Safety specialist reaches new heights as turnover rises

A South Yorkshire height safety specialist is on course to exceed its projected target turnover after 12 weeks of trading.

ESAT Safety Systems, founded by Neil Chippindale and James Bodell, is predicting a turnover of around £750,000 in year one and has secured major contracts with UK airports, a high street retail chain, and facilities management and modular building companies.

The company has expanded its team with the appointment of a head designer. An engineering apprentice and sales administrator will be recruited by the end of 2017.

ESAT designs, installs and distributes a wide range of maintenance, high-level access and fall protection systems across Yorkshire and the UK, including PPE, internal lifting equipment and safety lines, for customers in the construction, health and safety, manufacturing, roofing and retail sectors.

Recent projects by ESAT include installation of safety lines and access ladders for a retail chain and facade cleaning for a UK airport.

Chippindale said: “After many years spent working in the height safety sector, we decided to combine our experience to launch a new business to drive height safety standards and deliver reliable solutions to the industry.

“We were confident the business would do well, but the first 12 weeks have surpassed all our expectations. But we’re not resting on our laurels and have big ambitions to grow.”

As well as growing the business, ESAT says it is keen to get involved with the local community after moving into carbon-negative office space at Bullhouse Mill, near Penistone.

Bodell said: “Next year we plan to donate used heavy duty ropes to local Scout groups and sailing clubs as a way of giving something back.

“This is an exciting time for us and it’s great to be able to use our skills to help so many different businesses.”