Case Study
Breaking Barriers at Mowbray Foam
How the Scale Up Programme Transformed Mowbray Foam Ltd’s Operations and Growth
< BackMowbray Foam Ltd is a manufacturing company that produces foam products for various industries. Established over 20 years ago as a family business, it initially focussed on providing a stable income rather than expanding or becoming a larger manufacturer.
Challenges before working with Business Lincolnshire
The business had reached a plateau due to a lack of systems and processes. The founder managed everything on his own, which limited growth. When his son, Samuel Freeman, joined the business two years ago, he saw its potential but felt overwhelmed. There was no structure in place, everything was almost entirely paper-based, and there was no strategy for growth.
For a lot of small business owners, growth isn’t even on their radar. The focus is almost always on getting through the day-to-day—managing cash flow, keeping the doors open, and dealing with immediate problems. Growth can feel out of reach, like something only larger businesses can afford to think about.
Samuel knew the business needed modernisation and sought support from Business Lincolnshire.
Support from Business Lincolnshire
Reaching out to Business Lincolnshire for help, Trevor Durant and the Growth Hub team provided a comprehensive list of grants, programmes, and mentoring opportunities. Samuel applied for nearly all of them, successfully securing several grants and participating in valuable programmes like Business Lincolnshire’s fully funded manufacturing support programme and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses initiative.
Trevor also guided Samuel through improving health and safety, offering a simple system and checklist to get the basics in place. This made tackling the overwhelming task much more manageable and laid the groundwork for future improvements.
Changes implemented
Since working with Business Lincolnshire, Mowbray Foam Ltd has undergone significant changes that have transformed the business. The company has invested in top-of-the-range automated machinery, including a fully automated production line with CNC controls, thanks to several grants. This investment in automation has modernised their production process and improved efficiency.
The business has also moved from being almost entirely paper-based to a fully digital system. This new system allows for seamless management of orders and processes, ensuring every step is tracked and accounted for.
With guidance from the manufacturing programme, Mowbray Foam Ltd has developed a clear business identity, complete with a website, logo and defined vision and values.
Samuel has also improved communication with staff by introducing regular team meetings, one-to-one sessions, and fostering two-way conversations. This has not only enhanced staff engagement but has also supported the growth of the team, which now includes a fleet of HGVs to support their operations.
Additionally, Samuel has refined how the business handles HR matters, improving overall staff management and creating a stronger, more cohesive workplace culture.
These changes have positioned Mowbray Foam Ltd for sustainable growth and long-term success.
“Trevor Durant’s support through the local business growth hub has been instrumental in modernising our operations. With his guidance, we’ve implemented a production order management system that enhances team communication and order tracking at every stage. Beyond streamlining workflow, this system has provided us with real-time insights into production efficiency, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.”
Samuel Freeman, Managing Director, Mowbray Foam Ltd
Operational improvements with the new system
The production order management system has revolutionised how the business operates. Orders are tracked through every stage, with built-in accountability, ensuring no missed orders. By measuring the time taken for each step, the team gains valuable insights into production efficiency and, for the first time, can monitor detailed performance metrics. This centralised digital system stores full records for future orders, improving customer service and planning.
Measurable benefits
Before, the business had no financial insights or monthly statements. Now, it has a clear baseline to build on. With a new customer relationship manager in place, Mowbray Foam Ltd is actively seeking new clients and setting measurable growth targets. The business has moved from reactive to proactive, enabling better decision-making and preparation for future opportunities.
Government support has played a crucial role in enabling these transformations. By providing grant funding that encourages businesses to hire locally, build skills, and invest in better equipment, it not only helps individual businesses to thrive but also creates wider benefits for the community. This support has contributed to job creation and local economic growth, demonstrating how businesses and society can work together for mutual success.
Samuel encourages other businesses to reach out to Business Lincolnshire, “There’s so much support out there that you might not even know exists. The Growth Hub can give you a detailed overview of what’s available, which could be a game-changer. When you’re running a business, it’s easy to make mistakes without realising. Having expert advice and guidance helps you do things the right way. It’s not just about your livelihood—it’s about your staff’s future too.”
Looking ahead, Mowbray Foam Ltd is on a steady path of growth, with plans to expand its team and continue investing in modern equipment and systems.
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