Designing a new future
Coventry-based software powerhouse, ImagePlus, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in January 2025.
Over three decades, the company has delivered over 500 cutting-edge projects for a diverse clientele, from global giants like Stellantis &YOU, Jaguar Land Rover, BHSF, and Hammonds Furniture, to tech start-ups and established SMEs like XACT Homes, Diamond Facilities Support and Really Awesome Coffee.
Since acquiring the business in 2023, Tashlien and Matt Nunn have led ImagePlus to new heights. Their dedicated team of 19 professionals operates from their stylish Electric Wharf office, crafting innovative solutions in mobile and web app development, web design, business process automation, digital marketing, and more.
Recognising the company’s growth potential, Tashlien enrolled in the Investment Readiness Programme – a West Midlands Combined Authority initiative delivered by C&W Business Solutions, part of the CW Growth Hub Group.
Tashlien explained: “We specialise in transforming complex and time-consuming manual tasks into efficient and cost-effective digital solutions. By streamlining operations and enhancing customer experience, we empower businesses to thrive.
“The Investment Readiness Programme has been invaluable in helping us explore investment opportunities and accelerate our growth trajectory.”
The Challenge
While the company has established itself as a leading provider of web design, app development and process automation services, it recognises the value of having its own products to showcase to potential clients.
By developing in-house solutions, ImagePlus aims to further solidify its position in the market and demonstrate its innovative capabilities.
Tashlien said: “Our focus has always been on delivering exceptional digital solutions for our clients, coupled with outstanding customer service and building long-term partnerships.
“By investing in our own product development, we believe we can not only reach a wider audience but also showcase our talent. This strategic shift will enable us to attract new business opportunities, accelerate our growth, and continue to provide exceptional value to our clients.”
The Experience
Tashlien’s journey through the Investment Readiness Programme has been pivotal for the business. The two-stage programme is designed to guide SMEs in identifying suitable funding avenues and refining their pitches for maximum impact.
Tashlien said: "Stage one was a revelation. It demystified the complex world of investment, shedding light on different funding options and the key elements of a compelling pitch deck. Prior to the programme, I was unaware of these crucial insights and would have struggled to craft an effective pitch.
“Unlike some of my peers who had a single, well-defined problem, ImagePlus presented a multitude of challenges. The programme helped me navigate this complexity and structure our pitch deck to highlight our potential and address investor concerns.
“In Stage two, we had the privilege of engaging with seasoned investors and experts who shared their first-hand experiences and valuable lessons learned. Their insights into the investment process and the common pitfalls to avoid were invaluable. The Q&A sessions throughout the programme provided ample opportunities to seek clarification and guidance.
“Beyond the practical knowledge gained, the programme also facilitated networking opportunities within the Coventry business community. By connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs and industry experts, I was able to make informed decisions about the most suitable investment strategy to fuel our growth."
The Results
The Investment Readiness Programme proved to be a catalyst for ImagePlus's growth. With the invaluable guidance from industry experts and access to funding opportunities within the region, the company secured a significant £80,000 in grants from Innovate UK.
Tashlien said: "This funding will enable us to develop innovative software solutions designed to automate and streamline time-consuming manual tasks for businesses.
“Drawing on our 30 years of expertise, we're poised to create products that will significantly reduce operational overheads and enhance efficiency.
“By launching these products into the market, we'll not only showcase our technical prowess but also solidify our position as a leading provider of transformative digital solutions.”
Justine Chadwick, Senior Account Manager at Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, who worked with Tashlien in her former capacity as High Growth Specialist for C&W Business Solutions, said: “I have worked with Tash for quite a while on various areas of support. Tash wanted to grow the business and was looking for help with that.
“I recommended this programme because it is available to Coventry businesses and it’s a great way to find out more about the investment landscape and secure mentoring to focus on how to become pitch-ready, should that be needed for investment.
“I have seen Tash grow in confidence and the fact she’s already raised investment is fantastic.
“Whenever I visit ImagePlus there is always a really inclusive atmosphere and it is great to see the difference the Programme is making to the business.”
The Future
While ImagePlus remains committed to delivering exceptional custom solutions for its clients, the company is excited about the potential of its own products to drive future growth.
By developing innovative software solutions that automate and streamline business processes, ImagePlus aims to offer a comprehensive suite of services to its clients.
Tashlien added: "The Investment Readiness Programme has been instrumental in boosting our confidence and equipping us with the knowledge and tools to secure funding. The Innovate UK grants will accelerate our product development efforts and enable us to showcase our capabilities to a wider audience.
“We envision a future where ImagePlus is recognised not only as a top-tier software house but also as a leading provider of cutting-edge software solutions. By expanding our team and investing in talent, we can better serve our existing client base of over 200 businesses and explore new market opportunities.”
Craig McVoy, CEO of Turnkey, who delivers Stage two of the programme on behalf of C&W Business Solutions, added: “This funding will enable ImagePlus to demonstrate the breadth of their expertise.
“The Programme shows businesses the different types of investment available and that grants are another way of helping with growth, so we are helping businesspeople to find the right type of investment for them.
“ImagePlus now has greater potential to grow and change their business model from one that designs solely for customers to one that can also sell products to a wider market which will enable them to be more profitable and fund their own products.
“Tash is now more commercially savvy and is aware of the different choices she can make to help the business run more efficiently and expand.”
The Coventry Investment Readiness Programme
C&W Business Solutions, part of the CW Growth Hub Group, is delivering the Coventry Investment Readiness Programme – a UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme, on behalf of Business Growth West Midlands and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
The £281,533 scheme, which will run until March 31 2025, will provide guidance and support to SMEs to help demystify the world of business finance, covering topics including debt finance, asset finance, grants, equity, crowdfunding and angel investment.
The programme is aimed at improving the chances of securing external investment for start-ups and high-growth businesses in their early years and to help SMEs scale-up.
There are two stages – stage one is focused on business engagement, information and advice, and stage two provides mentoring support to develop an investment pitch.
To be eligible for the Coventry Investment Readiness Programme, businesses must be small or medium-sized and based in Coventry.
Coventry businesses can register to join the programme by emailing investmentreadiness@cwgrowthhub.co.uk
The programme is also available to businesses in the Black Country and Greater Birmingham and Solihull, with Oxford Innovation Advice delivering the programme in those areas. Any businesses in those areas should contact Business Growth West Midlands for support – businessgrowthwestmidlands.org.uk
