Growth Hub ignites Warwickshire Businessman’s Woodburner Idea

Matthew Statham runs ChinaTech Sourcing at the Wharf Centre in Warwick. The company was, until recently, an importer of products from China that could be sold into various markets in the UK. But, as an engineer, Matthew has always had a penchant for designing and creating new products and, like so often, his new business idea came from a personal need.He was looking at the possibility of buying a wood-burning stove but wasn’t comfortable with the lighting process. He felt there must be a better way.

The plan

“I just didn’t like the thought of the lighting process and I remembered a hand held lighting ‘gun’ my parents had for open fires,” said Matthew.

“It wasn’t quite right for a woodburning stove so I took the basic principle of using hot air on fuel to start a fire, but integrated the system into the stove.”

As he began the process of creating the first designs for his combustion unit, Matthew approached the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) and adviser Colin Hanson-New was assigned to help.
Not only that, Colin decided to draw upon the expertise from colleagues at the Growth Hub to offer further support to the company.

The results

MAS provided grant funding to help Matthew obtain a production prototype and patent for his Autoblaze product. In a nutshell, the unit basically places an element that can be heated to 500 degrees Celsius inside the woodburner and, at the flick of a switch, blows hot air onto the wood to the point of combustion.

Following the development of the prototype after the support given, he expected his product to hit the market within nine to 12 months which is a phenomenal turnaround.

On top of that, the Growth Hub team are also considering options for supporting Matthew in his pursuit of CE Marking and HETAS testing – crucial in getting the product to market.

John Nollett, Growth Hub Account Manager, has offered further advice on which markets to aim for and, through UKTI – another Clearing House partner – has introduced the company to a wood-burning stove manufacturer.

He said: “Matthew would not have had the time to navigate his way through the various organisations offering support but with Growth Hub involvement he has been able to call upon the expertise of a range of bodies, all of whom can help in different ways.

“China Tech was, previously, an importer of goods from China but with this new product being assembled in our area it will create jobs and growth for this region.

“It is an extremely exciting product and one that, with the right sales and marketing strategy – again something we are looking to assist him with – has the potential to revolutionise the wood-burning stove industry globally.”

Matthew added: “I cannot overstate the help I have been given. I just wouldn’t be anywhere near this stage if I hadn’t received the support being offered through the Growth Hub. It’s making all of this possible.”

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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,

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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,