New Era For Coventry Business After Investment

You are here

Home

A well-known Coventry business is engraving a new chapter in its history by diversifying into new markets after investing in a new machine.

The Coventry Trophy Centre on Burnaby Road, Radford, is the new owner of an £18,000 UV Printer to enable the supplier of trophies, awards and medals to bid for contracts with businesses and increase the business’s growth.

The investment decision was made by director Marc Stewart after he spoke to the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub who put him in touch with Coventry City Council.

That led to the successful application for a grant of £5,465 towards the UV Printer, machinery, and ICT hardware and software from the Investment Fund of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Marc, who is also looking to recruit two apprentices, said the grant had made a major difference to the long-term future of the Coventry Trophy Centre.

He said: “We have always been known as specialists in providing trophies, awards and medals particularly for schools and sports clubs across Coventry and Warwickshire.

“During lockdown, we provided protective screens for schools and made 6,000 visors and also developed new products to build up a customer base outside the trophy industry.

“We have so many machines now that can work together to create bespoke items. The Growth Hub has been really helpful because I would never have considered applying for a grant.

“Covid gave me the time to discuss the future of the business with Justine from the Growth Hub and through her, I have made new contacts in the business community and applied for a grant for the UV Printer. It all seemed achievable and everyone involved in the process was helpful and we wouldn’t have been able to afford the machine without the grant.

“The UV Printer means we can print on all kinds of different surfaces and produce items such as internal and external signs as well as bespoke trophies in different colours so we can fulfil orders that we couldn’t previously take on which we hope will lead to an increase in sales and growth.

“We have refurbished our showroom as well so we have a smart new image for when we can re-open on April 12 and all the support has meant we have put the foundations in place for our future.”

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration at Coventry City Council, said: “The Coventry Trophy Centre is a well-known name in the city and I’m really pleased that over the last year, the team has been able to rise to the challenging situation and find ways to diversify.

“I’m also delighted that we could match their ambition with a grant that has enabled them to purchase some new kit and led to plans to take on some new apprentices.

“I wish Marc and the team all the best and I look forward to hearing more about their growth and development.”

Justine Chadwick, account manager at the CWLEP Growth Hub, said the new machine would help Coventry Trophy Centre stand out from its competitors.

“The Coventry Trophy Centre is a much-loved business in the city for all the trophies and awards it produces for schools and a whole host of sports clubs,” she said.

“But, like many businesses during the pandemic, it needed to diversify. The addition to their machinery means they can work on more bespoke initiatives and projects to increase corporate sales and open up an additional revenue stream from the customers that they are already serving as well as new clients, and they are ready to write a new chapter in their history.”  

 

 

Caption: From the left, Marc Stewart (Coventry Trophy Centre), Cllr Jim O’Boyle (Coventry City Council) and Justine Chadwick (CWLEP Growth Hub)

 

 

Made Smarter WM

Made Smarter is a national movement to drive growth amongst UK makers and advance the UK economy. Backed by world renowned businesses and the UK government, it will improve the development and adoption of emerging technologies. Making a real, everyday difference to people from the boardroom to the factory floor.

Find Out More

 

 

Looking for work, or have vacancies to fill?

 

CW Employment Solutions offers a service for job seekers and employers, recruiters and education leavers, to connect, find jobs, post vacancies and access the wealth of support measures that have been implemented across the region.

Click Here to Find out More

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,

GET IN TOUCH

About

Part of the Government-supported growth hub network