After being awarded the full €200,000 through the Property Investment Programme (PIP) grant, Lucy Allen spoke to John Sansom, Managing Director, of Greensafe IT Ltd to find out how Worcestershire Business Central (WBC) helped set the groundwork in motion.
Kidderminster-based Greensafe IT Ltd was established in 2012 with just two of the current management team. Initially based in Bromsgrove, the business focused on ITAD services and the recycling of technology products. Over the last two years, the company has implemented a range of additional services and is now proud to boast a total of 46 full-time staff and 10 apprentices.
The rapid growth of the business in services, staff and profit meant that Greensafe needed to expand outside of its original premises. The company needed financial support for the £1m build expansion programme, and contacted Gwen Evans, Business Engagement Manager at WBC, to support with investigating a number of possibilities to bring the action plan to life.
John said that the support received from Gwen and the WBC team was excellent. Together they explored potential financial routes and outreached to Birmingham City Council (BCC) and the North Worcestershire Economic and Development Regeneration (EDR) where the BCC and PIP grant were first identified.
Greensafe were overjoyed to receive the full amount in their first application, and thank Gwen, Ashfaq, Dean, Mark, Georgina and Steve for the positive support in completing the project application for the full grants. John said that WBC was the driving force on introductions to the right contacts and the catalyst to deliver the end result.
“I am both amazed and very appreciative of the tremendous support that Greensafe has received. For businesses who are thinking of applying for funding, I would recommend talking to the support functions in Worcestershire, in particular the team from WBC.”
Gwen Evans, WBC, said: “I am delighted that we could support Greensafe in being awarded the full €200,000 from the PIP BCC grants. Businesses are able to apply for the maximum amount of €200,000 over three years, and it is fantastic that Greensafe were awarded this all in one go.”
The grants have allowed the company to increase its business prospects and expand in shorter amount of time than it could have without the support – creating great local employment opportunities.
Cllr Ian Hardiman, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration said: “This excellent outcome is thanks to the hard work and co-operation of the Greensafe management team with Wyre Forest District Council, NWedR, the two local growth Hubs – Worcestershire Business Central, Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP and of course Birmingham City Council through which the European Development Funding for the Property Investment Programme is directed.
“We are extremely pleased to have worked towards an excellent outcome for Greensafe IT to enable them to realise their business plans and grow their business here in Kidderminster. This totally reflects the Council’s priority ‘supporting you to contribute to a successful local economy’ and it’s always great to see this being demonstrated.”
Speaking of their success, John said: “I am both amazed and very appreciative of the tremendous support that Greensafe has received. For businesses who are thinking of applying for funding, I would recommend talking to the support functions in Worcestershire, in particular the team from WBC.”