The managing director of one of the largest engineering employers in the West Midlands  has thanked the Think Sandwell team for our role in helping her company secure thousands of pounds of grant funding to expand its operations.

Phoenix Calibration and Services Limited is the UK’s most diverse materials testing specialist, offering end to end project service, from bespoke design, manufacture and installation of machines and control systems to ongoing support, refurbishment and repurposing or existing equipment. The business was established in 2003 and supports a wide range of customers, including small firms, universities and blue chip pharmaceuticals.

The funding enabled the company to set up a brand new materials testing laboratory next door to their current Brierley Hill factory. This means they can now offer testing at higher temperatures, higher speeds and in harsh atmospheres. This is essential for the newest high tech materials being developed for the aerospace sector.

“Without the RGF grant funding, Phoenix would not have been able to take advantage of a unique market opportunity,” said managing director Vicki Wilkes. “Developing and installing our own in-house testing facility has enhanced our market position as specialists in materials testing technology.”

Established in 2010, the Regional Growth Fund is a government-led initiative which supports eligible projects and programmes in raising private-sector investment to create economic growth and lasting employment. The Think Sandwell team has extensive experience in helping local businesses access this funding and, as with Phoenix Calibration, has enabled dozens of local companies develop their operations.

“The grant support was invaluable in allowing us to collaborate on high end research and development projects for new materials and products,” said Vicki. “The new lab means we can offer ongoing development of testing techniques to suit our customers’ requirements, and adds extra capacity for subcontracting overflow and bespoke work.”

Thanks to the RGF grant, Phoenix faces a healthy future offering its services across a whole range of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, nuclear, pharmaceutical and higher education.

Congratulations to Phoenix Calibration and Services Limited. Take a look at our Business Services pages to see how Think Sandwell could help with your business development plans.