Boost for international plans

Shropshire manufacturer Motiv Trailers is set to accelerate its international expansion plans following a cash injection from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF).

The investment, made by BCRS Business Loans, the appointed Fund Manager for the MEIF West Midlands Small Business Loans Fund, is to help the 30-year-old family-owned firm bolster its export capacity, as it looks to increase its presence in both European and US markets.

Pivotal to Motiv’s expansion plans is a new business strategy that will see the firm step-up its internal manufacturing – expanding its own range of trailers and unlocking profit margins currently restricted by selling other brands.

Speaking on the change in strategy, Tim Hughes, managing director, Motiv Trailers Limited, said: “Our aspiration was to grow the business both domestically and internationally; however, to do so, we needed to invest heavily in our own manufacturing capability. Securing the loan from BCRS Business Loans, through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund, was crucial in making this happen.”

Underpinned by the MEIF finance and export drive, there has been a period of recruitment for Motiv Trailers – with new additions welcomed to help the existing team meet an increased number of commercial contracts.

Tim Hughes added: “As it stands, our order books are rapidly filling. Since receiving the loan, we have employed two people and still plan to employ another person before the end of the year. The whole process was very straightforward and BCRS Business Loans was helpful throughout the application process. I would recommend them to any business in the West Midlands currently unable to secure finance from traditional lenders.”

Wesley Lovett, senior business development manager, BCRS Business Loans, said: "We are delighted to have been able to support Motiv Trailers, who demonstrated an excellent vision for the company; centred on increased production of its own manufactured trailers. Not only is Motiv a brilliant company providing employment to local people, but it is also flying the ‘Made in Britain’ flag to countries across the globe."

Gill Hamer, Director, Marches LEP said: "It's great to see the finance now flowing from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund into the Marches, with this first loan made via BCRS Business Loans.

"We know that a lack of access to finance has been an issue for businesses with growth ambitions, and we're delighted this investment will support Motiv Trailers' new export drive as well as create new jobs. We'd urge other businesses across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin to investigate what this £250m fund can do to help them grow and become more productive."

The Midlands Engine Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

Pictured: Simon Cunnington (British Business Bank), Wesley Lovett (BCRS), and Tim Hughes (Motiv Trailers)