Grant Helps Boost Productivity of Coventry Firm

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Profab Coventry, established in 1989, are precision sheet metal engineers, fabricators and welders. The company specialises in the manufacture of components for many industries including, automotive, electrical, I.T, and machine tools companies. Currently, the company, which is based at the Bayton Road Industrial Estate in Exhall, employs around 10 people and is led by directors Kelvin Woodward and Lynda Greves.

Profab Coventry had been consistently paying out for repairs to its computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine, which was bought second hand a decade ago.

This had led to the company outsourcing some of its jobs to ensure they were done on time, as well as thousands of pounds being spent on repairs for a machine that was near the end of its lifespan.

Director Kelvin Woodward approached the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub after speaking with other business owners on the Bayton Road Industrial Estate and hearing about financial help they had received for a variety of different reasons.

Kelvin laid out Profab Coventry’s situation with its current CNC machine and speculatively enquired about whether his business could receive assistance to purchase a new one.

Within two weeks, Profab Coventry had received a grant of £10,000 towards the purchase of a Vipros 255 CNC punching machine from the European Regional Development Fund through Coventry City Council.

After receiving the money and purchasing the equipment, Profab Coventry is looking to take on new staff and work with more clients.

Kelvin Woodward, Profab Coventry director, said: “Our previous machine was bought second-hand around 10 years ago and it was getting close to the end of its use.

“We were spending a lot of time and money to keep it working, we had also had to start outsourcing some of our work to ensure we met our orders on time.

“We spoke with some of the other business owners on the estate and they said that they had received advice and assistance with grant funding so I looked into how we could get some help.

“We contacted the Growth Hub and just told them an honest summary of our situation, they put me in touch with the right people and we had our grant in two weeks.

“Hopefully this can lead to us getting more work and potentially bringing in more people because we are already looking for new staff to join us.”

Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub Account Manager Gary Thyeson said: “We are here to assist businesses in getting the help they need, we know where to direct them if they need a grant that will help boost their business.

“A lot of business owners are so caught up in the day-to-day running of their company that they can miss great opportunities that are available to them.

“I am delighted to have been able to help Profab and I wish them all the best for the future.”

 

CWLEP Growth Hub was formed by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership as part of its City Deal bid to Government.

The Growth Hub pro-actively helps businesses grow by providing specialist advice and support from a team of experienced account managers, who also act as a signpost to a range of services and support from other organisations across the region.

The Growth Hub offers help with:

Access to finance
Business Innovation
Business Support
International Trade Advisers
Skills4Growth
Inward Investment
Planning

Partners involved include the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Department of International Trade, Local Authorities across the sub-region, Coventry University and the University of Warwick.

The Growth Hub is based at Coventry University Technology Park on the outskirts of Coventry city centre. For further information, email or telephone 0300 060 3747.

 

 

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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,

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