Foundations Laid For Growth For Warwickshire Company

A company in Warwickshire is laying the foundations for further growth after building from six to 50 staff in less than two years.

Urban Civil Engineering, which was founded in Leamington and is now based in Offchurch, was formed in August 2014 by friends and colleagues Adrian Duncan and Jason Green to provide a full groundworks and infrastructure service to the construction industry, particularly homebuilders.

Between them, they have 42 years’ experience in the sector and from day one, when they initially offered labour services only, they could see the potential of offering plant and materials to their clients too.

They wanted to implement a rapid growth plan but when they couldn’t access traditional funding, they were referred to the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub.

The Growth Hub, which acts as a signposting and business advice service to companies, assessed the firm’s initial needs and put them in touch with the Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust (CWRT).

That led to an initial loan of £50,000 in the first year – which was paid back in full – with a further £70,000 that followed in the current financial year.

Without the cash and the support from the Growth Hub they wouldn’t have been able to implement such a rapid growth plan, which has led to them winning business with the likes of Persimmon Homes, AC Lloyd and Barwood Homes.

The company, which is expected to double its turnover this year from £3million to £6million, provides everything from the laying of drainage and the creation of new roads through to block-paving and flooring.

“It’s been a fantastic start in business for us,” said Adrian, whose dad – Adam – works for the business, having employed his son at a previous company.

“The advice and the support from the Growth Hub has worked wonders. We needed the finance to be able to have enough cashflow to be able to buy materials as it takes some time to build credibility with a supplier.

“We could have grown without it but it has meant we have been able to accelerate the growth and bring in more staff more quickly. We have the potential for much more work and we can see ourselves expanding again.

“The market has been really strong and it’s very likely we’ll need to recruit more people very soon too.

“We already employ several members of family - including my father, who I worked for previously. I don’t think he minds taking instructions from me!”

Jaymie Thakordas, of the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub, said the company had put itself in a very strong position to grow.

She said: “When they were turned down for traditional funding, they were referred to the Growth Hub and we looked at all the options available to them that would be suitable for their growth plan.

“That’s when we introduced them to CWRT, which has provided £120,000 finance over two years and that has allowed Urban Civil Engineering to push forward with its expansion plans.

“Further to access to funding, we’ve been able to offer a sounding board on a range of matters to help them within the business and that has helped them to make the necessary decisions to move the company 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,