Grants Enable Major Energy Efficiency Overhaul
Grants totalling £64,000 from North Lanarkshire Council have enabled Coatbridge-based Matic Media Services Ltd, trading as Graphic Warehouse, to carry out extensive energy efficiency improvements at its premises. The company secured £49,000 from the Business Growth and Net Zero Challenge Funds, with additional support taking the total to approximately £65,000.
Structural and System Upgrades
The funding allowed structural work to reduce heat loss and improve heat retention, installation of new doors for better thermal efficiency, an efficient gas heating system, instant hot water systems to eliminate stored water energy waste, and an electrical and data rewire. Graphic Warehouse also installed a solar PV rooftop system, which has dramatically reduced energy costs and CO₂ output, enhancing the building's long-term environmental performance.
Company Growth and Sustainability
Richard McCombe, managing director of Matic Media, said: "North Lanarkshire Council’s Enterprise Team guided us through the grant process, ensuring the funding was best suited to our growth aspirations. The combined support of approximately £65,000 has enabled a transformational step for us to grow the business and our team while reducing our carbon output and improving operational efficiency." He added that the project demonstrates how targeted council funding can modernise legacy industrial space while supporting environmental, economic, and skills development objectives.
Business Expansion and Employment
Located in Coatbridge, the large-format print and signage company has grown into a leading sustainable print manufacturer with a focus on automation and net zero aspirations. The business offers apprenticeships, providing young people with real opportunities. As the company grew, the need for larger premises led to relocation to a new manufacturing facility in Coatbridge with grant support from North Lanarkshire Council. Graphic Warehouse is currently recruiting additional staff to support increased production capacity and national distribution, with three young people progressing through an apprenticeship programme in print manufacturing and production operations.
Community and Skills Development
The company hosted around 100 school pupils at the new facility to introduce young people to modern large-format print manufacturing and demonstrate real-world career pathways outside traditional academic routes. This supports local skills awareness and strengthens the future manufacturing workforce in North Lanarkshire.
Council Support for Local Businesses
Councillor Alex McVey, convener of the council’s Enterprise and Fair Work Committee, visited the new premises and said: "Local businesses are vital to the economy. This is a great example of how the council can help support businesses to grow, create more jobs, tackle environmental change and contribute significantly to our local economy." He urged businesses to contact the council and Business Gateway for support. The council’s Business Start Up Fund provides up to £3,000 for new or soon-to-start businesses, the Business Growth Fund offers up to £20,000 for capital expenditure or infrastructure, up to £5,000 for workforce or skills development, and up to £4,000 for trade show attendance. The Growth Fund is open to businesses in North Lanarkshire operating in key sectors including advanced manufacturing, construction, creative industries, food and drink, health and social care, life sciences, renewable energy, social enterprise, tourism, and transport and logistics.
