A Lancashire based smart card specialist is set to create up to 6 jobs and safeguard 3 more after receiving free local business support.
Universal Smart Cards Limited create all kinds of technology cards, including ID cards, loyalty cards and cards used to access properties.
Universal have moved from their current base in Rossendale to a new property in the Rising Bridge Business and Enterprise Village, Accrington. The company outgrew its office after investing in e-commerce and marketing activity, the primary aim of the move being to recruit a new sales team. The new premises is 3,465 square feet in size, which is six times bigger than their old site.
Universal received a £55,000 grant from Regenerate Pennine Lancashire for the move, which is supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund. The grant will also contribute towards a high specification, cloud based IT and Telecommunications infrastructure at the new property.
As part of its growth, Universal is also investing in the development of its staff. Director of sales and marketing, Deyrick Allen, is currently receiving business coaching from GrowthAccelerator (now part of the Business Growth Service) which has a close relationship to Boost Business Lancashire.
Universal also accessed free Growth Mentoring Skills Assist training on how to empower teams to increase sales through Boost, provided by Community and Business Partners.
Deyrick Allen said:
“The move will give Universal the scope to facilitate both short term and ongoing growth within Lancashire, enabling us to make full use of e-commerce and online sales support. It was important to move fast with the project and, without the grant from Regenerate, it would have taken a lot longer to reach this point. The move will initially create up to 6 jobs, but it’s possible more will be created as our business grows.”
“The support from Boost will ensure we have the right skills in place to achieve further growth now that we have the right infrastructure in place.”
