About the business
Stevenswood, Scotland’s leading window manufacturer, saw its turnover rise by over 24% in 2016 and again in 2017. Takings for the year ending 31 October 2014 reached a record high – hitting £10.8 million. Ron Hepburn and Dave Flynn set up the two-man operation in 1997. In July 2018, the business – which now employs over 100 staff – opened a new factory as part of a £1.7 million investment.
“We now have significant room to expand,” says Ron. “Our order book is looking stronger than ever and we’re about to overhaul our shift pattern. Combined with our new machinery, that will let us increase productivity by 25% and take on 15 more shop floor staff. Already, with the help of Business Gateway, who sifted through hundreds of CVs, we’ve taken on four new people.”
Business Gateway suggested going for an RSA grant and appointed a consultant to help us apply for it. Securing that money gave us the breathing space needed to set expansion plans in motion.
How Business Gateway has helped
With help from Business Gateway, Stevenswood applied for a Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) grant and was awarded £220,000 to help create the new factory.
It also received £85,000 from the West Lothian Economic Growth Plan – funds that let the business buy equipment not included under the RSA grant.
Business Gateway support
One-to-one advice
Strategic advice
Routes to funding
Loan application help
What’s next?
Stevenswood has secured a licence to exclusively manufacture VEKA Imagine PVCu bifold doors and Smart Systems aluminium bifold and patio doors. The company also aims to increase its number of trade counters and has ordered three new lorries as part of its growth plans.
“There are still a lot of windows coming into Scotland, so there is plenty of market share for us to go for,” Ron adds. “We already have nearly 2,000 customers on our books, including installation companies, joiners, builders, self-builders, architects, councils and housing associations.”
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