Steel firm fills Isle business gap

A businessman is hoping that his new steel firm will provide a valuable service for people across the Isle and also the wider region.
Alan Durning, aged 45, of Epworth, has opened APD Steels Limited, a steel stockholder, on the Sandtoft Industrial Estate in Belton.Alan Durning, aged 45, of Epworth, has opened APD Steels Limited, a steel stockholder, on the Sandtoft Industrial Estate in Belton.
Alan Durning, aged 45, of Epworth, has opened APD Steels Limited, a steel stockholder, on the Sandtoft Industrial Estate in Belton.

Alan Durning, aged 45, of Epworth, opened APD Steels Limited, a steel stockholder, on the Sandtoft Industrial Estate in Belton.

He said: “I have been in the steel industry for nearly 30 years and I have lived on the Isle Of Axholme for 15 years.

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“I’ve always thought there is an need for an independent steel stockholder on the Isle to service local businesses and the general public.”

Alan opened the firm in January after months of research with help from his dad, Jim Durning, aged 73.

“He has done all the hard work on the setting up of the warehouse, I have done all the promotional stuff. A lot of hard work has gone into promoting the business, ie distributing flyers, sponsoring local football teams, advertising in local builders merchants.

“I’s only me and my dad working for the business at the minute, but maybe in the future once we become fully established we may take on new staff.

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The firm stocks steel of different sizes to sell to the general public, engineering companies, farmers, fabrication companies. Alan is hoping to service customers not just in the Isle of Axholme, but also South Yorkshire.

He added: “There is no one we will not deal with in the area, our door is open to all.

“So far, we have had an excellent response. As the months roll by we are expecting our name to be known by all in the Isle through our advertising and word of month from the customers that have already bought from us in the short time we have been open.

People agree its something the area has needed for a long time and people are buying from us, so we are doing something right.

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“We are still getting our name out there, so it will take time to grow, but it will.”

Alan is optimistic that the business will go from strength-to-strength in the coming months as he works to raise its profile.

“For now, let’s see what the first 12 to 18 months brings, if all goes to plan in the years to come we will need larger premises as we expand and the business grows.”

APD Steels Limited is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 8am till midday on Saturday.

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