A well-known Coventry business is engraving a new chapter in its history by diversifying into new markets after investing in a new machine.
The Coventry Trophy Centre on Burnaby Road, Radford, is the new owner of an £18,000 UV Printer to enable the supplier of trophies, awards and medals to bid for contracts with businesses and increase the business’s growth.
The investment decision was made by director Marc Stewart after he spoke to the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub who put him in touch with Coventry City Council.
That led to the successful application for a grant of £5,465 towards the UV Printer, machinery, and ICT hardware and software from the Investment Fund of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Marc, who is also looking to recruit two apprentices, said the grant had made a major difference to the long-term future of the Coventry Trophy Centre.
He said: “We have always been known as specialists in providing trophies, awards and medals particularly for schools and sports clubs across Coventry and Warwickshire.
“During lockdown, we provided protective screens for schools and made 6,000 visors and also developed new products to build up a customer base outside the trophy industry.
“We have so many machines now that can work together to create bespoke items. The Growth Hub has been really helpful because I would never have considered applying for a grant.
“Covid gave me the time to discuss the future of the business with Justine from the Growth Hub and through her, I have made new contacts in the business community and applied for a grant for the UV Printer. It all seemed achievable and everyone involved in the process was helpful and we wouldn’t have been able to afford the machine without the grant.
“The UV Printer means we can print on all kinds of different surfaces and produce items such as internal and external signs as well as bespoke trophies in different colours so we can fulfil orders that we couldn’t previously take on which we hope will lead to an increase in sales and growth.
“We have refurbished our showroom as well so we have a smart new image for when we can re-open on April 12 and all the support has meant we have put the foundations in place for our future.”
Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration at Coventry City Council, said: “The Coventry Trophy Centre is a well-known name in the city and I’m really pleased that over the last year, the team has been able to rise to the challenging situation and find ways to diversify.
“I’m also delighted that we could match their ambition with a grant that has enabled them to purchase some new kit and led to plans to take on some new apprentices.
“I wish Marc and the team all the best and I look forward to hearing more about their growth and development.”
Justine Chadwick, account manager at the CWLEP Growth Hub, said the new machine would help Coventry Trophy Centre stand out from its competitors.
“The Coventry Trophy Centre is a much-loved business in the city for all the trophies and awards it produces for schools and a whole host of sports clubs,” she said.
“But, like many businesses during the pandemic, it needed to diversify. The addition to their machinery means they can work on more bespoke initiatives and projects to increase corporate sales and open up an additional revenue stream from the customers that they are already serving as well as new clients, and they are ready to write a new chapter in their history.”
Caption: From the left, Marc Stewart (Coventry Trophy Centre), Cllr Jim O’Boyle (Coventry City Council) and Justine Chadwick (CWLEP Growth Hub)