Set To Hit The Jackpot

Comrie Automatics was established in 1963 by Harry Greig in Britannia Street in Hillfields, Coventry, before the business moved to Green Lane in Finham ten years ago.

The business was named Comrie since Harry lived in Comrie Close in Wyken, Coventry, and it was a nod to his Scottish heritage and the village of Comrie in Perthshire. Following Harry’s death in 2000, his wife, June, and son, Mark, took over Comrie Automatics and, along with fellow directors, Mark’s wife, Cheryl Greig, and Jason Miles, they continue to supply coin-operated machines to pubs and social clubs in Coventry, Birmingham, Walsall, Leicester and Northampton.

The Challenge

As an independent business, Comrie Automatics wanted to compete with larger competitors to win bigger contracts but needed to improve its software and IT equipment. This was particularly important for the five engineers within the 15-strong workforce who are constantly out on the road visiting clients.

The Solution The company directors wanted to invest in state-of-the-art LeisureEase software which is designed for amusement and gaming machines as well as new computers, a laptop and iPads. Director Mark Greig spoke to Justine Chadwick, an account manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub, about his business and she discussed the possibility of Comrie Automatics applying for a grant towards the cost of this investment.

The Result

A total of £30,000 has been invested in the new IT and software by Comrie Automatics which included a £9,000 grant from the Coventry & Warwickshire Business Support Programme which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) after the business was assisted by the CWLEP Growth Hub. Director Mark Greig said after over five decades of trading, they are looking forward to another 50 years.

Mark Greig, Director at Comrie Automatics said “This will give us an advantage over other independents and enable us to compete with national companies because it will mean we can pitch for bigger contracts so this is a long-term financial decision.

“The software will benefit us in many ways because we will be able to diagnose if there are any faults with coin-operated machines from our office before visiting the premises.

“Knowing in advance what the problem is will make us more efficient because this will mean we can take the parts we need to repair a machine and work more pro-actively to correct a problem before a pub or social club know it has gone wrong.

“We have five engineers who are always on the road so buying a laptop and iPads means they can check their work logs while they are away from the office so they can check if they need to visit other customers while they are in a particular area, and it also reduces our administration.

“After contacting the Growth Hub, we had a visit from one of their account managers, Justine, and it was the first time we have ever applied for a grant and it was a straight-forward process.”

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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,