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Introduction
Founded in 1978, Streamline Dispense Ltd. is a Stonehouse-based business that specialises in the manufacture, supply, fitting and maintenance of drinks dispense equipment. Daron Sarrington joined the business as a partner in 1990, became Managing Director in 1995 and incorporated the business in 2000. Daron has since overseen significant expansion and innovation of the product-service portfolio – and came to The Growth Hub looking to access the expertise and network of the Business Guide team.
Challenges & Opportunities
The manufacturing and supply arm of Streamline Dispense is currently performing at its best in the Republic of Ireland, where Daron has been able to utilise export and distributor contacts to great effect. The installation and maintenance market is primarily local to the company’s Stonehouse base, while a new ‘outdoor bar’ service is just launching and will cover the South West.
Daron was first made aware of The Growth Hub when meeting Richard Thorogood, Business Guide, at a local networking event. On his first visit to The Growth Hub, Daron met again with Richard to draw up a bespoke Growth Plan and to start accessing business support to tackle his target areas of intellectual property, export, product development, innovation and more.
Solutions for Growth
Richard introduced Daron to a number of his key contacts with support organisations, to build a bespoke support plan addressing his challenges and areas of focus. Daron comments;
The Growth Hub has been a revelation for my business. Since engaging, I’ve met with contacts in UK Trade & Investment and Enterprise Europe Network, who have helped me to understand the nuances of intellectual property and patent protection when working in international markets – and they have also been influential in my export strategy for targeting new markets.
“When it comes to research, The Growth Hub is now my first stop and as yet I haven’t had to go to a second. Richard has been able to find the answers or the people with the answers to all of my queries, which has saved me endless time and energy – important for a business as lean as mine. If I could recommend one thing to Gloucestershire businesses, it’s to get out of the office and network, network, network. Since making that effort, I have cut thousands of miles off my business in finding local suppliers, local connections and local business support organisations like The Growth Hub.”
What’s next?
Streamline Dispense has diversified its products and services over the past decade, phasing out less profitable arms of the business and introducing new elements. Now Daron’s priority is to focus on the manufacturing and supply stream, whilst introducing the pop-up bar service for outdoor events.
Richard Thorogood, Business Guide, comments;
“We will continue to support Daron’s business streams, but we’re also keen to focus our resources into helping him target the healthcare and dentistry industry. If we can help him to diversify and break out into another lucrative market, his business will be growing at a fantastic rate which is what everybody wants.”
