Huttie follows national growth trend

Chancellor George Osborne said in February that the UK economy was growing by its fastest rate since 2007. 1.9% during 2013, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

He went on to say that the government’s economic policies had helped provide businesses with a competitive environment in which to grow and hire people, citing the fact that 450,000 jobs were created in the UK in 2013.

This statement is certainly borne out by local business Hutt Industrial Engineering Ltd who has seen unprecedented growth and more than doubling its staff during 2013. In late 2012 the company employed 7 people whereas now in January 2014 it employs 17.

Local entrepreneur James Hutt set up the business 7 years ago along with his parents, who are actively involved today. After spending the first years working all hours and building up a solid, sustainable business, James gradually started employing staff and bought vehicles to service the heating and plumbing needs of the Cambridgeshire community.

During 2013 the decision was taken to really expand things and take the business onto the next level. James’ wife, Emily Hutt, left her London job and joined the family business as office manager, to run the day-to-day activities and help restructure the business during this period of rapid growth. A new Electrical division was set up and a director was taken on to head up the new expansion. The company now has a fleet of 9 vehicles servicing the county and offers full heating, plumbing, electrical and associated services to many commercial companies and domestic customers.

“It was a big decision to expand the way we did last year”, says James. “When I chose to set up my own business I wanted it to be debt free, and growing it went through one of the worst double-dip recessions the country has seen in 50 years! We came through and now see a great opportunity to really build on the solid base we built. There certainly feels like an air of optimism out there and the level work is increasing. We of course have to be very competitive and offer top quality workmanship and service on everything we do, but we are fortunate and have built up a great team of talented individuals to help us achieve that. Prospects for 2014 are looking good!”