Basingstoke: B&P Graphic helped by lifeline fund

Basingstoke-based B&P Graphic Supplies has helped secure its own future by being the first company to receive financial support from the new 3en Lifeline fund which was recently set up to help struggling businesses through the recession.

The company has secured a loan that is part of a broader growth-financing package - in support of expansion of the business - and up to 12 local jobs will be protected as a direct result of this innovative collaboration.

Set up by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council at the end of last year, the Lifeline fund, the only loan fund of its kind, was formed to help early stage high-tech businesses needing access to working capital when support was not fully available through conventional sources.

Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Andrew Finney commented: “We are delighted to see that 3en’s Lifeline fund has helped its first borough business, less than three months after it was formed. Working capital is important to all businesses, and this extra support will create the right environment for B&P to grow.

“The council is determined to support the real advantage the area offers in terms of skill base and cost of operation by offering access to otherwise unavailable risk capital - in turn supporting job creation and helping to protect the local economy.”

B&P Graphics is an innovative supplier of advanced printing consumables – and related capital equipment - principally within the graphic display, signwriting and exhibition arenas – and specifically within large format printing systems.

The business specialises in vinyl, card-composite and rigid materials, and specialist display components.

The driving force behind B&P is managing director Andrew Wilson, assisted by commercial director Lorraine Whitburn. The firm's ability to demonstrate sustained growth has attracted support from the Lifeline Fund, and based upon confirmed orders, growth in sales and profitability will increase during 2010.

Wilson commented: “The impetus to launch the business within an increasingly demanding printing graphics market was the opportunity to offer an outstanding level of customer service. This has been a difficult feat to achieve both technically and operationally. We have spent the last 18 months refining our service to ensure we offer excellence in technology, products, and client satisfaction.”