THE old image of dodgy scrap metal dealers is being junked by a new breed of efficient businessmen committed to the environment and the local community.

Rather than rickety piles of rusting vehicles surrounded by leaky batteries, the modern scrap dealer has an eye on recycling, is socially aware, looks after the environment and uses high-tech machinery in its everyday business.

Bolton-based Smith Metals is a case in point as it has just announced a new community initiative linking its sponsorship of the Belle Vue Aces speedway team with Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

The company is in the process of developing a business course for youngsters in conjunction with Belle Vue Aces — as Smith Metals will be the main sponsor for the upcoming 2009 season.

Eight young people will be chosen to go to the speedway ground at Belle Vue, Manchester, and learn about the business through the example of running a speedway team — with the added benefit of meeting the Aces’ team.

James Cubbon, business development manager at Smith Metals, said: “Our partnership with the Bolton Lads and Girls Club has allowed us to pledge not only a financial boost but a sporting outlet that can be moulded to suit the needs of both organisations.

“Being patrons of the Lads Club also allows us to instill vital business ethics into local children, at an age where they are susceptible to outside influence.

“We sincerely hope the new course will inspire local kids to gain a thirst for business as well as teach them about prominent environmental and social issues.”

Smith Metals recovers around 4,000 tons of all kinds of scrap metals every week from firms around the region and recycles it to various sources, including local foundries, as well as sending metals to China and Turkey.

The company is regarded as a good example in the scrap metal industry by Government bodies such as the Environment Agency which frequently uses Smith’s premises as examples of good practice.

The company, in Waterloo Street, was set up by the Smith family more than 30 years ago in Rochdale but relocated to Bolton around 15 years ago with strong council support.

The company installed special waste drainage tanks, concreted the boggy land and followed strict health and safety practices — measures that have since become standard practice.

Three years ago they sold a majority shareholding to the Irish-based holding company, ONE51 Group, but Andrew and Mark Smith remain joint managing directors.

In Bolton, the business has grown to become one of the largest ferrous metals dealers in the North West.

In 2008, Smith Metals became the first patron of the Bolton and Bury-based environmental organisation, Groundwork.

The association helps to improve the life of the local community by developing programmes that aim to support local businesses and residents.