Innovative Warwickshire Company Develops New Turbo Technology With Five-Figure Grant

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An innovative Warwickshire company that has developed new turbo technology for the automotive industry has supercharged its growth plans – and has been supported with a five-figure grant.

Aeristech, which is based in Princes Drive, Kenilworth, has been developing electric superchargers for nearly a decade, working with academic institutions and industry.

The company’s concept is attracting interest from a range of automotive manufacturers – including OEMs and Tier One suppliers – following years of work in proving the concept that was developed by founder and Chief Technical Officer Bryn Richards.

Aeristech has invested £66,000 in a new test cell facility at its Kenilworth HQ that is helping it to run its most comprehensive assessments yet – providing full data on how the technology would perform throughout the lifetime of a vehicle.

The firm has been assisted by the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub in the successful grant application of £26,000 through the Warwickshire County Council fund.

That helped to kit out the test facility with the latest cutting-edge equipment which has already led to three new jobs taking the company to 18 staff. The business now plans to take on one new member of staff per month for the next year.

By 2020, the technology could be ‘on the road’ within a vehicle and would help to reduce emissions but not compromise on performance.

Founder Bryn Richards said: “My background is efficiency, combustion and CO2 emissions in power stations, so automotive supercharging and emissions was a field I could access.

“I was always a bit of a petrolhead and a turbocharger enthusiast, and I especially liked a book by Mike Ancas called the ‘Mazda RX-7 Performance Handbook’ which detailed some of the complexities of multi-stage boosting.

“I started to engage universities in studies to investigate the feasibility of electric turbocharging as a cutting edge but, ultimately simpler, potential solution. So that’s what got me started. By my nature, I am quite risk averse and quite sceptical but I believed in the concept and decided to take the plunge.

“The company was originally based out of an office at Birmingham City University and one in South Wales and then attracted investment from a range of bodies around the country Including Angel investment and Venture Capital.

“That was the real catalyst for us to grow and we moved here in 2010. The beauty of this area is the number of small manufacturers and engineering firms who we’ve been able to call upon during the prototype phase. There aren’t as many as there once were, but they are still out there.

“The support from the Growth Hub has been invaluable. They approached us pro-actively to see if they could help us and the work we’ve done with Jaymie and the team has accelerated our plans.

“We want to add 12 new members of staff over the next year and we are getting to the point where first start to see our technologies in vehicles – it’s looking likely to be around 2020. The Growth Hub will be our first port of call for any more help we need.”

Jaymie Thakordas, an account manager with CWLEP Growth Hub, said companies with potential to expand should seek support.

She said: “It has been great to work with Aeristech and it promises to be another great success story for our region’s automotive engineering sector.

“The support is here for companies who want to grow and we can help to speed up that growth – which is great news for the individual business but also for the wider economy.”

 

 

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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,

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