New funding sparks growth for Shropshire electrics firm

A SHROPSHIRE electrical firm has targeted expansion after purchasing new premises following a funding deal.

Cranage EMC Testing supplies electrical product testing and certification solutions for manufacturers in the UK and abroad.

It has been able to embark on growth after securing £540,000 in funding from Santander Corporate & Commercial.
 
Cranage was founded in 1992 by husband and wife team Keith and Pauline Richens, who form the current management team along with their son Mark. The firm has become a leading service provider in its market by offering firms accredited testing facilities for a wide range of products, from baby toys to highly sophisticated medical and laboratory equipment.
 
Following a period of strong growth, the business outgrew its leased premises and is using the funding to move into a bespoke, freehold property in Market Drayton.
The management team are now looking to expand the business globally.

Mrs Richens said: “We are working closely with UKTI and Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, as well as using Santander’s Trade Portal and other tools, to better understand trade opportunities and learn more about overseas markets.

“Following our appointment as an Authorized Testing Facility for products exported to Canada and North America, it became clear that our facilities needed to improve in order to develop our accreditation in line with the concept of worldwide product approval and so we felt it was time to purchase our own freehold premises.
 
“The funding and support from Santander has been invaluable and we are excited about this next phase of growth.”
 
Matthew Smith, Relationship Director, Santander Corporate & Commercial, said: “Cranage EMC Testing is an example of a family business which has been built completely from scratch by a dedicated, ambitious couple. A key future objective for the business is to remain as diverse as possible, ensuring regular income streams from a range of areas, and we are confident the new headquarters, once complete, will provide plenty of room for growth and give the business scope to expand.”