The forward-thinking business moved a short distance across Pegasus Court in Tachbrook Park, Warwick, to a larger, modern premises after receiving funding support from Coventry City Council after getting in contact with Denise Osborne, Business Development Advisor on their Business Support Programme.
Utility Stream received a £12,500 grant from the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme, which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by Coventry City Council who work with the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub to provide support and advice to firms throughout the area.
The investment has led to the business creating modern offices, a communal area and a state-of-the-art boardroom as part of its growth plans and has created seven new jobs – with more on the way.
Utility Stream, which is co-owned by directors Mark Edwards and Naveed Qayyum, also invested in additional desks, chairs and computers to ensure the business operates efficiently as well as having the best infrastructure and working environment for its employees.
Mark said the move had led to winning new contracts as well as creating the platform for further expansion.
He said: “We had put our growth plans on hold because of the pandemic but the re-location to new offices is very much the start of our expansion. We currently have 20 employees and we hope to continue to recruit over the coming years.
“We now have room to expand and we have the ambition to continue to grow the business and in terms of recruitment, we held an open day where 15 candidates came along to meet the team and find out more about our services.
“As well as hiring experienced staff, we have realised the need to invest in apprentices and we work with Warwickshire College Group in Leamington.”
Naveed added: “Our facilities are already helping us win more clients. We recently hosted a client who travelled from Norfolk and our boardroom really helped us fully outline our proposition and secure the business.
“We help small, medium and large businesses simplify their business energy which has been really crucial in recent months with energy bills rising and we work across the UK including closer to home with Stratford Town Football Club.
“We’re set-up for success and further expansion and we appreciate the funding given to us because Denise was very helpful in guiding us through the application process.
“It is great that the Growth Hub is key advocates for the business community and we value their on-going support. It’s the start of an exciting time and we want to continue to work with local businesses as well as clients across the UK.”
Adam Plumb, Account Manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, said this was an exciting time for Utility Stream.
“The move has led to a new chapter in Utility Stream’s five-year history because they have accelerated their growth and created additional roles,” he said.
“The Growth Hub provides one-to-one advice and support to businesses throughout the region as well as help in accessing grant funding, providing leadership and training for employees and an opportunity to take part in workshops.”
Denise Osborne, Business Development Advisor at Coventry City Council, said: “It is wonderful to see how this business has been growing and creating lots of jobs and this is an example of the key benefits of the business support programme.
“In simple terms the funding help that was made available to Utility Stream has helped accelerate their growth and create additional roles.”
Pictured: From the left, Adam Plumb (Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub), Denise Osborne (Coventry City Council), Naveed Qayyum (Utility Stream) and Mark Edwards (Utility Stream)
