Wild Thang aiming to double staffing and turnover with growth plan

Specialist merchandise maker Wild Thang is aiming to double its workforce and turnover by investing for the future.

The Bootle-based business supplies a whole range of promotional goods, such as T-shirts, caps, pens and fobs, for a variety of big events, like the Liverpool Giants spectacular to Liverpool Pride, as well as targeting the business-to-business market with a range of leisure and workwear.

Founded 19 years ago by managing director Andrew Dwerryhouse, the firm is to invest more than £272,000 in its expansion strategy.

Funding includes company resources, support from the firm’s bank NatWest, and £54,000 in grant support from the Regional Growth Fund through a Liverpool Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) business growth grant, with the help of regeneration agency Liverpool Vision.

The firm is in the top 5% of the UK’s biggest merchandise providers, but aims to break into the top 1-2%.

Investment plans envisage increasing staffing from around 20 to more than 40 and growing turnover from the current £1.8m to £5m in three-to-five years.

Mr Dwerryhouse said: “When we look back at our small beginnings, starting with a £1,500 Princes Trust loan and a small amount of personal investment, we can take great pride in what we have achieved as a team to date.

“This is another big moment in the company’s history as we plan to make the investment in our headquarters and manufacturing hub.”

The funding will pay for new equipment, machinery and technology, and Mr Dwerryhouse said: “We know it’s the right time to make that investment so we can take the next step to grow the business and truly offer something world class both nationally and internationally.

“We will look to grow our order book regionally, in London and the South East where we know there is substantial requirement for the products we supply.

“Establishing a base in the capital through ‘Liverpool in London’ will help realise this potential.”

Clients includes the likes of sports kit maker Umbro, national stadium Wembley, retailers B&M and Home Bargains, Liverpool FC, betting chain Paddy Power, and media group Sky.

Mr Dwerryhouse said: “As a team we are excited about the future. Dreaming to aim big, we will meet our growth plans and proposed targets.”

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