Creative duo set sights on wallpaper market

Two Lancashire business owners have joined forces after spotting a gap in the market to launch a wallpaper which requires no paste.

Commercial interior design consult Beverley Wood of BWD Ltd and wallcovering specialist Mark Forrest of Dynasty Wallcoverings Ltd have launched Lytham St. Annes-based No Paste Wallpaper and have set their sights on becoming market leaders, following support from Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub.

The duo, who knew each other through their business networks, are promoting the No Paste Wallpaper product and are firstly targeting the commercial sector – particularly where there is a need for frequent changes of backgrounds, such as within retail space, to promote seasonal trends or exhibition stand backdrops.

Their unique product eliminates the need for wallpaper adhesive. It can be applied directly to walls or panels which have been sprayed with water and is completely PVC free.

The duo is pitching the product as a cost-effective alternative to Foamex or vinyl backdrops for businesses which have a high volume of changeability.

Eventually they will target the consumer market, with the product being ideal for feature walls in a child’s bedroom, which could be changed frequently and easily as the child’s tastes change.

Beverley and Mark are currently in conversation with the next generation of designers and illustrators, and are keen to bring fresh talent on board. Over time they will also set up a customer service team and plan to take on up to five new members of staff over the next three years.

Initially the focus is for the business to crack the UK market and eventually move on to America and Europe, with e-commerce websites for both commercial and domestic customers.

The company has been supported by Boost’s Growth Support Programme, which helps entrepreneurs develop business plans and grow their enterprises.

The fully-funded programme, delivered by Winning Pitch and Enterprise4all, provides help to develop a personal action plan, Lean Launchpad sessions outlining key principles for developing a new business and one-to-one coaching support for business owners.

Boost; Lancashire Business Growth Hub is led by the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) and Lancashire County Council, and supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Beverley said: “Everybody we have spoken to so far has been so impressed with the product. It is really exciting to be bringing this to the wall coverings market.

“The support we have received through the Boost workshops has helped to plan our business strategy. We are both running successful companies and have a great deal of business experience and knowledge however, the Boost programme was a good opportunity to refocus our attention.

“There is always the risk of being too excited and not well prepared when starting a new business venture – this was a chance for us to identify our markets and make sure we have everything we need in place.

“The networking opportunities through the workshops have also been really valuable.  It has provided a forum to share ideas and best practice with other businesses at the same stage as we are.

“There’s no harm in going back to basics sometimes. Business models have changed since I set up BWD in 2008 and Boost have provided a chance to learn new and effective ways of doing business.”

Rona McFall, head of entrepreneurial solutions at Winning Pitch, said: “As Beverley and Mark both already have successful businesses the support we provided was aimed at helping them explore their target markets and focus their planned activity accordingly. We also worked with them to help address any potential problems which could occur in the future. We look forward to offering further support – and seeing the product in use.”

Boost Business Lancashire has received £3.8m of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.  For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding