Innovative manufacturer reaps benefits of growth hub support

Advanced Manufacturing (Sheffield) Ltd (AML) has seen its turnover double in the past 12 months from £2m to £4m and has created 12 new jobs.

This is due, in part, to support it has received from the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub.

It has enabled the company to access grants for innovations within its production process, embark on a dedicated skills programme and gain strategic business planning advice.

The company, which originated as a spinoff of the AMRC (Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre), works on the machining of complex gas turbine products including shafts and discs, aerofoils and bearings, serving both the aerospace and energy industries.

Dr Gareth Morgan, managing director of AML, said: “When we were faced, like most businesses, with the challenges of COVID-19 earlier this year, the funding we had secured meant we could mitigate damage to our business and respond to customer changing needs.

“We were also able to grow and recruit new staff at a very difficult economic time.”

AML secured a Productivity Grant from the Sheffield City Region, of £100,000 in 2019, which provided a platform for the company to buy new machinery and invest in technical development.

This equipment meant the impact of the Lockdown on the business could be minimised as the forced grounding of aircraft led to many aerospace companies bringing forward their maintenance programmes, which increased demand for AML’s services.

It also enhanced the production process and opened up more business opportunities by removing the process of grinding certain parts. This meant AML secured contracts to provide specialist high precision machining services to aerospace companies.

During lockdown AML installed another machine for a specific product range which it funded itself, enabling it to quickly scale up production of spares for the defence and aerospace sectors.

Dr Morgan said: “The support we have had through the Growth Hub has made a huge difference in enhancing our future.

“It has meant that we have been able to achieve consistent growth and continue to create new employment opportunities in this region. It is all part of our grand plan to keep innovating and growing the business.”

Access to finance advisor at the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, Rachel Fletcher, said: “It has been a real delight to work with AML.

“They’re such a forward-thinking company and never cease to amaze us with their innovative thinking and ability to recognise new opportunities and how this could contribute to their future growth.

“The company has always been keen to access whatever grants are available to them. Wherever we have helped them to secure funding it has translated to new services they can offer that has created or helped to maintain employment in our region.”

AML is looking at other grant funding options to help accelerate growth, with plans to acquire further manufacturing space.

The company has plans to grow to £6m turnover in 2021 and this includes moving into another sector and into new international markets.

Sheffield City Region Growth Hub is working with AML to secure an Advanced Heat grant and to secure future grant funding through Innovate UK.

And AML is looking into developing its automation systems through use of robotics.

For any businesses looking to restart following the lockdown, Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, part of the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) offers the Re-Start to Growth initiative.

This gives businesses access to experienced and skilled experts to help assess, plan and restart their business through an agreed programme of intensive support.

The free initiative comprises two full days with an experienced growth specialist, who can offer business leaders help and guidance in the areas of Strategic planning & Leadership support, Sales and Marketing, Operations, Financial advice, Skills and also Digital/IT.

If further help is required after the completion of the Re-Start to Growth initiative, the business could be eligible to access additional support through Re-Start to Growth+ (Plus).