New premises, job creation and export opportunities for The Skip Company thanks to business support service
AN ONLINE supplier of skip hire and waste management solutions has increased revenue by 30% thanks to the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service.
Nationwide Waste Solutions, trading as The Skip Company, offers a waste-disposal brokerage service offering complete waste management and recycling solutions to all throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
The Skip Company has traded for four years and during this time has achieved 100% growth. The business has recently moved to new, larger premises in Pontypool and now employs eight members of staff.
Managing director Matthew Davies first contacted Business Wales in 2016 looking for help and advice on how to grow and develop his business. He was unsure how this could be achieved, whether his growth plan was viable and what, if any, help was available.
Matthew commented: “Over the 12 months we’ve worked with Business Wales and thanks to their help, our revenue grew circa 30% and we have achieved significant milestones – new premises, job creation, international trade and ISO accreditation. I have also made use of other services available including mentoring, training, HR and environmental support.
“The team at Business Wales are very knowledgeable, helpful and always available to pass on their expertise and contacts. I would recommend them to any SME and cannot rate or thank them enough for the support and help that I have received.”
Phil Summers, relationship manager at Business Wales, said: “Business Wales always aims to build capacity and innovation within Welsh businesses, creating the right environment for them to grow and thrive.
“We have helped Matthew and his team to work more efficiently and sustainably, while creating jobs and investment into the local community. I look forward to seeing their future plans as they continue to expand in Wales and beyond.”
The Skip Company works with several large European companies, has recently rolled out its services in Ireland and is looking to expand into the southern hemisphere and beyond.
Nationwide Waste Solutions’ top tips for anyone looking to start or grow their own business would be:
■ Create a business plan – this will outline where you are now, where you want to go with the business and how you are going to do it.
■ Having the right staff is crucial as they can make or break the business short and long term. Spend some time recruiting and training the right people.
■ Cashflow is critical in the early days. There may be tendency to focus on growth, but you should spend as much time and effort getting the money in as you may come unstuck.
■ Be persist – network, cold call, up sell, cross sell. Don’t wait for it to happen – make it happen.
■ Work hard and play hard – for all your hard work and effort, find time for yourself and do something that you enjoy.
Business Wales, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, supports the sustainable growth of small and medium-size enterprises across the country by offering access to information, guidance and business support.
■ To find out how Business Wales can help start or develop your business, call 03000 6 03000, follow @_businesswales or @_busnescymru or visit www.businesswales.gov. wales/ or www.busnescymru.llyw. cymru/ for further information.