MES Systems lands five-figure investment on 35th anniversary

Warwickshire fire and security systems provider MES Systems is set to unlock further growth during its 35th anniversary year following a major investment.

MES Systems, which is based on Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate in Nuneaton, has secured two grants worth more than £11,000 from the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme, which is part funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The first grant of £9,274 has helped to part-fund an overall investment of £46,370 in purchasing and branding two new vans to support them with landing new business to build on the company’s £1.5 million annual turnover.

Laura Delahunty from the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub helped MES Systems’ Managing Director Richard Morgan apply for the grant by introducing him to Coventry City Council Business Development Advisor Kierandeep Bal.

The business has also recently promoted an apprentice and created two new roles – a service co-ordinator and a service engineer – to meet increasing demand, thanks to ongoing recruitment support from Richard Hales from CW Employment Solutions, as well as the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub.

MES Systems is also being supported by Vicki Haslam and the business skills support team from Warwickshire County Council’s Skills Hub in its ongoing efforts to reskill its workforce alongside recruiting the next generation of workers.

This included accessing the Future Careers Film Project to create a ‘showcase’ video that has allowed the firm to further explain its services and career opportunities to schools, colleges and local people. The Skills Hub is also supporting MES Systems to host an open event to support in recruiting a pipeline of new apprenticeship talent for upcoming technical roles that will take place this summer.

A second grant of £1,896 was also given to MES Systems to help part-fund major works to the firm’s existing premises after the business approached CW Growth Hub and Coventry City Council for further support – this included new windows to improve energy efficiency and the installation of air conditioning.

The investment and recruitment comes as the family firm looks to expand the 7,000 business and residential clients it has built up ever since Richard’s father, Andy Morgan, formed the business in Nuneaton in 1988, which designs, installs and maintains a variety of security and fire systems.

The business has seen steady growth over the past five years, backed by strong demand from public schools for ongoing fire and security maintenance.

Richard, who employs 19 staff, said: “Having the two new vans has been crucial in enabling us to recruit for an additional service engineer, whilst also being able to bring through the workforce’s next generation by promoting an existing apprentice - both of whom will be using the new vans to fulfil rising demand.

“We are seeing steady growth across our main three areas, which include installation and maintenance of security systems, as well as our trade counter where we sell products directly to tradespeople – but the biggest growth area for us has been around fire safety due to the stringent regulations that businesses need to abide by.

“We have built up a loyal client base in the Midlands over the years - particularly with schools - but having an additional two vans will help to propel us to a new level of growth so that we can now start taking on more orders more quickly – whether that is with public sector organisations, businesses or from residential customers.

“Our overarching ambition is to be the Midlands’ leading fire and security business, and we are currently exploring ways in which we can steadily expand into additional premises to cater for more resource.

“The help and support that we have received from Laura, Richard and Kierandeep in giving us the knowledge and tools to be able to take that next step has been invaluable.”

Laura Delahunty, Account Manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, has also assisted MES Systems by providing online marketing advice for the business – such as utilising blog posts on social media – as well as securing additional funding for more staff to receive training on operating equipment and fire alarm standards.

Laura added: “MES Systems’ local ethos has enabled them to develop their customer service and build a loyal following over the years, and it is great to see them thriving amid a tough economic backdrop.

“Much of the company’s growth has previously come via traditional avenues, and now they are in a position where they can explore new routes to market – and meet demand more quickly – to continue to expand the business.”

Kierandeep Bal, Business Development Advisor at Coventry City Council, added: “MES Systems is a fantastic example of how businesses can utilise grants to help them grow in the long-term without harming their cash flow – something that is pertinent now more than ever due to rising costs.

“Many business leaders may not be aware of what grants they are eligible for, which is why it is important for them to reach out to organisations such as the Growth Hub to give tailored advice, and sign post them to other partners such as Coventry City Council who can provide added support.”

Vicki Haslam, Senior Business Skills Advisor at the Warwickshire Skills Hub, commented: “MES Systems has shown a commitment to developing its workforce and continually investing in knowledge and skills. This creates fantastic employment opportunities for the county’s residents and will ensure MES Systems evolves as a business, keeping up with technology. The Skills Hub has been happy to support their journey.”

The Growth Hub is supported by funders including Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire’s District and Borough Councils.