Read our feature in The Journal, 25.11.09

Newcastle firm Houghton International plan to double in size

Nov 25 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

ENGINEERING firm Houghton International has laid out plans to more than double the size of its Tyneside headquarters and create 40 jobs as it looks to grow its annual turnover by £2m to £5m.

The company, based in Walker, Newcastle, has taken on a 10,000sqft warehouse close to its current 15,000sqft site and, in the next 18 months, expects to invest in a second 10,000sqft facility.

The expansion follows a period of strong growth at home and abroad, which was extended last week with its first contract in Canada. The firm has employed an agent in Canada to help grow the North American market, and also has a man in Dubai to sniff out deals across the Gulf region.

Houghton's new addition on Walker Riverside will double production of its rail traction motor repairs business, and also enable it to service Tyneside's emerging renewable energy market.

Managing director Michael Mitten said: "We've had two record years of sales growth and our turnover is set to break the £3m mark this year, with aspirations to grow to £5m in the next two years.

To read the rest of the article, visit:
http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2009/11/25/newcastle-firm-houghton-international-plan-to-double-in-size-51140-25245143/

Middle East Agent - Details of November tour announced

We are pleased to announce that our Middle East Agent, Greg Kemp from 3GK Ltd will be visiting the following countries during his latest tour of the Middle East:

Kuwait: 14-16th November 
Bahrain: 17-18th November 
Oman: 21-22nd November 
Qatar: 24-25th November

Greg is now based full-time in Dubai in order to assist any company based in the Middle East to discuss how 3GK Ltd and Houghton International can help you.

To arrange an appointment, contact Greg Kemp on: +971(0)50488557 or email: greg@aev.co.uk

Michael Mitten, MD, to speak at Entrepreneurs’ Forum SME Conference on Thurs 5th November 2009

Michael Mitten, MD will be offering a shot of inspiration with tales of his experience in industry – and of his extraordinary expedition to the North Pole on foot.

The growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be at the heart of a major conference being hosted by the Entrepreneurs' Forum at the Hilton Hotel, Gateshead, on Thursday, November 5.

With the theme of "Breaking Through", the event is shaping up to be an essential date in the diary for entrepreneurs from a variety of sectors who are looking to fulfill the potential of their businesses and celebrate survival. The line-up of guest speakers – to be introduced by Guardian columnist and author Guy Browning - boasts an array of business leaders who have all made the breakthrough to pursue their ambitions.

The conference takes place from 9.30am to 5.00pm and costs £75 plus VAT for Entrepreneurs' Forum members, £95 plus VAT for non-members. Book 2 places and you will receive a discounted rate of £120 + VAT (Forum member bringing one guest) or £150 + VAT (Non-members)

For more information, telephone 0870 850 2233, e-mail info@entrepreneursforum.net or visit http://www.entrepreneursforum.net/events/conference_breakingthrough.php

Michael Mitten featured in nebusiness.co.uk

Michael Mitten. MD, is featured in nebusiness.co.uk, 02.11.09.  Click here to read the article in full

ENTREPRENEURS running small businesses are still optimistic about the economy despite orders in the sector remaining depressed. Demand for goods made by the UK's small and medium-sized manufacturers remained depressed in the last three months, but firms expect order books to stabilise in the next quarter, according to the CBI's latest quarterly SME Trends Survey.

Michael Mitten, managing director of Newcastle engineering group Houghton International, says he is benefiting from the work put in place following the downturn of 2001. He said: "We anticipate that we'll create more than 40 new jobs over the next two years – built on solid foundations."