Business Startup

By the age of 40, Ray Cunliffe had built up a solid and impressive career but in March 2009, this came to a sudden end when he was made redundant from a senior operational post in an ophthalmic coatings business. Prior to this, he had earned a first class honour degree in Chemistry, on the strength of which he had held a variety of positions in the construction chemicals and automotive industries.

After considering his options, Ray hit upon the idea of combining his professional manufacturing skills with a long held interest in modern and classic cars and motorcycles.

“I had always aspired to running my own business,” notes Ray, “but it wasn’t until I became a victim of the recession that I began to see it as a realistic proposition. In that sense, my redundancy gave me the push that I needed.
 

“I’ve been interested in sports cars and classic collectible cars for many years and through this, I saw an opportunity to develop a new business that would specialise in enhancing the aesthetics of car engine bays and external metallic parts such as chrome plated bumpers. I could handle all the relevant processes myself – from electroplating to powder coating – so I thought it had to be worth a go.”

In order to help launch his new venture, Reflections UK, Ray contacted Enterprise4All, where he met with a professional adviser, Howard Bentley.

“I met Howard through a referral from Lancaster Job Centre and his help was invaluable,” explains Ray. “He provided straight forward advice about marketing, and he helped me make new contacts and to identify possible sources of funding support.

“We worked together to develop a robust business plan that looked at cash flow forecasts and a range of other critical issues, and having done that, I was then able to secure a rental grant from Lancaster City Council for my new premises. I’ve also put in an application for a start-up loan that will help me to pay for equipment, storage facilities and attendance at national exhibitions.”

Reflections UK is still at an early stage in its development but the signs are certainly positive. Ray has already produced and supplied a number of prototype parts to clients across the UK and word seems to be spreading.

“The response so far has been brilliant,” says Ray. “I haven’t yet started my marketing campaign but already, I’ve had enquiries from all over – France, Belgium, even Australia. I have my suppliers ready and lined up and the future is looking very exciting.”

Ray has adopted a ‘buy local’ policy and sources his materials, parts and services from within the Lancaster area wherever possible. These will include other new start up businesses such as The Bronze Company, and established companies like Signs Express and Morecambe Press, all of whom are based in Lancaster. He intends to grow the business at a steady, controlled rate so that he can maintain close one-to-one relationships with his clients but he plans to take on his first employee towards the end of this year. He is adamant that his first employee will be from the Lancaster district.