When leading design company Superior Creative was faced with a management buy-out and re-launch in 2005, it turned to Barclays to ensure a smooth transition.
A team of finance experts at Barclays, not only guided the Wiltshire-based firm through the crucial takeover seven years ago, the bank has continued to support Superior through numerous investment and expansion projects which has allowed the company to grow its business.
Superior has grown from strength to strength – creating new jobs, landing lucrative contracts, and its turnover has rocketed from £8.5 million in 2005 to over £15 million today.
“Barclays has helped us every step of the way with revised business models,” said Ian O’Connor, Superior’s Managing Director. “We have a longstanding and strong relationship with Barclays that they are prepared to lend funds to support Superior’s continued growth and expansion plans.”
Over a period of seven years Barclays has helped Superior raise £5.5 million worth of investment. The company has invested £2 million recently on a purpose-built design studio and litho, digital and inkjet printing capacity at its headquarters in Melksham.
Superior, which has seen staffing levels increase by 30 per cent over the past two years, is the sole supplier of printed marketing materials in the UK for leading beer and cider brewer Heineken.
Apart from Heineken, Superior also provides a full range of marketing services from ‘Blue Skies’ design concepts to point-of-sale and brand management for leading organisations including John Lewis, Booker Wholesale, Noble Foods, Premier Retail Group and Molton Brown.
In addition the company provides support for e-marketing campaigns and has litho and digital printing capacity for projects across all sizes and media. Superior’s storage warehouse has a bespoke packaging and delivery service and the company has introduced a dedicated in-house direct-mail facility for its clients.
Commenting on Superior’s success, Philip Walker, Relationship Director, Barclays, Bristol added, “Our sector focus and thorough understanding of the industry and market has enabled us to structure banking solutions that fit well with Superior’s strategic plans. We’re proud to be Superior’s trusted banking partner and this clearly demonstrates our appetite for providing funding solutions to quality businesses in the region.”
Overall the company employs more than 130 people across its operation including a team of 45 account handlers, designers and artwork specialists in its creative section.