Member Article

Business support gives Rugby business a helping hand

The UK and Ireland’s largest jewellery and watch-buying group has a sparkling future in Warwickshire after receiving business support.

The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) has been based in Somers Road in Rugby since 1980, shortly after it was set-up.

The organisation has more than 150 industry-leading and independent suppliers and service providers as well as over 400 independent jewellery stores among its members, who work together, trade and network for the benefit of each individual business as well as the sector as a whole.

Mark Howell, Support Centre Manager at the CMJ, wanted to improve the lighting at its premises and after contacting Adam Plumb at the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub, he was put in touch with the Coventry & Warwickshire Green Business Programme which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by Coventry City Council.

Bernie McCullagh from the Green Business Programme visited the CMJ to carry out a full audit which recommended the installation of LED lighting.

Mark said the 16 staff at the industry body needed brighter light to carry out their work.

He said: “There is no jewellery kept at our site, we are purely an office, but we are located over two floors and the lighting system hasn’t changed since we moved in 43 years ago.

“We had fluorescent tubes and practically every week, one of the tubes needed changing which came at a cost and they weren’t lighting our premises very well any more.

“I wanted to change to LED lighting since I also knew it was more efficient and environmentally-friendly so I contacted the Growth Hub and Adam came to see us.

“He organised for us to speak to Bernie at the Green Business Programme and after she had carried out a full report during an audit, she recommended we apply for a grant and helped with filling out the forms which was really helpful.

“We received 40 per cent of the £5,000 needed to install the LED lighting and we are really pleased with the final outcome.

“Everyone can see much more clearly now and it will also cost less and is greener so it’s a win-win.”

Adam Plumb, account manager at the CWLEP Growth Hub, said the Growth Hub is here to help businesses in all sectors access funding for grants to improve their day-to-day operations.

He said: “There is a wide range of support available to help businesses and organisations throughout Coventry and Warwickshire just like the Company of Master Jewellers and there is no need to feel daunted at the thought of applying because help is available every step of the way.

“Having visited the premises before and after the installation of the LED lighting it is a definite improvement on the working environment for all the employees as well as improving its maintenance and it will make savings on their electricity bills which is really important during the current economic climate.”

Bernie McCullagh, of the Coventry & Warwickshire Green Business Programme, said: “Switching to LED lighting is a very simple and efficient way for businesses to lower the cost of energy bills, as well as their carbon footprint. I am delighted to say that following the support we have offered, CMJ will now be able to save over £3,000 a year and reduce their annual carbon footprint by almost two tonnes.”

The Growth Hub is supported by funders including Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire’s District and Borough Councils.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .