Ultimate Scaffolding Services NE Ltd, based at Tedco Business Centre in Jarrow, has boosted its annual turnover from £48,000 to more than £100,000 in just its first two years.

Owner Derek Henderson swapped a life as an offshore worker for self-employment.

Mr Henderson, 30, of Hebburn, said: "The reason for setting up my own business was that I was missing my partner Jemma Birks and my two children when I was working on oil rigs off Aberdeen.

"Having been scaffolding for more than 12 years and after working for most of the local companies, I thought I would take the chance of setting up my own firm."

Mr Henderson, who has worked as a scaffolder across mainland Europe, invested his own savings in launching his business, assisted by a plan from Tedco and funding from the Legi award through South Tyneside Council.

Now employing five staff members, Ultimate specialises in providing weather-proof scaffolding wraps for several contracts and is moving into general home improvements, ranging from tiling to brickwork to painting and decorating.

Thanks to being sub-contracted by fellow Tedco company, Corrosion Protection Services (CPS), Ultimate is now providing a weather-proof cover at a road bridge in Ashington, plus another contract for a pipe bridge in Kent, for Southern Water.

Mr Henderson, who acknowledged the help he received in setting up his business from borough firms Robertson Scaffolding and Premier Scaffolding, added: "I think the specialist service we offer, with full encapsulation or scaffolding wraps, is something different for this area and that is one of our main strengths.

"Plus, we are broadening our client base by offering home improvement services."

The firm has completed 300 contracts in just two years of trading and Mr Henderson hopes to boost his workforce as the company grows.

Mr Henderson also thanked his brother, David Steinson, who is a foreman with the firm, for all his support.

Ultimate Scaffolding has also just given £500 to Hebburn Athletic FC Under 11s side for new team kits.

You can visit the firm's new website by clicking on this link.
http://www.ultimatescaffoldingservices.co.uk.