IPS Group have over 30 years of experience in the roofing industry. Over this time it has continuously evolved as a company to accommodate ever-changing industry standards and products.
To this end, IPS Group has been heavily involved in the development of environmentally friendly roofing systems and solar PV thin film that incorporates the latest technologies.
Having relocated from Leyburn to Brompton on Swale, IPS Group has used its knowledge and expertise on its own building, completely refurbishing it using the very products the company have helped to develop.
Over the past few years, IPS Group has had some success supplying products to Europe, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Abu Dhabi and New Zealand. Its systems have also been supplied and installed worldwide via another UK manufacturer who uses its roofing membrane.
While proud of its exporting success, IPS felt that there was much more that it could achieve, both across Europe and the rest of the world. Recognising that it could benefit from additional help with expanding operations, as well as with the associated training and recruitment needs, IPS turned to the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub for support.
Peter Bowers, Managing Director of IPS Group was introduced by Richmondshire District Council to Nick White, a Business Relationship Manager for the Growth Hub. The main objectives of the relationship were to assist with making important connections to drive the business forward, and gain the right advice for the new challenges arising from Brexit.
“IPS is one of our district’s quiet success stories,” explains Nick. “They have achieved excellent growth and innovation despite the numerous periods of uncertainty that the construction sector has experienced through the last three decades.”
“I met with Peter, and took the time to understand the business, his ambitions and the challenges he was facing. I immediately identified sources of funding that they could be eligible for. This included a scheme that could help them further develop their environmental credentials, which has continually been an important focus for IPS in relation to its products and services.
“In addition, I put Peter in touch with a key contact at the Department for International Trade. This gave him someone who could walk him through the new Brexit legislation, and enable the business to overcome the obstacles that it had been facing and find new routes forward.”
With the ongoing support of the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, IPS are planning on extending its operations both in the UK and overseas. “Nick has not only put us in touch with the right people to access funding,” says Peter. “He has also brought a wealth of knowledge that will help us to expand our operation overseas, navigate the red tape surrounding exporting post-Brexit and has recently introduced us to the Supply Chain Network programme.
“Most importantly though, Nick has been a valued sounding board for our thoughts and ideas during the few years that we’ve been involved with Growth Hub. This has been an invaluable contribution to our recent success.”