Business lawyers help a Black Country manufacturer survive the recession
July 2009
A Black Country manufacturer who suffered a downturn in business because of the recession has now turned its fortunes around with the help of Shropshire’s leading commercial law specialists’ Blackbourn & Bond.
Based in Tipton,Alpha-Rowen Ltd is one of the largest UK sub-contractors of Austempering for the spring and presswork market, but earlier this year the company was facing difficult times as a result of the sharp decline in the automotive industry which has formed a key part of its business for the last 22 years. However, instead of burying its head in the sand, the company acted decisively and sought advice from specialist business lawyers Blackbourn & Bond. Through consultation with Dwight Bond, one of the law firm’s Directors, it was agreed that the way forward was to restructure the business and consolidate its assets.
Dwight Bond explains: “Many UK businesses who are Tier 1, 2 or 3 suppliers to the automotive industry have, and are still facing tough economical times. Alpha-Rowen was no different; the big difference however was that after successfully surviving three recessions over the past 20 years, the business was astute in recognising that this recession was unlike any other it had faced. Therefore the board’s swift action in agreeing to consolidate the business means that we have been able to implement all the steps required to protect it’s assets with the aim of making it a compact and successful organisation once again.”
Three months on, and Alpha-Rowen is now a far more streamlined and profitable organisation that has managed to secure the jobs for the majority of its employees. Also, by implementing new strategies and improving efficiencies as part of this process, the business is in a much stronger and more competitive position moving to the future, and has already started to see an increase in orders.
Kevin Rowen, owner of Alpha-Rowen Ltd said: “Demand for our products from the automotive industry had reached critical levels earlier this year, and it was only with the help and advice from our trusted advisors that we were able to restructure the business enabling it to move forward. The specialist business and commercial legal expertise provided by Dwight throughout this difficult process was invaluable. With his constructive advice and unprecedented support, we were able to quickly make key decisions to prevent the business slipping further into decline.”
Blackbourn & Bond is Shropshire’s leading specialist commercial law firm. Based in Shrewsbury the firm is dedicated to serving the business and commerce law interests of property and business entrepreneurs, SME’s and multi-national corporations. The firm’s services cover corporate services, charities, entrepreneurs/business owners, partnerships, business sales and mergers, intellectual property, employment, disputes and resolutions, property, construction & development, business support, city and international work, media and entertainment.
For further information, please visit www.blackbournbond.co.uk, or telephone 01743 233255.