BEST NEW MANUFACTURING BUSINESS
SPONSORED BY
FINALIST
THE PROP MAKING COMPANY
Wavecon operations director David Stout is presented with the Best New Manufacturing award by Jacksons Law Firm managing partner Tony Wentworth .
WINNER
WAVECON
Wavecon specialises in the design and manufacture of electrical assemblies for the subsea industry .
And for operations director David Stout , it ’ s the “ personal touch ” that ’ s crucial to their success .
Previous operators of subsea equipment , managing director Wayne Pullen and his Hartlepool-based team really understands the needs of the end client and can offer much more than just a product – they offer consultancy , support and a personal service .
Although Wavecon is only a year old , it has secured orders worldwide and is part of the supply chain for most subsea equipment operators in the North- East .
It now plans to develop a branded product range of full subsea control systems that are simple , off the shelf and highly reliable . But what ’ s behind their success ? David said : “ I like to think it ’ s the quality of our products , our engineering expertise and the personal approach . “ All the companies who work with us from Middlesbrough , from Blyth – we know the guys . If there ’ s an issue , we spot it as a team , so it doesn ’ t get through to manufacturing and you don ’ t get something delivered that ’ s wrong . Otherwise it would just be a run-of-the-mill production line . “ An engineering , personal touch , that ’ s the key – that ’ s what drives us .” But David said the firm also has its eyes on expansion , saying : “ The next thing for Wavecon is having the courage to be able to move to the next step , to take people on and then progress as a company .”
SPONSOR MESSAGE
“ Jacksons have been providing legal services to the Teesside business community for almost 150 years . We have witnessed huge changes over the last 50 of those years , as the steelmaking , shipbuilding and the chemical industries that once dominated the manufacturing economy fragmented or disappeared entirely . They have , however , been replaced by a new wave of entrepreneurship , driving forward diverse , specialist and agile new businesses . This is particularly the case in manufacturing . Our winner , Wavecon , has made spectacular progress following its incorporation 15 months ago and is a stellar example of the ambition and expertise that will carry forward the torch of our ‘ Made in Teesside ’ heritage into the future .” Tony Wentworth , managing partner , Jacksons Law Firm
Middlesbrough ’ s Prop Making Company was created by Neil Darcy in November 2020 . Utilising his talent and experience in the field , Neil quickly established a reputation for providing top-class custom props and themed scenic solutions for visitor attractions , festivals and other public events .
Neil has secured multiple projects over the past year , one with a leading UK engineering supplier to create and supply props and scenery for their online marketing and promotions film studio .
Operating the business on his own with the support of occasional freelancers , Neil is keen to offer work experience opportunities to film and TV prop students and to create employment in the region .
FINALIST
ZAPNCRAFT
Redcar-based ZAPNCRAFT , owned by former assistant head and design technology teacher Phill Hudson , produces wood and acrylic craft products , designed and manufactured to meet the individual needs of the client .
ZAPNCRAFT ’ S bestsellers are laser ply products including lanterns for houses and churches and signage for businesses , logistic companies and the home in engraved acrylic . During the first lockdown , ZAPNCRAFT grew significantly thanks to the production of PPE screens , followed by producing PPE visor straps as part of the Redcar Covid Heroes group and the production and installation of Covid-19 protective screens for the general hospitality sector throughout the region .
90 | Tees Business