Four Southport businesses which have benefitted from support and assistance from Invest Sefton were recently visited by a Sefton councillor.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, met with representatives from Radwraps, Gauges NW LTD, 4040 Media LTD and Tappers, learning more about how each business operates and how they have benefited from working with Invest Sefton.

Radwraps, which specialises in converting radiators into decorative features, was the winner of the Merseyside Innovation Award in March 2014 and initially secured licensing deals with Liverpool FC and Manchester United.  The Birkdale based business now focuses on working with Care Homes and schools.

Cllr Atkinson then visited the new premises of Gauges NW LTD, who had received a Regional Growth Fund Grant to help them move premises and continue their growth.

Gauges NW LTD are pressure testing experts who work nationally for NHS Trusts but have also developed a gauge for testing flying suits for the MOD.

Matt Byrom, Managing Director at 4040 Media LTD, was on hand to meet with Cllr Atkinson and discuss his work with clients based in Europe and the USA. Matt has also presented at several specialist Export Events and engages with the Governments UKTI service for Export support.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Skills, said:

“The site visits to these businesses proved to me how important it is for the council to continue supporting businesses in whatever way it can.

“Invest Sefton has shown great expertise in supporting these businesses leading to increased growth and new job creation. I urge any Sefton business seeking to grow to get in touch with the team.”

John Maddocks, Director at Radwraps, said:

“Not only were the advice and the introductions to various companies and support agencies useful, but the ability to discuss business ideas and changes with someone who understands a small business was invaluable.”

Finally, Cllr Atkinson visited Tappers, who have been supported by Invest Sefton since it started up six years ago. Continued support and guidance has helped the now well established business purchase the freehold to its premises, protecting future operations and allowing Tappers to commence work on a new venture in Formby.

Catherine Tapper, Director at Tappers, said:

“When I was setting up Tapper’s Cafe and Wine Bar six years ago the support of InvestSefton was invaluable. I have continued to draw upon their help, advice and information to develop and expand along the way – including with a recent, successful commercial-mortgage application.”

For more information on Invest Sefton, visit investsefton.com