The Stage Is Set For Future Expansion Following Growth Hub Support

Belgrade Production Services (BPS) was established by the Belgrade Theatre in 2007, initially beginning with two staff members before expanding since then to a 15 strong staff team.

From its workshops in Red Lane, Coventry, BPS manufactures and installs sets not only for the Belgrade Theatre but for theatre’s around the country and for film, TV and other events. BPS built the set for The National Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of One Man Two Guv’nors, which starred James Corden in the lead role. Amongst others, BPS has built sets for the Watermill Theatre, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Leicester Curve and Stafford Gatehouse.

The Plan

BPS, which is based at a workshop in Red Lane, Coventry, were looking to purchase a £70,000 CNC Router machine that would enable the company to cut scenery for bigger and more complex theatre productions, including high-profile shows in the West End. With the process for cutting large scale scenery and set pieces being very labour intensive, the new CNC Router machine was essential to BPS’s business expansion plans.

It would give them the capability to compete on an equal footing with competitors within the sector and so they approached the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub for assistance in securing additional funding for this essential piece of equipment. The Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub team helped BPS Workshop Manager Andy Hilton and his team apply for capital grant funding through Coventry City Council, which resulted in securing £28,500 towards the overall £70,000 cost of the project.

The Results

The new CNC Router machine is already making an impression on the business with new work coming in as a result of its increased capabilities, including a commission for a spectacular new musical set to be launched in London. With new work projects has also come new staff with a full-time machine operator added to the staff team, who has also received full training on the CNC equipment.

Andy Hilton, BPS Head of Workshop, said: “The new CNC Router machine is an important part of taking the business forward, as it will allow us to take on bigger and more complex commissions. “The larger, more complex sets are very labour intensive so without this machine we would not be able to compete with rivals in the sector. The more complicated the set, the more money involved and the big sets in the West End is where the money is. “It’s also great for promoting the region as people working on large productions in London are able to say they going to Coventry to get their sets built and that only be good for the region.”

“The assistance from the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub has been invaluable. “They have been very helpful through every step of the process and the funding they have enabled us to access has been important in helping us to purchase the machine. “We will be able to compete in the market now on a more even footing and go after larger commissions, which will diversify our income streams and move us towards a more self-sufficient model of funding.”

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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,