Northamptonshire Innovationand Enterprise Fund

(INV-ENT)

Business rate rebates to support development, innovation and jobs growth

Case Studies - April 2013

Case Study:

Project outline

Diamond Hard Surfaces Ltd is an early stage technology company and solution provider of high endurance applications of a unique amorphous diamond material, which gives extended life in high temperature, chemically aggressive and abrasive environments.

The company was awarded funding under the INV-ENT initiative, enabling them to invest in new equipment and staff training to offer a comprehensive, in-house service for coating mechanical seals, rather than relying on customers to conduct pre and post coating measuring.

Testimonial

“As a SME, Diamond Hard Surfaces Ltd has finite resources to fund new initiatives, so we have to be very selective and ensure that new products or services we introduce will meet customer’s needs and generate revenue. The INV-ENT funding we have received will allow us to develop a new offering to customers in the oil and gas industry. We are already seeing the benefits and have started to attract the interest of several new customers as well as providing our existing customers with an added value service.”

Chris Walker, Director, CEO

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Company: Diamond Hard Surfaces

Website: diamondhardsurfaces.com

See how others have benefited; visit our website northamptonshireep.co.uk

Case Study:

Project outline

DTC specialise in the recovery and recycling of telecommunication equipment of obsolete, redundant and surplus telecoms and data equipment. In operation since 2005, at the time of application the company employed 23 people at its Brackley base.

INV-ENT funding was granted to allow DTC to create an onsite data-cleansing lab and to enable the company to bring that processes in-house. Some of the funding was also intended to support a targeted marketing campaign to raise awareness of the new service.

Testimonial

“DTC Internationals business has grown by more than 50% since receiving the INV-ENT funding”. James Norden (COO) at DTC International confirmed that the whole INV-ENT process had dramatically affected the way the company does business - allowing the company to bid for larger contracts and has given them a real advantage of their competitors. James stated that the process had been a “breath of fresh air” and overall found it to be a positive experience.

James Norden Director, CEO

Company: DTC International

Website: dtc-telecom.co.uk

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Case Study:

Project outline

Quinton Major (QM) is an engineering and machining supplier to OEM vehicle manufacturers established in Northampton in 1982.

INV-ENT funding was sought to support the design and development of a new chamfering machine that could be used for a range of manufacturing processes and improve efficiency.

The project has enabled the company to move into the manufacture of their own product for the first time.

Testimonial“The company is developing a range of machines to chamfer bar-threaded studs and tubes. The funding has helped enormously to get the machines from design to a marketable product; we are now in the process of marketing and demonstrating the machines all over Europe much earlier than we would have otherwise been able to.”

“We heard about the funding through local media, and put in an application. This being our first we had very little experience, but NEP were very understanding and helpful; the approvals panel also were appreciative of our presentation.The funding requires reports on progress and again NEP were most helpful; we found the process very professional and fairly simple.”

Daniel ClarkProduction Manager

Company: Quinton Major

Website: quinton-major.co.uk

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Case Study:

Project Outline

Spraylat International Ltd in Corby manufacture and supply a range of temporary peelable coatings, for use in markets such as aerospace, engineering, construction and marine.

Spraylat has developed a new “green” product for use in the engineering and aerospace sector, particularly for chemical milling, and has identified an opportunity to take the lead in the sector, as companies aim to become more environmentally friendly.

The company applied to the INV-ENT fund in May 2011 and has subsequently been awarded over £14,000 to support the purchase of the required machinery and to deliver a promotional campaign to raise awareness of the new product within the sector.

Testimonial

“As a recipient of the INV-ENT funding we launched our new Hydromask product, a water-based maskant designed for use during chemical milling in the aerospace and engineering sectors.

We have invested some of the funding in additional marketing activities, PR and a conference to launch the product here in the UK, Europe and internationally. We are also in the process of investing in new equipment to manufacture the Environmentally Smart product here in Corby, Northamptonshire.”

Andrew Keir, Managing Director, Spraylat International Ltd.

Company: Spraylat

Website: protectapeel.co.uk