The Client
GMP Manufacturing Ltd (GMPM) is a pharmaceutical manufacturer based in Kingston upon Hull. A leading contract manufacturer, the company specialises in filling and packing solutions for Biocides, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics and Healthcare products in the United Kingdom. Established in 2018 on the former Seven Seas site in Hull, the company has breathed new life and opportunity into a prestigious Hull institution that had been in operation since 1937, before its closure in 2012. A stalwart in the locality, GMPM has its sights firmly set on further growth.
The Challenge
Following eight years of rapid expansion (including the workforce growing by over 40%) GMPM was looking to expand into other markets, with contracts throughout Europe and Australia providing an exciting opportunity. However, they were also working on their UK-based range of medical products, such as Aseptic, an alcohol-free sanitiser effective against influenza and COVID-19, and developing the roles within the company, ranging from apprenticeships to senior leadership. With so many plates spinning at once, exporting seemed like a tricky, risky and expensive prospect. To help them navigate this new territory, GMPM required reliable and secure funding from a trusted lender.
How we helped
We provided over £500,000 in funding support to assist with GMPM’s export and growth plans. The funding was backed by UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the government’s export credit agency. This new financing has enabled the company to meet growing international demand, while continuing to expand its UK operations.
Access to finance with support from White Oak UK and UKEF has been instrumental in accelerating GMPM’s growth. The facility has enabled the firm to supply pharmaceutical products to clients in the UK, Europe and Australia and increase the workforce by 20% and add additional manufacturing capacity. Looking ahead, GMPM plans to increase its workforce by a further 20%, as it seeks to expand into African markets. The company is also extending its research and development capabilities and investing in new manufacturing technologies, including 3D printing platforms for personalised medicines.
Chris Bryant, Minister for Trade, said:
“It’s fantastic to see a business like GMPM thrive, creating jobs and driving economic growth in Yorkshire as well as revitalising a local plant. We are a pro-business Government and will continue to back businesses to scale up, helping innovative firms like GMPM to export their products across the globe.”
Manuel Fantin, Export Finance Manager for South Yorkshire at UKEF, said:
“GMPM’s story should inspire many SMEs, who need the motivation to take the next step in their business. From taking an East Hull plant that closed after almost 80 years of history, bringing it back to life with 30 employees, and now, more than doubling in size in under a decade, GMPM’s trajectory of growth is only going up, and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners at White Oak UK to see them succeed even further in both scale and global capability.”
Giby George, CEO at GMPM, said:
“Support from UKEF and White Oak has played a pivotal role in accelerating our growth.
We are proud to be investing in advanced manufacturing capacity in Hull, creating high-quality jobs and career opportunities at every level, from apprenticeships and technical training to senior leadership positions, while strengthening the UK’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capability.”
Andy Davies, Managing Director at White Oak UK, said:
“Our support for GMP Manufacturing demonstrates our commitment to providing growth capital to innovative UK businesses, wherever they are based. GMPM’s story is a compelling example of what British SMEs can achieve with the right financial backing – from a single site in Hull to supplying markets across Europe and Australia.”
We are proud to work alongside UK Export Finance to help businesses like GMP Manufacturing unlock their full export potential and create quality jobs across the UK. GMPM’s story demonstrates how UKEF support can help UK manufacturers strengthen their export capability, create highly skilled jobs in all parts of the country, and compete on the global stage – in line with the government’s plans to support UK businesses and drive economic growth.
Thinking of going global? Want some Government-backed support behind your export efforts? Get in touch with us on 0333 014 9000 to find out more about our UKEF facility.
Talk to us
If you are looking to find the right finance for your business, contact us today.
