TWO workers left reeling by the closure of an engineering firm have seen their new venture get off to a strong start.

John Betts and Joanne Bell founded Industro Solutions a year ago and have already secured contracts and created jobs.

The duo were rocked when SBV Engineering, based in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, fell into administration last year after struggling in the aftermath of Redcar steelmaker SSI UK’s liquidation.

However, with the support of UK Steel Enterprise, the pair have set up Industro, which provides design engineering, steel fabrication, site erection and dismantling, and structural inspection and repair services.

They have already taken on ten former SBV and SSI workers and expect their team to grow again in the coming months.

Based in UK Steel Enterprise’s Innovation Centre on Kirkleatham Business Park, in Redcar, the partners have also secured a £7,500 loan from the support organisation’s Regeneration Fund to help with start-up costs.

Mr Betts said: “We were both affected by the SBV closure but had confidence that the combination of our skills and experience in the sector and excellent working relationships would give us a solid base for a dynamic and successful business.

“UK Steel Enterprise has been very pragmatic and approachable throughout and we are grateful for their support.”

Sarah Thorpe, area manager for UK Steel Enterprise, the Tata Steel business support subsidiary, added: “The company is doing extremely well in a short space of time and we wish them every success.”