Shrewsbury gun-maker sets their sights high

A Shrewsbury-based bespoke gunmaker is hoping to double their sales thanks to support from the European funded Eureka! Moment project and the University of Wolverhampton.

Boxall and Edmiston engaged with the University of Wolverhampton on the Eureka Moment!  Project last autumn as they were keen to expand into international markets, particularly the USA.

Business Development Manager Drew Boxall’s vision was to create a shop window using a web-based tool allowing customers to create their own bespoke gun.

He said: “Our commitment to using technology has gone one step further with the launch of the gun builder, a dedicated tool for customising a Boxall & Edmiston. The gun builder gives explanations of why certain features improve someone's shooting and how a bespoke gun can benefit those looking to become better at their chosen sport. Currently the gun builder gives 24 million combinations for customers to choose from.”

After signing up for the Eureka! Moment project, an industry expert from the University of Wolverhampton visited the company’s premises to fully understand the business and their current challenges, suggesting innovative ways to aid business growth.

A grant through the project has part-financed the new web-based gun builder tool – a Shrewsbury based marketing consultancy was awarded the contract to produce the marketing material.

The company anticipates a 100% increase in sales during 2015, and as a result has already created one new full time position, with further job creation anticipated later this year.

An additional benefit of the Eureka! Moment project has been raising awareness of other support available to businesses in the West Midlands. Boxall and Edmiston are already working with the University of Wolverhampton on the development of a new trigger guard casting accessing the 3D printer at the University. Future plans could include accessing support of a recent graduate and academic expert through the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for business growth and prosperity, said: “These European funded projects are designed to aid our small businesses to compete in the global marketplace, when contracts are awarded to local businesses this increases the impact of the funding even further.”

Further details about the Eureka Moment! Project can be found at www.shropshire.gov.uk/eureka-moment