Design company Superior Creative has invested £2m in a purpose-built design studio and in increasing its litho, digital and inkjet printing capacity – the latest move at the firm supported by Barclays.
The bank has backed Melksham-based Superior since it was acquired in a management buy-out and re-launched in 2005.
A team of finance experts at Barclays not only guided the firm through the crucial takeover but it has since continued to support Superior through numerous investment and expansion projects which has allowed the company to achieve strong growth despite the harsh economic climate.
Since 2005 Superior has created jobs and landed lucrative contracts, taking its turnover from £8.5m to more than £15m. Staffing levels have increased by 30 per cent in the past two years alone and it now employs more than 130 people across its operation, including a team of 45 account handlers, designers and artwork specialists in its creative section.
Managing director Ian O’Connor has worked closely with Barclays relationship director in Bristol Philip Walker on all the acquisitions, fundraising exercises, disposals and strategic reviews since the management buy-outs. Ian says Philip has been invaluable to Superior.
“Barclays has helped us every step of the way with revised business models,” said Ian. “We have a longstanding and strong relationship with Barclays Corporate that they are prepared to lend funds to support Superior’s continued growth and expansion plans.”
Over the seven years, Barclays has helped Superior raise £5.5m for investment through mortgage and loans.
The firm is the sole supplier of printed marketing materials in the UK for leading beer and cider brewer Heineken and also provides a full range of marketing services from ‘blue-sky’ design concepts to point-of-sale and brand management for blue-chip clients such as John Lewis, Booker Wholesale, Noble Foods, Premier Retail Group and Molton Brown.
It also provides support for e-marketing campaigns and has litho and digital printing capacity for projects across all sizes and media. Superior’s storage warehouse has a bespoke packaging and delivery service and the company has introduced a dedicated in-house direct-mail facility for its clients.
Philip Walker said: “Our sector focus and thorough understanding of the industry and market has enabled us to structure banking solutions that fits well with Superior’s strategic plans. We’re proud to be Superior’s trusted banking partner and look forward to supporting the company’s future growth plans. This demonstrates our appetite for providing funding solutions to quality businesses in the region.”
