A repair company is on track for a record year and hopes to hit turnover of almost £20 million after tapping into specialist support.
TMT First has used expert advice and guidance from the Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP) to put in place a major expansion strategy that will look to build on an operation that repairs more than 200,000 mobile phones, tablets, accessories and laptops for businesses and consumers every year.
This has seen it expand the firm from £9 million turnover in 2020 to its current level of £16 million, with the very real prospect of hitting £19.5 million by the end of the next financial year, almost doubling the workforce to 144 people at its base in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
At the heart of its success has been the introduction of its ‘Eco Repair’ service last year, which can now replace just the screen on the mobile phone without needing to also replace the aluminium frame and the battery.
Founder Adam Whitehouse said: “Environmental sustainability is integral to what we do, so, if we can keep technology alive for longer, that will help our sector cut emissions.
“For example, 83% of mobile phone CO2 emissions comes from the manufacture, shipping and first-year usage of them. Our Eco Repair means it is a lot to easier to repair and then have the model back with the customer without the need for a new one.”
TMT First received two rounds of support from the MGP, which has now come to an official end after funding from the European Regional Development Fund was phased out.
The support allowed the company to bring in expert consultants to look at internal processes and then, importantly, how to explore and convert multi-million-pound opportunities around prolonging the life of technology.
Adam, who trained as a pilot before starting TMT First, went on to said: “Without the financial support and guidance provided by Manufacturing Growth Programme, it would have been much more difficult for us get to where we are today, and some of the opportunities realised may never even have happened.
TMT First, which is a Samsung Authorised Repair Partner, is now urging local authorities in charge of UK Shared Prosperity Funds to make sure the tailored supported offered by MGP, which was the UK’s largest and leading business support programme for SME manufacturers, doesn’t go to waste.
Adam added: “Industry needs more than just general business advice and guidance. We need someone who understands our sector, what the challenges are and the sort of help that will really make a difference. We’d love to see the Manufacturing Growth Programme continue in North Staffordshire.”
Phillip Somers, Manufacturing Growth Manager, said: “It has been a real pleasure supporting TMT First over the past few years and seeing Adam’s commitment and passion for the company as it grows rapidly.
“It’s a perfect example of how targeted support can unlock potential, creating wealth and jobs for people in North Staffordshire.”
- Daily Focus has previously reported that the MGP helped Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent manufacturers create or safeguard 1,161 jobs from 2016.
