Radj Many is managing director and owner of RM Design & Engineering which is based in Southam and specialises in providing cost effective design and manufacturing of tooling for composites and vacuum forming companies.
The business also provides a one stop shop for prototype vacuum formed parts: a full service from concept to low volume production parts.
He was a member of one of the Peer Networks programme groups run by Burgis & Bullock from September 2021 to March 2022.
RM Design & Engineering was founded by Radj in 2012. It was initially a consultancy business and now specialises in composite tooling – with a growing focus on electric vehicles.
The business’s work ranges from tooling for automotive companies, to creating props for Hollywood movies and film studios– which was a side of the business which grew significantly during the pandemic.
He has grown the business to a £1 million turnover company, with a team of eight people and a 9,000 sq ft factory. Their strategy is to focus on prototyping and low volume production where they see a huge growth in the next 5 years.
Radj joined the Peer Networks after hearing about the initiative through email marketing and was looking for the opportunity to speak with like-minded business owners as he sought to further grow and develop RM Design & Engineering.
As a result of joining the Peer Networks initiative, Radj was introduced to an adviser from Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub. This led to an Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) which was a scheme launched by the Government, which helped to purchase a state-of-the-art inspection arm.
Radj said: “The Peer Network was an arena to exchange ideas and vent frustrations. You quickly realise you aren’t on your own in the problems that your business is facing.
“For many years I had a business coach, but as that arrangement came to an end, it was the Peer Network which filled that gap.
“It was a chance to speak to people about my questions and doubts and the sessions were filled with topics from staffing issues and sales challenges, to marketing strategy and advice on how to promote a business.
“Getting a meeting with the Growth Hub came through the Peer Network and now I’ve received three grants to help drive forward the business. The most significant of these was for a new inspection arm – which is a crucial element.
“I work with a lot of companies in motor sport and having our own inspection arm is a game changer. It allows me to be more competitive and provide a better service to clients.
“I would definitely recommend that people join up with a Peer Network or similar group. Even if it is just to chat to your peers for 30 minutes to an hour, it can be really valuable.”
Burgis & Bullock has delivered its cohorts of The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Peer Networks programme through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub.
For more information about training with Burgis & Bullock visit https://www.burgisbullock.com/training/