Co Antrim family firm ProMetNI targets growth beyond Northern Ireland

ProMetNI Founders Scot and Helen Nelson received assistance from Go Succeed

A family-run County Antrim metal fabrication business is setting its sights on growth beyond Northern Ireland as it builds on more than two decades of industry experience.

ProMetNI, based at Dennison Industrial Estate, Ballyclare, is exploring new markets and expanding its range of products and services after receiving business support through the Go Succeed programme.

Founded in 2022 by husband-and-wife team Scot and Helen Nelson, the company now employs three people, while one of the couple’s sons also works part-time in the business.

From major construction projects to bespoke home builds

ProMetNI specialises in bespoke sheet metal products for the construction industry, producing 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 the business placing particular emphasis on quick turnaround times for bespoke work.

The company was created during a period of significant change for the Nelson family after Helen, who had previously operated her own wellness studio as a reflexologist, was forced to close it during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Helen said:

“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.”

Preparing the business for its next stage

As ProMetNI looked towards further growth, the couple turned to Northern Ireland’s Go Succeed enterprise support service for help strengthening the operation and gaining a clearer picture of its performance.

Mentoring has focused on areas including streamlining operations, marketing, social media and raising the profile of the company, alongside helping the owners better understand the figures behind 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.”

The company is now focusing on increasing demand for its bespoke fabrication capabilities, including specialist products for commercial projects and increasingly design-led domestic builds, while seeking opportunities to expand outside Northern Ireland.

‘Entrepreneurial ambition and specialist expertise’

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan, said the Ballyclare firm demonstrated the specialist skills and business ambition present across the borough.

He said:

“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.”

Go Succeed provides entrepreneurs, start-ups and existing businesses across Northern Ireland with support including one-to-one mentoring, masterclasses, peer networks, business planning and help with accessing funding opportunities.

The programme is funded by the UK Government and also offers events, grant funding, planning tools and business networks.

Further information is available at www.go-succeed.com.