Innovative car refurbishment specialist doubles in size with support of Rosebud loan

An innovative Lancashire car body refurbishment company has doubled in size over the past two and a half years and is targeting further national expansion with the support of a business loan from Rosebud.

DA Techs specialises in diamond cut alloy wheel refurbishment as well as body and tyre repair and had grown steadily since it was established in 2016 until late 2019.

The company initially offered a mobile service to car dealerships to help them avoid the delays of sending alloy wheels off for repairs before founders Phil Barnard and Jamie Baxter opened a physical base for the company in Adlington, near Chorley.

Phil and Jamie were looking for ways to further expand and capitalise on growing opportunities to offer the firm’s technology around the UK. They were referred to Rosebud by Lancashire’s Access to Finance service.

DA Techs secured an £80,000 loan from Rosebud which allowed it to deliver a major contract by developing a repair pod at a national vehicle reconditioning business, as well as investing in the company’s Adlington base.

Director Phil Barnard said: “The initial loan from Rosebud allowed us to build a semi-permanent repair facility for one of our blue-chip customers in Colchester. We are based on their main site and have two staff operating the pod.”

Rosebud is owned by Lancashire County Developments Ltd (LCDL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Lancashire County Council. It aims to support the growth of Lancashire businesses and the local economy, offering loans between £10,000 and £300,000 as well as high-quality business support.

After opening its Colchester facility, DA Techs has opened several new similar facilities around the UK as well as working with a growing number of customers at its Adlington facility on wheel and body refurbishments.

The business has grown from 16 to 30 staff in total with turnover increasing from around £500,000 to £1m. Its success has meant that Phil and Jamie have created a separate business, Smart-techs which covers the company’s bodywork operations. They are also in the process of creating a third company, Wheelpods.

Wheelpods will allow the company to rent out its pods to a range of organisations including car showrooms who will use their own staff rather than DA Techs employees, with an option to purchase the pod after a fixed term.

Reflecting on the group’s growth to date and support from Rosebud, Phil added: “As the owner of a small business, it’s really difficult to find funding to grow. It’s hard to find people who will listen to your story, understand your business and what you want to achieve. Rosebud wanted to help us when others did not want to.”

County councillor Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for economic development and growth, Lancashire County Council, said: “DA Techs’ growth journey and the support the company has received is a prime example of how Rosebud’s business loans can support businesses in Lancashire.

“The funding will help to support jobs and prosperity both within Lancashire and across the UK, and the income received by Rosebud will in turn help other Lancashire companies in similar positions and support the development of our county’s economy.”

Jonathan Nelson, senior loan manager, Rosebud, said: “Phil and Jamie are true innovators in their field but, like so many innovative businesses, needed funding to capitalise on new opportunities. It is a pleasure to support DA Techs and be a part of their continued growth.”

Rosebud is delivered by GC Business Finance. Businesses in Lancashire’s 12 local authority areas are eligible for the funding: Burnley; Chorley; Fylde; Hyndburn; Lancaster; Pendle; Preston; Ribble Valley; Rossendale; South Ribble; West Lancashire; Wyre.