MW Sweepers
How Novuna Business Finance has empowered MW Sweepers to grow its business through asset finance
In this interview, we speak with Angela Heathcote at MW Sweepers. Angela provides us with insight to their road sweeping business and why they use asset finance through Novuna Business Finance to help buy their technologically advanced sweepers.
What does your company do?
In a nutshell, we provide road sweeping services to keep public roads, site roads and construction sites clean. Our road sweepers are kitted out with state-of-the-art safety equipment prioritising the wellbeing of our operators, workers and pedestrians.
Mark Birchmore, our Operations Director, is also a very experienced mechanic. He not only keeps our fleet in A1 condition but he also offers a repair service for other road sweeper companies.
Who are your typical customers?
Our typical customers are housebuilders and associated companies, motorway construction companies, aggregate quarries, ports and recycling companies. We serve customers in Kent, and generally round the M25 orbital.
Why did you start your business?
Our late Managing Director, Mike and I had both been in the Road Sweeping industry for several years and decided to form our own company. We both had great relationships with our former colleagues and customers. Therefore, when the Company we worked for went by the wayside, we saw it as an opportunity to start something new.
What is one of the biggest challenges you face as a business?
The last year has been extremely challenging with increasing costs of consumables such as fuel and parts for the sweepers. It's also very hard to find drivers who want to learn how to operate a road sweeper. It is a skilled job - especially as, these days, they have so much technology installed, as well as all the essential bells and whistles!
Health and Safety Regulations for our type of work is constantly changing and evolving. As small business owners, we’re spinning a lot of plates, and it can be challenging to keep up with. To help alleviate some of the pressure, we have partnered with a firm to take care of this element of the job. This way we can ensure our business is compliant and we’re always operating in the safest way.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I’m a people person and I love being front of house so that I can interact with our customers and our team of drivers. I often find that we’re the first port of call whenever one of our customers needs help, and I love that we’ve built a reputation as a company they can rely on.
As a business, why do you opt to use asset finance?
There are many reasons why we use asset finance. Firstly, and most importantly, it enables us to purchase new, top of the range road sweepers which, in turn, helps us attract more customers. By having modern kit, our business can meet our customers’ demands and can take on more complex jobs.
It’s also a really great way to spread the cost of our purchase with fixed monthly payments and still gives us the ability to off-set it against our taxable allowances. We typically set our agreements over a 48-month term to align with the lifespan of our assets. Purchasing an asset through Hire Purchase over this period allows us to maximise its usage while maintaining it to the highest possible standard. When the time comes to sell, we can achieve the best price and then reinvest in something new.
How has Novuna Business Finance helped your business?
Aside from the very quick turnaround times, Novuna Business Finance, and particularly Ian Exall, have taken the time to understand how we work and what we’re trying to achieve. Having a finance provider that really takes an interest in our business to help secure the appropriate funding, invest in the right assets, and scale our business is extremely valuable. Buying new equipment and setting up finance deals is easier when you have this support. Knowing you'll be communicating with experienced and knowledgeable professionals who want to see you succeed.
Please note that this is for information purposes only. You should seek any specific advice that you feel is necessary to help you make an informed decision when choosing finance products. Novuna and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
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If you're a business and are interested in one of our services, please fill in the contact form below and a member of our team will be in touch.
We'll only be able to assist you if you meet the minimum criteria:
- A UK based Limited Company, Public Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership, Sole trader or Partnership
- Have been trading for a minimum of three years
- Looking for Hire Purchase or Leasing agreements