Stratford-Upon-Avon Business Increases Productivity With Business Support and Funding

A shop fitting company is aiming to create new jobs after receiving £150,000 in grant funding.

Stratford-upon-Avon based ICM, which began life in 1998 as a one-man operation run by Managing Director Steve Lewis, has invested in top of the range machinery, as well as new air conditioning, flooring and computers thanks to a series of collaborative funding bids.

Through the purchase of a £250,000 5-axis CNC machine, the production side of the business has been transformed, with a quicker turnaround time than ever before achievable for its range of high quality interior features, which are fitted at a range of popular restaurants and bars across the UK.

The company is looking to create 10 new jobs this year and increase turnover by 30 per cent by 2022 following the recent investments, which have come together as a result of partnership working between Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub, Warwickshire County Council and Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support and Green Business Programmes that are part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Steve Lewis said: “The business has changed and developed over the last 20 years, going from a one-man operation to 45 staff across two sites.

“Thanks to the funding we have received we are now about to enter what we believe will be an incredibly exciting period of growth for us.

“Purchasing the 5-axis CNC machine has revolutionised our processes, we are working with a range of new clients in the leisure industry and have expanded to work in airports.

“This purchase, alongside the equipment we purchased thanks to our work with Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council, has set us up for an exciting year.”

A range of complex funding applications had to be completed in order to secure the machine and accompanying improvements.

Gary Thyeson, Account Manager with the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub, said: “This is a perfect example of successful collaboration to help contribute towards real business growth.

“ICM is a success story thanks to the hard work of Steve and his team and we are proud to contribute towards the next chapter of that story.”

Jagdish Soor, Warwickshire County Council Business Support, added: “Warwickshire County Council are delighted to have been able to assist ICM in their recent expansion phase through its various business support initiatives such as the Business Ready program delivered by our partners at UWSP.

“Using our expertise and experience, have navigated ICM through a complex RDPE grant application leading to a successful £133,000 grant award affording them to install essential, much needed automation into their manufacturing cell.”

Matthew Dillow, Green Business Programme Lead, said: “Replacing ageing air conditioning units across its sites has enable ICM to be more efficient in its use of energy, which in turn will lead to re-investing savings into becoming more competitive in the marketplace alongside providing an improved working environment for its employees.”

Kierandeep Bal, Business Development Advisor at Coventry City Council, said: “The grants each organisation has helped ICM secure, has helped contribute towards a major period of growth and create jobs so we are very pleased to have played a part in that.”

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Client testimonials

Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

Over the past few years, Armstrongs has built up a fantastic relationship with Gary Thyeson from the Growth Hub. His advice on grants and funding has been really valuable to both Armstrongs and some of our clients. His knowledge of local business support has been helpful in signposting us to relevant support agencies as required. We look forward to working with Laura Delahunty moving forwards.

Armstrongs Accountancy LTD,

In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans.

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

Exeter Analytical (UK) Limited,

Thank you for the comprehensive and professional guidance

Burbidge & Son Ltd,

Over the years since the Growth Hub was set up we have habitually gone to our Account Manager as a one-stop shop for all business-related information. It has been a really convenient way of finding suppliers, advisors and, on one occasion, we even asked for assistance with finding customers. We are invited to a wide range of business events including business development workshops, Brexit roundtable discussions, seminars on various topics and have also been asked to speak at some events. When we have needed additional information, for example, finding finance sources or help with selecti

Marchantcain Design Limited,

Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

Comrie Leisure Limited,