Growth Voucher puts vehicle repair firm in the driving seat

A vehicle painting and bodywork repair firm is accelerating turnover growth, recruiting extra employees and entering fresh markets after securing support from Boost’s Growth Voucher scheme.

Chorley-based Cooper Car and Commercial expects to increase turnover from £178,000 to £260,000 in three years and has already increased its headcount from five to 10 members of staff after a major revamp of its website.

In addition, the family-run business has doubled its capacity after acquiring a second garage near its main premises which means it can operate two spray booths instead of one.

Founded 30 years ago, Cooper Car and Commercial specialises in horsebox, commercial vehicle, and car bodywork painting and repairs. The business is also driving growth by winning customers from a wider geographical area, while breaking into new markets by building customer specification campervans.

Senior business adviser Debbie Chin met directors Lee and Zee Cooper and carried out a business support review which resulted in them receiving a Growth Voucher to redevelop and update the company website.

Boost is Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub and is led by the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) and Lancashire County Council, and supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the contribution made by the Growth Voucher is matched by the business.

Zee said: “We have had a very positive experience with the Growth Voucher process, from the help we received from Debbie right through to the many times we received assistance from Mandie and the team at Boost Lancashire.

“The development of the website has been of tremendous help. In only a few months we have had many enquiries via the website for work that involves spraying fleet vehicles. We are extremely busy and looking to recruit even more staff.”

Debbie said: “Lee and Zee’s strategy is to target large businesses that operate fleets of vehicles. In order to achieve this, it is imperative for Cooper Car and Commercial to portray professionalism through its website as this is usually the first impression potential customers will have.

“Lee and Zee were great to work with because they are driven and ambitious, with an eye for opportunity. I have every confidence that they will realise their exciting ambitions to grow the business quickly.”