A SMALL textile company in Atherton has expanded both its workforce and order book after securing grants to help it grow.

Lynn Lloyd started her soft furnishing business 15 years ago providing curtains and Roman blinds for leading retailers and manufacturers.

But the business reached stalemate when despite employing six workers, she ended up working 90 hours a week just to fulfil orders.

Lynn said: "I was working such a lot of hours it was really difficult. I also found it difficult to employ someone else and we didn’t have the space or equipment to produce any more. I had to make a decision on whether to take the business a step down or do I take a step up.”

It was then that two advisors stepped in and offering her a lifeline.

Janis Maleedy from Wigan Council’s business engagement team made Lynn aware of grants available to support textile businesses via the Business Growth Hub and Adrian Wilkinson, a specialist textiles business advisor from the Business Growth Hub, was able to help her access two grants of £65,000 and £13,250 which the company matched.

The result was the purchase of three new machines and the workforce was increased to 10 with a new business office manager Caroline Kirkman-Ryan and apprentice Chelsea Tomlinson. And her production space at the premises off Wigan Road, has expanded with a new mezzanine floor installed.

Lynn said: “The grants have made such a big difference. We have been able to increase our productivity and skills and it’s now a great place to work with a fantastic team. We have really taken the business on to another level.”

Mr Wilkinson said: “We are extremely pleased to have been able to support Lynn and her business. The successful grant applications have really transformed her business and they are a great example of a successful UK based textile business.”

Councillor David Molyneux, Wigan Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Through our Wigan Works campaign and our Deal for Business we are 100% committed to enabling our economy to grow. We have an excellent business support team that proactively engages with businesses and helps them realise their ambitions. This is a great example of a business being able to expand and succeed thanks to our help and support and I’m sure Lynn and her team will go from strength to strength.”

To contact Wigan Council’s Business Engagement Team email: business@wigan.gov.uk or call: 01942 489190