Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks - South Warks - Rugby
Expanding events firm on target to double its growth and increase workforce An expanding Warwickshire events company is on target to double its growth and increase its workforce following a move to new premises after receiving investment from Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust (CWRT).
Aurora Managed Services Acquires Blue Sky Digital
Aurora Managed Services has completed the acquisition of Blue Sky Digital effective from 1st December 2023. Blue Sky Digital was founded in 2011 by brothers Ian and Neil Brewer and has grown to become one of the leading Managed Print Solution providers in South Wales and beyond. Blue Sky Digital’s remarkable organic growth has been driven by a passion for delivering highquality services which has been repaid by the trust and loyalty of its customers. Blue Sky Digital’s focus on excellence has seen it become a trusted partner across many SME businesses and in the education and local government sectors. Aurora Managed Services is one of the UK’s largest independent Managed Print Solutions providers with customer centric values and a commitment to excellence. Whilst providing scale at a national level, service is focused locally, close to customers. The combination of Aurora and Blue Sky Digital will enhance both businesses and, importantly, benefit new and existing customers. Andy Moffitt, Aurora’s CEO, said: “We are delighted and extremely proud to add Blue Sky Digital to Aurora. The acquisition brings scale and further geographical presence in line with our Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) strategy and a marriage of very similar cultures. “Ian and Neil have built a fantastic business with a great brand that we intend to maintain. We are also delighted that Ian and Neil will remain with the business to continue their excellent work as we jointly build on Blue Sky Digital’s impressive track record and bring more solutions and innovation to customers.” Ian Brewer, Managing Director of Blue Sky Digital, said: “We are really excited to become part of the Aurora Managed Services Group and are looking forward to continuing to help grow our presence within Wales and the South West. Having met with the Aurora board members and senior management I feel certain this is the right choice for us at Blue Sky as we benefit from the extra services we can pass on to our loyal customer base. “We feel energised and enthused for the future as we become part of the Aurora family. To our existing customers we look forward to continuing to provide the same levels of proactive service with the same team members at your disposal.”
32
Above & Beyond Solutions, an event design and stand company, was set-up in 2021 by Sam Stockmans after working in the events industry for 15 years. After passing the £1 million turnover milestone in its first 18 months, its 10-strong team moved into new premises in Princes Drive in Kenilworth in the summer. The business is on course to recruit another four employees and reach £2.2 million turnover by the end of its second year of trading in February 2024. Their success is in part due to receiving £135,000 from the Duplex Investment Fund, which is a combined grant and loan, and is an initiative launched between Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust (CWRT), Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council and Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP). The Duplex fund is aimed at businesses that are looking to employ new staff members and to generate cash for investment projects. It is a new way to help finance capital investments by Coventry and Warwickshire businesses. The scheme has, to date, created more than 100 jobs across Coventry and Warwickshire and supported more than 50 SMEs.
Above & Beyond Solutions has also received finance from the Warwickshire County Council Local Communities & Enterprise Fund (LCE), delivered by CWRT, which is a programme that supports local communities, existing businesses and enables new start-ups to seek finance they may be unable to access from their local bank. Above & Beyond has built an impressive list of clients across the UK and Europe ranging from BBC Music and Coventry University to Gymshark and Burger King for its services which include launching exhibitions and events, ticketing and sponsorship acquisition. Sam, who was diagnosed with ADHD in 2021, said: “The grants and loans have made a huge difference to turning our plans into reality because it enabled the business to grow from five to 10 employees and improved our cash flow. “We used some of the money to buy a build system called Aluvision. It’s a metal framework with tension stretch fabric so it can be reused at different exhibitions and shows which makes it more sustainable. “The funding also helped with moving to a 4,000 square foot warehouse in Kenilworth in August and we are already full and are looking to buy the next-door premises. “We are looking at extending the warehouse and the team by another four members of staff because we want to carry on growing.”
Sheridan Sulskis, CEO of CWRT, said: “We are thrilled to stand alongside Above & Beyond Solutions as they embark on this exciting journey of expansion. "This strategic investment aligns with our mission to empower local entrepreneurs, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to the fabric of our vibrant community.” Cllr Martin Watson, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Economy, added: “Along with our partners, we seek to support local businesses which is, of course, of tremendous benefit to our communities with the employment opportunities they provide. This particular business has accessed two sources of funding from the County Council which is a testament to the breadth of our offer.” To find out more, visit www.cwrt.uk.com
Sonihull receives King’s Award for Enterprise An innovative Coventry company which uses ultrasound to help ships become more energy efficient is set to branch out into the industrial market following a presentation of one of the most prestigious awards in the business world. Sonihull, whose industry-leading products prevent marine life binding to ships’ hulls without the use of harmful chemicals, was the only Coventry recipient of the King’s Award for Enterprise, which it received in the International Trade Category. CEO Darren Rowlands was officially presented with the award by the LordLieutenant of the West Midlands, Sir John Crabtree, at its offices in Mercia Business Village in Coventry. Coventry’s mayor Cllr Jaswant Singh Birdi and a range of Sonihull’s business partners were also in attendance. Sonihull is now looking to diversify its customer base with its new product, Agitate, which could help industrial firms keep their pipes and machines running smoothly to significantly boost their efficiency and productivity. Darren Rowlands said: “It was absolutely wonderful to be officially presented with our King’s Award for Enterprise, and it was a lovely occasion for the whole business and our partners to enjoy. “Being the only company in Coventry to win one in the first place was pretty special, and underlines the quality of our exporting which counts for around 95 per cent of our income. “However, we do not want to rest on our laurels. We are hoping to work with many different customers both in the UK and
around the world now that we’ve launched Agitate, which applies our leading technology in new areas.” Sonihull’s range of products emit ultrasonic soundwaves across a ship’s hull to prevent marine wildlife such as algae, molluscs, and weeds from binding to the surface. This reduces drag and ensures its hydrodynamic shape is retained, reducing fuel consumption and increasing efficiency. It also means toxic biocidal coatings which are traditionally used to stop marine life binding no longer need to be used. Agitate uses the same technology to prevent organic and non-organic build-up in pipework and other products, which could allow a wide variety of industrial companies to save hundreds of thousands in pipeline maintenance costs, significantly reduce carbon emissions, and generate carbon credits which could then be monetised. Darren added: “The success of our ultrasonic products on commercial ships and
leisure craft alike got us thinking about new applications for the technology. “Downtime caused by pipe blockages can cost companies in various industries thousands of pounds every minute and are caused by similar build-ups of debris that slow down ships while out to sea. “Agitate uses the same ultrasonic emissions as our maritime products to prevent build-ups of this debris inside pipework, allowing a clear flow to be maintained. This not only saves the customer money, but also keeps the pipe clean without the need for a laborious cleaning process which can often involve harmful chemicals. “The use of Agitate also generates carbon credits, which could later be sold to the open market for offsetting purposes and are a key tool in the race to net zero. “Receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise capped off a fantastic 2023 for us, and the launch of Agitate gives us confidence that 2024 may be an even better year for the business.”
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
