Learn how a local company expanded overseas with our help.
A Solihull-based manufacturer specialising in innovative mobility aids is going from strength to strength after Mayor Richard Parker backed the company as part of his wider plans to fire up the regional economy.
The Active Hands Company was founded by Rob Smith, after a life-changing spinal cord injury while on holiday left him partially paralysed in all four limbs. Unable to use his hands for many everyday tasks, Rob and his mum, Marion, developed a gripping aid to help him get back into the gym as part of his rehabilitation.
The homemade solution they built at their kitchen table turned into a fast-growing business that now employs eight staff with an annual turnover of more than £700,000. Around 80 per cent of sales are exports to 60 countries including the US and Australia, and there are ambitious plans to expand this international reach even more over the next few years.
Funding and expert advice from Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM), together with export support from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), means Rob has been able to keep up with booming demand.
The BGWM support has enabled him to invest in a specialist sewing machine and a 3D printer to boost production and develop five new products. He has also been able to grow exports to the US by securing FDA quality and safety accreditation.
"The new machinery has changed the way we do things and that’s made a real difference to the productivity of the business.” explains Rob. “We’re developing new products and making more of them here in Solihull. That means we’re looking to increase the hours of the team and grow our workforce.”
DBT have offered us so much support, both through priceless advice and funding support. We’ve had assistance with reaching new customers directly through our digital sales, and support attending trade shows abroad to acquire new resellers.”
And most importantly, the products designed and manufactured by his company are helping thousands more people with reduced hand function live more independently.
Business Growth West Midlands and DBT support has helped us as we look to keep growing with a pipeline of new products and new markets overseas."
Rob Smith, founder and CEO of Active Hands
Last updated: