Grant Funding Helps Dempsey Dyer Undertake Digital Transformation

• Family businesses, Dempsey Dyer, uses Digital Enterprise Funding to bring operating systems in line with its award-winning manufacturing
• Streamlined Business Support Programme results £50,000 costs saving
• Company now poised for impressive growth thanks to efficient new business model
• Reduced admin leads to increased employee satisfaction and improved staff retention

For nearly four decades, Dempsey Dyer has been a cornerstone of the Yorkshire community, renowned for its commitment to crafting high-quality windows and doors. As technology continued to evolve, the family-run business recognised the need to adapt to the digital era to ensure its long-term sustainability.

The myriad of challenges in recent years has meant businesses of all sizes have had to reflect and adapt to survive. For Dempsey Dyer, the very foundation of its operations were tested, requiring innovation, resilience, a willingness to embrace change, and the need to invest in digital. Understanding the cost of implementing new technology, Dempsey Dyer applied to business support programme Digital Enterprise (DE3) for financial support. 

Digital Enterprise (DE3) has been empowering established businesses across West Yorkshire to thrive and innovate since 2016. Their expertise, impartial advice and grant funding has enabled many businesses to invest in resilient technology solutions, helping to build foundations for growth through to complete digital transformation. With support from Digital Enterprise, Dempsey Dyer embarked on a transformative journey, embracing technology, increasing productivity, and redefining its approach to business.

The £7,000 grant awarded by Digital Enterprise (DE3) allowed Dempsey Dyer to remap its internal processes, leading to significant efficiency gains. Streamlined processes not only reduced the workload for staff but also enhanced job satisfaction by eliminating time-consuming administrative tasks. Additionally, the company was able to reduce its demand for paper trails, minimising its environmental impact.

Dempsey Dyer estimates that the grant has helped them save over £50,000 in labour costs. Systems Manager Mark Suaznabar explains, "The efficiencies we've been able to develop have streamlined the processes in our stores and accounts departments. But rather than making our workforce smaller, we've reallocated roles and responsibilities to our team. By removing constrictive methods, team engagement has soared."

With a streamlined and more efficient business model, the company is now poised for continued growth in 2024. "We've identified an opportunity to develop key relationships with small businesses and trades across the country," says Mark Suaznabar. "As the business is now much more functional and streamlined, we can offer the same fantastic rates and service to businesses of any size, making this an area where we can see an opportunity for real growth."

As Dempsey Dyer looks to the future, they hope to access further support from Digital Enterprise, which is now on its third round of business support. Digital Enterprise 3 (DE3) is specifically for West Yorkshire SMEs, over three years old and ready to invest in digital technology to take their business to the next level.

Digital Enterprise Programme Manager, Suzanne Bradbury, said: “Dempsey Dyer stands as a shining example of the transformative impact DE3 can have on businesses. By empowering businesses to embrace technology with confidence, we enable them to unlock their full potential. We eagerly welcome businesses looking to improve productivity and grow through investment in digital technology and solutions, as we’re able offer support and funding for a wide range of projects.”

Mark commented, “The advice and support from Digital Enterprise has been invaluable. We feel that everyone we have spoken to is on our side and has a genuine interest in seeing the business succeed. It’s given us the confidence to make decisions and take risks, but also shown how businesses large and small, old and new can benefit from new ideas and a fresh perspective.”

By embracing technology and redefining its approach to business, the company has secured its place as a leader in the windows and doors industry, ensuring its continued success for generations to come. As such, Dempsey Dyer were named in Digital Enterprise’s Top 100, a celebration of the most transformational businesses across the region. Dempsey Dyer's story serves as a testament to the power of adaptation and innovation in a fast-paced environment.

Through its Digital Accelerator Grant, DE3 can provide up to 50% (maximum £10,000) of costs for projects ranging in value from £2,000 to £25,000. Additionally, DE3 is able to offer a limited number of High Impact Grants, for projects that will have a significant and transformational impact on businesses. Eligible businesses can receive up to 50% funding (or a maximum £35,000) for new digital initiatives costing between £25,000 and £100,000. As High Impact projects take longer to complete, DE3 is encouraging businesses to apply sooner rather than later.

This programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The UKSPF is led by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Digital Enterprise is being delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, acting as Lead Authority for the Funds.

Ambitious growth businesses based in West Yorkshire can find out more about eligibility for Digital Enterprise, and apply for a Digital Accelerator Grant or High Impact Grant while there’s still time by visiting: https://www.digitalenterprise.co.uk/