A Pontypool engineer who was made redundant when Wales’ biggest steel firm went into administration has started his own business with support from the Local Investment Fund.

Clive Smallwood, who as an engineer with Rowecord has previously worked on projects such as the Olympic Aquatic Centre and Swansea’s Liberty Stadium, was made redundant in 2013.

After being out of work for around three months Mr Smallwood decided to strike out with his own steel fabrications company and, with support from Torfaen council, applied to the Local Investment Fund for financial help to purchase tools and equipment.

A year later Smallwood Fabrications has its own premises at the Polo Ground Industrial Estate in Pontypool and business is thriving, with clients including the Royal Mint and Magor Brewery.

Mr Smallwood said: “It was tough when Rowecord went into administration but I have never been one to sit still and as soon as it was practical I started to think about using my skills to go into business for myself.

“I had some savings behind me but not enough to cover everything I needed which is why the LIF was so critical. I was granted around 40 per cent of cost of the tools and equipment I needed and the funding also helped to cover some initial marketing costs.

“Without this financial support, setting up on my own simply wouldn’t have been possible but now the business is doing really well. I often have to bring in contractors to help me on projects which helps sustain jobs, and I am looking into taking on an apprentice and giving someone a start to their career.”

Gaynor Wakeling, business development officer at Torfaen council, said: “Clive is an excellent example of someone with the skills and expertise needed to start a business but just needed a small financial boost to help get his idea off the ground.

“The Local Investment Fund is a flexible scheme which contributes towards the cost of things such as capital equipment, ICT and marketing and I would urge businesses that might be interested in finding out more to get in touch.”

To find out more about the Local Investment Fund visit www.southwalesbusiness.co.uk/en/Financial-Support/Local-Investment-Fund.aspx