Case Study : Aycliffe Filtration Limited - David Franks

With a 20 year track record in the industry, David decided to make the leap after the company he worked for relocated from the North East to Belgium.

His new business manufactures and supplies filtration products designed to remove oil and hydrocarbons from water and is already building an international order book.

David, 45, explains: “After relocating the manufacturing unit to Belgium with a team of dedicated long-term Billingham staff I decided didn’t want to leave the North East as I have family here. That’s when I decided to branch out on my own.

“We have great experience and contacts in the sector and, while it’s a family business at the moment, we’re hopeful of growing the company quickly. We’re already building an international reputation and winning orders in France, Germany and Japan”

AFL’s key markets are the marine industry and offshore oil and gas sectors but its products can be used anywhere where waste water needs cleaning – such as car washes.  They have used their expertise to create a new product that is highly efficient and removes more oil per size than any other product on the market. The filters work by adsorbing hydro-carbons and irreversibly bonding them to the filter.

David added: “This is a unique product that fills a gap in the market and is highly environmentally friendly – which is something that’s really important to us. It’s a growing market and we believe our application has strong potential.”

AFL’s next target is to break into the American market and it has already begun discussions with a number of leading companies as it explores new opportunities. 

Through Be Enterprising’s Intensive Start Up Support programme, which provides business-to-business start up support, AFL received business planning advice, marketing support and a grant towards equipment. It was able to use the funding to invest in an automated glue gun to improve the efficiency of its production process.

Jeremy Wright, David’s Be Enterprising Advisor, said: “David’s experience and dedication really stood out from the start so I was sure that with a little help he would develop a flourishing business. Along with Paul he’s been very hands-on and been involved in every aspect of the business.

“I’m delighted he’s been able to achieve this as the company really does have good growth potential. Encouraging people to start-up and grow their own companies is a core goal for Be Enterprising.”

For more information about Aycliffe Filtration Limited call 0791 775 7568 or visit www.afl.eu.com.