Business support programme

The below case studies showcase how a UKSPF grant could help your business grow.

Business Growth West Midlands helps local business move their operations from the kitchen table to their very first office

Suzanne Regan, the director of Harry Joe Property, has successfully secured a grant of £3,000 from Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) to facilitate the transition of her business from a home-based operation to a professional office space.

Having operated her business from her home for the past two years, Suzanne recognised the need for expansion as her business continued to grow. When the kitchen table could no longer accommodate her growing business, she made the strategic decision to lease an office space on Allesley Road for the next six years.

The transition to the new office space required renovation and essential equipment. Seeking expert advice and financial support, Suzanne approached the BGWM team at Coventry City Council for assistance. Through their support programme funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Suzanne was offered a grant of £3,000, covering half the cost of the project, which included expenses such as shutters, computers, and electrical upgrades.

The move to a physical office represents a considerable milestone in Suzanne's business expansion journey, enabling her to enhance service offerings and engage more effectively with her clients. Looking ahead, Suzanne plans to recruit staff and provide hot desk space for complementary service providers like mortgage advisors, further improving the service portfolio of Harry Joe Property.

Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council said: “I was really pleased to see another Coventry business taking the big but important step from home to their very first office. For any small business owner, this is a huge milestone. The BGWM team at Coventry City Council is here to help businesses grow, offering both financial and non-financial support. Get in touch with us to find out how we can assist you!”

Coventry gym grows its membership following support from the Business Growth West Midlands at Coventry City Council

Capitol Gym, based on Longford Road, Coventry, experienced significant growth in its membership following strategic support from Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) team at Coventry City Council.

In 2023, Lou Alden-Court, the owner of Capitol Gym, recognised the business's potential for expansion and improvement. Seeking to invest in new equipment and upgrade existing machines, Lou approached the BGWM team at Coventry City Council. The council offers support programmes specifically tailored to assist small and medium-sized businesses in their growth efforts.

After contacting the BGWM team, Lou received guidance regarding available grants and funding opportunities. As a result, Capitol Gym was awarded a grant of £8,569 to invest in new equipment. This grant, facilitated by the council through this programme funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, covered half of the total project cost, amounting to £17,138.

With the financial backing secured, Capitol Gym proceeded with its improvement project. The funds were utilised to purchase new state-of-the-art equipment and upgrade existing machines. The objective was to not only attract new members but also enhance the overall experience for existing clients.

The investment in the gym's facilities generated excellent results. Since the beginning of 2024, Capitol Gym has experienced a surge in membership, welcoming over 50 new members. The feedback from both new and existing members has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the improved facilities.

Lou Alden-Court says: " We've had an excellent start to the year, and we are delighted with the positive impact this project has had on our business. The feedback from the members has been super positive, with a huge appreciation for us and the BGWM Council team."

Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council said: “I was really pleased to see another small business grow with support from the BGWM team at Coventry City Council. Our team can assist not only with grants but also with non-financial support such as advice and guidance. Get in touch to see how we can help your business grow.”

Successful Coventry business continues its growth with business support from Coventry City Council  

A Coventry business is set to expand its operations further, following expert advice and grant support received from Coventry City Council. 

Bludog Ltd is based in Albion Industrial Estate and for the last ten years they have been producing printed, embroidered, designed and rebranded clothing.  

With its almost million-pound turnover and a dedicated team of 18 employees, Bludog Ltd recognised the need for strategic investments to improve its operational efficiency and increase production capacity. 

In September 2023, Barinder Chahal, the Director of Bludog Ltd, took a proactive step towards business expansion by engaging with the Business Support team at Coventry City Council.  

Barinder was seeking grant support for an initiative aimed at advancing the company's development.  

The company's project, with a total cost of £26,000 and a grant request of £13,100, focused on purchasing a new conveyor dryer and printer which would help to expand the business and create new jobs. This grant funding, amounting to £13,100, was provided by Coventry City Council with funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, further supporting the company's growth and economic development initiatives. 

Barinder Chahal said: “We are grateful for the support we have received from Coventry City Council. Our decision to reach out to the Council was driven by our ambition to grow and the need to modernise our equipment. Their support played a critical role in not just meeting our immediate needs but also in laying the groundwork for our future growth. 

“The impact of this support has been multifaceted. It is not just about the financial aid; it is about the confidence placed in our business and the message it sends about the Council's commitment to local enterprises. The efficiency gained from the new machinery has enabled us to meet customer demands more effectively, ensuring a higher level of satisfaction and opening doors to new markets.” 

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration at Coventry City Council, said: “I’m pleased we were able to support this company’s growth ambitions – a move which will help them to create new jobs and grow the business into new markets. 

“Support and guidance from our expert business team plays a fundamental role in growing a small or medium-sized business and Bludog is a good example of the difference we can make.”