Area Focus: Coventry
Machine deliveries allows company to secure jobs A local engineering company based in Coventry has taken delivery of two new machines that will help to secure jobs thanks to some European funding secured by Coventry City Council. Burnsall Engineering, based in Binley, is a specialist tool making company that produces mould tools for rubber and plastic products used in the automotive, aerospace and other major industries. From its beginnings in 1954, Burnsall now has a well-established UK and international customer base. The family business which employs 35 people has achieved its steady growth by continually investing in machinery, technology and the skills and capabilities demanded by customers worldwide. And now, thanks to £60,000 from the European Regional Development Fund the company has recently taken delivery of two new five axis CNC machines from Mazak and Axa. The ERDF funding is part of £2.1m secured by Coventry City Council to help local Coventry and Warwickshire-based small and medium sized businesses with their plans to invest in capital equipment. Burnsall Engineering, is one of the first companies to benefit from a successful grant funding application. Cllr Lynnette Kelly, Cabinet Member for City Development, said: “We have some fantastic businesses employing highly skilled people in this city. Many of them have the potential and the ambition for growth - but what they need is a helping hand to invest in the specialist equipment they need to grow. That’s exactly what this money is for. It’s to enable local firms to take the next step in their growth plans.
Alison Brindley
Alan Bratby, Colin Bull, Scott Pladdys, Councillor Lynnette Kelly, Rob Bent, Paul Kirwan (Alan, Scott and Paul are the management team at Burnsall Engineering).
This often secures and creates jobs - so it’s a real win for the city too. “Burnsall is one of the first Coventry businesses to take advantage of this cash and I wish them every success.” Alan Bratby, Burnsall’s General Manager, said, “We are delighted to receive an ERDF grant. This has enabled us to bring forward developments and create new jobs that were part of our future growth strategy. Being able to make these changes now will benefit our customers and have a positive impact on our future profitability.” While presenting an ERDF plaque to
Scott Pladdys of Burnsall Engineering, Councillor Kelly remarked that ‘it was good to see local companies taking advantage of local support and growing as a result’. The ERDF Access to Finance Grants programme is administered by the Coventry City Council Business Team and is currently available to eligible companies in Coventry and Warwickshire. Details are available from the Coventry City Council website at www.coventry.gov.uk/businessteam For further information please contact Colin Bull on 024 7683 3836 or email him on: colin.bull@coventry.gov.uk
Coventry firm supports the sporting life at academy Students from a Midlands academy are set to benefit from a £1.6 million sports hall development. Deeley Construction, based in Coventry, has started work on a new sports hall at The Holly Hall Academy in Dudley. The new development will include four badminton courts, a dance studio, a fullsize basketball court and space for netball and hand ball courts. A new fitness suite with modern gym equipment will also be installed alongside changing room facilities. The development is due to be competed by 31st March 2014 and will bring much
“It has been a fantastic year for British sport and we really want to drive our academy’s sports participation.” 26
needed sports facilities to the academy after its existing sports hall suffered severe water damage resulting in £30,000 of running repairs. Students on the basketball team are just a few who will benefit from the new fullsize basketball court, which will now be able to facilitate home games, including the England Schools Basketball Competition. Graham Lloyd, principal at the academy said: “We are absolutely thrilled. Our current indoor PE facilities are very poor for an academy of this size, so we are excited to welcome the new sports facilities. “Teaching children about healthy living and keeping fit is at the heart of our PE curriculum and we already produce fantastic sports results. These new facilities will enable us to offer a wider range of sports activities that will not only benefit this generation but also future generations to come. “It has been a fantastic year for British sport and we really want to drive our academy’s sports participation. We cannot wait for it to be completed.” Martin Gallagher, managing director at Deeley Construction, said he hopes to carry on the success of their previous involvement with the academy which included the construction of a new technology teaching block.
He said: “We are looking forward to working with the academy on this new development, which will see the construction of a fantastic purpose-built sports hall for all of the students and staff to enjoy. “Sports activities are an important part of an academy’s curriculum and we are thrilled to be involved in creating facilities that will help to develop the sporting skills of young people.”
Bridge awarded new contract A Coventry PR firm has continued to enjoy a year of growth after being awarded the public relations account for logistics expert BDA (Bespoke Distribution Aviation). Bridge PR & Media Services, which has already taken on five new clients so far this year, will spearhead a corporate campaign for the UK arm of BDA, to position itself as a leading business within the logistics sector. BDA is domiciled in Ireland and Germany and is a specialist logistics service provider, offering air-bridge and express final mile solutions for delivery In-night, early morning, same day and next day, with hubs and depot locations in Germany, France, Ireland, the Netherlands and UK. Marketing Manager Alison Brindley said: “We feel that now is the right time for us to establish our brand within the logistics industry and reach out to potential new suppliers and customers to work with moving forward. Bridge knows the logistics industry inside out and is perfectly positioned to help us continue our growth with a corporate PR campaign.” Denise Taylor, Managing Director Bridge PR & Media Services, said: “We are delighted to be working with BDA and promoting some of the excellent work that they are doing to the trade press. “For a long time BDA has been under the radar and one of the Midland’s best kept secrets.”
Pictured from left to right: Kevin Gallagher (Deeley), Michael Price (Chair of Governors), Steve Turner (Deeley), Harrison Johal (15), Sophie Gibbons (15), Terry Nolan (Estates & contracts manager), Keith Bird (Deeley), Graham Lloyd (Headteacher).
www.cw-chamber.co.uk