Support Helps Warwick Manufacturer Boost Orders and Productivity and Set Springboard for Future Success

Bellagio Stone, a family run business based at the Heathcote Industrial Estate in Warwick, consistently completed more than 100 orders a week from early November to mid-January, marking a hugely successful period for the company after receiving business support from WMG at the University of Warwick and the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub.

The natural stone surface specialists were introduced to WMG by Growth Hub account manager Jaymie Thakordas to help them fulfil increasing demand in the second half of 2018, after a lengthy period of growth which saw the firm expand from four to 40 staff in just over a decade.

WMG’s SME Group representatives carried out an end-to-end analysis of Bellagio’s production processes between February and June last year, and pinpointed ways the business could improve efficiency.

When these recommended changes were implemented, the business successfully navigated through the busiest 12 week period in its history.

Director Mike Boyden said: “A really busy week for us is usually around 80 orders, so I think that without the assistance from WMG and the Growth Hub, we would have found it difficult to complete the 100 orders every week between November and mid-January.

“It was by far our busiest ever period and it sets us up for an exciting year ahead.”

Bellagio Stone was founded in 2005 by directors Catherine and Rob Wilkinson, who continue to oversee plans for its future and are still involved on a day-to-day level with the business.

Catherine said: “We invested £250,000 in a new CNC saw last year, which revolutionised our cutting process and now we are bringing in a £100,000 edge polisher, which will allow us to reallocate staff and improve our production rate.

“We are also aiming to expand our in-store sales this year, our work with WMG has really helped us reanalyse our position and look ahead.”

The company has a long standing relationship with the Growth Hub, which has helped the team access grant funding and aided them in their move to Heathcote Industrial Estate.

Jaymie Thakordas, account manager and business mentor, said: “The future is exciting for Bellagio Stone and I think they have a lot to look forward to.

“I introduced them to WMG as I believed it would benefit the team to reanalyse their processes and see where they could improve on what they already had, I am glad this was able to help them during their busiest ever period.”

WMG’s work involved analysing the flow of materials through the process, starting at the Bellagio Stone yard and ending at despatch to identify where improvements could be made based on observations and performance data.

Dr Liz McArdle, Innovation Manager, WMG SME Group, said: “We felt it was crucial to analyse the current process flow and ways of working across Bellagio Stone, with a view to identifying and prioritising ways in which changes could be made that would have the biggest impact.

“We are delighted that our work has helped them through a busy time and look ahead to the future.”

The WMG SME Programme is part-funded by ERDF and WMG centre High Value Manufacturing Catapult.

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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,