Prime Transport Planning is one of the UK’s leading independent transport planning consultancies based in Liverpool. They work with developers, architects and local authorities helping to support their schemes through the planning process.
The business was looking to grow and turned to the Local Growth Hub who, as part of their high growth account management service, work with companies to take a forensic look at their business and connect them with support that will best create growth.
Prime Transport Planning’s high growth account manager, Claire Pederson, worked with them to produce a detailed business plan, via a bespoke business diagnostic tool. This helped them to analyse their business model, look at where their business is now, and importantly it enabled them to analyse their business operations across 10 areas – Leadership, Finance, Value Proposition, Customers, Markets, Products & Services, People, Operations, Sustainability and Innovation.
David Schumacher, Director at Prime Transport Planning explains how this service benefitted their business, explaining:
“It was the initial business support that helped draw up the business plan for growth and identified the potential funding stream to enable that growth.”
Claire then referred the company to further business growth support including access to finance through FW Capital which helped them to secure a substantial six figure investment.
David said:
“The funding is supporting recruitment plans to strengthen Prime Transport Planning’s senior leadership team and its next generation of talent through the creation of new graduate roles. Further investment is being made in new hardware, software including CAD technology and updating the branding and marketing material.”
As a lot of businesses find as they grow, access to skilled and experienced employees can become a barrier. Claire was again able to help with introductions to local university employability services as well as specialist graduate employment support. Prime Transport Planning have now taken on two graduates who they are training in house to address the businesses skills needs.
The support received so far has meant that Prime Transport Planning have been able to develop ambitious growth plans for the business over the next five years.
Speaking of their plans David says:
“We want to double turnover to £1m. We also want to create opportunities for promotion for existing graduates, leaving opportunities for an additional 3 to 4 graduates to be appointed.”
Claire Pedersen, High Growth Account Manager said:
“It’s been fantastic working with David and the team at Prime Transport Planning to help them to identify the opportunities which offer the most value for their business. The progress they have made so far is testament to the value of understanding the need to plan for your business and be introduced to the right support at the right time.
“Their growth journey highlights how, with the right foundations in place, businesses can grow and thrive within the Liverpool City Region.”
When asked what advice he has for other businesses looking to grow within the Liverpool City Region David said:
“Make sure you have a sound business plan. It is beneficial if this business plan has been formulated with the help of people outside the business who can critically review your aspirations. Get a good accountant!”
The Local Growth Hub is a service under the businesses support brand Growth Platform, managed by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.