Business Support Case Study: Blue Dental
About the business
- Business name: Blue Dental Laboratory Ltd
- Support programme: Rother and Wealden Rural Business Grants programme
- Participant name: Sarel Venter
Supporting growth in dental innovation
Blue Dental Laboratory Ltd, a specialist manufacturer of dental prosthetics, has been operating from a rented premises in Edenbridge, Kent. Over the years the company has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality crowns, bridges and implants for dentists across the UK. However, as demand for its services has grown, so too has the need for more space and modern facilities.
With support from the Rother and Wealden Rural Business Grants Programme, Blue Dental has relocated to a larger premises in Jarvis Brook, Crowborough, bringing new jobs and investment to the Wealden area.
Why they signed up to the business support programme
The challenge...
Despite its success, Blue Dental faced several challenges. The company had outgrown its existing space, limiting its ability to expand operations and invest in new technology. Additionally, its Kent-based location meant that key employees were commuting long distances, increasing costs and environmental impact.
Moving to East Sussex was a natural step for us. Most of our team live in Crowborough, but they were commuting across Ashdown Forest every day. Not only was this inconvenient for them, but it also increased our carbon footprint. We knew we needed to find a permanent home that could support our growth and innovation. This is where Fred and his team stepped in by giving us options and support to reduce the ever-growing relocating expenses.
Sarel Venter, Director
What support they received
The solution...
Through the support of East Sussex County Council, Blue Dental found a vacant 200-year-old property in Jarvis Brook, which had been unused for four years. The building required significant refurbishment to transform it into a modern dental laboratory.
The grant funding of £35,000 has enabled Blue Dental to install state-of-the-art dental benches - essential for manufacturing precision prosthetics - and to upgrade its 3D printing technology. These investments are helping the company improve productivity, attract skilled technicians, and reduce energy consumption.
How this has helped the business
The impact...
The move to Crowborough is already delivering significant benefits for the business and the local economy:
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Job Creation – The company has expanded its team from 7 to 10 employees, with plans for further growth.
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Sustainability – Relocating has reduced staff commuting, cutting emissions and supporting the shift towards a greener business model.
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Innovation and Growth – Investment in new equipment means Blue Dental can produce high-quality dental products faster and more efficiently.
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Revitalising the Local Area – The refurbishment has transformed a long-abandoned building into a thriving local business, bringing new activity to the area.
We’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. Thanks to Fred and his continuous support to guide us through the application for this grant, we’ve not only been able to future-proof our business but also create more jobs and invest in the local community. We now have a cutting-edge facility that will help us stay ahead in the dental industry.
Sarel Venter, Director
Wider benefits from supporting this business
A bright future
With an ambitious plan to grow the laboratory and invest in future projects, Blue Dental is set for continued success in East Sussex. The move has allowed the company to diversify its services, improve efficiency and provide high-quality dental products to more dentists across the UK.
The funding has been instrumental in making our vision a reality. We’ve built a workplace where our team can thrive, and we’re excited about what’s next. Without the help and support from Fred and his team, this venture of ours might not have been possible. Their support was crucial in making our plan work.
Sarel Venter, Director
Contact
For more information on Blue Dental Laboratory Ltd, visit their website or contact them via email:
For more information on the business support programmes provided by East Sussex County Council, contact the Economic Development Team.
Economic.Development@eastsussex.gov.uk
The Rother and Wealden Rural Business Grants Programme is funded by UK Government as part of the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) through allocations received by Rother District Council and Wealden District Council. The programme is delivered by the Economic Development Team at East Sussex County Council.
