High Access Solutions

Business Loans Case Study

Left to right: Karl Hodson (Finance Yorkshire) Nargas Forster (High Access Solutions) Rob Hanney (Knowles Warwick) Allan Wood (UK Steel Enterprise) and Paul Forster (High Access Solutions)

The Company

High Access Solutions specialises in providing both permanent and temporary roof safety systems allowing working at height to be carried out safely.

All their technicians are qualified to the specialist industry standard and have the necessary trade skills to carry out the required work. The company provides a crucial service to the construction industry.

High Access Solutions has devised its own fall prevention technology, encompassing an edge protection system that prevents workers from falling from height by incorporating a ‘comfort handrail’ in conjunction with fall arrest safety netting.

Paul and Nargas Forster started the business with the knowledge that the working at height industry appeared to lack both service and economic factors and understood they could bring this to the market.

Since then the company has gone from strength to strength placing particular attention to their website which has brought them several major contracts, from both the UK and Europe.

The Challenge

High Access Solutions needed to move premises as their landlord had sold their existing building.

The company identified a suitable derelict building, but it would require extensive refurbishment to be suitable as the company’s new headquarters.

The Solution

Financial help from Finance Yorkshire and Tata Steel subsidiary, UK Steel Enterprise, enabled Paul and Nargas Forster to move High Access Solutions Ltd into the new premises at Access House, Clun Street, Sheffield.

They took the shell of the derelict building and used a £150,000 loan from UK Steel Enterprise, with additional assistance from Finance Yorkshire and HSBC, to refurbish the building to high standards the company’s needs.

The Investment Rationale

High Access Solutions had a viable plan to turn what was a deserted building into their new headquarters. Having carefully considered Nargas’ figures and projections for future turnover, all parties were happy to provide the funding.

The company’s ability to provide accurate and detailed information enabled the funders to make a quick decision to provide the necessary finance.

This demonstrates how local funders can work together to help businesses in the region. The package of finance provided by UK Steel Enterprise and Finance Yorkshire has allowed High Access Solutions to achieve their premises move and refurbish it to a high standard.

Future Expectations

The new property is fundamental to the company’s future growth and development. As the company expands they have taken on more staff and sub contractors, now having around 30, most of them working out on sites around the UK.

Note: this case study is from Finance Yorkshire’s previous fund. Read more about Finance Yorkshire

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