Member Article

£25k investment for Keighley engineering firm Acetarc

Engineering company in Keighley has received £25,000 funding with help from Bradford Council’s Rising Stars.

This investement will enable the firm to employ new staff and upgrade its computing systems.

Keighley-based Acetarc Engineering approached the Rising Stars programme after identifying a need to upgrade systems to help meet client demands and ensure consistent achievement of Quality Assurance Standards.

Rising Stars is part of Bradford Council’s enterprise programme and was set up to support and mentor entrepreneurs and high-growth businesses in the Bradford District, where experienced business advisers are on-hand to provide free, dedicated and personal advice.

Founded in the mid 1960s by two brothers, Acetarc was one of the first engineering companies in the area to offer machining, welding and fabrication services from a single supplier.

Over recent years, it has experienced significant growth, moving to bigger premises and following a boost in export sales and international trade has seen its turnover double.

Through support from Rising Stars and Bradford Council’s Capital Investment Fund, Acetarc was awarded a £4,000 grant which supported an investment of £25,000 in a new computer system.

Acetarc now provides a more efficient service and produces more complex calculations, enabling them to be clearer on project timings andcostings.

Peter Burrell, Acetarc’s Director, said: “Our Rising Stars Adviser helped us focus on the investment needed, and along with support from Bradford Council spurred us on to improve our production management systems.

“I would strongly recommend other local businesses enquire about Rising Stars to see how they could benefit. We are now able to deliver the highest-quality engineered products and have the confidence to explore new markets and identify new opportunities for all our clients’ needs.”

Rising Stars Business Services Manager, Carolyn Coleman, said: “We offer all levels of support for businesses, whether it’s helping them pull together a thorough business plan to identify areas of weakness, or in Acetarc’s case, providingguidance on filling in the required application forms.

“We steer companies through a tailored process to ensure that they get the support and funding they deserve to enable fundamental changes within the business.”

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Employment and Skills, said: “People usually think business support is all about start-ups.

“However, often many of the larger, well-established companies also need guidance to aid business growth. It’s reassuring to see companies that have been around for many years, such as Acetarc Engineering, are benefitting from the Rising Stars programme as well.”

For further information about Rising Stars and the Council’s Business and Enterprise Programme visit www.rising-stars.biz.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .