South Tyneside-based, HLA Services, a leading North East full-mechanical, air conditioning, climate change and temperature control specialists, is celebrating 20 years of trading and exceptional customer service.
The company, which has satellite offices in Cumbria and a manufacturing hub in Seaham, works across a number of sectors including construction, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, education and four of the North East’s universities.
Established as a limited company in 2003, by Ian Rooks, with Paul Smith, Neil Henry and John Anson joining quickly after, HLA Services is headquartered in Boldon and employs 120.
In 2022, it became a founder member and title sponsor of the newly formed South Shields FC Business Club and also offers its support to a number of local charities, including Grace House, Sunderland Veterans in Crisis, local foodbanks and Red Skye Foundation, for which it installs life-saving defibrillators across the region.
Throughout its 20 years of trading, HLA Services has made it a priority to invest in its people, particularly apprentices. The company has employed dozens of apprentices and continues to champion the training and development of its team.
Neil Henry, director, at HLA Services made the decision to stand down from his position, over a year ago, and has this month left the company following a carefully planned and gradual phase out.
Neil, said: “My decision was very much impacted by the pandemic, which affected all of us and highlighted to me a desire to spend more time with my family and travel.
“As such, Paul and I spent many, many months shaping how my departure would look and putting a number of measures in place to ensure it was seamless. We achieved this to such an extent that the day-to-day running of operations ran with very little input from myself for the last few months of my time at HLA. A true testament to the company we built and the management team that help drive it forward.
“I will continue to champion HLA and the amazing team that makes it the success it is. Paul is a born leader and he will drive the company forward and build upon the reputation we worked so hard to create.
“If HLA Services is to be known for one thing, I would hope it to be the lasting impact it has created within our region’s communities over the past two decades and the desire Paul and I have shared to elevate the people that work alongside us at HLA Services.”
Paul Smith, said: “Twenty years of trading is a huge milestone for any business and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team.
“From day one, we have worked hard to build a strong and reliable reputation in the industry and we are proud to be able to continue to serve our clients in the North East and beyond, many of whom have been with us since we started operating. We would not be where we are without them and we strive, at all times, to provide the best possible service and customer experience.
“For the last few years, it has been Neil and myself at the helm following John’s retirement in 2013 and Ian’s departure in 2005. I would like to offer my wholehearted gratitude to both Ian and John for helping to shape the business in to what it is today, we wouldn’t have come this far without either of them.
“I couldn’t have had a better partner to mark 20 years of trading with and I would be lying if I said I am not sad on a personal level to see Neil leave. However, on a business front, the transition has been incredibly smooth, as it also was when John left in 2013, and HLA is in the best position it has ever been.
“It has been an exceptional journey, to date, and I look forward to seeing what heights we reach over the next twenty years!”
