Engineering consultancy lands six-figure investment
A Nottinghamshire-based engineering consultancy has received a six-figure investment from Enterprise Loans East Midlands through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund.
The funding injection will allow Engineering Consultancy Services to scale up, with five specialist team members hired so far – the investment will also enable staff to gain further training and accreditation.
The start-up was founded at the end of 2019 by Dr David Gent, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the engineering industry, working on projects such as Crossrail, HS2, Great Western Railway and the Midland Mainline. Gent’s main specialism is in historic bridges.
He said: “I decided to set up Engineering Consultancy Services following a ‘lightbulb’ moment during a trip to Jordan in the Middle East. Jordan has no rail network so once I was back in the UK, I put together a proposal linking the Jordan Economic Growth plan with the economic benefits of a railway. We had a successful meeting with the Minister of Transport and we have since delivered the Economic Study and Detailed Proposal for the Government.
“The firm has successfully tendered for a number of UK projects, and I am currently lecturing at Nottingham Trent University where I work to mentor and encourage future engineers from within the local community.
“I set up my own business to not only challenge the way things are done in terms of innovation and efficiency but to also leave a legacy. Enterprise Loans has been fantastic at supporting this aim, helping with my business growth not just with funding but also advice and encouragement.”
Matthew Wright, business advisor at Enterprise Loans, said: “David has an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience so it was clear that his business would thrive with a little support from us. Since setting up at the end of 2019 he has already won six projects and counting, showing an incredible aptitude for innovation. I’m delighted that we’re able to support David with his journey and wish him the best of luck in the future.”
Lewis Stringer, senior manager at the British Business Bank, said: “Helping to cultivate start-up growth is a key priority for the MEIF and this represents a good example of the regional innovation the fund is supporting. The firm is establishing itself in the market and is now set to use this finance to begin scaling up.”
