Berkshire: 'Seamless' growth for South East fit-out company

Reading-based manufacturer Seamless Interiors has reported a 62% increase in turnover and created two new jobs following support from the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS), now part of the Business Growth Service (BGS). 

Established in 2007 the company has carved out a niche for itself in the high end of the exhibition/hospitality market with customers spanning Goodwood, Chelsea Flower Show, the Ryder Cup, fashion shows and events in Dubai.

Since seeking help in 2013, the bespoke interior fit-out company now has a clear business strategy to improve its profitability and diversify into new markets .

Rob Mackay, managing director, said: “Although my order books were full, I knew the profitability was not in line with turnover. The Business Growth Service put me in touch with my consultant and sometimes all you need is someone to hold your hand for six months.

“My business acumen and confidence has been boosted by the advice and support given. We actually walked away from some prestigious loss-making accounts because they were not sustainable for the business growth plans.

“I now hope to increase my staff by a further three full-time jobs and address our seasonality issue by expanding into the soft furnishing market for high-end consumers. Growth will be gradual and, in time, the profitability of the business will improve year on year.”

Business growth manager Lee Candy said: “Seamless Interiors has enjoyed fantastic natural growth and Rob’s eagerness to take on advice and experiment in new directions has clearly benefited the company and his staff.”

The MAS is part of the BGS offering support tailored to the needs of manufacturers to help them improve and grow.

BGS brings together GrowthAccelerator and the MAS, with additional elements from the Intellectual Property Office (Intellectual Property Audits) and the Design Council (Design Mentoring).

The manufacturing offer is closely aligned with GROW:OffshoreWind and Fit for Nuclear (F4N), the latter delivered by the Nuclear AMRC (NAMRC).

The Business Growth Service also refers SME manufacturers to the right support provided by other agencies, including UK Trade & Investment, Innovate UK (including High Value Manufacturing Catapults), the British Business Bank, local growth hubs and UK Export Finance.