Anglo Stainless, a Leeds-based steel manufacturing and distribution company founded in 1987, is set to double its turnover to £6m within five years after its managing director completed the Small Business Charter’s Help to Grow: Management Course.
Managing director Steve Brooke, who entered the family business in 2001, has continually adapted the business to navigate challenges such as industry deregulation and increasing international competition. Under his leadership, Anglo Stainless has expanded beyond manufacturing stainless steel products to include specialist engineered components, serving industries such as construction, food and beverage, petrochemical and engineering.
Facing the challenge of scaling operations further and not having a defined business plan, Steve enrolled in the Help to Grow: Management Course at Leeds University Business School. The 90% government-funded leadership programme provided him with valuable knowledge and insights from small business experts, including practical frameworks to drive growth, improve marketing strategies and enhance people management processes. These lessons proved pivotal, helping Steve develop the confidence to implement a growth plan that will double turnover to £6m by 2030.
Steve Brooke, managing director of Anglo Stainless, said: “One of the main reasons I enrolled on the Help to Grow: Management Course was to understand how to better structure the business to help us scale and expand our operations. It helped me identify the critical changes required to drive growth, including developing a management team to assist with driving the business forward. The new management structure has been instrumental in helping us improve operations and achieve our growth ambitions.”
Another key takeaway from the course for Steve was the importance of certification and industry standards. Anglo Stainless has since secured ISO certifications in environmental and health and safety management systems to compliment the business’ quality approval.
Steve continued: “Achieving these certifications was a game-changer. They’ve added professionalism and credibility to the business, helping us stand out in the market but also improved the way we work. With robust processes now in place as a result of this, we’re well-prepared to support our expansion and achieve our goal of doubling turnover in five years.”
The impact of a new management structure, ISO certifications and improved operational processes is already being felt. With the business now primed to secure larger projects and enter new markets, Anglo Stainless is on track to double its turnover to £6 million within five years.
Looking ahead, Steve’s strategy includes expanding warehouse space which will support increased production capacity, and diversifying into markets such as railways, renewables and hydrogen. A key focus will also be on enhancing customer service, differentiating Anglo Stainless by its service quality rather than price.
Flora Hamilton, executive director, Small Business Charter, added: “Steve’s journey highlights the tangible impact of the Help to Grow: Management Course. It’s a brilliant example of how better understanding around structured strategic planning can drive growth and resilience. Anglo Stainless also demonstrates how businesses can adapt and scale while maintaining quality and professionalism.
“The Help to Grow: Management Course has already supported over 1,100 businesses in Yorkshire and Humber, equipping small and medium enterprises with the business knowledge and support required to drive growth, resilience and long-term sustainability. Through our network of experts at Small Business Charter business schools, we are helping small business leaders from a huge variety of different sectors build the confidence and strategic mindset needed for lasting success. We’re proud to support businesses like Anglo Stainless as they continue to innovate and scale.”
Business leaders can find out more about the Help to Grow: Management Course and sign up for the course in their area by visiting: www.smallbusinesscharter.org/help-to-grow-management.
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