Business Support Case Study: Leads Direct
- Business name: Leads Direct
- Support programme: Newhaven Business Grants Programme
- Participant name: Ollie Drake
Leads Direct is a leading UK specialist cable supplier and manufacturer. They specialise in the supply of leads and cables of all types – power leads, audio, network, desk power, computer, monitor, midi, multicores, looms, guitar, microphone, hi-fi, telecoms and much more.
Why they signed up to the business support programme
"We were looking to expand and had existing projects. We heard about the grant and realised that it could help us achieve our projects quicker and leave us with extra money to fast forward. Because of the commitment during the process, it actually helped us to focus on achieving this, so an unexpected bonus."
What support they received
Leads Direct received a grant to purchase a new electric forklift, access ramp and pallet racking for their warehouse.
How this has helped the business
- Leads Direct have subsequently created two new full time positions in 2024.
- This enabled them to immediately store more pallets on-site due to double stacking alongside easy movement of stock.
- Seen significantly reduced costs for offsite pallet storage.
- Substantial positive impact on staff morale, productivity and turnover, allowing them to focus on job creation and growth of their business.
Wider benefits from supporting this business
Leads Direct have successfully grown their business which in turn is helping the local and wider community thrive. Alongside this, by utilising the Newhaven Business Grants Programme, they have successfully unlocked cashflow to invest back into the business for further growth and development.
"We heard about the grant and already had a project in mind. We worked with the team at East Sussex County Council who helped us work out the best items for support and helped us with all aspects of the application process. We would like to thank the Council for their support in helping a local business like us to prosper. It has made a huge difference for us – we didn’t think we would be eligible for a grant or even get approved but we were and we did! This has helped us to grow quicker than we thought we would and helped us to employ more staff quicker than we projected."
About the business support programme
The Newhaven Business Grants Programme is funded by UK Government with grant funding secured by Lewes District Council. The programme is delivered by the Economic Development Team at East Sussex County Council.
