Case Study: Rural Yorkshire manufacturer secures grant funding for expansion.

“Refurbishing the warehouse shelving was something we’ve wanted to do for many years. When Armstrong Watson advised me that grant funding was available to help manufacturers in rural locations for projects like this, I was delighted”. 

Glencroft Countrywear have been manufacturing and selling premium quality sheepskin goods from the Yorkshire Dales for over 30 years.  As an ambitious company, hoping to expand into new markets, Glencroft approached Armstrong Watson for help with their business plan.

So far the Glencroft business planning process has addressed:

• The “Vision” that the owners have for their business
• The critical business processes within the company
• The new business and new market opportunities that are needed to deliver growth
• Identifying the right types of people to help the company expand
• The financial management information that owners need to make optimal decisions.

Through the Strategic Business advice meetings with Armstrong Watson, Edward has been able to identify a number of different grant funding programmes. In total Glencroft has been able to secure grant contributions totalling in excess of £14,000 across 4 different projects.

“The transformation in the warehouse is fantastic. The extra space, light and time efficiencies created by this new shelving are very welcome.   This grant-funding connection came about because Armstrong Watson asked a series of detailed questions about how my business worked”.

“Our business has experienced a number of competing demands on time and finances. It’s difficult not to get overwhelmed by these demands. This Armstrong Watson business advice process has made a real difference, and forced me to find time to work “on” the business”.

“Another positive outcome from these meetings has been our visit to Japan.  With the help of Armstrong Watson, we have devised, funded and networked a trade visit to Japan,  a market that has huge potential for us. It was very hard work, but I’m delighted we set this as a clear objective in the planning process. This could make a big difference to our business”.