We recently had the pleasure of meeting with managing director, Anthony Spadavecchia from BE Switchcraft who have been designing and manufacturing switchboards for over 50 years.
After receiving the Manufacturing Modernisation Grant in April 2020 they have recently been awarded a Sovereign Industry Capability Priority (SICP) grant of $109,000 towards the purchase of new engraving equipment.
We asked them to tell us about their business and how they have been so successful in winning these grants.
About their business
BE Switchcraft has been designing and manufacturing switchboards for over 50 years and in 2019 they moved into purpose-built premises at Royal Park.
Throughout this time their switchboards have become part of the fabric of many of Adelaide’s most innovative buildings from health to major industrial and commercial premises. Leading the field in areas of Energy Management Systems, lighting and room control they are saving their clients’ money and protecting the environment.
They have remained committed to not only employing locally, developing and retaining talented and experienced people, passionate about quality outcomes but also buying locally. All their raw input materials are locally sourced.
The secret to their success in winning grants
Whilst there is lots of support for the growth of the defence sector, BE Switchcraft attribute much of their success to being proactive and looking at what is on offer from the government.
When we asked what’s your advice for other businesses considering applying for grants, Anthony said -
- Be informed on what is available, look at the Business SA Grants website and Charles Sturt Grant Guru.
- If you can, use a professional grant writer, they have a higher success rate, they are constantly working in the space and know how to structure your grant application.
- Match the grants to your growth plans for your business.
The challenges of running their business during COVID-19
Like many businesses, BE Switchcraft experienced difficulties during COVID-19. Their main issue was their supply chain and getting inputs from interstate and overseas.
There was also a great deal of uncertainty around COVID policies and procedures with Government requirements changing quickly and frequently and it was challenging to be on top of what was required and when.
Anthony said ‘maintaining a good relationship with our suppliers and open communication was key to our success. We also undertook advanced planning and forecasting of our workflow and held much larger stock amounts in house.’
Future opportunities
So, what are the opportunities for advanced manufacturing sovereignty in a post COVID recovery world?
Anthony said - ‘we need the ability to produce locally and produce products well, for advanced manufacturing to grow in South Australia.
COVID-19 crisis has brought sovereign capability issues to the forefront and exposed gaps in our supply chain but there are opportunities for key sectors. Therefore, we need to continue to develop and promote the sovereign capability of our manufacturing sector’
The future
What is next on the horizon for BE Switchcraft?
‘Automation, future proofing and ensuring that the businesses is tech ready’ says Anthony. ‘Being proactive and ahead of the curve means that you are better prepared and will ensure that BE Switchcraft continues to grow, and this is where these grants can assist.’
The grant will be used for the purchase of new engraving equipment that will be used for defence projects.
Applications are open for the Sovereign Industry Capability Priority (SICP) grant for projects that build industrial capabilities and fit with the Defence’s Sovereign Industrial Capability Priorities.
Check out Grant Guru on the Charles Sturt Business Grants and Funding page for local grants in Charles Sturt, and the large database of Australian business and community grants.
It also includes advice on how to write grant applications and tips for funding success.
We also have a number of grants available through our Economic Support and Stimulus Package.
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Emma Grivell
Business Engagement Advisor - Urban Projects
E: egrivell@charlessturt.sa.gov.au