Supporting investment and growth

A custom supplier of granite and quartz worktops is targeting a turnover milestone after acquiring cutting-edge new equipment.

Bristol-based Avon Marble recently purchased specialist laser templating and digital file transfer machinery thanks to almost £28,000 of grant funding through the West of England Combined Authority.

The company, established in St Philips Marsh more than 30 years ago, is now aiming to increase turnover to more than £2m in the next two years.

The grant application was under the advice of SME accounting specialist Haines Watts, who have acted on Avon Marble’s behalf for more than 15 years.

Connor Gordon took over management of Avon Marble three years ago, with the company originally founded by his father Trevor in 1992.

“We’re only a small business so we don’t have a financial director,” he said. “So we rely on our relationships with our accountant to provide added services, advice and support above the routine work such as bookkeeping and tax returns.

“We were looking to grow but needed funding support to enable us to take things to the next level, so this grant funding is a necessary boost for us.

“Fortunately we have an excellent relationship with Haines Watts, based on trust and an understanding that they will offer advice to help us achieve our business goals.

“I’m grateful for their help in supporting us through this funding application and the machinery we have acquired will be a massive factor in our continued growth.”

Avon Marble have purchased two pieces of technology to fund their growth: firstly a laser template device which enables highly accurate measurements of the worktops; secondly a computer numerical control (CNC) machine which automates the control, movement and precision of machine tools used for cutting the materials.

The company currently supplies worktops to between 40 and 50 kitchens in the city each month, as well as granite and other stonework for bathrooms and fireplaces.

Mr Gordon said he hopes to take on an apprentice over coming months to be trained in using the new equipment, as well as upskilling current staff. In all, the technology will help drive operational efficiency, savings through reduced wastage and environmental benefits due to less transport miles and fuel costs.

Conor O’Sullivan is an Associate Director at the Bristol office of Haines Watts and has supported Avon Marble for the past two years. He was personally on hand to support Mr Gordon through the process of applying for the Business Enterprise Grant at the end of last year.

“We’re proud to be working with Connor and his team and are pleased to be able to provide strategic advice as well as practical support,” he said.

“Many owners of small companies are understandably focused on operational delivery and the day-to-day management of staff, with a focus on profit margins being an ever-present concern. As such we believe that the relationships we have with our clients enables us to create opportunities for strategic growth which they may not otherwise be aware of.

“Our work with Connor is an excellent example of how firms like ours can offer personalised services above and beyond those of larger firms in our sector.”