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Growing company makes more room

A COMPANY supplying temporary classrooms has secured additional premises.

Meltham firm Eurolink Construction Services Ltd received support from Royal Bank of Scotland to acquire the Railway Sawmills at Lockwood.

The site, includes almost two acres of concrete hard standing, which will be used to store the firm's portable buildings. Director Michael Stancliffe said: "We have looked at many sites over the last five years, but none have ticked all the boxes like this site. "Buying buildings with the right specification at the right price is paramount to our business to continue to supply the high quality refurbished classrooms expected from our clients.

"The biggest headache in our industry is having the storage facilities available to accommodate the stock. "We have leased three and often more sites at any one time over the years and managed adequately. "Being able to bring everything under one roof will not only enhance our business profile, it will also provide a better working environment and give better control over stock."

He said: "This is obviously a huge investment and a big commitment to make in these uncertain economic times when most businesses, including ourselves, have been forced to tighten their belts. "Our main customer base – schools and local authorities – are struggling with severe budget cuts this year. "But we are sure that the move will demonstrate our commitment to our business model and we are confident that it will give us the flexibility to improve our operations in the future. "We are very optimistic in what lies ahead for us and we are sure that demand for fast, affordable, classroom and office accommodation that meets current building standards will be on the increase next year."

The company, which has been trading for almost 18 years, supplies new and second-hand portable, temporary classrooms for sale, lease purchase or long-term hire.

Said Mr Stancliffe: "On the new site, there is an opportunity for more local companies to access small business units at affordable monthly rental rates. The 5,000sqft of space is ideal for splitting into smaller units and we already have three interested parties due to the excellent rates on offer."

Eurolink was supported during the negotiations and sale by Marie Nicholl, senior relationship manager for RBS. The company has been a customer of the bank for 10 years.

Said Ms Nicholl: "Given the nature of Eurolink Construction's business, it has taken a while to find a site that matches their needs. The new base provides them with the space to continue growing while the decision to buy rather than rent demonstrates the strength of the business."

Image: SITE MEETING: Eurolink managing director John Stancliffe with Marie Nicholl, of RBS, and staff at the new site premises in Lockwood

Kirklees Business News – 13 September 2011