Member Article

Atherton textile company grows workforce thanks to £78.25k grant

A small textile company in Atherton has expanded both its workforce and order book after securing significant grants to help it grow.

The business was started by Lynn Lloyd 15 years ago was finding it hard to fulfil orders with Lynn working 90 hours a week, and struggling to increase her staff numbers.

Thanks to Wigan Council’s business engagement team and the Business Growth Hub, which helps businesses in Greater Manchester to grow, the company is now thriving.

Adrian Wilkinson, a specialist textiles business advisor from the Business Growth Hub, was able to help Lynn access two grants of £65,000 and £13,250 which the company matched.

This meant three new machines could be bought including a vertical height machine, pinch pleat machine and pattern match joining machine.

The grants also enabled Lynn’s workforce to expand to 10 with a new business office manager Caroline Kirkman-Ryan and apprentice Chelsea Tomlinson.

Lynn said: “I was working such a lot of hours it was really difficult.

“I also found it difficult to employ someone else and we didn’t have the space or equipment to produce any more.

“I had to make a decision on whether to take the business a step down or do I take a step up.”

“The grants have made such a big difference to the company.

“We have been able to increase our productivity and skills and it’s now a great place to work with a fantastic team.

“We have really taken the business on to another level.”

Adrian Wilkinson from the Business Growth Hub said: “We are extremely pleased to have been able to support Lynn and her business.

“The successful grant applications have really transformed her business and they are a great example of a successful UK based textile business.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .