Driving Digital Transformation and Sustainable Growth

Background 

Based in Berkhamsted, Mr Gates Fabrications Specialists Ltd has delivered high-quality specialist metalwork fabrication services since 2009. The company is recognised for its precision engineering and attention to detail, designing and manufacturing bespoke staircases, architectural railings, security gates, turnstiles and acoustic panels. 

Operating across London and the South East of England, the business provides a full end-to-end service for public sector organisations and corporate clients, from design and fabrication through to installation. The business employs 24 people. 

The Challenge

As part of its growth strategy, Mr Gates Fabrication Specialists Ltd wanted to: 

• Explore public sector tendering opportunities
• Upskill the workforce and improve operational efficiency
• Better understand available business support, funding and digital programmes 
• Strengthen long-term sustainability and energy resilience

Although the business had previously engaged with Hertfordshire Growth Hub, it required more tailored, strategic support to move from awareness to action. 

The Solution

Following reconnection with a Growth Hub Information Adviser, it was identified that the business would benefit from dedicated, ongoing support and was introduced to a Growth Account Manager. 

The Growth Account Manager worked closely with the directors to: 

• Provide practical guidance on public sector procurement and tender portals
• Signpost relevant training, webinars and funding opportunities
• Support engagement with sector-specific growth initiatives

When the Made Smarter Programmer launched in the East of England in 2025, the business was proactively introduced and supported through the onboarding process, ensuring early access to digital transformation support. 

In parallel, the business was supported to secure an internship grant, enabling the company to bring in new digital capability to support ongoing innovation. 

The Impact

Improved Procurement Readiness 

The business has developed a clearer understanding of public sector tendering processes and is now actively monitoring tender portals. A potential public sector opportunity was identified early in this journey and, while it was not progressed at the time, the business is now better positioned, supported by newly developed marketing brochures and clearer bid readiness. 

Workforce Upskilling & Efficiency Gains

Multiple team members have completed targeted training and webinars. This training supported the business to make better use of AI and automation to improve efficiency, understand upcoming employment law changes to strengthen compliance, and build confidence in identifying and securing grant funding to support growth, innovation and future projects.

Digital Transformation & Sustainability

Through the Made Smarter Programme, the business undertook an energy audit and successfully secured an energy grant, which was used to install a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System.

This investment has: 

• Reduced long-term energy costs 
• Improved energy efficiency 
• Strengthened the business's environmental credentials
• Supported carbon reduction and long-term energy resilience

Talent Investment & Future Growth 

The internship grant enabled Mr Gates Fabrications Specialists Ltd to welcome a new intern into the business, supporting: 

• Digital innovation 
• Fresh skills and capacity 
• Long-term workforce development 

Client Quote

"The support we received from Hertfordshire Growth Hub has been invaluable. It has provided us with clear direction in accessing public sector opportunities while opening up new avenues for growth. From gaining a better understanding of tendering processes to accessing funding for training and digital development, the tailored guidance has made a meaningful difference to our business. 

The introduction to the Made Smarter Programme has been a key step in advancing our digital capabilities, and the internship grant has enabled us to bring in new talent to support our ongoing innovation and development." 

Director, Mr Gates Fabrication Specialists Ltd