Packaging Firm Breathing Extended Life Into Dry Food Market

Ali Sayed channelled his frustration with current existing plastic food packaging into an extensive four-year research programme which started four years ago to find ways to revolutionise how food is prepared and handled, but also stored in a fresh state for longer periods of time.

After various rounds of vigorous testing on different packaging, Ali eventually found the prototype that he was looking for and in 2018, and AM Foods International was born. AM Foods International now supply dry food items such as rice and lentils in packaging with a multi-layered plastic film which has oxygen barrier properties and is recyclable after use. Ali and his three members of staff are based at the Centenary Business Centre in Nuneaton.

The Challenge

After investing his own money into a long period of research to identify the right prototype, Ali needed support with developing and funding an operational infrastructure so that he could begin trading. This included machinery to fill the packaging with produce and seal it correctly, a van to distribute products, and marketing the new service.

The Solution

After AM Foods International became members of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Ali began networking and asked what help was available for start-up businesses. It was then that he was pointed in the direction of Sarah Gambrall, Business Navigator at the CWLEP GrowthHub, and Kierandeep Bal, Business Development Advisor at Coventry City Council for some advice.

The Result

Sarah and Kierandeep were able to help Ali to set his business up with a £4,852 grant from Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub’s and Coventry City Council’s Business Support Programme, which is part-financed by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The grant – which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund - funded a filling machine, sealing machine and a metal detector along with a van to distribute products to customers in the region. The money has also helped Ali to appoint three members of staff to promote and develop the firm to prospective customers.

Ali Sayed from AM International Foods said “After overcoming the barriers of nailing a prototype and negotiating the costs of package manufacturing, we were still faced with the operational challenge of how we were going to fill the packaging with food and distribute it to customers. “Sarah and Kierandeep have been brilliant in recognising the potential of my business and helping me to fund machinery that will enable me to get my products out of the door – without them my business wouldn’t be where it is today.”

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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,