Published: Mar 01, 2016
Focus:
Growth Capital
The Greater Manchester Loan Fund (GMLF) has invested £320,000 in Emeg Electrical (Emeg), a specialist mechanical and electrical contractor providing services to the owners and operators of rail facilities.
The Fund, which is managed by Maven, was set up by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities to encourage growth in local businesses whilst creating and safeguarding jobs in the area. 
Established in 1997, Emeg has grown steadily in recent years following the award of the coveted Principal Contractors License from Network Rail, allowing it to tender directly on a large number of infrastructure projects. The license has enabled Richard Simmonite (Managing Director) and his management team to build on their current relationship with Network Rail, leading to significant contract wins on the East Coast Mainline. In 2013 Emeg also invested in a second office in Trafford and this strategic move has led to further growth on the West Coast line.
Alongside traditional mechanical and electrical services the company has invested in the development of a number of complementary products including Carriage Wash Equipment, Depot Protection Systems and Waste Water Management Systems. Emeg has also added a Station Design team who work alongside project architects on Network Rail’s Station Refurbishment Programme. This diversified and expanded service has broadened Emeg’s appeal within the sector and has helped win a number of key contracts, ranging from the initial design right through to build.
The funding package provided by the GMLF will allow the company to make further investment in its Trafford operation, creating approximately 10 new jobs in the region.
“Emeg has proved to be a trusted operator delivering consistent high quality work for its clients. It is this reputation that has led Emeg to becoming a key supplier to Network Rail, a position only a few selected contractors hold within the UK. The business is extremely ambitious as demonstrated by the opening of its new Trafford operation which lies close to Network Rail’s Northern Headquarters at Piccadilly, Manchester. We are delighted to support Emeg with its future growth aspirations and continue to look for similar businesses throughout Greater Manchester which require funding to fulfil their potential.”
David Wright, Investment Manager at Maven
“We are delighted to have received the support of the GMLF, via Maven, for our Manchester business. As with any SME, the funding will make all the difference to us, allowing the company to invest in people and infrastructure, creating real value and new jobs for the Manchester Region. We see great potential, in the North West from a Rail prospective, and this funding will be an enabler for growth for our business.”
Richard Simmonite, Managing Director at Emeg
“The railways have always been an important part of Manchester’s economy and will continue to be important in the future. This loan will help a great company in the sector establish a local office, creating jobs and enabling future expansion. This is a superb example of the public and private sectors working together. Access to finance is vital for businesses and the Greater Manchester Loan Fund provides an important service, supporting growing companies and safeguarding jobs.”
Mike Blackburn, chair of the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership
“It is fantastic news that the company has chosen Trafford as its choice of location. Not only is this another prestigious company investing in Trafford and bringing job growth to the area, the skills and potential training opportunities the company will bring are a real asset. Likewise, the opportunity for local businesses to trade with them and be part of the large contracts they are associated with is a real boost for the local economy. I am pleased that the GMLF has enabled this to happen and is a prime example of how the GMCA is working alongside the private sector to help Greater Manchester grow and further establish it as a location of choice, where companies aspire to come and do business for the long-term.”
Councillor Sean Anstee, Leader of Trafford Council
