The Right Business Support Puts DT Performance Cars in the Fast Lane

Any business which is expanding needs to either attract skilled recruits or upskill their existing workforce

With a well-documented skills shortage affecting UK businesses, that can be a big problem. But help and advice is at hand from Warwickshire County Council and the Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub - as Daniel Tranter can testify.

Last year, Daniel founded Atherstone-based DT Performance Cars, stocking all sorts of specialist cars priced from £15,000 to £120,000. And the business has soon hit the fast lane for growth. Daniel initially employed people close to him, those whom he knew and trusted, but now needs to look a little further afield.

That's where the skill support led by the county council's business skills advisor Fay Winterburn and growth hub account manager Gary Thyeson is proving invaluable.

"Fay and Gary have been really helpful and given some great advice," said Daniel. "I decided the time was right to take the plunge and start the business in February 2016 and it's gone really well so now we need to expand.

"I employ my mum and dad, father-in-law and uncle because I would rather employ people I can trust, even if they have little specialist knowledge to start with, and train them up. Training them up is where the business support has come in.

"Fay is helping us to explore apprenticeship opportunities and what might work for us and we are also considering courses within the Skills Support to upskill some of our existing staff.

"Gary is helping us to explore funding opportunities to support the development of the site, including a new meet-and-greet area and more economical lighting."

Nuneaton-born Daniel has his sights set on further growth from an ideal base in north Warwickshire.

"The premises in Atherstone came up and they are perfect with the space we need but very discreet," he said. "It is perfectly located bedside the A5 and close to Birmingham Airport which is great because we do a lot of international trade and have a lot of customers from Aberdeen."

Fay Winterburn is delighted to be helping the business to grow.

"DT performance is a great example of taking a passion and turning it into a great business model," she said. "Daniel has made remarkable progress in developing and growing the business ahead of his original projected year-on-year plans and now the timing is just right to explore various routes of support, having come this far independently.

"Ourselves at the county council and Gary Thyeson from the Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub are keen to work with Dan and the team to offer our support in building a skills and business strategy to take the business to the next level "

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

News

Make a Difference: New Campaign Launched to Attract People to Council Careers

Growth and employment plans for C&W SMEs hit by the Budget

Coventry & Warwickshire to be at heart of UK transition to clean energy, networking event hears

Warwickshire property agency secures sale of land for 78 new homes

CBS Arena to host event for hundreds of people who may be alone or isolated this Christmas

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,