Funding to help turn disused building into construction firm HQ

Owners of a Hornsea-based construction company are cooking up plans to nurture entrepreneurial talent in the coastal town.

They have secured a £65,000 CBILS-backed loan from Finance for Enterprise and NPIF – BEF & FFE Microfinance, which is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

The money will provide owners of Frontier Modular Services, Richard Pooley and Lindsey Nicklin, with the support needed to transform an unloved building into a headquarters for their growing business.

And part of the same property will function as a business hub to support entrepreneurs

Frontier Modular services specialises in the installation and fit out of modular buildings, and was launched in 2017.

Over the past three years its workforce has grown to 20 site operatives, who work on a range of projects, including schools, hospitals and immigration centres.

Prior to the pandemic, the business was was on course to achieve a seven-figure turnover.

Pooley and Nicklin had chosen a former bake house to become their company’s headquarters. But plans for the opening of the hub in spring were put on hold as a result of the pandemic and the firm needed funding to secure the project’s future.

Nicklin approached Finance For Enterprise and the company was able to secure the £65,000 investment to go towards upgrading the Old Bake House.

Drawing on her experience as head of University of Hull’s Enterprise Centre, she spotted an opportunity to support other new entrepreneurs by transforming surplus space in the three-storey building into a business hub.

When complete it will help entrepreneurs develop and explore their business ideas.

The new headquarters and business hub is on course to open its doors for the first time in October.

In addition to supporting Pooley in overseeing the day-to-day operations within Frontier Modular, Nicklin has been pioneering a new recruitment business and outsourcing company, which will also be based in the Old Bake House.

She said: “It offered everything we were looking for in a property. We felt it would provide the essential office space to support our growth, as well as helping others to take the first steps on their own business journey.

“I’m passionate about helping individuals to be successful in business. Yorkshire’s coastal communities are often overlooked when it comes to helping people interested in running their own businesses.

“We recognised additional funding would be required, and after exploring different options we approached Finance For Enterprise for help.

“The support we’ve received from them will not only help us improve on Frontier Modular’s success to date, especially during the uncertain times caused by the current pandemic, but will enable us to support new entrepreneurs, which can only be a positive thing to the local economy.”

Jane Cusse, investment manager, Finance For Enterprise said: “Frontier Modular Services is a business which has enjoyed significant growth since its inception.

“Like many businesses they were forced to reassess their plans, following the Covid-19 pandemic. The CBILS-backed loan has helped them secure the vital cash flow needed to support their business.”

Grant Peggie, director at the British Business Bank, said: “Our fund managers have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic to provide vital support to northern businesses facing financial difficulties.

“We are proud to work with Finance For Enterprise to help firms such as Frontier Modular Services which make a real difference to the regional economy.”