Says Brendan: “This was a relatively new venture for us. We already complete a number of assemblies for various customers but it was a major success against significant competition in securing the contract and becoming the nominated supply source, supported by Bentley’s commitment to Hi-Finish.”

The project tapped into key competencies on which Hi-Finish prides itself, not only as a finisher and assembler, but also in supply chain management, something the company has been involved with for a number of years in support of its customer base and growth strategy.

The visible part of the ‘Flying B’ is literally just the tip of an engineering iceberg involving a complex arrangement of other primary processes that enable the assembly to meet the high safety requirements of the product – to snap the ornament out of harm’s way in a collision.

“Working with the Bentley’s design engineers on ease-of-manufacture was not without its stumbles, but we did get there against a testing short time frame,” says Brendan. “It was a challenge for all parties and certainly one that adds value to the appearance of the range of cars where the product is specified.”

He adds: “We have had a very good relationship with Bentley over the years. They have supported us in our business with new projects and look on us as a strategic supplier. This has assisted Bentley and it has assisted us in meeting future challenges for UK manufacture.

“It’s a very prestigious project to keep within the UK, because, as part of their sourcing policy, the product had to go for global tender, the norm within many OE strategies.”

Brendan also acknowledges the support of a group of loyal strategic supply partners and pays testament to the guidance given by Accelerate – in particular business adviser Norman Taylor.

Norman has worked with Hi-Finish for more than six years and has directed the company towards grants for wage replacement after the MG Rover collapse and for investment in new technologies and processing in this ever changing and demanding arena.

Says Brendan: “The support we have had from Accelerate has enabled us to develop the business in line with our strategic ideas and the changing needs of the customer market. Without that support we wouldn’t have been able to develop the business to its present structure. We are hopeful that future projects that could include “Black Chrome” plating would see further support forthcoming.”