Southern Asset Management

Within a year of starting up, Steve Southern’s structural testing firm, Southern Asset Management (SAM), had recorded a half-million pound turnover.

Since July 2022, SAM has emerged as the go-to provider for structural NDT testing and asset management of lighting columns, masts, signs and structures.

It’s headquartered in Stockton but serves clients nationwide from a diverse range of sectors, including local authorities and Transport for London.

It’s a double award winner too, having clinched the Best New Services Business and the Standout Achievement awards at the Best New Tees Business Awards.

But behind the impressive statistics is an even more impressive story because, by his own admission, Steve had been in a low place – a very low place.

A former Dene School pupil, England judo international and, for three years, a Green Howard, Steve got into structural testing through a friend and now has 24 years’ experience.

However, problems stemming from a former role saw him spiral into depression, leading to a series of breakdowns.

In a dire mental and financial state, a business plan was his only material asset. Crucially, though, he had the support of family and friends – support that brought him back from the brink.

And even though he frankly admits he’s not fully out of the woods yet, he says that support network helped bring him through the worst times.

Not only that, he’s now on the brink of more business success.

He said: “I had paranoia, depression, anxiety. But family and just talking about it was the key. I know the dangers now – I know what gives me good and bad days.

“Things are going really well – growth, new customers, new revenues, new products. I’m trying to enjoy it now. I’ve got a smile back on my face too – that’s the main thing for me.”

Based in Stockton’s Durham Tees Valley Business Centre, SAM currently has 10 staff – including two of his three kids, Poppy and general manager Ryan – but there’s a desire for more employees.

And if you’d have told him a year ago where his business would be now? He said: “I’d have been over the moon – the growth has gone really quickly and it’s getting stronger.”

Credit: Tees Business