ASCENDING the stairway to success is Bolton’s thriving Handrail Creations which is starting at it means to go on.

Having commanded a UK presence for its products since its launch just 18 months ago, the company is committed to maintaining the growth which it has enjoyed over that short period.

The business, started by managing director Kenny Macfarlane and his father, Martin, scooped the coveted “Start Up Business of the Year” award. The Burnden Business Park firm designs, manufactures and installs bespoke timber handrails.

Having previously worked for other companies, and studying in his spare time for a Masters degree in business management which he later gained, Kenny joined forces with his metalwork engineer father to set up Handrail Creations.

Its first year performance exceeded all expectations. Far from making a loss, the business made a pre-tax net profit of more than £100,000, a truly enviable achievement from a standing start.

Handrail Creations employs eight full-time staff and 10 sub-contractors. It has already outgrown its 3,000 sq ft unit and is looking to take on another one on the same estate — a testament to its success. The company operates throughout the UK, with two-thirds of its specialised projects in London.

The company is at the cutting edge of technology, harnessing 3D scanning systems to measure stairs and 3D CAD software to”model” each rail before programming and simulating each part before they’re made.

Commenting on the award, Kenny Macfarlane said: “I’m humbled and winning this is a big shock and I just didn’t expect it. This is a tribute for all our hard work. Our handrails are almost all for stairs and every single one is bespoke.

“The growth which we’ve already achieved is beyond our expectations. As far as the future is concerned, we plan to continue to grow.”