Apparel company fully kitted out after finance deal
A BIRMINGHAM-based supplier of safety and promotional apparel has set its sights on expansion after finance provided by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking allowed it to purchase new, larger premises.
Worth more than £242,000, the financial package has enabled LA Safety Supplies to complete a move to a new 5,500 sq ft unit in Nechells, more than doubling the amount of space which was available in its previous home in nearby Duddeston.
A family business with more than 20 years of experience, LA Safety has established a reputation as a leading supplier of industrial safety apparel, footwear and equipment. The move into the building is set to provide a boost to the company’s growth plan, with management hoping to double its £1.6m annual turnover as a result of the greater production capacity afforded by the new premises.
By fully renovating the new property, including the installation of a mezzanine floor, the firm has added much needed office space together with a state-of-the-art embroidery centre, enabling the business to significantly increase its product range, as well as the speed of its operation.
The purchase of the new facility has enabled the firm to introduce a new arm of the business, known as LA Clothing Solutions (UK), which will produce personalised products for use by organisations including schools, sports teams and businesses, as well as popular leisure items such as t-shirts for stag and hen parties.
It has also provided a boost to local employment with the creation of four new roles, bringing the firm’s total headcount to 14, with plans to continue adding to this number in the months and years to come.
Martyn Bailey, director of LA Safety Supplies, said: “It was vital for us to secure a move into a larger space, and the Lloyds Bank investment was fundamental to allowing us to acquire this new unit.
“As well as investing in the extra space needed to accommodate our team, this move has also allowed us to invest in state-of-the-art new technologies to significantly enhance the range and quality of service we offer, helping us move closer to achieving our ambitions for future growth.”
Allan Bennett, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “This is a great example of the type of ambitious business that is helping to drive the economic recovery, and we look forward to continuing to partner with its management as they continue to strive towards their vision for the company’s future.”
