simon’s father invested in the original business when he was the factory manager and Simon joined the company in 1986 as a quality controller. He learned the trade inside out originally packaging and stacking transformers to actually designing them. Simon has headed BLS since his father passed away in 2006.

He said: “We’re proud of our association with the music businesses, but audio is just a small yet growing part of what we do. Our biggest customer is Seaward Electronics, which makes PAT testers, and around 60-70% of our components are made for other North East companies.

BLS’s reputation for quality, care and great customer service is behind the recent expansion and the move to new premises.

“We are different to other component makers because instead of the usual minimum 100 pieces order, we offer a bespoke service. So, if you need just one transformer, we’ll make it to your specification.”

Fran set up Perspective Business Centres after BLS struggled to find boardroom space to host an important meeting.

Fran said: “We realised other businesses in the Derwentside and Consett areas would probably have the same problems as we did, so we set up the Perspective Business Centre to provide meeting spaces.

“The building in Consett has excellent training facilities and a really nice atmosphere, where businesses can hire rooms by the hour, day or week. There are rooms for meetings and virtual office facilities including a phone answering service.

“We offer our business clients good customer service, quality facilities and attention to detail – all qualities which we have taken from BLS,” said Fran.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Highlights PR .