Success stories
Nick and Norton team up to bring back classic British motorcycle
Monday 17th May
An engineering firm in Great Harwood is playing an important role in the return of a classic British motorcycle model to the UK market, with thanks to No Limits Finance for Growth.
The Lancastrian Machining Company (LMC) is one of four preferred suppliers providing parts for a new model of the classic Norton Commando.
The company has received help from Finance for Growth - a project which helps assist the growth and development of established businesses in the local area. Finance for Growth has invested over £2million in Pennine Lancashire since the project began in 2007.
LMC's grant from Finance for Growth meant they could buy new equipment, so they can be more productive and work to tighter time schedules. And that has also created two new full-time jobs.
The Lancastrian Machining Company was established in August 2008 by self-proclaimed ‘bike obsessive’ Nicholas Eddleston. Nick, a 39 year-old dad of one, from Clayton Le Moors, set up LMC in 2008 after starting out his career making metal machinery for the automotive and aerospace industry.
He says: “I’ve been involved with motorbikes all my life and had a keen interest in racing classic motorcycles and making my own parts. I started taking orders from people at the racetrack and decided to open a workshop. This attracted enough trade that I was able to set up my own business.”
After getting the company off the ground, Nick saw an article in a national engineering publication about Norton – a legendary name amongst the UK motorcycling fraternity - teaming up with a machinery supplier.
The company had been brought back to the UK in a multi-million pound deal after 15 years of US ownership.
He approached Norton through a friend, eventually signing a deal as a preferred supplier for the 2010 version of the Commando.
He adds: “Norton’s an iconic British company, so I’m really pleased to be working with them. I’m very patriotic about British industry. The design for the Commando has been around for a long time but it’s not been in production since the late 1970s. They’ve updated the modern technologies but kept the retro styling.
“They sold 200 were before they’d even started production. It’s quite a prestigious thing to be involved in and hopefully it should open a few doors for me.”
TV chefs Gordon Ramsey and the Hairy Bikers and Hollywood star Ewan McGregor are known to be keen admirers of Norton bikes.
In progressing his business, Nick has found the help from Finance for Growth, “invaluable.”
He says: “When I started out it was such a big project I was really struggling to stay on top of everything I had to do. Sorting out finances as well as running a business was very difficult. I couldn’t have done it without No Limits’, that’s a fact. We wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for them.”
Jennette Owen, specialist business advisor for Finance for Growth, said: “We are pleased to have been able to assist Nick's company which is clearly bucking the recession trend by investing in new technology and creating jobs. We welcome other companies to get in touch and discuss how we can help them too.”
Finance for Growth offers grant funding to assist the growth and development of established businesses in the local area. You can claim up to a maximum of £40,000 or 50 per cent of eligible costs, whichever is the lower.
That support has already created 600 jobs and safeguarded hundreds more. Almost 800 companies have benefitted from the scheme.
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