McKenzie Engineering Ltd in Peterhead has set a torch to the recession thanks to the support it has received from Aberdeenshire Council’s Support for Business Scheme.

Alex McKenzie, 43, was General Manager of Taylor Manufacturing Ltd in Fraserburgh which closed in April.

The entrepreneur, who has 27 years experience in the engineering sector and stays in Fraserburgh used redundancy as an opportunity to set up his own enterprise and approached the council for advice and support.

Alex said he saw the chance to create a new company on the strength of his relationships with clients from his previous role and was thankful for assistance from Aberdeenshire’s Support for Business Scheme which provided a grant and loan.

“The loan and grant has been very valuable, I would encourage other new businesses to look at the support scheme without a doubt,” he said.

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“I would have really struggled to get my company off to the start it has without this support which has been crucial and the council has been a great help throughout.

“I can concentrate on what I’m best at without concerning myself constantly with financial issues,” added Alex.

McKenzie Engineering Ltd is now employing five members of staff and leasing space at Balmoor industrial estate in Peterhead with plans to take on more staff in future as the company grows.

The company provides welding, fabrication and engineering services mainly to the oil and gas and food processing industries.

Senior business development executive Christine Webster said: “Alex received a plant and equipment loan to enable the new company to purchase the necessary equipment as well as a job creation grant and rental assistance.

“The loan is particularly important to the company as bank facilities were limited when he was starting up and this is a problem many new businesses are facing at the moment so he is really bucking the trend.

“We have also just completed our economic activity report for the year which indicated a good take up of industrial units in the Peterhead area and this shows a positive trend.”

Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee Peter Argyle said: “To see such a spark of growth at a time of economic austerity for some businesses is very reassuring and testament to the entrepreneurial talent in the north east of Scotland.”

Vice chair Councillor Jill Webster added: “There is increased confidence in engineering activities at the moment which is great for the north east and particularly Fraserburgh and Peterhead and I am sure McKenzie Engineering Ltd will keep on growing.”

(GK)