An expanding Bradford manufacturer that has provided equipment for troops in Afghanistan is thriving at home and abroad, having increased its turnover by 29 per cent.

Sunflower Medical, which makes a range of medical furniture, has seen its turnover increase to £2.7m.

As well as a buoyant home market, Sunflower, which employs 26 people at the Euroway trading estate, exports across Europe.

It also supplied storage cabinets for army blood banks in Afghanistan.

Sunflower Medical was set up in 2004 by business partners Tim Wright and Marc Byrnes, who met whilst working for a healthcare equipment company.

Tim said: “We recognised a niche for a company which could provide a complete service from design through to build, supply and installation of medical furniture and equipment for use in surgeries and consulting rooms.”

Tim and Marc believed combining their skills would provide a basis for success.

The business started out in a small unit in Bradford and quickly expanded into five units. Continued significant growth saw Sunflower relocate to a 14,000 sq ft modern building.

To help the firm’s progress the partners called in the Government’s Manufacturing Advisory Service whose consultant Phil Warrington advised them in the early days and helped Sunflower to achieve ISO 9001 status which enabled it to tender for more contracts.

He also advised on the installation of new IT systems and the recent relocation and layout of the new site.

Tim said: “From day one we have recognised the importance of bringing in experts to advise and guide us on specific areas.”

Phil continues to mentor Marc and Tim, organising regular meetings with the workforce to ensure shop floor targets are met and sits in on board meetings.

He has also provided guidance on the recruitment of a dedicated production manager and office manager.

Tim said: “We tasked Phil to challenge how we work and his impact on the business has been huge. We now have a flexible and efficient approach to manufacturing and are leaner and more efficient.”

Sunflower supplies its products, including examination couches, trolleys, screens and cabinets, through distributors.