AN adhesives company has survived a "sticky" situation with the help of professional advice.

Aldcroft Adhesives, which is based on the Horwich Loco Estate, is now looking to double its turnover after sailing close to insolvency three years ago.

Leigh and Julie Aldcroft have run the business since they took it over in a management buyout in 2000.

The company was founded in 1983 by Mr Aldcroft's father Ron, who has now retired.

Leigh and Julie, who are both 34 turned to North Manchester Business Link for help.

Julie said today: "We knew we had many obstacles to overcome when we first took over the business.

"Using the Business Link North Manchester network we began turning our efforts to higher margin, more profitable and less-saturated markets.

"We were able to source suitable consultants with which to work and to get advice on legal and financial aspects, health and safety policy and grant aid."

The company now works in a niche market supplying coatings and adhesives specifically developed to meet customers' needs.

Their products are used in sports car manufacture, flight cases for audio equipment and musical instruments, speaker casings for the music industry and textile and furniture coatings around the world.

"It has been an awful lot of hard work," Julie said. "Business Link have been absolutely fantastic."

She said the company had four workers at moment, but it was intended to take on sales people.

"The aim is to double our turnover of nearly £500,000 in the next 12 months," she said.

Business Link adviser Malcolm Joels said: "The key to their success is that although they understood their business, they knew when they needed help and guidance."

"The company is now acknowledged as a supplier of specialised surface coatings."

"We knew that in order for the company to survive they had to be prepared to bite the bullet and sacrifice significant amounts of unprofitable business."

He went on: "The results are outstanding.

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Mr Joels added:

NICHE MARKET: Leigh and Julie Aldcroft of Aldcroft Adhesives