A LITTLE welding company near Malton has been given a massive boost as a result of advice from the Manufacturing Advisory Service Yorkshire & Humber (MAS Y&H).

Technical Welding Services Ltd, of Leavening, has seen its sales soar by £100,000 since an MAS consultant cast an expert eye on the working practices of the company and some of its machinery. Turnover now stands at £350,000.

As well as driving up sales, the intervention resulted in TWS achieving a 40 per cent improvement in gross value added; a 24 per cent rise in “people” productivity and the creation of one new job – an apprentice – bringing its staff to four. It has also meant a busy order book, with recent projects including special effects for a theme park roller coaster, the design, fabrication and installation of water wheels for electricity generation, innovative staircases and bespoke machinery fabrication.

The result has pleased Edward Green, managing director, who founded the business nine years ago to specialise in the supply of design and construction services for both domestic and commercial customers.

As the venture began to grow, he was joined by Fiona Scarlett, now part owner and business manager.

They also began to realise they needed external expert advice both in the office and on the shop floor and, through Business Link, were signposted to MAS Y&H, which is jointly funded by Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency and the European Regional Development Fund.

Fiona said: “MAS consultant Cedric Jeffries, from Scott Grant, came to see us. He was absolutely brilliant and made us feel we were in a safe and experienced pair of hands.”

Cedric carried out a diagnostic report which led to the introduction of more efficient office systems and improvements in estimating and invoicing. He also recommended investing in a new computer system and replacing an old, unreliable compressor.

Edward said: “The results have been fantastic and we are proof that it doesn’t matter how small your business is, MAS can make a real difference.”