Firms are booming, with help
TWO Southport firms have grown thanks to European funding along with assistance from InvestSefton and Sefton@Work.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Labour cabinet member for regeneration and skills, along with support staff from InvestSefton dropped in to Morgan Hope Industries Ltd and Immersive Interactive Ltd to see how both businesses are booming.
Morgan Hope, based at the Blowick Industrial Park, manufactures, supplies and installs lighting and electronic control systems, which reduce energy consumption.
InvestSefton has helped by helping the firm tender for public sector con- tracts, and linking it to support and commercial opportunities through the Liverpool city region.
Immersive Interactive is based in Princes Street in the town centre.
The company offers futuristic learning spaces which can be used in both mainstream and special needs education establishments and simulation training for the emergency services.
It was supported by InvestSefton through grant application work.
Peter Salt, from Immersive Interactive, said: “Our initial inquiry was in relation to the purchase of new premises in Southport and our adviser, Colin Hickey, guided us successfully through the Merseyside Growth Fund application. Since that initial experience Colin and Invest Sefton have become an integral part of Immersive Interactive’s success and progress, with both sound advice and networking opportunities.
“I would recommend any SME to take advantage of this fantastic resource.”
Stephen Fisher of Morgan Hope Industries Ltd, said: “We design and manufacture our range of lighting products in house as a bespoke solution, with savings of up to 80% achieved.
“Saving energy and reducing costs is important for businesses, and we have developed valuable new commercial opportunities in the Liverpool City Region, through working Sefton.”
Cllr Atkinson said: “Getting out and visiting local businesses is a great way to see how the support offered to them has enabled them to grow and move forward.
“Both businesses have been supported by InvestSefton and Sefton@Work and it is great to see local companies doing so well and expanding in their respective fields.
“Success stories like these really show how Sefton is open for business and supports our local companies.” with Invest-
Peter Salt from Immersive Interaction Ltd, above left, with Cllr Marion Atkinson and Colin Hickey from Invest Sefton; Cllr Atkinson, top, with Stephen Fisher from Morgan Hope Industries Ltd, Julie Swarbrick from InvestSefton, and Sheila Thompson, Morgan Hope, John Murray and Bev Darch, all of Morgan Hope Industries Ltd