GROWTH
Green future – Automotive Creation remove the engines from classic fuel cars and replace them with electric motors .
Visionary – Malcolm Badger founded Middlesbrough-based Automotive Creation in 2010 . from the West Midlands and wouldn ’ t live anywhere else .
Throughout that time , he has put his experience of working for an electrical manufacturer and worldwide exporter to excellent use in this part of the country , employing students from Middlesbrough College in recent years and retaining them .
Automotive Creation has been carrying out classic car restoration for the last 14 years and has transported cars around the world to places such as Denmark , the United States and Australia .
Highly sought-after cars – such as the UK ’ s only known four-wheel drive 1979 Ford Capri – are regularly worked on at the Snowdon Road workshop .
Tees Valley Business Board lead for business growth and partner at Knights LLP Helen Lyne said : “ This is a great example of how we ’ re helping businesses of all types grow – including niche firms like Malcolm ’ s .
“ By giving them access to the specialist industry expertise they need to thrive , they can go on and help meet not only their own targets but also play a major part in supporting the region ’ s wider ambitions such as decarbonisation .
“ This is just one programme in a raft of support for local SMEs that the Business
Board is helping to roll out – and I ’ d urge all business owners and entrepreneurs to check out what ’ s on offer and learn how we can back them for success .”
Malcolm ’ s experience certainly caught the eye of the head of Tees Valley Expertise at Orangebox Training , Mark Beard .
Since starting his career in the 1970s at a garage run by the former mechanic of legendary motor racing driver Stirling Moss , Malcom has seen considerable success .
Highlights have included appearances in TV commercials , award wins and features in motoring books .
Mark said : “ We first met Malcolm at the Tees Valley Business Summit and we heard how he has a product that he wants to get to market – a green energy car , the only one of its kind in the world .
“ After going through his business plan with him , we soon realised Tees Valley
Expertise could help him . “ He is now receiving the support to produce slide decks to push for funding . We have engaged him with the Combined Authority and we are supporting him with weekly meetings to move forward .
“ Malcolm receives orders from all over the world and his passion is there for all to see to grow his business .
“ He is passionate about Teesside and would love to move into bigger premises and create jobs for this area .”
Mark added : “ It is fantastic to see how many SMEs are out there in this area who want to grow .
“ That is what Tees Valley Expertise , delivered through the team at Orangebox , is all about - matching businesses with a range of experienced business leaders and sector experts , based on their priorities , goals and ambitions , to give a fully personalised support journey .”
To express an interest in getting involved or to receive fully funded support sign up at teesvalley-ca . gov . uk / expertise
The voice of business in the Tees region | 121