Last week Heather Martin, in her Biz Bytes column, spoke about innovation and the financial rewards it can bring. 

Manufacturing firm Aylesbury Automation are one of Buckinghamshire’s most innovative businesses, with a reputation as the leading automation company in the UK. Aylesbury Automation was in need of funding to develop a prototype of an innovative new product, and they approached Buckinghamshire Business First for support. A successful bid was made for a grant of £130,000 from the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), which enabled the production of a hygienic glove dispenser which will save lives and create jobs.

Aylesbury Automation returned to Buckinghamshire Business First for assistance with a second bid to the TSB and secured a further grant of £385,000. This enabled the company to work with PhD students from Sheffield Hallam University on the research and development of ground-breaking new technologies that would revolutionise their manufacturing processes.

Aylesbury Automation’s Managing Director, Dave Manby, said: “Buckinghamshire Business First were invaluable. Their incredibly talented team enabled us to secure funding we otherwise would have struggled to get.  We supplied the details of what the grant would enable and Buckinghamshire Business First put this into words that the Technology Strategy Board just couldn’t argue with.”

The benefits of these grants are wide-ranging, as Dave Manby, explains: “Our innovative glove dispenser and the new products being researched that we hope to bring to market as soon as possible will bring both economic and social benefits, including 25 new jobs at Aylesbury Automation and sales upwards of £12m. The new product will create a far more hygienic method of releasing gloves, which is invaluable in hospitals where Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) cause many deaths every year.”

Buckinghamshire Business First’s managing director, Philippa Batting said: “We are delighted that Aylesbury Automation was able to secure over £500,000 of funding in order for them to bring a vital new product closer to market. The new product will save lives, create local jobs and further the growth of a company that is part of a thriving manufacturing sector in Buckinghamshire. We hope the success of these bids act as an inspiration to other businesses that are seeking funding, as no matter what size your business is or what sector it is in, you can get support to help your company progress to the next level and Buckinghamshire Business First can help you get it.”

We understand that the process of applying for government funding can be difficult and the prospect of securing funding can seem remote, but Buckinghamshire Business First can help. With our assistance you can secure very meaningful amounts of financial support to help your business grow and develop new products.

To find out today what support we can offer your business, contact us on 01494 568941.