Family-run Teesside firm makes it a full house

This article was published on April 4, 2019

A North East bespoke timber window and door specialist has capped off its most successful year by welcoming a significant new recruit.

Stuart Wall has joined Middlesbrough-based ERW Joinery Ltd as the company’s new Business Development Manager, meaning founder Lawrence Wall and wife Julie now have all three children working within the team.

Stuart’s employment is the first of a projected six new recruits for the company in 2019 and follows four new jobs created in 2018, as well as an increased intake of apprentices.

Speaking of his appointment, Stuart said: “ERW is in my blood so I’ve always known I’d be here at some point, but I couldn’t be joining the team at a better time really.

“2018 was the company’s best ever year, both financially and in the way they’ve worked to lay the foundations for the future by supporting young people with apprenticeships.

“My background is in business development, so I’m excited to help build on what the family has achieved to increase brand awareness and secure new contracts for continued success.”

ERW has been established since 1979 and provides bespoke timber windows and doors to homes and businesses across the North East and North Yorkshire.

The company enjoyed a 37 per cent increase in turnover last year thanks to a number of high-profile contracts including providing services and products for Auckland Castle, the Skelton Heritage townscape project and the transformation of Hartlepool’s former Post Office building for engineering firm Gus Robinson.

In addition, the company has recorded significant growth in the manufacturing of timber windows and doors for homeowners across the North.

ERW also recently secured funding from the Tees Valley Business Compass to invest in their brand, marketing and website with the aim of making the company the north’s leading provider of custom-made timber home improvement products.

Managing director Lawrence said: “Stuart’s appointment has now completed our senior leadership team. We are immensely proud that our children, Helen, Phillip and now Stuart chose to be part of the business and help us grow.

“We’re celebrating 40 years as a family-run company this year, so to welcome Stuart to ERW now is really special.

“Along with Kirsty and Phil in our operations team, we have a fantastic group of talented people to take the business forward and allow myself and Julie to now look towards our retirement.

“The future is very exciting for everybody in the business and we know they will continue to grow the business while maintaining the standards and service we have built our reputation on,” he added.

As well as Stuart’s appointment, ERW plans to recruit several new apprentices in 2019, giving opportunities to local talent with the aim of bridging the skills gap in joinery, and production processes.