Wirral mechanical plumbing and electrical contractor Mech NW to expand and create new jobs in 2024 with 2023 revenues potentially hitting £3m – more than treble last year’s figure. Tony McDonough reports

Mechanical plumbing and electrical contractor Mech NW says it could be on track to report £3m revenues in 2023 and says it will be creating new jobs in 2024.

Based in Birkenhead, Mech NW currently employs 13 people and provides services under contracts for commercial clients across the north west.

In 2022 its turnover was around £900,000 and, with work won in 2023, that figure is already certain to hit £2.5m. 

Founder and managing director Christopher Hannon told LBN he is in the final stages of negotiating two new contracts that could push that figure higher.

“I’m pretty hopeful we can add to the figures for 2023, the aim is to secure work into 2025 and even 2026 ” he said. “We will also be starting on our first commercial renewable energy contract in 2024, installing air source heat pumps for a theatre in North Wales

“All this means we are now looking to add to our headcount. We are currently interviewing to take on two apprentices and a further two plumbers to add to our 13-strong workforce

“Wirral Metropolitan college is assisting us with the recruiting of apprentices. We have rebranded late in 2023 and are in a really strong position going into 2024.”

Chris qualified as a plumbing and heating engineer in 2011, acquiring his Gas Safe Accreditation in 2017, SSSTS qualification in 2019 and management qualifications in 2018.

Starting his career as an apprentice, Chris then worked as a site plumber before being promoted to site foreman. This led to promotions to project and contracts manager.

He has been in the M&E sector as a managing director now for seven years and started Mech NW, a commercial M&E contractor with business partner Jimmy Balmforth three years ago.

It has worked on commercial projects in multiple sectors, including hospitality, industrial and the public sector.

Chris added: “I strive for the highest standards and clear routes of communication throughout a project, ensuring that my team and the customer are on the same page at all times. We have big ambitions to grow the business in the right way.

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“After a revamp of our internal processes and adding some experienced, well connected staff to our team, we have been targeting a different profile of client and have been successful in securing new works to date.

“This is the main reason why we have grown so rapidly leading up to 2024. We are targeting a turnover of £5m for 2025. I am already discussing new contracts that could take us up to mid 2026.

“It has been a couple of years since I was on the tools, I still get my hands dirty sometimes, as does Jimmy, but I am really enjoying the business development side of things and we are very excited for our future.”