RBS helps fund specialist vehicle export to South Africa

A UK manufacturer is expanding into South Africa thanks to a funding boost from the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).

Based in Colchester, A Smith Gt Bentley (ASGB) designs and builds bespoke vehicles predominantly for outside broadcast, corporate hospitality, exhibition units and mobile medical units.

A long-established company, it is now focused on future growth after applying to the RBS Funding for Lending Scheme (FfLS). A Government backed scheme, it was launched by the Bank of England and HM Treasury in July.

The bank announced its £2.5bn FfLS fund earlier this year to demonstrate its commitment to provide more accessible funding to support SMEs with growth plans.

Mobile operating theatres

Managing Director Simon Hare bought the business eight years ago with his father. They now plan to sell mobile operating theatres in South Africa. He said: “We have developed a mobile health concept which can revolutionise healthcare in the developing world.

“We have conducted a large amount of research and have found a local partner who will be able to roll out mobile solutions in rural areas in South Africa and throughout the African continent.

“We have been very happy with the support provided by RBS whom we have banked with since we purchased the business eight years ago. The funding provided by the FfLS scheme is helping us with our new plans but also will support our UK operation and management of existing and new contracts.

“The terms of the loan have been a great help as the scheme offered no arrangement fee and a reduction in interest rates.”