Award Winning Citrus go from Strength to Strength

In 2016, Citrus Electrical Directors, Michael and Jack, were guests at the annual Knowsley Business Awards.  On the night they were inspired to think ‘This time next year this could be us’.

Throughout the next 12 months, the business achieved various goals, including moving the company from a home based location into a new site at the Brookbridge Garage, Prescot, and expanding its offer from electrical contracting to electrical supplies. Their accomplishments were rounded off when Citrus Electrical won an award at the 2017 Knowsley Business Awards.

During the same period the company met with the Knowsley Growth Hub team to find out how the business could benefit from the support available. Identifying the importance of writing winning tenders, they asked for a review of their current techniques.  A Growth Hub Business Advisor signed them up to the Business Growth Programme, and a tendering specialist was assigned to the company to review its submissions and provide advice on improving its methods.  As a direct result of this support the business was successful in winning a 3 year Alarm/Emergency Lighting Maintenance contract with Knowsley Council.

Jack explained “Although we had invested in tendering advice in the past, this fully funded support through the Business Growth Programme has had the most positive impact to date; our consultant Maddy Templeman, was exemplary.”

The Growth Hub Business Advisor also signposted the company to the Knowsley Works team for help in sourcing apprentices. This has resulted in the business doubling its team in the last 12 months to 10 staff, including 3 apprentices. This success was recognised at the Knowsley Business Awards 2017, with the company being shortlisted in the 2 highly contested categories . On the night Citrus Electrical took away the ‘Small Business of the Year’ award.  The judges commented that the company had provided a ‘Strong application evidencing its achieved growth and job creation over the last 12 months’.

Jack adds “Over the last 12 months the support provided from the Knowsley Growth Hub and Knowsley Chamber has enabled us to achieve our targets. Our advice is simple, access all the support you can and make sure you apply for the Knowsley Business Awards. Whatever happens, you will find yourself with people that want to help your business to grow.”

To see how the Knowsley Growth Hub can help your business call on 0151 477 4000, or email business@Knowsleygrowthhub.co.uk