Member Article

Opportunity Knocks for Ultimate Doors After Kickstart Boost

Scunthorpe-based Ultimate Doors has reported a surge in sales after launching their new website thanks to a cash boost from the UK Steel Enterprise Kickstart Fund.

The company, which provides homeowners with access to a myriad of product ranges to best suit their needs, specialises in the design, supply and installation of outside doors.

Having established the business in April 2016 - with more than 30 years’ experience around doors, windows and other building products - founder Robin Byron said initial interest from across the area has been high, with a regular stream of customers visiting the company’s showroom based in Queensway Business Centre.

The entrepreneur applied for funding from the Kickstart Fund to help fund a professional website as he was keen to reach a wider audience, as well as be able to offer existing customers the option of browsing the products online. The Fund was launched by UK Steel Enterprise in February 2016, with advisory support from North Lincolnshire Council and the Growth Hub to support those looking to establish a business in the area – and provides grants of between £500 and £1,000.

Robin says online traffic has more than doubled since the upgrade, with the number of orders being placed from customers based outside of the town also on the up.

He said: “We live in a digital age, and although many of my customers still like to come into the showroom in order to see the products first-hand, an increasing number are choosing to browse online.

“The cash injection has allowed us to upgrade our website which we feel now reflects us as a business. It’s very visual, informative and easy to navigate and the feedback we have had to date has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Robin says that increased interest from customers as far afield as Hull and Mansfield is helping boost the growing business.

Regional manager at UK Steel Enterprise, Keith Williams, said: “Robin is providing some great quality products but needed to invest in his online presence. This is what our Kickstart Fund is for – to give a helping hand to new businesses to meet some of the costs of getting established. The more we can all support such local firms, the more likely it is that they will go on to grow and create more jobs in the future.”

Launched in 1975, UK Steel Enterprise, a subsidiary of Tata Steel, supports the economic development of steel industry areas and has helped over 6,700 businesses investing upwards of £91m, and has created over 77,000 jobs.

If you are considering starting a business and would like to talk through your plans with a Growth Hub adviser or would like more information about the UKSE Kickstart Fund please contact the council’s economic development team on 01724 297330 or email businessinfo@northlincs.gov.uk.

UKSE also provides loan and equity finance of up to £1m to existing companies which are growing, particularly those creating jobs. If you are an established business which needs growth finance then please contact UK Steel Enterprise on 0800 915 1188.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Steel .