Street Crane has secured record levels of new orders within the last four months; worth in excess of £15 million, they represent a 17% increase compared to the same period last year (www.streetcrane.co.uk).

The sales boost has been driven by several major contracts in the UK, as well as export orders.

Chris Lindley-Smith, sales director at Street Crane, said: “As a major exporter, the fall in sterling since the Brexit vote has helped to boost demand for our products.

"The UK market has remained strong too, driven by our reputation for modern design, quality, and equipment reliability, which has resulted in our largest forward-order book for five years.

“We supply our overhead cranes and hoists to a broad range of manufacturing businesses, many of which are also benefitting from strong demand at home and abroad.

"This is driving orders for more-efficient lifting equipment, with enquiries coming in to upgrade cranes in existing factories as well as to install in new sites.”

The sales boost has also seen the company recruit 18 new people this year — and launch a recruitment drive for more technical experts and apprentices.

Mr Lindley-Smith added: “To manage our workload, we’ve already expanded our workforce in a number of areas, including sales and on the shopfloor, but we are seeking to take on more staff, particularly in our technical department.

"Apprentices are vital to our success, so we are also investing in our next generation of workers. So far this year, we’ve taken on nine apprentices across a range of disciplines — and we expect this number to rise again later this year.”

Street employs more than 350 people at its manufacturing plants in Chapel-en-le-Frith and service operations in Sheffield.

It also supplies crane kit and component products overseas via a global network of nearly 90 distributors in 48 countries.