Northumberland-based Eminent Engineering — a steel and metalwork company providing bespoke design, fabrication and installation services — is planning to expand with the help of a £250,000 loan from the North East Venture Fund (NEVF).

The company, which has a facility in Bedlington and manufactures metalwork structures such as balustrades, staircases and flumes, expects to almost double the size of its team, creating 12 new jobs over the next four years.

The funding will also allow it to invest in new machinery and target new national contracts.

Eminent has already supplied metalwork for many high-profile developments, including Sunderland’s Market Square and Aquatic Centre.

The company has also made ‘log flume rides’ for theme parks in the USA, Sweden and Finland, and has established a strong reputation for high quality (it is on the approved suppliers list for major construction companies such as Galliford Try, Tolent and McAlpine).

Established in 2011 by managing director Paul Milsted, Eminent Engineering employs 14 staff, many of whom have been trained under its own apprenticeship scheme.

As part of the funding deal, Mike Blakey has been appointed as chairman; he has over 25 years’ experience in manufacturing and engineering in the North East, most recently with Express Engineering Group.

Mr Milsted said: “We feel very confident about the future, and this funding will allow us to move forward with our expansion plans.

“We will be investing in equipment, refreshing our Web site and expanding our team of fabricators and welders.

“We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on the business.”