Crucial Engineering a Bradford-based company specialising in aluminium doors and security access systems has bagged a £250,000 loan from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, a part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), to fuel its growth. The funding will empower Crucial Engineering to take on larger projects, building on its recent expansion into bigger premises and a series of high-profile contract wins.
Image Source: Crucial Engineering website
The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) supports businesses across the North of England, offering loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investments of up to £5 million. Its mission is to drive sustainable economic growth by fostering innovation and creating local opportunities for startups and scaling businesses.
By increasing the availability and diversity of early-stage funding, NPIF II helps smaller firms access the capital they need to grow — breaking down financial barriers and supporting businesses that might otherwise struggle to secure investment.
About Crucial Engineering
Founded in 2016 by Paul Van Heeswyk, the company is known for supplying facades, shutters, barriers, gates, and turnstiles for commercial properties, including factories, fast food restaurants, car dealerships, and educational buildings.
Paul Van Heeswyk, Managing Director, said, “At Crucial Engineering, we aim to bring a modern approach to traditional industries. We use new technology and develop innovative products. We also work hard to create a positive workplace culture and use apprenticeship schemes to attract new people into the industry.
About the investment
Last year, the company relocated to a 35,000 sq ft facility in Bradford, five times the size of its original Leeds premises, and has since made significant investments in new equipment and fit-out. The NPIF II funding will provide additional working capital and support the creation of three new jobs in the coming weeks.
“Our investment in the new unit has proved worthwhile as it highlights our capabilities to larger clients and has helped us secure a range of new contracts. The funding will enable us to press on with our growth plans, with the ultimate aim of expanding outside the region and building a network of depots nationwide,” added Heeswyk.
Image Source: mercia asset management
Today, Crucial employs over 30 staff and works with major clients such as builders' merchants Travis Perkins, dealership chains Arnold Clark and Vertu Motors, student accommodation provider Unite Students, and global property management giant CBRE. Beyond its standard offerings, Crucial Engineering has developed innovative products, including a solar-powered vehicle access barrier and an aluminium 'vault door' with an integrated lock designed to prevent break-ins and vandalism — an ideal solution for shared housing and student properties.
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