A Cannock-based printing business has doubled their production and reduced running costs, after becoming the first business to benefit from a new Staffordshire County Council business loan programme.
Kazoo Printing Solutions secured a £100,000 interest-free loan through the Scale Up Staffordshire initiative, offered through the Staffordshire Business and Environment Network (SBEN).
This investment funded a new UV LED hybrid printer, which has since doubled Kazoo’s printing output, while reducing running costs. This has enabled the business to print on a wider range of materials, including environmentally friendly substrates.
The investment has also helped the business win new contracts and take on larger orders that it previously would have been unable to accommodate. As a result of the increased workload, the business is currently recruiting for a full-time position, with the creation of a second additional job likely to follow.
Scale Up Staffordshire is designed to support ambitious small and medium-sized businesses across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, with interest-free loans of up to £100,000 available to help businesses boost productivity, efficiency and growth.
Simon Talbot, Director of Kazoo PSG Ltd, said:
"The quality of service we can offer to our clients will improve and production times will shorten, allowing Kazoo to win new business and increase turnover.
"We have quickly become a main player in our market. Previously, we have been turning large jobs away due to timelines, but this investment now opens these doors. The second day after the install, a new account was won."
Simon said that the support has significantly accelerated his business growth plans and, without the loan, it would have taken another year to save for the printer.
Kazoo also praised the application process and support available through the Scale Up Staffordshire programme.
Simon said:
"The process was very smooth and there were no issues at all. The initial loan process call and advice along the way made it stress free.
"The help and guidance were great. This was our first time applying for a loan like this, so it really helped."
The Scale Up Staffordshire Loan Programme is available to eligible Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent businesses that have been trading for at least three years and are looking to invest in capital projects that will support business growth and efficiency.
Loans cover up to 80 per cent of project costs, with businesses contributing the remaining 20 per cent.
Martin Murray, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said:
"Kazoo's success shows exactly what the Scale Up Staffordshire Loan Programme is designed to achieve – helping ambitious businesses invest in the equipment and technology they need to grow.
"By doubling its production, reducing running costs, winning new contracts and looking at creating two new jobs, Kazoo is already seeing the benefits of its investment.
"We want to help more Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent businesses unlock their potential, improve productivity and create new opportunities for growth. I hope other eligible businesses will be inspired by Simon's experience and find out how the programme could support their own plans."
The programme forms part of Staffordshire’s wider commitment to business investment and growth, complementing the work of Invest Staffordshire, the county’s investment agency.
Invest Staffordshire works with businesses looking to invest, expand or relocate, connecting them with sites, skills, support and strategic partners.
To find out more about business eligibility or apply for a loan, visit the Staffordshire Business and Enterprise Network (SBEN) website.
