In a regular feature each fortnight, Caerphilly Observer is profiling a business based at the Welsh Innovation Centre for Enterprise. Welsh ICE is a hub for new businesses at Caerphilly Business Park and is currently home to around 60 start-ups. This week we look at Page Promotions.
Ryanair famously refuses to spend any money on pens for employees – instead relying on staff to collect their own from corporate events from other firms.
But without companies like Page Promotions, air boss Michael O’Leary would have a hard time filling up his stationery cupboard.
Established by Oliver Page, Page Promotions has been trading for just three months, yet already boasts big name customers such as Clarks and Peacocks.
Father-of-one Oliver, 29, said: “It’s been very challenging, but the groundwork that’s been put in place has created a great platform for growth this year.”
No stranger to the world of branded merchandise, Oliver had been working in the sector with another company for eight years supplying umbrellas. Previous customers include MTV, Standard Chartered, Mandarin Oriental and Ryder Cup venue Gleneagles.
Frustrated at just supplying umbrellas, Oliver decided to branch out on his own to start supplying a host of branded goods.
His range now includes anything the imagination can throw up.
He said: “A lot of the things we do are bespoke and customer designed – everything we do is specific to the client’s brand.”
Oliver has also used his skills and contacts to expand into toy mascots with the aptly-named Toy Mascot Company as a sister company to Page Promotions.
Being based at Welsh ICE has meant access to key business advisors and lots of support for Page Promotions.
Oliver, who originally hails from Pentyrch and is due to become a father for a second time this year, is being mentored through a Welsh Government scheme by former WRU Commercial Director Gwyn Thomas.
He said: “Gwyn has been instrumental in helping me devise a business strategy for growth and expansion.
“Our goal for this year is to employ two members of staff and to build a portfolio of clients.”
• For more information about Page Promotions call 0330 122 2283, visit www.pagepromo.co.uk or email sales@pagepromo.co.uk.