Sparkling future for Rugby business

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The UK and Ireland’s largest jewellery and watch-buying group has a sparkling future in Warwickshire after receiving business support.

The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) has been based in Somers Road in Rugby since 1980, shortly after it was set-up.

The organisation has more than 150 industry-leading and independent suppliers and service providers as well as over 400 independent jewellery stores among its members, who work together, trade and network for the benefit of each individual business as well as the sector as a whole.

Mark Howell, Support Centre Manager at the CMJ, wanted to improve the lighting at its premises and after contacting Adam Plumb at the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub, he was put in touch with the Coventry & Warwickshire Green Business Programme which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by Coventry City Council.

Bernie McCullagh from the Green Business Programme visited the CMJ to carry out a full audit which recommended the installation of LED lighting.

Mark said the 16 staff at the industry body needed brighter light to carry out their work.

He said: “There is no jewellery kept at our site, we are purely an office, but we are located over two floors and the lighting system hasn’t changed since we moved in 43 years ago.

“We had fluorescent tubes and practically every week, one of the tubes needed changing which came at a cost and they weren’t lighting our premises very well any more.

“I wanted to change to LED lighting since I also knew it was more efficient and environmentally-friendly so I contacted the Growth Hub and Adam came to see us.

“He organised for us to speak to Bernie at the Green Business Programme and after she had carried out a full report during an audit, she recommended we apply for a grant and helped with filling out the forms which was really helpful.

“We received 40 per cent of the £5,000 needed to install the LED lighting and we are really pleased with the final outcome.

“Everyone can see much more clearly now and it will also cost less and is greener so it’s a win-win.”

Adam Plumb, account manager at the CWLEP Growth Hub, said the Growth Hub is here to help businesses in all sectors access funding for grants to improve their day-to-day operations.

He said: “There is a wide range of support available to help businesses and organisations throughout Coventry and Warwickshire just like the Company of Master Jewellers and there is no need to feel daunted at the thought of applying because help is available every step of the way.

“Having visited the premises before and after the installation of the LED lighting it is a definite improvement on the working environment for all the employees as well as improving its maintenance and it will make savings on their electricity bills which is really important during the current economic climate.”

Bernie McCullagh, of the Coventry & Warwickshire Green Business Programme, said: “Switching to LED lighting is a very simple and efficient way for businesses to lower the cost of energy bills, as well as their carbon footprint. I am delighted to say that following the support we have offered, CMJ will now be able to save over £3,000 a year and reduce their annual carbon footprint by almost two tonnes.”

The Growth Hub is supported by funders including Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire’s District and Borough Councils.

 

 

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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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