Our Clients’ Stories

Learn how Mentors Graham Broughton and Sarah Brockwell helped Actual Group Ltd to plan and execute a growth strategy.

(Video produced by Braintree District Council).

Learn how Sarah Brockwell helped Essex Garden Foods to grow - via a fully subsidised mentoring programme operated by Essex County Council (Essex Innovation Programme).

(Video produced by Chelmsford College)

Ultimotive Ltd

Background

Ultimotive manufactures car cleaning chemicals in the UK, marketing them worldwide using licensed brand names Turtle Wax, Williams Car Care, Moto GP, Michelin and Stayzon. The car wash and auto detailing market is worth £8.461bn, with an annual growth rate of 2.46%. The sector is responsible for employing 208,000 people worldwide (source IBIS World). In April 2019, Ultimotive was awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise for its success in international sales.

Positive Intervention

Ultimotive was a fast-growing company, whose continued export growth was restricted by a lack of working capital. Graham Broughton, an Essex Innovation mentor, introduced the business to the International Division of the client's bank, and to the Government's UK Export Finance scheme. As a result of UKEF support guarantee, the bank increased their operating facility from a low five-figure to a high six-figure sum.

Outcome

As well as the accolade of the Queen's Award for Enterprise, export sales (accounting for 39% of the company's business), experienced growth of almost 300% in the period 2015-17. Notably, at this critical time for British exports, Ultimotive's global reach is still accelerating. International markets include Australia, Qatar, Turkey, Sweden and Jordan. 2019 will see the company's footprint expand further as it launches exciting new products in Asia.

Having the Williams name at the forefront of the car care sector is important for our brand. Ultimotive's constant innovation of products has enabled the continued success that Ultimotive and Williams have experienced.

Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principle and Commercial Director, Williams Grand Prix Engineering Ltd

The Cheeky Panda

Background

Cheeky Panda is an importer of sustainable tissue paper (made from bamboo pulp). The founders Chris and Julie Forbes (pictured) joined the Essex Innovation Programme as a start-up in March 2016 working with Mentors Graham Broughton and Sarah Brockwell. The company was about to launch a crowdfunding campaign to finance stock acquisition. The company wished to raise brand awareness via PR.

Positive Intervention

During the course of the eight EIP mentor sessions, we carried out the following: completion of a strategic business plan, marketing and PR plan, development of brand, business awards entry, introduction to senior industry buyers as well as advice on ecommerce, IP, trade finance, import and export.

Outcome

As a result of the positive interventions, the company started to immediately turnover revenue, secured private finance, won multiple business awards and currently employs 10 people. New products have been launched and are now on sale in major retailers including Amazon, WH Smiths, Aldi, Morrisons, Ocado and Tesco.

This project was undertaken as part of the Essex Innovation Programme (EIP), funded by Essex County Council. Case Study is published by permission of Essex County Council.

Sky-Pod

Background

Sky-Pod is an Essex based company that designed and developed an innovative tent that is suspended above the ground, rather than staked to the ground. Using military grade fabrics and textiles, its unique structure is based on the experience of a Company Director, who designed combat equipment for the British military. The Sky-Pod allows users to interact with the natural environment and its wildlife, reduces the traditional camping footprint, letting the camper to rise above it all and re-engage with the trees to create unique vantage points and experience new vistas. In addition, the gentle floating motion of the Sky-Pod is therapeutic, allowing users to reset their body clocks while sleeping in the trees.

Positive Intervention

Sky-Pod approached the Essex Innovation Programme for support to develop the product from initial prototype stage through to production manufacture. Innovation and Product Development Mentor John Hawker, worked with the company to oversee creation of component drawings, source manufacture of prototype and production parts, negotiate production costs, review commercial exploitation strategies, and obtain patent and design registration protection.

Outcome

Launched in November 2017 and now a successful business, the Sky-Pod tent is sold internationally through the Sky-Pod website.

This project was undertaken as part of the Essex Innovation Programme (EIP), funded by Essex County Council. Case Study is published by permission of Essex County Council.