Local businessman takes on Africa challenge for charity
Andy Sims is no ordinary production director. Aside from his duties in running Kettering based company Cooney Marine, Andy is also a motorbike enthusiast and he is taking his hobby to a whole new level next year as he takes part in the 2007 Enduro Africa challenge – a 14-day, 3,500km bike trek through South Africa’s most rugged and isolated terrain.
(left to right) MAS practitioner John Ransford with charity biker and Cooney's production director Andy Sims and Robin Haynes from Pera
Cooney Marine, one of hundreds of manufacturers who’ve been helped to grow through help from MAS (Manufacturing advisory Service) East Mislands, was recently at the Southampton Boat Show where they picked up a £500 cheque from Pera. Pera has been working with Cooney Marine on a number of projects recently, and is proud to be supporting him in this endeavour.
Andy commented: “Pera have provided an invaluable service to us, particularly over the last few months, and I am delighted that this relationship has developed into one such that they are helping me on my way to Africa to take part in this worthwhile challenge.”
The event is in aid of the ‘Riders for Health’ charity, which works to support and develop delivery systems for health care in Africa. The aim of the event for 2007 is to buy at least 100 motorbikes for health workers throughout Africa, including the training and running costs.
Before he even steps onto his bike, Andy has to raise £10,000. Currently about half way there, he has already taken part in a sponsored weight loss, has sold one of his beloved Ducati motorbikes, and has sold advertising space on his clothing and equipment.
Pera was first introduced to Andy and Cooney Marine through the Manufacturing Advisory Service, which it runs in the East Midlands region. Working in areas such as stock control and purchasing, MAS has helped Cooney Marine to become more robust in its operational practices.
Pera has since developed its relationship with Cooney Marine by conducting an analysis of the company’s growth potential, as part of the emda funded High Growth Company Support Programme, through which a growth coach was assigned to the company to overcome the major barriers to growth that they were experiencing – particularly in the areas of sales and marketing.
