Significant investment for fencing start-up thanks to support from Business Wales.
Integrated Fencing launched in 2020 in Abercynon to provide bespoke security fencing products to private, commercial and public sector organisations throughout the UK. Directors Scott, Hywel and Richard got in touch with the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service to seek start-up advice as well as help to source the necessary start-up funding.
- Relationship Management support with business planning, company set-up and financial management
- help to obtain finance via the Development Bank of Wales, the Start-Up Loans Company and UK Steel
- a £150,000 investment secured
- launched successfully
Introduction to business
With over 50 years’ combined experience within the security fencing industry, Scott Thomas, Hywel Davies and Richard Salmon founded Integrated Fencing in February 2020. The business offers a comprehensive range of fencing, gate and street furniture solutions including bespoke gates, securing fencing, fence extensions, acoustic fencing and automatic gates, amongst others.
Why did you decide to set up your own business?
I had worked for a company for several years, where I had gone as far as I could. So, I decided that the next step to further myself was to start a business with some of my colleagues.
What challenges did you face?
The biggest hurdle to cross was having the working capital to start the business and purchase materials for the first few projects.
Business Wales support
The Perimeter team got in touch with Business Wales to seek assistance to start their new fencing business.
Relationship Manager Brian Roberts helped them with setting up the company, their business plan and finding suitable premises.
He explored and advised on the best avenues to source finance and established successful relationships with a number of lenders, resulting in a £150,000 investment.
Outcomes
- Relationship Management support with business planning, company set-up and financial management
- help to obtain finance via the Development Bank of Wales, the Start-Up Loans Company and UK Steel
- a £150,000 investment secured
- launched successfully
After our initial meeting to get an understanding of the business, Brian put us in touch with the Development Bank of Wales, the Start-Up Loans Company and attended several meetings with UK Steel with me to help us get financial assistance.
He was always available and willing to give helpful advice and was a big part in securing the funds we needed. Brian also helped us find our office space in Navigation Park, which suits our needs and is cost-effective.
Future plans and ambitions
Our plans are to continue to grow Integrated Fencing. We will want to be able to employ additional staff to support that growth.
If you want to read more success stories of how Business Wales has helped other people like you to start or grow their businesses, visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/case-studies or follow @_businesswales / @_busnescymru on Twitter.