Bootle-based Blakes Workspace Solutions Ltd is growing its business with support from InvestSefton.

Winning new work and creating local jobs

With support from InvestSefton’s business advisers, the company has improved its skills in bidding for contracts, helping it win new work and create local jobs.

Managing Director started Blakes Workspace Solutions from a bedroom in his sister's house. Today, the business employs 13 people in Bootle and supplies office furniture to customers across the Liverpool City Region and beyond.

As the business grew, it wanted to apply for larger contracts in both the public and private sectors. To help with this, InvestSefton provided specialist support through its Tendering and Bid Writing service.

Working with an InvestSefton adviser

Working with an InvestSefton adviser, the company received help to:

• Find suitable contract opportunities
• Understand how bidding systems work
• Review tender documents
• Prepare strong applications, including a bid for Star Academies

The support is part of InvestSefton's work to help local businesses grow, win new contracts and create jobs in Sefton.

Hard work, determination and the right support

Councillor Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said: "It was wonderful to visit Blakes Workspace Solutions and hear about how the business has grown. Mike's story shows what can be achieved through a combination of hard work, determination and the right support.

"Starting a business from a bedroom and growing it into a company that employs 13 people is a fantastic achievement. I am pleased that InvestSefton has been able to help the business build its skills and confidence so it can go after new opportunities and continue to grow.”

"Businesses like Blakes play an important role in Sefton's economy. They create jobs, support local communities and help make our borough a great place to do business."

Simple ambition

Mike Byrne, Managing Director of Blakes Workspace Solutions Ltd, said:
"We started the business from my sister's bedroom with a simple ambition to build something successful. To now employ 13 people in Bootle and be working with clients across a range of sectors is something we are incredibly proud of.

"As we looked to grow further, winning larger contracts became increasingly important. The support from InvestSefton has helped us better understand procurement and tendering processes, identify suitable opportunities and approach bids in a much more structured way.

"The support has given us greater confidence to pursue new opportunities and compete for larger contracts. We look forward to building on this progress, growing the business further and creating additional employment opportunities in Sefton."

Future plans and opportunities

Last week’s visit gave Councillor Lappin and Stuart Barnes, Director of Economic Growth and Housing, the chance to meet Mike Byrne, Rachel Walker and the wider Blakes team. They talked about the company's future plans and the opportunities and challenges facing small businesses.

During the visit, the company also learned it had successfully won a contract with a major transport operator, giving a further boost to its growth plans.

InvestSefton

InvestSefton is Sefton Council's business support and inward investment service.

It offers free advice, information and access to a wide range of support services for businesses of all sizes and sectors.

To find out more, visit www.investsefton.com, call 0151 934 3452 or email investsefton@sefton.gov.uk.