Armour Engineering – Star Quality

Icon Red diamond

Armour Engineering – Grant of £4,258 for new machinery and equipment and advice and support.

Star Quality Repair
When Obi-Wan Kenobi dropped by the Armour Engineering Suffolk workshop, needing repairs to his vehicle, New Anglia Growth Hub clients Jo and Paul Willis, were delighted to help.
Ewan McGregor, international star of the Star Wars, Trainspotting and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen films, is passionate about vintage bikes and his classic Sunbeam motorcycle needed some work.   Having completed the repairs, owners, Jo and Paul gave the award-winning actor some welding training, before sending him on his way.
Skills

Armour Engineering is a family-run specialist metal work engineering business, which also counts the Royal Household at Bagshot, amongst its customers.

Jo and Paul, who took over the 45 year old firm a decade ago, repair and create high quality products.  “We do everything,” said Jo (pictured), “from antique repairs including swords, benches and cannons; to structural steel for new builds and extensions; lawn mower and tractor repairs and ornate gates.”

Grant Funding
However, the company was still using the firm’s original 70 year old laith and a 50 year old forge.  So, there was an urgent need for new machinery and equipment to make the business more efficient and environmentally-friendly.  The New Anglia Growth Hub were happy to help Jo and Paul secure grant funding for the equipment they required.
This has reduced the time spent on each job, saved costs, increased safety and been kinder to the environment.
William Millar, the New Anglia Growth Hub Business Adviser said, “When we met with Jo and Paul, it was clear that new equipment would help the business be more efficient and secure more orders.  It was a pleasure to be able to help them access the grant of more than £4,200 to buy a new lathe, forge and welding turntable and it is great to see that the business is growing as a result.”
Outstanding Impact
Jo would recommend any business talking to the Growth Hub.  “They’ve had an outstanding impact on the company.  They’re full of ideas, full of resources and very helpful.  If it hadn’t been for the Growth Hub, we wouldn’t have got the grant and wouldn’t be in the position we’re in now.”
In 2020, they aim to secure new contracts to create ornate, hand-forged gates, modifications for lorries and horseboxes and, of course, specialist repairs for international movie stars.    May the force be with them.
Watch a video 
Get in touch

Do get in touch to find out how the New Anglia Growth Hub could help you.  Call 0300 333 6536 or email g[email protected]

The impact

Not found what you were looking for?

We'll send you a monthly update including all our latest news, forthcoming events and business advice.

Skip to content