Back to News >

A Teesside engineering boss is spearheading a campaign to help local businesses win work.

It is called Preferred Partners and is the brainchild of Rob Lynas, whose company – Lynas Engineers – is based at The Wilton Centre near Redcar.

Preferred Partners is a local supply chain of small SMEs providing a range of services for the construction industry.

Rob believes that by joining forces the businesses can win the major contracts which often go to big national companies.

Rob said:

“As a Tees Valley business, we are passionate about our area, its regeneration and creating opportunities for future employment.”

“Following such a challenging year, we wanted to create a united front and bring together local businesses.

“Despite Covid and the lockdown there are exciting times ahead and I believe firms based around here should work together and collaborate for the greater benefit of our region.”

He added:

“There is a huge amount of talent in this area and it’s not only good for our companies to get local contracts.

“There are also great knock-on effects for the whole of the Tees Valley. It’s a circular economy – money spent here will stay here.”

Around 20 firms and trainers – including Seymour Civil Engineering, Stockton Riverside College and Hall Construction – have already become Preferred Partners, and Rob is keen to hear from more who share their commitment to supporting local businesses.

“Big contracts in the public sector tend to go to big companies with a long history and lots of staff,” he said.

“That way – I suppose – any risk is minimised, but that doesn’t mean you’re necessarily going to get the best or most creative job.

“Through Preferred Partners we are providing all the services required to deliver a major construction project – from start to finish.

“We have already shown that we can do this and it’s really important to see local money come back into the local community which has had such a tough time this year.”

Rob was born and educated on Teesside, and in 2016 set up Lynas Engineers, which now employs nine people.