Bristol-based granite and quartz worktops supplier Avon Marble is targeting a turnover of £2m-plus after acquiring cutting-edge new equipment, paid for through grant funding.
The second-generation family-owned firm secured the near £28,000 from the West of England Combined Authority with the help of specialists at its long-standing accountancy firm Haines Watts.
The funding has enabled Avon Marble to buy specialist laser templating and digital file transfer machinery – triggering a new phase of growth for the firm, which was established 31 years ago in St Philips Marsh by Trevor Gordon and for the past three years has been managed by his son Connor.
He said as a small business without a financial director, Avon Marble relied on the relationships with Haines Watts, which over the past 15 years has provided it with added services, advice and support above the routine work such as bookkeeping and tax returns.
“We were looking to grow but needed funding support to enable us to take things to the next level, so this grant funding is a necessary boost for us,” Connor added.
“Fortunately, we have an excellent relationship with Haines Watts, based on trust and an understanding that they will offer advice to help us achieve our business goals.
“I’m grateful for their help in supporting us through this funding application and the machinery we have acquired will be a massive factor in our continued growth.”
Avon Marble supplies worktops for between 40 and 50 kitchen upgrade projects a month, as well as granite and other stonework for bathrooms and fireplaces, commercial bars and corporate receptions.
Connor hopes to take on an apprentice over coming months to be trained in using the new equipment bought by the funding, as well as upskilling current staff.
The two pieces of kit are a laser template device, which enables highly accurate measurements of the worktops, and a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, which automates the control, movement and precision of machine tools used for cutting the materials.
The equipment will now help drive operational efficiency and savings through reduced wastage as well as environmental benefits due to less transport miles and fuel costs.
Haines Watts Bristol office associate director Conor O’Sullivan has supported Avon Marble for the past two years and guided Connor through the process of applying for the Business Enterprise Grant at the end of last year.
He said: “We’re proud to be working with Connor and his team and are pleased to be able to provide strategic advice as well as practical support.
“Many owners of small companies are understandably focused on operational delivery and the day-to-day management of staff, with a focus on profit margins being an ever-present concern.
“As such, we believe that the relationships we have with our clients enables us to create opportunities for strategic growth which they may not otherwise be aware of.
“Our work with Connor is an excellent example of how firms like ours can offer personalised services above and beyond those of larger firms in our sector.”
Haines Watts’s Bristol office is one of 60-plus operated by the Top 15 accountancy firm across the UK.
The firm supports more than 35,000 companies and business owners in industries spanning manufacturing, property, architecture, creative, food and drink and the third sector.
Pictured: Haines Watts associate director Conor O’Sullivan, left, with Connor Gordon of Avon Marble
