Member Article

Family firm is a glass above thanks to pandemic growth boost

A FAMILY firm proved to be a glass above during the pandemic after increasing turnover and taking on new staff.

Approaching 40 years in business, Anglesey-based Peninsula Home Improvements credited new partnerships and diversification as having a positive impact on growth.

Sales director Dylan Hulse – a graduate of the popular Leading Business Growth programmes at Bangor University Business School – revealed a more reflective approach played a major role in expansion of the award-winning Gaerwen business, one of the region’s leading suppliers of specialist windows, doors, and conservatories.

As Bangor and Cardiff Metropolitan universities this month launched their second Help to Grow course, which is 90% funded by the UK Government, he urged others to follow in his footsteps and sign up soon.

“The ION Leadership course I completed definitely had an impact personally and professionally, and for the company affected change and a refresh in strategy,” said Dylan, who lives in Benllech with wife Natasha and their two children.

“It allowed me to take stock of my own career as well as the direction and vision of our hard-working team, ensuring everything was aligned.

“As a result, our turnover has increased significantly in the last few years due to product and service diversification as well as fostering exclusive brand partnerships within the industry, so long may that continue.”

The Help to Grow management course is aimed at SMEs and begins on September 22.

Consisting of 12 modules delivered on a hybrid basis with themes including finance, marketing and strategy, participants will receive a growth plan, 10 hours of free mentoring, become part of an advice group and share best practice to help win new business.

Employing 25 staff on the island, Peninsula Home Improvements is one of hundreds of Welsh organisations with staff among the Business School’s alumni, and Dylan – who has been with Peninsula since 2004 – reaped the benefits.  

“I decided to study the course as I think personal development is vitally important in any walk of life,” he said.

“I find what you can learn from these courses as well as the people you meet on them can help you in both business and family life.  Learning new skills and then being able to implement them is something I love to do.”

He added: “Ideas and theories are great but being able to apply them in the real world is vital.  It’s all about the action you take. 

“I’d wholly recommend anyone who runs a business or is in a position of influence others take this programme - the modules, tutors and fellow delegates make it a no-brainer.”

Lorraine Hopkins, Manager for the Leading Business Growth programmes, congratulated Peninsula Home Improvements on their recent success.

“It’s fantastic to hear from Dylan how much he and the company benefited from being part of our programme,” said Lorraine.

“With the new Help to Grow course in place we can offer even more and make a continued impact on the strategic and financial futures of small and medium-sized businesses across the region.

“We encourage owners and managers to get in touch and find out more as spaces are filling fast.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin James Williams .