RPA Systems Set Their Sights On Expansion With Growth Hub Support

RPA Systems is an engineering company which has a headquarters in Kent and in 2014 decided to open a factory in South Warwickshire.

The facility would be used to make gun barrels for rifles used for sport and leisure activities, with a focus on high-quality products from skilled engineers using state-of-the-art technology. The company has a created a purposebuilt facility in the area to ensure it met its exact requirements.

The Plan

With a focus on precision and quality, the company had to invest in the very best machinery and that meant importing a number of high tech machines from either USA or Germany The total cost could be as high as £400,000.

Until the arrival of the machine, the company could produce its gun barrels but not at the same quantities as the state-of-the-art equipment that will make the firm, almost instantly, a market leader. RPA Systems approached the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub to assist with access to finance as the nature of its industry meant it wouldn’t meet certain lenders’ criteria.

Phil Peak, an account manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, met the company to discuss its finance requirements and also offered support in helping RPA to recruit up to ten apprentices.

The Results

Within 32 days of the first contact with the Growth Hub, RPA Systems had secured an £86,000 grant towards the CNC machinery worth in the region of £500,000.

Phil Peak introduced the company to Rob Bent at Coventry City Council, who assisted the firm in securing the funding through the RGF 4 Lancaster Fund. Phil also put the business in touch with a contact at Lloyds Bank, which is now helping to finance the venture.

The factory has now been built and, at the time of writing, the machine was on order and ready to be delivered to the company.

RPA Systems’ Michael Markham said they would not have come this far without the help of the Growth Hub. He said: “They have embraced the business and have really helped us in every way they can. I don’t think any of us really believed we would get a grant but that funding is now in place and the machine that will help to set us apart from any other manufacturer of barrels is on its way.

“We have existing machinery that can do the job and that will be installed into the unit very soon but the new machine will allow us to produce the same quality product but much more quickly and efficiently. “Now we want to ensure that this benefits the local economy and, particularly, local youngsters looking for a future in manufacturing.

Michael Markham RPA Systems “This is a real opportunity because we want them to feel real ownership of the business and to share in its success moving forward.”

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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,