The Wrexham Enterprise Hub is celebrating an industrious first eight months where it’s held more than thirty events and workshops and supported more than 170 individuals and businesses since launching.
In this three part series, we take a look at three enterprising businesses in North Wales that are flourishing with the help and support of The Wrexham Enterprise Hub.
About Toddle
Toddle is a Wrexham-based, adventure-skin-care company. The business has products ranging from lip balm to sun cream and is marketed towards active, outdoor-adventure-seeking families. Toddle was founded in 2017 by former Royal Air Force Officer Hannah Saunders, who was seeking a way to share her passion for the outdoors after becoming a new mother.
Hannah found that many of the products available for children were not suitable for the practical challenges of outdoor activities, and so created Toddle to meet the needs of outgoing families.
Toddle has hit the ground running, winning the Pitch It Wales competition and netting £100,000 of investment. Hannah has also been invited to pitch to several national stores and talks are ongoing to having her products sold within the reputable high street outlets.
Discovery
Founder Hannah joined the Hub after learning about it whilst at Wrexham Library. After visiting, Hannah chose to make the Hub her full-time base and now works from the space with her growing team.
Support Accessed
Toddle enjoys all the benefits of Hub membership including internet access, desk space and access to workshops and support seminars. Toddle also bases its staff at the Hub and works in collaboration with a number of other start-ups in Wrexham.
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Accelerator – After launching, Toddle was identified as suitable for the Accelerator Programme, meaning it is a high-growth business and is expected to achieve a significant turnover and create jobs within 2-3 years. As part of the programme, businesses receive bespoke support from established mentors, matched to the needs of each individual company. Much of the support that Hannah and Toddle have received has focussed on networking and building peer support. Several of the businesses that are based at the Hub and are part of the Accelerator have helped Toddle with a range of issues, from the introduction to investors, through to pitching and business plan support.
Future Plans
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Full launch in 2019
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Research and design to expand the product range
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Continue to grow client base
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Create further jobs to grow the business
Hannah Saunders, Founder, Toddle, added:
“The Hub is a great place to meet business associates and potential clients, and its relaxed but professional environment is the perfect mix for us. It’s also great to have other businesses based there to bounce ideas off, something you just don’t get at home or in a private office.
“After nine years in the armed forces, I left with a lot of confidence and transferable skills, but little in the way of experience or connections. The Hub and the Accelerator programme provided me with both those things in spades and everyone at Toddle is incredibly excited about the future.”
