Ariel Motor

The Challenge

Somerset based Ariel thrive as manufacturers of the fastest and most interesting vehicles in the world. From bicycle to motorcycle, from quadricycle to sports car, Ariel remain unique. A 150 year old heritage with a truly 21st Century focus.

Remaining dynamic is of the utmost importance to Ariel and so when they heard about the Local Manufacturing Advisory Programme from SWMAS, Managing Director, Simon Saunders wanted to explore further to see how the programme could potentially support Ariel in funding some state of the art body tooling. 
 

SWMAS action

SWMAS introduced the Local Manufacturing Advisory Programme (LMAP) funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to Ariel, designed to support established manufacturing SMEs in the South West to understand and develop their capability and capacity to improve and grow, as well offering capital expenditure grants.  

Ariel was awarded a grant of £2,500 to help fund their body tooling machinery. 
 

Results

As well as the capital expenditure grant awarded to Ariel that allowed them to invest in the body tooling machinery, they received an invaluable free business diagnostic and expert coaching from the team at SWMAS.

The new body tooling machinery has allowed Ariel to work with different materials, as well as upgrading the nature of, and giving longer life to, their existing tooling. 

Due to Ariel's recent growth, they are looking to relocate to new purpose-built premises by 2020.  They have ambitions to double the size of the business in the next 3-5 years, as well increasing their staff numbers by 25-30.

Ariel are such an innovative business and really take pride in their work. It is extremely gratifying to be able to introduce support such as the Local Manufacturing Advisory Programme to them, which has helped them continue their journey. I am excited to see what the next few years hold for Ariel, as they have some very exciting ambitions for the business, that I have no doubt they will achieve.

Phil Halse, Manufacturing Specialist

For more information contact us