Motorcycle manufacturer revs up a gear after funding support
A BIRMINGHAM motorcycle manufacturer start-up is the latest firm to secure investment from the funding arm of the city council.
Digbeth-based Mutt Motorcycles has received the financial boost from the council’s £5m Creative Fund, which is managed by Finance Birmingham.
Alongside investment from Ascension Ventures and two angel investors, the funding will be used to regenerate an underused warehouse and archway space at the Custard Factory, where Mutt Motorcycles has secured a leasing agreement.
The company is set to transform the facility into a workshop for manufacturing motorcycles, with the addition of a coffee shop, barber shop and photography space, offering jobs, apprenticeships and co-working space opportunities.
Cllr Tahir Ali, cabinet member for development, transport and the economy, said the council wanted to support entrepreneurs the best it could.
“In the case of Mutt Motorcycles, this funding will not only enable the company to regenerate part of a key location in Digbeth, but will also create jobs, apprenticeships and new business opportunities, all of which will be beneficial to the local economy,” he said.
Will Rigg, co-founder and chief executive of Mutt, said: “We are delighted to have Birmingham City Council on board to help us accelerate Mutt’s Custard Factory project. We believe there is a great opportunity to create a mini eco-system within Digbeth that will attract footfall and talent to the area, by turning the facility into a destination for creatives, tourists and of course, motorcycle fans.”
