Vehicle Accessories: driving growth through digitisation and sustainability

looking inside the back of a converted van

Vehicle Accessories Ltd is a Bristol-based van conversion company that has continued to expand and needed to modernise its operations, streamline sales and HR processes, and improve its digital customer experience.

Working with the West of England Growth Hub, Vehicle Accessories were able to access a tailored mix of funded programmes, specialist advice and practical support which allowed them to identify and tackle key challenges while unlocking new opportunities for growth.

Acting as a central point of contact, the Growth Hub connected Vehicle Accessories to digital transformation support through Tech for Growth, strengthened HR practices via HR Essentials, and supported the introduction of eco-friendly initiatives through the Low Carbon initiative. These changes led to stronger online sales, a 10% decrease in overhead costs and higher employee retention.

The Growth Hub Approach

The Growth Hub worked closely with Vehicle Accessories to understand their ambitions, operational challenges and plans for future growth.

Through one-to-one advisor support, the business was guided to a range of funded initiatives designed to address their key priorities. Ensuring time and investment were focused where they would have the greatest impact.

Tech for Growth & digital transformation

Tech for Growth and Made Smarter are designed to help SMEs adopt digital technologies and improve productivity through innovation and automation. Through the Made Smarter programme, Vehicle Accessories secured funding for training for 3D printing with Plymouth Science Park and one-to-one support for the design and implementation of a digital booking and tablet system. This replaced manual processes and improved operational accuracy and efficiency. Via an in-depth digital diagnosis and one-to-one technical consultancy sessions, Tech for Growth supported the business with an improved website and overall digital customer experience, driving web traffic and supporting future online sales.

HR Essentials

The Growth Hub also connected Vehicle Accessories to HR Essentials, a fully funded programme that provides SMEs across the region with expert HR advice and guidance. As a result, they were able to update staff contracts, implement robust policies and strengthen their recruitment and onboarding processes. This reduced turnover and created a clearer framework for staff development.

Low Carbon Initiative

The Growth Hub team introduced the company to the Low Carbon Business Support team, who then helped carry out a sustainability survey and implement low-carbon improvements, including upgraded equipment and more energy-efficient ways of working.