A grant from Derby Enterprise Growth Fund has enabled a Derbyshire company to expand and capitalise on the growth of clothing manufacturing in the UK.
MHM Direct GB in Stanton-by-Dale near Ilkeston develops and supplies a wide range of screen printing equipment to the textile industry.
The company applied to the Derby Enterprise Growth Fund (DEGF) for a £44,500 grant to enable it to move to larger premises in Langham Park and employ four new administration, sales and technical support staff.
Managing Director John Potter explained that clothing manufacture was returning to the UK from the Far East and India, leading to increased demand for the company’s range of award winning printing equipment.
Mr. Potter, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, said: “More and more clothing and textiles are now being made in Britain and our machines are used by manufacturers of some of the top international brands from Paul Smith and Barbour to Next and River Island.
“We are also working with some of the most innovative designers and manufacturers who are creating one off items as well as suppliers to branded goods for the entertainment and sports industries.
“We are the sole UK suppliers of a wide range of machines. These include the Brother digital garment printing equipment which handles one off and small runs of bespoke items through to the large MHM machines that print 1,400 garments per hour.
“We have also worked with German manufacturers Tesoma to develop a new state-of-the art textile dryer which provides a highly efficient and low carbon footprint solution to manufacturers. And we are developing an even wider range including pre-treatment machines and computer to screen solutions which are transforming the way our customers operate.
“The DEGF support has enabled us to transform our business – moving into new premises to provide customer training facilities, better storage solutions and the capacity to grow the business with new products and services.
“Without their support, we would have been unable to grow the business so quickly to keep pace with the increasing demand for equipment that delivers top quality and better efficiency.”
DEGF is supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund and is run by Derby City Council. It aims to support the growth and job creation at businesses in Derby and the travel to work area through a mix of loans and grants.
Councillor Martin Rawson, Derby City Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning, Environment and Regeneration chairs the DEGF panel of industry and financial experts who consider applications.
He said: “Derby Enterprise Growth Fund was established to be a catalyst for growth for a wide range of businesses and to support their innovation plans.
“MHM GB Direct are the perfect example of how grant provides the impetus that companies need to expand and create more local jobs for local people.”
Applications continue to be welcomed by Derby City Council. To find out more visit: www.derby.gov.uk/degf. Alternatively call 01332 641628 or email degf@derby.gov.uk
