Winners of Small Business Award - North East Business Awards 2009

We are delighted to announce that Houghton International was named as the WINNER of the Small Business Award last night at the North East Business Awards 2009 (Tyneside and Northumberland Region which were held at the Marriott Gosforth Park Hotel.

The Small Business Award is sponsored by Royal Mail, this category celebrates companies that form the heart of the region’s economy and looks at companies which may well grow into the corporate giants of the future.

We will go through to the grand regional final at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield on 29th April where we will compete against the winners from the other 2 sub-regions: Durham & Wearside and Tees Valley.

Please wish us luck for the Regional Final.  Photos will appear shortly.

Ian Lucas MP officially opens second site for Houghton International

As part of his visit to the North East yesterday, Ian Lucas MP visited Houghton International to officially open Neptune House, a new 10,000 sq ft facility which is helping the firm to double output in the traction motor repairs side of the business and to service the renewable energy sector.

The family-owned company is creating 40 jobs over the next 3 years through the expansion of its operation in Walker Riverside, having been supported by a £200,000 Grant for Business and Industry from One North East.

Houghton International last year celebrated its 25th year in business, has doubled the size of its Tyneside headquarters and has enjoyed two record years of sales growth, with turnover set to break the £4m mark in 2010 and £5m in 2011, as part of a thriving renewable energy sector in North East England.

Opening the facility Mr Lucas said: “Houghton International represents all that is good about advanced manufacturing in the North East. I am delighted to be opening this new factory in Newcastle, which underlines the company’s commitment to the region and the opportunities that renewable energy offers for our economy.”