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MCL joins up with freight specialist firm
European palletised freight specialist Pall-Ex has announced that Newport-based MCL Logistics is to join its UK network. The haulier is now covering the whole of the NP and
part of the GL postcode areas for Pall-Ex. MCL prides itself on being a family business and has a
long-standing customer base ranging from multi-national blue chip companies to small individual firms. Pall-Ex’s network development director Steven Reed
said: “MCL is a transport company that has a record for reliability and professionalism, which are also the core values of the Pall-Ex Group, making them a perfect fit for the network. “We have already outlined our desire to introduce
a wider breadth of UK services in 2013 to complement existing offerings, such as Retail Plus+ and packaging recycling service Eco-Drive. It is having members of the calibre of MCL that will make this happen.” James Howells, managing director of MCL Logistics,
said: “Like ourselves, Pall-Ex is a business with ambition and we look forward to building a strong working relationship with both Pall-Ex and the other haulier members over the coming months. “Continual improvement of service levels has always
been a priority for the team at MCL, and joining Pall-Ex enables us to offer even more to our existing customers and, of course, help to secure new contracts.” As well as strengthening its UK offering, Pall-Ex is
continuing with its European expansion. Networks in France and Poland will begin operating in the coming months, joining the group’s other continental networks – Pall-Ex Italia, Pall-Ex Iberia and Pall-Ex Romania.
Tony Thomas, Andrew Price, of Barclays, and Len McSweeney
Manufacturing business Recovery Rollers Ltd, based at Western Industrial Estate in Caerleon, is rolling along nicely after a £400,000 sales finance package provided by Barclays business. The new facility will allow tighter control over future cash flow requirements as the business continues to grow. The business which has been established
since 1989 and currently employs 19 staff and specialises in the manufacturing and recovery of rubber and polyurethane covered rollers used extensively within the UK steel industry. Tony Thomas, company director and
founder of Recovery Rollers Ltd, said: “Like many businesses we have had to manage our business carefully during the economic downturn and have emerged leaner and more efficient from the experience. “We have managed steady growth over
the last three years and are now diversifying into other areas to generate new income streams.
“We have always been able to adapt our
business to survive within this industry and the finance package from Barclays will allow us to continue our growth strategy into the foreseeable future.” Andrew Price, Barclays Business Manager,
said: “Barclays Business is committed to using our local knowledge and experience to support such propositions, which are vital to a prosperous economy. “By working closely with our customer
we have been able to support Recovery Rollers both financially and professionally. “The funding package demonstrates
confidence in the continued growth and success of the business.” Len McSweeney, company director,
said: “Running a business is tough as the responsibility for the expansion and success of the business, combined with increasing levels of UK taxation make turning a profit a real challenge, but the flexibility to make those decisions and repeat orders coming back time after time make it all worthwhile.”
Entries invited for county awards
The search for Monmouthshire’s best businesses and entrepreneurs has officially begun with the launch of the county’s 2013 business awards. Now in their second year, the
Monmouthshire Business Awards, which are being sponsored by Monmouthshire County Council, recognise innovation, talent and enterprise in the county. The launch was marked with a champagne
party at The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny, with nearly 70 guests including a mix of official sponsors, former MBA entrants and finalists, dignitaries from the county council and
6 THEbusiness QUARTER
representatives from the National Assembly for Wales. Guests also included former ITV Wales
broadcaster Hywel James and Monmouth MP David Davies. The awards, which are free to enter, are
divided into 12 categories: Most Promising Start Up; Best Food Tourism Business; Training and Excellence in People Development; Excellence in Retailing; Excellence in Marketing; Innovation in Business; Best Social Enterprise; Young Entrepreneur 18 – 24; Company demonstrating Sustained Growth; Excellence in Environmental &
Sustainability; Diversity in Farming and Company of the Year. There would be a series of MBA roadshows
taking place around the county from the end of March onwards. These are being facilitated by MCC and are
open to all businesses wanting to learn more about the MBAs 2013. To enter the Monmouthshire Business
Awards and for more information, visit
www.monbizawards.co.uk. Turn to our Out and About section on page 52 for pictures from the launch event.
Business keeps on rolling thanks to finance package
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