Hartlepool cable company working on HS2 railway secures five-figure investment

Hartlepool Cable Services Ltd, set up by Lee Douglas, is looking forward to growth after being supported by UKSE, the Tata Steel business-support subsidiary.

The business started operating in June last year from UKSE’s Innovation Centre in Hartlepool’s Queens Meadow Business Park.

Lee decided to take the plunge and start his own business after more than 30 years of experience and expertise from working in the cable sector, in both operations and management.

Hartlepool Cable Services is now working alongside a number of major electrical engineering contractors on projects including the new high speed railway HS2, Wilton International, data centres and hospitals around the UK.

“We work alongside the electrical engineers and specialise in installing and jointing heavy duty HV and LV cables,” explained Lee.

“Having spent decades in the sector I was really keen to use all that experience and set up my own business.

"I’ve been encouraged and supported by Mike McKenna of Inspire Financial Management, who introduced me to Peter Taylor at UKSE, and I couldn’t have achieved this without them.

“I’m pleased with the early progress we have made and now, with the help of this unsecured loan from UKSE, I’m looking forward with confidence to seeing the company grow steadily and create more jobs.”

Four new employees joined the company recently, bringing the current team to 15, and Lee also draws on a bank of experienced sub-contractors.

“Recent times may not have been the easiest to launch a new business, but we have seen a strong demand for our services,” added Lee.

Peter Taylor, Business Development Manager for UKSE, said: “Lee brings years of invaluable experience and expertise to the business and has made an impressive start.

"It’s been a pleasure to work alongside him and Mike McKenna at IFM and I’m delighted we have been able to support the business with an investment as well as office and workshop space.”

Mike McKenna, Inspire Financial Management director, added: “I have known Lee personally for over twenty years and always believed that he had the skills and determination to succeed in business.

"We look forward to being part of the success of the business in the future”.