A Coventry based flight experience company is ready for lift off after securing financial help through a business support programme.
Flight Simulators Midlands, which is based on the north-side of Coventry Airport, at the Coventry Aeroclub on Rowley drive, provides flight experiences for anyone over the age of 14.
People from all walks of life are able to live out their dreams by booking a slot in a genuine Boeing aeroplane simulator, to fly anywhere around the world, from Hong Kong to the mountains of Salzburg.
The company wanted to expand its offer to clients by including a Boeing 747 simulator as well as its existing Boeing 737 model.
The firm approached the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and was able to take advantage of the Accelerated Growth business programme, which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and local councils.
After working with Helena Arundel, a business adviser at the Chamber, the company successfully applied for a grant through Accelerated Growth.
That money has been put towards the new simulator and already it is paying off for the company – and others around it.
Chris Rigby, managing director of Flight Simulator Midlands, said: “Originally we only had one simulator which constrained the services we could offer.
“With the help we received from the Accelerated Growth Business Programme, we were able to gain financial support through a grant which allowed us to purchase a second simulator, which has doubled our custom and revenue.
“It has enabled us to increase the amount of staff we employ as well as generate extra business for our host landlords, the Coventry Flying Club.
“We are now attracting people from all over the country and many visit the Midlands Air Museum afterwards.
“The Accelerated Growth business programme guided us through all aspects involved in applying for a grant, as when you are not familiar with such documentation it can be a very daunting progress.
“I would like to say a special thank you to the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce for helping pave the way for our business growth and would fully recommend the business growth programme to anyone wanting to expand.”
Helena Arundel, of the Chamber, said: “Over the past few years, there have been fewer opportunities for companies to access grants but they are still out there.
“Here at the Chamber, we have a team of people supporting businesses in a range of ways that includes help and advice to help them grow, which means identifying any opportunities to access financial support.”