Barnsley-based New Design Windows has secured six-figure Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme funding to help it fulfil a £5 million order book.
The start-up manufacturer only opened in June last year, and was forced to close in March when the pandemic struck.
The finance package, arranged with NatWest, will support cash flow for the next 12 months, and has allowed the production and installation of windows for new build properties to recommence, safeguarding the seven-strong team.
As well as a £5 million order book, the company has £16 million of pending sales and plans are underway to continue to grow the existing client base, supplying customers within a two-hour drive of the South Yorkshire town.
Managing director Lynne Darwin, who has 25 years’ experience in the windows industry, said: “We started the business last year when the team left a competitor to establish a business that focused on the customer and created an inclusive office culture.
“The winter months are typically quieter in our industry but when the construction sector shut down in March due to Covid-19, we knew at that point that we would need some financial support.”
She was full of praise for Paul McCarron, NatWest’s relationship manager, describing the support as “paramount” to the survival.
“We have ambitious growth plans and as we return to full capacity, we hope that the coming years will be a huge success story for us,” Lynne added.
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Through the local authority’s Enterprising Barnsley team, the firm has also received advice from specialist consultant and chartered accountant Jo Flanagan, who created New Design Windows’ business plan.
Mr McCarron said: “Although only operating for a relatively short amount of time, New Design Windows has already built a reputation for delivering on price and on time.
“We wanted to support Lynne and the team to ensure jobs were protected and growth plans were not derailed and since providing the funding, the business has already secured more contracts and is on track to meet its growth plans.”