How the Growth Hub Supported Stratum Marquetry’s Growth Journey
Stratum Marquetry are a contemporary marquetry and furniture design company crafting customisable, luxury surfaces from reclaimed and recycled materials. Their innovative approach blends traditional craftsmanship with a commitment to sustainability, transforming waste materials into high‑value interior design products.
In 2024, they accessed business mentoring, specialist training and a capital grant through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Hub, funded by the Good Growth Programme. This package of support has been instrumental in helping the duo strengthen their business foundations, expand production capacity and accelerate their growth.
“The grant and support have allowed us to transform an idea into a reality — and a reality that can be scaled.”
– Ravi Bains, Co-Founder, Straatum Marquetry
The Challenge
As a small creative business with big ambitions, Stratum Marquetry needed support to:
- build stronger business knowledge in areas like accounting and marketing
- streamline their ideas and long‑term direction
- expand their capabilities through new machinery
- unlock new revenue streams and grow sustainably
They also aspired to scale their manufacturing processes and develop a product range that could be produced efficiently without compromising on craftsmanship or material ethics.
The Solution
Through the Growth Hub, Stratum Marquetry received a tailored package of support that included:
1:1 Mentoring and Business Guidance: Personalised mentoring sessions helped the team clarify their business model, refine internal processes and develop a clear strategy for growth. Targeted training in accounting and marketing gave them the confidence and capability to strengthen their systems and promote their brand effectively.
Exploring New Revenue Streams: Growth Hub supported the business to identify sustainable income opportunities, including expanding their waste material rescue service – a process that transforms offcuts and materials otherwise destined for landfill into modern marquetry products.
A £5,850 Capital Grant: Funding enabled the purchase of new workshop machinery, increasing production capacity and enabling the team to take on larger jobs. This investment also supported the delivery of modern marquetry workshops, providing another revenue stream for the business.
The Impact
Two years on from receiving support, Stratum Marquetry have transformed their business.
A Scalable Signature Range: With clearer processes and improved capability, they have developed a new range of signature marquetry patterns — customisable, bold and fully scalable. These designs celebrate the creative reuse of waste materials while meeting the needs of interior designers and commercial clients.
Improved Manufacturing Efficiency: The new machinery has significantly sped up their workflow, allowing them to undertake larger projects, maintain consistency and operate more affordably and efficiently.
Industry Recognition: Stratum Marquetry have already gained sector recognition, including being shortlisted for two categories in the Drift Awards — a testament to their craftsmanship and innovative approach.
A Stronger, More Sustainable Business: Training and mentoring have deepened their understanding of business management, strengthened decision‑making and helped lay the foundations for long‑term growth. Their new website and revitalised brand presence are already opening doors to new opportunities.
Looking Ahead
With a scalable product range, strengthened operations and growing industry visibility, Stratum Marquetry are now well positioned to expand further. Their commitment to sustainable design remains at the core of their work as they continue developing high‑value products from rescued materials.
This project is made possible thanks to investment from the Good Growth Programme, funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.