Artel Rubber, which makes hoses for a variety of industries including rail, automotive and energy, has moved from three separate units in Bidford-on-Avon to a new manufacturing unit in Alcester.

As a result, its productivity has risen by almost 50% (www.artelrubber.co.uk).

Simon Lavin, executive director of Artel Rubber, told Phil Peak — an account manager at the Growth Hub — about his plans when they met last year, and this led to the offer of a £100,000 grant through the Regional Growth Fund 3, which is managed by Coventry City Council on behalf of Coventry and Warwickshire LEP.

Mr Lavin said: “We’ve re-invested money from the business, and we’ve been supported by the bank, but we needed more to make the whole project work. Thankfully, Phil and the Growth Hub could see the potential; without that money, we couldn’t have made the move.

“Our floor space has nearly doubled, but the big benefit is being on one site, which has improved our productivity and efficiency. We have just picked up a new contract in the rail industry overseas, and I don’t think we could have gone for it without the move.”