Wiltshire creative digital agency RTS Group has received significant support through SWIG Finance to accelerate its growth, post-pandemic. The Lacock- based business helps other businesses by using data insights to create bespoke learning and development solutions aimed at upskilling their workforces.
Pre-pandemic, RTS Group typically used a blend of digital and face-to-face learning. Now the business leans more towards digital, in response to market demand, and is developing some exciting alternatives to face-to-face learning, such as 3D virtual learning solutions which simulate face-to-face learning without the need for in-person activity.
The business is now growing at pace and the capital injection from SWIG Finance will be used to invest in people, skills, and product development. Several new jobs are planned in the next 12 months.
RTS were referred to SWIG Finance via Terry Dean of Commercial Sense. The support was backed by the British Business Bank’s Recovery Loan Scheme, with support from Triodos Bank.
Managing Director Jess Starley commented “The business has gone through some major changes recently and having successfully pivoted into being a digital organisation, we’re very excited about our new product range. Our Business Manager, Jordan, was great to work with, he was clearly very interested in and supportive of our business, which we felt was a refreshing approach to business support.”
SWIG Business Manager Jordan Berg said “RTS were impacted heavily throughout the pandemic with disruption to training budgets and the sectors their clients operate in. With a history spanning over 30 years, it was clear RTS was a strong business with an experienced management team worthy of support. It’s great to see how the business has adapted to market changes and how our funding is helping to accelerate their growth.”
John Sharpe, relationship manager at Triodos Bank UK, which provided a loan to SWIG to support funding such as this, added: “The aim of all of the bank’s finance is to make money work for positive change. We know that SMEs can often struggle to access lending, and our partnership with SWIG allows us to help start-ups and growing businesses fulfil their potential, as these enterprises really have the ability to transform a community.
“We look forward to hearing more about the impact that SMEs like RTS Group have in their local area.”
About SWIG Finance
SWIG Finance is a non-profit company which supports viable Southwest businesses that can’t secure sufficient funding from their bank. By empowering underserved SMEs to overcome their financial barriers, we are working to create a more balanced financial eco-system.
We’re growing every year. In 2021/22, we lent £10.8m to 502 businesses, helping to create and secure over 1,000 jobs and generate £32.3m. For more information visit www.swigfinance.co.uk.
If you’d like an informal chat about your funding requirements, get in touch with our friendly and professional team to see how we can help: [email protected] / 01872 227 930.
Legal Notice: The Recovery Loan Scheme is managed by the British Business Bank on behalf of, and with the financial backing of, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. British Business Bank plc is a development bank wholly owned by HM Government. It is not authorised or regulated by the PRA or the FCA. Visit https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-hub/recovery-loan-scheme/
