Case study – Wilton Carpets (no. 173)
The Wilton Carpet Factory (trading as Wilton Carpets Commercial) was set up by its current owners in 1995, after Coats Viyella closed the factory. The company designs, weaves and supplies axminster, wilton and tufted carpet to hospitality and leisure industry customers in the UK, USA, Europe and the Middle East, employing 98 staff, many of whom have worked at the factory for decades, often second or third generation employees, something which has created an exceptionally strong teamwork ethic.
On target for £14 million turnover this year, it works with interior designers, hotel and pub chains and cruise companies – among others – designing carpets that reflect contemporary interior design trends. Wilton has a distinct market position – creating beautiful carpets for hospitality and leisure environments. It is perhaps this focus on design and quality that has made the company so resilient within the recession.
Managing director, Peter Le Count, said: “Innovative design is key for us. Our designers work closely with interior designers and research emerging trends to ensure we reflect the latest styles of interior design.
This is backed up by painstaking attention to detail in planning and production – the planning addresses quality requirements, minimising seams and measurements to work with building contours such as corridors, lifts, foyers and function rooms. Finally, before delivery the carpet undergoes careful inspection. Because carpets are one of the last items to go into a venue, they have to be delivered perfect – and on time.
It is our
strong teamwork which enables the company to work to exacting deadlines.“
Among the hospitality and leisure installations around the world with carpets designed by Wilton Carpets are Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium and HMS Victory (a replica of the original), the BIC and London’s new Supreme Court.
A progressive company, Wilton is constantly evolving as design and ambience become ever more important with hotels, pubs, retail and leisure industries – recently attracting pub chains as they become more family- orientated dining venues; also diversifying into designing tufted carpet to provide a more comprehensive offering to their target market.
Business Solent to support Solent 250
Business Solent, the new regional organisation, is the latest supporter of the Solent 250.
Due to be officially launched next month, Business Solent is the new umbrella organisation that has grown from the successful Business Southampton initiative. It will cover a region stretching from Poole in Dorset to Chichester in West Sussex.
The Solent 250 encompasses the same region, and it is a perfect fit for the two initiatives to work in harmony, promoting the strengths of the business community.
Business Solent joins Santander bank, business adviser Grant Thornton, and law firm
Paris Smith, as well as the Solent Innovation & Growth Team, in sponsoring the Solent 250.
Launched last autumn, the Solent 250 was established by The Business Magazine to spotlight the top private companies that are the powerhouse of the region’s economy.
The next event on the Solent 250 calendar is a Roundtable discussion hosted by Paris Smith to debate key issues surrounding Education & Business, including knowledge transfer, university spinouts and skills shortages.
Business Solent chief executive Sally Lynskey said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Solent 250 which is an excellent platform for
the promotion of the region’s top 250 private companies.“
David Murray, publisher of The Business Magazine, added: “We are a big admirer of the work of Business Southampton and wish Sally and her team the very best with the rollout of Business Solent which, we are sure, will be a great success.
“It’s great that Business Solent and the Solent 250 will be working together to spotlight the very best the region has to offer.“
• In next month’s issue we will outline The Business Magazine’s support for Business Solent and launch a regular platform for the new organisation.
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – APRIL 2011
www.businessmag.co.uk
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