Mansfield-based data storage provider NexStor can look forward to a new phase of growth in 2015, having secured a £5,000 grant — thanks to Mansfield i-Centre’s free onsite business advisory support service.

The 10-year-old company has been based in the i-Centre for six years, during which time its team has grown from two to ten.

Company directors and founders Troy Platts and Rob Townsend sought the support of the centre’s resident business advisor, David Smith, after they identified a change in strategy was required to stand out in an increasingly competitive market place.

As a result of his review and business planning, David suggested the team invest in a new, more sales-focussed, website – and then helped them secure the funding required to pay for it.

Explained Robert: “Most businesses are generating and holding rafts of data these days, so the demand for data storage and management services has exploded in recent years. At first, this was great for us, but the demand was quickly followed by a huge increase in competition.

“David helped us to review our competitors and our own positioning in the market place, then came up with a revised strategy to take us forward. His help has been invaluable, holding our hand throughout the planning and then the grant process – he was instrumental in us winning the £5,000.”

The funding was secured from Mansfield District Council’s Innovation Grant, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Mansfield i-Centre is one of three Nottinghamshire Innovation Centres managed by Oxford Innovation on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council.

Pictured are Troy Platts and Rob Townsend with Oxford Innovation business advisor David Smith.