Member Article

Investment for Growth project helps company shine

A cleaning company has created 10 jobs and is planning for rapid expansion after winning eight new contracts.

Newcastle based Edwards Commercial Cleaning Services Ltd will create a further 12 jobs when it expands into Teesside in September.

The company’s expansion plans were supported by Investment for Growth which helps businesses by providing finance for development and growth projects.

In total £4.9million of investment from the European Regional Development Fund has been made available to support North East businesses.

Paul, 48, started Edwards Commercial Cleaning from his home in Jesmond in 2003.

The company now employs 160 people and has an annual turnover in excess of £1.2million.

Paul Edwards said: “To be able to quote for bigger contracts we needed certain ISO Accreditations. We’re already fundamentally different from our competitors by providing added value to our service and while this is a huge advantage the ISO accreditations will open new doors for us.”

“Investment for Growth has been able to help us get those and we can now push on and start to grow the business.”

The company has recently won a number of new commercial cleaning contracts across the region in offices and factories.

Paul is optimistic about the future and said: “Already enquires have increased massively. The whole team has worked hard to get through the tough times at the height of the recession and we’re now starting to see the results.”

Paul approached Investment for Growth after a recommendation from a business growth consultant.

Delivered by the Investment Centre, Investment for Growth was able to provide 40% of the funding needed by Edwards Commercial Cleaning to apply for the internationally recognised accreditations.

Paul said: “I contacted Investment for Growth and within a week they had processed and accepted my application. The team were great to work with and I was very impressed with the support they gave me and the speed and simplicity of the application process.

“We can now push on with our expansion plans. Already we’re winning new business throughout the North East and in 2013 we’ll open an office in Leeds and create jobs in Yorkshire.”

Paul Brown was the Investment for Growth advisor appointed to support Paul through the application process.

Paul Brown said: “It was a pleasure to assist Edwards Commercial Cleaning with the application process, especially as the ISO Accreditation will have such a positive impact on the growth of the business.”

Grants of up to 40% of the total project value are still available to firms in the North East wanting to put into place business development projects that will secure jobs and help them grow.

Tracey Watson, Senior project manager of Investment for Growthsaid said: “So far Investment for Growth has helped over 116 North East businesses with growth projects that have boosted the regional economy as well as created and secured jobs.

“The fund is available to both new and established businesses but funds are limited so the need to apply is urgent.

“Should any business wish to apply, a team of advisers will help guide the business through the preparation, submission and follow up of the application process.”

To be eligible, businesses must be based in the North East and provide a business-to-business product or service.

To find out about Investment for Growth call 0191 426 6408 or email enquiries@business-enterprise.net.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Investment for Growth .