Preston cavity insulation company BOOST to sales

A Lancashire firm which specialises in removing defective cavity wall insulation has grown sales by 150% in a year, thanks in part to support from Boost.

Cavity Extraction Ltd, based in Preston, is also creating new jobs after winning major contracts with energy companies and local authorities.

The firm, founded in 2015, has been supported in its rapid growth after managing director Damian Mercer received specialist business mentoring from Boost partner Orvia.

Boost is Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub and is led by the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) and Lancashire County Council, and supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Damian, who worked in the home surveying and refurbishment sector before setting up his own company, said: “We rectify issues with damp that arise where cavity wall insulation has been incorrectly installed or was inappropriate for the housing type or geographical area. As well as insulation removal, we also replace failed cavity wall ties and remove cavity wall rubble which are also causes of damp.

“I believe our level of technical knowledge is what makes us different to the competition. We’re picking up new contracts all the time and we plan to recruit and train more people as we grow. The mentoring support has enabled me to have a plan to manage this rapid growth we’re experiencing.”

After being referred to Orvia’s mentoring programme, Damian was matched with mentor John Townsend. Over the course of four months John provided bespoke mentoring on a range of topics to ensure sustainable and manageable growth.

John Townsend said: “It was great working with Damian because he’s very determined, but also willing to seek advice and be challenged about his growth plans. Damian’s commitment to his staff and ensuring they receive up-to-date training sets the business apart in a very competitive environment.”

Damian added: “John provided an impartial viewpoint, providing perspective and guidance in not losing focus. I would recommend the mentoring programme to anyone.”

Since receiving the mentoring, Damian has recruited four new members of staff and gained a host of accreditations. These include the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA) accreditation, Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS) and Onsite Competency Assessment Report (OSCAR).

Ann Lancaster, operations manager at Orvia, added: “It’s great to see that Damian has benefitted from the mentoring support and has made excellent progress with his business growth.”

The company is now looking to access further support through Boost, including exploring opportunities to secure finance for investment in plant and machinery.

ENDS.

Boost Business Lancashire (Boost) is the name for the Lancashire Business Growth Hub. It is led by the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) and Lancashire County Council and supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The role of Boost is to help growth-hungry Lancashire businesses realise their potential by providing simple access to a range of leading-edge funded programmes, delivered by specialists with a track record of growing established and innovative start-up businesses. Boost also helps businesses access specialist private sector business support, as well as other nationally funded programmes, where relevant.

Between July 2013 and July 2015, Boost provided growth advice and support to over 2,800 local businesses across Lancashire, with many benefiting from tailored programmes of consultancy, grants or mentoring to support their growth. Boost has so far helped to create over 1,200 jobs and new economic activity valued in excess of £10m.

In November 2015, Boost secured £7.8m of new funding to run for a further three years from January 2016.

Boost Business Lancashire has received £3.8m of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.  For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.