Programme:
Cumbria Accelerator: Business Support Programme
Business Advisor:
Ray McCreadie CBASS
MBN Puretech Ltd is a rural Cumbrian manufacturer and e-commerce retailer specialising in enzyme-based cleaning, odour-control and specialist hygiene products. Its products are sold under the EnzyActive and BioBreeze brands.
As the business continued to grow, Lisa Brightwell and the team faced a number of challenges. Manufacturing processes were becoming a bottleneck, making it harder to keep up with demand and limiting opportunities for further growth.
At the same time, the business needed support with a major capital grant application, as well as export and VAT issues relating to European sales through Amazon. Product labelling and compliance requirements added further complexity.
For Lisa, managing these challenges alongside the day-to-day running of the business was stressful and uncertain.
“The support gave us practical, specialist advice exactly when we needed it and helped us move forward during what could have become a major business issue.”
Lisa worked with Ray McCreadie from CBASS through the Cumbria Accelerator Programme.
Ray provided practical support throughout the grant application process, helping to critique and strengthen the submission while developing the wider business plan and financial case.
The support also extended beyond the funding application. Ray helped MBN Puretech identify opportunities to improve manufacturing productivity and introduced process improvement techniques that could help the business operate more efficiently as it grows.
Alongside this, Ray provided guidance around European VAT requirements, export compliance and product labelling – helping the business navigate issues connected with its Amazon sales.
The work helped Lisa and the team step back from the immediate challenges and look at the wider opportunities available to the business.
With proposed investment in manufacturing equipment, the business has identified opportunities to remove bottlenecks, improve efficiency and increase production capacity.
The support has also helped strengthen the company's approach to business planning and growth, giving the team greater visibility of the steps needed to scale successfully.
“Ray was professional, knowledgeable and responsive, and genuinely committed to helping us succeed.”
The biggest success has been the successful grant application, which will support investment in the business and its manufacturing capabilities.
The work has also helped MBN Puretech to:
For Lisa, having an experienced advisor available when challenges arose made a significant difference.
The support with the grant application and Amazon VAT issue were particular highlights, with Ray providing guidance at short notice when it was needed most.
Today, Lisa feels much more confident about the direction of MBN Puretech Ltd.
The business has a clearer understanding of its growth opportunities, a stronger plan for expansion and greater confidence in approaching future funding and export opportunities.
“We have a clearer understanding of our growth opportunities and greater confidence in approaching future funding and export opportunities.”
With investment in productivity and a clearer strategy for growth, MBN Puretech is now better positioned to build on its success and continue growing from its rural Cumbrian base.
“Ray went above and beyond to provide guidance at short notice and helped us move forward during what could have become a major business issue.”
Support for your next stage
Are you looking to strengthen your business’ commercial approach? Cumbria Accelerator provides tailored support to help you move forward with confidence.
Contact us today to start your journey.
