GROWTH
Restoration – Automotive Creation ’ s Ben Au ( left ) and Malcolm Badger
( centre ) with Orangebox and Expertise ’ s Mark Beard and the
1990s sports car which is being used as a proof of concept to convert classic fuel cars to fully electric .
Helping businesses grow
Tees Valley Expertise boost for local classic car restorer
WORDS : PAUL FRASER PICTURES : STUART BOULTON
Middlesbrough-based Automotive Creation , a company known for its classic restorations , has developed a proof-of-concept electric car it hopes will become a success story in Tees Valley .
With funded support from Tees Valley Expertise , delivered by Orangebox Training Solutions , the firm hopes to make its electric vehicle dream a reality and produce the unique two-seater sports car while creating new jobs at its workshop headquarters .
Malcolm Badger , an experienced mechanic and restorer , founded the business in 2010 .
Now , Malcolm ’ s team is also authorised to convert classic fuel cars into full electric vehicles after partnering with Oxford-based Electrogenic .
He said : “ We moved into EV conversion because we want to help the Tees Valley to its goals of going greener .
“ That means taking a classic car , removing the petrol engine , and replacing it with an electric motor .
“ We bought a previously built EV sports car that was built in Leicester and is the proof of concept .
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“ The two-seater sports car was designed in the 90s and we bought it 18 months ago .
“ This is the only one of its kind that exists , so we are updating the electronics and using it as a demonstrator , intending to build it up from there .
“ This is different to anything anyone else has produced . We want to build this as a driver ’ s car , and we have the backing of local supply chain companies to produce a totally unique car .”
Malcolm believes the proof of concept is an opportunity to contribute to a greener Tees Valley .
The challenge he has faced , though , is making people aware of his work .
Tees Valley Expertise is helping him take those initial steps to change that .
Automotive Creation was one of the first Tees Valley SMEs to secure funded support from Tees Valley Expertise , which is delivered by Orangebox Training on behalf of the Tees Valley Combined Authority , and funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund ..
The programme aims to connect local SMEs , like Automotive Creation , with the industry expertise they need to grow .
Expert support is available in areas such as apprenticeships , HR , marketing , accreditation , PR , performance coaching , sales and bid-writing .
Automotive Creation is already receiving ongoing support from local firm Emmerson Marketing to become investor-ready by presenting the business in a manner that allows investors to understand the project and move things forward .
As the journey with Tees Valley Expertise progresses , other experts and funded programmes will be introduced to help make the business ’ s plans a reality .
Malcolm said : “ I didn ’ t know this kind of help existed and it is so important for a company like us looking to raise awareness and gain advice to reach the next stage to fund this project .
“ Companies like ours can ’ t often go very far without the experience and backing this programme provides .
“ The team has been very helpful , second to none . I finally feel there is someone listening . They understand what we want to achieve – and that includes employing more people on Teesside .”
Malcolm moved to Teesside in 1992