Vicky Cannell of L & C Carpentry Ltd was in need of a quick win. She had identified a piece of software that would increase the profitability and productivity of her business, but had just one week in which to purchase it at the special discounted price quoted to her.

Vicky knew she needed grant funding quickly to help her purchase the equipment, and after an online search for local business support she found and contacted the Buckinghamshire Business First Growth Programme. The team quickly established her eligibility for a £1,000 Growth Grant.

With time critical, the team sprang into action. Within an hour a grant application form had been sent to Vicky. This was completed and returned the next working day. The grant was approved by the Growth Programme team three days later, meaning Vicky could go ahead and purchase the software at the special offer, and put the £1,000 grant towards the cost. A successful turnaround of less than a week!

The equipment that Aylesbury-based L & C Carpentry required helps the business improve the traceability of items on site. The business offers a wide variety of carpentry and woodworking services, meaning a large number of goods are on site at any given time. This made it difficult to keep track of everything, which led to project delays or losing items altogether. This naturally impacted profits. The new software provides the missing link in the chain, helping L & C Carpentry keep track of all items on site, ensuring projects are not delayed, therefore leading to increased profits and productivity.

Jane Dell, Growth Programme Business Adviser, said: “When a business owner knows what they require to grow, but they don’t quite have the means to secure it, it can be frustrating. That’s why the Growth Programme provides £1,000 Growth Grants to help fund investments in specific projects that will deliver growth for businesses.

“Time was of the essence with L & C Carpentry’s grant application, and the whole team was delighted to turn it around so quickly for Vicky to ensure the business got the software it requires to grow.”

Apply for a Growth Grant

Visit the Growth Grants homepage for more details on how to apply.

The Growth Programme is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and therefore eligibility criteria apply. If your business is not eligible, we can signpost you to other local and national business support programmes available.