Materials Processing Institute

Pearl Safety Solutions is forecasting an increase in turnover by more than a quarter this financial year after strengthening its position in the renewables sector.

The upswing in the fortunes of the health and safety consultancy comes just months after it established its headquarters on the Teesside campus of the Materials Processing Institute.

Founded in 2015 by director Phil Jones, he ran the business from his Ingleby Barwick home until an expanding client list and an increase in demand for its online training service dictated last summer’s move.

The consultancy, which works throughout the UK and Ireland, has historically been involved in delivering health and safety support to the construction industry, social landlords and local authorities.

However, with an increasing focus on decarbonisation and net zero, it is also started working with solar energy providers and businesses in the circular economy.

In the latter half of last year, it performed 74 audits on solar farms and recently secured a contract with a major solar energy company based in Austria. It is also involved in a project to construct an anaerobic digestor in the North West for a major Dutch venture capitalist.

Since its move, Pearl Safety Solutions has benefitted from the synergy with the Institute, which undertakes research and innovation into advanced materials, industrial decarbonisation and the circular economy, including energy recovery, and net zero process solutions.

In addition, its office at the Materials Processing Institute campus is adjacent to Teesworks, the former Redcar steel works site which is being transformed into the UK’s largest industrial zone, and the Teesside Freeport, which will promote innovation and regeneration.

Phil Jones, who works alongside six associates, said: “We reached a stage where we needed to find the space that would allow us to take this business to the next level.

“This location is perfect, right on the doorstep of Teesworks and the freeport – both of which will attract further inward investment and make the Tees Valley a hugely attractive place to do business.

“Turnover is on track to grow by a record 25 to30 percent this financial year, partially due to our expansion into the renewables sector.”

Chris McDonald, Chief Executive of the Materials Processing Institute, said: “I’m delighted to hear that Pearl Safety Solutions is thriving since moving to our campus and is taking advantage of the many opportunities available.

“Our campus is situated in the heart of the Tees Valley, an area which is at the forefront of clean energy, low carbon, hydrogen and industrial digitisation – the keystones of this country’s future economic prosperity.”

Having previously introduced a dedicated incubator service for start-ups and SMEs, the Institute created additional dedicated offices and workshops for larger and more established businesses. Tenants can also access expertise in research and innovation, along with additional support services and facilities.

As a local company, Pearl Safety Solutions remains proud of its roots and is a silver member of the MFC Foundation, the independent charitable arm of Middlesbrough FC.

ENDS

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF MATERIALS PROCESSING INSTITUTE

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew Douglas 01325 363 436

Photo caption: L-R: Phil Jones of Pearl Safety Solutions, Middlesbrough FC mascot Roary the Lion and Chris McDonald, Chief Executive of the Materials Processing Institute

Notes to editors:

Materials Processing Institute

The Materials Processing Institute is a research and innovation centre serving global steel and materials organisations that work in advanced materials, industrial decarbonisation, the circular economy, and digital technologies.

The Institute has served as the UK’s national steel innovation centre since 1944 having been set up by Sir Winston Churchill’s wartime government just before D-Day to equip the British steel industry for post-war reconstruction. It celebrated its 75^th anniversary in 2019.

Through collaboration with its customers, the Institute provides a range of technology and R&D based services and consultancy. It also has pilot and demonstration facilities and an SME Technology Centre to support supply chain businesses with the development of new technologies and products.

Works with: steel, metals and alloys, chemical processes, aerospace and defence, energy, mining and quarrying, construction, rail, transport, and infrastructure, offshore, subsea, and nuclear.

The Materials Processing Institute includes developments funded through Tees Valley Combined Authority, through the Local Growth Fund (Growth Deal).

For more information: https://www.mpiuk.com/

Pearl Safety Solutions

Pearl Safety Solutions Ltd are a multi-disciplinary health and safety consultancy based in North Yorkshire.

Its ethos is simple, to provide a practical and proportionate service to our clients which supports their business and ensures they stay compliant.

It has extensive experience in health and safety from Board Level to the shop floor. It covers the whole of the UK and Ireland and can provide advice on global health and safety requirements in other domestic settings.

Acting as a critical friend, it offers workable solutions and won’t walk away, leaving clients with a list of non-compliant issues.

For more information: https://www.pearlsafety.com/