Press Release: Minerva helps Coachbuilt GB to get up and running

An innovative idea is set to change the face of the mobile home industry after help from a business support network.
Jeff Bull, from Baginton in Coventry, formed mobile home and caravan modification company - Coachbuilt GB - after many years working in the manufacture of caravans and motor homes at Avondale Caravans.
His new company, based on Avenue Road in Nuneaton, provides bespoke alterations to new and used touring caravans, motor homes and static caravans in order to assist those with disabilities or people who require alterations to the standard models of homes for professional or sporting purposes.
Bull identified a gap in the market for a modification service during his time with Avondale but initially struggled to convince caravan manufacturers to share his vision.
However, after approaching Tim Powell, senior executive for the Access to Finance programme at the University of Warwick Science Park, the business began to take shape.
The Science Park offers a number of business support services including Ignite, specifically designed to assist start-ups, and Minerva a business angel network that aims to help small and medium size businesses with high-growth potential access the support they need to fulfil their promise.
Bull said: “A small number of caravan and motor homes are available with standard set layouts for disabled people but I was highly critical of that concept as every disabled person is an individual with individual needs.
“I knew from my time in the industry it is difficult from a financial or a time point of view for manufacturers to produce bespoke models but I saw that as an opportunity to be exploited.
“At first the industry was not very receptive to the idea, but with the help of The University of Warwick Science Park I was able to prove the concept worked.
“Our challenge was all about changing the hearts and minds of people in the industry and without the support of Tim Powell we would have found it 100 times harder to get off the ground.”
The company has launched website www.coachbuiltgb.co.uk and is now receiving orders from as far afield as Scotland.
It has also gained accreditation from several major caravan manufacturers and has performed work ranging from introducing wheelchair access and altering the layout of washrooms to installing a garage at the rear of a mobile home.
Powell, who heads the Minerva Business Angel Network based at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Venture Centre in Coventry, said: “Jeff has come up with a concept and business proposition that we felt had potential to be commercially viable and importantly would employ local skilled people.
“We were able to source banking support, significant help from the West Midlands Manufacturing Advisory Service New Product Development Programme and obtain grant funding from the Advantage Proof of Concept fund to both develop the idea and launch the company.
“The example of Coachbuilt GB proves that if you have a good idea and the right support it is possible to achieve success.”
For more information on Ignite or Minerva contact Tim Powell at capital@uwsp.co.uk.
ENDS

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