Thanks to West Northants Council’s Rural Business Grant programme, a guitar pedal manufacturer has been able to push the boundaries of musical technology. By utilising farm buildings, they not only advanced their innovative products but also contributed to the farm’s diversification efforts. It’s a harmonious blend of music and agriculture!
ThorpyFx, established in 2014 by Adrian Thorpe MBE, masterfully fuses precision engineering with musical artistry. After leaving the military, Adrian dedicated himself fully to his passion, propelling his business to new heights. This commitment has earned ThorpyFx a stellar reputation as a trailblazer in the world of guitar pedals.
Nestled in a business unit at Glebe Farm Park in Brackley, ThorpyFx has taken a giant leap forward thanks to a £20,895 Rural Business Grant. With this funding, they acquired a 3D printer and a laser cutter, supercharging their product development and production capabilities.
This grant was facilitated by the Rural Ngage programme and delivered by Ngage Solutions, whose team provided invaluable advice and support through the application process. The impact has been twofold: it has not only propelled ThorpyFx’s high-tech innovations but also bolstered the farm business that leases space to them. This synergy has strengthened the growth and resilience of both the cutting-edge guitar pedal manufacturer and the farm’s traditional operations.
ThorpyFx has revolutionised its in-house technology development, enabling them to cater to the unique needs of influential music industry partners. A shining example of their innovation is the TPS Conundrum, a hybrid guitar pedal that marries the warmth of analogue sound with the precision of digital control, delivering unmatched quality and versatility to guitarists.
By producing top-tier guitar equipment internally, ThorpyFx has streamlined their processes and significantly boosted business efficiency. With the support of their partners, they’ve expanded their market reach, exporting products globally and establishing themselves as a credible brand that attracts guitar enthusiasts from around the world.
Founder Adrian Thorpe MBE remarked: “The enhanced production capacity and ability to develop products in-house has been game-changing for the business. Being able to produce prototypes without relying on third parties greatly enhances our ability to showcase what we do to potential clients. The Rural Ngage team have been great at supporting us through the process, I can’t thank them enough.”
Will Dallimore, Rural Programme Manager at Ngage Solutions, added: “The project is a great example of how diverse the rural economy is. It’s fantastic to see a small rural business grow and export products around the world. The fact that this grant also indirectly supports an agricultural business to utilise what would be redundant space adds even greater value to the scheme, proving how important this type of funding is for the rural economy.”
To discuss a project, please contact us at info@ngagesolutions.co.uk