A Northampton-based manufacturer has been able to almost double
its profits since it suffered a slump in 2008, and re-employ staff
who were made redundant, with help from UK Trade & Investment
(UKTI) and the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS).
Aluminium tower manufacturer Euro Towers Ltd based at Round
Spinney, whose turnover dropped by 70 per cent in the recession is
now back to making profits. Turnover has exceeded
£5million thanks to exporting, and staff have increased from
36 to 50. Exports used to account for one third of the firm's
orders and now they're 50 per cent of the annual turnover.
And the company's order book continues to grow; they have just
secured over £1million in orders from France and Singapore
for their aluminium towers and access products, which provide a
more efficient and safer way to work at height.
The firm's turnaround in fortunes is due in no small part to
help from UKTI and MAS.
Sue Verallo, joint owner with husband Roger, who is also the
chairman of PASMA, the leading trade association in Europe for the
mobile access tower industry, explains:
"We had to make 36 staff redundant in 2008. Our profits
were down and the UK market had slumped. It was a very bleak time
for us. Sharon McCarthy, International Trade Advisor at UKTI, came
to see us and we involved ourselves in a number of
programmes.
"With UKTI support we were able to translate our websites and
brochures into several languages, which helped the company when
exhibiting overseas. Support was also available to help with
overseas exhibitions, and the great thing was it was all free.
In the worst part of the recession UKTI's support was
invaluable.
"The Manufacturing Advisory Service were able to offer us
training on our new 3D Computer Aided Design System, which has
helped to attract some significant business. They also helped us
with financial support to develop a new product."
Sharon McCarthy, International Trade Advisor for UKTI, said:
"The company is lovely and has such a family feel so it was
extremely sad when business began to drop. You could see the
genuine heartache it caused when they had to start letting people
go. Being able to work with the company to help them increase
their exports has been great. They are extremely enthusiastic
and have taken advantage of all the support we offer, including
Passport to Export and Gateway to Global Growth. It's
fantastic news that they are now securing large orders
overseas.
"That's what UKTI is here for; to provide companies across the
East Midlands with free advice and support to grow internationally.
Any company who wants to look at exporting should contact us
on 0845 052 4001."
UKTI also put the firm in touch with MAS. This has been of
tremendous help in getting the company back on its feet.
Sue continues:
"MAS have given us invaluable support in terms of grants for new
machinery. They have also enabled us to have training on one of the
latest CAD systems which has really helped move us forward in
design projects."
Dean Barnes from MAS said:
"We've had a long working relationship with Euro Towers,
sharing ideas and offering business advice, so I'm delighted with
the result of this and pleased to see the company are now firmly
back in control and where they belong. MAS always aims to increase
business profitability and enhance overall performance with our
help and advice. "
Euro Towers' boost has mainly been due to sales in the
Middle-East and France. The firm is now looking to Italy.
Sue said:
"We are recovering; making profits again and taking on staff.
But we have not won the battle yet. We have to work extremely
hard: costs of raw materials have gone up but we can't pass this
onto customers, so we have had to really look at the company, cut
back on any overheads, be lean, look at ourselves and really see
where we can save money, be efficient and find new markets
overseas."