In this is the fourth edition of our monthly business Case Study, we focus on United Polymers, a thermoplastics manufacturer based in Coventry.

United Polymers specialise in the manufacture and distribution of several types of plastics and polymers to the injection moulding industry.  The company has a strong customer base in this industry and is known for its good working practices, hard working staff and attention to detail.

One of the several thermoplastics United Polymers manufactures

The company has well-established relationships with suppliers such as Polyram or TKV, world leading thermoplastic manufacturing companies.  The high-end speciality grade polymers that United Polymers provide are manufactured to withstand some of the toughest engineering specifications and are used in a wide range of applications.

The variety of masterbatches that the company offers can be used in plastic injection products that require different types of finishing. From ‘Crisp Whites’ and ‘Fire Reds’ to ‘Sparkling’ effects,  the materials provided by United Polymers are manufactured to satisfy the most demanding requirements.

Company’s growth

The company’s expertise at buying raw plastic in a cost effective way and their supplying experience to meet costumers’ needs lead to a significant growth of the company. But in words of Managing Director Raj Sanghera, it wasn’t until they changed to RBS invoice finance plan that they found the support they needed to help realise the company’s true potential.

“A couple of years ago we were having problems with our former bank, they didn’t really seem to understand our business and were not willing to take the time to get to know our requirement. As a growing company, this meant our access to working capital was restricted.”

Advisors from RBS Invoice Finance directed the company towards a flexible solution that would help the business grow. As the company leases its premises, the advisors decided that the best solution would be to take an invoice discounting facility. This solution means that interests are only paid on money that is already working hard for the company, and the lending is directly linked to sales.

RBS international expertise has been key to the growth of United Polymers. The company’s stock is sourced from different suppliers around the world. Working with worldwide suppliers has helped the company gain a strong reputation for providing a close partnership between processors and end users, and ensuring a reliable service to its customers.

Do you know of other businesses that are doing well during these hard economic times? Let us know in the comments section below.

Under new Financial Services Authority (FSA) rules, financial firms who collect an excessive amount of complaints against them are to be named and shamed reports MoneySavingExpert news.

Over a six month period companies who receive 500 or more complaints will, under the rules, have to publish the numbers of complaints twice a year so consumers can see which firms draw the most ire.

Under the rules, companies must state complaints numbers in a prominent position on their website including:

• How many complaints they have opened and closed
• The percentage closed within eight weeks
• The percentage of complaints upheld

The number of complaints will also be available on the FSA website. FSA rules differs from those of the Financial Ombudsman Service rules in that FSA numbers will include all complaints and not just those that have gone to the Ombudsman.

Sheila Nicoll, FSA conduct policy director, says: “For the first time, people will be able to see how many complaints particular firms receive and how they handle them.”

All affected firms must publish figures by 31 August 2010, with the FSA following in September.