Engineering Company Aiming High

D&S Engineering was formed in 1972 and Managing Director Richard Maconnachie, who has 45 years’ experience in the industry.

Profile
The precision engineers have formed a fantastic reputation for manufacturing high-quality parts for the defence industry including missiles, torpedoes and mine detectors. The business, which employs 12 staff, moved from 4,200 sq ft premises on the Bayton Road Industrial Estate in Exhall near Coventry to a 11,000 sq ft unit on the same business park in January 2018.

The Plan
The family-owned business has invested £190,000 in two state-ofthe art CNC and CMM machines as part of its plan to diversify into the aerospace industry.

A Swiss designed five-axis CNC high spec machine and a CMM machine which gives extra capacity to manufacture larger products have been installed at the new premises.

Richard mentioned his aims to move into new markets to Jeremy Moore from the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Hub.

He introduced Richard to aerospace expert and former RAF Harrier aeronautical engineer Darin Tudor – and he has been appointed to oversee business development at D&S Engineering.

Richard said: “We have 45 years of experience in precision engineering but by more than doubling the size of our premises, we are looking to expand into making products for airframe manufacturers where the quantities are much higher.

“We have the expertise and quality management processes in place and we have the opportunity to expand this facility by a further 10,000 sq ft which we will need if we gain further work and need to invest in another CMM machine.”

The Results
New business opportunities are opening up to expand into making products for the aerospace industry.

D&S already has the ISO 9001 and ISO AS9100 quality management systems which underlines the quality of their work and they are among only a small number of companies in the UK to have obtained the SC21 bronze which is an improvement programme designed to increase the performance – and are now working towards achieving silver.

This has been vital in initial conversations with the aerospace industry and Darin is now in talks with major aerospace businesses in the UK.

Darin said: “Achieving those standards means they have broken down the barriers to entry into the aerospace sector and we are already in talks with several of the largest aerospace companies in the UK.

“Richard went to Canada with Innovate UK on a trade mission to investigate 3D printing which will take the business to the next level in terms of investment and that is another area we are investigating at the moment.”

Jeremy Moore, of the CWLEP Growth Hub, said: “The work we do at the Growth Hub isn’t just about helping businesses with grant applications for funding to buy machinery or expand into new premises as the meeting with D&S Engineering has proved.

“It sometimes only takes a few minutes to understand the requirements of a business and we were able to introduce Richard and Darin which is already providing to be mutually-beneficial, and that’s why businesses should engage with the Growth Hub because there is a whole host of support that we can provide.

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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,