Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 82 The Business Newsletter of South Ribble Borough Council Leyland Firm ‘Buoyant’ After Striking Lucrative MOD Deal Specialised Inflatable Technology (SIT) Ltd, which manufactures bespoke crafts and products designed specifically for rescue, industrial, leisure and military services, has just delivered two specialist crafts to help with the migration crisis. The 60-man Mass Casualty Rafts will be used by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to rescue refugees and migrants arriving at Gibraltar by sea. And, talks are already underway with other coastguards across Europe, including Italy, to supply the rafts for their own migrant and refugee operations. Based on Moss Side Industrial Estate, the company, launched in 2008, already has a number of high-profile contracts with airports located close to large bodies of water, including Glasgow, Liverpool, the City of London and Geneva as well as the Port of London, which patrols the banks of the River Thames. One of its boats has also starred in a major Hollywood blockbuster. SIT has developed into a leading force in the design and manufacture of low pressure inflatables and employs 30 members of staff, including two apprentices, and boasts a £2.2m turnover. The company was recently awarded a £50,000 grant from East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce to aid the purchase of a new building. This has enabled SIT to create new offices and store facilities, and recruit six additional staff members. The new vessels, used by the Royal Navy, are unlike other self-inflating boats used during rescue operations as they can be towed and manoeuvred – making them much safer in dangerous conditions. Celebrating the new contract, SIT Managing Director, Chris Chadwick, said: “Our newly-developed 60-man Mass Casualty Raft impressed visitors at Seawork International – Europe’s largest commercial marine and workboat exhibition. So much so, that it led to a lucrative order with the MOD. “We’re the only company to invest in improving low pressure inflatable technology to specialise in all recovery industries and our boats will be a reassuring sign of safety. “They are different as other rafts would have to be wait to be rescued, which then requires everyone on-board to step into another boat which is a hazardous process.” The Strait of Gibraltar has become a notorious crossing, with small boats and inflatable dinghies regularly attempting the treacherous nine-mile journey. For more information, visit: sitltd.co.uk. INVEST IN SOUTH RIBBLE BUILDING SUCCESS Welcome to the South Ribble Business Newsletter South Ribble offers: TO FIND OUT MORE CONTACT OUR ENTERPRISE TEAM T: 01772 625567 E: info@businessinsouthribble.com W: businessinsouthribble.com LOCATION A great place to do business VALUE Fantastic value for money for investors CHOICE A great choice of highly accessible business premises SKILLS Access to a range of specialist skills to meet your business needs SIT Ltd ResQsled Extreme, distributed by Safequip Ltd, in action during Storm Desmond