Something Different Wholesale (SDW) joined the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP) in May 2015. The company was looking to overcome growth challenges after increasing its revenue by over 33% in a year.
Something Different Wholesale is an importer of gift products. The business designs and imports over 3,000 lines and a significant proportion of its revenues are from exports to the EU. The company recently had an opportunity to acquire the business of a competitor, which in turn led to a sharp increase in revenue plus the challenge of taking on new sales channels and having to adjust its business model.
Working in collaboration with our coaches and the support structures within the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme we provided focus and direction to this exciting business, and our work included:
• AGP provided a holistic support infrastructure around the business to help it overcome the growth challenges inherent in doubling revenues within a year
• AGP supported the business in working towards securing process controls including ISO9001
• Team building and recruitment processes were put in place to ensure SDW had the staff infrastructure that complimented rapid growth
• AGP organised and delivered strategy and business planning sessions to ensure SDW has the framework to manage continued growth
• The company’s IT infrastructure was supported with necessary hardware, software and internet improvements
• AGP worked with SDW to formulate a financial control plan, ensuring the company has a clear vision of its finances as it grows.
As a result of AGP support, SDW has employed an additional seventeen new staff members. SDW has exciting plans for the future, as the company intends to increase its turnover to £8m and employ 80 members of staff within the next three years.
“We were very impressed with the support we received from the Accelerated Growth Programme. We initially signed up looking for guidance with managing the rapid growth we had seen after purchasing a competing business, but the support far exceeded our expectations. I would definitely recommend the programme to anyone who has the prospect to grow quickly but needs the direction and assistance to facilitate it.”
Jane Wallace-Jones - Something Different Wholesale – Managing Director.
Learn more about Something Different Wholesale.
You can find further information on Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP)