Mayor Visits Stockton Business Ahead of 30-Year Anniversary

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has visited Stockton Bearings and Transmissions Ltd (SBT Ltd), based by Portrack Lane, to learn of their unprecedented recent sales growth as well as congratulating them on 30 years in business.

SBT Ltd was set up in May 1990 by co-owners Martyn Semark and Patrick Hodgers but their anniversary celebrations have had to be put on ice due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Mayor Ben Houchen learned that spirits have certainly not been dampened by that, though, as during the Covid-19 crisis, the business has seen its best ever sales performance due to being one of the region’s largest authorised stockists and distributors of industrial, engineering and safety products and services.

The business is well known throughout the UK as a key authorised distributor of bearings, belts, chain, seals, power transmissions and engineering/industrial products from more than 500 world-leading manufacturers. They recently turned their focus for a time to specialise in the supply of face coverings, hand sanitiser and aprons. They estimate that in one small period alone they distributed over half-a-million face masks, more than 700,000 millilitres of hand sanitiser and over 300,000 surgical aprons. Their customers have included the NHS, police forces, local councils, local and multinational industries as well as the public.

Membership of TROY, a leading group of PPE and safety manufacturers and suppliers in the UK, has provided them with access to the leading suppliers of PPE, industrial tools and equipment with huge buying power. SBT Ltd now work directly with the likes of Portwest, Teng Tools, Starrett Tools, Sealey and SC Johnson (DEB).

Mayor Houchen said: “I’m delighted to have visited such a great local business that has pulled together and seen the opportunity to build on the demand and distribution of much-needed equipment in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“For a small business like this, with just nine employees to be going from strength to strength, year-on-year is inspiring for others to take note and I’m delighted to be congratulating them on 30 years in business – here’s to 30 years more! Their celebrations will be even more worthwhile when they finally do get to party.

“It’s fascinating to see that they’re still looking at ways to grow with the launch of the e-commerce platform and is another brilliant example of a business within Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool succeeding and growing through innovation and ambition.”

Dan Thurlwell of SBT Ltd added: “It’s been great to have Ben visit to hear of the fantastic achievements we’ve made this year. Although these times have been extremely challenging and difficult for all of us in the face of this awful pandemic, I am fiercely proud of our team for helping us achieve such great results.

“I look forward to seeing how our new e-commerce platform, sbtltd.co.uk, will grow our business even further and cementing our place in the region, and beyond, for another 30 years.”