Leamington Manufacturer Expands With Support From Growth Hub

Trelawny SPT is a world-leading producer of tools and machines to help prepare surfaces for a range of industries across the globe.

Company Information It is based in Leamington, Warwickshire, and has been growing considerably since it was taken over in 2004 by Bill Bailey and Rob Chapman with a strong emphasis on exports, which now makes up around 80 per cent of its business.

The company’s wide range of products are used in a variety of industries including construction, oil & gas and marine and the firm is experiencing increased demand from a range of markets. Trelawny SPT has previously accessed support through UKTI, which has assisted with the company’s dramatic rise in export sales.

The plan

In order to meet growing demand, Trelawny needed to take on new staff and also required extra space to accommodate staff, for additional storage and for product development.

Rob Chapman said: “We took on the company in 2004 and the turnover was around £1.3 million – we are anticipating it to be well in excess of £4 million this year and we still have very strong prospects for further growth. “That’s why we needed more space – to make and store the machines we are producing to meet the demand we have from all over the world in everything from construction to the marine sector. “Around 80 per cent of our business is export and we are going into new countries all the time.

We have a strong presence in China through a satellite office and we are very big in the Middle East – Qatar, for example, is a growing market ahead of the World Cup. “We know how much more business there is out there for us and that is why we are expanding in this way.” The company was introduced to the Growth Hub in May 2014 and, through account manager Carolyn Reily, it has been able to assist Trelawny in its expansion.

The results

The company has doubled the size of its premises by taking on two neighbouring units so going from 730 sq m to 1,471 sq m of total space.

The company has also added eight new staff as well as a graduate, Nathaniel Kaill, who is working on a product development project with the company.

The placing of Nathaniel was assisted by the Growth Hub through the Skills4Growth programme. Carolyn has also brokered support from Coventry University Enterprises (CUE) to look at the company’s intellectual property as well as reviewing the firm’s metrology (the way it measures and calibrates products.)

Rob said the company had been very grateful for the support from the Growth Hub. He said: “Over the years, we’ve worked extremely hard as a company to grow our markets but we have had help along the way.

Parminder Hayer at UKTI has assisted us in our export and recently introduced us to the Growth Hub, which – through Carolyn – is lending support in different ways. “Like most businesses, we are concentrating all of our efforts on meeting our customers’ needs, so to have someone there who knows which grants we can access and who else we can speak to for assistance is a big help.”

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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,