Lender breathes life into start-up defibrillator business

Leeds-based Defib Machines has received £140,000 in funding to expand its UK wide defibrillator supply and service business.

The £50,000 loan from the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) combined with the £50,000 funding from NPIF – BEF & FFE Microfinance and the £40,000 loan from the Start Up Loans Company (SULCO) was used to purchase additional machines to fulfil national contracts and to create ten jobs in sales, admin and technical departments.

The company, which is in its second year, supplies businesses with defibrillators and provides installation, signage and training to ensure there are employees in each organisation that understand how to use the units.

Jonathan Gilbert, managing director, said: “I got the idea for Defib Machines after travelling abroad and noticing that there were defibrillators everywhere I went, on every street corner – it got me thinking, why don’t I see this at home? I was determined to create an affordable package that offered defibrillator machines which can be specifically tailored to each industry.

“We are extremely passionate about the service we provide and grateful for the backing from BEF, NPIF – BEF & FFE Microfinance and SULCO which has allowed the business to expand. In the past few months Bradford College and Manchester Central Convention Complex are amongst those who have already found that adding a defibrillator machine can be the difference between life and death for employees and visitors.”

BEF, a social enterprise offering funding and support to businesses across Yorkshire and the North East, was awarded joint fund manager status for NPIF – BEF & FFE Microfinance, part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, in April last year.

Investment manager at BEF, Hilary Watson, said: “There are currently so many stories about defibrillators in the news and the need for the units is continuing to grow. The passion that the Defib Machines team has is fantastic to work with and it’s a wonderful feeling to know that we have a part in helping Britain become heart safe – I’m looking forward to continuing to support this great business!”

Mark Wilcockson, senior manager at British Business Bank, said: “It is great to see the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund helping businesses grow in the Yorkshire & Humber region which have a real impact on surrounding communities. Innovative and ambitious companies like Defib Machines are at the forefront of the progression and development of the region and by working with our fund managers we aim to support more businesses seeking growth finance.”