A Cardiff-based theming company is a great example of how even the most successful business can continue to develop and grow.
Established and operated by owners Matt and Samantha Wild, Wild Creations strives to bring great ideas to life for companies with a range of services including sculpting, 3D printing and scanning, carpentry, laser cutting, metalwork, moulding and casting, design, and scenic art.
With international exports accounting for 90% of their commissioned work, the business’ impressive portfolio includes installations at various high profile theme parks, a life-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex for the launch of Universal’s Jurassic World – Fallen Kingdom, a replica of a Dodge Charger to promote Fast and Furious 8, and 26 ancient shields for the announcement of the Welsh squad for the 2020 Euros, complete with engraved plaques for each squad member.
Despite boasting high-profile clients and a healthy turnover, Matt contacted Business Wales for advice on how to optimise their cashflow to allow the business to be more agile with upcoming projects and existing clients.
Following his initial contact, Matt discovered the full range of business development support services and wanted to explore ways that his company could improve their operations and sustain their success for the future.
Business Wales Relationship Manager, Phil Summers, helped Matt develop a focused business strategy with an emphasis on people development and sales growth. This included examining their employment policies with the help of Business Wales HR Advisor, Rhiannon Barry.
Speaking about the support received from Business Wales, Matt Wild said:
Wild Creations was established in 2010, and since then we have had so many wonderful opportunities to share our creations with the world and secure our place in such a competitive industry. Although we have seen great success since our initial launch, I wanted to make sure that the business was in good standing to continue delivering our services.
The support that we have received from Business Wales has been so helpful for detecting areas of improvement within our internal operations, and potential new partnerships. Since reaching out to Business Wales, we’ve seen such a positive change in our workforce and business practices. Phil gave us helpful advice from his own business experiences that allowed us to be more flexible with our cashflow and streamline our procedures to increase efficiency overall.
Phil also referred Matt to the Business Wales Export experts who helped Wild Creations make valuable professional relationships to support their international operations, access the Welsh Government Export Support programmes and trade events including Explore Export Wales.
Since contacting Business Wales in November 2023, the company has received support to hire an additional 21 full time employees and has restructured their company values to better align with the priorities and expectations of today's modern workforce, such as flexibility, inclusivity, and work-life balance. Working with a Business Wales HR Advisor, Matt hopes to begin offering apprenticeships to allow creatives to gain hands-on experience and offer opportunities to expand the core team.
With the ongoing support of Business Wales, Matt aims to double the company’s annual turnover in the next three years by pursuing more opportunities for development that that will enable the company to continue progressing with more prestigious projects, and eventually, open a US-based office.
Business Wales Relationship Manager, Phil Summers, said:
Matt contacted us for support on how to maximise Wild Creations’ cash flow, but when I told him about the development services that we offer for established businesses he was keen to learn more. There is a misconception that Business Wales’ services are only suitable for business in the startup phase, but Wild Creations is proof that even the most established businesses can still benefit from our support. I know that Matt’s eagerness to progress, grow, and learn will bode well for Wild Creations’ future.
Business Wales is funded by the Welsh Government. For more information and support to help you overcome obstacles and develop your business further, and to speak to industry experts and advisors, visit www.businesswales.gov.wales or call 03000 6 03000. Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg - we welcome calls in Welsh.