Member Article

Bedlington entrepreneur joins Northumberland growth programme for SMEs and startups

North East manufacturing entrepreneur Malcolm Humble, founder of Cramlington-based Opsol UK, has joined Oxford Innovation’s team of 15 coaching specialists to deliver the Business Northumberland High Growth programme.

Bedlington-born Malcolm set up Opsol UK in 2002, taking it from a home-based business to one that now employs 40 people in a 14,500 square foot, state of the art manufacturing facility.

Opsol UK designs and manufactures circuit boards for a wide range of blue chip clients in sectors including rail and highway signage, education, security, medical and energy. The company is set to achieve a turnover of more than £3.5 million this year.

In June 2014 Malcolm sold Opsol UK to one of its clients, Ashington-based A-Belco Group, global specialists in electrical and mechanical engineering. Malcolm remains managing director of Opsol UK and will combine this role with coaching Oxford Innovation clients.

The Business Northumberland High Growth Programme offers established and start-up firms in the county fully-funded support in achieving growth and creating jobs.

Since the launch of the programme in April 2013, 80 businesses have been supported by Oxford Innovation’s team of expert coaches resulting in 82 jobs created or protected.

The £1.35 million programme is funded by the North East European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is being delivered by Oxford Innovation on behalf of Arch, The Northumberland Development Company.

Malcolm said: “Having established and grown my own business I really want to help other local entrepreneurs do the same.

“I know what it’s like to take a business through difficult economic times and how it feels to be taking a risk on an investment when there is no guarantee of success.

“Running a business can be a lonely existence so I want to be there to support people going through the same.

“I don’t claim to have all of the answers but I can draw on my own experiences which will hopefully be of value to other local businesses.

“My guiding principle is people should be empowered to get on with what they’re good at.

“I hear so much jargon in business today and it’s easy to see how good, talented people can end up getting bogged down by buzz words and the latest management trends.

“Keep it simple, do what you do well and you won’t go far wrong.”

Oxford Innovation’s programme manager, Mike Jobson, said: “Malcolm is a fantastic addition to our coaching team. He brings great experience and an outstanding track record of success.

“If any Northumberland based business, especially from the manufacturing sector, would like to receive completely impartial, straight-talking support from Malcolm they should contact Oxford Innovation on 01670 528403 to arrange an appointment.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →