A1 Engineering, which works predominantly for large UK supermarkets, has used the funding to continue operating its service and repair workstream for food retailers which have relied heavily on functioning refrigeration cabinets during the outbreak, as well as to support cash flow while other workstreams have been turned off.
£1.1 million of the HSBC UK funding has been secured from the government-backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). The remainder of the funding was made up of working capital facilities.
Dean Frost, managing director at A1 Engineering, said: “We’ve been working with HSBC UK for the last 18 years and in that time, the team has always been on hand to support our ambitious growth plans. This latest round of funding is no exception. Not only has it allowed us to continue operating critical parts of our business, but it means we’re in a strong financial position when things return to normal, allowing us to re-open workstreams that have been closed due to the coronavirus.”
A1 Engineering is one of only a handful of UK businesses that has designed and developed low carbon, low energy refrigeration plant solutions that meets the needs of its customer base, which is required by law to remove harmful gases from its refrigeration systems. The business has invested in innovative hydrocarbon glycol plant solutions and is planning further innovation in CO2 technology for refrigeration systems.
HSBC UK is working closely with the Government and UK Finance to identify emerging issues and make sure customers and businesses have the advice and support they need.