A South Derbyshire haulage and warehouse business has expanded its premises and taken on three new members of staff thanks to a grant from Derby Enterprise Growth Fund (DEGF).
DG Light Haulage was set up by David Guilford in Tonge near Melbourne 20 years ago and has since grown steadily to provide contract haulage and warehousing facilities to a wide range of businesses and other haulage companies.
The £41,000 grant from DEGF has enabled the business premises to be modified to maintain vehicles and to create office space. Additional 13,000 sq ft warehousing facilities have also been leased nearby as part of the £140,000 investment programme.
With this additional capacity, the company’s existing transport manager and light haulage services have been expanded to also offer UK and international pallet services, towing services, pick and dispatch, as well as container handling for companies around the region.
So far, the business has recruited an additional driver, warehouse manager and administrator with plans to recruit at least one other driver in the coming months.
Mr Guilford, who set up the business after leaving school, said: “The support and funding available from DEGF has been a fantastic boost to my business and enabled me to drive it forward much more quickly than would otherwise have been the case.
“Although it has been daunting in terms of how quickly things have taken off in the last few months, the DEGF has been a fantastic opportunity to increase the services I can offer to other business, as well as the number of employees working with me.
“With the business development going as well as it is at the moment, we’re expecting to recruit at least one additional full time driver in the next few months. If things continue as they are at the moment, will certainly be looking to increase headcount even further in the future.”
DEGF is supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund and 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: “Logistics is at the heart of the local and national economy – moving goods between manufacturers, suppliers and customers in an efficient and cost effective manner.
“DG Light Haulage is a growing business in this industry and is already demonstrating that grant support from DEGF is a highly effective catalyst for expansion and job creation.”
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
