East Of Scotland Investment Fund Loan gives GX Consultancy a Platform for Growth

DYNAMIC business, GX Consultancy, is realising its ambitions in providing the best strategic software solutions to a range of industrial sectors, thanks to Fife Council financial support.

Based at John Smith Business Park in Kirkcaldy, the consultancy was founded by Gregor Kent and Xander Erkamp, two inspirational and enthusiastic entrepreneurs, who are passionate about delivering a high quality service to customers and making a real difference.

Operational since 2013, the company offers full analysis, business understanding and technological solutions for the specific requirements of any business.  Working in the Whisky and Food and Drink industries, they have transformed workflow & stock management systems to create efficiencies with technologies, allowing manufacturers to be more competitive and profitable.

The East of Scotland Investment Fund (ESIF) which provides loans up to £50,000, is administered by Business Gateway Fife, on behalf of Fife Council Economic Development as part of a European Programme.  Working with their business adviser, Lynne Baillie, the business considered options to allow sustainable expansion and growth.  ESIF offered the right financial solution for them to achieve this.  Through a £20,000 loan, GX Consultancy was given a financial platform to invest in new equipment and Research and Development.

Gregor Kent, GX’s Strategic Solutions Consultant commented:  “The ESIF loan has certainly given us the cushion we needed to make further investment in the business, removing the pressure to delay purchases and allowing us to push forward with our future expansion plans.  We are very grateful for the support the financial support given to us.”

One of GX Consultancy’s clients, Steve Smith IT Principal Business Partner of the Edrington Group, a premium whisky producer, explained the benefits of working with the company.

“Edrington engaged GX to re-platform our barcode gun software, and to introduce some enhancements at the same time. They delivered a Net solution as per our requirements, and delivered this on time and on budget. This company is keen to build solid working relationships and they certainly exceed in this department. I am extremely happy with their software delivery and ongoing support and would highly recommend them.”

Gregor Kent added:  “It is our absolute goal to build a legacy with this business and we will continue to develop and share our ethos.  It’s not just about making money, we feel good about making a real difference to clients’ businesses.  We like to think of ourselves almost as a Social Enterprise. We believe in the ideas our clients have and we can show them the potential that their business could reach through the use of technology.

“We strive to keep up to date as much as possible with design guidelines and cutting edge technology to allow us to deliver the best solutions to customers whilst maintaining the highest levels of quality and service.  We are keen to exploit opportunities in new and emerging sectors like Renewables and Artificial Intelligence and to that end we hope to expand our team in the near future. We aim to create the right environment for someone to grow and develop and share our vision for the future.”

Councillor Lesley Laird, depute council leader and spokesperson for Economy and Planning said:  “Good local businesses like GX Consultancy can reap many benefits through accessing an ESIF loan.  It can bridge a funding gap and allow them to fast track investment into the business, helping them to grow and develop more quickly. 

“Our aim is to ensure that good, commercially viable proposals in Fife do not fail from a lack of access to Finance.  All types of businesses can apply for an ESIF loan and it can provide up to 50 per cent of the funding package required to help start up, sustain and grow a business.  This in turn, contributes to a stronger local economy through the creation of jobs, growth and wealth.

“GX Consultancy has shown it has the ability to transform business performance in a wide range of sectors through their bespoke software solutions.  The consultants should be commended for their commitment and achievements to date.”

For more information on GX Consultancy, check out www.gxconsultancy.co.uk

For more information on accessing an ESIF loan, contact Business Gateway Fife on 01592 858333 or download an application form from www.eastscotinvest.co.uk