Local business, Somnior Beds, has created 24 new jobs after grant support helped accelerate its growth.
Since receiving support from Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (the LEP), the Batley-based bed manufacturer has rapidly expanded and more than doubled its workforce from 23 to 47 staff.
The business has received nearly £80,000 grant funding from the LEP over the last five years to invest in new equipment and the fit-out and refurbishment of new, bigger premises to increase production capacity and develop new products.
Established in 2012, Somnoir Beds manufacture and supply bespoke beds, mattresses, and headboards and sell over 90 per cent of their products online via Amazon, e-Bay, Groupon, and independent retailers.
When seeking finance to support his rapid expansion programme, Zafran Javid, Managing Director, learnt about the support available through the LEP Business Support Service from local Business Consultant, Iqbal Bhana OBE DL. Iqbal has worked with the LEP for several years to help more Asian-owned businesses access support. Describing the grant application process as very simple and quick, Zafran added:
“The grants have enabled us to expand quicker, increase capacity and develop new products. I would encourage any business to contact the LEP to see how they can benefit from the support available.”
With its increased capacity, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic last year, the business immediately responded to St James Hospital in Leeds urgent call for beds and mattresses for staff. Today, Somnoir Beds continue to increase product variety and provide faster delivery to its online customers.
This project received investment from the LEP, delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, through the Leeds City Region Growth Deal – a £1 billion package of Government investment to accelerate growth and create jobs across the Leeds City Region.
To learn more about the support available through the LEP Business Support Service, visit the-lep.com/business | email businesssupport@the-lep.com | call 0113 348 1818.
