CW Growth Hub Assists HPL Prototypes In Securing Funding For New Design Studio And Production Area

An automotive company is gearing up for the next chapter in its history by diversifying and expanding its premises on the outskirts of Coventry.

HPL Prototypes on the Windmill Industrial Estate in Birmingham Road, Allesley, specialises in creating prototypes from computer aided designs for global automotive, aerospace and marine companies.

The 30-strong company is now moving into composite materials to be able to produce the entire prototype from the design to production which will also create new jobs.

A high-tech design studio and production area is to be built thanks to a grant from round four of the Regional Growth Fund and an Innovation Networks grant from Coventry University Enterprises which were secured with help from the Clearing House.

Stuart LeCornu, chief executive officer of HPL Prototypes, said the grants from the Regional Growth Fund and Coventry University Enterprises would help the business to significantly expand.

“Our business is focused on working with the design studios of our customers and we have been extending our studio capability so that we can do more work for our current and new customers,” he said.

“We also want to develop the business into composite materials so we will have small production run areas.

“We’re trying to link the traditional design with modern composite materials so that we can integrate the two rather than the two working independently.

“The work we are doing with Clearing House is to create that niche and to bring our workforce up to the technical requirements needed for the new area of the business.

“Our workforce will grow by up to ten people and we have had help through Skills 4 Growth to recruit two graduate placements in project management and process control as part of the Clearing House’s remit to help businesses.

“The Clearing House has been really valuable not only in terms of gaining grants but we have also been signposted to companies such as the Warwick Manufacturing Group’s Automotive Composites Research Centre and we are attending industry networking events which are really useful.”

Phil Peak, an account manager at the Clearing House, said HPL Prototypes has world-class expertise and vast experience in producing automotive prototypes.

He said: “HPL Prototypes is a growing, diversifying company on a site in Coventry which has produced cars for the last 60 years.

“This is an exciting new era as they expand into another sector since further jobs and facilities will be created.

“The Clearing House is not only providing business support and information about a wide range of grants which are available but we are offering introductions to other like-minded businesses.

“The amount of companies that we engage with means we are in a great position to connect businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire which can prove mutually beneficial.”

Pictured: Stuart LeCornu from HPL Prototypes (right) with Phil Peak from the Clearing House

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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,