On Wednesday 11^th November at around 2:45am a fright train derailed in Sheffield Train Station leaving significant damage and five out of the eight platforms closed. The train from Hope Cement Works, derailed 11 tanker wagons while passing through the station. Luckily, no one was injured, and all the trains were replaced by buses from Sheffield to Nottingham, York, and Doncaster for the 5 days the train was being removed.

Specialised Tools & Equipment were needed to supply Network Rail with tools and equipment to quickly attend the scene and begin assessing the damage. Due to STEL having all the equipment in stock, the train was promptly moved from the tracks and the damage to the signalling system and tracks were fixed, so trains could resume running normally.

Sheffield based supplier, Specialised Tools and Equipment Ltd (STEL) is on track to feature its products in a world record attempt.

STEL is backing Manchester based engineer Scott Bradley’s attempt to smash the world record for the fastest ever narrow-gauge rail track vehicle.

His high-powered ‘Jet Train’ is receiving Ironman wheels and brake pads from STEL, based in Attercliffe, as it seeks to beat the current world record in the ‘narrow-gauge’ category of 170 km/h which was originally set by an Australian narrow-gauge tilting train.

The brake pads and Ironman wheels were the only parts that were not handcrafted by Scott and his team. Reaching high speeds it is vital that the braking system supplied by STEL operates perfectly to bring the ‘Jet Train’ to a speedy and safe stop.

Taking place in 2020, Manchester-born Scott will carry out his ‘narrow-gauge’ challenge at one of the two United Kingdom based venues. The attempts will be adjudicated by the Guinness World Records validation team.

Managing Director of Specialised Tools and Equipment Ltd, Andrew Liversidge, said:

“It was a real privilege to be given this opportunity by long term customer Scott and to be used as the supplier of choice for his high-powered rail vehicle. The hardworking and reliable team here at STEL delivered exceptional customer service, as they always do, and as a business we cannot wait to see Scott’s attempt in 2020.

“The equipment that we supply here at STEL is second to none and this is a great example of how we support individuals and businesses alike, no matter how large or small.”

Scott Bradley, commented:

“Myself and my team have now handcrafted 11 vehicles that run at 110 km/h but this time we are pushing ourselves even further and aiming for 200km/h to try and make it into the Guinness World Records book so it was extremely important for us to use a trustworthy supplier.

“I opted for STEL given my previous experience with them as they always offer you their time and expertise to ensure that you leave more than satisfied. No matter what the size of your order, STEL always deliver 110 per cent. “

Sheffield Tools Business Owner Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Leading Sheffield tools supplier, Specialised Tools and Equipment Ltd (STEL), is celebrating its first year under new ownership with expansion and a surge in business.

New owner, Andrew Liversidge has marked a successful first year with new contracts, additional clients and the expansion of staff.

Serving the trade and public, STEL is an integral product supplier to the rail, construction, utility and janitorial sectors and has recently become a contracted supplier for Network Rail and London Underground.

The independent business is continuing to boost its portfolio of clients with household names Atlas Copco, Husqvarna, Makita, Milwaukee, Klingspore, Kawasaki, Bosch and products approved supplier, Honda Industrial.

The Attercliffe based company has strengthened its team within the last 12 months with five new members of staff, including the appointment of Mark Bailey as Operations Director. Mark has a background in Supply Chain and Logistics Management.

Managing Director and Owner of Specialised Tools and Equipment Ltd, Andrew Liversidge, said:

“Due to both mine and the growing team’s strong industry knowledge we have created robust working relationships with our clients and have consequently brought a fresh outlook to STEL in the last year – we are really excited to be celebrating our first anniversary.

“We have plans for further expansion, and we hope to showcase to businesses and individuals in South Yorkshire and across the rest of that United Kingdom that we provide over 40,000 different products online; we deliver throughout the UK and we offer very competitive prices.”

Operations Director of Specialised Tools and Equipment Ltd, Mark Bailey, commented:

“STEL is focused on customer satisfaction which is something I was keen to be a part of. During my time within the organisation, we have experienced some great highs and we hope that these successes only continue into the following year - I can’t wait to see what is next.”