Saltaire-based furniture design and production business Plaey, which works with galleries and museums including the TATE, The Hepworth Wakefield and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, has received a grant from the Shipley Towns Fund.
Matt Kelly designs and hand-makes modular furniture from his workshop at Salts Mill where he’s been based for the past four years.
Plaey received a grant of £2,055.60, which contributed to buying a CNC machine. The machine automates some of the production process, allowing the business to produce furniture at a faster rate, while maintaining standards.
Matt said: “It has been a privilege to work with world class galleries and museums and growing ‘a go to’ reputation in this field. I am a team of one – but the new CNC machine is like having a very accurate and fast second member of the team. It will enable us to take on more work and be even more competitive with pricing.
“The £2,000 has allowed us to purchase the new equipment and is ultimately an investment in our future growth and the local economy, because it means I can look to take on an apprentice.
“We are currently working on our biggest project yet – designing and making a new gallery space in the Lake District. The CNC machine is allowing us to design and produce an innovative modular design that we are very excited about.”
Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning Alex Ross Shaw said: “The furniture Plaey creates here in our district, which goes on to be enjoyed in incredible places far and wide, is something for us all to take pride in.
“Alongside the valuable funding from the towns fund, Bradford Council has also provided support and advice on the recruitment of new staff to facilitate future business growth. Businesses like Plaey are an important part of the thriving business community here and others are welcome to apply for both funding and to access support.”
Chair of the Shipley Towns Fund Adan Clerkin explained: “It’s so positive to see how the funding is already making such a significant impact. It has directly translated into growth for the businesses who have received it so far and the welcome creation of new jobs for the area.
“Grants ranging from £1,500 to £315,000 are still available for businesses within – or looking to move to the Shipley Towns Fund area, and other businesses are invited to apply.”
