Des Horner originally trained and worked as a welder for British Nuclear Fuels and at Sellafield, before a career change led him to become a fitness instructor.
Then, seven years ago, he returned to his roots and set up his own welding and steel fabrication business making custom-made steel gates and fences for friends and family in his spare time.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Des’s work as a self-employed instructor came to a halt as the local gym closed.
Fortunately, he had his own business to fall back on, which provided a steady source of income.
Working independently, Des was able to continue trading despite the lockdown measures. He dealt with customers over the phone, taking measurements and performing installations without face-to-face contact.
Through the word of mouth of many happy customers, Des’s business quickly gained momentum.
He found a niche market in local families which needed gates to safely contain pets or children and older adults who needed handrails for help getting down steps.
As the demand for his work grew, there was just one issue holding him back: his trailer. The trailer he had at the time, an essential piece of kit for transporting finished products to site, was too small, outdated, and increasingly unfit for carrying materials.
Des contacted Cumbria Business Growth Hub and after a short application process was awarded a capital grant supported by the Rural England Prosperity Fund provided through Cumberland Council. Des was also able to access three hours of funded business advice from a trained adviser to help complete his grant paperwork.
With the grant money secured, Des purchased a larger, sturdier trailer from local dealer Allan Tuer. The new 8ft by 5ft trailer provided Des with the capacity and security to transport materials safely.
The new trailer has given Des the ability to take on larger projects such as fabricating rails for a statue of a soldier in Workington’s Vulcan Park, double driveway gates, farm gates, accessibility ramps and more.
Des said: “I enjoy creating things with my hands and providing customers with something unique at a reasonable price. The new trailer allows me to focus on my work, with the peace of mind that I can get the finished product to site safely and on time.”
