Capital grants up to £20k for Yorkshire businesses

Leeds firm’s expansion – thanks to grant

Involution, based in Leeds, supplies workwear, clothing and branded merchandise to business-to-business clients. Founded in 1999, the company grew steadily and in 2019 moved into a new commercial premises that were six times larger than the previous location. Involution sells to businesses throughout the UK and exports to the EU, US and Australia.

The new premises allowed the company to expand their in-house embroidery factory with new machinery, which also doubled their workforce. Embroidered and printed garments account for 45 per cent of the company’s sales, and in 2021, they identified an opportunity for further growth through the purchase of new equipment.

Innovation

Involution wanted to purchase a direct-to-garment digital printer and conveyor dryer in order to expand their product range. The new equipment would enable them to print more complex designs, which customers were asking for. Their bespoke online customer portal would allow customers to upload complex designs directly and see the garments in real-time on screen. This would also mean minimal input from the design and production team, leaving them more time to work on more complex projects. The new machinery would also allow them to produce samples in house, reducing cost and timescales.

PAPI support

Involution were awarded a PAPI grant of £18,514 to purchase the new machinery.

PAPI programme manager, Vicky Wren said “Involution have grown quickly and innovated to become a more competitive and sustainable company."

Since purchasing the machinery and launching the new products, Involution’s sales have increased by £144k, which is set to increase further during 2022. They have also reduced subcontracting costs as well as reducing waste by repurposing customers' redundant stock, as well as being able to offer prints without a minimum order amount, allowing customers to order exactly what they need. This in turn has further improved their reputation of fast turnaround times and a better quality print option for more complex designs. The company also created 3 new jobs within the business.

Operations Director, Nathan Cookson said “The PAPI grant has been a true support to Involution. It has allowed the business to grow further, enhance customer service and recruit local talent. We are excited to see what innovation 2022 brings for Involution.”

How PAPI can support you

PAPI encourages innovation with 40 per cent capital grants of up to £20k to support the creation of new products and services. PAPI can support SME businesses located in the York, North Yorkshire and the Leeds City Region. The project is now open for applications and businesses can quickly check their eligibility and apply on the website at papi.org.uk or by calling the PAPI team on 01904 32 8076.

The PAPI Project is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by the University of York, in partnership with The Northern Powerhouse.