Midlands SME hits £5m and says:‘Take That’

The company said that its growth was a direct consequence of diversification and a buoyant Midland manufacturing sector. Laser Process hit the £5 million turnover mark for the first time in its history after securing a healthy amount of repeat business from some of the region's largest manufacturers and an increasing number of new customers. Managing director David Lindsey says: "Business is buoyant now, things seem to be picking up and we're benefiting from it. I think manufacturing in general seems to be having resurgence in the West Midlands. Confidence seems to be returning to the economy and all the talk at the moment is quite positive. Everyone is fairly optimistic about the future and I think the West Midlands is a great region to be in manufacturing at the moment. I'm confident the business is going to have a good year." The tough economic climate in recent years encouraged the firm to diversify, securing a lucrative contract to produce 240 life-size statues for installation along Britain's footpaths and cycle ways as part of the project led by transport charity Sustrans. This has seen the company produce mimics of famous figures such as Gary Barlow (pictured), Stan Laurel, Rob Brydon and footballer Ledley King in their respective local areas, affording national exposure to the handiwork of the firm.