Alpha Construction
5 December 2024
Sector: Industrial Construction
Location: South Derbyshire
Alpha Construction, located in Hilton, South Derbyshire, is a civil engineering and building contractor, specialising in the High Voltage Electricity Industry, Renewable Energy and Industrial projects.
Established in 1982, the company operates nationwide delivering safe, sustainable, and cost-effective tailored solutions to client needs.
The team includes 60 employees, supported by a network of over 90 subcontractors working across office locations and construction sites. Alpha Construction serves a variety of sectors, including Retail & Commercial, Energy, Industrial, Flood Defence and Water, and Material Handling and Waste Management.
Challenges faced
Managing Director Tony Bamford highlighted several challenges impacting the company’s growth. Firstly, like many businesses, Alpha Construction has been significantly affected by the current economic climate, particularly rising costs and inflation. Skills shortages have also been identified, especially within their in-house marketing team, and their ability to effectively promote the business and maintain a competitive edge. Additionally, increased competition from less experienced companies offering unsustainably low prices has made it difficult to secure contracts.
Solution and Impact
Tony discovered the Accelerator Project through the Chamber’s Business Adviser, Sonny Lakhani. Sonny conducted a 1-to-1 business review, discussing the challenges Tony and the business were facing. Sonny was able to provide tailored advice and guidance on support available.
Tony accessed several valuable services including the South Derbyshire Accelerator. The Accelerator Project is funded by South Derbyshire District Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber.
Key support services included:
Training Workshops and Webinars
Team members participated in workshops on topics such as Email Marketing, Website Development, AI and ChatGPT, Sales, Sustainability, and Leadership. This training enhanced skills allowing the team to introduce new ways of working and improve efficiencies, saving time and money.
Energy Audit and Decarbonisation Plan
Tony accessed the Energy Grant Readiness Workshop. Part of this support included a comprehensive Energy Audit and development of a Decarbonisation Plan. The business has applied for an Energy Grant to further support sustainability goals. With the planned changes it is projected to save the business up to £6,000 annually in energy costs and reduce carbon emissions by over five tonnes.
Help to Grow: Management Programme
Tony completed the 12-week Help to Grow: Management Programme, a subsided leadership and development course valued at £7,500 which was fully funded through the UK Government and the Chamber. This executive management programme equipped Tony with strategies for steering the business toward sustainable growth.
Digital Skills Coach
Through a partnership with Nottingham Trent University and the Chamber, the business gained access to a fully funded Digital Skills Coach. This support focused on enhancing digital skills within the team enabling them to implement a Social Media Strategy. They are now able to create their own content which has improved engagement with existing clients, potential customers, their valued supply chain and employees. This has positioned the business to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace.
In conclusion, Tony praised the Chamber and the invaluable support through the Accelerator Project. He emphasised the tailored business advice from Sonny Lakhani has been instrumental in addressing the challenges and opening up new opportunities. The combination of upskilling, sustainability initiatives, and digital coaching has strengthened the business for future growth.
“The support from East Midlands Chamber, and in particular Sonny Lakhani, has been instrumental for us to identify our needs and strengthen the foundations of our business in order to produce a sustainable and manageable strategic Business Development plan for resilience and growth.”
- Tony Bamford, Managing Director
This initiative is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of South Derbyshire District Council.
