Merseyside manufacturer Multimesh has been operating for 30 years but is planning to accelerate its growth in the international market following a targeted digital marketing campaign.
Multimesh manufactures and supplies wire mesh products from its 30,000 sq ft state-of-the-art facility based in Lea Green Industrial Estate, St Helens.
Thanks to a combination of time-honoured craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, Multimesh makes a range of wire mesh products. These range from standard mesh panels for fence panels through to frying baskets and even medical decontamination baskets across a wide selection of industries such as health, science, pharmaceutical, property and agriculture.
Managing Director Paul Blanchard spoke to us about how the support from the Manufacturing Growth Fund has helped the business seek new opportunities.
Multimesh’s challenge: expanding its European footprint
Multimesh has been operating in the North West for 30 years, but wanted to become a proactive manufacturer and target the overseas market by developing a clear and concise digital marketing strategy.
It’s an area of the business that the team has been looking to develop over the past three years, but didn’t have the in-house expertise.
The company, which employs 34 staff, wanted to seek support from an external marketing agency that had a proven track record working in the sector and drive sales opportunities.
Paul has previously worked with Phil Anders, manufacturing advisor for the Manufacturing Growth Fund for the Liverpool City Region.
He said: “We wanted to grow into Europe by strengthening our digital marketing presence and how we present ourselves in that world.
“We had a few customers in Europe, but they found us rather than us actively looking for those opportunities so seeking support from a marketing agency was the next step.”
“I already knew Phil from working with him on previous projects and whenever there are opportunities available to support us in our growth he’s always reached out.
“He knows our business well and understands what will work for us.”
Through Phil’s support, Multimesh was introduced to relevant marketing expertise from the consultancy world.
Following a tender process, the manufacturer chose Warrington-based David Antrobus Marketing to help expand their European footprint.
New overseas opportunities
The Manufacturing Growth Fund also awarded Multimesh a grant of £8,500 towards this support.
Phil said: “David Antrobus Marketing was the right fit for Multimesh. The agency knows our industry and our business as they have worked with us previously.
“The support from Phil and the Manufacturing Growth Fund meant we were able to focus on new opportunities and diversify our market.”
As a result of the support provided, Multimesh – which is initially targeting Belgium, France and Germany – was able to implement a revised communication and marketing strategy to clearly position the company as the UK’s premier manufacturer of stainless-steel welded wire mesh and wire products.
They were able to explore newly identified, effective routes-to-market and clearly communicate their position.
This allowed them to communicate with a wider range of potential clients and emphasise Multimesh as a company offering innovative solutions into manufacturing and delivering first class customer support service over the longer term.
Paul said: “We implemented the new strategy earlier this year but when the pandemic hit, we had to shift focus back to our UK operations and maintain that.
“However, COVID-19 has also meant that we had the time to get things right and lay the groundwork for our European plans. I am confident we will see the benefits of this work early in 2021, and we’re already seeing the green shoots of that in the last quarter of 2020.”
‘Assistance and guidance that’s second to none’
The company has since recruited three new staff and is also working with the Department for International Trade to explore opportunities in the Middle East.
Paul added: “Working with the Local Growth Hub and in particular Phil Anders has always been and continues to be one of the most productive partnerships we have ever had the pleasure of working in.
“The help, assistance and guidance are second to none! Clear, concise, and always focussed on improving our business. We are grateful and cannot recommend the Growth Hub and Phil enough.”