Fulfilling big orders during the pandemic has been a challenge for many businesses due to cash flow problems but thanks to the coronavirus loan this Lancashire firm has been able to secure orders and protect jobs.
Bacup-based Bark Engineering specialises in steel fabrication work as well as laser cutting and steel processing.
Despite a strong start to the year, the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown led to a reduced number of jobs coming through to the team.
The disruption impacted cash flow and the company’s ability to fund and fulfil larger contracts.
To secure the future of the business and maintain its ability to trade, Bark Engineering secured funding from Barclays through the government backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
The funding will not only help the business to support a team of 20 staff, but will also enable them to fulfil big incoming enquiries, including the production of ventilator boxes to support coronavirus medical efforts, that will continue to sustain the business.
Wendy Etheridge, managing director of Bark Engineering, said: “This year started with a bang and was just getting better and better.
“However, when Coronavirus came out of the blue, we weren’t sure if we could keep going.
“We had big enquiries coming in, however we needed the stock to fulfil them, and we didn’t have the money to get the stock without our normal bread-and-butter jobs coming through too.”
She continued: “Accessing the loan meant that we were able to fulfil an order to produce ventilator boxes – which were needed at a very short deadline – to support the coronavirus medical effort.
“The funds also enabled us to fulfil a big order of water bowsers for a client – which are large mobile water tanks – that are being used to clean schools during this time.
“We have such a loyal workforce and this loan has really raised everyone’s spirits – I think this in turn has even attracted new business.”
Martin Hirst, Barclays relationship manager, said: “It’s been very rewarding working with Wendy and the business to provide funds so they can sustain their business through the current crisis.
“The CBIL funding will enable them to continue to grow the business at pace and support their fantastic efforts in supplying ventilator boxes, and we’re delighted to be able to support a valued customer through these challenging times”
Bark Engineering which was founded in 2019 following the merger of Bowser Supply and Arc Multi Metals.
