DaceCrown Backs Cancer Care Innovation As Growth Accelerates
A Birmingham‑based manufacturing business specialising in bottling and packaging is entering its next phase of growth after securing funding from Allica Bank — and is now producing components for innovative cancer care technology.
Creds: DaceCrown
DaceCrown has invested in new machinery and expanded capacity, enabling it to pursue larger contracts with major brands including Boots, Estée Lauder and The Coca‑Cola Company.
Rapid Growth Since Acquisition
Since being acquired by local entrepreneurs Jake Harley‑Arliss and Tom White in 2023, DaceCrown has grown from three employees to 11 and increased turnover from around £300,000 to more than £1 million within three years. The business supplies specialist manufacturing services across drinks, beauty and pharmaceuticals, and is now supporting the development of cancer care systems designed to make diagnosis and treatment more comfortable for patients.
The technology allows physical care to be delivered in a more natural, upright position, improving communication between clinicians and patients and reducing the clinical feel of treatment environments.
Jake said: “When we took over the business, we saw an opportunity to build on the strong foundations already in place and expand into new areas. Being involved in technology that has the potential to improve the experience of people going through cancer diagnosis and treatment is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
Investment In Advanced Manufacturing Capability
Allica Bank initially supported DaceCrown through asset finance, enabling the purchase of new equipment — including a Haas Mini Mill with fourth‑axis capability. The investment has significantly improved efficiency, reducing certain production processes from four operations to two and cutting processing requirements by around 50%.
The funding has also expanded the company’s manufacturing capability, strengthened its skilled local workforce and enabled DaceCrown to secure larger, longer‑term contracts.
Tom said: “Allica has been a real support for us as we’ve grown. It’s very different from the big banks, where everything feels much more distant. We’re with Allica because we have a great contact in Ben, someone who genuinely cares about our success.”
Commitment To Local Skills And Employment
DaceCrown places strong emphasis on local recruitment and skills development. All 11 employees live within 10–12 miles of the company’s Frankley headquarters, with most joining from outside the manufacturing sector and trained on the job.
Jake said: “We hire based on attitude and commitment as much as experience. Skills can be taught, but the right mindset is harder to find. Keeping skills local is really important to us.”
The company also works with local education providers, offering T Level placements and supporting apprenticeships to help develop the next generation of manufacturing talent.
Future Plans: Manufacturing Expansion And Consumer Growth
Looking ahead, DaceCrown plans to continue expanding its manufacturing capabilities while growing its consumer‑facing venture, CrownWorks Distillery, which is developing premium spirits, coffee products and customer experiences.
Ben Homans, Relationship Manager at Allica Bank, said: “Jake and Tom bring a strong sense of purpose to the business — not just in terms of growth but in how it supports the people around them. Their commitment to the local area stands out, and we’re proud to support ambitious established businesses like DaceCrown as they invest in their people, their capabilities and their future.”
