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CPI Systems Ltd

Ashfield Accelerator is a business support project designed to help established businesses based in 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.

About the business

Process Control & Instrumentation Ltd was set up in March 2005. The business was formed to provide a one-stop shop for the supply of electrical and automation products. This ranges from simple components through to fully bespoke control system design and builds which are approved for hazardous areas.

The business was re-branded as CPI Systems in 2008 and today has 7 employees with a base in Sutton in Ashfield. It is a ‘UL listed’ panel shop which means its products meet requirements for the US market.

Challenges faced:

Some of the key challenges for the business included:

  • High energy costs and a desire to make the premises run as efficiently as possible. An energy audit supported by the Accelerator project highlighted the business was an ideal candidate for solar panels due to its flat south facing roof. The audit also highlighted its single glazed upstairs windows were not energy efficient
  • To create new business relationships, CPI Systems recognised they would benefit by setting up a new website with an e-commerce web shop
  • Its reliance on external businesses to print labels for the components and systems which they develop has meant they haven’t had full control over quality and lead times
  • The business had identified opportunities to expand the UK market for on-site installation and commissioning. However, this opportunity couldn’t be achieved without further staff training
  • With the ever changing export regulations CPI Systems recognised the need for external support to maintain and grow its overseas markets.

Solution and impact:

The business has received funding and support from the Accelerator project. Managing Director, Steve Fletcher and Office Manager, Beth Whawell have worked with Chamber Business Adviser, David Smith on a one-to-one basis to grow the business. After attending the ‘Ashfield Business Grants – how to make a successful grant application’ event they applied for funding.

Steve commented:

“The meeting was extremely helpful, and I don’t think we could have applied for the funding without David’s support; he was absolutely brilliant.”

David added:

“Accelerator funded a premises energy audit for CPI Systems which has supported the application for grant funding.”

The business was successful with the grant application and the funding of £15,741 (50% of the total investment of £31,483) has helped it progress in a number of areas:

  • Energy efficiency improvements through new solar panels and replacing inefficient glazing
  • Improved its online presence with the development of an e-commerce web shop which has enabled the business to expand its current customer base
  • Purchased a thermal printer which allows them to print component label and name plates for systems they supply. Bringing this process in-house gives the business total control now on quality and lead times, as well as reducing costs
  • Training to up-skill its team to be able to complete the onsite installation and commissioning within hazardous environments across the UK. This represents a new market for the business
  • David has also introduced the business to export specialist, Andrea Collins to work with the team to develop its export markets further.

Support from Accelerator has had a huge impact on the business, from reduced costs to improved processes and business expansion.

The energy audit suggests that replacing its current windows with double glazing units will reduce energy loss from an average 1,269W to just 335 W (a reduction of 934W). It also identifies the implementation of solar panels alone will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 854kgC02e.

The growth plan is expected to create a new full-time workshop role in Quarter 1 - 2025 with the possibility of employing a new designer later in the year.

A word from the business:

“We couldn’t be more grateful for the help from David and the match funding we have received.”

Steve Fletcher, Managing Director