Coventry business thanks Growth Hub for its support

A Coventry company has thanked a business support organisation for helping it shift up a gear after expanding to purpose-built premises.

SAC & Co Engineering Design moved into its current home at Cavans Way in Binley Industrial Estate in 2019, with the additional space and facilities allowing it to grow its industry leading prototype and low volume vehicle manufacture services.

The company, which was founded by Steve Charlton in 2007, has been making use of its two purpose-built studios, sheet metal fabrication bays, 3D scanning room, and product assembly suite to take on more bespoke manufacturing projects for the likes of Aston Martin as well as private customers from across the globe.

As well as using cutting-edge 3D scanning capabilities used to replicate parts from classic vehicles, SAC is also helping to bring about the next generation of electric vehicles thanks to its engineering innovations and collaborations with major suppliers.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, which will celebrate its tenth anniversary next year, helped the business access £75,000 in grants from the Coventry and Warwickshire Green Business Programme and the Coventry & Warwickshire Business Support Programme which were part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to install LED lighting.

The facility also includes a paint shop which has been leased by SAC & Co Engineering Design to Andy Hawtin, who has launched his own business, Total Paint Solutions.

The business also accessed a grant of £8,200 for the new paint shop from the Manufacturing Growth Programme, funded by the ERDF and delivered by Economic Growth Solutions, part of Oxford Innovation Services Ltd.

Tim Martin, business development manager at SAC Engineering Design, said the Growth Hub had been instrumental in supporting the growth of the business over the last few years.

He said: “We needed to move to larger premises in 2018 as we looked to expand our range of services and take on more work. We applied to the Growth Hub for assistance, which helped us to completely transform the place into a bespoke, low volume beautiful emporium for people to see the kind of creations they would like.

“We were able to build a scanning studio to allow us to 3D scan original items to reverse engineer parts for collectible masterpieces, and all of this has been crucial to our growth in recent years.”

Craig Humphrey, CEO of the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, visited the site to see its development over the years.

He said: “When a company like SAC has barriers to growth, it’s really important that they have access to the support that’s available in the region.

“It’s really gratifying to see that our work together over the years has yielded some excellent, sustained growth, and we’re proud to have supported them in that mission.”

Justine Chadwick, Account Manager at Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, added: “The site has come a long way since SAC first moved in a few years ago and it’s brilliant to see its progress. As well as improvements to the facility, there has been lots of dialogue around skills, recruiting engineers, business to business introductions and looking at different markets SAC can work with.”

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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,