Advice and grants help tech firm strengthen marketing and diversify product offering

Background

Freeform Fabrication is a Stevenage-based firm set up by Efrat Sharon in 2003 to initially sell 3D printers. From there the company evolved, broadening its range into laser welders, engravers, 3D scanners and other technology, primarily aimed at jewellers and component manufacturers. Freeform also provides specialist laser welding training and workshops.

The Challenge

Freeform is always looking to invest in new and more advanced machinery to maintain its competitive advantage. But buying new machines can be risky and there’s no guarantee they’ll be relevant, popular or successful as other technologies.

Efrat approached Hertfordshire Growth Hub to find out about grants and other financial support to mitigate investment risk.

The Solution

After meeting with Growth Account Manager Wendy Gibbs to discuss business goals, both Efrat and Wendy agreed a plan of action to achieve them. Initially, this included helping Freeform access funding to invest in a new handheld 3D scanner, but the support widened to tailored, ongoing one-to-one advice and business growth support.

We completed a review of the business and, as well as providing general advice, also identified that Freeform should focus on its marketing. As part of this, Efrat was assisted in accessing a grant of £3,000 to work with a local consultancy firm on developing a marketing strategy, with the aim of increasing sales and taking on a new employee.

More recently, Efrat has been introduced to the Create Growth Programme. The programme, which runs until the end of March 2025, aims to increase management skills and confidence among businesses with high growth potential either currently operating in Hertfordshire’s film and TV sector or its supply chain or those looking to diversify into the sector.

Through this programme we’ve recently introduced Efrat to the University of Hertfordshire for funded support in developing a new product that she’s working on.

The Impact

Although she was initially unsure whether she needed advice, Efrat found the support invaluable. It helped her introduce new processes that allowed her to step away from some of the day-to-day operations and focus more on business development.

As a result of the funded business consultancy project, the company now has a new customer relationship management system to efficiently manage sales leads, technical enquiries and events. It also helped the company strengthen their customer journey, improving touch points at every stage and building the sales pipeline. In particular, Freeform has grown its social media presence through video tutorials and other content, attracting new international customers.

As for new products, the 3D handheld scanner is helping the company diversify into new markets and secure new clients and projects. Through the Create Growth Programme and in particular the assistance available through the University of Hertfordshire, the company is also now exploring how large-format 3D printing could benefit film and TV production companies.

Client quote   

“The Growth Hub really understands our business on quite a personal level and is always there for us when we need them. At first, I wondered whether I really needed advice. But once I started with my Growth Account Manager I realised it was something I should have done long ago. There’s a big difference between knowing your market, knowing your products and running a business effectively.” Efrat Sharon, Founder, Freeform Fabrication

To find out more about Freeform Fabrication here - Freeform Fabrication LTD |Elettrolaser| United Kingdom| DaDo