Manchester based signage firm, Powerlink Enterprises, which operates the FASTSIGNS Franchise in Manchester, has secured a funding package from Santander UK through the Government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) to support the business during the pandemic.
The business has successfully served a number of customers throughout the north west – including Manchester Metropolitan University and Red Tree Construction – since it was created in 2010. Powerlink Enterprises operates the franchise for Fastsigns International, which is the world’s largest signs and graphics organisation, operating in around 750 locations in 10 countries around the world.
Following the outbreak of Coronavirus, many of Powerlink Enterprises’ customers halted their signage orders. Despite this, the business has secured a number of contracts to print signage for customers providing front line essential services across the North West and beyond.
The funding package will help the business meet ongoing overhead costs during the outbreak. Following the recent announcement from the Government, Powerlink Enterprises is already looking to resume services for its customers across the north west of England.
Richard Wedgwood, Managing Director, Powerlink Enterprises, said: Like most businesses, when we put together our business plan for 2020, global pandemic did not appear as a threat in our SWAT analysis – the impact on the UK in such a short period of time was completely unexpected. Our Relationship Director, Nathan Moult helped us through the application process and kept us informed along the way. We were able to secure the funding in good time to allow the business to focus our efforts on the immediate needs of our customers, knowing that the financial safety net was already in place to help us through an unprecedented period of uncertainty.”
Nathan Moult, Business Relationship Director, Santander UK, said: “Powerlink Enterprises’ orderbook halted almost overnight but it has proven its versatility in providing signage for the NHS. While this is a difficult time for the business, we are happy to provide support for the team and will be there to support them when restrictions are lifted and business resumes.”
