A Pembrokeshire-based technology company, which designs innovative digital solutions to ensure efficiency and compliance within the transport and logistics sector, is praising the support it has received from Business Wales after turning to the Welsh Government’s service for help to secure funding for growth.
VehoGroup, established in 2014, created a unique mobile and web application, VehoCheck, which records vehicle defects identified during routine vehicle inspections and delivers them immediately to the transport operator for reporting and analysis. The app and desktop software streamlines the process from defect identification to vehicle repair to ensure the transportation company can work as efficiently and productively as possible.
Realising the global potential for such an app, the forward thinking company, based in the Pembroke Dock Bridge Innovation Centre, sought Business Wales’ support in taking the product to the next level.
Chief Technology Officer for VehoGroup, Lukas Gamble, said: “We initially came to Business Wales looking for advice on funding, either through grants or repayable finance. We had been through a somewhat difficult period financially where our bank was reluctant to offer any support, and it felt like we were facing rejections at every turn. Our Business Wales adviser, Geraint Williams, came in and made an immediate impact. He was positive, pragmatic and pro-active, introducing us to new ideas and opportunities, whilst also signposting us to people and organisations that have helped us grow our business and strengthen our profile within the industry.”
Business Wales Relationship Manager, Geraint Williams, said: “We haven’t been working with VehoGroup for that long, but even though we’re still in the early stages, we’ve been able to point them in the right direction and open doors they would otherwise not have known about.
“The product has great potential, and it is our job to help Lukas and the team at VehoGroup reach their potential through sharing our knowledge of the industry and the contacts we have.
“We have already provided a general business diagnostic, shared international trade advice and sourced funding support. We have also enabled them to team up with a relevant venture capitalist and are working towards securing a large contract with a public body.”
Lukas continued: “Geraint understood our product and its potential. He was a breath of fresh air and his can-do approach gave us that bit of belief that we could succeed. His contacts within the industry and access to venture capitalists have opened doors that we didn’t even know existed.”
VehoGroup’s top 5 tips for anyone else starting up their own business would be:
- Be open to new ideas, advice and even criticism
- Do not to make assumptions about what is happening in your industry – be thorough in your research
- Utilise any business support on offer. Organisations like Business Wales can open doors and accelerate growth
- Be prepared to have some difficult times. All businesses go through peaks and troughs
- If you believe in your product or service and believe that people will pay for it, then stick with it. With enough hard work and dedication, you will get there
Business Wales, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government,supports the sustainable growth of small and medium size enterprises across the country by offering access to information, guidance and business support.
To find out how Business Wales can help start or develop your business, call 03000 6 03000, follow @_businesswales or @_busnescymru
