Carnroe Supplies Ltd
Project Summary
Hugh O’ Boyle, founder and Director of Carnroe Supplies Ltd, Kilrea, Co L/Derry wanted to enhance his company’s operational capability and provide a platform on which the business could achieve growth. Funding was sought under the NI Rural Development Programme via The Rural Business Investment Scheme towards the construction of an extension to his existing business premises.
Project Information
Carnroe Supplies was established in 1998 by Mr O’Boyle. It is now a leading supplier of corporate, workwear and sportwear, signage, PPE protection and general workplace supplies to businesses across Northern Ireland and beyond servicing the hospitality, beauty, healthcare, construction, warehousing, farming, motor trade, sports and security industries, as well as various divisions within the public sector. Today the company employs a team of 23 customer service and operational staff.
Improving the company’s ability to compete in the marketplace and achieve further growth was a key consideration for the business. This however was being curtailed due to a lack or workspace, as well as appropriate design space, ancillary staff facilities and having a suitable loading bay.
Activities
The company was awarded £90,000 towards the construction of an extension to their existing business premises. The extension includes a new workshop to cater for increased machinery, as well as improved staff facilities including a new canteen and toilets. The facility also contains a new indoor vehicle loading bay capable of housing commercial vans and LGV’s, which will be used for provision of a livery service.
Benefits
Having now completed the project, the company now operates from an expanded facility which has enhanced the company’s operational capability and provides a platform on which the business can achieve growth. Additionally, with the indoor loading bay goods are no longer susceptible to weather conditions affecting the overall quality of their current products. As a result of this investment four jobs have been created within the company including two sales and marketing positions and two operative roles.
Lessons
‘It can be difficult for small rural businesses to cash flow large scale capital investment. The contribution from the Rural Development Programme can help to bridge that gap’ states Mr O’Boyle. He also advises ‘one crucial element to the success of this project was ‘the help and guidance provided by the LAG’s staff prior to applying and I would implore local businesses to enquire about the scheme.
