A family-run electrical wholesaling business which was founded three decades ago has announced plans to expand.
Harbro Electrical in Peterlee can trace its roots back to 1994, when it started as Steadfast Electrical and then the trading name of Steadfast Retail, run from a shop in Horden.
However, the business quickly grew which led to a move to Whitworth Road on the South West Industrial Estate and the renaming of the business to Harbro Electrical Ltd.
Today, it is run by Managing Director Phil Harbord, his brother David and wife Jackie with 10 people employed and a £2m turnover.
Harbro supplies electrical and lighting products to many of the North East’s biggest factories, colleges and local authorities, and has a client portfolio of over 70 electrical contractors.
But Phil, whose sons James and Thomas also run their own successful business, is keen to go back to the company’s roots and work with more of the manufacturers in the East Durham area.
He said: “We’re so established, and our turnover has sat at the £2m mark for a few years now, which is good because it shows we’re a secure business.
“But what I would like to do is go back to where it all started and get back in with some of the factories in Peterlee. We recently started working with NSK which is great as they were one of our first customers, but there are so many others we’d like to start and work with.
“I would like to grow, and I know there are businesses out there that would benefit from our expertise. Our staff really know their stuff and I personally offer free energy, lighting and heating surveys to show people how they can save money.
“The business is in a good place, but there’s definitely an untapped market out there for us, so my priority over the coming months is to get in front of the factories in this area and see how we can work together.”
Harbro Electrical’s showroom and warehouse are stocked with hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of goods which has helped the business establish its reputation as one of the best wholesalers in the country.
Phil added: “I love what I do, and I am proud to say that I don’t think there any many other businesses like us. People know us and they trust us, and that counts for so much. People do business with people, and I think that’s why we’ve always done so well, our customers become our friends.”