'We could see an opportunity to do things differently': Northern Ireland husband and wife team target expansion for growing fabrication business
Ballyclare-based ProMetNI is now looking to expand its customer base and product range beyond Northern Ireland
A Ballyclare husband and wife team are targeting further growth for their metal fabrication business as they prepare to expand beyond Northern Ireland.
ProMetNI was established in 2022 by Scot and Helen Nelson, drawing on Scot’s more than 20 years of experience in the sheet metal fabrication industry.
Based at Dennison Industrial Estate in Ballyclare, the family business specialises in bespoke sheet metal products for the construction industry, including roof and wall flashings, guttering, fascia, soffit and roofing accessories.
Its customers range from large construction and fit-out companies to homeowners undertaking high-specification architectural projects, with ProMetNI building its reputation around quality, customer service and the ability to turn around bespoke products quickly.
The business is now seeking opportunities to expand outside Northern Ireland while also extending its range of products and services.
The move comes as the business, born out of a period of significant change for the couple, approaches its fifth anniversary.
Helen had previously run her own wellness studio as a reflexologist, but was forced to close during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Helen Nelson, co-founder of ProMetNI, explained: “We suddenly found ourselves having to decide what we were going to do next and realised that Scot had more than 20 years of knowledge and experience that we could build a new business around.
“We could also see an opportunity to do things differently. It is a very traditional industry and we felt there was scope to put much more emphasis on customer service, flexibility and turnaround times.
“If somebody on a construction site suddenly needs a bespoke flashing to complete a snagging list, they often can’t afford to wait weeks for it. We wanted to be the company that could respond quickly while still providing a really high-quality product.”
Now employing three people, with one of the couple’s sons also working part-time in the business, ProMetNI subsequently turned to Go Succeed for support as it sought to strengthen its operations and prepare for future growth.
Go Succeed mentorship helped the company to streamline operations, and gain a clearer understanding of its performance and future potential with support around marketing, social media and raising the profile of the business.
Helen added: “When you are working in the business every day, getting jobs out, invoicing customers and making sure everything keeps moving, it can be difficult to take a step back and understand how the business is actually performing.
“That underpinning business knowledge has probably been the most useful part of the support for us. The mentors have helped us understand the figures, look at what is working and what needs to change, and make better-informed decisions.”
For now, it is focusing on growing demand for its bespoke fabrication capabilities, including specialist products for commercial projects and increasingly design-led domestic builds.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, councillor Henry Cushinan added: “ProMetNI is a fantastic example of the entrepreneurial ambition and specialist expertise that exists within our Borough.
“Helen and Scot identified an opportunity to use decades of industry experience to create a business with a clear point of difference, and they have continued to adapt and strengthen that business since launching in 2022.
“What is particularly encouraging is the way they have used Go Succeed to look critically at their operations, develop new skills and make practical changes which have improved the business.”