A Worcestershire-based advanced manufacturing and engineering firm has secured £250,000 to create new jobs, diversify its product line and grow its customer base.
Handling Concepts received funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) provided by The FSE Group Debt Finance Fund and backed by the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS). The MEIF funding will help to service contracts and invest in 5 high-quality jobs.
Established in 1994, Handling Concepts provides specialist engineered solutions for materials and industrial process handling. The solutions range from standard production line products to custom designed installations that enable a variety of manufacturers to manage their production process safely and efficiently.
The business has seen progressive growth and works primarily with UK blue-chip manufacturing businesses in different sectors. Handling Concepts’ success is credited to the exceptional customer care it provides leading to its strong reputation in the market for engineering excellence.
Karie Burbeck, Chief Operating Officer of Handling Concepts, said: “Over 27 years we have expanded our specialist solutions to meet the requirements of our client base. The MEIF loan comes at a crucial point, enabling us to meet high customer demand as we recover from the effects of the pandemic. This is an opportunity for significant growth and the funds will allow us to invest in key jobs and better service our customers.
Chris Bailey, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, which manages the MEIF Debt Finance Fund, adds: “We were impressed by Handling Concepts’ team, strong reputation and high quality products, which has resulted in excellent levels of customer retention. Furthermore, the company has the opportunity to grow in other industries and market itself to new customers. We are delighted to be able to offer this funding and look forward to working with Karie and the team to ensure they reach their goals for growth.”
Mark Wilcockson, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said: “The MEIF recognises the growth potential of small businesses in the Midlands, providing support and growth opportunities to help ensure the whole region is able to grow. The funding for Handling Solutions will create local jobs and enable the company to expand its customer base in other industries.”
Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “It is fantastic to see yet another Worcestershire business being supported to grow through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund. At a difficult time for many, I am pleased to see this support providing Handling Concepts the opportunity to expand their team, bringing 5 high quality jobs to the county. As a result of this investment, the local economy as a whole will benefit and it will help us continue to create growth opportunities across Worcestershire.
For any Worcestershire businesses looking to access support programmes and funding for your business, please contact the Worcestershire Growth Hub team as they can help you point you to the right support for your organisation.”
The Midlands Engine Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.
The FSE Group, MEIF Debt Finance Fund provides loans between £100,000 and £1.5million to help growing SMEs across the region.