Reading-based Seamless Interiors has seen a 62% increase in turnover and created two new jobs following support from the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS), now part of the Business Growth Service.
Established in 2007, the business has carved out a niche for itself in the high-end of the exhibition/hospitality market with customers including Goodwood; Chelsea Flower Show; the Ryder Cup; fashion shows, and events in Dubai.
The bespoke interior fit-out company now has a clear business strategy to improve its profitability and diversify into new markets since seeking help in 2013.
Managing director, Rob Mackay explained: “Although my order books were full, I knew that the profitability was not in line with turnover. The Business Growth Service put me in touch with my consultant and sometimes all you need is someone to hold your hand for six months.
“My business acumen and confidence has been boosted by the advice and support given. We actually walked away from some prestigious loss-making accounts because they were not sustainable for the business growth plans.
“I now hope to increase my staff by a further three full time jobs and address our seasonality issue by expanding into the soft furnishing market for high end consumers. Growth will be gradual and in time, the profitability of the business will improve year-on-year.”
Business growth manager, Lee Candy added: “Seamless Interiors has enjoyed fantastic natural growth and Rob’s eagerness to take on advice and experiment in new directions has clearly benefitted the company and his staff.”
The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) is part of the Business Growth Service (BGS) offering support tailored to the needs of manufacturers to help them improve and grow.
BGS brings together GrowthAccelerator and the Manufacturing Advisory Service, with additional elements from the Intellectual Property Office (Intellectual Property Audits) and the Design Council (Design Mentoring).
The manufacturing offer is closely aligned with GROW:OffshoreWind and Fit for Nuclear (F4N), the latter delivered by the Nuclear AMRC (NAMRC).
The Business Growth Service also refers SME manufacturers to the right support provided by other agencies, including UK Trade & Investment; Innovate UK (including High Value Manufacturing Catapults); the British Business Bank; local Growth Hubs, and UK Export Finance.
