A CORROSION and fire-proof specialist has bought a stake in a safety firm.

Barrier Group has taken 40 per cent of rope access specialist UK Total Solutions Limited.

Bosses say the move will allow the company to increase its presence in the offshore energy sector and win work in new areas.

UK Total Solutions was founded in Dubai in 2009 by Mick Flaherty, and moved to the North-East last year to target European markets.

Operating across the oil and gas, chemical, construction and renewable energy sectors, it employs about 20 UK staff, but says it aims to increase the figure as it expands.

It also supplies industry with equipment, including removable insulation jackets and says it is working on a service to repair steel and other structures.

Robert Bowles, chairman of Wallsend-based Barrier, said: “There are real similarities between our areas of expertise, which will add value to both companies’ customers and strengthen our position in the supply chain.”

Mr Flaherty added: “We are an ambitious young company and this relationship will play a huge part in helping this business achieve its growth objectives.”

Founded in 1975, Barrier specialises in corrosion and fire protection and employs about 250 workers.

The Northern Echo previously reported how its fire protection division had carried out work to make and fire-proof 200 boxes for valves and instruments on topsides for Statoil in the Norwegian Sea’s Valemon gas field.

Last year, Barrier took on more than 20 workers after winning a deal from fellow Wallsend company OGN Group to provide coatings, scaffolding and insulation for the 249-metre EnQuest Producer vessel.