New website sparks growth for Cooper

Chorley-based Cooper Car and Commercial has doubled its workforce and is predicting a huge leap in sales after a major revamp of its website.

The vehicle painting and bodywork repair firm has been able to target fresh markets after securing support from Boost’s Growth Voucher scheme.

The family-run firm expects to increase turnover from £178,000 to £260,000 in three years and has doubled its capacity after acquiring a second garage near its main premises which means it can operate two spray booths instead of one.

Founded 30 years ago, Cooper Car and Commercial specialises in horsebox, commercial vehicle, and car bodywork painting and repairs. The business is also driving growth by winning customers from a wider geographical area, while breaking into new markets by building customer specification campervans.

Senior business adviser Debbie Chin met directors Lee and Zee Cooper and carried out a business support review which resulted in them receiving a Growth Voucher to redevelop and update the company website.

Zee added: “The development of the website has been of tremendous help. In only a few months we have had many enquiries via the website for work that involves spraying fleet vehicles. We are extremely busy and looking to recruit even more staff.”

Debbie added: “Lee and Zee’s strategy is to target large businesses that operate fleets of vehicles. In order to achieve this, it is imperative for Cooper Car and Commercial to portray professionalism through its website as this is usually the first impression potential customers will have."

Boost is Lancashire's Business Growth Hub and is led by the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) and Lancashire County Council, and supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the contribution made by the Growth Voucher is matched by the business.