A Denbighshire-based business has installed a state-of-the-art IT system and taken on six additional employees after receiving advice from Business Wales.
Pure Residential and Commercial moved to its new offices in St Asaph in September after out-growing its previous location and was looking to upgrade its IT system.
The sustainable homes and commercial property developer turned to the Welsh Government’s free business support service for specialist IT advice and assistance with an application for a Local Investment Fund (LIF) grant.
Pure Residential and Commercial has since had 10 high specification computers and accessories, as well as a server connecting its St Asaph base with its sister company in Kinmel Bay, Conwy, installed.
The guidance received from Business Wales ensured a speedy resolution for the firm’s office manager Anne Lovelock, which allowed her to bring forward plans to recruit six additional employees. It now employs 16 members of staff in total.
She said: “We spoke to several IT companies to get advice but were unsure if their proposed solutions were best for the business.
“We were at an impasse and would have struggled without the assistance received from Business Wales. They suggested an independent IT review which highlighted our requirements.
“With Business Wales we were able to resolve the situation much quicker and this meant that we were able to begin recruiting sooner.
“Everything from the initial contact to the completion of the project has been straight forward, professional and extremely helpful.”
Pure Residential and Commercial specialises in building modern and eco-friendly new homes, as well as modern office space for businesses. The successful grant application has enabled the company to use its own premises as a show office for potential business customers.
Anne said: “We pride ourselves on maximising the potential of commercial and residential development opportunities. We can work with organisations to modernise a building they currently occupy or one they will be moving to.
“As well as the operational and practical benefits of our new IT system, it is very up to date and showcases just what we can provide.”
The LIF grant allows new and existing businesses to access up to 40 per cent of the funding needed for new projects, worth between £1,000 and £10,000.
Business Wales adviser Gwawr Cordiner helped Pure Residential and Commercial complete its grant application and has since gone on to assist a variety of businesses in the region with similar briefs.
She said: “The Pure Residential and Commercial project was one of the first jobs I took on when I joined the team. They were looking to get a new IT system in place and requested help with the LIF application form.
“It was lovely to work alongside a local company and the job creation is fantastic news for the area.
“Our role includes providing assistance with the actual form itself, supplying companies with the relevant documentation and putting the best possible case forward for the project.”
Business Wales’ services are free to companies that are more than twelve months old.
From practical tips on getting started to a range of specialist advice on matters such as export, human resources and training, Business Wales has a wealth of information to help local businesses access support.
Typical questions concern eligibility for grant funding, ways to locate bigger premises and advice on recruitment and staff management, as well as networking and business promotion.
As well as providing expert guidance, all Business Wales services are delivered bilingually, ensuring everyone has access to the wealth of opportunities available.
To find out how Business Wales can help your business grow, call 03000 6 03000, or visit www.business.wales.gov.uk for further information.
