Print business relocates after destruction of Leeds site

A SPECIALIST print firm is back in action after relocating to new premises.

ERW Print Finishers has moved to Astra Park industrial estate off Dewsbury Road with help from Leeds City COuncil and Leeds City Enterprise Partnership after flooding made it unviable to remain in their original home.

The family-owned company, run by father and son team of Barry and Robin Walker, was almost destroyed in the Boxing Day floods in 2015.

ERW provides specialised finishing services, including die cutting, embossing, folding and gluing, to trade customers in the printing industry across West Yorkshire.

It was given a grant towards the cost of clear up, replacing equipment and three months automatic business rate relief. It was given additional rate relief to help with cash flow and a three month rent free period on the new premises from the landlord.

Director of the business Barry Walker said: “The floods nearly destroyed our business. The premises at Goodman Street were under six feet of water and all our equipment and machinery had to be written off, together with stock and work in progress.”

Robin Walker said: “We were covered by flood insurance and had business interruption cover but it would have been impossible to re-establish the business without the support we’ve received from Leeds City Council, the LEP and our new landlord. We’re glad to be back in business.”

To date, support worth £2.8 million has been offered to over 270 flood-hit businesses in Leeds.

Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Over eight months on from the devastating floods, it’s encouraging to see a number of businesses have now recovered and are trading normally again. Regrettably some businesses have closed or are still negotiating insurance pay outs, while others have reluctantly taken the decision to relocate.

“Small businesses such as ERW often don’t have huge reserves to fall back on and, as a result, have been particularly vulnerable. Everything possible has therefore been done to support them through and extremely difficult time and I’m delighted we’ve been able to help keep them trading and safeguard jobs.”

LEP chairman, Roger Marsh OBE, said: “Grants of up to £100,000 were made available through the LEP to cover up to 50% of uninsured capital costs. So far we’ve helped 35 companies across the Leeds City Region, including businesses in Calderdale, Kirklees and Leeds.”