HEC Showman
17 March 2025
Sector: Manufacturing
Location: Ashfield
Ashfield Accelerator is a business support project designed to help established businesses based in the District of Ashfield find practical solutions to improve commercial operations leading to sustainable growth. This is being funded by Ashfield District Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber.
HEC Showman is based in Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire.
With a history that stems back to 1989, the business manufactures medical furniture for the healthcare industry. It currently employs 27 people.
Challenges faced
Production capacity was the main challenge for HEC Showman as it began to struggle to complete orders because it couldn’t get the goods powder-coated fast enough to meet demand. On top of this were rising energy costs, the cost-of-living crisis and outdated technology which were all impacting HEC Showman’s growth potential.
Solutions
Ashley Hopkinson, Managing Director at HEC Showman, was enrolled onto the Accelerator Project and was provided with one-on-one support by Chamber Business Adviser, David Smith.
- David arranged for a full diagnostic review looking at the business and its future goals. David also recommended alternative solutions and signposted the business to other available support opportunities.
- As a key challenge was energy costs, David also arranged for a premises energy audit to be carried out, funded by the Accelerator project. Consultant Sophie Wragg, of Be Your Best Version, then provided a detailed report with recommendations on where and how the business could save on costs and energy usage.
- In addition to the above, Ashley also heard about the Ashfield Enterprise Grant from David and was invited to attend a free workshop on ‘how to make a successful grant application’. With support from the Chamber, Ashley successfully put forward a grant application and was awarded £30,000 to invest in updating its machinery.
Outcome
This grant was used towards a new extended track for hanging goods waiting to be painted as well as two new application booths: one for reclaiming the white powder and the other as spray to waste for the colours.
Having updated machinery has allowed the business to streamline its processes, making it more energy and time efficient: in fact, saving the equivalent of 2.5 days a week!
The new powder booths feature new, more energy efficient motors, plus LED lighting throughout the factory and improved operation practices have reduced the gas usage. The longer track has also given more capacity and product cooling time allowing them to be more time efficient in the day and improve capacity rather than working weekends or overtime. This has also improved their work/ life balance.
The new machinery has also allowed the business to do at least 50% more work through its paint shop. This means stock is available enabling it to offer shorter lead times to customers.
There has also been a positive impact to the exiting workforce by creating two new jobs and safeguarding a number of others.
“The support from David Smith through the application process has been exceptional.
He has been thorough, supportive and knowledgeable and I know we wouldn’t have seen the process through without him.”
- Ashley Hopkinson, Managing Director
This initiative is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of Ashfield District Council.
